It’s a big go-home RAW In A Nutshell, and it’s almost Royal Rumble time, with the year’s first premium live event happening this Saturday.
Yes, it is the go-home show. The red brand is taking over New Orleans before they head to the Sunshine State for Saturday’s fun.
Going into this week’s show, the biggest thing looming is the Seth Rollins situation. He reportedly sustained a knee injury during last week’s title defense.
Here are WWE Raw results from last week and every episode of year.
What that means for Rollins moving forward on the Road to WrestleMania remains to be seen. We expect to learn more tonight.
The other really big item on the agenda? For the first time since both men called AEW home, we get to see Cody Rhodes and CM Punk…face to face.
That one should be must-see TV.
But, for now, it’s time for…
RAW In A Nutshell: It’s Almost Royal Rumble Time
Let’s crack open this Nutshell and see what happens!
Best Match of the night:
Sorry, not sorry, but the match of this night wasn’t a match at all.
Punk and Rhodes are money on the mic by themselves. Put them face to face to cut promos on one another?
Just top notch. Crowd was hot for it, some of the best mic work this year (yes, a little joke there).
They hit all the obvious points, and some less so. And it left me wishing both could win the match…though I doubt we would get a situation where they both went out at the same time to end it.
Worst match of the night:
The women’s tag belts need more love, as does the division.
Tonight’s match was just not it, but it was in a bad spot too.
Crowd Chants of the Night:
Hot for Rhodes
Hotter for Punk.
Smoldering when both were staring each other down
Star of the Night
Rhodes and Punk. This was super easy.
Honorable mention to Seth Rollins and GUNTHER. Did not expect WWE to go that route, but I liked it.
Spot of the Night:
Say whatever you want about spots being called or scripted or whatever.
Chad Gable doing what he did, to and with Ivar? Crazy.
Jobber of the Night:
Indi and Candace kind of did the job, did they not?
Upset of the Night:
None come to mind
Holy Sh** Moment of the Night:
That entire segment was fire.
Botch of the night:
GUNTHER did an oops and said he was winning the Rumble on Sunday. I mean, that would probably be an easier Rumble to win…with no one else there.
I can’t remember the last time I spotted one from him…but Dom had issues rolling up The Miz tonight.
To be fair, sure, it could have been a failure by both, but it was predominantly Dom who looked bad in the process.
Commentary of the night:
Nothing stands out
LOL Moment of the night:
Truth had a pile of cash to give Priest from the sales of his Tom and Nick Mysterio shirts.
You almost think WWE needs to sell those for real, just because.
Noteworthy Moment:
I mean, I would be sort of mad if we saw a spot wasted on him…but Tampa resident Hulk Hogan now teasing he could be in the Rumble?
Hulk Hogan Makes A Real Life Save
An appearance, with this being the 40th anniversary of Hulkamania? OK, fine.
Just…not a Rumble match spot, please.
Becky has had a rough run the last few weeks, but WWE still finds a way to tease her and Rhea…
Overall lowlights:
A few minor complaints perhaps, but overall, it was a strong show top to bottom.
Slower start with Rollins and his bad news, but even that turned around quick enough.
Overall highlights:
After a night like this, you can tell it is almost Royal Rumble time.
Rollins is still the champ. GUNTHER calling his shot if/when he wins, wanting Rollins.
I honestly thought he would give Seth grief for the goofy attire and over the top flamboyance.
I give the creative folks kudos for NOT having Priest cash in and take the belt off of Seth.
Drew and Priest was much better than I expected, for a match I had no interest in.
After the final bell:
It’s all said and done. Saturday is right around the corner, and it could be a Rumble for the ages.
We have a lot of spots open, so we will (or I will) naturally hope for some quality surprises.
Will Punk win? What about Cody? Or GUNTHER…or someone else entirely?
This time next week, all will be revealed.
