Raw 26.02.2024

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Igor Wednesday, October 2, 2024 9:18 AM
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Raw 26.02.2024

Whoo-hoo! The RadiantGame Team is now in your city San Jose, California! Tonight marks the first show after Elimination Chamber, the perfect stage for fresh conflicts, new alliances, and closing old rivalries. We're in for a wild ride, and a Street Fight between The New Day and Imperium will kick things off. Plus, we're likely to see Seth and Drew face off, Becky and Rhea’s feud intensify, Cody Rhodes continue his WrestleMania journey, and Shinsuke look for revenge on Sami. Let’s get started, folks!


"Mami" Faces "The Man"

The show opened with Dominik Mysterio and Elimination Chamber winner, Rhea Ripley. Fresh off their success, "Mami" Ripley is ready for more challenges, and that challenge arrives in the form of Becky Lynch. Acknowledging Rhea’s dominance at Elimination Chamber, Becky made it clear that she plans to teach Ripley a lesson at WrestleMania.

Raw 26.02.2024 post image 1Raw 26.02.2024 - Mami is always on top of the food chain. 

Dominik tried to defend Rhea, but Becky quickly shut him down, asserting, “Ripley may be the face of WWE, but I’m the blood, heart, ass, and guts of this company.” Rhea responded with respect for Becky but reminded her, “Behind every great man stands a great woman. But I don’t stand behind anyone—Mami is always on top!”

Raw 26.02.2024 post image 2Raw 26.02.2024 - Nia Jax made a huge statement and stayed in title race.

While it was a standard exchange, the excitement ramped up when Nia Jax blindsided Becky, frustrated after her own defeat in Australia. With Becky in trouble, a potential triple-threat match looms for WrestleMania. Adam Pearce intervened just in time to save Lynch from further damage, ensuring the chaos didn’t go too far.


Sami Zayn Gets Revenge on Nakamura

Without wasting time, we jumped straight into our first match: Sami Zayn vs. Shinsuke Nakamura. Last week, Nakamura secured a controversial win over Sami, and now Zayn is set on reclaiming momentum. Sami’s career has been a rollercoaster lately, with alliances and betrayals, but he remains determined to carve a path to WrestleMania. On the other hand, Nakamura’s motivation remains elusive, fighting purely for the thrill.

Raw 26.02.2024 post image 3Raw 26.02.2024 - Nakamura shows us some kun-fu style.

The match was an even back-and-forth until Sami barely escaped a Kinshasa, hitting Nakamura with two devastating Helluva Kicks for the win. While Sami may have won, it was Nakamura who did all the heavy lifting throughout the match. His offense was sharp, methodical, and he looked to be in control for most of the bout. But once again, when it came down to the critical moments, Shinsuke couldn’t close the deal. I can’t help but feel frustrated that despite all Nakamura's hard work, Sami managed to pull off a win by simply relying on his two signature moves. It’s moments like these that make Nakamura’s losses even more bitter. For Sami, though, this win could signify a fresh start on the road to WrestleMania.

Raw 26.02.2024 post image 4Raw 26.02.2024 - Fatal blow with second Helluva kick starts winning trail for Sami.


Nia Jax Finds New Motivation

First off, I have to admit that Nia Jax has stepped up her game in the looks department—she's sporting a fresh hairstyle and something’s different about her face as well. The change is noticeable and, honestly, much more interesting than her previous look. It definitely adds to her aura.

During a short backstage interview, Jax remained as confident as ever, still convinced that she deserves a shot at WrestleMania. She boldly claimed that “The Man” (Becky Lynch) probably won’t even make it to the big event in the first place. As for her match with Liv Morgan, Nia didn't mince words. In just a few sentences, she made it clear—Liv is in for a world of pain tonight. Nia promised to destroy Morgan, even hinting that we might be seeing Liv for the last time. So, if you're a Liv fan, you better not miss this match—it could be her swan song.


Raquel Rodriguez Has an Easy Going

If you ask me, I really like Chelsea. Sure, she’s annoying and strange, but that’s what makes her such a great heel. However, WWE decided to throw her against Raquel, and honestly, Raquel is going to manhandle her in just a few minutes, leaving Chelsea no chance. It's a pretty sad situation because I’m still waiting for Chelsea to find her way and become dominant, but today… we’re likely in for a merciless beating.

Raw 26.02.2024 post image 5Raw 26.02.2024 - Fast carma after unwise Green's slap to Raquel.

Green is frustrated with everything going wrong for her and believes Raquel, or "Big Mami Cool," is a loser who stole her spot in the Chamber. She even promised to kick Raquel’s ass, but from the looks of it, that’s only bringing Chelsea closer to the grave. I have to say, Chelsea tried to win this match with mental games and even slapped Raquel in the face, but that didn’t go anywhere, as you can imagine.

Raw 26.02.2024 post image 6Raw 26.02.2024 - Tejana Bomb is probably one of the strongest powermove in women division nowdays.

I was hoping Chelsea would at least land some offense, but that slap was about all she managed. One Tejana Bomb from Raquel, and the match was over. Very sad, but maybe in the future, we’ll finally see Chelsea shine.


Sami Proves Himself Right

After his hard-fought victory over Nakamura, which Sami Zayn desperately needed, he declared that he had proven he was on the right path and vowed to become a champion once again. He didn’t specify which title he’s aiming for, but I think I’ve found him a potential opponent. As Sami was celebrating, Gunther and his crew walked by with the Ring General wearing a confident smile. Could this be a hint? Maybe Sami Zayn vs. Gunther at WrestleMania? Now that would be a battle worth watching!


Cody Finds a New Target

After having a great time on the Grayson Waller Effect, Cody Rhodes has decided to get some revenge for his previous loss to Drew McIntyre by taking on Waller in tonight’s main event. Cody acknowledged Waller’s talent, not just on the mic but in the ring as well, saying he’ll give Grayson some valuable experience tonight when they face off. Of course, Cody knows this is a much easier task than trying to battle Drew again and risk getting Claymored once more. Looks like Grayson Waller will be Cody's warm-up before his real payback on McIntyre!


Gunther Looks for a New Challenge

Gunther is still your longest-reigning Intercontinental Champion, but he admitted that Jey Uso came dangerously close to dethroning him in their recent match. What’s even more interesting is that the Ring General acknowledged he was a bit lucky that night. However, he made it clear that he never asked for Jimmy Uso's interference—something that tainted Jey’s near-victory. Gunther seems like the kind of champion who would accept a defeat with honor, respecting anyone who could finally beat him. But it wasn’t Jey Uso’s time.

Raw 26.02.2024 post image 7Raw 26.02.2024 - Imperium marching to the ring with pride.

For over 600 days, Gunther has elevated the Intercontinental Championship, making it arguably the most prestigious title in WWE today. Now, the question remains—who’s left to challenge him at WrestleMania? Gunther mentioned hearing a lot of names tossed around by fans: The Miz, Chad Gable, even R-Truth. But to him, these are the past—or even jokes. Then, Judgment Day’s presence loomed over the arena.

Raw 26.02.2024 post image 8Raw 26.02.2024 - Gunther shows no fear confronting The Judgment Day.

Damian Priest stepped forward, declaring that Judgment Day was ready for WrestleMania, and they’re eager to add more gold to their collection. I’ve been waiting for this showdown for two years.

Gunther, ever the fearless competitor, didn’t back down. He faced Priest head-on and mocked him, saying, “If you’re standing here, holding that briefcase but not cashing it in, then who’s it going to be? Finn? JD McDonagh with the big head? Or someone else?”

Gunther, strong and confident as always, stood tall as the crowd’s boos faded into a mixture of intrigue and support for the Imperium leader. Dirty Dom attempted to get under Gunther’s skin but was quickly shoved back, which infuriated Priest. Damian launched into a rage, promising to rip the title off Gunther’s waist, but Judgment Day had to hold him back.

Raw 26.02.2024 post image 9Raw 26.02.2024 - Priest is promising take this title from the Ring General. Not sure that he reached that level.

As Imperium stood tall, their unwavering dominance was palpable. This is the moment I’ve been waiting for—Imperium vs. Judgment Day could be the clash of titans we need.


Street Fight: Imperium vs. The New Day

The moment the bell rang, Imperium wasted no time, with Ludwig Kaiser and Giovanni Vinci immediately launching a vicious attack on Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods. As much as I love the Imperium guys, I had a feeling that they might not come out victorious in this one. However, New Day seemed to have the upper hand early, taking control and almost driving their opponents through a table.

Raw 26.02.2024 post image 10Raw 26.02.2024 - Kaiser and Giovanni show great teamwork in this match. Is the conflict resolved?

But neither team could hold the advantage for long—just when you thought one side had the match in their grasp, the momentum shifted, with action spilling all over the arena and ringside. Despite my initial doubts, Ludwig and Giovanni looked sharp, executing some brutal offense. Woods took a serious beating when Imperium delivered a double dropkick through a chair, only for Kofi to swiftly avenge his fallen teammate.

Raw 26.02.2024 post image 11Raw 26.02.2024 - Koffi is showing us great resilinace.

The chaos escalated when Kingston was put down, and Woods found himself mercilessly assaulted with kendo sticks and steel chairs. This relentless punishment made me start believing in Imperium’s chances as they maintained control, isolating Woods and then focusing their attack on Kingston.

Raw 26.02.2024 post image 12Raw 26.02.2024 - One of the most brutal moments of the match.  

The critical moment came when New Day managed to position Vinci on a table, and Woods crashed down from the top rope, driving him through it. They nearly got the pin, but Kaiser saved his partner by pulling the referee out of the ring just in time. Despite the near victory, things went downhill for New Day. Vinci shoved Kofi off the top turnbuckle, sending him crashing through another table. When Woods tried to fight back, he was met with a brutal chair shot to the temple, followed by Kaiser driving him headfirst into a chair wedged in the corner.

Raw 26.02.2024 post image 13Raw 26.02.2024 - After that move I thought Imperium will fall down.

In the end, Kaiser rolled up Woods for the pin, securing an impressive, clean victory for Imperium—no outside interference, just two teams going to war. This result could spell the beginning of the end for The New Day, as they just don’t feel the same without Big E. It’s a sad reality, but congratulations to Ludwig and Giovanni for a hard-fought, well-earned victory!


Chad Gable Is Seeking Gunther

Backstage, Adam Pearce is in conversation with Chad Gable, who is adamant about being the next opponent for Gunther at WrestleMania. Gable’s motivation is twofold: not only did he push Gunther to his limits in their previous encounters, nearly taking the title, but the recent incident involving his daughter has ignited a personal fire within him. Gunther’s actions have left her in tears, and for Gable, this match is about much more than just championship gold—it's a quest for justice.

Gable's determination is palpable, and he makes it clear that he’s not just looking for another shot at the title; he wants to settle the score with The Ring General. Adam Pearce listens thoughtfully, promising to consider Gable's request. It’s evident that Gable's emotional investment in this fight could add an intense layer to their inevitable showdown. The anticipation is building for what could be a highly personal and dramatic clash at WrestleMania. Will Pearce grant Gable his wish? Only time will tell!


Shayna Baszler & Zoey Stark vs. Indi Hartwell & Candice LeRae

Shayna Baszler and Zoey Stark came into this match with one goal—make a statement by smashing Indi Hartwell and Candice LeRae, both of whom got the opportunity to enter the Elimination Chamber. Clearly frustrated with being overlooked, Shayna and Zoey were determined to carve their own path to tag team gold. From the get-go, it felt like an uphill battle for Indi and Candice, with Shayna and Zoey's sheer dominance overshadowing any hope for an upset.

Raw 26.02.2024 post image 14Raw 26.02.2024 - Indi and her massive Spinebuster, the only impressive moe in the arcenal.

The match started with Candice taking the brunt of the punishment. Shayna and Zoey didn't hold back, targeting her with ruthless precision. But the real spark came when Indi tagged in, surprising everyone with her energy and aggression. For a brief moment, it looked like a miracle might happen as Hartwell fired off some impressive moves, turning the tide in her team’s favor.

Unfortunately, the celebration was short-lived. Shayna quickly regained control, and it only took seconds for her to lock Indi in her deadly submission move, leaving Hartwell no choice but to tap out. The dominant duo of Baszler and Stark backed up their words in brutal fashion, proving why they deserve to be feared in the tag division.

Raw 26.02.2024 post image 15

Raw 26.02.2024 - Kirifuda Clutch makes Hartwell quite fast to tap out.

As they hinted earlier, Indi may have gotten her Chamber spot due to her Australian roots, but after tonight's dismantling, the focus now shifts to the Kabuki Warriors, who better be watching their backs. Shayna and Zoey are gunning for that gold, and after a performance like this, it feels like only a matter of time before they make good on their promise.


R-Truth Has a Team

Backstage, we find R-Truth sitting in Judgment Day's locker room, lost in nostalgia about the "good old times" with Damian Priest. Truth, always a bit out of touch with reality, seems to think there's still hope for him to join the faction, despite being rejected last week.

As he's reminiscing, DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa) and The Miz arrive to cheer him up. With a plan brewing, Tommaso tells Truth not to worry, because he’s got a scheme to mess with Judgment Day. It seems like DIY and Miz are about to team up with R-Truth to make life difficult for Damian Priest and his crew. With Imperium already in their sights, Judgment Day might soon find themselves fighting a two-front battle.

It’s a strange, but potentially hilarious, alliance. We'll see how this shakes out and if Priest and his crew can handle the extra pressure. Looks like Judgment Day's troubles are just getting started!


Drew Fulfills His Dream

"We did it!" Drew McIntyre began, a gleam of triumph in his eyes. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to everyone who supported him worldwide, and now, the stage is set for another showdown: Seth Rollins vs. Drew McIntyre. Reflecting on his recent battle in the Elimination Chamber, Drew shared that he left the ring battered, dealing with several injuries. Doctors warned him he might miss WrestleMania, but Drew emphasized that he is no CM Punk—he won’t let anything keep him away from the action.

Raw 26.02.2024 post image 16Raw 26.02.2024 - Reference to CM Punk's pipe bomb.

Interestingly, Drew continues to think about Punk, and his ongoing presence is a subtle reminder of the unpredictability of the wrestling landscape. This fixation could lead to unforeseen consequences down the line, especially with the speculation of Punk’s return lingering in the air.

As Drew called out Seth for a serious talk, Rollins stepped into the spotlight. He congratulated Drew on his opportunity for redemption, noting that this time, he wouldn't be wrestling in an empty arena but on the grandest stage of them all. However, Seth acknowledged the obstacle standing in his way—himself, Seth Freaking Rollins.

Drew expressed his frustration with Seth's involvement in SmackDown’s affairs, particularly Cody’s battles, urging him to focus entirely on their upcoming match. He made it clear that he didn’t want any excuses regarding health conditions impacting their showdown. “What happens if you put your nose in Bloodline business?” Drew warned, recalling how both he and Seth have faced the numbers game against Roman Reigns in the past. “Don’t risk this moment for either of us.”

While Drew's perspective centers on self-preservation, Seth countered, asserting that he couldn’t ignore the threat posed by the Bloodline. “What will they do after WrestleMania if they’re not stopped? They’ve already consumed Cody; next, they’ll come for the World Championship, regardless of who holds it.”

Raw 26.02.2024 post image 17Raw 26.02.2024 - Seth trying to convince Drew that Bloodline threat is standing above everything.

Seth proposed that they unite their strengths to tackle the larger threat. “This isn’t just about titles anymore; it’s a war for survival.” His words lingered in the air, hinting that perhaps this alliance could change the course of their fates.

Drew, contemplating the enormity of their situation, now faced a pivotal choice. Could teaming up with Seth Rollins be the key to overcoming the impending doom of the Bloodline? Only time will tell as WrestleMania draws near!



Nia Jax on Her Destruction Path

Earlier tonight, Nia Jax left a trail of destruction in her wake by annihilating Becky Lynch, and now she’s set to face Liv Morgan for the chaos she unleashed last week. It seems like an uphill battle for Morgan, but with Lynch lurking in the shadows, anything could happen.

Raw 26.02.2024 post image 18Raw 26.02.2024 - Liv tries to survive against this monster.

As the match kicked off, Liv came out swinging, eager to capitalize on her opponent's momentum. However, it’s a common theme in Jax's matches—she starts slow but has the potential to inflict unimaginable damage. Let’s be real: Liv is no Rhea Ripley, and I doubt she can endure the same level of punishment that Jax can dish out. This could easily turn into a one-sided affair.

Raw 26.02.2024 post image 19Raw 26.02.2024 - Total dominance by Nia Jax. Look at Morgan's face!

Morgan's initial flurry of strikes felt like little more than mosquito bites against the Irresistible Force, but to everyone’s surprise, she managed to knock Nia off her feet with a well-timed suicide dive. This moment showcased Morgan’s determination, but the question remained: how could she secure a victory?

Raw 26.02.2024 post image 20Raw 26.02.2024 - Rare offence attempt from Liv at this match. 

Perhaps she could exploit a mistake from Jax, relying on her speed, utilizing dropkicks, and hitting a Codebreaker to keep the momentum in her favor. For a brief moment, it appeared Morgan was on the right track. However, the tide turned when Jax caught Morgan and sent her crashing into the ring post. At this rate, Liv might find herself back in the hospital if the match continued.

Raw 26.02.2024 post image 21Raw 26.02.2024 - Becky fight back and teach Jax some lesson about blindsided attacks from behind.

But just as it seemed like Jax would finish Morgan off, Becky Lynch made her presence felt, charging into the ring and laying into Nia with a series of brutal strikes. The rivalry between these three women is far from over, and The Man has made it clear that she won’t be silenced. With tensions running high and stakes even higher, the saga of Jax, Morgan, and Lynch is sure to escalate in the coming weeks!


Several Important Backstage Interviews

First up was Grayson Waller, who is set to face off against Cody Rhodes tonight. Grayson didn’t hold back in expressing his frustration over what he perceives as disrespect from Cody, who attacked his brother, Austin. Waller made it clear that he did everything in his power to protect his sibling, and even Theory recognized the absurdity of the situation. Waller vowed to humiliate Rhodes in the ring, potentially derailing his path to WrestleMania. Good luck to you, Grayson; you’re definitely going to need it tonight!

Next, we heard from Becky Lynch, who is gearing up for WrestleMania but knows she can’t move forward until she deals with Nia Jax. Adam Pearce has promised to arrange a match next week, and the tension is palpable. Liv Morgan also chimed in, expressing her anger that Lynch saved her from another potential injury at the hands of Jax. Silly, pretty girl—one has to wonder if Liv will try to interfere in the upcoming match just as Lynch did tonight.

Jey Uso was next on the mic, sharing that he’s doing okay after coming so close to winning his first title. He intends to stick to what he knows best: being the big Main Event Jey Uso. He reaffirmed that he’s willing to fight Jimmy if necessary, showcasing his relentless spirit. Drew McIntyre was also in the mix, and while I almost expected him to show some respect to Jey, he simply stated that Uso deserves everything he’s earned.

As the interview wrapped up, tensions flared, leading to a chaotic brawl between these two hotheads. It looks like we’re in for another heated match next week, and I can’t wait to see how this rivalry unfolds!


Battle for Respect

Grayson Waller and Theory are fired up and ready to exact punishment on Cody Rhodes for his actions in Australia. While it’s clear that Grayson might not come out on top, I’m still expecting a solid match. Waller kicked things off with some impressive moves, even managing to put Cody on the defensive and keeping him from gaining any momentum. But as we all know, the more punishment Cody endures, the tougher he seems to become—reminiscent of how John Cena used to thrive under pressure. That’s something I really can’t stand about Rhodes. I was genuinely curious to see how Waller would fare against him since Cody doesn’t seem to have much new to offer.

Raw 26.02.2024 post image 22Raw 26.02.2024 - Grayson tried everything he could to stop Nightmare but this battle was simply unfair. 

"This is teamwork!" shouted Theory as they executed their strategy, allowing Waller to capitalize on the destruction they caused. The crowd loves Cody, cheering him on as he hit his signature Cody Cutter followed by Cross Rhodes, as if he’d just defeated Roman Reigns on a grand stage. However, Waller quickly fell flat, offering little challenge to the Nightmare. It’s clear Drew McIntyre would’ve caused much more damage in this scenario, but that wasn’t the end of the drama.

Raw 26.02.2024 post image 23Raw 26.02.2024 -Cody is number #2 after Randy Orton who execute this move with style and excellence.

Paul Heyman made his entrance, and Cody immediately armed himself with a steel chair, injecting some much-needed excitement into this rather monotonous segment. Heyman wasted no time trolling the local audience, but Cody interrupted him, daring the Bloodline to come out. The crowd was once again on Cody’s back, and Heyman read the room perfectly, advising Rhodes to forget The Rock’s name for his own good.

Raw 26.02.2024 post image 24Raw 26.02.2024 - Rhodes received a warning message from the Bloodline's Wizeman but decided to sent his own.

But Cody wasn’t having any of it. He was ready to face each member of the Bloodline head-on. With no fear, he refused to let Heyman step into the ring, only for Heyman’s bodyguard to enter instead. In a bold move, Rhodes began to insult and smash the chair into Heyman’s security detail. With no other choice, Heyman had to call for The Rock and Roman to intervene. Cody boldly declared he was hunting the Bloodline, exuding confidence. However, if I were him, I would think twice before challenging such a powerful family, as he was now tangled up with more than just mere bodyguards but the most dominant faction in WWE right now. The tension is thick, and I can’t wait to see how this all unfolds!


Final Thoughts and Rankings

This was an intriguing show that left us with plenty to ponder. Imperium finally put an end to their war with The New Day, and it looks like they’re gearing up for a shot at the tag team championship. It’s clear that Judgment Day played a significant role in fueling this conflict, which adds another layer to the ongoing storylines.

Nia Jax remains fixated on regaining her title, but now she faces The Man, Becky Lynch, who is determined to stand in her way. Liv Morgan might also get pulled into this title race, which adds an interesting dynamic to the impending WrestleMania match with Rhea Ripley. It’ll be fascinating to see how Lynch navigates these mounting challenges as we approach the biggest event of the year.

Raw 26.02.2024 post image 25Raw 26.02.2024 - Once again Nightmare against the whole world by his own. How annoying this to me already, to see that kind of hero. 

Cody Rhodes once again proved he’s operating at the top level by decisively taking out Grayson Waller, who is firmly in the midcard. However, I can’t help but feel there’s been an overabundance of sharp words and grandiose proclamations from Cody. While he’s positioned as a hero fighting for his dream, the reality is that he would struggle against the likes of the Bloodline. I doubt he could even handle The Rock in a one-on-one scenario.

As for Drew McIntyre, he seems oblivious to the serious threat the Bloodline poses to his title if he manages to win against Seth Rollins. His best option would be to team up with Cody, but given their recent history, that seems unlikely. Instead, he’s intent on continuing his rivalry with Jey Uso, which feels counterproductive.

Overall, I’d rate this show a 6/10. It had its moments, but there’s a lot of room for improvement. I’m looking forward to the upcoming SmackDown, which promises to heat things up even further!

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