Rejoice wrestling fans the world over, for tonight is the massive 25th anniversary of WWE Monday Night Raw and thank you for reading our coverage of said historic show.
It’s going to be almost impossible to list everything going on at tonight’s show but I will give a (fairly) quick rundown of what, and who, to expect. Seeing as this is the anniversary of Raw, WWE and Vince McMahon has pulled all the strings to bring back just about everyone you’ve ever cared about – obviously minus CM Punk, Hulk Hogan, and those who’ve sadly passed away. Stone Cold Steve Austin, The Undertaker, Shawn Michaels, Triple H, Trish Stratus, The Dudley Boyz, Kelly Kelly, Scott Hall, Chris Jericho, JBL, Torrie Wilson, Miss Jacqueline, and more, all with Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler on the commentary table. This alone, makes this the most exciting Monday Night Raw since the historic episode 1000. Not to mention, this roster of legends makes the three-hour runtime of Raw seem almost too short!
Alas, maybe as much as we would like it to be, tonight’s Raw is not just about the legends. Tonight’s show will feature all of the regular Superstar’s, both from Raw and SmackDown Live. That’s right, Shane McMahon and Daniel Bryan will be bringing their WWE Champion AJ Styles, Women’s Champion Charlotte, Tag Champions The Uso’s, as well as The New Day, Natalya and John Cena. So tonight’s show really is as jam-packed full of names and faces as a show could possible be. I really don’t envy the booking team for tonight’s show.
Brock Lesnar will also be on tonight’s Raw, as he responds to Braun Strowman’s insane attack on him two weeks ago. This is Lesnar’s last chance to make a statement against the Monster Among Men, but let’s not forget that Kane will be here to also cause some havoc! Tonight’s show will also feature WWE Intercontinental Champion, Roman Reigns, defend his strap against The Miz. Reigns looks to knock-off Miz one last time and head on to the Royal Rumble, whereas The Miz looks to win the IC title for the eighth time!
So that’s our preview for tonight’s show, which will no doubt be an incredibly fun show because, well because Steve Austin will be there and we could watch him for three hours and nothing else. So remember to download the Ringside Talk app and join the conversation. Enjoy the show!
Monday Night Raw’s 25th Anniversary Show opens in the Manhattan Centre, the building where Raw had its first show, and it looks just like it did. Jerry Lawler, in classic King garb, along with Jim Ross and they talk about tonight’s momentous show. They send us over to the other arena in New York.
We go live to the Barclays Centre and both Shane and Stephanie McMahon are in the ring. Stephanie welcomes us to the show and the fans cheer loud. Shane says 25 years is a huge landmark but they wouldn’t be here without the wrestlers, past and present, who’ve given everything over the two decades. He then thanks the crew members that make the show happen but we never see. And finally, it’s all thanks to the fans, those who’ve been there since day one and those who’ve just recently started watching. “Thank you.” Before going any further, Shane points us to the Titantron, for a long video full of amazing highlights from Raw over the last two-and-a-half decades. The video package chronicles absolutely every great moment, including the sad ones, and is well worth a watch.
The fans are cheering and applauding when we return. Stephanie again thanks the fans and says we’re just getting started. There’s one last, truly special person to thank for all of this. One person who had the brains to make Raw special, the man with the fortitude who is the reason we’re all here. Stephanie introduces the Chairman, the creator of Monday Night Raw, their father, Vincent Kennedy McMahon!
Vince makes his entrances to an absolutely thunderous reaction. The fans sing along to Vince’s music and he eggs them on. Vince, Shane and Stephanie hug in the ring. Vince says 25 years is truly amazing and the fans chant “thank you Vince”. He says he’s normally not someone who pats himself on the back or smells the roses too often, but tonight he’s going to smell them. He mimics smelling the air and says it smells damn good. He thanks everyone and turns to leave but Shane and Stephanie stop him. Stephanie brings in a commemorative plaque to celebrate 25 years on Monday Night Raw, thanks to a GoFundMe. Vince takes a look at it but says it looks and feels cheap, “but then again, we are here in Brooklyn”. Vince lambasts the people of Brooklyn for cheaping out on the plaque. Vince says the fans have plaque on their teeth, it’s also what’s in their arteries. He says that’s all he gets for 25 years, he says they’re out here thanking everyone but there’s only one person he needs to thank and that’s himself. The fans boo and chant “A$shole”. Vince says there’s not one person in the world who helped him build this, and then…
The Texas Rattlesnake poses on the four corners and Brooklyn nearly implodes. Austin and Vince stand toe-to-toe and Vince says he knows that look in Steve’s eyes. He says the years have clearly been good to Austin but not to him. Vince lists off his health issues, trying to stop Steve from attacking him, while the fans chant “WHAT?” Vince says he is a senior citizen but Shane, “Shane’s in his prime, look at him!” Shane looks terrified but Austin shakes his hand and holds his hand in the air. Shane and Austin do a turn of the ring and Austin then Stuns Shane! Vince grabs two beers and says Shane had it coming. He gives Austin the beer and says for old times sake. The fans chant “one more time” and Vince says he doesn’t think Shane could take it. Austin and Vince crack open the beers and slowly take a drink while looking at each other. Vince then hugs Steve and they pose for the crowd. They drink some more and hug again, then Vince turns to leave but Austin’s music stops. Vince turns around and Austin motions for him to drink again, so they do, then Austin flips him off and delivers one final Stone Cold Stunner! Austin’s music returns and he celebrates with more beer. Shane slowly gets to his feet, so Austin hands him a beer. Shane takes a swig, then gets Stunned again and the beer shoots out of his mouth.
Austin celebrates as we return to the announce table and they rundown the card. Brock Lesnar, Kane and Braun Strowman, will all be here live, The Undertaker returns, and there will be an eight-woman tag match, up next!
*Commercial Break*
We return and Absolution are already in the ring, Paige isn’t wrestling though, as Nia Jax is in her place. Sasha Banks and her teammates make their entrances next. Before the match can begin officially, Nia attacks Asuka as she made her entrance. Both teams have a brawl before the referee finally separates them and rings the bell.
Sasha Banks, Bayley, Mickie James & Asuka Vs. Absolution, Alicia Fox & Nia Jax
Asuka takes control right off the bat, as she attacks Sonya Deville with some big kicks. Deville is against the ropes and Asuka kicks her in the chest until she falls through the ropes to the outside. Absolution take a minute to regroup as we head to the break.
*Commercial Break*
We come back from the break to see Asuka kicking away at Mandy Rose. Rose reverses a whip, but Asuka knocks off half the heel team. Asuka takes Rose down and hits a low dropkick. Sasha Banks tags in, and they hit a double-team suplex. Rose quickly rolls to her corner and tags in Nia Jax. Jax gets a big ovation coming into the match. Jax shoves her off, but Banks kicks her and dropkicks her in the knee before hitting a running knee for a one count.
Jax quickly gets to her feet and viciously slams her down. Jax saunters around the ring before covering for a near fall. Rose tags back in, and she stomps Banks down before tagging Deville in. Deville punches away at Banks before tagging in Alicia Fox. Fox hits a northern lights suplex for a near fall. Fox applies a chin lock and cinches it in for a bit. Banks fights up, but Fox slams her down for a one count. Fox then goes back to the chin lock. Banks gets out and hits an arm drag, but Fox is quickly up and connects with a big boot for a near fall. Banks backs her to the corner, but Fox pulls her down by the hair. Foxy shouts at Banks and the commentators say how impressive she is as we head to the break.
*Commercial Break*
We come back from the break to see Fox still dominating Banks. Banks kicks her away and goes to the second rope, but Deville knocks her off. A huge brawl breaks out at ringside. Banks sidesteps a big boot from Fox and applies the Bank Statement for the win.
Winners: Sasha Banks, Bayley, Mickie James, & Asuka
Asuka knocks Mickie James over the top rope before backhanding Bayley and dumping her over the top rope. Banks attacks Asuka, but Asuka superkicks her and throws her out of the ring! Asuka could very well be the winner of the Royal Rumble. She celebrates in the ring, and the crowd loves it.
Kurt Angle is talking with a referee backstage. Tonight is about celebration and not chaos. Braun Strowman, Brock Lesnar, and Kane will be in the ring at the same time, and they can’t afford an incident. Jonathan Coachman comes in and hugs Angle. The Coach says Angle is doing a great job. It’s awesome to see so many people he hasn’t seen in a while. Harvey Whippleman and Brooklyn Brawler come in. Teddy Long then jumps in and dances to a thunderous ovation. Brother Love then comes in and talks about how excited he is before saying he loves them. Another knock at the door… and it’s The Boogeyman! Boogeyman laughs and has worms coming out of his mouth. Boogeyman takes worms out of his mouth and puts them in The Coach’s hand before simply leaving. The best thing about that segment was the incredible reception the fans gave every man that walked in.
After the break, The Undertaker will be here!
*Commercial Break*
We return to Jerry Lawler and Jim Ross in the Manhattan Centre, The King is clearly loving donning his old persona. Ross talks about The Undertaker and how he was on the very first episode of Raw in that very building. We then get an awesome video package of The Deadman’s career.
The Undertaker’s music hits and he makes a rather low-key entrance in the Manhattan Centre. Howard Finkel is on hand to introduce the man himself and the fans give him an incredible reception. The fans chant his name as he stands in the centre of the ring, what a weird image to see in 2018.
“The carnage began on this sacred ground of evil, 25 years ago.” Undertaker says that for 25 years he’s been digging holes and anybody who dares step foot into the dark side, got buried. He took legends off of their pedestals and threw them in graves. Stone Cold, Mick Foley, Kane, all had to answer to the reaper. They all tried and they all failed. “And now, on this sacred ground, for all of those who have fallen, it is truly time you rest in peace.” With that The Deadman’s music hits and he poses in the ring. JR asks if that was a warning. Honestly, kind of a weird segment that didn’t set anything up or definitively end his career.
The Miz Vs. Roman Reigns for the Intercontinental Championship will happen next!
*Commercial Break*
We return and see the APA’s iconic wooden door. Beyond the door we see Bradshaw and Ron Simmons playing poker and drinking beer with Heath Slater and Rhyno. Heath loses a hand and Ron starts raking in the chips, Slater cries out “I got kids!” and Ron replies, “yeah, and their daddy’s broke!” A fat wad of cash lands on the table and they all look around to see The Million Dollar Man, Ted Dibiase standing with his title. He wants in on the action and they’re happy to accommodate.
We return to the ring and we’re introduced to some of the best General Manager’s of all-time, including John Laurinitis, William Regal, Daniel Bryan, and Eric Bischoff! Bryan leads a big YES! chant on the stage before being interrupted by The Miz. He and The Miztourage make their way to the ring. The Champion is out second to an arena full of boos. The announcers mention that Reigns has a tie to the original Raw, as his cousin Yokozuna competed on that show.
WWE Intercontinental Championship Match
(C) Roman Reigns Vs. The Miz
The bell rings, and the crowd starts a loud, “Roman sucks” chant. They circle the ring and lock up. Reigns throws him down, and the crowd boos. They circle the ring again, and Miz gets out of the ring. Reigns grabs him, but Miz elbows him away. Miz comes off the top rope, but Reigns uppercuts him. Reigns goes outside and tries for a Drive By Dropkick, but Bo Dallas gets in the way. Reigns punches him down. Reigns approaches Curtis Axel before sidestepping a baseball slide from Miz. Reigns punches him and gets on the apron. Axel grabs his ankle, and Miz big boots Reigns to the floor. Miz then sends him into the ring steps.
*Commercial Break*
We come back from the break to see Reigns clothesline Miz twice before connecting with a leaping clothesline. Reigns gets him in the corner and connects with ten clubs before hitting the ropes and nailing him with a big boot. Reigns sets up for a Superman Punch, but Miz gets out of the ring. Reigns follows him out and hits a Drive By Dropkick. Reigns gets him in the ring and charges, but Miz sidesteps him. Reigns hits the ring post shoulder first. Miz then rolls him up and gets his feet on the ropes for leverage, but Reigns still kicks out.
Miz starts connecting with the “IT” kicks. Reigns blocks the big kick and connects with a sit-out powerbomb for a near fall. Reigns takes some time to get out of the ring and hits The Miztourage with a Drive By Dropkick. Reigns sends Axel into the apron and sends Dallas face-first into the ring post. Reigns then sends Axel into the crowd. Miz attacks him from behind and gets him in the ring for a Skull Crushing Finale, but Reigns gets out. Reigns hits a Superman Punch for a near fall.
Reigns gets himself pumped up and goes to the corner. Dallas holds Reigns’ leg, and Miz hits his patented corner clothesline. The referee looks out at The Miztourage and yells at them before ejecting them from ringside! Miz begs the referee to reconsider. Reigns rolls Miz up for a near fall. Reigns then hits Dallas and Axel with a Superman Punch! Miz immediately catches him with a Skull Crushing Finale for a near fall!
Both men are down and the crowd are getting into it. Miz gets up and goes for another Skull Crushing Finale, but Reigns elbows out. Miz goes to the corner and sidesteps Reigns! Reigns hits an exposed turnbuckle! Miz follows up with the Skull Crushing Finale for the win!
Winner and New Intercontinental Champion: The Miz
While Reigns was attacking The Miztourage at ringside, The Miz removed that turnbuckle cover. The Miz celebrates with The Miztourage and the WWE Intercontinental Championship on the stage.
Brock Lesnar, Braun Strowman, and Kane will all be live in the ring. D-Generation X will reform later tonight.
*Commercial Break*
Christian is back with The Peep Show. Christian says there are a lot of peeps in Brooklyn tonight. Christian welcomes them to The Peep Show and says he misses the crowd. Christian knows a little something about tag teams – he was a 9-time Tag Team Champion. He’s seen enough to see it all… or so he thought. His guests tonight won the RAW Tag Team Championships on their very first night. His guests are Jason Jordan and Seth Rollins.
Seth Rollins and Jason Jordan make their way to the ring. Christian welcomes them to the show. Rollins says it’s been… Jordan cuts him off and says it’s been amazing. Jordan gets loudly booed. Jordan says he knows they’re out here to talk about their upcoming title defense, but before he does he just wants to say (he’s cut off by the boos) it is an honor to be in Christian’s presence, as well as all the superstars and legends. The boos are getting louder and louder. Jordan says he wanted to thank the crowd for all their continued support, but not now. Most of all, he thanks his father Kurt Angle for assembling this incredible collection of talent. Jordan says his dad doesn’t suck. Jordan asks the crowd to give his dad a big round of applause.
The Bar makes their way to the stage. Sheamus says Jordan has got it all wrong. The superstars and legends have been lining up all day to get their photos and autographs because they don’t just set the bar… they are The Bar! Those same superstars and legends had the exact same sentiments in thinking they’ll reclaim their RAW Tag Team Championships this Sunday. Sheamus says they were thanked in advance for doing so. They get in the ring. Cesaro says it is not Jordan’s dad who sucks. Jordan sucks. The crowd loudly applauds and chants, “You suck.” The Bar then sings, “You suck” to Kurt Angle’s theme. Jordan attacks them, and Rollins clotheslines Sheamus out of the ring. Rollins then hits Sheamus with a suicide dive. Jordan holds Cesaro up. Rollins comes off the top rope with a springboard knee, but Cesaro moves and Jordan takes the move! The Bar retreats looking pleased with their efforts.
Charly Caruso is backstage with Alexa Bliss. She asks if she’ll be champion by WrestleMania. Bliss sneers and asks what kind of question that is. Bliss says she’s not just a champion. She’s a goddess. Smackdown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair comes up and says the only reason she’s the champion is because she’s on Smackdown Live. Flair doesn’t think Bliss will be champion by WrestleMania. Bliss doesn’t have the size or the pedigree. To be the woman, you’ve got to beat the woman. If you don’t believe her, ask her father. Ric Flair comes up to her. Flair says Bliss is lovely and may be the champion tonight, but Charlotte will be the champion tonight, tomorrow, next week, next month, at WrestleMania, the night after WrestleMania, and until she decides to hang up her robe. Flair and Charlotte let out a big “WOO!”
*Commercial Break*
Raw returns and we see a video package of Edge’s career. Shame the Rated R Superstar couldn’t be here tonight but he’s filming Vikings in Ireland.
We return to see the APA’s table getting more and more packed. Natalya lays out a hand with a flush of hearts to win but Dana Brooke interjects and tells her she has crunched the numbers and Natalya is losing money quickly.
We’re back at the Manhattan Centre and out comes Bray Wyatt. He makes his way to the ring amidst fireflies. His opponent is out next…
Matt Hardy Vs. Bray Wyatt
Hardy blocks a right hand and punches Wyatt. Wyatt quickly goes for Sister Abigail, but Hardy gets out. Hardy clotheslines him in the corner and beats him down. Wyatt pushes him off. Hardy ducks a clothesline and hits a Russian leg sweep before going to the second rope for an elbow. Loud “DELETE” chants. Hardy goes for the Twist of Fate, but Wyatt shoves him off. Wyatt then floors him with a flying body block.
*Commercial Break*
We come back from the break to see Hardy hit a jawbreaker and connect with some right hands. Hardy bounces him off the turnbuckles while the crowd chants, “DELETE.” Hardy clotheslines him in the corner and goes for a bulldog, but Wyatt pushes him off. Hardy sidesteps him, and Wyatt arcs his back. Hardy laughs and is bleeding from the mouth. Wyatt charges into a Side Effect from Hardy for a two count. More “DELETE” chants. Hardy goes for a Twist of Fate, but Wyatt shoves him into the ropes. Wyatt snaps him off the ropes and hits Sister Abigail for the win.7
Winner: Bray Wyatt
We’re back at the Barclays Center now. JoJo is welcoming some of the greatest female superstars in the history of WWE. The Bella Twins, a very pregnant Maryse, Kelly Kelly, Lilian Garcia, Jacqueline, Torrie Wilson, Michelle McCool, Terri Runnels, pregnant Maria Kanellis, and, the most beloved of the bunch, Trish Stratus!
*Commercial Break*
Elias is walking backstage when he bumps into Chris Jericho. Jericho gets a HUGE reaction. There is a thunderous “Y2J” chant. Jericho notices Elias’ scarf and wrote a song about Elias. Jericho asks if he can use his guitar, but Elias declines. Jericho says he has his own. Jericho sings that he doesn’t want to walk with Elias. Why? He’ll give you the gist. He’s a stupid idiot. Elias just… Elias just… Jericho holds up The List of Jericho and laughs before saying he got Elias. Jericho then says he’s just kidding because Elias JUST MADE THE LIST!
More still photos are shown from the 25 years of RAW. The Empire State Buding is shown lit up in RAW red tonight.
Elias is in the center of the ring. Elias greets the crowd, plays a riff, and asks who wants to walk with Elias. Their volume doesn’t impress him, so he asks them again and Brooklyn show him some love. 25 years of Monday Night RAW. It took them 25 years to find him, but WWE finally got it right. The WWE he’s talking about stands for Walk With Elias! Elias seems pleased. Elias has a song and wants them to silence their phones and shut their mouths. The crowd boos. Elias says he won’t sing if that’s the case. Elias then reconsiders and says the legends need to hear this one. A “Stupid Idiot” chant fires up. Elias says he’ll leave if that’s how they feel, and the crowd cheers. Elias sits back down and says he couldn’t possibly do that because Jimmy Fallon is right here, Fallon is shown at ringside. Some boos pick up for Fallon. Elias will show him how it’s done. Elias plays a blues riff and says HBK ran from him. Undertaker is a decrepit old man and should sit in the stands. Chris Jericho is a big phony, in the past, he stunk. As far as The Rock, Rocky still sucks. Forgive him if he forgets any names. Elias is here and is changing the game. John Cena isn’t a legend, Cena is like Brooklyn because he has no balls. It’s the Royal Rumble, and he’s gonna win…
John Cena’s music hits, and he comes out to a big reception. Cena gets in the ring and says the crowd is loud and awake. Just so Elias knows, both himself and Brooklyn have balls because they’re in the crowd right now. A security guard obviously takes the ball away. An “asshole” chant fires up. Cena says they gotta keep it PG. 25 years of Monday Night RAW. Elias gets in the ring and says, “Shut your damn mouth” to a big ovation. No one wants to hear Cena. The crowd is here to hear Elias. Cena ruined it. Cena tells him to do something about it and takes off his shirt. Cena offers his chin for Elias to hit. Elias says that’s not how it works. Elias doesn’t take orders from Cena or these Brooklyn scumbags. Elias goes to leave before trying to sneak attack Cena. Cena hits a pair of shoulder tackles before hitting a back suplex powerbomb. Cena hits the 5 Knuckle Shuffle before trying for an Attitude Adjustment. Elias slides off and hits a huge low blow! Cena collapses to the mat in pain. Elias goes outside and grabs his guitar. Elias then smashes the guitar off Cena’s back! A “YES” chant picks up. Cena tries to pull himself up, so Elias drops him with The Drift Away. Elias then walks off.
The New Day are in the APA’s office with all the rest of the crowd. Heath Slater is revealed to be cheating. JBL says this is a game for civilized people. If they want to fight, they should go to the ring. DiBiase just laughs and shows a royal flush. DiBiase takes all the money and throws away the pancake. Ron Simmons looks down at DiBiase, takes a good long moment, and says, “DAMN!”
*Commercial Break*
Mark Henry is walking backstage when he bumps into The Godfather! Godfather introduces Henry to a young woman. Godfather says Henry used to be Sexual Chocolate. Henry says he’s changed, but Godfather has stayed the same. Henry then reintroduces himself to the woman, and Godfather says that’s his wife. Godfather says, “Like you said, we’ve all grown up.”
Titus Worldwide vs. Heath Slater & Rhyno
Titus O’Neil and Rhyno trade chops to start the match. Apollo Crews tags in and wrenches the arm. Rhyno turns it and tags in Heath Slater. Slater wrenches the arm, but Crews whips him off. Crews then dropkicks him down. Crews then executes a delayed vertical suplex. We head to the break with Titus Worldwide in good position.
*Commercial Break*
We come back from the break to see all four men in a brawl. The referee decides to throw the match ou and the fans boo.
No Contest
The Dudley Boyz’ music immediately hits, and they make their way to the ring to a huge reaction from Brooklyn. Bubba Ray and D-Von Dudley get in the ring. Titus Worldwide, Slater, and Rhyno get out of the ring. A loud “We want tables” chant picks up. They throw Slater into the ring. Slater yells at them before turning into a scoop slam from Bubba Ray. They then hit the “WASSUP” head-butt to the crotch. Corey Graves says they should update it to “Dilly, dilly!” The crowd loudly screams, “GET THE TABLES!” D-Von retrieves the table. The Dudley Boyz then give Slater the 3D through the table! Michael Cole says this is one of the oddest segments he’s ever seen.
Charly Caruso says with no expression that The Dudley Boyz are one of the greatest of all time. AJ Styles comes up and says this is the 25th anniversary of RAW and has arranged for someone to do the interview with him. Styles then introduces “Mean” Gene Okerlund! Okerlund says this is an historic night. Styles has his hands full in a 2-on-1 Handicap Match. Styles impersonates Hulk Hogan and says, “Well let me tell you something Mean Gene!” Styles then stops and says he has always wanted to do that. Styles says Owens and Zayn, or Kami, think they’ll take the title, but they won’t take the title from him. Styles will hit them hard and fast, but he’ll retain the title. And at the end they will hear “And Still!”
Coming up after the break, D-Generation X!
*Commercial Break*
We return and see more pictures from the past 25 years. Interestingly, CM Punk was shown and the fans cheered loud.
We back at the Manhattan Centre and out come Shawn Michaels and Triple H, D-Generation X!
A “DX” chant picks up. HBK says it’s been 25 years and people have been asking him for his most favorite moments. Michaels can’t remember 25 minutes ago. Michaels says one of his favorites was that time they had that sausage kielbasa thing. HBK then tries to tell the story of when they had the Santa hats on their private areas. HBK says he used to be the boss of this group, but now Triple H is the boss of everything. Triple H says this is the place where it all started 25 years ago. The crowd lit the spark that started the fire that became the inferno that is WWE. 25 years later, they’re here because of the crowd. 20 years ago, he and HBK started something special in this ring. They’d come to the ring every week with “Ravishing” Rick Rude and “The 9th Wonder of the World” Chyna. They did whatever the hell they wanted and say whatever the hell they wanted. DX has always been at the forefront of this whether it was being on the first RAW or driving a tank to WCW and starting a war or being here tonight for the 25th anniversary. The Manhattan Center for RAW is home. DX will be at the forefront of the next 25 years. It’s time to start that right now. Are you ready? Triple H then asks again. They didn’t come alone.
The New Age Outlaws make their way to the ring. “Road Dogg” Jesse James and “Bad Ass” Billy Gunn. Road Dogg goes through his old schtick before introducing X-Pac to the ring. A “1-2-3” chant picks up. X-Pac looks moved by that. This is a DX reunion, but they can’t have a 25th anniversary celebration without this guy…
Razor Ramon makes his way to the ring right as we head to the break.
*Commercial Break*
We come back from the break to hear Scott Hall say, “Hey yo…” Everybody knows you can’t have a party on RAW without The Bad Guy. Hall has been watching the show from both locations. This RAW 25 thing is just too sweet.
The Balor Club makes their way to the ring to a big reception! Finn Balor, Karl Anderson, and Luke Gallows get in the ring. The Balor Club and DX then do a “Too Sweet” hand signal to a good round of applause. The Revival then make their way to the ring. Mike Chioda gets in the ring in the old blue referee shirt and a black bow tie.
Anderson & Gallows Vs. The Revival
Dash and Dawson attack Anderson and Gallows from behind before the match starts. Wilder clotheslines Anderson to start the match and tags in Dawson. Dawson kicks Anderson and connects with a back elbow. Dawson drops a leg and stares at Gallows. Wilder tags back in and takes him down before applying a side headlock. Anderson escapes, but Dawson is tagged in. Anderson takes him down with a leg lariat.
Gallows and Wilder are tagged in. Gallows clotheslines him before hitting an avalanche. Gallows big boots himbefore hitting a roundhouse on Wilder. They hit the Magic Killer for the quick win.
Winners: Anderson & Gallows
Kinda sucks that The Revival were fed to that. DX and Ramon celebrate with The Balor Club. Dawson turns Ramon around. Ramon throws his toothpick in his face. X-Pac hits the X-Factor. Road Dogg hits the Shake, Rattle, and Roll before Billy Gunn hits a Fame-ass-er. HBK hits some Sweet Chin Music on Wilder before Triple H drops him with a Pedigree. Balor then hits the Coup de Grace. Gunn says, “If you’re not down with that, we’ve got two words for ya…” The crowd finishes with an enthusiastic, “SUCK IT!”
Back at the Barclay’s Center, Kurt Angle makes his way to the ring with a bunch of legends. The rest of the mid to lower RAW roster then comes out. The New Day is also there. Brock Lesnar, Braun Strowman, and Kane will be out, next.
*Commercial Break*
We return for the final segment of Raw’s 25th anniversary and general manager Kurt Angle introduces Braun Strowman, who wades his way to the ring. Kane comes out next and the current Superstars get between him and Braun to keep them apart.
Paul Heyman comes out and introduces himself, then says he came here tonight to bring them something relevant. And the most relevant thing is the WWE Universal Championship, and the person who holds that title, who just happens to be his client. He says his client did not come here tonight for a nostalgia pop, he came here for a fight. And this Sunday the announcer will as if the other fighters are ready because his client certainly is. Out comes Brock Lesnar and the current Superstars clear the ring.
Brock makes his way to the ring but inside, Braun clotheslines Kane from behind and jumps out of the ring, only to be borderline beheaded by Lesnar! Brock enters the ring and hits Kane with an F5 before posing. Strowman then returns and attacks Lesnar. Braun throws Lesnar into the barricade like he weighs nothing, then picks him up and hits a running powerslam through the announce table! Braun returns to the ring poses atop the turnbuckles as Raw’s 25th Anniversary Show comes to a close.
Is this what will happen on Sunday night? Remember to join us then for our coverage of the Royal Rumble! Until then, here’s to another 25 years and safe travels!
