BY SACNILK
Here is the live coverage for this week's Monday Night Raw which is scheduled to air on January 29, 2024, at the Amalie Arena in Tampa, FL. ##
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 29, 2024: Live Coverage ##
The Raw after the Rumble kicks off with Jey Uso strutting into the arena, followed by the imposing presence of Imperium earlier in the day. KAIenFive joins the party, hinting at Bayley's imminent arrival. We rewind to Saturday night's epic Royal Rumble, then flash forward to Cody Rhodes making his entrance, looking every bit the victor.##
Pat McAfee, the new co-host of Raw, electrifies the crowd with his arrival, and then CM Punk emerges, his arm shrouded in a sling. Gazing at the Wrestlemania sign, Punk admits he was tantalizingly close, the win seemingly within his grasp. He assures everyone there's no animosity towards Cody, extending heartfelt congratulations. "It's not always about what you deserve, but what you earn," he declares, wishing Cody luck in completing his story.##
However, fate dealt Punk a cruel hand. In the midst of the Rumble's chaos, his right tricep tore. Despite his desperate plea to tape it up and soldier on towards Elimination Chamber, the doctors had other plans. Punk clarifies that pity isn't welcome, despite the crushing blow to his Wrestlemania dream.##
He reflects on a friend battling cancer, Chad Gilbert, whose unwavering spirit puts his own setback in perspective. "That's a fight," Punk asserts, his voice thick with emotion. "This is just a flesh wound." He reminds everyone that being the "Best in the World" isn't about always winning, citing his underwhelming UFC stint.##
Returning to WWE after a decade was exhilarating, yet daunting. "Wrestlemania scares me," he confesses, but this hurdle won't derail him. The title of "Best in the World" belongs to those battling cancer, firefighters, not just entertainers. Punk vows to keep entertaining the fans, the love they shower him with fueling his fire. He's overcome adversity before, and negativity won't hold him back. "Each and every one of you wakes up and keeps going, no matter what," he emphasizes, drawing a parallel between his own struggles and the universal human experience.##
Wrestlemania 40 may be out of reach, but Punk, a true Cubs fan, knows there's always next year. The moment is interrupted by Drew McIntyre's entrance, his music electrifying the air.##
Drew admits to saying terrible things about Punk, acknowledging his own toxicity and attributing it to Punk's return. However, he understands Punk's frustration, having been fired himself. Drew reveals a spiritual shift, admitting he prayed for Punk's downfall in the Rumble. "Who takes the title after Seth?" he asks. "It wasn't gonna be you." Drew sleeps soundly knowing he stopped Punk's dream, claiming victory for himself. He vows to find his way into the World Title match and live Punk's Wrestlemania dream, "again."##
Punk's heart aches more than his tricep. He promises to rehab and reclaim his Wrestlemania destiny, but first, he has unfinished business with Drew. Punches fly as the two engage in a heated brawl, Drew landing a brutal headbutt and stomping on Punk's injured arm. The chaos escalates with Sami Zayn's surprise arrival, sending Drew crashing to the floor.##
We switch gears to The Judgment Day's clubhouse, where Rhea Ripley dismisses Bayley's potential threat. Dom warns Bayley against stepping into their territory, while Rhea promises to handle any challenge. The ominous tone sets the stage for Judgment Day's reign of dominance. ##
Meanwhile, Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa, reunited after seven years, enter the scene, the excitement for their long-awaited tag team run palpable. ##
WWE Men's Tag Team Championships: Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa vs. Finn Balor and Damian Priest ##
The bell rings and Ciampa locks up with Priest, a clash of titans. Priest muscles Ciampa into the corner and lands a thunderous punch, sending him reeling into the turnbuckles. Finn tags in, raining down punches on Ciampa. Finn misses a clothesline, leaving himself open for a Ciampa forearm. Balor retaliates with a punch and elbow, but Gargano tags in, Ciampa following up with a clothesline and Gargano adding a Northern Lariat. They double-team Balor, then clothesline Priest to the floor.##
Ciampa and Gargano soar through the air with pescado dives, landing on Priest and Balor respectively. The DIY bros pat each other on the back, their teamwork on full display. Finn is thrown back into the ring, where Gargano chops him down. Ciampa tags in, Irish whipping Gargano into the corner before landing a knee to Finn's midsection. Priest tags in, Ciampa kicks him away, but Balor catches Ciampa with a headbutt. Priest hoists Ciampa up and slams him back-first into the apron, a brutal maneuver. He throws Ciampa back into the ring and tags in Finn.##
Priest and Balor unleash a barrage of kicks, culminating in a Balor scissors kick that nearly puts Ciampa away. Balor cinches in a reverse chin lock, Ciampa desperately clawing towards his corner. Gargano makes the tag, but Priest distracts the ref, preventing him from seeing it. Priest connects with a kick to Ciampa, and Balor almost steals the win. Priest tags back in, taunting Ciampa before Ciampa fights back with punches and elbows, finally breaking free from the corner. Priest cuts off the tag again, but Ciampa manages a sunset flip for a near fall.##
Priest counters with a rolling elbow and tags in Finn. Ciampa throws punches, Balor sets up for a reverse DDT, but Ciampa counters with one of his own. Gargano tags in, clotheslining Finn and landing a knee. He hits a bulldog-clothesline combo, sending Finn reeling. Finn sends Gargano to the apron, but Johnny counters with a shoulder and a thrust kick to Priest. Gargano connects with a slingshot spear to Finn, nearly securing the victory. Balor responds with an elevated elbow drop, another near fall.##
Ciampa pulls Balor out of the ring, leaving Gargano and Priest one-on-one. Gargano rolls up Priest for a near fall. Priest misses a splash in the corner, and Gargano hits an assisted Asai DDT, coming agonizingly close to winning. Priest blocks Fairy Tale Ending and hits a back body drop, then kicks Gargano off the apron. Priest follows up with a snap mare and Balor connects with a slingshot boot. A Balor backbreaker sets up a Priest leg drop, but it's only good for another near fall. Priest goes for South of Heaven, but Ciampa breaks it up with a knee. Priest counters with a tombstone slam, again getting a near fall, broken up by Gargano.##
Balor climbs to the top rope, but Ciampa crotches him. Gargano hits a slingshot DDT while Ciampa launches himself off the turnbuckles with an Air Raid Crash onto Balor, another near fall. DIY hit their signature knee and superkick combination, but Priest places Balor's leg on the ropes, stopping the referee's count. Ciampa attempts a pescado, but Priest meets him with a forearm. Gargano takes out Priest with a suicide dive. ##
Balor hits an inside cradle on Gargano, then follows up with Sling Blade and a dropkick. Gargano avoids Coup de Grace and locks in La Mistica, transitioning into GargaNo Escape. Ciampa grabs Priest in a Sicilian Stretch, but Priest breaks up the submission with a side slam to Gargano. The battle for Undisputed Tag Team gold rages on, the outcome hanging in the balance. ##
Priest sends Gargano careening face-first into the announce desk, leaving him dazed and disoriented. Ciampa seizes the opportunity, rolling Gargano back into the ring and attempting a quick pin. Priest kicks out just in time, sensing the danger, and tags in a fresh Finn Balor. Priest lays waste to Ciampa with a thunderous Razor's Edge, setting the stage for Balor's Coup de Grace. Balor ascends the turnbuckles, his signature pose a chilling omen for DIY. He leaps off, gravity lending its power to his descent, and connects flush with Ciampa. The impact rattles the ring, and the referee's swift three-count confirms it. ##
WINNERS: The Judgment Day And Still ##
The Judgment Day Segment with R-Truth ##
The bell tolls the end of the battle, and Judgment Day stands triumphant. Priest, with Balor by his side, basks in the roar of the crowd, their Undisputed Tag Team Championship belts gleaming under the arena lights. But Priest isn't done yet. He takes the mic, his voice booming across the arena: "For weeks, you've witnessed a different Judgment Day. A glimpse of our true power. And who do we owe it all to? None other than the one and only..."##
The crowd erupts as R-Truth saunters down the ramp, his signature swagger radiating. He joins Priest and Balor in the ring, basking in the spotlight. "Rise for Judgment Day!" he bellows, the WWE Universe responding with thunderous applause. R-Truth leans into the mic, a playful glint in his eyes. "Truth be told, I haven't slept a wink since that night in the Rumble. Moved mountains, I tell ya, all for my Priest!"##
Priest grins, clapping R-Truth on the back. "Judgment Day's like family, man. We appreciate the hustle." R-Truth nods sagely. "Family, that's what I've been saying! Priest, my older brother, Balor, the cool uncle with the face paint... Dominik..." He trails off, eyeing the young Mysterio with amusement. "Let's just say you're the rebellious cousin we tolerate." Then, turning to McDonagh, he adds, "And JD, well, you're like that step-brother nobody really asked for."##
But before R-Truth can delve deeper into his family analogy, Priest cuts him off. "Hold up, Truth. You're one of us, sure, but never officially. We appreciate the support, but..." He hesitates, a flicker of regret crossing his face. "It ain't right to involve you in this."##
The tension is palpable as Priest's words hang in the air. Suddenly, McDonagh explodes, launching a vicious attack on R-Truth! The chaos erupts, sending shockwaves through the arena. Before R-Truth can retaliate, a familiar theme song rips through the speakers. The Miz, ever the opportunist, charges down the ramp, eager to even the odds. ##
But Judgment Day won't be caught off guard. With Dominik and Balor at their sides, Priest lays waste to The Miz, the numbers game proving insurmountable. ##
Chelsea Green and Piper Niven vs. Shayna Baszler and Zoey Stark ##
The bell rings, and Niven explodes into action, a relentless force barreling towards Stark. She slams her into the canvas, then rocks her with a thunderous back elbow. Baszler, lurking on the apron like a viper, takes a cheap shot at Niven, creating an opening for Stark to capitalize. She connects with a swift kick, and the two Queenslayer disciples tag in, a symphony of brutality taking over the ring. ##
Baszler unleashes a flurry of vicious right and lefts on Niven, relishing the punishment. She then ruthlessly stomps on Niven's already weakened arm, a calculated move to isolate her prey. Green, sensing the urgency, enters the fray and sends Stark reeling with a powerful slam into the middle rope. He charges towards Niven, desperate to tag her in and turn the tide. ##
But Baszler, ever the opportunist, anticipates his move. She snatches Niven off the apron, effectively cutting Green off from his partner. With Green isolated, Stark seizes the moment. She executes her signature Z360, a whirlwind of spinning fury that leaves Green unconscious. The referee's hand slams down three times. ##
WINNER: Shayna Baszler and Zoey Stark ##
Cody Rhodes Segment With Seth Rollins ##
The crowd in Tampa roars, eager to hear Rhodes' next move. He throws the mic back, silencing the cheers for a moment, before asking, "What's on everyone's mind tonight?" A smattering of answers rise from the audience, but Rhodes cuts them off with a grin. "Actually, I had something specific in mind."##
He recalls the sweet symphony of Samantha Irvin's voice declaring him the victor of not just one, but two Royal Rumble matches. "Hearing that '2023 AND 2024' still sends shivers down my spine," he admits, prompting another surge of applause. But beyond the personal glory, Rhodes emphasizes the responsibility that comes with such a title. "WWE is about giving everyone the best escape we can, the kind that leaves them breathless and wanting more. But sometimes," his voice softens, "even Superstars need that escape too."##
He confesses that the past 24 hours haven't been easy. The weight of expectation, the enormity of the decision before him, it's all pressing down. "On Saturday, I needed you," he declares, his gaze sweeping across the sea of faces. "And you were there."##
Before he can delve deeper into his internal struggle, the arena erupts with the familiar strains of Seth "Freakin'" Rollins' theme song. The Architect himself struts down the ramp, a glint of determination in his eyes. He stops before Rhodes, acknowledging the cheers raining down upon the Rumble winner.##
"Tampa's right to celebrate you, Cody," Rollins concedes. "You earned it. We haven't always seen eye-to-eye, but somewhere along the way, respect sprouted between us." He extends a hand, which Rhodes readily grasps.##
Congratulations exchanged, Rollins gets straight to the point. "Winning the Rumble gives you options, and I gotta say, choosing Roman Reigns at WrestleMania would be a mistake." He leans in, his voice a conspiratorial whisper. "Hear me out, Cody."##
Rollins reminisces about the press conference following the Rumble, where Rhodes declared himself "the guy." He challenges the title, "Cody, with all due respect, you're not the guy. Neither is Reigns. I am." He explains that back when there was only one world title, Reigns made sense as the ultimate target. But things have changed.##
"While you were fixated on Roman," Rollins continues, his voice laced with a hint of bitterness, "I've been out there, week after week, defending the World Heavyweight Championship. This title was born from the fans' discontent with Reigns' disappearing act and his penchant for cheating. This belt, Cody, is for us, by us. We leveled the playing field."##
He throws off the shackles of reverence, "We don't have to pretend Reigns is some untouchable deity anymore. So, Cody, tell me, do you want the workhorse title? The one that proves who's the absolute best between the ropes?"##
Rollins stares into Rhodes' eyes, his question hanging heavy in the air. "This is about you, Cody. About the kind of man you want to be. What's in your heart?" ##
Rhodes, visibly moved by the passionate plea, meets Rollins' gaze with equal intensity. "Seth, your respect means the world to me. And believe me, I'll consider your offer carefully." ##
Singles Match: Jey Uso vs. Bronson Reed ##
The bell rings, and the match kicks off as they lock up. Reed backs Jey into the turnbuckle, bulldogging him to the mat. Reed continues to pummel Jey, who is then sent to the floor. Jey retaliates with a suicide dive between the ropes. Reed attempts to launch another attack, but Jey sidesteps, causing Reed to crash into the ring post. ##
Commercial break. ##
We are back live, and Jey is unloading punches on Reed, eliciting a strong reaction from the crowd. Jey executes a Crossbody from the top turnbuckle. Reed gets back on his feet, and Jey attempts a kick, but Reed takes him down and goes for a Swanton Bomb, resulting in a near fall. Jey responds with back-to-back three kicks to bring Reed down, going for the cover, but Reed kicks out. ##
Reed and Jey engage in a struggle on the top rope. Jey lands punches, causing Reed to collapse. Jey goes for a Frog splash, but Reed sidesteps and hoists Jey onto his shoulder for a near fall with a Driver. Reed follows up with a big Splash in the corner and heads to the top for a Tsunami, but Jey evades. ##
Jey goes for a Superkick, positions Reed near the turnbuckle for his move, and executes a Frog splash for the cover, securing the victory in the match. ##
WINNER: Jey Uso ##
We are in the back with Andrade, Adam Pearce, and Nick. Adam has a contract in his hands and informs Nick that he has signed Andrade to Monday Night Raw.##
We are in the back with Gunther, delivering a message for Kofi Kingston ahead of his main event match. ##
Up next, we have an interview with Beck Lynch, she talks about the plans B after failing to win the 2024 Women's Royal Rumble match. ##
WWE Intercontinental Championship Match: Gunther(c) vs. Kofi Kingston ##
The bell rings and they lock up, Kofi strikes quickly, Gunther powers out Kofi, Gunther with a backbreaker, and turns it into a Boston crap as we go to the commercial break. ##
We are back live... Gunther targets the elbow on Kofi's head. Kofi attempts to fight back with a headbutt in the corner; however, Gunther retaliates, forcefully sending Kofi crashing into the turnbuckle. Sporting a smile on his face, Gunther proceeds to slam Kofi into the second turnbuckle. Despite Gunther's attempt at a Boston Crab, Kofi manages to escape.##
Gunther follows up with a slam and a series of Uppercuts. Kofi retaliates with chops of his own, executing a flying elbow to bring Gunther down. Kofi then lands a boot to the face, ascends to the top, and leaps, but Gunther catches him mid-air, going for a Backbreaker and securing a near fall. Gunther then attempts a Boston Crab as we cut to the commercial break. ##
We are back live, Kofi with a flying knee and stuns the champion, Kofi with a Superkick and goes for another move, but Gunther turns it into a Slipper hold, Kofi ducks Gunther to the floor when he tries a Powerbomb, Kofi with Dive, but Gunther sends him into the ring. This time, Kofi sends crashing into the ring post. Kofi gets back into the and goes for two back-to-back Dive between the ropes. Gunther and Kofi back into the ring, Kofi with a near fall. ##
We witness Kofi and Gunther brawling outside the ring. Kofi ascends to the barricade, while Gunther is positioned on the ring steps. Kofi executes a splash from the top, sending Gunther back into the ring. Kofi then climbs to the top and delivers a leg drop for the cover, but Kofi doesn't secure the victory. ##
Gunther now attempts a Boston Crab. Kofi manages to turn it into an inside cradle for a near fall. Eventually, Gunther regains control and defeats Kofi by executing a Powerbomb. ##
WINNER: Gunther and Still ##
Following the match, Woods comes out to check on Kofi. Vinci and Kaiser out of nowhere attack Woods and Kofi. Gunther says that they are done and they retaliates. ##
We are in the back with Sami Zayn, who is asked about his upcoming match against Drew McIntyre. Sami asserts that Drew needs to go through a reality check, and tonight he will make sure to show him up.##
Tag Team Match: The Kabuki Warriors( Asuka & Kairi Sane) vs. Tegan Nox and Natalya ##
Kairi and Nox kick off the match, with Tegan attempting a roll-up for a near fall. Natalya tags in and also secures a near fall on Kairi. Natalya is then taken down with a drop, leading to Kairi tagging in Asuka. In response, Natalya tags in Tegan. Now, it's Asuka versus Tegan, and Asuka is knocked into the turnbuckle. Kairi attempts to intervene, but Natalya executes a snapmare to make the save. ##
Commercial break. ##
We are back live... Asuka and Kairi execute a double team on Nox, with Kairi beating down Tegan in the corner. She then allows Asuka to take control of the offense against Nox. Tegan attempts to fight back, fending off both opponents. Asuka applies an ankle lock, and Tegan strives to reach Natalya. However, Kairi pulls Natalya off the apron. Meanwhile, Tegan manages to tag in Natalya. Asuka receives a German Suplex followed by a Clothesline. Natalya goes for a submission, but Kairi makes her way to the ring. Natalya sends Kairi to the floor, and Tegan takes care of business with Kairi outside. ##
Natalya executes a baseball slide to Sane. Asuka attempts a hip attack, but Natalya dodges it and secures a near fall. Natalya takes a kick, and in the meantime, Kairi tags in. Asuka goes for a DDT, and Sane climbs to the top, performing an elbow drop for the cover and securing the three-count. ##
WINNER: The Kabuki Warriors(Asuka & Kairi Sane) ##
Up next is the 2024 Women's Royal Rumble winner Bayley ##
The scene unfolds with Bayley, Dakota, and Iyo basking in the spotlight. Bayley boasts about offering a once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunity, uniting the reigning Women's Champion, Tag Team Champions, and Royal Rumble victor. She emphasizes the unprecedented nature of this gathering, a testament to her unwavering vision. Recalling her year-and-a-half prophecy of dominance, she throws shade at doubters who dismissed her comeback and Rumble victory. Bayley asserts her disregard for naysayers, highlighting her triumph despite being absent from the Rumble promotional poster. In the face of a stacked women's roster, she emerged victorious, surpassing Rhea's record with a staggering 63-minute performance. ##
Suddenly, Rhea Ripley crashes the party, her entrance music electrifying the arena. She challenges Bayley's self-proclaimed accomplishment, pointing out that Rhea's absence from the Rumble inflated Bayley's record. While Bayley's allies flaunt their championship gold, Rhea claims Bayley remains empty-handed, a fate guaranteed if she dares to challenge the rightful queen. ##
The simmering tension explodes as Nia Jax blindsides Rhea with a brutal assault. Nia pummels Rhea with a relentless barrage of body slams and leg drops, culminating in a thunderous Bansai Drop from the turnbuckles. As Kairi Sane and the Damage CTRL trio exit the scene, Nia towers over a battered Rhea, microphone in hand. She delivers a chilling ultimatum to Bayley: choose any opponent you like, but Rhea's path to WrestleMania remains unblocked. ##
Bayley, undeterred by the chaos, declares her decision will be revealed on Friday. ##
Main Event: Singles Match; Sami Zayn vs. Drew McIntyre ##
We are back live... Drew is in control, taking on Sami in the corner. Meanwhile, the referee checks on Sami. Sami attempts to fight back with some chops, but Drew resumes the assault with a barrage of strikes. Drew takes Sami to the top and attempts a Superplex, but Sami counters with elbows to the back, trying to mount a comeback. Sami executes a Sunset Flip Powerbomb for the cover, but it doesn't result in a win. ##
Both men get back on their feet. Sami delivers punches and follows up with a Tornado DDT for a near fall, showcasing an impressive spot. Sami looks to finish Drew off, but Drew counters with a Sit-Out Powerbomb for a near fall. Drew crashes into the turnbuckle when Sami sidesteps. Now, Sami attempts to power Drew up, possibly for a Blue Thunder Bomb. Drew counters with a Glasgow Kiss and makes his way to the top. Sami joins him there, and they go for a Superplex. Both men are down, with no cover at the moment. Sami prepares for the Helluva Kick, but Drew counters with a Shoulder Tackle. Drew goes for a Claymore Kick, but Sami responds with a Blue Thunder Bomb for a near fall. ##
Drew executes a massive belly-to-belly throw. He lifts Sami onto his shoulders and takes him to the top, delivering a White Noise from the top for a near fall. ##
It appears that Drew just landed a low blow on Sami, occurring when Drew was attempting to make a cover. Drew follows up with a Claymore kick to finish it off, securing the victory. Drew wins. ##
WINNER: Drew McIntyre ##
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