WWE Raw Results
March 11, 2024
Houston, Texas (Toyota Center)
Commentary: Michael Cole and Pat McAfee
Results by: Mike Tedesco of Wrestleview.com
“Then. Now. Forever. Together.” The WWE video leads us into the show.
We see a shot of Lincoln Financial Field, the site of WrestleMania XL.
The Main Event for Night One of WrestleMania XL will be “The American Nightmare” Cody Rhodes and World Heavyweight Champion Seth “Freakin” Rollins taking on Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns and The Rock.
We see a shot outside the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Earlier today, Diamond-Certified Rapper and Record Producer Travis Scott entered the arena. He was greeted by “Main Event” Jey Uso.
WWE Intercontinental Champion Gunther is shown entering the building earlier today. Later tonight, a Gauntlet Match will determine his WrestleMania opponent.
Drew McIntyre makes his way to the ring. On WrestleMania Sunday, he will face Seth “Freakin” Rollins for the World Heavyweight Championship. The crowd loudly boos the Scottish Warrior. McIntyre says, “Selfish, delusional, arrogant, hypocrite junkie. You couldn’t help yourself, Seth, could you? You had to accept the Tag Match. Two main events back-to-back. You had to get that fix. Junkie!” At least when he dropped Cody, he had the sense to go and try to finish his story. When he dropped Seth last week, he found the energy and fire he was missing, only to file it into his own selfish agenda. The crowd is giving him the “WHAT” treatment, so he tells them to say “WHAT” if they’re glad he took out CM Punk. Some get fooled into it.
McIntyre smirks. McIntyre says he always tells the truth and has the answer. Do they want to know what the bigger picture is? A loud “CM Punk” chant fires up. McIntyre laughs. McIntyre says that is absolutely not the answer. McIntyre expects a “Thank You” card from Punk because he’s the only one keeping him relevant right now. The bigger picture isn’t Cody Rhodes, Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, or Drew McIntyre. The bigger picture is The Rock. The crowd loudly boos. Think about the history of this industry. Actually, they don’t know the history of their own country, so he’ll give them the history of professional wrestling. We started in the carnivals. Then we went to the smoky armories, then sold-out arenas, sold-out stadiums, and billion-dollar deals. What is the next evolution? It’s working together with one of the most powerful people on planet Earth. Obviously, he is upset with Rhodes. Rhodes promised a match and took it away. He’s a liar and insulted his family. It’s not McIntyre’s business, and it isn’t Rollins’ business either. Rollins thinks everything revolves around him. The minute he realizes the industry is bigger than himself, he’ll become the legend he is in his own mind. Then, everyone’s prayers will be answered. We have a future champion in Drew McIntyre, a champion you can invest in and be proud of.
World Heavyweight Champion Seth “Freakin” Rollins comes out in a red sparkling outfit. Rollins asks McIntyre for a favor to shut his mouth. The crowd loudly sings Rollins’ song. Rollins says we’ll get to the singing, but Drew McIntyre has been begging for his attention, so he’ll give him a little rub. Rollins has good news for McIntyre. Now that the Night One WrestleMania Main Event is in the bag, he’s been thinking a lot about that Claymore from last week. McIntyre almost got his full attention. Maybe they can get all the way there with one more Claymore right here and now. Rollins challenges McIntyre to hit him with a Claymore Kick. Rollins gets on his knees, but McIntyre doesn’t move. Rollins forgets McIntyre is a coward and turns his back on him to make it easier to attack. McIntyre doesn’t move.
McIntyre says before this gets weirder, he just wants to talk to Rollins. Rollins needs to hear him. McIntyre wants to tell Rollins he was right. Rollins told him before their last match, the one Damian Priest screwed up for him, that he needs to get over the Bloodline. McIntyre was right. It kills him when Solo gets in his business and Jimmy gets in his business. He wants to drop them on sight. Still, McIntyre focuses on wins. As a champion, that’s all you should care about. McIntyre pleaded with Rollins to take his own advice. He didn’t take it because all Seth Rollins cares about is Seth Rollins.
Rollins says McIntyre is starting to remind him of somebody. Rollins cannot remember his name… McIntyre doesn’t like him either, but he’s got lots of tattoos and is from Chicago. A light “CM Punk” chant picks up. Rollins says he always thought CM Punk was the biggest hypocrite in the world until he met McIntyre. For years, McIntyre complained about how the Bloodline cost him all these titles and matches. Now, McIntyre is looking to be an honorary member of the Bloodline. A few weeks ago, Drew McIntyre beat Cody Rhodes. Could he have done that without the help of the Bloodline? The crowd shouts, “No!” Last week, McIntyre beat Jey Uso. Could he have done that without the help of the Bloodline? The crowd again shouts, “No!” McIntyre sneers at him. Rollins doesn’t buy this bullcrap about McIntyre not wanting the Bloodline to interfere in their match at WrestleMania. McIntyre would like nothing more than to have the Bloodline help him take this title off his waist. McIntyre wants to stand with The Rock and be the People’s Champion’s Chosen One. Rollins has news for him – it ain’t gonna happen. Night One WrestleMania: Rollins and Cody Rhodes will take down the Bloodline. Then, when it’s Night Two, and it’s just the two of them one-on-one for the World Heavyweight Championship, the same thing will happen that always happens – he’ll Stomp his head into the mat and pin his shoulders to the mat. In the biggest moment of his career, McIntyre will hear people singing Rollins’ song. The crowd sings Rollins’ song.
McIntyre knows what Rollins is trying to do. Rollins wants McIntyre to put him out of his misery, but McIntyre won’t do it. He has to face Rollins at WrestleMania and pin him. There is nothing Rollins can say that will provoke him. McIntyre storms off. Rollins calls after him. Does McIntyre want to know why he hasn’t paid much attention to him at WrestleMania? Rollins has a list of things that have his attention, such as The Rock, Roman Reigns, his broken back, and his blown-out knee. The one thing he’s worried least about is Drew McIntyre. An irate McIntyre heads back to the ring, and Rollins prepares to fight. McIntyre stares at him before storming to the back. Rollins looks pleased with himself.
Earlier today, Damage CTRL was shown coming into the Toyota Center. The Kabuki Warriors will defend their WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship against Shayna Baszler and Zoey Stark later tonight.
“The Man” Becky Lynch makes her way to the ring. She’ll face Liv Morgan next.
-Commercial Break-
WWE has reached a YouTube milestone. They have surpassed 100 million subscribers with over 81 billion lifetime views.
Video: Chad Gable talks about running the gauntlet. This match against Gunther just means more than it does for everyone else.
Chad Gable will battle Ricochet, Sami Zayn, “Big” Bronson Reed, Shinsuke Nakamura, and JD McDonagh in a Gauntlet Match to determine the #1 Contender for Gunther’s WWE Intercontinental Championship.
Becky Lynch is in the ring. She’ll face Rhea Ripley for the Women’s World Championship at WrestleMania XL.
Two weeks ago on Raw, Becky Lynch attacked Nia Jax while she was having a match against Liv Morgan. Morgan lost that match via disqualification. Last week on Raw, Morgan interfered in Lynch’s match against Jax, causing Lynch to lose by disqualification.
“The Man” Becky Lynch vs. Liv Morgan
They lock up and tussle around the ring for position. They get into a shoving match before Lynch connects with a waistlock takeover. Morgan fights up and elbows out of a waistlock. Morgan applies a side headlock. Lynch whips her off, but Morgan clotheslines her down. Morgan hits the ropes, but Lynch follows her into the ropes and clotheslines her down. Morgan pops up and shoves her in the face. Lynch slaps her back and bounces her in the corner. Morgan fights back, but Lynch grabs the arm. Morgan rolls away and charges, but she lands on the apron when Lynch moves. Morgan avoids a baseball slide and gets in the ring. Morgan hits a suicide dive. Her feet seemed to get caught on the ropes, but she landed safely.
-Commercial Break-
We return from the break to see Morgan connect with a pair of shoulder tackles. Morgan kicks away at Lynch and takes her down with an enzuigiri. Morgan kips up and sizes Lynch up. Morgan avalanches her and charges, but Lynch moves. Lynch hits a springboard kick, followed by a Bexploder. Lynch hits another Bexploder and gets fired up. Morgan rolls out of the ring, so Lynch hits a baseball slide. Lynch gets on the apron and hits a flying forearm to the floor. Lynch gets Morgan in the ring and goes to the top rope. Lynch dives, but Morgan counters her with a codebreaker out of midair!
Both women are down. They slowly get up and exchange some stiff forearms to the face. Lynch comes out on top and hits the ropes. Morgan follows her into the ropes and hits a springboard codebreaker for a near fall! Morgan cannot believe it. Morgan waits for Lynch to get up, but Lynch kicks her back. Lynch grabs the arm, but Morgan puts her on the apron. Lynch quickly kicks her and pulls her to the apron. Lynch goes for a suplex on the apron, but Morgan blocks it. Lynch goes for a German Suplex off the apron, but Morgan holds on. Morgan fights Lynch off and knocks her into the ring post. Morgan hits a sunset flip powerbomb to the floor! Wow! Morgan quickly gets Lynch into the ring and covers. 1… 2… Lynch kicks out! Morgan is in shock.
The crowd chants, “This is awesome!” Morgan pulls a limp Lynch to her feet. Lynch goes for a surprise move, but Morgan counters into a roll-up for a two-count. Lynch pops up and hits a Manhandle Slam. Lynch crawls over to cover, but Morgan rolls out of the ring to save herself.
-Commercial Break-
Back from the break, Lynch is attempting a Dis-Arm-Her, but Morgan rolls her up for a two-count. Morgan quickly transitions into a stretch, but Lynch gets out. Lynch catches her with a cross-arm breaker, but Morgan soon counters by rolling her up for a two-count. They trade pins, each resulting in a two-count. Morgan stuns The Man with a big DDT. Morgan follows up with Ob-Liv-ion, but Lynch rolls out of the ring to save herself, much like Morgan did moments ago.
A furious Morgan bounces Lynch off the apron a few times and gets her in the ring. Lynch sidesteps her charging in the corner. Morgan quickly kicks her back and dives off the ropes, but Lynch grabs her and hits a Manhandle Slam for the win!
Winner by Pinfall: “The Man” Becky Lynch
An exhausted and battered Becky Lynch looks over at Liv Morgan and gives her a nod of respect.
“THIS IS MY BRUTALITY!”
Women’s World Champion Rhea Ripley makes her way to the ring. Morgan stares up the ramp at the woman who took her out of action for months. Ripley stares at Morgan. Morgan shouts that she will take everything from Ripley. The referee pushes Morgan away toward the back.
Ripley gets in the ring and stares at her WrestleMania opponent, Becky Lynch. Ripley sarcastically congratulates Lynch. A loud “Mami” chant picks up. Was it all worth it to beat Liv Morgan? Lynch seems to be getting into these fights weekly and leaving it all in the ring. They seem to be getting closer and closer to WrestleMania. That’s what The Man is all about, right? She’ll fight anyone at any time and anywhere. Ripley knows the real reason why she does it. Lynch thinks she still has to prove that she’s the best, but she knows deep down that Ripley is better than her. That’s why she keeps accepting these matches heading into WrestleMania so she has an excuse for why she couldn’t beat Ripley. If Lynch doesn’t step into WrestleMania at 100%, she’ll stop being The Man. She’ll be a disappointment.
Another “Mami” chant picks up. Lynch thinks about it. Before the Royal Rumble, she looked Ripley in the eye and said she thinks Ripley is better than her, but she has to prove she’s not. Lynch says when people believe in her, she’s good. When people doubt her, she’s great. If it has to be Lynch against the whole world, the whole world doesn’t stand a chance. Lynch walks off on Ripley.
Video: Raw General Manager Adam Pearce and SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis have a groundbreaking announcement for WrestleMania. Aldis says he’s a fan of tag team wrestling. At WrestleMania XL, the Judgment Day will defend their Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship against five of the very best teams in WWE in a special match that matches the magnitude of the biggest WrestleMania of all time. It will be a 6-pack Ladder Match! Pearce says teams will compete to get a spot in this match over the next few weeks.
A 6-Pack Ladder Match for the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship will take place at WrestleMania XL.
The Judgment Day’s Clubhouse
Finn Bálor and Damian Priest are shocked in their locker room. JD McDonagh is with them. Priest says they’ve never had a problem with the General Manager until now. Bálor says they need to talk to Adam Pearce right now. They get up to leave.
-Commercial Break-
Last night at the Academy Awards, The Rock and Bad Bunny presented an Oscar together. John Cena also streaked at the show.
Travis Scott is shown at ringside.
Tag Team Match
Maxxine Dupri and Ivy Nile vs. Candice LeRae and Indi Hartwell
Ivy Nile will start against Indi Hartwell. Hartwell takes Nile down and sends her into the ropes, but Nile holds on. Nile knocks Hartwell back. Candice LeRae gets a cheap shot in on Nile. LeRae tags in, and they take each other out with a double clothesline. Maxxine Dupri and Hartwell tag in. Dupri hits a step-up enzuigiri and a dropkick. Dupri avalanches Hartwell in the corner and starts to gyrate. Dupri starts a Reverse Caterpillar, but LeRae stops her and gets in her face. LeRae shouts that Dupri doesn’t belong here. If Dupri thinks the internet hates her, she should hear what the girls in the locker room have to say about her. Luckily, Dupri’s dead brother isn’t here to see what a disappointment she is. Dupri looks moved to tears and charges off. Hartwell big boots her down. LeRae knocks Nile off the apron and orders Hartwell to pin Dupri. Hartwell obeys.
Winners by Pinfall: Candice LeRae and Indi Hartwell
Parking Garage
“The American Nightmare” Cody Rhodes is shown getting off his bus. We’ll hear from him next.
-Commercial Break-
Money in the Bank is coming to Toronto this July.
Adam Pearce’s Office
Raw General Manager Adam Pearce and SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis are talking in their office. Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions Finn Bálor and Damian Priest storm in. They are not happy about having a Ladder Match at WrestleMania. Pearce tries to defend it, but Priest tells him to stop. Priest wants to know whose idea this was. Aldis says it is better left unsaid. Bálor says he has great ideas, but no one listens. They want Miz and R-Truth. Pearce says they’re not there. R-Truth walks in. Pearce reminds him that he is supposed to be doing media, but R-Truth says that’s on Monday. Pearce tells him it is Monday. R-Truth realizes that’s why Miz isn’t here. Priest tells Pearce to make the match.
“The American Nightmare” Cody Rhodes interview
Michael Cole is in the ring.
Video Package: This past Friday on SmackDown, The Rock and Roman Reigns challenged Cody Rhodes and Seth “Freakin” Rollins to a Tag Team Match at WrestleMania Night One. Rock said Rhodes was a mistake. Rhodes would slap him in the face for that comment.
Cole introduces “The American Nightmare” Cody Rhodes to the ring. Rhodes comes out to a huge ovation. Rhodes gets in the ring, and a loud “Cody” chant fires up. Cole asks Rhodes what he wants to talk about and chuckles. The Rock trumpeted that he is on the Board of Directors and is Rhodes’ boss. The Rock said if Rhodes doesn’t get the job done, he won’t challenge for a title again. Why did he slap him? A “Rocky sucks” chant picks up. Rhodes says he’s not so sure The Rock is his boss. If he is, it feels good to slap your boss. Before the red carpet premieres, the tequila, the energy drinks, and the manna, The Rock was a great wrestler. The Rock knows what that slap was. It was a receipt.
Cole asks why Rhodes accepted this match. Rollins accepted it for him. So much can go wrong for WrestleMania Sunday. Rhodes and Rollins have a long history. Rollins has made it clear that he wants to be the top champion in WWE. Rollins is the last person to have defeated Roman Reigns in a one-on-one match. Rollins beat him by disqualification. Maybe Rollins wants to beat Roman Reigns. How the hell can Rhodes trust Seth Rollins? Rhodes says people change. It wasn’t that long ago that Michael Cole was in a plexiglass container in a Syracuse singlet. Rhodes went off and smashed the throne. The man who sits on that throne is his closest working ally. He even teamed with Jey Uso. Rhodes hasn’t always gotten along with Rollins, but he’s always had his respect. Rhodes is happy to go to war with Rollins. Besides, this is his one shot at getting a fair fight on Night Two against Roman Reigns.
Rhodes wants to answer a question Cole asked the last time they were in this ring. Replays from last October show Michael Cole asking if coming close to winning but coming up short is his story. Rhodes says it was a good question, even now. Does Rhodes look nervous or frightened? Rhodes is afraid. He can’t say he’ll get him next year because he already said it. The story isn’t about him and Roman Reigns. The story is about the fans that have been with him from the beginning. The blind girl, his friend with spinal fusion… his mother, the only one he’s got left. He can’t hand the title to Dusty Rhodes, but he can give it to Michelle. A loud “Cody” chant picks up as Rhodes is drawn to tears. Then there’s his #1 fan, his wife, Brandi Rhodes. She took a shot on him when he was wearing a goofy mask and taking RKOs every night. The story is behind him, but it’s up to him. Last year at WrestleMania, Roman Reigns said they were in the third inning. Rhodes says they are now in the last inning. At WrestleMania 40, Michael Cole gets to say for the first time in the history of this company and his family that a Rhodes is a World Champion. Cole gets to say at WrestleMania 40 that Cody Rhodes finished the story. Rhodes and Cole embrace.
Video: Ricochet says his Road to WrestleMania starts tonight. JD McDonagh says you should never bet against an ace.
The #1 Contender’s Gauntlet Match happens later tonight.
WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions The Kabuki Warriors make their way to the ring alongside Damage CTRL. They’ll defend the titles against Shayna Baszler and Zoey Stark next.
-Commercial Break-
Backstage Segment
A dejected Liv Morgan is sitting backstage, stewing over her loss to Becky Lynch. Becky Lynch walks up to her, and Morgan stands up. They shake hands. All of a sudden, Nia Jax avalanches them from behind. Jax grabs Morgan and sends her into a road crate. Jax grabs Lynch and hits a Manhandle Slam through a table! WWE agents run up and back Jax away. Lynch clutches her shoulder.
Video: Earlier today, Shayna Baszler said they have been tearing through the Women’s Division. Now, they’ll tear the arms off the Kabuki Warriors. Zoey Stark says they’re the strongest women in the company, and the titles are theirs.
WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship
The Kabuki Warriors (Asuka and Kairi Sane) (c’s) w/ Damage CTRL (WWE Women’s Champion IYO SKY and Dakota Kai) vs. Shayna Baszler and Zoey Stark
Asuka will start against Zoey Stark. They lock up, and Stark applies a side headlock. Asuka whips her off, but Stark cartwheels under a strike. Asuka hits the ropes, and Stark leapfrogs her. Asuka dropkicks her. Stark soon fights back with a dropkick for a two-count. Stark hits a snapmare and tags Shayna Baszler in. Baszler kicks away at Asuka, but Asuka soon sweeps the feet. Asuka kicks away at Baszler’s chest. Baszler blocks a kick and goes for an ankle lock. Asuka fights it, and Kairi Sane tags in. Sane hits a clothesline for a one-count. Stark tags in. Baszler hits Sane with a German Suplex, and Stark hits a sliding kick. Stark knocks Asuka off the apron. Stark then hits a springboard plancha off the top rope to the floor onto the Kabuki Warriors.
-Commercial Break-
We come back from the break to see Baszler hit Asuka with a back suplex. Stark and Sane tag in. Stark runs wild on Sane and sends her to the corner. Stark hits a huge avalanche and puts Sane on the top rope. Stark goes for a superplex, but Sane takes her out and puts her in the tree of woe. Sane leaps and hits a double stomp for a near fall. Sane goes for a running forearm, but Stark boots her back.
Baszler and Asuka tag back in. Baszler kicks away at her, but Asuka answers back with a strike combo. Sane blind tags in. Asuka hits a codebreaker and holds Baszler as Sane hits a blockbuster. The Kabuki Warriors sandwich Baszler with kicks. 1… 2… Stark breaks it up. Baszler flattens Asuka with a kick to the skull. Stark tags in and sets up for a Z-360. Asuka gets out and hits a German Suplex. Sane tags in. Stark thwarts a double-team and superkicks Sane. Baszler tags in. Stark hits Sane with a Z-360. Baszler follows up with a knee to the face. Baszler covers. 1… 2… Asuka just breaks it up. Stark attacks Asuka and goes for a plancha, but she crashes and burns when Asuka moves. In the ring, Baszler applies a Kirifuda Clutch. Sane tries to roll into a cover, but Baszler gets out and keeps the Kirifuda Clutch applied. Dakota Kai grabs Baszler’s foot. Sane stuns Baszler with a strike. Asuka tags in and kicks Baszler in the head. The Kabuki Warriors hit a reverse DDT/InSane Elbow for the win.
Winners by Pinfall and still WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions: The Kabuki Warriors
The Judgment Day Clubhouse
The Judgment Day is talking backstage when Andrade walks in. Damian Priest isn’t happy, but Rhea Ripley says she invited him. She says Dominik Mysterio isn’t here tonight, but they would like to talk to him. Andrade says he’s all about business. Finn Bálor says he’s known Andrade for a long time and finds him intriguing. Ripley says he brings a lot. Priest wants to continue focusing on WrestleMania. It starts by handling R-Truth.
R-Truth makes his entrance. He’ll face Damian Priest next.
-Commercial Break-
Video: Shinsuke Nakamura warns Gunther to keep his eyes open. “Big” Bronson Reed says people don’t know what real hard work is. Tonight, he’s punching his ticket to WrestleMania.
The Gauntlet Match happens later tonight.
R-Truth vs. Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champion Damian Priest
As Damian Priest makes his entrance, he blindsides R-Truth with a forearm. Priest stomps away at R-Truth. R-Truth fights back, but Priest knocks him back. Priest punches R-Truth in the face and talks trash to him. Priest forearms him and sends him into the ropes, but he lowers his head and eats a kick. Priest throws R-Truth out of the ring and taunts the crowd. #DIY run down and cheer R-Truth on. Priest goes for a Razor’s Edge through the commentary table, but R-Truth slides off and sends Priest into the ring post. R-Truth gets on the apron and hits a diving clothesline.
-Commercial Break-
We come back from the break to Priest take R-Truth down with a flatliner for a two-count. Priest goes to the apron and taunts #DIY, who are cheering R-Truth on at ringside. Priest goes to the top rope, but R-Truth hits the ropes to crotch him. R-Truth hits a pair of running shoulder tackles, followed by a back suplex powerbomb. R-Truth connects with a 5 Knuckle Shuffle. R-Truth connects with an Attitude Adjustment, just like his childhood hero, John Cena! R-Truth covers, but Priest kicks out at two! R-Truth quickly goes to the STF! JD McDonagh and Finn Bálor attack #DIY at ringside. R-Truth goes to the top rope and dives onto them! R-Truth lands hard on his face at ringside!
R-Truth gets in the ring, and Priest floors him with a clothesline. Priest pulls down the straps and hits South of Heaven for the win.
Winner by Pinfall: Damian Priest
McDonagh attacks Tommaso Ciampa in the ring, so Johnny Gargano stops him. Bálor helps take Gargano out. Priest hits Ciampa with a South of Heaven on the apron. Bálor hits Gargano with a Coup de Grâce.
“Main Event” Jey Uso is shown backstage. We’ll hear from him next.
-Commercial Break-
Photos of WWE Superstars at UFC 299 are shown. United States Champion Logan Paul will make a big announcement on Impaulsive tomorrow.
WWE Trainer’s Room
Becky Lynch is sitting in the Trainer’s Room. Lynch says she shouldn’t be doing this so close to WrestleMania, but it’s her against the world. She says she wants Nia Jax next week on Raw in a Last Woman Standing Match.
“Main Event” Jey Uso addresses Jimmy Uso
“Main Event” Jey Uso makes his entrance to a huge reaction. There are loud “YEET” chants. Jey says, “Jimmy Uso.” The crowd gasps. Jey says he came to Monday Night Raw for a fresh start. The Bloodline won’t let him go. YEET. Jimmy won’t let him go. YEET. So how about this? YEET. Brother vs. Brother. YEET. Twin vs. Twin. YEET. Blood vs. Blood. YEET. Jey vs. Jimmy at WrestleMania! YEET! Jey tells Jimmy to accept his challenge because he will knock the YEET out of his ass.
Video Package: The reign of WWE Intercontinental Champion Gunther
Backstage Interview
Jackie Redmond is backstage with WWE Intercontinental Champion Gunther, who is on Day 640 of his reign. Is he underestimating the six superstars in this Gauntlet Match? Gunther says he’s not. 640 days ago, he beat Ricochet to become the Intercontinental Championship. Since then, he has elevated the title to heights not seen before. Tonight, the creme de la creme competes on Raw for a chance at this great prize at WrestleMania. Gunther says it takes a lot to be in his position. To whoever will win this Gauntlet Match, good luck. Gunther smiles.
Ricochet makes his entrance. The Gauntlet Match is next.
-Commercial Break-
Muhammad Ali is the latest inductee into the WWE Hall of Fame: Class of 2024.
Next Monday, there will be Tag Team Qualifying Matches. We’ll also have Becky Lynch vs. Nia Jax in a Last Woman Standing Match. In two weeks, CM Punk returns to Raw.
Country artist Cody Jinks is shown at ringside.
#1 Contender’s Gauntlet Match
Ricochet vs. JD McDonagh
They circle the ring and lock up. McDonagh quickly wrenches the arm. Ricochet quickly goes to a waistlock. McDonagh gets out and twists the arm again. McDonagh kicks him back and hits a back elbow. McDonagh hits the ropes, but Ricochet hits a monkey flip. Ricochet follows up with a dropkick. McDonagh reverses a whip, but Ricochet holds the ropes. McDonagh charges, but Ricochet hits a back body drop over the top rope. McDonagh avoids a baseball slide and gets in the ring. Ricochet knocks him back and goes to the top rope. Ricochet goes for a cross-body block, but McDonagh counters with a gutbuster. McDonagh sends Ricochet out of the ring, and he lands on the floor back first. McDonagh attacks him at ringside and gets him in the ring. McDonagh takes him down for a two-count. McDonagh whips him hard into the corner and continues to attack. Ricochet soon fights back with a handspring back elbow. Ricochet hits a running shoulder and a cross-body block. Ricochet goes for a springboard moonsault, but McDonagh gets the knees up! McDonagh connects with a brainbuster. 1… 2… Ricochet kicks out.
McDonagh slaps Ricochet in the face, so Ricochet slaps him back. Ricochet slaps back at him and hits a poisonrana! Ricochet hits the ropes, but McDonagh takes him out with a Spanish Fly for a near fall!
-Commercial Break-
Back from the break, McDonagh slaps Ricochet on the apron. Ricochet answers back with a right hand. McDonagh blocks a kick and slaps him before kicking him in the head. Ricochet pops up and hits a Death Valley Driver on the apron! Both men crash to ringside. Ricochet gets in the ring at six. McDonagh struggles to get up and gets in at nine. Ricochet immediately hits a springboard moonsault. Ricochet follows up with a northern lights suplex before rolling into a suplex for a near fall. Ricochet cannot believe he didn’t put him away there.
Ricochet sizes McDonagh up and lifts him. McDonagh rakes the eyes and slides Ricochet ribs-first into the ring post. McDonagh pulls him into the ring and covers for a two-count. McDonagh puts him on the top rope and chops the chest. McDonagh climbs, but Ricochet knocks him down. Ricochet stands on the top rope and hits a picture-perfect shooting star press for the elimination!
Ricochet defeats JD McDonagh in the Gauntlet Match.
Ricochet vs. “Big” Bronson Reed
Ricochet hits a suicide dive as Reed makes his entrance. Ricochet gets him in the ring and hits a springboard missile dropkick to knock Reed out of the ring. Ricochet then connects with a Fosbury Flop. Ricochet holds his ribs in pain. Reed gets in the ring. Ricochet recovers and knocks Reed back. Ricochet comes off the top rope, but Reed catches him and slams him down for a two-count. Ricochet hits a backflip dropkick, followed by an enzuigiri. Ricochet goes for a move, but Reed slams him down. Reed connects with a senton splash! Reed goes to the top rope and hits a Tsunami for the win. Ricochet’s WrestleMania dreams have been dashed.
“Big” Bronson Reed defeats Ricochet in the Gauntlet Match.
“Big” Bronson Reed vs. Sami Zayn
Zayn sidesteps Reed and sends him out of the ring. Zayn chops Reed in the chest, but Reed answers back with a chop of his own. Reed headbutts Zayn and sends him into the barricade, but Zayn leaps off the barricade with a moonsault block.
-Commercial Break-
Back from the break, Reed sends Zayn into the ropes. Zayn ducks some attacks, but Reed soon avalanches him. Reed hits a twisting suplex for a near fall. Michael Cole mentions that today is the first day of Ramadan and Sami Zayn has been fasting as he is a Muslim. Zayn avoids an attack and elbows Reed back. Zayn comes off the second rope, but Reed catches him and slams him down. Reed drops an elbow for a near fall. Reed has Zayn on the top rope and climbs to the second rope. Zayn counters with a sunset flip powerbomb for the elimination!
Sami Zayn defeats “Big” Bronson Reed in the Gauntlet Match.
Sami Zayn vs. Shinsuke Nakamura
As Nakamura makes his entrance, Reed attacks Zayn from behind and crushes him with a Tsunami. Nakamura looks pleased.
Nakamura gets in the ring and goes for a Kinshasa, but Zayn rolls him up for a two-count. Nakamura kicks Zayn in the head and stomps away at him. Zayn rolls out of the ring to recover. Nakamura goes outside and kicks Zayn over the commentary table.
-Commercial Break-
Back from the break, Nakamura connects with Bad Vibrations in the corner.
Pat McAfee breaks down the attack by “Big” Bronson Reed on Sami Zayn on his telestrator.
Back to live action, Nakamura kicks Zayn in the chest a few times. Zayn gets fired up and blocks a kick, but Nakamura hits a rebound enzuigiri. Zayn soon springboards over him and hits a Blue Thunder Bomb! 1… 2… Nakamura kicks out! Nakamura soon stuns Zayn with a kick and sizes him up. Nakamura charges for a Kinshasa, but Zayn counters with an exploder attempt. Nakamura fights out and kicks him in the head. Nakamura comes off the second rope, but Zayn avoids it. Zayn hits Nakamura with a Helluva Kick for the elimination!
Sami Zayn defeats Shinsuke Nakamura in the Gauntlet Match.
Sami Zayn vs. Chad Gable
Gable gets in the ring and shouts for Zayn to get up. This is his WrestleMania moment, and he doesn’t want to take it like this. Gable pulls Zayn to his feet and points at the WrestleMania sign. Zayn gets fired up.
Gable grabs him and hits a pair of German Suplexes. Zayn fights a third one, so Gable takes him down for an ankle lock attempt. Zayn gets out and shoulders him back. Zayn knocks him out of the ring and goes for a baseball slide, but Gable counters into an ankle lock. Zayn kicks him off, and Gable falls into the steel steps.
-Commercial Break-
Back from the final break of the evening, Gable is punching away at Zayn on the top rope. Gable hits a wild superplex off the top rope and covers. 1… 2… Zayn barely kicks out! Gable heads back to the top rope, but Zayn cuts him off. Zayn goes for a back superplex, but Gable elbows him off. Gable goes for a moonsault, but Zayn gets the knees up for a near fall.
Zayn gets to his feet, and they trade big strikes. Gable initially comes out on top, but Zayn wildly fights back. These are some stiff shots. Zayn boots him back and goes for a Blue Thunder Bomb. Gable gets out and picks the ankle for an ankle lock. Gable shouts that he needs this more than Zayn. Zayn screams in pain and grabs the bottom rope. Gable sets up for Chaos Theory, but Zayn fights it. Zayn hits an exploder suplex into the turnbuckles. Zayn limps to the corner and charges for a Helluva Kick, but his ankle is too hurt. Gable takes him down and puts the ankle lock back on! Zayn rolls over and tries to kick him off, but Gable drops down and rolls over to keep the ankle lock applied. The crowd is buzzing. Zayn fights up, so Gable hits him with a German Suplex! Gable quickly goes to the top rope for a moonsault, but Zayn rolls out of the way. Zayn hobbles over and hits a Helluva Kick! Zayn slowly crawls over and covers for a near fall. Gable transitions into a pin attempt, but Zayn kicks out at two!
Both men are down and taking their time. They slowly get up and throw clubs at each other. Gable grabs the waist for Chaos Theory, but Zayn fights back. Gable hits some crossface clubs to the face and pulls the straps down. Gable hits Chaos Theory! 1… 2… Zayn kicks out. Gable immediately goes back to the ankle lock! Gable is bleeding from the mouth. Zayn manages to counter into a roll-up for the win!
Winner by Pinfall: Sami Zayn
Sami Zayn will face Gunther for the WWE Intercontinental Championship at WrestleMania XL!
Chad Gable cannot believe he didn’t get this win. His WrestleMania dreams are up in smoke. Zayn pulls Gable up to his feet and embraces him.
WWE Intercontinental Champion Gunther walks out to the stage and smiles at Zayn as the show comes to an end.
Quick Match Results
— “The Man” Becky Lynch def. Liv Morgan
— Candice LeRae and Indi Hartwell def. Maxxine Dupri and Ivy Nile in a Tag Team Match
— The Kabuki Warriors (Asuka and Kairi Sane) def. Shayna Baszler and Zoey Stark to retain the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship
— Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champion Damian Priest def. R-Truth
— Sami Zayn won a #1 Contender’s Gauntlet Match
— Ricochet def. JD McDonagh
— “Big” Bronson Reed def. Ricochet
— Sami Zayn def. “Big” Bronson Reed
— Sami Zayn def. Shinsuke Nakamura
— Sami Zayn def. Chad Gable
Email – mike@wrestleview.com
X – @MikeTedescoWV
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