- 13 hours ago
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00:00:00Show the world that he is who he says he is, that he's turned over a new leap.
00:00:04He's truly found himself after taking accountability for past failures.
00:00:09And physically speaking, Theory looks better than ever.
00:00:12And the aggression coming out of this young man, this could be the game changer Austin Theory needed.
00:00:30Austin Theory versus Rey Mysterio is underway here on Monday Night Raw.
00:00:37I want to get back to a point you made right before the break, Corey.
00:00:40That's the fact that you think that Pierce is being vindictive with his actions tonight.
00:00:43I absolutely believe that's the case.
00:00:45You've known Paul Heyman for many, many years.
00:00:48When have you ever known the Oracle to do anything by accident?
00:00:53Heyman always has a plan, including leading up to the Royal Rumble this coming Saturday.
00:00:57And now Adam Pearce shows up and just shakes up the entire hornet's nest.
00:01:02That could be the Vision.
00:01:04Well, I get your point.
00:01:05You put all four members of the Vision into the ring together.
00:01:07You perhaps pit them against one another.
00:01:09What if it comes down to the final four being the Vision in the Rumble?
00:01:12What do you do at that point?
00:01:14I mean, that could splinter this group.
00:01:17And that's exactly what Adam Pearce is trying to do.
00:01:19He's trying to destroy the Vision from within.
00:01:22Well, I get your point.
00:01:23Austin Theory talks a lot about how he lost everything and had to claw his way back.
00:01:27You think if he's in there, say, face-to-face with Braun Breaker as the last two men in the Rumble,
00:01:31you think Austin Theory's just going to sit back and let Breaker win the thing?
00:01:34No way.
00:01:35Listen, it would be the ultimate test of loyalty.
00:01:38And you'd be careful talking about Braun Breaker, Michael Cole.
00:01:40He's about two feet in front of you, and you're in danger of losing your head right now.
00:01:44I'm just reporting facts is all I'm doing.
00:01:46It sounds like speculation to me.
00:01:47Braun, I don't agree with anything you just said.
00:01:49Let's take another look.
00:01:50You're the one who brought it up!
00:01:50Look at this fantastic offense from Austin Theory.
00:01:55Double knees to the ribcage of the Hall of Famer.
00:01:58And listen, to the best of our knowledge, Michael Cole, Paul Heyman wanted Braun Breaker in the Royal Rumble.
00:02:05Understandably so.
00:02:06A man tabbed as a future WrestleMania main eventer.
00:02:09Perhaps Heyman and the rest of the Vision had other plans.
00:02:12Perhaps they were eyeing other prizes.
00:02:15Diversifying the power here on Monday Night Raw.
00:02:18You know, our general manager, Adam Pearce, has been very busy tonight.
00:02:21In fact, he made this match official for our main event later tonight.
00:02:24CM Punk defending the World Heavyweight Championship against AJ Styles,
00:02:27which could be the final Raw ever for AJ Styles.
00:02:32It's truly hard to fathom, but look at the bright side.
00:02:34At least Adam Pearce is too busy doing that,
00:02:36rather than being out here planting foreign objects to be utilized against the Vision.
00:02:39I am very impressed with what we've seen out of Austin Theory since joining the Vision.
00:02:44I don't stop.
00:02:45I don't fold.
00:02:45I don't forget.
00:02:46Those are the words of Austin Theory.
00:02:48Paul Heyman called him the pressure.
00:02:50And as Austin Theory continues to apply the pressure to the Hall of Famer Rey Mysterio.
00:02:56Stiff right hand between the eyes of the Luchador.
00:02:58Take it off, right?
00:03:00We do know that Rey Mysterio will be in the Royal Rumble match,
00:03:03as well as Penta and Dragon League on Saturday.
00:03:07Rey Mysterio won the Rumble back in 2006,
00:03:10and one of the greatest performances ever,
00:03:12lasting over an hour in that event.
00:03:15Rey looking for the 6-1-9.
00:03:21Austin Theory rolls out of harm's way.
00:03:24This speaks to the...
00:03:25Oh, no!
00:03:26Mysterio lands on the apron.
00:03:28Theory.
00:03:29Look at Rey.
00:03:30Uh-oh, Theory caught him.
00:03:31Rey trying to fight back.
00:03:32Oh, drives Theory into the post.
00:03:34So why isn't Division Buddies out here helping him?
00:03:38Oh, there we go.
00:03:39Well, because this might happen.
00:03:42Because you've got to worry about Penta and Dragon League out here
00:03:44trying to stir stuff up on the outside.
00:03:46A couple of habitual agitators.
00:03:51The Vision are over here trying to compete.
00:03:53Oh, and Mysterio!
00:03:55Taking out Theory now.
00:03:59Man, he's got the Vision all out of sorts tonight.
00:04:01Heyman, you better do something.
00:04:02The veteran Rey Mysterio,
00:04:16who this coming Saturday will enter his 16th Royal Rumble match
00:04:21nearing a record held by Kane at 18.
00:04:26And tonight having fun with the Vision
00:04:27in this sellout crowd of nearly 18,000
00:04:30all over the Vision here at ringside.
00:04:32Mysterio taking a moment to compose himself
00:04:42and survey the scene on the outside.
00:04:44Meanwhile, the Vision having a bit of a powwow with the Oracle
00:04:46trying to re-strategize, re-plan their game.
00:04:50That is why Heyman has proven to be invaluable
00:04:53throughout his career.
00:04:55Like a great head coach,
00:04:56Heyman knows when to call an audible,
00:04:58when to stick with the plan.
00:05:01And Rey Mysterio again,
00:05:02sidesteps Austin Theory.
00:05:04And he has got Theory all out of sorts.
00:05:07Oh, pass tense.
00:05:10Face first goes Rey.
00:05:11Yeah.
00:05:13Austin Theory with a slam dunk of Mysterio
00:05:16on the steel steps.
00:05:17I'm quite sure what Logan Paul was looking for at our announce table moments ago,
00:05:31but it may be a bit nervous.
00:05:33Logan's clearly got a lot on his mind.
00:05:35It's Royal Rumble season.
00:05:36It's the kickoff to the road to WrestleMania.
00:05:38So who do you think Logan throws out first in the Rumble?
00:05:41Braun, Bronson, maybe Austin?
00:05:43Michael Cole, bite your tongue.
00:05:45You're as bad as Pierce out here with your speculations
00:05:48and your fantasies about the Vision imploding somehow.
00:05:52Trust me, if anybody can figure out how to solve this issue,
00:05:55it's the Oracle in this amazing team of superb young athletes in whom he's in charge.
00:06:02Cover on Mysterio off the backbreaker.
00:06:04And a kick out at two.
00:06:07Theory is, he looks like a completely different in-ring competitor.
00:06:12I would agree.
00:06:13And Theory notices cut down on the posing,
00:06:16constantly looking at himself, admiring his own physique.
00:06:19Austin Theory has stayed locked in on the task at hand.
00:06:24You know, we keep talking about, you know,
00:06:26trying to drive a wedge in the Vision,
00:06:27and what will they do if they're in the Rumble as the final four?
00:06:30We can look at it from the other side, too.
00:06:32All four of these men in the Rumble match at the same time.
00:06:35How dangerous is that?
00:06:37It could spell disaster for anyone not affiliated with the Vision.
00:06:42And who knows, maybe there is some grandiose plan, Michael Cole.
00:06:45Do you think we would ever have an inkling that's the case?
00:06:49Do you think Heyman would ever let any sort of iota of an idea that great slip past his lips?
00:06:55No, he's going to play it close to the vest until it's time to lay it on the table.
00:07:00Highly explosive atmosphere here in this matchup.
00:07:06Theory with a flyaway slam to Rey Mysterio.
00:07:09Mysterio's buddies pent to Dragon Lee at ringside.
00:07:11On the other side is Austin Theory's teammates,
00:07:14Logan Paul and Braun Breaker and Watson Reed,
00:07:16and of course, the Oracle Paul Heyman.
00:07:21Heyman very active tonight.
00:07:23Much more active than normal.
00:07:24I think he's a bit worried about Adam Pearce putting all four of his Vision members into the Rumble match Saturday.
00:07:30Oh!
00:07:31Heyman is the Oracle.
00:07:33Heyman is used to having curveballs thrown his way.
00:07:35He's just trying to figure out how to adapt, how to adjust, and how to attack.
00:07:39Rey Mysterio attacking Austin Theory now.
00:07:42One, two, three, four.
00:07:45And Theory with...
00:07:47Ran his shoulders at least momentarily.
00:07:49Rey looking to use his quickness.
00:07:51Oh!
00:07:52Good!
00:07:52Right into one of his hands!
00:07:55Adios Rey Mysterio!
00:07:57That's Ataxia!
00:07:59Cover!
00:07:59and a kick out by Ray Theory has been so impressive take a look at this nothing fancy
00:08:08from Theory just a well-placed left hand and then reaching deep into his bag of tricks
00:08:15a move that Theory himself invented he called an ataxia and we could nearly call it the end
00:08:21for Ray Mysterio you know there's so much talk about Braun Breaker there's so much talk about
00:08:25Bronson Reed and Logan Paul let's not forget about Logan Austin Theory you can't sleep on the man
00:08:31Mysterio fighting back dropping Theory back into the ring Austin Theory now with Mysterio on his
00:08:45shoulders hey fighting desperately dumps Theory to the outside who somehow maintains his balance
00:08:52unbelievable but Ray turns it into a run into the apron
00:08:55Penta trying to will Ray on Nicole you're talking about the concern on the face of the Oracle Paul
00:09:07Hayden what's got me concerned oh and Logan Paul now super kick by Penta big punch and Reed runs
00:09:16into Dragon Lee and Penta stereo super kicks
00:09:20oh there's the power of the Austin another kick by Penta
00:09:31oh Logan Paul intercepting Penta and now Mysterio drives Paul to the floor Austin Theory looks to take
00:09:40advantage with a stop a stop by theory cover on Mysterio theory with the win and there's the chaos that the vision can cause
00:09:49here is your winner Austin Theory
00:09:53so is Adam Pearce going to allow the vision to get away with stuff like that it was the vision who initiated everything at ringside that ended up with a stop from Theory to Mysterio
00:10:04well if that happens within the confines of the Royal Rumble match Adam Pearce only has himself to blame but right now nobody's safe because the unpredictable badass is off the leash
00:10:16and now a dragon Lee trying to fight back against break Paul with the right hand the titanium loaded right hand of Logan Paul
00:10:24and now breaker with a spear
00:10:29and now Logan Paul up to the top rope with a Paul from Grace
00:10:40spear to Penta
00:10:48oh no
00:10:52oh no
00:10:54I know
00:10:54but where's Pierce
00:10:55where's the general manager
00:10:57where's the security
00:10:58tsunami
00:11:00and this is what I was afraid of Corey
00:11:04because the phone call Pierce received last week
00:11:07and the way he acted tonight
00:11:09will Pierce be hesitant now
00:11:10when trying to hand out punishment
00:11:12when trying to control the likes of the vision
00:11:15I just hope Adam Pearce understands
00:11:18that whatever happens in the Royal Rumble
00:11:21is on him
00:11:22the blood is on Adam Pearce's hands
00:11:26and the vision's not done yet
00:11:28somebody do something
00:11:29I mean at least official Rod Zapata
00:11:31is trying to separate these men
00:11:33and protect Rey Mysterio
00:11:35what do you want them to do Cole
00:11:36maybe Pierce should come back out here
00:11:38with his brass knuckles
00:11:39Raw belongs to the vision
00:11:43period
00:11:44oh no
00:11:49not again
00:11:50front breaker
00:11:52with a super spear
00:11:54Maxine
00:12:11I made you
00:12:12and you failed
00:12:14you didn't fail you
00:12:17you failed me
00:12:19what the hell was that
00:12:24you're just like the rest of them
00:12:27you think because you've rolled
00:12:31with a legend
00:12:32that you can roll
00:12:35like a legend
00:12:37but that will never happen again
00:12:41this
00:12:44is a whole new me
00:12:47and when I'm done with you Maxine
00:12:53I'm coming for it all
00:12:55because Natalia elevates
00:13:04but Nat
00:13:08decimates
00:13:12I want her now
00:13:19hey idiot
00:13:20I'm on the phone
00:13:21will you shut up
00:13:23Pierce's office is that way
00:13:25okay
00:13:26is there a problem here
00:13:27you two better be glad
00:13:29but I have other business to deal with
00:13:31Pierce
00:13:32let me love
00:13:33let me go
00:13:36let me go
00:13:51let me go
00:13:52let me go
00:13:53let me go
00:13:53let me go
00:13:55let me go
00:13:56let me go
00:13:59wow
00:14:13it is clear
00:14:14not even the backstage area
00:14:16is safe from the growing tension
00:14:18and vitriol
00:14:19between Raquel Rodriguez
00:14:20and Stephanie Vacker
00:14:22well
00:14:22on the topic of safe
00:14:25there was a lot of concern
00:14:25about the safety
00:14:26of my impending guest
00:14:28so Toronto
00:14:29please welcome
00:14:30the young OG
00:14:32Javon Evans
00:14:34hold on
00:14:37hold on
00:14:38I'm good
00:14:39I'm good
00:14:39I'm good
00:14:39you straight
00:14:40I'm straight
00:14:40I'm straight
00:14:41what's up
00:14:42what's up with you
00:14:42so you've had a lot of people
00:14:43concerned about you Javon
00:14:44because last week on Raw
00:14:46you took on El Grande Americano
00:14:48and the match came to an abrupt end
00:14:52because of referee stoppage
00:14:53and to this point
00:14:54we still haven't got an explanation
00:14:55as to why
00:14:56so can you shed some light
00:14:57on what happened
00:14:58well first
00:14:59I just want to say
00:15:00I'm all good
00:15:00you know
00:15:01thankfully nothing happened
00:15:02to my shoulder
00:15:03seriously
00:15:04but you know
00:15:04injuries come with wrestling
00:15:05you feel me
00:15:06Miss Ref feel like
00:15:07she had to throw away
00:15:08the match
00:15:09because um
00:15:10sometimes I get a little
00:15:11too excited
00:15:12you know
00:15:12sometimes
00:15:13sometimes I'm too bouncy
00:15:14for my own good
00:15:15but
00:15:15I'm all straight
00:15:17you know
00:15:17I mean
00:15:17I feel good
00:15:18and I'm just ready
00:15:19to focus on what's next
00:15:20well number one
00:15:22we're glad that you're good
00:15:23but since you do mention it
00:15:25what is next
00:15:27for Javon Evans
00:15:28what's next
00:15:29alright
00:15:29well
00:15:29yeah yeah yeah
00:15:37I hear you
00:15:38I hear you
00:15:39but look
00:15:40I just want to put you on
00:15:42alright
00:15:42I'm gonna tell you
00:15:43I'm gonna let you know
00:15:44there's a lot of goals
00:15:47that the Young OG
00:15:48wants to accomplish here
00:15:49on Raw
00:15:50in the WWE period
00:15:51and one of those goals
00:15:53is to
00:15:54main event
00:15:55Wrestlemania
00:15:56but in order for me
00:15:58to main event
00:15:59Wrestlemania
00:15:59that means
00:16:00I have to win
00:16:01the Royal Rumble
00:16:02so I just want to
00:16:06let everybody know
00:16:07that the Young OG
00:16:08is officially declaring
00:16:09to be in the
00:16:102026
00:16:11Royal Rumble match
00:16:13and for everybody
00:16:16in the match
00:16:18you know the
00:16:1829 other guys
00:16:19hey
00:16:20if you try to
00:16:21get me out
00:16:22just know
00:16:22I got something
00:16:23for all y'all
00:16:24if you stare too long
00:16:25you might get your ass
00:16:26tossed over the top rope
00:16:28and everybody's gonna
00:16:28find out
00:16:29in the Rumble
00:16:30in Saudi
00:16:31in WWE
00:16:32that that boy is
00:16:34bouncy
00:16:35straight like that
00:16:36appreciation
00:16:37breaking news
00:16:38one of the most
00:16:39exciting superstars
00:16:40on Raw
00:16:41is headed
00:16:41to the Royal Rumble
00:16:43match
00:16:43this Saturday
00:16:44Javon
00:16:45thank you so much
00:16:46I appreciate you
00:16:47appreciate you
00:16:48let me out now
00:16:49I got you
00:16:50in celebration
00:17:00of launching
00:17:01WWE's partnership
00:17:02with Toronto Maple Leafs
00:17:03sports and entertainment
00:17:04yesterday
00:17:05Chelsea Green
00:17:06and Toronto's own
00:17:07Jackie Redman
00:17:08attended the Maple Leafs
00:17:09next gen game
00:17:10and still to come
00:17:12a week from Wednesday
00:17:13February 4th
00:17:14it'll be
00:17:15WWE night
00:17:16takeover
00:17:17at the NBA's
00:17:18Toronto Raptors game
00:17:20including appearances
00:17:21by Trick Williams
00:17:22and Lash Legend
00:17:24ladies and gentlemen
00:17:26now we prep
00:17:27for the return
00:17:29of the Tribal Chief
00:17:48of the Tribal Chief
00:18:02We all know the Royal Rumble
00:18:27begins the road to Wrestlemania
00:18:29no doubt the Tribal Chief
00:18:31has his sights set on the
00:18:33showcase of the Immortals
00:18:35Roman Reigns
00:18:36has declared for the Royal
00:18:39Rumble this Saturday
00:18:41in Riyadh
00:18:42the Oats
00:18:44turn to run now look what it's become
00:18:47about number 10 to 1
00:18:48back then should have bit your tongue
00:18:50cause there's no turning back
00:18:51this path once it's begun
00:18:52you're already on that list
00:18:53saying you don't want what you can't resist
00:18:55waving that sword when the pen won't miss
00:18:57watch it all falling apart like this
00:18:59well ladies and gentlemen later on tonight
00:19:11in our main event CM Punk will defend the
00:19:13World Heavyweight Championship
00:19:14against AJ Styles on a night
00:19:17where AJ Styles may be appearing
00:19:19in his final Monday Night Raw
00:19:21ever
00:19:22earlier today I had the opportunity to
00:19:25speak to the man who will face Styles
00:19:27this Saturday at the Rumble
00:19:28Gunther
00:19:29Gunther
00:19:33thanks for joining me today
00:19:34Saturday at the Royal Rumble
00:19:37in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
00:19:38you take on AJ Styles
00:19:41I do, big night
00:19:42something that's been
00:19:43bugging me all week
00:19:45why not just have the rematch
00:19:48why did you back AJ into a corner
00:19:51and force him to put his career on the line
00:19:54well if it's bugging you
00:19:56then you don't understand
00:19:57because
00:19:57what is there for me to gain
00:20:00if I just beat AJ Styles again
00:20:02because now
00:20:04I have a lot of things to gain
00:20:07I have something phenomenal
00:20:09to gain
00:20:10I can now
00:20:12beat him for his career
00:20:14listen AJ's made it real clear
00:20:172026
00:20:18is going to be his final year
00:20:20he wanted to entertain the fans
00:20:22throughout the year
00:20:23he wants to take on
00:20:25some of his great rivals
00:20:26like he did at
00:20:27Saturday night's main event
00:20:28against Shinsuke Nakamura
00:20:29why rob the fans
00:20:33of these moments
00:20:34yeah wouldn't that be great right
00:20:36simple as that
00:20:39I'm sick and tired
00:20:40of all those old timers around here
00:20:43overstaying their welcome
00:20:45chasing one moment
00:20:47after another
00:20:48those moments
00:20:50they belong to me
00:20:52Bill Goldberg
00:20:55was chasing another moment
00:20:58and I took it away from him
00:20:59John Cena
00:21:01was chasing moment after moment
00:21:03for a full year
00:21:04but what are they going to talk about now
00:21:08they're going to talk about
00:21:09when he gave up
00:21:10to me
00:21:12in his very last match
00:21:14and AJ
00:21:17I bet he had
00:21:20beautiful idea
00:21:22about
00:21:22this long
00:21:24very exciting
00:21:25emotional
00:21:25retirement
00:21:27or farewell tour
00:21:28whatever he wants to call it
00:21:29I'm not interested
00:21:31in him
00:21:32taking the moments away
00:21:34that belong to me
00:21:36talking about old timers
00:21:42I think you fall in that category
00:21:45as well
00:21:46Michael how long do you plan
00:21:49to stick around here
00:21:51and chase another moment
00:21:53funny thing is
00:21:58I could kick the chair over
00:22:00and I could end your career
00:22:02right now
00:22:03but don't worry
00:22:06because on Saturday
00:22:08I want you to sit there
00:22:10at the Royal Rumble
00:22:12and I want to hear you call that match
00:22:16and I want to hear you say
00:22:18the career
00:22:21of the phenomenal
00:22:23AJ Styles
00:22:25is over
00:22:28it's going to be great
00:22:35memorable
00:22:37you will never
00:22:45forget the name
00:22:46CM Punk
00:22:47the best
00:22:48in the world
00:22:50they are better
00:22:53than the best
00:22:54I
00:22:55am
00:22:56phenomenal
00:22:58your
00:23:01heavyweight
00:23:02champion of the world
00:23:03is standing
00:23:04in the middle of the ring
00:23:05and I don't care
00:23:06who you put in front of me
00:23:07I'm standing
00:23:09right here
00:23:10in the middle of the ring
00:23:12this is the house
00:23:14that AJ Styles built
00:23:16they don't call me phenomenal
00:23:19for nothing
00:23:20every time I get knocked down
00:23:24I get back up
00:23:36I am better than the best
00:23:41I am the best in the world
00:23:42I am
00:23:44phenomenal
00:23:45two superstars who have inspired a generation
00:23:53will collide in tonight's main event
00:23:56as CM Punk defends his world heavyweight championship
00:23:59against the phenomenal AJ Styles
00:24:02could this be AJ's last match
00:24:05on Monday Night Raw
00:24:06who will the phenomenal one
00:24:07be world heavyweight champion
00:24:10as he puts his career on the line
00:24:12against Gunther
00:24:13this Saturday
00:24:14at the Rumble
00:24:14but it'll kill me late
00:24:16for the set
00:24:16like a play date
00:24:17but a vacate
00:24:17retreat
00:24:17like a vacate
00:24:18mayday
00:24:18this beat is
00:24:19cray cray
00:24:20Ray J
00:24:20AJ AJ AJ AJ
00:24:21laughing
00:24:22to the bank
00:24:23I spray
00:24:23fling
00:24:23taking a
00:24:23come on
00:24:24during the day
00:24:24but I
00:24:25can you
00:24:25go
00:24:26and you
00:24:26go
00:24:27go
00:24:27go
00:24:28go
00:24:28go
00:24:29go
00:24:30go
00:24:31go
00:24:32go
00:24:32go
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00:24:35go
00:24:36go
00:24:37go
00:24:38go
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00:24:44go
00:25:12go
00:25:13go
00:25:13ladies and gentlemen
00:25:17please welcome
00:25:18one half
00:25:19of the world
00:25:20tag team
00:25:22champion
00:25:22main event
00:25:24J
00:25:26USO
00:25:27for J
00:25:33USO
00:25:33a lot to watch
00:25:35in the next matchup
00:25:36because it's a fatal
00:25:38four way
00:25:38to determine the new
00:25:40number one contenders
00:25:41for the USO's
00:25:42world tag team
00:25:43titles
00:25:44that matches live
00:25:45next
00:25:46main event JUSO
00:25:50went out for the tag champs
00:26:00main event JUSO
00:26:09main event JUSO
00:26:10went out for the tag champs
00:26:12out here tonight
00:26:14oops
00:26:15they're having fun with J here
00:26:19and sold out in Toronto
00:26:21nearly 18,000
00:26:23on hand
00:26:24and let's not forget
00:26:28and let's not forget Corey
00:26:28J is also going to be a part of the Royal Rumble
00:26:30looking to go
00:26:32back to back
00:26:33stranger things have happened
00:26:36J would love once again
00:26:37to live up to the moniker
00:26:39main event
00:26:40he will no doubt be bringing his A game
00:26:45to Riyadh this coming Saturday
00:26:47only three men
00:26:51and
00:26:52his
00:26:53four men
00:26:54in history
00:26:55have won back to back rumbles
00:26:57Shawn Michaels
00:27:00Hulk Hogan
00:27:01Stone Cold
00:27:02Steve Austin
00:27:02and Cody Rhodes
00:27:04J Uso
00:27:05would love to become
00:27:06number five
00:27:07he's going to get a move
00:27:09come on
00:27:10okay
00:27:10yes
00:27:11okay
00:27:12yeah
00:27:13alright
00:27:13let's get it
00:27:14I'm about to get it
00:27:15I'm about to get it
00:27:17come on
00:27:17let's get it
00:27:19oh
00:27:19let's get it
00:27:21oh
00:27:21damn
00:27:22what it should be
00:27:24oh
00:27:24damn
00:27:25what it should be
00:27:27oh
00:27:27damn
00:27:28what it should be
00:27:29oh
00:27:30I'm about to get it
00:27:32right
00:27:32yeah
00:27:32oh
00:27:34hey
00:27:36let's go
00:27:37let's go
00:27:38let's go
00:27:39let's go
00:27:40let's go
00:27:43let's go
00:27:45let's go
00:27:46let's go
00:27:47let's go
00:27:48let's go
00:27:49let's go
00:27:50let's go
00:27:51let's go
00:27:52let's go
00:27:53let's go
00:27:54let's go
00:27:55let's go
00:27:56let's go
00:27:57let's go
00:27:58let's go
00:27:59let's go
00:28:00let's go
00:28:01let's go
00:28:02let's go
00:28:03let's go
00:28:04let's go
00:28:05let's go
00:28:06The following fatal four-way match is to determine the number one contender for the World Tag Team Championship!
00:28:19Introducing first, being accompanied by Ivy Nile, representing American-made at a combined weight of 495 pounds,
00:28:30the team of Brutus and Julius, the Creed Brothers!
00:28:43Big opportunity for the Creed Brothers tonight.
00:29:00A big week on the WWE Podcast Network.
00:29:05The Undertaker interviews Cody Rhodes.
00:29:09Meanwhile on Cody's Podcast, he interviews The Undertaker.
00:29:13Stephanie McMahon with huge WWE fan O'Shea Jackson.
00:29:18Logan Paul welcomes Lil Yachty, all part of the WWE Podcast Network.
00:29:24Will you finally admit you're extremely jealous of Logan Paul, Michael Cole?
00:29:28Yeah, I am, because he's got Lil Yachty on the program.
00:29:33Meanwhile, there's Adam Pearce.
00:29:35Precisely.
00:29:37Believe me, I have everything under control.
00:29:39Okay.
00:29:40All right, great, thank you.
00:29:41All right, bye-bye.
00:29:43Adam.
00:29:44Ben.
00:29:46I'm coming to you to say, I'm officially declaring myself as an entrant in this year's Royal Rumble.
00:29:52Now?
00:29:53Yeah.
00:29:54Less than a week away.
00:29:55All due respect, Finn, okay?
00:29:57You had your crack at the world title last week.
00:30:00I had to fill that spot, man.
00:30:02The Rumble's full.
00:30:03I only have 30 spots.
00:30:04It's full.
00:30:05Full?
00:30:06It's full.
00:30:07Adam, you know, I know, and the people know, that no Royal Rumble is full without Finn Bauer.
00:30:13All I can do is apologize.
00:30:16The Rumble's full.
00:30:18Full.
00:30:19This ain't over.
00:30:20Full.
00:30:21I'm not stopping for now.
00:30:28What's going on with you and Punk?
00:30:29You don't actually believe he was showing you respect last week, do you?
00:30:33He showed you up in your own hometown and then raised your arm like some kind of participation
00:30:37trophy Finn, and then you thanked him for it.
00:30:40I heard Punk tell you to leave the Judgment Day.
00:30:45You don't believe he actually wants to become world champion, right?
00:30:48Because I promise you he doesn't.
00:30:49But you know who does, Finn?
00:30:50The Judgment Day.
00:30:51Because the Judgment Day is your family.
00:30:53Liv, this ain't as straightforward as it seems, okay?
00:30:58Okay.
00:30:59So let me figure this out.
00:31:06The master manipulator.
00:31:09Well, we are partying tonight in the Scotiabank Arena, home of the Toronto Raptors.
00:31:19And joining us, none other than a forward for the Raptors, Scotty Barnes is in the house.
00:31:26A pleasure, as always, having a good time here on Monday Night Raw.
00:31:32Raptors having a great season.
00:31:47Introducing next, at a combined weight of 486 pounds,
00:31:51representing Alpha Academy, the team of Odette and Akira Tazawa.
00:32:00Beto four-way to determine the number one contenders for the World Tag Team Championship.
00:32:06Odette and Tazawa of the Alpha Academy.
00:32:09Ryo and Bravo of most Americanos in the ring, as is American-made.
00:32:13No El Grande Americano tonight.
00:32:15I wonder where he's at.
00:32:17When you're as big of a star as El Grande Americano is in Mexico,
00:32:20you don't just allow your travel plans to become public knowledge, Michael Cole.
00:32:24It's a safety concern.
00:32:25You have an answer for everything.
00:32:37All I do is tell the truth, Cole.
00:32:39Whether or not you choose to believe it is on you.
00:32:48And being accompanied by Grayson Waller,
00:32:51at a combined weight of 417 pounds,
00:32:54Kofi Kingston,
00:32:56and Damian Woods,
00:32:58The New Day!
00:33:00Well, because I can't count on you to say anything that makes sense.
00:33:03Allow me, Michael Cole.
00:33:04Thank God for The New Day!
00:33:08Well, they're upset they have to be in this fatal four-way.
00:33:10They thought they should just be handed a tag team title opportunity.
00:33:14Well, The New Day are upset because they're still mourning the death of the tag team division.
00:33:19Is that why they're wearing black?
00:33:22And how long is this mourning going to go on?
00:33:24But you can't...
00:33:25I mean, it's been months.
00:33:26You can't put a timeline on grief, Michael Cole.
00:33:28That's extremely insensitive of you.
00:33:34And by the way,
00:33:35what signals the start of a new day, Michael Cole?
00:33:38Riddle me that.
00:33:39Dawn.
00:33:42Real smart.
00:33:43I was going to say mourning.
00:33:44Why couldn't you play along?
00:33:45Make me look good once.
00:33:46Jason Waller mocking our guest at ringside tonight.
00:33:51One half of the tag team champion, Jey Uso.
00:33:56The Usos will defend the titles against the winners of this matchup.
00:33:59Jimmy not here tonight dealing with personal issues.
00:34:01And we are now underway with this fatal four-way matchup.
00:34:06Again, two men will be in the ring.
00:34:08First team to gain pinfall or submission will become the number one contenders for the tag titles.
00:34:14This is why it is of the utmost importance to keep a member of your own team in the ring as frequently as possible.
00:34:20Okay, Mr. Voice of Triple-A.
00:34:22Who's starting things off here for Los Americanos?
00:34:24That would be Bravo Americano.
00:34:26The powerhouse of the duo.
00:34:28Also capable of incredible feats of athleticism.
00:34:32Case in point.
00:34:34And look at the distraction by Xavier Woods and Kofi Kingston taking out Bravo.
00:34:42Yes, Bravo.
00:34:44As Jey Uso looks on.
00:34:46I mean, I can't understand any of these Americanos, guys.
00:34:49Who knows who they are under the mask?
00:34:51Well, if you fancy yourself a man of culture, Michael Cole, you would know.
00:34:54Ryo and Bravo are already megastars in Mexico.
00:34:57Oh!
00:34:58Any sort of association with El Grande Americano is a ticket straight to the top.
00:35:02I understand that Ryo and Bravo are already in discussions to create some fantastic new movies.
00:35:06Tozawa now the legal man.
00:35:07Now, you can tag anyone you want into this matchup.
00:35:09Doesn't have to be your tag team partner.
00:35:11Just like they did to Julius Creed there.
00:35:14And Creed now legal along with Tozawa.
00:35:17I think megastar may be a little heavy.
00:35:20Oh!
00:35:21Oh, man!
00:35:22What a clothesline by Julius Creed.
00:35:25And Brutus blasts the new day off the apron.
00:35:28And who are you to deny the star power of Los Americanos south of the border, Cole?
00:35:33Double suplex by the Creed brothers, American made.
00:35:39These two kids so strong.
00:35:41Great tag team.
00:35:42Otis driven off the apron.
00:35:44Both massive amateur wrestlers back in the day.
00:35:46All Americans.
00:35:47There he is.
00:35:48Brutus!
00:35:49Julius Ball!
00:35:50Off the top rope.
00:35:51Taking everybody out.
00:35:54Well, they call it that because the guy is strong as an ox, but sharp as a marble.
00:36:01And Otis now driven into the step, shoulder first.
00:36:05American made is taking control.
00:36:07We know who we are.
00:36:08Best damn tag team in the world.
00:36:10Come on.
00:36:11That's what I'm talking about.
00:36:16And Julius and Brutus Creed so dangerous to smothering style.
00:36:29Never allow their opponents to catch their breath.
00:36:32I'm Xavier.
00:36:33And that's Kofi.
00:36:35Hit it right from here on out.
00:36:37Catch that, Cole?
00:36:39Xavier Woods, right here in front of us.
00:36:42What was that all about?
00:36:43Your guess is as good as mine.
00:36:45Nice knee to the body from Julius Creed.
00:36:49Tag made.
00:36:51And here comes Brutus.
00:36:53Michael Goldberg smiling.
00:36:54What's up funny, Michael Goldberg.
00:36:57Cole, could you not antagonize the New Day?
00:36:59They're out here trying to become-
00:37:00I haven't done anything.
00:37:01I'm calling the match.
00:37:04They're delusional too.
00:37:06Well, the fact they hang out with Waller is something as well, but-
00:37:09Creed Brothers former NXT Tag Team Champions.
00:37:14Tarunis is uncorked all right from way downtown at Rock Tozawa.
00:37:19I'm surprised the Creed Brothers haven't won the world titles yet here.
00:37:22Tag Team titles yet here at WWE.
00:37:24In my estimation, it's a matter of time.
00:37:27I think it just needs a little bit more experience, a little more comfortability in the ring.
00:37:32Both Creed Brothers still relatively new to the game.
00:37:34Tag, and this is-
00:37:36This is Ryo.
00:37:37Ryo.
00:37:38Ryo.
00:37:41Oh.
00:37:42I don't understand what's so confusing, Michael Gold.
00:37:44One wears red, the other wears blue.
00:37:46And they're both Americanos.
00:37:49Ryo in the red.
00:37:50R-R.
00:37:51I'm gonna write that down.
00:37:52Bravo in the blue.
00:37:53I'm gonna write that down.
00:37:54Ryo, red.
00:37:56Bravo blue.
00:37:57Because the real Bravo, the Rio Grande is a river, and that means it's blue.
00:38:00I don't think that has anything to do with anything, Cole.
00:38:05Because we need to enjoy the tag team mastery of most Americanos.
00:38:09Tag made.
00:38:10Bravo now legal.
00:38:13Double team coming, and Bravo with the right hand to the face of Tozawa.
00:38:18Now launches himself up over the top.
00:38:22Take a bow, Bravo.
00:38:23Looks familiar.
00:38:24It was a homage to the great Eddie Guerrero.
00:38:28Very common maneuver used in Lucha Libre.
00:38:33I thought I'd see the day you and JBL were calling Lucha Libre wrestling, but nonetheless.
00:38:40Tag.
00:38:41Tag.
00:38:42And here's Xavier Woods.
00:38:44Monday nights at 9 on WWE's YouTube.
00:38:49Right now.
00:38:51And speaking of JBL, he coined this phrase, the Unicorn Stomp, many years ago.
00:38:57I believe the Unicorn Stampede was the preferred nomenclature.
00:39:01I always change it.
00:39:02I noticed.
00:39:03Bang!
00:39:04The 12-time tag team champions, the New Day in control of Tozawa in this number one contender's fatal four-way matchup.
00:39:17The winner, the first team to gain pinballer submission, will get a future tag team opportunity against the brothers Uso.
00:39:23This is just classic New Day on display right now.
00:39:29Woods and Kingston could be well on their way toward tag team title number 13, covered by Kingston.
00:39:37And Rio Americano breaks up the fall.
00:39:40That's right, Rio Red.
00:39:43Rio Red, Bravo Blue.
00:39:46And Kofi with another tag to Xavier Woods.
00:39:49Like the Miss Rachel of Lucha Libre out here.
00:39:54Look at this fantastic tag team offense.
00:39:58A trademark of the open.
00:40:01Tozawa got his boot up.
00:40:06Tozawa utilizing his powerful legs to great effect.
00:40:08Tag.
00:40:09That's Ryo.
00:40:10Correct.
00:40:13With a stomp to the back of the neck of Akira Tozawa.
00:40:16Look at Ryo go.
00:40:24Interesting.
00:40:27Another tag.
00:40:28Here comes Bravo of Los Americanos.
00:40:32Where is El Grande, I wonder?
00:40:33You keep asking that and I've already explained.
00:40:36When you're as big of a star as El Grande Americano, you don't allow your travel plans to become public knowledge.
00:40:42It's a security risk.
00:40:43Off the Hurricanrana by Tozawa.
00:40:44Trying to make it to the corner and make a tag to his partner Otis.
00:40:47But a cheap shot by Julius Creed.
00:40:49Although my sources have told me that Americano has spent the last five to six days inside of a bariatric chamber recovering to be in the best shape possible for the Royal Rumble.
00:41:01And here's Tozawa out to the apron.
00:41:03Look at the power of Bravo Americano.
00:41:08Well, this airplane spin again looks mighty familiar.
00:41:13Tozawa!
00:41:14Oh, wow!
00:41:17And Tozawa came to play tonight.
00:41:20Listen, don't make the mistake of overlooking Akira Tozawa.
00:41:23This is a young man who at one point was one of the most sought-after free agents on the Independence.
00:41:28He made a star of himself in Japan.
00:41:31Once upon a time called the Stamina Monster.
00:41:34Because Tozawa not afraid to go deep into a matchup.
00:41:37The guy's got a gas tank.
00:41:38And he's tough as nails.
00:41:40The 315 pounder, Otis now into the matchup.
00:41:43And his partner Otis is about as intelligent as a nail.
00:41:46Yeah, but he's gonna wreck some people.
00:41:48That's the truth.
00:41:50And once won the money, the bank contract.
00:41:54Former tag champ.
00:41:56Bit of a ladies man looking to deliver some carnage.
00:42:01Shoving Woods into Bravo Americano!
00:42:05This flash in the corner.
00:42:07Oh, no!
00:42:09Oh, poor Xavier!
00:42:11Poor Xavier!
00:42:19Otis off the caterpillar!
00:42:23And everybody breaks it up!
00:42:28Look at this.
00:42:29Brutus, Creed, Kofi Kingston, Lio Americano all working in unison to eliminate Otis.
00:42:34But look at Tozawa teeing off!
00:42:37Yeah, Tozawa ticked off at the treatment of Otis.
00:42:41Look at Tozawa go with a double DDT!
00:42:48Through the back door.
00:42:50Snap German!
00:42:52With a classic Tozawa offense.
00:42:56Uh-oh, incoming!
00:42:58Tozawa with a suicide dog to the New Day!
00:43:01On the other side!
00:43:03Down go Los Americanos!
00:43:04An American-made as well!
00:43:06Tozawa versus everybody!
00:43:08Listen to this place!
00:43:10Kofi missed with trouble in paradise!
00:43:12Tozawa caught him on the other side!
00:43:14Good job, man!
00:43:16Good job, man!
00:43:18Good job, man!
00:43:20Good job, man!
00:43:22Good job, man!
00:43:24Good job, man!
00:43:26Good job, man!
00:43:28Good job, man!
00:43:30Good job, man!
00:43:32Good job, man!
00:43:33Good job, man!
00:43:35Good job, man!
00:43:36Good job, man!
00:43:37Good job, man!
00:43:38Good job, man!
00:43:39Good job, man!
00:43:40Good job, man!
00:43:41Good job, man!
00:43:42Good job, man!
00:43:43Good job, man!
00:43:44Good job, man!
00:43:45Good job, man!
00:43:46Good job, man!
00:43:47Good job, man!
00:43:48Good job, man!
00:43:49Good job, man!
00:43:50Good job, man!
00:43:51Good job, man!
00:43:52Good job, man!
00:43:53Good job, man!
00:43:54Good job, man!
00:43:55Good job, man!
00:43:56Good job, man!
00:43:57Good job, man!
00:43:58Good job, man!
00:43:59Good job, man!
00:44:00Good job, man!
00:44:01Good job, man!
00:44:02Good job, man!
00:44:03Oh, good God.
00:44:12Double dropkick by Los Americanos.
00:44:15Sent out over the top by Rudis.
00:44:19Here comes Julius.
00:44:21Otis caught him.
00:44:23A stuffed bang.
00:44:25Oh, my God.
00:44:28Tag to Dazawa.
00:44:30Is Dazawa even conscious?
00:44:32Well, he is now after that tag.
00:44:38He may be doing the Dazawa shuffle tonight in Toronto.
00:44:43Sent on!
00:44:46Cover!
00:44:47One, two, three!
00:44:49They did it!
00:44:50Alpha Academy, the double-A contenders.
00:44:53Here are your winners, Otis and Akira Dazawa.
00:44:59Alpha Academy!
00:45:02You know, Corey, the Usos didn't really take Otis and Dazawa serious when they said they
00:45:08wanted a tag team opportunity.
00:45:09Well, they're going to have to take them serious now.
00:45:11No doubt about it.
00:45:13There's the exclamation point.
00:45:15A senton from the heavens from Dazawa.
00:45:19And be ready, Jimmy and Jay, because Otis and Dazawa, the Alpha Academy, are locked in
00:45:27and gunning for tag team gold.
00:45:39Well, let's head back to our own Jackie Redman.
00:45:42Nicole, thank you so much.
00:45:45I'm backstage with women's intercontinental champion, Becky Lynch.
00:45:49Becky, congratulations on a successful title defense last week against Maxine Dupree.
00:45:54Monumental victory, actually.
00:45:56Some might say that, yes.
00:45:57You wouldn't know anything about monumental victories now.
00:46:00What do you wear in a jacket like that?
00:46:02Huh?
00:46:03It was a wonderful victory.
00:46:05Everybody loved it.
00:46:06Unfortunately, there was a bit of controversy not on my end.
00:46:09Natalia afterwards went a little crazy, but I get it.
00:46:12I understand.
00:46:13I would be very disappointed if I trained somebody from nothing and they remained nothing.
00:46:17Like mid-Maxine.
00:46:19The same happened to me with loser Lyra.
00:46:21She betrayed me.
00:46:22But anyway, now Natty, she's implying that she's going to come after my title.
00:46:27Well, that's going to be impossible unless she wins the Royal Rumble.
00:46:29But bad news because I'm going to be entering the Royal Rumble, which means that I'll be winning
00:46:35the Royal Rumble.
00:46:35Becky, you will not win the Royal Rumble because no one is ready for Asuka.
00:46:47I'm ready for Asuka.
00:46:48I've been ready for Asuka.
00:46:49I've beaten Asuka many times.
00:46:50In fact, actually, we would have won more games if it wasn't for you and Asuka.
00:46:54You lost it for the team.
00:46:55Tell her that.
00:46:57Tell her.
00:46:58Tell her.
00:46:58Becky says she's ready.
00:47:06I heard her!
00:47:08That's right, Fuggy!
00:47:13See you in the Royal Rumble.
00:47:18See you.
00:47:18you know aj styles wwe career began 10 years ago this month at the 2016 royal rumble match a
00:47:42decade later aj puts his career on the line versus gunther at this saturday's royal rumble
00:47:48oh gee oh gee hey look look i know you got a big match tonight and a bigger match saturday but
00:48:01i hope i get to see you on that fair world tour that that means let's do it yeah i know i know what
00:48:09it means i was all right have a good night all right good luck yeah thanks yeah
00:48:15there's a real level of anxious anticipation for the royal rumble this
00:48:45saturday and a large part of that is because of all the superstars who have already declared like
00:48:50think about what happened already tonight we heard that javon evans is going to get bouncy in his very
00:48:55first royal rumble match we also learned that the entire faction of the vision is going to join the
00:49:02fray and how about a few moments ago the women's intercontinental champion becky lynch has declared
00:49:08you know what stephanie you want a piece of me come and get me because i want all of you stephanie
00:49:14every week
00:49:24every week you've been ducking me you've been coming up with some kind of excuse
00:49:31to get out of a match with me or if it's not you someone else wants to stick their nose in my
00:49:37business but i get it la primera you're scared you're scared because not once in your entire career
00:49:45have you faced anyone as dominant as big sexy raquel rodriguez
00:49:54i will not finish until i get you in that ring one-on-one
00:50:00and i will take my opportunity and i will take that women's world championship
00:50:07give me the match
00:50:15um wow i i know adam pierce has his plate overflowing but i i think something has to be
00:50:29done urgently regarding this conflict between raquel rodriguez stephanie becker and the women's
00:50:35world championship uh real quick speaking of championships guys do not forget we're still
00:50:41counting down the minutes to that historical first time ever main event the world heavyweight title
00:50:47on the line as cm punk will defend against the phenomenal aj styles
00:50:53wwe world is back for wrestlemania 42 from thursday april 16th to monday april 20th at the
00:51:13las vegas convention center south hall don't miss all new activations the return of fan favorite
00:51:18experiences in the largest wwe superstar in wrestlemania history tickets are on sale now at wwe world
00:51:26got time
00:51:27beers
00:51:32adios mio let me guess
00:51:34raquel won this and i want raquel pero i don't want to match what do you mean i want to fight
00:51:43a fight well if you want to fight you came to the right spot next week monday night raw stephanie if
00:51:50i care you defend that women's world championship against raquel rodriguez in a philadelphia street
00:51:55fight
00:51:56well the flyers can't seem to win a stanley cup but they certainly know how to throw down
00:52:07in philadelphia what an announcement i cannot wait yeah that's monday but let's talk about what's going to
00:52:12happen this weekend in riyadh saudi arabia we head there tonight after monday night raw let's take a
00:52:17look at the schedule it all begins on friday friday morning in the states 9 a.m eastern 6 a.m in the
00:52:22morning on the west coast for the kickoff show on espn 2 smackdown of course takes place later on
00:52:29that night and then come saturday the countdown show kicks off the road to wrestlemania at 12 noon
00:52:36eastern nine o'clock in the morning on the west coast followed by the royal rumble special start time
00:52:41of 2 eastern 11 on the west coast of the united states and of course the post show immediately
00:52:47following the main event what a night at the royal rumble it is going down in riyadh the phenomenal
00:52:55aj styles who may or may not be world heavyweight champion depending on the result of tonight what is
00:53:01undeniable is that styles has put his career on the line against the man who has become the career killer
00:53:09in wwe the ring general good sir can sammy zane finally win his elusive first ever wwe championship
00:53:19he's got to go through the scottish warrior to do just that mcintyre zane at the rumble
00:53:26and one lucky lady is gonna make her travel plans for las vegas it is the 30 woman over the top rope
00:53:34women's royal rumble match a star studded field already announced and who knows will show up in
00:53:41riyadh star studded field as well for the men's 30 man over the top rope royal rumble match and remember
00:53:49what awaits the winner of both the rumble matches an opportunity to main event wrestlemania against the
00:53:56champion of their choosing
00:54:03it's a new situation so what's the plan
00:54:09look we all got into the rumble right
00:54:12so i think we should go in there with one goal one vision a vision that can extend all the way up to
00:54:20wrestlemania because we have an advantage boys first off no one can stop us we are a unit a well-oiled
00:54:28machine a machine of machines and i think since we have an advantage let's take an opportunity to make
00:54:36sure that one of us leaves as the winner of the royal rumble and i think that winner should be
00:54:47braun breaker i agree with that i agree see gentlemen that that is the vision
00:55:10you can see my face dance like that haters trying to cut me out get it just like that
00:55:17you can see
00:55:36look in my eyes what do you see
00:55:39look at personality
00:55:50i know your dreams
00:55:51i know your dreams
00:55:53i hate everything you want to be
00:55:55oh
00:55:57i know your anger
00:55:59i know your dreams
00:56:01i can't believe
00:56:03No wonder what happens.
00:56:06Oh, it's a mess.
00:56:08Oh, it's a mess.
00:56:10It's a mess.
00:56:12It's a mess.
00:56:13It's a mess.
00:56:14It's a mess.
00:56:20I don't know.
00:56:22It's a mess.
00:56:24No wonder why.
00:56:28it is an historic main event for the first time ever in wwe punk versus styles one-on-one
00:56:44for the world heavyweight championship
00:56:58cory there's been no doubt that this man cm punk has done what he promised to be a fighting champion
00:57:08he kicked off the new year here on netflix with a title defense against braun breaker last week
00:57:13it was finn bauer on bauer's home turf of ireland and then tonight against aj styles you heard punk
00:57:21say it backstage earlier tonight he can only be the best in the world if he beats the best in the
00:57:27world he has been a fighting champion looks to continue to be a fighting champion but to those
00:57:32who have earned the opportunity to take a shot at the throne
00:57:36i mean it takes some guts if you're punk to come out here and willingly put the world title on the
00:57:51line this close to the start of the road to wrestlemania have you met cm punk
00:57:57cm punk's guts have defined him good batter indifferently for his entire career this man follows his heart
00:58:06he follows his gut and cm punk will go down swinging seven nights a week 365 days a year
00:58:14interesting uh history between punk and aj styles which we'll get into in just a few moments but
00:58:21but i mean there's so much that can happen here tonight i mean you got to believe gunter
00:58:29is rooting for aj styles to win the title
00:58:33and gunther could be licking his chops at the opportunity to not only end aj styles career in
00:58:38but win the world heavyweight championship in the process
00:58:48it's hard to believe that we are moments away from the first ever collision in a wwe ring
00:59:02between cm punk and aj styles i promise you right now cole there is a generation of wrestling fans
00:59:09of wrestlers who came up on cm punk and aj styles you were one of them i absolutely was the roles that
00:59:17punk and styles have played in my career cannot be overstated i have watched these two compete
00:59:23alongside one another against each other from everywhere from high school gyms to armories up and
00:59:29down the east coast to be doing it here on monday night raw on netflix truly is a full circle moment
00:59:36not only for punk and style but an entire generation of us who are crazy enough to follow this dream
00:59:59so
01:00:06so
01:00:08so
01:00:10so
01:00:14so
01:00:18Oh, that's big.
01:00:32Obafemi going to be a part of Saturday's Royal Rumble match.
01:00:36Meanwhile, it is our main event for the World Heavyweight Championship.
01:00:48Is this the final time?
01:01:18We will see AJ Styles march to the ring on Monday Night Raw.
01:01:26AJ Styles and CM Punk were both in the same ring together 23 years ago in a tag team matchup
01:01:35in 2003.
01:01:37They go one-on-one later that year.
01:01:39And over the years in independence across the country and the world, they would meet
01:01:43a handful of times.
01:01:44They really shaped each other's early careers.
01:01:48They never teamed together before last week at a live event in Brussels, Belgium.
01:01:54And tonight, for the first time ever in WWE, they go one-on-one for the World Heavyweight
01:02:01Championship.
01:02:03To call AJ Styles or CM Punk influential, quite simply, is an understatement.
01:02:10These are two trailblazers of an entire generation, not only of fans, but superstars.
01:02:16Those of us crazy enough to follow big dreams.
01:02:20Let's go up to the ring and the legendary Lillian Garcia.
01:02:22The following contest is scheduled for a one-fall.
01:02:31And it is for the World Heavyweight Championship.
01:02:37Introducing first, the challenger from Gainesville, Georgia, weighing in at 220 pounds, the phenomenal
01:02:50AJ Styles.
01:02:53And his opponent, from Chicago, Illinois, weighing in at 218 pounds, he is the World Heavyweight
01:03:09Champion, CM Punk.
01:03:13I guarantee you the ring general, the career killer, Gunther is watching this matchup tonight
01:03:25because if AJ Styles can pull off the victory, then you gotta believe that Gunther versus Styles
01:03:32at the Rumble Saturday is not only gonna be for AJ's career, it's gonna be for that, the
01:03:38world title.
01:03:38As if the stakes needed to be any higher.
01:03:44And we are underway.
01:03:46These men going one-on-one in a WWE ring for the first time in their careers on what could
01:03:54be the final night of AJ Styles' career on Monday Night Raw.
01:04:00Still surreal to say out loud.
01:04:02I met AJ Styles when I was 18 years old back in 2002 in Georgia at NWA Wildside.
01:04:08We knew back then AJ was special.
01:04:10I don't think anyone knew exactly how special, phenomenal even, AJ Styles' career would go
01:04:16on to be.
01:04:17Well, I didn't have the opportunity to get to know AJ and meet him until 2016 when he came
01:04:22to WWE for the first time and made his debut in the Royal Rumble matchup.
01:04:27But I've become very close with AJ over the past number of years.
01:04:30He's an absolute gentleman, tremendous superstar in the ring, and what a way if he could somehow
01:04:36pull off the world title win tonight.
01:04:38I met CM Punk around a similar time, 2002.
01:04:41These are two men who always wanted to change the game and have done exactly that in their
01:04:46own respective ways.
01:04:47Styles and Punk were often told, you're not big enough.
01:04:54You don't fit the mold.
01:04:55You can't be a superstar.
01:04:57And both men took those chips on their shoulders and parlayed them into Hall of Fame careers.
01:05:03And both go on to use Punk's moniker to become among the best in the world.
01:05:10Styles, a former two-time WWE champion.
01:05:14CM Punk has won the world titles seven times in his career.
01:05:19I don't think if I had to just pick one trait to describe both superstars, it's tenacious.
01:05:24Both in their own way.
01:05:25Styles with that Georgia both-
01:05:27Uh-oh, uh-oh.
01:05:28Punk gonna, looking for the go to sleep.
01:05:30Styles, though, trying to roll through for the calf crusher.
01:05:34Oh, Punk wants the Anaconda vice.
01:05:36Going for their submissions early on in this matchup.
01:05:38Styles trying to fight out of it.
01:05:40Does.
01:05:40Pinning combination.
01:05:41Kick at two.
01:05:44And what a classic AJ Styles had with Shinsuke Nakamura this past Saturday on Saturday night's main event.
01:05:51Corey, AJ said that in his final year here of 2026, he wants to be able to have last matchups with some of his all-time great rivals.
01:06:01I think AJ has more than earned that.
01:06:03But seeing the performance Styles put on at Saturday night's main event against Shinsuke Nakamura makes you wonder, AJ, why are you walking away?
01:06:10There's still tread left on the tires, there's still gas left in the tank, you're still phenomenal.
01:06:15And I can tell you, because AJ's told me this, he wants to get out at the top of his game.
01:06:19He doesn't want people to be telling their kids, I remember when AJ Styles was great.
01:06:25He wants to go out on top of his game as being great.
01:06:28That's how he wants people to remember it.
01:06:30Well scouted by CM Punk.
01:06:33Staying a step ahead of the phenomenal one.
01:06:36Oh, goodness.
01:06:38Oh!
01:06:39This looks familiar.
01:06:41And Punk now with a running knee.
01:06:45Again, into the cover.
01:06:46World title on the line.
01:06:49Think about Gunther.
01:06:51I mean, think about this.
01:06:52You know, I've nicknamed him the career killer.
01:06:54He ended Goldberg's career.
01:06:56He ended John Cena's career.
01:06:58And he has an opportunity to end the career of AJ Styles this coming Saturday.
01:07:04What does that do for the ring general?
01:07:07Well, it continues to grow the confidence of Gunther.
01:07:10The man's already achieved a list of accolades that would define a career and potentially put you in the Hall of Fame.
01:07:17And Gunther still has a lot of work to do.
01:07:20That's the evolution of this business.
01:07:25No matter how good you are, there's always somebody nipping at your heels who wants your spot.
01:07:30Who wants what you have.
01:07:31Who wants to be at the top of the mountain.
01:07:33Styles picture-perfect dropkick sends the champion out of the ring.
01:07:42And AJ going to launch himself out to the apron and now catches Punk with that sliding knee.
01:07:50AJ Styles looking to win the World Heavyweight Championship.
01:07:54And suddenly Styles is taking control on a night where he could be wrestling on Monday Night Raw for the very final time in his career.
01:08:17Styles, though, extremely confident, Corey.
01:08:19He does not see his career ending on Saturday.
01:08:22So that's been AJ's secret weapon throughout the duration of his career.
01:08:26To the point I was making earlier, both himself and CM Punk were told, you're not big enough to be a star in this business.
01:08:31You'll never make it.
01:08:33And both men said, oh yeah, watch me.
01:08:35I'll shatter the mold.
01:08:36I'll create my own molds.
01:08:38And we are now looking at two of the best to ever step foot in a ring.
01:08:42Well, you know, and Styles, he knows he tapped out Gunther a couple of weeks ago.
01:08:48Gunther, of course, pulled those shenanigans where the AJ believed off the tap out he had won.
01:08:55And then the official was distracted and Gunther delivered a low blow.
01:08:58But Styles knows he can tap out the ring general.
01:09:00And he knows that's a vulnerability when it comes to Gunther.
01:09:03He's tapped out before.
01:09:05Remember Jey Uso at WrestleMania.
01:09:06Exactly, and that gives AJ Styles the confidence necessary to survive, to prolong his career, to get past the ring general.
01:09:15Sternum first into the top buckle goes the champion.
01:09:18The momentum of Styles driving Punk into the corner with the Irish whip.
01:09:25AJ understands what happened the last time he encountered Gunther was simply a case of Gunther being a step ahead.
01:09:31And Styles will not let that happen again.
01:09:34He'll fool him once.
01:09:36Snap Merrick takedown by AJ.
01:09:38And there's the well-placed boot right to the spine.
01:09:43Going to slow things down now with a chin lock applied.
01:09:47Both of these men, as familiar as they are with one another, have such a healthy respect for what the other is capable of.
01:09:52You don't want to make any mistakes.
01:09:53Because Punk knows if he makes one mistake, Styles will capitalize.
01:09:57Styles knows if he screws up one time, CM Punk's going to turn his lights out.
01:10:02Punk trying to make it back to a vertical base and create some space.
01:10:06And AJ, nice headlock takedown again on Punk.
01:10:15AJ in control at this juncture.
01:10:17There are 17,853 WWE fans here tonight in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
01:10:35Sold out for Monday Night Raw.
01:10:37And our main event that we didn't know was going to happen until the start of the show.
01:10:41CM Punk, AJ Styles for the World Heavyweight Championship.
01:10:44Just days before the Royal Rumble in Riyadh.
01:10:49What a treat.
01:10:51What a bold decision by the champion CM Punk to offer up the opportunity to the phenomenal one.
01:11:02Now the slugfest begins.
01:11:04Risky proposition for both men.
01:11:08My God.
01:11:08Into the corner.
01:11:10That may have driven all the wind out of AJ's lungs.
01:11:13And maybe the opening the champion was waiting for.
01:11:17AJ's been extremely focused in this match for the world title.
01:11:20You got to wonder though if still in the back of his mind is what's looming comes Saturday.
01:11:25I disagree, Cole.
01:11:27And I have known AJ long enough to believe that Styles can compartmentalize like no other.
01:11:32AJ is focused on one thing right now.
01:11:34That's CM Punk.
01:11:35That's the potential to become World Heavyweight Champion.
01:11:38The minute the bell rings, AJ will shift his focus to Gunther.
01:11:42But right now, he's thinking about Punk.
01:11:44Punk now.
01:11:45Ooh, caught him with a heel kick to the jaw.
01:11:50Punk able to duck underneath.
01:11:52There's the neck breaker by the champion.
01:11:55And now it's Punk starting to regain control.
01:12:00You can see Punk fighting through the pain.
01:12:02You can see the agony edged on the face of the champion.
01:12:05But the knee connects.
01:12:06And the Bulldog.
01:12:07Vintage CM Punk.
01:12:11And he wants to put AJ Styles to sleep.
01:12:18Oh.
01:12:19Shining Wizard from the champion.
01:12:21Styles cover.
01:12:22One, two, three.
01:12:23Interesting the way Punk's changed his strategy.
01:12:26Normally, he goes for the go to sleep there.
01:12:27But instead, decided to hit it with a Shining Wizard.
01:12:30We talked about the familiarity and, above all, the respect for one another's abilities.
01:12:35CM Punk realized, I'm going to need a little insurance.
01:12:37It's not time to put AJ to sleep just yet.
01:12:40Shining Wizard connected.
01:12:41But didn't keep the phenomenal one down for three.
01:12:44And now Punk perhaps looking for the GTS.
01:12:47Styles on his shoulder.
01:12:48Styles will land on his feet.
01:12:49AJ with a white hand.
01:12:50And now AJ goes to work.
01:12:52Boom!
01:12:53What a clothesline.
01:12:55And now Styles with a running forearm.
01:13:05AJ now trying to rally the fans here in Toronto.
01:13:08Into the corner.
01:13:10Styles now drags the champ toward the center of the ring.
01:13:15Plug out the back door.
01:13:16Oh!
01:13:18Takes down Styles.
01:13:20To retain the title.
01:13:21And a kick out by Styles at two.
01:13:27Gruelling physical matchup between these two.
01:13:29About what you would expect.
01:13:37Series of sharp right hands to the eyebrow of the challenger.
01:13:52Dials up on Punk's shoulders.
01:13:54Go to sleep position here.
01:13:57Punk got caught.
01:13:59Styles now.
01:14:01Oh!
01:14:01Ushigurochi from Styles.
01:14:03Cover for the World Heavyweight Championship.
01:14:06And a kick out by two.
01:14:13Let's take another look at the Tide Turner in this matchup.
01:14:19Styles dropping Punk across his own knee, neck first.
01:14:22And the World Heavyweight Champion is in jeopardy.
01:14:25WWE fans in Toronto trying to will on Styles.
01:14:39CM Punk as well.
01:14:40That's a chant of appreciation for two of the best superstars to ever do it.
01:14:44The champ's stunned.
01:14:51Styles gonna climb the ropes.
01:14:58Trying to hook Punk here.
01:15:03Punk blocks.
01:15:04Punk able to maintain a grip on the top rope.
01:15:07Now Styles set to the mat.
01:15:09And Punk's now in position with a flying elbow to Styles.
01:15:18Cover to retain the championship.
01:15:20And again, Styles gets it.
01:15:22Oh, oh, oh.
01:15:22Looking for the Anaconda Vice now.
01:15:23Punk locking it in.
01:15:26AJ trying to fight it off.
01:15:27It's cinched in.
01:15:28Anaconda Vice by Punk.
01:15:32Screaming for Styles to tap.
01:15:38Our official Jessica Carr right there.
01:15:40Seeing if Styles will tap out.
01:15:42Styles trying to break this hold.
01:15:44It's an incredibly hard position to breathe in if you're AJ Styles.
01:15:47Punk knows that, which is why he was clutching with everything he had.
01:15:50And look at Punk now.
01:15:51AJ Styles, tremendous core strength, fighting out of it.
01:15:57Uh-oh.
01:15:58Trying to put Punk in the position for the Styles Clash, and it didn't work out.
01:16:04Ring awareness from the World Heavyweight Champion shown there.
01:16:07CM Punk, nothing fancy.
01:16:09Just forcing Styles back into the buckle to break the grip.
01:16:14And now Punk wearing Styles down.
01:16:18Two.
01:16:18Back it up out of there.
01:16:19Go.
01:16:21And Styles looking to roll through now.
01:16:25Looking for a cap crusher, but Punk survives.
01:16:29Uh-oh.
01:16:29Caught.
01:16:30Oh, no.
01:16:31Styles has Punk in position, but Punk makes it to the ropes.
01:16:40Vicious knee to the kidneys of the champion.
01:16:42What a forearm by Styles.
01:16:53AJ out to the apron.
01:16:54AJ out to the apron.
01:16:54AJ out to the chin.
01:16:55AJ Styles.
01:16:56AJ out to the chin.
01:16:58The sliding knee.
01:17:00Styles got caught.
01:17:01Punk.
01:17:01Going to sleep outside the ring.
01:17:04A GTS by Punk.
01:17:11Well, if Punk can get back up, he may win this by count-out.
01:17:14But knowing CM Punk, that's not how he wants to do it.
01:17:17Not against A.J. Stiles.
01:17:20The official now at a count of three.
01:17:23Let's go, A.J.
01:17:25Four.
01:17:26Get him in the ring.
01:17:27He's down.
01:17:28Nine.
01:17:31Go.
01:17:31Get him up.
01:17:32Get him up.
01:17:32Count of six.
01:17:34Come on, A.J.
01:17:35Get him up.
01:17:36Hunk into the ring.
01:17:39Stiles at eight is in trouble.
01:17:41A count of nine.
01:17:43Stiles just beats the count.
01:17:47And I think secretly, deep in his heart,
01:17:52CM Punk's happy that A.J. beat that count.
01:17:55CM Punk wants to beat the best in the world.
01:17:58He said it himself.
01:17:59You don't want any controversy.
01:18:01You don't want any caveats or stars by the match in the record book.
01:18:04You want to say you defeated one of the best of all time
01:18:07with the World Heavyweight title on the line.
01:18:09It is our main event on Monday Night Raw.
01:18:11Punk Stiles for the World Heavyweight Championship
01:18:13on what could be A.J. Stiles' final night
01:18:16on Monday Night Raw.
01:18:19And Stiles still stunned.
01:18:22Unfortunately, that may have been A.J.'s last gasp.
01:18:25I mean, Punk can't even get Stiles back to his feet
01:18:28off that go to sleep, which caught Stiles' flush.
01:18:31A.J. Stiles' final night.
01:18:34A.J. Stiles' final night.
01:18:37A.J. Stiles' final night.
01:18:38And look at Stiles.
01:18:40Stiles now.
01:18:41Here's the cover.
01:18:42He's got Punk in position.
01:18:44Middle of the ring.
01:18:45A.J. Stiles' clash.
01:18:48Cover.
01:18:50Punk kicks out of two.
01:18:52A.J. Stiles made believers out of all of us.
01:19:00Old faithful.
01:19:02The Stiles' clash.
01:19:04Middle of the ring.
01:19:05Stacks the champion's shoulders.
01:19:07But Punk not done yet.
01:19:10Got to wonder if Stiles is playing possum
01:19:13to lure the champion in.
01:19:20This is for the World Heavyweight Championship.
01:19:22A.J. Stiles, the challenger on his feet.
01:19:27C.M. Punk, the champion.
01:19:34This is what separates A.J. Stiles from the rest of the pack.
01:19:38The ability to find that next level.
01:19:40To tap into that next gear.
01:19:42Stiles is lining it up.
01:19:44This was the beginning, the end for Nakamura on Saturday night.
01:19:47Look at the phenomenal forearm.
01:19:48But C.M. Punk makes it to the ropes, causing Stiles to lose his balance.
01:19:54The mark of a resourceful champion.
01:19:58Borderline desperate, perhaps.
01:20:00But C.M. Punk knows what he has to do to retain.
01:20:05It's not always the popular thing.
01:20:14These two men giving everything they have.
01:20:18Stiles to the back of the knee.
01:20:34And here comes Punk.
01:20:36Stiles as well.
01:20:39Punk down to a knee.
01:20:43Kick right to the chest.
01:20:46Punk with a chop.
01:20:47Go!
01:20:48Go!
01:20:49Go!
01:20:50Go!
01:20:51Go!
01:20:53Pele kick!
01:20:56Both men down.
01:20:58Critical moment of this world title match.
01:21:03Who can dig down deep?
01:21:06Who has a little bit left?
01:21:11We might have our answer, Cole.
01:21:13AJ Styles realizes this is his chance, his opportunity.
01:21:17He wants one more reign as a world champion.
01:21:21Trying to muscle up the champion.
01:21:26Punk now trying to put Stiles in position for another go to sleep.
01:21:31I think Punk's back might have given out.
01:21:32Maybe it was a knee.
01:21:34Favorable position for the challenger here.
01:21:36Stiles now.
01:21:41Puck.
01:21:42Stiles hanging on to the top wall.
01:21:48What?
01:21:48Finn Balor!
01:21:50Oh, come on now!
01:21:51Damn it!
01:21:52Finn Balor attacking the champion CF Punk!
01:21:56Oh, these are actions of a desperate man.
01:22:06A man who's on the outside looking in.
01:22:09No!
01:22:13No!
01:22:14Why would you do that?
01:22:21Balor.
01:22:23Balor biding his time.
01:22:26Seeing Punk the champ in front of us.
01:22:28No idea even where he's at.
01:22:30And Balor now with a kick to Punk into the barricade.
01:22:38Finn Balor.
01:22:40Isn't done yet.
01:22:41Balor throwing CM Punk and the respect that Punk showed Balor earlier tonight back in his face.
01:22:49Is he, though, Michael Koehler?
01:22:51Is Finn Balor taking CM Punk's advice?
01:22:54Finn Balor is forcing the champion's hand.
01:22:57Balor has everyone's attention now.
01:22:59Coup de Grace!
01:23:01I hate it.
01:23:02I don't agree with it.
01:23:03But part of me understands it.
01:23:05Balor pissed off that he's not going to be able to be in the Rumble match.
01:23:10Taking it all out of the champion.
01:23:17God of the ribs!
01:23:18Finn Balor wants to be on top of the mountain again.
01:23:32Balor with a third to Coup de Grace!
01:23:35One more dagger to the heart of CM Punk.
01:23:40And I'm going to ask the question that Punk asked of Balor earlier tonight.
01:23:46Finn Balor, what do you want your legacy to be?
01:23:49Balor with a third to Coup de Grace!
01:23:51Balor with a third to Coup de Grace!
01:23:52Balor with a third to Coup de Grace!
01:23:53Balor with a third to Coup de Grace!
01:23:54Balor with a third to Coup de Grace!
01:23:55Balor with a third to Coup de Grace!
01:23:56Balor with a third to Coup de Grace!
01:23:57Balor with a third to Coup de Grace!
01:23:58Balor with a third to Coup de Grace!
01:23:59Balor with a third to Coup de Grace!
01:24:00Balor with a third to Coup de Grace!
01:24:01Balor with a third to Coup de Grace!
01:24:01Balor with a third to Coup de Grace!
01:24:02Balor with a third to Coup de Grace!
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