Raw Review 01/13/2020

RAW REVIEW 01/13/2020

Tonight what will happen when Asuka and Raw Women’s Champion Becky Lynch meet face to face to sign the contract for their Championship match at the Royal Rumble? Plus, what will happen when Kevin Owens, Big Show, and Samoa Joe meet Seth Rollins and AOP in a Fist Fight? Also, after declaring he will enter the Royal Rumble at #1 what will Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman have in store for the WWE Universe this week? Randy Orton outsmarted AJ Styles two weeks ago and was able to get one up on the Phenomenal one but what will happen tonight when the two meet one one one. Finally, what will happen when Rusev and Bobby Lashley clash in a one on one match with Liv Morgan and Lana at ringside?

Raw comes to us from the Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky.

Raw kicks off with us being welcomed by Jerry “The King” Lawler and Vic Joseph.

In-Ring Segment: Randy Orton
Orton tells he was asked to come out to this ring and excitedly welcome the crowd to Monday Night Raw. He says excitedly isn’t really his style so instead, he would like to invite a specific WWE Superstar down to this ring right now. He then tells AJ Styles to get his ass out here. He says while he is out here he will show him why he is a favorite to win the Royal Rumble and he will hit him with the three most devastating letters in WWE R, K… he is then cut off and out comes AJ Styles!
Styles asks Orton is he called him out here to brag and if he will pretend to have another knee injury. He says out of the goodness of his heart and believed Orton was really hurt and he got repaid with an RKO. He then tells Orton he isn’t a favorite to win the Royal Rumble. Orton asks why is that. Styles says maybe you didn’t see when I hit the sweetest RKO. he tells how many said it was probably the best RKO they have ever seen. He then tells that most said his RKO was phenomenal. He tells maybe that’s all he needs to throw 29 other men over the top rope to win. He says that includes Orton, Brock Lesnar… he is then cut off and out comes Drew Mcintyre!
Drew says and that includes Drew Mcintyre. He tells over his opponents over the past few weeks and then says he is looking for bigger competition. He then tells his Claymore is bigger than the RKO. He then asks the crowd if he wants to see them talk all night or if they want to see the three of them have a Triple Threat Match. He says ding ding ding let’s fight.

Match 1: Drew Mcintyre vs Randy Orton vs AJ Styles
Orton goes right after Mcintyre and sends him to the outside. He then takes it to Styles and sends him to the outside. Karl Anderson gets in the ring and Orton hits him with an RKO. Mcintyre then hits Gallows with a Claymore Kick as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Mcintyre has Styles up on the top rope. He hits him with a strike and then meets him up there. Styles hits him with a big right and hangs him up. Orton joins and hits Styles before stomping on Mcintyre. Orton now goes to the second turnbuckle and grabs Styles. Mcintyre grabs both of them and throws them down to the mat. Mcintyre hits him with a right and then goes after Orton. Orton fights him off for a moment before Mcintyre gets to him in the corner. Styles now hits Mcintyre. Mcintyre fights back and hits the Glasgow Kiss twice. Mcintyre goes to the corner and looks for the Claymore but instead is hit with a dropkick. Mcintyre rolls to the outside and grabs Orton bringing him out there as well. He then throws Orton into the barricade. Styles joins and takes it to Mcintyre. Orton grabs the steps and hits Mcintyre. Styles now in the ring grabs Orton the apron and hits the DDT. Styles then looks for an RKO but Orton pushes him off. Orton fights him off again and now looks for the Styles Clash! He hits and covers but Styles just kicks out. Orton then looks for the RKO but Styles is able to work a cover. Orton kicks out. Orton then hits Styles with the RKO. Mcintyre comes in and hits Orton with the Claymore. Mcintyre pins Styles and gets the 1 2 3.
Winner: Drew Mcintyre
My Opinion:
That was an awesome start to Raw! I loved that there wasn’t much talking and they got right to business in a big way! That Triple Threat was definitely unexpected and very exciting. Although I wish it went longer it showed the need and want of those three guys to make a statement and prove themselves at a pivotal point in the WWE year. Mcintyre gets this huge victory and should give him a ton of momentum with the Royal Rumble right around the corner. I would love to see Mcintyre win the match and I hope this victory is a sign of good things to come for a very deserving and proven Superstar!

Backstage Segment: Seth Rollins & AOP
Rollins tells aOP how this fistfight is an opportunity and how it will be a demonstration. He tells that if you are not with them then you are against them. He says it would behoove you to be with them because the fate is inevitable. He then asks AOP is Samoa Joe, Keven Owens, or Big Show could stop them. Rollins tells how much he has sacrificed and says tonight they must stand up and impose their will and show the world what happens when you don’t embrace the vision of the Monday Night Messiah.

Match 2: Ricochet vs Mojo Rawley
Ricochet gets around on Rawley but is pushed off. Ricochet comes back with a series of strikes. He is pushed off the ropes but stays with it and is able to take down Rawley. Rawley out powers Ricochet and takes him down with one knee. Ricochet comes back and sends Rawley over the top rope. Ricochet then knocks him back to the floor and then flies over the ropes to take him down. Back in the ring, Rawley gets back in the match by running over Ricochet. He covers but Ricochet is able to kick out. Rawley lifts him up and throws him down to the mat. Rawley hits a big right hand and then lands a big splash in the corner. Rawley grabs Ricochet but Ricochet hangs on the ropes and fights him off. On the apron, Ricochet lands a huge kick. He tries a crossbody but is caught. Ricochet fights off and lands on his feet. He hits a big recoil and goes up top. Ricochet flies and hits the 630. He covers and gets the 1 2 3.
Winner: Ricochet
My Opinion:
That was a great showing for Ricochet. He was able to show how he can beat a bigger opponent and what was most impressive to me was how he was able to fight off Mojo and keep building momentum throughout. Ricochet showed his resilience and that will go along way in the Royal Rumble. He should be very exciting to watch in that match!

Backstage Segment: The Street Profits: Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins
Ford says Ricochet is making the impossible, possible. He says he wants to rename tonight Monday Night Smoke. He then hypes up the fistfight coming later tonight. He asks Dawkins who he has. Ford tells him to pay attention he’s talking about the fight. Dawkins says he wouldn’t be surprised if someone grabs their phone and yells World Star. He then says he was working on his Oscar ballot. Ford tells more of what’s going on tonight and says Charlotte Flair is next. They then tell to hit her music.

Match 3: Charlotte Flair vs Sarah Logan
Flair connects with a huge boot to start the match. Flair grabs Logan’s leg but Logan is able to work free and go to the outside. Flair meets her out there and hits her with a huge right. Logan hits one of her own but Flair comes back with a right. Flair takes control and looks for a suplex but Logan fights it off. Logan gets the upper hand and tees off on Flair. Back in the ring, Flair takes control and connects with a backbreaker. Flair now turns to the Figure Four. Flair turns it into Figure 8 and Logan taps.
After the match Flair throws Logan over the top rope.
Winner: Charlotte Flair
My Opinion:
This was another good momentum-building win for Charlotte. She was looking for retribution and definitely got some tonight. Logan showed some fight but Flair was too much. I liked the exclamation point at the end with her throwing Logan to the floor. Flair still has to be the favorite to win this match and it doesn’t look like anyone can stop her with the roll she’s on.

Backstage Segment: Kevin Owens & Samoa Joe & Big Show
Joe asks Owens why he is so worried about the rules. Joe tells him they will do things their way and the more vicious it gets the better. He then says when they get in fights their opponents go to the ground. Big Show comes up and tells Owens not to worry about the rules. He says they got this and it’s about time Seth Rollins gets reintroduced with his size 7x fist.

In-Ring Segment: Brock Lesnar w/ Paul Heyman
Heyman mocks the crowd with a southern accident and tells them they need to show some appreciation for the champion. Heyman continues to harp on the crowd and introduces himself. He tries to go on but the crowd chants you suck. Heyman and Lesnar then exit the ring. On the ramp now Heyman says his client does not suck. They go back in the ring and Lesnar holds up the WWE Championship. Heyman says we’re gonna start over. He through his introductions once again. Heyman tells how last week they came out here and broke the biggest news of 2020 telling that Brock Lesnar was entering the Royal Rumble at number 1 as WWE Champion and that Lesnar will win. Heyman tells that his spoilers are all about Brock Lesnar matches and they all come to life because they are written by, encouraged by, implemented, and executed by Brock Lesnar. He says Brock Lesnar is going to dominate, viscerate, conquer the universe, and prove that anyone who doubts his spoilers will be proven false. He says only the truth flows from his mouth and that truth. Outcomes R-Truth.
Truth says I’m glad you called me out here. He says he saw something on tv about Royal Rumble. He tells Brock Lesnar he may be the favorite but his childhood hero John Cena taught him to never give up. He says for the first time ever your 24/7, 48/7, 7/11, I95 South, and now Lexington Kentucky, European, Television Champion is declaring for the Royal Rumble. He tells it isn’t the size of the dog but the size of the fight in the dog. He says you may be a big dog but you will go flying over the top of that rope Paul Heyman. Heyman tells Truth he is not in the Royal Rumble and if you step into the Royal Rumble match you’re stepping face to face with Brock Lesnar. Truth questions that he isn’t in it. Truth says my bad. He then undeclares for the Royal Rumble. He then tells Heyman how he wasn’t listening because he talks a lot. He then tells how Heyman gives away all the spoilers. He says he isn’t the Royal Rumble and he doesn’t want Brock to take him to Sioux Falls city. Heyman says it is suplex and nobody thinks your funny or likes you. Truth then asks Lesnar what’s up. Truth starts dancing but Lesnar hits him from behind and hits him with an F5. Lesnar picks up the 24/7 title and laughs and then throws it on Truth. He then tells Truth that’s what’s up.
My Opinion:
That was a really fun segment and Truth added a lot of life to it. He was very funny tonight as always but the big thing was Brock Lesnar. First, I loved that he laughed along but then got to business and laid out Truth. He is all about business at the end of the day and that’s what makes him so dangerous going into the Rumble. When Lesnar wants something he gets it done and right now he is one of the favorites. It will be very interesting to see who is pitted at number two and starts the match with him. Someone will stop him to allow more guys to get out to the ring but it’ll be very interesting to see who.

24/7 Championship:
As Raw returns, R-Truth is being helped up the ramp. Mojo Rawley attacks him and pins him to win the 24/7 Championships. He tells that he isn’t running from anybody and tells everyone to bring it.

Backstage Segment: Bobby Lashley & Lana
Charly asks Lana and Lashley about their wedding. Lana asks are you kidding me. Lashley asks Charly if she enjoyed it. Charly says yes but she couldn’t believe. Lashley asks if she couldn’t believe how beautiful Lana looked or how in love they looked or how everything went wrong. Charly says yeah a little bit. Lana then goes on about everything that got ruined. She says they made two resolutions. One that everyone is envious of their success and love and two that they are going to crush Rusev.

Match 4: Bobby Lashley w/ Lana vs Rusev w Liv Morgan
Lashley and Rusev trade big right hands to start the match. Lashley gets around on him and Rusev has to fight out. Rusev comes off the ropes and takes down Lashley. Rusev hits a spinning heel kick and goes for the cover but Lashley kicks out. Lashley tees off on Rusev in the corner until he has to be backed off by the ref. Lashley once again takes it to Rusev in the corner. Rusev turns the tables and goes after Lashley with big right hands. Lashley reverses Rusev and sends him into the corner. Rusev explodes out and hits him with a huge clothesline. Rusev then lands a big suplex and is in control. Rusev hits him with a right and follows with a kick to the back. Rusev connects with an elbow to the back. He then drives his shoulder into the midsection of Lashley. Rusev hits a suplex and follows again with a big kick. Rusev gets him in the corner and wrenches on his face. Rusev hits a right hand and follows with another. He throws Lashley into the corner but he is then hit with a boot. Rusev comes back and throws himself into Lashley. He covers but Lashley is able to kick out. Lashley then goes to the outside. Rusev grabs him but Lashley hits him with a thumb to the eye. Back in the ring now Lashley sends Rusev to the outside. Lashley meets him out there and runs halfway around the ring to hit him with a spear on the floor as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Lashley has Rusev in a chin lock. Lashley lifts Rusev and hits him with a big body slam. Rusev fights back and grabs the leg of Lashley but has to release the hold as Lashley gets to the ropes. Lashley brings Rusev to the ring post and wraps his knee around the post. Lashley hits him in the back and then hits him repeatedly with right hands. Lashley lifts Rusev and looks to plant him but Rusev fights off. Rusev hits him with a boot and then avoids him in the corner to send Lashley into the turnbuckles. Rusev hits a clothesline and then lifts Lashley to hit him with a Samoan Drop. Rusev sets up in the corner and crushes Lashley in the opposite one. He then hits a belly to belly and fires up. Rusev looks for a big kick but misses. Lashley hits a German suplex but gets to his feet. Rusev then lays out Lashley. Rusev looks for the accolade but Lana distracts the ref and Lashley takes advantage going after the knee of Rusev. Liv Morgan then comes down to the ring to even the odds. Lana throws a drink in the face of Liv as Liv was telling her to hit her. Lana then throws Liv into the barricade. Back in the ring Lashley hits a spear and Rusev gets pinned for the 1 2 3.
Winner: Bobby Lashley
My Opinion:
That was a good back and forth contest between these two and this heated rivalry. Rusev was on a roll and seemed like he wouldn’t be stopped tonight but he allowed himself to get distracted and Lashley took advantage. Unfortunately for Rusev, the record books show the loss so you know he will be out for revenge once again. Lana and Lashley continue to get the last laugh and will until Rusev and Liv learn how to coexist and team up against those two.

Backstage Segment: Bobby Lashley & Lana
Charly tells how she has breaking news about later tonight but then gets interrupted. Lashley says Rusev seems to be the least of their worries and they have a bigger problem on their hands. Lana tells how Lashley won and then tells they have a huge problem to settle. She issues a challenge to Liv and Rusev to face her and Lashley next week. Lashley asks if she is kidding and pleads how he has beaten Rusev twice. Lana says no intimidates her and the two storm off.

Match 5: The Viking Raiders (Erik & Ivar) vs The Singh Brothers (Sunil & Samir)
Erik tells, new week same story, anyone who challenges them gets put down. He tells how they have proven their dominance through the entire Raw Tag Team Division. Ivar says tonight they dare any team to stop them. The two then say let the raid begin. Out comes The Singh Brothers.
Before the match begins The Viking Raiders grab them and throw them at each other. The match starts and Ivar lands a big slam. Erik tags in as Ivar lands another slam. Erik then slams Ivar across both the Singh Brothers. They then hit the Viking Experience and Erik covers for the 1 2 3.
Winner: The Viking Raiders (Erik & Ivar)
My Opinion:
A very dominating performance for The Viking Raiders. It’s true they continue to raid over the tag division and have put down everyone in their way. I think their biggest challengers still await and that being the AOP. AOP is the one team I could see putting them down and with the roll they are on with Seth Rollins that could happen sooner than later.

Backstage Segment: Rusev & Liv Morgan
Rusev calls Lashley and Lana a waste of breath. He tells them if they want to fight he will fight them, whether it’s 3 on 1 or 5 on 1, if they get in his face he will fight them. Liv tells Lana she doesn’t make promises she can’t keep. She promises Lana that she is the living embodiment of her karma and karma isn’t just a goddess but an honest to god, bitch.

In-Ring Segment: Raw Women’s Championship Match Contract Signing (Becky Lynch (c) vs Asuka at Royal Rumble): Hosted by Jerry “The King” Lawler
King tells how there has been a lot of anticipation for this match and right now they are going to sign the contract so this will happen, He then introduces the champion, Becky Lynch. Out comes Lynch. King asks her before they get Asuka out here do you have anything she’d like to say. Lync says nothing and sits down. King then introduces Asuka. Out comes Asuka with Kairi Sane. Asuka grabs the mic and screams at Lynch in Japanese. King says let’s go ahead and do what we came here to do. Lynch gets up and tells Sane to get out of the ring. King asks again and Asuka signs. Lynch then signs the contract. Lynch tells her may the best woman win. Asua then spits mist in her face and once again screams at her in Japanese. Lynch writhes in pain but grabs the microphone and says when you get the money, and the praise it is poison and her veins are full of it. She tells how Asuka is the most dangerous woman she has faced. She says she has tried to find the anger she needs. She says she that at the Royal Rumble if she goes down she is going down swinging but she swears to god she is taking Asuka with her.
My Opinion:
To me, there is no doubt these two will tear it down at the Rumble but the build-up just hasn’t been exciting. They have allowed Lynch to lose her edge and Asuka now runs around looking more like a maniac than anything. I think this match will do both a lot of good and really lit a spark once again. I can’t wait to see what these two do and hopefully next week we get something exciting to really show the rivalry fueled between these two.

*** Next week Rey Mysterio vs Andrade for the United States Championship in a Ladder Match!

Backstage Segment: Andrade & Zelina Vega
Zelina tells Sara she isn’t qualified to talk to them. She then says there is a huge difference between Andrade and a disgraced legend like Rey Mysterio. She tells how Andrade was man enough to beat Rey for the title, he was man enough to defend and retain the title, and then man enough to take the mask off of Rey Mysterio. She tells how Rey attacked Andrade and they had to call the authorities on him. She says Rey is a disgrace for Latino’s and he is a disgrace to his son and all of his children. Andrade chimes in and goes off on Rey in Spanish.

Backstage Segment: Rey Mysterio
Charly asks for Rey’s reaction to the comments. He tells how he is being called a disgrace and a criminal. He tells how Andrade walks around like he can get away with anything since injuring Humberto Carillo. He then says what Zelina said is no joke. He says she loves the ladder match and he is willing to sacrifice years of his career for this. He says he accepts the dangers of the match and tells he is going to take back the United States Championship.

Match 6: Aleister Black vs Buddy Murphy
The two have a staredown to start the match. Black hits with an elbow and then connects with big right hands. Murphy comes back with a kick. Black stays with it and unloads with a series of kicks. Murphy is sent to the outside and taken down with a baseball slide from Black. Black meets him out there and continues to stay on him. Back in the ring, Murphy fights off Black and goes to the outside. Black goes back outside and looks for a knee but Murphy counters and throws him down to the ramp. Murphy brings Black back near the ring. Murphy hits him with a forearm and stays on him. Black fights back and drops Murphy off of the barricade. In the ring, Black tries a cover but Murphy kicks out. Murphy fights back and hits an arm drag. Black continues to keep him down. He flies but Murphy moves. Murphy then hits a big dropkick and bounces Black off the ring post. Murphy then hits a suplex taking them to the floor as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Murphy looks for a powerbomb on the floor but Black fights off and hits a double stomp. Black then hits a jumping knee in the timekeeper’s area. Back in the ring, Black hits Murphy with big punches and kicks. Black tries a moonsault and covers but Murphy kicks out. Black looks to bring Murphy up to his feet but Murphy counters. Murphy works a cover and grabs the tights so the ref calls off the pin. Black comes back and hits a huge knee. He covers but Murphy just kicks out. Black grabs Murphy but Murphy fights back with a back elbow. Murphy stays on the apron and hits Black with a huge kick sending him down to the mat. Murphy goes up top and Black meets him but Murphy sends him down to the mat. Black comes right back and hits a huge kick to the face. Murphy then falls to the ground. Black and Murphy both come back in the ring and the two trade strikes. Black hits a knee and then with a back elbow. He pushes Murphy into the ropes and Murphy gets caught by a kick. Murphy comes back and lands a kick to the midsection. He then hits Murphy’s Law and goes for the cover but black just kicks out. Murphy grabs Black and then mimics Black lifting him up to his feet. Black plays possum and hits Black Mass. He covers but Murphy just barely kicks out! Black hits one more Black Mass and covers for the 1 2 3.
Winner: Aleister Black
My Opinion:
Wow, once again what a match between these two! Talk about chemistry in the ring because these two have just that. The point Aleister Black has proven with these matches is loud and clear, even his greatest challenge he will defeat it every time. I’m not sure what Murphy could have done differently other than just capitalizing quicker but other than that he wrestled a pretty clean match but Black just seems unbeatable for Murphy. Of course, black has won three times now so one more match may be too much but I have thoroughly enjoyed these three matches!

*** Brock Lesnar & Paul Heyman will be Live Next Week!

*** Rusev and Liv Morgan will face Bobby Lashley & Lana next week!

Buddy Murphy at Ringside:
Charly asks if she can ask him a question. Murphy says not now. Charly says it’s just one question. Murphy again says not right now, please. Charly apologizes and walks away.

Match 7: Erick Rowan vs Local competitor
Rowan manhandles his opponent. He controls him on the outside and then tells him he wanted to show him. He reaches in the cages but gets bit and his hand is bleeding. He says bad over and over as he holds his hand. He gets back in the ring and hits the Iron Claw. He pins his opponent 1 2 3.
Winner: Erick Rowan
My Opinion:
Another dominating win for Rowan. He continues to win week in and week out but we still have no clue what this is going to lead to for him. This week he obviously got bit but we still have to sit and wonder what is actually in the cage. Hopefully, they keep moving towards the answer and there will be some sense made and we will see what is next for Rowan.

Backstage Segment: Seth Rollins & AOP
Seth Rollins and AOP head to the ring for their fistfight match!

Match 8: Seth Rollins & AOP (Akam & Rezar) vs Kevin Owens & Big Show & Samoa Joe: Fist Fight Match
Rules: There are no holds barred, no disqualifications, no pinfalls or submissions. The only way the team wins is for the referee to declare the other team unable to continue.
Before the match, Rollins and AOP attack Big Show from behind. Owens and Joe come down with weapons and go to work on AOP and Rollins. The match beings and Big Show controls Rollins in the ring as Joe and Owens control AOP. Big Show chops Rolins at ringside and stays on him. Rollins counters him and sends him into the ring post. Owens runs off the stage and takes out the AOP. Joe then flies off the stage to hit a senton on Akam sending him through a table. Buddy Murphy is still at ringside and Rollins tells him to help them. Big Show brings Rollins into the ring and hits him with a chokeslam. He then looks for a KO Punch but is hit with a low blow from Murphy. Murphy and Rollins then send Big Show through a table. Rezar now takes it to Owens on the stage. Joe comes to help but Akam joins and they beat down Joe. they place Joe on the announce table and then drive Joe through him. Rollins looks for a stomp but can’t connect as Big Show throws him in the corner. Then takes out Murphy before crushing Rollins in the corner. Big Show goes to the second rope but he is grabbed by AOP and powerbombed. Rollins then finally hits the Stomp on Big Show. The ref then calls for the bell. Rollins and AOP celebrate after the match. Murphy then hugs Rollins. The four then stand tall together.
Winners: Seth Rollins & AOP (Akam & Rezar)
My Opinion:
This match wasn’t as long as I wish but these teams did beat each other up pretty good for the time they had. The bigger story is Rollins team now gets bigger and better with the addition of Buddy Murphy. This is perfect for Murphy and he’s a good choice for Rollins and AOP. This faction reigns dominant tonight and it seems like they will be in control for a long time to come until Joe, Owens, and Big Show change their strategy.

Final Thoughts:
I loved the hot start Raw got off to tonight with that huge Triple Threat Match. Those three went at each other and you could tell they all had something to prove. Drew Mcintyre got the huge win and he is looking great heading into the Royal Rumble! On that same note, I think Brock Lesnar once again showed when it comes to business he gets it done and he is also a big favorite even if he is entering at number one. On the Women’s side, Charlotte Flair is looking like the one right now. She is getting matches every week and seems very focused to reclaim her throne with another impressive victory tonight. Lashley and Rusev had a good match tonight but that match definitely didn’t end this story and I’m excited to see what comes next in this saga, especially with the mixed tag match next week. Speaking of next week I’m super excited about the ladder match between Rey Mysterio and Andrade. This rivalry has gotten very personal so this match should be nothing short of a classic! Back to the action tonight, Aleister Black and Buddy Murphy put on another classic! It is a joy to see these guys in the ring together because they create magic. It was amazing to watch and I loved every second of it as usual. I hope for both guys they have a big year in 2020 because there is so much they both have so much potential. Finally, the main event was a good one, it wasn’t as long as I would have liked but it sure was hard-hitting. I loved that Murphy joined forces with them and this dominant faction is better than ever now. I can’t wait to see what they do next and how Owens, Joe, and Big Show will counter this one! Overall it was a solid Raw and I’m excited for next week because it should be a big one as it’s the last one before the Royal Rumble!!!
Overall Rating: 6.5/10