New WWE Champion Bobby Lashley made his first title defense on last night’s episode of Raw.
One week after defeating The Miz to become WWE Champion, Lashley and Miz faced off in a rematch for the title. The result was the same as last week, with Lashley using The Hurt Lock to get the win.
Former WWE Champion Drew McIntyre was interviewed on last night’s show and addressed Lashley — but the interview was interrupted by Sheamus attacking McIntyre and telling McIntyre that the issues between them aren’t over. McIntyre and Sheamus then faced off in a no disqualification match later in the night. The match ended in a no contest after McIntyre and Sheamus both charged et each other while wielding steel steps.
Women’s Tag Team Champions Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler retained their titles against Lana & Naomi last night. In the main event, AJ Styles defeated Randy Orton after involvement by Alexa Bliss. Orton was coughing up a black substance after Bliss appeared on the video screen.
Date: March 8, 2021 Location: Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, FL
The Big Takeaway —
Bobby Lashley easily retained the WWE title against the Miz in Raw’s opener. Drew McIntyre was teased as his next opponent, but he will likely have to finish his feud with Sheamus first. The two had a no disqualification match that ended in a ref stoppage.
Nia Jax and Shayna Baszler retained their tag titles over Naomi and Lana. Next week, Riddle defends the US title against Mustafa Ali, while the Hurt Business defend their tag titles against the New Day.
There was also a bizarre segment involving Shane McMahon and Braun Strowman.
Oh, and AJ Styles beat Randy Orton after Alexa Bliss made Orton cough up goo again.
Show Recap —
There was a recap of last week’s show-long angle that led to Bobby Lashley beating the Miz for the WWE title.
They cut to the Hurt Business walking through the back all dressed in suits earlier today. Sarah Schrieber approached Lashley for an interview. Lashley mentioned how happy he was. He’s been through so many obstacles and backstage politics but he busted his ass to get the shot.
When he finally got his shot, he made sure to punish the Miz. He was going to make an example of the Miz right now to send a message to the rest of the locker room. Sixteen years was too long to wait to win the title and no one was taking it from him. “The all mighty era has begun.”
Miz entered the ring with John Morrison for his title rematch. He rambled about how much he does for the company while never getting injured. He deserved the benefit of the doubt last week when he said he had stomach cramps. He technically defended his title successfully last week when he lost by countout. He admitted that was shady but he outsmarted everyone.
He continued to recap everything we just saw in the opening video package. He said the only thing WWE did right was giving him his rematch tonight. He wanted everyone who celebrated Lashley’s win last week to get ready to post about their new champion.
There was a commercial for WrestleMania tickets going on sale. The show’s tagline is “Back in Business.”
Bobby Lashley (w/MVP) defeated The Miz (w/John Morrison) to retain the WWE Championship (9:06)
Lashley’s entrance now includes a lightning effect. Drew McIntyre was shown watching this match in the back.
Miz tried avoiding Lashley but Lashley caught him and hit a delayed vertical suplex. Miz avoided a charge and Lashley went shoulder-first into the post. Miz also ran Lashley into the post but Lashley ran him over with a clothesline. This led to a break less than two minutes into this title match.
Lashley remained in control, chucking Miz across the ring and into the barricade. Lashley cut off a brief comeback attempt and drove Miz into the post. Lashley hit a flatliner and spinebuster before applying the Hurt Lock for the submission win. This was basically a 9-minute squash match.
Backstage, McIntyre told Schreiber that he’s the only worthy challenger. He was pissed off about Lashley attacking him and costing him the title only to beat the Miz of all people to win the title, while McIntyre himself beat Brock Lesnar for the title. McIntyre questioned Lashley’s passion and heart.
Sheamus attacked McIntyre and tossed him into equipment boxes. Sheamus threatened to make McIntyre miserable. After Sheamus left, McIntyre got up and tossed stuff around in anger. McIntyre was great in this segment.
Rhea Ripley is coming soon.
After a break, Adam Pearce approached McIntyre. McIntyre didn’t allow Pearce to speak. He demanded a no disqualification match against Sheamus.
R-Truth approached Braun Strowman in the back. Truth said Bugs Bunny has gone to the dark side and joined the Monstars so he needed his own Monstar to get his baby back. Truth did some more comedy before Strowman cut him off to tell him he was going to the ring to demand an apology from Shane McMahon. Truth put on shades and tried zapping him like Men in Black. Truth ran off when it didn’t work.
There was a commercial for NXT which includes a “massive announcement” from William Regal.
McIntyre vs. Sheamus in a no DQ match was made official for tonight.
Braun Strowman / Shane McMahon segment
Strowman entered the ring to complain about Shane McMahon. Strowman knew he could snap Shane’s neck but also knew that Shane could fire him. (Not if you snap his neck first.) Strowman snarled like a lunatic, demanding that Shane show him respect and give him an apology.
Shane entered. He got right in Strowman’s face and said, “I apologize.” Byron Saxton said, “That’s it?” Shane left. Before going to the back, Shane teased that he had more to say, but he left.
[Second hour]
WWE wished Bad Bunny luck at the Grammys.
Schreiber asked Shane if he wanted to elaborate on what it seemed like he was about to say earlier. Shane said, “maybe later.” He left.
No disqualification match: Drew McIntyre vs. Sheamus ended in a no contest/referee stoppage (19:22)
(This technically started a minute or two before 9pm so the first hour of Raw had about 10-11 minutes of wrestling.)
McIntyre attacked Sheamus during his entrance, which was a funny visual. The match officially started once they hit the ring. They fought back and forth until McIntyre ducked a kendo stick attack by Sheamus. McIntyre responded by slamming him on the steel steps. Sheamus kicked the middle rope into McIntyre’s groin and attacked with the kendo stick.
Sheamus used a rolling senton for two. McIntyre came back with overhead suplexes and a neckbreaker. McIntyre attacked with the kendo stick and used it to hit a Russian leg sweep for two. Sheamus posted McIntyre and slammed him on the announce table which led to break.
Sheamus hit a backbreaker and applied a cloverleaf but McIntyre escaped and hit a spinebuster for two. McIntyre followed with a superplex for two. Sheamus came back with White Noise for two. Sheamus grabbed a chair but McIntyre seemed to punch him right in the face. McIntyre hit him with the chair and gave him a Future Shock DDT on the chair for two.
McIntyre tried a Claymore but Sheamus chucked the chair at his face and hit a knee strike for a nearfall. Sheamus wedged a chair between the turnbuckles but McIntyre chucked him into it and exploded off the ropes with a Claymore. However, Sheamus fell out of the ring. McIntyre struggled to get him back in the ring and Sheamus came back with a Brogue Kick.
They each grabbed a set of steel steps and charged at each other. They knocked each other down and they both collapsed. “This is awesome” chants played as the ref checked on both guys. They didn’t respond so the ref called the match off and asked for help from the back. Officials checked on them as replays of the collision aired.
There was a Randy Orton/Alexa Bliss video package.
Kevin Patrick (new interviewer) interviewed AJ Styles in the back. Styles ignored his question because he wanted to talk about Orton. He laughed about Orton being the victim of voodoo magic. Orton (who happened to be nearby) interrupted.
Orton asked if there was something funny about a grown man having his mind messed with. Styles thought it was weak. Orton wanted a match tonight so he could show him just how weak he was. Styles accepted and warned Orton that he might have an even bigger problem (Omos) on his hands. Orton was pleased.
The New Day will face Shelton Benjamin and Cedric Alexander for the tag titles next week.
Xavier Woods (w/Kofi Kingston) defeated Tag Team Champion Shelton Benjamin (w/Cedric Alexander) (3:46)
New Day wore gear inspired by Mortal Kombat. Kingston dressed in Scorpion’s yellow and black, while Woods wore Sub-Zero’s blue and black. They also had an MK logo on their gear, except with a unicorn silhouette instead of a dragon.
There was a spot early on where Benjamin hit a stiff knee strike for a very close nearfall. Woods came back with chops, strikes, and discus forearm but Benjamin knocked him down with a boot. Benjamin decided to turn his attention to Kingston so Woods rolled him up for the pinfall win.
In the back, Riddle told Schreiber that Retribution wouldn’t be able to distract him in his match tonight. He was more concerned about where to park his scooter. He left it in the back once and got a ticket. If he took it to ringside, Mustafa Ali might break it. Riddle asked her if she had any ideas for him. She didn’t.
New Day walked in on his interview and Riddle asked if they wanted to play Call of Duty later. They said they’d be ready to play after he beats Slapjack. Riddle asked them to watch his scooter and they were more than happy to oblige.
Riddle defends the US title against Ali next week.
US Champion Riddle defeated Slapjack (w/Mustafa Ali) in a non-title match (3:52)
Riddle exploded out of the gate with a series of suplexes and strikes. He went for a penalty kick on the apron but Slapjack blocked it (sort of) and dropped him on the apron. Slapjack hit a few suplexes himself for two, followed by a nice dropkick for two.
Riddle blocked a missile dropkick and hit a final flash knee for a nearfall. Slapjack kicked Riddle for a two count and Riddle fought back with a knee strike and Bro Derek for the pinfall win. This was fun while it lasted.
Ali admonished Slapjack after the match.
Pearce approached Shane in the back. Pearce asked Shane about what was about to say earlier. Shane resisted and Pearce politely backed off. Shane admitted he had something to say to Strowman and asked Pearce to go get him.
[Third hour]
Shane McMahon / Braun Strowman segment
Shane was in the ring after a break as loud “Shane O Mac” chants played. (They don’t play the chants this loud for any main roster talent, except maybe McIntyre.)
Strowman entered. Shane acted like his mic wasn’t working so he left the ring to get a new one. He backed away up the ramp.
Shane breathed heavily as he contemplated what he would say next. Strowman wanted to know why he was out here. Shane stalled. He just stood there holding the mic as Strowman paced around.
Shane could tell that Strowman was upset with him. Shane said he didn’t want to call Strowman stupid, then proceeded to basically call him stupid. Shane then purposely stuttered and called him “B-b-b-braun.” This pissed off Strowman so he went after Shane who sprinted to the back.
Shane could be seen running toward an SUV. When Strowman arrived, the SUV took off. Strowman left, at which point Shane reappeared. He laughed and called Strowman stupid again.
This really sucked.
They replayed Nia Jax saying “my hole” before losing to Lana in a tables match.
Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler (w/Reginald) defeated Naomi & Lana to retain the Women’s Tag Team Championship (7:40)
Jax entered with Reginald. She felt bad for him after he got fired by Carmella. She also knew a thing or two about wine. She called him cute.
Jax and Baszler cornered Lana on the outside but Naomi yelled, “Lana, move!” before wiping out the champs with a corkscrew dive. This led to break two minutes into the match. Baszler took over during a break anyway and stomped Lana’s arm.
Lana kicked Baszler and they both tagged out. Naomi took out Baszler before hitting Jax with a series of kicks but Baszler broke up a cover. Reginald grabbed Naomi’s leg as she came off the ropes so she stopped what she was doing and tagged in Lana.
Lana dropkicked Reginald as Naomi held him by the head. Jax ran over both Lana and Naomi before giving Lana a powerbomb for the pinfall win. Jax carried Reginald away on her shoulder after the match. This was a bad segment.
Schreiber approached Orton and mentioned that several wrestlers were concerned for his well-being. Orton was surprised to hear he had any friends. He thought it was funny considering none of them actually approached him. He said Styles just needs to be worried about getting an RKO.
Schreiber interviewed Mandy Rose and Dana Brooke. They wanted to be taken seriously as a team and as individuals. Charlotte Flair joined the segment to remind them that she wanted a title shot at WrestleMania. Rose said they did too. Charlotte said they had five weeks to prove their case.
Kevin Patrick asked Styles if he regretted his comments. Styles said no. He said Orton should be focused on the Fiend or Alexa Bliss or whoever. Styles planned on handing him a loss heading into WrestleMania.
(Styles entered for the main event and they went to break. When they returned, they aired a recap of Lashley retaining his title and the recap basically showed Lashley’s entire entrance. By the time Orton entered and the match started, Styles would have been waiting in the ring for 10 minutes.)
AJ Styles (w/Omos) defeated Randy Orton (15:36)
Orton was all over Styles and suplexed him on top of the announce table. Orton became distracted by Omos so Styles nailed him with a springboard forearm which led to break.
Styles was in control until Orton came back with right hands, a clothesline and powerslam for two, followed by a backbreaker for two. Orton set up for a superplex but Styles slipped out and dropped Orton on the turnbuckle. Styles went for a springboard move but Orton tripped him.
Styles blocked a draping DDT attempt and applied a calf crusher. Styles let go after Orton got close to the rope and Orton followed with an uppercut and draping DDT.
As Orton set up for an RKO, Omos pulled Styles from the ring. Alexa Bliss appeared on the screen as the arena lights turned purple.
Bliss lit a match and blew it out which caused fire pyro to go off from three corners of the ring. Orton began coughing up black goo. Styles hit a Phenomenal forearm for the pinfall win.
Bobby Lashley tweeted about his WWE Championship rematch against The Miz ahead of tonight’s Raw: “Who the [expletive] set this up? Did I not dominate this clown enough last week? @WWE tonight was supposed to be a celebration of THE ALL MIGHTY! #WWERaw”
**********
New WWE Champion Bobby Lashley will make his first title defense on tonight’s episode of Raw.
WWE has announced that tonight’s Raw will feature a WWE Championship rematch between Lashley and former champion The Miz. Last week, Lashley defeated The Miz in a lumberjack match to win the WWE Championship.
Last week’s Raw included a show-long storyline where The Miz tried to get out of facing Lashley. Miz delayed the match by claiming to be sick, then ran out of the match and purposely lost by countout when it did take place. Shane McMahon then told Miz that he would need to legitimately defend the WWE Championship against Lashley or he would be stripped of the title and it would be given to Lashley.
Lashley defeated The Miz in dominant fashion in the lumberjack match and won with The Hurt Lock.
Prior to losing the title to Lashley, The Miz had become WWE Champion by cashing in his Money in the Bank briefcase on Drew McIntyre at last month’s Elimination Chamber pay-per-view. It was said that Miz and Lashley made a deal where Lashley would get the first shot at Miz’s title if he attacked McIntyre and helped Miz cash in the Money in the Bank briefcase.
Lashley celebrating his WWE Championship win is also set for tonight’s Raw. Lashley’s Hurt Business stablemates MVP, Shelton Benjamin, and Cedric Alexander will join him for the celebration.
For the first time in his career, Bobby Lashley is WWE Champion.
Lashley defeated The Miz in the main event of tonight’s Raw to win the WWE Championship. The main event was made a lumberjack match following a show-long storyline where Miz tried to get out of facing Lashley.
Lashley dominated Miz in the match and then submitted him with The Hurt Lock. After the match, Lashley celebrated with the WWE Championship belt and put Miz in The Hurt Lock again.
Lashley also pointed to the WrestleMania sign during his celebration.
It was originally advertised that Miz vs. Lashley would begin at 9 p.m. Eastern time on tonight’s show, but the match was delayed due to Miz claiming to have stomach cramps. The match then took place at 10 p.m. Eastern. Miz immediately ran out of the match, losing by countout but keeping the WWE Championship. Shane McMahon then told Miz that he would have to legitimately defend the WWE Championship against Lashley or Miz would be stripped of the title and it would be given to Lashley.
Prior to losing the title tonight, Miz had become WWE Champion by cashing in his Money in the Bank briefcase on Drew McIntyre at last month’s Elimination Chamber pay-per-view. McIntyre retained the WWE Championship in an Elimination Chamber match at the PPV but was then attacked by Lashley. On Raw last week, it was revealed that Lashley made a deal with Miz where he would get the first shot at Miz’s title if he helped him defeat McIntyre.
Lashley was previously a four-time World Heavyweight Champion in TNA/Impact Wrestling. During his WWE career, he previously held the United States Championship, Intercontinental Championship, and ECW World Heavyweight Championship two times each. Lashley first debuted for WWE in 2005 and — after departing the company in 2008 — made his return in 2018.
Lashley is the third Black wrestler to hold the WWE Championship, joining The Rock and Kofi Kingston.
Date: March 1, 2021 Location: Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, FL
The Big Takeaway —
Mercifully, Bobby Lashley is the WWE Champion after a long, frustrating Raw show.
Show Recap —
There was a long video recap of last week’s angle to set up tonight’s title match.
Tom Phillips said tonight would be one of the biggest nights in Raw history.
Drew McIntyre promo
McIntyre said it’s been a bitch of a month for him. He was stabbed in the back by Sheamus and still doesn’t understand why and now they were about to beat the hell out of each other. He retained his champion inside a brutal chamber match only to be attacked by Bobby Lashley. Then the resident cockroach Miz successfully cashed in his contract.
“That’s right, everybody. The freakin’ Miz is the WWE Champion.”
McIntyre looked up at the WrestleMania sign and contemplated what was next. He planned on regaining his title and main eventing Mania. He didn’t win the title at the Performance Center and defend it night in and night out in the Thunderdome only to be left out at Mania.
The Miz and John Morrison interrupted. Miz wanted a proper introduction. Mike Rome introduced him as WWE Champion and a big fireworks display went off.
Miz said McIntyre should hold his head up high because he couldn’t control what happened to him. Miz took advantage of the situation and won the title again. McIntyre invited him into the ring for a hug. Miz knew better to do that. Miz wondered why McIntyre was even upset with him. He used the MITB briefcase exactly how it was designed to be used.
Miz said he should only be mad at Lashley. McIntyre wasn’t biting. He wasn’t planning on getting involved in their match and told Miz he’d have to deal with Lashley himself.
Miz called himself the victim. Lashley threatened his well-being despite having two children. He had no choice to make the deal with Lashley. Miz wanted McIntyre to join him and Morrison. Morrison said they could be the “three M-igos.”
MVP interrupted. He wanted to know that McIntyre wasn’t taking this seriously. McIntyre reminded MVP that he turned down MVP’s own offer a year ago because he didn’t need anyone’s help. MVP left but not before telling Miz that his title defense would begin at 9:00pm.
Sheamus interrupted. He said a few words before McIntyre went after him. They brawled around ringside as officials tried breaking them up. McIntyre clotheslined Sheamus over the barricade (which didn’t cause him to disappear as it did to Daniel Bryan on Friday). Sheamus reemerged as McIntyre posed on the ropes and they went to break.
Drew McIntyre defeated Sheamus (23:04)
This started slow but ended up being quite good.
Sheamus worked over McIntyre and cut off a McIntyre comeback attempt by Brogue kicking him off the apron, which led to break. Sheamus remained in control after the break and used a backbreaker for two. They smacked each other in the face until McIntyre came back with clotheslines and an overhead suplex.
Sheamus dropped McIntyre onto the apron but McIntyre shoved him into the post before giving him an overhead suplex onto the edge of the announce table. McIntyre broke the ten count before giving Sheamus a vertical suplex on the table. McIntyre followed with a flying clothesline in the ring for a nearfall.
Sheamus blocked a DDT and hit a clothesline. Sheamus went to the top, but as he did, McIntyre kipped up and headbutted him. McIntyre followed with a super belly-to-belly suplex for two. This led to another break.
They exchanged fists before McIntyre hit a spinebuster for two. Sheamus nailed a knee strike for two, followed by White Noise for two. McIntyre used a schoolboy for two followed by a Future Shock DDT for two.
Sheamus saw a Claymore coming so he left the ring. They wound up on the turnbuckles and McIntyre hit a White Noise off the middle rope for a nearfall. Sheamus responded with an Alabama Slam for two.
Sheamus went for a Brogue Kick but McIntyre nailed a Claymore Kick for the pinfall win.
Naomi was walking through the back with her music playing in the background when she suddenly bumped into Nia Jax and the music stopped. They just stared at each other until the commercial break.
There was a timer to let us know that the WWE title match was about ten minutes away (also letting us know that the next match won’t be any longer than that).
Tag Team Champion Nia Jax (w/Shayna Baszler) defeated Naomi (w/Lana) (2:19)
Jax was in full control and hit a Samoan drop but did not go for a cover. She taunted Lana before giving Naomi a chokeslam for the pinfall win. This was basically a squash. (They reminded us before the match that Naomi and Lana were still owed a tag title match.)
Jax and Baszler defend against Dakota Kai and Raquel González on NXT.
[Second hour]
Rhea Ripley is coming soon.
WWE Championship match: The Miz (w/John Morrison) vs. Bobby Lashley (w/MVP)
The match didn’t happen (yet). Lashley entered with MVP but there was a delay before Miz’s music played. Miz’s music hit but he didn’t enter. MVP wanted to know what was going on.
They cut to the back where the Miz appeared to be in pain as Morrison checked on him. Adam Pearce showed up and demanded to know why he wasn’t going to the ring. Miz claimed to be cramping up. Pearce tried to encourage him.
Lashley sprinted to the back as Miz told Pearce he needed more time. Lashley appeared, grabbed Miz by the face, and told him he was going to beat his ass for the title. After Lashley left, Pearce told Miz he will be defending his title at 10:00pm.
Braun Strowman segment
Strowman said Pearce and Shane McMahon clearly had something against him. He was suspended for headbutting Pearce and was left out of the chamber because of some dumb stipulation. He said the match sucked without him. Now he has a tag match he just found out about and doesn’t know who his partner is.
Strowman demanded that things change around here. Shane and Pearce entered. Shane told him to relax. Shane could see that Strowman was upset about not being able to achieve his goals. Shane talked about improving oneself and noted that he himself was taking MBA courses.
Shane read about conflict resolution (and joked about Strowman not being able to understand the material) and that’s what his tag match was about. He wanted to see Strowman get along with a partner and work together with WWE management.
Strowman asked if Shane was his partner. Shane said Pearce was his partner. This caught Pearce by surprise. Strowman thought that idea sucked. Shane thought it was a great idea and even offered them a tag title shot. Strowman liked that idea but warned Pearce not to screw up. He grabbed Pearce by the jacket and snarled at him as Shane tried to calm him down.
Shelton Benjamin & Cedric Alexander defeated Braun Strowman & Adam Pearce to retain the Raw Tag Team Championships (3:13)
Pearce stood on the apron in his business casual attire. Strowman ran over Alexander and Benjamin when the bell rang and ran them over on the outside. Strowman tossed around Alexander but Alexander dodged a charge and Strowman went shoulder-first into the barricade.
Benjamin and Alexander double-teamed Strowman but he fought them off and gave Benjamin a powerslam. Shane excitedly yelled from the apron that Strowman should tag Pearce so he can get the win.
Strowman reluctantly tagged out and Benjamin caught Pearce in a small package for the pinfall win. Hurt Business retain.
Pearce bailed as Strowman screamed at Shane, “I’m going to wreck this place and it’s going to be on your hands!”
Elias and Jaxson Ryker approached Damian Priest and Bad Bunny in the back. Elias said his music was inspiring and Ryker was proof. Elias thought Bad Bunny had the potential for more. He wanted them to do a single together. Bad Bunny said something in Spanish to Priest who relayed the message to Elias: “that’s a no.”
Damian Priest (w/24/7 Champion Bad Bunny) defeated Elias (w/Jaxson Ryker) (15:22)
Before the match, Elias said he was upset about being robbed out of a Grammy nomination. He was about to perform but was interrupted by the entrances for Bad Bunny and Priest.
They actually took a commercial break during this match. Elias exchanged words with Bad Bunny after Priest clotheslined him out of the ring. Elias had a chinlock applied after the break. Priest came back with an arm drag, they exchanged strikes, and Priest used an arm drag again. Elias yanked Priest’s face into the top rope to take over.
Ryker hit Priest with a cheapshot as Elias distracted the referee. Elias applied a chinlock again until Priest eventually powered out. Priest used strikes, a clothesline, a corner splash and a Broken Arrow for two. Elias used a Ryker distraction to apply a cradle but Priest countered into one of his own for two. Elias came right back with a knee strike for a nearfall.
A few moments later, Priest used Hit the Lights for the pinfall win. This was no good.
The long video package that opened the show aired again. Miz and Morrison were shown walking through the back.
[Third hour]
There was a commercial for the Big E feature on the network. It’s also his birthday.
Randy Orton segment
Kayla Braxton interviewed Randy Orton in the back. Orton doesn’t know what happened last week but does know that Alexa Bliss played a part. They aired a video package of Orton coughing up goo. Orton advised Bliss to move on with her life or else.
Bliss appeared on the screen. She giggled and called him silly. She said “bring it back” as creepy music played. A hooded figure appeared on the screen. It was Orton. He spoke with an altered voice directly to… himself. Evil Orton issued a warning and laughed maniacally as regular, less-evil Orton began coughing (off-screen).
Bobby Lashley (w/MVP) defeated The Miz (w/John Morrison) via countout – The Miz retains the WWE Championship (0:29)
Before the match could start, Miz had a proposition for MVP and Lashley. Miz noted that Lashley has waited 17 years for this and it should happen on a bigger stage: WrestleMania. MVP ignored him and told Rome to continue with the introductions.
Miz bailed from the ring as soon as the bell rang, grabbed his belt and sprinted to the back. The ref counted him out. Lashley and MVP were pissed.
In the back, Shane ensured MVP and Lashley that there would be a title match tonight. MVP responded, “Shane, this is bullshit, man!” He said they got screwed twice tonight. Shane said he would consider stripping Miz of the title and give it to Lashley. MVP asked if he would actually give it to Lashley. Shane said he’d consider it. Lashley would rather Shane find Miz so he beat the piss out of him.
Charlotte Flair promo
Charlotte said when she came back and all she wanted to do was be Asuka’s tag partner. She wasn’t even thinking about the Raw Women’s title. Asuka busted her ass for months and Charlotte just wanted to fight with her. Then she got tangled up with Lacey Evans.
She noted that Bianca Belair will be facing Sasha Banks for the Smackdown title which meant Asuka needed a Mania opponent. Charlotte wanted to be that person. However, Asuka was currently at home, injured.
They aired a brutal replay of Baszler kicking Asuka in the mouth and there was a slow-motion shot of a tooth flying out. Charlotte said Asuka would be back and she would challenge her when returned.
Baszler and Jax interrupted. Baszler called Charlotte an army of one fighting an uphill battle. Baszler took credit for Asuka no longer have any teeth and informed Charlotte this wouldn’t be the road to Mania that she’s accustomed to. Jax said it was too bad that Charlotte sent her father home because the locker room wished that Charlotte sent herself home.
Jax said it would be Baszler or herself challenging Asuka. Charlotte intimated that she was the greatest of all time. Baszler got in her face. Charlotte attacked but they overwhelmed her. Jax gave her a leg drop and they went to break.
They claimed that Miz would be defending his title in 22 minutes or else.
Charlotte Flair defeated Tag Team Champion Shayna Baszler (w/Nia Jax)
Jax tried to attack Charlotte on the outside but Charlotte side-stepped her and she ran into the steel steps. Charlotte blocked Baszler’s Kirifuda Clutch and hit Natural Selection for the quick pinfall win.
Shane instructed Pearce to tell Lashley that if Miz doesn’t show up for his title defense later, he would be stripped of the title.
Miz has 15 minutes.
Six-man tag team match: US Champion Riddle & Lucha House Party defeated Retribution (w/Mustafa Ali & Mia Yim) (2:19)
Retribution didn’t get an entrance, thankfully.
T-Bar immediately gave Riddle a chokeslam backbreaker for two and they worked him over from there. Riddle dropped the rope down on Mace and tagged in Lince Dorado. Riddle wiped out Mace with a dive and Dorado superkicked Slapjack before tagging in Gran Metalik. Metalik hit an elbow drop off Dorado’s shoulders for the quick pinfall win.
After the match, Ali challenged Riddle to a singles match so he could teach Retribution a lesson.
Mustafa Ali (w/Retribution) defeated US Champion Riddle in a non-title match (3:17)
Ali dropkicked Riddle’s arm and Riddle sold it like his elbow was broken. Ali worked over the arm and hit a neckbreaker for two. Riddle fought back, hitting a Pelé kick, running forearms, an Exploder suplex, senton and a penalty kick for two.
Riddle hit a final flash knee but became distracted by Slapjack on the apron. Yim got in the ring to distract the referee and Riddle froze upon Mace getting in his face. With Riddle on the ropes, Ali brought him down with some sort of double knee strike (which had a rough landing) for the pinfall win.
Miz tried to plead his case with Shane in the back. Miz said he deserved to go to Mania and deserved respect. Miz represented the title well and wondered what kind of champion Lashley would be. Shane said we might just find out.
Bobby Lashley (w/MVP) defeated The Miz (w/John Morrison) to win the WWE Championship (3:01)
They did the big introductions but before the match could start, Shane entered. He announced that this would be a lumberjack match. (A smiling Riddle was among them, as well as Ali just a few feet away.)
Miz tried hitting Lashley with the belt when the bell rang but Lashley blocked it.
Miz tried stalling before punching Lashley in the face. Lashley no-sold it. Miz went to the outside and tried pleading with the lumberjacks but Drew Gulak tossed him back in.
Lashley hit Miz with a clothesline and shoulder tackles before chucking him across the ring. Miz tried pleading with Ali but Benjamin and Alexader tossed him back in.
Lashley hit a flatliner but didn’t bother going for a cover. Lashley pressed Miz over the ropes onto Retribution who chucked him back in.
Lashley hit a huge spinebuster as the Hurt Business (and Riddle and Jeff Hardy) cheered him on.
Lashley put Miz in the Hurt Lock and Miz tapped out. Bobby Lashley is the WWE Champion.
Lashley posed with the title and pointed at the Mania sign. Lashley put Miz in the Hurt Lock again before posing with the belt as the show ended.
(It was a bit odd that the lumberjacks just stood around after the match and that Benjamin and Alexander didn’t jump into the ring to celebrate. They did celebrate outside the ring.)
Last night’s Elimination Chamber fallout edition of Raw set the stage for The Miz’s first title defense.
One night after cashing in his Money in the Bank briefcase to win the WWE Championship, The Miz opened Raw with a championship celebration edition of Miz TV. Bobby Lashley and MVP interrupted the segment, with it being revealed that Miz and Lashley had made a deal with each other. Lashley attacked Drew McIntyre at Elimination Chamber in exchange for being first in line for a shot at Miz’s WWE Championship.
After The Miz hesitated and said he had no time to give Lashley a title shot right now, Lashley said Miz had an hour to make things right.
But Braun Strowman inserted himself into the picture and demanded a WWE Championship match as well. A match between Lashley and Strowman was made for last night’s main event. If Strowman won, he would’ve been added to next week’s Miz vs. Lashley WWE Championship match.
Lashley defeated Strowman last night and then put him in The Hurt Lock after the match. The show-closing angle saw Miz try to attack Lashley with the WWE Championship belt, but Lashley laid out Miz and posed with the title.
Bobby Lashley will face The Miz for the WWE title on next week’s Raw.
Lashley will face The Miz in a singles match after defeating Braun Strowman on tonight’s show. If Strowman had won, he would have been added to next week’s title match. After the match, The Miz tried to attack Lashley with the WWE title, but Lashley immediately laid out Miz with a spinebuster and spear, standing strong to close out the show.
Raw opened tonight with Lashley and MVP telling Miz that they came to collect a debt after Lashley laid out Drew McIntyre following his Elimination Chamber win, which set up Miz cashing in his Money in the Bank briefcase and pinning McIntyre to win the WWE title. Lashley wanted a title match, and gave Miz an hour to think about his response. After the hour, Miz said he needed more time.
Braun Strowman then came out, insisting he get a title match. WWE official Adam Pearce, along with Shane McMahon, eventually made the stipulations for the Raw main event.
New WWE Champion The Miz will kick off tonight’s Raw with an episode of Miz TV.
WWE made the announcement this evening.
Miz won the WWE title after cashing in his Money in the Bank briefcase on former champ Drew McIntyre at last night’s Elimination Chamber PPV.
New United States Champion Riddle has also been announced for tonight’s show, taking on John Morrison in singles competition.
At last night’s PPV, Morrison won a four-way on the kickoff show to gain a spot in the triple threat United States title match on the main card, beating Ricochet, Elias and Mustafa Ali. Riddle then pinned Morrison to win the title, as former champ Lashley was not involved in the decision.
Women’s Tag Team Champions Nia Jax and Shayna Baszler will also be in action tonight, taking on Charlotte Flair and Raw Women’s Champion Asuka.
Jax and Baszler defeated Flair and Asuka for the Women’s Tag titles on the Royal Rumble kickoff show on January 31.
The Miz cashed in his Money in the Bank briefcase to defeat Drew McIntyre tonight at WWE Elimination Chamber to win the WWE Championship.
McIntyre had just won tonight’s Elimination Chamber, last eliminating AJ Styles after countering the Phenomenal forearm with his claymore kick. After the match, Lashley came in and attacked McIntyre, putting him in the Hurt Lock. It was at that moment the Miz came out and cashed his Money in the Bank briefcase. He won the title in under 30 seconds following the skull crushing finale.
This marks the end of Drew McIntyre’s second reign with the championship, which he won back on the November 15, 2020 edition of Raw, defeating Randy Orton. This is the second WWE title reign for The Miz, who won his first championship back in 2010.
The Miz had originally cashed in his Money in the Bank contract at WWE TLC back in December, turning the McIntyre-Styles TLC match into a triple threat match. McIntyre ended up winning that match. However, WWE officials later determined that the Money in the Bank briefcase has to be cashed in by the person who won it. Since John Morrison cashed the briefcase on behalf of the Miz, the cash-in was ruled invalid and Miz was able to keep the briefcase.
A change has been made to the lineup for Sunday’s WWE Championship Elimination Chamber match.
Kofi Kingston has been added to the WWE title Elimination Chamber match, replacing The Miz. Drew McIntyre will defend his WWE Championship against Kingston, Sheamus, Randy Orton, AJ Styles, and Jeff Hardy at Sunday’s Elimination Chamber pay-per-view.
The Miz, who holds the Money in the Bank briefcase, announced on tonight’s Raw that he was removing himself from the Elimination Chamber match. The Miz wanted John Morrison to take his place, but Kingston approached WWE authority figure Adam Pearce and said he hoped Pearce wasn’t taking Miz’s suggestion seriously. Pearce made a match to decide who would replace Miz.
Kingston defeated Miz to take his spot in the Elimination Chamber match. If Miz won, Morrison would have been added to the match instead.
McIntyre was the guest on a Miz TV segment earlier on tonight’s Raw. It ended with McIntyre headbutting Miz and throwing Miz’s Money in the Bank briefcase toward the stage. Miz then announced that he was removing himself from the Elimination Chamber match, saying the Money in the Bank briefcase means he isn’t under the same pressure McIntyre is. Miz said there are so many things that could go wrong for the Elimination Chamber participants, but he only needs one thing to go right.
Miz said that — whether he cashes in his briefcase at Elimination Chamber or not — he wants everyone vying for the WWE Championship or the Universal Championship to be on notice. Kevin Owens, Daniel Bryan, Cesaro, Jey Uso, Sami Zayn, and Baron Corbin are also facing off in an Elimination Chamber match on Sunday, with the winner challenging for Roman Reigns’ Universal Championship later that night.
An Elimination Chamber match was part of Kingston’s road to winning the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 35 in 2019. Kingston lasted until the end of that year’s WWE Championship Elimination Chamber match before being defeated by Daniel Bryan. Kingston went on to win the title from Bryan at WrestleMania.
Kingston returned to the ring on Raw last week after being out of action for more than a month due to a jaw injury.
A gauntlet match and Miz TV with Drew McIntyre has been announced for Raw.
The gauntlet match will consist of those competing in the Raw Elimination Chamber match taking place at the pay-per-view on February 21. Drew McIntyre, AJ Styles, Jeff Hardy, Randy Orton, Sheamus, and The Miz will all compete in the gauntlet. The winner of the match will be able to enter the Elimination Chamber last.
Also announced for Raw is a new episode of Miz TV. Miz will interview Drew McIntyre after Sheamus laid out McIntyre with a brogue kick back on the February 1 edition of Raw, effectively ending their friendship.
Shemus got involved in the finish of this week’s Raw main event, looking for a brogue kick on Drew McIntyre. However, Sheamus instead hit Orton with the kick, causing Orton to win the match by DQ. McIntyre responded to Sheamus’ attack by nailing him with the Claymore kick.
Drew McIntyre’s next WWE Championship defense will take place inside the Elimination Chamber.
WWE has announced that McIntyre will defend his WWE Championship against Randy Orton, Jeff Hardy, AJ Styles, The Miz, and Sheamus in an Elimination Chamber match at this year’s Elimination Chamber pay-per-view. The PPV is taking place on Sunday, February 21.
Shane McMahon returned to Raw tonight to make the Elimination Chamber match announcement alongside on-screen authority figure Adam Pearce. It was said that McIntyre’s challengers were chosen because they’re all former WWE Champions.
The Miz also currently holds the Money in the Bank briefcase.
Styles defeated Hardy in a singles match on Raw tonight, targeting his leg and submitting him with the Calf Crusher. McIntyre is facing Orton in a non-title match later on tonight’s show.
McIntyre retained his WWE Championship by defeating Goldberg at the Royal Rumble on January 31. The next night on Raw, there was an angle where Sheamus turned against McIntyre and laid him out with a Brogue Kick.
There was a backstage segment on tonight’s Raw where McIntyre approached Shane McMahon as he was leaving the building. McIntyre said he would have liked a heads up and said he thought it was going to be him facing Sheamus one-on-one at Elimination Chamber, but Shane said there’s nothing bigger than McIntyre defending the title in an Elimination Chamber match. Shane said if McIntyre wants to prove his mettle, this is the place to do it.
Elimination Chamber on Sunday, February 21 and Fastlane on Sunday, March 21 are the last two remaining WWE PPVs before WrestleMania 37. WrestleMania 37 will be a two-night event taking place at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida on Saturday, April 10 and Sunday, April 10.
Two title matches involving members of The Hurt Business are set for tonight’s post-Royal Rumble episode of Raw.
WWE has announced that Riddle will get his shot at Bobby Lashley’s United States Championship on Raw tonight. Lashley’s Hurt Business stablemates Shelton Benjamin & Cedric Alexander are also defending their Raw Tag Team titles against The Lucha House Party (Gran Metalik & Lince Dorado) on tonight’s show.
Riddle got the US title shot by defeating The Hurt Business’ Benjamin, MVP, and Alexander in a gauntlet match last Monday. That match featured dissension between Alexander and his stablemates.
Lashley attacked Riddle after last week’s gauntlet match and put him in the Hurt Lock.
Riddle, Big E, Daniel Bryan, and Christian eliminated Lashley in last night’s men’s Royal Rumble match.
Lashley quickly retained his United States title against Riddle on the January 11 episode of Raw after attacking Riddle before the bell rang.
Metalik & Dorado defeated Benjamin & Alexander in a non-title match on Raw Legends Night last month.
Metalik & Dorado are taking part in NXT’s men’s Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic and will face Legado Del Fantasma’s Raul Mendoza & Joaquin Wilde in a quarterfinal match on NXT this Wednesday.
WWE is also hyping that The Miz has promised that he’ll have rapper Bad Bunny on Miz TV tonight. Bad Bunny, who performed his song “Booker T” at the Royal Rumble, hit a crossbody from the top rope on The Miz and John Morrison at the pay-per-view after Miz destroyed his equipment.
The Miz is the latest wrestler to declare for the 2021 Royal Rumble.
During an appearance on TMZ Sports, The Miz announced that he’ll be an entrant in this year’s men’s Royal Rumble match. He’s the sixth wrestler to be confirmed for the match. Daniel Bryan, United States Champion Bobby Lashley, AJ Styles, Randy Orton, and Otis have also been officially announced as men’s Royal Rumble entrants.
The Miz currently holds the Money in the Bank briefcase. Though he cashed in by being added to WWE Champion Drew McIntyre and Styles’ tables, ladders, and chairs match at December’s TLC pay-per-view, the briefcase was later given back to The Miz due to John Morrison being the one who gave the briefcase to the referee on Miz’s behalf.
The Royal Rumble is taking place on Sunday, January 31. Here’s the updated list of announced entrants for the men’s and women’s Royal Rumble matches:
The Miz once again is in possession of the Money in the Bank briefcase.
Towards the end of tonight’s Raw, WWE official Adam Pearce gave Miz the Money in the Bank briefcase back. Pearce explained that The Miz was right in that only he could cash in the Money in the Bank briefcase. Since John Morrison cashed in on his behalf at TLC, the cash-in was rendered null and void.
The Miz lost the briefcase at TLC after inserting himself into the Roman Reigns-AJ Styles TLC match two weeks ago. With Morrison cashing in, the match was turned into a triple threat TLC match. However, McIntyre ended up retaining the title, seemingly ending Miz’s run with the briefcase.
A storyline played out during tonight’s Raw where The Miz was upset that he had lost the briefcase, arguing it should be returned to him. He also lost a match to Gran Metalik during the show, which only made him more upset.
The Miz won the briefcase at Hell in the Cell back in October, defeating Otis to win the rights to the briefcase after Otis’ former tag team partner, Tucker, turned on him.
