[intro music playing]
[John Cena] Then.
[Ric Flair] Woooo!
-[glass shattering] -[The Rock] If you smell…
-[bell tolling] -[Cena] Now.
-[Triple H] The King of Kings… -[Cena] You can't see me…
[Cena] Forever.
Together.
[Kevin Patrick] We are just 19 days from WrestleMania,
and we welcome you tonight to Monday Night Raw!
-["Metalingus" playing] -[crowd cheering]
♪ On this day I see clearly ♪
♪ Everything has come to life ♪
♪ A bitter place And a broken dream ♪
♪ And we'll leave it all behind ♪
♪ On this day It's so real to me ♪
♪ Everything has come to life ♪
♪ Another chance to chase a dream ♪
-[fireworks crackle] -[crowd cheering]
[announcer] Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome WWE Hall of Famer,
"The Rated-R Superstar"
Edge!
[crowd cheering]
[Corey Graves] We are kicking off Monday Night Raw
with a Hall of Famer, and what a night it will be!
[Kevin Patrick] It truly is a massive night tonight from Providence.
When I say massive, I mean massive,
'cause we are set for a face-to-face
between "The Beast Incarnate" Brock Lesnar
and "The Nigerian Giant" Omos.
[Corey] And looking to keep his skills sharp before his WrestleMania clash
with Roman Reigns,
"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes goes one-on-one with LA Knight!
[Kevin Patrick] As announced on Friday Night SmackDown,
the first inductee into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2023
is Rey Mysterio, and he's here tonight.
[Corey] And last week, Kevin Owens and Solo Sikoa
battled until the match was stopped by disqualification.
Tonight, we run it back,
as Solo and Owens collide in an Anything Goes Street Fight!
["Metalingus" continues playing]
[Edge] Ah…
-[chuckling] -[crowd cheering]
[cheering continues]
Oh, Providence, I gotta tell you, that never gets old. That's why I do this.
[crowd cheering]
Yeah, listen, I know why I'm here.
Providence, you all know why I'm here.
[crowd cheering]
So, Finn Bálor…
get out here right now so we can finally be done with this.
["The Other Side" playing]
[Corey] Ask and you shall receive.
[crowd booing]
[Finn] Here I am, Edge.
Finn Bálor, live and in the flesh!
[crowd booing]
And for once, I actually agree with all these clowns
and wanna hear what you have to say.
So, please, do us all a favor and spit it out.
See, that's the thing. I didn't come here to say anything.
I came here to end this.
But you're just gonna hide back there, right?
And if I run back there, you're just gonna sic Lurch, Pugsley, And Wednesday on me,
And, then, it's the same old song and dance for another week.
You know what? A few weeks ago,
you challenged me to a match at WrestleMania, right?
And since you're not man enough to come in here and face me,
you want your match at WrestleMania?
Fine. You got it!
[crowd cheering]
Did you hear that, Dom? Did you hear that?
Rhea, did you hear that? Finn's going to WrestleMania!
Hey, and you think the beating I gave you at Extreme Rules was bad--
[Edge] Shut your mouth!
Now you can hear me talk!
Because for the last year of my "comeback,"
I've wasted it with all of you.
The year before that,
I wrestled in front of a bunch of TV screens in the ThunderDome.
I don't have time for this.
I need to accomplish what I need to do before I can be done.
I'm running out of time.
So, Finn, you pulled The Judgment Day out from under my feet. You did that.
You did. And here's the thing,
you made The Judgment Day better.
I can admit it.
Because you leaned into what those three are,
which is bitter, immature malcontents.
Yeah, you got this weird hybrid thing now.
You're like an Irish, Australian, Mexican, Puerto Rican emo delight.
-You think that's funny? -[Edge] Yeah, yeah, yeah.
It sounds like a bougie drink you'd order at your local hipster coffee joint.
But whatever,
because it's worked.
Every other week, you have left me laying.
You made me utter two words I never thought would fall out of my face
when I said, "I quit."
Yeah, I sure did. Hey, I did.
And, then, you still bashed Beth's skull in with a concerto.
For the last year, you have tried to make my life a living hell.
And a lot of the time, you've accomplished it.
So, the way I see it,
there's only one way that this can end.
[crowd cheering]
At WrestleMania,
Edge versus Finn Bálor inside…
Hell in a Cell!
[crowd cheering]
Edge, I've been to hell before,
and it spit me out.
Because hell couldn't handle my demons.
[crowd booing]
I'll see you at WrestleMania.
[crowd cheering]
But until then…
-[Corey] Oh, no. -[Kevin Patrick] Come on.
[Corey] Bálor looking to sic The Judgment Day
on The Rated-R Superstar!
We're gonna see Bálor and Edge inside Hell in a Cell!
[Kevin Patrick] For now, it's three-on-one.
Priest. Dominik Mysterio. Rhea Ripley's now inside the ring.
[Corey] The numbers are just overwhelming Edge.
Trying his best to stand its ground,
but, now, The Rated-R Superstar being victimized by The Judgment Day,
by his own creation!
[Kevin Patrick] Less than three weeks away. But hang on a second!
[Corey] Gargano and Lumis and Candice LeRae!
[Kevin Patrick] LeRae goes straight for Ripley!
[Corey] Evening the odds, for a moment at least.
[Kevin Patrick] Look at Lumis go!
[Corey] We've got a scheduled match within a preview right now!
[Kevin Patrick] Johnny Gargano just pummeling Dominik Mysterio all over!
And it's Johnny Gargano and Dexter Lumis teaming for the first time ever on Raw,
against The Judgment Day's Dominik Mysterio and Damian Priest.
[Corey] As you can see, some semblance of order has been restored.
We are in the midst of a sanctioned tag-team match-up.
But what about the news directly before the commercial break?
Edge laid out the challenge, Bálor accepted.
Hell in a Cell at WrestleMania!
[Kevin Patrick] It left everybody stunned here in Providence, Rhode Island.
WrestleMania, just 19 days away.
[Corey] Fantastic counter by Johnny Wrestling,
a step ahead of Dominik.
[Kevin Patrick] Johnny Wrestling says, "Bring it on."
Oh! Vicious kick to the head of Dominik.
-[Corey] Look at Rhea. -[Kevin Patrick] A little nervous.
[Corey] I don't know that Rhea's nervous so much as she's concerned, KP.
[Kevin Patrick] Tag made.
[Corey] Here comes Damian Priest,
the powerhouse, the punishment of The Judgment Day.
Priest and Gargano, certainly no strangers to one another,
dating all the way back to their time in NXT.
[Kevin Patrick] We heard Edge mention Puerto Rico,
the home country of Damian Priest.
We'll be headed there for WrestleMania Backlash, May 6th.
[Corey] Hosted by Bad Bunny.
-[Kevin Patrick] Tag made. -[Corey] And now,
Dexter Lumis will see his first action of the night.
I may be in the minority here, but I happen to personally find
Dexter Lumis far more disturbing than any member of The Judgment Day.
[Kevin Patrick] Yeah, you're on your own there. Absolutely on your own.
-Priest… -[Corey] Guy makes my skin crawl.
[Kevin Patrick] …working that left arm of Dexter Lumis.
[Corey] Impressive athleticism by Lumis.
[Kevin Patrick] Turning it around on Priest.
[Corey] What we've seen from Lumis is, what he lacks in verbal skills,
he more than compensates for from bell to bell inside the ring.
[Kevin Patrick] Damian Priest taking to social media,
saying he's here to handle business for The Judgment Day
after Johnny Gargano's victory over Finn Bálor last week
with the help of Edge.
[Corey] Damian Priest has been on a tear in recent months here on Monday Night Raw.
[Kevin Patrick laughing]
[Corey] How do you prepare for that?
[Dominik] Come on, Priest. Don't be scared of him.
[Corey] You see the athleticism of Lumis and you know that somewhere in his mind,
he's wondering what your flesh would look like as a lampshade.
Oh! Big right hand by Priest.
[Kevin Patrick] Priest, now, teeing off on Lumis in the corner.
Three!
Johnny Gargano watching on.
[Dominik] Hey, do your job, ref! Let him do what he's gotta do!
[Corey] Think it was an admirable thing for Lumis and Gargano,
and even Candice LeRae for that matter,
to try to come to the aid of Hall of Famer Edge.
But you have to ask yourself, was it a colossal mistake by Gargano and Lumis
to stick their noses in the business of The Judgment Day.
Certainly not a sound strategy to anyone who's crossed paths…
[Kevin Patrick] Oh, man!
[Corey] …in recent months with Priest, or Dominik, or Rhea.
Oh!
[Kevin Patrick] Dropkicking Priest, who goes to the outside,
the emotionless Dexter Lumis.
[Corey] You see the intensity, the fire in the eyes of Damian Priest,
super-frustrated!
And taken down in a drop toe-hold!
Very sound, basic wrestling skills on display.
[Kevin Patrick] Tag made. Here comes Johnny Wrestling.
Brilliant tag team action from Lumis and Gargano!
[Corey] But one right hand by Priest changes the momentum of the match-up.
[Kevin Patrick] Candice LeRae, the wife of Johnny Gargano, watching on.
Face first!
[Corey] Snake eyes in the turnbuckle.
-[Kevin Patrick] Tag made. -Well done.
[Corey] Here comes the most dangerous man in WWE.
[Kevin Patrick] Most hated, according to the crowd in Providence, Rhode Island.
[crowd booing]
[Corey] That's because most of the people in Providence terrified of Dominik.
They've only seen hardened criminals on television,
not here in real life in front of them.
[Kevin Patrick] Gargano, knees up just in time!
Look at Johnny Wrestling go!
Featured on NXT on Tuesday night.
He's headed to Stand & Deliver to take on Grayson Waller, April 1st.
Oh, man!
[Corey] Got Dom right between the eyes!
Priest eats an uppercut.
[Kevin Patrick] On the apron now, Gargano taking flight
to devastating effect!
The Judgment Day in trouble here!
[crowd cheering]
[Kevin Patrick] Welcome back to Monday Night Raw.
We're live tonight in Providence, Rhode Island.
The packed house watching Johnny Gargano try and fight back here now
against Damian Priest.
It's tag team action.
Gargano and Dexter Lumis, and Priest and Dominik Mysterio.
[Corey] Gargano desperately needed a tag and a fresher Lumis,
but Priest wisely chucking Johnny back into the corner of The Judgment Day.
-And here comes Dominik. -[crowd booing]
I understand Netflix
is actually making a documentary about the crime life of Dominik Mysterio.
[Kevin Patrick] It'll be a quick documentary.
Tag made.
Priest back inside now.
Gargano is in a perilous position.
[crowd booing]
[Corey] I don't know about you, KP…
Oh! But I, for one, cannot wait to watch Grayson Waller
knock Gargano's teeth down his throat at NXT Stand & Deliver.
Oh! Broken Arrow by Priest!
And that might do it.
-Cover here. -[Kevin Patrick] Mysterio hooks the leg
for the victory. And a kick-out by Johnny Gargano.
Johnny Wrestling, still alive,
as his wife, Candice LeRae, and Dexter Lumis watch on
[Corey] How do you think Candice is gonna be feeling at Stand & Deliver?
-[crowd chanting] Dom wears diapers! -Shut up!
[Corey] But before we get to Stand & Deliver, coming up next,
I hope we reinforced the ring tonight.
A true super heavyweight face-off!
Lesnar and Omos, face-to-face,
live in Providence.
[Kevin Patrick] Over 700 pounds between the behemoths,
Lesnar and Omos.
[crowd booing]
[Corey] A little homage to Uncle Eddie.
[booing continues]
[Kevin Patrick] While Rhea's enjoying it, the boos ring out.
[Corey] What Mami wants, Mami gets.
Mami enjoys it, Dominik delivers.
[Kevin Patrick] Dominik grabs the leg for the win to put away Johnny Gargano,
who's still alive.
[Rhea Ripley] Learn how to count! That was a three!
-Learn how to count! -[referee] He kicked out.
[Kevin Patrick] Made official earlier on,
The Judgment Day's Finn Bálor will take on Edge
in a Hell in a Cell match at WrestleMania.
[Corey] Johnny Gargano trying to fight his way back into this match-up.
[Kevin Patrick] He's got so much resolve, but Dominik
-puts him against the ropes. Here we go. -[Corey] Oh, wow!
[crowd booing]
[Kevin Patrick] Dial it up.
-[Corey] Oh! -[Kevin Patrick] Avoided by Gargano!
-Johnny now! -[Corey] Speared through the ropes!
Dom is down!
-Can Johnny make the tag? -[Kevin Patrick] It's gotta be his moment.
Can Johnny Gargano get back on his feet here?
[Corey] Dom looking to make a tag to Damian Priest.
[Kevin Patrick] Priest tagged into the match.
-Gargano gets across to Lumis! -[crowd cheering]
Look at the power of Dexter Lumis!
Oh, man!
[Corey] Big-time spinebuster. And one for Dominik, as well!
[Kevin Patrick] Two-for-one on The Judgment Day.
And Lumis at pace now!
-Oh! -[Corey] Bulldog, face first!
Big belly-to-back suplex by Lumis!
-[Kevin Patrick] And the kip-up! -[crowd cheering]
Lumis now, to put away Damian Priest!
What a win this will be! Priest kicking out.
What a match to kick off Monday Night Raw.
[Corey] We're moments away from Lesnar and Omos.
So much still to come tonight.
Priest sent to the outside!
[Kevin Patrick] Lumis is rocked.
Dominik can see this is his chance now to get the victory.
The feet are on the ropes!
And Candice LeRae helping out her team.
[Corey] The Poison Pixie sticking her nose where it it doesn't belong.
[Kevin Patrick] Making sure justice is served.
-[Corey] Oh! And now… -[Kevin Patrick] Watch out!
[Corey] …Rhea sent into the stairs!
Oh, no.
[Kevin Patrick] Oh, that spells trouble.
Devastating from Rhea Ripley.
[Corey] The Eradicator, who has WrestleMania plans of her own
with Charlotte Flair.
Get this weirdo away from Mami!
Oh!
Beautiful.
[Kevin Patrick] The distraction from Ripley.
-[Corey] Damian Priest. -[crowd booing]
Scouted a perfectly laid trap by The Judgment Day.
[Kevin Patrick] Back inside we go. Priest, now, looking to end Dexter Lumis.
[Corey] Tag is made, and Dom from the top!
[Kevin Patrick] Frog splash! Grabs that leg.
The Judgment Day and Dominik… Oh, no!
Johnny Gargano!
-Johnny Gargano saves it! -[Corey] Gargano,
at the last possible second!
[Rhea Ripley] Get him!
[Kevin Patrick] "Get him," the words of Rhea Ripley from the outside,
sending Damian Priest in.
[Corey] Superkick by Johnny!
-Gargano building up speed! -[Kevin Patrick] Oh, look out!
Gargano and Priest all over the announced desk!
[Corey] But Dom, from behind, takes advantage of the situation!
Dom, now, one-on-one with Dexter Lumis.
[Kevin Patrick] Lumis will try and turn it around now!
[Corey] Oh, no!
The submission's locked in!
[Kevin Patrick] Dom's got nowhere to go!
[Corey] The head and arm triangle of Dexter Lumis.
But the tag was made! Lumis unaware!
[Kevin Patrick] Oh, my!
Vicious from Priest.
[Corey] South of Heaven!
[Kevin Patrick] Good night, Dexter Lumis.
[bell rings]
["The Other Side" playing]
[announcer] Here are your winners,
The Judgment Day!
[Corey] Week after week, as we roll toward WrestleMania,
The Judgment Day continues to improve.
[crowd booing]
The Eradicator seemingly always gets involved.
Tonight, no exception.
Lumis could not take his eyes off of Rhea,
until Damian Priest nearly took Lumis's head off his shoulder.
[Kevin Patrick] Gargano was rolling here, taking Priest on the outside.
But this is when Dominik Mysterio would strike when Gargano was not looking.
And the tag was made here behind the Lumis's back.
And this connection would rock Lumis.
[Corey] And the exclamation point by the punisher of The Judgment Day,
a trip South of Heaven for Dexter Lumis.
But what we've learned already tonight on Raw,
a massive WrestleMania showdown with a Hall of Famer.
"The Rated-R Superstar" Edge,
Finn Bálor of The Judgment Day,
Locked inside Hell in a Cell
on the grandest stage of them all.,
You wanna settle an issue in WWE,
there is quite simply no better playground than Hell in a Cell.
Oh, man! Cannot wait for that one.
Now, folks, let's go backstage to earlier on tonight.
Our broadcast colleague, Cathy Kelley,
tried her best to catch up with the host of WrestleMania, The Miz.
We are officially on the Road to WrestleMania
here tonight in Providence, Rhode Island, for Monday Night Raw.
Now, the Superstars are arriving to…
-Excuse me, Miz. -[crowd cheering]
Hey, hey, hey. Either one of you seen Otis?
I literally just arrived at the arena.
How would I have seen him?
-Actually, it's entirely possible-- -I don't travel with my pets like you do.
If you're looking for your missing dog, go put up flyers.
-I have an interview-- -Shoosh!
Flyers. That's what I was thinking.
Gotta go. Thank you.
You were asking?
Yes, I wanted to ask you, about WrestleMania
to see if you would consider having a co-host--
[laughs] Co-host?
Why, Cathy? Do you wanna be my co-host?
[laughs] There's only one star big enough to host WrestleMania--
-[objects clattering] -[indistinct shouting]
Oh, yeah! Get her! Get her!
[crowd booing]
[indistinct shouting]
[shouting in Japanese]
[referee] Hey, hey, hey!
Let's go! Get out of here! Come on! What are you doing?
-[indistinct shouting] -I need some help!
Get 'em out! Get 'em out of here!
That is WWE Hall of Famer Trish Stratus being attacked
by all three members of Damage CTRL.
It was Trish who, sort of, cost Damage CTRL
the WWE Tag Team Championships when she arrived.
Obviously, Damage CTRL hasn't forgotten.
[Kevin Patrick] Yeah, no surprise there. Damage CTRL with the numbers advantage
ganging up on the Hall of Famer, Trish Stratus.
And speaking of WrestleMania,
The Nigerian Giant is here.
["Shake The Ground" playing]
[announcer] Please welcome MVP
and "The Nigerian Giant" Omos!
[Corey] Yes, those are, in fact, tremors that you feel
as The Nigerian Giant makes his way towards the ring
for an absolutely massive showdown!
In a matter of moments, Omos will come face to face.
with "The Beast Incarnate" Brock Lesnar,
live on Monday Night Raw!
[Kevin Patrick] 7'3. 416 pounds.
You are looking at "The Nigerian Giant" Omos.
[Corey] And, at WrestleMania,
we will witness a true super heavyweight showdown
as "The Nigerian Giant" Omos
goes one-on-one with "The Beast Incarnate" Brock Lesnar!
These two Goliaths will come face to face in a matter of moments.
Brock Lesnar.
Brock Lesnar, you are a brilliant athlete, but a terrible tactician.
You made a critical error putting your hands on me last week,
or two weeks ago.
But the worst, the biggest mistake you've ever made in your career
was accepting a match
against the 7'3, 416-pound
"Nigerian Giant" Omos at WrestleMania.
Brock, I want you to understand that--
-["Next Big Thing" playing] -[crowd cheering]
[Corey] All Brock Lesnar does is whatever the heck
Brock Lesnar wants to do.
And The Beast is in Providence!
[crowd cheering]
[Kevin Patrick] Omos said last week that…
-[fireworks crackle] -[crowd cheering]
that he would be the one to tame "The Beast" Brock Lesnar.
But look at this man. Brock Lesnar.
-The physical specimen. -[Corey] There is nothing resembling fear
in the eyes of The Beast Incarnate,
as Lesnar circles the ring like a great white shark.
[Kevin Patrick] Yeah, but Corey, if he's a great white shark,
then Omos is a megalodon.
[Corey] A great analogy, KP. I didn't know you knew your dinosaurs.
["Next Big Thing" continues playing]
Lesnar is grinning as he stares down one of the largest opponents
he has ever faced in his career.
[music fades out]
[crowd cheering]
[crowd chanting] Holy shit! Holy shit! Holy shit!
[crowd exclaiming]
[crowd chanting] Suplex city! Suplex city!
[Corey] Lesnar stomping Omos
-just to break the Nigerian Giant's grip! -[Kevin Patrick] Oh, look at this.
[Corey] Oh, my God! Oh, my God!
Huh? This is my house!
-[crowd booing] -[chuckling]
[Corey] How many people have the power
to throw Lesnar over the top rope like that?
Let's go.
Get my hat.
All right.
Come back!
Bring your ass back in here!
["Shake The Ground" playing]
[Corey] I am in utter disbelief.
Brock Lesnar just walked away
from his WrestleMania opponent.
[Kevin Patrick] Did you see the hesitation in his eyes?
He looked shook, Corey.
I don't know that anybody has ever seen that look
on Brock Lesnar's face.
Brock Lesnar is a combat god!
He lives to fight!
But Omos might be that guy.
The one unsolvable problem in Lesnar's career
might be The Nigerian Giant.
-Unbelievable! -Brock looking speechless there,
as we all were last week to close out Monday Night Raw.
The powerful and emotional scenes as Jey Uso,
who we hadn't seen in weeks,
showed up on Monday Night Raw.
-[crowd chanting] Sami! Sami! Sami! -That's what's up! Huh?
[crowd cheering]
[Corey] The elation of the WWE Universe…
You thought I was gonna choose your ass? Huh?
[Corey] …would be short-lived, as Sami Zayn…
would be mugged by The Bloodline,
until the arrival of The American Nightmare.
I keep hearing my name.
If you're going to talk about me, why don't you talk directly to me?
You take one more step here,
you ain't going to make it to WrestleMania, son.
[Corey] Sami Zayn would utilize this opportunity to strike
and gain an upper hand on The Usos.
With the assistance of Cody Rhodes.
[Kevin Patrick] Out of nowhere,
Zayn would appear through the crowd and it all kicked off.
Sami Zayn and Cody Rhodes against The Usos.
At the end on Friday night SmackDown, look who's standing tall.
Sami Zayn and "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes.
["Kingdom" playing]
♪ Adrenaline in my soul Every thought out of control ♪
♪ Do it all to get them off their feet ♪
♪ Crowd is here, about to blow Waitin' for me to start the show ♪
♪ Out the curtain, lights go up I'm home ♪
♪ Whoa! ♪
[fireworks crackle]
♪ …said, when I was younger… ♪
[Corey] What an ovation for The American Nightmare.
[bell rings]
[announcer] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, from Atlanta, Georgia,
weighing in at 222 pounds,
"The American Nightmare"
Cody Rhodes!
[Kevin Patrick] In 19 days,
on the grandest stage of them all, at WrestleMania,
Cody Rhodes will take on Roman Reigns
for the undisputed WWE Universal Championship.
[Corey] Cody is hell bent on finishing his story.
♪ …go up I'm home ♪
♪ Whoa! ♪
[fireworks crackle]
[Corey] As we barrel toward SoFi Stadium,
The American Nightmare looks to keep his skillset strong,
as Cody Rhodes tests himself tonight
against one of Friday Night SmackDown's fastest rising stars, in LA Knight.
Knight, Rhodes, one-on-one next.
[Kevin Patrick] WrestleMania is presented by Snickers.
Snickers satisfies, and by WWE 2K23.
WWE 2K23 is even stronger.
Featuring the all-new war games in the 2K showcase
where you can play through key moments of John Cena's 20-year career.
Pre-order today, and play as Bad Bunny, available for early access tomorrow.
[Corey] Right now Cody Rhodes looking to keep his skillset razor sharp
for his matchup at WrestleMania.
After winning the 2023 Men's Royal Rumble match,
Rhodes earned this opportunity
to challenge "The Tribal Chief" Roman Reigns
for the undisputed WWE Universal Championship.
["Welcome to LA" playing]
[Kevin Patrick] In Cody's way tonight,
a man that wants to be heading to WrestleMania.
[announcer] His opponent, from Los Angeles, California,
weighing in at 240 pounds,
LA Knight.
[Kevin Patrick] LA Knight's taken to social media.
He said, "You cannot go to Hollywood for WrestleMania and not have LA Knight."
[Corey] It's rather altruistic of LA Knight
to offer WrestleMania an LA moment.
[Kevin Patrick] Cody Rhodes responding on social media
saying he needs a little bit of practice before his main event of WrestleMania,
so here we are.
[Corey] We talk a lot about trap matches, on the road to certain events.
This could potentially be one of those for Cody Rhodes.
I admire Cody's willingness to compete tonight to keep himself sharp.
However, LA Knight is more than capable of derailing Cody's momentum
-toward WrestleMania… -[doorbell rings]
…and perhaps taking it for himself.
[Kevin Patrick] Sure, but Cody Rhodes told us
that the only way for him to get ready for wrestling
is to be inside the squared circle.
Cody looks in immaculate condition.
[Corey] As does LA Knight.
LA Knight isn't some Johnny-come-lately who's new to the business.
LA Knight has scratched and clawed to take every opportunity,
just to get to this point.
LA didn't come this far just to come this far,
and imagine what it would do to LA Knight's stock
if he were to knock off Cody Rhodes tonight on Raw.
[Kevin Patrick] Would send shock waves.
-[Corey] Boom. -[Kevin Patrick] Look at that.
Vicious right from LA.
Cody rocked here early.
[Corey] Look at the confidence just dripping from LA Knight.
[Kevin Patrick] That may ignite a fire within Cody Rhodes.
[Corey] You're right. It's an easy way to get yourself caught,
or find yourself in a position you'd rather not be,
is by overlooking or becoming overconfident
with someone as dangerous as The American Nightmare.
[Kevin Patrick] Speaking of positions you'd rather not be,
Cody Rhodes has injected himself into the business of The Bloodline, Corey,
in previously came to the aid of Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn.
We saw him have a conversation in the background
last week with Kevin Owens.
Is this a wise strategy from Cody here?
[Corey] I don't know if it's the wisest decision
from Cody Rhodes, but it feels almost inevitable.
When you are dealing with Roman Reigns, you are dealing with The Bloodline,
no matter what the circumstance may be.
That's a stark contrast with the preparation of Roman Reigns,
the reigning undisputed WWE Universal Champion,
who on the road to WrestleMania is training.
He's got the best coaches in the world.
He's got the best physical therapists in the world
keeping him fresh for the matchup at WrestleMania.
Cody taking the polar opposite approach.
Hence this match right now.
[Kevin Patrick] Waist lock applied, down goes LA Knight.
[Corey] Tripped by the veteran Rhodes, and a knee right between the eyes.
[Kevin Patrick] Cody may put this away early now. Cover, and a kick out by LA.
[Corey] Smart move by Knight, taking a moment to compose himself.
Now Cody's looking to afford LA any respite.
[Kevin Patrick] He's got ideas here. Cody's caught. Cody's been caught.
[Corey] Big right hand by Knight, stops the nightmare in his tracks.
[Kevin Patrick] Dragging Rhodes to the outside.
Such a connection there from LA Knight, but now face first into the barricade.
Bit of urgency about Cody Rhodes now.
[Corey] Oh, but the urgency may cost him.
You are dealing with a veteran in LA Knight.
But uh-oh.
[Kevin Patrick] It's angered Cody Rhodes.
[Corey] LA took his eye off the ball for just a moment,
and now The Nightmare is making him pay.
[Kevin Patrick] A little bit of separation again for LA Knight.
Cody Rhodes taking a climb. LA at pace now.
[Corey] Wow. Are you kidding me?
[Kevin Patrick] Is The American Nightmare in trouble?
[Corey] He sure is.
[Kevin Patrick] We are 19 days from WrestleMania
and the biggest night of Cody Rhodes's life
when he'll main event against Roman Reigns,
and look at Cody Rhodes go inside the ring,
in one-on-one action against LA Knight.
[Corey] Smart move by Knight.
The official's view was blocked by their bodies'.
Knight went to the eyes DDT hooks the leg.
[Kevin Patrick] LA Knight now. What a win this would be?
Cody shoulders up.
[Corey] A WrestleMania weekend.
A colossal two-night-event kicks off two weeks from this Saturday.
[Corey] LA Knight is a superstar still looking for a path, that you talk tonight.
He believes in his heart of hearts
that he belongs at the Showcase of the Immortals.
Some people may say that LA Knight's brash.
Maybe that he's a bit overconfident,
but that's the mentality it takes to make your mark in this business.
LA Knight could be well on his way with a win tonight over Cody Rhodes.
[Kevin Patrick] Imagine the talk chatter, if LA Knight can get this done,
against the man headed to the main event of WrestleMania.
[Corey] Just think psychologically what it could do to Cody.
Picking up speed
-[Kevin Patrick] Watch out. -[Corey] Forearm caught Knight off guard.
Big uppercut.
[Kevin Patrick] LA knight's rocked, to the corner he goes. Evaded by Cody.
Cody's looking fresh.
[Corey] Powerslam by Rhodes, and now it's Knight in jeopardy.
[Kevin Patrick] Looking energized. Cody Rhodes.
-[Corey] Disaster kick. -[Kevin Patrick] Hooks the leg.
Now Cody to put away LA Knight, who kicks out at two.
Cody can't believe it.
[Corey] Cody keeping his focus now on LA Knight,
who no doubt is earning Rhodes' respect as this match progresses,
but Cody can't lose sight of the task at hand.
LA Knight stands in the way of WrestleMania right now.
[Kevin Patrick] Well played LA Knight. Can he…
-[Corey] Cover. -[Kevin Patrick] …end this now?
LA Knight cover, for the win and Cody kicks out at two.
[LA Knight] Come on.
[Corey] La Knight beginning to show a little frustration.
Looking for blunt force trauma. Rhodes able to escape.
[Kevin Patrick] Cody. Hang on. Look at this. Cody cutter.
[Corey] Wow.
The nightmare is alive in providence.
[Kevin Patrick] Sizing the prize. Waiting for his moment to pounce.
Cross Rhodes.
[crowd] One, two, three.
-[bell rings] -[crowd cheering]
["Kingdom" playing]
[announcer] Here is your winner, "The American Nightmare"
Cody Rhodes.
[Corey] Well, Cody wanted to keep his skillset razor-sharp
on the way to WrestleMania.
The Nightmare did just that tonight.
[Kevin Patrick] This is where it turned. Look at this from Cody Rhodes.
How spectacular is that?
[Corey] A Cody Cutter, so nice we'll show it to you twice.
Soaring through the air,
driving LA Knight face-first into the canvas.
Then a trip to the Cross Rhodes.
-[crowd] One, two, three. -[bell rings]
[Kevin Patrick] Determination in the face of Cody Rhodes.
[Corey] The road to Hollywood won't get any easier for Cody.
The American Nightmare wouldn't want it any other way.
[crowd cheering]
[crowd chants "Cody"]
I keep hearing these warnings from Mr. Heyman
that I should stay out of Bloodline business.
Well, I reiterate, I do not work for The Bloodline
and I don't work for Mr. Heyman.
If I want to come out here, stand side by side with Sami Zayn,
I can do that.
If I want to come out here and fight alongside Kevin Owens,
I can do that.
I also hear Mr. Heyman say,
"Don't make this personal."
Don't make it personal. What a joke.
It has been personal since I first appeared on this show
at 21 years old in front of these same cameramen.
It's personal when week after week I'm choked up,
fighting back tears with every sedent.
It's personal when you wear a protective coat of armor.
I'm not talking about my robe. I'm talking about a tailored suit.
The reason I wear it is not because I think I am somebody,
it's because I want to be somebody.
Mr. Heyman talking about acknowledging Roman Reigns.
I acknowledge you, damn it. You need to acknowledge me.
[crowd cheering]
I am not perfect, but my time since I came back to the WWE has been perfect.
I am undefeated.
I grew up thinking that I was a prince in this industry.
I've got no crown, no chip, no master sword,
no undisputed WWE Universal Championship.
On April 2nd…
on April 2nd when the sun goes down on Hollywood,
it is going down on Roman Reigns' generational run.
On April 2nd,
on April 2nd, it's not just those who've got the Rhodes
and the runnels' blood pumping through their veins,
it's every single person who has followed me until the end.
On April 2nd…
I have waited my whole life. I will wait no more.
On April 2nd, Roman Reigns, I pin you, I stick you in this ring
and become the first Rhodes to ever say
he is the undisputed WWE Universal Champion.
[crowd cheering]
["Kingdom" playing]
[Corey] Incredible passion. Incredible poise.
A highly motivated challenger for "The Tribal Chief"
and the undisputed WWE Universal Championship.
Rhodes, Reigns, WrestleMania.
[Kevin Patrick] How fired up everybody here in the arena here tonight
in providence listening to that.
[Corey] You need not look any further
than the eyes of "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes.
You may not be sold on it, but Cody is sold on it.
It sounds like the WWE Universe is too.
[Kevin Patrick] When the sun goes down on April 2nd in Hollywood,
it's going down on Roman's generational run. Wow.
Serious words, there, from Cody Rhodes, who said it's all very personal for him.
Just like it is for Seth Rollins,
when last week on Raw, he went face-to-face for the first time
with Logan Paul.
The time for talk is over.
It's time to fight.
No, no, no, because one thing I don't do is fight for free.
I am a premium act.
If we were somewhere where there was a little more, I don't know, star power,
I'd consider it.
I am the host of WrestleMania.
I could make Seth "Freakin" Rollins
versus Logan Paul at WrestleMania happen.
-You can make that happen? -Yes, right here.
Well, what are we waiting for? Let's go, Mike.
When you wake up, let me know about WrestleMania.
Bye-bye, bitch.
[crowd boos]
Please welcome, Seth "Freakin" Rollins.
Seth, what's your reaction to Logan Paul knocking you out
with a sucker punch last week?
Logan. Logan. [laughs]
Saxton, last week, my man, Logan, he was acting like he won the lottery.
Do you know why? Do you know why? Because he did.
He landed the shot of a lifetime right here on this chinny-chin-chin.
He knocked me down,
but if there's one thing we've learned about Seth "Freakin" Rollins
over the past two years,
it's that you can't keep me down.
The next time Logan Paul and--
Seth. Seth. Seth.
Boo.
That wasn't funny.
You're just jealous that Logan Paul knocked you out cold
with one single punch.
Face it, you lost control of the narrative, Seth.
At least that's the way it looks to me. What do I know?
Except for the fact that I am the host of WrestleMania
and I get privileged information.
For example, next Monday night on Raw,
Logan Paul will conduct an in-ring,
live, exclusive WWE edition of Impaulsive TV.
I also know that I am expected to be invited as a guest.
-Oh. -Guest-- Hold on. Did you say guest?
Look, my schedule just cleared up, so I'm available.
Oh, yeah. I believe Logan is all booked up.
-Sorry. -Miz.
WrestleMania, two nights, you're the host,
you've got a lot on your plate.
Let me be your cohost. We can take it over.
You can see it now. You and me, cohosts, WrestleMania.
[Rollins laughs]
Corbin, I have a lot of pull for WrestleMania.
-Come on, Miz. -I don't have that much pull.
God.
Seth, check it out.
Logan did knock you out pretty quick, didn't he?
I'm a three-time Golden Gloves Champion.
Hey, you and me, I'll give you some boxing lessons, get you
Get you ready for WrestleMania.
Corbin, Corbin, Corbin, I appreciate the offer, I do.
I understand where you're coming from.
I know you're going through some tough times right now.
You just need a break. If I'm being honest,
I would rather take boxing lessons from my baby daughter.
My God, man, I'm trying everything here.
Your daughter's two and a half, she doesn't know anything.
Look, man, you're lucky it's not me and you out there tonight
because I'll knock you off faster than Logan did,
and then I'll take your spot at WrestleMania.
Oh, is that so? Because that sounds like a challenge.
Lucky for you. Lucky for providence.
Seth "Freakin" Rollins is in a fighting mood,
so let's make it official.
You, me, tonight. I'll see you out there, buddy. [laughs]
That is interesting.
You handle Seth, and I will bring a good word with Logan.
[upbeat music playing]
[Kevin Patrick] Tall task there for Baron Corbin,
a match to come against Rollins.
Coming up next, the man that calls himself a walking natural disaster,
Bronson Reed, set to go one-on-one with Elias.
It's coming your way live from providence on Monday Night Raw.
Welcome back to Monday Night Raw.
Elias, making his way to the ring accompanied by Rick Boogs.
Now, Elias fancies himself a little bit of a life coach.
He regrets taking on a student that is Rick Boogs
because Boogs turned it around on him last week after Elias said,
"Go up to Bronson Reed and say I want to fight you."
Boogs said that "Elias wants to fight you, Bronson."
That's where we are today.
[Corey] It was possibly a miscommunication.
I mean, as we've learned, Rick Boogs isn't the brightest star in the sky,
and Elias now has to deal with it.
[Kevin Patrick] Boogs idolizes, adores Elias.
He'll be watching on from ringside.
["Battle Tested" playing]
[announcer] His opponent from Black Forest, South Australia,
weighing 330 pounds,
Bronson Reed.
[Corey] Bronson Reed has waited for his little time
in making serious waves on Monday Night Raw.
This colossal athlete is truly a sight to behold.
Unfortunately for Elias,
tonight's forecast calls for a tsunami in providence, Rhode island.
[Kevin Patrick] Since arriving on Monday Night Raw,
Bronson Reed is undefeated.
He's devoured the likes of Mustafa Ali, Dolph Ziggler, and Chad Gable.
-What has Elias landed himself in here? -[bell rings]
[Corey] Oh, tremendous impact
and an epic elbow to follow like a steamroller.
Bronson Reed just flattening the troubadour.
[Kevin Patrick] Bronson Reed told me earlier. He said,
"I don't get paid by the hour. Watch me work."
[Corey] Luckily, Rick Boogs is out here taking notes.
I don't want to know exactly what on.
Perhaps he's writing song lyrics for he and Elias
to form some sort of supergroup.
[Kevin Patrick] Elias, looking to overpower Bronson.
[Corey] Oh, man. That ain't going to happen.
Bronson Reed has a significant powerlifting background.
Unbelievable athlete for the man of his size.
Cover here.
[Kevin Patrick] Looking to put away Elias. Nice to know. Elias kicks out.
[Corey] When you look at Rick Boogs,
he'd have to be the Oates of Hall and Oates. Right?
Does that make Elias the Daryl Hall
or just more of a Simon & Garfunkel situation?
Now, look at Bronson Reed just looking to twist the head of Elias
while he's got his knee planted squarely on the spine of Elias,
who's trying to fight his way up.
Smart strategy by Bronson Reed, focusing on the midsection of Elias.
Presumably softening him up for a tsunami.
[Kevin Patrick] Elias, rocking Bronson Reed now
as Rick Boogs is like dancing.
[Kevin Patrick] I don't know what he's doing.
[Corey] Rocking, KP, as it is a soft gentle sway.
A little elevator music before the-- Oh, wait a minute.
[Kevin Patrick] A symphony from Elias.
-[Corey] That was-- -[Kevin Patrick] And goes again. Wow.
[Corey] Off with his head.
[Kevin Patrick] Bronson Reed, cyclone powerslam.
[Corey] While on the subject of disasters of the natural variety.
[Kevin Patrick] You know what's coming, Graves.
[Corey] I sure do. [clears throat]
[Kevin Patrick] Clear the throat.
[Corey] Tsunami. I do it better than Wade now.11
-[bell rings] -[Kevin Patrick] It's over already.
["Battle Tested" playing]
[announcer] Here's your winner,
Bronson Reed.
[Corey] The devastation continues from Bronson Reed on Raw
right after the opening bell.
A wall of brutality.
Look at the height, but most importantly,
the impact crushing down across Elias.
[Kevin Patrick] Oh my.
[Corey] And it just went from bad to worse.
[Kevin Patrick] Tsunami.
[Corey] Put some bass in your voice, KP.
[Kevin Patrick] Tsunami.
[Corey] That was better. That was better.
[Kevin Patrick] Puts away Elias with ease.
It took four men to eliminate Bronson Reed in the Elimination Chamber.
He is making statement after statement on Monday Night Raw,
and Elias, the latest victim.
["Battle Tested" playing]
I'm standing by hoping to provide an update on Trish Stratus.
Now, she suffered an attack at the hands of Damage CTRL earlier tonight. We--
Shoosh. Enough about her. Have you seen my number one guy?
Well, if you do, call me. Thank you.
Becky, if you see him, give me a call.
[Cathy] Becky Lynch and Lita, can I get a comment
on the attack that Trish Stratus suffered earlier?
[Lita] I better check on the
[Corey] We do our best to keep you updated on Trish's condition, but coming up next--
[Kevin Patrick] We will never forget the impact John Cena had
on his return to Boston.
He verbally chewed up Theory and spit him out,
but Austin Theory ultimately got what he wants.
We'll revisit next.
I'm standing by backstage with the superstar set to face Solo Sikoa
tonight in a street fight, Kevin Owens.
[crowd cheering]
Now, Kevin, tonight you face Solo Sikoa.
In the past, you've faced every member of The Bloodline,
but refused to ask for help from Sami Zayn this go around.
Can I ask why given your history with him?
Yeah. I don't-- I ask for help.
I needed help for a long time, and I didn't get it.
See, what I think that's been happening lately
is Sami is the one asking me for help, right?
But look, with the history between us, like you mentioned,
is it really that hard to understand
why I wouldn't want to fight alongside Sami Zayn, right?
Look, I wish him the best.
I really do, but whatever he's got going on,
I just don't want any part of it.
I'm fighting on my own. I don't need him.
And you know what else?
Cody Rhodes, I heard what you said earlier,
and I saw what you did last week helping out Sami.
Look. You want to help Sami out. That's your problem,
but like I told you last week when we talked, I don't need your help.
I don't want your help.
Tonight, when I'm out there with Solo Sikoa in that street fight,
I mean what I said.
Do not come out there.
What I need you to do is focus on WrestleMania and Roman Reigns.
Biggest match of your career, the night you waited for your whole life.
I don't want to be why it doesn't happen.
So, Cody, tonight, I don't want to see you out there.
Tonight, I want to fight Solo Sikoa.
Whoever else you might have with him, let's be honest. Right?
I want to fight those guys on my own like I've been doing,
and like I'm going to keep doing.
I'm perfectly fine with that. Thanks.
Kevin Owens, obviously, a man on a mission but going solo against Solo Sikoa,
I don't know how that's going to work out for "The Prizefighter."
It could be a very lonely evening for Kevin Owens.
Well, it was anything but lonely last Monday night,
one of arguably the greatest of all time John Cena returned to Raw
at his hometown of Boston.
He was greeted by 16,000 of his closest friends.
[Corey] Your time is up. The time is now.
The 16-time world champion. The one and only, John Cena, returns.
[crowd chants "Cena"]
["A-Town Down" playing]
[Theory] Hey, no need to disrespect me
because I came out here with a gift for you, John.
It's a gift of me and you on the grandest stage of them all
for the United States Championship.
Austin Theory versus John Cena.
No.
[upbeat music playing]
I'm not interested in your gift
because you haven't earned the right to give it.
I've been watching you, and I've been listening to you.
I don't care just like every single person in here.
We don't care about you.
You have been given opportunity after opportunity after opportunity,
and you don't believe in you and they know it.
The opportunities aren't enough. You got no heart. You got no soul.
You're a pair of trunks away from being a jabroni.
You're wasting our time.
So on behalf of Boston, we would like to give you a gift.
Shut up, turn around, get out of the ring,
You have a golden ticket
against the greatest United States Champion at WrestleMania,
and you're gonna give up?
Where's the hustle?
Where's the loyalty?
Where's the respect, John?
Where's the respect for all of them?
You really are a dumb son of a bitch.
I didn't say no because I gave up.
I said no to save your ass.
You're not ready.
If you and I have a match at WrestleMania and I win,
you lose everything.
But you really left me no choice,
because you brought them into it.
[crowd cheering]
Do you want to see Austin Theory versus John Cena
at WrestleMania?
[crowd cheering]
Remember this moment.
You just made the biggest mistake of your life.
I wish you luck, dude.
You're gonna need it.
Because we all know you don't have it here.
We all know you don't have it here.
And we all know you don't have it here.
[crowd gasping]
Oh. Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait.
You really need to work on that last bit.
[crowd chanting] Cena! Cena! Cena! Cena! Cena! Cena!
[Angelo Dawkins] Baby Cena right there.
I'm getting cooked.
[laughs]
[in high-pitched voice] It's Baby John Cena!
Oh.
[imitates monkey]
Let's see some of that ruthless aggression.
-He ain't got it. -Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Try me. Try me, partner.
You won't. You won't.
Nah, nah. He won't man.
He just like Clarence from 8 Mile, man.
He a choke artist.
[coughs mockingly]
Mom is too big. Just ain't got what it takes.
That's great. All of this.
I hope you guys continue to be good at this
because that's all you got.
And we all know in a couple of months
you two are probably gonna be unemployed.
-Oh. -So, keep working on that.
But let's talk about last week.
Yeah. You see, I got what I wanted, and I always get what I want.
And that is John Cena ver--
Excuse me. I'm a humble guy.
Let me fix that.
The top ballot.
The marquee match of WrestleMania.
The biggest match.
Austin Theory versus John Cena.
-Hmm. -Yeah, there is.
And John, he had a lot to say about me last week,
but why wouldn't he?
I mean, I'm the most important thing in the WWE.
But you two, uh, not so much.
But let's talk about that.
Yeah, let's talk about it.
You know, I'm trying to figure out
who is the toughest of the Street Profits?
I mean, who really has that backbone, who really has that fire, that desire?
I think…it's you.
But…
It's not you.
[chuckling]
Because when it comes to you, well, Tez, it's just a big bag of jokes.
And the biggest joke of all is when you're handed an opportunity,
you fall flat on your face.
And hey, I really wish I could, you know, relate to that,
and feel some type of way, but I can't.
Because every time I'm given an opportunity,
I go straight to the damn top.
But that smoke, that smoke you guys always bring.
You want the smoke, you got the smoke.
What the problem is, is when it comes to that smoke for you,
all you do is choke.
Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa. I got this, man.
Yo.
Cena already gonna humble you at WrestleMania.
But why wait, though?
Why let the humbling wait?
How about I cook you tonight?
-You want to do that? -Mm-hmm.
-Sounds great to me. -Oh, yeah.
I, uh…
I just thought of something.
What are you two doing at WrestleMania?
Well, that's right. Nothing.
[laughs]
♪ A-Town ♪
["A-Town Down" playing]
♪ A-Town down, screamin' out loud ♪
♪ A-Town down, the future's right now ♪
♪ A-Town down, tearin' the place down ♪
[Corey] This man has never met a moment that was too big for him.
♪ Yeah! ♪
♪ You see the future right in front of your eyes ♪
♪ Headed to the top, but it's not… ♪
[Corey] Look at the physique
of the youngest United States Champion in WWE history.
[Corey] The man who will oppose the GOAT,
John Cena, at WrestleMania.
[bell rings]
[announcer] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first from Atlanta, Georgia,
at 220 pounds,
he is the United States Champion,
Austin Theory!
[Kevin Patrick] He may have been verbally undressed by the GOAT,
as you say, John Cena, last week on Raw,
but Austin Theory has what he wants for a match at WrestleMania.
That's 19 days away.
In front of Austin Theory is Angelo Dawkins of the Street Profits.
It's one-on-one, coming your way on Monday Night Raw.
♪ …to get to the top ♪
♪ Cream of the crop ♪
♪ Step up, before we drop ♪
♪ When I walk in the room, roll out the red carpet… ♪
[Kevin Patrick] You're watching Monday Night Raw,
and you're watching the man that is headed to WrestleMania
to take on John Cena.
Austin Theory grew up idolizing John Cena,
and now at WrestleMania, on the grandest stage of them all,
Austin Theory will head inside the squared circle
to take on the 16-time World Champion.
["Bring the Swag" playing]
[announcer] And his opponent,
accompanied tonight by Montez Ford,
representing the Street Profits,
Angelo Dawkins!
[Kevin Patrick] Austin Theory has his work cut out tonight against Angelo Dawkins,
one half of the triple crown tag team champions, the Street Profits.
[Corey] Dawkins always perpetually just one or two victories away
from a true breakout status in his career.
AD asked Austin Theory, "Do you Want the smoke?"
Not only does Theory want the smoke, Theory brought the papers tonight.
Let me tell you why.
Seven nights ago,
Austin Theory stood in the ring, face-to-face with the GOAT, John Cena,
the 16-time World Heavyweight Champion.
Yes, Austin Theory was verbally undressed by John Cena.
But in the process, Theory got exactly what he wanted.
In a way, Austin Theory manipulated John Cena
into accepting this match at WrestleMania.
And hear me out, KP, it may be a long shot, okay?
I'm a betting man.
You never bet against John Cena, but what if?
[Kevin Patrick] But it's John Cena, Corey.
[Corey] I agree with you. But what if?
Austin Theory has come out here and perpetually defied the odds,
defied the expectations, much like Dawkins is doing,
after the opening bell.
Fantastic amateur background on Angelo Dawkins being flexed
on the United States Champion.
And maybe the world's right.
Maybe the WWE Universe knows what they're talking about.
Maybe Cena did cook Austin Theory In front of our very eyes last week.
That might be the case.
But what if?
What if Austin Theory has goaded the GOAT into this environment of WrestleMania
to rip the torch out of John Cena's hands?
[Kevin Patrick] Well there's a reason you're looking at the youngest ever
Mr. Money in the Bank, the youngest ever United States Champion.
And he's still United States Champion, Austin Theory.
-[Corey] Fantastic athleticism! -Oh!
[Corey] Dawkins on the money with a dropkick
[Corey] But conversely, Austin Theory now has more on his mind
than ever before in his career, even tonight.
Cover here by Dawkins.
[Kevin Patrick] Dawkins now, what a victory this would be.
Theory kicking out.
[Corey] Theory might have stepped on a landmine tonight,
because Austin Theory, understandably,
is obsessed with the idea
that he will face John Cena, his childhood hero, at WrestleMania,
two weeks from Saturday at WrestleMania weekend.
But right now, Theory bringing the fight to Dawkins.
[Kevin Patrick] And he's still so young, Austin Theory.
How do you think it will affect his mind?
Hearing things like "Baby Cena,"
is what he was called by the Street Profits.
[Corey] Listen, Austin Theory has done a fantastic job of tuning out the noise,
focusing on what matters.
Austin Theory has never been a superstar who comes out
and competes for the adulation or the love of the WWE Universe.
Austin Theory wants, to borrow a line from Booker T,
"Checks and championships."
[Kevin Patrick] Speaking of the WWE Universe,
on the Road to WrestleMania,
stopping through Providence, Rhode Island, and a packed house here tonight.
[Corey] But it could all begin to fall apart tonight
if Angelo Dawkins is able to rally and get back in this
and maybe put Theory down tonight on Raw.
That could completely shatter the psyche of the United States Champion.
[Kevin Patrick] It could cripple him mentally. There's no question about that.
John Cena saying things like "They don't believe in you,"
talking about the WWE Universe,
"Because you don't believe in yourself. You have no heart."
Those are strong words from John Cena.
[Corey] Listen, unlike--
-[Corey] Oh man, that could do it! -Oh wow!
[Corey] The champ is down.
[Corey] Dawkins took a moment to compose himself, and--
[Kevin Patrick] That may cost him, the Dawkins delay.
[Corey] Oh, fantastic athleticism by the champion.
And this is a mean streak!
[Kevin Patrick] Oh!
[Kevin Patrick] Dawkins into the barricade.
And there is that mean streak of Austin Theory.
[Corey] This is what sets Theory apart from the rest.
[Corey] And listen, let's-- Oh!
[Kevin Patrick] Can Dawkins get back in this?
It's Austin's Theory on top.
Show me the jokes! It's my time.
[Kevin Patrick] The boos ring out here in Providence.
Austin Theory standing over Angelo Dawkins,
taunting him, teasing him,
gearing up for WrestleMania and John Cena.
[Corey] We've got a very pro-Cena crowd here in Providence tonight.
[Theory] Trying to disrespect me?
[Corey] Not to throw the champion off his game.
Austin Theory has remained focused for the most part.
You ain't on my level. You hear me?
[Corey] See the bravado on display from Austin Theory.
But look at this power from Dawkins!
[Kevin Patrick] "You ain't on my level" from Theory.
He can't say that to John Cena, though.
[Kevin Patrick] There's certain things you simply can't say
to the 16-time World Champion.
[Corey] You're absolutely right.
I'm not saying that anyone should put their money on Austin Theory.
I'm just asking the question, "What if?"
Do you think John Cena would have accepted the match at WrestleMania
if he didn't see Austin Theory as at least one more mountain to climb?
[Kevin Patrick] You think you're spot-on?
Oh, Dawkins!
[Corey] Flying back elbow
has Theory on spaghetti legs in the corner.
[Kevin Patrick] At pace now, Dawkins.
Flattening Theory.
[Corey] Enzuigiri rocks the United States Champion,
and AD starting to roll.
[Corey] Great counter.
[Kevin Patrick] Austin Theory turning around, stacking up for the win.
Kick out by Dawkins.
[Corey] Dawkins nails it.
[Kevin Patrick] Hooks the leg. Dawkins for the victory.
And Austin Theory is still alive at two.
[Kevin Patrick] Dawkins stunned, couldn't put away Theory.
[Kevin Patrick] The United States Champion back up on his feet,
looked to be walking into trouble, responds, though.
[Corey] A left right between the eyes of Angelo Dawkins,
who just pounced Theory out of mid-air!
My God, that was ugly!
And extremely effective.
[Kevin Patrick] It showcases the athleticism
and the power of Angelo Dawkins.
[Corey] What it's all about.
It may not win him any style points, but it could win him a match.
[Kevin Patrick] Back inside, dropkicking Dawkins.
And Theory is rolling here.
Grabs the leg to put away Dawkins.
Dawkins still alive.
[Corey] That may have earned Theory more than a few style points.
But look at it again!
Angelo Dawkins just picking Theory out of mid-air,
and the champion returns fire with that two boots to the jaw of Dawkins.
[Theory] It's always about me.
[Kevin Patrick] Two weeks from Saturday,
WrestleMania weekend from SoFi Stadium, Hollywood, California.
And the dream match,
the match that he wanted for his entire life.
He wouldn't have even dreamed of this.
[Corey] Right now, it's reality.
And Theory calling his shot. Cradle!
[Kevin Patrick] Dawkins turning it around.
[Corey] A beautiful sunset flip.
[Kevin Patrick] Dawkins. Look at this from Dawkins of the Street Profits.
Theory out just in time.
[Kevin Patrick] Step-up enzuigiri again.
[Corey] I don't know how much of it Dawkins got,
but it was enough to stun Theory for the second,
and that left hand came from way downtown.
[Corey] A-Town Down!
[Kevin Patrick] Dawkins seeing stars
as Theory grabs the leg and puts him away.
-[bell rings] -["A-Town Down" playing]
[announcer] Here's your winner,
The United States Champion,
Austin Theory!
[Corey] Tonight, Providence, Rhode Island, experienced Austin Theory live,
as did Angelo Dawkins,
and check out the accuracy.
[both commentators] Whoa!
[Corey] To quote the great Rhode Island native, Peter Griffin,
Pow! Right in the kisser!
[Corey] And a double leg hook after A-Town Down.
[bell rings]
[Corey] I'm telling y'all right now,
you may not like him,
but this guy could be on the verge of one of the biggest upsets
in WWE history.
Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait.
-[Corey] Oh no! -No!
[Corey] The STF,
[Theory] Make those jokes!
John Cena's favorite submission maneuver,
-Make those John Cena jokes! -[indistinct shouting]
being applied by Theory.
[Kevin Patrick] It's Montez Ford, quickly inside the ring.
[Corey] That was one more little love note to Cena
from the man himself.
We are living in the here and the now.
[Corey] Austin Theory looks ready for John Cena.
You can't see me.
[crowd booing]
["A-Town Down" playing]
[Corey] Brash, brazen, sure.
[Kevin Patrick] Love to get the thoughts of John Cena watching on right now.
His WrestleMania opponent, Austin Theory.
And we will all be watching
WrestleMania weekend, WWE Hall of Fame ceremony.
And if you're watching Friday Night Smackdown,
you'll know that the first inductee into the 2023 class is Rey Mysterio,
who's here on Raw, next.
Welcome back to Monday Night Raw,
and please welcome my guest at this time--
We have problems.
[crowd booing]
As in We the Ones, have a problem.
As in The Bloodline has a problem.
We've identified that problem.
You know what that problem's name is?
Kevin Owens.
Tonight, The Bloodline demonstrates we solve all problems,
and the Kevin Owens problem will be solved
by the Samoan street fighting champion, Solo.
And then there's Cody Rhodes.
Cody Rhodes has a problem.
Cody Rhodes has mistaken the fact that the truth shall set him free
with the fact that the truth will imprison Cody Rhodes' mind
to making stupid mistakes,
like making this personal to Roman Reigns.
And, I, I--
I know what you're thinking.
You're thinking, [in high pitched voice] "It's already personal to Cody Rhodes."
Well, of course it's personal to Cody Rhodes!
That's what makes Cody Rhodes such a compelling and intriguing
and riveting challenger in the main event of WrestleMania.
But to make this personal to Roman Reigns,
like mockingly and sanctimoniously acknowledging his Tribal Chief
on worldwide television?
What a shmuck.
Cody Rhodes,
you want to acknowledge your Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns?
I'm gonna give you a chance to acknowledge Roman Reigns.
Next week,
live from St. Louis on Monday Night Raw,
your Tribal Chief Roman Reigns will be here on Raw.
[crowd cheering]
Cody Rhodes,
you will acknowledge your Tribal Chief.
And at that moment,
you will make the biggest personal
and business decision of your entire life.
You will decide at that moment whether you are a challenger,
or you are a problem.
Because, Cody, I assure you,
you are a problem
that Roman Reigns would love
to personally solve.
Breaking news, courtesy of the Wiseman himself.
The Tribal Chief is coming to Monday Night Raw next week.
That is massive, massive news on the Road to WrestleMania.
Two weeks from Saturday, WrestleMania.
Now, if you missed Friday Night SmackDown, it was breaking news there.
The first inductee
into the 2023 WWE Hall of Fame, the legendary luchador.
[announcer] From San Diego, California, Rey Mysterio!
Rey had the capability of igniting any crowd.
He never wanted to blink
because he was gonna do something that was incredible.
That was a guarantee.
["Where I May Roam" by J Balvin ft. Metallica playing]
[commentator] It's time to dial 619.
[commentator] 619!
All of that natural charisma.
♪ Anywhere I roam ♪
[Randy] The connection that Mysterio had with his fans is that,
you know, they saw the ultimate underdog.
[AJ Styles] He showed, it doesn't matter how big, how small you are.
If you've got heart, you can accomplish anything.
[commentator] He got him, he got him!
Mysterio wins the title.
[Rey] I'm living proof that dreams come true in life.
♪ Anywhere I roam ♪
[John Cena] Someone would look at Rey Mysterio and be like, "Impossible."
But to him, it's just a word.
[Rey] This has been the biggest ride of my life.
[crowd chanting] 619! 619! 619! 619!
[Kevin Patrick] Congratulations, Rey Mysterio.
Over 20 years in WWE,
the former World Champion, Royal Rumble winner,
is headed to the Hall of Fame.
So richly deserved.
Huge congratulations, Rey.
But while we're talking Hall of Fame, you need to keep your eyes on The Bump,
our show this coming Wednesday,
where we will have an extremely a special guest.
I'm talking two-time WWE Hall of Famer,
The 16-time World Heavyweight Champion, The Nature Boy himself,
Ric Flair will announce the next inductee
into this year's class of the WWE Hall of Fame.
[Kevin Patrick] Man, I cannot wait for that.
1:00 PM Eastern on Peacock.
["Booyaka 619" playing]
[crowd cheering]
♪ Booyaka, booyaka ♪
[Corey] We'll have to wait till Wednesday
to show a little appreciation for this man.
♪ Booyaka, booyaka, that's my pueblo ♪
♪ Booyaka, booyaka, 619 ♪
♪ Booyaka, booyaka, Rey Mysterio ♪
♪ Booyaka, booyaka, 619 ♪
♪ Booyaka, booyaka, that's my pueblo ♪
[Corey] You would be hard pressed to find another man
as beloved and respected
by not only the WWE Universe, but his peers as well,
in Rey Mysterio.
[announcer] Ladies and gentlemen,
please welcome the first inductee
into the WWE Hall of Fame, class of 2023,
Rey Mysterio!
[Kevin Patrick] Such a beautiful moment
as Rey Mysterio returns to Monday Night Raw.
The beloved WWE Universe showing their appreciation
for the man that's headed to the WWE Hall of Fame.
[Corey] When you're talking about Rey
and the appreciation that he receives from the WWE Universe,
I promise you,
Rey appreciates each individual member of the WWE Universe
as much as they love him.
♪ Original hitman for hire, made wise-guys ♪
♪ Untouchable border bandits ♪
[Kevin Patrick] The nicest man you could find.
[Kevin Patrick] A warrior, a competitor, a champion.
♪ Terror in their eyes when they tell you, here comes the mask again ♪
♪ No time for talkin', dig the hole for the coffin ♪
♪ It's no mystery, Rey, that he's a dead man walkin' ♪
[Kevin Patrick] The night before WrestleMania
will be truly epic at the WWE Hall of Fame.
♪ And that's the realest deal, homie, since Jesus' last meal ♪
♪ Booyaka, booyaka, 619 ♪
[Corey] A timeless superstar who's been a hero for generations.
[music fades out]
[crowd cheering]
Wow.
Wow, wow, wow.
Thank you.
[crowd chanting indistinctly]
You know, I have to admit,
it feels really damn good to be back on Raw.
[crowd cheering]
Just last year, we were celebrating 20 years together.
[speaks Spanish]
A huge celebration.
And here we are,
celebrating the biggest honors of my life.
[crowd cheering]
You know, and I have to be clear about this,
this isn't just my award.
This award is made from the people that helped me build up my career.
An award made from the fans that connected with me
for all these years that I've been in the business.
[crowd cheering]
This award is not just for me.
It's for all of us.
[crowd cheering]
So straight up from the--
-["It Is My Time" playing] -[Corey] Oh, not now.
♪ Mysterio! ♪
[singing in Spanish]
♪ Now I'm coming for ya ♪
Congratulations, Rey.
[music fades out]
[speaks Spanish]
You finally made it into the WWE Hall of Fame.
[crowd booing]
And you actually deserve it.
You know, you put your entire life into this business.
And I hope it was worth it.
[crowd chanting] You suck! You suck! You suck! You suck! You suck! You suck!
Because you earned that honor at the expense of me.
Yeah, you know that's right.
But you know what?
You put your entire life for this business.
You chose all of these strangers, all of them,
instead of being there for your kids.
[crowd booing]
[crowd chanting] You suck! You suck! You suck! You suck! You suck! You suck!
How does it feel?
Huh?
How does it--
Is it an honor?
Knowing that I went all those nights without having a father?
Huh?
How does it feel?
You know, eighth grade promotion.
You told me if I got good grades and if I behaved, you would take me out.
But guess what?
Eighth grade promotion came along and you were nowhere to be found.
Why?
Because you're a no show,
and you were over here at WrestleMania.
Huh? You ditched me for WrestleMania.
[crowd] What?
And what else happened?
I turned 16, right?
[crowd] What?
You said you were gonna get me a new car.
[crowd] What?
A new car.
[crowd] What?
And all of my friends showed up with brand new Mercedes.
[crowd] What?
And you got me a BMW?
[crowd] What?
And it wasn't even an M series.
[crowd] What?
[crowd chanting] You suck! You suck! You suck!
But you're just--
You're afraid because I see you for what you really are.
I see you for what you really are,
and that's a sad ugly excuse for a father.
No, no, no, excuse for a man.
-Take that back. -Hey--
But you know what?
I'm gonna let you enjoy your Hall of Fame weekend in LA,
but I'm gonna make it a little bit better,
because I challenge you to a match at WrestleMania.
[crowd cheering]
[crowd clamoring]
I don't know how many times I have to tell you.
I'm not gonna fight my own son.
Whether you believe it or not,
I still love you, son, and I always will.
There will be no match at WrestleMania.
That-- That's your guys' Hall of Famer?
Huh?
That's your guy?
Huh?
You're just gonna walk away now?
Huh? Mister Hall of Fame.
Yeah, that's right.
Do what you do.
The only thing you know how.
You ran away from Raw,
you ran away from your entire family,
and you ran away from me!
Yeah, go ahead.
Keep going.
Because the only thing you actually taught me,
is what not to be.
[mic drops]
[crowd cheering]
Well, emotions certainly running high in the Mysterio family.
And I'm back at the trainer's room
hoping to provide updates on Trish Stratus condition. Now she--
Excuse me. Excuse me, guys.
Can we get an update on everything that went down to early…
Charlie gonna get the heck kicked in. That's the update.
If they're going to play this divide and conquer game,
we should have finished the job.
They should have finished the job because they've been hit a lot harder than that.
And the only thing they've managed to do is piss me off.
[Miz] Awesome.
[Kevin Patrick] And a pair of Hall of Famers and The Man Becky Lynch
coming for Damage CTRL.
[Corey] But it's the host of WrestleMania.
["I Came To Play" playing]
[announcer] Please welcome the host of WrestleMania.
The Miz.
[Corey] Not only is Miz gonna host WrestleMania,
he's gonna sit right here beside me on commentary
for our next match.
[Kevin Patrick] You can understand the pep in his step
as WrestleMania goes Hollywood.
[upbeat music playing]
How exciting is this?
WWE is headed back to Puerto Rico for the first premium live event there
since 2005, and it's going to be hosted by
none other than Bad Bunny who's headed home.
Arguably the hottest artist on the planet today.
Headed to Backlash.
Corey can't wait for that.
[Corey] No doubt about it will be an event
to remember for a long, long time.
My first trip to Puerto Rico.
I cannot wait to see the sunshine.
The beaches and Backlash,
and Bad Bunny will be leading the party.
Let's just go now.
I'm ready to go to Puerto Rico right now.
Well, maybe after Raw is finished because we've got some action to get to.
Former Golden Gloves boxing champion three times over, Baron Corbin,
and we are graced at ringside by the presence of the man
who will host WrestleMania this year in Hollywood.
The Miz. Miz, congratulations.
[Miz] Bad Bunny is gonna have a hard act to follow
because I plan on pulling off all the stops at WrestleMania, baby.
[announcer] And his opponent, from Davenport, Iowa,
weighing in at 225 pounds,
Seth "Freakin" Rollins.
[Kevin Patrick] Rollins said he'd rather get boxing lessons
off his baby daughter than Baron Corbin.
[Corey] Corbin certainly didn't take too kindly to those insults.
[Miz] Rollins has been insulting
everyone and anyone for the past four weeks.
In the past month, I've been insulted.
Stomped by Seth Rollins yet people still sing his song.
People still chant his name.
I don't get it.
[Corey] Well, I think a good friend of yours, at least sometimes.
Logan Paul is looking to put an end to all of that, as we saw last week
on Monday Night Raw when Logan Paul turned Seth's lights out cold
with one right hand.
[Miz] Absolutely incredible.
I've said it a million times.
Logan Paul has picked up wrestling faster
than anyone I've ever seen in my entire career.
[Kevin Patrick] We've often talked about Logan Paul.
-Wait, look out! -[Miz] Here we go.
Smart move by Corbin. Miz, were you serious about
getting Corbin booked on Impaulsive TV.
[Miz] I don't think-- I think it's all booked up for Impaulsive TV.
I think a lot of people are talking about it next week.
It's going to be Impaulsive, baby.
[Kevin Patrick] Seth "Freakin" Rollins is stunned.
That was the spot that Logan Paul laid him out last week.
Now, back up on his feet, the bell rings.
Off we go.
[Corey] Corbin burying in knee to the midsection.
This would certainly do wonders for Corbin's case that
he wants an opportunity at WrestleMania.
[Miz] Look, I have said it a million times, look.
Corbin, if you handle Seth tonight,
I will definitely put in a good word to Logan.
There's no doubt in my mind.
Now, is his Impaulsive TV booked next week?
Probably.
But I'll put in a good word still.
You tried, right?
As the host, I have a lot of connections.
[Kevin Patrick] But you don't know if the show is booked next weekend.
[Miz] I can make a phone call.
[Corey] Kevin Patrick, stop insulting the host of WrestleMania.
[Miz] I keep getting a phone call unlike you, Kevin.
-[Corey] You smell fantastic, Miz. -[Miz] Thank you.
Seth, now going to work on Corbin who turns the tides once again.
[Kevin Patrick] Seth is out.
Seth is rolling a kick to the midsection.
My.
[Corey] Corbin looking to answer but Seth is a step ahead.
[Kevin Patrick] Rollins put Corbin on the outside,
[Corey] Sent out here to the floor.
We know historically speaking,
Rollins does not react well to being disrespected.
Let alone knocked out on live television.
[crowd cheering]
[Kevin Patrick] Watch out.
-Rollins has plans here. -[commentators exclaiming]
[Corey] Corbin laid out on our announce table.
-Miz, your suit still intact? -From the apron!
My God.
A knee right on the jaw.
Quit pandering to the crowd and get in the ring.
Don't pander to me. Hey!
Hey! I'm just on commentary.
This is the the most annoying song I have ever heard in my entire life.
-I don't get-- -Look out.
I don't think this is like a baby shark annoying,
but obviously…
Look at that.
Miz, are you okay?
Miz may not be able to host WrestleMania. Are you okay?
Watch this. You call it a match, Kevin.
Kick to the jaw…
-Wait a second. -Oh, no.
[Corey] Flattened by Seth Rollins.
And the Visionary has options.
-Oh, no. -[Kevin Patrick] That's a scary thing.
Rollins stopped for Corbin.
-His choice was Corbin. Cover. -One, two, three.
[announcer] Here is your winner.
Seth "Freakin" Rollins.
[Corey] How's that for a reaction, Kevin Patrick?
Seven nights after being sucker punched
and dropped like a bad habit,
Seth "Freakin" Rollins with an emphatic statement to Logan Paul.
[Kevin Patrick] This is how the match started.
Baron Corbin from behind on Seth "Freakin" Rollins.
Letting his intentions be known.
[Corey] And here, using the host of WrestleMania
as a launchpad to a thunderous stomp.
Night night, Baron Corbin,
How you doing Logan Paul?
[Kevin Patrick] Are you watching Logan Paul? Can you hear this song?
[crowd cheering]
Logan!
You bring your crew next week. I'll bring mine, baby.
[laughs]
[Corey] It is set. It is official, per the Miz.
Seth "Freakin" Rollins will go one on one with social media megastar
the maverick Logan Paul at WrestleMania.
I cannot wait till next week.
Impaulsive TV live on Monday Night Raw.
I bet you the Visionary will be watching.
[crowd singing]
I've got to know where he is. Have you seen him?
Daddy! Daddy!
Hi.
Have you seen Otis?
I have not.
You know what else I haven't seen?
Is you smiling.
Chad trust me, you got to be more optimistic.
Sometimes the one thing you're looking for is right around the corner.
Hashtag be positive.
-Hashtag muscles-- -Hey!
-Yes!
-Jesus. -Oh, my goodness.
-The muscularity. The striations. -Hey, hey, hey.
What are you guys doing with Otis?
You were supposed to have a match tonight, weren't you?
Actually, Chad, your little goblin.
I broke my nail scrolling through Instagram today,
which means we're not cosmetically cleared to compete.
That match is postponed until next week.
Tonight isn't about matches, Gollum. It's about matching.
And we're working on Otis head shots.
Otis?
Otis.
Otis, look, man, we don't always just have to lift weights, all right?
If you want to do this modeling stuff, I can do that with you, man.
-Let's do it. -Do some poses here.
-Here we go. -Take some shots.
-Get Coach. Right there. -Take some shots.
No! You broke my camera.
You probably broke it with your ick.
Your Sandoval-esque ick.
My what?
You don't know?
Clearly you don't watch Vanderpump Rules.
Tom Sandoval is a disgusting scab
on the unpedicured feet of his Bambi-eyed mistress.
And you… [inhales and sighs]
are grosser than that.
Come on, Otis.
We have work to do.
Otis, look.
We missed our morning session but I think we can cram
an hour's worth of work in twenty minutes, okay? Let's go.
-Twenty minutes? Twenty quicks? -Otisse.
Sorry, Coach.
["Watch Me Shine" playing]
[Corey] Compares him to Sandoval, that's harsh.
[Kevin Patrick] Otis the model. That's the avenue.
[Corey] "Otisse," you uncultured swine!
[Corey] Here she is. The EST.
[bell rings]
[announcer] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first from Knoxville, Tennessee,
she is the Raw Women's Champion,
Bianca Belair.
[Kevin Patrick] Yes, you see that infectious positivity
from Bianca Belair, the Raw Women's champ,
but let it be known she was livid after that cheap attack.
An ambush from Chelsea Green and Carmella last week.
The EST is gonna get her hands on Chelsea Green in one on one action.
Next on Raw.
♪ They hear me roar ♪
♪ And now I see that I'm way better than before ♪
♪ I never needed you at all Think I'd fall down… ♪
[Corey] Get excited, folks.
WWE 2K23, tomorrow you can preorder the deluxe and icon editions
available everywhere from this Friday.
WWE 2K23, even stronger.
Trust me if you want to get your hands on this preorder the icon
of deluxe editions tomorrow.
If not, get it Friday everywhere.
[Kevin Patrick] Look at the EST, the Raw Women's Champion
in the ring and ready for action.
[Chelsea] It's Chelsea.
Against the superstar who was…
[Corey] KP Shut up!
She's gonna call your manager.
[Kevin Patrick] You're right. You're right.
[announcer] And her opponent, accompanied to the ring
by Carmella, Chelsea Green.
[Kevin Patrick] How many times do you think Chelsea Green
has called Adam Pearce today alone?
[Corey] I understand Adam Pearce had to change his phone number
to avoid the constant harassment.
But let's be honest, he's not that great at his job.
[Kevin Patrick] Bianca Belair all set to go two weeks
from Saturday's WrestleMania weekend.
Oscar has come to the aid of Bianca Belair on a couple of occasions now.
But you can be sure when they're inside that squared circle at WrestleMania.
It's warm between Belair and Asuka for the Raw Women's Championship.
[Corey] How fantastic does Carmelo look out here at ringside
watching Chelsea Green's back in case of any nefarious
occurrence on the outside.
That's all I'm allowed to say before Twitter gets mad at me
for talking about my wife being hot.
So I'm sorry I won't do that anymore.
[Kevin Patrick] Chelsea Green has gotten rid of the mist,
from the face last week, sprayed by Oscar.
[Corey] That sounds dirty, Kev. What are you talking about?
Look at Chelsea Green, looking to make a name for herself
at the expense of the EST.
No.
[Kevin Patrick] Bianca Belair pace down.
-Chelsea Green scrambles-- -[indistinct shouting]
[Corey] Maybe a little abrasive at times.
But Chelsea Green is a highly skilled competitor.
She had a great deal of success in NXT.
She's done a few things here on Raw and SmackDown in the past.
But Chelsea is looking at this as a clean slate
that she can call upon as she sees fit.
[Kevin Patrick] When you're talking to the toughest
you're talking about the quickest,
it's Bianca Belair we're talking about here.
[Corey] This is not dissimilar to what we saw earlier tonight
from LA Knight with Cody Rhodes.
We know what Bianca's WrestleMania plans look like.
They involve the Empress of Tomorrow in defending the Raw Women's Championship
in one of the most highly tallied championship matches in recent memory.
But Chelsea Green would love to have an opportunity
at the showcase of the immortals.
[Kevin Patrick] Sure, everybody would.
Bianca Belair winning the Raw Women's Championship
at WrestleMania last year, defeating Becky Lynch.
Carmella having none of it on the outside.
Backbreaker.
Cover by Belair? Nope.
Standing moonsault. Grabs the leg.
Bianca Belair to put away Chelsea Green, who kicks out early.
And again, much like Cody Rhodes wants to be in tiptop shape.
Preparing for his match at WrestleMania.
You would imagine that's exactly what Bianca is trying to accomplish here.
But Chelsea is a very, very dangerous woman.
Get it inside. Knock it off. All right.
-[exclaims] And so is Carmella. -Cheap shot.
[Kevin Patrick] Absolute cheap shot from Carmella.
[Corey] Ain't nothing cheap about her, KP. I got the receipts. Cover by--
[Kevin Patrick] Chelsea Green now for the victory over Bianca Belair, who kicks out.
It was close, but not close enough.
[Kevin Patrick] We're watching the Raw Women's Champion Bianca Belair in action,
-one on one against Chelsea and Bianca-- -[Corey exclaims]
[Kevin Patrick] Chelsea escapes.
It was an ambush attack last week
by Carmella and Chelsea Green on the EST.
Chelsea kicking out.
Double knees by Chelsea.
Applauded by Carmella.
Beautiful.
[Corey] Such is the risk taken by any champion
or any competitor, for that matter, this close to WrestleMania.
You want to be 100 percent.
You can take the Cody Rhodes, Bianca Belair route,
and try to keep yourself razor sharp,
or you can try to preserve yourself.
Which seems be the goal of The Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns
who will here next week on Monday Night Raw.
And the EST has been having a bit of a struggle with--
[Kevin Patrick] That's why you can understand
how livid she was coming into today after last week's attack.
Or Bianca could have sat back
and focused on the task ahead at WrestleMania,
in the form of the Empress of Tomorrow.
Asuka!
Bianca now taking down Chelsea.
The powerful EST.
Goodness, Chelsea nearly dropkick out of the ring.
[Kevin Patrick] There's no sitting back for Bianca Belair right now.
Belair is on one right now.
A nice reversal by Green.
Evades the danger. Has Chelsea scouted.
Bianca to showcase her power.
And her balance.
Installing vertical suplex by Bianca Belair.
Things are starting to look bleak for Chelsea…
No.
Taking Carmella to the outside with the double knees.
Chelsea Green responding.
-Inside cradle. -Could Chelsea do it and get the win?
Bianca still alive.
Vicious slap from Chelsea Green.
[Corey] Five across the eyes from Green.
This one changed it moments ago. Carmella to the outside.
Cover on the top of your screen.
Chelsea is gonna steal this.
Last second Bianca kicks out.
See the frustration on the face of Chelsea Green…
Who knows that Chelsea for putting up a hell of a fight thus far.
But the EST just a little too strong.
Ripcord.
[Kevin Patrick] Ringing it up and turning it around.
-Talk about a connection from Chelsea. -[Corey] Countered by Belair.
KO-D.
Belair grabs the leg to put away Chelsea Green.
["Watch Me Shine" playing]
[announcer] Here is your winner.
The Raw Women's Champion,
Bianca Belair.
[Corey] It was a tough task.
[Kevin Patrick] Bianca Belair.
We learned a lesson from last week, but Chelsea Green is there.
[Corey] Belair's outnumbered.
And this spells trouble for the Raw Women's Champion.
We got company.
Asuka is in the house.
[Kevin Patrick] Belair's WrestleMania opponents.
[Corey] Coming to Bianca's aid yet again.
[Kevin Patrick] Poor Chelsea being passed back and forth like a ping pong ball.
My.
A sign of respect, perhaps.
[Corey] It may be a sign of respect.
But that will all go.
Wait a minute.
[crowd cheering]
[Corey] The challenger Asuka having a little fun with Belair.
Looks like Asuka is practicing her WrestleMania celebration.
[Asuka laughing]
[indistinct shouting]
["You Can't Hide" playing]
[Kevin Patrick] It gets creepier every single week.
[Corey] I can't be entirely certain.
But it seems as though Asuka might have just initiated
the first mind game on the road to WrestleMania.
[Kevin Patrick] I don't know if we saw too many mind games earlier on tonight here
on Monday Night Raw.
Bianca Belair picks up a Raw Women's Championship.
Let's go back inside the squared circle.
We had a gargantuan meeting
between The Beast and the Nigerian Giant.
[Corey] Look at the size of the palm of Omos.
Just enveloping The Beast incarnate.
And then holding Brock in his grip until Lesnar had enough
but Brock Lesnar would be downright overwhelmed
by The Nigerian Giant Omos.
Tossed to the outside.
But perhaps most shocking was Lesnar's reaction.
The Beast incarnate in retreat.
[Kevin Patrick] In the face of trepidation and nerves.
You never say that about Brock Lesnar.
Over seven hundred pounds
between these two Goliaths and they are set to collide.
Two weeks from Saturday, WrestleMania weekend.
Brock Lesnar.
Can he F5 someone of the size of Omos?
[intense music playing]
Meanwhile, who's ready for the main event of Monday Night Raw?
[announcer] The following contest is a street fight.
Introducing first from Las Vegas, Nevada, weighing in at 250 pounds,
Solo Sikoa.
[Corey] Solo Sikoa ready for battle.
You have to wonder if he'll make The Tribal Chief proud,
because Roman Reigns will be in the house next Sunday
when Raw hits Saint Louis, Missouri.
We're on the road to WrestleMania.
The undisputed WWE Universal Champ will be in the house.
[Kevin Patrick] Monday Night Raw is where it's at tonight as well.
The main event, Kevin Owens, determined to go it alone.
The Prizefighter is up against Solo Sikoa,
a match that hit disqualification last week.
Well, tonight it's a street fight.
And it's live and it's coming your way next on Monday Night Raw.
[Kevin Patrick] It is official.
Logan Paul will take on Seth "Freakin" Rollins at WrestleMania.
But next week in Saint Louis on Monday Night Raw,
Logan Paul brings Impaulsive TV to the show.
[Corey] Tonight earlier, Austin Theory was able to get past
Angelo Dawkins of the Street Profits.
Can the US Champion's luck continue
as he battles Montez Ford next week?
[Kevin Patrick] Bianca Belair will defend her Championship
at WrestleMania against Asuka.
But the two will team up next week on Raw to take on Carmella and Chelsea Green.
[Corey] And broken earlier today by the wise man himself
next Monday on Raw, The Tribal Chief,
the undisputed WWE Universal Champion,
Roman Reigns returns to Raw.
[Kevin Patrick] A look now at Roman Reigns' insurance policy.
The street champ.
This is Solo Sikoa's playground.
A street fight against the prize fighter, Kevin Owens.
["Fight" playing]
[announcer] And his opponent, from Marieville, Quebec, Canada,
weighing in at 266 pounds,
Kevin Owens.
[Kevin Patrick] Kevin Owens looked down the barrel of the camera
earlier on tonight and said, "I do not need Sami Zayn's help."
He also said, "I'm speaking to you, Cody Rhodes but look at this…"
They're teeing off already.
[Corey] Not even waiting for the opening bell.
Owens and Solo throwing hands.
Listen, I respect Kevin Owens' decision to go in alone,
but sometimes you need to know when to swallow your pride.
[Kevin Patrick] This is a street fight.
Stipulation is no count outs, no disqualifications.
Victory by pinfall or submission.
[Corey] Last week's match-up was called off via disqualification.
That will not be the case tonight.
[Kevin Patrick] Senton on Solo.
[Corey] And Owens, almost surprisingly,
getting the upper hand on the street champ.
And Solo wisely rolling to the outside.
But that only means more real estate in which KO can fight.
[Kevin Patrick] KO's energized. He's not delaying but he's caught by Solo.
[Corey] The enforcer of the bloodline, the street champ, at times a game changer.
Solo Sikoa has proven his worth, and he knows that Roman is looking on.
Roman wants Solo to be the one tonight to end the KO problem.
[Kevin Patrick] A problem is exactly what it is that Paul Heyman alluded to
-earlier on tonight. -KO!
A vicious closeline.
[Corey] Kevin Owens understandably having issues recently
trusting to anyone but himself.
Kevin has been embroiled in this issue with the bloodline for months and months.
[Kevin Patrick] You'd think for his own good, Corey,
that he would try and mend fences,
whether it be with Sami Zayn or cooperate and get along with Cody Rhodes.
[Corey] Kevin feels he's just been burned too many times to trust anyone.
And when you're dealing with a force, the likes of the bloodline,
perpetual dominance,
Solo dribbling KO's skull off of our announce table.
But Owens turns it around.
Somehow finding the will to continue.
[Kevin Patrick] As he always does.
Just keep fighting.
[crowd chanting]
[Corey] And tonight, Owens and Solo,
not bound by the traditional rules of the game,
basically found only by physics and their imaginations.
What an epic Samoan drop by Solo…
who has a moment to gain his wits about him as we look again.
KO being launched across the ring and now the street champ
has regained his composer.
[Kevin Patrick] Looking to feast on Kevin Owens.
And with the return of Jey Uso to the bloodline,
Corey, you could argue that the bloodline
may be more angry and stronger than ever before.
[Corey] And if you're just tuning in, this is a street fight
the only ways to win are pinfall or submission.
No count out, no disqualification.
Kevin Owens came out of the gate very impressive,
but has now succumbed to the street champ.
[Kevin Patrick] Solo's got weapons.
[Corey] Solo's got weapons and no rules…
-KO! -…to handcuff him but…
[Kevin Patrick] Into the steel steps goes Solo Sikoa.
What you can do I can do better. And KO goes for the table.
Solo's back up on his feet. Superkick.
-Rocks Kevin Owens. -[Corey] Right on the jaw of Owens.
[Kevin Patrick] Owens across the announce desk.
It's mayhem in the main event on Monday Night Raw.
Can KO, The Prizefighter get back in this?
[crowd cheering]
[Corey] Kevin Owens is loading the ring with potential weaponry
to continue his assault on Solo Sikoa.
This is a street fight, which means all of these weapons
are perfectly legal.
You must win by pinfall or submission.
No count out, no disqualification.
[Kevin Patrick] And Solo may be wisely rolling to the outside,
but KO's gone chasing him.
With the steel chair to the back of the enforcer of The Bloodline.
[Corey] The spine and kidneys of the street champ.
[Kevin Patrick] Looking to end the KO problem is The Bloodline.
And their enforcer, who's undefeated
since arriving on WWE here on Monday Night Raw.
What has KO got cooking?
[Corey] When it comes to brutality, Kevin Owens has quite the imagination.
Owens setting up multiple chairs.
[Kevin Patrick] Solo looks to grab the leg of Kevin Owens.
Owens has him where he wants him.
[Corey] Big right hand. Solo now.
In a prone position on the chairs.
Kevin Owens from the top.
[Kevin Patrick] Solo wise to it.
Smacks KO. Continues to head-butt him.
[Corey] Oh, no.
Oh, no. If Solo lands, this is good night, Owens.
[Kevin Patrick] KO knows it.
He continues to fight.
[Corey] Owens with a head-butt.
Solo is teetering, hanging on to the top rope.
[Kevin Patrick] Two superstars that never give an inch.
[Corey] Owen's looking to regain his footing now from the top.
No!
That's gotta be it.
Owen's ain't getting up after that.
[Kevin Patrick] Split apart by the tables.
KO looks out.
[Corey] Take a look at this.
Solo launching Owens from the top.
[Kevin Patrick] Covering here at the top of your screen.
[Corey] KO kicks out.
Owen's barely survived.
Understandably so.
Kevin body is wracked with pain
after being slammed from the top rope onto six steel chairs.
And now Kevin out here,
in front of our announced table somehow,
someway still fighting.
[Kevin Patrick] As he always does.
KO, the most resilient fella you'll find.
Apace there. Cannonball.
[Corey] Solo in trouble on the outside.
Owen's continuing his assault now.
Dumping solo out into the WWE Universe.
[Kevin Patrick] Watch out, people.
This street fight is heading into the crowd.
[Corey] I can't be entirely sure
but it seems as though Solo is the one in retreat for now.
[Kevin Patrick] Where are they going now?
[Corey] Now making it back towards the entrance way.
My.
Look at those LED boards. Face first.
Nod up your eyebrow.
It'll break your nose.
[Kevin Patrick] Backstage they go.
What the--
Jimmy and Jey Uso.
[Corey] What a perfectly laid trap.
Solo luring Owen's backstage.
The Usos waiting.
Stereo super kicks.
And things are about to get worse for Kevin Owens.
[Kevin Patrick] And the twins drag their prey back inside the ring.
KO fighting alone with nobody by his side.
And all of a sudden it's The Usos alongside their younger brother, Solo.
And this spells trouble.
[indistinct shouting]
Come on.
[Corey] Solo.
[Kevin Patrick] But that Samoan Spike.
Grabs the leg.
This one could be over.
[bell rings]
[announcer] Here's your winner, Solo Sikoa!
[Corey] By order of The Tribal Chief, Solo path was simple.
Eliminate the Kevin Owens problem.
And with a little assist, from Jimmy and Jey.
That may be exactly what we just witnessed.
-Let's go. -[indistinct shouting]
[Kevin Patrick] Executed by Jimmy and Jey Uso.
And then the Samoan spike to KO.
One, two, three.
[Corey] The Head of the Table has got to be happy with what just unfold…
Oh god, we need to get Kevin some help.
What will be on his mind when The Tribal Chief
heads to Monday Night Raw next week?