[intro music playing]
[John Cena] Then.
[Ric Flair] Woooo!
-[glass shattering] -[The Rock] If you smell…
-[bell tolling] -[Cena] Now.
[Roman Reigns] Acknowledge me.
-[Triple H] The king of kings… -[Cena] You can't see me…
[Cena] Forever.
Together.
[Cole] With Elimination Chamber looming a week from Saturday,
we welcome you live to the horse capital of the world.
This is Lexington,
home to the University of Kentucky
and the legendary Rupp Arena,
where Monday Night Raw is live tonight.
And where earlier today, we saw the arrival of Cody Rhodes…
[crowd cheering]
[Cole] …who shocked the world in Las Vegas last week,
telling us all he wants to do is finish the story the right way.
And it is now official in 54 nights.
Cody Rhodes goes after the WWE Universal Champion.
He's undisputed, he's Roman Reigns.
Cody Rhodes, Roman Reigns, live at WrestleMania.
[bell dings]
♪ It's a new day, yes it is… ♪
[crowd cheering]
["New Day, New Way" playing]
[Cole] And we kick things off with a massive Six-Man Tag Team Match
[bell dings]
[announcer] The following is a Six-Man Tag Team Match
scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods,
The New Day!
[Cole] Michael Cole at ringside alongside Pat McAfee
Off a very busy Super Bowl week,
Pat back at the desk here on Monday Night Raw.
[McAfee] Absolute honor to be here alongside the GOAT, Michael Cole,
in the world famous Rupp Arena.
And we got a big one to start this glorious Monday night.
New Day, who's had issues with the Imperium…
-Oh, yeah. -Going to get them tonight.
Some European excellence
maybe getting their ass beat by New Day here
to start Monday Night Raw.
-["Main Event Ish" playing] -[crowd cheering]
♪ Main event Jey Uso is now in your city ♪
♪ Yah hoo! ♪
♪ It's just me Uce ♪
♪ Day one ish ♪
♪ It's just me Uce… ♪
[Cole] Get on up there, Pat.
[McAfee] How could you not?
♪ It's me, Uce, day one ish ♪
♪ It's Jey, I line 'em all up… ♪
[announcer] And their tag team partner from San Francisco, California,
weighing in at 242 pounds,
"Main Event" Jey Uso!
[McAfee] Yeet!
Yeet!
[Cole] An incredible atmosphere here tonight on Monday Night Raw
as Pat McAfee enjoys Jey Uso and company.
I want to tell you what's going on tonight on Raw.
Who will face Seth Rollins for the World Heavyweight Championship
at WrestleMania?
Qualifying matches underway
for both Raw and SmackDown superstars.
We have Bobby Lashley from SmackDown
and Bronson Reed in one qualifying match-up tonight.
And in the other qualifying match-up on the men's side,
from SmackDown, LA Knight,
and from Monday Night Raw, Ivar of The Viking Raiders.
Also tonight, a qualifying match-up for the Women's Chamber Match.
Liv Morgan's revenge tour begins
as Liv Morgan takes on Zoey Stark here tonight.
It's hard to do graphics when you're dancing, Pat.
-Meanwhile-- -[McAfee] Can't help but dance.
[Cole] Sami Zayn claims his window to WrestleMania is closing.
He tries to get on the winning track tonight
against Shinsuke Nakamura
live on Monday Night Raw.
[McAfee] So much yeet in here, so much yeet.
["Main Event Ish" continues playing]
[Cole] Do those cowboy boots have steel toes?
[McAfee] Yeah, you felt them, didn't ya?
♪ Aye, aye, main event Jey Uso Is now in your city ♪
["Prepare To Fight" playing]
[McAfee sighs] Here we go.
[announcer] And their opponents,
Ludwig Kaiser, Giovanni Vinci,
and the Intercontinental Champion,
"The Ring General" Gunther.
Imperium!
[Cole] Imperium has no love loss for The New Day
or "Main Event" Jey Uso.
Gunther is the Intercontinental Champion,
and last week, he was celebrating over 600 days
as the Intercontinental Champion,
before "Main Event" Jey Uso had other ideas.
And if you want Jey Uso to be the new Intercontinental Champion,
then let me hear you say, "Yeet!"
[crowd] Yeet!
I'm gonna beat you so bad
that people couldn't tell you and your brother apart.
[Cole] Pat, you got to give Jey Uso credit,
because he took down Gunther
knowing the number games are going to catch up to him
until New Day got involved.
[McAfee] That's who "Main Event" Jey Uso is,
not scared of a damn thing.
[Cole] And it leads us to our first match-up
of the night tonight.
Six-Man Tag Team Match.
-The New Day and Jey Uso… -[bell dings]
[Cole] …against Gunther and Imperium.
And it's Kofi Kingston starting things off with Ludwig Kaiser.
[McAfee] I happened upon the Imperium boys earlier.
They were talking strategy.
[crowd chanting] New Day rocks! New Day rocks!
[Cole] I also heard Gunther trying to teach you some German.
[McAfee] If that's what you want to call it.
He told me that The New Day and Jey Uso are a bunch of Lappen.
[Cole] And that would mean?
-[McAfee] German for "wimps." -[Cole] Oh.
-[McAfee] Said they are a bunch of wimps! -[Cole] And Kofi Kingston…
This is not wimp-like,
these chops by the former WWE Champion.
Kaiser, though, with an elbow to Kingston.
Ludwig Kaiser.
A tremendous physical specimen.
So disciplined.
A tactician in the ring.
[McAfee] From Hamburg. Has a 0% body fat situation happening.
[Cole] Second generation star, Kofi Kingston…
-[Cole] with a standing dropkick. -[crowd cheering]
[McAfee] Kofi's been around for three generations in the WWE.
[Cole] Tag made, Xavier Woods legal.
Here comes the double team by The New Day.
Sliding clothesline,
followed up by Kofi Kingston, and then the elbow by Woods.
[McAfee] New Day has been doing that for decades.
[Cole] And in the corner,
one of the greatest tag teams of all time,
The New Day, go to work.
Asked Xavier Woods about teaming up with Jey Uso here tonight.
He said it's easy to get on the same page with Jey.
"We respect him, and iron sharpens iron,"
those are the words of Xavier Woods.
[crowd roaring]
[McAfee] Big "Yeet" pop out of the Rupp Arena.
[crowd chanting] Yeet! Yeet!
[Cole] It was great seeing Big E as part of the WrestleMania kickoff event
in Las Vegas this past Thursday.
More on that later on in the broadcast.
[McAfee] Certainly was. He was in great spirits.
Would be even better if New Day and Jey Uso
-could handle Imperium tonight. -[Cole exclaims]
[Cole] Jey Uso said, "Hey, I may have lost one brother,"
-that being Jimmy… -[crowd roaring]
[Cole] "…but I've gained two in Kofi and Xavier."
[McAfee] Jey Uso staring down The Ring General.
[Cole] Gunther now.
612 days and counting
as the Intercontinental Champion.
Jey Uso…
Make no mistake about it, Pat.
-He wants to-- -Aw, come--
[crowd booing]
[McAfee booing] Looking like a Lappen.
[Cole] Oh! And from behind,
Vinci taking advantage.
[McAfee] You look like a Lappen.
[Cole] Gunther playing mind games.
-And now with Uso down and out… -[crowd booing]
[Cole] …The Ring General wants to tag in.
And now he will, with his team firmly in control.
[McAfee] That's the massive brain…
-[Cole exclaims] -[crowd gasps]
[McAfee] …and the massive chops of The Ring General.
[Cole] Meanwhile, was mentioning Jey Uso, Pat.
He's never won a singles championship in his career.
One of the greatest tag team champs ever,
but never won a singles title,
and it seems that he has his eyes set
on the Intercontinental Championship.
If he does well here tonight, who knows what happens down the road.
[McAfee] The traits that made him an incredible teammate,
not only to his brother, but his cousin, and everybody else in The Bloodline,
is the same exact traits that will lead him to the top
in the singles division.
Tough, loyal, gritty.
Ooh! Savvy.
Everything you could possibly want.
[Cole] And now, Kaiser dropping Uso over the top rope to the floor.
-Oh, goodness! -[McAfee exclaims]
[Cole] Imperium
-has taken over. -[speaking German]
[crowd booing]
[Cole] We are back live on Monday Night Raw,
kicking things off with a Six-Man Tag Team Match.
-[crowd chanting] Yeet! -The Imperium versus New Day
-and "Main Event" Jey Uso. -[Jey screaming]
-[thudding] -And Jey looking to turn things around,
delivering a back suplex to Kaiser.
[indistinct screaming]
[Cole] Can he make a tag to The New Day?
[McAfee] It was a long commercial break for Jey Uso.
He needs a tag bad.
[Cole] Kaiser will tag in Vinci.
Here comes Xavier Woods for The New Day.
And Woods and Kingston of The New Day,
massive issues with Imperium.
Nice swinging neckbreaker.
Kofi with a Famouser.
[McAfee] Just a plethora of attacks.
[Cole] Tag after tag after tag by The New Day.
If you're keeping score,
Kofi now, the legal man once again.
Wow!
Crossbody to the back, spins him over.
-Cover, hook to the leg… -[crowd] One, two--
[Cole] Kick-out by Vinci at two.
This is incredible.
[McAfee] Vinci flattened like some chicken parm here
on Monday Night Raw.
Kofi and Xavier Woods… flying around.
[Cole] Kaiser trying to get involved.
Xavier Woods gonna make him pay.
And now the fight is outside the ring.
These two teams been doing a lot of that as of late.
Kingston-- Kick to the face of Kaiser.
Vinci.
Down goes Vinci!
[McAfee] Kofi is feeling it.
[Kofi and crowd] New Day!
[Cole] Time for the Boom Drop by Kingston.
[crowd cheering]
[McAfee] Just looked at the clock.
What time is it, Rupp Arena?
[crowd chanting] New Day rocks! New Day rocks!
[Cole] Kofi was lining up for Trouble in Paradise
before Kaiser got involved.
And Vinci going to take advantage,
dumping Kofi Kingston outside the ring.
Now with the referee distracted by Vinci,
Kaiser drives Kingston into the steps.
[McAfee] Nein, Kaiser.
[Cole] And-- Oh, and a kick right to the face!
And once again, the physical Imperium
Let's go, Kofi. Get back inside!
[Cole] …has taken control of the match.
[McAfee] Ref said, "Kofi, let's get back inside."
-He would if he could, stripes. -[referee] One! Two!
Just got the soul kicked out of him.
[Cole] Cover by Vinci for the win in this six-man tag-team action.
Kofi kicks out at two.
Again, the resilience and toughness
of the former WWE Champion, Kofi Kingston,
who, a couple of weeks ago was in the ring
with Gunther "The Ring General"
for the Intercontinental Championship,
and Gunther made him pay.
[McAfee] Gunther picking and choosing when he wants to enter this match.
When Kofi's beat down, he'll stop by.
European uppercut to the jaw from Gunther.
[Cole] This is the pace that Gunther likes.
Slow, methodical,
punishing, torturing his opponent.
The point of the elbow to the bridge of the nose of Kingston.
[indistinct chatter]
[McAfee] This man is intimidating, this man is dominant,
and this man loves every second of beating people down.
[Cole] I was going to mention, over 600 days
as Intercontinental Champion,
and it has been a very dominant reign.
He's defended against all comers.
And another uppercut.
Kofi trying to fight out of the corner.
And Gunther, though,
trying to prevent him from making a tag
to either Uso or Xavier Woods.
Oh, that chop will stop Kofi in his tracks.
[McAfee] And Uso can get a right too.
[Cole] A smile crossing the face of Gunther.
Pat, what is it that makes Gunther so damn dangerous?
[McAfee] He's just so strong and cerebral.
He was perfectly placed there for Kofi not to be able to get a tag,
and then he just catches the adult male like there's nothing to it.
[Cole] Now he turns Kingston into a Boston Crab.
Middle of the ring submission move.
[McAfee] Gunther's okay with winning a match this way,
but this is just strictly the beatdown, Cole.
[Cole] Oh! Gunther was trash talking Jey Uso,
Jey marched into the ring, slapping him across the face.
Gunther's ticked off. Things are about to blow up.
[Cole] And we're back live on Monday Night Raw.
Kofi Kingston trying desperately to make a tag.
Imperium has been in control of Kingston and company.
[Jey] I got you.
-[referee] You stay back there, Jey. -I got you.
[Cole] Jey Uso begging to get into this match-up
and may have his opportunity.
Off the back body drop.
Can Kofi make a tag?
[indistinct shouting]
Yeah, yeah, now!
[Cole] Vinci legal and so is "Main Event" Jey Uso.
And here we go.
[crowd yells] Yeet!
-Yeet! -[Cole] The yeets are out in force.
[crowd yells] Yeet!
-[McAfee laughs] -[Cole] Samoan drop!
-[crowd yells] Yeet! -[Cole] One to Kaiser.
[crowd cheering]
[McAfee] Welcome to yeet city, baby!
-U! -[crowd] So!
-[Jey] U! -[crowd] So!
[Cole] Backing up into the corner,
Jey Uso taking out Kaiser and Vinci.
Went after Gunther,
who decided to take a step off the apron.
What a superkick to Kaiser.
Vinci off the top rope, and runs into a kick again.
[crowd cheering]
[Cole] And now, Jey turns his attention
to a very surprised Intercontinental Champion.
[yells in German] Fire!
[Cole in English] Gunther will not be challenged.
He'll go face-to-face with Uso.
[crowd] Yeet! Yeet!
[Cole] Went for the chop. Jey looking to out-quick Gunther.
[crowd] Oh…
[Cole] Oh, and a chop!
Drops Uso just like that.
[McAfee] He was so close.
So close to downing Gunther.
[Cole] Jey's kick intercepted,
but he catches Gunther with the enzuigiri
to the back of the neck on the side.
-[crowd] Yeet! -[McAfee] Still gets the spit smack.
[crowd whooping, cheering]
[McAfee] You like that, Rupp Arena?
[Cole] Jey lands on the apron,
and now going to quickly head up to the top rope.
Uso crossbody, lateral press on the champ.
-[crowd] One, two… -[Cole] Hook to the leg.
Gunther kicks out at two.
[McAfee] Jey Uso and The Ring General.
Might be a teaser what the future looks like
for the Intercontinental Title.
[Cole] Can you imagine what it would've meant to Jey Uso to pin Gunther?
Remember, Jey Uso pinned Roman Reigns
in tag-team action last summer.
He knows something about taking out long reigning champions.
[McAfee] Absolutely.
[Cole] And a spear--
Oh, Gunther stopped Jey in his tracks.
-[McAfee] Into a guillotine. -[Cole] Bang!
-Kick to the face of… Woods. -[McAfee] Geez.
[Cole] And then a smack to Kofi Kingston.
And Gunther with a clothesline.
Stacking up Jey Uso for the victory.
-Jey able to kick out. -[crowd cheering]
Gunther can't believe it.
Watch that short-arm clothesline by Gunther,
but Jey Uso able to kick at two.
[McAfee] Couldn't even fathom what's going through The Ring General's head right now.
[Cole] And now, the champ, Gunther, up to the top rope.
-Gunther mocking Jey Uso. -[crowd booing]
[Cole] Splash! Jey got the knees up.
Spear!
Jey for the cover.
Hook to the leg on the champ,
and breaking things up is Kaiser.
[McAfee] Jey Uso had Gunther.
He had the Intercontinental Champion.
One, two, three.
[Cole] Kaiser driven into the post face-first.
Tag made, Vinci's legal.
Vinci and Jey Uso now the legal men.
And Vinci looking to put Jey Uso away.
Hoisting him up, Jey up top, lands on his feet.
Vinci caught him with a boot to face.
Uso recuperates, though.
[McAfee] Jey Uso ate the boot to the face.
You're gonna need more than that, Giovanni.
[Cole] Double team… 1D!
[Kofi] Here we go!
[Cole] A massive 1D from The New Day
and Jey Uso.
Kofi Kingston gonna fly.
So is "Main Event" Jey Uso with the Splash!
-[crowd] One, two, three! -The cover.
-Got him. -[bell dings]
["Main Event Ish" playing]
[announcer] Here are your winners,
the team of The New Day
and "Main Event" Jey Uso.
[Cole] So, Pat, the question is,
does Jey Uso creep any closer
to a possible Intercontinental Championship opportunity?
[McAfee] I think he would have to with that type of performance,
with that type of moxie,
with that type of One & Done
to Giovanni Vinci.
How could you not thrust Jey Uso
directly into the Intercontinental Title hunt?
[music continues]
[Cole] And the celebration
for The New Day and Jey Uso,
as the Intercontinental Champion, Gunther,
not happy with the performance tonight of Imperium.
[McAfee] So much mana.
[shouting in German]
It's a party here tonight on Monday Night Raw.
Pat McAfee enjoying it.
It was a party last week in Las Vegas.
The Pat McAfee Show on ESPN all week long,
the Super Bowl in Las Vegas as well.
Uh-huh. Congrats to the Chiefs.
But what about the event everyone's talking about?
Oh! 200 million views in 72 hours?
The WrestleMania Kickoff event.
[Cole] We are smack dab in the middle
of the entertainment capital of the world,
the Strip in Las Vegas,
with WWE fans and media from around the world.
Are you ready?
[Triple H] Right now, we start the Road to WrestleMania XL.
♪ Burn it down… ♪
[Rollins] I am your World Heavyweight Champion.
I am Seth…
[crowd] Freakin Rollins!
Now what do you say we get ourselves a main event?
["I Am Greatness" playing]
[Roman] Las Vegas…
Acknowledge me.
Let's talk about Cody Rhodes,
the man who can't make his own choice, huh?
It's no longer his decision.
I choose who faces me
in the main event of WrestleMania.
I choose… The Rock.
[The Rock] If you smell what The Rock is cooking.
[crowd chanting] We want Cody!
We want Cody! We want Cody!
[The Rock] World watching,
I introduce you to the Cody Crybabies.
[crowd booing]
[The Rock] Now, when you look at this incredible family tree,
this is proof
that there is only one royal family in professional wrestling.
Wrestlemania XL…
Philadelphia…
The Rock and Roman Reigns
in the biggest main event in the history of professional wrestling.
Bound by blood.
-[Cody] Hold on, hold on. -[crowd cheering]
Roman, as the Tribal Chief,
as the Undisputed Champion,
you have a lot of stroke,
but it is not your right to determine the main event.
It is mine!
I won the Royal Rumble.
I have made my decision.
At WrestleMania XL,
in the main event,
I choose you, Roman Reigns.
[crowd roaring]
[Roman] You must be stupid or something, huh?
This is a done deal.
You're old news.
Nobody cares about you finishing the story.
You're irrelevant…
just like your dad.
[crowd exclaims]
[dramatic music playing]
Earlier, we had that family tree up there.
If your grandfather was here,
his grandfather was here,
they'd be ashamed of you.
[crowd cheers]
[The Rock] When you're talking about his blood,
you're talking about my blood.
[crowd exclaims]
[Triple H] Hard to say what just went on.
-A lot of tension right now. -[indistinct shouting]
Have him talk… [bleep] …about our family again,
if you don't fix it, we will.
["Titan" playing]
[Cole] The slap that reverberated around the world.
Cody Rhodes is here live
later on tonight.
[explosion]
[bell dings]
[announcer] The following is an Elimination Chamber
qualifying match.
Introducing first,
accompanied by B-Fab and the Street Profits,
"The All Mighty"
Bobby Lashley!
[Cole] If you want an opportunity at Seth Rollins
in the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania,
you first have to qualify
to get to the Elimination Chamber match a week from Saturday in Perth.
[McAfee] There's an opportunity to change your life
and hold some gold.
He's got to get through Australia first.
[Cole] Bobby Lashley…
[McAfee] A statue of a man.
[Cole] "Big" Bronson Reed.
[McAfee] A round man.
[Cole] These two go one-on-one
in a qualifying match for the Elimination Chamber,
live, next.
I would say thick.
[McAfee] Amen.
Sometimes in life,
in order to move forward,
it helps to look back.
[inspirational music playing]
To learn from the pioneers and trailblazers.
To gain inspiration from those who came before us.
To show us what it means to act with empathy
and to show that love has no labels.
Join WWE and Love Has No Labels throughout the year
in celebrating people from all communities and heritages.
[Belair] Because when love has no labels…
[Becky Lynch] That's a love we can all fight for.
[mysterious music playing]
[Andrade] Life has taught me.
I had to decide…
What I want,
what I deserve in this life.
I love this business.
I have my first match when I was 13.
Yes, 13 years old.
I become a champion.
Many times, the next step, I had the opportunity
to go to WWE.
And again, I become a champion.
First, the NXT Champion,
then United States Champion.
[exhales]
But my titles were not enough.
Three years ago, I need to leave
to remember who I was.
Now, I am back.
The real Latino man is back.
Now I know…
the direction…
is clear.
[Cole] Back on Monday Night Raw. Bobby Lashley "The All Mighty"
looking to qualify for the Elimination Chamber Match.
["Battle Tested" playing]
♪ I'm war ready ♪
♪ I'm battle tested ♪
♪ This is the story of a fighter Who's got nothing to lose ♪
♪ Battle tested, next opponent he choose ♪
♪ Will be left broken and bruised ♪
♪ Just me and my crew ♪
♪ We battle tested… ♪
[announcer] And his opponent, from Black Forest, South Australia,
weighing in at 330 pounds.
"Big" Bronson Reed!
[Cole] A lot to unpack as it comes to "Big" Bronson Reed.
We'll get to that in a moment.
But two men have already qualified for the Elimination Chamber Match
a week from Saturday in Australia.
Take it back to SmackDown this past Friday night.
First, it was AJ Styles versus Drew McIntyre.
Now, Styles had the match-up won,
but LA Knight, who has had a long standing rivalry with Styles,
had the referee distracted.
McIntyre hit the Claymore to pick up the win.
The other match on Friday night, Randy Orton versus Sami Zayn.
Remember, Sami Zayn put so much pressure on himself heading into this match.
[McAfee] Yeah, absolutely. Lost on Monday, needed one.
Instead, The Legend Killer gets another dub.
♪ I hear voices in my head… ♪
[Cole] So, Orton and McIntyre,
two of the six men,
will be locked inside the Elimination Chamber
a week from Saturday.
-One of these two men will join them. -[bell dings]
[McAfee] Shaping up to be pretty legendary over there in Perth,
the home of Mitch Wishnowsky.
[Cole] Who of course is?
[McAfee] Punter for the Niners. Lost the Super Bowl,
but had a hell of a performance. Almost won the MVP.
I couldn't help but just stare
at this Bobby Lashley.
[Cole] Well, Lashley is a former two-time WWE Champion,
two-time ECW Champion.
6'3", 273 pounds.
But in the early going, he's being manhandled
by 330 pounds of Bronson Reed.
[McAfee] Bronson Reed calls himself "Big" Bronson Reed,
but I don't think Bobby's been considered small next to anybody.
[Cole] Look at Bobby trying to put the Hurt Lock in.
Massive shoulders of Reed.
[McAfee] Oh, he's almost…
[Cole] Can't quite lock the hands together, though.
[McAfee] That is quite an advantage for Bronson Reed
with the way he is built.
So much muscle and mass,
it's hard to get his arms over his head.
I would assume taking his shirt off is tough.
Wiping his butt, probably impossible.
[Cole] Only you would think about that.
[McAfee] Well, it looks like he's carrying luggage all the time.
[Cole laughing] Leapfrog by Lashley, and down goes Bronson Reed.
Now, for Reed, this match-up is so important, Pat.
If he qualifies for the Chamber,
he gets to compete in his home country of Australia.
[McAfee] Oh! Maybe waiting to get a chance to get a shot at a title, but…
but he's got a massive task
and that's "The All Mighty" Bobby Lashley, really.
[Cole] Bronson Reed is taking control
as Lashley was driven shoulder-first into the post.
Reed from South Australia.
Elimination Chamber, of course, in Western Australia.
Reed driving Lashley into the timekeeper's area!
Can bobby climb into this Elimination Chamber qualifying match?
[indistinct shouting from crowd]
[Cole] Lashley is looking to qualify for Elimination Chamber Match
for the third time in his career.
-Bronson Reed has participated in one. -[crowd] We love Bobby!
[Cole] But he would love nothing better
than to be a part of Elimination Chamber week from Saturday
in his homeland of Australia.
If he can beat Bobby Lashley tonight, he will earn that opportunity.
[crowd booing]
[McAfee] Australia is such a beautiful place.
That Elimination Chamber is going to be legendary.
-Really far away, Australia. -[Cole] It is.
[McAfee] Really far away. Beautiful, I hear.
Lot of dangerous animals and beings.
[Cole] Look at the power of Reed.
Lashley lands on his feet. And a kick to the midsection.
If you're watching on the East Coast a week from Saturday, Pat,
check it out on Peacock at 5:00 in the morning.
Oh! Face-first goes Reed.
If you're on the West Coast,
check it out at 2 a.m. for Elimination Chamber.
[McAfee] Staying up for that or waking up early?
Whatever the case… lot on the line.
[Cole] Wow, the power of Bobby Lashley!
-330 pounds suplexed! -[crowd] One, two--
[Cole] And Reed kicks at two.
But that is what Bobby Lashley is all about.
Just this freakish strength from the former WWE Champion.
[McAfee] He's been this strong forever as well.
-He's a real feat of human nature. -[crowd chanting] Bobby! Bobby!
But Bronson Reed's build once again helped him
because Bobby couldn't get the leg in to hook the second leg.
It was a little bit of a weak…
weak hook.
[Cole] Bronson Reed has been begging for opportunities,
and he's getting one here tonight.
Reed, who spent 11 years
traversing Australia on the independent circuit
before getting a break here in the United States.
Big kick by Reed.
[McAfee] I don't think any of us expected him to get his leg up that high.
[Cole] And now-- Oh, good night! This may be it!
Lashley off the driver, cover now.
Hook to the leg by Reed,
and a kick out by Bobby at two.
[McAfee] The power, explosivity…
and tactical awareness that Bronson Reed has displayed
has been nothing short of majestic this evening.
[Cole] And now, Bronson believes he may have his chance.
Lashley struggling to get back to his feet.
One of these men will join McIntyre and Styles
in the Men's Elimination Chamber,
where the winner earns an opportunity at Seth Rollins
in the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania.
[McAfee] Thought Lashley might've baited Bronson Reed there.
-Whoa! -[McAfee] Whoa!
[Cole] Oh, sit down!
A spike by Lashley.
[crowd] One, two--
-[Cole] Reed able to kick out at two. -[Lashley groans]
[McAfee] They're telling me in the 300 levels,
people's drinks were spilling.
[Cole] Watch this.
The power of Lashley.
[McAfee] Rattled all of Rupp Arena.
Lexington, Kentucky, easy for me to say, can feel it.
[Cole] Went for a spear.
Bronson Reed caught him with a knee in the midsection.
Now Bronson Reed going to slam Lashley.
-[McAfee] Oh, my god! -[Cole] Senton!
[McAfee] Oh, my god!
[Cole] And Reed said that's it.
Bronson Reed about to punch his ticket
to Elimination Chamber.
[McAfee] Bobby Lashley,
I'm afraid I've got some bad news for you.
[Cole] Maybe not.
-Lashley meets Reed. -[crowd cheering]
Powers him off the top rope…
[crowd cheering]
[Cole] …with a massive slam.
Spear!
-"The All Mighty" Bobby Lashley… -[crowd] One, two, three!
-…qualifies for Elimination Chamber. -[bell dinging]
["Titan" playing]
[announcer] Here is your winner,
"The All Mighty"
Bobby Lashley!
[Cole] Talk about a battle of two titans.
But in the end, Bobby Lashley qualifies for the Chamber.
First the senton by Reed
we thought broke Lashley's ribs,
and then Reed was going for the Tsunami,
but Bobby Lashley met him there,
threw him the halfway across the ring.
And Pat…
the Spear.
A thing of beauty.
[McAfee] Felt like I watch an episode of Ripley's Believe It or Not!
when Bobby Lashley threw Bronson Reed across the ring.
[Cole] Well, later on tonight,
either LA Knight or Ivar
will join the three men who have already qualified.
Lashley, Orton, McIntyre.
The winner of the Chamber meets Seth "Freakin" Rollins
for the World Heavyweight Title at WrestleMania.
Well, it has been quite the week
for "The American Dream" Cody Rhodes controversy.
The hashtag "WeWantCody" trending around the world.
And of course, our main event
last week, was Cody Rhodes trying to finish a rivalry
with Shinsuke Nakamura in a bull rope match.
Let's take you back to the end of the match.
Cody Rhodes, after picking up the victory,
would be attacked from behind
by Drew McIntyre.
Cody was defenseless here, Pat.
[McAfee] Yeah, after a grueling bull rope match,
Drew McIntyre did what drew McIntyre has done,
and that's be a dirtbag,
and attack somebody who's under the weather or hurt.
[Cole] And then Nakamura would join in on a double team
before Sami Zayn would come to the aid of Cody Rhodes.
And they would even the odds,
and finally drive McIntyre and Shinsuke Nakamura out of the way.
[Sami] You all right?
[Cole] Because of what happened last week,
Sami Zayn finds himself in a match-up tonight against
Shinsuke Nakamura.
Earlier today, our own Jackie Redmond
sat down with Sami Zayn.
Sami, thank you so much for agreeing to this follow up.
You know, last week you were adamant
that you're a contender who will become a champion,
but since then, you lost your match on SmackDown
to qualify for Elimination Chamber.
So, going into tonight against Shinsuke Nakamura,
I mean, how shaken is your confidence right now?
Well, look, I think if you talk to any contender in any sport, any athlete,
um, when they talk about doing something and they come up short,
there's a feeling of embarrassment.
If I say I'm going to beat Drew McIntyre and I don't beat Drew,
there is a part of you that's embarrassed,
that wants to crawl into bed,
that doesn't want to show up to work the next week.
[chuckles] It's something I felt many times in my career,
if I'm being totally honest.
But every single time, this time included,
that I felt that feeling.
It's always overtaken by a much stronger feeling,
which is an unwavering belief in myself.
Last week I talked to you about where I was this time last year.
This time last year, I was standing in that ring
face to face with Cody Rhodes,
and I told him,
"Hey, if I want to main event WrestleMania,
I have to believe in myself because otherwise nobody else will.
And that belief in myself is what carried me to WrestleMania.
That belief in myself is what's carried me throughout my entire career.
So yes, I still believe what I said
when I said last week, "I am a contender
and I will be a champion."
Jackie, it's a promise and I will get there.
And it's not going to be an easy path,
but it's a path I am willing to walk to get there.
If I gave in to that feeling every single time--
[eerie music playing]
[male voice over speaker] Sami.
Sami!
[sneeringly] Sami.
Sami. [chuckles]
[in Japanese]
[Nakamura snickers]
["Came to Win It" playing]
[Cole] Sami Zayn has put a ton of pressure on himself
over the past couple of weeks.
The next obstacle in his way, Shinsuke Nakamura.
Zayn and Nakamura one-on-one later on tonight.
Well, Pat, coming up next,
the man who made his choice last week, "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes.
[McAfee] The man that got smacked in the mouth by The Rock last week?
[Cole] I'm sure we'll hear all about it.
Cody is live, and he's next.
♪ And our fashion moving forward Couple light years ♪
♪ Hardcore Bangin' throw a wheelie on a bike here! ♪
♪ I do it for the hoods out in Harlem… ♪
[clock ticking]
[epic music playing]
[ticking continues]
[Cody] I choose you, Roman Reigns.
We're going to take it to a whole new level.
[yelling]
[Cole] Pat, WrestleMania just seems big already.
The debut of the trailer yesterday.
Of course, the WrestleMania Kickoff event
this past Thursday in Las Vegas.
Listen to these numbers.
200 million plus social views
since Thursday of this event.
[McAfee] Yeah, really took over the topic of conversation
everywhere on Earth.
And a lot of it revolved around that man, The Big Uce.
Rock smacking the taste out of Cody Rhodes' mouth.
[Cole] And Triple H commenting on all the events of the past week,
claiming that, "We're going to take WrestleMania to a whole new level."
[McAfee] And then what?
-Are you ready? -[bell dings]
["Kingdom" playing]
[crowd cheering]
[Cody] Wrestling has more than one royal family.
[crowd cheering]
♪ Adrenaline in my soul ♪
♪ Every fight out of control ♪
♪ Do it all to get them off their feet ♪
♪ Crowd is here, about to blow ♪
♪ Waitin' for me to start the show ♪
♪ Out the curtain, lights go up I'm home… ♪
[crowd] ♪ Whoa! ♪
[announcer] Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome
the winner of the 2023 and 2024
Men's Royal Rumble Match,
"The American Nightmare"
Cody Rhodes!
[Cole] Pat, you were there this past Thursday
as soon as that event was over.
I walked up to Cody Rhodes back in the locker room area.
I shook his hand and I said,
"You did what you needed to do."
He wouldn't be thwarted.
He won the Royal Rumble match this year.
He had the opportunity to face the champion he wanted.
He didn't give a damn what The Rock said.
He didn't care what Roman Reigns said.
He did what he wanted to do.
He did what the WWE fans wanted him to do.
He picked Roman Reigns
-to finish the story in 54 nights… -[crowd vocalizes]
[Cole] …in WrestleMania.
[McAfee] He did exactly what his dad would have done.
In the exact same situation,
The American Dream would've looked at everybody and said,
"Uh-uh. I'm doing what's right,
I'm doing what's best."
And Cody Rhodes now,
in the face of so much,
has an opportunity to rewrite the entire history of his family.
[Cole] Here's what faces Cody Rhodes, though.
He took a shot.
Now he has to deliver.
[McAfee] You're damn right, Cole.
[crowd cheering, chanting] Cody! Cody! Cody! Cody!
Cody! Cody! Cody! Cody!
[crowd cheering]
[cheering stops]
[Cody] So…
Lexington, Kentucky.
[crowd cheers]
What do we want to talk about?
I believe… we could talk about how
in the main event at WrestleMania XL,
I will be challenging for the undisputed WWE Championship
against Roman Reigns.
[crowd cheers]
[crowd chanting] Cody! Cody! Cody! Cody!
Cody! Cody! Cody! Cody! Cody!
Took me a while to be able to even… say that,
and the only reason that I'm able to say it is…
you guys.
[crowd cheers]
You certainly made your voices heard.
A full week trending worldwide,
posting about it, screaming about it,
shouting about it, whispering,
spreading the word, and the word was…
[crowd chanting, clapping rhythmically] We want Cody!
We want Cody! We want Cody!
We want Cody!
Thank you.
I…
I really don't know how
I could ever repay you.
Actually, maybe there's only one way.
[crowd cheering]
Aw, man!
You're making me emotional.
I get it, I get it.
I'm a passionate guy, I'm passionate about this place.
My legacy within it.
My astrological sign is a cancer.
I'm often a little bit, you know, wearing my heart on my sleeve.
But again, I don't wanna get emotional, because then I would become a…
crybaby.
[crowd booing]
[crowd chanting] Rocky sucks! Rocky sucks!
Rocky sucks! Rocky sucks!
Rocky sucks! Rocky sucks! Rocky sucks!
While all of you were saying, "We want Cody,"
there was one man out there who absolutely, 100%,
did not want to hear it.
That same man
happens to be the most famous human being alive.
A potential presidential nominee,
the original People's Champion,
the same man who coined the term
"Cody Crybabies."
-[crowd boos] -Let's take a look at this.
At the end of the day, look,
you got the Cody Crybabies
and you have the Cody fans and you have Cody himself.
There's a clear distinction between the three.
But The Rock says this.
Those Cody Crybabies, the ones, for every ten tweets,
they're shoving a McNugget in their mouth.
For every 20 tweets, they're shoving two McNuggets up their ass.
The Rock says this. All you got to do is sit back,
know your roles, shut your mouth and enjoy the ride
that The Rock is going to take your candy asses on.
So hashtag that. Hashtag "ShutYourBitchAssesUp."
Hashtag "CodyCrybabies."
[all talking excitedly]
[The Rock] If you smell--
[all laughing]
[Cole] It was all your fault.
[McAfee] Whoa, whoa…
[crowd booing, clamoring]
[McAfee] Whoa.
I did not expect this.
Listen, I…
I know promos are different from the last time he was here,
and very few people could ever even fathom
matching The Rock on the microphone,
but I do have to ask.
What are we supposed to do with the nuggets?
[crowd laughing]
-[Cole] Tell him. -[McAfee] I don't know.
-Like-- -[McAfee hesitating]
Pat, you were there.
What am I expected to do with these nuggets?
I think you're…
[Cody] Oh, my gosh.
…shove them up your ass.
[crowd laughing]
I think he said--
Please-- [chuckles]
Don't mistake the levity here in my candor for any weakness.
And please, don't think that I'm not a fan of The Rock.
I am a fan of The Rock.
I think all of us, at times in our lives,
have been fans of The Rock.
But one thing The Rock does not…
[crowd boos]
One thing The Rock does not do well
is he does not listen.
At the press conference, I said nothing
to defile his ancestors,
and yet, he chose to slap me in the face,
and slap me in the face in public.
[crowd booing]
Sometimes you can hear the rivers overflowing.
I recognize the look in Rock's eyes
that was no longer the people's energy.
It was malevolence.
The Rock and Roman Reigns together,
that's the perfect storm.
But please, please, please…
make no mistake about it.
Rock, you put your hands on me,
Rock, you slapped me across the face,
and what that means…
is I'm going to hit you back.
[crowd cheering]
♪ Burn it down! ♪
-[crowd cheering] -[explosion]
[McAfee] Whoa!
["The Second Coming" playing]
[Cole] Happy I'm seemingly out of harm's way.
[crowd vocalizing]
[vocalizing continues]
♪ Burn it down! ♪
[crowd cheering]
[announcer] Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome
the World Heavyweight Champion,
Seth "Freakin" Rollins!
[crowd vocalizing]
♪ Burn it down! ♪
[song ends]
[crowd vocalizing]
[vocalizing continues]
[crowd cheering]
Absolutely. Take a bow.
And before we get started with whatever this is,
please allow me to thank you
for coming to my aid at the press conference.
I appreciate it. Thank you very much.
[crowd clapping, cheering]
Well…
What can I say except…
You're welcome.
[cackles]
First things first, Cody.
As much as I was looking forward
to defending the World Heavyweight Championship
against you at WrestleMania,
I understand your decision.
I understand why you had to pick Roman Reigns.
I understand why you needed Roman's title.
You got to finish that story, right?
[crowd cheers]
[Rollins] And there are millions of people
around the world
who want you to finish your story.
[crowd cheering]
Oof!
And now that the decision is made,
let me make this very clear to you.
You need to finish your story.
[crowd cheers]
You need to finish your story for yourself,
for your dad, for me,
for every single person here tonight.
[crowd cheering]
And I'll tell you why.
Because if you do not beat Roman Reigns at WrestleMania
and take the WWE Undisputed Championship from him,
the landscape on the other side of WrestleMania
is very, very dark.
You've got the most powerful champion of the modern era,
Roman Reigns.
He gets more power,
he gets more leverage,
which means he shows up less.
He defends his title less.
That glass ceiling, it gets thicker.
Those brass rings,
they get higher.
This is probably the last real chance
that any of us has to take that title,
to take that power
and to give it to the people.
[crowd cheering]
[crowd chanting] Cody! Cody! Cody! Cody!
Cody! Cody! Cody! Cody!
[chanting stops]
You might be the man for the job…
[chuckles]
…but Cody…
[man in crowd] I love you, Seth!
I love you too.
[McAfee] What a life.
What's your plan, Cody?
[man in crowd] I love you, Cody!
Because, last year,
you got screwed out of the title
in the main event of WrestleMania.
The Usos were there,
Paul Heyman was there,
Solo was there, Roman Reigns.
You couldn't get the job done,
but you fought your way back.
You won the Royal Rumble again.
[crowd cheers]
[Rollins] The deck…
The deck is stacked against you just the same.
Except now… the bar has been raised.
Because you're not just dealing with Heyman and Solo
and Jimmy and Roman,
you are dealing with the biggest star,
the most influential man in the entire entertainment industry.
You've got to deal
with The Rock.
[crowd booing]
[crowd chanting] Rocky sucks! Rocky sucks!
Rocky sucks! Rocky sucks! Rocky sucks! Rocky sucks!
Lexington, I tend to agree with you,
which is why I came out here, Cody,
to tell you…
You do not have to fight this battle alone.
[crowd cheering]
Now, you and I, we haven't always seen eye to eye,
but a couple of weeks back, you told Roman Reigns
you didn't just want to take his title from him,
you wanted to take everything from him.
And deep in my soul,
I felt that!
[crowd cheering]
And that is why, at the press conference,
when The Rock laid hands on you,
I stepped up,
because I am sick and tired of people like The Rock,
of people like Roman Reigns.
These arrogant, entitled pricks
who think they can do whatever they want.
They can throw their weight around,
make any decision they want with no consequence.
I am sick and tired of them always getting away with it.
[crowd cheers]
I got to admit something to you right now.
The man Roman Reigns is is partly my fault.
Nearly 12 years ago,
we came down those stairs in tactical vests.
We were brothers forged from the same fire.
I taught him everything I know.
I am partly responsible for the man that he is.
But I could have never imagined the monster that he has become.
And now,
that monster has got two heads.
Because he is standing side by side
with the only person on this planet
who is as entitled and selfish as he is.
But when it comes to fighting The Bloodline…
When it comes to fighting The Rock,
when it comes to fighting Roman Reigns,
there is only one man on Earth
who is uniquely suited to be your shield.
[crowd cheering]
I'll give you a hint.
He was once an architect.
He is now a visionary.
He is a revolutionary.
He is Seth…
[crowd yells] 'Freakin' Rollins.
[microphone thuds]
-["The Second Coming" playing] -Think about it.
[Cole] Seth Rollins made it perfectly clear to Cody Rhodes,
that it WrestleMania,
it could be an American dream
or an American nightmare scenario.
When it comes to Cody Rhodes, but maybe Cody's got some backup.
[McAfee] Seth just said he'll be Cody's shield
to fight against this bloodline that's even stronger
with the biggest superstar on Earth,
The Rock, joining in.
What will Cody Rhodes do?
He's going to need it.
He's going to need all the help he can get, Cole.
[Cole] Let's switch gears now
and head back to the locker room area
and our own Cathy Kelley.
-[excited chatter] -[Cathy] Thanks, Cole.
I'm standing by with The New Day and Jey Uso.
Congratulations on that win tonight over Imperium.
Now, I've actually just gotten word
that next week, "The Ring General" Gunther
will have to defend his Intercontinental Title against the--
-[New Day sarcastically] Who? -[Jey jokingly] Stop.
-Who? -Who?
-[Jey] Are-- Are--
[Jey sarcastically] For real? It's me?
Against "Main Event" Jey Uso.
-Oh, yeah, let's go! -[indistinct shouting]
Yeet! Hey, check it out.
Big "W" tonight with my boys, the…
[together] New Day!
Big "W" next week, Cathy.
New IC Champion coming soon.
"Main Event" Jey…
[together] U… So!
My God, you slapped the hell out of him tonight.
Slapped Gunther in his face.
He had him in a Boston Crab.
-He don't even eat crab. -He's from Boston.
Thank you, because that crab was cooking my back.
[Kofi] I appreciate you, bro.
-[Jey] Give my shades back! -Can I have these?
Can I get a pair of shades?
-Free99. [continues indistinctly] -Free99!
Thanks, guys. I'm gonna send you back to the arena.
[Jey in distance] Yeet!
[Cole] Next week, Monday Night Raw,
Jey Uso with an opportunity at Gunther for the title.
[McAfee] Yeet…
["Liv Gone Mad" playing]
♪ Watch me ♪
[Cole] What an opportunity for her tonight.
[announcer] The following is an Elimination Chamber
qualifying match.
Introducing first, from Elmwood Park, New Jersey,
Liv Morgan!
[Cole] Liv Morgan told me earlier today,
that tonight her revenge tour begins.
We'll explain all that to you, coming up next.
Because Liv Morgan with an opportunity to qualify
for the Elimination Chamber Match.
Zoey Stark stands in her way.
Live, next on Raw.
["Liv Gone Mad" continues playing]
♪ It's about life, it's about love… ♪
[McAfee] These titles for the NFL teams
have been a phenomenal addition to the sports world.
But watching Patrick Mahomes and Isaiah Pacheco,
the heels of the NFL,
celebrating with them last night was glorious in Las Vegas.
Middle of a dynasty right now, this Kansas City Chiefs team.
[Cole] Congratulations to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Meanwhile, a lot on the line tonight for Liv Morgan and Zoey Stark.
They talked to us earlier today about what this match-up means to them.
[Liv Morgan] Elimination Chamber is everything to me.
I was on the run of a lifetime.
Money in the Bank winner.
Women's Champion.
Tag Team Champion.
And then Rhea Ripley injured my shoulder
and took it all away from me.
But now, I'm going to earn my way to WrestleMania
and take everything away from her.
Tonight is the very first stop
on the Liv Morgan Revenge Tour, ladies and gentlemen.
So buckle up and watch me.
[Stark] Since coming to Raw,
I have been busy making history.
And after I win the Elimination Chamber,
I'm going to continue making history.
I've taken out "The Man" Becky Lynch.
I've taken care of Trish Stratus.
And now, I'm about to take care of Liv Morgan.
See, everyone seems to think that this is about
Liv Morgan's "revenge tour."
You got it all wrong.
This is about me making history as the baddest woman in this division.
See, that's why I am making my stamp
and I'm going to WrestleMania.
[Cole] So the winner of this match-up tonight
will qualify for the Elimination Chamber Match
a week from Saturday in Perth, Australia.
If you win the Elimination Chamber, you go to WrestleMania…
[bell dings]
…to face either Rhea Ripley or Nia Jax for the Women's Championship.
And a roll-up by Morgan quickly, and Zoey kicks at two.
[McAfee] Obviously, Liv wants a shot back at Rhea,
but Liv has no idea
if Nia Jax is going to be the champion or not.
[Cole] Yeah, Nia may well be.
The official… trying to separate these two.
Eddie Orengo working this match-up between
Stark and Liv Morgan.
[McAfee] Liv Morgan's been a champion here before.
Cashed in Money in the Bank. What a moment!
[Cole] You and I were on the call that.
[McAfee] Take Ronda Rousey's title.
Now looking to get back to that.
[Cole] And Liv Morgan been in four Elimination Chamber matches
in her career.
-[McAfee] She's also been in-- -[Cole] Oh!
[McAfee] Doesn't matter if you're working, whenever Zoey Stark does that…
Lariat… through the ring for Zoey Stark.
-[Stark grunting] -[Cole] Liv Morgan,
-[Stark screams] -…who missed months of action
because of a shoulder injury caused by a Rhea Ripley,
as you watch the impact again
from Zoey Stark to Liv Morgan.
Stark so powerful.
[McAfee] I've only got a chance to see Zoey Stark here a few times in person.
What a powerhouse.
[Cole] A tremendous talent, as is Liv Morgan.
And Liv now, going to send Zoey flying.
[crowd applauding]
[McAfee] Liv Morgan so crafty, so talented.
[Stark groans]
[Cole] Shoulder to midsection.
Already qualifying for the Chamber Match,
Becky Lynch last week,
Bianca Belair this past Friday night on SmackDown.
Six women will be involved.
[McAfee] Springboard kick for Liv Morgan.
[crowd cheering]
Seemingly in a zone
to get to the Elimination Chamber Match.
[Cole] Liv who will pull out all the stops, though,
runs into a right from Zoey.
[referee] Three!
[McAfee] Zoey Stark… incredibly intense human being out here.
[Stark yelps]
[Cole] Morgan, with a right, will drop Zoey off the apron.
And now, Liv Morgan, who loves high risk.
[McAfee] Not scared to take to the skies at all.
[referee] Back to the ring. Let's go.
[Cole] Zoey, though, taking the fight to Liv.
[McAfee] Look at the power of Zoey Stark.
[Cole] And from the apron!
Zoey takes over.
Who's going to qualify for Elimination Chamber?
It's about me, Liv! Me! I'm qualifying!
[Cole] One of these women gonna qualify for the Elimination Chamber
a week from Saturday in Perth.
Liv Morgan versus Zoey Stark here tonight.
And Morgan taking the fight to Zoey.
[McAfee] Liv Morgan has been putting on a masterclass thus far against Zoey.
[Cole] Oh, Codebreaker off the second rope!
Morgan to the cover. Hook to the leg now.
-Is it enough? -[crowd] One, two--
[Cole] Two and a half.
Zoey just got her shoulder up.
[McAfee] Liv Morgan thought she qualified for Elimination Chamber.
Picture perfect.
[Cole] Codebreaker by Morgan.
Again, the winner of the Chamber Match
will face either Nia Jax
or Rhea Ripley
for the Women's World Championship
at WrestleMania.
Already qualifying, Becky Lynch and Bianca Belair.
Look at the power of Stark!
-Out of the corner, powerbomb. -One, two--
[Cole] Kick by two by Morgan.
[McAfee] Zoey Stark, former Tag Team Champion
alongside the WWE Champion IYO SKY,
had Liv stacked.
Liv finds a way to kick out and keep this going.
Zoey Stark saw herself in Elimination Chamber right there.
[Cole] She did.
[McAfee] Saw herself with an opportunity to take on a champion.
[Cole] Zoey, top rope, and missile dropkick. Cover now.
Is it enough to put Morgan away and qualify for Perth, Australia?
And a kick-out.
Again, and we talked about this earlier…
Pat, I'm not sure where you're going to be…
a week from Saturday,
but if you're on the East Coast, watch Chamber at 5:00 a.m. on Peacock.
2:00 a.m. in the morning, if you're on the West Coast.
[yelling] Why are you even here?
[McAfee] I'll be setting the alarm.
Hopefully the baby's still sleeping.
[Cole] Right, you're a dad now. You go to bed early.
[McAfee] I'll tell you what. Me and mama love a good sleeping sesh.
[Cole] If you're in Hawaii, it's 11:00 p.m.
And look at this, Morgan now.
Is it enough to knock off Stark…
who is able to slip out at two.
[McAfee] That's a part of Liv Morgan just getting better and better every day.
In the dungeon, working. In the lab.
Dreaming of this opportunity to get back to the top.
She could sense it here, Zoey Stark reeling.
[Cole] Liv with the intense look, went for the Codebreaker again.
This time, Stark able to block.
Now, Zoey Stark,
looking to send Liv into the corner.
Does face-first into the turnbuckle, and Zoey now with an opportunity.
[McAfee] Slingshot by Zoey Stark.
-[Stark groans] -[McAfee] Ooh!
[Cole] Oh, and Liv says sit down.
[Stark moaning]
[Cole] Liv, with that…
sinister look in her eyes, as she looks to put Stark away.
And Zoey caught her with a kick to the face.
-And now its Stark's opportunity. -[referee] One, two--
-[Cole] Kick out at two. -[Stark yells]
[McAfee] Thought she had her right on the button there
with the super kick.
Zoey Stark has been nothing short of impressive here this evening.
[Cole] Zoey cannot believe it.
She thought she had Liv Morgan beaten there,
punched her ticket to Elimination Chamber.
[McAfee] And the springboard missile dropkick earlier.
Now she's going to the top rope.
Middle rope.
Top rope.
-[Cole] Zoey… -[McAfee] Unbelievable.
[Cole] Went with the corkscrew. And Morgan able to
-roll out of harm's way. -[Liv Morgan yells]
Now, she catches Zoey again. Sets her up.
Here it comes. Morgan, Oblivion!
Cover.
-[crowd] One, two, three! -[Cole] Liv's going to Perth.
[bell dings]
["Liv Gone Mad" playing]
[announcer] Here is your winner,
Liv Morgan!
[Cole] Three of the six spots
are now filled in Elimination Chamber.
Liv Morgan
will join Becky Lynch
and Bianca Belair
in an opportunity to win the Chamber
and move on to a Women's World Championship Match
at WrestleMania.
Congratulations to Liv Morgan.
[imperceptible]
[indistinct conversation]
…smash this guy!
We do a look good together.
As soon as JD come to reality.
Dawg, you're not in Judgment Day.
Me come to reality?
Me come to reality? Truth, enough!
Wait, wait, wait…
-Let me take this. -Somebody tell him.
I got it.
Tell him, DP.
Truth, enough, man.
Look, we've had laughs together,
but that joke is over.
This is not a part of our crew.
You have never been part of The Judgment Day,
and I've been clear about that from the get go.
Every beating you've gotten
was just a beating.
There was no other alternative.
It wasn't an initiation.
There was no re-initiation. None of it.
-[softly] Pre-initiation? -Nothing.
I'm being serious, man.
I know it's hard for you to comprehend things sometimes,
but I'm going to be really clear, and the message will be simple.
Tonight,
it's an execution.
Can you get that through your skull?
["The Other Side" playing]
[Cole] Pat, do you think R-Truth finally gets it?
[McAfee] What's their problem?
[explosion]
[bell dings]
[announcer] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first,
accompanied by Dominik Mysterio
and the undisputed WWE Tag Team Champion,
Finn Bálor,
and señor Money in the Bank,
Damian Priest.
Representing The Judgment Day,
JD McDonagh!
[Cole] Damian Priest made it clear,
Judgment Day is sick and tired
of R-Truth.
An execution, he calls it.
McDonagh, Truth, live next.
["The Other Side" continues]
♪ Once you reach the other side… ♪
[Cole] Monday Night Raw is live tonight, Pat.
We're at the University of Kentucky.
Home of the Wildcats
and the world famous Rupp Arena.
[McAfee] You can feel that big blue energy down here in Lexington.
What a town! Never been. Beautiful this time of year.
-[Cole] Took you a while to get here. -I got lost.
I was circling the city 'cause it was raining,
but that didn't slow anything down.
[Cole] Elimination Chamber is presented by Credit One Bank.
Get cashback rewards and live large.
JD McDonagh set for one-on-one action with R-Truth tonight.
Meanwhile, Finn Bálor, Damian Priest,
the undisputed Tag Team Champions,
get set for a Tag Title Match
a week from Saturday at Elimination Chamber
against Pete Dunne and Tyler Bate,
who knocked off DIY
on SmackDown this past Friday night
to earn this opportunity.
♪ If you believe yours is the only way ♪
♪ Then you're a fool who lives to die ♪
Hold on a minute, please.
-Can it wait a second? -No, it's time for your match.
How long does it take to fly from LA to Lexington?
-Are you serious? -Never mind.
I got it!
Miz, dawg,
I'm probably gonna be having my match when you get this voicemail--
-Your match is right now. -Okay.
I need your help, bruh.
-Hey-- -Listen to me.
Hop on the plane and fly to Raw right now.
-Give me one second. -Why do you mean?
You was right! Judgment Day gonna kill me, dawg.
Can I have one second?
No, it's time to go. You match is now!
[Cole] It took you an hour to get here from Indianapolis today.
[McAfee] That's gonna be a little bit too far of a trip from LA to Lexington,
I, uh, fear to say.
["What's Up" instrumental playing]
[announcer] And his opponent from Charlotte, North Carolina,
weighing in at 220 pounds,
R-Truth!
[Cole] So, Pat, do you think it's finally dawned on R-Truth
that the fun and games are over with Judgment Day?
[McAfee] To be honest, it finally--
It finally dawned on me as well.
I don't think Judgment Day wants R-Truth in there.
[Cole chuckles] What-- What gave you that impression?
[McAfee] Well, why would you ever want R-Truth not to be around you?
But I guess it makes sense for this sleazy crew.
The Judgment Day, they don't deserve R-Truth.
-Dom just battered his cell phone. -[bell dings]
[Cole] He told us he stole his watch,
now he has stolen a… cell phone.
And JD McDonagh now.
[McAfee] "Dirty" Dom might need to go back to jail,
but for real, why would you not want R-Truth in your group?
[Cole] They're sick and tired of him and his antics.
They thought the joke was funny for a while
and now it's back to business.
And R-Truth now, looks to take out JD McDonagh.
For McDonagh, this has got to feel good, Pat,
because for months now, JD McDonagh has been battling
the fact that R-Truth claims that McDonagh isn't in Judgment Day.
And so, this has got to be a great opportunity
for McDonagh to finally get rid of R-Truth once and for all.
[McAfee] Or he can embarrass himself in front of Judgment Day.
You lose to R-Truth, guy that everybody's trying to kick out for you?
Yeah, right.
[Cole] Then maybe-- Oh!
[McAfee] R-Truth with the power.
[Cole] Think Truth can get into the group if he knocked off McDonagh tonight?
[McAfee] He made money for them, he's the only likable one.
[crowd chanting] JD sucks!
[Cole] And the "JD sucks" chants ring throughout Rupp Arena
-as Truth brings McDonagh down. -[R-Truth] What's up?
[crowd] What's up?
[McAfee] Oh, still got it.
Fifty-two years old.
-Maybe the most athletic man… -[Cole] Oh!
[McAfee] …to ever exist, R-Truth.
[Cole] I'm in my fifties. I couldn't think about doing that split.
[McAfee] I'm 36 and I pulled a muscle taking a dump the other day.
What R-Truth does is nothing short of phenomenal.
Judgment Day should feel honored that he wants to be a part of their group,
but instead, these sleaze bags…
-[McAfee exclaims] -[Cole] As McDonagh said…
And there's the Attitude Adjustment, of course.
[McAfee] It's starting already.
[Cole] Paying homage to R-Truth's idol, John Cena.
-[crowd booing] -Truth's in control.
Can McDonagh get back into this?
I hope not.
[McAfee] Go fight him, JD.
[Cole] An interesting commercial break to say the least.
Meanwhile, JD McDonagh still in control of R-Truth.
He's trying to fight back in this match.
Truth was asking us during the break if Miz has called him yet.
[McAfee] To be clear, we have no idea
because his phone was stolen by this "Dirty" Dom.
[Cole] Who also stole the watch that was on his wrist.
-He explained to us earlier on. -[crowd cheers]
R-Truth… who Damian Priest said will be executed here tonight,
He's holding his own against JD McDonagh.
[McAfee] Holding his own? Yeah. R-Truth has been dominating.
-Flying around like his old pal. -[Cole] Yeah.
[Cole] Again, paying homage to John Cena!
[crowd cheering]
[Cole] Speaking of John Cena…
-Did you see him play for… -[crowd] You can't see me!
…The Savannah Bananas baseball team this past week?
[McAfee] I don't know how that picture hit that strike zone.
[chuckles] Clearly.
[crowd cheering]
[Cole] And now, R-Truth…
[crowd] You can't see me!
[Cole] …with a little Five Knuckle Shuffle.
[crowd applauding]
[Cole] What if McDonagh loses? [chuckles] I mean…
[McAfee] He should get kicked out of Judgment Day.
Actually, the punishment for winning
should-- Or the-- Yeah.
[Cole chuckles]
Here's a roll-up. Has the tights.
[McAfee] Joining Judgment Day should be a punishment,
not something that is won or lost.
They stink.
[crowd exclaims]
[Cole] R-Truth taken down McDonagh,
and could be closing in on the victory here.
[JD yelps]
Damian Priest did not look pleased at ringside.
-McDonagh ducks out of harm's way. -[McAfee] Kicks out a knee.
[Cole] And look at this! He calls that the Devil Inside.
-[referee] One, two, three. -And that will put R-Truth away.
-[bell dings] -[McAfee] Wow!
["The Other Side" playing]
[announcer] Here is your winner,
JD McDonagh!
[Cole] And I believe it is now
celebration time for The Judgment Day.
[McAfee] Weight off the shoulders of JD McDonagh, I assume,
proving himself to the rest of Judgment Day.
[Cole] A very big win for McDonagh tonight.
-[McAfee] Heartbreaking loss for R-Truth. -[crowd booing]
[imperceptible]
[Cole] I think Truth is going to…
lose more than just a match-up. Judgment Day…
Trying to go after-- Truth is fighting back.
[McAfee] Truth…
throwing Finn like a sack of trash.
[imperceptible]
[Cole] Damian Priest claims he tried.
But he's had enough of Truth.
And that right hand by Priest
is going to lead to a four-on-one assault of R-Truth.
And the execution promised by Priest is underway.
[McAfee] Like a pack of coyotes.
[Damian Priest shouting indistinctly]
-[crowd cheering] -[McAfee] Attacking--
[Cole] Meanwhile, Ciampa, Gargano
DIY, steel chairs in hand,
sending Judgment Day scattering.
[McAfee] Scurrying like rats, this Judgment Day.
-[crowd chanting] DIY! DIY! DIY! -[Tommaso] Come on!
[Cole] Thank goodness for Ciampa and Gargano.
-[imperceptible] -Hey.
-Thank you very much for having my back. -What for?
Last week with Shinsuke and Drew.
-Come on. -Appreciate it.
You know I got your back.
You know it's the same for you, right?
I appreciate that.
Also, uh…
Obviously heard what you said earlier.
You were not the only one who believes in you.
I believe in you.
And more importantly,
they believe in you.
[crowd cheering]
Get out of here with that.
[Sami laughing]
-Thank you, buddy. -All right, good luck.
-Go get him. -Appreciate it.
[energetic music playing]
[Cole] Sami Zayn believes in himself,
and others believe in Sami as well.
He takes on Nakamura later on tonight
on Monday Night Raw.
And there is "The Man" Becky Lynch.
She's already qualified for the Elimination Chamber Match.
Becky's here, live next on Raw.
♪ 'Cause I'm a warrior Fight for the throne ♪
♪ Living my life like I'm fighting alone ♪
♪ And I never stop fightin’, Igniting my soul ♪
♪ Straight to the top I’m inviting my foes ♪
[Cole] Monday Night Raw is live tonight
at the world famous Rupp Arena
at the University of Kentucky.
A lot of history in this building as it comes to the Kentucky Wildcats,
and a lot of history this weekend at the Super Bowl.
A lot of partying going on with Snoop Dogg's WWE Golden Title pass.
[McAfee] Obviously, Las Vegas was what they call lit.
In the Fanatics party, had the Golden Title
seeing everybody's hips.
T-Pain, Jelly Roll, French Montana,
The Chainsmokers, which I believe that is only one of them
in that particular photo right there.
And obviously Khloé Kardashian and the Biebs
rocking the Golden Title.
Everybody wants to be a part of the WWE right now.
How could you not?
["Celtic Invasion" playing]
[announcer] Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome
"The Man" Becky Lynch!
[Cole] Becky Lynch says she has a clear path
to get back to WrestleMania.
All she has to do is
win the Elimination Chamber Match
a week from Saturday in Perth, Australia.
[McAfee] Something she's never done before.
[Cole] Yet. Becky's never been involved in an Elimination Chamber Match,
but she qualified last week.
Three of the six women…
are set.
Liv Morgan qualified earlier tonight,
Bianca Belair qualified on SmackDown, Friday,
Becky last week.
Three spots remain.
The winner of this match-up goes on to WrestleMania
to take on either Nia Jax or Rhea Ripley
for the Women's World Championship.
[crowd cheering]
[crowd chanting] Becky! Becky! Becky! Becky! Becky! Becky!
Becky! Becky! Becky! Becky! Becky! Becky!
The Man has come around to Lexington, Kentucky!
[crowd cheering]
And I just saw a very interesting sign over here.
I guess I'm going to the prom in 2034.
[McAfee laughs]
We are officially on the Road To WrestleMania,
and it has been crazy!
It has been wild, it has been chaotic,
it has been confusing at times,
but it's been unpredictable.
And I love that about this.
And, man, I love this.
I love this business so much.
I was 15 years old
the first time I stepped foot in a wrestling ring,
and I have been obsessed ever since.
And that obsession… that obsession has been great… at times.
Most of the time.
I mean, it is the reason that I've gotten to travel around the world.
It is the reason that I am in front of you fine people.
[crowd cheering]
It is the reason that a girl who once failed gym class
was able to go on and become the first woman
to ever win the main event of WrestleMania.
[crowd cheering]
It is how I met my husband.
It is why I have my daughter.
[man in distance] We love you, Becky!
I love you too.
[crowd cheers]
But that obsession has also been the reason
that I've missed loved ones' birthdays,
I have missed weddings,
I have missed…
my own father's funeral.
And my daughter is only three years old,
but I've already had to have some very difficult conversations with her.
I've had to explain why her mother's face
is busted open and bloody.
I've had to explain why I can't pick her up
because I have a separated shoulder.
I've had to explain why her daddy wants to fight Maui.
-[crowd laughs] -[McAfee laughing]
[McAfee chuckles]
Uh, and I'm going to the Elimination Chamber,
and she's going to see my face smashed against the steel.
She is going to see my body bruised and broken,
but she is also going to see
the brutality that her mother is capable of.
[crowd cheering]
Because I am obsessed with this,
and I have never been more obsessed
with getting my title back.
The title that I have not held in almost two years.
And that starts with winning the Elimination Chamber
and going face-to-face
with one of the most dominant champions that we have ever seen.
And a lot of you love Mami.
[crowd cheers]
Yeah, you dig Mami.
You don't think anyone can beat her.
[crowd chanting] Mami! Mami! Mami! Mami!
Mami! Mami! Mami! Mami!
Yeah, you don't think anyone can beat her,
but I ain't just anyone.
And she ain't never faced anyone quite like me.
[crowd cheers]
So whether you love her, whether you hate her,
whether you love me, whether you hate me,
I want to take a moment. I want to make a little toast here.
Actually, give me a drink. Give me a drink.
I want to make a little toast for the wild journey,
the wild ride we are about to go on all the way to WrestleMania.
So everybody, if you have a drink,
if you have some popcorn, hell, if you have a fist,
I want you to raise it in the air.
[McAfee softly] Hell yeah.
And this, this is to Rhea Ripley.
Enjoy your last few weeks as champion.
Bottoms up.
[McAfee] Slainte.
["Not Like Most Girls" playing]
[Cole] Not so fast.
♪ There's only one of me ♪
♪ Look it up I'm written down in history… ♪
Becky.
[crowd booing]
I know we've had our differences.
But I have something to say to you.
And I'd like to get in the ring with you, please.
[McAfee] At least she asked for permission.
[crowd booing]
[crowd chanting] You suck! You suck! You suck!
You suck! You suck! You suck!
Becky, I have so much respect for you.
[crowd booing]
If my mom was half the mother that you are…
[voice cracks] …I would be so lucky.
[sniffles] God willing, one day I become a mother,
and I can lead as an example that you are.
[exhales]
My god,
you're gonna win that match at Elimination Chamber.
I know it.
With that passion
and that drive for your little girl,
there is nothing…
that's going to stop you… [sniffles]
…from winning that match
and going to WrestleMania.
[Nia sniffling]
[Nia exhales]
Just like nothing's going to stop me from beating Rhea Ripley
and becoming the Women's World Champion.
-[crowd booing] -[McAfee] Wait, what?
And at WrestleMania, it's going to be you--
["Demon In Your Dreams" playing]
[crowd cheering]
[microphone thuds]
♪ Look at my eyes This is do or die, die… ♪
[Cole] Not if Mami has something to say about it.
Rhea Ripley,
who's been beaten up, punished, tortured by Nia Jax
for a few weeks in a row now,
is going right after Nia.
And The Eradicator taking down The Irresistible Force,
and the fight is on.
But Nia stunning Rhea Ripley again.
[crowd chanting] Mami! Mami!
[Nia screaming]
[Cole] And now squashing both, Lynch and Ripley in the corner.
-[McAfee] Nia Jax… -[Nia screams]
[McAfee] …destroys everything.
[Cole] Nia with a right hand, takes Rhea down.
Becky, though, with a dropkick from the top rope.
Nia Jax driven out of the ring.
But again, Nia Jax making a statement
when it comes to the Women's World Champion, Rhea Ripley.
[crowd chanting] Mami! Mami! Mami! Mami!
And Nia taken out by the boot by Rhea.
You're gonna have to kill me!
["Demon In Your Dreams" playing]
[Cole] Nia may do just that.
Becky Lynch wants Rhea Ripley,
but there's a little wrinkle in this situation.
A week from Saturday,
it's Nia Jax, Rhea Ripley
for the Women's World Title in Elimination Chamber.
♪ We kill all of the devils in me ♪
♪ I still feel… ♪
I'm here with Drew McIntyre.
Drew, congratulations on qualifying for the Elimination Chamber.
But before we get there,
next week you'll face "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes.
How does it feel to be one step closer
to that World Heavyweight Championship?
All I've ever done is try to give the fans what they want.
Cody second guesses finishing his story, no matter what he said.
The reason is tonight,
I know me physically pushing him in the right direction
is the real reason.
Now Seth's out there playing the big hero,
but he wanted Cody in a match for himself,
even though the fans didn't want it.
Selfish.
Ask yourself who's really the bad guy here?
Cody should be thanking me, not trying to fight me.
And you've got other people saying, "Oh, Drew just wants Roman versus Cody
so he can get Seth in the World Title Match."
That's not how it works around here. I'm the underdog.
I had to beat AJ Styles last week, one of the best in the world
just to qualify for the Elimination Chamber,
one of the most dangerous matches in WWE.
Then I've got to win that.
I'm doing things the right way, the Drew way.
And Cody,
mate, I implore you,
get yourself out of this match with me next week.
You don't need this in your life right now.
Two things you should be avoiding,
being in my prayers
and fighting me one-on-one,
because you may not make WrestleMania…
Just like Punk.
[Cole] It's shaping up to be quite the week at WWE.
First Friday night, Salt Lake City, Utah on SmackDown…
Look at this, Pat.
[McAfee] The Bloodline returns.
Roman Reigns and The Rock.
First time we'll see him since the smack heard round the world.
Next Monday night we're in Anaheim, California.
Drew McIntyre
versus "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes.
They square off live next week on Monday Night Raw.
But now, it's time for another qualifying match
for Elimination Chamber.
["Welcome To LA" playing]
[imperceptible]
[bell dings]
[announcer] The following is an Elimination Chamber qualifying match.
Introducing first from Los Angeles, California,
weighing in at 240 pounds,
LA Knight!
[crowd shouts] Yeah!
[Cole] From Friday Night SmackDown
LA Knight joins us here tonight on Monday Night Raw.
Who will join McIntyre
and Orton and Lashley
inside Elimination Chamber?
Will it be LA Knight?
Or will it be Ivar?
Find out live, next.
-[LA Knight] LA… -[crowd] LA Knight! Yeah!
[ticking]
[epic music playing]
[ticking]
[ticking intensifies]
[Cody] I choose you Roman Reigns.
We're going to take it to a whole new.
[indistinct yelling]
…I don't mean it,
but I really appreciate you for making the save.
We got you.
Listen, man, our old friend, Miz, gave us a call.
He said you might need help tonight. We got there as soon as we could.
We wouldn't pass up a chance to mix it up with Judgment Day.
Man, who would have thought R-Truth getting saved by DX,
Shawn Michaels "The Heartbreak Kid,"
"Cerebral Assassin" Triple H,
King of Kings.
How's Road Dogg doing, by the way?
Anyhoo,
I got two words for y'all!
[crowd screams] Suck it!
No.
Thank you.
-At least it wasn't the other two I guess. -[chuckles]
[McAfee] I've seen Road Dogg Jesse James.
I'm not sure he's in ring shape, but he could still…
destroy a microphone if he had to.
[Cole] He looks a bit like Burl Ives.
["Vicious" playing]
[Cole] Google it.
[McAfee] Bronson Reed?
-[Cole laughing] No, Road Dogg. -[McAfee] Oh.
[Valhalla] Valhalla is here.
[Cole] You got to be kidding me.
[roaring]
On a moment where, like, Ivar is on the cusp of perhaps qualifying
for the Elimination Chamber
for the very first time in his career,
Valhalla doesn't wear the antlers.
[McAfee] You and these horns.
I don't think they care about it.
I don't think they see the power of the horns like you do.
I think what they hear coming out of your mouth
is bush-league bull butter.
-It's a Viking situation. -[announcer] And his opponent,
accompanied to the ring by Valhalla,
"Viking Raider"
Ivar!
[Cole] All kidding aside,
Ivar has been on an incredible roll as of late.
as a singles competitor.
[McAfee] Absolutely.
Very dangerous Viking.
I think that goes hand in hand.
Feels like I'm being a bit repetitive. All Vikings are dangerous.
Especially in the year 2024.
I will say that her dreads
have hardened enough to potentially be antlers soon,
-now that I'm getting a closer look. -[bell dings]
[Cole] That is true. Ivar, LA Knight.
The winner of this match-up will join McIntyre,
Orton, Lashley--
And Valhalla trying to get involved early on in the distraction.
Allows Ivar to go after LA Knight.
[Ivar screaming]
LA Knight has been on quite the roll
over the past number of months here in WWE.
[McAfee] Yeah.
[Cole] Ivar now, double underhook.
And LA Knight will land on his feet.
Now the right and lefts from LA Knight go after Ivar.
[crowd chanting] Yeah! Yeah!
[in sing-song] Oh…
[Cole] Been tremendous, Pat, back to see the rise of LA Knight here in WWE.
[McAfee] Mega star. Absolutely.
Do Vikings speak English?
[Cole] He's right in our lap. You can ask him.
[McAfee sarcastically] Yeah.
Yeah.
[Cole] Now, Ivar bounced off the announce table…
[crowd chanting] Yeah! Yeah!
[Cole] …a number of times now by LA Knight.
[crowd] Yeah!
[McAfee] Wow.
-Yeah! -Yeah!
[Cole] They play a lot of basketball in this arena.
-[McAfee] Absolutely. -[Cole] LA Knight dribbling Ivar.
[McAfee] Coach Calipari has never seen somebody have handles
on a Viking's head like that before.
[Cole] What are you doing?
This Valhalla creep just screamed in my face
-as Ivar is driven into the barricade. -[Valhalla screaming]
[McAfee] Don't make eye contact, LA Knight!
Don't do it.
[Cole] Oh, he did, and it cost him.
[McAfee] Can't make eye contact with these things.
[Valhalla continues screaming]
-[Cole] Why not? -[McAfee] Put you in a trance.
Get your ass tossed over the barricade.
It's exactly what happened.
Now what are they thinkin-- Oh, no!
[Cole] Ivar closing in on
-qualifying for the Chamber. -[Valhalla screams]
-[Cole] What a freak. -[crowd booing]
[Cole] Ivar was going up to the top rope and LA Knight was able to intercept.
It's been The Ivar Show so far, Pat,
but LA Knight looking to turn things around.
[McAfee] Who qualifies for the Elimination Chamber?
[Cole] We're going to find out in this match-up.
Drew McIntyre, Randy Orton, Bobby Lashley already in,
three spots remain.
-[McAfee] Yeah! -[Cole] LA Knight, top rope.
And look at that, superplex!
[McAfee] How in the world?
-[Cole] Cover by Knight to qualify… -[crowd] One, two--
[Cole] And a kick-out at two by Ivar.
[McAfee] He jumps up to the top rope with the greatest of ease
and then superplexes the massive Ivar.
[Cole] So much at stake.
An opportunity to climb into the Chamber a week from Saturday.
The winner of that match meets Seth Rollins at WrestleMania
for the World Heavyweight Championship.
Ivar misses with a spinkick.
LA Knight-- Oh, and the back gave out.
Too much, the 300-pound-plus Ivar.
[McAfee] Imagine being able to get him up there.
Any human's back would give out.
Tilt-a-whirl slam!
Cover to advance for Ivar, and a kick-out.
Talk so much about LA Knight and how impressive he's been.
Ivar has been out of this world as of late.
Look at the power by the Viking.
[McAfee] Viking has it all.
[Cole] And Valhalla.
[McAfee] Maybe. We don't know exactly what she is--
[Cole] Oh!
Ivar hung up with the top rope.
-LA Knight back out to the apron. -[McAfee] Wait a minute.
[Cole] Ivar hooking LA Knight, dragging him into the ring.
Up goes Knight-- And down! Sit-down powerbomb.
Cover on the double underhook, and a kick-out at two.
-Valhalla cannot believe it. -[Valhalla screams]
[Cole] She thought Ivar was going to advance right here.
Flat out power from the Viking.
[McAfee] Not only power. Caught LA Knight on his way back into the ring.
-Ring intelligence through the roof. -[crowd booing]
[Cole] Ivar heading to the corner.
Knight moves out of harm's way. This could be the opening Knight needs.
-[McAfee] Took too long celebrating-- -[LA Knight grunts]
[Cole] Running knee. Knight trying to build momentum.
-[McAfee] How? -[Cole] Knight able to deliver the slam!
[Cole] And now the patented Elbow Drop.
-Cover. -[referee] One, two--
[Cole] Hook to that tree trunk-like leg,
but Ivar able to kick out at two.
[McAfee] LA Knight could taste it could taste.
Could taste the Elimination Chamber.
Has to continue to press on.
[Cole] Weirdo Valhalla biting the ropes as she looks on.
-[referee] One, two, three, four! -[crowd chanting] Yeah! Yeah!
-Yeah! -[referee speaking indistinctly]
[Cole] LA Knight looking to make it to Perth.
[Valhalla shouting indistinctly]
[Cole] Valhalla providing a distraction.
LA Knight felt it coming, though.
[McAfee] Almost had a Viking-on-Viking crime.
[Cole] And Knight went for Blunt Force Trauma.
Oh, what a kick by Ivar!
[McAfee] How did he get his leg up that high?
[Cole] And now,
with Knight in trouble,
Ivar to the top.
Looking for the… the Doomsault!
LA Knight, though, from behind.
BFT!
Blunt Force Trauma!
[crowd] One, two, three!
-[Cole] LA Knight's going to Perth. -[bell dings]
["Welcome To LA" playing]
[announcer] Here is your winner.
LA Knight!
[crowd] Yeah!
[Cole] LA Knight
joins what is becoming a star-studded field.
Ivar went for the Doomsault,
LA Knight was able to capitalize.
And with Blunt Force Trauma,
LA Knight punches his ticket to Elimination Chamber.
Hey, Pat, check out the field so far.
We got McIntyre, we got Orton,
we got Lashley,
we've got LA Knight, and two spots remain.
Friday night, will it be Miz or Logan Paul?
Will it be Kevin Owens or Dominik Mysterio?
[McAfee] Instant classic.
Around the bend in Perth, Australia,
and LA Knight is eyeing WrestleMania.
[Cole] Coming up next--
Coming up next on Monday Night Raw,
we have one match to go,
presented by Credit One Bank.
["Welcome To LA" continues]
♪ Born to be the greatest of all time ♪
♪ This is where I draw the line ♪
♪ Can't stop my shine They know it's my time ♪
♪ Let the world know I've arrived ♪
♪ I'm on the rise ♪
♪ Unstoppable ♪
♪ Watch me do the impossible ♪
♪ Watch me do what I got to do… ♪
[song ends]
[crowd booing]
What's your malfunction?
I'll make it real simple.
Keep my name out of your mouth
and your nose out of my bloody business.
You're in my way.
[McIntyre snickers]
[Cole] And then next Monday, Monday Night Raw is in Anaheim,
and a massive match-up.
"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes takes on Drew McIntyre
next week here on Monday Night Raw.
[McAfee] Maxed.
[Cole] Also 612 days and counting
for Gunther as the Intercontinental Champion.
Pat, can Jey Uso knock him off next week?
[McAfee] He certainly earned the opportunity.
Will we see a change of reign
for the Intercontinental Title?
[Cole] Eight-man tag-team match-up next week
The Miz, R-Truth and DIY
against Judgment Day.
[McAfee] Hell yeah. Can't wait to see DX DIY, R-Truth, Miz
beat the hell out of Judgment Day once and for all.
[Cole] And the final spot in the Women's Elimination Chamber Match
will be decided.
A "Last Chance" Battle Royal.
Who's going to qualify for the Chamber?
We find out live next week.
[energetic music playing]
[indistinct conversation]
[Chelsea] Adam! [chuckles]
I just heard about a "Last Chance" Battle Royal
-to get into the Elimination Chamber. -Yeah.
Before I speak to upper management,
I'm going to assume you made the right decision
and put me in. Yes or yes?
Why is it so hard for you to understand that I am upper management?
And, no, I haven't made a final decision. A lot of people want this opportunity.
Two of them are standing right here, okay?
[Chelsea exhales]
Let me explain this slowly.
Wrestlemania XL is supposed to be
the biggest WrestleMania of all time,
and it cannot be the biggest WrestleMania
without me!
Chelsea, not everything is about you.
-[Chelsea gasps] -I need this opportunity.
I'm trying to earn my chance
to compete in Australia in front of my family.
Ladies, listen.
Aldis and I are working together on something.
It's going to be Raw and SmackDown superstars.
-There's a lot to consid-- -Consider?
I am a champion, Adam.
I should not be "considered."
I need a one-on-one match,
-not some loser battle royale… -[Pearce chuckles]
…with people like this and Shayna Baszler
and Zoey Stark.
-Fix it! -[sarcastically] Oh.
[exhales] Oh!
-[laughing nervously, mouthing] -Oopsie.
Yeah, we were actually stopping in here to talk to Adam Pearce
about The Kabuki Warriors and the Women's Tag Titles.
I think that could wait, dude.
Yeah, I think, uh, I think you're right,
because I'd actually love, next week,
to take Chelsea's hopes and dreams in the "Last Chance" Battle Royal
and do the same thing with them that I'm going to do to her.
Tear her apart…
limb by limb.
[chuckles] Bye-bye.
Adam!
Tell me that those glasses work.
Tell me that you did not see them behind me this whole time.
I'm going to speak to management.
-I can't! -Get out of here.
And I need a drink.
-Where were we? -Oh, I am so sorry.
Okay, Australia…
["The Rising Sun" playing]
[McAfee] Adam Pearce is certainly middle management,
and he's in the middle of something I'd never want to be.
[chuckles]
[Cole] Here comes the very dangerous
Shinsuke Nakamura.
[bell dings]
[announcer] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first,
from Kyoto, Japan,
weighing in at 220 pounds,
Shinsuke Nakamura!
[Cole] You can still dance if you want,
but this is a different Shinsuke from the last time you were here, Pat.
[McAfee] We're not about the dancing anymore, says Shinsuke.
He's a dangerous man.
Spoke Japanese to Sami Zayn earlier.
Basically told him, "I'm going to beat your ass tonight."
[Cole] Next Monday night,
it's the final Raw before we head to Perth
for Elimination Chamber.
And we'll be in Anaheim, California,
live next week.
[explosion]
The Honda Center will be red-hot for Monday Night Raw.
-[McAfee] It's hard not to dance. -["Worlds Apart" playing]
-[Cole] You can dance to this, though. -[McAfee] Absolutely.
[crowd] Let's go!
[announcer] And his opponent, from Montreal, Quebec, Canada,
weighing in at 212 pounds,
Sami Zayn!
[Cole] Sami Zayn, very emotional in an interview
with Jackie Redmond earlier tonight.
Pat, he said that he's embarrassed,
because he's been coming up short as of late
in very important match-ups,
and he claims his window to be a part of WrestleMania
is rapidly closing.
[McAfee] I don't want to say it sounded like he was losing confidence, but…
[crowd cheering]
[McAfee] …certainly sounded like he was having conversations with himself
about whether or not he is worthy
of this dream and aspiration.
[Cole] Sami Zayn said it was…
the belief in himself,
the backing of the WWE fans that carried him all the way
to the main event at WrestleMania… last year.
But this is a completely different WrestleMania season.
Sami realizes…
-[bell dings] -…wins are of the utmost importance,
and he tries to gain one tonight against Nakamura.
This is an interesting rivalry between these two men
that dates back a number of years.
Back in 2016,
when Shinsuke Nakamura first appeared on the scene in WWE,
Sami Zayn had Nakamura's debut match
back at NXT TakeOver: Dallas.
[McAfee] These two have been around the block a time or two.
Very well-versed. Know each other greatly.
A win here in the main event of Monday Night Raw
in WrestleMania season?
-[Cole] Both former NXT champions. -[referee] …two, three--
[McAfee] Which they did.
[Cole] Shinsuke Nakamura, of course, a former Royal Rumble winner.
[McAfee] King of the Strong Style.
Come on!
[Cole] If you were listening to Nakamura earlier tonight, Pat,
Nakamura was claiming that Sami Zayn wants sympathy,
that he's throwing his own pity party.
He called it clever
to try to get the support of the WWE fans behind him.
That was an interesting take by Nakamura.
-[McAfee] Crowd's always behind Sami Zayn. -[crowd chanting] Let's go, Sami!
[Cole] Sami with a leapfrog.
Remember, Sami losing Friday night on Smackdown
in the Chamber qualifying match to Randy Orton.
[McAfee] Vintage Sami Zayn.
[Cole] Sami-- Sami up over the top.
-[crowd cheering] -In control.
-Zayn, Nakamura continues. -Come on!
[indistinct shouting]
[Cole] We're back on Monday Night Raw. Sami Zayn, Shinsuke Nakamura.
Important match-up for both these men as they look to build momentum
toward WrestleMania, 54 nights away.
[McAfee] Both of these men have been on the marquee before.
[Cole] Elbow. Stacks up Nakamura.
Isn't enough, and Shinsuke kicks out.
[McAfee] It's been electrifying here in Lexington all evening.
During the break, Shinsuke and Sami beating the hell out of each other.
[Cole] Pat, Sami needs a win.
No doubt about it.
-You, obviously, a professional athlete. -[Nakamura grunting]
Losses, they compile and cause issues, right? I mean…
[McAfee] Certainly if you let them, and it feels like Sami has.
We've seen some moxie out of him this evening,
but if he was to lose to Shinsuke,
I think all those negative thoughts
potentially resurface on the brain tonight when he lays the head on the pillow.
[Cole] Nakamura, cover, and a kick-out by Sami Zayn.
And again.
Hook to the leg and a kick-out.
[McAfee] Never want to lose your confidence as a professional athlete.
That is just… a fact of life.
Lose your confidence, you're gonna maybe never get it back.
Sami Zayn now is seemingly bordering upon getting to that point.
You beat Shinsuke, though, in the main event of Raw,
all those thoughts disappear.
-Sami needs it tonight. -[Sami yelps]
[McAfee] Bad!
[Cole] Nakamura, a big old grin on his face.
[McAfee] Shinsuke needs a dub too.
[Cole] As he punishes Sami Zayn,
Nakamura has some high profile rivalries
with Seth Rollins, Cody Rhodes as of late.
-[McAfee] That's just here in WWE. -[Cole] Cover again.
-[referee] One, two-- -[Cole] Kick-out by Zayn at two.
[McAfee] Everywhere Shinsuke has been, he's been great.
Looking to get back to the top of the totem pole here at the WWE.
[Cole] This has been a new aggressive…
vicious Shinsuke Nakamura.
[McAfee] He might put Sami to sleep here in the middle of the ring.
[Cole] Sami struggling to stay in this match-up.
[crowd clapping encouragingly]
[McAfee] He's been beating him down with kicks, now chokehold,
as the University of Kentucky is willing Sami back to his feet.
[clapping continues]
[Cole] Sami finally creating some space and looking to build momentum now.
Back to his feet, Zayn catches Nakamura. Elbow to the face.
Nakamura kicked in the neck.
And now he's got Sami Zayn where he wants him.
Vintage Shinsuke Nakamura.
That sliding German suplex by Shinsuke does damage to Sami.
-Cover now for the win to put Zayn away. -[referee] One, two--
[Cole] Kick-out at two.
[McAfee] That's creative and innovative offense… from Shinsuke.
Then he gets right back to wearing down Sami Zayn.
Slide through German, straight into a chokehold.
-Wait a minute… -[Cole] Sami lands on his feet.
Michinoku driver by Sami.
For the win. Can he put Nakamura away?
And a kick-out.
Sami almost surprising Shinsuke there.
[McAfee] Maybe himself.
[Cole] Sami looking to rally.
[crowd chanting] Sami! Sami! Sami! Sami!
Sami! Sami! Sami!
[Cole] WWE fans in Sami's corner.
Cody Rhodes talked to Zayn
about the respect he has for Sami earlier tonight.
[McAfee] Exchanging big shots here right in the middle of Rupp Arena.
[Cole] Sami leapfrog off the rope, knocks Nakamura outside the ring.
Now Sami Zayn…
Starting to feel--
[crowd cheering]
[McAfee] Say it, Cole.
[Cole] Sami Zayn is going to fly over the top rope.
Down goes Nakamura.
[McAfee] Vintage Sami Zayn on Monday Night Raw.
[Cole] We are back live on Monday Night Raw.
Shinsuke Nakamura has taken over this match-up.
During the commercial break,
he just beat Sami Zayn down right here at the announce desk.
[McAfee] I was trying to help Sami. Almost didn't make the ten count into the ring.
[Cole] But he did, he's trying to stay in this match. Sami needs a win.
Trying to fight back.
Trying to feed off the WWE fans here at the University of Kentucky.
[McAfee] Catching his second wind. He's going to need it.
[Cole] And Shinsuke "The King of Strong Style" battling back.
Sami Zayn… exchanging blows.
-[McAfee] A test of jaws. -[Sami] Come on!
I know you want it!
[Cole] Sami wants more.
[McAfee] He's delirious at this point.
[Cole] Nakamura trying to hang on.
[McAfee] Quite a miss.
[Cole] Miss with a kick-- Oh, caught him in the backside.
What an exchange by Nakamura.
And now, he may have Sami Zayn right where he wants him.
Get up!
[Cole] Sami in trouble.
Nakamura, he was looking for the Kinshasa.
Sami turns it into a Blue Thunder Bomb.
-[crowd] One, two-- -[Cole] Nakamura at two.
[McAfee] That was it for Sami.
Perfectly reversed.
Clean hit of the Blue Thunder Bomb.
Now we've leveled the playing field here.
[Cole] Not able to put Shinsuke Nakamura away.
[crowd clapping]
[Cole] Will self-doubt start to creep into Sami's mind.
[McAfee] It's almost as if we're going into overtime right now,
like the Super Bowl last night.
[Cole] I think Sami knows the rules.
And, uh, Shinsuke Nakamura slides out of harm's way
as Sami was going for the Helluva Kick.
[McAfee] Couple Helluva Kicks last night as well.
[Cole] Sami Zayn's got Nakamura in his sights.
Sami going old school here, and he paid for it.
Kick to the face by Shinsuke.
[McAfee] Sami stunned! Sami stunned!
[Cole] How much does Sami have left?
Nakamura…
[McAfee] There was not a soul inside of that--
[Cole] Knee to the back of the neck.
Shinsuke smiles and says, "This one's over."
But maybe not.
-[yells] -[McAfee] How did…
How did Sami kick out of that?
Oh, gosh. Pummeling.
The King of Strong Style attacking the head of Sami Zayn.
[Cole] Nakamura just having his way with Zayn.
[McAfee] Just toying with Sami Zayn now at this point, is Shinsuke.
[Cole] Sami Zayn has put so much pressure on himself
heading into this match-up tonight.
Nakamura, again, from the second rope,
and again to the back of the neck,
-and Sami Zayn wiped out by Shinsuke. -[crowd] One, two--
[Cole] But once again, Zayn stays in it.
[McAfee] This is that fight of Sami Zayn
that you can't measure.
[Nakamura speaking in Japanese]
[Cole in English] Nakamura…
Telling Zayn, "This one's over. Stay down."
[crowd chanting] Sami! Sami! Sami! Sami!
[Cole] Tremendous heart for Zayn,
WWE fans trying to rally Sami in this match.
[McAfee] Shinsuke's sensing an end.
[Cole] Nakamura-- Sami meets with a clothesline,
and Sami buys himself some time.
Looks to build some momentum here.
-Sami trying to climb back into this. -[yelling]
[crowd cheering]
[McAfee] Shinsuke has woke Sami Zayn back up.
[crowd chanting] Ole! Ole!
[Cole] The "Ole" chants filling the Rupp Arena.
[McAfee] Little comeuppance from Sami Zayn to Shinsuke.
[Cole] Giving Nakamura some of his own medicine.
[McAfee] Smacking and punching him in the mouth.
[Cole] Referee Chad Patton, our senior official here
separating both men.
Sami Zayn now…
Exploder into the corner.
And now Sami…
[crowd cheering]
[Cole] …looking to deal the death blow.
[McAfee] What is this Scottish--
[Cole] Drew McIntyre warned Zayn earlier tonight--
And Nakamura from behind
to the back of the knee.
Kinshasa to the back of the head.
-And off the distraction by McIntyre… -One, two, three!
-[bell dings] -[Cole] …Nakamura hands Sami another loss.
[announcer] Here is your winner,
Shinsuke Nakamura!
["The Rising Sun" playing]
[Cole] Drew McIntyre warned Zayn.
And as Nakamura celebrates a victory,
he can give the assist
to The Scottish Warrior.
[McAfee] Sami going had it going,
was about to win this thing.
Lariat into the exploder.
[Cole] And looking for the Helluva Kick before Drew McIntyre showed up.
[McAfee] The Scottish distraction.
[Cole] And a Kinshasa to the back of head
would give Nakamura the victory
as McIntyre looks stoically on.
[McAfee] Extra little kick as Sami was down from Shinsuke.
[Cole] Drew McIntyre warned Sami Zayn.
[crowd booing]
[McAfee] Sami's in a lot of misery right now.
And it's seemingly only getting worse. Oh, come on!
[Cole] McIntyre, Nakamura gonna punish Sami.
[McAfee] McIntyre making a living out of kicking people when they're down,
both, literally and figuratively.
-["Kingdom" playing] -[crowd cheering]
[Cole] The man who, earlier tonight, told Sami Zayn he'd have his back
"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes,
making a beeline for the ring and Drew McIntyre.
And Cody Rhodes and McIntyre…
[McAfee] Cody Cutter!
[Cole] Nakamura…
suffers-- Cross Rhodes.
[crowd cheering]
["Kingdom" playing]
Come on!
[Cole] So, Cody Rhodes sends a little message to Mr. McIntyre
for next week on Monday Night Raw
in Anaheim, California.
Pat, this is going to be some match-up.
[McAfee] Cody Rhodes, Drew McIntyre,
two men who handle their business in complete opposite ways
will do battle on Monday Night Raw.
[Cole] And how about Friday Night SmackDown
from Salt Lake City.
Roman and The Rock return, and they're not in good moods.
[McAfee] Salt Lake City is a wonderful city.
[crowd singing] ♪ Whoa! ♪
[McAfee] And what they're going to see
is The Rock and Roman address the smack heard round the world
right to The American Nightmare's face last Thursday.
-[Cole] An angry McIntyre… -[indistinct shouting]
[Cole] …a fired up Cody Rhodes,
they go one-on-one next week,
live on Monday Night Raw.
Good night, everybody, from the University of Kentucky.
We'll see you next week.
[McIntyre] I'm gonna eat you alive next week. Kentucky.