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
WWE SmackDown Star Signals Impending Name Change
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.
