The New Year’s Eve edition of Monday Night RAW ended 2018 on a positive note. Similarly, it was announced that John Cena would be making his return to the red brand next week while The Revival would challenge Bobby Roode and Chad Gable for the RAW Tag Team Championships.
SEE YOU IN 2019! #RAW pic.twitter.com/Jd3FXXIqzY
— WWE (@WWE) January 1, 2019
Dolph Ziggler vs Drew McIntyre – Steel Cage Match
Former Tag Team Champions Dolph Ziggler and Drew McIntyre kicked off the action last night. Both superstars exchanged some nasty blows in a riveting encounter as they looked to bring their rivalry to a close.
Ziggler had some wonderful openings to put the match to rest but McIntyre’s grit saw him stay alive. The Showoff looked to finish the match with the Superkick but the Scottish Psychopath instead countered it with the Claymore Kick.
McIntyre wasn’t finished yet as he delivered a second Claymore and then pinned Ziggler for the three count.
Triple H confronts Seth Rollins
Seth Rollins marched down to the ring with the sole purpose of wanting his Intercontinental Championship rematch against Dean Ambrose. Although his wish wasn’t granted, he was indeed met by a familiar face in Triple H.
The Game notified that nothing would be handed out anymore and told Rollins to forget about his rematch. The Kingslayer responded by stating that he carried RAW for the past year and put on classic matches every week.
Triple H then announced that Rollins would face Bobby Lashley later during the night before the duo were interrupted by Shane McMahon, as he made his way to calm things down in the ring.
Fresh Start Battle Royal
The superstars of RAW who sat on the sidelines in 2018 had an opportunity to redeem themselves in the Fresh Start Battle Royal.
A couple of big names such as Baron Corbin and Finn Balor also rounded up the field but to the shock of everyone, the winless Curt Hawkins lasted almost till the near end before being eliminated by the Lone Wolf.
However, it was Apollo Crews who ultimately came out victorious in the Battle Royal with eight eliminations and earned the opportunity to face Dean Ambrose for the Intercontinental Championship later during the show.
Elias interrupts Baron Corbin
Following his loss in the Fresh Start Battle Royal, a frustrated Baron Corbin addressed about the recent ongoings and the adversities he faced as the RAW General Manager.
However, Elias cut short Corbin’s excuses to perform his latest song. The Lone Wolf had heard enough as both superstars traded blows and a brawl broke out into the WWE audience.
Seth Rollins vs Bobby Lashley
In another evenly matched up contests on Monday Night RAW, Bobby Lashley and Seth Rollins put on an incredible showing for the WWE Universe. Lio Rush’s interference ringside allowed the All Mighty to take control.
However, Rollins once again displayed a great show of endurance and fought back. The Kingslayer found his groove and landed some of his trademark manoeuvres.
But, Rush continued to be a thorn in Rollins’ side as his distraction again gave Lashley the opening to take charge. The Architect was incensed and let his anger get the better of him as he hurled some wicked steel chair strikes and disqualified himself to hand Lashley the win.
Ember Moon, Sasha Banks & Bayley vs The Riott Squad
Riott Squad faced off against their bitter rivals Ember Moon, Sasha Banks and Bayley for possibly the 1000th time on Monday Night RAW once again.
In another back and forth contest, Moon laid out Ruby Riott and Liv Morgan on the floor with the Eclipse, leaving her teammates in a 2-on-1 situation. Banks tagged in Bayley and the Hugger landed an elbow from the top rope for the pinfall victory.
Dean Ambrose vs. Apollo Crews – Intercontinental Championship Match
Apollo Crews carried over his momentum from the Battle Royal to take control in the early stages to put on another valiant effort. The former NXT superstar was inches away from sealing a huge upset but Dean Ambrose kicked out of the shooting star press.
Despite Crews’ continuing offence, the Lunatic Fringe gathered himself and evaded a frog splash to strike the Dirty Deeds and retain his Intercontinental Championship.
Heath Slater & Rhyno vs. Jinder Mahal & The Singh Brothers – 2-on-3 Handicap Match
Jinder Mahal & The Singh Brothers were in control for the first half until Rhyno was tagged in and he changed the complexion of the match.
But, the Man-Beast was unable to defeat the numbers game as Samir Singh’s distraction left The Maharaja to take advantage and hit the Khallas on his opponent for the win.
Ronda Rousey & Natalya vs. Nia Jax & Tamina
Ronda Rousey and Natalya were in a vengeful mood following the assault carried out by their opponents on Nattie earlier during the show in the backstage area.
Nia Jax and Tamina cut the ring in half and focused all their beating on the Queen of Harts. Natalya, somehow, rallied back and tagged in her partner. Rousey shifted the momentum to her side.
The RAW Women’s Champion locked Tamina in her signature armbar but a massive leg drop from Jax separated the hold. Natalya and Nia were cleared out of the ring while Tamina applied the pinfall but Rousey kicked out at two.
Tamina then followed it up by taking the aerial route but her attempts were squashed as Rousey got her feet up and countered it with the armbar for the submission victory.
