WWE Raw Recap: CM Punk and Cody Rhodes Verbal Showdown, Rollins’ Injury Revelation

With the Royal Rumble just around the corner, WWE Raw on Monday night took center stage in building anticipation for the upcoming event. Notable highlights included a face-off between CM Punk and Cody Rhodes, and world heavyweight champion Seth Rollins addressing his recent knee injury. Let’s dive into the key happenings:

CM Punk and Cody Rhodes Exchange Words

The much-anticipated showdown between Punk and Rhodes took place on Raw, setting the stage for their clash at the Royal Rumble. Both men delivered compelling promos, mixing compliments with well-placed verbal jabs. The tension reached a point where physical confrontation seemed imminent, but a moment of restraint prevailed. This segment showcased the prowess of two of the best talkers in the company, leaving fans excited for their potential interactions in the Rumble. Overall Grade: A

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Seth Rollins Confirms Injury, Vows to Defend Title at WrestleMania

World heavyweight champion Seth Rollins kicked off Raw by confirming reports of a knee injury suffered in a match against Jinder Mahal. Rollins revealed a grade two tear of his MCL and a partially torn meniscus, estimating a three-to-four-month recovery. Despite the setback, Rollins declared his intent to defend the title at WrestleMania, setting up a compelling storyline. Gunther, making an appearance, added a new dynamic, expressing his determination to win the Royal Rumble and target Rollins at WrestleMania. This segment effectively heightened the stakes for both men. Grade: B

Other Key Highlights

• The New Day vs. Imperium ended in a double countout after a chaotic brawl spilled outside the ring and into the crowd. Kofi Kingston announced a challenge for Gunther’s intercontinental championship next week.
• Ivy Nile secured a victory over Valhalla with a Pitbull, while Nikki Cross watched from the entrance ramp.
• Becky Lynch, Nia Jax, and Bayley engaged in a heated exchange and brawl, culminating in Jax throwing Lynch over the top rope.
• Dominik Mysterio defeated The Miz, followed by an attack on Miz until DIY made the save.
• Drew McIntyre emerged victorious over Damian Priest with a Claymore, aided by distraction from R-Truth at ringside.

The Royal Rumble buildup on Raw delivered a mix of intense confrontations and intriguing story developments, leaving fans eager for the anticipated event.