WWE Raw Results
February 6, 2023
Orlando, Florida (Amway 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.
The Raw video plays, and we go live into the arena to see a big pyrotechnics display.
Edge’s music hits, and the WWE Hall of Fame couple of Edge and Beth Phoenix make their way to the ring to a huge ovation. Edge runs all around the arena getting fans fired up, taking selfies, and signing autographs. His wife beams with pride watching her husband from the ring.
Video Package: Edge says “I Quit” to save his wife, losing to Finn Bálor at WWE Extreme Rules after Rhea Ripley threatened to give Beth Phoenix a con-chair-to. Ripley wound up doing it anyway. In January at the Royal Rumble, Edge and Beth Phoenix returned and attacked Bálor and Ripley.
Edge and Phoenix are in the ring. Edge greets Orlando and has to bring his heartrate down after watching that video. It’s so damn good to be back. Edge refers to himself as the king of comebacks. Edge says he’s here because of The Judgment Day. The Judgment Day is his fault. The idea was to try to elevate talent that he truly thought deserved it. It worked. All of The Judgment Day are in a better place than they were a year ago. Finn Bálor is operating on a level he’s never seen before. Damian Priest has proven he’s a workhorse that can go against the very best. Rhea Ripley went from No. 1 to outlast everyone in the Royal Rumble to go to WrestleMania against Charlotte Flair. Oh, and Dom’s there, too.
For the last year, they’ve battled back and forth to get to Extreme Rules. Edge knew Bálor didn’t have what it takes to hurt him enough to make him quit physically. The minute he saw Rhea Ripley hit Beth Phoenix with the brass knuckles and threaten her with the chair, he felt helpless. Edge is not used to that feeling. Edge gives The Judgment Day a golf clap. A light “You still got it” chant picks up, but Edge says he never lost it. Edge says they made a bad problem worse. Edge is a cruel, vindictive, sick bastard who will sink to any level to get his pound of flesh.
Beth Phoenix says she’ll cut to the chase. If Rhea Ripley and Finn Bálor have the stones, they’re here to finish this…
The Judgment Day comes out to the stage without Rhea Ripley. Finn Bálor says he’s noticing a pattern: Edge makes his triumphant return only for The Judgment Day to beat him down again and again. It might be time for Edge to say, “I quit.” Dominik Mysterio says they must have heard because word on the street travels fast. Mysterio has served hard time since they’ve been gone. The crowd boos Mysterio. Mysterio tells Edge and Phoenix to run along before he does something that he learned on the inside, just like he did to his deadbeat dad, who didn’t make it to the Royal Rumble match. Damian Priest says Mysterio is right. Priest suggests the next time they beat them down, they make Extreme Rules look like child’s play. After he cooks Angelo Dawkins. Priest messes up his lines before saying he hates Edge so much that he can’t speak right now. Priest will go into the Elimination Chamber and win the United States Championship.
Mysterio says he wishes Mami was here to watch what they’ll do to Edge. Mami is busy promoting WrestleMania. Edge tells Mysterio to shut up. They don’t know what they really want. The night Priest clotheslined his head off, he said he didn’t want a leader, but he’s following Bálor like a lapdog. They’ll drop each other faster than ex-con Dom dropped his pants in the clink. Edge can’t wait for Rey Mysterio to snap and 619 Dom’s teeth down his throat.
Beth Phoenix cannot believe that Rhea Ripley isn’t here because of a promotional appearance. Ripley isn’t here because Beth speared her soul out of her body. Phoenix isn’t here to talk. She’s here to beat Ripley’s ass. Since Ripley isn’t here tonight, “The Rated R Superstar” Edge and “The Glamazon” Beth Phoenix versus Finn Bálor and Rhea Ripley at Elimination Chamber. Bálor asks Mysterio if Rhea is in. Mysterio says Mami is in. Bálor accepts… if they can make it to Elimination Chamber.
The Judgment Day gets in the ring. Edge tries to fight them off. Angelo Dawkins quickly runs down to even the odds. Dawkins knocks Priest out of the ring. Edge then delivers a Spear to Bálor. Mysterio backs up the ramp, but Montez Ford appears behind him. Ford puts Mysterio in the ring. Beth Phoenix gives Mysterio the Glam Slam. As she holds Mysterio up, he screams, “MAMI!”
-Commercial Break-
Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match
Damian Priest vs. Angelo Dawkins
We join this match in progress.
Priest is punching away at Dawkins. Priest sends him into the ropes, but Dawkins cartwheels around him and hits a dropkick. Dawkins connects with a flapjack. Dawkins goes for a plancha, but he puts the brakes on when Priest moves. Dawkins gets out of the ring and pounces Priest over the commentary table!
During the break, WWE Official Adam Pearce ejected everyone from ringside to keep this match fair.
Dawkins has Priest in the ring and goes for a twisting avalanche, but Priest forearms him in the face. Priest puts Dawkins in the corner and whips him to the opposite side. Priest hits a running back elbow and hits a Broken Arrow for a two-count. Priest applies a surfboard stretch before punching him and picking up a two-count. Priest applies a rear chin lock. Dawkins fights up and punches out. Dawkins sidesteps a big boot and hits an enzuigiri. Priest angrily charges, but Dawkins pulls the top rope down to get him out of the ring. Dawkins gets out of the ring and charges, but Priest clotheslines him down. Priest gets Dawkins to his feet and hits a vertical suplex on the floor. Priest gets in the ring to break up the referee’s count. Priest goes outside and jumps off the steel steps with a flying kick.
-Commercial Break-
We come back from the break to see both men down. Dawkins hits a pair of clotheslines before Priest punches him. Dawkins leaps over him and hits a flying back elbow. Dawkins hits a twisting avalanche and a step-up enzuigiri. Dawkins catches Priest with an exploder suplex for a near fall. Dawkins takes Priest down and goes to the top rope. Priest pops up and grabs him by the throat, but Dawkins snaps him off the top rope. Priest quickly boots him and hits an elevated flatliner for a near fall.
Priest goes for South of Heaven, but Dawkins counters into the Silencer for a near fall. Dawkins goes to the top rope and hits a Swanton Bomb! Dawkins covers, but Priest just barely kicks out. Dawkins slaps the mat in frustration. Dawkins angrily punches Priest, but Priest absolutely rocks him with a right hand. Dawkins responds with a big right hand. Priest hits a spin kick and drops him with South of Heaven for the victory.
Winner by Pinfall: Damian Priest
Damian Priest joins United States Champion Austin Theory, Seth “Freakin” Rollins, Johnny Gargano, and Bronson Reed in the United States Championship Elimination Chamber match.
Earlier today, United States Champion Austin Theory drove up to the arena in a Lamborghini.
Coming up next, we’ll see what happened on SmackDown with Roman Reigns and Sami Zayn.
-Commercial Break-
WWE congratulates Bad Bunny on winning a Grammy Award last night.
WWE Official Adam Pearce finishes signing Maximum Male Models to WWE Raw. Chelsea Green walks up and discusses her demands. She wasn’t happy with her Belgian Chocolate because she wanted Swiss. Green is not happy with not being in the Elimination Chamber. Pearce says she didn’t last 5 seconds in the Royal Rumble. Green asks if she needs to speak to his manager. Green says she deserves an opportunity. Her family is in town and wants to be presented in the proper way. One call and she can destroy his job. Green walks off, and Pearce looks irritated.
Video Package: Roman Reigns is attacked by Sami Zayn on Friday Night SmackDown. Reigns gave Zayn an Undisputed WWE Universal Championship match at Elimination Chamber and promised to destroy him in front of his family and friends for breaking up The Bloodline.
The Usos will defend the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship against Braun Strowman and Ricochet. It’s unclear if Jey Uso will actually show up.
Baron Corbin makes his way to the ring alongside WWE Hall of Famer John “Bradshaw” Layfield. JBL does not look pleased. Corbin will face Dexter Lumis next.
-Commercial Break-
Replays are shown of Dexter Lumis destroying JBL’s hat with a hatchet last week on Raw.
Baron Corbin w/ JBL vs. Dexter Lumis w/ Johnny Gargano
As Dexter Lumis makes his entrance, Corbing viciously attacks him. The referee checks on Lumis. Lumis confirms he is ok to start the match.
The bell rings, and Corbin avalanches Lumis before applying a chin lock. Corbin elbows away at him and cinches in the hold. JBL watches Corbin intently from ringside. Lumis fights up, but Corbin knees him to the corner. Corbin punches him and whips him hard into the opposite corner. Corbin covers for a two-count. Corbin shouts at Johnny Gargano before raking Lumis’ face. Lumis fights up and punches him. Lumis ducks a right hand and hits a pair of right hands. Lumis lifts him for another right hand before hitting a corner clothesline. Lumis follows up with a bulldog. Lumis connects with a back suplex and kips up before hitting a leg drop. Lumis goes to take him down, but Corbin backs him to the corner. Lumis sidesteps an avalanche and hits a sit-out chokeslam for the victory.
Winner by Pinfall: Dexter Lumis
JBL looks disgusted at ringside. Dexter Lumis celebrates in the ring with Johnny Gargano… well, as much as Lumis can celebrate.
Replays are shown of Becky Lynch coaxing Bayley into accepting a Steel Cage Match after attacking Dakota Kai and IYO SKY.
Byron Saxton is backstage with “The Man” Becky Lynch. Lynch says we’re in Orlando, Florida where it all began 10 years ago. 10 years ago, she also first met Bayley in the weight room at the NXT Performance Center. Bayley wanted to be great. The way she did that was by high-fiving and hugging people, as well as attaching herself to whoever could help her. Lynch also wanted to do what it takes to get to the top of this industry. Bayley didn’t like that. Bayley attacked her and separated her shoulder and brought her family into this. You don’t talk about her family. Lynch has her in a Steel Cage Match and has a card to play tonight.
Becky Lynch and Bayley will battle in a Steel Cage Match in tonight’s main event.
Coming up next, Brock Lesnar will make his first appearance since being eliminated by Bobby Lashley in the Royal Rumble.
-Commercial Break-
The classic WrestleMania commercial of Triple H acting like William Wallace in “Braveheart” is shown. Ric Flair made an unbelievable cameo in that one.
Brock Lesnar calls out Bobby Lashley
Brock Lesnar’s music hits, and the WWE legend makes his way to the ring to a big ovation. Lesnar is in his “Cowboy Brock” gear. Lesnar gets in the ring and listens to his ovation. Lesnar says he appreciates the reception. Lesnar says, “Good evening, Orlando.” The crowd cheers. Did they catch the Royal Rumble? The crowd says they did. Lesnar says he thought it sucked… well, at least he had a sucky experience. At the Royal Rumble, Brock Lesnar got his ass thrown over the top rope by Bobby Who… Bobby Lashley. Lesnar apologizes for not being on Raw last week. Lesnar had to get his head together. Lashley finally struck a chord in him. Last week, he couldn’t get Lashley out of his head. Lesnar tried to go hunting, but all he could think about was Bobby Who… Bobby Lashley. The next day he woke up, he wanted to go ice fishing, but all he could think of was Bobby Who… Bobby Lashley. Lesnar went for steak and couldn’t help thinking about Lashley. Lesnar crawled into bed with his wife… after about four or five hours, all he could think about was Bobby Lashley.
Lesnar tried to consider what he would do about Lashley. Lesnar came up with a violent resolution. It’s a violent resolution. In his $5 denim jacket is a multi-million dollar contract. On the contract, it states Bobby Lashley versus Brock Lesnar at Elimination Chamber. If Lashley has a set of balls, he’ll get his ass out here and sign this contract.
“The All Mighty” Bobby Lashley makes his way to the ring in a nice suit. Lashley says it’s nice of Lesnar to grace them with his presence. Lashley wants to bring him down memory lane. Lashley pinned Lesnar in Match No. 1. Lesnar won Match No. 2, but Lashley laid his ass unconscious as he walked out of the ring. The third meeting they had face-to-face was at the Royal Rumble, and Lashley threw Lesnar’s ass over the top rope without any problem. Lesnar gives him the contract. If Lashley’s memory serves correctly, he’ll do things on his terms. Lashley will take this contract to his agent, manager, and lawyer. Then he’ll get back to Lesnar after taking it into consideration. Is Lesnar surprised that Bobby Who has one up on him? Lashley puts a finger in Lesnar’s face, angering The Beast. Lashley goes to walk off, but Lesnar turns him around and hits an F5. Lesnar puts the contract on Lashley. The crowd chants, “One more time,” so Lesnar obliges by giving Lashley a second F5! Lesnar celebrates before leaving the ring.
We go backstage to see Johnny Gargano and Dexter Lumis greeting Candice LeRae. Nikki Cross is shown stalking her in the background. Lumis made them a drawing with Nikki Cross stalking them. LeRae asks who that is and finally notices Cross in the background. Cross runs off.
Carmella makes her way to the ring. An Elimination Chamber Fatal 4-Way Qualifying Match is next.
-Commercial Break-
Elimination Chamber Fatal 4-Way Qualifying Match
Carmella vs. Candice LeRae vs. “Michin” Mia Yim vs. Piper Niven
The bell rings, and Niven floors Michin and LeRae with a double clothesline. Niven steps up and scares Carmella back. Carmella gets out of the ring to protect herself. Niven sends LeRae into Michin in the corner and avalanches them both. Niven taunts the camera. Carmella jumps on Niven’s back, but Niven slams her off. LeRae and Michin double-team Niven, but Niven fights them off. They drop Niven into the ropes and double-dropkick her out of the ring.
LeRae and Michin square off. Michin applies a waistlock and forearms her. Michin slams her into the corner and puts her on the top rope. Michin puts her in the electric chair, but LeRae counters with a poisonrana! Carmella runs in and tries covering both, but Michin and LeRae continually kick out. Niven then flattens all of them with a big splash! Niven covers Michin for a near fall. Niven then covers Carmella for a near fall. Niven clears the ring and taunts them.
-Commercial Break-
We come back from the break to see Carmella avoid an avalanche from Niven. Carmella big boots her, but Niven quickly runs her over with a shoulder tackle. Niven catches LeRae diving at her, but Michin takes her down with a running neckbreaker. LeRae lands on top of Niven. Niven rolls out of the ring.
Carmella shouts to Michin this is her match. Carmella and Michin trade forearms before Michin kicks her back. Michin hits Carmella with Eat Defeat, but Niven pulls Carmella out of the ring before the pin. Niven gets in the ring, but Michin punches away at her. Niven head-butts her and sets up for a powerbomb, but Niven throws her aside when she sees LeRae. LeRae hits Niven with a missile dropkick followed by a springboard moonsault off the second rope. Michin breaks up the pin, upsetting LeRae. Michin, who is trying to win this match with WrestleMania implications, has to explain herself to her friend. Niven knocks Michin into LeRae and hits a Black Hole Slam. LeRae breaks up the pin, frustrating Niven.
LeRae is wearing a black armband that says, “Grandpa.” Niven takes LeRae down and goes for a senton splash, but LeRae moves. LeRae hits Niven with a step-up senton splash. Niven quickly rolls out of the ring. Carmella rolls LeRae up for a near fall. LeRae knocks Carmella back and charges, but Carmella drops her into the turnbuckles. Carmella talks trash and stomps away at her. Carmella moonwalks in the ring and hits LeRae with a bronco buster. Niven hits LeRae with a cannonball. Carmella superkicks Niven away and covers LeRae for the victory.
Winner by Pinfall: Carmella
Carmella joins Raquel Rodriguez, Asuka, Liv Morgan, Nikki Cross, and Natalya in the Elimination Chamber match. The winner will face Bianca Belair for the Raw Women’s Championship at WrestleMania.
Baron Corbin is backstage acting as if nothing happened. JBL looks disgusted. JBL says he headlined WrestleMania. His Hall of Fame legacy has lost all credibility because of Corbin. JBL says Corbin is not a Modern Day Wrestling God. He’s a clown. Corbin says he can change and will do better. JBL says you can’t polish a turd as he’s already tried. JBL walks off on him. Corbin looks upset.
In the background throughout that segment was MVP talking with Shelton Benjamin and Cedric Alexander.
“SHOOSH! SHOOSH PLEASE!”
Chad Gable and Otis of Alpha Academy make their way to the ring. They’ll face Cedric Alexander and Shelton Benjamin next.
-Commercial Break-
Candice LeRae is walking backstage and holding her ribs. Piper Niven grabs her and threatens her. “Michin” Mia Yim runs over and breaks it up. Niven warns them that if they get between her and the Raw Women’s Championship again, she won’t be so forgiving.
Tag Team Match
Alpha Academy (Chad Gable and Otis) vs. Cedric Alexander and Shelton Benjamin w/ MVP
Chad Gable starts against Cedric Alexander. Gable takes him down and hits a snapmare. Gable rolls him around the mat before hitting a headlock takeover. Alexander gets out, and they trade arm drags. Alexander kicks Gable and tries for a handspring back elbow, but Gable counters into a nice German Suplex. Otis tags in. Gable applies a neck vice to Alexander. The No. 1 Guy Otis avalanches Alexander down.
Shelton Benjamin tags in and punches Otis. Otis stops a whip and sends him into the ropes. Benjamin goes for a clothesline, but Otis absorbs it. Benjamin stuns him with a kick and goes for an avalanche, but Otis counters into a World’s Strongest Slam. Otis hits a big splash. The referee checks on Benjamin. Otis whips Benjamin hard to the corner, but Benjamin responds with a spin kick. Otis quickly slams Benjamin down. Otis puts Benjamin in the corner and backs up. Benjamin avoids an avalanche.
Gable and Alexander tag in. Alexander hits a running forearm and a clothesline. Alexander forearms him in the face and hits a big dropkick to the back of the head. Gable sends him to the ropes, but Alexander sidesteps him. Alexander knocks Gable out of the ring with a Neuralyzer. Alexander goes for a suicide dive, but Gable catches him and hits an exploder suplex on the floor! Gable gets him in the ring and goes to the top rope for a diving head-butt, but Benjamin breaks up the pin. Otis runs in and attacks Benjamin. Benjamin sidesteps an avalanche and hits a pair of running knees followed by a Samoan Drop! Gable attacks Benjamin and knocks him out of the ring. Gable takes Alexander down and goes to the top rope. Gable lands on his feet when Alexander avoids a moonsault. Alexander hits Gable with the Lumbar Check for the win.
Winners by Pinfall: Cedric Alexander and Shelton Benjamin
MVP celebrates with Alexander and Benjamin.
Replays are shown of Rick Boogs defeating The Miz in an unannounced match last week on Raw.
Cathy Kelley is backstage with The Miz. Miz is waiting for an appointment with WWE Official Adam Pearce. Miz is presenting him with a bill for his $10,000 suit that his wife bought him last week. Rick Boogs comes out of the office, upsetting Miz. Miz says he’d have beaten Boogs last week if Adam Pearce wasn’t an incompetent manager. Pearce comes out of his office as Miz says this. Pearce says Miz will face Boogs next week on Raw. Boogs is fired up. Chelsea Green walks up and says she’s heading to the ring. Green demands an opponent, or she’ll call Pearce’s manager.
-Commercial Break-
Chelsea Green’s opponent will be… Asuka.
Chelsea Green vs. Asuka
Before the match begins, Raquel Rodriguez, Natalya, and Liv Morgan come out to ringside. Carmella also comes down to ringside. Green attacks Asuka from behind. Green takes it to Asuka and lifts her for a flatliner. Green talks trash to the women at ringside. Nikki Cross comes out from under the ring. Green continues to talk trash until turning to see Asuka. Asuka strikes away at her and hits a snap German Suplex. Asuka hits her with a snap kick. Asuka charges, but Green boots her back. Green charges, but Asuka takes her down and stretches her for the submission.
Winner by Submission: Asuka
Raw Women’s Champion Bianca Belair comes out to the stage. Belair tells the women to get a good look. What she sees are six top-tier women in WWE, but who has what it takes to win inside the Elimination Chamber? Who has what it takes to go one-on-one with the EST of WWE? She was in their positions last year. She knows what it takes to win Elimination Chamber. That’s how she got the title. Belair wishes them all luck because whoever makes it out, she’ll be ready to see them at WrestleMania.
Cody Rhodes is walking backstage. We’ll hear from him next.
-Commercial Break-
“Wrestling has more than one royal family.”
“The American Nightmare” Cody Rhodes, who is also the 2023 Men’s Royal Rumble winner and heading to the main event of WrestleMania against Roman Reigns, makes his way to the ring. Rhodes gets a great ovation. A “Cody” chant picks up. Rhodes asks what they want to talk about. Rhodes used his time last week to talk with respect about his WrestleMania opponent, the Tribal Chief and best in the world, Roman Reigns. The crowd boos Reigns’ name.
Rhodes’ path is straight, but the destination is a bit foggy. The current champion is putting the titles on the line against a guy who has kicked up all the dust and is going to his hometown to face Reigns in Sami Zayn. A “Sami” chant picks up. It looks more and more like at WrestleMania that he’ll be challenging against Sami Zayn again. Rhodes says this with the utmost respect. Rhodes wishes Zayn the best of luck. May the best man win.
“Ladies and gentlemen…”
Paul Heyman, the Special Council to Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns, comes out to the stage. Heyman introduces himself as the Special Council and Wise Man. Heyman asks for permission to get in the ring, which Rhodes grants. Heyman says what Rhodes may one day find out in his life and hopefully not at Heyman’s expense is that life at the very top in this industry requires an understanding that the only week busier than the week leading into a major event like Royal Rumble or WrestleMania is the week coming out of a major event. Heyman and The Tribal Chief have had a lot on their plates. On the Island of Relevancy, they want to congratulate Rhodes on winning the 2023 Men’s Royal Rumble match. Heyman shakes hands with Rhodes. Rhodes smirks, waiting for the shoe to drop.
A “Cody” chant picks up, followed by a light “You deserve it” chant. Rhodes knows his father and brother had a nickname for Heyman. Rhodes says he will call him “Mister Heyman.” Rhodes has unparalleled respect for him, and Heyman knows why. If they’re going to pull back the curtain, they might as well pull it back for the people in attendance and at home. The year was 2000. The till in his family had dried up a bit. Hard times became more than just a promo. His family went broke. There was $100 in the bank. His father was doing local car commercials, not for the money but to keep the car. Then Dusty Rhodes got a phone call from Heyman. Heyman told him ECW was in town and Steve Corino would talk smack about him. If Rhodes would appear on camera, he’d pay him well. An “ECW” chant picks up. Heyman kept his word. In addition to the money they sorely needed, ECW gave his father his confidence back. Rhodes can never repay him for that and thanks Heyman.
Turning the clock forward, before he was back here, he was causing trouble. From one disrupter in this sport to another, Heyman showed him the way. Rhodes thanks him again. Heyman wipes away tears from his eyes. A “Thank you, Paul” chant picks up.
Heyman says Rhodes is good and caught him off-guard. Heyman came out here to schmooze a little business, but Rhodes got him personally. Heyman takes a deep breath, and the crowd cheers him. If they’re going to peel it back and shoot from the hip, let’s go all the way. This isn’t about Heyman. With all due respect, adulation, and acknowledgment, this isn’t about Rhodes’ dad. This is about Cody. This is about everything he’s fought for to get back here, win the Men’s Royal Rumble, and main event WrestleMania. Winning WrestleMania is a whole different story. Just getting there is a long road. That’s Cody’s story that he needs to finish to see if it’s a dream come true or if he’ll suffer the nightmare of coming so close. Rhodes isn’t just main eventing WrestleMania. Rhodes is trying to take away from the greatest box office attraction and champion named Roman Reigns. That’s not an easy task for a mere mortal. Will Rhodes crumble and self-destruct because no one prepped him for that?
Down the road is the WWE Performance Center. At that very Performance Center, Cody’s father, “The American Dream” Dusty Rhodes, trained and prepped the biggest stars of this generation. Cody’s father trained and prepped Seth Rollins, Becky Lynch, Bayley, Kevin Owens, and Roman Reigns for the highest level of success. Rhodes’ father did not train or prep Cody. Rhodes looks emotional. Heyman says as a father, he could council Rhodes. Maybe his father wanted him to make it on his own and step out from the shadow of a national monument. Maybe his father wanted Rhodes to step out and be the guy that wins the Royal Rumble and beats Roman Reigns. Heyman cannot convey in words how much he loved Cody Rhodes’ father. Heyman can tell Cody that his father truly loved him. Heyman gets emotional as he says something personal. In his last conversation with Cody’s father, Dusty Rhodes told him that Cody Rhodes was his favorite son. Rhodes takes a deep breath to contain his emotion. Heyman says that Dusty said that Roman Reigns was the son he always wanted. Heyman drops the microphone and smirks.
An irate Rhodes steps up to Heyman. Heyman begs him off and says he’s just conveying a message. Rhodes violently grabs Heyman’s hand. Rhodes says he’s just trying to win a wrestling championship and everyone wants to make it personal. Heyman won’t pay for it. His boy, Roman Reigns, will pay for it at WrestleMania when he takes those titles… personally. Rhodes shoves the microphone into Heyman’s chest and rolls out of the ring.
Video: WWE 2K23 trailer
Montez Ford makes his way to the ring.
-Commercial Break-
United States Champion Austin Theory will be on commentary for the next match.
Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match
Montez Ford vs. Elias
They lock up, and Elias powers him to the corner. Elias hooks a side headlock. Ford tries to whip him off, but Ford holds on. Ford finally whips him off, but Elias hits a shoulder tackle for a two-count. They trade pins before Elias hits a headlock takeover. Ford fights up and whips him off. Ford hits a shoulder tackle and a dropkick. Elias reverses a whip, but he lowers his head and eats a kick. Ford charges, but Elias hits a stun gun. Elias stomps him down in the corner and chops the chest. Elias whips him into the ropes and hits a back body drop. Ford rolls out of the ring to recover. Elias goes outside and sends him into the LED barricade before hitting a back suplex on the steel steps!
-Commercial Break-
We come back from the break to see Ford fight up from a surfboard stretch. Elias quickly drops him with a backbreaker and goes to the top rope. Ford punches Elias, but Elias fights back. Elias goes for a sunset flip powerbomb, but Ford holds the ropes. Ford punches Elias in between the eyes. Elias quickly gets him in the electric chair and spins him for a sit-out powerbomb for a near fall. Ford rolls to the apron. Elias grabs him, but Ford kicks him in the face and bounces him off the turnbuckles. Ford hits another kick to the face and heads to the top rope for a diving cross-body block. Ford hits a pair of clotheslines followed by a diving clothesline. Ford hits Elias with a back suplex before kipping up and posing. Ford connects with a standing moonsault for a near fall.
Ford gets Elias to his feet, but Elias punches him. Ford fights back and hits the ropes, but Elias hits him with a high knee. Elias hits a fireman’s carry slam for a two-count. Elias chops the chest and shoulders him in the corner. Ford drops Elias on the apron, but Elias shoulders him back. Elias goes for a slingshot, but Ford forearms him off the apron. Ford dives OVER the ring post and hits Elias with a somersault senton! Ford gets Elias in the ring and hits a HUGE Frog Splash for the victory.
Winner by Pinfall: Montez Ford
Montez Ford is the final entrant into the United States Championship Elimination Chamber match. Ford joins champion Austin Theory, Seth “Freakin” Rollins, Johnny Gargano, Bronson Reed, and Damian Priest.
Austin Theory poses on the commentary table and holds up the United States Championship. All of a sudden, Seth “Freakin” Rollins chop blocks him to the floor. Rollins then gives him a Stomp on the floor! Rollins dances around and heads to the back.
Bayley is talking with WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Dakota Kai and IYO SKY backstage. Kai is on crutches from the attack by Lynch last week. The Steel Cage Match is next.
-Commercial Break-
Scheduled for next week’s Raw from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York:
— Brock Lesnar and Bobby Lashley will have an Elimination Chamber Contract Signing
— Raquel Rodriguez, Liv Morgan, and Natalya vs. Asuka, Nikki Cross, and Carmella
— Miz TV with Special Guest Seth “Freakin” Rollins
The Women’s Steel Cage Match is next.
-Commercial Break-
Steel Cage Match
Bayley vs. Becky Lynch
The bell rings, and the first Women’s Steel Cage Match in 19 years, two weeks late, begins. Bayley talks trash to Lynch and shoves her. Lynch fires back with forearms to the face before Bayley drops her with a kick to the knee. Bayley walks toward the door, but Lynch takes her down. They each block shots into the cage wall before Bayley finally sends Lynch headfirst into the chain link. Damage CTRL cheers Bayley on from ringside. Bayley stomps Lynch and digs her face into the cage for a one-count. Bayley starts to climb, but Lynch dropkicks the cage to knock Bayley to the floor. Lynch sends her into the cage wall twice before dropkicking her against the wall. Lynch drives Bayley’s face into the wall and shouts about talking about her husband.
Lynch gets Bayley to her feet and sends her into the cage wall again. Lynch begins climbing, but Bayley runs over and grabs her ankle. Lynch is standing on the top rope. Bayley starts to climb, but Lynch kicks her away. Bayley soon gets up there, so Lynch bounces her off the cage wall a few times. Bayley fights back and shoves her into the cage before throwing her down to the mat. Bayley connects with a flying elbow drop for a near fall.
-Commercial Break-
We come back from the break to see Bayley fight out of a Dis-Arm-Her. Lynch takes her down with a diving shoulder tackle. Moments ago, Bayley hit a sunset flip bomb into the turnbuckles.
Lynch and Bayley exchange forearms in the center of the ring. Lynch unloads on her and kicks her down. Lynch sends her to the corner, but Bayley begins to scale the cage. Lynch grabs Bayley’s legs and swings her into the cage. Lynch goes to the top rope, but Bayley drives her into the cage wall. Lynch kicks her down and lays her on the top rope. Lynch connects with a diving leg drop for a near fall. Lynch sets up for a Manhandle Slam, but Bayley gets out and hits a back suplex for a near fall.
Bayley slowly begins climbing the cage wall. Lynch pulls her down and flips her into the cage wall. Lynch goes for a leg drop, but Bayley counters into a kneebar. Lynch fights it, and Corey Grave reveals that Lynch shouldn’t be selling the move because it’s not applied correctly. Seriously. Lynch rolls out and sends her headfirst into the turnbuckle for a two-count. Bayley goes back to the fake kneebar according to Corey Graves. Lynch and Bayley exchange shots to break it up.
Lynch climbs the ropes and kicks Bayley away. Lynch is on the top rope, but Bayley grabs her and climbs. Bayley connects with a Super Bayley-to-Belly for a near fall. Bayley begins to climb and is near the top of the cage, but Lynch cuts her off. They’re sitting on top of the cage and throwing punches. Lynch nearly falls off, but she climbs back up and uses the trellis to apply the Dis-Arm-Her! Bayley screams in pain and falls to the mat. IYO SKY quickly climbs to the top of the cage and knocks Lynch to the canvas. Dakota Kai hands a crutch to Bayley.
Suddenly, WWE Hall of Famer Lita runs down to the ring, the card which Becky Lynch has been waiting to play. Lita rips Sky off the cage, and she hits the floor hard. Lita blocks a crutch shot from Kai and pulls her into the steel steps. Lita then slams the door in Bayley’s face. Lynch hits a Manhandle Slam for the victory.
Winner by Pinfall: Becky Lynch
Becky Lynch embraces Lita in the ring as the show comes to an end.
Quick Match Results
— Damian Priest def. Angelo Dawkins in an Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match
— Dexter Lumis def. Baron Corbin
— Carmella def. Candice LeRae, “Michin” Mia Yim, and Piper Niven in an Elimination Chamber Fatal 4-Way Qualifying Match
— Cedric Alexander and Shelton Benjamin def. Alpha Academy (Chad Gable and Otis)
— Asuka def. Chelsea Green via Submission
— Montez Ford def. Elias in an Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match
— Becky Lynch def. Bayley in a Steel Cage Match
E-Mail – mike@wrestleview.com
Twitter – @MikeTedescoWV
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