BY JITU JANGIR
Here is the live coverage for this week's Monday Night Raw which is scheduled to air on January 22, 2024, at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, LA. ##
Monday Night Raw currently airs live on Monday evenings on the USA Network from 8:00 ET–11:00 PM ET in the United States. WWE Raw starts live at 1 am in the UK on BT Sport 1 on Tuesday mornings. ##
WWE Raw Time In Australia: It airs live on Tuesdays at 10 am (AEST) on Fox8 ##
WWE Raw Time In Canada: It airs live every Monday at 8 Am on Sportsnet 360 ##
WWE Raw Time In South Africa: The show also airs live on Supersport in South Africa on Tuesdays at 02:00 am CAT ##
Raw Time In Italy: In Italy, Raw airs live on Dplay 2:00 pm ##
WWE Raw Time In India: Raw airs live on Sony Ten 1 HD and Sony Ten 1 in India at 6:30 am ##
WWE Monday Night Raw, January 22, 2024: Live Coverage ##
World Champion Seth Rollins makes his entrance, donning a knee brace that hints at recent challenges.##
As Seth soaks in the crowd's cheers, he becomes emotional when they chant, 'Thank You Seth.'##
Addressing the audience, Seth expresses gratitude for their support, acknowledging that it's been a challenging week. Recalling his recent title defense against Jinder Mahal, he recounts feeling his knee buckle during a moonsault. Despite finishing the match, Seth later realized the severity of the injury, disclosing a grade 2 MCL tear and another tear. Surgery could sideline him for three to four months, potentially jeopardizing his Wrestlemania participation.##
Seth admits the uncertainty of his future and emphasizes the day-by-day approach to his recovery.##
Imperium's entrance interrupts, with Gunther entering the ring while Kaiser and Vinci wait outside. Seth tells them to make their point if they intend to.##
Gunther states that Kaiser and Vinci have a later match, leaving Seth as his focus. Gunther seizes the opportunity to share his thoughts on Seth's career, acknowledging the tough journey as a workhorse champion who fought for every victory. Gunther expresses sympathy for Seth's current predicament, hinting at a shared desire for a champion who brings honor to the title. Seth urges Gunther to speak his mind.##
Gunther reveals his admiration for Seth's determination but confesses sadness at seeing him potentially miss Wrestlemania. Seth interrupts, asserting his defiance against medical predictions, vowing to carry the title into Wrestlemania despite the challenges.##
Gunther applauds Seth's resilience but announces his intention to win the Royal Rumble and select Seth as his Wrestlemania opponent. He pledges to exploit Seth's vulnerabilities, targeting the injured knee and everything less than 100% to become the World Champion.##
Seth acknowledges Gunther's honesty, appreciates the challenge, and extends a handshake. Gunther, accepting the handshake, reminds Seth to remember who's coming after him.##
Meanwhile, Xavier Woods and Kofi Kingston storm the scene, attacking Kaiser and Vinci, escalating the brawl within and around the ring. ##
Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods vs Ludwig Kaiser and Giovanni Vinci ##
The match is underway, and we join in with Vinci executing a running crossbody on Kofi. Vinci follows up with chops and kicks, while Kofi responds with punches. After an Irish whip, Kofi counters with a missile dropkick. He continues with kicks, and Woods tags in. Together, they deliver a series of kicks to Vinci in the corner. Woods adds a forearm and some chops. Vinci retaliates with a hot shot and a Northern Lariat.##
Kaiser tags in and unleashes punches on Woods, adding a kick to the chest. He then pummels Woods in the corner with chops and kicks. Woods fights back with chops and an enzuigiri after blocking a kick. Kaiser rolls to the floor, and Vinci follows suit with a back body drop on Woods. Kaiser sends Woods into the ringside barrier, with Kofi distracting the referee.##
During the commercial break, action continues, and we return to see Woods and Vinci exchanging chops. Vinci targets Woods' knee with a kick and attempts an Irish whip, but Woods counters with a thrust kick. Kaiser tags in, as does Kofi. Kofi enters with a springboard chop, knocking Vinci off the apron. He then delivers punches, clotheslines Kaiser over the top rope, and executes suicide dives on Vinci and Kaiser. Kofi punches Kaiser, and Vinci retaliates with a dropkick through the ropes.##
Woods responds with a dropkick of his own through the ropes, targeting Kaiser and Vinci. The duo delivers punches to Kaiser and Vinci. Kofi sends Kaiser into the ringside barrier, prompting the referee to call for the bell. ##
WINNER: Double Count Out ##
Kofi and Vinci brawl into the crowd, while Woods and Kaiser exchange blows near the timekeeper's area. The fight between Kofi and Vinci continues into the crowd. Woods manages a knee strike, but Vinci retaliates with punches. Vinci sends Woods over the ringside barrier and into the ring post. Kaiser kicks Woods, and Vinci adds a forearm to Kofi. Kaiser retrieves a steel chair, and Vinci punches Kofi. Vinci holds Kaiser as Woods prevents him from hitting Kofi with the chair. Woods engages Vinci with punches, and Woods and Kaiser take the fight to the production case.##
Woods looks around and lifts Kaiser onto his shoulders. Vinci intervenes, and they start punching Woods. Kaiser and Vinci attempt a double suplex through a table, but Kofi intervenes, and all four men crash through the tables.##
After a commercial break, a recap is shown of The New Day and Imperium's intense confrontation.##
The focus then shifts to Drew McIntyre and Damian Priest through a video package.##
In their clubhouse, THE Judgment Day watches the monitor. Rhea reveals that she spoke with Adam Pearce, discovering that he and Finn will defend the tag titles against DIY. Priest insists he isn't looking for fights and warns Rhea against going into Pearce's office. Priest takes responsibility for handling Drew.##
Rhea turns to Dom and JD, expressing frustration that they didn't deal with DIY. She instructs Finn to explain what's so amusing. Finn informs Rhea that he'll be ringside with JD for Dom's match.##
Jackie Redmond interviews Ivy Nile and Maxxine Dupri. Maxxine asserts that Valhalla isn't prepared for Ivy. Julius and Brutus arrive, and Ivy confidently assures them that she has the situation under control. ##
Ivy Nile (with Maxxine Dupri) vs Valhalla ##
Ivy gets Valhalla back up, but Valhalla retaliates by raking Ivy's eyes. Ivy responds with a snapmare, but Valhalla counters with a knee and punches in the ropes.##
Meanwhile, Nikki Cross is seen pacing at the stage.##
Valhalla delivers a running forearm on the floor, sending Ivy back into the ring. Ivy responds with a forearm, and Valhalla counters with a headbutt. Ivy misses a few kicks, but connects with a round kick. Ivy follows up with an uppercut and European uppercut. She executes a headscissors takedown.##
Valhalla counters with a pop-up headbutt, utilizing the ropes. The referee stops the count, prompting Valhalla to accuse Maxxine of distracting her. Valhalla misses a knee strike, and Ivy ends up on the apron. Valhalla delivers an elbow and sets up for a superplex. Ivy turns the tables, sending Valhalla into the ring post. Ivy then hits a super bulldog for the three-count. ##
WINNER: Ivy Nile ##
In the hallway, Kofi and Xavier are joined by Jey Uso, who expresses pride in their performance. Jackie interrupts and questions them about Imperium, asking where it all ends.##
Woods explains that they're tired of newcomers walking into WWE without respecting their accomplishments. Kofi emphasizes that despite their other ventures, they're twelve-time champions for a reason. Kofi reveals their intention to challenge Gunther for the IC Title next week, expressing their desire to face the big boss.##
As Kofi and Xavier leave, KAIenFiVE is seen walking in the background before the show cuts to commercial.##
Nia Jax enters the ring, addressing her past encounters with Rhea Ripley and Becky Lynch. Nia dismisses the idea that Rhea and Becky are concerned about her and asserts her determination to crush their dreams on the road to Wrestlemania.##
Becky Lynch's music interrupts, and she confronts Nia, acknowledging Nia's victory but emphasizing her unpopularity in the locker room. Becky contemplates whether she'll enjoy winning the Royal Rumble for the second time or witnessing Nia's loss.##
Bayley's entrance interrupts, and she declares her intention to win the Royal Rumble and point at the sign. Nia attacks Becky, then Bayley, with Becky retaliating with a uranage to Bayley. Nia sends Becky over the top rope, but it's not a Royal Rumble match, saving Becky from elimination. Nia concludes the segment with a leg drop to Bayley.##
The show transitions to a "By the Numbers" video for the Royal Rumble.##
In the backstage area, Becky encounters Rhea Ripley, who warns her to make other plans for Wrestlemania.##
Footage is shown of Miz advising Truth to be cautious with THE Judgment Day and not to tag in. Truth expresses concern about the Mysterio brothers, mentioning Tom and Nick. Miz reassures Truth that it's just one guy as Truth walks away. ##
Dominik Mysterio (with Finn Balor and JD McDonagh) vs Miz ##
They engage in a lock-up, and Dom maneuvers Miz into the corner. After pushing Miz on the break, they lock up again and head back into the corner. Miz teases a chop, causing Dom to flinch. Miz executes two arm drags, but Dom evades a third attempt. Miz dodges a kick, securing a near fall with a roll-up. Dom retaliates with a kick, and Miz responds with a clothesline, followed by kicks and punches. The referee intervenes as Miz is pulled out of the corner, allowing Dom to deliver a knee kick and punch. Miz is sent to the floor in front of Finn and JD, with Finn landing a punch while the referee is distracted. Dom follows up with a suicide dive.##
Back in the ring, Dom sends Miz into the ropes and executes a slingshot senton for a near fall. Dom continues with punches, and Miz responds with chops and a knee to the midsection. Miz executes an Awesome Clothesline and kicks at JD. However, JD's distraction enables Dom to kick Miz off the apron to the floor.##
After a commercial break, both competitors are down. Miz delivers punches to Dom, who counters with a kick to the knee. Miz rebounds with clotheslines and follows up with the Reality Check for a near fall. Miz gets momentarily distracted by Finn, and Dom capitalizes with an O'Connor Roll for a near fall. Miz retaliates with a near fall of his own. Dom goes down, and Miz executes a dropkick to Finn through the ropes, followed by a head scissors off the apron to JD. Miz then performs a springboard cross body for another near fall. ##
Miz continues with kicks, a round kick, and a back heel kick. Dom counters by sending Miz into the ropes with a bouncing victory bomb. Miz avoids the 619, but Finn intervenes when JD distracts the referee. Dom capitalizes with a successful 619 and follows up with a frog splash for the three-count. ##
WINNER: Dominik Mysterio ##
After the match, Finn Balor seizes the opportunity to attack Miz.##
Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa make their entrance and handle Dom in the aisle. Johnny executes a slingshot spear on JD, and Ciampa delivers punches to Finn before leaving the ring. Johnny sets up JD for Miz's Skull Crushing Finale. As Miz holds JD, Johnny and Ciampa prepare for a super kick and running knee combination. However, Finn intervenes, pulling JD to safety just in time.##
Damian Priest is interviewed by Jackie, who asks about his upcoming match against Drew McIntyre. Priest congratulates Dom for handling his business.##
R-Truth interrupts the interview, presenting more money for Priest from the Tom and Nick shirts. Priest appreciates the humor but states he has serious business tonight, hinting at his match against Drew.##
Priest emphasizes that Drew talks about being real and recalls Drew's past struggles when he was considered the man around. He asserts his determination to become champion, and tonight Drew will face the consequences.##
The show goes to commercial.##
Upon return, Bronson Reed asserts that both he and Jey Uso aspire to be singles champions in WWE. Reed challenges Jey to a match next week, intending to make an example out of him. ##
Footage is shown of Chad Gable training for his match against Ivar, sparring with Otis. Maxxine reveals a new Alpha Academy product for Chad. ##
Singles Match: Chad Gable vs Ivar ##
Chad delivers a rolling kick and follows it up with a clothesline off the turnbuckles. He continues with chops, but Ivar responds with an Irish whip. Chad floats over, and Ivar counters with a spinning powerslam. Attempting a belly-to-back suplex, Ivar is surprised as Chad lands on his feet and connects with a dropkick. Ivar misses an elbow drop, allowing Chad to unleash uppercuts and a double thrust. Chad follows up with a kick and a swinging neckbreaker, then goes up top for a diving headbutt, securing a near fall.##
Chad applies a waist lock and attempts a German suplex, but Ivar counters with a back elbow. Ivar goes for a suplex, managing to send Chad to the floor, but Ivar's neck bounces off the ropes in the process. Ivar follows up with a splash off the apron before the show goes to commercial.##
Returning from the break, Chad sets up for a superplex, successfully executing it. Footage is shown of Ivar hitting a crossbody against the apron. Chad then delivers a running crossbody, and both men tumble over the top rope to the floor. Ivar misses the "spin kick of doom," hitting the ring post. Chad responds by sending Ivar with a sit-out powerbomb for a near fall.##
Chad executes a dragon screw and transitions into a victory roll, leading to an ankle lock. Ivar kicks Gable away and hits a seated splash in the corner. Ivar goes to the turnbuckles, landing a leg drop for a near fall. Chad counters the "spin kick of doom" and applies another ankle lock. Ivar struggles to reach the ropes, eventually forcing a break. ##
Ivar retaliates with a powerbomb for a near fall, then ascends to the turnbuckles for a moonsault. However, Chad moves, and Ivar crashes onto the mat. Chad counters with a German suplex and bridge for a near fall. Chad climbs the turnbuckles, but Ivar, with Valhalla showing up and screaming at Chad, reverses with a reverse slam. Ivar then goes back to the turnbuckles, hitting a moonsault for the three-count. ##
WINNER: Ivar ##
CM Punk enters the backstage area, followed by Cody Rhodes. The scene shifts, and Cody Rhodes makes his way to the ring, with CM Punk soon following.##
Punk suggests that they cherish this moment, acknowledging their different paths leading them here. He hopes they'll still be friends come Sunday morning after their match.##
Cody asks Punk what he wants to talk about. Punk shifts the conversation to Cody's father, Dusty Rhodes. Punk recounts Dusty calling him in 2007, asking Punk to watch over his youngest son, Cody, who was training at OVW. Punk expresses pride in Cody's journey from a preliminary wrestler to a main event superstar.##
Punk admits feeling like he's breaking a promise on Saturday, as when the bell rings, he won't be looking out for Cody but looking for him. Punk declares his intention to win the Royal Rumble, even if it means punching Cody in the face.##
Cody acknowledges that he's not alone in thinking about Dusty. He talks about the challenge of living in the shadow of such a legendary figure. Cody emphasizes his efforts to be his own man, not just a shadow but a light. He reflects on his start in OVW, appreciating Punk treating him as a peer and friend. Cody admits the Rumble won't have any friends.##
Punk questions if Cody can separate business from personal, knowing Cody's ties to the wrestling business run deep. Punk mentions his own journey, not having a famous father and not being a nepotism hire. He highlights the burden Cody faced with the Rhodes name and praises him for coming out of that shadow.##
Cody brings up Punk's departure after the "Pipe Bomb" and asserts that Punk dropped the torch, but Cody picked it up. He claims to be more CM Punk than Punk himself.##
Punk, feeling the heat, takes off his sweatshirt and lays down the path to WrestleMania for Cody. He acknowledges Cody's achievements but warns of a bigger superstar lurking in the distance – himself.##
Cody insists on going forward and through Punk at the Royal Rumble. They go face to face, and after a brief pause, both Punk and Cody leave the ring together.##
Punk confidently declares to Wade and Cole that he'll win the Rumble, urging them to put their money on him.##
Cole mentions the upcoming 40th anniversary of Hulk Hogan defeating The Iron Sheik to win the WWF Title and the birth of Hulkamania. ##
The show goes to commercial, and Kayden Carter and Katana Chance are seen at ringside, ready to watch the next match. ##
Candice LeRae and Indi Hartwell vs Shayna Baszler and Zoey Stark ##
Candice and Shayna initiate the match, with Shayna swiftly sending Candice to the mat and delivering a head kick. They engage in a lock-up, and Candice gains the upper hand with arm drags. Zoey gets tagged in, expressing confidence, but Indi tags herself in. Indi punches Zoey, sending her to the apron, and follows up with an uppercut and boot to the head. Indi then sends Shayna to the floor, and Candice performs a unique rope-walking maneuver, sending Zoey into Shayna with a head scissors.##
The action continues after a commercial break, where Zoey manages to kick Indi. Zoey attempts a springboard move off the ropes, but Indi counters with a spinebuster.##
In the locker room, Piper and Chelsea are seen watching the match on a monitor. ##
Candice returns to the match, dealing with Shayna and Zoey using kicks. Candice executes a snap mare on Shayna and follows it up with a step-up Codebreaker to Zoey, who lands onto Shayna. Zoey kicks Indi off the apron, and Candice sends Zoey to the floor. Shayna seizes the opportunity with the Kirifuda Clutch, and Zoey tags in, hitting Z360 for the three-count. ##
WINNER: Shayna Bazeler and Zoey Stark ##
After the match, Katana and Kayden proudly enter the ring, holding up their title belts.##
Suddenly, Kairi Sane and Asuka launch a surprise attack on the champions from behind. Dakota Kai joins them in the ring. ##
In the backstage area, Drew McIntyre is interviewed by Jackie. She inquires about Drew's thoughts on what Cody and Punk said.##
Drew responds, stating that he addressed everything directly with Cody and Punk. He emphasizes winning the Royal Rumble and triumphing at Wrestlemania. Drew expresses concern about Damian Priest's words, acknowledging that things weren't perfect during his championship reign. He's not looking for spin; he was a constant presence in people's lives, and he understands the impact he had on them. Drew asserts that not everyone can have a destiny or a story, and there's only room for one chosen one – and that's him. ##
The show goes to commercial. ##
Singles Match: Drew McIntyre vs Damian Priest ##
They grapple and Drew initiates a side headlock. They jockey for position, but Drew maintains control with another side headlock. Drew executes a shoulder tackle, sending Priest into the ropes, who retaliates with a shoulder tackle of his own. The back-and-forth continues, with Priest landing punches in the corner after an Irish whip. Drew counters with a clothesline out of the corner and follows up with a chop. Priest responds with a punch, forcing Drew to retreat to the floor.##
Taking advantage, Drew catches Priest as he attempts a move off the ring steps, delivering an overhead belly-to-belly suplex on the floor. After returning Priest to the ring, Drew resumes the attack with chops and punches. Priest fights back with a back heel kick, attempting to Irish whip Drew into the ring post. However, Drew halts the move, and Priest redirects Drew into the post, following up with a Broken Arrow onto the announce table before a commercial break.##
Upon returning, Priest focuses on Drew's leg with kicks and forearms. Drew retaliates with chops and punches, but Priest counters with a kick to the back of the leg. The back-and-forth strikes continue, culminating in both men being down. Drew rallies with clotheslines and another overhead belly-to-belly suplex. He follows up with a neckbreaker, setting up for the Claymore, but Priest evades by moving out of the way.##
Priest misses a spinning back heel kick, allowing Drew to execute a spinebuster for a near fall. Priest responds with a forearm and sends Drew into the turnbuckles. Charging into the corner, Priest is met with a kick from Drew. Priest counters with a leaping flatliner for a close two-count.##
Attempting an elbow in the corner, Priest is caught by Drew. Despite kicks to the ribs and leg from Priest, Drew lands a headbutt and ends up on the apron. Drew goes for a move from the top rope but misses, rolling through. Priest capitalizes with a kick to the head and a Falcon Arrow for a near fall. Priest adds a flip dive onto Drew on the floor.##
R Truth makes an appearance with Priest's money, distracting him. Priest shoves Truth down, but this allows Drew to hit a Future Shock. Truth tries to retrieve the password for Priest's briefcase, but Drew intervenes with a forearm. Priest attempts South of Heaven, but Truth distracts the referee, preventing the count. Priest dispatches Truth, but Drew capitalizes with a Claymore for the three-count. ##
WINNER: Drew McIntyre ##
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