[intro music playing]
-[glass shattering] -[The Rock] If you smell…
[bell tolling]
-[Triple H] The king of kings… -[Cena] You can't see me…
[commentator 1] The Beast Incarnate went to Day 1 to win a championship
and did exactly that.
[commentator 2] And the new WWE Champion!
Brock Lesnar!
[commentator 3] Tonight, it's a Fatal 4-Way
to determine the next challenger
to Brock Lesnar's WWE Championship at the Royal Rumble.
[Big E] Tonight, I start my path back to reclaiming my WWE Championship.
And I'll be damned if there's a soul on Earth who can stop me!
Big E and Bobby Lashley are still in our way.
You and I, together, take care of those two.
-Huh, okay? -Sounds like a plan.
The All Mighty has to overcome insurmountable odds.
Brock Lesnar fears me.
[commentator 4] Look at this power from The All Mighty.
[crowd chanting] Bobby! Bobby!
[commentator 4] Look out!
[commentator 5] Bobby Lashley just leveled the entire timekeeper's area.
[commentator 6] You see Rollins and Owens trying to work together.
[commentator 4] Whoa! Powerbomb right through the table!
[commentator 7] This is absolutely unbelievable!
[commentator 8] Oh, my God! Kevin Owens!
[commentator 9] Is he looking for the big ending?
[commentator 10] Spear!
[commentator 11] Superkick!
[commentator 12] Was the stunner. Drug off by Lashley.
[commentator 13] And a Spear for Kevin Owens!
[crowd] One, two, three!
-[commentator 13] It is official… -[bell dinging]
[commentator 13] …for the first time ever.
The Royal Rumble.
Bobby Lashley will challenge Brock Lesnar
for the WWE Championship.
[entrance theme music playing]
[Jimmy Smith] Welcome, WWE Universe, to the city of brotherly love,
the Wells Fargo Center.
The question is are you ready for a visit
from the most devastating physical specimen
in WWE history tonight?
[rock music playing]
-[Byron Saxton] Ah. [indistinct] -[Corey Graves] You got your answer.
Philadelphia anxiously awaiting
the arrival of the WWE Champion and his advocate.
[Jimmy] The Beast Incarnate is here and this place is rocking, Byron.
[Saxton] It is always a sight to behold when Brock Lesnar enters an arena.
[Jimmy] I promise you this, Broad Street has never seen a bully as big and bad
as the Beast Incarnate.
[announcer] Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Paul Heyman
and the WWE Champion,
Brock Lesnar!
[Corey] Lesnar circling the ring with confidence,
but we know full well
that the Beast Incarnate's full attention
is on St. Louis, Missouri.
The Royal Rumble, when Lesnar will defend his newly-won
WWE World Heavyweight Championship.
In his words, not mine.
Against The All Mighty,
former WWE Champion, Bobby Lashley,
for the first time ever.
[Jimmy] I cannot wait.
-[crowd cheering] -[rock music continues]
[clapping] Man, Bobby! Yeah, we waited for this for a long time.
Now that Hurt Business is back together,
man, I gotta say, we're so happy to see you
finally get this match you've been waiting for for a long time.
What are you talking about?
-But you-- -I told you two, we're done, okay?
There's no more Hurt Business. There's no more us, okay?
The All Mighty works alone.
So you two can just get the hell out of here,
because there's no more.
You understand?
Okay.
[Jimmy laughs] The All Mighty works alone.
What a declaration from Bobby Lashley.
Especially, he's willing to work alone against…
That's right, that man, Brock Lesnar.
That's impressive.
[Saxton] The man Lesnar, who Bobby Lashley said "fears him."
Ladies and gentlemen,
-My name is Paul Heyman. -[crowd] Paul Heyman.
And tonight, as his advocate,
I have the honor and the privilege of introducing to you
the reigning, defending, undisputed,
-WWE Heavyweight Champion of the World… -[mouthing]
[Paul] …Brock Lesnar!
[crowd cheering]
Yeah!
Ooh, I love that.
Phila-freakin'-delphia.
Whoo!
[chuckles]
I can't believe we're back.
[laughs]
[dramatic music plays]
[Saxton] Oh… Oh!
This just got real interesting.
[Jimmy] I don't know if this ring is big enough, gentlemen.
[Saxton] Lesnar barely got a word out,
and here comes his Royal Rumble challenger,
The All Mighty Bobby Lashley.
[Jimmy] There's something about where angels fear to tread.
He is looking at Brock Lesnar with no fear behind those glasses.
[Saxton] This is a match that Bobby Lashley has wanted for years,
and he will finally get it at the Royal Rumble.
[Corey] You can't see his eyes, Jimmy.
You have to wonder, somewhere deep down inside,
does Bobby Lashley feel maybe just an iota of fear?
We are talking about Brock freakin' Lesnar.
[Jimmy] Listen, remember, Corey, Bobby Lashley said that it is Brock Lesnar
who fears him.
There is no intimidation by The All Mighty.
Ladies and gentlemen of the WWE Universe,
it is my honor to present to you
The All Mighty Bobby Lashley!
[crowd cheering, booing]
You know what, Brock? It is, um…
It is an honor to finally be able to stand in a ring with you.
And it's an honor
to be able to share this spotlight with you.
And as one super athlete to another super athlete,
it's an honor to be able to look you right in the eye,
and with all due respect,
tell you that for 20 years,
you have been ducking and running from me.
[crowd cheering]
With all due respect,
it's an honor for me to be in the ring with me.
[crowd cheering]
And I must apologize, Bobby,
for the last 20 years,
I've been winning championships in this ring and in other rings.
[crowd cheering]
So that doesn't fall on me, Bobby Lashley.
That falls on you.
I don't have a clue who you are until I met you at Day 1.
So now it's your fault
that you didn't climb the ladder of success
and enter into the same arena as I did.
I must apologize, Bobby, because if we had met,
I would have already beaten you and we wouldn't be here right now.
[crowd cheering]
With all due respect.
[chuckles]
Oh, and by the way, guys,
you guys are dressed really freaking fancy.
What's the thread count on that thing anyway?
[Bobby laughs]
[laughs] He's a comedian, huh?
Okay, so, Brock, um…
at the Royal Rumble when I beat you for that title,
and then you start your tour as a stand-up comedian,
you know, me and MVP here, we'll be sitting front row,
because as a comedian, Brock, you are money.
I'm funny and I'm money.
Hey, Paulie.
-Yes, sir. -Knock, knock.
[crowd chanting] Who's there?
Brock Lesnar does a knock-knock joke in Philadelphia.
I thought I saw it all.
[crowd laughing]
Okay, Brock, who's there?
Bobby.
-[crowd] Bobby who? -Bobby who?
Exactly.
-[laughs sarcastically] -[crowd cheering]
[Saxton] Careful, Brock.
Let me tell you something, Bobby Lashley.
It's impossible
to beat Brock Lesnar,
and it's even more impossible to beat Brock Lesnar
when you're a Brock Lesnar wannabe.
-[mic thuds] -[Corey] Wow.
[crowd cheering]
[Corey] Brock Lesnar just called Bobby Lashley
a Brock Lesnar wannabe.
[Jimmy] I don't know if anyone walking this earth
has disrespected the All Mighty like that,
and not woken up in a hospital bed.
[Jimmy] If looks could kill right now, Bobby Lashley would right now
be looking at a dead Brock Lesnar, that's for sure.
[Saxton] I think Bobby Lashley's gonna replay this moment and--
[Jimmy] Whoa!
Shelton Benjamin, the Hurt Business.
[Corey] Cedric Alexander,
Lashley's former allies in the Hurt Business,
who were told to stay in the back, stay out of Bobby's business.
[Jimmy] Well, they just tried to jump Bobby Lashley.
Right now, The All Mighty.
-Oh! -[Corey] Good God, man.
Cedric nearly put through the ring by The All Mighty.
[Saxton] This was the wrong time and place for Cedric Alexander and Shelton Benjamin.
[Jimmy] Bobby Lashley already in a bad mood.
He's gonna take it out on Shelton Benjamin.
[Corey] Brock Lesnar riled Lashley up.
And Cedric and Shelton are paying the price.
[Jimmy] You see what happens when The All Mighty is angry,
he is virtually unstoppable.
Right now, I would venture to say he is furious
at the disrespect from Brock Lesnar.
Wow!
[Corey] You don't often
see Brock Lesnar as a superstar who utilizes mind games
prior to a matchup.
Brock Lesnar is brute force personified,
but tonight, the Beast Incarnate
has quite obviously gotten deep under the skin of The All Mighty.
[Jimmy] Oh, we'll see if that's a good idea or not.
We're headed toward the Royal Rumble.
You want momentum, you want everything going your way.
Coming up, RK-Bro, the RAW Tag Team Champions,
defending their titles and momentum right now,
not on their side when it comes to the Alpha Academy.
Now, the momentum would be on the side of the Alpha Academy
based off of what went down last Monday.
Alpha Academy managed to keep
the Viper out of this tag team matchup altogether
and dominate Riddle
before Orton was ever able to officially enter the matchup.
Riddle fought valiantly with everything he had,
but in the end, the master, the valedictorian, Chad Gable,
and the tree trunk, four-point Otis.
Dominated the reigning RAW Tag Team Champions live on RAW.
[Saxton] And this has been a common scene, a failed RKO attempt on Otis.
And this right here, this is what would secure…
[bell dinging]
[Saxton] …a RAW Tag Team title opportunity for the Academy.
Summon your inner Viper.
[crowd cheering]
Summon your inner Viper.
Look alive, Riddle. Look alive. Look alive.
-What are you doing? -It worked.
But, bro, I'm trying to ascend to a higher plane of enlightenment--
Listen, listen, what you do on your free time
is completely and utterly up to you,
but this isn't your free time.
Last week, we lost to the Alpha Academy.
We lost to the Alpha Academy last week on Monday Night RAW
because you didn't tag me in.
You didn't tag me in, but now tonight, you got a second opportunity.
But this time, the stakes are higher.
These bad boys are on the line
-against the Alpha Academy. -Mmm-hmm.
So we have to defend these titles against an Olympian named Chad Gable
and a tree trunk named Otis.
And I got an idea.
In case you get lost out there and you need a little help--
Randy, let's get serious.
This is no time for Pictionary, bro. Come on.
[sighs] Give me your hand.
You get lost out there, you find yourself in a little trouble,
-I want you to do this. -Okay.
-You got good handwriting. -Shut up.
What's it say?
Tag in Randy.
Good job. Good job.
You get lost out there, you know what to do.
-Yes. -All right. Let's do it.
Wait a minute, wait a minute.
I know you're clamoring to say something right now.
So what is it?
Well, I was thinking, after the big match,
maybe we could go out for some cheese steaks.
I mean, we are in Philadelphia, you know?
And I was thinking, are you more of a Pat's or Geno's kind of guy?
[crowd cheering]
Geno's.
Geno's! Oh, man, I can't wait till later.
[Corey] Everybody knows the answer's Tony Luke's.
[Jimmy] We all have our opinions.
One opinion you can't argue with has been the success of RK-Bro.
A little bit of a rocky patch last week against Alpha Academy.
Can they get the magic back tonight? That's the question.
[Saxton] We've seen in the past
that Randy Orton and Riddle have an opportunity.
They've had instances where they've had a setback,
but they've found a way to rebound, get back on the horse, and ride again.
[Jimmy] Well, now it is RK-Bro versus the Alpha Academy.
And unlike last week, the RAW Tag Team Championship
is on the line.
All of the stakes, everything right now on the shoulders of Randy Orton.
That's right. And Riddle.
Will their teamwork come together…
-[Saxton] Whoa! -[Jimmy] …in time to defend their titles?
That is the big question.
We'll find out on Monday Night RAW.
And it is coming up next.
[Jimmy] Well, last week, it was The Edge and Beth Phoenix
challenging The Miz and Maryse to a mixed tag match at Royal Rumble.
We'll find out what's in store for Maryse when Beth Phoenix
is a special guest on "The Cutting Edge."
[Saxton] Can't miss that.
[Corey] Right now, everyone wants a piece of Big Time Becky Lynch,
but only one superstar can earn a title opportunity
at the Royal Rumble.
Tonight, Bianca Belair, Liv Morgan and Doudrop
compete in a Sudden Death-style Triple Threat Match.
The winner earns an opportunity at Becky Lynch tonight.
[Saxton] Right now, it's all about opportunity
for the Alpha Academy to become RAW Tag Team Champions.
And, guys, here's some insight
into the training from Chad Gable and Otis this week,
specifically focused on neck training.
And of course, we know that's to avoid a potential attempt of the RKO
by either Randy Orton or Riddle.
[bell dinging]
[announcer] The following contest scheduled for one fall
is for the RAW Tag Team Championship!
Introducing the challengers, the team of Otis and Chad Gable,
Alpha Academy!
[crowd booing]
And their opponents, they are the RAW Tag Team Champions,
Riddle and Randy Orton, RK-Bro!
[crowd cheering]
[Saxton] Yeah, this is one of those cases where all the confidence right now
has to lie with the Alpha Academy.
Remember, the first time these two met last week,
the Alpha Academy won the match.
-They defeated the RAW Tag Team Champions. -[Randy] Shut up!
[Corey] Decisively, and that was by
not allowing Randy Orton to enter the matchup at any point.
You have to imagine that Gable and Otis are gonna rely on…
-[bell dinging] -…a similar strategy tonight.
Look to isolate Riddle and keep Orton out of the ring.
[Jimmy] Now that we're underway, the question is, will Riddle…
read, I guess, the advice on his hand, it says "tag in Randy."
If you're in trouble, tag in. Can he and will he do that?
[Saxton] Notice the body language a few moments ago,
Chad Gable getting in between Riddle and Randy Orton, as to say,
"Hey, we're gonna do the same thing this week."
We're gonna keep Randy Orton out of this match."
[Jimmy] Now look, in this instance, Riddle and Chad Gable,
decorated amateur wrestlers.
You can see a lot of these changes in position.
Great Granby roll right into the ropes.
[Corey] Riddle, a decorated amateur wrestler, but Chad Gable
-was a United States Olympian. -[Jimmy] Much higher yeah.
[Corey] You are talking world class when you talk about
what Gable's capable of on the mat.
[Jimmy] State title's great.
Going to the Olympics, something else entirely.
[Saxton] I think when Chad Gable and Otis first came together as a tag team,
a lot of people didn't take them seriously.
Didn't think this team would actually make waves here in WWE.
Obviously, they've silenced a lot of those critics.
[Corey] And in my opinion, Gable hasn't received enough credit
for the metamorphosis that he inspired in Otis.
Once upon a time, Otis was a fun-loving guy,
worried about the adulation of the fans and stakes and weight.
[Jimmy] Armbar transition, great stop to the omaplata, nice rope grab.
Get off me!
-[Corey] Uma-what-a? -[Jimmy] Omaplata.
-[indistinct] I'll tell you in a sec. -[Corey] Yeah, totally.
[Saxton] I was gonna make a point,
but you guys talk about other stuff instead.
I was talking about how no one puts enough respect on Chad Gable's name
for the machine that he has turned Otis into over the past several months.
[Jimmy] But is part of that the fact that, in many ways, Chad Gable is overlooked?
He's an incredible athlete.
There's nothing he can't do in the ring.
[Saxton] Oh!
[Jimmy] And a tough one to the chin.
[Saxton] Some can say the same about Riddle.
-[Jimmy] Yeah. -[Saxton] Multi-faceted approach,
-night in and night out. -[Jimmy] Yeah, exactly.
They're kind of seen as the downside of both of their teams.
They're incredibly talented athletes 'cause of offense like that.
One!
[Saxton] Riddle wasting no time now.
[Jimmy] High risk… Oh! High reward!
Taking out Chad Gable outside of the ring right now.
RK-Bro rolling.
[Saxton] Yeah.
[crowd cheering]
[Saxton] Welcome back to the RAW Tag Team Championship match,
RK-Bro versus Alpha Academy.
And so far, the strategy of isolating Riddle,
paying dividends for the Alpha Academy.
Oh!
[Corey] Riddle trying to fight desperately back into this matchup,
and here's the action during the break from the second roll of a dragon screw.
Riddle has not been able to recover.
[Jimmy] A roll up on his back.
A kick out by Chad Gable, but Riddle still tricky,
-still fighting back. -[Saxton] And again.
[Jimmy] Look at that.
[Saxton] Randy Orton helpless, can only watch on the apron
as the Alpha Academy has their way.
-Oh! -[Jimmy] Teamwork.
[Saxton] The Academy has done a masterful job
of cutting the ring in half.
Riddle is down, Otis and Gable in complete control.
[Jimmy] Can you imagine, guys, if this actually happens.
If the Alpha Academy not only wins the RAW Tag Team title,
but they do it without Randy Orton ever tagging into the match.
[Saxton] I think that's a very realistic fear
running through the mind of the Viper.
Orton knows what Riddle's capable of when Riddle takes Orton's advice.
On his own, Riddle's still a bit of a wild card,
but now from the top.
[Jimmy] Got some wild offense.
Oh!
[Saxton] Orton, bro, takes down the tree trunk.
[Jimmy] Perhaps one last-ditch effort for Riddle, and the path is clear now.
He has an opportunity to tag. Can he get up in time?
[Saxton] Inching closer and closer to the Viper.
Otis looking for the tag as well, they both did it!
This is exactly what the Alpha Academy did not want.
[Jimmy] That's right, the Apex Predator right now going at Chad Gable.
[Corey] The Viper striking anything that moves.
[Jimmy] Boom! Beautiful snap body slam.
[Saxton] Randy Orton has completely shifted
the momentum to the side of RK-Bro.
[Jimmy] You can see why they didn't want Riddle to tag.
[Saxton] Got a hold of Otis.
[Corey] Otis now isolated on the outside. Gable in trouble.
[Jimmy] Nice comeback.
-[Corey] Great ring awareness. -[Jimmy] Look at that.
[Corey] That was a veteran maneuver by Chad Gable.
Now climbing to the top rope.
[Jimmy] Ready to take flight.
[Jimmy and Byron] Oh!
[Corey] Not the landing Gable had hoped for.
A veteran move by Randy Orton.
[Jimmy] Randy Orton still recovering from that attack.
[Saxton] From Gable just bounced his throat off the rope.
[Jimmy] Orton's got bigger plans in mind right now.
Orton going all the way to the top.
[Corey] A little homage to Ace.
[Jimmy] Oh, thinking superplex off the top rope!
Wow!
[Corey] Even better than Daddy used to do,
but at what cost to Randy Orton?
[Jimmy] Now, bad landing for the Apex Predator.
[Corey] Gable is down. Look at the height.
And most importantly,
the spine-shaking impact at the end.
[crowd chanting] Randy! Randy! Randy!
[Corey] And Philadelphia coming to life for RK-Bro.
[Jimmy] The chance of Randy.
[Saxton] Uh-oh. That's right, shaking the State Farm Center.
-[Corey] Oh! -[Saxton] Ooh!
[Corey] Riddle trying to take out Otis to no avail.
[Jimmy] Looking for the RKO. Beautiful escape, though.
-[Saxton] Side step with-- -[Corey] Shoulders are down.
[Jimmy] Tag made to Otis?
-[Corey] Otis is the legal competitor. -[Jimmy] I believe it was.
Beautiful body slam!
-[Saxton] Whoa, whoa, whoa! -[Jimmy] One, two, three.
-We have new champions! -[bell dinging]
[announcer] Here are your winners.
And the new RAW Tag Team Champions,
Alpha Academy!
[Jimmy] Stunned silence here in Philadelphia.
[Saxton] I'm with you.
I mean, we knew it was a possibility.
Would you actually see the visual
of the Alpha Academy capturing the RAW Tag Team title.
Now, here's how it happened.
[Corey] Byron, would you stop talking and let us enjoy the moment?
Let's relive a shocking, shocking scenario.
-Otis… -Yeah!
-[Corey] …destroying Randy Orton -[bell dinging]
with a thunderous power slam.
And the Alpha Academy, Chad Gable and Otis,
are the brand-new RAW Tag Team Champions.
[Jimmy] Alpha Academy had ambition,
they had work ethic, and now they are champions.
It all comes together.
[Saxton] And the ambition now is to get into the Royal Rumble,
even for some decorated champions.
Last year, I debuted in the Royal Rumble match,
and I made an immediate impact by showing the world
what Damian Priest is capable of.
So how do I upstage that?
By winning the whole damn thing.
So this is me officially declaring myself for the Royal Rumble match.
And after I headline WrestleMania,
I will still be your United States Champion.
The only question is,
what other championship will I be holding on this shoulder?
[upbeat music playing]
[Saxton] And when you look at who has declared for the Royal Rumble.
[Jimmy] I gotta say, I see nothing but legends in this picture,
and, of course, Johnny Knoxville.
[Corey] Real estate at a premium for a golden opportunity.
Thirty men want in for the fast track to WrestleMania.
Yeah!
Yo.
You all know, next month, we're going to St. Louis.
And I know, obviously, it's every man for themselves in the Royal Rumble.
Uh-huh.
But tonight, I'm glad we got each other's backs
against the Dirty Dawgs and Apollo.
Of course we got your back.
Especially because, you know, we go back like four flats on a Cadillac.
Especially in the great city of…
♪ Philadelphia ♪
-[crowd cheering] -Yes, sir!
Besides, we had a couple questions, man.
What side of Damian Priest are we dealing with?
Are we dealing with Damian? You know what I'm saying?
Dude, we gotta stay out the way of him.
-What's up? -That's fair.
And we know the Priest side is the good side.
But, you know, we don't wanna cause no offense to the Padre.
But we got a question.
We are gonna bring the Solo Cups.
-Uh-huh. -The question is,
are you gonna partake in the par-tay?
Or do we have to wait for the good side of Damian later?
Oh, man, absolutely give me a Solo Cup.
Ah, that's my guy, that's my guy.
-That's my guy, that's my guy. -I see you, I see you.
Now, as far as what side…
Look, to be honest,
Ziggler, Roode, Apollo, they've all gotten beat down by both sides.
-Amen, amen, amen. -Okay, okay, okay.
So seeing as I got you guys at my side tonight,
and we're in Philly,
I'm down to give them one final beat down.
And matter of fact, why don't you all tell them why?
[both] Because the Street Profits are hot and we want the smoke!
-[crowd cheering] -[entrance music playing]
[Saxton] I'm digging this tandem.
The Street Profits and Damian Priest, Yeah, let's do it!
[Jimmy] They are feeling it here in Philly.
[Corey] It's a trio, not a tandem, dummy.
[Jimmy] Trying to bring you down, but you got your Solo Cup, right?
-[Saxton] Yeah. -[Jimmy] Right?
[Saxton] Well, it's still lost in shipping. I'm working on that.
[Corey] You don't need a Solo Cup for milk, Saxton.
[Saxton] Don't judge me.
[yelling]
[Saxton] Oh, the Street Profits would be additionally…
[Jimmy] Damian Priest, and it's raining cups.
You go grab one now if you like, Byron.
[Saxton] Oh, gee, you think I can make it?
[Corey] Yeah, go ahead, we got it-- We'll hold it down for you.
Yeah!
[Jimmy] Well, in the meantime, we got to cover
United States Champion, Damian Priest.
He's getting together with the fun-loving Street Profits,
and we will see if they can bring the smoke
to Damian's former challengers, Dolph Ziggler, Rob Roode,
and Apollo Crews in a six-man tag on RAW next.
Last year I proved exactly why I'm the greatest,
the strongest, the toughest when I not only won the Royal Rumble,
but I main event at WrestleMania
and walked out as SmackDown Women's Champion.
And, Becky Lynch, your little 26 seconds of fame,
oh, that's coming to an end.
Because last year, I walked out of WrestleMania as champion,
but this year, I'm walking into WrestleMania
as RAW Women's Champion.
And after I win the Triple Threat tonight against Liv Morgan and Doudrop,
I'll see you at Royal Rumble where you can bet Big Time Becky Lynch
gets beat by the EST of WWE.
[hip-hop music playing]
[Jimmy] Well, everyone wants a piece of Big Time Becks,
but there can be only one.
That's right. Bianca Belair, Liz Morgan, Doudrop
will compete in a Sudden Death Triple Threat Match.
No count out, no disqualification.
The first woman to score a pinfall or submission is the winner.
It'll happen tonight.
[Saxton] I'm calling it right now.
I say that Bianca Belair wins the Triple Threat Match
and goes on to challenge Becky Lynch at the Royal Rumble
for the RAW Women's Championship.
-[Jimmy] A bold prediction. -[Saxton] I'm a bold guy, Jimmy.
[Corey] It's bald, Saxton. It's different.
[Saxton] No one asked you for your opinion, Corey.
-[Corey] It wasn't an opinion. -[heavy metal music playing]
[announcer] And their tag team partner, from New York City,
weighing in at 249 pounds,
he is the United States Champion,
Damian Priest!
[Jimmy] He's been on an incredible run.
He just declared for the Royal Rumble, but you have to qualify.
And it seemed as though, at SmackDown, Johnny Knoxville was able to do just that.
[Corey] Several weeks ago, Johnny Knoxville declared his intentions
to enter the Royal Rumble match.
And this questionable maneuver, disrespectful to Sami Zayn,
somehow earned Johnny's…
…Johnny Knoxville is now qualified to be in the Royal Rumble!
[Corey] …earned Johnny's qualification
into the Royal Rumble match.
I don't think Johnny Knoxville has any idea
what the hell he just signed up for.
[Saxton] Hey, I say good on Johnny Knoxville
for showing up on Friday Night SmackDown,
making his case, tossing Sami Zayn over the top rope.
[Corey] Can you imagine what could happen to Johnny Knoxville,
if for some reason, Johnny encountered the Damian side?
Are you kidding me?
What happens if Knoxville comes face to face
with any of the other superstars of the Royal Rumble?
There are 29 other world-class superstars.
-[bell dinging] -Knoxville's out of his damn mind.
[Jimmy] So you're saying he doesn't have a chance.
[Saxton] Basically.
[Jimmy] And we are underway, a six-man tag right now.
[Saxton] They could be scraping Johnny Knoxville off the mat, actually.
-[Jimmy laughs] -[Saxton] Royal Rumble.
[Jimmy] Right now, it's Apollo Crews versus Montez Ford.
[Saxton] Whoa! Look at the ups on Ford.
-[Jimmy] Oh! -[Corey] Ja Morant just got jealous.
Dropkick cover.
[Jimmy] Barely won out of that.
[Saxton] Apollo Crews.
Now, he's done so much in the WWE ring.
Former United States Champion, former Intercontinental Champion.
And speaking of accomplishments, Dolph Ziggler…
Dolph Ziggler is a walking accomplishment.
Yet week after week, people continue to disrespect and overlook Dolph Ziggler.
[Jimmy] Well, for everything Ziggler has accomplished
and one thing he could not accomplish last week.
And that was trying to provoke the Damian side of Damian
enough to capture the United States title.
And that's gonna be big in a match where there could be a lot of chaos.
Of course, we don't just have the six men here,
we also have Commander Azeez on the outside.
-[Byron and Corey] Oh! -[Jimmy] You gotta keep your cool.
He showed he could do it last night, I think he's gonna need it tonight.
[Corey] Double impact by Priest, who delivers a hellacious right hand.
Ziggler being bounced around like a ping-pong ball.
[Jimmy] And one thing about Damian Priest,
we've seen his offense over and over.
When he's on, he's on.
[Saxton] Yeah, he is on right now.
First off, Ziggler, now Robert Roode.
[Jimmy] Beautiful wheel kick right to the face.
Doesn't forget about Apollo Crews.
[Saxton] Equal opportunity striker.
[crowd cheering]
[Jimmy] And he can jump as well.
Incredible athleticism, incredible speed.
He might take care of this by himself.
[Saxton] Now the Roode trying to come to the aid of Dolph Ziggler.
[Jimmy] Whoa!
[Corey] Kick right on the temple of Roode.
Here comes Angelo Dawkins joining the mayhem.
[Jimmy] And right now, the Street Profits, along with Damian Priest, are rolling.
[Corey] Ziggler out of the way just in time.
-[Jimmy] Oh! -[Saxton] Jeez.
[Corey] Couldn't avoid that one.
[Jimmy] This has been a terrible start for the Dirty Dogs and Apollo Crews.
[yells]
[Jimmy] Welcome back to a six-man tag.
That's right, it is the Street Profits and Damian Priest
versus the Dirty Dawgs and Apollo Crews.
Right now, it's the Street Profit, Montez Ford
looking for some momentum against Apollo Crews. Look at that.
[Saxton] Incredible power displayed by Apollo Crews.
Making a statement.
[Jimmy] Oh, some athleticism as well to the cover.
Kick out just in time.
[Saxton] There's some lingering frustrations for Apollo Crews,
who, alongside Commander Azeez, last week,
suffered a loss to the…
Oh! …Street Profits.
[Jimmy] A lot of personal motivation in this match.
Both of the Dirty Dogs have fallen to Damian Priest.
Street Profits defeating Apollo Crews and Commander Azeez. Cover.
One, two…
[Jimmy] Well, kick out right before three,
but you get the feeling Montez Ford--
A cradle! Starting to wear down.
Is he worn down enough? Not quite.
[indistinct]
[Saxton] Last strategy right here, Dolph Ziggler.
[Jimmy] The claw position to the chin lock has that arm trapped.
Tough to escape from here.
Takes all your energy to do it too.
[Saxton] Mon Ford has a lot of energy,
so this is a very smart strategy from Ziggler.
[Jimmy] Keep a high flyer grind.
You see the strategy here, when the Dirty Dogs are successful,
it's because they're thinking next level.
They're playing chess, not checkers. We're seeing that right now.
[Corey] That's what you're dealing with any time the Dirty Dogs are in the ring.
A couple of world-traveled, experienced veterans.
[Saxton] We mentioned all of Dolph Ziggler's accomplishments.
Robert Roode's got a list nearly as long.
[Jimmy] Oh!
How about a super kick in the jaw, Priest?
Ziggler lining it up. Here we go.
-Oh! -[Saxton] Maybe not.
[Corey] Great power from Ford.
[Jimmy] Beautiful counter, bam, right to the power bomb.
[Saxton] Dolph Ziggler took a little too much time focusing his attention.
[Jimmy] Montez Ford not in a great spot, has to get to his corner.
[Saxton] Dawkins all fired up.
[Corey] Angelo Dawkins doing his best to will Montez Ford to their own corner.
[Jimmy] He's got to get through Dolph Ziggler.
[Corey] Ziggler looking to literally crawl over Ford.
-Oh! -[Jimmy] And he makes it!
[Saxton] A diving tag by Montez Ford.
[Jimmy] And Angelo Dawkins wrecking everybody.
-[Saxton] Up high goes Dawkins. -[Jimmy] Oh!
[Saxton] Bending back elbow, finds a mark. Here comes Crews.
[Jimmy] Angelo Dawkins, the guy you don't want to see running
when he has speed and momentum.
That means his offense is on fire, which it is now.
[Saxton] Dawkins controlling this entire match all by himself.
[Jimmy] And Robert Roode right where
-he wants him. -[Saxton] Oh!
[Jimmy] Oh!
To the cover. This might be it.
Oh, Apollo Crews just in time.
[Saxton] Here comes Priest again, just in time to wipe out Apollo Crews.
[Jimmy] That enzuigiri to the side of the head.
[Saxton] Back to the outside of the ring here.
What does Damian Priest… Uh-oh.
[indistinct conversation]
Oh!
[Jimmy] Took his eye off the ball.
[Saxton] Momentary distraction by the presence of Azeez!
[Jimmy] Speaking of distraction, nobody saw Montez Ford over the top.
[Saxton] That's how you get rid of the distraction.
[Jimmy] Roll up.
One, two…
[Jimmy] Oh, not quite three.
Oh!
[Saxton] Angelo Dawkins trying to fight his way back.
Tag made to Dolph Ziggler. Dawkins has no clue.
[Jimmy] Sky high, but zigzag!
-He's legal, hook in the leg. -One, two, three.
-[Jimmy] And the pin from Dolph Ziggler! -[bell dinging]
[announcer] Here are your winners, the team of Apollo Crews
and the Dirty Dogs!
[Jimmy] You talked about craftiness, you talked about ring smarts.
We just saw it.
[Corey] That's what I do. I know what the hell I'm talking about.
That's why I talk so much. I'm the smartest guy here, Jimmy.
[Jimmy] A surprise ending, this match, to a lot of people,
and a lot of surprises last Friday on SmackDown as well.
[Roman Reigns] Where do I begin?
I miss one week and it all falls apart, I guess.
[man] Roman Reigns just tested positive for COVID-19.
But when you're in isolation,
there's so many people that I wanted to see,
except for two people.
Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman.
[crowd cheering]
[commentator] That didn't go too well for Roman.
Roman Reigns, acknowledge me.
Last Saturday, I got what I wanted.
You got what you wanted.
Now, why don't we give everybody what they want?
Title versus title.
It's a good idea, but it's not my idea.
And on top of that, I don't do business
with people who do business
with trash like Paul Heyman.
How can you talk to me that way?
How did you get that championship match to begin with?
Me. How did you keep that title all this time?
Me.
I protected you from Brock Lesnar,
not because I thought Brock Lesnar could beat you,
but because you were my tribal chief,
and I freaking loved you!
And what did you do?
Shut up, Paul.
No, no, no. Don't talk to him that way.
Or what?
Brock, please don't talk to him that way.
Paul, I told you to shut up.
[commentator] Oh! Superman Punch. A cheap shot by Reigns.
Roman Reigns knocks out Brock while Brock is distracted.
[knocking at door]
Come in.
I just wanted to give you the heads-up that I've chosen your next opponent.
-You chose him. -I did?
Unless it's you, I really don't care.
Because there's nobody on this roster that I haven't smashed already.
So pick whoever you like, all right?
[knocking at door]
[rhythmic knocking]
Come in.
[man] Sierra, Hotel, India, Echo, Lima, Delta.
[entrance theme playing]
[cackles]
[Jimmy] That laugh freaks me out every single time.
[heavy metal music playing]
[Corey] Don't be freaked out, Jimmy. You should rejoice.
We are being graced by the presence of the visionary,
the revolutionary,
which used to mean something here in Philadelphia,
Seth "Freakin" Rollins!
[Jimmy] He's a visionary, he's a manipulator,
and something's going on behind the scenes.
His appearance on SmackDown surprised everybody.
[Saxton] A man who served a championship-caliber curveball
to the Universal Champion, Roman Reigns,
who was an unexpected visit on Friday Night SmackDown
for Seth "Freakin" Rollins.
Well, now we will hear from Seth "Freakin" Rollins
right next here on RAW.
[mouthing]
[Jimmy] We are in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
It's a great sports town.
I gotta say, the fans, though, will boo Santa Claus,
but they will cheer their WWE superstars.
And they got to see two titans of the WWE in the ring tonight.
[Saxton] Why would someone boo Santa Claus?
-[Corey] They did. -Twenty years…
you have been ducking and running from me.
It's impossible
to beat Brock Lesnar,
and it's even more impossible to beat Brock Lesnar
when you're a Brock Lesnar wannabe!
[mic thuds]
[Brock Lesnar's music plays]
[Corey] We cannot get to St. Louis fast enough
because the time for talking will be finished.
The WWE championship will be on the line,
as the Beast Incarnate, Brock Lesnar,
defends his WWE title against former champion,
The All Mighty, Bobby Lashley!
[Jimmy] Well, the time for talking for them might be over.
But Seth "Freakin" Rollins
is a guy who always has something to say.
Whether you want to hear it or not.
[Saxton] We have no choice, Jimmy.
[laughs]
[crowd cheering]
I am in a great mood tonight, Philly!
-[crowd cheering] -Yeah!
And I'll tell you why.
It's because the Royal Rumble is on the horizon.
And you may be asking, "Seth, why?"
Why are you so excited for the Royal Rumble?"
Is it because Bobby Lashley and Brock Lesnar,
two nincompoops with the combined brain power of a teaspoon,
are gonna punch each other in the face until one of them falls over?
Nah, now, that, that's not for me.
Or is it because 30 men and 30 women
are gonna step inside this ring and throw each other over the top rope
for a chance… a chance to become immortal at WrestleMania?
Yeah, yeah, not too bad, but…
the truth is, I am excited for the Royal Rumble
because it is the night where I will become
the new Universal Champion.
[crowd cheering]
[laughs]
That's right! At the Royal Rumble,
it's going to be the visionary versus the tribal chief.
The revolutionary versus the head of the table.
Brother versus brother.
Roman Reigns versus Seth "Freakin" Rollins!
[crowd cheering]
And you may be asking yourself,
"How, Seth, how,"
"after you got screwed out of your Day 1 singles match with Big E,
"did you get yourself into this Universal Championship match?
"Did you get yourself an advocate?
Did you get yourself some special counsel?"
No.
I don't need a penguin-looking snake oil salesman to do my job for me.
I took matters into my own hands
because I'm Seth "Freakin" Rollins.
And I'll say it once, I'll say it again.
There's a few things in life that are certain.
Death, taxes
and Seth Rollins beats Roman Reigns
every single time!
-[laughs] -[music plays]
[Jimmy] Oh, somebody might have an opinion about that.
[Saxton] And, of course, Seth Rollins focuses on the Universal Champion.
You got to worry about the powerhouse of positivity,
Big E!
[Jimmy] He said he was screwed out of a match with Big E
that he earned in a Fatal 4-Way ladder match.
This is incredible news!
I… I am so excited.
I am so thrilled for you.
In fact… In fact, sir,
I am as excited
as Gritty after a big Flyer's win.
-Yeah! [laughs] -[Byron speaks indistinctly]
All right, all right, all right, all right.
A couple of questions.
First of all, what the hell's a gritty?
What's a gritty?
[crowd booing]
What?
I don't-- I don't know.
Hey! All right, all right, all right. Forget that one. Forget that one.
Forget that one.
Why, sir, are you so excited for moi?
W… Well, of all the world title combatants at the Royal Rumble,
you, sir, are my favorite!
You! are the one!
In fact, I put a whole sawbuck down on you. That's 10 bucks.
A whole sawbuck? Ah! So generous.
Uh, because, you see,
I have officially entered my name
in this year's Royal Rumble match.
-[crowd cheering] -[Saxton] Oh…
-Oh, I… I… I like it. I like it. -It's official. Uh-huh.
Uh, because you see, of all the things that I could dream about,
of all the things I could fantasize about,
at the very top of that list, or close,
the one thing I dream about
is doing the thing that I intended to do originally at Day 1,
but to do it at the show of shows,
the granddaddy of them all, WrestleMania!
-Okay, all right. -[crowd cheering]
What's that?
And that, my friend,
is to beat you
and walk out as World Champion.
-[crowd cheering] -[laughing]
All right, all right. [laughs]
Okay. All right, look, look, look.
That's fine. You can dream. That's all good.
But I… Look, I'm happy for you.
I'm glad you're in the Royal Rumble.
I bet, like, a sawbuck or two on you too.
But when it comes to beating me one on one,
I don't care if it's Day 1, Day 400, Day 3,000, WrestleMania Day,
doesn't matter what day, you don't stand a chance, pal.
Uh, that's interesting you say that, because I was just thinking
that we should test that theory out…
tonight.
[crowd cheering]
Well, look, I don't-- I don't-- Hey, hey, hey.
Hey. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know.
I don't know. I don't know how I feel about-- Hey!
-[crowd booing] -I'm not ready!
I don't know how I feel about that.
Hey, just… Come on!
Like, next week.
Next week, in a better town.
Somewhere in the Midwest. Anything.
[crowd booing]
[Big E] Uh, that's a shame. Uh…
But you know what? Let's… let's not just do it tonight.
Let's do it…
right now.
-[crowd cheering] -[Corey exclaims]
All right, all right. You're putting me on the spot.
You're calling me out.
You want to do Big E versus Seth "Freakin" Rollins
-right here, right now? -Yeah. Yeah. Yeah.
[crowd cheering]
You're on!
Let's do the damn thing. Get a referee out here.
Let's get this thing started!
[Corey] Is this official?
-[Saxton] We have an official-- -[Jimmy] Referee's coming in now!
[Saxton] In the ring. Let's go! Let's do it!
[Corey] What a courageous move by Seth "Freakin" Rollins.
-[Saxton] Courageous? -[Corey] Yes, courageous.
Rollins came out here to address the WWE Universe,
not have a match right this moment with a former WWE Champion.
[Jimmy] Byron, I hate to agree with Corey, but that's a man-up move.
[Saxton] Oh, Rollins felt pressured to accept the challenge of Big E.
That's what just happened.
[Jimmy] For whatever reason, he's taking on the former champion.
Notice, no notice. Doesn't matter.
Got to deal with power like that from Big E!
[Saxton] Big E, on the move!
[Corey] Rollins up to his feet just in time,
connects with a boot and stops Big E.
[Jimmy] And that's when he's great at, the experience.
The move at the exact right time!
Through the rope, taking out Big E!
[Saxton] Rollins quickly turning the tables against Big E!
[Corey] Ooh, and a big clubbing shot to the face of Rollins.
Big E now looking to regain control.
This might do it!
[Jimmy] This is where he's at his best, right here on the ring apron!
[Saxton] Bad positioning right now for Seth Rollins, at the mercy of Big E!
-[Jimmy] And a big splash from Big E! -[groaning]
Slamming Seth "Freakin" Rollins!
[speaking indistinctly]
[Jimmy] And welcome back to an action-packed showdown!
Seth "Freakin" Rollins and Big E!
[Corey] There is an entire 20-by-20 ring in front of us.
I don't know why Big E has to do his business out here in front of us.
[Jimmy] I'm covered-- I'm covered with sweat.
from Seth "Freakin" Rollins' hair.
[Corey] It's not sweat, it's glorious conditioner.
It smells of happiness, roses and success, Jimmy.
-[Saxton] I do smell the-- -[Jimmy] Oh!
-[Corey] Big kick… -[Jimmy] Beautiful kick.
[Corey] …right to the massive peck of Big E.
[Jimmy] And look at the emotional side of this for Seth Rollins.
He earned the shot at the title when Big E was champion.
That was denied him.
This has been building for a long time.
[Corey] I happen to think Seth Rollins has done a masterful job
of containing his emotions, realizing what the goal at hand is.
And that is to become champion once again.
Rollins, yet again, displaying why he truly is elite
amongst WWE superstars.
[Jimmy] Oh, my God, right into a big ending,
but good escape!
[Corey] Chop block from Rollins, brilliant.
[Jimmy] Look at that, right into a DDT.
[Saxton] Jimmy, you talked about Seth Rollins wanting this match.
Big E! Think about all the weeks Big E wanted to be able to prove
that he could best Seth Rollins in a one-on-one match.
[Jimmy] Then it became a Triple Threat, then a Fatal 4-Way,
-then a Fatal 5-Way at Day 1. -[Saxton] Oh!
[Corey] And you know what's happened in the wake of Day 1?
Seth Rollins said, "You know what? I'm gonna dust myself off."
I'm gonna brush myself off and I'm gonna continue chasing my goal."
Big E is sulking around backstage
like someone just canceled Christmas.
[Saxton] Sulking around backstage? What are you talking about?
When have you ever seen Big E sulking around backstage?
[Jimmy] Look at Seth Rollins!
-Top row! -[Corey] Boom!
[Jimmy] Oh! Knee right to the chin of Big E!
This has got to be over! Hooking the leg!
[referee] One, two…
[Jimmy] Oh, not quite. Still some fight left in Big E.
[Saxton] Remember Big E last week.
Think about how impassioned Big E was,
just 48 hours removed from losing the WWE title.
And we saw that passion continued on here tonight
when Big E declared for the Royal Rumble match.
[Corey] Listen, nobody is questioning Big E's passion, Byron.
The fact is, Big E got knocked off the top of the mountain by Brock Lesnar.
And while Seth Rollins is still climbing,
still inspiring,
Big E is crying in his Cheerios.
[Saxton] What do you call entering the Royal Rumble match?
You're climbing back into the title picture.
If you win the Royal Rumble match, you have a championship opportunity
for the main event at Wrestlemania, Corey.
[Corey] At this stage, and in his current mental state,
I have a feeling Big E will struggle with Johnny Knoxville.
[Saxton] Oh, my gosh, what is wrong with you?
[Jimmy] Strong statement as Big E caught in the chin lock
of Seth "Freakin" Rollins.
Starting to wear down.
He came out with so much energy,
so much, as you pointed out, Byron, positivity.
I don't see that on his face right now.
[Corey] You know where all the positivity lies?
Look about 6 to 8 inches above Big E's head.
Seth "Freakin" Rollins!
The visionary, the revolutionary.
-And one of these days, in my opinion… -[Jimmy] Oh!
[Corey] …in the very near future, champion once again.
[Jimmy] Well right, now, momentum with Seth Rollins
because he's chopping away at Big E.
[Saxton] That's what Rollins would have you believe,
virtually guaranteeing a victory
over the Universal Champion, Roman Reigns,
also claiming that Big E does not stand a chance against him.
-[yells] -[Jimmy] Oh, ho-ho!
[Saxton] And Big E clearly has something to say about that.
[Jimmy] Well, he has a chance to prove one of those statements true tonight.
[Corey] Make no mistake about it, Saxton.
No one is questioning Big E's ability,
as we look back at the power possessed by the former WWE Champion.
My issue is, I don't believe that Big E is in the right headspace.
Big E has all the talent. He's doing it right now.
I just think Big E is going to unravel before our very eyes.
[Saxton] That's purely speculation. You have no proof to back that up, Corey.
[Corey] Seth Rollins is about to provide us
with all the evidence we require.
-Oh no! -[Saxton] Oh, look at that,
as he flies over the top rope!
Big E on the move!
-Spear! Right to the outside! -[Saxton] Oh, my goodness! Good grief!
[Corey] Maybe I was mistaken. Maybe I was slightly…
[Jimmy] Maybe… Maybe you were, Corey!
[groans]
[Jimmy] Welcome back to Monday Night RAW,
and Big E exactly where he doesn't want to be.
Hooks in, chin lock against Seth "Freakin" Rollins.
[Corey] Rollins has done an amazing job of keeping Big E grounded,
as we see Big E ground Rollins slightly before the commercial break.
But Rollins, as you can see at the top of your screen,
has recovered rather nicely.
[Saxton] Maybe not for long.
-Big E-- Uh-oh! -[Corey] Oh!
[Saxton] Throws Rollins.
[Jimmy] Let's make it two!
[Saxton] Big E… out of the way. Looking for the trifecta!
[Jimmy] Why stop at two?
Beautiful three, putting Seth Rollins through the canvas!
[Saxton] You can't keep the good Big E down.
Despite the efforts of Seth Rollins… Oh, here we go.
With a swivel for the hips.
[Jimmy] And now Big E is feeling it.
Seth Rollins, helpless!
Big splash!
I would see a cover there!
[Saxton] I think he wants a little bit more.
Puts the exclamation point on Rollins!
[Jimmy] Oh, looking for the big ending!
Beautiful escape by Seth Rollins.
[Saxton] [indistinct] Side step out of the way!
-Almost got-- -[Corey] Oh!
[Jimmy] Arm drag!
[Corey] Big rolling elbow, right to the jaw!
Big E on spaghetti legs.
[Jimmy] Now momentum with the visionary!
[Saxton] Rollins is going to to hoist up the 285 pound frame of Big E.
[Jimmy] Not working too well!
[Corey] Far be it from me to question Rollins' strategy,
but few people can overpower Big E.
[Jimmy] Little tactical mistake there. Oh!
Beautiful enzuigiri right to the chin of Big E!
-To the cover! -One, two…
[Jimmy] Well, kick out.
But Big E's starting to wear down.
-That might be it! -[Corey] Good. Night.
-One, two… -[Saxton] It is… not enough!
[Jimmy] I just wonder how much more Big E can take.
Superkick right to the chin.
[Saxton] How much more can Rollins dish out?
[Corey] I don't know if you want to know the answer to that, Saxton.
Seth "Freakin" Rollins perched on the top rope!
[Jimmy] Ready to fly, and he does!
Huge splash!
-To the cover! Hooking the leg. -One, two…
-[both grunt] -[Jimmy] Oh!
[Corey] You have to imagine, if Rollins didn't take
-that momentary hesitation… -[Jimmy] Yeah.
[Corey] …due to the impact, watch.
Boom! And Rollins took a little out of himself.
That might be the only reason this match hasn't ended yet.
[Jimmy] Look at the height on this leap!
-[Saxton] Absolutely incredible. -[Jimmy] Wow.
[Saxton] Incredible heights by Seth Rollins.
[Jimmy] And to your point, Corey, he committed so much, landed on his ribs,
needed a second.
That second may have saved Big E.
[Corey] That's why they're called high-risk maneuvers.
But Rollins again looks to be making his way back to a vertical base.
Big E still struggling to recapture his breath
after that amazing frog splash.
[Saxton] Yet valuable recovery time right now for Big E.
[Jimmy] Oh, Rollins right now, looking to set up the Stomp!
Big E in position!
Oh, no!
-Big E counters with a powerbomb! -One, two…
-[Saxton] Oh! -[Jimmy] Oh! Close to a three!
[Corey] Uh-oh! Stretch muffler submission!
[Jimmy] Right into the submission.
Look at that! Going after the knee of Seth Rollins.
This could be it!
[Saxton] Diversifying the playbook is Big E--
[Jimmy] Hammer fisting his way out to the rope!
[Corey] It's gonna force the official to break the hold.
But Big E gets creative.
Waist lock from behind. Rollins trying to fight out!
[Jimmy] Oh! Nasty elbow.
[grunts]
[Jimmy] Now it's all about recovering and get the next
-big move! And it's Big E! -[Saxton] Oh, ho-ho!
-[Jimmy] That could be it! -[Saxton] Is it enough?
[Jimmy] Oh! Just in time with the kick out!
See the frustration. We don't see that often on the face of Big E.
He thought that was it.
[Saxton] We saw similar frustration from Seth Rollins a few moments ago.
[Corey] This is what I'm talking about.
No one is questioning Big E's talent,
his passion or his ability.
Big E is mentally not the same competitor
who marched to the ring at WWE Day 1.
This is a different human being, mentally and emotionally.
[Saxton] I completely disagree with you, Corey.
Big E has given a championship-level effort in this matchup.
[Jimmy] Well, he's gonna have to dig a little bit deeper
to take out a wounded and recovering Seth Rollins.
Oh!
[Corey] And now Big E, the one wounded.
Knee right between the eyes.
[Jimmy] Got it up just in time.
[Corey] Rollins now making his way up top again.
[Saxton] Wow. Clubbing blow by Big E.
Rollins taking too much time.
That's another reason they call them high-risk moves, right?
[Corey] That one did not pay off for Rollins
but Big E reaching deep into his playbook.
-Oh, no! -[Saxton] I think I know what Big E is--
[Corey] Begin--
[Jimmy] Beig ending off the second rope!
This would do it.
Seth Rollins fighting with desperation!
[Saxton] I guarantee you, this match would have been over
if Big E hit that big ending.
[Corey] I agree with you, but right now it's Rollins from the top!
[Jimmy] Big E with the counter, looking big ending again!
[Corey] Oh! Seth could be looking for the pedigree!
[Jimmy] Trying to trap with both arms.
-No-- -[Corey] Big E just too powerful!
[Jimmy] Too powerful. He knows the escape.
He knows the offense of Seth Rollins.
But off the rope… Stomp by Seth Rollins!
[Corey] Call it melatonin. It's nap time, gentlemen.
[Jimmy] You could be right. Just gotta flip Big E over!
There it is! Shoulders down!
One, two, three!
-A win for Seth "Freakin" Rollins! -[bell dings]
[announcer] Here is your winner,
Seth "Freakin" Rollins!
[Jimmy] He was prepared.
He'd been waiting for it, and had a fantastic performance
punctuated by this.
[Corey] This. Watch Big E's skull.
Like Joel Embiid dribbling it down the court,
except it wasn't trusting the process,
it was trusting the visionary, the revolutionary.
You want to finish this for me, Byron, Seth…
-[Saxton] "You still suck." -[Corey] …"Freakin" Rollins!
[Saxton] Superb effort by Big E, but yes,
Seth "Freakin" Rollins, the better man here tonight.
[Jimmy] Be ready for anything.
Remember, the Royal Rumble continues
as the brackets fill out, especially on the women's side.
[announcer] The 30-woman Royal Rumble match.
Let's take a look at this year's star-studded lineup,
including current superstars and returning legends.
[hip-hop music playing]
Rhea Ripley.
Nikki A.S.H.
WWE Hall of Famers, The Bella Twins.
Shotzi.
Natalya.
Michelle McCool.
24/7 Champion, Dana Brooke.
Carmella.
Queen Zelina.
Mickie James.
Tamina.
Kelly Kelly.
Aliyah.
Summer Rae.
Naomi.
Shayna Baszler.
WWE Hall of Famer, Lita.
And the 13-time Champion, Charlotte Flair.
The 30-Woman Royal Rumble Match.
The winner gets a championship opportunity of their choice
in the main event at WrestleMania 38.
The road to WrestleMania begins at the Royal Rumble.
[buzzer sounds]
[Saxton] I know all you see is Carmella right now, Corey.
But you see 19 superstars in front of you, 11 to go.
[Corey] The familiar faces are
a couple of Hall of Famers.
This could shape up to be the biggest Women's Royal Rumble match yet.
I cannot wait to get to St. Louis and see how it turns out.
[Jimmy] You and me both, Corey.
[Nikki A.S.H's music plays]
[Jimmy] Ah, there we go. A little superhero vibe here.
[Saxton] It's almost a superhero vibe.
[Jimmy] Yeah, speaking of competitors
in the Women's Royal Rumbl-- Royal Rumble, excuse me,
Nikki A.S.H. on that very selective list.
[Saxton] Might be a night where Nikki A.S.H.
can turn her bad fortunes around.
[Corey] Or you get beat up by 29 other people.
[Saxton] Oh, of course you would say that.
[Rhea Ripley's music plays]
[Jimmy] A woman who has always had her back.
The nightmare herself, Rhea Ripley.
[crowd cheering]
[announcer] Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome
almost a superhero, Nikki A.S.H.
and Rhea Ripley!
[Saxton] Obviously some tumultuous times over the last few weeks
for the former Women's Tag Team Champions, Rhea Ripley and Nikki A.S.H.
[Corey] Byron, you ever hear the old phrase,
"It's time to fish or cut bait"?
Just asking.
[speaking indistinctly]
[Saxton] Well, ladies and gentlemen, the Royal Rumble is presented by Cricket.
Everything you want, including the price.
Now we shift things over to our broadcast colleague, Sarah Schreiber,
standing by with Nikki A.S.H. and Rhea Ripley.
Nikki, Rhea, this tag team has been
one of the most unexpected stories of 2021.
I understand you want to make an announcement.
-That's right. -We do.
We officially challenge Queen Zelina and Carmella to a rematch
for the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships!
Nikki, that's not what we talked about.
-[indistinct] -That's not what we talked about.
I thought we were coming out here to talk about Royal Rumble.
Well, it doesn't seem like you're on the same page.
There has been some speculation about the future of your tag team.
Do you feel like this partnership has run its course?
Sarah, we've had our ups and downs, but--
What… what Rhea's trying to say is, of course it hasn't.
Actually, Nikki,
if you would have let me finish…
You know what? Let's not talk about this out here, all right?
We're going to do this now.
We're going to talk about it right now.
We're talking about the future of our team.
What are you thinking?
You're thinking of breaking us up?
Nikki, we've had a great run,
but I think it's just time for us to go our separate ways.
But teaming together brought out the best in both of us.
Yeah, you're probably right.
But I'm just-- I'm ready to go, and--
Is this-- Is this about the titles?
Don't worry about the tag team titles.
We'll get them back.
And then when we do, we'll show everyone why we're so great together.
It's not about the titles, Nikki.
Then… then what?
Oh, I see.
What, you think you're so much better than me
because I was the one that got pinned last week in the rematch?
Is that what it is?
I never said that I was better than you.
You were thinking it!
Rhea… did it ever occur to you
that I was the one doing you the favor by staying in this partnership?
I stayed by your side.
Because that's what friends do.
They stay together through thick and thin,
even when one is better in the ring than the other.
Nikki, I never said that I was better in the ring than you, either.
I was talking about me!
But it's really nice to know where your head's at.
You know what? I don't like where this is heading.
So I'm out!
So you're just going to walk out?
You're just gonna walk out on me, then? Okay.
Okay. Well, walk out.
No, but you're making me feel really uncomfortable right now.
So for now, Nikki, let's say goodbye!
[crowd clamoring]
[inaudible]
Be civil!
Come on! It's time.
Fine.
You don't want to be my teammate anymore?
Fine.
But I can't shake your hand
until you look me in the eye
and tell me that you still believe in me.
Nikki, I have always believed in you, and I always will.
But the thing that I loved is that you believed that you were almost a superhero.
So whether it's with me or without me,
I really hope that you don't stop believing in yourself.
And I really hope that we can be friends.
[crowd cheering]
[inaudible]
Do you mean it?
Can we still be friends?
[inaudible]
[crowd cheering]
[inaudible]
[Jimmy] At least it's a civil breakup between Nikki A.S.H. and Rhea Ripley.
Emotionally looks like…
[continues indistinctly]
[inaudible]
[Saxton] Whoa!
-No, Nikki, No! -[Jimmy] Yes!
Nikki A.S.H. just went after Rhea Ripley! Are you kidding me?
-[Saxton] What a shame. -[Corey] I like this.
Listen, in this business, you either make friends or make money.
[Saxton] Look, I get the weeks of all the emotional frustration,
but this is… this is not the right move, Nikki.
[Corey] It might be exactly what Nikki needs
to get her career back on track.
Right before Royal Rumble,
where it's every woman for herself!
[crowd booing]
Almost superheroes don't need any friends.
[Jimmy] You don't have any tonight with Rhea Ripley.
[Corey] And the definition of insanity is repeating the same thing over and over
and expecting a different result.
Nikki A.S.H. just changed things up in a big, big way.
[Saxton] What in the world has gotten into Nikki?
[Saxton] Cheap shot by Nikki A.S.H.
And Rhea Ripley tried to end this partnership in a civil manner.
But obviously, Nikki A.S.H. couldn't stomach it.
[Nikki A.S.H.'s music plays]
-There you are. -You're in for such a treat.
I just picked up two of the best cheesesteaks in all of Philadelphia.
This is what you've been raving about all day, huh?
One second, Dana.
Something seems off.
What do you mean?
Call it a sixth sense, but I know when the 24/7 title's in danger.
-Let's get out of here. -Okay.
This is-- I just… A weird feeling I have.
-[man] I smell that! -What the--
-Is that [indistinct]? -See what I mean?
-[man speaking indistinctly] -Come on. See what I mean?
Is that [indistinct]?
[speaking indistinctly]
Where the Philly cheesesteak at?
-Oh, okay! -Oh! Whoa, whoa.
See what I'm saying?
-See? -Where did you come from?
Now, look, take it easy.
Come on. What y'all got? Where the Philly cheesesteak at?
-Attack! -Hey!
[indistinct shouting]
-Come on, let's go. Let's go! Let's go! -[woman screams]
[man 2] No, no, no, no, no, no!
[yelling]
[Jimmy] There's the man who takes up an entire hallway, Omos.
-[Corey] Hallway? Try a city block. -[indistinct shouting]
-[Reggie grunting] -[Jimmy] Oh, no.
Omos! Oh! Look, I apologize.
Look, I didn't see you.
-[Dana] No, no, no, no, no! -Look, I didn't see you there.
-Ple-- [grunting] -No, no, no, no, no!
-Put him down! -Omos, please. Please.
Put him down right now!
-Make me! -He will!
[Reggie groaning]
Put him down!
Right now!
[gasping]
You should watch what I'm gonna do tonight.
Because next week, I'm gonna do worse.
[grunts]
You're capable of anything.
You can do this.
[Saxton] Oh, Reggie can't feel good about that.
[Jimmy] It was just an accident.
Calm down, Omos.
[Omos' music plays]
[Saxton] Omos is a man who does not calm down.
[bell dinging]
[announcer] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, weighing in at 400 pounds,
Omos!
[Corey] Gentlemen, Omos looks cool, calm, collected and motivated tonight,
which does not bode well
for anyone who dares step in the ring against this colossus.
[Jimmy] Well, after defeating his former tag team partner, AJ Styles,
Omos looking to wreak more havoc in the ring, next.
Over the last year,
Bianca Belair and Liv Morgan cut in front of the line
and wasted opportunity after opportunity.
But this is a new year,
and I'm gonna show those two crybabies
that their biggest mistake was overlooking me.
Bianca thinks that I'm a detour.
The reality is, Bianca is my detour on the way to becoming champion.
That's right, Becky.
Don't get too comfortable with that RAW Women's title.
Because after I win tonight,
I'll see you at the Royal Rumble.
And 2022 will be the year that you finally get Doudropped.
[Jimmy] Strong words from Doudrop.
She wants a shot at Big Time Becks at the Royal Rumble,
she's gonna have to earn it.
That's right, Bianca, Belair, Liv Morgan, Doudrop,
a Triple Threat Match.
No count-outs, no disqualification.
First woman to score a pinfall or submission is the winner.
The winner, of course, getting a shot at Big Time Becks at the Royal Rumble.
[Saxton] I said it early and I'll say it again.
I believe, the winner tonight will be the EST.
[Corey] Are you guys looking at the monitor… at your screen?
-What we are witnessing right now. -[Jimmy] I am shocked.
[Corey] I think this guy brought me my eggs at the Oregon Diner this morning.
-He's what-- -[referee] Wait for the bell, Omos.
Hold on.
[Corey] I'm not talking about Omos. I'm talking about the cat in the pink.
-Keep your ears open, all right? -Got you.
Check yourself at all times tonight, all right?
[indistinct conversation]
-Yeah. -[indistinct]
[Corey] Listen, guys, I'm gonna be perfectly honest with you.
You guys call this,
I'm gonna go set up a GoFundMe for this kid's medical bills.
-What's his name? -[Saxton] Listen…
-[Jimmy] It's Nick Sanders. -[Saxton] You know--
[Corey] What's his name? It doesn't really matter.
-[bell dinging] -[Saxton] You never know, I mean,
miracles can happen.
Although unlikely. Oh!
[Jimmy] I'm reminded of the words of a great man
who once said, "An ant has no quarrel with a boot."
I kind of what this [continues indistinctly].
[Saxton] I'd try crawling harder, Nick.
Faster. Now. Too late.
[Jimmy] Oh, my God! Omos!
Fresh off his victory
-against AJ Styles last week. -[Corey] Good god!
Continuing to grow in confidence
-and skill set, week after week. -Oh!
[Omos] This is what I do!
-This is too easy. It's light work. -[referee] You want to stop this?
[Corey] Do you think this kid pictured his career coming to an end
in hot, pink tights with green boots
that don't even match? I mean, come on, kid.
[Jimmy] Against Omos, I don't think so.
[Saxton] Maybe he's a creative thinker.
[Corey] Well, he better get real creative and figure out some way out of this.
[Saxton] This looks like a pit bull…
-[Jimmy] Oh, ho-ho! -[Saxton] …with a chew toy.
This is my house!
[Saxton] I'm not sure I can watch this performance.
[Corey] That was the personification of splat!
[Jimmy] And Reggie might be seeing his future right now.
[Corey] Well, he's got Spidey-sense or whatever.
[Saxton] And remember what Omos told Reggie. He said…
"Wait till you see what I do tonight."
Next week is gonna be worse."
It's like Omos is basically giving Reggie
an example of what he has in store for him.
[Jimmy] I can't imagine a whole lot worse than this.
[Omos grunts]
[Jimmy] Oh! Just putting Nick through the canvas.
Come on. Just… just cover him.
[Corey] Can we get a custodian out here with a broom, perhaps?
[Jimmy] Oh, there we go. Mercifully.
One, two, three!
-[Jimmy] One, two, three and this is over. -[bell dinging]
-Ugh! -[announcer] Here is your winner,
Omos!
[Corey] Here lies Nick.
A human piece of gum on the boots of Omos.
[Jimmy] Go ahead, Corey. Take us through it.
[Corey] I'll call this whole thing.
We can watch it three or four times in the next 30 seconds.
-What's this kid's name again? -[Jimmy] Nick.
[Corey] Who cares? He forgot by now, anyway.
Omos, with superhuman power,
just toying with this young man.
[Omos yells]
[Corey] I mean, that's like falling off the Walt Whitman Bridge.
[Saxton] What are you thinking right now if you're Reggie, watching this?
[Corey] I mean, if I'm Reggie, I'm thinking about a change in careers.
Perhaps armed security.
[Jimmy] Hey, maybe Omos will change his mind about next week,
and Reggie will be fine.
[Saxton] When all you can hope for is a better mood,
-that's not a good sign for you. -[roars]
Earlier tonight, any ring
that has Brock Lesnar and the almighty Bobby Lashley
is already crowded,
but we've got some surprises in addition to the two colossuses.
Twenty years…
you have been ducking and running from me.
It's impossible.
to beat Brock Lesnar.
And it's even more impossible to beat Brock Lesnar
when you're a Brock Lesnar wannabe!
[Corey] Incendiary comments from the WWE Champion.
-[Brock Lesnar's music plays] -And as Brock Lesnar was making his exit,
Lashley would receive a few unexpected visitors of his own.
[Saxton] Yeah, Lashley trying to digest the words of Lesnar
and gets shoved by his former partners, his former cohorts,
Cedric Alexander and Shelton Benjamin!
[Jimmy] And you could see Lashley,
who would unleash all the anger, all the fury created by Brock Lesnar,
onto Alexander and Benjamin.
[Corey] Whatever was left of The Hurt Business was destroyed
in the hands of The All Mighty Bobby Lashley.
A man who has never taken well to disrespect,
and now has a date with the Beast Incarnate
at the Royal Rumble for the WWE Championship.
[Jimmy] That's right. This is what it all leads to.
On the WWE Network, streaming on Peacock,
Brock Lesnar versus Bobby Lashley
for the WWE Championship.
I'm telling you, fans all around the world are jacked for this matchup.
[Saxton] It is going to be a cataclysmic collision
between two super athletes.
[Edge's music plays]
[Jimmy] And who else has a date at-- at Royal Rumble? That's right.
-The Rated-R Superstar! -[Corey laughs]
[Jimmy] You can feel the energy when he enters any arena!
-[Corey] It's infectious! -[Jimmy] Oh!
[Corey] The last time Edge was in Philadelphia,
Edge was here to watch a Pearl Jam show.
Tonight, different set of business.
Come on!
[Saxton] The WWE Universe here in Philadelphia,
on their feet, rightfully so, for the WWE Hall of Famer!
[Corey] I don't know if anyone in this industry
feeds off of the live WWE Universe
quite like the Rated-R Superstar!
[Jimmy] They give that energy right back to him every time!
[Saxton] Big smile on the face of Edge.
Receiving all the adulation,
and he has earned every bit of it.
[Jimmy] Just in case every side didn't see him.
[Corey] Everyone's gonna have a chance to see
this very special edition of the "Cutting Edge."
We'll find out what's in store for Maryse
when we have special guest Beth Phoenix
on "Cutting Edge," next.
[Corey] Welcome back to Monday Night RAW.
The Rated-R Superstar is in the ring
for a special edition of "The Cutting Edge."
[Saxton] This is gonna be good.
-[Corey] Astute observation, Byron. -[Saxton] Thank you.
Hello, Philly!
[crowd cheering]
Oh, it is so good to be back in the city of fighters.
And welcome to the "Cutting Edge."
My guest tonight is the, uh…
Well, the most brilliant gorgeous, vivacious,
curvaceous guest I've ever had on the show.
In three weeks, my guest and I are gonna face
The Miz and Maryse at the Royal Rumble
in a match I like to call, in my cheesy dad humor,
The Grit Couple versus the It Couple.
So without further ado, please welcome my guest,
WWE Hall of Famer,
my wife,
the owner of thighs that can crack a coconut,
The Glamazon, Beth Phoenix!
[Beth Phoenix's music plays]
[Saxton] A heck of an introduction.
[Corey] I crack all kinds of fruits with my thighs.
[continues indistinctly]
[Saxton] I think you would never be able to do that.
-Don't even try. -[Jimmy] I will take your word for that
as you see the Hall of Famer, Beth Phoenix,
making her way to the ring.
[Corey] This won't be the last time
we see Beth make her way to the ring this month.
Because come the Royal Rumble, it's official.
A mixed tag team match.
A couple of WWE Hall of Famers,
Edge and Beth Phoenix
join forces against a couple of future WWE Hall of Famers,
the It Couple, Miz and Maryse.
Now, Beth, we're married.
We have two kids.
We are raising two spectacular little girls.
Thank you very much.
We've experienced a lot of life together, but at Day 1, it's the first instance
that everyone else got to see us interact.
So, at Day 1,
you and I are gonna do some damage.
See, here's the thing with Beth.
I need to remind everyone just exactly how much ass she kicked in this ring.
[crowd cheering]
See, if this is the 1970s, Beth, she's on the Broad Street Bullies.
-Oh, yeah. Oh, yeah. -[crowd cheering]
She's standing shoulder to shoulder
with Dave "the Hammer" Schultz, chucking nuts.
[crowd cheering]
And just like the Flyers collected Stanley Cups,
Beth and I have collected 35 WWE Championships together.
[crowd cheering]
That is more than any other couple in history,
including The Miz and Maryse.
We are also the only couple in the WWE Hall of Fame.
But more than all of that, my wife is a wrecking machine.
But enough of me flapping my gums about it, let's roll the footage.
I am The Glamazon.
Beth Phoenix, she's a strong woman, beautiful woman.
She was one of the women that inspired me.
[commentator 1] A four-time champion.
[commentator 2] One of the toughest competitors on the roster,
male or female, a Hall of Famer for a damn good reason.
Beth Phoenix has done so much for the women's division.
She was doing things that women weren't doing at the time.
[commentator 3] Just the second woman in Rumble history.
[commentator 4] Oh, my God.
Beth Phoenix has eliminated The Great Khali.
She was never afraid of who she was.
[woman] The ultimate combination of strength and beauty.
To see someone like Beth Phoenix, it was inspiring.
She forged a path for all women today.
[woman] The Glamazon, Beth Phoenix.
[crowd cheering]
I am so proud of you. Damn, woman!
Okay, the floor is yours, it's an honor.
Wow.
Wow, the video. I mean, all the compliments.
I mean, I don't know if you're trying
to butter me up for later tonight, but, uh…
[crowd cheering]
Flattery will get you everywhere.
[crowd cheering]
Down boy, down boy, let's put a pin in that.
'Cause tonight, I'm out here to talk some business.
Now, that video you just watched, that's just a little sampling
of the variety platter I've set out of damage for Maryse.
Now, the entitlement, the bragging,
the endless stream of verbal diarrhea
from that atrocious husband of hers, Miz.
It's gotta stop.
And at the Royal Rumble,
we're gonna finally shut their mouths for good.
[crowd cheering]
[man] Awesome!
[Corey] Au contraire, mon frère.
[Saxton] Why do these two have to ruin everything?
[Corey] Ruin? I say upgrade.
[Jimmy] Is it possible to shut the mouth of the--
[Corey] What is this, a crossover episode?
It's like Miz TV on "The Cutting Edge."
[Jimmy] This is a BoJack Horseman joke, Byron, an adult cartoon.
Hello, Filthy-delphia.
[crowd booing]
You know, after looking at this crowd,
I can say with the utmost conviction
that I stand with Ben Simmons.
[crowd booing]
I too would give up $33 million
just to not play in this crap city.
I mean, have you seen yourselves?
Can you blame them?
And hello, Edge.
I thought you would come out here and try to slander Maryse and I.
Make everyone believe that you two are gonna beat the holy hell out of us
at Royal Rumble.
May I remind you that at Day 1, I had you beat
until you manipulated your poor wife to help you.
What kind of man does that?
What kind of man has his wife
fight his own battles for him?
Shame on you.
That's rich coming from you.
You used your wife to avoid a spear.
-So you-- -Slander!
You do realize that Maryse happens to be
the finest talent to ever put on a pair of Louboutins.
And…
my inside sources here at the USA Network
told me that you were preparing a little highlight video for Beth.
So I decided to do one of my own
to show how much better Maryse is.
Hit it!
[man] Maryse…
the epitome of status, style,
♪ So many people Try to imitate what we do ♪
[man] …grace and elegance.
[Maryse] Are you watching me? Of course you are.
[man] From her stunning debut in the RAW Diva Search,
to her ascent to the top of the Women's Division.
[hip-hop music playing]
To finding love with The Miz and becoming WWE's It Couple.
[announcer] Rolling the red carpet out. It's a Hollywood love story.
[hip-hop music continues continues]
[man] Maryse has always been a beacon of beauty,
a paragon of posh, and the embodiment of excellence.
And at this year's Royal Rumble event, alongside her husband,
The Miz, Maryse will lay waste to Beth Phoenix and Edge.
-[Maryse] We're a lot stronger together. -[The Miz] No one can take us.
[man] Because together, through the power of their love,
The Miz and Maryse are undefeatable.
[crowd booing]
Do you all realize how big of a star my wife is?
[crowd booing]
Do you understand how lucky you are
to be in the presence, to see her live and in person?
How you two should feel honored
to be able to even step foot in the same ring as Maryse.
[sighs]
Maryse, you're a former champion.
You busted your butt to prove everyone wrong,
just like your husband, and you did it.
You work hard at everything you do. I respect you.
We respect you. We don't wanna take anything away from your career.
But my wife can deadlift the damn Buick.
[crowd cheering]
Beth smashes things, mostly people.
And if I had to step in the ring with her,
I'd have the same look on my face as you do right now.
Yeah, and it's really interesting timing, Maryse,
that suddenly you've become so shy.
Because for the last few weeks, you've had no problem
interfering in my husband's matches,
hitting him from behind when you knew I wasn't there.
But now that I'm back on RAW,
suddenly you've become as quiet as a little mouse.
[crowd cheering]
Well, Maryse, the time for apologies is long gone.
At the Royal Rumble, I'm gonna wreck you,
and every single person in the arena
is gonna be chanting "au revoir."
[laughs] "Au revoir"?
They're gonna be chanting au revoir?
Au revoir, you want to speak Francais to us, oui?
Go ahead, Maryse.
Tell Beth how bad you're gonna beat her at Royal Rumble.
Tell Beth that you're gonna wish you stayed retired.
Tell Beth that she is going to wish
she stayed at home with their kids, instead of getting in the ring with you.
Tell Beth how bad you're gonna humiliate her in three short weeks.
Go ahead, Maryse, tell Beth--
[crowd cheering]
Maryse?
Uh, Miz.
Before you hightail it out of there to follow your wife, just one more thing.
If Maryse is too afraid to show up for our match at the Royal Rumble,
and if Adam doesn't get to you first,
I will take great pleasure
in knocking your teeth in.
[crowd cheering]
[Byron laughs] I would love to see that.
I would love to see Beth Phoenix knock Miz's teeth in.
[Corey] I bet you would, because you're a hater, Saxton.
I'm all for a fair competition between couples,
but that's just too far.
[Saxton] Miz better find Maryse. Fast.
[Corey] And a mouthpiece.
[rock music playing]
Austin Theory, up next, you go one on one
with the phenomenal AJ Styles,
and you have a chance to create a lot of momentum
heading into the Royal Rumble match
with a victory tonight.
You know what? I'll tell you something else
that I have a chance to create tonight.
I have the chance to impress Mr. McMahon.
And actually, I spoke with Mr. McMahon earlier,
and he reminded me that AJ Styles
is one of the most decorated superstars in the WWE.
He's a former WWE Champion,
and we can all say it, he's a future first-ballot Hall of Famer.
But tonight is different.
Tonight, I will beat AJ Styles, and Mr. McMahon…
Well, he's gonna have no doubt
but to continue to invest in Austin Theory.
Did Mr. McMahon have any other words of encouragement?
Yeah, actually he did.
"Don't screw this up."
[Jimmy] Inspirational words from Mr. McMahon.
And looking for a bounce back right now is Austin Theory's opponent.
[Saxton] I guess Miles has had a lot on his mind
the last few weeks here in WWE.
♪ No, they don't want none No, they don't want none ♪
♪ They looking scared No, they don't really want none… ♪
♪ We some Southern boys ♪
[Jimmy] But he has the experience to prevail.
Here's the question, the blue chip.
Austin Theory, does he have the physicality,
the explosiveness, the talent to take on one of the most crafty veterans
in the history of the WWE in AJ Styles?
It's a step-up match for Austin Theory.
Can he prevail? We'll find out next.
♪ No, they don't want none I'm a mack truck ♪
♪ Don't get run over ♪
[announcer] 2022, the year of stupendous.
The biggest stadium, the biggest stars,
the most must-see night of your life.
Hold up, make that two nights.
The most stupendous two-night WrestleMania in history.
[commentator 1] The pageantry, the excitement.
[announcer] In Dallas, Texas.
[commentator 1] The magnificence.
[announcer] So get here, because stupendous is better in person.
Tickets and travel packages available now.
[Jimmy] We're coming to you from the great sports town of Philadelphia.
Go to Geno's, get a cheesesteak.
Also, run up the steps of the Museum of Art and do the Rocky pose.
I gotta say, Alpha Academy had their Rocky moment earlier tonight.
[Corey] Great analogy, Jimmy, but you're absolutely right.
Take you to the closing moments of the RAW Tag Team Championship match.
The Viper appeared to be on a roll,
but that tree trunk, Otis, would make his tremendous power felt.
Watch this exchange here.
Orton blasts Otis, but the tag is made official.
Gable no longer the legal competitor, which opened the door for Otis
to nearly drive the Viper straight through the ring
-and propel Alpha Academy… -[bell dinging]
[Corey] …to their first-ever RAW Tag Team Championship
[announcer speaking indistinctly]
[Saxton] We thought it was a possibility, we knew it was a possibility,
but it's still a shock for me to see Chad Gable and Otis
standing there as RAW Tag Team Champions.
AJ's former--
[Jimmy] AJ Styles, the man who has held just about every title in the WWE,
and he's looking for another accolade, which is to win the Royal Rumble.
[Corey] Thirty men will enter, one will leave
and head straight to WrestleMania
for a championship opportunity of their choosing.
But it's not gonna be an easy path.
That goes for tonight as well.
[bell dinging]
[announcer] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Making his way to the ring,
from Atlanta, Georgia, weighing in at 220 pounds,
Austin Theory!
[Jimmy] If you're a young, hungry up and comer in the WWE,
like Austin Theory is,
this is kind of your dream opportunity, right?
Facing that veteran who's been everywhere, held every title.
[Corey] Austin Theory has so far lived up to the hype.
Each and every night, we have seen him compete on Monday Night RAW.
It will be no easy task for Austin Theory to topple
a Grand Slam champion such as AJ Styles.
A first-ballot future Hall of Famer in AJ Styles.
But if anybody can pull it off…
it's Austin Theory. Do you know why?
Because you don't want to disappoint Mr. McMahon.
-[Saxton] On the flip side… -[bell dinging]
[Saxton] …I wonder about the headspace of AJ Styles.
Obviously the dissolution of his partnership with Omos
probably still weighing on him.
[Jimmy] His impending matchup with Grayson Waller on NXT 2.0.
And of course, now having to focus on Austin Theory.
[Corey] Listen, AJ Styles, certainly no stranger
to having a full plate in front of him.
-But-- Beautiful! -[Jimmy] Look at that.
[Corey] Backbreaker by Styles.
[Jimmy] Bending Austin Theory's spine in half.
We've seen an edge to AJ Styles tonight.
You talk about it weighing on his mind,
all those things that have happened to him.
But it's also kind of reinvigorating him, giving him new emotion.
-[Corey] Well, look at this great power. -[Jimmy] Look at that power.
-[Corey] Austin Theory to the-- -[Jimmy] To the cover.
A kick out just in time by AJ Styles.
[Corey] Gotta see what's left of AJ Styles tomorrow night
when he arrives on NXT 2.0 to go one on one with Grayson Waller.
[Jimmy] That has been building for a long time.
[Saxton] What do you think about that edge, Jimmy?
AJ Styles, his ability has been questioned.
His ability to continue winning championships here in WWE.
[Corey] You know what hasn't been questioned?
[Jimmy] Look at that height on that dropkick.
I don't question that.
[Corey] You don't stop talking to let me ask the question here.
What hasn't been questioned has been the success of Austin Theory.
Week after week, Theory improves.
Theory impresses.
We have touted him as a can't-miss prospect,
and Theory has lived up to it thus far.
Week by week, Theory is impressive.
-[Jimmy] Oh! -[Corey] Oh, baby.
[Jimmy] Talk about the height on the dropkick,
absolutely leveling AJ Styles.
-Can he come back? -I'm the phenomenal one.
[Jimmy] Welcome back to AJ Styles versus Austin Theory.
Question is, will the veteran fight back?
He's doing that right now, but he's had trouble so far
with the explosiveness of Austin Theory.
[Corey] Boot to the jaw stops Theory's forward momentum.
You can't ever count a veteran like AJ Styles
out of any match that he is part of.
[Jimmy] Tricky escape, and look at that.
[Corey] And a blitz by Styles has Theory rocked.
-[Jimmy] Oh! -[Corey] Oh, no.
This could be catastrophic for Theory.
[Jimmy] Look at that attack by AJ Styles.
[Corey] Theory cannot stand to let down Mr. McMahon.
[Jimmy] That might just happen in a few moments here.
Oh! Suplex to the neck breaker, that might be it.
[referee] One, two…
[Jimmy] A kick out just in time for Austin Theory.
[Saxton] Theory's gotta prove himself to Mr. McMahon,
but you know that AJ Styles feels challenged,
feels like he's gotta prove something to the world right now.
[Jimmy] It could be, being the protege of Mr. McMahon
makes Austin Theory feel special.
[Saxton] Also puts a lot of pressure on him at the same time.
[Corey] What if AJ Styles delivers a Styles Clash to Mr. McMahon's protege?
That's gonna catch the eye of the boss, and that could benefit AJ.
-[Jimmy] Uh-oh, uh-oh. Look at that. -[Corey] Whoa!
Right to the back of the head, this might be over.
-One, two… -[Jimmy] That was close.
I thought that was gonna be three for sure.
Austin Theory.
A young up-and-coming superstar with some unique offense.
Driving Styles in the back of his neck.
-One, two… -[Saxton] Across the knee.
Austin Theory once again ripping control of this matchup
away from the veteran Styles.
[Jimmy] Taking AJ Styles downtown with that one.
[Saxton] AJ to the outside.
-[Jimmy] Oh! -[Saxton] Oh, no.
-Oh, yes. -[Jimmy] Yes!
-[Saxton] Styles is-- -[Jimmy] Locked and loaded.
[Corey] Perfect position to strike.
-[crowd cheering] -[Saxton] What? It's Grayson Waller!
[bell dinging]
[Saxton] Out of absolutely nowhere, a cheap-shot attack!
This guy becomes more insufferable each week.
[Saxton] This dude has absolutely no shame.
[Jimmy] And NXT match is tomorrow, not tonight!
[Saxton] Obviously, Waller does not want to wait for tomorrow night.
I'm Austin Theory. You're a cool dude.
[Jimmy] Oh, come on.
-[Saxton] Austin Theory taking a selfie. -[Jimmy] That's cute. That's cute.
[Corey] Austin Theory got a selfie in. Here you go, Grayson.
[Jimmy] Oh!
AJ Styles battling his way back.
Oh!
[Saxton] Styles becoming unglued here against Grayson Waller.
[Jimmy] He is absolutely furious, Grayson Waller.
[Saxton] I guess Waller's had enough.
-Waller has the match tomorrow night. -Tomorrow, [indistinct]
[Jimmy] Turning to the better part of valor
after a cowardly attack.
[Saxton] Grayson Waller's gonna have an ultra-fired-up AJ Styles
tomorrow night on NXT 2.0.
[Corey] Grayson Waller looking to make his name at AJ Styles' expense.
I promise you, the Phenomenal One isn't gonna have that.
Do you care to elaborate at all on the rather underhanded tactics
you just used to get the upper hand on AJ Styles?
Underhanded?
There was nothing underhanded about that, mate.
I just gave AJ Styles a preview of what he can expect tomorrow night
when we go one on one on NXT.
The Phenomenal One is getting taken over by the Grayson Waller effect.
[chuckles]
I know what it's like to come so close to victory
that you can almost taste it.
That's what happened to me at Day 1.
But I will never stop giving everything that I have
for a chance at that championship.
So it may be a new year, but I got the same damn attitude
that got me into the title picture, to begin with.
So after I win this Triple Threat Match tonight,
I won't just come close
to winning that RAW Women's Championship from Becky at the Royal Rumble.
I'm winning it.
[crowd cheering]
-[Jimmy] It was a passionate Liv Morgan… -["Celtic Invasion" playing]
…but everybody wants a shot at Big Time Becks.
[Saxton] The RAW Women's Champion.
I guess we're gonna take a closer look at just who
her next challenger is gonna be.
[announcer] Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the RAW Women's Champion,
Big Time Becky Lynch!
[Jimmy] There is swagger in that walk, gentlemen, for good reason.
[Saxton] Considering this city hasn't won a Stanley Cup since 1975,
they're excited to see a real champion and find out who the next challenger
to said champion will be.
We will find out in a matter of moments,
as Bianca Belair, Liv Morgan and Doudrop
compete in a Sudden Death Triple Threat Match,
with the winner earning an opportunity at Big Time Becky's
RAW Women's Championship at the Royal Rumble.
We'll all find out next.
Ladies and gentlemen, we invite you to join us following Monday Night RAW
tonight on the WWE Network on Peacock for Raw Talk.
We'll hear from Nikki A.S.H.
who snapped on Rhea Ripley earlier on tonight,
as well as the new RAW Tag Team Champions,
the Alpha Academy, and we're supposed to hear from
The Miz and Maryse, if Maryse is still in the building.
Not really confirmed on that.
[Jimmy] We don't know, one thing we do know,
a Triple Threat coming up,
and one women's superstar who will be unfortunately watching
from home is one who still has some work to do.
-[classical music playing] -[Newton's cradle clanging]
Well, Ms. Bliss, welcome to my office.
I'm Dr. Scovell.
Now, begin our treatment. I'd like you to breathe deep.
[exhales]
-You're gonna be okay. -[chuckles]
Now, the first step to recovery
is admitting that you have a problem in the first place.
Oh.
You're right, Doc.
I have a problem. [whimpers]
Fix me. [chuckles]
Well, there's no doubt that you've been through a lot of trauma lately,
but now it's time to heal.
I'm gonna show you something
and then I'm gonna measure your reaction to it.
There's no doubt that you've rehabilitated yourself
to a certain extent over the past several weeks.
But before we begin your treatment,
I need to know exactly where you are
right now.
[commentator] Going after Lily again.
…dismembered and…
-[woman 1 cackling] -[woman 2] Lily.
[screaming]
So tell me, Alexa, how does that make you feel?
Thirsty. [chuckles]
Okay.
[sinister instrumental music playing]
Uh…
Um, okay.
Alexa?
Um…
How does that make you feel, Doc?
-Not great. -Hmm.
It's a shame.
Because, you know, I feel
pretty dandy.
Alexa.
So, did you say that the first step is admitting you have a problem?
Well, I guess I have a problem!
Why don't you write about it?
Breathe deeply.
Breathe in.
-Yes, yes, breathe in. Yes. -Breathe out. [exhales]
Wait, Alexa, feelings are okay, but there is a line.
This actually smell pretty nice.
No. No, no, no, no, no, no.
See you next week, Doc.
[object shattering]
[screaming]
[Saxton] I should cancel next week's session.
The beginning of that reminded me of something else I watched.
Didn't end the same way, though.
Big Time Becky is in the ring.
[Jimmy] That's right. We almost had a Triple Threat last week
featuring the champ, Big Time Becks.
I got a score to settle that goes back way before yours.
This is interesting and all, but it sounds like you guys
got to figure this out, and I've shared the spotlight enough.
Decide who it's gonna be and let me know a bit later, okay?
[Saxton] As Becky offered the opportunity for the two other women
to figure it out for themselves,
what sort of underhanded tactics
did we see from Liv Morgan and Bianca Belair?
[Jimmy] Belair and Morgan tried to show Miss what they thought about her,
but this is what the RAW Women's Championship has done to competitors
like Bianca Belair and Liv Morgan, completely tearing each other apart,
trying to prove a point, trying to prove their worthiness
to be the next champion.
[Saxton] Or the potential to become RAW Women's Champion
has crushed these two women in the past several months,
because only one woman is strong enough to handle the spotlight,
the weight of the RAW Women's Championship.
-That woman, Big Time Becky Lynch. -["Celtic Invasion" playing]
[Jimmy] There she is now, once again, brimming with confidence.
[crowd cheering]
[crowd chanting] Becky! Becky!
Welcome to the big time.
[crowd cheering]
Now, we got three women back there who are about to come out
for a big time Triple Threat Match.
Each woman fantastic in their own right.
You know, you've got tenacious Liv Morgan
who won't back down, even though she really should.
You've got Bianca Belair who has undeniable strength.
About as undeniable as how quickly I beat her at SummerSlam, huh?
And then…
And then… and then you've got Doudrop.
Now, I have to give respect to a fellow Celt,
who'd just go out and take what she wants.
And with three such strong, relentless women in the ring,
anything… anything can happen.
And these women… these women have notions.
They have notions of grandeur,
notions that finally they will be the one to overthrow me.
Yes, yes, this is going to be a battle for the ages.
They're all fighting for the right to one day be able to tell their grandkids
that they lost to Big Time Becky Lynch.
[crowd cheering]
And now, with that being said,
I am going to lend my talents to the commentary team.
And so why don't we bring out Liv, Bianca, and Doudrop.
-Have fun fighting for me, babes. -[mic thuds]
[Corey] This is great news. Byron, you can go home forever.
[Saxton] I actually kind of want to right now.
[Jimmy] I bet you do, but you are sticking around
to watch the EST of the WWE.
Does it make him, watching Bianca Belair do her walk-in is still a little better?
[Corey] Look, Becky's not even on headset yet,
and she can complete more sentences
-than you, Jimmy. -[bell dinging]
[announcer] The following is a Triple Threat Match
scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, from Nashville, Tennessee,
Bianca Belair!
[Corey] Allow me to welcome the RAW Women's Champion,
Becky Lynch, to our commentary.
[Becky] You are welcome.
[Corey] Thank you for gracing us with your presence.
Guys, we have the GOAT here.
[Jimmy] It's… it's a pleasure to have you.
[Becky] Vincent van Gogh's right here.
[Jimmy] Vincent, all right, that was cute.
Becky, pleasure to have you here. Pleasure for you to join us.
But I believe, I've been saying it all night,
I believe Bianca Belair is gonna be the one
that challenges you at the Royal Rumble.
[Becky] Oh, that's all right. I beat her in how many seconds?
-[Jimmy] Twenty six! Twenty six! -I got her.
[Becky laughs] Got her.
[announcer] Liv Morgan!
[Corey] And how many times have you defeated Liv Morgan, Becks?
[Becky] Oh, well, that would be twice. Well, twice recently.
I don't know how many times I've beaten her in the past.
[Saxton] This is also a young lady, Liv Morgan,
who has pushed you to the limit, Becky Lynch.
[Becky] Yeah, I wouldn't say the limit. I wouldn't say the limit at all now.
[Corey] Byron, whose championship is sitting on our desk right now?
-I believe… -[Becky] Staring right at me.
[Corey] Becky, who will be RAW Women's Champion next week
when we arrive in Tulsa, Oklahoma?
-Becky, do you know? -[Becky] Oh, oh, I have a hunch.
Will it be Big Time Becky Lynch? Why, yes, it will.
[Corey] Yes! Ding, ding, ding.
[Saxton] That certainly could change, come the Royal Rumble.
[Corey] This is the most fun I've had all night, Becks. You're welcome.
[Becky] Listen, Byron, get off the complaint train.
Join the Big Time Becks Express, all right?
[Saxton] I'm not on a complaint train.
[Becky] Get off at Appreciation Station. Appreciate me.
[announcer] And their opponent, Doudrop!
[Corey] Well, this could be the X factor in this RAW Women's Championship,
opportunity Triple Threat Match.
The powerhouse, Doudrop.
[Jimmy] We will find out in just a moment
who has what it takes to take on Big Time Becks
after a Triple Threat to get started right after this, next.
[Jimmy] Welcome back to a Triple Threat Match
with incredible stakes.
The winner faces Becky Lynch for the RAW Women's Championship…
-[bell dinging] -…at Royal Rumble.
[Corey] Let me try that, Jimmy.
The RAW Women's Champion, the GOAT, Big Time Becky Lynch.
[Becky] That was beautiful.
[Jimmy] And she is now joining us on commentary
as a very interested observer.
Get a front-row seat. Gonna check out the competition.
It's a great seat that I have right now,
and I know these girls are gonna be fighting hard,
because once you get a taste of the Big Time, you want more.
[Corey] Becky, I need your opinion.
I mean, you've competed against Bianca Belair,
against Liv Morgan, but not against Doudrop.
Is there any sort of curiosity?
[Becky] She is the unknown element here.
She is the unknown element. I… I… I…
[commentators] Whoa!
[Jimmy] Speaking of unknown elements,
tricky move by Liv Morgan over the top rope.
[Becky] She really liked her taste at the Big Time, didn't she?
She's trying everything to get back there.
[Saxton] It has brought a new level out of Liv Morgan.
[Corey] Take another look at Liv Morgan taking her high risk
and almost pinning Bianca Belair at the top of the screen.
[Saxton] Jimmy, you mentioned a new level from Liv Morgan.
I would say, credit to you, Becky, you brought out more of a killer instinct
out of Liv Morgan.
I do bring the best out of people, Byron. That is correct.
[Corey] What do you do once you bring the best out of people, Becky?
-[Becky] I beat them! -[Corey] Yes!
[Becky] I beat them, Corey.
[Corey] There is amazing synergy on this side of the desk.
You guys should just go home.
[Saxton] There's amazing sucking up is what's going on.
[Becky] I… No, I…
[Jimmy] The Hurricanrana from Liv Morgan.
[Corey] Mutual professional admiration.
[Becky] And… and state factor.
-[Corey] Right. -[Becky] For a state…
-[Corey] Fact stating. -[Becky] Fact stating.
-Look. Byron, you always… -[Saxton] Let's talk about that.
Byron, you always get me.
[Jimmy] Whoa!
Beautiful move by Bianca Belair, showing off that athleticism.
-And look at the strength of Doudrop. -[Corey] Oh, my God.
This is unfamiliar territory for Bianca to be overpowered.
We've seen the battles between Bianca and Doudrop
over the past several months.
[Jimmy] Remember, it's a Triple Threat Match
for a superstar to get a pin or submission wins.
No count out, no disqualification.
-Oh! -[Corey] Belly-to-back suplex from Belair.
[commentators] Whoa!
-[Jimmy] Double crossbody. -[Saxton] Who won?
Tremendous impact on the double splash by Doudrop.
Let's take another look at this.
Both Liv and Bianca crushed beneath Doudrop.
And, Becky, what goes through your mind when you see that sort of athleticism
from a powerhouse like Doudrop?
[Becky] Well, I'm trying to plan…
How would I escape that? How would I counter that?
-Oh! Michinoku driver. -[Becky] I don't know how I'd do that.
[Saxton] I don't think you would, Becky.
[Becky] I know I'm always a step ahead. I'm always a step ahead.
Byron, don't talk to me anymore.
You're getting me tongue-tied, and I don't like it.
-[Saxton] Doing my job. -[Jimmy] Trying to go Hurricanrana.
-Nope. -[Becky] Well, do it better.
[Jimmy] Beautiful stop by Doudrop.
Look at that!
-Face first right into Bianca Belair. -Oh!
-[Jimmy] Some creativity, then the cover. -One, two…
[Jimmy] Two for one, a little ambitious there.
[Corey] Both competitors… Let's look once again at the impact.
Face first onto Bianca Belair goes Liv Morgan.
Doudrop covered both, but did not finish the match.
[Saxton] Yeah, to steal a phrase from you, Becky,
it's Doudrop who's really been on the complaint train the last couple weeks,
but Doudrop is actually impressing us here.
[Corey] Are you going to let him steal your stuff?
-Don't steal my stuff, Byron. -[Saxton] On your show.
I would attribute credit to you.
[Becky] You don't get to use it. I get to use it. You don't get to use it.
I use it, all right? Let's set down the ground rules here.
But yes, all right.
Look, I can't fault a woman who goes out there and takes what she wants.
That's what I did. That's what I did, Byron.
[Saxton] Right now, Doudrop working with Morgan.
I don't know how I would fare against Doudrop.
I know, obviously, obviously, obviously… Obviously I'd beat her, right?
-Obviously. -[Saxton] Is it obvious?
-[Becky] It is obvious. -[Corey] It's very obvious.
It's how would you beat her, Beck?
Would you pin her? Would you slap on the disarm her?
-[Becky] Well, that's the thing. -[Jimmy] Oh!
[Becky] You have to think about these things with a different competitor,
different style, a different build.
These are the things that go through your head,
-[Corey] Oh! -[Becky] …but like I've said before,
I didn't get where I have by outrunning people,
by outlifting people, by out flipping people.
-It's by outsmarting people. -[Jimmy] Oh, look at this.
Aggressive attack from Liv Morgan, stomping into Doudrop,
Look at that!
[Corey] It was an attempt at an aggressive offense.
Who wants it most? Triple Threat continues.
[man chanting] She's gonna kill you.
[Jimmy] Welcome back to an intense Triple Threat Match.
Doudrop, Liv Morgan, Bianca Belair.
The winner faces Becky Lynch for the RAW Women's Championship
at Royal Rumble.
Right now, though, it is Doudrop and Bianca Belair toe to toe.
[Corey] Also, you neglected to mention
that the GOAT, the RAW Women's Champion,
Becky Lynch, is beside us at the commentary desk.
-I mean, if it wasn't already-- -[Jimmy] Oh, my goodness!
Wow! Look at that!
-[Becky] Important-- -[Jimmy] To the roll up, shoulders down.
Oh!
[Corey] Tremendous exchange between these three women.
Becky, what is going through your mind right now?
Like I said before, that all these women want a taste at the Big Time.
Well, they've had a taste and they want some more.
They want a seven-course meal.
But I'm not a freaking buffet.
I can't just be giving off taste of the big time constantly
left, right, and center.
Look at that, Hurricanrana off the back of Doudrop.
That's creative offense, Corey.
[Corey] It is, but this is not a buffet, you just heard the champ,
as we look back again at the power of the EST running through Doudrop.
This is a really even playing field at the moment.
All three women are down.
We're gonna find out what everyone is made of right now.
[Saxton] Becky, you brought up a great point
that everybody has had a taste.
Bianca Belair, obviously, she's had a taste of championship gold.
Liv Morgan has had a taste for what it's been like to be in the ring with you.
-And all it takes is-- Whoa, whoa. -[Corey] Whoa, oh!
[Jimmy] Wailing away are Bianca Belair and Liv Morgan.
[Saxton] Ducking off the enzuigiri to the cover.
Belair-- no, Morgan. Morgan now--
[Corey] Rings of Saturn locked in.
[Jimmy] And it is deep. Both arms trapped.
[Becky] I don't think she has a fully locked in.
[Corey] I agree with you.
[Becky] I don't think she has a fully locked in.
I don't think she's able to cork that arm.
[Corey] Liv needs to reach up a little bit higher on the bicep
to maximize the pressure on Bianca.
But Bianca's in trouble, no doubt about it.
[Saxton] You see the pain etched on the face of the EST.
[Jimmy] And full of hair, but it's no disqualification.
Anything goes right now.
No disqualification, no count-out Triple Threat.
[Saxton] Well, they're trying to will herself out of this predicament.
[Jimmy] I don't know how long she can hold on here.
[Corey] It looks like Liv Morgan
may be one step closer to another opportunity
at Big Time Becky Lynch in the RAW Women's Championship.
[Becky] Well, we know how that's gonna go.
[Saxton] Totally. It's like a spoiler already.
[Jimmy] I don't believe what I'm seeing here.
[Saxton] Defiantly, Bianca Belair will not give up,
will not quit, will not stop fighting.
[Jimmy] She's lifting Liv Morgan into the air.
[Saxton] This is incredible.
-[Jimmy] Who can pull that off? -[Saxton] Oh!
[Corey] Liv got the knees up.
[Jimmy] Beautiful counter by Liv Morgan, and right now she is rolling.
Playing out Doudrop and the EST.
[Saxton] Here comes Belair.
Morgan from behind.
[Jimmy] Right into the top turnbuckle.
[Saxton] This match has been every bit as competitive as we expected.
Gonna find out who is going to challenge Becky Lynch at the Royal Rumble.
[Corey] You see Bianca being sent face first into the top turnbuckle.
Obviously, Liv Morgan has something big in mind.
[Becky] What you neglected to say there, Byron,
is who is going to lose to Becky Lynch at the Royal Rumble.
[Jimmy] Looking for a big move off the second rope.
-[Saxton] Well, they're holding on… -[Jimmy] Here comes Doudrop!
[Corey] Oh, no.
[Saxton] Nasty landing for Bianca on top of the ring post.
Now Liv Morgan in a precarious position.
[Corey] Doudrop about to bring the whole house down!
[Jimmy] Powerbomb house are loaded.
Boom!
Wow, huge shot from Doudrop.
Can she cover? Yes. Whoa!
[Saxton] Holy moly.
[Corey] 450 splash from Bianca Belair.
[Saxton] I know you were impressed with that one, Becky.
I'm not impressed by very much, Byron.
That was mildly impressive.
[Corey] Let's look at this once again so the rest of us can be impressed.
Bianca Belair, tremendous precision,
stopping the official's count, breaking up the pinfall.
-[Saxton] Look at your face, Becky. -[Corey] Don't look away from the monitor.
[Becky] It's a beautiful face, Byron. What about it?
It's a beautiful face. I got it from my mama.
She was a model. I've got a beautiful face.
[Jimmy] Bianca Belair looking to finish!
Oh, and now the cover of Liv Morgan, kick out from both.
Amongst being art, amongst being artists,
amongst being the effervescent color of life,
I also have a beautiful face.
That's what we're looking at.
[Saxton] Why are you getting bent out of shape, Becky?
[Corey] Because of you, Saxton.
[Becky] I told you, you're grinding my gears!
Come on. Let's go.
[Jimmy] It looks like Bianca Belair, ready to get this over with.
[Saxton] And daring Doudrop, "Bring it, bring everything you've got."
[Jimmy] And wasted a field!
-[Corey] Now Morgan… -[yelping]
[Jimmy] Right on top of Doudrop!
[Corey] Belair is owning the moment.
[Saxton] Ready for the cover.
[Jimmy] Off the ropes. Look at that.
[Corey] Doubled up again.
Belair beginning to roll. Looking for the KOD on Lynn.
[Jimmy] She's got it loaded!
KOD!
[Corey] Belair's about to punch her ticket.
Oh, no!
-[Jimmy] Becky Lynch! -I didn't even see her leave.
Rescued.
Liv Morgan from a certain pin by Bianca Belair.
Because this is Big Time Becks.
-What are you doing? -And this is Monday Night RAW.
She's a RAW Women's Champion.
And Becky does what Becky wants to do.
[Jimmy] That was a surefire victory for the EST.
[Saxton] Yeah, Becky Lynch was fearful
of her impending challenge from Bianca Belair.
And now the champ is running for a run.
[Jimmy] Now, remember, it's no disqualification.
This match is still very much on, gentlemen.
[Corey] Yeah, it's got to be pinfall or submission.
No disqualification, no count-out.
Oh!
[Corey] Becky just launched Bianca over the announce table.
Meanwhile, in the ring, Doudrop has Liv Morgan in the corner.
[Jimmy]Off the second rope.
-Oh! Doudrop for the fall. -One, two, three!
-[Jimmy] She gets it! -[bell dinging]
[announcer] Here's your winner, Doudrop!
[Corey] Doudrop is headed to the Royal Rumble.
[Saxton] No, this is rotten.
[Corey] To challenge Big Time Becky Lynch
for the RAW Women's Championship.
What a battle.
[Saxton] What happened to letting the best competitor win?
Why couldn't Becky Lynch keep her nose out of this?
[Corey] 'Cause Becky's the best competitor. We just established this.
[Jimmy] Could this be the match she wanted?
[Corey] Oh, my.
[Saxton] No way, no way, no way.
[Jimmy] Making manhandle slam.
It's a different animal in front of you right now.
Hey… [speaking indistinctly]
[Jimmy] I think Big Time Becks just realized
she has a big-time challenge
in front of her, come Royal Rumble.
[Saxton] I think the proclamation may come true.
Becky Lynch is gonna get Doudropped at the Royal Rumble in St. Louis.
I helped you win!
-[inaudible] -You only won 'cause I helped you win!
-[hip-hop music playing] -You only won-- d you win!