The John Report: WWE Raw Deal 01/13/25 Review

It’s WWE Raw featuring Damian Priest facing Finn Balor in a Street Fight, Dakota Kai battling Lyra Valkyria to crown the first Women’s Intercontinental Champion, and more.

I didn’t see this show live. My beloved LA Rams of the NFL played on Monday night and won 27-9 over the Minnesota Vikings to move on in the NFL playoffs. I was very happy about that. Anyway, I had company over to watch it with me, so there was no way I was getting Raw done on Monday night. I expect to write Raw reviews live most of the year, but there will be some exceptions. Anyway, let’s see what WWE has in store for us in the second show in the Netflix era.

This is the Raw Deal for episode #1651 of Monday Night Raw. It’s taking place at the SAP Center in San Jose, 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 was a video package showing highlights of last week’s episode of Raw that ended with CM Punk beating Seth Rollins in the main event.

CM Punk drove up to the arena in a truck, the fans chanted “CM Punk” for him and Punk was shown making his entrance. Huge ovation for Punk as usual. The commentary team was Michael Cole and Pat McAfee at ringside.

Let’s Hear from CM Punk

CM Punk told the San Jose fans that he loves them. Punk acknowledged the firefighters and first responders in the great state of California as well as everybody sending help for the fires in Los Angeles. Punk mentioned Canada, Mexic,o and other states sending help, so Punk said we appreciate you. I agree with that. Well said.

Punk bragged about how beat “The Messiah” Seth Rollins last week on Raw. Punk said he has a lot on his plate and one of those things no longer on his plate is Seth Rollins. Punk said that last year at the Royal Rumble he had his first televised match in WWE for over a decade. Punk said he also separated his triceps from the bone, and he didn’t know what his future held. Punk said it led him to think his career was fading away. Punk said his dreams were so scary and a lot of people couldn’t see, he couldn’t see (John Cena hand gesture). Punk mentioned a neon WrestleMania sign in the crowd. It’s not there right now, but Punk sees it. Punk said he made his biggest setback his biggest comeback. Punk talked about John Cena’s comeback saying he sees him and he always has. Punk said that Cena’s in the Royal Rumble and Punk is in the Royal Rumble too. Punk said he was going to throw 29 other people over the top rope, raise his hand and hear his music, Cult of Personality, play my song…and here comes Seth Rollins. Punk was frustrated.

Seth “Freakin” Rollins made his entrance wearing a shiny black suit along with a red shirt and tie. Punk was frustrated that Rollins interrupted him. The fans were singing Seth’s song as usual while Rollins had a serious look on his face. Rollins also had a visible bruise under his right eye.

Rollins said that Punk can’t be surprised to see Rollins. Seth said he told him that win, lose or draw, he would be in this ring on Raw. Rollins said if he didn’t show up when times are tough then that would be like Punk. Punk said: “But I’d be the winner still, right?” Nice. Rollins said he’d rather be the worst version of himself rather than the best version of Punk. Rollins said he’s lost a lot of matches, lost title matches, lost at WrestleMania and last week was the worst loss of his career. Rollins said he was disappointed that he underestimated Punk and Rollins couldn’t get the job done. Rollins said the way to redemption is to take Punk’s WrestleMania dreams and flush them down the toilet. Rollins told Punk he won’t win the Royal Rumble because Rollins will win the Royal Rumble. Rollins said he’ll take great pride in not only winning the Royal Rumble, but dumping Punk’s ass over the top on the way to WrestleMania. Punk said that he sees a guy who couldn’t pin him so he’s taking an easy road by trying to throw Punk over the top rope.

Drew McIntyre joined the promo party with a serious look on his face. Drew stood by the entrance area for his promo rather than go into the ring with the others. Drew trashed somebody for being self serving. Punk replied telling Drew the last time he saw him he was bleeding all over the mat and begging Punk for his life. Punk told Drew if he comes to this ring it will take more than 15 staples to close his head. Drew told “Phil” that not everything revolves around him because he was talking to Seth. Rollins welcomed Drew to come down here so Rollins can stomp his head into the mat. Drew said that they are both so alike and the only difference is Rollins admits the piece of crap he is. Punk said he admits he is a winner. Drew said that Rollins acts like a big leader, but it’s all talk. Drew talked about how when everybody got involved in the Roman Reigns match, Seth didn’t get involved while Drew took care of Jey Uso. Drew said that Rollins lost his match and will tell everybody “I told you so.” Rollins said he had no patience. Punk said he had no patience for either of them, so Punk said if either of them wants to swing then he’ll be right here. Rollins teased fighting Punk.

Drew said do you want Punk, Rollins and McIntyre in San Jose? Drew said no. Drew asked why would he ever do that. The fans booed. Drew said there was a bigger problem going on because Roman was playing chess while every other idiot was playing checkers. Drew said he’s a reluctant hero that will step up for the locker room. Drew mentioned the Royal Rumble and said he’ll see Rollins and Punk in the Rumble. Drew’s music played to Cole mentioned the Rumble already has John Cena, Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, CM Punk, Drew McIntyre, and LA Knight in the match. That’s a lot of star power.

Analysis: That was some great promo work by three of the best in WWE. It looked like it would lead to a three way fight, but McIntyre did the heelish thing by backing away from the fight to piss everybody off. I also liked Rollins line about how if he was the type of guy to walk away when things get tough then he’d be like Punk, which was a great line that everybody is going to react to. It obviously teases an encounter between these three guys in the Royal Rumble match, which has a lot of star power. I think Punk was clever by bragging about how he had wins over Rollins and McIntyre during that promo exchange. McIntyre continues to whine about Roman Reigns, so the Drew/Reigns confrontation in the Rumble match should be very good.

Chad Gable of the American Made group made his entrance. There was a commercial for some fans, but for me in Canada, there was a Gable promo. Gable said this 2025 version of Gable is the best version you have ever seen. Gable said he’s an Olympian who knows how to set goals and achieve them. Gable bragged about snapping Otis’ ankle and destroying the Alpha Academy. Gable said it continues tonight against a masked moron. Gable also claimed he would win a singles title in 2025. Gable said he wasn’t just born and raised here, he was made here.

Analysis: I would like to see Chad Gable win a singles title this year. It might happen.

Penta made his WWE debut with the fans cheering when they saw him. Since Penta was in AEW for the past five years, a lot of people are familiar with him. He also has a cool look. Cole called it the “worst kept secret in the business” as Penta made his entrance.

Analysis: Penta is 39 years old and will turn 40 in less than a month, so he’s a very experienced wrestler who started in the business over 20 years ago. His younger brother Rey Fenix is also expected to join WWE, but his AEW deal hasn’t expired yet. Penta likes to chant “Cero Miedo” meaning “Zero Fear.”

Chad Gable vs. Penta

They showed a girl crying in the crowd and it was Penta’s daughter even though the announcers didn’t say it. Gable did a trip leading to a headlock while Cole mentioned Penta was a former TNA World Champion while also referencing AAA and Lucha Underground titles that Penta won. Gable and Penta exchanged pin attempts. Each guy hit arm drags along with trips. Gable charged right into a superkick by Penta, who followed up with a headscissors. Penta bounced off the rope with a leg drop, but it was not a smooth move. Gable came back with a high angle belly-to-belly suplex. Penta bent over Gable against the turnbuckle leading to a superkick. Penta did a headstand on the top rope leading to a swinging kick on Gable. Penta went for a springboard attack, but Gable punched him. Gable gave Penta German Suplex on the apron. Gable wrenched Penta’s left knee into the ring apron. Gable wrenched on Penta’s left leg a few times. Gable hit a kneebreaker followed by a belly-to-back suplex for two. Gable went up top, jumped off with a headbutt and Penta moved. Penta hit a superkick. Gable launched Penta with a belly-to-belly suplex into the turnbuckle. Gable worked over Penta with chops, Penta delivered a kick and a Slingblade to send Gable face first into the mat. Penta launched Gable over the top to the floor. Penta hit a running somersault dive over the top onto Gable on the floor. The fans chanted “holy shit” and “this is awesome” after that. Back in the ring, Penta kicked Gable to knock him down. Penta jumped off the top with a cross body block along with a kick to the thigh. Penta hit a backstabber for a two count. Penta delivered a kick, but Gable came back with a bridging German Suplex for two. Gable applied an armbar to Penta’s left arm against the ropes. Penta hit a running hurricanrana followed by a Canadian Destroyer that Pat & Cole called a Mexican Destroyer for a two count. The fans chanted “this is awesome” again. Penta delivered a roundhouse kick to the head. Gable did a dragon screw leg whip followed by the Ankle Lock submission. Penta managed to turn it around into an armbar and Penta pulled back on Gable’s arm in a move called The Sacrifice. Penta hit the Penta Driver for the pinfall after 13 minutes. Cole: “Welcome to the big time, Penta!”

Winner by pinfall: Penta

Analysis: ***1/2 I thought it was a very good match for Penta’s WWE debut. Gable was a perfect first opponent for him in WWE. There was that one spot where Penta slipped on the ropes going for a move and I’m sure some fans will penalize him for that, but it happens sometimes. The fans treated Penta like a big star, which is great and deserving for a guy as talented as him. Penta did a nice job of selling the knee injury throughout the match before managing to come back and get the win. The fans loved the match as well as Penta’s big moves like the Mexican Destroyer and the Penta Driver. I enjoyed it too.

Penta was interviewed in the ring by Jackie Redmond, who welcomed him to Raw. The Mexican star Penta spoke in English saying thanks to San Jose and he said that this is his new home. Penta said that he knew everyone was waiting for this moment. Penta said that the truth is he’s been waiting for this moment. Penta said something in Spanish that drew cheers. Penta thanked his family at ringside including his wife and daughters. Penta said that this is WWE’s new era, so it is not only the Netflix new era, but now it is the Penta new era. Penta said “Cero Miedo” and told the fans he loved them. Penta greeted his family at ringside.

Analysis: Good job by Penta with the promo. He speaks English fairly well.

The Judgment Day was backstage talking with Finn Balor speaking to JD McDonagh and Carlito. Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez walked up to them. Balor sarcastically said they were talking about how Liv was going to win back her title. Liv bragged about how she took something from Rhea Ripley and that’s what she did. Dominik Mysterio walked up to Liv with flowers in his hands. Liv said she’s not mad. Liv told Dominik to grab Liv and Raquel’s bags and make sure the valet had the car ready. Live and Raquel left. Balor told Dom he had a lot to learn. Balor spoke about how he’s going to beat Damian Priest and Balor said that they’ll get the World Tag Team Titles back too. Carlito had the flowers, then he gave them to Dominik and JD left with Carlito. Balor told Carlito to hang in the back because he’s got a lot to learn.

Analysis: The Judgment Day has lost a lot of momentum compared to when they had multiple titles in the group. It might be a long time until they have any titles again.

Sheamus made his entrance for his match. That led to a break for some fans.

The Pure Fusion Collective group of Sonya Deville, Shayna Baszler & Zoey Stark were interviewed by Cathy Kelley backstage. Deville said when they took out Kairi Sane, it was a preview of what they would do this year. Baszler continued to talk about how it was sending a message to anybody who wanted to come to Raw. Stark said that she’s first in line for a shot at the Women’s IC Title. Deville said that one of them will win that Women’s IC Title soon.

Analysis: This is a fine way to fill a few minutes during a break for some of the audience. Having wrestlers do promos like Gable in the ring and PFC backstage is a way to continue their storylines.

They had Pat McAfee go over Philadelphia Eagles’ Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean going for a Triple H-like Pedigree. DeJean botched it by jumping too soon, so Pat mocked them a bit for that. Go LA Rams over Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday! Just saying.

The UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier was at ringside with his kids. Cormier got involved with WWE in the past, but it’s been a few years. Cormier is an announcer with UFC.

Bron Breakker, the Intercontinental Champion, was shown watching this match at ringside.

Ludwig Kaiser vs. Sheamus

Sheamus worked over Kaiser with punches along with a clothesline. The action spilled to the floor where Sheamus chopped Kaiser in the chest. Kaiser hit a neckbreaker across the top rope followed by a forearm that sent Sheamus off the apron into the commentary table. Kaiser hit a running dropkick that sent Kaiser into the barricade. They went to break for some fans while the action continued. Kaiser punched Sheamus in the ribs. Kaiser applied a chinlock. Kaiser kicked Sheamus in the kidneys. Kaiser held Sheamus’ right arm leading to an elbow to the ribs. Sheamus countered Kaiser by suplexing him groin first onto the top turnbuckle. Sheamus and Kaiser exchanged slaps. Kaser hit Sheamus in the ribs.

The match continued with Kaiser hitting a slam for a two count. Kaiser kicked Sheamus in the upper body along with three running kicks to the body. Sheamus caught Kaiser leading to a few chops along with a clothesline. Sheamus worked over Kaiser with the ten beats forearms to the chest along with a clothesline. Sheamus delivered the White Noise slam from the middle turnbuckle for a two count. Kaiser grabbed the shillelagh from ringside, but Sheamus was there with a jumping knee smash for a two count. The crowd was fired up as Sheamus went for a Brogue Kick, but Kaiser chopped Sheamus followed by Kaiser hitting an enziguri kick for two. Sheamus countered a Kaiser move and Sheamus hit a knee to the face. Kaiser hit a Kaiser Roll like a rolling senton for a two count. Kaiser mocked Sheamus by pounding his own chest and went for a jumping kick. Sheamus avoided the Kaiser kick followed by Sheamus hitting a Brogue Kick for the pinfall win after 9 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Sheamus

Analysis: ***1/4 A decisive win for the “banger” man Sheamus, who loves having physical matches like this. It wasn’t as long as some of their previous matches, but it was still very good action for the time given. Kaiser got plenty of offense in the match while looking like he might get the win. I liked the finish with Kaiser mocking Sheamus for some heat only for Sheamus to come back with a Brogue Kick for the win.

After the match, Sheamus got in the face of Bron Breakker at ringside. Bron shoved Sheamus in the chest and dared Sheamus to fight him. The referee was there to break it up.

Analysis: That’s a tease for a Sheamus-Breakker match. They have had a few matches in the past and it’s always good, so I certainly don’t mind seeing it again.

Seth “Freakin” Rollins was walking backstage when Cathy Kelley showed up to she got word from Raw GM Adam Pearce that Rollins has a match with Drew McIntyre next week on Raw. Rollins said he was sick of him, so next week it’s him against Drew. Rollins said he owes Drew one for WrestleMania.

Analysis: Big match for next week.

Seth Rollins walked up to his good friend Sami Zayn in the backstage area. Zayn said if Rollins wants to talk then Zayn is here for him. Rollins said that yeah it was a rough week for him. Rollins said great week for Zayn, right? Rollins said Roman Reigns got the Ula Fala back and he’s the Tribal Chief again. Rollins said that Zayn helped Reigns win the Ula Fala back and win at WarGames too. Rollins wondered if Zayn would help Reigns win the Royal Rumble too and help him beat Cody Rhodes. Rollins wondered if Zayn would keep helping Reigns or would Zayn help himself? Seth left while Zayn thought about it.

Analysis: There were some good points made by Seth Rollins talking about how Sami Zayn has been helping Roman Reigns a lot. Rollins is one of many people who doesn’t like Reigns, so it made sense.

The World Heavyweight Champion Gunther was shown walking backstage for a promo up next.

JD McDonagh and Carlito were interviewed by Jackie Redmond. JD claimed that Jackie was trying to stir up drama in The Judgment Day. When Jackie asked if Dominik Mysterio was in the doghouse and JD dismissed that. Carlito claimed that The Judgment Day is the most powerful faction not just on Raw, but in all of WWE and Finn Balor is going to destroy Damian Priest…and that’s cool. The fans booed.

Analysis: This was another of those interviews during a break for some fans.

The next Saturday Night’s Main event special is on January 25th from San Antonio. Hulk Hogan is featured in the commercial. I would recommend not using him.

Karrion Kross spoke to The Miz backstage saying that The Wyatt Sicks have been moved to SmackDown. The Miz acted shocked by that. Kross said he thought Sami Zayn’s interaction with Seth was interesting. The Miz said if we’re talking about World Championships, we don’t need to talk about Sami. Zayn said that Miz is a lackey, so nobody worried about Miz ever. Miz said he’s been World Champion twice, which is two more times than Zayn will ever be. Zayn said he wanted to talk to Adam Pearce about other business, but it could wait. Zayn said he’d talk to Pearce about a one-on-one match with Miz tonight. Miz said that “we” have him to deal with and Kross is like: “We?” Kross left so Miz was alone.

Analysis: It sets up a match for later. Good lines by Zayn and Miz in those promos.

Oba Femi, the NXT Champion, was shown at ringside with the title he won last week. They flew Oba all the way to San Jose for that and then he has to fly back for NXT on Tuesday? That’s a lot of travel.

Let’s Hear from GUNTHER…and Jey Uso

The World Heavyweight Champion Gunther was in the ring for a promo while wearing a suit. Gunther said he was impressed by Raw last week. Gunther said when it comes to the performances in the ring, he was less impressed. Gunther said that everybody is fighting over personal drama like who’s the Head of the Table and who is the Best in the World. Gunther said that this World Heavyweight Champion is what is worth fighting for.

Jey Uso showed up for the interruption as the fans went wild for the “Yeet Man” with some arm swinging for Jey’s entrance. They went to the drone camera for a shot of the crowd, which is cool and a lot of different angles were used. Pat was Yeeting on the table while Gunther was not interested in doing that, of course.

Jey stared at Gunther saying you’re looking at somebody who cares about that World Heavyweight Championship. Jey said that Drew is behind, the Bloodline family drama is behind him and it’s Jey now one on one at Saturday Night’s Main Event for the World Heavyweight Championship.

Gunther told Jey he admired the courage by challenging him. Gunther said that Jey is naïve to think that he can take the World Title from Gunther. Gunther reminded Jey that he beat him twice when they fought over the Intercontinental Title. Gunther told Jey he’s funny and he’s entertaining, but when that bell rings he’ll expose him for what he really is – a talented tag team wrestler. Gunther told Jey he was not on his level. Gunther said “main event’ is a nickname for Jey, but it’s a place where Gunther belongs. Gunther advised Jey to stay out of championship business. Gunther said that Saturday Night’s Main Event is fine with him, but the choice is up to Jey. That’s when Gunther left the ring.

Jey was in the ring telling Gunther to hold up. Jey said he respects Gunther and said that everything Gunther just said was true. Jey spoke about how people think he doesn’t deserve to be in this spot and he’s just a tag team guy. Jey said that gets up every morning betting on himself because he’s trying to earn that respect. Jey told Gunther he’ll respect him when he beats Gunther for the World Heavyweight Championship. Jey led the fans in chanting “YEET” to end it.

Analysis: Jey Uso beat Drew McIntyre barely last week, so it makes sense for Jey to get a World Heavyweight Title shot. It’s important to tell the fans that wins matter, so putting Jey in this spot makes a lot of sense to me. Gunther dismissing Jey as somebody who is not a threat is how the champion Gunther should approach any opponent. As for Jey, I like the confidence he showed.

A video aired about the Women’s IC Tournament finals between Lyra Valkyria and Dakota Kai. Both women talked about how they believed they would win.

Bayley was interviewed by Cathy Kelley at ringside with Bayley in her hometown. Bayley said that this building means so much to her, so she had to come to this new era of Raw on Netflix. Bayley said she had a big championship match this Friday on Smackdown against Tiffany Stratton, so maybe she’ll have a title around her waist when she returns to San Jose again. Bayley said she sees so much potential in Dakota Kai and she feels weird about this match because we remember what she did to Bayley. However, Bayley won’t let history get in the way of how important this is as a history making match. Michael Cole was at ringside, so Bayley shouted to Cole: “Hey you big idiot!” Bayley said that he felt sorry for sitting next to Cole. Bayley said Cole better speak nicely about her. Bayley led the crowd in saying “Michael Cole’s an idiot” to end it. Cole: “I was starting to like it.” That was it.

Analysis: If you are getting commercials and wondering what you’re missing, it is segments like that with Bayley doing an interview.

Women’s Intercontinental Championship Finals: Dakota Kai vs. Lyra Valkyria

The Raw GM Adam Pearce was at ringside to present the winner with the Women’s Intercontinental Championship.

Kai got a headscissors takedown to get some offense early in the match. Lyra pulled Kai out of the ring leading to Lyra sending Kai into the apron. Kai caught Lyra leading to a slam onto the apron. Lyra gave Kai a suplex from the apron to the floor. Ouch. That led to commercials for some viewers and the action kept going for me. When they got back into the ring, Lyra applied a surfboard submission and then it was turned into a pin attempt by Lyra for two.

Lyra was in control as she put her feet into Kai’s back. Kai countered a Lyra move leading to an inside cradle for two. Lyra went for a spin kick, but Kai avoided it and delivered multiple kicks. Kai did a headscissors to send Lyra into the corner. Kai hit a running kick followed by Kai jumping on the back with double knees to the back for a two count. Good nearfall there. Kai went for the GTK, but Lyra blocked it and Lyra hit a running Ligerbomb for two. Lyra hit a spin kick to the head. Lyra went up top leading to a leg drop to Kai’s back for two. Kai did a handstand kick to the head. Kai set up Lyra by the ropes leading to a stomp to the back of the neck. Kai hit the GTK (Go To Kick) with no pin attempt because Lyra rolled out of the ring after that move. Lyra avoided a kick and hit a move where she slammed Kai’s back down onto Lyra’s body. Lyra hit the Nightwing for the pinfall win to become the first Women’s Intercontinental Champion. The match went 9 minutes.

Winner by pinfall AND NEW Women’s Intercontinental Champion: Lyra Valkyria

Analysis: *** I enjoyed the match and the result is certainly fine with me because I’m a fan of both women, so either one of them as champion was cool with me. This is one of those matches where I wish they got a bit more time to have an even better match, but they worked hard and made the most out of the time they were given. That suplex spot that Lyra did from the apron to the floor was terrific. It’s a bit risky, but they pulled it off. Lyra and Kai worked well together.

After the match, Raw GM Adam Pearce presented Lyra Valkyria with the Women’s Intercontinental Title. The fans popped for Lyra as the new champion. Kai and Lyra hugged in the ring since they are two babyfaces. Lyra continued to celebrate after that. There was some pyro that went off on the stage as well.

Analysis: Congratulations to Lyra Valkyria on the Women’s IC Title win. She has come a long way in her career.

Finn Balor was shown getting ready backstage.

The New Day’s Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods were interviewed by Cathy Kelley in the backstage area as an interview during a break. Kofi said they are the best tag team on planet Earth and they have had to change in places other than the locker room. Kofi said that Rey Mysterio is a deadbeat while Kofi can’t get his own mother to speak to him. Woods said that you should be disgusted for how you have treated The New Day. Woods said that next week they’ll be in the ring. Kofi said to be careful what you wish for and Woods said they were out of time as they walked off from the interview.

Analysis: It will be cool to see how much the fans boo The New Day when they’re in a match. They have mostly been doing promos since they turned heel, so I want to see how the fans react during a match.

The Miz vs. Sami Zayn

Zayn was in control of Miz with a double axhandle off the middle turnbuckle. Miz hit a running knee to the ribs followed by a boot to the face. Miz worked over Zayn with elbow smashes. Zayn did a leapfrog leading to a clothesline. Zayn worked over Miz with a barrage of punches. Zayn caught Miz leading to an Exploder Suplex into the turnbuckle. Zayn charged, but Miz stopped that with a boot to the face followed by a DDT for two. Miz worked over Zayn with the kicks to the chest. Zayn got a rollup for a two count. Miz hit Zayn with elbows. Miz charged across the ring, so Zayn followed with a Helluva Kick. Zayn picked up Miz and hit a Blue Thunder Bomb for the pinfall win. It went about four minutes. Cole put over Zayn winning with a Blue Thunder Bomb, which is rare.

Winner by pinfall: Sami Zayn

Analysis: **1/2 An easy win for Sami Zayn over The Miz, who really doesn’t win a lot of matches even though he’s a former two-time Grand Slam Champion. Zayn winning with a Blue Thunder Bomb is rare since it’s usually a spot to generate a two count, so it’s fine for Zayn to win with it sometimes. In this case, Zayn did the Helluva Kick before the Blue Thunder Bomb instead of the other way around. Anyway, it was a way to give Zayn some momentum.

Rhea Ripley was shown walking backstage with her Women’s World Title. As Ripley was walking, Natalya was speaking to Maxxine Dupri and Alpha Academy, so perhaps that is teasing something.

Logan Paul was featured in a video saying you are mad at him because you want to be him. Paul said he accomplishes more in one weekend than you will in your entire life. Paul claimed his sole focus is to become the top guy in WWE. Paul said that he will not stop until he becomes the face of this company. Paul told us to stay mad, keep clicking on keyboards and he’ll be on billboards.

Analysis: A lot of confidence shown by Logan Paul as usual.

There are two matches that are official for Saturday Night’s Main event on January 25th:

* Intercontinental Championship: Bron Breakker vs. Sheamus

* World Heavyweight Championship: Gunther vs. Jey Uso

Analysis: Those matches should be very good. I don’t think either match will be a title change.

Let’s Hear from Rhea Ripley

Rhea Ripley made her entrance as the WWE Women’s World Champion and she got a huge ovation. Ripley let the fans know that “Mami” is back on top, which led to cheers. Ripley said she wanted to remind the ones who might have forgotten that she is Rhea Bloody Ripley. Shoutout to my good friend Bobby Nunez’s daughter Olivia on camera holding a “Rhea Bloody Ripley” sign in the crowd. I’m so glad she was shown. Ripley said she is once again the Women’s World Champion.

Nia Jax showed up saying she couldn’t take this anymore. Jax said she was talking to Adam Pearce about the transfer window and she couldn’t help herself. There were a lot of boos for Jax, who got into the ring with Ripley. Jax let the fans know that she will be winning the Royal Rumble. Jax said she would take whatever title he wanted. Jax said that Tiffy might think she’s on the Tiffy Top and Mami might think she’s on top and she also trashed Bayley in the crowd. Jax ripped Bayley for being from this city. Jax said she’s the one woman at the top of this division, so the fans booed her.

Bayley went over the barricade and joined Ripley and Jax in the ring. Bayley said this may not be her show, but this is her city. Bayley dared “big, ol’ dumb idiot” Jax to say something to her face. Jax headbutted Bayley. Jax shoved Ripley, so Ripley headbutted Jax and Jax did a headbutt in return. Bayley hit Jax with a knee and Ripley kicked Jax out of the ring. Ripley held her Women’s World Title in the ring while Bayley stared at it.

Analysis: It was a way to have multiple women make it clear they were coming for the Women’s World Title or WWE Women’s Title by trying to win the Royal Rumble. It didn’t lead to a match being made for a specific time or anything like that, but it sets up the idea that Ripley has multiple women coming after her. I doubt Jax or Bayley will win the Royal Rumble. I think either the returning Charlotte Flair or Becky Lynch wins it. If it’s not either of them then I’m not sure who it might be.

Next week on Raw in Dallas:

* The New Day returns to action

* John Bradshaw Layfield returns to Raw

* Seth Rollins vs. Drew McIntyre

There was a lengthy video package about the Damian Priest-Finn Balor Street Fight match. Balor cost Priest the World Title at SummerSlam, which gave Gunther the World Title and turned Priest into a babyface. Balor claimed that Priest had a big ego as a World Champion, so Balor stabbed him in the back. They have been rivals ever since.

Damian Priest made his entrance with a kendo stick and he tossed some chairs into the ring.

Rey Mysterio was interviewed by Jackie Redmond. Rey said he’s known Penta for a long time. Rey added that he always envisioned Penta’s true home to be WWE and he proved why he’s here. Jackie mentioned The New Day showing a complete lack of respect. Rey said that Woods and Kof have talked about how they have been disrespected, but Rey said that Big E deserves all the respect in the world as the heart and soul of New Day. Rey said that Steve Austin used to say “oh hell yeah” and Rey said the Mexicans say “Huevo.” The fans cheered.

Analysis: This was shown in place of a commercial that some fans likely got. It seems to set up Rey against The New Day guys in a tag team match, which has been building for a while.

Street Fight: Finn Balor vs. Damian Priest

Balor attacked Priest from behind with kendo stick shots to the back to start the match. Priest got the kendo stick leading to stick shots to Balor’s body. Priest gave Balor with a flapjack into the mat. They left the ring, Balor tried to jump onto Balor, but Priest sent Balor face first into the commentary table. Priest sent Balor over the commentary table. Priest set up a table at ringside. Balor tripped up Priest on the table. Balor nailed Priest with a forearm followed by a running attack that sent Priest over the barricade. Priest sent Balor over a barricade, but Balor was there with a trash can that he used to hit Priest in the back. Priest used the trash can to his advantage with a trash can shot to Balor’s head. Priest sent Balor into the barricade. Balor used a chair to hit Priest in the body. Priest tossed Balor down as they continued to find in the crowd. They climbed up the stairs and were fighting by a barricade. Priest stepped over a barricade that was over a table below them. Priest picked up Balor and Priest gave Balor a Broken Arrow slam through two tables that were conveniently set up below them. It sounded like there was padding under the tables as well, but I’m not sure about that. Anyway, the fans popped big for it and chanted “this is awesome” for the action.

There were WWE officials checking on Balor and Priest. The EMTs showed up with a stretcher while Priest crawled away and got to his feet. A neckbrace was put on Balor and he was put on a board. Balor was put on the stretcher while Raw GM Adam Pearce was there along with other WWE Officials. Priest was back in the ring. The show returned for the fans who had commercials.

Balor was on the stretcher while Carlito and JD McDonagh were also there to check on their friend. Priest grabbed Carlito and sent him into the tron. Priest punched JD and sent JD into the tron. Priest beat up Balor with punches. Priest rolled Balor on the stretcher into the side of the ring, which led to Balor rolling into the ring. Priest nailed Balor with a clothesline. Carlito went into the ring with a Backstabber on Priest. JD went into the ring to punch Priest. JD went up top and hit a moonsault onto Priest. Carlito and JD helped Balor to the top rope, which led to Balor hitting a Coup de Grace double foot stomp on Priest for two. Carlito and JD set up a table on the floor. The World Tag Team Champions The War Raiders showed up at ringside for the save. Ivar hit a spin kick on JD and that was followed by a powerslam. Erik punched Carlito repeatedly, so they went fighting to the back along with Ivar and JD. Balor hit a Slingblade neckbreaker. Balor nailed Priest with two chairs to the back. Balor beat up Priest with chair shots to the back. Balor hit Priest with a chair to the ribs. Balor put a chair around Priest’s head/neck. Balor charged, but Priest was back up with a South of Heaven slam for a two count. They left the ring where there were two tables on the floor. Priest teased Razor’s Edge through the table, but Balor slipped out and hit Slingblade again. Balor set up Priest on a table and Balor jumped off the apron with a Coup de Grace through the table. Priest picked up Balor leading to a tackle through the barricade at ringside. Priest gave Balor a Razor’s Edge through a table at ringside. Nice job by Pat saying “Hey yo” as a Razor Ramon tribute. The fans chanted “this is awesome” as the guys went into the ring. Priest yelled at Balor: “I am not my brother’s keeper.” Priest gave Balor a South of Heaven slam for the pinfall win after 17 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Damian Priest

Analysis: ***3/4 A fun match with a lot of weapons and interference similar to Tribal Combat last week. Priest getting the win was the right call since he is the babyface who was turned on by Balor in the first place, so Priest ending the feud with a win makes sense. Balor is a guy who is at a certain spot on the card and it’s cool, but he hasn’t broken through to that next level, so it will be interesting if they give him more of a push. It was a good showing from both guys. I liked the match quite and the fans seemed to enjoy it too.

Damian Priest celebrated the win. That was the end of Raw.

This week’s Raw was 2 hours, 35 minutes, so it was about 30 minutes shorter than

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Three Stars of the Show

1. Penta – Welcome to WWE.
2. Lyra Valkyria – Congratulations on winning the Women’s Intercontinental Title.
3. Damian Priest & Finn Balor

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The Scoreboard

7.75 out of 10

Last week: 8

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Final Thoughts on WWE Raw

I thought it was a great show with several matches that were given plenty of time and the crowd was hot for all of it. The Priest/Balor match was a fun main event while Penta’s debut was a lot of fun. The Women’s IC Title match was good, but I would have liked to see them get more time.

There were some strong promos as well even though it is the typical “I’m going to win the Royal Rumble” stuff that we see every January. The Gunther/Jey Uso segment was also effective in building to their SNME match.

Overall, it was another very entertaining episode of Raw as the second Raw of the Netflix era.

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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