Raw 29.01.2024

Whoo-hoo! The RadiantGame Team is now in our city - Tampa, Florida. Tonight, we will see several title defenses: Ring General Gunther will face Kofi Kingston for the Intercontinental title, and The Judgment Day will defend their titles against DIY. I am sure we will see CM Punk, Cody, and Drew tonight. Some of them were Royal Rumble losers, and one of them will probably soon finish the story. So let's not lose time and get into it.

CM Punk Got Injured in His First Match

Raw opened with CM Punk, who was unable to throw Cody over the ropes in the finals of the Royal Rumble match. We got bad news - the best in the world once again got injured; he damaged his biceps. At first, he pointed out Cody's achievement and expressed his happiness that Cody is a step closer to fulfilling his destiny at the biggest show of the year. Unfortunately for Punk, he will not be able to participate in the Elimination Chamber or WrestleMania due to his injury, but he will use this time to become better, stronger, and return tougher. He is not afraid to make his dream come true. Punk mentioned his UFC matches and stated that he has no regrets about them. He made the crowd loud, but one man came from backstage to spoil the party: Drew McIntyre, the man Punk threw out in the Royal Rumble match.

Raw 29.01.2024: Drew is happy becasue of Punk's injury.

It was obvious this meeting could not end well. Drew, emotional and with all his heart, said he prayed that Punk would get injured and probably end his career. This would give Drew an opportunity to leave Punk’s dream in shambles once again in a champion's match at WrestleMania. Punk, a man of a big heart, promised that after his arm heals, he will come for Drew before he becomes champion once again. I think McIntyre feels threatened by Punk despite showing that he doesn't fear him. Drew couldn't keep his emotions in check and attacked Punk, targeting the injured hand and trying to cause more damage. He probably would have ended Punk's career, but Sami Zayn, Drew's biggest nemesis, came to save Punk. Sami has a personal grudge against Drew, so it was only a matter of time before Sami would seek revenge on McIntyre. I am sure tonight we will see their collision in the ring.

Raw 29.01.2024: Super Sami saving the day!

Damian Shows His Growing Dominance

The first match of the evening was a title defense: The Judgment Day faced DIY for the tag team titles. It was not an easy task for the tag team champions, but lately, Priest has shown that he is becoming better with every week. Balor delivered his usual performance, but recently, it feels like Finn has lost some of his concentration or skill. He makes a lot of messy mistakes or performs sloppily. He is lucky that Priest is on guard. It is understandable since Balor has tag titles, his biggest ambition right now. Priest, on the other hand, has a Money in the Bank contract and major title ambitions. He is almost guaranteed a title around his waist in the future, so he must be a true champion material.

Raw 29.01.2024: Finn tastes Meeting in the Middle. 

The match was quite balanced, but every time Balor got involved, the titles were at risk of being lost by Judgment Day. Damian broke the submission move by DIY boys and then saved Finn after he got hit by Meeting in the Middle. Priest, on his own, got rid of Johnny, and then together with Finn, ended Tommaso with Coup De Grace. It was a nerve-wracking match for Judgment Day fans and a confidence booster for Damian. I think soon they should lose the titles, and Damian will fully focus on one of the main titles at last.

Raw 29.01.2024: Priest plants Tommaso for Coup De Grace.

Judgment Day Ends Awesome Truth

After the match, Damian was in a good mood and asked R-Truth to show up. He admitted that Ron had done a lot to be introduced to Judgment Day, but he is not a part of the family. Priest personally thinks that R-Truth is a cool person and pretty funny, so he will not personally beat Ron down. JD and Dominik attacked their potential member from behind. I thought they would probably end his career, but Miz ran to the aid of his ex-tag team partner. Of course, Judgment Day used their numbers advantage, and both members of Awesome Truth were beaten down tonight. I hope after this, Ron will finally understand that he cannot go along with this group.

Raw 29.01.2024: Judgment day destroyed Awesome Truth. 

Piper and Green Decided to Get Smashed

In my opinion, the best team in the Royal Rumble match for some reason got involved in a match with Zoey and Shayna this week. I understand that everyone is looking for the opportunity to get into the tag team titles race, but the ex-champions are not in condition to fight with Stark and Baszler right now. As expected, the match was over in several minutes after the Z-360 on Chelsea.

Raw 29.01.2024: Seems to me that Chelsea has't had a bright future.

One Step Closer to Finishing the Story

The winner of the men's Royal Rumble match, Cody Rhodes, was next. The whole building was chanting "You deserve it." I can feel how much people want Cody to finish his story, but what should happen next? I fear that finishing the story may become his end. The American Nightmare was very emotional speaking about whom he should choose. It was the perfect moment for Seth Rollins to appear. The heavyweight champion wants Cody to choose him at WrestleMania because he holds a relevant title and is THE champion. Roman is the past, who will once again find a sneaky way to win the match. If Cody wants to save Dusty's legacy and become a proud champion, he should choose Seth. Cody looked stunned and answered that he never thought about that option, but he will think about it and give his answer to the world on Friday. I think this is a good opportunity for Seth to avenge his losing streak to Cody and get at least one score back.

Raw 29.01.2024: "You must choose me to fulfill Dusty's legacy Cody!"

Yeet vs. Meat

A conflict that appeared out of nowhere. Bronson wants the Intercontinental title and thinks Jey stands in his way. Tonight, the winner will potentially challenge Gunther for a title opportunity. As expected, at the beginning, Reed had chances to win this match. While he has strength and stamina, he could beat Uso and probably Tsunami him for a win, but Jey was too quick and used his agility and striking skills to fight back. Anyway, Bronson placed Uso into Tsunami position but missed horribly, got speared, and then splashed. Uso is moving forward for the title.

Raw 29.01.2024: Reed falls to a Tribal Spear. 

Andrade Joins Raw

We got a picture of Adam's cabinet where he gave a contract to a fresh comeback - Andrade. The Mexican superstar gladly signed it. Nick Aldis was also there and made a happy face. Andrade asked for a favor - "Say hello to Zelina, please." Both general managers should discuss the upcoming Elimination Chamber, but a phone call from Bron Breakker postponed this conversation for some time.

Becky Always Has Plan B

After losing in the Royal Rumble, Becky promised to be better than yesterday and try everything to get into the Elimination Chamber and finally get to WrestleMania. Nothing new from the former champion.

Ring General Overcomes Another Challenge

I didn't feel any hate or disrespect from Gunther towards Kofi. Somehow, the IC champion stayed loyal, honorable, and respectful to his opponents and even wished good luck to Kingston but promised to beat them up so badly that they would remember it for the rest of their lives. Well, he has enough weapons to do it. I have no idea why Kofi thinks he is at the point of his career where he should face such a dangerous opponent. I think Gunther is one of the most honorable champions in modern WWE era: he gladly takes any challenge from any opponent, never stands back, and never uses help in his matches from Vinci and Kaiser. That inspires respect for a champion.

Raw 29.01.2024: Koffi still got it!

In the match, Gunther totally dominated Kofi in almost every aspect except speed. Once, the camera showed Kingston's face after another chop. That face could say more than a thousand words. I think the General got a little inattentive, which opened a good moment for Kofi: he made a great series of suicide dives and finished it with Trouble in Paradise. Wisely, the champion rolled out of the ring. Kingston showed everything he knew, but that was still not enough to capture the title. The end was almost in classic manner for the Ring General: Shotgun dropkick, followed by Last Symphony powerbomb. After the match, Woods came to the ring to cheer up his friend, but New Day members were ambushed by Kaiser and Vinci. They beat them down and left with their General. Who will be next in line?

Raw 29.01.2024: And still your IC champion - Gunther!

Kabuki Warriors Against Jobbers

For some reason, Natalya and Tegan got a chance to face the champions once again. I was listening to the crowd - they had no idea either because the whole arena was almost silent and gave zero reaction to the wrestlers. A very classic match where the champions overcame some minor problems and secured victory. I think one day Nox will be an interesting character to watch, but not now, not today.

Raw 29.01.2024: Some therapy from Asuka. 

Bayley Didn't Make Her Choice

Ranking and Opinion

A good episode after Royal Rumble, full of great matches, title defenses, and the start of huge storylines. I really liked the Intercontinental Championship match and the main event of the evening. Both matches deserved to be called "This is awesome." Of course, we saw Cody and his endless story, which may finally end at Mania, and I pointed out Damian Priest—be sure he will show us soon what he is capable of. The only disappointing moment was the Kabuki Warriors match, but not because of the champions, rather their opponents. They simply didn't deserve so much attention. Considering everything, I will give this show 8/10. See you on SmackDown. Stay safe and see you soon!