WWE Raw Results
January 30, 2023
Tulsa, Oklahoma (BOK Center)
Commentary: Kevin Patrick and Corey Graves
Results by: Mike Tedesco of Wrestleview.com
“Then. Now. Forever. Together.” The WWE video leads us into the show.
A video highlights Cody Rhodes’ dramatic return in the 2023 Men’s Royal Rumble match. Rhodes entered at No. 30 and won the match. Rhodes’ dream of main eventing WrestleMania and winning the World Title is one step closer to reality.
“The American Nightmare” Cody Rhodes, the winner of the 2023 Men’s Royal Rumble, is introduced to the crowd. Rhodes comes out to a great reaction and looks pumped up. Pyro goes off twice for him. Rhodes gets in the ring and looks genuinely happy. A loud “Cody” chant breaks out in the BOK Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma. This chant is soon followed by a “You deserve it” chant.
Rhodes jokingly asks what they want to talk about. There’s always someone new watching this show. Rhodes is not the same person he was 15 years ago when he first started. Rhodes thought a lot about him as a 19-year-old pulling up to a metal barn called Ohio Valley Wrestling. There was a sign on the door that said, “Tomorrow’s superstars today.” Rhodes was sitting in his old Volkswagon Jetta and remembers vividly thinking to himself that he would be WWE Champion within two years. Rhodes was ambitious as well as delusional. Rhodes thought he’d be the next John Cena. If he could go back and talk to 19-year-old Cody, what would he say? Would he say it wasn’t going to go down like that? Would he tell him that one night in London he’d be slapped so hard his knees would buckle? Would he tell him that he would be “Dashing” Cody Rhodes giving grooming tips? Would he tell him that he would become the Intercontinental Champion and restore it to its former retro glory? Would he tell him that he’d paint his face and become less than? Would he tell him that the woman saying everyone’s names all night would become his wife? Would he tell him that he’d lose a 295-pound best friend but gain a 6 foot 1 one back? Would he tell him that he’d be on fire at one point and bleed all over the world? Would he tell him that in 2015 he would do what everyone tells him not to do and take an excursion to look at the industry’s health while neglecting his own? Would he tell him that in January 2023, he would outlast 29 others in the Royal Rumble and be the first in the family to punch his ticket to go on last at WrestleMania?
Another “Cody” chant picks up. Rhodes says he wouldn’t tell 19-year-old Cody a single thing. Every piece on this broken road has been 100% unequivocally worth it. Rhodes is out and listening to people singing his theme song. The first words on that track are his own: “Wrestling has more than one royal family.” Actually, WWE has more than one royal family. For that to be true, real, invigorated, validated, and vindicated in his heart, he has to stand across from a Bloodline, the Tribal Chief, and the Head of the Table. The crowd starts to boo loudly. Rhodes has to stand across from the man who has held the title for 800-plus days. He has to stand across the ring from Roman Reigns. The crowd boos Reigns’ name and chants, “Roman sucks.”
Rhodes says he has a great deal of respect for Reigns, but what he says next he says with the same sincerity. WrestleMania is 62 days away. That might be just 62 days to Reigns. It is 62 days for the rest of Rhodes’ life. At WrestleMania, undesirable has already become undeniable. Undeniable remains uncrowned, but on that night it ends. On WrestleMania, somebody else is going to be eating. After WrestleMania, Reigns can be the biggest superstar in the world. The one thing Roman Reigns will not be is the WWE Undisputed Universal Champion. The crowd claps for Rhodes.
The Judgment Day’s music hits. Finn Bálor, Damian Priest, and Dominic Mysterio come out to the stage. Bálor says he’s a little refused. Is Rhodes returning this time to do something original or is he going to knock off all his old stuff like he did before? Mysterio says Rhodes ruined The Judgment Day’s plans at the Royal Rumble. Mami Rhea did what she was supposed to and won the Women’s Royal Rumble Match. Later tonight, everyone will have the honor to hear her say who her WrestleMania opponent will be. Mysterio was supposed to win the Men’s Royal Rumble match. Bálor wonders what happened to Rey Mysterio that led to him not coming out. Mysterio says Rhodes put his hands on him and ruined his moment at the Rumble. If Rhodes did that in prison, he wouldn’t be standing here right now. He would’ve got got. Priest says Mysterio should be the only multi-generational superstar in the WrestleMania main event, not a suck-up like Rhodes. Of course, Rhodes got handed number 30. Ripley ran the gauntlet. Mysterio says Rhodes owes him an apology for ruining his moment.
Rhodes tells him to hold on. Rhodes doesn’t want to piss them off, but is Mysterio trying to scare him straight? This could be very different. Rhodes mentioned royal families. Rhodes has respect for his father. Mysterio says he has no respect for his father. The crowd loudly boos this. Mysterio doesn’t have respect for anyone’s father here, especially Rhodes’ father. The crowd boos that even louder. Rhodes begins to speak, but he’s stopped by a “Kick his ass” chant. Rhodes says it’s 62 days until WrestleMania. He could play it safe and try to stay healthy, or he can do what he does and kick their ass. Any of the three, let’s do it tonight! Rhodes’ music plays.
There will be three Elimination Chamber Qualifying Matches: Baron Corbin vs. Johnny Gargano, Dolph Ziggler vs. Bronson Reed, and Seth “Freakin” Rollins battles Chad Gable.
The Judgment Day starts to head to the back, but Edge’s music hits! Bálor looks stunned! Edge runs out and attacks The Judgment Day. Rhodes joins in. Referees quickly run out to break it up.
-Commercial Break-
Photos are shown from this past Saturday’s Royal Rumble event.
Earlier today, United States Champion Austin Theory arrived in the building. He’ll be on MVP’s VIP Lounge later tonight.
Later tonight, Cody Rhodes will battle Finn Bálor.
Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match
Seth “Freakin” Rollins vs. Chad Gable w/ Otis
The bell rings, and they circle the ring before locking up. Rollins wrenches the arm, but Gable rolls through it. Gable takes him down with a drop-toe-hold and goes for an ankle lock, but Rollins quickly scurries to the bottom rope. The crowd loudly sings Rollins’ song. Gable applies a waistlock and hits a rolling German Suplex for a near fall. Rollins quickly rolls out of the ring to recover, but Gable wipes him out with a cannonball off the apron. Gable gets him in the ring and takes him down with a running forearm. Gable goes to the top rope and connects with a diving head-butt for a near fall.
-Commercial Break-
Picture-in-Picture Commercial Break: Gable pulls Rollins to the ring post and smashes his leg off it. Gable attacks the leg in the corner and hits a dragon screw before applying a leg lock. Gable pulls him back to the ring post, but Rollins pulls him into the ring post. Otis tries to fan Gable with a towel. Rollins hits Gable with a baseball slide and gets him in the ring. Gable quickly hits Rollins with another dragon screw getting into the ring. Gable continues to work on the leg and applies another leg lock.
We come back from the break to see Rollins punch out of the leg lock. Rollins chops Gable back to the corner. Gable reverses a whip and blocks a boot. Gable ties Rollins in the ropes and hits another dragon screw. Gable goes to the top rope for a moonsault, but he lands on his feet when Rollins moves. Rollins rolls him up, powers him up, and hits a Buckle Bomb!
Otis runs over to Master Gable to ascertain his status. Rollins shakes feeling into his injured leg. Rollins hits a pair of clotheslines and a kick to the midsection and chest. Gable ducks a right hand and goes for Chaos Theory, but Rollins flips through and superkicks him. Rollins hits a falcon arrow for a near fall. The #1 Guy shouts helplessly from ringside. Gable sidesteps a Stomp, but Gable moves. Rollins instead goes for a Pedigree, but Gable counters into a jackknife pin for a two-count. They trade pin attempts before bridging up. Gable powers him into a cliffhanger DDT for a near fall.
Gable shushes the crowd and pulls his straps down. Gable goes for a German Suplex, but Rollins elbows out. Gable counters an enzuigiri into an ankle lock. Rollins screams in pain, but he kicks Gable away. Gable maintains his grasp on the ankle and cinches in the ankle lock. Rollins counters with a roll-up for a two-count. Rollins immediately goes for a Stomp, but Gable goes back to the Pedigree. Rollins manages to get out and hits a Pedigree. Rollins holds his injured knee in pain before covering Gable for the victory.
Winner by Pinfall: Seth “Freakin” Rollins
Rollins has qualified for the Elimination Chamber where the United States Championship will be determined. Austin Theory, the champion, is already in the match.
Coming up next, Candice LeRae will battle WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion IYO SKY.
-Commercial Break-
Major headlines coming out of the Royal Rumble are shown.
WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion IYO SKY w/ Bayley and Dakota Kai vs. Candice LeRae w/ “Michin” Mia Yim
They hit the ropes and go back and forth before LeRae rolls her up for a two-count. LeRae hits a step-up senton splash for another two-count. Sky pulls her into the ropes throat-first before hitting a flapjack. Sky stomps LeRae before hitting a scoop slam.
Theatrical Trailer: Knock at the Cabin, featuring none of the women wrestling in this match, is advertised right in the middle of the match
Back to live action, LeRae gets out of a chin lock and dropkicks her back. Sky gets out of the ring to recover. LeRae hits a baseball slide and goes outside to put Sky back in the ring. Sky connects with a spin kick before hitting a scary suicide dive. Sky gets LeRae into the ring. LeRae dropkicks her to the floor. LeRae then hits a springboard cross-body block to the floor!
-Commercial Break-
Picture-in-Picture Commercial Break: LeRae rolls Sky into the ring and slowly pulls herself to the top rope. Sky cuts her off and knocks her down. Sky shoulders her in the corner and hits the slingshot double knees to the chest. Sky hits a snapmare and applies a rear chin lock. LeRae manages to counter into an octopus stretch. Sky gets out by jumping back and landing with her full body weight on LeRae. LeRae pulls herself up on the apron. Sky goes for a sunset flip powerbomb to the floor, but LeRae holds the ropes. Sky pulls her off the apron and hits a back suplex on the apron. Sky gets on the apron, but LeRae drops her with a flatliner on the apron!
Back from the break, LeRae hits a missile dropkick for a near fall. Damage CTRL looks nervous at ringside. LeRae sits Sky on the top rope and goes to the top rope as well. Sky gets down and snaps LeRae off the top. Sky hits a double-arm gutbuster before hitting a running double knee. Sky goes to the top rope, but LeRae cuts her off and hits a German Suplex off the ropes for a near fall!
They exchange forearms from their knees before getting to their feet. LeRae wildly punches her in the corner. Sky sidesteps an avalanche, but LeRae elbows her back. Sky gets LeRae in the electric chair, but LeRae counters into a poisonrana for a near fall! LeRae puts Sky on the middle rope and goes for an avalanche swinging neckbreaker, but Sky pushes her off. Sky goes for an Over the Moonsault, but LeRae gets the knees up. Dakota Kai distracts the referee as LeRae covers. The referee sees the pin after a few moments, but Sky kicks out. LeRae takes Sky down and goes to the ropes, but Bayley distracts her. LeRae attacks Bayley. Sky rolls LeRae up for the victory.
Winner by Pinfall: IYO SKY
Rhea Ripley makes her WrestleMania decision next.
-Commercial Break-
Video Package: Rhea Ripley wins the 2023 Women’s Royal Rumble Match
Rhea Ripley is introduced to the crowd. Ripley comes out alone and gets in the ring. The crowd is buzzing. Ripley says it’s been a while since she’s been out here without her Latino Heat Dom-Dom and her Judgment Day crew, but she really wanted the attention on her. Two nights ago, she disrupted the status quo. Ripley did the unthinkable and went the distance. She went from No. 1 to outlast 29 other women to win the Royal Rumble match. Now she gets to choose whichever champion she wants to face at WrestleMania.
Ripley looks up at the WrestleMania sign and thinks. Three years ago, she had just turned 24. Her career was just getting started, and she was the NXT Women’s Champion. She came to Monday Night Raw, stood in this ring, and challenged the winner of the Royal Rumble match, Charlotte Flair. She challenged her to a match at WrestleMania. Flair put her in her place. The funny thing about Flair is she’s always somehow in the title picture. Flair is somehow always at the top of her game. Ripley hates to give her credit, but she gets better every year. The normal flow in WWE is that Charlotte Flair is at the top… but she’s the disruptor. She doesn’t like the natural flow, the normal order, and things being overplayed.
Ripley says, “So, Charlotte, I advise you to enjoy everyone rising and bowing down to The Queen because they’re about to rise to Rhea Ripley!” At WrestleMania, she puts Charlotte Flair in her place. Ripley looks into the camera and says, “Charlotte Flair… I choose you.” Ripley’s music plays, and she looks up at the WrestleMania sign once again.
Cathy Kelley is backstage and mentions Elimination Chamber. She introduces Seth “Freakin” Rollins. Rollins says before we talk about Elimination Chamber, they need to talk about tonight and Tulsa, Oklahoma. What a crowd and what a fight against Chad Gable. Now Rollins is going on to Elimination Chamber and beating five other guys. Then he’ll get his United States Championship back. Then it’s on to WrestleMania in Los Angeles. Kelley asks about Logan Paul eliminating him from the Royal Rumble. Rollins chuckles but looks like he’s containing anger. Rollins walks off without further comment.
WrestleMania is 61 days away.
-Commercial Break-
More photos from the Royal Rumble are shown.
We’ll take a look at the implosion of The Bloodline at the Royal Rumble later tonight.
Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match
Baron Corbin w/ JBL vs. Johnny Gargano w/ Dexter Lumis
The bell rings, and Corbin quickly powers him to the corner. Gargano turns him around and punches him. Gargano hits a hurricanrana, but Corbin soon hits a big boot. Corbin punches away at Gargano in the corner. A “Bum-ass Corbin” chant starts. Corbin turns Gargano upside down with a whip to the corner. Corbin hits a chokeslam backbreaker for a two-count. Gargano slides out of a slam and elbows him back. Gargano rolls him up before kicking him in the head. An irate Corbin charges, but Gargano sidesteps him out of the ring. Gargano hits a baseball slide and tries for a plancha, but he lands on the apron when Corbin gets in. Gargano goes for a slingshot, but Corbin punches him in the face. Corbin goes outside and hits a chokeslam on the barricade!
-Commercial Break-
Picture-in-Picture Commercial Break: Corbin tries to get Gargano to his feet, but he’s just dead weight. Corbin finally gets him up and bounces him off the commentary table. Corbin whips him into the LED barricade before getting into the ring to break up the count-out. JBL shouts at the referee. Corbin gets Gargano in the ring and covers for a two-count. Corbin gets Gargano on the top rope and punches him in the face. Corbin attempts a superplex, but Gargano knocks him down. Gargano takes Corbin down with a tornado DDT. Gargano gets the stunned Corbin in the corner and punches. Corbin has a whip to the opposite corner reversed, but he counters back with an out-and-in clothesline. Corbin applies a chin lock.
We return from the break to see Gargano fight up from the chin lock and hit the ropes, but Corbin hits a back elbow to take him down. Corbin elbows him in the chest for a two-count. Corbin attacks him on the apron and hits the ropes, but Gargano connects with a slingshot spear for a near fall! Corbin grabs Gargano by the throat and throws him to the corner. Gargano goes to the second rope and counters an out-and-in clothesline into a superkick for a near fall.
They exchange punches and strikes in the center of the ring. Gargano hits the ropes, but Corbin drops him with a Deep Six for a near fall. Corbin mounts Gargano and punches away at him. Corbin takes off his shirt, but Gargano gets away. Corbin charges, but he hits the ring post shoulder-first when Gargano moves. Corbin falls to the floor. JBL looks irate at this turn of events. Gargano hits Corbin with a suicide dive. JBL is furious and throws his hat on the commentary table. Lumis approaches JBL and produces a mini ax. JBL is terrified. Lumis drives the ax through his hat, and JBL falls over. In the ring, Corbin avoids a slingshot spear and goes for the End of Days, but Gargano rolls him up for the victory.
Winner by Pinfall: Johnny Gargano
Johnny Gargano joins Seth “Freakin” Rollins and United States Champion Austin Theory in the Elimination Chamber match.
Coming up next, United States Champion Austin Theory will be on MVP’s VIP Lounge.
-Commercial Break-
More photos from the Royal Rumble are shown.
The VIP Lounge w/ Austin Theory
MVP is in the ring for another edition of The VIP Lounge. MVP goes through his opening shtick before introducing the man who will defend the United States Championship inside the Elimination Chamber, Austin Theory.
United States Champion Austin Theory makes his way to the ring. The crowd loudly boos him. Theory thanks MVP for inviting him onto the show. Theory used to watch the VIP Lounge when he was little. Now he’s here to make the VIP Lounge and MVP relevant again. Get rid of The VIP Lounge and just call it “Austin Theory Live.” MVP says hot trends come and go, but classics stay. MVP says Theory isn’t old enough to be a classic. MVP says Theory’s catchphrase, but the crowd boos. MVP says he’s the United States Champion, but after the Elimination Chamber, he might not be.
The crowd chants, “You suck.” Theory tells the crowd to shut up. Theory says MVP is the same man that calls Bobby Lashley the “champ.” Last week, he said Lashley would beat him. MVP knows Bobby Lashley can beat him. Theory says he’s just messing with MVP. Let’s talk about the Elimination Chamber. It’s grueling and hard to survive, but he survived it. Theory was in the most grueling spot when Brock Lesnar gave him an F5 off the Chamber. Theory is still standing because he’s the ruthlessness the new generation needs. No one can stop him. MVP loves his confidence. MVP was once a young, brash United States Champion. MVP was in the Elimination Chamber, and The Undertaker threw him off the top of the Chamber. MVP says you never know who will be in the Chamber. Theory asks if that’s a threat. Theory cannot believe he’s comparing Bobby Lashley to the Undertaker. MVP says Lashley is more dangerous to Theory. Theory says he’s already beaten him twice. The United States Championship will be defended in the Elimination Chamber, and Bobby Lashley won’t be in it, so let’s talk about something that’s not in the past.
MVP says he’s no longer business partners with Lashley, but he knows him. MVP is advising him for his health. Theory says MVP should be worried about his health, as well as Bobby Lashley’s. Lashley is MVP’s meal ticket. That meal ticket will be chewed up by Brock Lesnar.
Bobby Lashley’s music hits, and he comes out to the ring looking infuriated. MVP steps in front of Lashley to calm him down. Theory tells Lashley to listen to his daddy, so MVP lets Lashley by. Lashley attacks Theory before throwing a table out of the ring. Lashley hits Theory with a flatliner and moves some furniture. MVP helps Theory up with his cane. Theory pulls MVP in front of him to take a spear. Lashley angrily points at Theory. MVP writhes in pain on the mat.
Byron Saxton is backstage with The Judgment Day. Saxton asks Finn Bálor about Edge. Bálor says he thought Edge would have had enough, but apparently not. Bálor says to Edge that he works on Monday. Bálor goes through his hand signals and says the No. 30 spot in the Royal Rumble should have been his. Rhodes has been stealing from him for years. Tonight, he’s getting taxed.
Cody Rhodes battles Finn Bálor later tonight.
Video Package: Dave Bautista talks about Knock at the Cabin
-Commercial Break-
The Miz is in the ring. The Miz immediately begins complaining about not getting the proper spotlight at Raw XXX. Then he was the first man out at the Royal Rumble match.
WWE Official Adam Pearce comes out and tells Miz to stop whining about an opportunity. Someone has been knocking on his door all night for an opportunity. That man is the newest member of the Raw roster: Rick Boogs. Boogs comes out and is fired up. The Miz says that he’s in a suit. Pearce says Miz is always talking about how awesome he is, so it would be awesome if he won in a suit. This match is official!
The Miz vs. Rick Boogs
The bell rings, and Miz argues with the referee. Boogs grabs him and throws him to the corner. Miz begs him off. Boogs gets fired up and does an air drum solo. Miz jabs him in the face. Miz shouts that he’s in a suit, but Boogs grabs him. Boogs deadlifts him and ragdolls him a bit before hitting a suplex. Boogs hits a military press slam for the win.
Winner by Pinfall: Rick Boogs
Otis is walking backstage when he passes by Maxxine Dupri, ma.cé, and mån.sôör. ma.cé and mån.sôör are repulsed by Otis, but Dupri says he is perfect.
We’ll take a look at the breakup of The Bloodline next.
-Commercial Break-
Video Package: Sami Zayn stops The Bloodline from destroying Kevin Owens at the Royal Rumble. Zayn hit Roman Reigns in the back with a steel chair. Zayn was beaten down by Reigns. Jey Uso then walked off on The Bloodline in disgust.
Bayley makes her way to the ring. Replays are shown of her and Damage CTRL destroying Becky Lynch before a scheduled Steel Cage Match on Raw XXX. Bayley says she couldn’t leave this building without talking about that. Bayley claims everyone is talking about her and Damage CTRL making history. They had a ton of confidence heading into the Royal Rumble and eliminated a lot of people. Her favorite was single-handedly eliminating Becky Lynch. Bayley says she is finished with Lynch. This story is over.
Becky Lynch comes out. Lynch calls Bayley a “stupid fool.” Lynch says she already won the Royal Rumble and didn’t need to do it again. Bayley says that sounds like an excuse. Lynch says an excuse is attacking her before a Steel Cage Match or not facing her one-on-one, so people don’t realize she’s better. Bayley says she’s not making excuses. She’s smart. Lynch should read a book or something. Lynch always makes everything about her. Lynch says it is her birthday. A “Becky” chant picks up. Bayley says she doesn’t give a damn. She’s not these idiots and doesn’t suck up to her. Bayley knows Lynch and doesn’t like “Rebecca.” Bayley thinks Lynch is overrated and isn’t good enough for all of this. She’s not good enough to be champion again or be in the ring with Bayley one-on-one. She’s not even good for her husband, Seth “Freakin” Rollins. The only reason he married her is that he knocked her up.
Lynch looks upset. After all this time, she thought they were only fighting over wrestling. This animosity started ten years ago in NXT in Orlando. How about they end this in Orlando next week where it all began? Lynch wants that Steel Cage Match. Lynch says she’ll be right back and leaves. Bayley says she’s probably going to look for more excuses. She wants to get out of this crappy city. Lynch returns dragging Dakota Kai by the hair with a chair around her ankle. Bayley gets out of the ring. Lynch asks what it’ll be and threatens to hit Kai’s leg with the chair. Bayley desperately begs her off and accepts the match. Lynch says she can bring her friends next week, but she should check on IYO SKY in the back. Lynch walks off as Bayley checks on Kai.
Cody Rhodes battles Finn Bálor later tonight.
Coming up next, Dolph Ziggler battles Bronson Reed in an Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match.
-Commercial Break-
Photos from the Royal Rumble event are shown.
Cathy Kelley is backstage with WWE Official Adam Pearce. Pearce makes Bayley vs. Becky Lynch in a Steel Cage Match official for next week on Raw. We all know Rhea Ripley will face Charlotte Flair for the SmackDown Women’s Championship at WrestleMania, so who will face Bianca Belair for the Raw Women’s Championship? Six women will enter the Elimination Chamber with the winner facing Belair for the title at WrestleMania. Raquel Rodriguez, Asuka, Liv Morgan, and Nikki Cross have already qualified since they were the Final Four in the Royal Rumble aside from Rhea Ripley. Next week on Raw, we’ll determine one of the final two. Piper Niven, Michin, Candice LeRae, and the returning Carmella will be in a Fatal 4-Way.
Chelsea Green taps him on the shoulder and asks if he’s the manager. The accommodations she received were unacceptable. She’s not just any returning superstar. Where are the private dressing room, fresh water, and Swiss chocolate? Pearce says he’ll find her some chocolate.
Dolph Ziggler is shown in a pre-taped promo. Mustafa Ali interrupted it and complained that Ziggler had another opportunity handed to him.
Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match
Dolph Ziggler vs. Bronson Reed
The bell rings, and Ziggler quickly attacks Reed with some strikes. Reed quickly avalanches him down. Reed hits a head-butt and connects with a running cannonball senton for a near fall. Reed applies a chin lock. Ziggler fights up, but Reed takes him down and puts the chin lock back on. Ziggler hits a jawbreaker and boots him back. Ziggler sidesteps an avalanche and hits a spike DDT for a near fall. Reed hits a superkick and forearms him. Ziggler gets out of a suplex and hits a Zig-Zag for a near fall. Ziggler punches away at Reed as he gets up. Ziggler goes for a famouser, but Reed counters with a vicious powerbomb. Reed goes to the top rope and CRUSHES him with a Tsunami for the win.
Winner by Pinfall: Bronson Reed
Bronson Reed joins United States Champion Austin Theory, Seth “Freakin” Rollins, and Johnny Gargano in the Elimination Chamber Match.
We’ll hear from Raw Women’s Champion Bianca Belair next.
-Commercial Break-
Cathy Kelley is backstage with Carmella. Carmella is back for the first time in seven months. Carmella says she’ll earn her spot in the Elimination Chamber next week. Asuka walks up and smiles with blue liquid falling out of her mouth. Asuka also has purple eyes. Carmella is grossed out.
Rick Boogs is backstage with The Street Profits and Elias. Byron Saxton asks Boogs how it feels to win after being injured at WrestleMania. Boogs says he’s fired up to be back. Elias says anyone can shred a guitar, but it takes skill to be a true artist. Ford tells Elias not to be a hater and says they’re going to celebrate. Saxton mentions Elimination Chamber and says Angelo Dawkins will face Damian Priest in a Qualifying Match, while Montez Ford will battle Elias.
The main event is next.
-Commercial Break-
The following matches have been scheduled for next week on Raw:
— Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match: Montez Ford vs. Elias
— Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match: Angelo Dawkins vs. Damian Priest
— Elimination Chamber Qualifying Fatal 4-Way Match: Piper Niven vs. Carmella vs. Asuka vs. Nikki Cross
— Steel Cage Match: Becky Lynch vs. Bayley
“Wrestling has more than one royal family.”
Cody Rhodes vs. Finn Bálor w/ The Judgment Day
The bell rings, and they lock up. They tussle around for position before Bálor shoves him off. Bálor gets in Rhodes’ face, so Rhodes drops down and uppercuts him. Rhodes lifts Bálor for a delayed front suplex. Bálor rolls out of the ring to recover.
-Commercial Break-
Picture-in-Picture Commercial Break: Bálor takes his time getting back in the ring. Bálor hooks a side headlock and cinches it in. Rhodes tries to whip him off, but Bálor holds on. Rhodes eventually fights out and applies a hammerlock. Bálor gets to the ropes to break it. Rhodes punches him to the corner and chops the chest. Bálor stumbles away. Bálor reverses a whip and rolls through a sunset flip for a kick, but Rhodes blocks it. Rhodes backs him to the corner and kicks the leg. Bálor goes to the apron, so Rhodes punches him down and stomps him.
Back from the break, Rhodes counters a slingshot in the corner into an Alabama Slam attempt. Balor fights it and sweeps the feet for a double stomp, but Rhodes avoids it. Rhodes drops down, but Bálor blocks the uppercut and stomps at the surgically repaired pec. Rhodes writhes in pain as Bálor taunts the crowd. Bálor puts Rhodes in the corner and chops the chest. Bálor ties the arm around the ropes and pulls before chopping him. Bálor hits a snapmare and kicks the chest for a two-count. The winner of the 2023 Women’s Royal Rumble Rhea Ripley shouts at the referee. Bálor stomps Rhodes a few times and goes to the apron. Bálor knees Rhodes a few times before Rhodes blocks one. Rhodes hits a dragon screw and connects with a Disaster Kick to knock him to the floor.
Rhodes hits Bálor with a suicide dive. Damian Priest charges, but Rhodes sidesteps him. Dominik Mysterio tries to attack, but Rhodes sends him over the commentary table. Rhodes gets Bálor in the ring and hits a snap powerslam for a near fall. Rhodes attacks and goes for a Cody Cutter, but Bálor blocks it and hits a falling elbow drop for a two-count.
-Commercial Break-
Picture-in-Picture Commercial Break: Bálor applies an armbar to the right arm, targeting that pectoral muscle. Rhodes gets out, but Bálor applies an abdominal stretch that is also putting a lot of pressure on that surgically reattached pectoral muscle. Rhodes fights out, but Bálor soon takes him down again. Bálor goes to the top rope, but Rhodes crotches him up there. Rhodes climbs to attempt a superplex. Bálor fights it, but Rhodes punches away at him.
Back from the final break of the evening, Rhodes hits an UNREAL delayed vertical superplex! They slowly get to their feet and trade big punches. Bálor hits the ropes, but Rhodes follows him in and hits a Cody Cutter for a near fall! Rhodes is frustrated and gives himself a jab in the jaw. Rhodes gets to his feet and is fired up. Rhodes attempts the Cross Rhodes, but Bálor counters. Bálor goes for Cross Rhodes, but Rhodes drops down and punches him. Bálor quickly hits a Sling Blade and sets up for a Woo dropkick. Rhodes counters with a superkick for a near fall.
Rhodes sets up for a Figure Four Leglock, but Bálor counters into an inside cradle for a two-count. Rhodes quickly takes him down for the Figure Four again, but Bálor kicks him out of the ring in the center of The Judgment Day.
All of a sudden, Priest runs into the crowd. Edge is running down the steps through the crowd. Edge takes out Priest and goes to ringside to attack Mysterio. Edge punches him around the ringside area and hits Mysterio with a pin! Rhea Ripley jumps on Edge and starts punching away at him. Beth Phoenix runs down and spears Ripley on the floor!
In the ring, Bálor takes Rhodes down and double stomps the chest. Bálor hits a Woo dropkick and goes to the top rope. Edge gets on the apron and distracts Bálor for a moment. Bálor leaps, but Rhodes moves. Rhodes hits Bálor with a trio of Cross Rhodes for the victory!
Winner by Pinfall: Cody Rhodes
Cody Rhodes celebrates to close the show.
Quick Match Results
— Seth “Freakin” Rollins def. Chad Gable in an Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match
— WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion IYO SKY def. Candice LeRae
— Johnny Gargano def. Baron Corbin in an Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match
— Rick Boogs def. The Miz
— Bronson Reed def. Dolph Ziggler in an Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match
— Cody Rhodes def. Finn Bálor
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Twitter – @MikeTedescoWV
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