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Welcome to the English version of Solowrestling Read more
Welcome to the English version of Solowrestling Read more
WWE is celebrating a new episode of Monday Night Raw tonight, this time number 1,697, from the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona. The show will be broadcast live on Netflix and Solowrestling will bring you the results in this news article as every week.
Tonight's episode will feature several matches and segments of interest, highlighting the semifinals of The Last Time is Now tournament, with Jey Uso, LA Knight, Solo Sikoa, and Gunther vying for a spot in the final. In addition, AJ Styles and Dragon Lee will defend the World Tag Team Championships against The New Day. As always, we invite you to comment on the article to give your opinion on what happened in the show.
WWE Raw starts on Netflix!
Wade Barrett and Joe Tessitore welcome us from the audience stands before showing a video recap of WWE Survivor Series: WarGames.
We see the arrival of some of tonight's protagonists: The Vision in full force, Solo Sikoa (accompanied by Talla Tonga), AJ Styles and Dragon Lee, The Judgment Day once again in full force.
IYO SKY and Rhea Ripley are the ones to open tonight's show. The fans greet them with a big ovation. "Glendale, welcome to Monday Night Rhea!" exclaims the Australian. She acknowledges that her body and that of her partner are still sore from their match at Survivor Series: WarGames, but they don't care because they won the war. However, their rivalry with The Kabuki Warriors is far from over. Rhea promises that Asuka and Kairi Sane will pay for breaking her nose and betraying her friend IYO. And no matter how much pain they are in. They want their revenge, and it will begin when they take the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships from their enemies. SKY takes the floor. "Hey, Asuka. Nobody is ready for RIYO!" she exclaims. Ripley, on the other hand, challenges the champions to come out and solve this problem here and now. However...
Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss interrupt the segment
Flair and Bliss head to the ring, where they ask for microphones. Alexa is glad that they were all able to put their differences aside to fight together and win at WarGames. However, when it comes to the tag team championships, they come first. Charlotte reminds them that they never got their title rematch. Bliss is fine with Rhea and IYO wanting to get their revenge on Asuka and Sane, but their title shot will have to wait until they get their rematch. Ripley makes it clear that she respects both women, but also reminds them that they couldn't defeat The Kabuki Warriors. That's why she suggests they go straight to the back of the line. "Well, Rhea. If there's one thing you know about me, it's that I don't step aside for anyone. If you want to stay there and act like you're better than us, prove it," says Flair. Alexa shares her partner's opinion, challenging Ripley and SKY to a tag team match later that night. "Done!" exclaims IYO to accept the challenge. Both teams remain in the ring as the segment comes to an end.
We see Adam Pearce talking on the phone backstage. The General Manager confirms that Ripley and SKY will face Charlotte and Alexa in the main event of the night. Suddenly, Ivy Nile appears on the scene to address Pearce directly. "You know very well that I am the first one who deserves a title shot against Maxxine. She has never beaten me. I want this match," says Ivy. Adam assures her that she doesn't have to convince him of that. However, he will need time to organize everything, as Maxxine Dupri is currently training with Natalya. "Fine. You can tell her she can train with whoever she wants and for as long as she wants, because I'll knock her out anyway," she says before leaving.
Pearce is about to return to his office, only to find Paul Heyman and Bron Breakker waiting for the General Manager at the door. He points out that he will only talk to them about the mysterious hooded figure who intervened in WarGames. Otherwise, they have nothing to discuss. Heyman denies having anything to do with it. "I have no idea who was under that mask," says Paul. Adam asks what they want to talk about then. "Bron Breakker," replies Heyman before reminding him that his guy defeated World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk at WarGames. "I think we have a lot to talk about," says Paul as he opens the office door. The three men enter the room as the segment comes to an end.
Jey Uso makes his traditional entrance down the audience stands. The Samoan interacts with the fans as he heads to the ring. After several minutes of fun, with an encore included, Jey prepares for the arrival of his opponent for the night, who doesn't take long to appear.
Last Time is Now Tournament - Semifinals
LA Knight vs. Jey Uso
LA Knight dodges Jey's first attack to look for a quick Blunt Force Trauma. However, the Samoan manages to block it. Uso responds with a slap in one of the corners. LA Knight counterattacks with a flurry of kicks in the opposite corner. Jey dodges a corner splash to respond with an enzuigiri. Now it's LA Knight who dodges a Running Hip Attack. Jey hits the corner.
Both men exchange punches. Jey throws LA Knight out of the ring before launching himself with a suicide dive. Jey and LA Knight are left lying on the ground. Uso brings his opponent back into the ring to unleash a flurry of punches in the corner. LA Knight brings him down to pay him back. Jey traps LA Knight to execute an Electric Chair.
LA Knight throws Jey out of the ring before hitting him with a rope dropkick. LA Knight repeatedly hits the Samoan's head against the commentator's table. "The Megastar" brings him back into the ring to cover him. 1..2..NO. LA Knight continues to hit Jey as he takes him to one of the corners. Jey blocks a superplex to start an exchange of punches with LA Knight. As a result, both fall from the corner to the ground. The referee starts the count of 10. 1..2..3..4..5..6..7..8.. Both return in time.
Jey surprises LA Knight with an enzuigiri. After that, he launches himself with a Uso Splash, but his opponent dodges it. LA Knight now dodges a superkick to respond with an inverted Death Valley Driver. 1..2..NO. The action continues with Jey dodging a clothesline to execute a spear. 1..2..NO. "Uso, Uso!" chant the fans. Jey looks for height once again, but LA Knight runs towards him to execute a superplex. 1..2..NO.
"The Megastar" tries to apply the Blunt Force Trauma, but Jey blocks it to respond with a superkick. The Samoan continues his offensive with a spear to finish with a Uso Splash. 1..2..NO. "The Megastar" surprises Jey as he stands up to cover him with a crucifix pin. 1..2..3.
Winner and finalist of The Last Time is Now tournament: LA Knight
LA Knight celebrates on the entrance ramp while Jey laments in one of the corners. The Samoan gets out of the ring with a disappointed look. The fans try to cheer him up. Uso leans on the commentator's table before losing his temper. Jey knocks down the PRIME display. After that, he angrily dismantles the metal stairs. Still furious, but somewhat calmer, the Samoan heads back to backstage.
We see Bayley and Lyra Valkyria talking to Adam Pearce backstage. Bayley wants to know what they need to do to be pushed into the Women's Tag Team Championship orbit. Pearce asks her if in her current mental state she really wants to deal with The Kabuki Warriors again. Lyra replies that she and her partner are fine... most of the time. So she insists on "The Role Model's" request. Adam suggests they wait to see the outcome of tonight's main event. After that, he will have a clearer picture of the tag team division. However, he promises them that he will consider them for it. Pearce leaves, at which point furious Asuka and Kairi Sane appear. "The Empress of Tomorrow" blames Bayley for her defeat at WarGames. "If you had joined us, we could have won," says Asuka before calling her an idiot in two languages. "The Role Model" assures her that they are the only ones to blame, for being idiots. Asuka laughs. "I'm a champion. What are you? What are you!? Nothing! Nothing!" exclaims the Japanese. "Who will be in the main event tonight? Charlotte Flair! Not you," she adds before leaving. Kairi places a green chain over her former partner's shoulders. "Bayley, use this instead of a title," says "The Pirate Princess" with an innocent smile. "Kairi!!!!!" yells Asuka. Sane startles at her partner's call, whom she quickly follows. Lyra and Bayley remain silent watching Kairi's chain.
The Vision almost in full (Dominik Mysterio, JD McDonagh, Finn Bálor, Roxanne Perez, and Raquel Rodriguez) make their entrance into the ring. Dom takes the floor. "You are in the presence of a legend!" he exclaims before being booed. Mysterio recalls that he defeated John Cena, the greatest wrestler of all time. And that makes him the greatest Mysterio of all time, the greatest wrestler of all time, the greatest Intercontinental Champion of all time, and the "King of wrestlers." But he couldn't have done it without the help of his partners in the ring, whom he thanks one by one. However, there is someone he owes a special thank you to: Liv Morgan.
Liv makes her entrance into the ring. "I'm back!" she exclaims. Morgan is aware that the fans didn't expect her to return so soon. "Guess who else didn't see me coming... John Cena!" she exclaims before laughing. Dominik reveals that it was all part of a plan. And thanks to him, he regained the two most important things in his life: his Intercontinental title and his blonde. Liv is glad to see her partners, but she is also worried, as she has heard that The Judgment Day is weaker than ever, that they have lost some of the gold they had, that they are falling apart. "But that's going to change, because Liv Morgan is back!" she exclaims. Liv promises that the faction will recover everything that belongs to them. "From this moment on, officially The Judgment Day is back to lead Monday Night Raw," she says. "Oh, and Dominik. One more thing," says Morgan before slapping Mysterio. Liv immediately throws herself into his arms. Morgan kisses Dom while looking at him with a knowing look. Liv poses with the AAA Megachampionship while Mysterio does the same with the Intercontinental title. This brings us to the end of this segment.
We see a promotional video of the tough training that Maxxine Dupri is receiving from Natalya. Despite the physical demands, Dupri decides not to rest. Natalya smiles satisfied.
Adam Pearce talks to referee Eddie Orengo backstage. The General Manager informs him that he hasn't found out anything about the hooded figure from WarGames. That's why he asks him to be on the lookout in case he can discover something about it. Orengo accepts his request. Peace thanks him for his help, reminding him to be discreet about the matter.
We see several Arizona Cardinals players in the front row.
Tag Team Match
AJ Styles and Dragon Lee (c) vs. The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods) (with Grayson Waller)
Kofi and Xavier attack the champions as soon as the bell rings. The challengers take AJ Styles to their corner to hit him mercilessly and without mercy. Kofi attacks AJ's left arm directly before applying a Monkey Flip. 1..2..NO. AJ Styles manages to reach his corner to tag in Lee. He surprises Kingston with a pair of scissors. Kofi lands on ringside. Woods approaches his partner walking on the apron. Dragon executes the move once again, this time on Xavier, who lands on Kofi.
Lee brings Kingston back into the ring. At that moment, Grayson approaches the masked man, distracting him long enough for Kingston to surprise him upon his return to the ring. Woods receives the tag to execute a footstomp on the Mexican's back in the ropes. Xavier immobilizes Dragon on the apron so that Kofi can execute a senton on him. The New Day take turns punishing Lee, who ends up trapped in a headlock on the canvas by Kofi.
Dragon manages to escape to tag in AJ Styles, who launches an assault on Woods. However, "The Phenomenal One" soon finds himself overwhelmed by his opponents. Xavier traps AJ Styles so that Kingston can apply a legdrop on his neck. Woods comes to his partner's rescue before he can submit.
The action continues with AJ Styles throwing Kofi against Lee so that he can execute a sit-out powerbomb. 1..2..NO. Dragon prepares to finish off the Ghanaian, but he stops him with his head. Kofi tags in Woods. He gets rid of AJ Styles with a superkick before placing Lee face down in one of the corners. Xavier jumps on AJ Styles with a suicide dive. Meanwhile, Kofi finishes off Lee with a dropkick. 1..2..NO.
Lee dodges Kofi's Trouble in Paradise to respond with a running back elbow. AJ Styles gets rid of Xavier before dropping Kingston on the top rope. Lee jumps on him with a double footstomp. Kofi bounces to fall into AJ Styles' clutches. Dragon makes sure Xavier and Grayson don't interfere by launching himself at them with a tope. Meanwhile, AJ Styles finishes off Kingston with a Styles Clash. 1..2..3.
Winners and STILL World Tag Team Champions: AJ Styles and Dragon Lee
Jackie Redmond interviews Stephanie Vaquer backstage. Redmond congratulates the Chilean for her victory last weekend before asking her what message she thinks she has sent with it. "I feel incredible. I have to show everyone that when you betray Stephanie Vaquer, you end up burned. Everyone is welcome to my Hell, and I'm ready for whatever my next opponent brings," replies "The First". Liv Morgan interrupts the interview to stand in front of the world champion. "I just wanted to say that I'm back. By the way, congratulations," says Liv with a mischievous smile before leaving.
The Vision (Paul Heyman, Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed) and Logan Paul make their entrance. Heyman takes the mic to give credit to Brock Lesnar and Drew McIntyre for their contribution to the victory achieved at WarGames. And, of course, he also has to credit the men in the ring, including Logan Paul, who fits perfectly into his vision. Fans boo "The Maverick." Heyman also gives credit to WWE for listening to his advice, because on January 5, CM Punk will defend the World Heavyweight Championship against Bron Breakker, who will take the gold from him. "CM Punk, CM Punk!", chant the fans.
Bron admits that he is angry, and not because of this city. Not even because of the hooded man who stormed into WarGames to try to ruin his moment. He is angry... No... Rather disappointed by how easy it was to beat CM Punk. A man he watched on television as a child, about whom he'd heard so many stories. "Only to stand in front of him and realize that CM Punk is nothing more than a cowardly bitch!", he exclaims. Breakker assures that CM Punk is no different from any other veteran living off the past. "He's no different from Seth Rollins, who's a piece of narcissistic trash at the top of the mountain keeping everyone else down, instead of caring about the war happening in his own house, because his wife is a bigger star than him".
Breakker sends a direct message to CM Punk, accusing him of trying to break his neck at WarGames. "You tried to ruin my life. You tried to ruin my dream. Everything I've worked for my entire life. You tried to take it all from me. Listen to me, CM Punk! I’m going to ruin your life! I’m going to take your career! I’m going to take the good memories these people remember you for! I’m going to take everything!", he shouts. Bron recalls the words CM Punk said to him last year backstage at WrestleMania: "Congrats on all your accomplishments, kid. Let’s see if now you can cut a promo with the big dogs." "Well, here you have it. Consider the promo done. Because on January 5, when your ass is laid out on the mat and they announce my name as the new World Heavyweight Champion, you will look me in the eyes with your stupid face and realize that you’re not even close to the level of Badass Bron Breakker, the real 'The Best in the World'!!", he exclaims. Breakker slams the mic onto the mat to end his promo. Bron leaves the ring. The rest of his partners follow him. Thus we reach the end of this segment.
Jackie Redmond tries to interview Jey Uso as he heads toward the arena’s parking area. Jey remains silent, ignoring Redmond’s questions. Jey finally stops due to her insistence. Uso states that he doesn’t care about anything. Not The Vision, not Bron Breakker. Jey admits he has too much on his mind, and only one person to blame for his loss: himself. Jey continues on his way, but quickly returns. "You know what? Actually, Roman said it well: those championships look better on his shoulders, not mine", he says before leaving.
Last Time is Now Tournament - Semifinals
Gunther vs. Solo Sikoa (with Talla Tonga)
Both men observe each other carefully before starting the match. Gunther and Solo grapple to test their strength. Solo corners his opponent against the ropes. The referee orders him to break. He dodges a Samoan Skipe to counter with a headlock. Sikoa breaks free and exchanges strikes with "The Ring General." After several attempts, the Samoan manages to take down his opponent with a shoulder tackle. Gunther responds with a big boot. Solo seeks refuge at ringside to catch his breath.
The referee begins the count while Sikoa stays safe next to Talla. Solo returns, only to fall into the Austrian’s clutches. He throws Sikoa out of the ring to deliver a chop next to the announcers’ table. Talla stands in front of Gunther, allowing Solo to surprise his opponent. However, he dodges a Samoan Skipe, causing Sikoa’s hand to slam into one of the ring posts. Gunther keeps punishing his opponent’s damaged hand before bringing him back into the ring.
The referee checks on Sikoa. As Gunther prepares to return, Talla strikes the Austrian’s legs, causing him to fall back-first onto the apron. Solo capitalizes to take control of the match. Sikoa throws Gunther violently into a turnbuckle before hitting a powerslam. Solo continues attacking Gunther, who responds with several chops.
Gunther blocks a powerslam to lift his opponent onto his arms. However, Solo’s weight is too much for Gunther’s weakened legs, and he ends up crushed by the Samoan. 1..2..NO. Sikoa climbs to the top rope. Gunther goes after him. "The Ring General" delivers a chop before executing a superplex. Both men lie exhausted on the mat. "Let’s go Gunther!", chant the fans.
Gunther and Solo trade strikes with the little strength they have left. Solo surprises Gunther with a Samoan Skipe, but both men collapse to the mat. Gunther dodges a Running Hip Attack to counter with a powerslam, followed by a Frog Splash. 1..2..NO. The Austrian grabs his opponent’s thumb and twists it. Sikoa answers with a Spinning Solo. Both men remain down.
Gunther retreats to a corner, where he receives a Running Hip Attack. Solo tries to repeat the move, but Gunther stops him with a clothesline. Sikoa counters with a body drop, only to fall to a Lariat. 1...2...NO. Gunther prepares for a powerbomb. Solo prevents it and executes a Samoan drop. 1..2..NO.
Sikoa prepares a Samoan Skipe. Gunther avoids it with a barrage of chops. "The Ring General" tries to finish him with a Lariat, but the Samoan stops him with a Spinning Solo. He then finishes him with an Uso Splash. 1..2..NO. Gunther traps Solo in a sleeperhold. Sikoa runs toward a corner trying to escape. Solo grabs a turnbuckle pad while the Austrian hits a german suplex. The Samoan ends up holding the pad in his hand.
Talla climbs onto the apron while the referee replaces the pad. Gunther quickly strikes him. The Austrian goes after Talla, who meets him with a big boot. Talla holds Gunther so Sikoa can finish him with a Samoan Skipe, but the referee turns around just in time to see it. The official argues with the members of MFT.
Gunther takes the chance to kick both Sikoa and Talla (the latter with a low blow). Gunther dodges a Samoan Skipe to grab Sikoa’s hand and smash it against the apron. Then he brings the Samoan back into the ring. The referee is still distracted by Talla. Gunther doesn’t waste the opportunity and kicks Solo with a low blow. He then finishes him with a powerbomb. 1..2..3.
Winner and finalist of The Last Time is Now tournament: Gunther
LA Knight enters the ring to confront Gunther. "I’ll tell you right now: this was damn impressive, but I don’t give a damn what you do tonight or next week. When you see me, when you see this, you won’t hear this music. I wish you the best. Do what you can. I’ll see you soon. YEAH", says LA Knight before heading backstage. Gunther smiles as he watches him leave.
Eddie Orengo informs Adam Pearce that he hasn’t heard anything about the hooded man. However, many claim to have seen Seth Rollins. The General Manager thanks him for the help and asks him to keep him informed if he discovers anything else. AJ Styles and Dragon Lee approach Pearce. "The Phenomenal One" says he saw Rollins walking backstage without his arm in a sling. Changing topics, Styles wants to defend the World Tag Team Championships again next week. He and Lee have challengers in mind: The War Raiders. A team that deserves the opportunity and also never had a rematch when they lost the gold. Pearce thinks it’s a great idea, so he makes the match official for the next episode. Styles and Lee thank him. Adam also thanks them for being champions who defend the gold.
Grayson Waller and The New Day (Xavier Woods and Kofi Kingston) interrupt Byron Saxton in the stands. Waller expresses their frustration toward a situation they find unfair. The Australian points out that The New Day don’t receive gifted opportunities. They earn them. Kofi and Xavier needed six months to earn their title opportunity, only for the referee to favor their opponents. The same referee who had already wronged the Australian. Woods and Kingston assure that The War Raiders don’t deserve any chance, especially considering they haven’t appeared on TV in two months. Byron informs them their time is up. Grayson interrupts, making it clear that no one disrespects The New Day. They leave because they want to, not because anyone orders them to.
Jackie Redmond interviews Rey Mysterio backstage. The Mexican star recalls that next week he’ll face Finn Bálor in a singles match. However, everyone knows his main problem is his son Dominik. And he has no problem taking out each member of The Judgment Day one by one to get to him. Redmond asks him about a possible match against Dominik for the Intercontinental Championship. Rey reveals that it’s possible. Logan Paul interrupts the interview to assure Rey that the title belongs to The Vision. He also advises the masked man to step aside. "Who’s going to stop me, pendejo?", asks Rey. "I’m not just going to stop you. I’m going to retire you", replies Paul as he gets in Rey’s face. Rey answers with a tremendous slap. Several officials quickly rush in to prevent a fight. "You’re going to pay for this, Rey! I swear to God! You’re going to pay for this!", yells Logan.
Tag Team Match
Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY vs. Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss
Alexa and IYO start the match. Bliss strikes first. Charlotte and Alexa work together against SKY. Rhea approaches her partner, only to receive an accidental big boot from Flair. IYO takes down "The Queen" to hit a double footstomp on her stomach. IYO traps Flair in a headlock. Charlotte breaks free to regain control. Flair traps the Japanese star in a headscissors and slams her repeatedly onto the mat.
Alexa tags in to keep attacking IYO. SKY escapes long enough to surprise her opponent with a dropkick. Ripley tags in to kick Bliss. Rhea throws Alexa into the ropes and hits her back on the rebound. Ripley keeps staring at Charlotte while attacking her partner. Rhea locks Bliss in a Prism Trap. Ripley continues the hold on the mat.
The Australian releases her opponent to confront Flair again. Rhea goes back to Alexa to lock her in another Prism Trap. Bliss sends Ripley into her own corner, causing her to accidentally collide with Charlotte. IYO and Rhea double-team Alexa, who survives. Bliss dodges a running meteora from SKY, only to be knocked down with a facebuster. Both women remain down. IYO and Alexa crawl to their corners to tag their partners.
Charlotte and Rhea stare each other down before attacking. Flair and Ripley exchange strikes. Charlotte unleashes a barrage of chops on Rhea, who counters with a headbutt. A kick from the Australian leaves both women down. IYO tags in. Rhea hits a suplex on Charlotte, whom SKY finishes with a kick.
Flair retreats to ringside with Alexa. IYO dives onto both with a moonsault. Back in the ring, the Japanese star launches a springboard dropkick, but Charlotte catches her mid-air and locks in a Boston Crab. SKY breaks free, only to take a german suplex. 1..2..NO. Flair throws IYO into a corner to keep punishing her.
The action moves to the apron. Charlotte strikes Rhea, who falls to ringside. IYO surprises Flair with a meteora. Rhea executes a Razor's Edge on Charlotte for SKY to follow with a missile dropkick. Rhea covers 1..2..NO. Flair reverses a Riptide into a DDT. Alexa tags in to hit a second DDT. 1..2..NO. Alexa tries to finish Ripley with a Twisted Bliss, but the Australian blocks her with her knees.
The action continues. Charlotte hits a Natural Selection on IYO, whom Alexa follows with a Sister Abigail. 1..2..NO. Rhea breaks the pin. Ripley throws Charlotte out of the ring to face Bliss. Ripley knocks her out with a headbutt before hitting a Riptide. IYO finishes her with an Over the Moonsault. 1..2..NO. Flair charges at Rhea and both fall on SKY, breaking the count.
The Kabuki Warriors storm the ring to attack all four women!
Match ends in no contest
Kairi Sane and Asuka throw Charlotte into one of the ring posts. The champions repeat the move, this time on Rhea. IYO tries to fight back but ends up taking a barrage of kicks. Asuka kicks Alexa before picking up one of the titles to strike SKY with it. However...
Bayley and Lyra Valkyria come to the rescue!
Bayley attacks Asuka while Lyra deals with Kairi, taking the fight to ringside. Valkyria climbs onto the announcers’ table, ready to keep attacking Sane, but Liv Morgan appears out of nowhere and knocks her onto the table! After that, Morgan throws Kairi into the steel steps. Raquel Rodriguez and Roxanne Perez storm the ring. Rodriguez hits a Texana Bomb on Asuka while Perez gets rid of Bayley with a Pop Rox.
Raquel and Roxy pick up the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships. Perez hands her belt to Morgan, but she immediately returns it. Liv raises her partners’ arms as they pose with the belts. Liv addresses the camera to reiterate her promise that The Judgment Day are coming for all the titles. Thus we reach the end of this week’s episode.
