[epic music playing]
[Triple H] Then.
Now.
Forever.
Together.
[music concludes]
-["4X4" playing] -[crowd cheering]
[Michael] Ladies and gentlemen, the city of Atlanta has been
a professional wrestling hotbed for decades.
Georgia Championship Wrestling, also the home of WCW,
and more recently, the WWE.
Nine premium live events have been held here,
-including WrestleMania. -[crowd roaring]
[Michael] It's also the home of this man, the undisputed WWE Champion,
The American Nightmare, Cody Rhodes, who is here live tonight.
It's gonna be a great matchup as Bianca Belair and Naomi,
the Women's Tag Team champions, go to battle tonight,
live on Netflix, against a former Women's World Champion
and her partner, Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez are here.
If they can knock off the champs,
they can earn themselves a future tag team title opportunity.
Sami Zayn trying to do something tonight he's never done before
in his entire career,
and that is beat "The Scottish Warrior" Drew McIntyre.
McIntyre and Zayn getting ready for the Rumble,
hoping to build momentum here tonight, one-on-one,
live on Monday Night Raw.
["4X4" continues playing]
[Michael] And you are looking live
in the jam-packed State Farm Arena in Atlanta.
Sold out, 12,432 WWE fans on hand.
This is Monday Night Raw, live on Netflix.
-[crowd cheering] -["4X4" continues playing]
Welcome, everybody. I'm Michael Cole. He is Pat McAfee.
This is the final Monday Night Raw before the Royal Rumble
and the start to the Road to WrestleMania.
Hell yeah, Cole. And obviously, this upcoming Saturday
in Indianapolis, the Royal Rumble is gonna be epic.
It's gonna be magical.
But let's not take away from this past Saturday
in San Antonio.
Everything this company does is magic.
We had Rhea retain after almost breaking her back.
Bron Breakker retained after spearing Sheamus in half.
Jacob Fatu almost put an end to the "The Monster of All Monsters."
And although we yeeted all over the place,
Gunther retained after beating Jey Uso again.
It's a wonderful time to be with the WWE.
And tonight in Atlanta, the stars are out.
And are we ready to kick things off? If we are, then let's…
-Go! -♪ Burn it down! ♪
-[crowd cheering] -["The Vision" playing]
[crowd chanting "Oh whoa oh"]
♪ Burn it down! ♪
[Alicia] Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome
Seth "Freakin" Rollins!
[Michael] The Royal Rumble is this Saturday.
And that man, Seth Rollins, will be a part of the event.
[crowd chanting "Oh whoa oh"]
♪ Burn it down! ♪
[Pat] I can't wait to hear Indianapolis sing Seth "Freakin" Rollins's ass
into that Royal Rumble.
And when Seth is in a match, Seth can win the match.
[Michael] He won in 2019. He lasted 43 minutes that year.
[crowd chanting "Oh whoa oh"]
[crowd cheering]
Atlanta, Georgia!
[crowd cheering]
Welcome to Monday Night
-Rollins! -[crowd] Rollins!
I am your host for this evening.
I am a visionary. I am a revolutionary.
-I am Seth… -[crowd] "Freakin" Rollins!
Ooh! They call it "Hotlanta" for a reason.
It is cooking in here tonight!
And, Atlanta, baby.
It's my favorite time of year
because it is almost
WrestleMania season!
That kicks off this Saturday when I win
the Royal Rumble!
[crowd cheering]
I gotta be honest with you though, Atlanta, 2025,
ooh, got off to a real bad start for me.
Let me take you back, debut, Raw on Netflix.
I'm laying right here, right here in this ring against this rope,
suffering the most embarrassing loss of my career.
I got a black eye the size of Georgia.
I got blood coming out of my head.
And in that moment, I thought to myself, who are you?
-[crowd chanting "CM Punk"] -Yeah.
Yeah, he was sitting right over there.
He didn't look no better than I did.
And I thought to myself, who am I?
Who do I wanna be?
I'll tell you who I am.
I'm Seth "Freakin" Rollins.
And I don't stay down for nothing.
I stand up.
And when I know who I am,
when I am the most focused version of myself,
there is nobody on this planet better than me!
[crowd cheering]
And I decided to start my path to redemption.
It started last week when I beat Drew McIntyre.
It continues this Saturday at the Rumble when I toss everybody else out.
Most star-studded Rumble of all time, and I don't give a damn.
I'm tossing them all out.
John Cena, tossing him out.
Jey Uso, tossing him out.
Drew McIntyre, tossing him out, Sami Zayn, tossing him out, Roman Reigns…
[crowd booing]
[crowd chanting "OTC"]
I'm especially tossing Roman Reigns out.
[crowd cheering]
And my hope, my dream, the way I see it,
CM Punk, yeah.
CM Punk is the last dude in this ring with me, so I can toss him out
over the top rope and crush his main event,
WrestleMania dreams, to dust.
I'm a man on a mission.
The real question is,
after I win the Rumble, which championship am I gonna go after?
I'll tell you, The Ring General, Gunther, the World Heavyweight Championship,
that sounds good.
Gunther, one of the best to do it in this ring, but you know,
we all know, he's just holding on to that title
till I decide to go after it again.
And that's the obvious one.
But then there's the WWE Championship.
There's "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes.
And I've been thinking, I've been wondering,
wouldn't it be poetic
if I took the same title from Cody at WrestleMania this year
that I helped him win last year?
Decisions, decisions, Atlanta, it's tough, it's tough.
I say let's put it to you, all right? Let's put it to you.
When I win the Royal Rumble, should I face "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes?
[crowd cheering]
-Or should I face the-- -["Prepare To Fight" playing]
-[Michael] Him. -[Pat] This man.
-[Michael] The world champ! -[Pat] A punishing man from Austria.
It is on me?
[Michael] Gunther, this past Saturday night,
on Saturday Night's Main Event,
ended the dreams of "Main Event" Jey Uso.
Uso looking to win his first ever world title.
Great matchup, but Gunther prevailed yet again.
[Pat] Yeah, Gunther prevails
against damn near anybody he steps in the ring with.
He'll chop the hell out of you. He'll take you into the deep waters.
[Michael] You know, we talked about this on Saturday night.
80% of Gunther's career in WWE, he has been a champion.
NXT UK Champion over 800 days,
over 600 days as the Intercontinental Champion,
nearing 200 days now as the World Heavyweight Champion.
[Pat] And he's been a phenomenal champion for us here.
Very high and prestigious.
Regal, and all those other very kind words
for somebody that's super professional.
He's a scary fella though.
How's she doing? You keeping her warm for me?
Seth, if you really think I'm just keeping this warm for you,
then I have a question for you.
Where have you been the last few months?
Well, I know where I've been.
On Saturday, I've been in San Antonio, Texas
defending the World Heavyweight Championship
against that clown, Jey Uso.
[crowd jeering]
[crowd chanting "Yeet"]
Don't get too excited because I beat his ass!
-[Pat] Okay. -[Michael] He did.
[Pat] Jey could've won that numerous times.
But, Seth, I exactly know where you've been, whining, crying,
complaining about all that soap opera drama you're involved in.
You have forgotten what really matters in this company.
So if I were you, I would cancel out all that noise
and focus on winning the Royal Rumble.
Even though I'm unsure if you still got that in you.
Jeez. Oh, Gunther, Gunther, Gunther.
You see this title right here?
That title you're wearing around your waist,
that World Heavyweight Championship, that wouldn't exist without me.
-[crowd cheering] -And that title… Oh, that title,
that's not synonymous with "The Ring General" Gunther.
No, the World Heavyweight Championship is the title I made.
It's synonymous with Seth "Freakin" Rollins.
And all due respect to the people you've beaten,
but I'm not Jey Uso. I'm not Damian Priest.
-I'm not Finn Bálor. I'm-- -I agree. Seth, I know who you are.
-You are Seth "Freakin" Rollins. -That's right. Don't forget that, son.
-Don't forget. -You are one of the best wrestlers
that ever stepped foot into this company.
You achieved all the accolades,
you created so many memorable moments for those fans.
But let me tell you this, it's 2025,
and you are not the best wrestler in this company anymore.
[crowd gasping]
I am. And this title around my waist proves it.
You know what, Seth?
Please, please go and win the Royal Rumble.
And please challenge me.
And please square off with me at WrestleMania.
And I'm gonna make you feel just how everybody else feels
when they've been in the ring with me.
You'll be laying on your back, looking up at the lights,
and you're gonna realize that the only name synonymous
with the World Heavyweight Championship is mine,
"Der Ringgeneral" Gunther.
-[crowd cheering] -[inaudible]
["Take Flight" playing]
-[Pat chuckles] What an honor. -[Michael] Here we go.
Former United States Champion…
now officially part of Monday Night Raw.
[Pat] What a signing by Adam Pearce.
-[Michael] The maverick Logan Paul… -It's good to be back.
-…is here. -It's good to be back.
-I love you. -[Michael] Social media megastar.
-[crowd gasping] -[Michael] Incredible WWE Superstar,
however, has not endeared himself to the WWE Universe.
[Pat] Yeah, some people don't really respect Logan Paul,
especially around these parts I see, but he's a trailblazer.
He's an entrepreneur, he's a businessman,
he's phenomenally talented at just about everything he tries.
And he and Gunther couldn't be more polar opposites.
-If you try… -Well, well, well.
[crowd booing]
Look what we got here.
[crowd booing]
[Pat] Let the guy speak.
You two, you think you're special.
You guys think they're unique.
Yes, both of you command attention like this…
because you're great at wrestling.
Sick, I command attention because I'm great at everything!
[crowd booing]
Ladies and gentlemen, this is the Netflix era.
And this company needs a new face.
A face oozing with charisma.
A face oozing with couth and confidence.
These two nimrods don't got it.
[crowd booing]
[Pat scoffs]
Hey, let's be honest, yes?
You're both very good at wrestling, we all know it.
But both of you have hit your ceiling.
Meanwhile, I'm on the first floor and I'm still climbing the stairs.
[crowd chanting "You suck"]
Atlanta, I can't hear you. What was that?
[Pat] He's supposed to be able to hear it.
[Michael] What?
-[Pat] He has… -Take notes, boys. That's attention.
So, if there's anything that you two need to be worried about,
it's the guy who built a WWE career faster than you both.
[crowd booing]
This Saturday, your boy is entering the Royal Rumble.
And I don't gotta worry about throwing 29 guys over the top.
That's grunt work.
That's for Tweedledee and Tweedledum over here.
I gotta work smarter, not harder, as I always do.
[crowd jeering]
Hey, Atlanta, if you're capable of doing math,
that just means I gotta be the last one in there.
And when I am,
and when I win the Royal Rumble, I am gonna main event WrestleMania.
-[crowd chanting "What"] -And that means I could choose anyone.
I could choose Cody Rhodes.
Or…
-I could choose you, Gunther. -[crowd booing]
You know what, Seth, I've changed my mind. I want you to win the Royal Rumble.
[crowd cheering]
So I can go to WrestleMania and embarrass you
when I slap that stupid smirk out of your face.
-[crowd cheering] -[Rollins laughs]
Gunther, I'm with you on that one.
I'm with you on that, except there's one problem.
The only person that's getting embarrassed is you
if I decide to take back my title. [laughs]
-["The Vision" playing] -[Michael] Things are heating up
as we head toward the Royal Rumble on Saturday.
[crowd chanting "Oh whoa oh"]
[Pat] Over 60,000 plus in Lucas Oil Stadium,
ready to witness history.
[crowd chanting "Oh whoa oh"]
♪ Burn it down! ♪
Well, I am here with CM Punk, and you are no stranger to Royal Rumbles,
but this year's field very much becoming stacked.
We've seen a lot of big names thrown into the hat.
Logan Paul just declaring himself as we just saw.
So, how do you think he'll fare?
Uh, I think he'll fare just as well as everybody else
in the Royal Rumble not named CM Punk.
Cathy, if you were in the Royal Rumble, I'd throw your ass over the top rope.
I'm planning on winning the Royal Rumble.
-[Zayn] Hey. -I'm planning on going to WrestleMania.
-[crowd cheering] -How are you doing? Good.
-I'm great. Yeah. How are you? -No, I'm great, man.
I just wanted to, you know, talk to you face to face
'cause I heard what you said last week. What was it?
-Sami Zayn is not on your level. -Not on my level.
Not on your level. I thought that's what I heard.
Yeah.
I'm not even mad. It's kind of true. We're not on the same level.
'Cause one of us is a WrestleMania main eventer.
And the other one's not.
-I'll see you at the Rumble. -Yes, you will.
Sami, you are the talk of the industry right now.
Listen, don't worry about your reputation.
Everybody knows the kick on Seth was an accident.
But you gotta admit, it did feel pretty good, didn't it?
Look, Kross, I'm just gonna tell you this once, all right?
Okay.
Whatever you're trying to do here, just stop it.
I have enough on my plate, I don't need this, okay?
All right, I understand you don't wanna listen to me,
but at least listen to your friends.
Listen to Seth Rollins, he says you need to start doing more for yourself
instead of for everybody else. Or listen to Kevin Owens.
It could be you and Kevin at WrestleMania for the WWE title.
This year's Royal Rumble,
this is the best chance you've ever had at winning in your entire career.
So, stop thinking with your heart, start thinking with your head,
and recognize that there is a world of opportunity right at your feet.
A world of opportunity.
-Sam? -Whoa!
-[crowd cheering] -What's up, man?
-[hands clapping] -Hey, man. Good to see you.
[energetic music playing]
[Michael] Well, Sami's got a lot to think about.
Well, a big night for these two men of The Judgment Day.
"Dirty" Dom Mysterio and JD McDonagh
look to bring tag team gold back to their group.
But the champs, the massive War Raiders, stand in their way.
Erik and Ivar defend the titles live on Netflix.
[energetic hip-hop music playing]
[Michael] Ladies and gentlemen, we're back,
Monday Night Raw here on Netflix.
JD McDonagh and Dominik Mysterio of Judgment Day
looking for tag team titles.
A lot of stars here tonight, including that man,
-Noah Centineo, who is on Netflix. -[crowd cheering]
[Michael] He plays the romantic lead in To All the Boys.
His series The Recruit returns for a second season
this Thursday on Netflix.
Lil Yachty's here as well, the two-time Grammy Award-nominated rapper
-from right here in Atlanta, Georgia. -[crowd cheering]
[Michael] His latest single is "Doodleverse."
-Pat, how about my guy? -[Pat] Tity Boi!
-[Michael] 2 Chainz is here! -[crowd cheering]
[Pat] He's different. Yeah, he's different.
[Michael] The Grammy-winning artist, and then also Atlanta's own Quavo,
the multi-platinum Atlanta rapper,
-songwriter, record producer. -[crowd cheering]
[Michael] His latest single, "What We Doing"
is out and on the charts.
It was so cool hanging out with those guys earlier today.
-[Pat] It certainly was. -[Michael] Hey, look who's here,
the newest members of the Monday Night Raw roster
from the transfer window from Friday Night SmackDown.
Former tag champs, A-Town Down Under,
Austin Theory from Atlanta, and of course, Grayson Waller, part of that team.
There are the Creed Brothers as well.
Remember what Chad Gable said last week to American Made,
urging them to pursue championship gold while he addresses his ongoing struggles
-against luchadors. -["War" playing]
Dom gave Chad some info on this last week, told him…
to go talk to a certain someone about luchador tactics.
[crowd cheering]
[Pat] And here are our champs.
Raw is War… Raiders.
[Michael] Erik and Ivar with their first tag team title defense…
here tonight on Monday Night Raw, live on Netflix.
[Pat] During the break,
Dominik Mysterio almost fought a member of the crowd.
So, I don't know if he's fully focused on this championship opportunity,
but I know War Raiders are always ready to kick some ass, Cole.
[Michael] Dominik, not very respectful to anyone.
[Pat] Do you wanna fight those dudes? No way.
[music fades]
[bell ringing]
The following contest scheduled for one fall
is for the World Tag Team Championship!
Introducing first,
the challengers, representing The Judgment Day,
the team of JD McDonagh
and "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio!
And their opponents,
they are the World Tag Team Champions,
Erik and Ivar, The War Raiders!
[Michael] The War Raiders beat Finn Bálor and JD McDonagh last month
to win their second tag team title here in WWE.
They're also former NXT Tag Team Champions as well.
And interesting note, Pat, no one has seen or heard from Finn Bálor
-since he lost to Damian Priest… -[bell ringing]
…in that Street Fight a couple of weeks ago.
And match is underway, and Dominik and JD McDonagh
-wasted little time… -[Pat] Oh!
…going after the War Raiders.
Ivar dumped outside the ring, and now the double team on Erik.
[Pat] Erik and Ivar obviously grizzled vets.
Referee Shawn Bennett will have his hands full in this matchup.
McDonagh with a nice leg drop and a-- Oh, my goodness!
Suicide dive by Mysterio, driving Ivar into the announce table.
[Pat] Tell you what, JD and Dom are certainly insufferable, but they've…
started this match with incredible intelligence and strategy.
Separate the two War Raiders, double team.
The War Raiders. Oh!
[Michael] McDonagh, my goodness, and look-- Oh, my God.
JD McDonagh may be knocked out cold.
JD McDonagh hit the back of his head on the announce table.
Somebody better check on McDonagh out here.
-JD McDonagh. And here's the cover. -[crowd counting]
[Michael] Almost had him and a kick-out by Erik.
Again, ladies and gentlemen…
-[Pat] Holy! -…I'm serious about this.
Somebody's gotta check McDonagh after that.
McDonagh's lucky he doesn't have a damn broken neck.
[Pat] Oh, my word.
[Michael] No idea how McDonagh is still moving
after that unbelievable moonsault.
[crowd applauding, cheering]
[Michael] Up on the apron, Dominik checking on McDonagh.
JD McDonagh, man,
-talk about a tough dude. You know-- -[Pat] Holy!
[Michael] We bust on these guys a lot, Pat, but that was absolutely incredible.
The fact that he's still on the apron for this match is insane.
[Pat] Yeah, we talk often about the size of his head.
The thickness of it, I believe, just saved him.
[Michael] You're right, and we're not saying that
in a joking manner by any stretch.
And here comes McDonagh in off the tag.
[Pat] I don't know how this man is up and moving.
Dominik Mysterio and JD McDonagh, I have to give 'em credit.
Incredible strategy coming into this matchup.
Double teaming, getting Ivar out,
and now being able to focus and isolate Erik from his partner.
[crowd groaning]
[Michael] And Erik now trying to fight back into this.
Tag again, here comes "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio.
Remember, he's a former tag champ.
Pat, he was the Tag Team Champion with his dad,
the Hall of Famer Rey Mysterio,
first ever father-son Tag Team Champs in the history of WWE.
[Pat] The Judgment Day as a group has been tag--
[Michael] Tag. Here comes Ivar, big back body drop to McDonagh.
Spinning slam to Dominik Mysterio.
-[Pat] Ivar's rolling. -[Michael] Big crossbody.
And he moves so well for a big man.
[Pat] Way too big to be moving the way that he is.
[Michael] Well, this man, Ivar,
went through so much in his career to get to this point.
He broke his neck back in 2020. Oh! Sit down, McDonagh.
[Pat] With them cheeks off JD McDonagh's chest.
[Michael] Ivar had a two-level cervical fusion.
Only two men in the history of wrestling have come back from that surgery.
One was Edge, the other Ivar.
And Ivar, however, goes dumped into the timekeeper area.
And again, Dominik and JD McDonagh are taking the fight…
-to The War Raiders. -[Pat chuckling] It's Dummy Dom.
[Michael] And now using Dominik as a wrecking ball.
[Pat] The War Raiders are bowling dummies here in Atlanta.
Ivar…
is thinking dangerously!
[Michael] Judgment Day just pancaked by that cannonball.
The War Raiders are rolling!
[crowd cheering]
[Michael] You know, we are sold out tonight in Atlanta,
and this match is for the World Tag Team titles.
The War Raiders against JD McDonagh and Dominik Mysterio,
who have been so impressive tonight.
Mysterio looking to win his second Tag Team Championship,
and a kick-out by Ivar.
[Pat] Like peanut butter and jelly, these Judgment Day boys have been tonight.
A tag team of insufferability that have been on the same exact page.
Could they leave here tonight as Tag Team Champions?
[Michael] Great point.
Would shock all 12,000 plus in attendance tonight, and Ivar just--
I don't even know what that was by The Judgment Day.
And there we go.
That double back elbow by Ivar buys himself some time
and now he looks to tag Erik in.
Erik, another man who had serious neck surgery
as he comes in off the tag.
Back in 2014, he had a motorcycle accident where he broke his arm,
and then 2023, he broke his neck.
-Big throw by Erik to Dominik Mysterio. -[crowd gasping]
[Michael] And Dominik is down.
[Pat] Jeez, Erik. Powerhouse.
[Michael] And Dominik sent flying into the mat. JD McDonagh…
he's gonna suffer the same fate. Full nelson--
-Oh! Kick right to the back of the neck. -[Pat] Oh!
[Michael] JD's neck is not gonna be…
well in the morning.
[Pat] Yeah. He's gonna carry that head around every day.
You'd think he'd be ready for this type of thing.
[Michael] And-- Oh! Sit down, Dom.
Uranage by Erik.
Viking Raiders, man, they have just improved their game.
I should say the War Raiders, sorry, still stuck in a couple of years ago.
And Erik now with a big kick to Dominik.
Cover now by Erik, hook of the leg, and a kick-out.
And JD McDonagh saves the matchup.
Watch this.
-Bang! -[Pat] God.
Right to the button on the back of the head of JD McDonagh.
I don't know.
-Can anything knock this guy out? -[Michael] I don't think so.
As Ivar now comes in. He's the legal man now.
Remember, tag titles are up for grabs. The War Raiders are the champs.
Judgment Day looking to bring the gold back to their group.
Oh! What a double team. Dominik, he survived disaster there.
Tag by McDonagh, who's now legal, runs into a knee.
[Pat] Yeah, Dominik squirmed out there. Incredible job. He is currently…
gathering his breath, as JD McDonagh is in a wildly vulnerable position
with The War Raiders.
[Michael] Couple of quick tags. Ivar is now the legal man.
[Pat] Ready to go.
Tag team effort to these two.
[Michael] This is nasty. Oh! And JD moved out of harm's way.
Great move by McDonagh. Had The War Raiders scouted.
And a headbutt.
Erik may never be the same. That's like being hit by a mallet.
[Pat] Might as well had a bison run into your face.
[Michael] Kick by Ivar.
That was a better analogy than the mallet.
-[Pat] Yeah, bisons have massive heads. -[Michael chuckling]
And here now is McDonagh with a big kick to Ivar.
I don't even know how McDonagh's functioning tonight.
He may be the toughest guy in the WWE.
Oh, my goodness, McDonagh with an incredible move!
Cover again, and a kick-out by Ivar.
[Pat] So innovative there, this JD McDonagh.
[Michael] I'm taking everything back I've ever said about JD McDonagh.
This is incredible.
[Pat] He's not just surviving right now, he's thriving right now.
Almost just won himself a tag team title.
[Michael] In fact, he's carrying "Dirty" Dom.
But "Dirty" Dom's actually been real good, too.
As Dominik now goes up to the top rope, of course.
The late, great Eddie Guerrero delivered a frog splash,
but that one missed, and he ran into a spinning heel kick by Ivar.
[Pat] Both men down, trying to gain their breath.
Who will be able to get back up first?
Can Ivar get a tag into Erik, who's ready to end this thing?
[Michael] JD McDonagh's not even standing up on the apron.
He-- I don't think he knows where he is anymore.
-Maybe he does. -[crowd cheering, applauding]
[Michael] Drawing the official, Shawn Bennett…
Carlito! Carlito getting involved.
-[Pat] Oh! That's one bad apple. -[Michael] Yeah, and he just spat
that apple in the face of Ivar. Dominik takes over.
Shawn Bennett, the official, was distracted by McDonagh.
And a, well, 619.
Of course, he stole that from his dad, the Hall of Famer, Rey Mysterio.
Tag made to JD McDonagh. McDonagh looking to put this thing away
and bring the tag team Gold to The Judgment Day.
Moonsault again, tagged to Dominik Mysterio.
-Dom's gonna go up top. -[crowd cheering]
[Michael] Mysterio with a frog splash,
-connects this time… -[Pat] Get out of here.
-…for the tag titles. -[crowd counting]
[Michael] Oh, and Erik using McDonagh to save the matchup.
Carlito thought he had helped Judgment Day steal it.
The official might wanna notice, there's a bunch of apple in the ring.
[Pat] Hey, bud, they cheated. and that's Judgment Day wrestling.
They're gonna do that anytime they get the opportunity to.
[Michael] They're the Kansas City Chiefs of the WWE.
[crowd chanting "This is awesome"]
[Pat] Please, they are not back to back world champions.
[crowd chanting "This is awesome"]
[Michael] And look at this now, McDonagh sent over the top rope
to the floor, hit the apron hard again.
[chuckles] McDonagh-- And now, Carlito up on the apron.
Ivar gonna make him pay. That was cool.
And now, Dominik takes out Ivar, once again in 619 position.
-[Pat] Ivar. Ivar! -[Michael] Tag, tag, Erik made the tag.
Dominik doesn't realize Erik is the legal man. He's gonna now.
-Here we go, The War Machine! -[crowd cheering]
[crowd counting]
-[Michael] The Raiders… -[bell ringing]
-…retain the tag titles. -["War" playing]
-[Michael] What a match! -[Alicia] Here are your winners,
and still the World Tag Team Champions,
-The War Raiders! -[crowd cheering]
[Pat] Congrats to the War Raiders on retaining their tag team titles,
but Judgment Day showcased the toughness
that I didn't know they had in them tonight. What a match.
-[Kaiser] Pete. -[crowd cheering, chattering]
Pete Dunne.
Well, I saw last week, things really didn't go your way, right?
Be very careful, man.
I come in peace, calm down.
All I tried to say is somebody should, uh, you know,
show this guy how we do things around here. I mean--
-[Kingston] Yeah, yeah, that's right. -[Woods] Yeah!
Exactly what we were just saying.
-Exactly. -[crowd booing]
It's just, you can't trust those guys who wear masks.
Yeah, right? [chuckles]
Huh?
-Oh, come on, man. -Even them two.
-They're like the scum of the earth. -Not y'all, man. Not y'all.
Excuse me, Xavier, tonight you face Rey Mysterio,
who actually defeated your partner
-Kofi Kingston last week-- -Wait, wait, hold on now.
That was because of the biased officiating, okay?
But that's not even important because there's a greater issue at hand.
Atlanta's favorite son
-has come home. [chuckles] -[crowd booing]
Bron Breakker?
No, not Bron Breakker.
A-Town Down Under, Austin Theory.
No, not Austin Theory.
Cody Rhodes.
Hey, ain't nobody talking about that paper champion, no.
Come on, Cathy. Tonight, Atlanta's favorite son is here,
and I'm going to beat the brakes off of Rey Mysterio,
not just in front of my city, but in front of my mother, my father,
-and my sister, my family is here. -Yeah.
Yeah, speaking of which, uh, are they here yet?
I haven't heard from 'em, but I spent way too much money
on these front row seats, so they're gonna show up.
They're gonna show up because you will not be able to miss
Xavier Woods beating the mess out of Rey Mysterio.
-You couldn't miss it live. -Why would they wanna miss that?
-You never want to. -They gotta see it.
-[chuckles] -Come on. Atlanta's favorite son.
Atlanta's favorite son!
I'm sure that'll be a core memory for Xavier's family sitting ringside.
And speaking of ringside, let's send it back out there.
Pat, Cole.
-["Booyaka 619" playing] -[crowd cheering]
♪ Booyaka, booyaka, 619 Booyaka, booyaka, that's my pueblo ♪
♪ Booyaka, booyaka, 619 Booyaka, booyaka, Rey Mysterio… ♪
[bell ringing]
[Alicia] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, representing the LWO
from San Diego, California, weighing in at 175 pounds,
WWE Hall of Famer,
-Rey Mysterio! -[crowd cheering]
[Michael] We have interesting breaking news concerning Zelina Vega.
We will get into that in just a moment
as Rey Mysterio gets set to take on Xavier Woods
in his hometown of Atlanta. That's Xavier Woods' hometown.
♪ Booyaka, booyaka, that's my pueblo ♪
-[Michael] It's live on Netflix. -[crowd chattering]
["Booyaka 619" playing]
[Michael] I really wanted to get my picture with this man,
uh, not Rey Mysterio,
but one… one of the celebrities in attendance tonight.
Lil Baby, diamond-certified, Grammy Award-winning rapper
-from right here in Atlanta. -[crowd cheering]
[Michael] His latest album WHAM debuted on the Billboard 200 chart.
His new album Dominique will be released in February.
And also, oh, my guy, Killer Mike is here, four-time Grammy Award-winning rapper,
actor, activist from right here in Atlanta.
He appeared on the Countdown to Bad Blood 2024 show in Atlanta,
to talk about his love for WWE.
Rey Mysterio set for action against Xavier Woods.
New Day came out here, not a rousing ovation.
Uh, and Xavier Woods is expecting his family to show up here tonight,
but yet they have yet to arrive.
[Pat] Yeah, you got your ass booed.
[Kingston] Y'all need to tell them the truth about us, Pat.
-You got your ass booed. -Tell them the truth.
-[Pat] You got your ass booed. -[Kingston] You're biased…
-[bell ringing] -[Pat] They're saying, "Boo day."
-That's what they're saying. All right. -[Kingston] And do your job!
[Michael] Kofi's saying you need to be unbiased in this match.
-And Xavier's from Atlanta… -[crowd chanting "New Day sucks"]
…he got booed out of this building. And now they're saying "New Day sucks."
[crowd chanting "New Day sucks"]
[Michael] So, it's Rey Mysterio and Xavier Woods
starting things off in this match tonight.
I mentioned Zelina Vega earlier on.
Zelina Vega, we understand, uh, this will be her final Monday Night Raw,
final part of being a part of the LWO for now.
Zelina has been sent over to Friday Night SmackDown,
as part of the transfer window here in WWE,
that'll end Royal Rumble weekend, so Zelina will be now on Fridays.
[Pat] Congrats to Nick Aldis and SmackDown,
getting a hell of a Superstar in Zelina Vega.
[Michael] Xavier Woods now, uh…
trying to toy with Rey Mysterio.
Rey Mysterio has entered the Royal Rumble match this year.
It'll be his 15th Royal Rumble appearance.
Back in 2006 when he won-- Oh, nice crossbody by Rey.
He lasted one hour, two minutes, 12 seconds,
when he entered at number two.
It was an incredible performance by Rey that year,
went on to win the world title at WrestleMania.
-[inaudible] -[crowd chattering]
[Pat] Rey Mysterio has seemingly accomplished everything
you could accomplish in this life, except for being a good dad to a son.
[Michael] Wait a minute, you're taking Dom's side?
[Pat] No, no, I'm sorry, sorry, having a good son.
-He was a great dad to a bad son. -[Michael] Got it. I was gonna say--
-You shocked me, what happened? -[Pat] That's on me.
I didn't mean to say it the way I said it there.
-That's a mishap, I apologize. -You see my boy?
Rey Mysterio's worst quality is that he has a… a terrible, crappy son.
-Everything else about him is amazing. -[Michael] Oh!
-Big uppercut by Xavier Woods. -[crowd chanting "New Day sucks"]
[Pat] Xavier Woods here in his hometown.
[Michael] And again, to get you caught up, folks,
if you haven't been following,
the reason that The New Day is not well liked by the WWE fans
is because they turned their back, insulted their former partner Big E,
who is out of the wrestling ring because of injury.
Gone on to become a great commentator on our countdown shows,
before our premium live events.
[Pat] It wasn't that they went separate ways, it was how they did it.
-So disrespectful to Big E. -[Kingston] Let's go!
[Pat] Just spit on him when he was down, basically.
Acknowledge that, Pat, say something about that.
'Cause he's chopping him down, como un árbol.
That means "tree" in Spanish.
-[Michael] Kofi should have just-- -[Pat] Okay.
Go speak in Spanish now, Kofi.
[Michael] Kofi should have just joined us on commentary.
[Pat] Well, Xavier Woods, former King of the Ring,
certainly a talent in the ring, same with Kofi Kingston.
Which is why The New Day had been loved for so long.
-Now, they're hated by every city. -[Michael] Uh-oh!
Xavier Woods telegraphing that one. Rey Mysterio, now--
With a rana, sends Woods toward the ropes and now…
Thought Rey might have thought he was in the 619 position,
Rey launched out to the apron.
[Pat] Sunset flip, roll through.
-Great move by Xavier Woods. -[Michael] Woods, though,
former King of the Ring in 2021.
Eleven-time Tag Team Champion, NXT Tag Team Champion as well.
But he's never held a singles title in WWE.
Woods now, second rope. And…
Oh, my goodness, to the back of Mysterio's neck.
Referee Eddie Orengo there to check on Rey.
Xavier Woods, having fun right now.
-[Kingston] Who sucks? -[Pat] You do.
[crowd cheering]
[Michael] And we are back in front of a sold-out crowd in Atlanta, Georgia.
State Farm Arena, 12,432 on hand.
Rey Mysterio, Xavier Woods, one-on-one tonight.
Rey knocked off Kofi Kingston last week.
Woods hopes to repay the favor here tonight.
It's been a slugfest so far.
Very aggressive and physical Woods, Pat, in this match.
-[Pat] Certainly, Rey Mysterio-- -[Michael] Oh, goodness!
-What a move by Woods. -[Pat] Great catch, great counter.
And now, a vertical suplex coming from Xavier Woods to Rey Mysterio,
the former King of the Ring, showing off here tonight.
[Pat] Xavier Woods showcasing his strength,
the little Davey boy as he parades through Atlanta.
[Michael] Marching around the ring with Mysterio,
rolls into the cover and a kick-out.
[Pat] Xavier Woods has looked incredible this evening.
Might be that hometown air that he's breathing,
'cause even though they hate him here,
he might feel a little bit more comfortable.
Might be "in his bag," as they say, a little bit more.
[Michael] I just think he's turned into a raging evil-- egomaniac.
-[Pat] Evil maniac as well. -[Michael] Yeah, that's true.
Him and Kofi both.
[Kingston] You see that, Pat?
[Michael] Woods just backs Mysterio into the corner.
[Pat] Methodically beating the hell out of Rey.
[Michael] Rey has got to, uh, somehow create some space in this matchup,
so he can get rolling here.
-Rey is much better in the high tempo… -[crowd booing]
…and Woods has, uh, successfully slowed it down.
Mysterio though catches Woods with a boot.
Could this be an opening for the former World Champion?
Rey, again with a big elbow.
Rey…
sent out to the apron.
Oh, and a big kick to Woods. Woods is stunned a bit.
Rey Mysterio has a chance to get back into this matchup.
Mysterio up to the top rope.
[Pat] Now the GLOAT is rolling.
[Michael] I like that.
Greatest luchador of all time.
With that seated senton, follows it up with a rana.
[Pat] I saw a Chinese officer of law do that and they even gave credit
-to Rey Mysterio. -[Michael] Indeed.
All over the internet. Mysterio now.
[crowd] One, two, three.
[Michael] Oh! And Xavier Woods slips out from underneath.
[Pat] Felt like desperation there, Xavier Woods needed that.
[Michael] Zelina Vega, her final night on Monday Night Raw before going
to SmackDown, trying to offer words of encouragement to the man
she considers her hero, her mentor, Rey Mysterio.
He's done so much for Zelina's career.
Zelina says that Rey helped her come out of her shell to become herself.
[Pat] Rey Mysterio has helped so many,
as did New Day back whenever they were positive.
Now they're negative, and Rey Mysterio.
[Michael] Rey, though, able to try to shift his weight,
and he does, one foot on the ring post.
That would have been a nasty superplex delivered
if Woods could have hit it there.
Now Rey, sunset flip powerbomb.
Mysterio, down it goes.
-[crowd counting] -Woods, and a kick-out at two.
[Pat] Code Red from Rey Mysterio.
[Michael] You mentioned Code Red,
Zelina Vega uses that move all of the time successfully.
And Rey Mysterio using it here in this matchup.
Xavier Woods now.
Rhea Ripley pulled off some Code Red at Saturday Night's Main Event
-against Nia Jax. -[Pat] Certainly did.
[Michael] Oh, Mysterio now, kidney first into our announce table.
And this is… Xavier Woods is just a different person.
Different person in the ring, aggressive as they come.
And Woods is just glancing over at ringside.
His family, I believe, has arrived.
[Pat] Front row.
[Michael] His father Alvin, his mother Angelita, his sister Amber…
-Mom, Dad, where have y'all been? -…who has never seen Xavier…
live, and Lil Yachty there as well.
Oh, my goodness.
Lil Yachty and Xavier Woods' parents have turned on Woods
just like Kofi's mom did.
I cannot believe you!
[overlapping chatter]
[crowd chanting "New Day sucks"]
[Michael] What a moment.
Xavier Woods family has turned on him because of his actions toward Big E.
And Rey Mysterio trying to take advantage of the distraction,
which is clearly hurting Xavier Woods, 619.
Woods is shook, dropping the dive, cover by Rey Mysterio with the win.
[bell ringing]
["Booyaka 619" playing]
[Alicia] Here is your winner,
Rey Mysterio!
[Michael] Rey Mysterio picks up the victory tonight.
Thanks in part to the family of Xavier Woods and of course,
Atlanta rapper Lil Yachty.
[Pat] Shout out to the Woods family and Yachty, obviously.
Rey Mysterio understands wholeheartedly about whenever your son
maybe goes a different direction than you can respect.
[Michael] So do you think that Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods
may look in the mirror now and realize, listen,
Kofi's mother turned her back on him.
Woods' entire family has turned his back on Woods.
Do they look in the mirror now and say, maybe we did make a mistake?
[Pat] If not now, then when?
But it surely feels like they're stuck in their scumbag ways.
It's a new era, The New Day, and nobody likes them.
Love to hear Big E's thoughts on this whole situation.
Well, nonetheless, ladies and gentlemen, last week on Monday Night Raw,
a tremendous main event.
Seth Rollins versus "The Scottish Warrior" Drew McIntyre.
Rollins would pick up the victory, and well, what does Drew do?
What he always does.
He cries, he whines, he was embarrassed, humiliated,
and the sore loser hits all over Seth Rollins.
…the same team, you are so damn selfish.
[Michael] And it's Sami Zayn coming to Rollins' aid.
Inadvertently, Helluva Kicks Seth to much to the delight of Mr. McIntyre.
[indistinct chatter]
Seth, look man, I wanted to talk to you all week.
You know what happened last week.
That kick, you know that was an accident, right?
Seth, you know that was a mistake.
-You know that, you know me. -Yeah, okay, okay, okay.
Sami, I know you, we go back a long way. That one was a mistake, I…
That was a mistake, but you gotta understand
why I feel like it might not have been.
Why other people feel like it might not have been.
Whatever this relationship is,
this thing you've got going on with Roman Reigns,
like it doesn't rest easy with people. It doesn't rest easy with me.
But yeah, last week, a mistake.
But if something like that happens again…
I can't be so sure it's a mistake.
Fair enough, but are we good?
-Yeah, man, we're good. -All right.
We're good.
Now go get that W over Drew tonight, all right?
Yeah, it's about time.
-[crowd chanting "Yeet"] -On me, uce. On me, uce.
[crowd cheering]
["Main Event Ish" playing]
-[Pat] Oh yeah. -[Michael] Here we go.
-[Pat] Cole, you know what time it is. -[Michael] It is time.
You know, last week, I overdid it. I think I pulled a hammy.
Saturday Night's Main Event, I couldn't do much of this.
But I think tonight, I'll be getting involved
because look who Jey Uso is yeeting to the ring with.
[crowd chanting]
[Pat] Yeah. Yeetlanta!
[Michael] Jey Uso and Quavo yeeting their way to the ring.
Hey, guess what?
Quavo, of course, the multi-platinum Atlanta rapper,
bringing a little Doodleverse to the WWE Universe.
[crowd singing along] ♪ Uso! ♪
♪ It's just me, uce Day one ish ♪
[Pat] Watch this, Cole.
-Cole, not bad. -[Michael] I'm getting there, I'm trying.
[Pat] Not bad, Cole.
[Michael] I can't believe you didn't pop on my Doodleverse drawing.
[Pat] It was pretty good. I don't know about the timing.
-[Michael laughing] -[Pat] How do you think?
Good for Jey Uso, fresh off a fight with Gunther.
[Michael] Yeah, what a performance on Saturday Night's Main Event.
Incredible performance.
Watch this, I learned this too.
Quavo, how are you?
-Hell yeah, go dogs. -Quavo, what's up?
-Yeah, you nailed it. -I nailed it.
Well, I got Jey right.
-I'm a little off on Quavo. -[Pat] You guys will figure it out.
[Michael] Well, he's just not used
-to my style. -["Main Event Ish" playing]
-[Michael] Yeah! -[Pat] I don't know if anybody is,
-brother. -♪ It's just me, uce, okay ♪
♪ Day one ish It's just me, uce ♪
♪ Day one ish It's just me, uce, okay ♪
♪ Day one ish ♪
♪ It's Jey, I line 'em all up And knock 'em down like this ♪
-♪ Ay, ay! Ay, ay! ♪ -[crowd chanting]
[Pat] Yeah, baby!
-♪ Ay, ay! Ay, ay! Ay, ay! ♪ -[crowd chanting]
-♪ Ay, ay! Ay, ay! Ay, ay! ♪ -[crowd cheering]
[Pat] Yeah, yeah. That's some good yeeting right there.
-Yeah! -♪ It's go-time now, uce, uh-huh ♪
[Pat] Getting long and strong down here in Atlanta, ain't it?
♪ Ay, let's get it, uce Ay, yo, I'm 'bout to get 'em, uce ♪
[Pat] Some blue pill yeeting happening down here tonight.
♪ Uso! It's just me, uce ♪
♪ Day one ish It's just me, uce ♪
[Pat] This is, its like the 12th round here.
Gotta put on a show, Cole.
[indistinct chatter]
-[Pat] Yeah, yup. -[indistinct chatter]
-Yeet! -[Pat] Yup, your world.
Whatever you want, guys.
♪ It's just me, uce Day one ish ♪
♪ It's just me, uce, okay Day one ish ♪
♪ It's Jey, I line 'em all up And knock 'em down like this ♪
[Pat laughs] Yeah. Look at this place.
[crowd cheering]
[indistinct chatter]
[Pat] Yeah.
[indistinct chatter]
-[commentator] Can we get one more? -[Pat] One more round.
Better talk to 'em, uce.
Talk to 'em, uce.
It's on me.
[crowd cheering]
♪ Uso! It's just me, uce, okay ♪
♪ Day one ish It's just me, uce ♪
♪ Day one ish ♪
♪ It's Jey, I line 'em all up And knock 'em down like this ♪
This is incredible.
What happened to your headsets? [laughs]
McAfee's so into it, his headset went flying.
[Michael laughing]
[crowd cheering]
[Pat] My headset. And pulled a hammy.
Yeetlanta, baby!
Hey.
I needed that.
[crowd cheering]
ATL I needed that.
[crowd cheering]
I appreciate y'all.
[crowd chanting "Yeet"]
-Thank y'all. -[crowd chanting "Yeet"]
-I rock with y'all! -[crowd chanting "Yeet"]
-Me and Quavo love y'all. -[crowd chanting "Yeet"]
-Aye aye, yeet! -[crowd chanting "Yeet"]
[crowd cheering]
Y'all see what happened on Saturday night, right?
[indistinct chatter]
-I lost. -[crowd booing]
I lost.
Dust it off, Quavo.
But the Ring General was that good.
But I'm telling you though,
ATL…
man, I can beat him.
[crowd cheering]
-I can beat him. -[crowd chanting "Yeet"]
-Seth Rollins got my name in his mouth. -[crowd chanting "Yeet"]
-Gunther got my name in his mouth. -[crowd chanting "Yeet"]
So now, Saturday, I know what I need to do.
-[crowd chanting "Yeet"] -I'm gonna throw all they asses
-over the top rope. -[crowd chanting "Yeet"]
-And I'm gonna win the Royal Rumble, uce. -[crowd chanting "Yeet"]
[crowd cheering]
And then I'm gonna go on to main event WrestleMania,
and become the new World Heavyweight champ.
And his name is "Main Event" Jey U…
-[crowd] …so! -Yeet.
-[Michael] Can it happen? -["Main Event Ish" playing]
[Michael] Miracles do happen at the Royal Rumble.
Will Indianapolis…
turn into Yeetapolis?
[Pat] In-yeet-apolis.
[Michael] Ladies and gentlemen, on Saturday night…
Right here, uce.
…can Jey Uso pull off a Rumble Match win?
[indistinct chatter]
-Let's go! -[speaks indistinctly]
I'm here with the first ever Women's Intercontinental Champion,
Lyra Valkyria. Lyra, congratulations again.
You know, when I interviewed you after this historic win,
you said you would be a fighting champion.
And with that, I understand you have some pretty big news for us tonight.
I do, Jackie.
There is so much talk happening right now about who is gonna get to be the first
to step up and challenge me for this.
But in the meantime, I'm taking the next big fight
that's right in front of me.
So I am officially declaring for the Royal Rumble.
-I have defied the odds before-- -Whoa-ho-ho-ho.
Intercontinental title. It looks good, it does, just don't get used to it.
'Cause Ivy's taken that from you… for me.
Well, for the team.
Well, enjoy this, guys, 'cause this is the closest that you…
or you will ever get to an Intercontinental Championship.
Lyra, you're not ready for me to take that title from you,
eliminate you in the Royal Rumble, and clip those little bird wings of yours.
-Oh really? -Yeah.
See you Saturday.
[Dupri] Five, six, seven, eight, hit it boys.
-Yes, oh my gosh! -Oh…
-What in the… -[Dupri] Perfect!
-I'm disgusted. -Oh…
Just like that, a little more hips, little more hips, ooh!
-[crowd cheering] -Beautiful boys, yes!
Otis, how's your ankle idiot?
Good enough to do your stupid little TikTok dances I see.
You guys proud of what you've made of your careers, huh? It's pathetic.
You're failures, every one of you. It's embarrassing!
You should be embarrassed of yourselves!
Especially you, twinkle toes. Pathetic.
["Liv Gone Mad" playing]
[bell ringing]
[Alicia] The following contest is a tag team match,
scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, representing The Judgment Day,
Raquel Rodriguez
and Liv Morgan!
[Michael] Pick up a win tonight and perhaps earn yourself
a future Tag Team Championship opportunity.
-That's the goal for those two women. -[indistinct chatter]
-["Glow" playing] -♪ N-A- ♪
♪ O-M-I ♪
[Naomi laughing]
♪ Let's go! The beast is out the cage ♪
♪ You know I own that stage We knock the competition out ♪
♪ And make 'em go insane! My head is in the game ♪
♪ I make 'em feel the pain, uh-huh I hear the people scream my name ♪
♪ One, two, three Glow, glow-- ♪
-["Watch Me Shine" playing] -♪ I'm on my own ♪
♪ Against the wall The pressure's building ♪
♪ But, no, I will never fall Instead of crying ♪
♪ They hear me roar And now I see that ♪
-♪ I'm way better than before ♪ -[Alicia] And your opponents,
they are the WWE Women's tag team champions.
The team of Naomi
and Bianca Belair!
[Michael] Naomi and Bianca, the current Women's tag team champions,
why don't I show you what happened this past Friday night on SmackDown
on the USA Network, however.
Six-woman tag team matchup, Nia Jax,
Candice LeRae, and Liv Morgan took on Bianca Belair,
Naomi, and Rhea Ripley. Raquel would try to get involved.
Candice LeRae would make sure that Rhea was taken out of the equation.
And as Bianca Belair hit the KOD on Candice LeRae,
Liv Morgan would steal a victory.
[bell rings]
[Pat] That's what we're talking about.
[Michael] That's what we're talking about, Liv.
[Pat] He said you stole the victory.
[Michael] Bianca Belair was not happy.
And now the tag champs, they're gonna be busy tomorrow night.
NXT is right here in Atlanta at center stage.
Naomi and Bianca defend the tag team titles
against Lash Legend and Jakara Jackson.
Tomorrow night. Joining in here, Vic Joseph on the call.
[Pat] And Booker and Corey.
They will be phenomenal as will the match, just like what we have here tonight.
Anytime you get a chance to be in an arena with Bianca Belair
and Naomi, obviously the champions, you're witnessing absolute greatness.
-[music fades] -[indistinct chatter]
[bell ringing]
[Michael] So, Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez
teaming up here tonight. Look at-- for the KOD
right out of the back is Bianca Belair.
And now, Bianca into the corner with a shoulder tackle.
Bianca and Naomi, of course, the tag team champions.
Remember, Bianca and Jade Cargill were the tag champs.
They actually beat Liv and Raquel late last year in a matchup.
Liv trying to use Bianca's ponytail to her advantage.
Oh goodness! And she does there.
Jade Cargill was attacked, couple of months back.
Still do not know who the culprit was. The investigation continues.
Naomi stepped in, though, to help Bianca as a tag team champion.
[Pat] Great person to help. Not only is she your friend,
but also she's great in the ring.
Bianca and Naomi, damn near unbeatable.
Raquel Rodriguez, though, what an absolute beast.
[Michael] Yeah, as we mentioned before, a win tonight for Liv and Raquel
could put them into tag team title contention.
See who are the tag champs after tomorrow night on NXT.
First time ever this matchup.
And Raquel, the powerhouse.
Bianca Belair, of course, the EST.
And a stalemate here.
[Pat] Strength per strength right there,
[Michael] Big elbow to Raquel. Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez were…
[Raquel screams]
…two-time women's tag team champions here in WWE together.
[Pat] Liv and Raquel very much on the same page.
[Michael] Raquel is actually a three-time tag champ in her career,
and also NXT two-time tag team champion, and an NXT champion as well.
Bianca Belair will be a part of the Royal Rumble,
as will the other three women in this match on Saturday.
Tag made, here's Naomi.
Double team by the tag team champions to take out Raquel.
[Pat] Love to see that.
[Michael] And there's another double team.
[Pat] Double Sidewalk Slam, Double Elbow Drop from our champs.
[Michael] And now, Naomi looks to whip Raquel across the ring
in a… clothesline tag to Liv Morgan.
You know, Liv Morgan has something to prove in this year's Rumble.
Pat, she's been in every Women's Royal Rumble in history.
She enters again this coming Saturday. You realize Liv… Ooh, into the corner.
…has finished runner up in the last two Rumbles.
Rhea winning two years ago.
Here's the cover by Liv Morgan, and a kick-out.
And last year, of course, Bayley eliminating Morgan to win
the Royal Rumble match. Ooh!
[Pat] And obviously, finishing runner up means absolutely nothing
in the Royal Rumble, other than just a great performance.
Only one person can go to the main event of WrestleMania.
[Michael] Naomi had an unbelievable Royal Rumble match last year.
She lasted one hour, two minutes, and 18 seconds before being eliminated by…
Here's the cover now, by Belair, hook of the leg, kick-out by Morgan.
You know who eliminated Naomi last year in the Rumble?
-[Pat] Who's that? -[Michael] Jade Cargill.
[Pat] Now, she takes place of Jade as she is out with an injury.
[Michael] Bianca Belair won the Royal Rumble back in 2021.
Another double team coming from the tag champs.
Raquel Rodriguez helps Liv Morgan.
And now we got a brawl in the middle of the ring.
[Pat] Good scrum here between the champs and Judgment Day.
[Michael] And Raquel now runs into a big boot by Belair.
Naomi now crossbody.
Bianca Belair, top rope, crossbody of her own.
Tag champs are in control on Netflix.
[crowd cheering]
[Michael] Raquel and Liv Morgan
really doing a number on the tag team champions,
Naomi and Bianca Belair. This is not a title match.
Of course, the tag champs defend their title against Lash and Jakara
tomorrow night.
Raquel with a big clothesline takes down Naomi.
-[Pat] That's an equalizer. -One, two--
[Pat] Raquel's power is something that can't be matched.
[Michael] They are doing a great job of wearing down Naomi
and keeping Bianca Belair out of the ring.
Look at Raquel, look at the strength, and power of Raquel here.
[Pat] I do that with my 23-month old,
and I feel like I'm the strongest person on Earth.
-Raquel just did that with another adult. -Get up, Naomi.
[Pat] So comfortable, so dominant.
It might be the time for Raquel to win the Royal Rumble this week.
[Michael] Could be a good bet,
as Raquel now sends Naomi right into the post.
[crowd booing]
[Pat] Shot put, Naomi onto the apron as well.
Sad face.
[overlapping chatter]
[Michael] Now, hanging Naomi up on the top rope,
and look at Raquel Rodriguez in control,
using almost the full five count that she's allowed.
The official, Daphanie LaShaunn in her face.
Naomi now trying to fight back into this, kick to the side of the head.
-And now, Naomi. -Naomi, don't--
[Michael] Bang! Raquel Rodriguez hit hard.
Naomi buys herself some time, needs to make a tag to Bianca Belair.
[indistinct chatter]
[Morgan] Get up! Up!
Get up and get her. Get up and get her.
-[Pat] Can Naomi get a tag? -Get her, come up and get her. Go! Good.
Four!
[Michael] Naomi trying to get there, Raquel Rodriguez
trying to prevent the tag from being made.
-Naomi, uh-- -[Pat] Slips up.
[Michael] Arm’s length away from Bianca Belair.
Almost there, step-up enzuigiri, caught Raquel hard,
and now, Naomi's got a chance.
-Tag, Bianca's legal, so is Liv Morgan. -[crowd cheering]
[Michael] Liv, the former Women's World Champion, two times.
Bianca, three-time world champ.
[Pat] The EST of the WWE is wrecking sharp in ATL.
[Michael] And look at the powerful Belair,
the strongest in the WWE.
[Michael] And now, Bianca off the kip-up's rolling.
[Pat] The fastest, the toughest, the smartest.
[crowd cheering]
-[crowd counting] One, two, three, four! -[Michael] Bianca raining down
on the reigning crown jewel champion, Liv Morgan.
Raquel almost hit her partner, now Bianca Belair makes sure it happens.
[Pat] Now, both of yous can take it.
[crowd] One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten,
11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17.
[Michael] Well, Raquel, though, able to slip underneath it again,
trying to use Bianca's hair to her advantage.
Raquel sent out of the ring. Liv Morgan sent down with a spinebuster.
And now, Belair, this here is Vintage Belair,
and running moonsault, cover now.
Hook of the leg on Morgan, kick-out by Liv at two.
[Pat] Vintage Bianca Belair on display right now.
Has been a champion, basically, every day she's been in the WWE,
let alone in college.
As she competed in the SEC, champion there.
Champion pedigree throughout.
[Michael] From the top rope, Bianca has to roll through.
Liv moved out of the way. Liv caught her now with a dropkick.
Morgan trying to turn things around. Can Liv make a tag to Raquel here?
Does, and here comes Rodriguez.
-What an aggressive matchup tonight. -[Pat] Huh? All of a sudden--
[Michael] Look at the strength of Raquel planting Bianca Belair.
Raquel now, with Liv up and Liv down, using Liv as a weapon.
-Cover by Raquel on Bianca… -One, two!
…who kicks out at two.
[Pat] Power bombing your partner onto the opponent.
Brilliant move.
[Michael] And now, again, the power of Raquel
Bianca lands on her feet, tag made by Naomi.
Naomi legal, big boot now to Raquel. Raquel stopped in her tracks.
Naomi-- Oh, my goodness!
Somehow was able to catch herself and still hit the move. Cover, kick-out.
What an athletic move by Naomi. That could have been disaster, Pat.
[Pat] Absolutely could have been disaster, but instead it was remarkable.
[Michael] Always said Naomi, one of the great true athletes in WWE,
and Naomi caught by Raquel, Bianca Belair runs into a boot.
Raquel Rodriguez now, with a fallaway slam
that would make JBL proud.
Tag made, here's Morgan.
Liv and Raquel are so, so great together as a team.
Uh-oh, Liv had to… jump up over the top and-- Codebreaker.
Codebreaker to Bianca.
[Michael] Looking for ObLIVion, Bianca able to intercept,
and now, trying to lift Morgan up into the position.
[crowd cheering]
[Michael] For the KOD, meanwhile, "Dirty" Dom.
Bianca had Morgan beat,
Dominic Mysterio, distracting the official.
"Dirty" Dom still trying to get in the good graces
of his girlfriend Morgan.
Remember, he's been in the doghouse for a couple of weeks.
Tag made to Naomi, and Bianca gonna make "Dirty" Dom pay.
[crowd cheering]
-[Michael] Split-legged moonsault. -[crowd cheering]
-[crowd counting] One, two! -[Michael] Cover.
Raquel dragging Naomi off the cover.
And now, dropping Naomi on the apron.
[Pat] Full chaos, 'cause dumbass "Dirty" Dom comes out here.
[Michael] And here's the cover,
-and Liv Morgan steals the win again. -[bell ringing]
-["Liv Gone Mad" playing] -[Alicia] Here are your winners,
the team of Raquel Rodriguez
and Liv Morgan!
[Michael] "Dirty" Dom, I mentioned before, he's been in the doghouse.
Slowly trying to get his way out.
Helping Liv Morgan and Raquel pick up the win tonight.
[Pat] That is not how that was supposed to go. What a match.
Up until this trash bag…
distracted our official.
And then he would get his comeuppance in a springboard crossbody.
But Raquel Rodriguez's power would put Naomi through the apron,
and in one, two, three, Judgment Day wins.
[Michael] And you have to believe that Liv and Raquel
have probably earned themselves a future Tag Team Championship opportunity.
[Pat] Dom and Liv hugging each other,
-Dom's proud. -[music concludes]
Unsurprisingly, Dominik Mysterio helping Liv Morgan
and Raquel Rodriguez pick up that win, this time over the tag team champions.
But speaking of winners, my guest at this time, Rhea Ripley.
[crowd cheering]
Rhea, congratulations, retaining your Women's World Championship
at Saturday night's main event, this time against Nia Jax.
Have to ask, how's your body feeling after that brutality?
Honestly, body's a little bit banged up.
It's Nia Jax. She's a dominant force, I'll give her that.
But just like I did in Australia, I reminded Nia why Mami is always on top.
Yes, she is. And we have to talk about the Royal Rumble,
as a former Royal Rumble winner in 2023.
Do you have any predictions for that match this Saturday?
Mm. Predictions. Honestly, Cathy,
it doesn't really matter who wins the Royal Rumble match,
because if they decide to face me,
they're gonna get brutalized at WrestleMania.
-[chuckles] -Ding-dong.
[crowd cheering]
Hey, um, as the defending Royal Rumble winner
who was successful at last year's WrestleMania,
maybe it'll be me who you see at this year's WrestleMania.
[chuckles] Good luck.
[smacks lips] Thank you.
[crowd cheering]
See you Saturday.
[crowd cheering, applauding]
[Michael] You know, we said at the top of the show,
the city of Atlanta is an absolute hotbed for professional wrestling.
Of course, Georgia Championship Wrestling and, of course,
WCW and WWE has taken over in recent years.
This is the 25th Monday Night Raw in this town.
It hosted the 2002 and 2010 Royal Rumble.
It also hosted WrestleMania XXVII,
where yours truly became the only announcer in WrestleMania history
to be undefeated.
[Pat] I don't know if Crockett and Dusty
and Rick expected this doofus coming out with a microphone.
Look at how fat and out of shape,
a commentator that would go on to become a GOAT.
He has 14 rolls there on his damn gut.
Hey, why is he wearing a knee brace?
-Why is he wearing knee pads? -[Michael chuckles]
[Pat] We have no idea.
All we know is that this man, putting his ones up in the sky,
might be the dumbest human to ever get into a ring.
He shaved his pits for this, he shaved his chest for this.
He made himself look like an asshole,
but this man right here understood
that when he puts these Spanx on, nobody sees anything.
-[Michael] I beat it. I won. -[Pat] What happened?
What happened? And then follow up to tonight, obviously.
-All right. All right. -[Michael laughs]
[Pat] It's… Uh… Jeez.
Oh, my God.
[Michael] Hey, you're an idiot.
You had a really special interview a minute ago.
Tell us the big news.
[Pat] Kai Cenat will be live in person in Indianapolis
at the Royal Rumble.
And he said, "Speed, I'll see you there as well."
He and Speed stream online and millions of people watch them live.
Some of the most electric human beings that have ever existed
will be at the Royal Rumble.
[suspenseful music playing]
The Penta era is here!
Thank you for an amazing welcome, but this is only the beginning.
[in Spanish] This is just getting started.
There's only one way to become the best in the world.
And that's by going up against the best in the world.
[in English] I want to face the best wrestlers in WWE.
All of them. One-on-one. Two against one.
Twenty-nine against one.
Penta will be in the Royal Rumble this Saturday with cero miedo.
Because after the Royal Rumble is over,
listen…
I will have my WrestleMania moment.
And you know why?
[in Spanish] Because I am Penta "El Cero Miedo"!
[music concludes]
["Von dutch" playing]
Well, thanks for the embarrassment, but I know I can do this,
give me one more chance to try.
-To try what? -The dap thing.
Now, you need to live in this world right here.
This is where you need to stay at all times.
Right here, just stay right in here.
-Hey here's the big news, all right? -You shake hands,
you don't dap up with anybody anymore, okay?
You shake their hands like the old ass white that you are.
Hey Penta's in the Royal Rumble. He just made that major announcement.
It's going to be amazing to see him in the Rumble.
Well, before we get into Rumble Weekend, we're going to kick things off on Friday,
5:00 eastern on Peacock, 2:00 Pacific.
The Royal Rumble Kickoff Show, all these stars will be there,
and Pat and I will be hosting in Pat's hometown.
We're going to be, I believe, in the atrium area at the Fieldhouse.
[Pat] Yeah, the Gainbridge Fieldhouse has hosted plenty of electrifying events,
but the Royal Rumble Kickoff will certainly launch a magical weekend
in the great city of Indy.
[Michael] Yes, over 60, 000 for the 30-Man Over-The-Top-Rope Royal Rumble match.
The winner gets to take on the champion of his choice at WrestleMania.
Also the ladder match for the WWE Championship.
The Winged Eagle title, the WWE title hanging above the ring.
You climb a ladder, you take them both down,
you become the champion.
It's Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens this coming Saturday.
Also a two out of three falls match for the WWE Tag Team Titles.
The Motor City Machine Guns take on the chance
from Friday Night SmackDown on USA, DIY.
And the 30 woman Over-The-Top-Rope Royal Rumble match.
Every woman for herself.
The winner gets the champion of her choice
to face at WrestleMania.
Remember, it's a special start time, folks.
6:00 Eastern, 3:00 Pacific.
[Pat] Wait a minute.
[Michael] Well, that's why you heard this crowd, because
-Paul Heyman… Yes. -[Pat] A Hall of Famer is here.
-[Michael] Yes, Paul Heyman,
one of the all-time greats.
Listen to this ovation.
-[crowd cheering] -["Von dutch" continues]
[Pat] How could you not acknowledge a wise man?
[crowd jeering]
[crowd chanting "OTC"]
Ladies and gentlemen, my name
-is Paul Heyman. -[crowd] Paul Heyman!
And as irony would have it,
I'm the one behind the one.
The one GOAT, greatest of all time,
the one and only Tribal Chief.
And the one who represents WWE
and the entire island of relevancy on the cover
of WWE 2K25.
[Michael] Oh!
What's in the air?
[crowd chanting "OTC"]
There's a great responsibility when you're on the cover art
of a video game of this magnitude.
Your Tribal Chief can live up to that responsibility,
because I'm the one behind the one
in 29 versus one.
Your Tribal Chief Roman Reigns is going back
to the mindset of one versus all,
because that is what this Royal Rumble is all about.
Roman Reigns told you he was going to take back his Ula Fala.
Roman Reigns took back his Ula Fala from Solo Sikoa.
[crowd cheering]
And now, I'm telling you,
Roman Reigns is coming back for his championship.
[crowd cheering]
And it all starts this Saturday at the Royal Rumble,
because all 29 of them are coming after Roman Reigns.
Because Roman Reigns is not just the biggest star here on Netflix,
Roman Reigns is not just the biggest star in WWE.
He's the biggest star in this whole damn industry.
He's the biggest star on the face of this planet.
When Elon Musk colonizes Mars,
Roman Reigns will be the biggest star on that planet too.
[crowd cheering]
There are two types of men that are qualified this Saturday
to enter the Royal Rumble.
One is "The One," Roman Reigns,
and the other is just someone else in that locker room.
I don't care who it is, John Cena, Rey Mysterio,
Penta, Seth "Freaking" Rollins.
I'm not even allowed to talk about him, it's too personal to Roman Reigns.
There's 29 Roman Reigns wannabes in that locker room.
They all wanna be the Tribal Chief.
They all wanna be the biggest star in the industry.
They go to bed at night,
they get down on their hands and their knees,
and they look up to the heavens above,
and they say, "Please, dear God, let me be…"
"Please, dear God, I want to be
Roman Reigns."
["Gallantry" playing]
[Michael] Not so fast, a man who knows something about winning
the Royal Rumble match, Pat.
Drew McIntyre, the Scottish Warrior.
[Pat] I don't know if he's praying to be Roman Reigns either.
[crowd booing]
[Michael] We all know the history between McIntyre and Roman Reigns.
Lost to him at Clash at the Castle a couple of years ago,
that began the downward spiral for Drew McIntyre.
And he blames everyone for their association now
with the man who is once again the Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns.
McIntyre can't believe the likes of Sami Zayn
and Jimmy Uso and Jey Uso,
Cody Rhodes have all gone back to support Roman.
[Pat] Yeah, Drew will certainly figure out a way to be motivated.
Will he be able to be focused enough to win some matches,
become a champion, go on to be what he's supposed to be
with his physique, his look, everything about him?
[Michael] I wish I looked like that in WrestleMania Singlet.
[Pat] We all do, Cole.
-[Michael] Mr. Heyman looks a bit nervous. -[Pat] As he should be.
[Michael] Now, what do you think Drew thinks about Roman Reigns
being on the cover of 2K25.
[Pat] I assume we're about to learn here relatively soon.
[Michael] He can't be happy with that massive poster
looking down at him.
The man Drew despises most on the planet.
[Pat] It's a great cover for 2K25.
I played as myself in that game,
went undefeated, and then chose to lose to Roman Reigns to pay my respects
-to our Tribal Chief. -[Michael] Yeah, I know, I called it.
[Pat] Yes, you did. Great job on that.
[music concludes]
You look kinda nervous, Paul.
Relax.
The only person that should be nervous around here is Sami Zayn.
I just wanna talk to you, you and I, we never get to talk.
[crowd chanting "We want Roman"]
You don't like me very much, do you?
Don't open your mouth. Just listen for once.
You should love me because I am responsible
for all of this success you're having right now.
Confused?
[crowd chanting "We don't care"]
You may care about this because I have something
I've gotta admit right now.
It pains me and it wasn't intentional, but I…
-am the daddy of the bloodline. -[crowd jeering]
-What? -Yeah.
I hate it, but I'm the catalyst of it all. Let me take you
through the chain reaction of it all, Paul.
I won the Royal Rumble in 2020. I eliminated Roman Reigns.
I went to the main event of WrestleMania
where I slayed the beast and won the world title.
Your client… he sent you out to sea.
You like to tell everybody
that Roman rescued you from obscurity, but no,
you're a smart man. You're the smartest man in this industry.
You swam back to shore, metaphorically, of course.
Found Roman at a low time, got in his ear,
harnessed all of his talent for evil.
And you went on this run, the greatest run of your life.
The Bloodline took over, more moments than you've ever had,
more money than you've ever made.
Look, Paul, you're on the damn video game now.
[crowd cheering]
So, I guess, all I'm looking for-- Look at me when I'm talking to you.
All I am looking for is a very simple, "Thank you, Drew."
[crowd jeering]
Thank… Thank you, Drew.
But you're crowding me right now.
-[crowd cheering] -[Pat chuckles]
Okay, I'm sorry, Wiseman.
I'll give you your space. I apologize that I was crowding you.
This is-- I just did you a favor.
Can you do me a favor please? Pretty please?
I really don't have favors to give you.
Sure, what's the favor?
Could you please tell your boy from Drew McIntyre that this Saturday,
I'm gonna target him.
I'm gonna beat him within an inch of his life.
And I'm gonna throw his lifeless carcass over the top rope.
-Can you do that for me? -[crowd cheering]
[crowd chanting "We want Roman"]
I give you my word.
I will pass your message on
to my Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns.
[crowd cheering]
I wasn't talking about Roman.
He knows I'm coming.
I was talking about your boy, CM Punk.
[crowd cheering]
-Run. -[crowd chanting "CM Punk"]
[Michael] Remember, Heyman still owes Punk a favor
because Punk joined the Roman Reigns team back at Survivor Series,
but McIntyre is just-- He's gone off the deep end.
-He got all these conspiracy theories. -["Gallantry" playing]
[Michael] Half of it doesn't make any sense.
[Pat] Points a lot of fingers at a lot of different people, obviously,
to blame everywhere but himself.
[Michael] Well, McIntyre is in action. Renews his rivalry with Sami Zayn.
-[crowd jeering] -[Michael] As Roman hangs over his head.
-Run along. -[music concludes]
["Worlds Apart" playing]
[Michael] Twelve thousand four-thirty-two on their feet in Atlanta for Sami Zayn
who tonight takes on Drew McIntyre once again,
which has been an absolute one sided rivalry
and not in Sami's favor.
[crowd cheering]
[Michael] Sami Zayn has never beaten Drew McIntyre.
Sami Zayn is O in ten versus the Scottish Warrior in his career.
This is a big matchup for Sami tonight, not only to end that curse,
but also to build momentum towards the Royal Rumble match
come Saturday night in Indianapolis. A reminder, special start time,
6:00 Eastern, 3:00 Pacific for the Royal Rumble in Indy.
So, Sami Zayn, Drew McIntyre, one on one tonight.
-[bell ringing] -[Michael] Zayn's being pulled
in so many different directions.
A lot of people wondering
if the Helluva Kick to Seth Rollins, last week, was an accident.
-Sami insists it is. -[crowd chanting "Let's go, Sami"]
[Michael] Others are saying that Sami Zayn needs to stop worrying
about all his friends and start to focus on an opportunity,
-perhaps at a world title down the road. -[indistinct chatter]
[Michael] And we're underway with a collar and elbow tie up
for McIntyre and Zayn.
Pat, Drew McIntyre won the Royal Rumble back in 2020
last year.
He was the man who injured CM Punk in that matchup
before being eliminated by him.
[Pat] Yeah, then he took a victory lap around every time,
saying he ruined CM Punk's one and only dream.
Got distracted by a lot of things.
[Michael] Sami Zayn will enter his seventh Rumble match this year.
His best performance by far in the Rumble came all the way back
-in 2017 when he lasted nearly 47 minutes. -[crowd cheering]
[Michael] That's the closest Sami has come to winning the event.
And now, Sami Zayn going right back to work at McIntyre.
-McIntyre was barking at Sami. -[overlapping chatter]
[Michael] And McIntyre, now sends Sami to the corner.
Misses with a big right hand, and Sami now with a couple of chops.
Remember, McIntyre was laughing his way out of the arena
when he watched Sami Zayn Helluva Kick Seth Rollins last week.
[Pat] Obviously, Drew McIntyre's gonna appreciate anybody helping him,
even if it's inadvertent like Sami Zayn said.
[Michael] Well, Zayn now with a big kick to McIntyre,
sent Drew up over the top rope to the floor.
[Pat] That would be an elimination on Saturday.
[Michael] Indeed it would, over the top rope,
both feet hit the floor.
When that happens, you are eliminated.
Sami Zayn now.
Off the top rope, and a moonsault right into McIntyre!
McIntyre tried to grab him, didn't matter.
-Sami took him down. -[Pat] Perfectly magnifiqué.
[Michael] Sami's fired up.
Can he knock off Drew for the very first time?
[Pat] Great replay from the truck there.
Hit it perfect off of Drew McIntyre's face.
Sami Zayn's rolling here in Atlanta.
-Ooh, double chop stops him. -[Michael] Oh, my goodness.
Yeah, the production truck did a great job with the Quavo stuff.
McIntyre, look at just the scowl on his face.
He's just angry at the world.
[crowd chanting "Let's go, Sami, let's go Drew"]
Sami, about to set up…
Drew fans in the house tonight.
-[Pat] Did not expect to hear that. -[Michael] No, not at all.
[Pat] I don't know if Drew likes that or hates that.
Feels like he is a glutton for punishment.
[Michael] He is a hypocrite, we do know that.
Sami was hammering away on McIntyre.
[Pat] You call Drew a hypocrite, he says he tells the truth with a--
[Michael] It's his version of the truth.
-[Pat] Huge chop from Sami Zayn. -[Michael] Sami into the corner.
And runs right into a kick by McIntyre.
Drew crawls to the cover to knock off Sami for an 11th time,
and a kick-out by Sami.
[Pat] Drew went immediately for the cover there.
[Michael] You've been on some bad football teams.
[Pat] Only a couple, to be honest.
[Michael] But when you're like 0 and ten against,
you know, another opponent,
that's just got a way on your mind, right?
[Pat] Yeah, absolutely.
I mean, that did happen to the team I was on.
Peyton Manning had a broken frickin' neck out of nowhere in training camp.
[Pat] And we almost went completely defeated.
You walk into a game hoping you'd win,
but you have no idea if it's actually gonna happen.
Those are two very different mindsets that Sami Zayn has to deal with.
[Michael] McIntyre believes he's gonna win every match
that he walks into, especially against Sami.
Another big chop by McIntyre.
[Pat] Yeah, whenever you think you have somebody's number,
it can feel very good.
Yeah, big old bicep on that Scottish bastard there.
[Michael] Well, you know, Drew is just an incredible, physical specimen,
reminds me of a Terminator.
[Pat] It's like he's chiseled from stone.
[Michael] Sami Zayn, I'm not quite sure how to describe his look.
[Pat] Gritty.
[Michael] Sami now off the second rope, and again,
knocks McIntyre down to one knee.
Tremendous heart and resilience by Sami Zayn,
former four-time Intercontinental Champion.
He was an NXT champ,
but still hasn't won a world title here on Raw or SmackDown.
And look at Drew McIntyre, Sami turns it around into a DDT.
Classic Zayn, cover now, hook the leg, McIntyre at two.
[Pat] Look at DDT suplex almost.
Flipped Drew completely onto his back.
Great usage of momentum in his body.
Sami Zayn acting like the veteran he is.
And Sami's busted open.
We're not talking SiriusXM, I'm talking about his nose.
[Michael] Yeah, Sami Zayn now getting fired up by that.
Chop to McIntyre.
Sami now gonna-- And look at McIntyre, so smart.
Forced Sammy to lose his balance and he came down hard.
[Pat] I don't know if those things bleed down there,
but that certainly hurts.
-Sammy's blood all over the side. -[Michael] Yeah, Sammy busted open.
Look at McIntyre back in the ring just stalking Sami.
Uncomfortable situation here.
[Pat] I don't like what's about to--
Drew's got a nasty look in his eye, Cole.
[Michael] McIntyre, looking to take out Sami.
Sami, Drew went for the Claymore, landed on the announce table.
Sami Zayn's back in the match.
[groans]
And we're back here in Atlanta.
Great action during the break, McIntyre and Zayn.
Sami Zayn just will not give up.
He won't back down.
He's still taking the punishment and abuse from McIntyre.
[Pat] Got Drew startled here that Sami's fighting back.
This has been a one way trip for Sami thus far.
[Michael] Tremendous guts by Zayn, McIntyre down to his knees.
Sami Zayn sent across the ring.
Leapfrog up over the top and big clothesline, McIntyre's down.
And Sami now trying to fight back.
[Pat] That's the Saquon Barkley leap over Drew McIntyre.
And all of a sudden, Sami has a chance.
[Michael] The Giants made a great move with him.
And Sami Zayn now, and look at this.
And a spinebuster by McIntyre.
Jackknife cover for the win. Sami's still in it.
-[Pat] Ragdoll. -[Michael] And again,
that sit-down powerbomb and a kick-out by Zayn.
How the hell is Sami Zayn still in this thing?
[Pat] Just ragdolling Sami Zayn through the mat.
First with a spinebuster and a sit-down powerbomb.
Sami still somehow kicks out.
[Michael] Yeah, over 12,000 stunned here in Atlanta
that Sami's still in this match.
Drew McIntyre has punished him for most of this matchup.
Again, we talked about it earlier, Pat said he's gotta…
try to avoid serious injury here tonight with the Rumble looming on Saturday.
[Pat] He's already bleeding and has been bleeding
since the beginning of the match. I wonder how long that can wear on him.
[Michael] McIntyre now, with Sami on his shoulders,
he's gonna scale up now to the second rope at least.
He might be looking for some white noise made famous
by his former pal Sheamus.
Sami Zayn though,
sunset flip powerbomb for the win on McIntyre, kick at two.
[Michael] Sami looking to end the curse, the streak here tonight.
[Pat] Just when you think it's over for Sami, something like that happens.
A flip of the switch, a snap of a finger,
and a sunset flip powerbomb almost wins this for Sami.
[Michael] Sami now, waist lock applied to McIntyre.
[Pat] Sami now in control.
[Michael] Yeah, looking for Blue Thunderbomb,
he won a match a couple of weeks ago with that move.
McIntyre, though, with a side headlock prevents it from happening.
Sami trying to pick up Drew. Drew, again, just out powers Zayn.
[Pat] Big right to the face.
[Michael] Sami though, he's got McIntyre on the hook,
went for the Exploder, McIntyre blocked again.
Sami's been through so much in this match.
[Pat] And Drew's so powerful--
[Michael] There's a great throw by McIntyre, sends Zayn across the ring.
[Pat] Both these men have to be exhausted.
[Michael] And a kip up by McIntyre.
Remember the disdain McIntyre has for Sami, Pat,
because Sami went back into the fold with Roman Reigns.
Sami with a kick.
And now, Sami with a Blue Thunder Bomb for the win on McIntyre.
Kick out at two.
[Pat] Drew thinks everybody's a coward.
That's his mindset. Well, Sami almost ended this
with a Blue Thunder Bomb.
[Michael] Now Sami's got an opportunity, can he put Drew McIntyre away?
What a win this would be to build momentum toward the Rumble on Saturday.
[Pat] Sami Zayn, never been able to beat Drew McIntyre.
He gets a dub here, he's gotta be flying high into Indianapolis.
[Michael] Sami now, top rope, McIntyre catches him with a right.
[Pat] Geez.
Trying to cave in Sami's sternum.
[McIntyre] Give up.
[Michael] Oh, goodness, Sami's got a chance here.
[Pat] Last resort grab there by Sami Zayn.
Drew McIntyre in a precarious position.
[Michael] And now, look at that, great core strength by McIntyre.
Grabbing Sami and sending him across the ring.
[Pat] What a special athlete Drew McIntyre is.
[Michael] Man, what a fight for Sami Zayn tonight.
[crowd counting]
[Michael] Thought he was gonna Claymore, counter, Sami averted it.
-Pin! -One! Two!
[Michael] Kick-out!
[Michael] Sami out-- Shoulder first to the post goes McIntyre.
Sami's got an opportunity.
This time he hits the Exploder on Drew and he's got McIntyre in position.
Will it be Sami's moment?
Will Sami Zayn be able to pull it off?
Went for the Helluva Kick, nobody home.
McIntyre scoops him up, shoulders down, uses the ropes
-to his advantage. -[bell ringing]
[Michael] Ref doesn't see it, McIntyre wins.
[Alicia] Here is your winner, Drew McIntyre.
[Michael] Sami cannot believe it.
Drew McIntyre picks up the win tonight, a very game.
What an effort by Sami Zayn.
He's trying to explain to the official that McIntyre had
his feet on the ropes for leverage, but Rod Zapata did not see it.
And McIntyre picks up the win.
And now, Drew McIntyre, and of course, this is Drew's playbook.
This is what he does.
Even when he wins, he's a sore sport.
And now, he wants to continue to beat the hell out of Sami Zayn.
[Pat] Cheating to win wasn't enough for Drew.
He wants to make an example out of Sami Zayn. Now he's raking the face
that's been bleeding for 20 minutes on.
["Kingdom" playing]
[Michael] Oh. Sami's got some backup.
Sami falls to 0-11 versus Drew.
And now Cody Rhodes, another one that's on Drew McIntyre's hit list
for siding with Roman Reigns. Cody Rhodes,
the WWE Champion with a Cody Cutter to McIntyre.
Atlanta's own Cody Rhodes is here.
Oh, my God, Pat, Pat, Kevin Owens.
Kevin Owens clocking Rhodes.
They meet Saturday in the ladder match for the WWE title.
And Cody Rhodes now fighting back against Owens.
This is gonna be a brawl, a war, come Saturday at the Rumble.
[Pat] Kevin Owens, who has been nothing
but disrespectful to The American Nightmare.
[Michael] And now, McIntyre attacking Rhodes.
Again, taking advantage of the situation.
Kevin Owens is left down,
but McIntyre now has Cody Rhodes in the corner barking at him.
Oh, no.
Sami Zayn with a Helluva Kick to Rhodes.
I mean, that had to be an accident. That had to be an accident again.
[Pat] I don't know, Cole. Once, maybe.
Back-to-back weeks, with accidental Helluva Kicks?
[Michael] Kevin Owens is happy.
And if you're Sami Zayn going to Saturday, you got a lot to think about, Pat.
Kevin Owens told Sami last week,
"Listen, you help me win the ladder match
because there's no disqualifications."
"I'll give you the first championship opportunity."
Will Sami Zayn actually put his first title chance
ahead of his friends at the Rumble?
Oh, got a great view, don't I? [chuckles]
[crowd cheering]
[pants]
Hanging above… [pants]
That championship.
Gosh, I don't know.
I spent 39, I spent my whole life.
That's all I ever wanted to get my hands on.
And you know what I found out in the last seven months?
I found out
it's not about… it's not about the belt,
it's not about the physical belt,
the belt that Kevin Owens is convinced will make him a champion.
Here's what makes you a champion.
It's a mindset, it's the work!
Nobody in WWE has worked more matches than me. Nobody!
I show up first, I leave last,
I continue to do so!
[inhales sharply] And I am so… looking forward
[exhales]
…to the Royal Rumble, where I can move past Kevin Owens
-and find out… -["Cult of Personality" playing]
[crowd roaring]
[Pat] Wait a minute.
♪ Look in my eyes, what do you see? ♪
♪ The cult of personality ♪
♪ I know your anger, I know your dreams ♪
♪ I've been everything you wanna be ♪
♪ Oh, I'm the cult of personality ♪
♪ Like Mussolini and Kennedy ♪
♪ I'm the cult of personality ♪
-[inaudible] -♪ The cult of personality ♪
♪ The cult of personality ♪
[crowd cheering]
[music fades]
[crowd chanting "CM Punk"]
Hey, man.
Are you all right?
I realize it's kinda funny in the delivery,
but I'm asking legitimately because I'm your friend
and I worry about you.
It looks to me like all of this is starting to get to you a little bit.
I know
what that belt means, not the Kevin Owens replica.
I know what that title can do to a man.
I was champion for 434 historic days way back when.
[crowd cheering]
And somewhere around the 300-day mark,
it started to weigh on me, I started to get burned out,
and frankly it turned me into somebody that I didn't enjoy being most days.
I lost friends
because of that title, and I see you losing friends
left and right, and I get it.
You wanna be Bruno Sammartino,
you wanna come out here and you wanna put on your face
for your hometown, you wanna be John Cena,
you wanna do it all.
But, Cody, none of us
are Superman.
[Rhodes] I don't… [sniffles]
I don't have a lot of friends, but…
CM Punk…
you're my friend.
Right?
[Punk] Yes.
That's why I'm out here, that's why I'm talking to you right now.
I'm not out here to rain on your parade, I'm here to be your friend.
And unlike everybody else you've surrounded yourself with,
I promise you that I will always be your friend.
And partly, because of a promise I made to your father.
But partly, 'cause damn it, Cody,
I love you.
[crowd cheering, applauding]
And I see the road that you're on.
It's a road that I traveled,
and a part of me feels like I've let you down
because I couldn't prepare you for this.
But the truth is, not even your father could've prepared you for this.
You are the man, unequivocally, on top of the mountain.
There are no friends.
When you're a champion in WWE, you got a target on your back.
And when you're… the champion,
it turns into a…
"heavy is the head that wears the crown" sort of situation
[Rhodes] Punk.
Please.
Let's just… let's just cut through it.
Last year, before the Royal Rumble,
we stood in the ring, just like we're standing now,
and you had a prediction,
a prediction that had a lot of truth to it.
So tell me, friend, tell me…
what's next for me.
[crowd shouting]
[Punk] Mm. Hmm.
Okay, I'll tell you what's next for you.
In the short term.
You're in your hometown.
-[crowd cheering] -You get to sleep in your own bed tonight.
And that's rare in this business.
Especially when you're running as hard as you are.
But I bet
you're not gonna sleep at all.
'Cause chances are you got an early call time
and you're gonna be doing media and promotion
for what is the biggest match of your entire career
at the Royal Rumble against Kevin Owens.
Maybe you don't have an early call time,
maybe you get to enjoy some time with your wife and your daughter,
but chances are you're not gonna be sleeping much anyway,
because you're gonna be thinking
about the biggest match of your career, look at the title, Cody.
That means something to a guy like me and you.
And then you're gonna crisscross the country.
Because if you make it past Kevin Owens,
one of the toughest SOBs in that locker room,
a little bit deranged but somebody who used to be your friend,
so you're gonna be to emotional,
if you make it past him,
well, then there's the next show.
There's Raw, and then there's SmackDown,
and we're on Netflix, and it's bigger than ever.
You're the poster boy, this is what you asked for.
And no matter how thin you're spread and no matter how early the mornings are
and no matter how late the nights get,
you sacrifice, that's what's in store for you.
Less time at home with your daughter, less time at home with you wife.
Empty nights,
ironically in front of sold-out stadiums chanting your name.
Because that means something to guys like me and you.
Look at all these little kids out here wearing your merchandise.
And when you're crisscrossing the country in your bus,
draped in the red and the white and the blue,
somebody is gonna be busting their ass chasing you.
Somebody is gonna be getting into the best shape of their life.
Somebody is gonna win the Royal Rumble
and they're gonna see you in the main event of WrestleMania,
and while you're on the way down, they're on the way up,
and they're going to take that belt from you.
-And that's the good news, Cody. -[Rhodes] Oh, that's the good news?
-Yeah. -That's the good news. [chuckles]
Please… tell me the bad news.
The bad news is that somebody is me.
[crowd gasping, cheering]
Unlike all these other people,
"your friends," stabbing you in the back,
I'm gonna win the Royal Rumble
and I'll see you in the main event of WrestleMania.
And because I'm your one true friend,
I'm gonna stab you in the front.
[crowd gasping]
I respect you telling me that, for sure.
Allow me to share something with you.
When I first came into the whole wrestling ecosphere,
when I first showed up, 4400 Shepherdsville Road at OVW,
I met you, right?
We were the only ones who wanted to learn arm drags
and head scissors from Greg Gagne,
you were the man, chick magnet CM Punk.
Everybody wanted to be you. We were chasing you.
And then you got called up, the big call-up,
cashed in, became World Heavyweight Champion,
and then I follow soon after on the roster with you,
and I was chasing you.
And then there's a whole ten-year period!
A ten-year period where you sat at home, you sat on your couch,
we were in this ring, some of your peers in that locker room,
and they were chanting your name.
You were still the man, and we were chasing you!
But that dynamic has shifted.
Because your prediction last year,
one thing you certainly… were wrong about.
Our dynamic, you and I,
this relationship, it's completely changed,
and you know why?
I'm not chasing you.
You're chasing me.
[crowd cheering, applauding]
And, friend,
I want you to know.
I hope you win the Royal Rumble, I do.
I hope it's you.
Because I want you to catch up.
[crowd aahing]
Come back here, come back here. I wasn't… I wasn't finished.
A lot of men have said that they hope it's me that catches me,
but there's a graveyard full of careers…
that wanted me to catch them right up until I did.
[crowd aahing]
[Rhodes] I wasn't done.
Oh, I wasn't done.
I want you to catch up, I want you win the Royal Rumble,
and I hope it's you
because I want to see the look on your face
when you find out
that The Best in the World…
isn't the best in the world anymore.
-[mic thuds] -[crowd cheering, applauding]
["Kingdom" playing]
[Michael] So much at stake, so much pressure.
WrestleMania on the line,
the Royal Rumble, the beginning of The Road to WrestleMania.
[inaudible]
♪ Adrenaline in my soul ♪ g of The Road to WrestleMania.