Reviews

The John Report: WWE Raw Deal 01/06/25 Review

By John Canton • Published 6th January 2025
WWE Raw Deal January 6 2025 Review

It’s WWE Raw featuring CM Punk against Rollins, Roman Reigns facing Solo Sikoa, John Cena is back, The Rock in the house, and more.

The WWE Monday Night Raw debut on Netflix is finally here. The massive deal was announced last January, so we’ve been waiting one year for this episode to arrive. I’m pretty excited about this WWE Monday Night Raw debut on Netflix tonight. I have faith in the creative team and the talent roster is loaded.

I think the WWE audience is going to grow because of this move and perhaps significantly grow. Business is going well in terms of attendance and the product feels hot, but being on the top streaming service could lift the company even more. Sometimes I think we as wrestling fans focus on backstage stuff too much or what the WrestleMania card is going to be. I think it’s important to just remember why you’re a fan in the first place and have fun. That crowd in LA will be rocking tonight. I’m looking forward to it.

There was a 3-minute cold open video for Raw on Netflix that WWE released earlier on Monday and it is awesome. Triple H narrated it. It was nice to hear words like “face” and “heel” used because we use them as fans, but you don’t hear that on WWE TV that often. He even said “shoot” and “work” as well. Of course, there was no sign of Vince McMahon (other than saying “the boyhood dream has come true” for Shawn Michaels) even though he ran and built the company for 40 years, but it’s understandable due to his very serious legal issues, which led to the company pushing him out the door with good reason. I liked this narration to end it:

“Wrestling’s greatest stories, every damn one, has an element of truth. The screens get smaller, but the show gets bigger. Global. From Television to streaming, America to the world. Ladies and gentlemen, presenting the all real, ever fantastic, never to end, story of WWE.”

This is the Raw Deal for episode #1650 of Monday Night Raw. It’s taking place at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, California. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport, friend me on Facebook, or chat with me on the Bluesky App as well. Let’s get to it.

There were some arrivals shown from earlier in the day including Seth Rollins and CM Punk. The Judgment Day was also shown while Rhea Ripley was also walking around on her own. Michael Cole welcomed us to Monday Night Raw on Netflix for the first time ever.

The video aired that I mentioned earlier that WWE posted on social media and YouTube with Triple H narrating the video.

Triple H Welcomes Us To The Netflix Era

The WWE Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque was in the ring that was full of ads and the spotlight was on him. Hunter mentioned 17,000 plus sold out in Los Angeles and he wanted to hear them. Hunter said that this is the moment that all of you are being seen and heard by the entire globe. Hunter wanted the fans to show that this is WWE and they are louder than anything you have ever seen before. Hunter said he already knew the answer, but he’s going to ask it anyway: “Are you ready?” The fans cheered. Hunter welcomed us to Monday Night Raw and he welcomed us to the Netflix Era. There was a huge pyro display after that.

Analysis: That was cool. The crowd is fired up. It was the right call to have Triple H out there as the guy to welcome us to the show.

Let’s Hear from The Rock

The Rock made his entrance with the People’s Championship. There was a huge ovation for The Rock as usual. He hugged two big TKO Group executives in the front row. The Rock left the People’s Championship with his two young daughters, his mom, and his wife at ringside.

There were loud “Rocky” chants before Rock said a word. The Rock said when he was a little pebble that used to travel the roads with his Hall of Fame father Rocky Johnson, the only way to watch WWE was to buy a ticket or watch it on a Saturday morning. Rock said you can still buy a ticket, but now you can watch it around the world on Netflix. Rock said that it’s the largest arena gate in the history of WWE. Rock said: “Finally WWE has come back to Netflix” and then said the fans know that was bullshit (not bleeped) and then he did the line about being back in Los Angeles.

The Rock said that you have to find the right partners that love WWE and they are the people that run Netflix. The Rock pointed out the Netflix bosses sitting in a private box upstairs and they were shown on camera. Rock said that there’s a man that he has spilled blood with all over the country. Rock said that this man has carried this company on his back for a year, he’s done an amazing job – Cody Rhodes…thank you, brother. They showed Cody Rhodes in the crowd wearing a suit. Cody thanked Rock and the fans popped huge for that. Rock: “Tell Mama Rhodes that The Rock said hello.” Cody laughed.

The Rock also wanted to acknowledge one other man and that’s his cousin Roman Reigns. The fans chanted “OTC” for Reigns. Rock said that not only is Roman Reigns the Tribal Chief, but he is also the Original Tribal Chief. Rock did a Samoan culture yell. Rock said that he’s going to be watching Tribal Combat Rules. Rock said he’s a proud High Chief and it’s a title he carries with respect. Rock said he’s going to watch the match closely. Rock said he loved Netflix and he loved the Los Angeles fans. Rock: “If ya smell…(long pause)…Rocky…Rocky…Rocky…is cooking.” The Rock left the ring, shook hands with Cody Rhodes and hugged him. The Rock greeted his family at ringside as well.

Analysis: It was good to see The Rock as always. You could tell he wasn’t there to be part of an angle or push a storyline or anything like that. That was more like the executive version of The Rock representing WWE as a company and speaking like a member of the Board of Directors that he is. Perhaps he’ll be involved more in the future, but for this moment he was just there to represent the company.

Solo Sikoa made his entrance for the first match. The Raw commentary team of Michael Cole and Pat McAfee were at ringside to welcome us to the show.

Roman Reigns made his entrance joined by the “Wise Man” Paul Heyman. The fans popped huge for Reigns while chanting “OTC” for the Original Tribal Chief. Reigns took his time getting into the ring as usual. It’s always a good entrance Ring announcer Alicia Taylor did the introduction for Solo when both men were standing in the ring. The great Paul Heyman did the introduction for Roman Reigns and he did an awesome job of it as always. The fans chanted “f**k you Solo” at that point. Solo gave Heyman the Ula Fala to hold it for the match.

A video package aired about the Roman Reigns-Solo Sikoa match. I assume that there might be ads for some fans in some countries at this point.

Tribal Combat Match: Roman Reigns (w/Paul Heyman) vs. Solo Sikoa

The referee Chad Patton had a grey shirt rather than a traditional referee shirt. Patton also had a piece on his ear that has a camera on it.

There were ads in the ring and a black mat, so it has a different look compared to what we are used to, but we will get used to it. They locked up and Reigns sent Solo. They battled on the floor where Solo sent Reigns into the ring post. Solo sent Reigns into the hood of the brand new commentary table at ringside. They went back into the ring where Solo hit a clothesline. Reigns hit a clothesline followed by a leaping clothesline. Reigns worked over Solo with repeated clotheslines against the turnbuckle. Solo came back with a running forearm to the jaw. Reigns hit a running boot to the jaw to knock Solo out of the ring. Reigns left the ring where Solo hit a Spinning Solo slam onto the commentary table. It didn’t break the table. Solo nailed Reigns with a monitor to the head. There’s Bill Simmons of The Ringer at ringside. Solo got the top half of the steel steps and he threw them into Roman’s head. Reigns got his hands up to block. A graphic said that “Raw continues” and there was no commercial here on Netflix Canada, so the action continues. Reigns fought back against Solo with punches, but Solo sent Reigns into the ring post. They were back in the ring where Reigns hit uppercut punches, but Solo hit Reigns with an elbow smash. The screen went to black and the full screen, so it was back from the break that some viewers got.

Solo brought two steel chairs into the ring while Reigns was up against the ropes. Solo used the chair to jab Reigns in the ribs followed by a chair shot to the back. Solo hit Reigns with multiple chair shots to the body. Solo worked over Reigns with a headbutt. Solo put a chair around Roman’s neck. Solo charged, Reigns moved and Solo did a hip attack into the turnbuckle. Reigns worked over Solo with five chair shots to the body. Reigns sent Solo into the chair that was on the mat. The fans chanted for tables, but Reigns wanted to do more with a chair. Solo hit a low blow followed by a Spinning Solo on the steel chair. Solo took a long time to grab a table from under the ring, so Reigns was able to come back with a Drive By dropkick on the apron. Reigns set up the table in the ring on top of the Fortnite logo. Solo came back with a kendo stick to the head. Solo hit Reigns in the back and the ribs with the kendo stick. Solo said that he loved Reigns, but Reigns never loved him. Reigns managed to get out of the turnbuckle and he gave Solo a Powerbomb through the table. Referee Chad Patton did a two count, but Tama Tonga pulled the referee out of the ring to stop the count. Jacob Fatu went into the ring, he punched Reigns, hit a superkick and hit a DDT. Fatu went up top and hit a double jump moonsault. Solo hit a Samoan Spike for the one…two…and no because Reigns got his shoulder up. Solo hit referee Patton with a Samoan Spike and kicked him out of the ring.

Sami Zayn made his entrance joined by Jimmy Uso. They fought with Jacob Fatu and Tama Tonga at ringside. Zayn and Jimmy dominated that action. Jimmy hit a superkick to brother Solo and Zayn hit a Helluva Kick. Reigns was back up with a Spear on Solo. Referee Shawn Bennett counted the pin for the one…two…no! Solo kicked out. Zayn and Jimmy each hit dives onto Tama and Fatu on the floor. Reigns set up in the corner for a Spear, but Kevin Owens showed up in the ring to hit Reigns with a Spear! The fans booed Owens. Solo covered Reigns for just a two count. Cody Rhodes ran down to the ring in his dress clothes and he got into a fight with Owens as they exchanged punches. Cody hit a Cody Cutter on Owens to clear the ring. Cody sent Owens into the crowd and they went fighting to the backstage area. Reigns charged, Solo caught him, Solo went for the Samoan Spike, Reigns avoided it and Reigns hit a Spear. Reigns hit another Spear for the one…two…and three! Roman Reigns wins Tribal Combat. It went 21 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Roman Reigns

Analysis: ***3/4 I thought it was a great main event level match with all the tricks that come with these kinds of matches with the referee bump, nearfalls and interference. I enjoyed the match quite a bit. Good job by Roman and Solo telling the story that needed to be told. They executed all of the nearfalls very well. It wasn’t some all-time great main event level match or anything, but it was a fun WWE brawling type of match.

After the match, Paul Heyman was on his knees in the ring with Reigns and Heyman had the red Ula Fala with him. They shot it from an angle where you could see the entrance and there was The Rock walking down to the ring.

The Rock got into the ring, Heyman handed Rock the Ula Fala and Rock looked at Reigns. The Rock put the Ula Fala around the neck of Reigns. The fans cheered that as Rock and Reigns looked at eachother. The fans chanted “OTC” for Reigns. The Rock extended his hand, Reigns shook the hand and they hugged like family. Reigns faced the camera and held up his finger in the air while the fans joined him in the acknowledgment gesture. Reigns did it again while The Rock stood in the corner of the ring. They left at that point.

Analysis: There might have been some people watching this thinking that The Rock was going to turn on Reigns right there, but it didn’t happen. Reigns has the Ula Fala back and we’ll see how it affects things moving forward. I assume Solo will still have his group, but perhaps they won’t be called The Bloodline and maybe there will be some other name for them.

CM Punk was shown getting ready in his locker room.

There was a plug for WWE Shop merchandise.

The New Day Interview

Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods were on a platform with Jackie Redmond for an interview. The fans booed when Woods reminded us who they are. Kofi said they were supposed to have a match here tonight, but they told Triple H that they didn’t want to be there because Los Angeles didn’t deserve to see them wrestle. Woods said that the fans were booing the truth. Woods trashed the fans elevating this trash rapper Kendrick Lamar, so the fans booed them for that. Kofi claimed Drake won the beef and the fans booed that. Woods called the fans crazy for booing the truth. Woods blessed the fans for being with them tonight. That was it.

Analysis: It was a cheap heat kind of promo to get the fans to boo The New Day guys. The match was going to be The New Day against Rey Mysterio and a mystery partner, so it’s not happening this week.

There was an image of a mask and the words “Penta” were on it. His WWE debut is coming soon.

A video aired promoting Roman Rumble 2026 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, which was announced earlier in the day.

They showed WWE superstars from Raw, Smackdown and NXT hanging out in a private box.

There was also comedian Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias, actor Ashton Kutcher, Michael Che from SNL and rapper Wale was also there. They also showed Rey Mysterio sitting at ringside with an Eddie Guerrero shirt. The War Raiders were also there. LA Knight was also at ringside.

Let’s Hear from John Cena

John Cena made his entrance wearing one of his “Last Time Is Now” shirts for the fans in LA. He was also in a hat, jean shorts and sneakers as usual in his WWE attire. Big pop for Cena as always.

Cena said that this is the first time in history that Raw is broadcast simultaneously around the world. Cena fired up the crowd letting them know that their energy is being felt all around the world. Cena thanked Netflix to allow the world to finally see the experience of Monday Night Raw. Cena said he could not think of a better place to start the retirement tour in Los Angeles. Cena mentioned training as a wrestler in LA and it’s where the Prototype was born. Cena mentioned LA is where he won his first World Championship while saying for the last 23 years, it has allowed him to perform in this ring and he says thank you.

Cena said that people are throwing out names of people he might face at WrestleMania or his last match. Cena mentioned Drew McIntyre, CM Punk, Logan Paul, Gunther, Cody Rhodes and they are asking when on this retirement tour will Cena become the record-breaking 17-time World Champion? The fans chanted “you deserve it” for Cena. Cena said he doesn’t see that happening. The fans were sad. Cena mentioned that it has 2,446 days since he won his last match. That’s a singles match. Cena said that he is okay with it. Cena said that his time is up and their time is now referring to other wrestlers, but the fans booed that. Cena said that as far as a 17th Championship is considered, it’s never going to happen. The fans booed that. Cena said you should “never say never” in WWE, but then admitted it might take a miracle. Cena said with a losing streak like his, you might have to cash in Money in the Bank, survive the Elimination Chamber or win the Royal Rumble. The fans cheered. Cena said maybe he can win the Rumble. Cena said maybe he should be in the Rumble match and said that the best way to say thank you to the fans is to win the Royal Rumble and make history at WrestleMania. Cena said it sounds impossible, but if you know anything about him, nothing is impossible. Cena said the only time they say “never” is to never give up. Cena told Los Angeles he’s not just going to the Royal Rumble, he’s going to win the Royal Rumble. Cena left to cheers from the fans.

Analysis: That was some excellent promo manipulation by John Cena, who is a master of interacting with fans during his promos. I like how Cena admitted losing a bunch of singles matches in the last couple of years because it was his way of saying that maybe his best days are behind him. Cena went out there acting as if he didn’t have confidence about winning the Royal Rumble and then by the end of it, he believed in himself. It wasn’t surprising to see the fans get behind Cena during the promo. Well done.

There was a video package about Logan Paul. Logan said that no more side hustle because he’s going to 100% be a WWE superstar.

Logan Paul was shown at ringside. The fans booed him while Paul was saying it was his time.

Analysis: It sounds like Logan Paul will be around more often. He has done well in the past, so let’s see what he can do in the future.

Liv Morgan made her entrance as the Women’s World Champion joined by Dominik Mysterio and Raquel Rodriguez.

This Friday on Smackdown: Shinsuke Nakamura defends the US Title against LA Knight, plus it’s Tiffy Time and more of the Cody Rhodes-Kevin Owens rivalry.

There was a video package about the Liv Morgan-Rhea Ripley match for the Women’s World Championship.

Actor Seth Green was shown at ringside along with Macaulay Culkin aka The Incredible Culk. Huge pop for Culkin. Actor O’Shea Jackson Jr. was also at ringside. They also showed actress Danielle Fishel (from Boy Meets World fame) at ringside.

The WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Bianca Belair and Naomi were at ringside. The WWE Hall of Famer X-Pac also at ringside. The US Champion Shinsuke Nakamura was at ringside too.

Rhea Ripley made her entrance for the first title match of the show. Cole had a bunch of stats to put over Ripley as a big star. They did the in-ring championship introductions with Alicia Taylor doing a good job with that.

WWE Women’s World Championship: Liv Morgan (w/Raquel Rodriguez & Dominik Mysterio) vs. Rhea Ripley

It started out with the two men exchanging punches. Ripley picked up Liv and tossed her down easily. Ripley hit a somersault dive onto Raquel on the floor. Dominik grabbed Ripley’s foot on the apron while the referee was looking at Liv. They were outside the ring where Liv tried to dive onto Ripley, but Ripley caught her with a Powerbomb onto the commentary table. That led to a break for some fans, but not here in Canada where the action continues. Liv managed to regain control with double knees on the apron. Liv hit a running hurricanrana from the apron onto Ripley on the floor. Liv sent Ripley into the barricade. Liv set up Ripley on the apron where Raquel got in a cheap shot punch. Ripley rolled up Liv for two, but Liv came back with her speed leading to a slam that sent Ripley into the mat. Liv grabbed a headlock, Ripley broke free and Liv hit knees to the face again. Liv worked over Ripley with kicks while the show returned for the fans that had a break there.

Liv was in control with a back elbow followed by a bulldog off the turnbuckle to send Ripley face first into the mat. Ripley got some offense going with multiple clotheslines and a face first slam into the mat. Ripley hit a running knee. Ripley powered up Liv into a vertical suplex. Ripley got a hold of Liv leading to a release half nelson suplex. Liv hit a backstabber to Ripley followed by Liv sending Ripley into the turnbuckle. Liv hit a Tornado DDT off the ropes for a two count. Ripley avoided a move by Liv and Ripley hit Riptide for one…two…no because Liv kicked out of it. Ripley was stunned by that. Dominik slid the Women’s World Title into the ring, the referee got ride of the title, Raquel placed a chair into the ring, Ripley knocked Raquel down and Liv hit Oblivion onto the steel chair (the referee didn’t see it) for a two count. Great nearfall spot. Liv hit the Three Amigos suplexes and the fans booed that. Liv went up top, she hit a Frog Splash and it only got a two count. Liv went for Oblivion off the ropes, but Ripley blocked it and Ripley hit a spinebuster. Ripley hit a Riptide again. Ripley hit a third Riptide slam for the pinfall win after about 13 minutes. New Women’s World Champion!

Winner by pinfall AND NEW Women’s World Championship: Rhea Ripley

Analysis: ***1/4 It was a solid match with an outcome that makes the fans happy because it has been a long rivalry with Ripley finally getting her Women’s World Title back. They had that spot with Raquel & Dominik helping Liv nearly win the match, but Ripley was able to kick out. I like how it took a lot to put Liv away because it made Liv look like a fighting champion who was tough to defeat. I’m happy with the title change. I expected it.

After the match, Dominik Mysterio approached Ripley in the ring. Ripley teased a hug, but then she kicked him in the groin and Ripley hit a Riptide slam. The fans loved that.

While Rhea Ripley was celebrating her win by the entrance area, the gong sounded in the arena for The Undertaker. That led to The Undertaker making his entrance on a motorcycle while the song “American Badass” played in the arena. Undertaker drove around the ring in his motorcycle and he fist-bumped with Ripley. They put their fists up in the air as if Taker was telling the fans that Ripley is a badass like he is.

They showed Raw GM Adam Pearce talking to Bayley backstage. Pearce was interviewed by Cathy Kelley backstage. Chad Gable arrived with his American Made group to interrupt before Pearce could speak. Gable bragged about beating Otis. Gable said that he will win a singles championship. Gable wanted to face a luchador next week. Gable said he might have the perfect luchador for him. Gable told Pearce to line it up. Pearce said he was going to make a phone call.

Analysis: That could lead to Penta’s WWE debut against Chad Gable. It makes sense to put him against a heel like Chad Gable.

Jey Uso and Drew McIntyre were shown walking separately backstage for their match up next.

The Miz was about to be interviewed by Jackie Redmond on the stage. Miz whined about John Cena being in another Royal Rumble and how he won two of them. Karrion Kross with Scarlett interrupted. Kross wondered if Miz would help the Final Testament fight The Wyatt Sicks, Miz initially said no and then Kross fired him up, so Miz said yes. The Miz mentioned that he has beaten John Cena and he can do it again. Jackie summed it saying that it sounds like Miz will enter the Royal Rumble.

Analysis: It sounds like The Miz could have a match with John Cena before the Royal Rumble as a match on Raw. That would be fine since they wrestled many times in the past.

There was a video shown of The Rock walking backstage where he greeted people like Paul Heyman, Triple H and Roman Reigns. They also showed The Rock greeting Travis Scott in the parking lot. The Rock hugged Cody Rhodes and Rock said he came in peace. Cody thanked Rock for it. The Rock said tomorrow night at NXT in Los Angeles, The Rock will be there. The Rock’s daughter Ava is the GM of NXT.

Analysis: That’s a pretty big deal for The Rock to appear on NXT. I’m definitely interested to see what Rock does on that show.

They showed celebrities at ringside including Bill Simmons of The Ring and Netflix executives. They showed actress Vanessa Hudgens at ringside. Legendary WWE superstar Michelle McCool, who is married to The Undertaker, was also at ringside. Damage CTRL’s Dakota Kai and Iyo Sky were at ringside and so was Lyra Valkyria. The Kai/Lyra match is on Raw next week.

Travis Scott was shown in the crowd and the fans popped big for him.

Jey Uso made his entrance where Travis Scott was, so Jey made his entrance going down the steps and the fans were into it doing the arm swinging during Jey’s song. It was a fired up entrance with Pat going crazy on commentary as usual. Jey got a very long entrance along with Pat and Travis Scott was dancing with them as well.

There was a video about the Drew McIntyre-Jey Uso match.

Drew McIntyre made his entrance looking mean and angry as usual. The fans booed the Scottish Warrior on his way to the ring.

Jey Uso vs. Drew McIntyre

Jey attacked Drew with a suicide dive on the floor. When Jey tried it again, Drew hit a German Suplex on the floor. They went into the ring to start the match. Jey went for a move off the ropes where he tried to jump over Drew, but Jey hit a jumping kick to knock him down. Drew was in control with chops along with punches. Jey came back with a running Powerbomb out of the corner. Jey worked over Drew with punches along with a jumping kick. Jey hit a running hip attack against the turnbuckle. Jey jumped off the top with a cross body block for two. Drew hit a neckbreaker. Drew charged, but Jey hit a jumping kick to the head for two. Drew came back with a boot to stop an attack followed by a spinebuster. Drew hit a sitout Powerbomb for a two count. Drew and Jey exchanged punches leading to Drew hitting a Future Shock DDT for two. Drew went for a running attack, but Jey countered that with a Spear for a two count. Jey hit two superkicks in a row, Drew stopped a kick with a kick of his own and Jey hit a superkick. Drew ran the ropes leading to a Claymore Kick for two. Drew worked over Jey with forearms to the head. Drew headbutted Jey with a Glasgow Kiss against the turnbuckle. Drew charged, but Jey collapsed in the center of the ring to sell the attack. Drew told Jey to pick himself up, then Jey got back up to his knees, Drew went for a Claymore Kick, but Jey hooked the arms for a crucifix pin for a three count. It went 11 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Jey Uso

Analysis: *** It was a pretty good match, but not long enough for me to call it a great match. Drew was on offense for a lot of it, Jey played possum a bit at the end and Jey got the crafty win with the crucifix pin. I was a bit surprised when Jey kicked out of the Claymore Kick. I understand kicking out of finishers because it happens a lot, but the Claymore Kick is protected a lot more than most finishers. Anyway, it should lead to another match between them down the road.

A video aired about the World Heavyweight Champion GUNTHER. Gunther spoke about how he heard everybody say we are in a new era while claiming it’s a new era for everybody else, but not for him. Gunther said he is still where the dreams, their hopes and their ambitions go to die. Gunther said he’s the light at the end of their tunnel because he holds the prize they all want. Gunther said he is the World Heavyweight Champion and he said he is “The Ring General” Gunther to end it.

Analysis: I’m a big fan of GUNTHER and I am looking forward to what’s next for him. I think a rivalry with CM Punk is certainly possible.

Gabriel Iglesias aka “Fluffy Guy” was about to be interviewed by Cathy Kelley, but The New Day interrupted them. Kofi said that she should be talking to them and not this Fluffy buffoon. Woods said that they are going to take the respect they deserve. Cathy said they were out of time. The Alpha Academy went up to Iglesias and Gabriel led them in chanting “New Day sucks” to end it.

Roman Reigns was walking backstage with Paul Heyman. Paul said they need a platform for when the whole world can acknowledge him. Heyman asked when could he book that and Reigns said January 27th, so that is three weeks from now. They walked into a room that said WWE 2K25 on the door.

Analysis: I think that is WWE’s way of telling us that Roman Reigns will be on Raw on January 27th. Perhaps Reigns will be on the cover of WWE 2K25 as well.

Rhea Ripley Interview

The Women’s World Champion Rhea Ripley was interviewed by Jackie Redmond on the stage and Ripley’s friend Damian Priest was there too. Ripley said that Liv Morgan took everything from her. Ripley said that Liv took Ripley’s championship, but Liv could never beat Ripley one on one and that’s why Liv had help. Ripley pointed out that this time, Mami won. Ripley said that she proved why she is always on top. Jackie mentioned Priest will get in the ring with Finn Balor. Priest said he’s been dying to be done with Finn Balor, so one way or another, this beef comes to an end. Priest said that he’ll feel comfortable facing Balor next week in a Street Fight. Priest told the fans to rise for the new Women’s World Champion Rhea Ripley, so the fans cheered.

Analysis: Good stuff from Ripley celebrating her win. It sounds like a final Priest/Balor match for next week, which is fine with me because it’s been going on for a long time.

A commercial aired for WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas on April 19 & 20.

They showed more celebrities at ringside including Richard Gadd, Tiffany Haddish and Stephen Amell. The Intercontinental Champion Bron Breakker was also at ringside while the new WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton was at ringside. The WWE Hall of Famer Nikki Bella was also at ringside. I think I missed Nikki Bella being on the show regularly. Fine looking woman. Just saying. It’s been a while.

Let’s Hear from Hulk Hogan

Hulk Hogan entered to his “Real American” theme song with manager Jimmy Hart. Hogan had a “Real American Beer” shirt on while some fans were definitely booing him, but there were cheers too. When Hogan said “let me tell you something, brother” the fans booed. Hogan said that he’s been part of this business for over 40 years. Hogan spoke about the greatest part of his life was being with WWE and he thanked the fans for being their tag team partner. As Hogan kept talking, the fans booed him. Hogan plugged his Real American Beer while mentioning past partners like Randy Savage, Andre the Giant and said that WWE has tag teamed up with Netflix, the greatest tag team partner of all time. Hogan ripped his Real American Beer shirt to reveal a Netflix shirt.

Analysis: That promo bombed massively. It was hard to hear because of how much the fans booed him. Today’s wrestling fans don’t want to cheer Hulk Hogan just because he used to be a legend in pro wrestling. Hogan’s legacy has been tarnished big time, so it’s probably best for WWE to not bring him around for these kinds of shows in the future.

Next week on Raw:

* Women’s Intercontinental Title Tournament Finals: Dakota Kai vs. Lyra Valkyria

* Sheamus vs. Ludwig Kaiser

* Chad Gable vs. ??? (A Luchador)

* Street Fight: Damian Priest vs. Finn Balor

Stephanie McMahon was shown sitting at ringside. The fans cheered for Stephanie as they should.

Seth “Freakin” Rollins made his entrance for the main event. There was a commercial for the Royal Rumble. The Seth “Freakin” Rollins song continued to play while the crowd sang his song. There was probably a commercial sequence in there for some viewers.

A commercial aired for Saturday Night’s Main Event in San Antonio on January 25th.

CM Punk made his entrance to a big pop while a lot of fans were chanting his name. Punk was focused as he got into the ring and the fans were cheering for him. Cole summed up their history together to set up this match.

Seth “Freakin” Rollins vs. CM Punk

The match started with Rollins and Punk exchanging punches. Rollins hit Punk with three short clotheslines and then Punk hit a lefty clothesline to send Rollins out of the ring. Rollins managed to get the advantage back with a suicide dive onto Punk on the floor. Rollins cleared off the commentary table. Rollins told the referee Rod Zapata saying nobody wanted to see a countout and to let it ride. Punk gave Rollins a back body drop over the barricade onto the floor. The referee left the ring with the wrestlers in the crowd, so there was no countout going on. Rollins went for a double axhandle at ringside, but Punk hit Rollins with a punch to the ribs. Punk threw the hood of the commentary table onto Seth’s back. They went back into the ring where Rollins went for The Stomp, Punk avoided it and Punk wanted a GTS, but Rollins fought that with elbow smashes to the head. Rollins put his boot against Punk’s head repeatedly and Rollins yelled at referee Zapata to let it go. Punk recovered with a boot to the face. Punk suplexed Rollins ribs-first across the top rope. Punk gave Rollins a swinging neckbreaker off the top rope. They went to a break for some fans while the action continued for us here. The fans were chanting “Let’s go Rollins/CM Punk” as Punk kicked Rollins on the floor. Punk worked over Rollins with punches. Back in the ring, Rollins delivered a chop and Punk chopped Rollins. Punk was standing on Seth’s left knee against the ropes. Rollins worked over Punk with chops and Rollins caught a running Punk leading to Rollins sending Punk face first into the middle turnbuckle. Rollins headbutted Punk a few times. The fans were chanting for both guys again. The black screen appeared so the full audience was back for the match.

Rollins was in control with a running forearm while Punk was against the turnbuckle. Rollins went running across the ring, Punk followed and Punk hit the running knee. Punk hit another running knee. Punk continued the attack with a swinging neckbreaker. Punk gave Rollins a neckbreaker across the top rope. Punk jumped over the top with a slingshot dive onto Rollins on the floor. They were back in the ring when Punk jumped off the top with a cross body block, but Rollins caught him. Rollins hit a GTS and Punk rolled out of the ring after Rollins hit Punk with Punk’s move. Rollins was shouting at Punk saying he built all of this. Back in the ring, Rollins hit The Stomp on Rollins for a two count. It wasn’t a great version of The Stomp, but it was good enough. Punk set up for a GTS, but Rollins caught the leg and Rollins hit another GTS on Punk and this time it got a two count. Rollins went for The Stomp, but Punk moved out of the way and Punk rolled out of the ring. Rollins sent Punk onto the commentary table. Rollins gave Punk a Pedigree on the commentary table, but the table is stronger now, so it was not enough to break the table. Rollins was selling a left knee injury after that. Back in the ring, Rollins hit another Pedigree for two because Punk got his left shoulder up. The fans were chanting “Let’s go Rollins/CM Punk” again. Punk and Rollins were on their knees exchanging strikes. They got back up to their feet when Rollins hit an elbow smash. Punk hit a kick to the side of the head. Rollins gave Punk a Buckle Bomb into the turnbuckle. Rollins hit The Stomp, but they were right beside the ropes, so Rollins got a two count because Punk’s right foot was on the middle rope. The fans chanted “this is awesome” for the great match as the show was at the three hour mark. Rollins set up Punk on the top rope leading to Rollins doing a superplex. Rollins wanted a Falcon Arrow, but Punk countered that and hit a Go To Sleep. Punk was exhausted, but he got back up and hit Rollins with a GTS for the pinfall win after about 19 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: CM Punk

Analysis: **** I thought it was a great match. I’m not going to go higher than four stars for it, but I think four out of five stars is still an excellent match. Rollins was the aggressor for a lot of it, he hit Punk’s finisher multiple times and even got a two count after his own finisher too. However, I thought Punk winning was the more likely result because I can see him as a guy getting a shot at Gunther’s World Heavyweight Title before Rollins although I’m not sure what the plans are as far as that goes. These guys are great, they got plenty of time and it was a match that certainly felt like a main event. I enjoyed the match and it would be nice to see it again in the future.

After the match, CM Punk had the referee help him get back up to his feet to sell the idea that Punk was hurting from the match. Rollins was bleeding a bit from his right cheek. The credits were shown on screen. Punk stared at Rollins from across the ring. That was the end of the show.

Analysis: I thought there might be a handshake after the match as a sign of respect, but there was no tease of that. Perhaps that could come in the future.

The show length was 3 hours, and 3 minutes.

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Three Stars of the Show

  1. CM Punk
  2. Roman Reigns
  3. John Cena, Rhea Ripley, Seth Rollins

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The Scoreboard

8 out of 10

Last week: 7.5

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Final Thoughts on WWE Raw

I liked the show quite a bit and that’s why I’m giving it an 8 out of 10. I already know what the complainers will say because there were only four matches in three hours. Should they have had more matches? If it was me running the show there would be but I think we know from Triple H’s booking style that he likes having only a few matches. In terms of matches, I thought the Punk/Rollins match was the best while Reigns/Sikoa was a lot of fun too.

It was cool to see The Rock and John Cena on the show. The Rock was not really in character and was there to put over the company in a big way. Cena’s promo was fantastic because he went out there as the veteran wrestler not sure of himself and by the end of it, the fans had him believing that he could be a World Champion again.

Putting Hulk Hogan was a huge miss because the fans absolutely rejected him. It’s time for WWE to realize they need to stop putting Hogan out there.

There were no ads during the show for me in Canada. The only ads were WWE Shop stuff and things like that, but not traditional commercials. That certainly helps the flow of the show.

Lastly, I want to put over the great crowd in Los Angeles. They did a nice job all night long. Go LA Rams.

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Thanks for reading. Please check out my reviews of every WWE PPV ever listed in order. Go Los Angeles Rams, Toronto Raptors & Toronto Maple Leafs. My contact info is below.

John Canton

Email mrjohncanton@gmail.com

Twitter/X @johnreport