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Welcome to the English version of Solowrestling Read more
WWE is celebrating a new episode of Monday Night Raw tonight, this time number 1,704, from The SSE Arena in Belfast, Northern Ireland, as part of their European tour leading up to the Royal Rumble. 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 two title defenses. On one hand, Becky Lynch will defend the Women's Intercontinental Championship against Maxxine Dupri. Meanwhile, CM Punk will defend the World Heavyweight Championship against Finn Bálor. As always, we invite you to comment on the article to give your opinion on what happened on the show.
WWE Raw starts on Netflix!
We see the arrival of some of tonight's protagonists at the venue: CM Punk, Finn Bálor, the complete Alpha Academy, The Americans, Rey Mysterio, Penta, and Dragon Lee.
Gunther is in charge of opening tonight's show. The Austrian heads to the ring with a mocking smile on his face. Gunther laughs as he watches the negative reaction from the fans. "You gave up!" chants the audience. Gunther takes the mic, only to be booed. Gunther states that AJ Styles made a big mistake last week, as he became obsessed with beating him by submission without realizing he was facing the best wrestler in this company, the same one who made John Cena submit. Gunther sees a bright future for himself. One where he will be world champion again. That's why he officially announces his participation in the Royal Rumble. The Austrian reminds everyone that he holds the record for the longest duration in the men's Royal Rumble match, when suddenly...
AJ Styles interrupts the segment!
AJ Styles stands in front of Gunther. Meanwhile, fans chant his name. "AJ Styles, AJ Styles!" they shout. "I know you want to move forward. I don't. You and me. Rematch. Royal Rumble", says "The Phenomenal One." Gunther insists he will participate in the men's Royal Rumble match. "I'm going to win the Royal Rumble, and I don't plan on working double duty. So the answer is 'no'," says Gunther before heading towards the ropes. "Looks like you're scared," says AJ Styles, causing "The Ring General" to stop. "You gave up!" chant the fans. "Yes. We both know your hand was raised, but you didn't beat me. I defeated myself when I showed you mercy, because I should have ripped your leg off to beat you with it. Remember: you gave up like a little dog," says AJ Styles. However, if the Austrian acknowledges that he is afraid to face him again, they can both move on with their lives.
Furious, Gunther claims that last week he proved he is a better wrestler and smarter than AJ Styles. That's why there is no reason to face him again. Gunther is about to leave, but soon returns, pointing out that something might motivate him to accept the challenge. "AJ, if you want a rematch against me at Royal Rumble, I want you to put your career on the line," he says. "Fine. Think about it. Think about whether this is a cause worth dying for. I await your response by the end of tonight... unless you're a little scared," he adds before leaving the ring. "The Phenomenal One" remains silent as the Austrian retreats backstage.
We see Maxxine Dupri warming up backstage when Natalya appears on the scene. Surprised, Maxxine hugs her before asking her what she's doing here. "I wanted to be in your corner tonight. I want to make sure that what happens between Becky and you is not like last time," replies the Canadian. Dupri thanks her before assuring her that she is ready to face Lynch. "You'll see," says Maxxine before heading to the ring. Natalya smiles. Meanwhile, in the background, we see American Made (The Creed Brothers and Ivy Nile) gathered.
Becky Lynch makes her entrance in the ring. "The Man" welcomes the fans to the first Raw show in Belfast. Lynch points out that being back here reminds her why she left the country. Everything here is horrible. And it's fine for the people here, but not for her, who is rich, and could move to the United States. Becky assures that she will become a hero for them because she is the best wrestler of all time. And she's not the one saying it. Numerous specialized publications are. That said, she welcomes them to "The Big Time".
Women's Intercontinental Championship Match
Becky Lynch (c) vs. Maxxine Dupri (with Natalya)
Both women grapple as soon as the bell rings. Becky takes down Maxxine before slamming her against one of the corners. Dupri reacts quickly. Becky escapes an Ankle Lock, only to receive a dropkick. Lynch ends up at ringside, where she is hit by a rope dropkick, followed by an apron cannonball. Maxxine brings the champion back inside the ring.
The action moves to the top of one of the corners. Becky hits the challenger to make her fall to ringside. "The Man" goes after her to repeatedly throw her against the public barrier. Becky brings her back inside the ring to execute a diving legdrop. 1..2..NO. The Irishwoman confronts the referee for not counting faster. Dupri reacts with several roll-ups, only for Becky to knock her down with a big boot.
Lynch crushes Maxxine in one of the corners before applying a Bexploder. 1..2..NO. Becky continues punishing her opponent, who resists losing. Lynch slaps Maxxine. Becky is about to repeat it, but her rival blocks her to respond with fury. Maxxine crushes Lynch in one of the corners before executing a Fisherman's Suplex. Dupri finishes off the Irishwoman with a legdrop on the back of the neck. 1..2..NO.
Becky dodges a pump kick by the ropes to counter with an inverted DDT. 1..2..NO. Dupri blocks a Manhandle Slam, only to be caught in a Dis-Arm-Her. Maxxine reverses it into an Ankle Lock. Becky frees herself, only to receive a spinning kick. 1..2..NO. Dupri seeks height on one of the corners. Lynch goes after her to start an exchange of attacks. Becky executes a superplex, followed by a DDT. 1..2..NO. Lynch can't believe it.
Becky confronts the referee again before hitting Dupri. Lynch removes the turnbuckle pad before going after her opponent, trying to throw her against the unprotected area. However, Maxxine surprises her from behind to execute a german suplex. Lynch reverses a diving crossbody into a roll-up. 1..2..NO. Dupri traps the champion in an Ankle Lock.
Becky turns to throw Dupri against the unprotected corner. Maxxine stops just in time. Lynch charges at Dupri, but she dodges, causing the champion to hit the steel. Maxxine finishes her off with a spinning kick. 1..2..NO. Natalya places one of Becky's legs on the bottom rope to prevent the Irishwoman's defeat!
Unable to believe what just happened, Maxxine asks her friend why she did it. "Why, Nattie? After all. How could you?", says Dupri as Natalya watches with crossed arms. Maxxine approaches Becky, who, already recovered, surprises her with a definitive Manhandle Slam. 1..2..3.
Winner and STILL Women's Intercontinental Champion: Becky Lynch
Becky exits through the entrance ramp while Maxxine remains leaning on the ropes, still trying to process what happened. At that moment, Natalya enters the ring. Dupri approaches her, only to be knocked down. The Canadian unleashes a flurry of attacks on Maxxine. She tries to fight back but ends up being knocked out with a lariat. Natalya poses over her victim before applying a painful Sharpshooter. The referee has to intervene to separate her from Dupri. However, she soon goes back to continue hitting her. And so we reach the end of this segment.
We move backstage, where Adam Pearce advises AJ Styles not to be provoked by Gunther or make a decision he might regret later. "The Phenomenal One" says he needs to call his wife. That said, he leaves. Relieved, Pearce hopes that call can make him see reason. Paul Heyman appears to ask the General Manager if he had a good week. Pearce replies that it has been a great week. And before he asks about Bron Breakker, he confirms that he is still suspended. Adam asks if he needs anything else. "A lot," Paul replies, starting with preparing The Vision for their match tonight. Pearce knows, just as he is very aware of what they are capable of. That's why tonight he will watch the match from ringside. "See you at ringside," says Adam before leaving.
Cathy Kelley interviews The Americans in the stands. Kelley asks El Grande Americano about his match against Je'Von Evans tonight. "First of all, I have a question. How many of my countrymen do we have here tonight?" asks the masked man in Spanish. The fans don't react. "Don't you understand Spanish or what? But I'm not surprised, because you don't understand more than one language," he says. Bravo Americano states that the fans have no culture. They are like Evans: stupid gringos. "Viva México, cabrones!," adds Rayo Americano. El Grande Americano answers Cathy by pointing out that miracles only happen once. "Your luck will run out sooner or later, and that moment will come tonight when you face the best wrestler of all time," says the masked man to send a direct message to his opponent. The Americans leave the place to end the interview.
We move to The Judgment Day's "clubhouse." Raquel Rodriguez meets with her teammates to inform them that Stephanie Vaquer still doesn't have medical clearance. However, as soon as she gets it, she will snatch the Women's World Championship from her. Liv Morgan is convinced of this because 2026 will be The Judgment Day's year. So much so that she trusts they will regain the Tag Team World Championships for the faction along with Roxanne Perez. Morgan takes Roxy's hands, admitting that when she joined the team, she distrusted her. However, now she realizes they need her. "You are not only The Prodigy, you are my Prodigy, and now also my friend, and on Saturday we will become the new Tag Team World Champions," she says. Perez thanks her for her words and promises not to disappoint her. "I know, Roxy, I know. Finny, how do you feel?" asks Liv to Finn Bálor. "Tonight we are on my island with the World Heavyweight Championship on the line... and I won't leave here without it," replies the Irishman before leaving. Smiling and confident, his teammates watch him walk away as the segment comes to an end.
Jey Uso makes his entrance in the stands. After interacting with the fans, the Samoan delivers a brief promo. Jey officially announces his participation in the Royal Rumble, promising to win the men's Royal Rumble match for the second year in a row. Meanwhile, and with his brother Jimmy's permission, he issues a warning to the tag team division with a shout of "4 letters, one word: YEET!" Jey's theme music plays again as the segment ends.
The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods) and Grayson Waller approach Adam Pearce backstage. Kingston and Woods demand an explanation for what just happened, as they traveled here to accept Jey Uso's open challenge for the Tag Team Championships, only to hear the Samoan announce his participation in the Royal Rumble match. "What about us? We demand...", says Kofi before being interrupted by Pearce. He grants them an opportunity... or rather, a match to earn it. Adam informs them that they will face three other teams next week. The winners will earn a title shot against The Usos. Pearce heads to the ring to oversee the next match, leaving three furious men demanding explanations behind him. "Did you make us fly here for nothing? Bald tyrant!" they shout.
Adam Pearce takes a seat next to the commentary table to watch the match.
Tag Team Match
The Vision (Logan Paul, Bronson Reed, and Austin Theory) (with Paul Heyman) vs. Rey Mysterio, Penta, and Dragon Lee
Theory and Lee start the match. Austin corners his opponent in one of the corners but is soon forced to release him. Austin takes down Dragon with a back elbow. Lee tags in Penta. Theory does the same with Logan. The latter surprises the Mexican, who quickly responds. Penta leans on the ropes to dive onto Paul, but he receives a European uppercut.
Reed and Mysterio receive the tag. "619!" chant the fans. Rey tries to make use of his agility, but Bronson quickly takes him down to the mat. The Vision takes turns punishing the WWE Hall of Famer. Rey escapes Theory's clutches to tag in Penta. The masked wrestlers combine perfectly against Austin before expelling all three members of The Vision from the ring. After that, they launch themselves at the trio with a parallel attack: Mysterio executes an Asai Moonsault on Logan while Penta and Dragon perform a tope on Reed and Theory. "This is amazing!" chant the fans.
Lee brings Austin back into the ring to continue the fight. Dragon kicks Theory, who quickly catches the referee's attention. Reed takes advantage to knock down Lee with a clothesline from the apron. Thus, Austin regains control. Logan receives the tag to continue punishing Dragon. It's Bronson's turn, who unleashes a relentless kick barrage on his opponent. Austin executes a backbreaker on Lee. Theory continues hitting his opponent, applying a Fallaway Slam.
Lee dodges a back senton from Bronson, causing him to hit the mat. Dragon crawls towards his corner looking for his partners, but his opponent, now recovered, charges against both with a double corner clothesline. Penta and Mysterio fall to ringside. Lee dodges another senton from Reed, but can't avoid Theory's fury. He throws him against the top rope. Lee bounces back into Austin's arms, who he hits with a hurricanrana.
Dragon tags in Mysterio, who enters the match with full force. Rey unleashes a flurry of punches on Theory, who he then makes stumble against the ropes. Mysterio tries to apply a 619, but Austin blocks it. Penta receives the tag to execute a Penta Driver on Theory. 1..2..NO. Logan and Bronson interrupt the count. Due to this, the match descends into chaos.
Penta and Lee take Reed out with a barrage of superkicks. Bronson ends up at ringside, where he is hit by a Dragon tope. Meanwhile, Theory throws a left hand at Penta before applying an Ushigoroshi. 1..2..NO. Heyman climbs onto the apron to berate the referee. Pearce does the same to order Heyman to leave. Logan takes advantage of the confusion to hand brass knuckles to Theory.
Adam notices this and draws the referee’s attention. The General Manager personally approaches Austin, who hides the weapon behind his back. Adam takes it from him before scolding both Logan and Theory. Heyman approaches the General Manager. “Once again, you’ve put your hands on one of my guys”, he says. Pearce shows him the brass knuckles, blaming “The Oracle” for causing everything.
Heyman and Pearce argue, with the former pointing directly at the General Manager. Furious, Pearce leaves the brass knuckles on the apron and steps closer to Paul. “Are you getting in my face? Are you putting your hands in my face?” he asks over and over. Rey picks up the brass knuckles to knock out Theory, whom Penta finishes off with a Mexican Destroyer. 1..2..3.
Winners: Rey Mysterio, Dragon Lee and Penta
Jackie Redmond interviews CM Punk backstage. “The Best in the World” admits that tonight he’s not on home turf. But for that very reason, tonight he must prove he’s the best, because great champions can win anywhere. “The same pressure I put on myself as The Best in the World is the same pressure that will break Finn Bálor tonight”, says CM Punk to end the interview.
The New Day and Grayson Waller interrupt Cathy Kelley in the crowd area. After snatching the microphone from the interviewer, Grayson hands it to his partners. They criticize AJ Styles and Jey Uso, who don’t seem very interested in the tag team division. Not like them, who are fully committed. Kofi Kingston doesn’t understand why they have to face three other teams to get the title opportunity they deserve. But once they beat them, they’ll be just one step away from winning the gold again. Then, the fans will have a championship team they can be proud of. One they can thank God for. Xavier Woods asks the fans to raise their hands to the sky and exclaim: “Gooooood, thank you for The New Day!”
Paul Heyman chases Adam Pearce backstage. “The Oracle” calls out to him again and again, but the General Manager ignores him. “HEY!” Paul shouts. Adam turns around. “Are you yelling at me?” he asks in a threatening tone before suggesting he say what he wants to say. “I just want you to know that you’re the best General Manager Raw has ever seen, and how much we’re going to miss you when you’re gone from this show”, says Heyman. “Are you threatening me, Paul?” Pearce asks before receiving a phone call. “No. No. Threaten you? That could work against me. But you should answer that call”, replies a smiling Paul before leaving. With a serious and visibly worried expression, Adam answers the call. And thus we reach the end of this segment.
RHIYO (Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY) make their entrance. The WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions head to the ring to a huge ovation. “Belfast, welcome to Monday Night RHIYO!” exclaims the Australian. Ripley reminds everyone that next Saturday they will defend the titles against Roxanne Perez and Liv Morgan. And that’s when they’ll discover that RHIYO are always on top. And not only that. Ripley also announces that once they defend the gold, both will head straight to the Royal Rumble to take part in the women’s battle royal. IYO is about to speak, but…
Liv Morgan and Roxanne Perez interrupt the segment!
Liv believes that Rhea and SKY are delusional if they think they can beat them on Saturday, because those tag team titles will return to The Judgment Day. Roxanne wonders how Rhea and IYO plan to compete in the Royal Rumble, where every woman fights for herself. Morgan doesn’t know the answer. What she does know is that Ripley will end up betraying IYO, because the Australian tends to turn her back on her partners. IYO clings to one of Rhea’s arms. “I know, because she did it to me. But where you, IYO, are going to luck out is that her selfishness will always get the better of her, leaving her with nothing and no one.”
With that said, she gives way to Perez, who has something important to announce. “The Prodigy” confirms that all three members of The Judgment Day will participate in the women’s Royal Rumble match. “Which means it will be a member of The Judgment Day who headlines WrestleMania”, says Roxanne. “All of you are going to be in the battle royal, right? Well, answer me this: how is that going to work?” asks the Australian. Suddenly, Raquel Rodriguez storms the ring to knock Ripley out with a big boot!
IYO launches herself into the attack, but there’s nothing she can do against three enemies. Perez hits her with a chop block so Morgan can follow up with a facebreaker. Raquel finishes off the Japanese star with a Texana Bomb. Rhea charges back in, but she too can do nothing against the numerical superiority of her enemies. Morgan surprises her with an ObLIVion. Raquel raises the arms of Liv and Roxanne as they pose over their victims. The heels leave the ring to end the segment.
We see Bayley arguing with herself backstage. Lyra Valkyria approaches her to apologize for what happened last week. There’s nothing she hates more than losing, but what she regrets most is having disappointed her friend. Bayley assures her that she’s not disappointed. In fact, neither of them was counted down for three, so technically they didn’t lose. Besides, they have the whole year ahead of them. In fact, both will have the chance to earn a spot at WrestleMania if they emerge victorious at the Royal Rumble. Lyra asks Bayley if she’ll be upset if she wins the battle royal. “The Role Model” assures her she won’t. Whoever wins, the other will feel proud of her partner. Both women embrace as the segment comes to an end.
El Grande Americano (with Bravo Americano and Rayo Americano) vs. Je'Von Evans
El Grande Americano traps Je'Von in one of the corners. Evans and the masked man begin an initial feeling-out process, with the former surprising the latter with his greater agility (despite a small mishap near the ropes). Je'Von knocks El Grande Americano down with a dropkick. Bravo distracts Je'Von, who is struck by an enzuigiri from his opponent. El Grande Americano sends Evans out of the ring.
Je'Von hits El Grande Americano with a superkick before avoiding attacks from Bravo and Rayo near the steel steps. Evans returns to the ring and launches himself at El Grande Americano with a diving clothesline. El Grande Americano calls for a timeout as he catches his breath at ringside. Meanwhile, the referee (Jessika Carr) assists Je'Von in one of the corners.
El Grande Americano stomps on Evans’ shirt before walking along the barricade. Meanwhile, Je'Von receives assistance from the medical team, this time outside the ring. After a few minutes, Carr decides to stop the match. El Grande Americano is declared the winner as Evans is escorted backstage with some kind of injury.
Winner by referee stoppage: El Grande Americano
Jackie Redmond interviews Finn Bálor backstage. Finn respects CM Punk as champion, but doesn’t believe he’s fully aware that tonight they are on his home turf. Bálor promises that tonight WWE will have a new World Heavyweight Champion—and he will be Irish.
Cathy Kelley interviews Rey Mysterio, Dragon Lee, and Penta in the crowd area. Rey praises his partners, whom he considers two of the greatest wrestlers of all time. Mysterio recalls that Paul Heyman sees Bron Breakker, Bronson Reed, Austin Theory, and Logan Paul as the future of the business. But he also has a vision of the future: Penta and Dragon Lee are his own version of The Vision. And all of them will be in the Royal Rumble. Lee is excited, as this will be his first time competing in the match. “The true Vision is right here, in front of all of you. Together, we will make history, because we have Zero Fear!” exclaims Penta. The masked men end the segment by destroying a cardboard cutout with Heyman’s face on it.
Adam Pearce meets with The Vision backstage. Pearce asks Paul Heyman to bring Bron Breakker to Raw next week. Heyman assumes the General Manager will inform him that his suspension is over. Pearce says no—he simply wants to talk to the wrestler to resolve the issue like adults. “If I had received that call, I’d want to smooth things over too”, says a smiling Paul. Adam insists the call had nothing to do with this. He wants to speak to Breakker alone and fix things like adults. “Mr. Pearce, it will be an honor to bring Bron Breakker next week. But you’d better behave yourself”, says Heyman mockingly while pointing at him. The entire Vision group leaves the area. AJ Styles then approaches Adam, who asks if he has spoken with his wife. “The Phenomenal One” says yes—in fact, it was the shortest conversation he’s ever had. “She said the same thing I was thinking: ‘kick his ass!’” Adam reminds him there’s no turning back. “No. Let’s do it,” says AJ Styles. “It will be at the Royal Rumble. It’s official,” says Pearce. He and AJ Styles shake hands. “Good luck, my friend,” says Adam before leaving.
We see a worried Kairi Sane in the women’s locker room. “KAAIRIII!!” shouts an angry Asuka as she approaches her. “The Empress of Tomorrow” berates her partner in Japanese. “You embarrassed me!” she shouts. “I’m sorry,” replies a distraught Sane. “YOU lost our titles. And then YOU lost last week. It hurts almost as much as when IYO betrayed me,” says Asuka. “I know how you feel,” responds Kairi as she slaps her own face. “I promise I’ll make sure you win the Royal Rumble. I’ll do whatever it takes.” “Good girl. Good girl. Don’t make me yell at you again. Okay?” says Asuka before leaving. Kairi catches her breath as the segment comes to an end.
CM Punk makes his entrance for the night’s main event. The fans welcome him with applause as they sing his theme song (“Cult of Personality”).
Finn Bálor makes his entrance to his classic theme, “Catch Your Breath.” The fans greet him with a thunderous ovation.
World Heavyweight Championship Match
CM Punk (c) vs. Finn Bálor
Both men begin with an initial feeling-out phase featuring holds, blocks, and counters. CM Punk surprises Finn with a dropkick before sending him into one of the corners. CM Punk executes a running knee strike and looks for a bulldog, but his opponent blocks it. Finn surprises CM Punk with a low dropkick. Bálor traps the champion in a headlock. CM Punk escapes with a backbreaker. The Irishman ends up at ringside, where he is hit with a suicide dive. CM Punk climbs onto the commentary table to pose.
CM Punk returns to the ring as the referee begins a ten-count for Finn. 1..2..3..4..5..6..7..8.. Bálor makes it back in, only to fall to a backbreaker from CM Punk. Punk traps the challenger in a crossface. Bálor fires off several elbows to escape, only for the champion to take him down with a neckbreaker. CM Punk locks in another crossface. Finn escapes and applies a roll-up. 1..2..NO. CM Punk responds with a back elbow and once again locks in the crossface.
Bálor breaks free to start a counterattack, but the champion quickly shuts it down. CM Punk lands a running knee strike followed by a bulldog. 1..2..NO. CM Punk traps the Irishman in yet another crossface. Finn escapes and trades strikes with “The Best in the World.” A Pele Kick from Finn leaves both men laid out on the mat.
Bálor unleashes a flurry of offense on CM Punk in one of the corners. Finn drops the champion with an inverted DDT. 1..2..NO. The action moves to the apron. Bálor knocks CM Punk down with two consecutive enzuigiris before climbing to the top rope. CM Punk goes after him to execute a superplex, but it’s Finn who covers his opponent! 1..2..NO. CM Punk answers with a clothesline. Both men are left laid out on the mat.
CM Punk delivers several chops to Finn, who responds with a slingblade. Bálor sends the champion out of the ring with a clothesline before diving onto him with a tope con hilo. Finn brings him back in to execute a shotgun dropkick. CM Punk avoids the subsequent Coup de Grace and counters with a GTS. 1..2..NO. CM Punk delivers several elbowdrops before trapping the Irishman in an Anaconda Vise. Finn manages to place a foot on the bottom rope to force the break.
CM Punk sets up for another GTS. Bálor escapes and hits a slingblade. He then executes two Shotgun Dropkicks, followed by a Coup de Grace. 1..2..NO. The fans can’t believe it. Finn and CM Punk struggle. The champion tries for a GTS, but the Irishman escapes and surprises him with a roll-up. 1..2..NO. Now it’s CM Punk who hoists his opponent onto his shoulders to deliver—this time for sure—a decisive GTS. 1..2..3.
Winner and STILL World Heavyweight Champion: CM Punk
CM Punk approaches Bálor and offers his hand. He helps him to his feet and raises his arm as a sign of respect. Both men embrace in the center of the ring. Finn leaves the ring, allowing CM Punk to celebrate his victory with the fans. And so we reach the end of this week’s episode.
