The momentous 25th anniversary show for WWE Raw is live tonight from the Manhattan Center and the Barclays Center in New York. Here is a quick preview to get you ready:
Expect Intercontinental Champ Roman Reigns’ feud with former champ, The Miz, to heat up. And of course the return of so many wrestling legends from years gone by.
Jerry “The King” Lawler and Jim Ross are at the Manhattan Center at the old school Raw set up while Booker T, Corey Graves, and Michael Cole are at the Barclays Center.
(Barclays Center) In Ring: Shane McMahon and Stephanie McMahon
Stephanie and Shane McMahon started the show in the ring. On behalf ot the McMahon family, Shane thanked every superstar who has ever stepped foot in the ring and all the behind-the-scenes personnel who helped put the show on each week. Shane thanked the fans for making Raw the success that it is. Shane introduced a video of Raw’s greatest moments. It featured Daniel Bryan, Edge and Ric Flair’s retirement. The Ultimate Warrior speech the day before he died. Shane’s return, along with Kurt Angle. Austin spraying Vince McMahon and the Rock with beer.
After the video, Stephanie said they have one special person to thank for all of this, someone who had the courage that it took to make Raw the success that it is, Vince McMahon. He came out to a huge babyface reception. Cole mentioned that Vince, Randy Savage and Rob Bartlett were the announcers on the first Raw. Fans chanted “Thank you, Vince.” Stephanie joked that her father may be hard of hearing but they’re saying “Thank you, Vince.” Vince said he’s typically not someone who smells the roses and tonight he’s going to smell the roses. Vince started to leave, but Stephanie stopped him and said she had a present for him. It was a gift from people all over the world, she started a GoFundMe account for a plaque commemorating 25 years of Monday Night Raw. Vince looked put off by the fact that it was only a plaque and said it felt cheap, but then again they were in Brooklyn. Vince heeled on the crowd saying all he received was a plaque. Vince said plaque is what is on everyone’s teeth. After 25 years of what he’s done for fans, all he received was a plaque? After 25 years, he had one person to thank, and it wasn’t any members of his family or any of the fans, that person was himself. He didn’t need anyone else but him.
Then Stone Cold’s music hit and the place acted like Elvis just awoke from the dead. Stephanie vanished at this point as Austin did his typical entrance. He looked in good shape. Vince said it’s been a long time since he and Austin have been in the ring together. He said Austin looked great but Mother Nature hasn’t been as kind to him. He claimed to be a member of the AARP now, lived in a retirement community, had arthritis problems and is now a senior citizen. But he said Shane was in his prime. Austin and Shane shook hands. Austin raised Shane’s arm, then gave him a stunner. Vince grabbed some Miller Lites from a stagehand and said “I don’t blame you. He had it coming.” Crowd chanted “One more time.” Vince said he didn’t think Shane could take one more. Steve grabbed a beer, spilt some of it on Vince’s suit. Steve took a big gulp. Vince took a small sip. They hugged as Austin’s music played. Vince started to leave but noticed Austin wasn’t leaving. Steve and Vince tapped beers again, and Austin finally stunned Vince to a huge pop. Shane awoke at this point, only to take another stunner.
Eight Women Tag Match: Nia Jax, Alicia Fox, and Absolution w/Paige vs Bayley, Sasha Banks, Mickie James, and Asuka
Before the match starts Jax attacks Asuka from behind. A huge brawl breaks out. The referee eventually gains control. The bell ring and Asuka tears into Deville. Running hip attack by Asuka. Asuka lays into Deville with stiff kicks. Deville rolls out of the ring to avoid Asuka’s rage. After a short break, Asuka and Banks double suplex Rose. Rose scrambles and tags in Jax. Banks drops Jax with a dropkick to the knee followed by a running knee. Bank hits the ropes and Jax slams her down to the mat. The heels trap Banks in the corner and work her over.
After a brawl breaks out on the outside, Banks puts Fox in the Banks Statement for the submission victory. As the babfyfaces posed, Asuka turned on her teammates, throwing Mickey James over the top rope. She leveled Bayley with a roundhouse kick and threw her over the top. As Banks tried to give Asuka a back stabber, but Asuka blocked it, gave Banks a backhand and threw her over the top, as well. Asuka got a mixed reaction as she let it be known she was standing on her own and didn’t need help.
Winners- Bayley, Sasha Banks, Mickie James, and Asuka – Banks Statement Submission On Fox
Raw General Manager Kurt Angle talked with a referee backstage about not allowing Braun Strowman to run wild tonight. Jonathan Coachman walked in and said he was glad to see so many of his old friends tonight. They Harvey Wimpleman and the Brooklyn Brawler walked in. Teddy Long, looking very skinny, came in, as well. Then Brother Love showed up saying he loved everyone. Love and Coachman could figure out how to shake hands. Then the Boogeyman walked in with worms coming out of his mouth. The Boogeyman handed Coachman worms straight from his tongue and left.
Ross and Lawler were back at the Manhattan Center. Lawler said he enjoyed the women’s match but he was waiting for the arrival of the puppies. Ross said the Undertaker has an unprecedented legacyand threw it to a package of the Undertaker’s highlights on Raw over the years, starting with a match from the very first edition of Raw against Damien Demento.
The Undertaker came out in the Manhattan Center to “Holy S___” chants and a Howard Finkel introduction. His biceps looked pretty toned for a 52-year-old man. Undertaker said the carnage began on this sacred ground of evil 25 years ago. For 25 years, he’s been digging holes and any person who dared step foot into the dark side got buried. For 25 years, he’s taken legends, ripped them off their pedestals and thrown them into the cold, dark Earth. Undertaker said Austin, Mick Foley, and even his own flesh and blood Kane answered to the reaper. They all tried and failed. Undertaker said now, on this sacred ground, he declared for all of those who have fallen, it is truly time you rest in peace. Crowd chanted for one more match as Taker said his catchphrase and he looked annoyed that everyone was chanting as he finished. Ross and Lawler wondered what Taker meant by those words, whether it was a warning to the rest of the roster or something else.
The APA Protection office was open. JBL and Farooq were playing cards with Heath Slater and Rhyno. Slater thought he had a winning hand with a pair of threes. JBL showed him a full house. Then someone walked in, tossed a stack of hundred dollar bills on the table. It was Ted DiBiase, who asked what was their price and he laughed his laugh.
Next was some of the famous Raw GMs. John Laurinaitis (in a bright red suit), William Regal (NXT chants), Eric Bischoff (big pop), and Daniel Bryan came out to a big reaction. Bryan shook hands with his father-in-law before leading everyone in “yes” chants. Then the Miz came out with Bo Dallas and Curtis Axel. Miz and Bryan had a staredown.
Intercontinental Championship Match: Roman Reigns (c) vs The Miz w/Bo Dallas and Curtis Axe
Reigns and Miz lock up. Reigns tosses Miz clear across the ring. Miz ducks out of the ring. Miz tries to dive off the top but Reigns floors him with a right hand. Reigns sets up the drive-by. After a distraction from Axel and Dallas, Miz sends Reigns into the ring steps. After the break, Reigns floors Miz with a clothesline. Miz retreats to the corner. Reigns relentlessly batters Miz in the corner with clothesline after clothesline. Running big boot by Reigns. Reigns calls for the Superman Punch. Miz rolls out of the ring. Reigns hits the drive-by, then tosses Miz back into the ring. Reigns misses a shoulder block in the corner. Miz rolls up Reigns (with his feet on the ropes) for a near fall. Miz goes for the It kicks. Reigns counters it into a sit out power bomb. Dallas and Axel pull Miz out of the ring. Reigns hits the drive-by on Axel and Dallas. Reigns takes out Dallas and Axel. Miz attacks Reigns from behind.
Miz tries the Skull Crushing Finale but Reigns escapes and hits the Superman Punch. Miz kicks out. Reigns calls for the Spear. Dallas grabs Reigns foot. Miz hits a clothesline in the corner. The referee kicks Dallas and Axel out. Reigns rolls up Miz but Miz kicks out. Dallas and Axel hop on the apron. Reigns Superman punches them both at the same time. Miz hits the Skull Crushing Finale! Reigns kicks out! Miz tries the Skull Crushing Finale again but Reigns fights him off. Reigns tries to Spear Miz but Reigns goes head first into an exposed turnbuckle. Miz hits the Skull Crushing Finale again! It’s over!
Winner: The Miz Becomes Intercontinental Champ Again
After a video playback, we see Miz removing the turnbuckle pad while Reigns was attacking Axel and Dallas.
Backstage, the APA’s poker game has expanded to Jeff Hardy, The Usos, and MVP.
The Peep Show Returns!
Christian says he thought he has seen it all but his guest tonight one the tag team titles on their first night as a team: Seth Rollins and Jason Jordan! Rollins tries speak but Jordan cuts him off. The crowd boos Jordan mercilessly. Jordan can’t get a word out. Jordan says it’s an honor to be out here. Jordan thanks the crowd for all of their continued support… as they boo the crap out of him. Rollins and Christian both look very uncomfortable witnessing this. Jordan asks the crowd to give his dad a big round of applause for putting this show together tonight. Sheamus and Cesaro interrupt.
Sheamus says everyone is here to see them. The legends lined up to get their autographs earlier. Cesaro says it’s not Jordan’s dad who sucks, it’s Jordan. Cesaro and Sheamus lead the crowd with a “you suck” chant. Jordan attacks Cesaro. Rollins tosses Cesaro and Sheamus out of the ring. Rollins dives over the top onto Sheamus. Jordan holds Cesaro for Rollins. Rollins attempts a springboard knee but Cesaro moves out of the way. Rollins knees Jordan in the face by accident.
Backstage, Charly is with Raw Women’s Champion Alexa Bliss. Charly asks Bliss if she thinks she will still be champion by WrestleMania. Bliss starts to speak but Charlotte interrupts. Charlotte tells Bliss the only reason she is champion on Raw is because Charlotte is on Smackdown. To be the women you have to beat the women. Don’t believe her? Just asks her father, Ric Flair. Flair walks in and says Bliss may be fine but she will not be champ at WrestleMania. Charlotte will be champ today, tomorrow, at WrestleMania and after. Charlotte will be champ until she hangs up her boots. Woo!
Backstage, APA’s poker game has grown even further to include Titus O’Neil, Apollo Crews, Dana Brooke, and Natalya
(Manhattan Center)
Bray Wyatt vs “Woken” Matt Hardy
Hardy lays into Wyatt with rights and lefts. Wyatt almost hits Sister Abigail but Hardy escapes and hits a Russian leg sweep. After a elbow drop to the back of the head, Hardy sets up the Twist of Fate. Wyatt counters and obliterates Hardy with a flying cross body block.
After a short break, Hardy is slamming Wyatt’s head into ever turnbuckle. Wyatt counters Hardy’s bulldog attempts. Wyatt does his lean back taunt. Hardy just yells wonderful and laughs. Side effect by Hardy. Hardy tries the Twist of Fate again. Wyatt sends Hardy throat first into the top rope. Wyatt hits Sister Abigail for the win.
Winner: Bray Wyatt
On the stage at Barclays, they introduce legendary women from Raw’s history, The Bella Twins, Kelly Kelly, Maryse, Torrie Wilson, Lillian Garcia, Michelle McCool, Teri Runnels, Maria Kanellis, Trish Stratus.
Backstage Elias runs into Chris Jericho. Jericho points out that Elias is wearing a bunch of scarfs. Jericho says he wrote a song about him. Jericho asks Elias to borrow his guitar. Elias says no. Jericho says he has his own. Jericho sings that Elias is a stupid idiot who just made the list!
Elias was in the ring and said he couldn’t believe it took WWE 25 years to find him. Crowd knows the WWE stands for “Walk With Elias” catchphrase. Elias wrote a song for all the legends in attendance tonight. Fans chanted “Stupid idiot” sensing Jericho was coming out. Elias said Jimmy Fallon was at ringside, which he was. He got a mixed reaction, which seemed harsh considering all he’s been through over the past six months. Elias sang a song running down Michaels, Jericho, Undertaker, Rock and Fallon.
John Cena came out to everyone in the place singing “John Cena sucks.” Cena got booed pretty roundly. Cena pointed out a beachball in the crowd, which was promptly confiscated to more boos. Elias told Cena to shut his mouth to cheers. Elias said no one wants to hear Cena because they came to hear him and Cena ruined it. Cena told him to do something about it and took off his shirt. Elias said that’s not how it works. Elias won’t take orders from Cena or these Brooklyn scumbags.
Elias started to leave, but then tried to attack Cena from behind. Cena saw it coming and gave him a five knuckle shuffle, a Blue Thunder Driver, the Five Knuckle Shuffle. He went for the AA, but Elias escaped and gave him a low blow. Elias left the ring, got his guitar and smashed it across Cena’s back. There were some yes chants. Elias gave Cena Drift Away. Elias wore a Johnny Cash t-shirt where Cash is shown flipping the middle finger to the camera and they were extra careful how to shoot him. He had to wear a scarf to cover it up.
Backstage, The New Day has joined the APA poker game. Brooke outs Slater for cheating and we finally get out Ron Simmons “DAMN”!
Backstage, Mark Henry is walking. Henry runs into The Godfather. Godfather introduces Henry to his lady friend. Godfather tells his friend that Henry used to be known as Sexual Chocolate. Henry asks the young lady her name again. Godfather tells Henry to slow down. That’s Godfather’s wife.
Heath Slater and Rhyno vs Titus O’Neil and Apollo Crews w/Dana Brooke
O’Neil chips Rhyno before tagging in Crews. Crews catches Slater with a dropkick. Crews lifts Slater up for a delay vertical suplex.
The match went through a commercial before the referee ordered a double DQ since both teams were fighting with each other.
Winner: No Contest – Double DQ
The Dudley Boyz came out as O’Neil, Crwes, Slater and Rhyno left the ring and debated who would challenge the Dudleys. Then O’Neil, Rhyno and Crews threw Slater in the ring. Bubba Ray Dudley slammed Slater. Devon delivered Wazzup, or as Graves called it “Dilly Dilly.” Then they gave Slater the 3-D through a table. Rhyno shook hands with Devon, perfectly willing to watch his tag partner get slaughtered.
A.J. Styles did an interview with Caruso. Styles said this was the 25th anniversary of Raw and he arranged for someone to do the interview with him. Styles introduced Mean Gene Okerlund, who said Styles has his hands full in a 2-on-1 handicap match on Sunday. Styles started the promo with “Well, let me tell you something Mean Gene,” like he was Hulk Hogan. Styles said he was going to walk into the ring against Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn, who were going to try to become co-WWE Champions. Styles said he will put a ringing in their ears that sounds like “the winner and still WWE Champion, A.J. Styles.”
In the Manhattan Center, HHH and Michaels came out to the Degeneration X entrance. Michaels said everybody has been asking him what his favorite moment over 25 years and he can’t remember 25 minutes ago. Michaels said one of his favorite things was when they had the sausage kielbasa. HHH stopped him from telling the story. Michaels got a cheesy WWE Network plug. HHH put over how Raw started 25 years ago and put over the fans for lighting a spark that turned into an inferno that became the WWE. 25 years later, DX was there because of the fans. HHH said 20 years ago, he and Michaels started DX. They would walk to the ring with “Ravishing” Rick Rude and Chyna and do whatever the hell they felt like doing and felt like saying whatever the hell they felt like saying.
DX was at the forefront of everything on Raw, whether it was driving to the front door of Monday Nitro and starting a war or showing up to the 25th anniversary of Raw because the Manhattan Center was home. HHH said DX was going to be at the forefront of Raw for the next 25 years. HHH said didn’t come alone. Road Dogg and Billy Gunn came out. Dogg did his old ring entance minus the word “ass.” Dogg said they didn’t come alone. X-Pac came out. Crowd chanted “1-2-3.” X-Pac said they can’t have a 25th anniversary of DX without someone special. Scott Hall walked out to Raxor Ramon’s theme. They abruptly cut to a break as Hall walked out.
Hall was in the ring after the commercial. Hall said everybody knows you can’t have a party on Raw without the bad guy. He’s been watching tonight’s Raw from both locations and this was just too sweet. Then Finn Balor, Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows walked out and had a faceoff with DX. Fans chanted “Too Sweet.” HHH held up the Cliq signs and Balor, Anderson and Gallows returned the favor like total babyfaces. It was like DX was passing the torch to the Balor Club. Then the Revival walked out. Ross announced that Dash Wilder and Scott Dawson were out to face Anderson and Gallows.
The Revival (Scott Dawson & Dash Wilder) vs Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson
Dawson and Wilder attack Gallows and Anderson from behind. The Revival beat down Anderson. Anderson manages to tag in Gallows who clears the ring. Gallows and Anderson hit the Magic Killer on Wilder for the win.
Winners: Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson
Postmatch, Dawson got in Hall’s face. Hall threw the toothpick in Dawson’s face. X-Pac gave Dawson the X-Factor. Gunn delivered the Famouser. Wilder got up to take a superkick from Michaels and the Pedigree from HHH. Then DX told Balor to give Wilder the Coup de Grace, and he complied. Gunn did the “two words” line. HHH rose Balor’s arm as they cut back to the Barclays Center.
Angle came out with JBL, Faarroq, Bischoff, Christian, Brother Love, Coachman, Wippleman, Goldust, Godfather, Boogeyman, the Usos, Rhyno, MVP, the New Day, Elias, Crews, the Usos, Curt Hawkins, O’Neil, Cesaro, Sheamus, Dallas, Axel, Regal, and others to surround the ring as Strowman, Kane and Lesnar came out. About eight guys stood between Kane and Strowman came out in the ring. Paul Heyman came out to introduce something relevant, someone relevant because there’s nothing more relevant than the champion, who is his client. And his client was here for a fight. Heyman said his fighter is ready because he is the most relevant personality in the history of Raw. He introduced Lesnar and everyone scattered. Strowman clotheslined Kane, but Lesnar clotheslined Strowman. Lesnar gave Kane the F-5. Strowman clotheslined Lesnar over the top rope, then tossed him into the barricade. Strowman cleared off the announcer’s table at ringside and powerslammed Lesnar through the table. Strowman posed to end a night full of superstars.