WWE RAW Coverage - February 4th, 2019
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Stephanie McMahon invites Becky Lynch to Raw
Stephanie McMahon has extended a Raw invite to SmackDown LIVE Superstar and winner of the 2019 Women’s Royal Rumble Match, Becky Lynch. Will The Man have another tense confrontation with Raw Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey? Plus, Finn Bálor faces Intercontinental Champion Bobby Lashley, Bayley & Sasha Banks battle Alicia Fox & Nikki Cross in a WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match, Kurt Angle addresses his future and WWE Hall of Famer Jeff Jarrett goes one-on-one with Elias!
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- The show begins with Stephanie McMahon standing in the middle of the ring and welcoming us to RAW. Before she can continue, Becky Lynch's music hits and she walks down to the ring. Lynch is really selling her knee injury as she hobbles up the steel steps. The crowd with some loud "Becky" chants. Stephanie introduces Lynch to the crowd and then introduces a replay of Lynch challenging Rousey during RAW last week. Steph tells Lynch that she's never seen anyone just smile in Ronda's face like that. Lynch asks her why wouldn't she be smiling? And the fans give her another reason. Steph says that no one wants to see Lynch slap Rousey's head off more than her after last year's WrestleMania.
Steph points out Lynch's knee injury and asks Lynch if her knee is alright? Lynch says she's fine, but nevertheless, Steph shows replays from the Rumble where Lynch injured her knee but still won. Steph says that's what she does because she's all heart but she can't keep refusing medical attention. Lynch says she won the Rumble on one leg and she doesn't want doctors involved. Steph says she understands and remembers when she refused medical attention during the invasion of RAW, when she broke her face. She says that no matter what, Lynch just wanted to keep fighting. McMahon knows she will do anything to fight for this moment but she cannot let Lynch compete in a match if she's not cleared by the WWE doctors.
The crowd boos and Lynch starts frowning. She tells Steph that she sees what's happening her, she's the glitch in McMahon's plan and she's not moving over for anyone. She asks Steph what she knows about struggle because she never struggled for a d--n thing in her life. Lynch tells Steph that she rose up and she's earned every step to WM and there's nothing her or a doctor can do about it. Steph tells her that she indeed earn her way but it's a liability if she doesn't get cleared. Steph says that all she has to do is go get cleared by the doctor, unless, possibly it's worse than she's letting on. Steph says she cares about Lynch and this match is one of the biggest in WWE.
Steph says everyone wants to see the match but she has to be cleared. She begs Lynch to go see the doctor and tells her it has nothing to do with tricks. Lynch tells Steph that she's not taking her moment away from her. Steph says that, if Lynch doesn't go see a doctor, she will have to suspend her. Lynch says not to say it again or she won't be responsible for what she does. Steph says not to make her do it. Lynch refuses and Steph says, as of this moment, Becky Lynch is suspended from WWE.
Becky Lynch loses her cool and begins attacking Steph. She nearly gets in the Dis-arm-her but gets separated by refs and trainers. People try to pull her away but she continues going after Stephanie while the crowd rallies. Steph escapes up the ramp as Lynch nurses her injured knee and exits the ring. Lynch's music plays and she exits. Coming up next, Ronda Rousey takes on Liv Morgan.
- Back from commercial, Lynch is walking through the backstage area surrounded by the refs and trainers. Lynch sees Rousey and the two come face to face. Rousey tells Becky that she tests the limits of her professionalism every time she sees her. But she will keep her cool because she has matches and PPVs to sell. She asks Lynch if what she did tonight is gonna help sell their PPV match now that she's suspended, because she's robbed everyone of their first main event at WM. She asks her what she's doing here because she needs to rest up so she can get her a-- beat at WM against her. Rousey tells Lynch to try some advil and calls her a b--ch.
Ronda Rousey vs. Liv Morgan
Rousey goes after Liv but Liv escapes to the outside immediately and jumps around with The Riott Squad. Liv nearly enters the ring but jumps down back to the outside. Liv comes back in but rolls out of Rousey's grasp and taunts. Rousey finally gets her hands on Liv and drives her down to the mat. Logan tries to get involved on the outside, allowing Liv to capitalize on the distraction. Rousey still goes for a swing, Liv goes in to a bridge, and then Rousey strikes her abdomen. Rousey continues with multiple punches and then applies the armbar for the tapout.
Winner: Ronda Rousey
Rousey grabs a mic after the match and yells about the fans booing her and the Riott Squad glaring at her. She tells someone that they need to do something about it if they have a problem. She challenges Sarah Logan and that prompts another matchup.
Sarah Logan vs. Ronda Rousey
Logan goes right after Rousey and tackles her in to the corner turnbuckles. Logan picks her up again but Rousey rolls through in to the armbar. The Riott Squad pull her out of the ring as we go to commercial. When we return from the break, Rousey has Logan in a triangle choke. Logan picks her up and slams her in to the turnbuckles to escape and stomps her in the corner. Rousey with a few strikes and a toss. She follows it up with a series of punches and an armbar for the tapout.
Winner: Ronda Rousey
Rousey poses with the title as Ruby Riott climbs on to the apron. It seems like she's gonna challenge Rousey but instead, she decides to exit up the ramp with the Riott Squad. Backstage, Ruby says that she didn't run away from anything. There's no doubt in her mind that she can beat Rousey for the RAW women's championship because he squad is hurt tonight. She says that they will do anything for one another and that's something someone like Rousey, an opportunist, knows nothing about.
The announcers advertise Kurt Angle's appearance and Finn Balor vs. Bobby Lashley for the Intercontinental Championship.
As Heavy Machinery approach the ring for their match, we see a video clip of Heavy Machinery saying that weights and steaks are the name of the game. They say they're not the typical meat heads and want to use their smiles to lift the WWE Universe's spirits. Lucha House Party enters on the ramp as we go to commercial.
Back from commercial, Sasha Banks and Bailey are talking to one another as Charley Caruso asks the ladies if their failures will affect their match against Alicia Fox & Nikki Cross. Banks doesn't like that she used the word failure but Bailey calms Banks down and explains that all that matters, is that they brought Ronda to her limits. They said it's all about tag teams tonight and at Elimination Chamber, the Boss N' Hug Connection will win and make history. Cross & Fox approach and tells the ladies that they won't be making it to Chamber. Cross says that nobody wanted to play with Cross but the Fox embraced her. She tells Banks & Bailey that Chaos is fair and Alicia adds that you don't cross the Fox.
The B-Team vs. Heavy Machinery vs. Lucha House Party vs. The Revival in a Four Corners #1 Contender Tag Team Match
Gran Metalik immediately rolls up Curtis Axel but only gets a quick count. Axel gains the advantage with a couple right and taunts to the crowd. Metalik off the ropes with a handspring, a kick and a dropkick off the 2nd rope. Dorado comes in and starts cleaning house, rolling up Wilder in a hurricanrana pin for a 2 count. Dorado with an arm drag and an armbar. Gable and Roode look on as Wilder switches things up and gets an armbar of his own. Knight tags in and goes after Wilder, using a couple gutwrench slams and a front facing headlock. Dozovic tags in and Heavy Machinery uses a tandem headbutt for a 2 count.
Dozovic delivers a spinning body slam and then tosses Dash in to the ropes. Knight gets tagged back in and they begin cleaning house of all the other teams involved. Heavy Machinery dumps the B- Team out of the ring and then Lucha House Party comes in, using simultaneous asai moonsaults on the B-Team on the outside. Heavy Machinery taunts Dawson like The Bushwackers and then run in to one another with Dawson in the center. They use another slam, tossing Dawson to the outside on everyone else.
Back from commercial, Dawson is delivering quick elbow drops on Metalik and then a back suplex for the 2 count. Dawson tags in Wilder and slams Metalik's face in to Wilder's knees. Metalik with a chop but Wilder keeps control and tags in Dawson. They use a combo gutbuster for a 2 count. Dawson goes right in to a sitting chin lock but Metalik fights out. Dorado tags in, kicks Dawson in the face, and connects with a crossbody off the top ropes. Hurricanrana on Dawson and a dropsault on Wilder, landing on Dawson for the 2 count.
Dawson knees Dorado in the abdomen but Dorado comes back and uses a double stunner on The Revival. Dozovic and Bo Dallas are the legal men but everyone starts rushing the ring and getting taken out. Otis comes in with a double shoulder tackle on the B- Team. He hits a big splash on Bo in the corner and then the Caterpillar for a 2 count. Knight delivers a suplex to Axel and Dozovic slams Bo. Dawson tags in and tries to pin Bo for a 2. Wilder tags in and they hit the Shatter Machine for the 1-2-3!
Winner: The Revival
Backstage, Zack Ryder greets Curtis Hawkins and tells him that eventually, they'll be out there as #1 contenders. Hawkins reminds Ryder how toxic he is with all of his losses. Ryder tells Hawkins that WWE spelled their name wrong when they entered the ring last week. He says that his point is, he's a loser just like him. He says that it won't be for long because they were the tag team champions once. Ryder says that they're gonna end Hawkins' losing streak together.
Angle is walking in the arena and superstars are greeting him as we go to commercial.
Back from commercial, Kurt Angle enters to his usual, "You Suck!" chants. Angle grabs the microphone and tells the audience that over the past twenty years, he has accomplished everything that he's wanted to accomplish. He remembers his match with Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania 21, the night he soiled the ring with milk, and his time as general manager. He brings up Jason Jordan as his son and thanks the fans for the "You Suck!" chants. He says his signature "3 I's" have turned in to the "3 D's" Doubt, Defeat & Depression. He remembers his recent losses and is disappointed that this is the result after winning a gold medal with a broken freaking neck.
Angle says that the opponent he cannot defeat is father time. He's interrupted by Baron Corbin. Corbin asks Angle what he's doing this for. He says he did this to himself and he should have made this speech at the Hall of Fame two years ago. Corbin tells him that he should have just made matches as general manager and not be in them. Corbin tells him that he's broken down and a shadow of a man. Angle says that this "shadow" of a man will break his ankle in two.
Drew McIntyre enters on the ramp. McIntyre tells Angle that he can't help himself, he's about to accept his fate and move on and then he says he'll break the ankle of the man that beat him last week. McIntyre says that he was a warrior but all he saw in his match with Angle was fear right before he tapped to his own Ankle Lock. He says that Angle has no quit in his body and he's gonna keep showing up until somebody does something drastic. He tells Portland to shut their mouths and get their cameras ready because it will be the last time Angle is ever in a WWE ring.
McIntyre and Corbin surround the ring but Baron Corbin enters and makes a charge for the stage. Inside the ring, Angle hits Corbin with a few rights and the sends him over the top rope. Meanwhile, Strowman sends McIntyre face-first off the steel ring post. Strowman chases after Corbin and throws an office chair at him. McIntyre and Corbin jump in to the audience and escape to the backstage area. The announcers mention how Angle was trying to retire but we still don't know what he was going to say.
We see a video celebrating Black History Month.
Back from commercial, they show a replay of what just happened between Strowman, Angle, McIntyre, & Corbin. As a result of what happened, Strowman & Angle will team up to face McIntyre & Corbin in a tag team match.
We see a video package recapping Seth Rollins' victory in the men's Royal Rumble match and his confrontation with the Beast last Monday on RAW. We see the image for the Universal Championship match at WrestleMania 35, Brock Lesnar vs. Seth Rollins.
As Bailey is entering the arena through the stage, Nikki Cross and Alicia Fox attack her and drag Sasha Banks out from the backstage area. The two women pummel and beat them until Bailey fights back. She tosses Cross off and then mounts Fox with multiple punches. Cross comes back and the two women ram Bailey in to the screen on the stage. They toss Bailey down the ramp and then continue the assault on a downed Banks. The announcers are wondering if the women's tag match is still gonna take place after the commercial break.
Sasha Banks & Bailey vs. Nikki Cross & Alicia Fox (To Qualify For The Women's Tag Team Title Match)
Back from commercial, Bailey hits Cross with a clothesline out of the corner for the 2 count. Bailey rams her shoulder in to Cross' abdomen in the corner and then comes charging with a running clothesline on a sitting Cross for a 2 count. They show Banks and she can barely make it up to the ring apron. Fox get tagged in but Bailey hits a crossbody on both women and gets a one count on Fox. Bailey drops Fox's face on the turnbuckles and then comes off the ropes with a spinning elbow for a 2 count. Bailey with a back suplex for yet another 2 count. Bailey drops Cross and then delivers a stunner in the ropes on Fox. Bailey strikes Cross on the outside, and as she gets back in the ring, Fox gets a scissor kick for a close 2 count.
Fox puts Bailey in a chin lock as we see Banks grimace on the apron. Cross gets tagged in and they tie Bailey to the tree of woe. Cross stomps at her and then tags in Fox, who chops and stomps at Bailey. Cross gets a half nelson chinlock on Bailey and then she tags Fox back in to the match. Bailey fights out of the tree of woe but Cross connects with a bulldog for a 2 count. Cross kicks Bailey out of the ring and then knocks her down with a crossbody off the apron. Cross comes running after Bailey but Banks pulls her partner out of the way, forcing Cross to collide with the post. Fox tags in but Bailey rolls her up for the 1-2-3!
Winner: Sasha Banks & Bailey
Cross & Fox are looking irate on the outside of the ring as we see Banks & Bailey celebrate inside the middle of the ring.
We see a replay of last week when Jeff Jarrett and Road Dogg interrupted Elias and they all got in to a big brawl.
Backstage, Apollo Crews says that he's surprised that Kurt Angle is competing tonight but he's glad that he is. He says that the guy won a gold medal with a broken freakin' neck so he can have a few bad matches. Rezar and Drake Maverick confront Crews and tell him that Angle doesn't stand a chance tonight. Crews asks him if he has to stick his hand up his a-- to make his puppet talk like that. Rezar gets in his face but Drake calms him down and they exit.
Rod Dogg comes out to hype the crowd up and do the classic D-Generation X introduction. He gives Jarrett a nice intro as his music hits. Then, Jarrett and Road Dogg get to sing their "Alone With My Baby Tonight."
Jeff Jarrett Vs. Elias
The bell rings and Jarrett and Elias immediately start throwing hands in the ring. Elias tries to escape to the outside but he's cornered by Road Dogg and slides back in to the ring as we go to commercial. When we return to the show, Elias is in control and ramming Jarrett in to the barricade on the outside of the ring. Elias tosses Jarrett back in the ring, stomps at his face and gives him a chop. Jarrett comes off the ropes with a kick, a right, a hip toss, and a clothesline. Elias hits Jarrett with a jumping knee strike and then he taunts Jarrett and Road Dogg.
Elias Irish whips Jarrett and gives him an elbow to the face for a 2 count. Elias secures in a chin lock on a grounded Jarrett as the crowd rallies. Jarrett strikes at Elias' abdomen but he gets a vertical suplex for his troubles. Jarrett out at 2. Jarrett with a couple abdomen punches but Elias maintains control with punches and a jumping elbow. Jarrett off the ropes and gets clutched in to a sleeper hold. He drops down and bounces Elias' chin off the top of his head. Elias goes over and knocks out Road Dogg on the outside of the ring. The distraction allows Jarrett to gain some momentum and he connects with a big clothesline and his leg attack on the ropes. Jarrett struts and connects with an enziguri. Road Dogg is on the apron and he gets knocked down by Elias. Elias connects with the Drift Away for the 1-2-3 on Jarrett.
Winner: Elias
After the match, Road Dogg comes in a strikes Elias with his signature flurry of punches. Jarrett brings in the guitar and Road Dogg tels Elias to suck it as Jarrett wacks Elias in the back.
Backstage, Dana Brooke tells Natalya that she's really sorry about causing them to lose the tag team match last Monday on RAW. Brooke tells Natalya not to give her the silent treatment. She becomes frustrated and tells Natalya that she's going to ask Vince McMahon for a one-on-one match with her next week to prove herself. As she leaves, Natalya pulls out her ear buds and looks confused about what Dana had said.
Finn Balor is backstage and approaching the ring with his ribs taped up.
3 weeks from tonight will be the birthday celebration for Ric Flair in Atlanta, GA. The announcers recap what happened earlier in the night with Stephanie McMahon & Becky Lynch. They remind everyone that she will be suspended until Lynch chooses to go get evaluated by the WWE doctors.
Backstage, Finn Balor says that the Irish are stubborn when wounded. His elbow is hurt from Lesnar and his ribs are hurt from Lesnar, but he's still here to fight for the title. Balor says that he won't be held down and he's gonna take the fight to Lashley just like he did to Lesnar. He says he'll be taking the Intercontinental Championship, too. As Finn enters the arena, we see replays of his match with Lesnar at the Rumble and the attack by Lashley the night after.
Lio Rush gets on the mic and tells Finn that he's out here looking like a mummy with his ribs taped up. Rush tells him that this is a mouse vs. a mack truck. Lashley grabs a mic and says that Finn couldn't beat Lesnar, and yet, he's better than Lesnar. He says that he needs to start fighting people his own size and instead of a title match tonight, he has to face Lio Rush. If he's entertaining enough, Lashley will give him a title match.
Before the match can even begin, Lashley cheap shots Balor and drives him in to the turnbuckles. Lashley continues the attack until he finally grabs his title and leaves the scraps for Rush.
Finn Balor vs. Lio Rush
The bell rings and Rush pounces with kicks and knees on a cornered Balor. Balor grabs Rush but Rush kicks him in his injured ribs to regain control. Rush with strikes on a grounded Balor. He goes for a kick but Balor catches hi leg and drops him on his back. Balor stomps Rush until he exits the ring, he then comes through the ropes with a dropkick on Rush. Balor goes for a running kick on the apron but Lashley grabs his foot and pulls him down. The ref ejects Lashley from ringside as Rush looks on in horror. Rush climbs in the ring and then immediately goes back to the outside with a suicide dive on Balor.
Back from commercial, Lio Rush has an abdominal stretch on Balor and he finishes it with a couple sharp knees to Balor's ribs. Rush with a couple shoulder tackles in the corner but Balor catches Rush with a knee. Balor with a kick to Rush from the ring apron. Balor goes for the coup de grace but Rush knocks his feet out from him and climbs to the top rope with Balor. Rush with a hurricanrana off the top for a close 2 count. Rush ties Balor in another version of an abdominal stretch but Balor twists out and puts Rush in an abdominal stretch of his own. Balor gains the advantage and connects with the Sling Blade, Balor ties to follow up but gets rolled up for the 2 count. Rush keeps on the attack and then goes for his huge frog splash. Balor dodges, gives him a dropkick in to the corner turnbuckles, and then scales the top rope. Balor with the coup de grace and the 1-2-3!
Winner: Finn Balor
Lashley comes running down to the ring after the match but Balor slides out and celebrates his victory on the ramp. We see replays from the match that just took place as Balor continues posing on the stage.
Paige comes out to the stage with a microphone in hand! The crowd is excited to see Paige! Paige comes out to hype up her upcoming film, Fighting With My Family. Paige introduces a preview of the film.
We come back to another segment of A Moment Of Bliss. Bliss introduces her guest for tonight's talk show, EC3. EC3 comes out and poses a bit before sitting down with Alexa. Alexa asks EC3 if he's ready for his moment of Bliss. She says he's young, good looking, and she's heard he has a big...bank account. Bliss says that she notices that EC3 likes to play hard to get and jump between RAW and SmackDown. She asks EC3 which show he's going to choose but, before he answers, Nia Jax comes out and tells them that no one cares.
Jax says that she would say she's sorry but she's not and nobody wants to see this nauseating blind date. Jax brings up her time in the men's Royal Rumble match and her win with Tamina to qualify for the women's Elimination Chamber. Jax says that this is actually her moment, not Alexa's. Jax says that the whole world is always wondering what she'll do next so, maybe, she'll fill in for Becky Lynch at WrestleMania.
Dean Ambrose's music hits and he comes out on to the stage. He says that he's sorry and he doesn't really want to be out there. He says he must say something to Nia, and that is, it's obvious that she has a huge crush on him. Ambrose says that it's okay she doesn't know how to handle his raw, sexual magnetism but he wants her nowhere near him. He asks EC3 who he is and then knocks the microphone out of his hand. Ambrose says he's going to take over the interview and he asks EC3 lightning round questions. Ambrose asks him why he walks around like a mute chip n' dale dancer and never gets inside the ring. In response, EC3 punches him in the face.
EC3 vs. Dean Ambrose
This impromptu match begins with EC3 tackling Ambrose and raining down some punches as Ambrose blocks. EC3 slams Ambrose's head off the turnbuckles and then connects with a flying clothesline. Ambrose gets in a kick to the abdomen and tosses EC3 in to the ring post outside. Ambrose mounts EC3 and connects with some punches of his own. Ambrose stomps away at EC3 in the corner and then drops EC3 with a short-arm clothesline. Ambrose with a chin lock in the center of the ring but EC3 gets to his feet and hits Ambrose with some punches. Ambrose off the ropes, gets hit with a back elbow and a flying forearm. EC3 with a variation of an STO. Ambrose comes back at EC3 but he pulls Ambrose in a jackknife cover for the 1-2-3!
Winner: EC3
Backstage, Angle says that he was so close to retiring tonight but now he's here to join forces with Braun Strowman and take out Corbin and McIntyre. Strowman tells Angle that it's an honor they're teaming together tonight and McIntyre/Corbin are gonna "get these hands!"
Mojo Rawley is talking to his mirror again. Rawley says that everywhere he goes, everyone wants him to be a part of the team. He says that those ideas never worked out for him, and now, it's all about Mojo.
Drew McIntyre & Baron Corbin vs. Braun Strowman & Kurt Angle
Angle and Corbin start the match out but Angle immediately catches Corbin and german suplexes him. McIntyre pulls him out of the ring but Strowman comes running around the corner and tackles McIntyre. Angle with another german on Corbin and he tries following it up with the ankle lock. Corbin wiggles free and McIntyre connects with a cheap shot on the apron to Angle.
Back from commercial, Corbin is in control with a couple right hands on Angle. Corbin locks in a half nelson chin lock as the crowd rallies behind Angle. Corbin tags in McIntyre and they stomp away at Angle in their corner. McIntyre pulls him to the middle of the ring and connects with a hard chop. Angle reverses a few strikes but Corbin gets tagged back in and they team up on Angle. Corbin goes for another punch but Angle retaliates with punches of his own. McIntyre with a blind tag. Just as Angle gains a little offense, McIntyre kicks him down to the mat. Strowman tries to get in the ring but the ref stops him. Angle's finishing Angle Slam is reversed and McIntyre delivers one of his own.
McIntyre with the ankle lock on a downed Angle. Angle struggles in the middle of the ring as the crowd rallies behind him. He's finally able to roll through and tag in Braun Strowman. A hot Strowman tackles McIntyre, Corbin on the apron, and then he gives another splash to McIntyre. Strowman with a clubby blow to the chest of McIntyre. He goes for his finishing Running Powerslam but McIntyre escapes and tags in his partner, Corbin. Corbin slams Strowman's face against the ring posts and the ring barricade.
Back in the ring, McIntyre tags in and continues the attack with a chop and a neckbreaker for a 1 count on Strowman. Corbin is tagged back in and they work in tandem with a double back suplex for a 2 count. Corbin tags McIntyre back in and he stomps away at Strowman's abdomen. Another quick tag but Strowman reverses and delivers a double vertical suplex to Corbin & McIntyre. Angle finally gets tagged in and delivers a series of german suplexs to Corbin and McIntyre. Angle goes for another on Corbin but he gets backed in to the turnbuckles. Angle with an Angle Slam for a close 2 count on Corbin, Strowman takes out McIntyre with a shoulder tackle and then attacks Corbin. The ref rings the bell for the DQ since Strowman wasn't the legal man.
Winner via DQ: Drew McIntyre & Baron Corbin
Strowman goes after his opponents on the outside of the ring but gets claymore kicked in the face for his trouble. They slam Angle in to the ring steps and start picking things apart, putting the base of the steps inside the ring. They go for a double chokeslam to Angle on the steps but Strowman interferes and gives chokeslams to Corbin & McIntyre on the steel steps. Angle and Strowman stand tall as the show comes to an end.
