This week’s RAW started as a video package was presented about Cody Rhodes where they showcased his return to WWE back in WrestleMania 38, his triumphing victories over Seth Rollins and his Match of the Year performance from Hell in a Cell. They also showed his epic victory at Royal Rumble.
Cody Rhodes came out to the arena. He gave an emotional speech where he talked about his past, how he started his professional wrestling career, his days from the Ohio Valley Wrestling, changes of his in gimmicks in WWE including his Stardust gimmick, and then finally he talked about his victory at Royal Rumble last Saturday.
WWE RAW 30.01.2023 Results & Ratings
He talked about his desire to finally dethrone Roman Reigns. He also talked about his royal wrestling family and said that the company does not have only one. He praised Roman Reigns for his ultimate success throughout these years. The fans gave negative reactions after hearing the name of Roman Reigns.
As he was about to leave the ring, The Judgment Day interfered. They accused him of being the golden child who was handed the entry number 30 so that he could get an easy win. Dominik Mysterio that it was him who was about to win the Rumble but Cody cost him his opportunity. Things was getting a little personal between the two and ultimately Rhodes ended up challenging Dominik Mysterio in a one on one match tonight.
Match 1 – Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match – Seth Rollins defeated Chad Gable
This match was booked for nine minutes and it was a pretty good match. But could not they find someone more predictable than Chad Gable? What is up WWE? Only booking predictable matches? However, the match was pretty good. Rollins pinned Gable with the Pedigree.
Match 2 – Iyo Sky defeated Candice LeRae
This was another good match to begin with. It was also booked for nine minutes and throughout it had been pretty competitive. At the end of the match when Candice was on the driving seat and was about to win the match, Bayley and Dakota Kai kept on distracting the referee, and Iyo Sky pulled off a rollup victory.
The winner of the women’s Royal Rumble match of 2023 Rhea Ripley entered the arena. She made her decision whom she wants to face at WrestleMania 39. Her decision was Charlotte Flair. She reminded everyone that every time she stepped foot into the ring with Charlotte, she lost. But this time she wants revenge. But why Charlotte? It was the perfect time to deliver the dream match between Rhea and Bianca Belair.
Backstage Seth Rollins was interviewed by the beautiful Cathy Kelley where he talked about the Elimination Chamber match that is scheduled for the United States Championship. When Kelley ask him about his elimination from the Royal Rumble match by the hands of Logan Paul, he left without answering. It looks like WWE is planning a match between Logan Paul and Seth Rollins for WrestleMania 39.
Match 3 – Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match – Johnny Gargano defeated Baron Corbin
This match was booked for nearly 10 minutes and it was a very good match. It showcased a traditional monster heel vs underdog babyface match. It was mostly dominated by Corbin, but ultimately, Gargano pinned him with the Small Package Hold. It is finally looking like Triple H is behind all the booking scenes.
Next up was the VIP Lounge segment featuring the host MVP. His special guest was the WWE United States champion Austin Theory. It was a good segment where MVP kept on threatening Theory about Bobby Lashley and theory reminded him that he defeated him twice before. At the end, Bobby Lashley interfeared and attacked Theory. But he accidentally ended up hitting a sphere on MVP and Theory escaped.
The Miz came out to the arena next. He complained about being mistreated at RAW XXX. He also complained about getting a terrible number to join the Royal Rumble match at that was the reason why he was the first man out of the Rumble. He demanded some legit competition tonight. Adam Pearce came out and gave him a match against the returning star Rick Boogs.
Match 4 – Rick Boogs defeated The Miz
The match was booked for only one minute and Miz was completely squashed by Rick Boogs. Miz never got the opportunity to get ready for the match as he was not even in his ring gear. Boogs pinned Miz with a Millitary Press Slam. It was a really cool return for Boogs.
Next up was a segment between Bayley and Becky Lynch where it became really personal at the end when Bayley talked about the relationship between Becky Lynch and Seth Rollins. Becky ultimately ended up challenging Bayley in a Steel Cage match next week on RAW. Bayley was not ready to give her the match but Becky kept Dakota Kai hostage to forcefully get the match.
Backstage Adam Pearce announced an Elimination Chamber match between six women to determine the number one contender for the WWE Raw Women’s Championship at WrestleMania 39. Four of the superstars were already decided, they are the final four wrestlers from the Royal Rumble apart from Rhea Ripley. And the remaining to stars would be decided by next week and he announced a fatal 4 way match to determine it. Chelsea Green met Pearce backstage which clarified that she is now back to WWE permanently.
Match 5 – Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match – Bronson Reed defeated Dolph Ziggler
This match was booked for only three minutes and it was a complete domination from Bronson Reed. It was not a squash, however. But ultimately it turned out to be a very easy victory for the former WWE NXT North American champion. Reed pinned Ziggler with a Frog Splash.
Match 6 – Cody Rhodes defeated Finn Balor
This match was booked for 15 minutes and it was undoubtedly the best match of the night. Needless to say, it was a pay per view standard match. Nobody in particular dominated the match and it was a very entertaining clash throughout. But it was not a clean match by any means.
The Judgment Day kept on creating distractions for Rhodes. But Edge and Beth Phoenix came out to take out the Judgment Day. Edge at the end created a distraction for Finn Balor and Rhodes pinned him after three back to back Cross Rhodes. Cody Rhodes celebrated as this week’s RAW went off air.
Overall it was a good week of Monday Night RAW. It was certainly better than the recent weeks of the red brand of WWE. Of course we are not comparing it with the RAW XXX episode. Fans were waiting to see the next chapter of the Sami Zayn – Bloodline Saga. But we have to wait till SmackDown to get to know about the next chapter of the story.
This week there were some good matches and good build ups for the future feuds. But Rhea Ripley choosing Charlotte Flair over Bianca Belair is still a big question. Edge vs. Finn Balor feud is also taking a really good turn. We give this week’s RAW 2 out of 5.