1/23 WWE MONDAY NIGHT RAW RESULTS: Keller’s report on Lynch vs. Bayley in a cage, Theory vs. Lashley for U.S. Title, Raw XXX anniversary with legends

WWE RAW TV REPORT
JANUARY 23, 2023
PHILADELPHIA, PA. AT WELLS FARGO CENTER
AIRED LIVE ON USA

Commentators: Kevin Patrick, Corey Graves

Ring Announcer: Samantha Irvin

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[HOUR ONE]

-The usual “Then, Now, Forever, Together” brand stamp aired.

-They went immediately live to a wide shot of the arena. Hulk Hogan’s “Real American” theme song played. He came out with Jimmy Hart. His mic broke up a bit as he talked about the early weeks of Raw. He said every week Raw got better and better and tonight they’re celebrating 30 years of Raw. A worker ran out behind him with a new mic. He closed with his catch phrase about running wild, adding a reference to the Philadelphia Eagles.

(Keller’s Analysis: He still sounds like Hulk and, while largely covered up with sunglasses and a boa and a head scarf, he still looks like Hulk. That said, there’s 30 years of Raw history to draw from, and the best Hogan can do is talk generically about Raw like he’s a kid giving a speech in class who didn’t prepare and knows nothing about the topic. Does he not have one anecdote or specific favorite memory or anything? It was just a couple catch phrases and general references to Raw being 30 years old. It was tough to tell how the crowd reacted to him, but the visuals WWE found were not fans going bonkers for him or anything. I’m sure it didn’t help that his mic wasn’t working well at the start, though. )

-A video aired on the history of Raw including the first Raw ever introduced by Vince McMahon.

(Keller’s Analysis: This aired on Smackdown on Friday and was really well done with a good mix of different highlights from different eras.)

-An augmented reality graphic showed a VCR, old TV set, and six other monitors all flashing various logos on the screen as Kevin Patrick introduced the show.

-The Bloodline entrance theme played. Out walked Roman Reigns, Paul Heyman, Sami Zayn, the Usos, and Solo Sikoa. As they walked out, Corey Graves noted Bret Hart was the WWE Champion on the first episode of Raw and now it’s Reigns. Patrick hyped the Reigns vs. Kevin Owens match at the Royal Rumble. Reigns milked the moment as the fans booed and then started a “Sami! Sami!” chant. Reigns asked Philadelphia to acknowledge him. Reigns handed Heyman the mic as Sami sat on one side of the table and the Usos sat on the other. An “ECW! ECW!” chant broke out.

Heyman addressed the crowd chanting letters “that are very near and dear to me.” He said to Reigns, “My Tribal Chief, ECW is dead.” Fans booed. He added, “And I wish the same for Sami Zayn.” Sami, whose chair was rolled back about six feet from the table, looked concerned. Heyman said he is a Judas and a betrayer of the Island of Relevancy. He said he has been in a conspiracy with Kevin Owens since day one. He took some shots at the Philadelphia Eagles, drawing boos.

Heyman turned his attention back to Sami Zayn. He said it’s an open and shut case. He said he had four pieces of evidence that Sami is guilty as charged. They aired a clip from Aug. 12 last year when Sami was talking to the Usos when Drew McIntyre attacked them. They isolated an image of Sami fleeing rather than helping the Usos. Then Aug. 29, they showed Sami with a chair at ringside, but failing to use it against KO when he had an opening. Then a clip from Nov. 26 with Sami on top of the cage celebrating while the rest of the Bloodline were leaving the cage. He pointed out Sami did a “4 Life” hand symbol. “What is this, the NWO? The Four Horsemen? The Dangerous Alliance? That’s a conspiracy signal to Kevin Owens – Montreal Boys for Life.” Then a clip from Dec. 23 of Sami brushing past Reigns as he stepped toward the hard camera. Heyman made a big deal out of that. “It’s the old high school hallway shoulder block,” he said. He said it was an assassination attempt on the Tribal Chief so he could become the Head of the Table. He said if he’s guilty of nothing else, he’s guilty of assault.

He stepped toward Sami and said the rat bastard should be found guilty as charged. Fans booed. Sami just sat there, slumped in his chair. “The prosecution rests its case,” Heyman concluded.

Sami stood. Fans chanted “Sami! Sami!” He said he had a whole defense all lined up. He said what he didn’t count on is how he’d actually feel when he stepped into the ring. He said listening to Heyman say all of that to his face hurt so much. He said Heyman carefully crafted that video to make his case. He asked how he can think he’s out to undercut Reigns after everything else. He said it hurts, but the people see it. He said they’ve seen it all over the last nine months, but the fact that he’d have him sit there and defend himself on trial hurts. He said his defense is that he has no defense. He sat down. Reigns looked irritated.

“Let me get this straight,” Reigns said. “You don’t have a defense?” He said he has such an ego he won’t even explain himself. “This is the respect you show me!” he said. He yelled “Solo!” and slammed the mic down. Solo stepped behind Sami and positioned him for a Samoan Spike. Jey Uso intervened and blocked him. Heyman and Reigns stared a hole into Jey. Jey said no disrespect is meant, but he put together his own video. They went to June 3, 2022 with Uso beating Riddle, then Sami celebrating in the production truck. Then an Aug. 19 clip of Drew about to land a Claymore on Reigns when Sami intervened and got kicked instead. Then a clip from Sept. 9 with Sami taking a shot to the back with a chair that was aimed by Drew at Solo. Then Dec. 9 with Sami preventing Sheamus from breaking up a cover Jimmy Uso had on Butch. Then a Nov. 26 clip of Sami stopping the ref from counting a pin by Owens on Reigns in WarGames and then low-blowing KO and delivering a Helluva Kick on KO leading to a Bloodline win.

Back live, fans applauded (which is kinda messed up, since it showed Sami cheating left and right to help the evil Bloodline beat wrestlers they otherwise cheer). Jey told Reigns that it’s right there on tape for everyone to see. He said Sami has taken bullets for the whole Bloodline. He called him “My dog.” He said he didn’t trust him and even despised him for so long, but he saw the good in him the whole time and never gave up on him. “That right there is what family do,” he said. He said that footage demonstrates loyalty and love to the family. He said he loves Sami like a brother. Heyman was dismayed in the background. He asked fans if they wanted Sami in the Bloodline to throw their arms into the sky. The majority of fans did.

Reign stood as fans loudly chanted “Sami Uso!” He said as Tribal Chief and Head of the Table, he finds Sami not guilty. Fans cheered. Heyman hung his head and then looked to the sky in tears. “For now,” he added. He told him to finish out tonight and make The Blooodline proud. “And then I don’t want to see you again until Saturday at the Rumble.” He told him to go home, and then on Saturday, he’ll deliver his “final test.” He said then they’d see if Sami really is The Bloodline or not. He dropped the mic.

(Keller’s Analysis: I had never gotten the sense Heyman was so firmly against Sami before tonight. Heyman, just last week, was making the case to Reigns that it’s better to have Sami pissing out of the castle from the inside than pissing in the castle from the outside. He also was counseling Sami to leave the locker room to let Reigns cool down last week, seemingly on his side and looking out for Sami’s better interests. It’s also a bit of a logic mess having fans booing The Bloodline but rooting for the beloved Sami to be accepted by them. That aside, the past footage built a strong case against and then for Sami being loyal and it was all presented effectively. Heyman and Jey were really strong in their roles. It was odd Sami didn’t present a defense and I don’t think this was his strongest role or performance. He didn’t seem desperate to be accepted, but instead suddenly flipped to being somewhat resigned to his fate while showing more pride than usual. It might be the right path for him on his way to eventually breaking away from The Bloodline and becoming a top babyface, but this seemed sudden, like a week or two or three of developments was left out. This could have worked better if there was some reason presented for Heyman to have turned so sharply against Sami. Was it because he was so late arriving to the ring at the end of Smackdown to defend Reigns when Owens showed up attacked him at the contract signing? If so, say so, but even that would seem sudden and hasty.)

(1) THE USOS (w/Sami Zayn) vs. THE JUDGMENT DAY (Damian Priest & Dominik Mysterio w/Finn Balor, Rhea Ripley) – WWE Raw Tag Team Titles match

The Judgment Day made their ring entrance. Samantha Irvin did formal ring introductions. Patrick touted a crowd of 16,957. The bell rang 34 minutes into the hour. Dom and Priest knocked Jimmy around ringside. They showed Reigns, Solo, and Heyman backstage. Heyman was watching Reigns instead of the monitor. Jey hot-tagged in Jimmy at 3:00. Dom bumped a bit early for two clotheslines. Jimmy gave him a Samoan Drop and a hip attack in the corner leading to a near fall.

Priest hot-tagged in and rallied against the Usos. He landed a running flip dive onto both at ringside at 5:00. He scored a near fall on Jimmy back in the ring. The Usos hit Dom with stereo superkicks and then two stereo superkicks to Priest, both of which showed light. Balor threw Dom into the ring and then ran over and knocked Jey off the top rope. The ref turned in time to see it and ordered Balor to the back. Balor threw a fit before leaving.

When Jey leaped off the top rope, Priest blocked him and scored a quick two count with a small packcage. Jey superkicked Priest, then tagged in Jimmy who landed a top rope splash for a believable near fall at 8:00. Jimmy leaped over the top rope onto Priest seconds later. Jimmy grabbed at his left knee after landing at ringside. When he stood and attempted to throw Priest back into the ring, his leg gave out. Jey and Sami checked on him. The ref called for help from the back and threw up the X arm symbol. They helped him to the back as fans chanted “Jimmy! Jimmy!” Adam Pearce checked on him. He said if Jimmy cannot continue, the Usos must forfeit the match and the tag team championship. Fans booed. (That’s not a thing.) Sami said there might be a solution. He offered himself. He said he could defend the tag titles with Jey. They showed Reigns, Solo, and Heyman watching in the back. Pearce said he did it for The Judgement Day, so he’ll do it for Raw 30. He said the match will continue.

Sami entered the ring and punched away at Dom before clotheslining him over the top rope to ringside. Sami then landed a flip dive onto both Dom and Priest. He celebrated at ringside. Dom almost scored a three count on Sami with his feet on the middle rope for extra leverage. Sami gave Dom an exploder suplex into the corner and then set up a Helluva Kick. Ripley stood on the ring apron and distracted the ref. Priest then entered and gave Sami the South of Heaven. Dom scored a believable near fall seconds later. Jey tagged himself in and superkicked Dom. Ripley entered and Jey almost superkicked her before stopping short. Dom kicked Jey from behind into position for a 619, and then he hit it. He followed with a frogsplash for a near fall, broken up by Sami.

Priest entered and charged at Sami, but Sami moved, so Priest went shoulder-first into the ringpost. Sami tagged himself in and worked with Jey to double-team Dom with the 1D for the win.

WINNERS: Sami Zayn & Jey Uso in 14:00 to retain the Raw Tag Team Titles.

(Keller’s Analysis: Mostly good action with some believable near falls. Some moves weren’t really tight. Since when does one wrestler getting injured on a championship team means the team loses the match and the titles. That felt wedged in there for the sake of a story they wanted to tell there.)

-Backstage, Reigns told Heyman that Sami did well, but he still doesn’t want to see him until Saturday.

-They showed JBL and Baron Corbin backstage. They bumped into The Godfather, who told them they’re not on the list he had. JBL asked if he could speak to the owner. Godfather knocked on the door which said “APA” on it. Ron Simmons stepped out. JBL and Simmons hugged. Simmons introduced him to Corbin and said he wanted him to be on the list for their poker game. Corbin showed off his stack of money. Simmons said they can make room for him after all. They walked through a door that was just sitting in the middle of the backstage area. They made their way over to four poker tables. Diamond Dallas Page and Ted DiBiase were among the Legends present.

-A slideshow of Raw highlights aired from the over the decades.

-L.A. Knight stood mid-ring as his music faded. He said the Legends in the back are living on past glory as is Bray Wyatt. He said if any of those Legends have enough tingles in their loins, come on out. Undertaker’s bell sounded and the lights went dark. Fans cheered. The song changed to Undertaker’s “American Badass” biker gimmick era. Knight laughed when Taker didn’t come out at first, but then Taker rode out on a motorcycle. Taker rode his motorcycle around the ring. Patrick said it’s been 20 years since they’ve seen this version of Undertaker.

Taker got off his bike and entered the ring. Knight had bailed out to ringside. Knight asked for the music to be cut. He said he heard what Taker said on Joe Rogan about the locker room being full of softies. He said he agrees, and Bray is at the top of the list. He said he doesn’t fall under that umbrella. He said Taker should think of the irony of the headline they can create: “L.A. Knight sends The Undertaker to the undertaker.” He said he’d give him a pass, though. He backed away and said he’s going to let him live to see another day and enjoy retirement. He told him to watch the Pitch Black match at the Rumble because after that, he’ll be known as the Prince of Darkness. The lights went out. Then the Bray Wyatt theme song played. Knight backed away from Bray toward the ring and then into the ring. Taker grabbed Knight by his throat, but then looked over at Bray. Bray entered the ring and walked toward Taker. Taker shoved Knight toward Bray, who gave Knight his Sister Abigail.

[HOUR TWO]

Bray looked up at Taker and stood. Fans chanted “Holy shit!” Taker whispered something to Bray, then left to his “American Badass” theme. He rode his motorcycle to the back as Bray stood in the ring.

(Keller’s Analysis: That was a Raw 30 moment. I’m sure some fans in the crowd either weren’t familiar with Biker Taker or would have rather been present for the Dead Man gimmick, though. Knight was a good foil for them.)

-They went backstage to Alunda Blayze (Madusa), DDP, Corbin, Otis, and Chad Gable playing poker. Blaze won the first hand. DDP won the next hand.

-The cage began to lower. Bayley made her ring entrance for the scheduled cage match against Becky Lynch. They cut to a split-screen break (or “double-box” break, the industry term for a shared screen during a commercial break.) [c/ss]

-As Becky approached the cage door, Iyo Sky and Dakota Kai attacked her. Bayley then kicked the cage door into Becky’s face. “It is a downright mugging!” said Graves. They locked Becky inside the cage and triple-teamed her. Pearce came out and yelled at them from the outside. He then used a metal cutter to open the door. Bayley, Sky, and Kai sat on top of the cage proud of themselves as officials checked on Becky mid-ring.

(Keller’s Analysis: If they don’t go back to this later in the show, it’s quite the bait and switch for fans in the arena hoping to see that advertised match.)

-Patrick hyped the Austin Theory vs. Bobby Lashley match for the U.S. Title. Graves noted it’s become a no DQ match. [c]

-More freeze-frames aired of Raw over the years with big moments with Chris Jericho and Bob Barker, Ronda Rousey, Randy Orton & Matt Riddle, Steve Austin and Vince McMahon, Ric Flair, Undertaker and Hulk Hogan, The Shield, Sting, and The Nation of Domination.

-Degeneration X made their ring entrance – Shawn Michaels, Triple H, Road Dogg, and Sean “X-Pac” Waltman. Kurt Angle also followed them out. (For a second, I wondered if he was just confused, since he wasn’t introduced.) Graves said DX is the group responsible for what is now known as the Attitude Era. When Road Dogg did his intro spiel, he began to introduced “Bad Ass” when he turned and saw Angle. Road Dogg asked what he was doing out there. Angle said, “I always wanted to be in DX.” He took off his red t-shirt and revealed a DX t-shirt. Michaels told Angle he’ll have to pass a test if he wants to be in. Triple H asked, “Are you ready?” Angle asked, “Is that the test?” Triple H said,” Never mind.” Triple H asked the crowd loudly, “Are you ready?” Triple H was interrupted by Imperium’s music.

Gunther, Ludvig Kaiser, and Giovani Vinci walked out. Kaiser said, “Shame on you for all that filth and nonsense.” Gunther said they’re celebrating themselves for making a mockery of “this great sport.” He said they are there to kick them out of their ring unless any of them can do something about it. Triple H stepped up, but then backed down and said, “I’m retired, dude.” Fans chanted “HBK! HBK!” He said he’s too old. Waltman said they’re leaving it up to him, but he has a bad case of shin splints. Road Dogg backed off too. Triple H asked everyone to huddle up. Angle watched from a few feet away. Triple H then said, “Kurt said he’d fight ya’.” Angle said he wouldn’t. Triple H said they’re in a bit of a jam, and he wishes there was someone who’d like to fight them. Seth Rollins’ music then played.

DX sang the Seth theme song as he entered the ring. Waltman said there’s one Seth and three Imperium members. He said it’d be great if there was a team who could even things out. The Street Profits then came out. Road Dogg said someone has to make this official. Triple H asked why everyone is looking at him. “This booking stuff isn’t easy, you know? It’s not like you can make decisions on the fly and everyone does what you want. If only someone could come out and make sense of this situation.” Out came Teddy Long, dancing his way onto the stage. (Whew. That felt like it was setting up Mr. McMahon to walk out.) Long then booked the six-man tag match, stating it like it was a novel resolution to everyone standing in the ring. Michaels said they could use a special referee. They huddled up again, but excluded Angle. Angle insisted he had an idea. He took off his DX shirt and revealed a red, white, and blue referee shirt. Triple H said Angle should be the special guest referee.

(2) THE STREET PROFITS (Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins) & SETH ROLLINS vs. IMPERIUM (Gunther & Giovani Vinci & Ludvig Kaiser)

The match began 36 minutes into the hour. Jerry Lawler joined the announcers on commentary. Lawler asked where Michael Cole was. Graves said he’s missing out. Lawler said he thinks he’s been part of more Raws than anyone. He said most of the Legends backstage are being held up by their varicose veins. Lawler said he was wearing the same outfit he wore on the first Raw. Lawler called Patrick on pronouncing “Th” with just a “T” sound. Graves said it’s a wonder they let him call the “tirtiest anniversary” of Raw. They cut to a split-screen break at 4:00. [c/ss]

Gunter cut off Seth as he went for a running dive and scored a near fall. Seth made a comeback and landed an Angle slam right in front of Angle. Angle smiled. Kaiser absorbed a triple-team blockbuster. Vinci then got slammed by Dawkins, frog splashed by Ford, and stomped by Seth for the three count. Graves stepped on Lawler’s post-match joke.

WINNERS: Rollins & Profits in 13:00.

-They cut backstage to the poker game. Corbin presented DiBiase with four aces. DiBiase slammed his cards down and left as Corbin and JBL picked up the pile of cash. I.R.S. showed up and told them not to forget to pay their taxes. He put all of their money in his briefcase except for one $100 bill. Simmons then showed up and said, “Damn!”

-Patrick hyped that Charlotte Flair would be out next. [c]

-More Raw freeze-frames were shown including the return of Cody Rhodes and Vince McMahon’s limousine exploding.

-Cathy Kelley interviewed Lashley backstage about facing Theory. She asked why it became a no DQ match. He said that means no excuses and no way out. He said he’d still be U.S. Champion if not for Brock Lesnar. He said he dealt with Brock, and now he’s going to tear Theory apart and win his title back. MVP walked up and asked Kelly to leave so he could have a word with Lashley. (She left with the mic, yet there was no dropoff in being able to hear them talk. Hmmm.) He offered help and then said they could celebrate later together. Lashley said he doesn’t need his help to win the title back and he wants to handle his business on his own. MVP snarled a bit as Lashley walked away.

-Ric Flair walked out to his music in a yellow suit with black paint splotched all over it. He said diamonds are forever and so is Monday Night Raw. He let out a “wooo.” He said WWE has given him so much, but the greatest gift they’ve given him is to watch his daughter exceed all of his goals. He said he is so honored as a father and a wrestler and a man to introduce her. He called her the greatest women champion in the history of WWE. Charlotte Flair then walked out. Graves said Ric meant every word he just said.

[HOUR THREE]

Charlotte said it was on Raw where they began to revolutionize women’s wrestling. She said it’s where she evolved from a Diva to the 14-time women’s champion. She let out a “woo!” She listed opponents Ronda Rousey, Nikki and Bri Bella, Asuka, and Rhea Ripley. (Interesting list because of who was included and especially excluded.) She said while she is Smackdown Champion, Raw will always be her home. Bianca Belair interrupted. She skipped and danced and twirled her pony tail on the way to the ring.

Fans chanted “EST!” when her music stopped. Belair said she respects everything Charlotte has done for the business. She said, “Just not here, because I go here now.” She said she does everything she can to be sure Raw is the greatest show on television. She was then interrupted by Sonya Deville’s music. Sonya said she is sorry to break up the pow-wow, but this is a big night in Raw history and all they’re doing is talking about themselves. She asked if it was necessary to fly her daddy to Raw for a big introduction to a show she’s not even wanted on. She asked Belair if she really thinks people watch Raw because of her. She said what about those on Raw who don’t get the spotlight every week. She said she used to run the show and was the Raw General Manager for over a year. She wanted recognition. Charlotte said she owes her for the cheapshot last Friday. She told Belair to handle her. Belair said it’d be her pleasure. Belair told Deville to get in the ring “and be the center of my attention.” Belair’s music played as they cut to a break. [c]

(3) BIANCA BELAIR vs. SONYA DEVILLE

The match began 11 minutes into the hour. They cut to a break at 5:00. [c]

Back from the break, Belair made a comeback and delivered her K.O.D. for the win.

WINNER: Belair in 9:00.

-Afterward, Belair said she hasn’t forgotten about Alexa Bliss. She said that was just a preview of what she’ll do to Bliss at the Rumble. Bliss interrupted on the big screen from backstage. Bliss said she is her only obstacle. She said she doesn’t need Uncle Howdy or Bray Wyatt to tear her face open with her bare hands. She said she’ll spare her eyes so she can watch her walk out with the Raw Championship.

-They went to Graves and Patrick at ringside. They threw to a video package on Cody Rhodes’s journey back from injury. Cody talked about wanting to return not just to compete in the Royal Rumble match, but win it. [c]

-More freeze-frames aired of various Raw moments over the decades.

-Patrick threw to a video package on John Cena on the cover of the next WWE video game whom he introduced as a “Hollywood icon, record-setting philanthropist, and 16-time world champion.”

-Miz stood in the ring as his music faded. He was angry that he didn’t get a Miz TV segment on the show. He touted that he’s the first-ever grand slam champion in the history of WWE. Fans began cheering. Miz thought it was for him. Owens entered the ring and gave him a Stunner. Owens stood mid-ring as some fans chanted “KO!” He addressed Roman Reigns. He said he might have said Sami isn’t guilty, but he’s guilty of holding the Raw title hostage for over two years. He gave everyone his word that he will do everything he can on Saturday to change that and give everyone a champion they can be proud of. He said he’ll keep fighting until he has nothing else. He said he’ll take the title from him or he’ll die trying. Miz stood, so Owens gave him another stunner.

(Keller’s Analysis: Good segment. Basic and to the point.)

-The announcers hyped the Royal Rumble line-up.

-Austin Theory began his ring entrance. [c]

(4) AUSTIN THEORY vs. BOBBY LASHLEY – U.S. Title match

Lashley made his ring entrance. The bell rang 46 minutes into the hour. Lashley clotheslined Theory over the top rope seconds into the match. They cut to an early split-screen break. [c/ss]

They fought at ringside during the break. Lashley was in control after the break. Theory slid a table into the ring a couple minutes later, but Lashley fought back and gave Theory a faceplant. He threw Theory into a chair Theory had wedged in the corner. Lashley then set up the table in the corner. Theory sprayed Lashley with a fire extinguisher at ringside and then threw him into the ringside steps. They cut to another split-screen break at 8:00. [c/ss]

Theory shot the extinguisher in the air at ringside and gloated. Lashley eventually made a comeback during the commercial break and landed a superplex. Back from the break, they battled near the table. Lashley slammed Theory and then charged, but Theory kneed him in the jaw as he charged. Lashley countered into a Hurt Lock. Theory mule-kicked Lashley. Lashley slammed Theory through a table. Both were down and slow to get up. Brock Lesnar’s music played. He walked out with a big smile on his face. Graves said he’s the man who cost Lashley the U.S. Title in the first place. Lesnar gave Lashley an F5 mid-ring. Fans seemed to have mixed feelings since Lesnar was helping Theory, it seemed. Lesnar then gave Theory an F5 onto Lashley. The ref counted to three. They abruptly cut away.

WINNER: Theory 14:00 to retain the U.S. Title.

(Keller’s Analysis: A flat finish. Certainly disappointing there wasn’t any Steve Austin on the show, also, given how much he meant to Raw surviving to the ten year anniversary. The no-DQ stip almost always portends a lame interference finish rather than a more satisfying match. The crowd didn’t love Lesnar doing what he did there.)