[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.
[crowd cheering]
[Kevin Patrick] WrestleMania Week is upon us,
as we welcome you to the sold-out Footprint Center
in downtown Phoenix, Arizona, for WrestleMania Raw.
♪ Awesome! ♪
["I Came To Play" playing]
[Corey Graves] And we are kicking off WrestleMania Raw
with the host of this year's WrestleMania,
the A-lister himself, The Miz is in the house.
Welcome in, folks. How exciting is this?
Kevin Patrick, Corey Graves.
We have a blockbuster show for you tonight.
It's WrestleMania week,
but a big question for me, Corey, is,
is this a galactically stupid mistake
for Cody Rhodes to step into the ring with The Enforcer, Solo Sikoa, tonight?
[Corey] It very well may be, but we'll find out tonight
as Rhodes goes one on one
with The Enforcer of The Bloodline, Solo Sikoa.
[Kevin] It promises to be a colossal meeting
between The Beast Incarnate, Brock Lesnar,
and The Nigerian Giant, Omos.
Days before their WrestleMania meeting, it's the weigh-in tonight.
[Corey] And we're bringing you a very special WrestleMania appetizer,
because the Intercontinental Champion, Gunther,
is not only live on Raw, he will be in action.
[Kevin] Months of being derided and insulted by his estranged son,
Rey Mysterio has accepted a match against Dominik at WrestleMania.
But tonight, he must take on Damian Priest,
also of The Judgment Day.
[announcer] Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome
the host of Miz TV and WrestleMania,
The Miz!
One of the most must-see WWE talk show in history.
Welcome to…
[crowd] Miz TV!
Oh, yeah, we feel those WrestleMania vibes.
You feel that WrestleMania energy!
This is the final Raw on the Road to WrestleMania!
Where you all were bear witness to the MC of awesome,
the most must-see master of ceremonies,
the host of WrestleMania himself,
The Miz!
[crowd cheering]
And on tonight's special WrestleMania edition of Miz TV,
we will get to the bottom
of one of the most heated rivalries in all of WWE.
So let's get to it.
Let's bring out my guests.
Get up out of your seats and give a warm welcome
to the WWE Women's Tag Team Champion,
Lita and The Man, Becky Lynch,
and WWE Hall of Famer, Trish Stratus.
["Time To Rock & Roll" playing]
♪ Ha-ha-ha, oh ♪
♪ Woah, it's time to rock and roll ♪
♪ Woah, this time I'm in control ♪
[Corey] What an ovation in Phoenix for the Hall of Famer.
[Kevin] We're kicking things off with WWE royalty tonight.
["LoveFuryPassionEnergy" playing]
[Corey] And another Hall of Famer,
one half of the WWE Women's Tag Team Champions.
So much history between these two women.
And more continues to be made.
["Celtic Invasion" playing]
[Kevin] Listen to the roar, for The Man of the people.
[Corey] It is a deafening ovation for three women
prepared for battle at WrestleMania.
Stratus, Lita and Lynch will team
to battle Bayley, IYO SKY and Dakota Kai,
collectively known as Damage CTRL.
[Kevin] Graves, have you ever seen a more badass trio
than Becky, Lita and Trish?
[inaudible]
[Corey] Familiar territory for all three women.
Lynch, Lita and Stratus
-have all succeeded at WrestleMania. -Please have a seat.
Ladies and gentlemen, Becky Lynch, Trish Stratus and Lita.
Becky, you have a match with IYO SKY tonight,
so I'll start with you.
Damage CTRL has made your life a living hell,
so much so that you had to call in backup
in the form of Trish Stratus and Lita.
But you're The Man.
Like, you're The Man, Becky Lynch.
-[crowd cheering] -You work alone.
What I want to know is,
what does it feel like to know you couldn't do it yourself,
so you had to call in reinforcements?
[crowd booing]
You're right, Miz, I am The Man.
[crowd cheering]
Just like you are a man.
And I think Phoenix, Arizona…
would agree with me when I say
you sound like a very insecure man with notoriously
tiny balls.
[crowd cheering]
[crowd chanting] Tiny balls! Tiny balls! Tiny balls!
They are not tiny. They are massive.
Verified by my wife.
Well, it must be nice to know that Maryse didn't get around much before you.
[crowd exclaims]
Anyway, Miz, you are right, you are right.
Damage CTRL have been a thorn in my side.
Since SummerSlam, they put me on the shelf.
They made it so that I could not look after my child.
They made it so that it was two of the toughest months of my life.
And then for the other two months, I was plotting how I would end them,
and I thought I ended them at WarGames.
But, no, they just kept coming back like the vermin that they are.
And so, yes, I don't get along with too many people.
But there are two people in this ring that I respect
more than anybody else in this business.
And, no, you are not one of them, Miz.
[crowd cheering]
And so when people fight for me, I fight for them.
[crowd cheering]
Moving along.
Lita, Trish, why now?
Yeah, give them a cheer. Go ahead.
[crowd cheering]
Why now?
Why make your return just to play backup to Becky Lynch?
[inaudible conversation]
I mean, Miz, I don't really feel like backup,
I kind of feel like one half of the Tag Team Champion.
[crowd cheering]
But I do know that I have felt the best.
["We Got the Rage" playing]
♪ Ha-ha, Damage CTRL ♪
♪ Yeah ♪
[Corey] Bayley, Dakota Kai and IYO SKY have hit the scene.
Enough. Enough. Enough.
-What a surprise. -[Bayley] Enough. No.
-[Miz] Your opponents at WrestleMania. -Not now.
Not now, Miz. I have something to say.
[crowd booing]
Not now, Phoenix, you idiots!
I said I have something to say.
[crowd booing]
I am so sick and tired of the three of you acting like
this match at WrestleMania is just another match to you.
Because to the three of us, this is our life.
Every single step we've taken since SummerSlam has led us to this match,
and Trish, Lita, you guys are in this ring acting like you still mean something,
when you really only meant something about 20 years ago.
[crowd exclaiming]
Twenty years ago?
I'm pretty sure this on her shoulder means she means something right now.
You know what?
At one point in my life,
this would have been the ultimate dream match for us.
Going up against someone I came up with in this company,
and two of my heroes at WrestleMania.
Two of our heroes at WrestleMania.
But now it's a different kind of dream.
I said it's a different kind of dream,
something that none of you idiots know anything about
because you can't accomplish crap!
Now our dream is to take out the top woman of this division,
the one that everyone brags about,
and two Hall of Famers,
all in the same night.
And then what? And then what, Bayley? And then what?
Because you're going on about this, but you're not doing nothing.
And you've got these two behind you, and they haven't been doing anything.
They haven't been doing anything.
You took Dakota Kai.
She was a two-time Tag Team Champion.
You took Dakota.
You took IYO, who was one of the greatest
women's champions in NXT.
And what is she doing? She ain't doing nothing.
You're not doing nothing but being a lackey.
You're not doing anything but being a lackey,
and all you's are doing is the same old tired stuff
since SummerSlam.
You haven't done anything.
I thought this was gonna end at WarGames.
I thought this was gonna end in a Steel Cage Match.
I thought this was gonna end
when we took these titles from your waist, but it's not.
So it can only end at WrestleMania.
[inaudible]
["Celtic Invasion" playing]
[inaudible conversation]
[Kevin] The Man, Becky Lynch.
They'll collide with Damage CTRL at WrestleMania,
but it's IYO against Becky, next.
[Kevin] Don't miss the new movie, Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves.
Only in theaters, Friday.
Welcome back to Monday Night Raw.
-Packed house tonight, 13,568… -[bell dinging]
…at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona.
And a hot start from Becky Lynch.
One-on-one action with IYO SKY.
[Corey] Becky right out of the gate, bringing the fight to IYO SKY.
The Man is on a roll tonight in Phoenix.
[crowd chanting] Becky! Becky! Becky!
[Kevin] We heard an impassioned Becky Lynch
before the commercial break.
Tired of the same old stuff from Damage CTRL.
[Corey] Lynch getting ready for the Bexploder Suplex.
There we go.
[Kevin] Watching on, the Hall of Famers, Trish Stratus and Lita.
-Ooh! -[Corey] And a second Bexploder.
IYO wisely rolling to the outside.
[inaudible conversation]
[Corey] Lynch continuing to assault IYO.
[Kevin] And just five days before WrestleMania.
Becky takes a climb, looking for the leg drop.
Hey! You two. [indistinct]
[Corey] WrestleMania will truly takeover Hollywood
this Saturday and Sunday, streaming live on Peacock.
Wait, a second. Lynch has two fistfuls of Bayley's--
Ooh!
…Bayley's hair,
and IYO capitalizing on the distraction.
Both of these trios will compete against one another
this weekend.
Over 75,000 members of the WWE Universe expected each night.
Make sure you leave early if you're heading there live.
You're gonna have traffic all over the place. You know about LA.
[Kevin] Absolutely. Hang on a second.
Cover here, IYO SKY. Kick out early by Becky Lynch.
Becky Lynch told me earlier, this, a year ago,
would have been a dream match for her against IYO SKY.
Not anymore. She just wants to destroy her.
[Corey] Becky echoed those similar sentiments
regarding the entire situation.
I'm sorry, Bayley did earlier.
[crowd chanting] Let's go, Becky! Let's go, Becky!
[Corey] This is a opportunity for both of these ladies
to gain some semblance of an advantage over the other team--
Oh! …prior to WrestleMania.
If nothing else, to study the opposition.
Bayley's fired up, covered by IYO.
[Kevin] Grabs the leg, IYO looking to win. Becky kicking out.
[Corey] Take a look at the precision on the dropkick from IYO SKY.
Now bringing the fight to The Man.
[Kevin] How much does it say, Corey, about Becky Lynch,
that Hall of Famers, Trish and Lita,
are standing by her side here, close to WrestleMania.
[Corey] I mean you can't buy that sort of endorsement,
you need a Hall of Fame--
Obviously, Lita and Trish Stratus
have a great deal of respect for Becky Lynch
and what The Man has accomplished in her career.
Unfortunately for Lynch,
when you reach those heights, you become a target.
[Kevin] Look at this, trading blows,
and it's The Man, Becky Lynch, in control now.
-Oh! -[Corey] Shotei uppercut rocks Lynch.
[Kevin] Ooh!
[Corey] And The Man answers. Down goes IYO.
[Lita] You got it. Becky, take a breath.
[Corey] You got the Hall of Famers on the outside
trying to motivate Lynch.
You've got Bayley and Dakota of Damage CTRL
looking on in support of IYO.
And the WWE Universe is live tonight here in Phoenix.
It feels like WrestleMania week.
[Kevin] It does. Absolutely.
You have to wonder who's gonna have the advantage at WrestleMania.
Think of the chemistry that Damage CTRL have had
since returning at SummerSlam in Nashville last summer.
[Corey] Becky Lynch eager to banish Damage CTRL into her past.
[Kevin] Oh!
[Corey] Could all occur this weekend,
as a dropkick sends IYO halfway up the ramp.
[Kevin] And Becky Lynch has ideas--
From the apron!
-Oh! -[Corey] The Man…
with little Baseball Slide dropkick.
Incredibly effective.
A series of kicks right across the chest of IYO,
and The Man making the climb.
[Kevin] There's an aggression in Becky Lynch tonight.
Just days before the Showcase of the Immortals.
[Corey] Lynch wants another Bexploder suplex.
IYO able to fight out.
[Kevin] Oh! Becky now, may put away IYO SKY here.
And a kick out by IYO.
[Corey] Painful-looking landing for IYO.
That modified inverted DDT executed by Lynch.
[speaking indistinctly]
[Corey] And the WWE Universe is firmly behind Lynch.
Looking for the Manhandle Slam, great counter by IYO.
-[Kevin] Oh, man. -[Corey] Double stomp.
[Kevin] Hammering the ribs of Becky Lynch. Now IYO SKY wants to win this.
Kick out by Becky.
What a match. Lynch is still alive.
[Corey] Is she?
[Kevin] Becky Lynch and IYO SKY from the top rope.
[Corey] Superplex. Cover by Lynch.
[Kevin] Becky Lynch now for the victory, and IYO kicks out.
What a match we are witnessing here tonight
from Phoenix, Arizona.
Becky Lynch alongside the Hall of Famers, Trish Stratus and Lita.
[Corey] And the action continued during the break,
as IYO SKY, living up to her namesake,
soaring through it with a beautiful dropkick
that nearly put Lynch away.
But Lynch would counter with an epic superplex,
but IYO would survive.
[Kevin] "Epic," the right word there as this match continues.
They will meet again at WrestleMania in tag team action.
[Corey] Think of how personal this has all been for Becky Lynch.
Damage CTRL has quite literally made her life hell
-since SummerSlam of last year. -[IYO yelling]
[Corey] Oh! Beautiful German suplex.
Unable to complete the bridge.
And a second one does it.
[Kevin] Cover for the win now.
Becky Lynch still alive.
[Corey] Just barely escaping before the count of three.
And Bayley is over here at our desk,
requesting a replay of the fantastic German suplexes
-executed by IYO SKY moments ago. -[indistinct]
[Kevin] Corey, you've been in the ring.
How impressive is everything IYO SKY is capable of doing?
[Corey] The same has to be said for both of these women.
Oh! As we look again at the German suplex from IYO.
The same has to be said for all six of these women.
We've got two Hall of Famers
already involved this weekend at WrestleMania,
and potentially four more in the making
in one match alone.
[Kevin] Outrageous to think about.
From SoFi Stadium, over 75,000 fans both nights.
Now Becky Lynch has ideas on the top rope. Kick connects.
[both grunting]
[Corey] I like what I'm seeing out of IYO SKY tonight.
Extremely impressive.
Wow! My goodness!
That was incredible.
[Kevin] The Genius of the Sky sending Lynch to the outside.
No, no, no.
[Corey] And IYO making it look effortless.
Wow!
[Kevin] Springboard moonsault.
Wants Becky Lynch back inside the ring and fast.
Cover now for IYO SKY and Damage CTRL.
Lynch kicking out at two.
[Corey] Take another look at this poetry.
IYO soaring through the sky before taking down The Man.
[crowd chanting indistinctly]
[Corey] You can see the battle wounds on the chin of IYO.
[Kevin] Reminder tonight, The Ring General, Gunther.
[Corey] We could be in for an over the moonsault.
Here it comes!
Lynch out of the way!
[Kevin] Scouted the danger, did Becky Lynch.
Maybe wants The Disarm-her.
[Corey] Great counter.
[Kevin] Lynch, manhandle slam!
Stacking up IYO SKY!
-Gets the win! -[bell dinging]
["Celtic Invasion" playing]
[announcer] Here is your winner, The Man, Becky Lynch!
[Corey] What an effort tonight by IYO SKY.
But it has to feel good for Lynch, Lita and Stratus
as they prepare for a six-woman tag team matchup
this weekend at WrestleMania.
[Kevin] You used the word "epic", Corey.
That is an epic trio.
Lita, Lynch and Trish Stratus.
[Corey] Well, this is also an opportunity for Damage CTRL
to re-formulate their game plan.
IYO, I'm sure, picked up a few hits,
a few tendencies of Becky Lynch in the matchup we just witnessed.
I cannot wait to watch these six tear the house down
at SoFi Stadium at WrestleMania.
Oh, man. WrestleMania Sunday,
the biggest night, no question, of Cody Rhodes' life.
And last week on Raw,
Cody absorbed all that Roman Reigns threw at him.
And then he took out his magic 8 ball
and predicted what life is gonna look like for Roman
after Cody beats him at WrestleMania.
There you'll be, a man without a family.
A Roman with no more reigns.
A chief without a tribe.
[crowd chanting] Cody! Cody! Cody!
[microphone thuds]
[inaudible]
-What's he doing? -I don't know.
It's like I said, I knew you weren't ready.
[Corey] Cody would avoid the Samoan Spike attempt by Solo Sikoa,
before The Tribal Chief would call off The Enforcer.
Cody Rhodes,
you go one versus one
against Solo!
Undefeated, and as good as you are,
you're not ready.
[crowd cheering]
[Kevin] Could those words,
"You're not ready," from Cody Rhodes backfire
days before the biggest night of his life at WrestleMania?
The American Nightmare, tonight, goes one on one
with The Enforcer of The Bloodline, Solo Sikoa.
[Kevin] WrestleMania Week is upon us,
and we are thrilled to be in Phoenix, Arizona tonight,
just five days away from the Showcase of the Immortals,
where arguably the most unpredictable superstar within WWE
has sights set on becoming a champion once again.
[announcer] From Osaka, Japan, Asuka!
Prior to, I had knowledge of what she was known for in Japan
and what a dominant force she was,
but once Asuka arrived in NXT, Asuka was a game changer.
I remember watching her, thinking, "This woman is scary."
[commentator 1] Asuka has run through everyone in the division.
At NXT, she was like a buzzsaw,
and it wasn't long before she became champion.
[commentator 2] Asuka, middle of the ring. Asuka Lock.
-She's done! -[bell dinging]
[commentator 3] The Empress crowned here in Dallas.
No one is ready for Asuka!
For Asuka to go out there and run through the NXT roster,
and then run through the main roster as well,
it is a huge accolade.
[commentator 4] It is the longest such streak
in the history of WWE male or female superstars.
When Asuka can go years of being undefeated,
that's just showing that she's in a class all by herself.
I look at Asuka and I'm in awe.
This woman can do it all.
[commentator 5] Asuka won the first-ever women's Royal Rumble Match.
Miss money in the bank!
[commentator 6] Former two-time Raw Women's Champion.
[commentator 7] Women's Tag Team Champion.
[commentator 8] SmackDown Women's Champion.
[Corey] One of the most feared women in the business.
[commentator 9] Asuka is your lone survivor.
[commentator 10] Asuka is going to WrestleMania,
for a Raw Women's Championship Match
with Bianca Belair.
Asuka will prevail because her psychological games
provide the X factor that Bianca hasn't seen,
and I don't think she's quite prepared for.
[Corey] WrestleMania is on the horizon.
Is Bianca ready for Asuka?
[Kevin] Bianca Belair is approaching a full calendar year
as Raw Women's Champion.
The EST is looking to three-peat at WrestleMania.
But can she get past The Empress of Tomorrow,
the unpredictable and powerful Asuka?
What a match that promises to be.
It's a match that currently has the entire WWE Universe buzzing
because I don't know if you know or not, but it's WrestleMania week.
And I cannot wait to see how the weekend unfolds,
particularly in the case of one of my personal favorites.
-Are you talking about Seth Rollins? -I might be.
[laughs] Seth Rollins has won it all in WWE.
But that hasn't stopped Logan Paul from getting under his skin.
But Rollins didn't hold back after derailing Impaulsive TV last week,
Rollins went after Paul.
[Corey] The two had to be separated.
Battling all over ringside.
And as Rollins appeared to gain the upper hand
and utilize one of Logan's own tactics against him,
security would take the fall,
opening the door for Logan Paul
to yet again turn out Seth Rollins' lights.
Excuse me, Logan. Can I get a question?
After everything that happened at--
Yeah. Here's your answer.
I beat Seth Rollins again,
and I'm gonna beat him at WrestleMania, April 1st, on my birthday.
Best birthday ever.
-Any more questions? -No.
I'll take it from here.
You better watch out, Seth!
WrestleMania, I'm coming.
Whoo!
I'm waiting to get in a word with Seth "Freakin" Rollins.
-Oh, Seth. -[crowd cheering]
Cathy. My favorite.
Give me the tea. Give me the tea. What you got?
Okay. Well, Logan Paul
has sucker punched you and knocked you out,
not once, but twice in recent weeks.
Do you have anything left to say to him ahead of your match,
one on one, this weekend at WrestleMania?
Actually, Seth has nothing nice to say,
so he's not gonna say anything at all.
Whoa, whoa. Seth.
I just want to help you see the more positive side
to Logan Paul knocking you out.
Twice.
Listen, Logan and his crew had no idea
who you even were before The Royal Rumble.
And now…
And now, Logan and his millions of fans,
they can't wait to see if he's gonna land
another one of those lucky punches
at WrestleMania.
Honestly, you should be more grateful.
You need to start thinking more positive-ali.
[laughs]
I get it. I get it.
Positively.
-Positive-ali. -Yeah, yeah.
[laughs] Genius.
Genius, and put it on a shirt.
It'll make millions.
He deserves a prize. He deserves a prize.
What do you got? Do you got any prizes for him?
I mean, maybe, uh…
I could get my guy on staff for you.
Work on your drip game a little bit. Or, or, or, uh…
Oh, oh, oh.
No, no, no. No, no, no.
-I got it. I got it. -Oh, yeah. Oh, yeah.
So remember all those months ago
when I was running around with the United States title?
-Yeah. -And you were begging me for a fight.
[chuckles] That was a long time ago, though, Seth.
-Oh! -A long time ago. I'm here for you.
But you know what they say,
"Good things come to those who wait."
-So tonight, this is your night. -I can wait.
Mustafa Ali versus Seth "Freakin" Rollins.
It's positively beautiful.
-[laughs] -That was--
That's not what I was--
[Corey] It is official.
Mustafa Ali will go one on one
with The Visionary, Seth "Freakin" Rollins
next on Monday Night Raw.
["Less Than Zero" playing]
[Corey] We want to send a special thank you
to The Weeknd for "Less Than Zero",
an official theme song of WrestleMania.
It's from the album Dawn FM,
and it's available now on Apple Music And Spotify.
♪ Burn it down! ♪
["Visionary" playing]
[Corey] If you have anything pressing to say, KP, now is the time.
[announcer] …from Davenport, Iowa, weighing in at 225 pounds,
Seth "Freakin" Rollins!
[Corey] Too late. Their turn.
♪ Woah-oh-oh ♪
♪ Burn it down! ♪
[Corey] I would be lying if I told you I'm not fired up
to hear over 75,000 members
of the WWE Universe in SoFi Stadium
sing the Visionary's song.
[Kevin] Logan Paul thinks he's popular.
Think again.
Listen to the crowd here in Phoenix, Arizona.
♪ Woah-oh-oh ♪
♪ Burn it down! ♪
[Kevin] Logan Paul says "You can love me or you can hate me,"
The fact is, I'm really good at this."
It's hard to argue with that.
But he's up against Seth "Freakin" Rollins,
who is a master at his trade.
And, Corey, it sets up for one hell of a match at WrestleMania.
[Corey] No doubt about it.
For as good as Logan Paul has proven to be…
♪ Woah-oh-oh ♪
…Rollins prides himself
-on being the absolute best. -[music stops]
♪ Woah-oh-oh ♪
[Corey] I believe he's got a look of disbelief on his face.
When you've got the WWE Universe this passionately behind you,
it's like every city you're in,
you're playing a home game when you're Seth "Freakin" Rollins.
♪ Woah-oh-oh ♪
[Corey] What an unbelievable reaction
here in Phoenix, Arizona, for The Visionary.
-[bell dinging] -But let's be perfectly honest.
Rollins has been embarrassed now twice by Logan Paul.
Yes, Logan Paul's an amazing athlete.
He's been a very impressive WWE superstar thus far.
But Rollins has been to the top of the mountain.
Rollins was humiliated and dropped, knocked flat out cold twice.
Seth is not gonna take that.
[Kevin] So behind all the dancing and all the smiling,
there's a fire raging deep within Seth "Freakin" Rollins.
…I would've knocked you out.
You understand? You're just rushing into me.
You're not thinking.
[Corey] You're absolutely right. I think Mustafa Ali is on the verge
of experiencing that fire firsthand.
But what an opportunity this is for Ali.
If Mustafa Ali can knock off Seth Rollins
this close to WrestleMania,
who knows what it could mean for Ali's career?
I mean, I'd buy a Positive-Ali shirt.
Maybe one of those wrist bands,
like one of those yellow ones everyone used to wear.
[Kevin] I think Seth "Freakin" Rollins is pretty positive
he wants to get more hands all over Mustafa Ali.
[crowd] ♪ Woah-oh-oh ♪
[Kevin] Could Logan Paul be underestimating
the power and experience of Seth "Freakin" Rollins?
[Corey] Yes. Yes. And I say that without hesitation.
Because, again, this is Logan Paul.
The same Logan Paul who took Roman Reigns to the absolute limit.
-Logan Paul is the genuine article. -[Kevin] Oh!
[Corey] But Rollins lives this.
Rollins looks at Logan Paul,
and Seth has called him, on multiple occasions,
"a tourist" in Seth's business.
Hard landing for Mustafa Ali.
-[Kevin] Oh, man! -[Corey] Follows up again.
[Kevin] Ali ripe for the taking.
[crowd cheering]
[Mustafa] Seth… Seth no. Seth no.
[Corey] It's tough to be positive when you're trapped in the Tree Of Woe.
Oh! And a stomp from Rollins.
[crowd cheering]
[Corey] That could very well be the fate
of social media megastar, Logan Paul,
this weekend in WrestleMania.
[Kevin] Eyes on the prize for Rollins, going for the stomp!
[Corey] A second emphatic stomp.
-[crowd] One, two, three! -[Kevin] No doubt about it.
[bell dinging]
[announcer] Here's your winner,
Seth "Freakin" Rollins!
["Visionary" playing]
[Corey] Let's take another look at the first stomp delivered by Rollins.
Inverted in a Tree of Woe.
I think that would have done the job,
but just for good measure,
just so Logan Paul understands what he is facing this weekend,
a second thunderous stomp from Seth "Freakin" Rollins.
In five days,
April 1st, night one of WrestleMania,
I finally get my hands on Logan Paul.
[crowd cheering]
And Logan Paul, he's got a history
of making a joke out of himself.
Let me level with you.
If I can't beat Logan Paul at WrestleMania,
he's not the joke, I am.
[scattered cheering]
He threw me out of the Royal Rumble.
He cost me an Elimination Chamber.
He cheap-shot at me, not once, but twice.
And in five days,
it all comes back around!
Little birdie told me,
April 1st just happens to be,
oh, Logan Paul's birthday.
-[crowd cheering] -[chuckles]
Ah. Logan, Logan, Logan,
the WWE Universe at WrestleMania,
they are gonna be serenading you all night long,
but it's not "happy birthday" they're gonna be singing.
Phoenix, you want to give Logan Paul
a taste of what he's gonna hear all night long at WrestleMania?
[crowd cheering]
Sing that damn song!
♪ Woah, woah-oh-oh ♪
♪ Woah, oh-oh ♪
♪ Woah, oh… ♪
Logan Paul, I'll see you at WrestleMania.
[laughs]
[crowd cheering]
[Corey] It sounds to me like SoFi Stadium
may be extremely hostile territory for Logan Paul,
as he goes one on one with Seth "Freakin" Rollins
at WrestleMania Saturday.
[shouting indistinctly]
♪ Woah, oh-oh ♪
♪ Woah, oh-oh… ♪
You've got to be kidding me.
Boogs challenged me this match.
I'm trying to get out of the slump I'm in, I could've done that tonight.
Then there's WrestleMania.
I don't even have WrestleMania match, and it's embarrassing.
I'm flying all over the country.
I'm doing signings, I'm doing media,
I'm doing meet-and-greets all about WrestleMania.
I appreciate that.
Yeah, you do. I used to run this show just like you.
You got to give me a break, man.
Actually, speaking of breaks,
I'm gonna need a moment to break my foot off
in Adam Pearce's behind.
Really classy.
You and Boogs can fight it out on Friday in the Andre the Giant Battle Royal, okay?
Excuse me just for a second.
Thank you.
Thank you. I'm gonna need to know ASAP,
why I'm not in the WrestleMania
Women's Showcase Fatal 4-Way Tag Team Match?
Chelsea, you don't have a tag team partner.
Piper Niven doesn't want anything to do with you. Listen to me.
-I've been looking at the-- -No, no, no. No.
Do not mansplain
-your incompetence to me, Adam. -Of course.
-I don't have time for that. -I could not have said that better myself.
-You know what I think it is with Adam? -[mouthing]
I did his job better than he did his job, so he's intimidated by me.
But maybe he's just intimidated by strong women.
-That's why I'm not in WrestleMania? -If I could finish…
As I was saying, I was looking at the roster,
and I figured out who's gonna be the last team in this qualifying match.
And it struck me.
You two.
Yeah, you two.
Why not? Call yourselves, "The complaint department",
call yourselves, "Misery loves company." Whatever you want.
But if you want a way into WrestleMania,
you can do it tonight, against Michin and Candice LeRae.
The winning team becomes the final team
in the Showcase Match at WrestleMania.
He's not usually smart, but that was smart.
-I like this. -The first thing I like that he's said.
-You like it? -Yep.
-You're happy? -Mmm-hmm.
First thing you've ever done well.
-Thank you. Can I have my office back? -Let's go.
Seriously?
[Kevin] This is absolutely massive.
A career-altering match.
Who is headed to WrestleMania and the Fatal 4-Way Match?
We will find out, coming up here on Raw.
[Corey] But up next, I got to get going.
It's the biggest match happening at WrestleMania, quite literally,
and we're gonna make it official with a weigh-in, next.
[Kevin] WrestleMania is presented by SNICKERS.
SNICKERS satisfies.
And by WWE 2K23.
WWE 2K23 has arrived, and this time it's even stronger.
The all-new WarGames and the Never Give Up 2k Showcase,
where fans can play through key moments in John Cena's 20-year career.
Pick up your copy today and play as Bad Bunny,
with deluxe and icon editions.
Now, folks, let's hand it over to Corey Graves
and WWE official, Adam Pearce, in the ring.
Welcome, everyone, to the official WrestleMania weigh-in.
For a matchup that is very literally one of the biggest matches
taking place this weekend at WrestleMania.
So without any further ado, allow me to introduce to you,
accompanied by MVP,
he is The Nigerian Giant, Omos.
["The Giant" playing]
[Kevin] A sight to behold.
Seven-foot-three, standing tall alongside MVP.
The Nigerian Giant, Omos, is headed to WrestleMania.
It was two weeks ago on Monday Night Raw,
we saw face to face for the very first time
between Omos and The Beast Incarnate, Brock Lesnar.
And Lesnar entered the ring with a smile on his face,
and that was quickly wiped away by the paws of The Nigerian Giant.
[inaudible]
[Kevin] The nerves, the trepidation quickly entered.
Something we very rarely see from Brock Lesnar.
Brock Lesnar did everything in his power to take down Omos,
but ultimately, it was The Nigerian Giant
who would effortlessly toss Brock Lesnar from the ring.
Ah! This is my house!
[Kevin] "This is my house", says Omos.
But will it be his house at SoFi Stadium?
["The Giant" continues playing]
[roars]
[music stops]
And his opponent…
I'll take it from here, Mr. Graves. Thank you very much.
[crowd booing]
Before we are joined by The Beast Incarnate,
I'd like to remind everyone
that this is one final opportunity for all of you,
and for you, Brock Lesnar,
to see the specimen that is The Nigerian Giant.
You see, Brock, I will give you credit.
Because I respect you immensely.
Brock Lesnar, many times you have stepped in this ring
in previous WrestleManias,
and you have imposed your will
and conquered some of the greatest that this business has ever seen.
People like the great Kurt Angle.
[crowd] What?
People like Goldberg.
[crowd] What?
People like… Roman Reigns.
[crowd] What?
But I would be remiss if I didn't acknowledge
perhaps, Brock, your crowning achievement,
ending the streak of The Undertaker at WrestleMania.
But, Brock, I have to remind you, unlike those men,
this is The Nigerian Giant.
You cannot suplex him.
You cannot F5 him.
And at WrestleMania,
you will not defeat him at WrestleMania!
-[inaudible] -[MVP] Omos, if you would, please.
Four hundred and ten pounds.
Look at that!
Over 400 pounds!
Brock Lesnar, you're a bad man,
but you ain't better than this man right here.
["Next Big Thing" playing]
[Kevin] The Beast, Brock Lesnar, ain't hanging around for no introduction.
MVP told us on the After The Bell podcast
that Brock Lesnar is a beast to you and me,
but to Omos, he's just a man.
Giants don't fear beasts,
but beasts can easily be tamed by giants.
What will Brock Lesnar have to say about that?
We're gonna find out at WrestleMania.
[crowd cheering]
Four hundred and ten pounds.
That's the weight of Omos, The Nigerian Giant.
Such a unique threat for The Beast Incarnate, Brock Lesnar.
[inaudible]
Brock's going straight for Omos.
[indistinct], and Omos barely budges.
-[Omos grunts] -[Kevin] Ooh!
Oh!
A vicious kick connects with Lesnar.
Huh? Huh?
This is my house!
Huh? Huh? [indistinct]
Huh? Huh?
[Kevin] Is this a sign of what's to come?
[crowd chanting] Suplex City! Suplex City!
[inaudible]
[Kevin] Once more, it's The Nigerian Giant
standing over The Beast Incarnate, Brock Lesnar.
WrestleMania Saturday,
SoFi Stadium will be shaking
when these two goliaths collide in Hollywood.
Omos barely moving as Lesnar tries to take The Nigerian Giant off his feet.
Using the weight machine.
Omos with the boot straight to the face of Lesnar.
Huh? Huh?
The Beast shook,
as The Giant stands tall.
[speaking indistinctly]
[Kevin] Will Omos be a star that everyone's talking about
after WrestleMania?
Will Rhea Ripley insist that she needs to be a star?
But standing in her way at WrestleMania,
is not only a queen
with the most decorated female superstar of all time, in Charlotte Flair.
[Corey] Charlotte Flair was built for the spotlight,
built for the grand stage.
[Charlotte] This was my destiny.
This is what I was born to do.
And I am continuing the greatest legacy there will ever be.
Please welcome WWE star, Charlotte Flair.
Woooo!
[commentator 1] Charlotte is a three-time…
[commentator 2] Is a seven-time…
[commentator 3] For the ninth time…
[commentator 4] Record-setting 14-time champion.
[man] Charlotte Flair stands alone atop the mountain in this industry.
♪ Call me the champion ♪
[Charlotte] April 1st at SOFI Stadium.
[commentator 5] Charlotte Flair's done playing games.
I'm gonna put Rhea Ripley in her place once and for all.
Right now, I'm joined by the winner of the 2023 Women's Royal Rumble Match,
Rhea Ripley.
[crowd cheering]
Rhea, do you have a response
to the SmackDown Women's Champion, Charlotte Flair,
saying that she plans to continue her storied legacy
by defeating you at WrestleMania?
Look, there's no denying how great Charlotte Flair's legacy is,
but I don't have to be reminded every single week
that she's a 14-time Women's Champion.
Charlotte's legacy is unmatched.
But her legacy will not define my destiny.
I must beat Charlotte Flair.
I must prove that I am the best.
I must become the biggest star here in this industry.
And I need Charlotte's title to do so.
It comes down to Charlotte's legacy
against my destiny.
Charlotte can't stop me from becoming the new SmackDown Women's Champion
at WrestleMania.
[Corey] Very motivated Eradicator of The Judgment Day.
Beware, Charlotte Flair.
[Kevin] Here's a couple of superstars that will be bringing the party
to Hollywood, California.
["Bring The Swag" playing]
♪ …the swag like nobody can ♪
♪ Don't mean to brag What about it, yeah ♪
♪ I bring the swag like nobody can ♪
♪ In the bag, man, I got it, yeah ♪
Let's go!
[bell dinging]
[announcer] The following contest is an eight-man tag team match
scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, at a combined weight of 492 pounds,
Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins, the Street Profits!
[Corey] Montez Ford, Angelo Dawkins extremely excited
about this weekend at WrestleMania,
where they will take part in a Fatal 4-Way Tag Team Showcase.
[Kevin] Well, folks, don't miss the new movie,
Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, only in theaters Friday.
♪ I keep it homegrown I live for the applause ♪
♪ And all the people know I bring the swag like nobody can ♪
[song stops]
[Kevin] It's an eight-man tag tonight,
and teaming up with the Street Profits.
[announcer] And their tag team partners,
the team of Ricochet
and Braun Strowman.
[Kevin] Days before WrestleMania, Gravey.
How are these superstars supposed to coexist
knowing what's on the line this weekend?
[Corey] Opportunity to size-up your opponents
before one of the biggest matches of your career.
And that's exactly what all eight of these men look to do.
This weekend, it will be every team for themselves.
Tonight, it's four-on-four.
The Street Profits, Ricochet and Strowman,
battle the Alpha Academy and The Viking Raiders
live, next on WrestleMania Raw.
[tense music plays]
Edge, It was always gonna be this way, wasn't it?
You and I, dragging each other
to the lonely, wicked structure inside Hell in a Cell.
Now, you are familiar with the Cell.
You say you thrive in the Cell.
You say you were baptized in the Cell.
And now, you want to lock yourself inside the Cell with me.
Don't you know?
There is nothing more dangerous than a caged demon.
So Edge, go to your dark place.
Light your candles,
do whatever it is you need to do to unlock it, to summon it.
But just remember, I don't summon my demons.
My demons are always here.
You just have to look closely.
[Corey] In WWE, there is no better venue
to settle a long-standing score
than inside Hell in a Cell.
And this WrestleMania weekend,
it will be The Rated-R Superstar, the Hall of Famer,
or, in his words, "The Devil", Edge,
versus "The Demon," Finn Bálor.
[Kevin] What a sight this is.
A packed crowd tonight. 13,568 in Phoenix, Arizona.
["Shoooosh" playing]
You're looking at superstars headed to WrestleMania,
but they'll team up tonight in eight-man tag.
[announcer] And their opponents,
first, the team of Otis and Chad Gable,
Alpha Academy!
[Kevin] We've never had to question
the chemistry between Chad Gable and Otis,
but with Maxxine Dupri sniffing around, trying to recruit Otis…
[Corey] What do you mean sniffing around? Maxxine is a businesswoman.
[Kevin] He had a three-hour manicure last week.
-[Corey] She is an entrepreneur. -[indistinct]
[Corey] We are headed to Los Angeles, Hollywood, WrestleMania.
Kevin Patrick, everybody wants to look their absolute best,
including Otis.
[Kevin] That was his first manicure,
but something I'm sure The Viking Raiders have never had.
["Valhalla" playing]
♪ Valhalla is here ♪
[announcer] And their tag team partners, accompanied to the ring by Valhalla,
Erik and Ivar, The Viking Raiders!
[Corey] Two of the most vicious superstars on the roster,
walking right past their teammates tonight in the Alpha Academy.
[speaking indistinctly]
[Corey] Erik and Ivar are a lethal force to be reckoned with.
And they are as eager as anyone
to compete on the grandest stage of them all, WrestleMania.
And again, this weekend at WrestleMania,
it will be a Fatal 4-Way Tag Team Showcase Match,
where all of these duos will compete against the other.
Tonight, it is four-on-four, eight-man tag team action.
[Kevin] Strowman and Ricochet teaming up with the Street Profits
against the Alpha Academy and The Viking Raiders.
[Corey] And like we saw earlier in the night with Becky Lynch and IYO SKY…
-[bell dinging] -…this is an opportunity for both teams,
or all four teams, I should say,
to familiarize themselves with their opposition
ahead of this weekend.
[Kevin] We saw The Viking Raiders' intentions,
walking straight past their teammates already.
[Corey] That's another opportunity for all four of these teams,
and I think The Viking Raiders have realized it.
It's an opportunity to inflict damage on your opponents
prior to the match-up this weekend at WrestleMania.
[Kevin] How much could a victory for any of these tag teams at WrestleMania
do to propel them forward into the tag team conversation?
[Corey] Oh, I would imagine,
put you right to the top of the list for a tag team title opportunity.
Whoever that may be,
whether it be The Usos or Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn.
[crowd chanting] We want the smoke! We want the smoke!
[Corey] The WWE Universe here in Phoenix
firmly behind Angelo Dawkins of the Street Profits.
[Kevin] They want the smoke. It's Dawkins and Chad Gable now.
[Corey] Listen, if you're a superstar--
Oh!
…like Angelo Dawkins, who feels as though he's always overlooked,
he's never the first-tier superstar you think of.
A win at WrestleMania can change all that.
If you're someone like Chad Gable,
who maybe hasn't had a great deal of W's lately on your resume,
a win at WrestleMania can completely shift your momentum.
And it shifts the perception from the WWE Universe.
Beautiful deep arm drag.
[Kevin] I'm not exactly a betting man, as Ricochet comes in.
Now look at the athleticism of Ricochet.
[Corey] Whoa, whoa, whoa. Gable countered into the ankle lock.
Fantastic awareness
by the master technician, Chad Gable,
who just ate two boots from Ricochet.
[Kevin] And now to his tag team buddy, Braun Strowman.
[Corey] Oh!
[Kevin] Oh, man.
This is the only tandem that haven't been champions
as tag teams in WWE amongst this group.
[Corey] Well, that could very well be on the horizon
for Strowman and Ricochet.
And Montez having a little fun at his tag partner's expense tonight.
[Kevin] Here comes Tez.
[Corey] Tez got a little flashy, paid for it,
but returns the favor.
These steamboat-esque arm drags, fantastic.
[Kevin] Gable now.
Up gets Montez Ford quickly.
Who could forget, as cover here for Montez,
his heroics at the Elimination Chamber?
-Looked like Spider-Man. -[Corey] Ah. Ho-ho!
-Montez with a vicious backhand. -[Kevin] Oh!
Shoooosh!
[crowd booing]
Did Chad Gable just shoosh Braun Strowman?
-Oh, wait a minute. -[Kevin] Here comes trouble.
[Corey] There's a lot of meat in the ring right now.
[inaudible conversation]
-[Corey] Let's not wait! -[Kevin] Here we go!
It's all kicking off.
Eight-man tag mayhem on Raw.
[Corey] Look at these behemoths inside the ring.
Ivar, Otis, and Strowman.
That's got to be, what, near a half a ton of humanity
in the ring right now.
[Kevin] Devil in the eyes of Ivar,
goes after Strowman.
[Corey] And Otis just launched Strowman out of the ring.
[Kevin] Wow.
[Corey] Look out!
[Kevin] Ford taking flight!
[Corey] Oh! Spiked by Otis.
Superhuman power, the Academy takes charge.
[shouting indistinctly]
[Kevin] You're watching WrestleMania Raw.
This is an eight-man tag.
Braun Strowman and Ricochet and the Street Profits
against the Alpha Academy and The Viking Raiders.
All these superstars will be competing this weekend
in a WrestleMania Showcase Fatal 4-Way Match.
[Corey] Right now, Erik doing his best
to twist Montez's head clean off his shoulders.
Montez in desperate need of a tag.
[groaning]
Trying to pry apart Erik's grip.
These Viking Raiders are relentless,
as Montez Ford is finding out firsthand.
Here comes Ivar, shockingly agile for a man of his size.
This is just nasty. Four fists.
I think that qualifies as clobbering.
[Kevin] Montez ford feeling the effects.
[Corey] And the great crab on the outside.
[Kevin] The beatdown continues.
Tag made.
Here comes Erik of The Viking Raiders.
[Corey] Erik and Ivar would love nothing more…
[Kevin] Oh, man!
[Corey] …than to feast on the grandest stage of them all.
Montez might be finished.
[Kevin] Cover. This could be over.
Kick out by Ford.
Valhalla watching on as The Viking Raiders go to work.
Tag made here.
Otis.
With all the manicures and modeling, maybe some people are guilt
of forgetting just how brutal Otis can be
inside the squared circle.
[Corey] Well, there's Maxxine looking on.
She looks at Otis as a moldable piece of clay.
Look at this animal magnetism.
Phoenix just came to life.
[Kevin] You can't blame her for having an interest in--
-[Corey] Whoa! -[Kevin] Otis!
Maxxine. I'm here, baby.
Otis, come on, focus dude.
[Corey] Otis with a little message.
[Kevin] Confidence is high with the big man.
[Corey] We've seen in the past
beauty can motivate the big man like few other things in life.
[Kevin] Oh!
[Corey] Montez with a strong kick to the body of Otis.
[Kevin] Man, Otis was barely rocked.
[Otis] Yeah, who's the man?
[Kevin] Taking down Montez.
It's hard not to be so incredibly excited.
Five days from now, Hollywood, here we come for WrestleMania.
[Corey] Otis is rocked.
The big man on spaghetti legs.
But can Montez make the tag?
[Kevin] Tez. Tag made.
[Corey] And here comes Angelo Dawkins.
[Kevin] Taking out Erik and Gable for good measure.
[Corey] Ivar thwarts Dawkins' momentum for the moment.
Fantastic agility,
and a corkscrew back elbow,
AD is on fire.
[Kevin] All over the big body of Ivar.
-[Gable] Hey! -Oh. Hey.
[Kevin] Oh, man!
[Corey] What a right hand by Dawkins.
[Kevin] There's that athleticism you speak of with Ivar.
A tag made. Here comes Erik.
[yells, grunts]
[Corey] Look at Valhalla.
Who has really brought the worst--
Cover here by Erik.
And a running Shooting Star to break up the fall by Ricochet.
[Kevin] He always does the spectacular, Ricochet,
and he's motoring now.
[Corey] Ricochet wants to keep the momentum on his team's side
as we head toward WrestleMania.
[Kevin] Gable now runs into a vicious blow from Dawkins.
Are we gonna see a tag? Yes, we are. Strowman is in.
[Corey] I think Phoenix is about to be treated
to a trip on the Strowman Express.
-[Kevin] Oh, watch out. -[Corey] Yikes!
Braun Strowman flattening everything in his path.
[Kevin] Erik may be the next victim.
Strowman, though.
[Corey] Wow, Erik just stopped Strowman dead in his tracks with that knee lift.
[yells]
[Corey] Oh, no!
[Kevin] Strowman is in WrestleMania form.
Tag made to Ricochet.
[Corey] The one and only perched on the top rope,
but that isn't high enough.
From the shoulders of the monster.
[Kevin] Are you kidding me?
[Corey] Wow!
And from the heavens, Montez Ford,
who is legal.
-Cover! -[crowd] One, two, three.
-[bell dinging] -[Corey] Wow!
["Bring The Swag" playing]
[announcer] Here are your winners, the team of Ricochet, Braun Strowman
and the Street Profits!
[Corey] We expected fireworks,
and these eight men delivered nothing less.
Take a look at the closing moments.
It is a sight to behold.
Montez Ford switching directions in mid-air,
never mind going halfway across the ring,
not to mention halfway to the ceiling here in the Footprint Center.
[Kevin] Talk about momentum now,
ahead of WrestleMania this weekend.
[Corey] It will be every team for themselves.
Fatal 4-Way in Los Angeles.
["Bring The Swag" playing]
[Corey] Seems like Maxxine not too thrilled with…
the results of this match-up.
No doubt about it, though, Dawkins and Ford, Strowman and Ricochet
feeling the momentum on their side.
I am joined by the 2023 Royal Rumble winner,
Cody Rhodes.
Now, Cody, with your WrestleMania match just days away,
do you think that by accepting tonight's match against Solo Sikoa,
you've put yourself in a vulnerable position?
Hmm. I love this position.
Live for this position.
I understand the question, though. Solo Sikoa is undefeated, like myself.
Hasn't been pinned.
Hasn't been submitted.
If Mr. Heyman and Roman were standing right here,
you'd probably need to ask them, though,
do they think I have a chance tonight against Solo?
Do they think I even have a chance at WrestleMania?
And I'm sure they would cackle maniacally in their Samoan Goodfellas aesthetic.
But I'd follow up and say,
"Why is it so important, Mr. Heyman,"
that I wrestle The Enforcer of The Bloodline?"
And he always has an Enforcer six days away from the big one.
I think it's because they know.
They know the answer to this question
that people are just starting to float around these days.
"Has Cody Rhodes earned it?"
Have I earned it?
The fire didn't start when I came back at AT&T Stadium,
that would be a discredit to where I've gone and what I've done.
This fire started long before that.
I have no intention of letting it go out.
Not only have I earned it, I have lived it.
Tonight, Solo Sikoa finds out
he's not ready.
And at WrestleMania,
I defeat Roman Reigns
and become the undisputed WWE Universal Champion.
[crowd cheering]
[Kevin] Can the American Nightmare realize his dream at WrestleMania?
Well, first, he's gonna have to get by
what Paul Heyman says is a giant pothole in his way,
in Solo Sikoa tonight.
All eyes ahead to WrestleMania, as we go Hollywood.
[Kevin] You're watching WrestleMania Raw from Phoenix, Arizona.
We are just five days out from the Showcase of the Immortals,
where the explosive and powerful WWE superstar
is hoping to three-peat on the grandest stage of them all.
[announcer] From Knoxville, Tennessee,
Bianca Belair!
There's nothing that Bianca can't do.
I remember the first day she came to the performance center.
Bianca Belair. Five!
[Liv] As soon as we saw her, we knew she was gonna be a star.
When we talk about superstars in this business having "it,"
that sort of indefinable, intangible quality,
Bianca exemplifies it.
[commentator 1] Here comes the EST of WWE, Bianca Belair.
[Bianca] I'm gonna show the whole entire world
that I am the strongest, the fastest,
the roughest, the toughest, the quickest, the greatest.
I'm the B-E-S-T.
And that ain't up for debate.
[crowd cheering]
I can sit here for hours and days
and tell you how proud and excited I am for her,
but the dominance has been second to none.
[commentator 2] K.O.D.!
[commentator 3] Congratulations to the new Raw Women's Champion, Bianca Belair.
It's really, really special for me to see this generation
have great women like Bianca Belair.
[woman 1] Please welcome WWE Raw Women's Champion…
-[woman 2] We have Bianca Belair-- -Bianca Belair.
You know, they call me the EST of WWE, which means I'm--
The quickest, the toughest, the baddest, the strongest, the smartest.
I am here to remind you that you can't spell WrestleMania
without E-S-T.
I am so impressed with what Bianca has accomplished.
This girl has something special.
Bianca Belair, year-long dominance.
[Kevin Owens] Asuka would be a psychological terror.
When they face off at WrestleMania, you have a must-see match.
[Kevin] Bianca Belair wants to become
the longest Raw Women's Champion of all time.
To do so, she's gonna have to get past
The Empress of Tomorrow, Asuka,
at WrestleMania Saturday,
coming up, from Hollywood.
Well, we know, being the Raw Women's Champion
means Bianca Belair is extremely busy,
and you can catch Bianca as well as Logan Paul
on all new episodes of Cold as Balls with our friend, Kevin Hart.
They take the plunge. They are hilarious.
They are intimate conversations.
And they are available every Tuesday on the Laugh Out Loud YouTube channel.
Also on the Cold as Balls Facebook page
and Kevin Hart's Facebook page.
-So check it out. -It's absolutely brilliant.
Austin Theory is gonna have to be ice cold
if he's gonna get past the GOAT, John Cena.
Earlier today, the United States Champion had a message for Cena.
This Saturday, at WrestleMania,
I lose everything.
According to you, John Cena.
But that's where you're wrong.
Because for some reason, you seem to have thought
that you've exposed me right here on this mic.
You exposed yourself.
You showed the entire world
that the one thing that John Cena can't see
is the future right in front of his eyes.
I mean, it's like you wanted to hit me with a reality check,
trying to tell me that nobody believes in me.
No one, not even you.
Not even John Cena.
But, John, you're probably wondering why I'm in this arena all alone.
Well, it's simple. Because there's no difference
in me being in the middle of this ring in an empty arena,
or me being in the middle of this ring in a sold-out SoFi Stadium.
And you want to know why?
Because I don't do this for the WWE Universe.
I don't do this for some kid growing up
that wants to be the next Austin Theory.
And I certainly I don't do this to be the next John Cena.
I do this for me.
I do this because I had a purpose
way before anybody had an opinion about me.
It's sad.
It's so sad to know that I would have let you go down the hero.
But you know what you did, John?
You had to make this personal.
And I already said it before, and there's a lot of people…
Hell, everybody looks up to you.
But it's gonna be so fitting, that you're gonna be looking up to me.
And I'm telling you right now, that's not a theory.
Because, John Cena, I am gonna make you…
Make you believe in me.
Make you believe in Austin Theory.
And the WWE Universe that you love so much,
I'm gonna make them stop believing in you.
And that's all gonna happen oh so very soon.
On the grandest stage of them all,
this Saturday,
at WrestleMania.
[Kevin] The confidence in Austin Theory is there for all to see.
He says it's inevitable that he is at this stage
and set to face the 16-time World Champion in John Cena.
Folks, this is a match that's gonna kick off WrestleMania Saturday.
Be there early, get in your seats.
Corey, you know what LA traffic is like.
You want to get there and make sure you don't miss Cena and Theory.
[Corey] We're packing over 75,000 members of the WWE Universe in each night.
So get there early, stay late,
and enjoy the greatest event in live entertainment.
[bell dinging]
[announcer] The following contest
is a WrestleMania Showcase Qualifying Match!
Introducing first,
Sonya Deville!
Sonya Deville returns to Monday Night Raw,
and now a chance to make it to WrestleMania.
["Hot Mess" playing]
[announcer] And her tag team partner,
Chelsea Green!
[Corey] Now, on paper, this duo seems to have a bit of potential.
Sonya Deville's had a great deal of success,
and Chelsea's well on her way.
But they have to get past Michin Mia Yim and Candice LeRae.
One team will head to WrestleMania,
and we'll find out who, next.
♪ But I look down to these mini me's ♪
♪ You cannot doubt, are you kidding me? ♪
♪ They look at my light for the energy ♪
♪ My rage got 'em looking for sympathy ♪
♪ I'm sweet and I'm sour… ♪
[Kevin] Huge news today, folks, broken by People magazine,
unveiling that Stacy Keibler will be inducted
into the WWE Hall of Fame, Class of 2023.
Corey, you think of rivalries with Torrie Wilson, Trish Stratus, Lita.
Congratulations to Stacy Keibler.
[Corey] A much deserved honor
for one of the best-known women in WWE history.
[Kevin] Stacy Keibler joining Rey Mysterio, The Great Muta
and the late Andy Kaufman in the 2023 Class Hall of Fame.
Broken by People magazine today.
Make sure you do not miss a minute
of the celebration of the WWE Hall of Fame induction ceremony
streaming on Peacock this Friday.
Yeah, as soon as SmackDown is over,
get across to Peacock for the WWE Hall of Fame.
Massive match coming your way here on Monday Night Raw.
You don't get a WrestleMania opportunity too often, Corey,
and this is exactly what it is.
It's Michin and Candice LeRae,
taking on Sonya Deville and Chelsea Green.
The winner of this match
will head to the WrestleMania Showcase Fatal 4-way Tag Team Match.
Man, is that stacked with talent.
[Corey] Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez,
Natalya and Shotzi,
-Ronda Rousey and Shayna Baszler… -[bell dinging]
-…have all qualified. -[Chelsea] Let's go, Sonya!
[Kevin] What about Sonya Deville and Chelsea Green?
You wonder what the chemistry will be like
between the pair talking their way into this match.
[Corey] Adam Pearce just wanted to get rid of them.
Three, four…
[Corey] I can understand that Chelsea Green has a tendency
to be a bit grating on the nerves.
Sonia Deville shares some of those same qualities.
I can't necessarily blame Adam Pearce for putting this team together,
but he might have inadvertently created a pretty effective tag team.
[Kevin] Sonya Deville checking.
Ooh!
[Corey] Michin looking for that breakout moment here in WWE.
She's flirted with success on numerous occasions, but…
maybe wants that big-time WrestleMania victory
to really hang her hat on and solidify her status.
Oh! Nobody home.
Deville out of the way.
Candice LeRae, of course, she's got some WrestleMania weekend plans already,
as her husband, Johnny Gargano,
will compete at NXT Stand & Deliver Saturday morning.
[Kevin] Grayson Waller in Johnny Gargano's way
at the Crypto.com Arena.
Many folks, of course, will be headed to both Stand & Deliver
and WrestleMania following at SoFi Stadium.
There you go.
[Corey] Tag is made.
Sonya and Chelsea working relatively well together thus far.
Still early in the match-up, an impressive tandem show of power,
but Mia… changing the game.
Double neck breaker.
Can Michin make the tag to Candice LeRae?
[Kevin] Well-played, Michin, and tag made.
Candice LeRae has ideas from a height.
[Corey] The Poison Pixie from the top,
takes down Green and Deville.
Ripcord.
Nobody home for Chelsea Green
and a big-time clothesline from Candice,
who's looking to pick up the pace
to help herself and Michin find a path to WrestleMania.
What a unique senton.
[Kevin] Tag made.
[Corey] Here comes Michin.
[Kevin] This could be the opportunity.
Chelsea Green is down.
Can Michin and Candice LeRae head to WrestleMania?
Cover for the victory.
Sonya Deville in the way.
[Corey] Sonya keeping the opportunity alive
for herself and Chelsea Green.
[Kevin] Ooh, man!
[Corey] Very unique offense from Deville.
Get out of here. What?
[Corey] Turn around, Sonya.
Michin with a dropkick.
Chelsea looking for a pump kick,
but Michin out of the way.
Oh, Chelsea might have been seriously injured.
The official went to check on her.
-[Kevin] Oh, man. -[Corey] Unprettier by Green!
[Kevin] Nails it. Hooks the leg for the victory.
Chelsea Green and Sonya Deville
-are headed to WrestleMania. -[bell dinging]
[announcer] Here are your winners,
the team of Sonya Deville and Chelsea Green!
[Corey] KP, we're in for Karen-mania!
[Kevin chuckles]
[Corey] There's gonna be mimosas and brunch and complaints galore.
And no better place to do it than Hollywood.
[Kevin] A tale of two Karens,
and they are set to join Raquel Rodriguez and Liv Morgan.
You've got a team of Shotzi and Natalya,
and then, look at who it is.
The Baddest Woman on the Planet, Ronda Rousey alongside Shayna Baszler.
What a match that promises to be from Hollywood this weekend.
["The Other Side V2" playing]
[Kevin] How the mood just changed here in Phoenix, Arizona.
[loud thud]
[bell dinging]
[announcer] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first,
accompanied to the ring by Dominik Mysterio,
representing The Judgment Day,
Damian Priest!
[Kevin] What a match we've got coming up.
We all saw what happened Friday Night SmackDown,
when Rey Mysterio, reluctantly in the end,
was pushed over the edge,
and he'll face his son, Dominik, at WrestleMania.
But first, it's Damian Priest.
[announcer] Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to WrestleMania.
[crowd cheering]
[commentator 1] Look at this. Andre picks him up.
He slammed him!
[man] WrestleMania.
It's living up to everything I expected it to be.
[commentator 2] The incredible Hulk Hogan
with Bad Man himself, Mr. T.
[commentator 3] Unbelievable pandemonium here in The Garden.
[bell dinging]
[commentator 4] The greatest wrestling extravaganza
of the century, WrestleMania.
Welcome back to Monday Night Raw,
and please welcome my guest at this time,
special counsel to the undisputed WWE Universal Champion, Roman Reigns,
Paul Heyman.
[crowd booing]
Now, Mr. Heyman,
I was hoping that I could get your response
to Cody Rhodes' words from earlier this evening.
Yay!
Though he walks through the shadow of the Island of Relevancy,
Cody Rhodes fears no Tribal Chief
because Cody Rhodes is not ready.
He proved it just a few minutes ago
when he asked what had to be a rhetorical question.
Why is it so important to fight Solo
six days before Cody Rhodes is in his first WrestleMania main event?
It's not important, it's relevant.
And here's why it's so relevant,
because Solo is ready
to weaken Cody Rhodes
for his match against Roman Reigns.
Solo is not here to compete.
Solo is here to put a beating on Cody Rhodes,
so that Cody Rhodes is not at 100%
against Roman Reigns this Sunday.
And if you're saying, "Well, that's not very dignified"
of the Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns, as champion."
Well, Roman Reigns is ready
to stoop to those depths
and rise to those occasions and get any advantage that he can
to remain Tribal Chief on the Island of Relevancy,
and that, Cathy, is the difference
between Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes.
Roman Reigns came to his Wiseman,
and he said, "Wiseman, I'm ready".
And so Roman Reigns was ready to stop being The Big Dog
and become The Tribal Chief.
But this is the same Cody Rhodes that we've known our whole lives,
who will have these puppy dog eyes
looking at his hero, Roman Reigns,
across the ring Sunday night at WrestleMania.
Because Cody Rhodes has never been ready.
Cody Rhodes was never ready
to fill the shoes of The American Dream, Dusty Rhodes.
Cody Rhodes was never ready
to be the man of this generation.
Cody Rhodes is not ready to defeat your Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns,
this Sunday at WrestleMania.
Cody Rhodes needs to be ready
to take the beating that will be inflicted upon him by Solo tonight.
And then Cody Rhodes will have to take the emotional baggage
that Roman Reigns will dump on him this Friday face to face at SmackDown,
so that when Cody Rhodes enters the ring on Sunday night,
the only thing he's gonna be ready for
is to lose to Roman Reigns.
And then, Cody Rhodes,
I implore you, be ready,
for the greatest moment of your entire existence.
When, in the glory of your own defeat,
when you've disappointed the WWE Universe,
be ready to acknowledge
your Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns,
in the main event this Sunday
of WrestleMania.
[Kevin] We're gonna find out if there's any truth
to what Paul Heyman is saying, that Cody Rhodes simply isn't ready.
In Cody's way tonight, The Enforcer of The Bloodline,
maybe this is an ill-advised match for Cody Rhodes,
days from the biggest night of his life.
It's coming up tonight on Raw.
[Corey] We're currently joined by Judgment Day and Dirty Dom.
[crowd booing]
It takes a real lowlife to hit your own child.
I thought you were a deadbeat then.
Now you really are a deadbeat.
[crowd booing]
Everyone saw the video of you attacking me.
And after Damian beats you tonight,
and I humiliate you at WrestleMania,
everyone here will really know what a failure of a father you really are.
[crowd booing]
Someone roll the footage.
You're gonna give me what I want?
Huh?
Come on. Or are you gonna run away?
Hey, everybody.
I have my mom and my sister here with us tonight.
[inaudible]
Oh, oh, oh, oh!
What you gonna do about it?
Dominik.
Mom, shut up!
[crowd cheering]
You pushed me to do this.
I didn't want to hit you.
You don't disrespect your mother like that.
You wanted to fight? I'll see you at WrestleMania, son.
[crowd cheering]
[speaks in Spanish]
[crowd chanting in English] You suck! You suck!
What kind of father hits his own son?
What kind of mother sits there and does nothing?
The silence was deafening.
I should have told her to shut up a long time ago.
[crowd booing]
[crowd chanting] You suck! You suck!
Dad, I've never said this out loud.
But I wish Eddie was my real father.
[crowd exclaims]
And you never existed.
Because my entire family is a disgrace to the Mysterio name.
And the Mysterio name will be mine at WrestleMania.
[microphone thuds]
["Booyaka 619" playing]
[Corey] An impassioned Dominik Mysterio.
You may question Dom's motives, but it's all going down at WrestleMania.
♪ Booyaka, Booyaka, 619 ♪
♪ Booyaka, Booyaka… ♪
[announcer] And his opponent, from San Diego, California,
Rey Mysterio!
[Kevin] The most emotional weekend of Rey Mysterio's life
awaits at WrestleMania and the Hall of Fame.
But first, he faces Damian Priest of The Judgment Day next.
[Kevin] Cannot wait for Stand & Deliver Saturday afternoon,
but tonight, it's Monday Night Raw.
A packed house in Phoenix, Arizona,
as an impassioned Rey Mysterio
up against Damian Priest of The Judgment Day.
His estranged son, Dominik, watching on from ringside.
[Corey] What a roller coaster of emotions Rey Mysterio has been on
over the past several months.
About to receive one of the greatest honors of his entire career
as he's inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame,
while simultaneously watching his relationship with his son
disintegrate before our very eyes and in front of the entire world.
[Kevin] Mysterio now taking down Damian Priest.
And, Corey, he didn't want to be here.
He's been saying it for months now, Rey Mysterio, "I won't hit you, son."
But ultimately, his wife, Angie, applauding,
as Rey stood up to his son, Dominik.
[Corey] Rey now soaring through the sky. Moonsault finds the mark.
[Kevin] Cover for the win. Damian Priest kicking out.
[Corey] I assure you, Dominik and Damian
have had a few discussions about what Damian's role is
tonight on Monday Night Raw.
Much like Solo Sikoa is looking to soften up, if not destroy,
The American Nightmare later tonight,
I guarantee you, Priest is thinking about
putting a beating on Rey Mysterio,
softening up Rey before WrestleMania.
[Kevin] Damian Priest, he may end it here.
Grabs the leg, and Rey Mysterio is still alive.
[Corey] Take a look at the power of the punishment of The Judgment Day.
Flatliner drives Rey face first in the middle of the ring.
But Mysterio survives.
But now look at this.
Damian Priest stalking Mysterio.
[Kevin] Priest now at pace.
Ducked by Rey.
Savvy move by the future Hall of Famer.
[Corey] That is not where Priest wants to be right now.
[Kevin] Oh, here we go.
[Corey] Time to dial it up.
-Oh, baby! -[Kevin] Oh, wow!
Priest to put away Mysterio,
who kicks out.
-Rey's kicked out. -[Corey] My God.
Rey Mysterio deserves a Hall of Fame induction
just for surviving this.
That clothesline would make JBL proud.
My God.
[Kevin] Thought he was set for the 619.
Priest flattens Rey.
And this is where you wonder is this a wise strategy from Rey,
days before WrestleMania,
to be taking on someone of the caliber of Damian Priest.
[Corey] In a word, no, it's not a wise strategy,
because Rey needs to be focused on Dominik.
While most of the WWE Universe, myself excluded,
might find Dominik a little irritable, a little irritating,
this is not a smart decision.
Because Dominik is a rapidly developing superstar.
He gets better every time we see him in the ring.
Oh!
[Kevin] And Rey's still got it.
Dominik may be improving, but look at his dad go!
Here's another opportunity.
Rey, 619!
[crowd cheering]
Rey Mysterio.
Oh, it's Dominik.
[bell dinging]
[Corey] Dom now teeing off on his deadbeat dad.
This is a preview of what we're gonna get
in Los Angeles at SoFi Stadium.
The catharsis Dominik will feel will be a mutually-shared experience.
[Kevin] This is hard to watch.
Blow after blow to his own father.
["Soul March" playing]
[Corey] Hang on just a second.
Legado Del Fantasma have arrived!
Cruz Del Toro, Santos Escobar, Joaquin Wilde,
three men with great reverence for lucha libre
and what Rey Mysterio stands for.
Running off The Judgment Day, but the damage has been done.
[Kevin] And how disgusting was that.
Dominik Mysterio just pummeling his own father.
[crowd chanting] You suck! You suck! You suck!
[Corey] Phoenix letting the vitriol rain down
on Dominik Mysterio and Damian Priest.
What?
Dom could very well play spoiler
on what should be one of the greatest weekends
of his father's career, as he enters the Hall of Fame.
That was difficult to watch.
So for a future Hall of Famer in Rey Mysterio,
to the first-ever this Friday night on SmackDown.
We are set to see the ninth annual Andre the Giant Battle Royal.
[announcer] The Eighth Wonder of the World,
Andre the Giant!
[narrator] Larger than life.
[commentator] Look at the size of The Giant.
[narrator] Unmatched in power,
Andre the Giant towered over the competition
with a nearly 15-year undefeated streak.
Everywhere he went, people turned out to see him.
There was just something magical about him.
[narrator] The first-ever inductee into the WWE Hall of Fame,
Andre holds the record for most Battle Royal victories
in WWE history,
including a dominating performance at WrestleMania II.
And in 2014, WWE established the Andre The Giant Battle Royal,
a yearly tradition that brings the same awe and excitement
that Andre himself brought to the ring.
This Friday, who will make their mark in history
as the winner of the 2023 Andre the Giant Battle Royal?
Andre the Giant Battle Royal.
-There it is. -Pay day.
-Money! -Battle Royal, Friday. NXT, Saturday.
WrestleMania weekend's gonna be crazy, guys.
-Make the weekend. -Wild.
-Johnny, lead us to the dojo. -This way?
I don't know where it is, but we'll get some training going.
Oh, my God.
Oh, my God!
Boogs, what is it?
I… I'm in it.
I'm in the Battle Royal.
All right, great.
[laughs]
Look at that. So am I.
I got a great feeling about this thing.
Boogs, on Friday, you better be taking notes
because I am a lock to win this thing.
Okay.
A bit weird with the glove.
You didn't have to do that.
Didn't see you there.
But I'll see you Friday at the thing…
The Battle Royal.
[crowd cheering]
You're locked to win it?
Yeah, that's what I said, yeah.
I'll see you Friday, man.
[mouthing]
See, this is gonna be super.
["Sacred" playing]
[bell dinging]
[announcer] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first,
accompanied by Ludwig Kaiser and Giovanni Vinci,
he is The Intercontinental Champion,
Gunther!
[Corey] What a treat we have.
It's Monday Night Raw,
but the Intercontinental Champion is in action, live.
Gunther next.
[Kevin] Don't miss the new movie Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves,
only in theaters, Friday.
Now, folks, since KO and Sami Zayn have made up,
it's been one emotional embrace after another.
And on Friday Night SmackDown, that may have come at a cost.
But it's not…
It's not KO-Mania this year.
It's about what's on the front of the shirt.
[crowd cheering]
WrestleZaynia, baby!
[crowd cheering]
Bring it in.
[Corey] The celebration will be short-lived,
as The Usos would hit the scene
and lay waste to their WrestleMania challengers.
[Kevin] KO and Sami potentially taking their eyes off the prize,
ahead of WrestleMania.
["Done With That" playing]
I'd say it's been a pretty emotional year.
After everything that's happened between us
and The Usos and everything else, it's…
We're now finding ourselves less than a week away
from the biggest Tag Team Championship Match of all time.
And a huge part of why this is so emotional for us,
is also the fact that it's happening in Los Angeles.
Because there's a big part of the story there that not everybody knows.
Yeah, everybody knows Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens
started in Montreal from nothing. Nothing.
But Los Angeles is the city where we first got our big break.
That is where we made our names.
That is where we truly became a team.
And now, after all these years, after everything that's happened with us,
it all comes full circle,
and we walk back into Los Angeles as a team.
You know, because every fight we've ever been in,
every fight we've… we've had together,
every fight we've had alongside each other,
it's been about making our careers get to the next level.
Going forward, going upwards, getting bigger and better things.
But this weekend, it doesn't get any better,
it doesn't get any bigger.
The biggest tag team title match of all time. You're right.
It's us against The Usos,
the longest-reigning Tag Team Champions of all time,
the best team in WWE.
And that was true up until last week,
because this weekend,
we get to show the Usos and The Bloodline,
we get to show the world what we can do as a team.
And we're gonna do it in Los Angeles,
in the city where we got our first big break.
And in that city, we are gonna accomplish
the biggest thing we can achieve together
when we become WWE undisputed Tag Team Champions,
and we're doing it at WrestleMania!
[crowd cheering]
[Kevin] It's coming your way, WrestleMania.
And KO said it perfectly.
The biggest tag team match of all time for the undisputed titles.
The record reign of The Usos is on the line
against the newly-formed, the buddies, KO and Sami Zayn.
[Corey] And a sold-out Footprint Center here in Phoenix
being graced by the presence of the Intercontinental Champion, Gunther,
who has WrestleMania plans of his own this coming weekend
when the Ring General will defend the coveted Intercontinental Championship
against both The Celtic Warrior, Sheamus,
and The Scottish Warrior, Drew McIntyre
in a Triple Threat Match.
[Kevin] Gunther wanted either McIntyre or Sheamus.
You can understand why he's livid.
[announcer] …residing in Hollywood, Florida,
weighing 218 pounds,
Dolph Ziggler!
[Corey] This is an opportunity for a superstar
the caliber of Dolph Ziggler.
Dolph would love to play spoiler tonight.
If Dolph can interrupt… interfere with Gunther's
Intercontinental Championship plans prior to WrestleMania.
That's what Dolph lives for these days.
Just ruining other people's days because he can.
[Kevin] Dolph Ziggler, two-time World Champion,
15 championships in WWE.
But he faces the longest Intercontinental reign
in the 21st century in Gunther.
Two hundred and ninety days and counting.
But Ziggler's off to a hot start.
[Corey] Dropkick off the opening bell.
Gunther spiked with a DDT.
Dolph could catch the Champion off guard here tonight.
Come on!
[Corey] Dolph knows what it means to be Champion.
Dolph knows what it means to compete on the grandest stage of them all,
and now Dolph knows what it feels like to be chopped by a iron skillet.
The massive hands of the Intercontinental Champion, Gunther,
who views the ring as sacred ground.
[Kevin] Oh, man!
Gunther's just taking it out on Dolph Ziggler right now.
[Corey] The Champion brutalizing Dolph Ziggler.
Look at this.
Ziggler just being overwhelmed by the Austrian.
[Kevin] Dolph Ziggler is in a bad way. The Ring General stands tall.
This is WrestleMania Raw.
We're headed to Hollywood this weekend.
13,568 WWE fans in Phoenix, Arizona,
as Dolph Ziggler starts to fight back here,
against The Ring General, Gunther.
[Corey] Gunther looking to answer with a clothesline,
Ziggler out of the way.
Dolph with a Famouser!
[Kevin] Is Gunther rocked? Can Dolph do it?
Hooks the leg for the victory.
Gunter kicking out.
[Corey] It could be disastrous for the confidence
of the Intercontinental Champion this close to WrestleMania,
where Gunther will defend against both Sheamus and Drew McIntyre
in a Triple Threat Match.
[Kevin] Where there's no champion's advantage in that match.
[Corey] Dolph from behind, Looking for the zigzag.
[Kevin] And that's why Gunther is absolutely furious with WWE official.
Wow!
[Corey] Picked out of mid-air with a chop
from the Ring General.
Thunderous German suplex.
Things are about to go from bad to worse for The Show Off.
[Kevin] Oh, man!
The Ring General is feasting on Dolph Ziggler.
Making a statement to Sheamus and Drew McIntyre.
[Corey] That is exactly what Gunther is doing.
He's muscling up… a lifeless Ziggler.
[Kevin] Cover, to put away Ziggler.
[bell dinging]
[Corey] The Last Symphony.
[announcer] Here is your winner,
the Intercontinental Champion,
Gunther!
[Corey] The Intercontinental Champion
continues to build momentum toward WrestleMania,
and you've got to feel bad for Dolph Ziggler.
Watch this.
[Kevin] Oh, man!
[Corey] It'll collapse a regular person's sternum.
Tremendous impact.
Gunther with a powerbomb in the center of the ring.
And once you hear The Last Symphony,
the only place to go is home.
Sheamus!
Drew McIntyre!
Despite the disgrace
of being forced to defend my Intercontinental Championship
against both of you.
But have a look.
Because this is the fate that awaits you…
at WrestleMania!
[Corey] Ominous, yet succinct.
Gunther prepared for battle
as he defends his Intercontinental Championship
against Drew McIntyre
and The Celtic Warrior, Sheamus.
[Cody] Wrestling has more than one royal family.
["Kingdom" playing]
♪ Adrenaline in my soul ♪
♪ Every fight 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! ♪
♪ …when I was younger ♪
♪ Hard times breed better men… ♪
[bell dinging]
[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] Can you imagine the adrenaline running through the veins
of the American Nightmare, Cody Rhodes,
now days before the biggest night of his life?
[Corey] Cody's journey could very well culminate
at the Showcase of the Immortals.
But it will truly be a Herculean task
to dethrone The Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns,
at WrestleMania.
That is, assuming Cody Rhodes makes it past his opponent tonight.
Representing The Bloodline, The Enforcer, Solo Sikoa.
Who, make no mistake about it,
is out to do the bidding of Roman Reigns tonight,
and perhaps stop Cody's journey before he gets to the pinnacle.
["Taking It All" playing]
♪ We're taking it all! ♪
♪ Settle the score The one who will not take that loss ♪
-♪ We're taking it all ♪ -♪ We the ones…♪
[announcer] And his opponent,
accompanied by special counsel, Paul Heyman,
from Las Vegas, Nevada, weighing in at 215 pounds,
Solo Sikoa!
[Kevin] The objective tonight is very clear.
-As Paul Heyman said earlier… -[inaudible]
[Kevin] …Solo is here tonight to get a beating on Cody Rhodes
before Sunday's main event at WrestleMania
when Cody takes on Roman Reigns.
First, our main event, Rhodes, Sikoa, next.
♪ This is my time Ain't no time to waste… ♪
Booyah!
[Kevin] This is absolutely huge.
This Friday night on SmackDown,
coming to you from Los Angeles,
just before WrestleMania,
we're set to see Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns
before their undisputed WWE Universal Championship match
at WrestleMania.
[Corey] Right before WrestleMania,
all of the ingredients are in place for an explosive Friday Night SmackDown,
much like an explosive main event
-here at the end of WrestleMania Raw. -[bell dinging]
Cody Rhodes, Solo Sikoa, one on one.
[crowd chanting] Cody! Cody!
[Kevin] Cody Rhodes telling Solo Sikoa,
"You're not ready," on Friday Night SmackDown.
[Corey] That's Cody's way of trying to get under the skin
and into the head of a usually stoic Solo Sikoa.
[yells]
[Corey] Solo showing next-level intensity
in this moment.
Smart move by Cody, using his quickness.
But Solo answers with a big right hand.
And Cody is a smart human being.
Cody has to realize the risk involved just by accepting this match-up.
Maybe Cody is hoping to--
Wow! Oh, my God!
Whatever Cody was hoping to do
just went right out of the damn window.
[Kevin] You're looking at the insurance policy
for Roman Reigns, Solo Sikoa,
and he's undefeated
since showing up at Clash at the Castle in September.
Who ain't ready, Cody? Huh?
Who's not ready?
[Corey] My goodness, I still haven't gotten over
the Samoan drop.
Solo launched Rhodes into orbit.
[Kevin] Rhodes now launching Sikoa into the steel steps.
[man] Get him Cody, get him Cody!
[Corey] We heard The Wiseman, Paul Heyman, earlier tonight talk about it.
We know what Solo's mission is here tonight.
It's to eliminate the Cody Rhodes problem,
to inflict as much punishment and damage
on the challenger to Roman's throne as possible.
That is why The Enforcer is here tonight.
[Kevin] We got to admire Cody Rhodes stepping up.
Has anyone ever gotten into the head of Roman Reigns
in the way Cody Rhodes did on Friday night?
[Corey] I will say, I've never seen Roman back down from a verbal altercation
the way he did with Cody last week on Monday Night Raw.
[Kevin] Cody now stalking Solo Sikoa.
-[Corey] Oh, caught out of mid-air! -[Kevin] Oh!
[Corey] Belly-to-belly suplex flattens Rhodes.
The heavy-hitter, Solo Sikoa, now taking control of this match-up.
Smart Move by Cody,
rolling to the outside, looking to compose himself.
But Solo…
-[Kevin] At pace. -[Corey] Oh, God!
[Kevin] Oh, man!
[Corey] Rhodes bouncing skull first off of our announce table
as the Street Champ flexes his pride.
Locked.
[Kevin] Cody looking to turn it around now.
[Corey] And now Solo's skull being dribbled off of our announce desk,
and Cody Rhodes is unloading on The Enforcer.
[Kevin] This is the passion, the resilience.
[Corey] You can see the fire in Cody's eyes.
Rhodes is a man on a mission.
[Kevin] Watch out!
[Corey] But Solo…
Oh, no!
[Kevin] Oh, man!
Driving Cody into the desk.
[Kevin] How much damage is Solo doing to Cody before WrestleMania?
As much as possible.
Solo…
[man] Do it again!
[Kevin] How is Cody Rhodes gonna recover?
[Corey] I don't know if he is.
[Kevin] A huge crowd here tonight, witnessing a main event.
Cody Rhodes hanging on here against Solo Sikoa,
who's been totally dominant during the commercial break.
[Corey] Right now, Sikoa got a vice-like grip
on the trapezius muscle of Cody Rhodes,
an agonizing position for the American Nightmare
who has made his way back to a vertical base,
but Cody still needs to break the grip.
[Kevin] Telling Solo Sikoa he's not ready has clearly angered The Enforcer,
the Street Champion, but here comes Cody Rhodes.
[Corey] But don't forget, Cody is cagey.
Cody is a world-traveled veteran of this game.
Cody Rhodes… I don't know if you know this about his father.
…happened to have one of the greatest minds
this business has ever known.
Cody, mentally, is as tough as just about anyone
who's ever laced up a pair of boots.
[Kevin] But is he wilting here?
Under the pressure and the brutality of Solo Sikoa.
Hey! Come on, no.
[Corey] Just think of the risk involved by stepping into the ring,
being in the vicinity of Solo Sikoa delivering a Samoan Spike.
Maybe Cody rolls into WrestleMania with a bruised windpipe.
You can't win a main event at WrestleMania less than 100%,
particularly when you're facing The Tribal Chief,
the most dominant champion in recent history.
[Kevin] But we know how heroic Cody Rhodes is.
Think back to last year, that injured pectoral.
We know what he's capable of.
[Corey] And I know Roman Reigns knows what Cody Rhodes is capable of,
which is one of the reasons, and there are many,
why Solo Sikoa is in the ring with the American Nightmare right now,
tonight, on the Road to WrestleMania.
[Kevin] Oh, man!
[Corey] Great display of power by Rhodes.
[Kevin] If Cody gets through this,
a meeting with Roman Reigns Friday night on SmackDown.
[Corey] A headbutt from Solo right on the chin.
[Kevin] Cody had him read.
[Corey] Rhodes up and over.
Out of harm's way.
-[Kevin] Oh! -[Corey] Snap powerslam!
Cody now tapping into the reserves.
Oh! Trying to take this to the next gear.
Disaster Kick connects,
but Solo still in this battle, only down to one knee.
[Kevin] Rhodes looking for the Cody Cutter!
Where does this man find this energy?
This resolve?
[Corey] I can assure you, Rhodes is feeding off of the energy
from the WWE Universe,
just as he will this weekend in front of 75,000-plus.
SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles, California.
Rhodes, Reigns.
Cody looking at delivering the Cross Rhodes.
This will put Solo away.
There it is!
[Kevin] Can he finish off Solo?
And make that statement ahead of Friday Night SmackDown?
[Corey] Cody hooking the leg.
[Kevin] Cover now for Cody Rhodes.
[Corey] And Sikoa had the wherewithal to get his foot on the bottom rope.
Brilliant.
As we look again at Cody soaring into a Cody Cutter.
That was extremely effective,
but could not finish the task of disposing of Solo.
[Kevin] That was poetry in motion,
but Solo Sikoa is still alive in this match.
A rare sight, as The Street Champion takes a beating.
[Corey] Rhodes, momentarily making eye contact with The Wiseman.
Is this what you wanted?
[Corey] Cody asking Heyman, "Is this what you wanted?"
Moonsault!
Nobody home!
[Kevin] Scouted by Solo.
[Corey] And Cody let Heyman get under his skin.
And Cody Rhodes has to be prepared for that.
He cannot allow that at WrestleMania,
because Heyman will do his best.
Solo will surely be lurking.
Jimmy and Jey Uso and the entire Bloodline
all know that The Tribal Chief is under fire.
[Kevin] Heyman, using Cody's words against him earlier,
saying he's not ready for Roman Reigns.
[Corey] Solo lining up the Samoan Spike!
[Kevin] Ducked by Cody.
Here we go!
[Corey] A second Cody Cutter.
♪ Uso! ♪
["Done With That" playing]
[Corey] And panic has set in, period.
[Kevin] Here comes trouble.
In the form of the record Tag Team Champions.
[Corey] Jimmy and Jey.
Standing ringside, watching their younger brother, Solo,
who just superkicked the lights out of Rhodes.
[Kevin] Oh, man! Spinning Solo.
Sikoa to end this.
Cody kicking out!
Cody's kicked out!
[Corey] Jimmy and Jey can't believe it, nor can Paul Heyman.
["World Apart" playing]
♪ Oh-oh-oh-oh ♪
[Corey] Zayn, Owens, are here!
[Kevin] The Usos have company in their WrestleMania opponents.
[Corey] The numbers being evened by the arrival of Owens and Zayn,
bringing the fight to The Usos,
as they will in SoFi Stadium with the tag team titles on the line.
[Kevin] Meanwhile, back inside the ring, Cody Rhodes.
-Oh! -[Corey] Caught again!
Cross Rhodes!
[Kevin] Will that do it for Cody Rhodes?
[crowd] One, two, three!
[bell dinging]
["Kingdom" playing]
[announcer] Here is your winner,
the American Nightmare,
Cody Rhodes!
[Corey] It took a little assist from Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens
to even the odds,
but Cody Rhodes has survived
the roadblock that was Solo Sikoa!
[Kevin] A massive night for Cody Rhodes.
[Corey] Now the question remains,
can Rhodes finish the story?
Will Cody's journey get the Hollywood ending?
Or will Cody Rhodes end up just another statistic
on Roman's reign?
[Kevin] Cross Rhodes to Solo Sikoa.
[crowds] …two, three!
[Kevin] With that, all eyes
to the meeting between the American Nightmare
and the undisputed champion, Roman Reigns.
-[Corey] SoFi Stadium. -[speaking indistinctly]
[Corey] WrestleMania.
Rhodes, Reigns.
Always me!
[continues indistinctly] speaking indistinctly]