[intro music playing]
[John Cena] Then.
[Ric Flair] Woooo!
-[glass shattering] -[The Rock] If you smell…
-[bell tolling] -[Cena] Now.
[Roman] Acknowledge me!
-[Triple H] The king of kings… -[Cena] You can't see me…
[Cena] Forever.
Together.
♪ Wanna be the greatest of all time ♪
[Michael Cole] And you are looking live at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon,
and the "American Nightmare," Cody Rhodes,
who two weeks from Saturday will look to become the first person
since WWE Hall of Famer "Stone Cold" Steve Austin
26 years ago to win back-to-back Royal Rumble matches.
But tonight he's in the main event.
[Wade Barrett] And a rivalry that has become
increasingly bitter and personal.
The poisonous Shinsuke Nakamura
looks to put a close to Cody Rhodes story as he goes one-on-one--
[Drew McIntyre] All right, that's enough of that. I've got something to say.
[Michael Cole] That'll teach you.
[Wade Barrett] I'm not arguing.
[Drew] Last week's match with Seth
was all or nothing for Drew McIntyre.
I didn't want that title.
I needed that title.
And as you can see…
I don't have the title.
I've been replaying the match over in my head.
I remember I had the match won when a clamored Seth,
I pinned him. I was so overzealous
I put his foot on the rope
and I cost myself the damn match.
I've been really thinking about this all week.
And maybe, maybe Seth has been right.
Maybe Sami has been right.
Maybe the one person holding Drew McIntyre back is Drew McIntyre.
And if that's the case…
I need to get myself right,
I need to get my head screwed on right.
I need to get my priorities right.
I need to step away from WWE for a while.
[crowd reacting]
I've been playing this over in my head, trust me,
it wasn't easy to start feeling this way.
This has been a lifelong dream.
But up to two days ago, I really felt that way
and I kept replaying the match over and over.
But then it occurred to me…
Wait, Drew.
That's not true whatsoever.
You didn't lose straight up.
No, no, no, the better man didn't win.
Damian Priest cashed in during the match
and cost you the match.
Priest.
Why would you have cashed in during the match?
Why didn't you wait till the match was over?
And I was champion and I had won,
and I was weakened
and I was an easy target.
You didn't just screw yourself.
You screwed me too, you idiot.
[crowd cheering]
Between Priest and Seth
and Sami and Jey Uso being moved to Raw
'cause Cody has magical political powers,
and CM Punk making his return
to wide open arms.
[crowd cheering]
Actually…
maybe I need to revisit this "leaving the company thing."
Maybe I should leave for nine years.
Then I'll get a hero's reception when I return.
[crowd cheering]
Oh, yeah, we can chant my name during the matches--
-["Cult Of Personality" playing] -[crowd cheers]
[imperceptible]
[crowd chants "CM Punk"]
[CM Punk] We are in Piper country.
[crowd cheers]
I'm a little disappointed you didn't wear the kilt,
but I guess that would've been too easy.
They might actually like you and cheer for you
because 'rowdy roddy' Piper is a legend.
[crowd cheering]
Piper was known for talking.
CM Punk was known for talking,
is Drew McIntyre known for talking?
[crowd shouting "no"]
But since I've been back, Drew,
it seems like that's all you've done.
And it might seem a little weird
coming from a guy who just talks…
probably too much,
but I thought since I heard my name, I would come out…
and if you had anything to say,
you could say it to my face.
I'll just stand right over here.
[crowd chants "CM Punk"]
[Drew] All right. The floor is mine.
I guess first of all, I want to say…
Congratulations.
We're going on just over a month now, and you're still here.
See some of the guys and I have got a bet going in the back
that you're going to crash and burn, you're going to self-destruct,
and you're costing a lot of people a lot of money the longer you stick around.
[CM Punk] That's good.
I guess my big bad words have offended you. They've upset you
Maybe you and Seth have more in common than you actually realize.
I don't care what you said outside the company.
That's irrelevant. You wanted some headlines.
You're bitter. You want some attention because you weren't getting enough.
I get it.
What I care about
is what you do to me personally.
And I'm one of the few people on this roster
still that traveled the world with you
for years.
I know the real CM Punk.
I've seen what you're truly like,
and I've had so many things happen to me
caused by you.
I could go on for all night, actually,
we've only got a three hour show,
so maybe I'll go with the first thing that comes to my head.
Remember, you were champion?
And you used to refer to yourself as the "leader."
You would actually walk in the locker room and say,
"As the locker room leader,"
because the leader has to announce he's the bloody leader.
Back then, I actually needed a leader.
I needed somebody to help me out.
I was in a real dark place.
Right now, I'm not in a dark place.
I've got some obstacles in my way.
I'll kick them down.
I'm Drew McIntyre.
I got it these days.
[crowd cheering]
But I didn't have it back then.
I was just a kid.
I had personal issues going on
I'd lost the person who was closest to me in the world.
My career was in a tailspin,
and I could have done with a real leader
to tell me it was going to be okay
to help me navigate this place.
But you saw me as a threat,
and that was never going to happen.
I've spoken to Randy Orton about this before,
and I understand that Randy couldn't have helped me
because he had his own demons.
You're Straight Edge.
You don't have any demons.
You are a demon.
A self-serving, narcissistic succubus,
and I didn't need anybody to help me become a leader.
Once I got fired, I figured it out.
I stepped up myself,
and I became the man I am today.
So after being gone for nine years.
I'm your leader now, kid.
[crowd cheering]
Called myself a lot of things in life.
I've called myself a lot of things in my WWE career.
A leader was never one of 'em,
because I always led by example.
Called myself a savior, and kid,
if you want your hand held…
you can pledge allegiance to the "Straight Edge Society" right now.
We can shave your head
and you can live this clean life.
Talk about demons? Listen, man.
If I'm not a leader,
who did you watch walk out of this company?
It was me.
And who did I watch walk back in
and become bigger, faster, stronger?
You went on, you won the Royal Rumble,
and your main event at WrestleMania.
You followed my lead on the way out.
I got no problem saying that I'm following my, your way
on the way back in.
And just because I want to do what you did,
I'm back. Bigger, faster, stronger.
And I'm going to win the Royal Rumble and main event at WrestleMania.
And you're upset about it, just like Seth.
Yeah.
And as far as being a demon,
I'm not a demon.
When pushed I'm Satan himself.
[crowd cheering]
And if you were one of the people that saw that side of CM Punk,
that says way more about you and where you are
and your little dark places
than it does about me,
because I'm a real, real nice guy…
until it's time not to be.
And it looks like it's getting to be that time.
I am not here to be a nice guy.
I am not here to make friends.
I'm here to win the Royal Rumble
and main event WrestleMania.
[crowd cheering]
So we got ourselves a little problem there.
As you said,
I've won the Royal Rumble.
I've main evented WrestleMania.
Something you've never done.
[imperceptible]
But that wasn't for me.
Those title wins. No.
If you remember right,
the world shut down.
This place needed somebody to step up.
Those title wins were for the entire world,
where they were for this roster
when some of our superstars stepped away.
Because if you were still here,
you'd probably step away, too.
Because when the going gets tough, Punk gets going.
This time I'm entering the Royal Rumble.
If it's not clear, I'll be in the Royal Rumble.
And if you're in there, you want to talk about being Satan?
I will exorcise you.
I will eliminate you from that Royal Rumble.
I'll go back to the main event of WrestleMania
and win the title with live fans.
And for this time,
it's going to be for me.
[crowd cheering and clapping]
[crowd chants "CM Punk"]
It's getting a little spicy in here, Drew.
So I'm going to lead by example
and I'm going to walk away before I knock your teeth down your throat.
There's one person
that can stop me from accomplishing my goals, and it's me.
And I got out of my own way a long time ago.
You can't stop me from winning the Royal Rumble.
Seth can't stop me from winning the Royal Rumble.
Cody can't stop me from winning the Royal Rumble.
And Drew, leader to leader,
because I'm such a nice guy in the Royal Rumble,
I'm going to throw you out last.
-[microphone drops] -[crowd cheers]
[upbeat music playing]
[Michael Cole] Well, CM Punk's journey starts
two weeks from Saturday.
St. Petersburg, Florida.
The Royal Rumble match.
And he hopes it ends with him punching his ticket
to the main event at WrestleMania.
[Wade Barrett] Oh my word.
Alpha male egos with big plans all flexing their muscles,
ahead of the Royal Rumble match I cannot wait!
Well, it is rumble season.
Then we head to elimination chamber
and of course then WrestleMania.
That means the stars are out here in WWE,
including the return last week
of one of the biggest stars on the planet,
shattering social media records in WWE.
We'll look back at the return
of "The Rock" at Monday Night Raw
day one last week.
That's later tonight.
[Wade Barrett] Still to come, newly crowned
Women's Tag champs Carter and Chance.
Look to bring the party to Portland
as they defend against the former champs,
the obnoxious Chelsea Green and Piper Niven
that is later on this evening.
["The Other Side" playing]
-[gunshot] -[crowd cheering]
[bell rings]
[announcer] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, accompanied by Señor Money in the Bank,
representing The Judgment Day.
He is one half of the undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions.
Finn Bálor!
[Michael Cole] It's important to clear up
a few things that Drew McIntyre said earlier on.
Damian Priest would've liked
to have cashed in the money in the bank contract last week,
but he didn't do it.
He is still Mr. Money in the bank.
However, coming up next on Monday Night Raw, Finn Bálor
goes one-on-one with a gritty Tommaso Ciampa of DIY.
Live on Raw.
The Royal Rumble is presented by Cricket
with fast and powerful nationwide 5G coverage.
You can stress less and smile more.
And by Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League.
Available February 2nd on PlayStation 5.
[Michael Cole] In the ring, Finn Bálor of Judgment Day,
set to go one-on-one with this man.
DIY blackheart Tommaso Ciampa.
Tonight marks exactly 19 years since my first match.
It's a long road for guys like us.
Heart, perseverance, we've got it in spades.
When we want something we fight for it.
And what we want are those WWE Tag Team titles.
Tonight, Finn Bálor, Tommaso Ciampa.
This isn't just about "can't lose."
This is must win.
2024, you want a New Year's resolution?
Your new tag champs, DIY.
["It's Our Moment" playing]
[imperceptible]
We're the Tag Team Champions.
We're the undisputed Tag Team Champions.
[announcer] And his opponent…
accompanied to the ring by Johnny Gargano,
representing DIY.
Tommaso Ciampa!
[Michael Cole] It's interesting how this match came about tonight.
Ciampa versus Finn Bálor of The Judgment Day.
It was thanks to Judgment Day,
quote unquote, member,
R-Truth getting with general manager Adam Pearce.
I heard DIY talking about our Tag Team titles.
Don't touch that.
We can't have nobody walking around
talking about our Tag Team titles.
We gotta nip it in the bud.
True.
It was just a simple match,
Ciampa versus Finn.
Oh.
Finn? Me?
-Why me? -Oh, my bad.
I know you're afraid of Ciampa.
Adam, squash that.
Finn is a scaredy cat.
-We're not gonna-- -Scaredy cat?
Book it.
And next week, we'll find out who the real scaredy cat is.
Okay.
[Michael Cole] Again thank R-Truth for this matchup tonight.
Calling Finn Bálor a scaredy cat.
[Wade Barrett] Yeah let's be clear. This match should never be happening.
The mentally deranged R-Truth
apparently has general manager Adam Pierce wrapped around his little finger.
[Michael Cole] R-truth also believes he's a member of The Judgment Day.
Nonetheless, Ciampa starts things off against Finn Bálor.
Of course, both these men…
former two time NXT champions,
former tag champions as well,
and Ciampa made it pretty clear, Wade,
that DIY want another opportunity
at the undisputed Tag Team titles.
[Wade Barrett] Yeah, well, DIY have been on a real hot streak
these past couple of months,
beating the likes of Imperium several times.
And I'll tell you, as a competitor, if you get on a run like that,
it isn't long before you start thinking about gold.
[Wade Barrett] Yeah. Tommaso Ciampa, Johnny Gargano
are best friends, also bitter rivals from their days in NXT.
A great Tag Team, but Priest and Bálor
showing that they are one of the best as well.
The current undisputed tag team champions.
[Wade Barrett] Grand Slam. Finn in the ring.
That is the difference between these two competitors' resumes.
[Michael Cole] Cover by Bálor, hooking the leg on Ciampa,
-kick out at two. -It has to be said, The Judgment Day
really have a growing band of enemies circling them at the moment,
and to close ranks and have each other's backs at all times.
[Michael Cole] Finn Bálor, you mentioned Grand Slam,
Bálor, a former Universal Champion.
Two time NXT Champion,
Finn, an Intercontinental Champion,
US champion, of course, the tag champ.
There's this press.
And now hammering away with the right hands is Tommaso Ciampa.
Ciampa is the real deal.
He's cold hearted, compassionless,
and a ton of stamina.
[Wade Barrett] Yeah, most importantly, he is cut throat competitive,
but a huge Damian Priest
like a human wall.
[Michael Cole] Ciampa not intimidated at all.
Finn Bálor tried to take advantage.
Nobody home as Ciampa ducked out of harm's way.
[Wade Barrett] Tommaso Ciampa, as cerebral as they come,
has multiple strategies at all times.
[Michael Cole] And Priest to cause a distraction.
Bálor taking advantage.
And just like that, Finn Bálor is taking over
here live on Raw.
And Tommaso Ciampa has crawled back into this matchup
during the commercial break.
We are live from Portland, Oregon tonight
with Monday Night Raw.
Ciampa and Finn Bálor, one half of the undisputed tag champs
from Judgment Day.
And Ciampa.
That running clothesline takes Bálor down.
DIY…
Made no bones about it.
They want an opportunity down the road
at the undisputed Tag Team Championship
held by Judgment Day.
[Wade Barrett] A victory here would certainly aid that quest.
[Michael Cole] And reverse DDT.
Cover now and a kick out…
by Bálor.
And Priest realized it was so close here.
[Wade Barrett] Finn Bálor thought he had Ciampa
right where he wanted him, but the quick thinking skills
on Tomasso Ciampa
almost put him one half of the tag champs away.
[Michael Cole] And now Ciampa beginning to focus
on Finn Bálor, lifting Bálor up.
Bálor though, lands on his feet.
A takedown and now a stomp right in the chest
of Tommaso Ciampa.
[Wade Barrett] It's a point in the match where both men normally
come into their own cardio machines,
but they kinda cancel each other out.
[Michael Cole] The running knee by Ciampa
caught Bálor on the jaw
and now Ciampa with Bálor up.
looking to put him away--
Planted by Ciampa. Cover.
For the win. Hook of the leg now on Bálor.
Kick out at two.
[Wade Barrett] Nice spine-smashing move there from Ciampa, but this Finn Bálor
is made of stern stuff. Take another look at this.
-Bang! -[crowd cheering]
[Michael Cole] Watch that by Tomasso Ciampa,
almost put Finn Bálor away.
[Wade Barrett] Bálor has barely moved since.
Ciampa smells blood and is ready to go in for the kill.
[Michael Cole] now Ciampa measuring his man.
And now Bálor with a slingblade, great counter by Bálor.
[Wade Barrett] Not sure he quite got all of it,
but it might have enough.
[Michael Cole] And kick driving Ciampa into the corner.
And now Finn Bálor has Ciampa where he wants him.
Going to go up top looking for the Coup de Grace.
[Wade Barrett] Ciampa completely in the drop zone, defenseless.
[Michael Cole] Nobody home as Ciampa rolls out of harm's way.
And now Tomasso Ciampa rolls up.
Bálor, shoulders down.
Kick out at two.
Big right hand.
Stunning Bálor.
[Wade Barrett] Both men sucking on oxygen this point.
[Michael Cole] Now, perhaps looking for the fairytale ending,
but Damian Priest caused the distraction.
[Wade Barrett] Just ate that punch!
[Michael Cole] And now Johnny Gargano gets involved.
Oh, Johnny. Gonna pay for it.
Maybe not. Ciampa!
Priest right on our table.
[Wade Barrett] Johnny Gargano almost taking that razor's edge.
[Michael Cole] And now Bálor miss-- oh,
kicked the second rope,
and it paid off for Finn Bálor.
[Wade Barrett] It's always tactical with The Judgment Day.
Expect the worst.
[Michael Cole] And now, Johnny Gargano grabbed the foot of Bálor.
Ciampa takes advantage for the win.
[bell rings]
["It's Our Moment" playing]
[announcer] Here is your winner!
Tomasso Ciampa!
[Michael Cole] Priest is not happy.
Ciampa picks up the win and may be inching closer
to a Tag Team title opportunity
down the road against Judgment Day.
[Wade Barrett] Judgment Day just got beaten
at their own game, and you're correct Cole.
Surely now the DIY team
are getting closer and closer to an opportunity
at Judgment Day's tag gold.
You know, switching gears now,
Nia Jax returned to WWE late last year
and has been destroying everyone in her path,
but she was still lacking that signature win
last week against Becky Lynch here on Raw.
[Wade Barrett] And just as Becky Lynch began
to build up a head of steam,
it was Nia Jax who pulled out
a picture perfect, boom, uppercut
straight to the kisser,
of "The Man" Becky Lynch,
and then followed it up, as she always does,
of course, with the Annihilator,
continuing her path of destruction
and leaving a pile of squashed bodies in her wake.
Who can stop Nia Jax?
Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome
"The Man," Becky Lynch.
Becky, last week obviously didn't go the way you wanted it to,
but now that you've had a few days to process it,
how are you feeling about your loss to Nia Jax?
Well, before the match, Nia told me
to imagine what would happen if she put her full weight
behind that punch. And so I did.
I tried to picture what she was envisioning,
and I imagined maybe, maybe she would
break my orbital socket, or maybe she would
bust my nose into a million different pieces.
Maybe fragments would go into my cheek.
Maybe she'd put me in the hospital again.
But then she did put her full weight behind that punch.
And yes, she busted my mouth open
and I fell and I lost.
But after that, I got up
and I walked myself to the back
and I declared myself for the Royal Rumble.
And I didn't end up in the hospital.
So I'm already way ahead of the last time.
And the last time I came back
and I won the entire Royal Rumble
and went on to win the main event of WrestleMania.
So either Nia is getting weaker
or I'm getting stronger.
And no, no, I didn't end her like I wanted to,
but she didn't end me either.
So then maybe this isn't the end.
Maybe this is just the beginning.
[Michael Cole] As Becky Lynch gets ready for the Royal Rumble match.
Our own Jackie Redmond hosts
a brand new program
on National Hockey League's YouTube channel.
The Jackie Redmond Show
airs later this week, and her guest,
massive Chicago Blackhawks fan
CM Punk this Thursday
["New Day, New Way" playing]
[bell rings]
[announcer] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, representing the New Day,
from Ghana, West Africa,
weighing in at 212 pounds.
Kofi Kingston!
[Michael Cole] Wade this is going to be an interesting matchup
after what happened to Giovanni Vinci of Imperium last week.
It's Kingston and Kaiser.
[Wade Barrett] Yes, indeed.
The power of positivity has arrived in Portland.
Kofi Kingston takes on European elegance himself.
Imperium's Ludwig Kaiser.
And it's coming up next.
[Michael Cole] The big news coming late last week is that WWE
is heading to the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto in July
for a massive three event weekend.
Now it all kicks off Friday night, July 5th,
with a live Friday night SmackDown,
followed on Saturday night by one of the biggest events of the year
when careers will be changed forever
with the Money in the Bank premium live event.
Then on Sunday, July 7th,
it's NXT Heatwave.
Stay tuned for all the ticket information
as WWE prepares to take over Toronto the first weekend of July.
This is yet another step in making 2024
the most globally focused schedule
in company history.
And wondering how long the reign of the Tag Team Champions will be.
Will they make it to Toronto in July?
Carter and chance defend tonight
against the former Tag Team Champions, of course.
Well, someone that many people can't stand,
that would be Chelsea Green and Piper Niven.
The former champs look to win back the gold here tonight
on Monday Night Raw.
[Wade Barrett] Yes, indeed. The party rolls on.
The fun-loving duo of Kayden Carter and Katana Chance
take on the former champs, the powerhouse,
Piper Niven and the grating Chelsea Green.
Women's WWE Tag Team Championships
are on the line. That is later on tonight.
[Michael Cole] And Kofi Kingston set for one-on-one action
with Ludwig Kaiser of Imperium.
Nice catch!
["Symphony No. 9 In E Minor" playing]
[announcer] And his opponent,
representing Imperium, from Hamburg, Germany,
weighing in at 220 pounds,
Ludwig Kaiser.
[Michael Cole] You know, I spoke with Kaiser earlier today
and he said this matchup is all about revenge
for what happened last week on Monday Night Raw,
Kofi Kingston, Jey Uso against Imperium.
And watch this dropkick by Kofi Kingston
Bang! With such force,
that he could not finish the matchup.
[Wade Barrett] Taking another look as Vinci's head bounces off the mat,
rendering Vinci unable to continue.
Thankfully, medical staff and officials were on hand,
immediately stopping the match.
Protecting the well-being of Vinci,
-who we send our best wishes to. -[bell rings]
[Michael Cole] Vinci going to be out of action for a number of weeks.
So here we go. Kaiser, Kingston, one on one,
here on Monday Night Raw.
Kicked off the show tonight with Drew McIntyre,
saying he will be in the Royal Rumble match
two weeks from Saturday.
CM Punk in that matchup as well.
Cody Rhodes, Bobby Lashley,
the field continuing to grow,
and Kofi Kingston, as you take another look at this…
Bang!
Kofi Kingston, and I'm sure he'll be in the Royal Rumble match as well.
One of the all-time greats when it comes to that matchup.
[Wade Barrett] Well, extra hot sauce on some of these clotheslines
from Ludwig Kaiser.
Perhaps seeking a little vengeance
on behalf of his Tag Team partner.
[Michael Cole] What's interesting for me though, Wade,
is that, you know, I don't believe Kofi Kingston intentionally
tried to cause the damage he did
-to Vinci. -[Wade Barrett] No, not at all.
That is a move you will see guys absorb
a million times, but sometimes,
you just catch one on the wrong angle and it's goodnight.
Such are the dangers in that ring.
[Michael Cole] And Kaiser, though, took it personally
and blaming Kofi Kingston for his buddy being on the shelf.
Now, Kaiser also looking to impress the Intercontinental Champion,
the longest reigning Intercontinental Champion of all time,
Gunther, at 577 days tonight.
He will return to Monday Night Raw next week.
[Wade Barrett] Even more motivation
for Ludwig Kaiser to get the job done
this evening against Kofi Kingston.
[Michael Cole] Gunther has been very outspoken
about the way that Imperium has been…
involved in matches over the past couple of weeks,
says Kaiser needs to get on a winning streak.
Now, Kofi Kingston unloading on Ludwig Kaiser.
Kofi Kingston taking the fight.
Oh, face first off the top turnbuckle.
[Wade Barrett] Ludwig Kaiser came out of the blocks hot.
He was a little too over-aggressive
and that gave a window for Kofi Kingston
to get himself back in the matchup,
but immediately shutting it back down
was a very game Ludwig Kaiser.
[Michael Cole] WWE fans here at the Moda Center in Portland
trying to rally Kingston, but Kaiser
sending Kingston shoulder first into the ring post.
And Kaiser looks a bit more focused
and intense than usual tonight.
[Wade Barrett] Added motivation, and perhaps finding a new gear,
looking extra vicious this evening thus far is Ludwig Kaiser
[Michael Cole] Again, Kaiser driven by revenge,
-as he told us earlier tonight. -You took Vinci's head!
I'll take your head.
[crowd chants "New Day rocks"]
[Michael Cole] And again looking to rally Kingston,
the WWE fans in Portland
and Kofi trying to fight back.
[Wade Barrett] Kaiser getting frustrated by this audience
and that's allowed Kingston back in.
[Michael Cole] What a cross body,
and now hammering away on Kaiser,
and Kofi Kingston, the former WWE champion.
The veteran will not be disrespected,
will not back down.
[Wade Barrett] He's taking a lot of abuse in this one,
speaks volumes to his durability
for pulling through.
[Michael Cole] Went for Trouble in Paradise.
Kaiser able to duck underneath.
Kofi hanging on. Kaiser sent over the top rope to the floor.
[Wade Barrett] Heavy landing.
And this is not where you want to be.
When Kofi Kingston has a head of steam
[Michael Cole] And Kofi runs into a right hand by Kaiser.
[Wade Barrett] Such perfect timing and precision there from Kaiser.
[Michael Cole] And just like that, Kaiser has stopped the momentum of Kofi Kingston.
[Wade Barrett] Spine bouncing off a security barrier.
-[Kofi groans] -[Wade Barrett] Oh!
[Michael Cole] Wow!
[Ludwig Kaiser speaking in German]
[Michael Cole] We are back live on Monday Night Raw.
Ludwig Kaiser continues to dominate Kofi Kingston
in what has been a ruthless, relentless assault.
[Wade Barrett] Yeah, Kingston has been getting absolutely pummeled
for the past few minutes
and it's become apparent as this match goes on.
Kaiser isn't just here for victory.
He is here to hurt Kofi Kingston.
[Michael Cole] And again Kofi Kingston with a dropkick last week
that knocked Giovanni Vinci out of action,
cost him the matchup.
Vinci will miss a number of weeks due to injury.
And Kaiser now taking that out on Kingston, who's able to counter.
[Wade Barrett] Yeah, brief respite perhaps for Kofi Kingston.
But has the damage already been done?
[Michael Cole] Kofi lookin' to shake out the cobwebs
and climb back into this matchup.
He's got an opportunity now with Kaiser in trouble.
[Wade Barrett] He made a career of defying the odds.
He may well have to at this point,
after the beating he's already taken.
[Michael Cole] Kingston out top rope and down
goes Kaiser. The trust fall by Kofi.
And can Kofi capitalize to get Kaiser back in the ring here?
[Wade Barrett] Yeah. Kofi Kingston going high risk
after the amount of abuse he's already taken.
Luckily for him, it did pay off.
-[referee] Three! -[Kofi groans]
[Michael Cole] Yeah and a reversal now as Kaiser sends
Kingston up over the steps.
Great balance by Kofi.
Off the steel steps.
Down goes Kaiser.
[Wade Barrett] Yeah, I don't care what you do to Kofi Kingston.
The last thing he ever loses is his agility.
[Michael Cole] Oh! Driven into the ring post is Kofi Kingston.
[man in crowd] Come on!
[Wade Barrett] New Day may well rock, but Kofi Kingston, who is rocked now.
[Michael Cole] And Kingston ducks out of harm's way
on that running uppercut attempt by Kaiser.
Count of eight now by the official.
Kingston gonna try to make it
back into the ring by a count of ten.
That's a count of nine.
And Kaiser…
not going to allow it to happen.
[bell rings]
And that's going to be a double count out.
Neither man could make it back
into the ring by the count of ten.
Kingston not quite realizing it, but…
he's being told by the official now
he was counted out of this match up.
[Wade Barrett] Took such a beating
I think those cobwebs may still be there for him.
Running on fumes at this point.
[Michael Cole] And Kofi not done yet.
He drives Kaiser right over the announce table.
And now Kofi Kingston
hammering away on Ludwig Kaiser.
[Wade Barrett] Kofi is completely--
oh, thumbs in the eye!
[Michael Cole] Kaiser sticking a thumb
right in the eye socket of Kofi Kingston
and continuing to punish Kingston.
Trying to blind Kingston here.
[Wade Barrett] This is a savage attempt by Ludwig Kaiser
against some vengeance-- Oh!
[Michael Cole] And Kaiser sent right over the announce table.
And finally, some officials are out here to try to separate these two men,
in what has turned into a brawl.
[Wade Barrett] Kofi's operating with one eyeball at the moment.
[crowd clamoring]
[Michael Cole] Kaiser blinding Kingston momentarily now--
Oh, my god!
Holy…
Kofi may be out cold.
We need medical attention out here.
Kaiser launching that chair like a spear into Kofi Kingston's face.
[Wade Barrett] And that connected flush with the forehead of Kingston.
And still Kaiser isn't satiated!
[Michael Cole] Someone's got to get this guy off Kofi.
Kaiser. Not done yet.
Oh, my goodness.
Do something!
[crowd chants "Kofi"]
Kaiser trying to maim Kofi Kingston.
[Wade Barrett] Kaiser is completely out of control.
[Michael Cole] Kaiser has lost it.
Finally, some separation here.
Getting Kaiser away from Kofi Kingston,
who's just defenseless,
out here at ringside.
[Wade Barrett] Blood lust in eyes of Ludwig Kaiser.
What a disgraceful act.
[Michael Cole] Well, in his mind, it's revenge for Vinci.
[Wade Barrett] In his mind is job done now?
-Well, maybe not. -[crowd clamoring]
[Michael Cole] Oh, my god! No, no, no!
-[crowd clamoring] -[referee yelling]
[all shouting indistinctly]
[crowd boos]
-[official] No. -[crowd boos]
[rap rock music playing]
[Wade Barrett] Tonight, Monday Night Raw
is at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon.
Where still to come in our main event,
Cody Rhodes squares off against his bitter nemesis,
the poisonous Shinsuke Nakamura.
That's in our main event later on.
But let's take you back to what just happened
prior to the break.
It was a matchup, Ludwig Kaiser versus Kofi Kingston,
which ended in a double count out.
But things got increasingly ugly from there.
Kofi Kingston launching Ludwig Kaiser
onto our announce desk.
Things did not end after that, however.
Kaiser launching one of our announcer chairs
straight to the forehead of Kofi Kingston.
Followed by this sickening kick to Kofi Kingston's head,
which was pinned against the steel steps.
Things looking bleak for Kofi.
Now let's head over to our backstage correspondent,
Jackie Redmond who hopefully has an update for us.
Thank you so much Wade.
Yes, I am working to get an update on Kofi Kingston.
In the meantime, I have tracked down Ludwig Kaiser.
Ludwig, excuse me.
What happened out there?
I mean, it was like a switch flipped.
You turned into a different person.
I mean, why would you--
Why, what?!
Why what?!
What do you want from me, huh?
That's not my fault! It's Kofi's fault!
He had it coming.
Because of him, I am the only one here.
I am carrying the whole weight of Imperium
because of Kofi Kingston.
You know, he took Vinci's head.
So tonight…
I took his.
[Wade Barrett] Thank you, Jackie. Well, let's go over to the voice of WWE,
Michael Cole.
Ladies and gentlemen,
last week on Monday Night Raw,
she defeated Becky Lynch.
She is now considered one of the odds on favorites to win
the Women's Royal Rumble match.
Please welcome the irresistible force,
Nia Jax.
-[crowd cheering] -["Greatness" playing]
[Wade Barrett] This is a woman who has been unstoppable
since returning to Raw several months ago.
She has left a pile of bodies in her wake,
culminating in once again smashing the face of "The Man," Becky Lynch,
last week on Raw.
Just one more in a long line of victims,
that the irresistible force Nia Jax has squashed.
Nia, last week,
you shocked the world when you dominated Becky Lynch
to pick up the victory here on Monday Night Raw.
[crowd booing]
Shocked?
Why was it so shocking?
I wasn't shocked.
I told you, I'm a different Nia Jax.
I'm more focused.
What, are you like these people here,
who didn't think I would break Becky Lynch's face again?
[crowd booing]
You know what would be shocking?
Is if I broke your face, Cole.
[crowd booing]
I think everybody would love to see that.
But you know what?
I'm more focused on the Royal Rumble,
Because soon I'm going to run through 29 other women,
earn my main event spot at WrestleMania.
And whether it be Rhea Ripley or Iyo Sky,
there is not a man or woman
-who can stop me. -["Demon In Your Dreams" playing]
[crowd cheering]
[Wade Barrett] There is perhaps one woman
who would disagree with that statement, Nia.
That would be Women's World Championship.
Rhea bloody Ripley.
[Michael Cole] Yeah. "The Eradicator."
[crowd cheers]
Please.
[crowd chants "mami"]
[Rhea] These people know.
These people know what's up.
These people also know
that you like to talk a big game, Nia.
Because you're walking around out here
acting like you've already won the Royal Rumble.
But you remember what happened last year? Because I sure do.
I threw you out.
And yeah, last week you might have beaten Becky Lynch.
That's quite an accomplishment, I must say, but the fact is, Nia…
that Becky Lynch isn't Rhea bloody Ripley.
[crowd cheering]
So, until you want to actually step to me,
I advise you to stop walking around like you own this division,
because you don't.
[crowd cheering]
And take this as a warning.
If you manage to win the Royal Rumble,
it's best to keep my name out of your mouth.
[crowd cheering]
Rhea.
I give you all the credit.
[crowd booing]
You might be the most
dominant champion in our division's history.
But don't you forget
that I put you on your ass when I came back.
[crowd booing]
And the only reason I'm not holding this title
is because you're too scared to face me one on one.
[crowd booing]
So at the Royal Rumble,
when I squash 29 other women and win,
I'm gonna choose you.
And you will have no excuse
and no choice but to face me.
[imperceptible]
[crowd chants "Rhea"]
See you soon, "unstoppable champ."
[imperceptible]
[Michael Cole] Bold words from Nia Jax.
As she becomes an odds on favorite
for the Royal Rumble match,
two weeks from Saturday.
[Wade Barrett] Well, these two seem to be on a collision course.
And if they do one day meet,
count me in for buying a ticket.
Well, we are on our way to the Royal Rumble prime season
in WWE, where all the stars come out.
[announcer] Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome.
The return of a former WWE Champion.
Jinder Mahal!
-[crowd boos] -[Mahal] You have the audacity
to be disappointed at the return of the modern day maharaja?
[speaking Punjabi]
-["Electrifying" playing] -[crowd cheers]
[crowd chants "Rocky"]
[The Rock] Finally The Rock has come back
to San Diego.
[crowd cheers]
[Michael Cole] Mahal went right after The Rock.
Spinebuster!
The most electrifying move in all of entertainment.
The people's elbow!
[crowd cheering]
[The Rock] One more thing,
tonight, after all this ass kickin',
I'm gonna go get something to eat.
Should The Rock sit…
in a booth?
Should The Rock sit at the bar?
Or should The Rock sit…
at the head of the table?
[crowd cheers]
If you smell…
what The Rock is cooking!
[crowd chants "Rocky"]
[Michael Cole] You know, Wade, The Rock shattering
WWE social media records.
171 million plus views
and counting over all the social media channels.
Chelsea Green would love for that type of attention.
["Hot Mess" playing]
[Wade Barrett] Really takes something special.
The Rock doing what he does best,
and that is electrifying planet Earth.
Chelsea Green, on the other hand,
says she is out this evening
to crush a couple of party pipsqueaks.
[Michael Cole] How upset has Chelsea Green been since
she and Piper lost the Women's Tag Team gold?
They have an opportunity to win the Tag Team titles back.
But they have to beat Carter and Chance.
Because coming up next live on Monday Night Raw
from Portland, Oregon,
the Women's Tag Team Championship rematch.
Live on Raw.
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome back to Monday Night Raw.
Please join me in welcoming
the "American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes.
[crowd cheering]
Cody, Shinsuke Nakamura has been doing
everything in his power to keep you from finishing your story.
Is there anything you'd like to say before tonight's main event?
Oh, what I said last week was this should be over.
-And tonight-- -[Nakamura yelling]
[Michael Cole] Nakamura!
[Cody grunting]
-[Nakamura grunting] -[Cody yelling]
[official] Cody, no! Cody, no! Let him go.
[all shouting indistinctly]
[Michael Cole] A brawl already underway, and Cody
and Shinsuke supposed to meet in our main event
later on tonight.
But for the first time ever, bid for a chance
to win Triple H's personal seats at Royal Rumble,
with proceeds benefiting Connor's Cure
on behalf of the V Foundation.
This bundle includes two ringside seats,
a meet greet with a WWE superstar,
food, beverages and more.
Visit wweshop.com
or scan the QR code for more information
and to bid today.
Chelsea and Piper looking to win the Women's Tag Team gold once again.
[Carter and Chance's music]
[Michael Cole] Well, the spunky Tag Team Champions.
[Wade Barrett] Spunky, I like that.
What do you know about EDM festivals Michael Cole?
-[Michael Cole] Nothing. -[Wade Barrett] Nothing?
[Wade Barrett] Okay, well, let me clue you in.
They're very colorful places. Lot of energy, a lot of fun.
Hence the colorful hair of this duo.
Now, I spoke to them about you.
-[Michael Cole] You did? -[Wade Barrett] They said they'd like you
to go to an EDM festival with them.
And they told me that if he wore your orange
WrestleMania singlet on the dance floor,
you would be a big hit.
[Michael Cole] Can I wear the headgear?
[Wade Barrett] Wear whatever you want.
Bust out the foxtrot.
I don't know what dance moves Michael Cole has,
but you know, you'd have a lot of fun there.
Well, these two have been enjoying the good life
since winning Tag Gold three weeks ago.
What a holiday season it was for them.
But it could come to an abrupt end tonight
if Chelsea Green and Piper Niven have their way.
[announcer] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
And it is for…
the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship.
Introducing the challengers,
the team of Chelsea Green and Piper Niven!
[crowd shouting indistinctly]
-[Chelsea] Right here. -[Piper Niven] Yeah!
And their opponents.
They are the WWE Women's Tag Team Champions.
Kayden Carter and Katana Chance.
[Michael Cole] So Wade, what do the challengers have to do
to win the Tag Team Titles back?
[Wade Barrett] Well, it still feels like a seismic shock
that Carter and Chance won the gold
in the first place. And I don't mean that insultingly.
What I mean by that is they quite simply have been career underdogs,
and even with the gold around their waist,
they still come into this match in many ways as underdogs.
And you can see the women's locker room
locking on, keeping a close eye on this
because they all smell blood in the water.
They see these two champions, as underdogs,
and perhaps the gold is there for the taking.
[Michael Cole] Chelsea Green starts things off
with Kayden Carter in this Tag Team Championship match.
You mentioned Carter and Chance always being underdogs.
Remember, they were the longest reigning
NXT Women's Tag Team Champions of all time.
And now-- Carter. Nice drop kick.
Chelsea Green sends her back to the other corner.
[Wade Barrett] Diminutive. Elusive.
That is the story of Chance and Carter, but certainly hard hitting
when it comes to the in-ring action.
[Michael Cole] And what do they have to do to retain the gold?
Here's the cover now by Katana
and a kick out by Chelsea Green.
[Wade Barrett] The story of their success has been the innovative offense of theirs.
It's so hard to scout them.
It's so hard to plan for them,
to counter against what they can do.
Because quite simply--
[Michael Cole] Roll up by Carter, kick out by Green.
[Wade Barrett] Carter and Chance have a level of acrobatic ability
that we haven't seen in the women's division before.
[Michael Cole] Carter and Chance,
Piper Niven now comes in, nice drop toehold.
Niven off the second rope.
Carter and Chance say the greater the challenge,
the better the story in their minds.
Tag. Here's Katana Chance.
Up to the top rope, double team coming.
[Wade Barrett] Could be over quick.
[Michael Cole] And Piper Niven up to the apron,
pulling Carter out forces Chance to roll through.
Green missed with the kick.
[Chance] What the--
-[Michael Cole] Sends Chance into the… -[Green] Piper!
…middle turnbuckle, and the tag made of the powerhouse Piper Niven.
[Wade Barrett] The wrong side of the tracks.
-The barely five foot tall-- -[Michael Cole] And a cannonball.
-[Piper yelling] -[Wade Barrett] Katana Chance.
[Michael Cole] Piper Niven and Chelsea Green taking over.
Cover, hook of the leg now.
Chance has got to kick at two.
Chance and Carter keep the tag titles
as the women's locker room looks on.
[Green yells]
[Michael Cole] And we are back live on Monday Night Raw
This is for the Women's Tag Team titles.
Piper Niven and Chelsea Green looking to win the gold back
from Katana Chance and Kayden Carter.
[Wade Barrett] Well, things were starting to look bleak for Katana Chance,
who has been at the boot
of Chelsea Green and Piper Niven
for the past few minutes,
but she may have just averted disaster.
[Michael Cole] Yeah, Green, now the legal competitor
after making the tag, trying to keep Chance
from making the tag to Carter.
Chance creates space, tag made.
Here's Kayden Carter.
[Wade Barrett] The spitfire of Raw, Kayden Carter,
one of the fastest moving women in the locker room.
[Michael Cole] And Kayden Carter taking the fight to both of her opponents.
[Kayden yelling]
High flying attack. Smash mouth attitude.
Cover to retain.
-Kick out by Green at two. -[Kayden yelling]
Very proud champions.
Carter and Chance.
Kick to the face of Chelsea Green, who's in trouble.
[crowd cheers]
Carter getting the WWE fans fired up.
-Nice leg drop cover to retain. -[referee counting down]
Green at two.
[Wade Barrett] Kayden Carter, well schooled in the art of lucha libre
after training in Mexico earlier in her career.
She knows the elusive nature of that game is a key to success.
It's proving pretty good right now.
[Michael Cole] Chelsea Green is nicknamed the Tag Team Champions
the "Twinkle Twins."
[Wade Barrett] Yeah, and here's a prediction for you.
If Green and Niven don't win tonight
that Tag Team is going to explode.
The only thing that sweetens the deal for Niven
is the taste of gold.
[Michael Cole] And Chance back up to the apron now.
And Piper Niven knocked down by Chance.
Headbutt by Chelsea Green.
[Wade Barrett] And this chaos is exactly where Green and Niven tend to thrive.
[Michael Cole] And right now it's Chance and Carter controlling the pace.
Tag made by Chance.
[Wade Barrett] This could get ugly for Chelsea Green.
[Michael Cole] What's Chance gonna do?
Wow, what a huricanrana!
Cover by Chance to retain.
Kick out at two by Green.
[crowd cheering]
[all speaking indistinctly]
[Michael Cole] The other women Tag Teams
are impressed with what they see
looking on back in the locker room.
This is awesome.
[Wade Barrett] Ludicrous acrobatic display
from the tag champs, almost gaining themselves
a successful first defense of the gold.
Chelsea Green in real trouble now.
[Michael Cole] Now double team coming from the Tag Team Champions,
Green able to get her, her knees up, however--
[Wade Barrett] Just about having enough wits about her to turn things around.
[Michael Cole] Face first into the knee…
-[Wade Barrett] Here we go. -[Michael Cole] …Chelsea Green
looking for the unprettier. Carter able to counter.
And Green!
Little Rough Ryder.
Down goes Carter, cover now to win the championship, and a kick at two.
[Wade Barrett] I'll tell you right now,
I've got some sympathy for Chelsea Green on that.
The referee was just a bit too slow on that pinfall,
distracted trying to get Katana Chance out of the ring.
[Michael Cole] Chelsea Green thought she had the Tag Team titles won there,
and she may well have.
[Wade Barrett] Now Green perhaps--
[Michael Cole] Looking for the unprettier again.
Roll up by Kayden Carter. Kick out at two.
Tag made by Niven.
Piper Niven now legal.
And now Piper Niven with a senton to the spine,
-cover by Niven. -[referee counting down]
And Katana Chance breaking things up.
[Wade Barrett] Well, that was bone crushing offense
once again from Piper Niven,
and it would have been enough
had Katana Chance not been so speedy on her feet.
And this one's breaking down in a hurry.
[Michael Cole] And now Piper Niven, she's legal
and against Kayden Carter now.
Carter, though, slips underneath, kicked out,
and Niven drives her back to the corner.
[Wade Barrett] Niven looking for a tag, but there's no one home.
[Michael Cole] Carter wanted a tag too and Chance was not--
Oh! Planted by Niven.
[Wade Barrett] Big uranage in the corner.
My, the tide has turned in a hurry in this one.
[Michael Cole] Chelsea Green makes the tag
and telling Piper Niven now to go up for the second rope.
Katana Chance pulls Carter out of harm's way.
Piper doesn't realize it's Chelsea!
[Michael Cole grunts]
Epic vader bomb!
To her own partner.
[Wade Barrett] An absolute disaster
for the former Women's Tag Team Champions.
[Michael Cole] Piper Niven can't believe it.
Katana Chance now top rope-- Oh!
[Wade Barrett] Elevated lungblower connects to Niven,
leaving Chelsea Green all alone in the ring.
[Michael Cole] And now the tag made Chance gonna go up to the top rope.
Aided by Kayden Carter.
The keg stand!
Carter and Chance retain.
-[crowd counting] -[bell rings]
[Carter and Chance's music]
[announcer] Here are your winners!
And still…
the WWE Women's Tag Team Champions,
Kayden Carter and Katana Chance!
[Michael Cole] Wade, a little miscommunication
with Niven and Chelsea Green here,
and it allowed Chance and Carter retained.
[Wade Barrett] Green and Niven tried to take a page out of the playbook
of Carter and Chance,
and it could not have gone worse for them,
crushing vader bomb to Chelsea Green. And in the shock of all that chaos
Piper Niven was completely taken out by a flying Katana Chance,
leading to this, the keg stand. Knees to the ribcage
of Chelsea Green, and the first successful defense
for Carter and Chance of the Women's Tag Team Championships.
[Michael Cole] Carter and Chance claim they're going to be
the Tag Team champs for a long time,
and they keep this up,
they may make that prediction come true.
Ladies and gentlemen, can tell you right now
we have breaking news at this moment
because of the brawl just a bit ago
between Shinsuke Nakamura and Cody Rhodes,
the main event match tonight has now become
a Street Fight between Rhodes and Nakamura.
Anything goes. There are no rules.
You only win via pinfall or submission.
This is gonna be a good one, later on tonight
[Wade Barrett] That may well be a video nasty.
There is some poison.
There is some toxicity between these two,
and it's all coming to a head
in our main event later on tonight.
[Michael Cole] So we're going to switch gears now.
And I think we finally have some video footage
of why R-Truth believes he is actually a member
of The Judgment Day.
Just check this out.
♪ Call me the greatest ♪
[R-Truth] I was born in Charlotte, North Carolina.
On a cold January morning.
I never forget.
The doctor held me in his arms
and I looked him in the eyes,
and I told him,
one day…
I will be in Judgment Day.
And wouldn't you know it,
that dream came true.
Uh-huh.
[R-Truth] We've been through a lot together.
Money in the Bank.
The Women's Royal Rumble.
The Judgment Day in your house.
The Judgment Day is an unbreakable bond.
For the last time, you are not in The Judgment Day.
[R-Truth] Sure, we may argue from time to time.
I'm not in The Judgment Day if I lose this match tonight.
But you're not in it if you lose either.
-[crowd roars] -[Michael Cole] JD McDonagh
is out of Judgment Day.
[R-Truth] But now that JD is gone,
we a real, real family now.
Rhea, Finn,
Priest, Tom and Nick Mysterio.
Even though I never met Nick,
he's still my brother.
Finally, I want to send a message
to every WWE superstar,
on behalf of The Judgment Day.
Listen closely.
We are always here.
If you want to talk.
If you need a shoulder to cry on.
As we always say in The Judgment Day,
live,
laugh,
and love.
[rap rock music playing]
[Michael Cole] Well, ladies and gentlemen,
still to come tonight.
Speaking of The Judgment Day
and Tom and Nick.
Anyway, it's JD McDonagh
versus The Miz one-on-one tonight.
Dominik Mysterio… [sputters]
I still can't figure out what we just saw.
[JD McDonagh] Live, laugh, love. We don't even say that.
When are we going to stop letting him talk for us?
Take it easy, JD. All right, look, he doesn't speak for us, I get it.
But even on this,
that quality was pretty good. That was funny.
[Rhea] All right, guys. Enough, enough.
When are we going to stop this R-Truth joke?
-Look, when the time comes. -[JD] Exactly.
Take it easy. When the time comes,
I'll handle R-Truth.
[Rhea] On a serious note though,
you guys have your hands full with DIY
coming up for the Tag Team Championships.
[Finn] DIY? DIY.
I'll tell you, them fellas are gonna need
CPR. They're going to need MRIs.
They're going to need EMTs--
Easy, brother.
You want to talk serious?
Cool. I want to talk about why
we're not talking about handling Drew McIntyre.
Okay? [speaking Spanish]
We don't need Drew as an enemy, okay?
Enemy?
Rhea, I'm gonna explain something to you.
Drew is not my enemy.
Drew can't be my enemy because he's too much of a joke
to be my enemy.
Now, speaking of enemies.
Think it was smart to make an enemy out of Nia Jax?
I'll take care of it.
Let's talk about tonight,
-JD… -[JD] Yes, yes.
-I need you to handle The Miz. -He's not gonna know what hit him.
-Saddle up. -[Rhea] good.
Let's go.
[imperceptible]
[Michael Cole] Pretty confident JD McDonagh here tonight.
[bell rings]
[announcer] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, residing in Hollywood, California,
weighing in at 221 pounds, The Miz!
[Michael Cole] Well, the A-lister looks to keep his winning ways going in 2024
because coming up next, Wade, he takes on JD McDonagh
-of the Judgment Day. -JD McDonagh is in no mood to have fun
with the Miz now.
Things may be bleak for the A-lister. One-on-one with JD McDonagh,
and it's coming up next.
And don't miss the first streaming-only NFL playoff game in history.
The Miami Dolphins take on the defending champions, the Kansas City Chiefs.
Find out who reigns on Wild Card Saturday, live January 13th at 8:00 Eastern,
exclusively on Peacock.
♪ Came to play ♪
And there's the Miz, set for one-on-one action tonight.
["The End" playing]
[fireworks exploding]
[announcer] And his opponent,
accompanied to the ring by Dominik Mysterio,
representing the Judgment Day,
JD McDonagh!
Yes, Wade, it's Dominik Mysterio, not Tom and Nick,
who R-Truth seems to believe is in Judgment Day.
I thought Rey Mysterio had a couple more sons
he could be a deadbeat dad to, but perhaps I was wrong.
So JD McDonagh versus The Miz here tonight.
Remember the tag team matchup last week?
The awesome Truth, Miz and Truth took down Dominik and JD McDonagh
after McDonagh told Truth, "prove yourself to Judgment Day."
Knock out your own partner.
Instead, Truth knocked out McDonagh,
allowing Miz to hit the skull-crushing finale.
[Wade Barrett] It's been a disastrous few weeks in general for The Judgment Day.
Of course, Finn Balor lost to Ciampa earlier this evening.
Last week, Damian Priest botched another attempted cash-in
of the Money in the Bank contract,
-thanks to Drew McIntyre. -[bell rings]
Dominik Mysterio, who several weeks ago lost the NXT North American Championship.
And not to mention that Rhea Ripley now has an issue with Nia Jax.
-Just never, oh, no. -Well, look who's arrived.
-What are you doing? -Somewhere, R-Truth has somehow showed up.
[all shouting indistinctly]
Look it, he added his name to the Judgment Day T-shirt.
[indistinct shouting continues]
And now Miz trying to take advantage.
For those keeping score at home, R-Truth is absolutely not a part
-of the Judgment Day. -How would you know that?
He has never been a part of the Judgment Day
and he never will be a part of the Judgment Day.
-But how do you know that? -[crowd booing]
'Cause I don't live in the bizarro world that exists solely in the brain
of R-Truth. That's if he has a brain.
Well, that has been the bone of contention between McDonagh and Truth.
Now, Truth believes he's in the group. McDonagh says Truth isn't.
Truth says McDonagh shouldn't be in the group because he beat McDonagh
in a matchup a couple of weeks ago.
Hence the reason for all this confusion here on Monday Night Raw.
Well, R-Truth should have won a Golden Globe for his performances
over the past few weeks because he makes Barbie look like a documentary.
Couldn't be worse than the host last night.
[crowd cheering]
[Wade Barrett] Talking of hosts, you know who debuted in this arena
-as a host 18 years ago? -This man, Miz.
-The Miz. -Yep.
And 18 years later, look at him,
from a host to a multiple time world champion,
he's won it all.
Hoorah to that.
And now, believe it or not, has the WWE fans backing him.
-Never thought I'd see the day. -Really is bizarro world, isn't it?
It's catchy. That's what happens when our truth is around.
And Miz now with the kicks to JD McDonagh.
R-Truth playing cheerleader at ringside.
Ah, nobody home.
And now the relentless JD McDonagh looks to go on the attack.
Yeah, and this is the moment the fun and games stop because
JD McDonagh is an absolute tiger in that ring once he has the upper hand.
And all jokes aside, 'cause you touched on this earlier, Wade,
the important matchup for the Judgment Day,
they have had some rough times as of late.
And Miz takes down McDonagh.
And now looking perhaps for the figure for a leg lock.
McDonagh, however, sends Miz away.
Miz… Oh! With a neck breaker.
Floats into the cover. Is it enough to knock off McDonagh here?
And a kick out by the A-lister.
Got to be careful in this game because you make too much,
too many enemies, excuse me.
Eventually, they all come back and bite you at the same time.
And Judgment Day are kind of suffering from that right now.
Miz with a chop, unloading on McDonagh,
right in front of Dominik Mysterio.
Last few weeks we've really seen a reawakening of The Miz,
back to that main event level competitor that he was once upon a time.
Yeah, I was thinking earlier that maybe Dominik should take a bath.
Take a bath?
Stop thinking about Dominik Mysterio in the back,
you absolute creep, Michael Cole.
And Miz now looking for the skull-crushing finale
on McDonagh, who sends Miz across the ring.
And Dominik now, up by the apron with a distraction,
a blow to the back of the neck of the Miz.
Efficient lever saw, and McDonagh took advantage.
There you go, Jamie.
[Wade Barrett] Such efficient use of skullduggery.
Judgment Day with the upper hand.
[Michael Cole] See, he just looks sloppy. He needs a haircut or something.
[Wade Barrett] Looks like a winner to me.
So we're back live on Monday Night Raw. JD McDonagh of the Judgment Day
has successfully grounded Miz during the commercial break,
thanks to some shenanigans by Dominik Mysterio
before we went to break. Now, R-Truth is cheering the Miz on.
However, he believes he's part of Judgment Day.
I can't figure all this out.
I think he was starting a Judgment Day jam,
but whatever adrenaline that pumped up in the arena, it helped Miz out.
R-Truth is the ultimate Trojan horse.
But isn't R-Truth out here to support Miz, right?
I don't think he knows what he's doing. I think that's where R-Truth's head at.
Anyway, he's added his name to the Judgment Day t-shirt,
that is for sure.
Now McDonagh with a sweeper and Miz able to cause the separation.
You can't just add yourself to a group.
If you could do that, I'd add myself to The Bloodline.
Don't get any ideas, R3.
[Michael Cole] And look at this, McDonagh with that corkscrew over the top rope.
Cover now, hook with the leg, on Miz, and a kick out.
You tried a number of groups in your career, didn't quite work out.
[Wade Barrett] But one of them was good, the rest were rubbish.
Have a look at this, speaking of a guy who isn't rubbish.
That was a bad segue.
Terrible segue. But we get the point, right?
Yeah, you get the point.
All right, but that was the incredible, otherworldly athleticism of JD McDonagh.
Yeah, McDonagh now very competent and commanding.
He's methodical in his approaches. Miz now tries to fight back the southpaw.
Down goes McDonagh, and now Miz was trying to build momentum,
and McDonagh caught him with that step-up enziguri.
What a blink of an eye counter that was from the reflex master, JD McDonagh.
A suplex floats into the cover, forces Miz to kick out at two.
There's always a step ahead in that ring once he gets
-the upper hand of JD McDonagh. -No, I'm cheering for you.
-I'm cheering for you. -You better be cheering.
-You gotta do something. -[Michael Cole] I'm so confused.
R-Truth just said he was cheering for McDonagh,
but I thought they didn't like each other.
Well, I thought R-Truth thought JD McDonagh was no longer
in the Judgment Day, because he lost the Loser Leaves the Judgment Day match.
But now he's cheering for McDonagh, at least Truth claims he is.
You know what?
Sometimes in life, you just gotta live, laugh, and love, Michael Cole.
I think that's the motto of the group, is that right?
According to R-Truth, anyway, with his deranged reality.
Now McDonagh and Miz exchanging blows middle of the ring.
Miz now trying to gain the upper hand.
And here comes Miz.
Miz with the size advantage over JD McDonagh,
throwing the heavy leather in the corner.
And now Miz with that running clothesline, vintage Miz there.
JD McDonagh knows he's in there with a former world champion now.
Miz slides underneath.
-One, two… -Stacking McDonagh up, kick out at two.
[R-Truth speaking indistinctly]
[Michael Cole] Now the WWE fans trying to will Miz on.
-[crowd chanting] Yes! Yes! Yes! -Miz calls him the in kicks.
[Wade Barrett] He's kicking the itch out of JD McDonagh.
McDonagh able to duck underneath the big one though.
Miz into the corner. McDonagh rolls through, shoulders down.
Miz kicks it too.
Incredible conditioning. Oh! Right to the back of the knee.
What a nicely executed leverage move there.
And a great move by Miz right to the back of the leg.
And now targets the left knee of JD McDonagh.
Sickening landings for McDonagh.
And Miz once again going to go for the figure four leg lock
submission move here. Center of the ring.
Will McDonagh tap out?
McDonagh's eyeballs bulging out of his massive head.
And McDonagh going to try to drag himself to the rope to force a break.
Not quite there. Mez not allowing him to get there.
Scrambling as best he can. Miz just has this hooked in too tightly.
McDonagh, fingertip away and makes it
to the bottom rope and that'll force a break.
Hey… Get back in the ring, baby.
I ain't touch him. Get that…
[Michael Cole] McDonagh hanging Miz up on the top rope and left Miz in agony,
however, for those kicks from The Miz.
[indistinct conversation]
-I'm not doing anything, relax. -It's okay.
[Michael Cole] And Miz ran into McDonagh and into Dominik.
Barfruit serving as a distraction on the outside, that's why.
Skull crushing finale.
-[all] One, two, three. -[bell rings]
["I Came To Play" playing]
[announcer] Here is your winner! The Miz!
[Michael Cole] So I'm not quite sure how you can blame R-Truth for that.
[Wade Barrett] Loitering with intent,
I think is the crime that R-Truth just committed.
-[indistinct] -Oh!
[Wade Barrett] Once again, JD McDonagh attempting to recover on the outside.
R-Truth looming large in the background, allowing Miz to capitalize
-and hit the skull-crushing finale. -One, two, three!
At which point, it's done, Matt.
And again, I'm so confused because R-Truth is now in the ring celebrating with Miz
when he was talking to Dominik earlier, cheering McDonagh on.
I don't think Truth has any clue what he's up to.
Is Miz in Judgment Day now?
♪ Every day that I've been… ♪
-No, no, no. -This can't keep happening.
No, you're right, sis, it can't keep happening.
I'm gonna go talk to Pearce about our plans for next week.
Good idea, good idea. We'll let the boys know when they get back here.
-Good. -Good.
-It's gotta end. -It's gotta end.
[Michael Cole] Bad days for the Judgment Day,
where there is the Fighting World Heavyweight Champion.
Last week, he took out Drew McIntyre. One step for Seth Rollins.
-He's here, live, next on Raw. -♪ Watch me do what I got to do ♪
♪ I'm too hot for you I'm not about… ♪
The most electrifying man in all of entertainment returned
to Monday Night Raw day one last week
and sent not only the sold-out crowd in attendance,
but WWE fans around the world into a frenzy.
The Rock's surprise appearance garnered headlines
around the world, indeed a goosebumps-inducing moment
that shocked everyone.
The WWE Universe indeed smelled what The Rock was cooking.
And the People's Champion also set a WWE social media record.
Over 171 million views and counting across all social media platforms.
What a moment for the Brahma Bull and the WWE fans.
[crowd chanting "Rocky!"]
♪ Burn it down ♪
["Visionary" playing]
[crowd vocalizing to "Visionary"]
♪ Burn it down ♪
[announcer] Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome
the world heavyweight champion,
Seth Freakin' Rollins!
[crowd vocalizing]
♪ Burn it down ♪
[crowd vocalizing]
-Portland, Oregon! -[crowd cheering]
Welcome to
Monday Night Raw!
[laughs]
Yeah!
I am a visionary. I am a revolutionary.
I am your world heavyweight champion, Seth.
[crowd] Freakin' Rollins!
[laughs] Rip City, you have done it again, man.
[crowd cheering]
Uh…
But Portland, we are in the home stretch now
with the Royal Rumble just a few weeks away.
After that, we are on
the Road to WrestleMania.
Now,
now my WrestleMania track record, pretty good, pretty good.
I've won a couple of titles. I had a little cash in.
But Portland, there is actually one thing that I have never done
when it comes to WrestleMania.
I have never taken a world title in to WrestleMania.
[crowd cheering]
I've never been the headline. I've never been on the marquee.
But that all changes this year because
this is the year of Seth Freakin' Rollins.
[crowd cheering]
I worked too hard, I worked too long.
I took a title that a year ago did not even exist
and I turned it into the most important prize in this industry.
[crowd cheering]
And I did it the way I said I was gonna do it.
I was gonna be a fighting champion and I was gonna be a workhorse champion.
But Portland, the work is not done.
No, no, no, no, no, 'cause I've got one little question.
Who am I going to beat at
the grandest stage of them all?
[crowd chanting indistinctly]
In his dreams, maybe.
[laughs]
Because that Raw roster is so loaded from top to bottom,
-and there are so many super stu-- -Yes!
["Sher The Lion Maharaja" playing]
[Michael Cole] Well, that is Jinder Mahal, a former WWE champion who, of course,
was here on Monday Night Raw day one last week,
had a run in with The Rock.
Seth Rollins is in stunned disbelief at the fact that Jinder Mahal
is making his way out to the ring here.
He was just questioning us about if we knew about this wave.
Well, I didn't know about it. I wish I did.
I'd have brought a celebratory confetti cannon or something because this is a guy.
I think Seth Rollins is just tilted.
He's been outdressed by Jinder Mahal.
Looking every inch the superstar.
[crowd cheering]
Of course you're out here singing your own praises.
Ladies and gentlemen, the revolutionary, the visionary.
How is it that last week within five minutes,
I was more of a revolutionary than you've been in the past five years
you've been calling yourself that?
[crowd booing]
Your only purpose is to entertain these clowns
and further push this agenda of degeneracy.
You think I'm lying, Portland? Take a look around.
Take a look at your city.
Degeneracy at every street corner.
[crowd booing]
Am I lying?
The world heavyweight champion, the man with the platform.
Yet you instill no change, you speak no truth.
You sing, you dance, you dress up.
You bring no value.
You throw childish temper tantrums when things don't go your way,
when the show goes off the air. But I digress, I digress.
You pride yourself as a workhorse, a man who provides opportunities,
except to a tenured, decorated,
deserving former WWE champion.
[crowd exclaiming]
You have the audacity to overlook the modern day Maharaja.
You have the audacity to overlook me.
[crowd booing]
Let me remind you, I beat Randy Orton, the greatest of all time,
and I did it with ease.
Yet you disrespect me, you overlook me.
This disrespect will not be tolerated.
And Seth,
I've known you for a long time. I see through this facade, this charade.
I see through it all.
But for the first time, Seth, look me in my eyes.
For the first time in a long time, I have your attention.
[crowd exclaiming]
Jinder, I may say something that might surprise you right now, but you're right.
You're right, we have been overlooking you.
We have been overlooking Jinder Mahal, but Jinder, that wasn't an accident.
We've actually been doing it on purpose.
Yeah, for years, man, we've been trying to forget you until last week
when you showed up and The Rock put your balls in a vice.
[crowd cheering]
But here's the thing, Jinder, I gotta admit, guys,
I admire the fact that after The Rock fried him last week, he showed back up.
He stood back up, he got back up. I appreciate that, I respect that.
What I don't respect is you coming out here and ruining our party
and getting in my face.
[crowd cheering]
So yeah, you got my attention, Jinder.
You're sick of being overlooked.
You wanna do something that these people are gonna remember you forever for?
[crowd exclaiming]
Take a swing, Jinder.
Come on, Jinder, take a swing. Come on, I'm right here.
Do it, swing on me, Jinder, swing.
[laughs]
That's what I thought.
Same old Jinder.
Got a cheap shot from behind. And Jinder Mahal and Seth's down.
-Beat the hell out of the world champion. -Well, Jinder Mahal came down here
with class and style to speak as a gentleman.
-Oh, here we go. -Seth Rollins won't be disrespected.
Taking the fight now to Mahal.
Oh, and down goes Rollins. Mahal a former WWE champion,
-let's not forget that. -Sick of being…
looking for the class.
-Rollins though with a kick to Mahal. -Take a swing at Seth Rollins,
you better know what's coming, straight back goes for the stomp.
Jinder Mahal wisely moving the hell out of dodge.
Now Mahal came down here to ruin Rollins party and Seth Rollins
would have none of it.
The world heavyweight champion standing tall here tonight
on Monday Night Raw.
-["Visionary" playing] -You ain't got…
[Michael Cole] Well, someone that Seth Rollins knows very well,
none other than the king of strong style, Shinsuke Nakamura,
who can take you out mentally as well as physically,
one of the best strikers ever tonight. No rules.
He's in a Street Fight with the American Nightmare, Cody Rhodes.
["The Rising Sun" playing]
Vicious personal rivalry and it's entering its next chapter.
The American Nightmare Cody Rhodes and The Toxic Shinsuke Nakamura.
They locked horns for the first time after their last heated battle
ended with Rhodes on the receiving end of an excruciating missed assault.
Will it be the same result this evening in tonight's main event?
It is a Street Fight on Raw.
♪ Shoooosh ♪
[bell rings]
[announcer] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, accompanied to the ring by Akira Tozawa and Maxine Dupree,
representing Alpha Academy, Odin!
Wade, I know you've been excited for this matchup all night long.
Oh, you know me, Cole. I love a little spectacle.
And if you at home like your men, big and meaty,
we got you because 635 pounds of meat is about to collide when Otis
of the Alba Academy takes on Ivar of the Viking Raiders.
And it's coming up next.
You know, for the first time ever, a premium live event is coming to France.
Mark your calendars for Saturday, May 4th, when Backlash is live
from the LDLC Arena in Lyon-Decines and that's not all.
Friday night SmackDown will emanate from the LDLC the night before Backlash.
The first time SmackDown will ever be broadcast from France.
Tickets for these events are on sale Friday.
Meanwhile, Otis set for action against Ivar of the Viking Raiders.
The first Monday night meat party of 2024. Keep them coming, I say.
-You're obsessed with meat parties. -The whole world is gold.
Search for it online if you don't believe me.
["Mystique" playing]
[woman on speaker] Valhalla is here.
[announcer] And his opponent, accompanied to the ring by Valhalla,
representing the Viking Raiders, Ivar!
So you said earlier 635 pounds going against each other in this matchup.
This is how this match came about earlier today.
Did you really think you could take on Ivar? Huh?
Pathetic.
The fact that you're still standing means that my job isn't finished.
Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa.
Is there a problem here, big man?
-Maybe. -All right.
-How about me and you in the ring tonight? -Oh, yeah.
-Nice and live, full of carnage. -It is official!
[Michael Cole] That was interesting. So Tozawa has a death wish.
We've learned that. And now Otis is going to take up for Tozawa
in this matchup against Ivar of the Viking Raiders.
Tozawa, for some reason, continues to get into Ivar's face.
Has he not learned his lesson?
[Wade Barrett] He's got a bit of the R-Truth syndrome about him
as Tozawa in…
In the case that he kind of is completely divorced from reality,
he can take on some of the biggest and baddest superstars, such as Ivar.
But Tozawa is actually in the Alpha Academy, not pretending to be.
That is true, although he's a pupil, I don't think he's a fully qualified
and accredited member as of yet.
Otis and Ivar now, a heavyweight battle here tonight on Monday Night Raw.
[crowd exclaiming]
Ivar has been so impressive in singles action.
Nice moves there.
Well, initially some nice moves with that spinning back elbow followed by
some sort of truffle shuffle that I did not appreciate.
And now Ivar sit down Otis.
This really is the evolution of this big man style here in WWE.
This incredible movement of guys as big as this.
Take another look at the ability of Ivar crushing the sternum of Otis.
Very distinct…
[grunts]
…physical styles between Ivar and Otis in this matchup.
Meanwhile, Ivar has Valhalla in his corner
and Maxine and Tozawa in the corner of Otis.
Interesting that Valhalla doesn't have the antlers tonight.
-The horns. -Horns, whatever.
And now Otis trying to fight back into this matchup and gain some momentum.
Ivar, though, with the knee in the midsection.
Ivar's been so impressive since his tag team partner, Eric,
went out with injury. Oh!
Oh, my God!
Look at that! Are you kidding me?
-One, two… -And a kick out.
[Wade Barrett] How the hell do you catch a flying Ivar?
Take another look at this.
In a million years, I didn't think that would be possible.
Wow. That actually caused you to lose your voice tonight.
[laughs]
I've been inhaling helium like Michael Cole in the advert break.
And Otis now second row.
Ivar quickly, yes, quickly made it back to his feet.
Now delivers the right hands to the spine.
Oh, anything you can do, I can do better, pal.
A 330-pounder up high.
Ivar now marching across the ring with a sit-out powerbomb.
-Cover now. -One, two…
[Michael Cole] And somehow Otis got the shoulder up.
[Wade Barrett] These two men are simply not used to being treated
like their opponent is treating them in this matchup.
Big guys, they like to feel special.
But you meet another big guy, suddenly you don't feel so special.
The only way to fix it is to flatten it.
Like that.
Hey, wait, these aren't like your grandfather's big guys.
These are agile big guys.
We only find the biggest, the best, and the baddest.
And now Otis.
Is he trying to do
-a honkey tonk man there? -I have no idea.
I hope we never see it again. Well, he is gonna do this though.
The Caterpillar.
Oh, my goodness.
Cover.
-One, two… -Kick out.
Well, they don't show you that in Viking Training School,
that much I can promise you.
How do you teach Otis to do The Caterpillar?
-Like, seriously. -I mean, personally, if I was his coach,
I would not have chosen that particular move
-for this particular individual. -Well, it's pretty effective, though.
Ivar barely kicking out.
And now Ivar blocking the…
And now a big haymaker thrown by Otis. Boot by Ivar.
Look at the agility of Ivar.
-And a big spinning heel kick. -Oh!
Suddenly the fun and games have all ground to a screeching halt.
So that's the 300-pound man that just delivered a cartwheel
into a spinning heel kick, and now he's gonna climb to the top rope.
We've seen this before, Cole.
Utter devastation if he connects with this.
Doomsault.
-From the top rope. Connectes. -Oh.
Cover.
-One, two, three! -Ivar impressive again.
[bell rings]
[announcer] Here is your winner, Ivar!
The Viking gods are satiated, and Akira Tozawa will be wisely advised
to get the hell out of that ring.
I am next!
You've got to appreciate the moxie of Tozawa,
-but I want to think twice about that. -I'm next.
-It's not moxie, it's insanity. -You think you're big?
I'm big, little boy!
-You are big, Ivar, real big. -[Wade Barrett] He's big, he's vicious.
There was a bloodthirsty matchup despite all the fun and games,
and this is what changed everything here.
-Bam! -This connection to the jaw of Otis,
and there was no answer for this huge 330-pound top rope,
Doomsault, that has flattened everything in its path thus far.
[bell rings]
And Ivar is climbing the ranks in a single division.
You see what I did to Otis?
You're just a little, little, little man.
[grunts]
Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome my guest at this time,
main event, Jey Uso.
-What it do, Jackie-O? -What's up, Jey?
-Happy New Year. -Happy New Year, Happy New Year,
Happy New Year.
Listen, 2024, it's kind of a different vibe for you, right?
It's the first time in a long time that you're going into a new year solo,
-Yeah. -no Bloodline.
-Yeah. -Do you have any resolutions?
Uh, yeah, uh, New year, yeah, I got a resolution right here.
Jackie-O, your boy's about to get his first ever
WWE singles championship this year in 2024.
Year of the new year, you know what I'm saying?
You're mastering the game.
I'm getting it, I'm getting it this year, Jackie.
-I don't know what you're talking about. -Yeah!
Uso,
Jimmy Uso's little brother.
-[laughs] -Tch.
Look, you're not the only one with plans to become a champion in 2024.
So my advice, Us, don't get in the way.
♪ Going to be the greatest Of all time ♪
Well, after weeks and weeks of torturing the American Nightmare Cody Rhodes
with sadistic mind games, the sinister Shinsuke Nakamura puts
his money where his mouth is in a brutal Street Fight.
It is our main event this evening on Raw and it's coming up next.
♪ Big boy famous Mr. Amazing ♪
[Michael Cole] After what happened earlier tonight, it will take place next week.
World Heavyweight Championship match.
Jinder Mahal with an opportunity to win another world title,
but he has to go after the workhorse champion Seth Rollins.
Rollins-Mahal live next week on Raw in Little Rock.
Judgment Day are having a rough time a bit of late and they are now
sick and tired of the antics from R-Truth.
The undisputed WWE tag team champs Finn Balor and Damian Priest
look to deliver a beatdown and send a painful message to the newly reunited
and rejuvenated R-Truth fans next week.
You know, DIY said they want a Tag Team Championship match.
Well, to earn that, they're going to have to at least get through
"Dirty" Dominik Mysterio and JD McDonagh of the Judgment Day.
Tag Team Action, live next week on Monday Night Raw.
[Wade Barrett] And he is the longest reigning
Intercontinental Champion in WWE history.
This is big.
The Ring General Gunther makes his heavily anticipated return to Monday Night Raw.
What's next in his historic reign? We are going to find out right here
-next week. -Well, coming up next,
our main event here on Monday Night Raw live in Portland, Oregon,
it is now a Street Fight between the American Nightmare Cody Rhodes
and Shinsuke Nakamura.
This is how we got to this point tonight.
♪ Watch me do the impossible ♪
[Shinsuke] Cody…
Cody…
[speaking Japanese]
-Shinsuke Nakamura. -The American Nightmare.
is going to WrestleMania.
[Cody] Folks like to talk about their goals,
where they'd like to be in 2024,
but what I've gotten stuck on…
is Shinsuke Nakamura.
See, I'm not stuck on Shinsuke Nakamura because of the things
he said about my family.
[speaking English]
I'm not stuck on Shinsuke Nakamura because he tried to blind me with poison mist.
[Michael Cole] Oh! Cody was going to put Nakamura away.
[Cody] I am stuck because this should be over.
[Wade Barrett] Just when Cody had victory in sight,
Cody just isn't going to get to write his own story.
You think our stories are the same?
It has never been part of my story to run from a fight.
You keep saying that we're the same.
Prove it.
Cody Rhodes has simply come for fun.
[Shinsuke speaking Japanese]
Nakamura has brought out the wild side of Cody Rhodes.
We're not done! Until you stand in this ring with me,
I don't rate you, I don't respect you.
[speaking Japanese]
[speaking English]
["The Rising Sun" playing]
[bell rings]
[announcer] The following contest is a Street Fight!
Introducing first, from Kyoto, Japan,
weighing in at 220 pounds,
Shinsuke Nakamura!
[Michael Cole] Tensions have boiled over, resulting in an epic rivalry
that has delved into sheer chaos.
Nakamura and Cody brawled in the back earlier tonight.
[fireworks exploding]
Making this match a Street Fight.
One of the most highly anticipated rematches in recent history.
The American Nightmare Cody Rhodes versus Shinsuke Nakamura.
Anything goes in a Street Fight next live on Raw.
It is now our main event on Monday Night Raw.
Shinsuke Nakamura in a Street Fight.
[man on speaker] Wrestling has more than one royal family.
["Kingdom" playing]
♪ Adrenaline, in my soul Every thought out of control ♪
♪ Do it all to get them off their feet ♪
[imperceptible]
♪ Crowd is here, about to blow Waitin' for me to start the show ♪
♪ Out the curtain, lights go up I'm home ♪
♪ Whoa ♪
♪ And my father said, when I was younger ♪
[announcer] And his opponent from Atlanta, Georgia,
weighing in at 222 pounds,
the American Nightmare,
Cody Rhodes!
♪ I built my kingdom ♪
♪ Now you bow to me You took my dreams but not my name ♪
♪ You'll follow me until the end ♪
[Michael Cole] Cody Rhodes made that young man's night here tonight.
And when we get to Monday Night Raw next week in Little Rock, Arkansas,
we will be less than two weeks away from the Royal Rumble match.
A match that that man, Shinsuke Nakamura, won back in 2018.
In a match Cody Rhodes looks to win again this year.
♪ Out the curtain, lights go up I'm home ♪
♪ Whoa ♪
♪ And my father said, when I was younger ♪
♪ Hard times breed better men Better men ♪
♪ You took it all away I give it all away ♪
♪ Can't take my freedom ♪
♪ Here to change the game A banner made of pain ♪
♪ I built my kingdom ♪
[Michael Cole] This rivalry has become extremely personal between these two men.
Cody Rhodes has talked a lot about finishing the story in 2024.
Shinsuke Nakamura says he wants to finish Rhodes' story for him.
[crowd chanting] Cody! Cody! Cody!
This is a Street Fight. Anything goes. You must win via pinfall or submission.
Nakamura, the master of not only physical striking,
but mind games, and he's going to make Cody Rhodes wait.
And Cody will have none of it dropped down, big right hand.
And the American Nightmare goes right to work on Shinsuke Nakamura.
And I think the Street Fight rules may benefit Cody Rhodes, Wade,
because he doesn't have to keep his emotions in check.
Yeah, emotions can be a cruel mistress if you lose control of them,
and if you lose control in a Street Fight, it can really come back to hurt you.
And now Cody Rhodes and Shinsuke Nakamura fighting out on the ramp area,
and now out toward the WWE fans.
And nothing at all is off limits. It's all legal in Street Fight rules.
Cody Rhodes said it earlier tonight, this should have been over already.
Cody Rhodes should be focusing on the Royal Rumble match,
but no, Shinsuke Nakamura still stands in his way.
And Nakamura driven into the barricade.
[Wade Barrett] Cody is an emotional guy, you're right.
And Shin is a guy who completely toys with opponent's emotions
like a master puppeteer.
Well, it's been an emotional year for Cody Rhodes ever since winning
the Rumble last year, heading to WrestleMania.
Not getting the job done on the grand stage against Roman Reigns.
And that is stuck in Cody Rhodes' craw. It's bothered him.
That's what he talks about finishing the story.
Well, how about that. American Nightmare before
Christmas performance a few weeks ago by Shinsuke Nakamura.
Taking pot shots at Cody Rhodes' father, the American Dream Dusty Rhodes.
Cody driving Nakamura ribs first into the side of the announce table
and now using the bottle up the face.
Completely legal.
Remember, no countouts under the Street Fight rules.
Yeah, look for something solid.
Look for something hard like steel and smash your opponent into it.
Cody Rhodes said he came back to WWE to make history.
[crowd chanting] We want table!
He climbs to the top rope and Nakamura is going to take a breather.
Nakamura's a smart guy. He got out of dodge while he still can.
And part of that history Rhodes wants to make is to become the first person
in 26 years to win back-to-back Royal Rumble matches.
The last person to do that, Stone Cold Steve Austin.
Oh, and a broom being used by Nakamura.
[Wade Barrett] Implemented destruction flying around the ringside now.
Keep your wits about you, Cody.
Now Nakamura unloading on Cody Rhodes and again with a kendo stick for Shinsuke.
[Wade Barrett] It can be crucial to soften up your opponent first.
The first man to grab and implement like a kendo stick can cause
some real damage and put himself
in the driving seat in this kind of matchup.
And Cody Rhodes now, trying to make his way out of harm's way.
Nakamura is in control of this Street Fight.
Can the American Nightmare get back in it?
The WWE fans here in Portland tonight trying to rally Cody Rhodes
in this Street Fight against Shinsuke Nakamura.
But, Wade, it has been all Nakamura, until now.
It's a one-way traffic, but Cody finally showing some semblance of life.
Anything goes, the official is in there, Chad Patton, for one reason,
without a pinfall or a submission.
And now Cody Rhodes with the kendo's second half,
and he's gonna tee off on Nakamura.
A well-earned beatdown.
Cody Rhodes fired up, Nakamura ducks out of harm's way,
and now shin with an A right to the midsection.
Speed of movement, speed of thought, intense aggression.
Made one mistake and Shinsuke Nakamura will be all over it.
Yeah, the running knee by Nakamura.
And just like that, Shinsuke has taken control. Cover.
-One, two… -Now on Rhodes, hook of the leg
and a kick out.
And I'll tell you this about Street Fights, Cole.
Very often it comes down to who has the fewest scruples.
Who is prepared to stoop the lowest?
Who is prepared to leave their humanity at the door?
Well, we know what Nakamura is capable of.
Just ask our world heavyweight champion Seth Rollins about that.
Nakamura, 2018, won the Royal Rumble match,
was not able to turn that into a world championship,
much like Cody Rhodes last year.
One of the reasons that Nakamura said Rhodes isn't the only one around here
that has to complete a story.
Yeah, and I get Cody Rhodes' motivations outlining what he plans to do.
But telling the world he's gonna win the Royal Rumble,
he's gonna go back to WrestleMania, and he's gonna win a championship.
That is just putting a huge bullseye on your back,
and Cody might be regretting that now.
Well, a lot of people standing in his way.
We already know The All Mighty Bobby Lashley, Drew McIntyre,
CM Punk, among those that have already entered the Royal Rumble fray.
Those are some heavy hitters and they're gonna keep coming over
the next couple of weeks, mark my words.
Cody back to his feet again, the WWE fans try to rally Cody,
create some separation there.
Just very little in the tank of Cody Rhodes at this point seemingly.
Kick right to the back of the neck by Nakamura.
You just don't know how your body is gonna react in a Street Fight
until you're in that ring.
And right now, Cody's body is letting him down.
Nakamura is trying to turn Cody to his belly
into a half crab and Cody just writhing in pain.
Nakamura continues to punish Rhodes.
Oh! And a kick by Shinsuke.
Nakamura completely unraveled the mind of Cody Rhodes leading up to this matchup.
And now Cody's body is slowly following suit.
[Coles] All these matches are just so important,
building momentum for the Rumble and beyond.
Cody, though, quickly meets Nakamura and down goes Shinsuke.
And now Cody Rhodes looking to build some momentum.
Power slam by Rhodes.
Unsurpassed heart and drive. That is the Cody Rhodes story.
And he needs everything in his soul right now.
Dig down deep. Fight back.
Cody.
Disaster kick.
Cover on Nakamura. Is it enough to put Shinsuke away?
And a kick out by Nakamura.
It's been a noticeable jump in energy since Cody reawakened in this matchup.
-Bang! -Connections like this to the temple
of Shinsuke Nakamura are slowly softening up the Japanese superstar.
Yeah, Cody connecting with the disaster kick
and now once again looking to feed off the WWE universe.
Cody Rhodes…
I believe is going to give them what they want.
[crowd cheering]
Ask and you shall receive. Street fight, anything goes.
And Nakamura. Oh, nunchucks.
Shinsuke Nakamura, a master.
And now using him. Striking at Rhodes.
[grunts]
And now Rhodes now driven into the timekeeper's area.
Now it's Shin who gets a second win. Much needed.
[Michael Cole] Nakamura with a grin on his face.
-Striking at Rhodes again. -Crunching the frame of Cody Rhodes.
A master of the nunchucks is Nakamura.
Rhodes over there.
Shot for the midsection.
[Wade Barrett] That's not the first sickening beatdown
Cody Rhodes has taken in his career.
-[crowd chanting] Cody! Cody! Cody! -Now Cody chants again.
The battle-hardened superstar.
Ringing through the arena here tonight in Portland.
Get out of my way. I got this.
[Michael Cole] Cody telling our timekeeper to get out of harm's way.
He wants the steel chair.
And Nakamura just blew the mist into our timekeeper, Barkley.
Cody Rhodes ducked out of harm's way.
Well, that was how Shinsuke Nakamura took out Cody Rhodes several weeks ago.
-Are you okay? Help, help, help. -And now…
Cody's asking for help again.
Berkley up and our timekeeper blasted with a poison mist by Nakamura.
And Cody Rhodes,
as Nakamura takes advantage with a steel chair. And the beatdown's on.
Well, before the commercial break, Shinsuke Nakamura used the steel chair
to take control of this Street Fight over Cody Rhodes, and he is now dominating.
Thunderous shots with the chair to the spine.
[Wade Barrett] Cody Rhodes is slowly crumbling before our eyes.
Well, this is how Shinsuke Nakamura really took over,
because first Cody ducked the mist.
The poison mist went into our timekeeper, Berkley Ottman's eyes.
It was Cody who was trying to get medical help for Berkley.
Nakamura took advantage with a steel chair.
And we talked earlier how the person who left his humanity at the door
was most likely to win in this kind of matchup.
Cody was incapable of doing that,
showing concern for someone else, and it's bitten him.
I can't blame Cody for actually showing concern for another human being.
It's Cody Rhodes now, looks to turn things around,
and here comes the American Nightmare.
Yeah, it's rare you get a second opportunity in this kind of matchup,
and Cody Rhodes has somehow navigated his way to exactly that.
And there's a rumbling tonight in the lotto center in Portland.
Cody is back in the ballgame.
[crowd exclaiming]
And now Nakamura with the strikes. Misses with the right hand.
Cody with a couple of left jabs.
Reliving the dream, but Nakamura with a kick to the midsection.
-Cody, though, with the elbow. -Bionic elbow.
That's for Dusty.
And another one.
Both men's bodies must be screaming in agony at this point.
They've been put through the wringer, but Cody just has an undeniable
human spirit inside of him that refuses to be denied.
Cody Rhodes has trying to figure out what he needs to do
to put Shinsuke Nakamura away in this Street Fight.
-[exclaims] -[crowd cheering]
What, is he trying to drag Nakamura back to his feet?
Oh, Shinsuke with a headbutt.
And now it's Nakamura's turn to use the table to his advantage.
Nakamura out of the second rope!
Shinsuke knees to the table to Cody Rhodes.
Cover for the win in the Street Fight. And a kick out by Cody.
[Wade Barrett] Nakamura filled with poisonous intent.
And that was almost enough to put away the American Nightmare.
But still the dream lives on inside of Cody Rhodes.
This is how this rivalry is broken down to come to this tonight.
A Street Fight in our main event on Monday Night Raw.
Dread to think what dark thoughts are now swirling inside
the mind of Shinsuke Nakamura, looking for an outlet,
a vicious, deadly outlet at that.
Yeah, sadistic as they come, that sickening, sinister grin on the face
of Nakamura as he wants to introduce another table in the matchup.
Look at Nakamura just smiling away.
Loves to inflict damage.
Cody struggling to make it back to his feet after being driven through
the table by Shinsuke.
-Maybe better not getting up. -Nakamura looking for a sleeper hold.
Cody Rhodes trying to fight out of it. Middle of the ring.
And now Nakamura.
Cody lands on his feet.
A waist lock. Nakamura drives Cody to the corner.
[Wade Barrett] Chair was caught up in the ropes.
Cody's back smashing against that steel.
And Nakamura took advantage with that step up inziguri.
Cody Rhodes, though, kicked to the spine.
Nakamura, this here Vincent Shinsuke, that sliding chairman.
Well, the target is set right on the spine of Cody Rhodes.
All the abuse directed point blank right there.
And now Nakamura from the second rope.
Oh! And down goes Cody, cover by Nakamura.
-Is it enough to put Cody away? -One, two…
And a kick-out by Rhodes.
Cody with barely anything left in the tag team.
Take another look at this movement from Shinsuke Nakamura.
This deep into this kind of Street Fight.
I have no idea where Shinsuke's pulling it from.
-One, two… -[screams]
Shows you what a dangerous, dangerous opponent he truly is.
[crowd chanting] Cody! Cody! Cody!
[Michael Cole] Cody struggling for breath, struggling to make it back to his feet.
Nakamura could be lined up for the Kinshasa.
Cody, though, catches it with a kick to the face.
-Well, it was game over if that connected. -And now Cody Rhodes!
Cover on Nakamura! Up a pedigree! And a kick out at two!
Rhodes pulling out all the stops.
Nakamura went for the Kinshasa.
Rhodes intercepted.
Pulling out something that Shinsuke Nakamura
could never have anticipated.
That pedigree almost getting the job done for Rhodes.
What on earth is it gonna take?
Rhodes looking to rally in the main event, the Street Fight
of Monday Night Raw here tonight.
Trying to summon up something extra 'cause that's what it's gonna take
to put away Shinsuke Nakamura.
Cody physically exhausted.
How much does he have left?
Both men's bodies are broken. Cody Conner!
Cover by Rhodes!
-One, two… -Nakamura kicked out!
just a torrent of abuse directed at Shinsuke Nakamura.
You don't have to like the man. You don't have to agree
with his methodology, but you do have to respect
that man's ability to endure.
No doubt, an incredible main event.
Two of the best in the world going at it tonight in a Street Fight.
Who wants it more?
-[crowd cheering] -[roaring]
[Michael Cole] I think Cody does.
Setting up Nakamura. Look at the crossroads.
Nakamura countered into a pinning combination in Rhodes kicks.
-Right up Nakamura. At your peril. -Oh!
And now Nakamura looking for a Kinshasa. Thrown into the table by Cody.
-Crossroads. -[crowd cheering]
One, two, three!
[bell rings]
["Kingdom" playing]
[announcer] Here is your winner,
the American Nightmare,
Cody Rhodes!
[Michael Cole] And for Cody Rhodes, it is now on to the Royal Rumble match.
As he…
takes out Nakamura in a Street Fight.
Nakamura had Cody Rhodes lined up for that table.
Rhodes pounces. Connects with the crossroads
and once again, your victor Cody Rhodes,
-the American Nightmare. -[all vocalizing with theme]
Can Cody Rhodes become just the fourth person in history
to win back-to-back Royal Rumble matches?
We find out in just two weeks from Saturday. Good night, everybody.
♪ You took it all away ♪