BY SACNILK
Here is the live coverage for this week's Monday Night Raw which is scheduled to air on January 8, 2024, at the Moda Center in Portland, OR. ##
Monday Night Raw currently airs live on Monday evenings on the USA Network from 8:00 ET–11:00 PM ET in the United States. WWE Raw starts live at 1 am in the UK on BT Sport 1 on Tuesday mornings. ##
WWE Raw Time In Australia: It airs live on Tuesdays at 10 am (AEST) on Fox8 ##
WWE Raw Time In Canada: It airs live every Monday at 8 Am on Sportsnet 360 ##
WWE Raw Time In South Africa: The show also airs live on Supersport in South Africa on Tuesdays at 02:00 am CAT ##
Raw Time In Italy: In Italy, Raw airs live on Dplay 2:00 pm ##
WWE Raw Time In India: Raw airs live on Sony Ten 1 HD and Sony Ten 1 in India at 6:30 am ##
WWE Monday Night Raw, January 8, 2024: Live Coverage ##
Cody Rhodes is seen in the arena. Drew McIntyre interrupts a graphic for Cody and Shinsuke Nakamura, expressing frustration over his recent match. He contemplates leaving WWE but is interrupted by CM Punk. ##
Drew accuses Punk of being a leader who walked out, and Punk asserts his intention to win the Royal Rumble. Tensions rise, and Punk vows to eliminate Drew last. ##
In the backstage, Ciampa and Gargano discuss their tag title aspirations and the significance of Ciampa's 19th wrestling anniversary. ##
R-Truth's involvement in setting up a match is briefly mentioned. ##
Finn Balor (with Damian Priest) vs. Tommaso Ciampa (with Johnny Gargano) ##
They lock up, and Ciampa backs Finn into the corner. Finn responds with a shoulder on the break, followed by punches to the midsection. He then applies a side headlock, but Ciampa counters with a back elbow. Ciampa delivers chops, and in an attempt for a sunset flip, Balor dropkicks him and gets a near fall. Finn lands elbows to Ciampa's head and a punch, but Ciampa fights back with a Thesz Press and more punches.##
Finn rolls to the floor, and Ciampa follows. Priest gets in Ciampa's way, allowing Finn to miss a forearm. Ciampa shoulders Finn from the apron and sends him into the turnbuckles. Priest distracts Ciampa, and Finn takes advantage, knocking Ciampa off the apron into the announce table.##
After the commercial break, Ciampa resumes the offense with punches and chops. He executes a flying clothesline and a clothesline into the corner. Finn counters an elevated elbow drop into a reverse DDT for a near fall. Ciampa attempts a powerbomb, but Finn counters with a reverse DDT. Ciampa tries for a running knee, but Balor counters with a Sling Blade and a running dropkick into the turnbuckles.##
Finn goes up top but misses the double stomp when Ciampa moves. Ciampa capitalizes with a rollup for a near fall. Ciampa throws a punch and sets up for the Fairy Tale Ending, but Priest gets on the apron. Ciampa punches Priest, and Gargano pulls Priest off the apron. Ciampa delivers a running knee to Priest on the floor.##
Balor kicks the middle rope when Ciampa attempts to re-enter the ring. Gargano interferes by tripping Balor when he tries to suplex Ciampa back in. Taking advantage of the distraction, Ciampa gets the three count. ##
WINNER: Tommaso Ciampa ##
Highlights from last week's match between Becky Lynch and Nia Jax are showcased.##
Jackie Redmond interviews Becky Lynch backstage, asking about her loss last week.##
Becky explains she envisioned the potential consequences of a proper punch from Nia, speculating it could have led to a broken orbital bone and a hospital visit. Despite taking a punch, Becky got back up and declared her participation in the Royal Rumble. She reflects that compared to the past, she's either becoming stronger, or Nia is losing her edge. Nia didn't finish her, and Becky isn't slowing down. This might just be the start.##
The focus then shifts to Kayden Carter and Katalina Cortez preparing for their match against the former champions.##
A glimpse of Chelsea Green and Piper Niven in the backstage area is also shown. ##
Kofi Kingston vs. Ludwig Kaiser ##
Kofi starts with a waist lock, but Kaiser counters with a back elbow and punch. Kaiser follows up with more punches to Kofi, including a short-arm clothesline. He adds forearms to the back of Kofi's head, and despite Kofi's punches, Kaiser responds with an elbow and chops Kofi in the corner. The exchange continues with Kaiser delivering punches and more chops, while Kofi fights back with his own chops.##
Kaiser gains momentum and hot shots Kofi on the top turnbuckle, sending him shoulder-first into the ring post. Kaiser continues the assault with kicks and a dropkick to Kofi. Kofi, however, counters with a punch from the apron and a kick, followed by a springboard crossbody and a series of punches. Kaiser manages to evade Trouble in Paradise and sends Kofi over the top rope to the floor.##
As Kofi attempts a suicide dive, Kaiser counters with a punch and then sends Kofi into the ringside barrier. A chest kick from Kaiser is accompanied by some words in German, and the action heads into a commercial break.##
Returning from the break, Kaiser chokes Kofi and executes springboard boots to the chest. Kaiser goes to the turnbuckles, but Kofi gets his feet up, causing Kaiser to tumble to the floor. Kofi heads to the apron and then goes up top for a trust fall, successfully connecting. When Kaiser attempts to reverse an Irish whip into the ring steps, Kofi leaps over them and lands a crossbody. Kaiser is sent into the ring post, and as he misses a running European uppercut and hits the barrier, Kofi prevents him from beating the count. ##
WINNER: The Match Ended With Double Count Out ##
Following the match, Kofi unleashes a super kick on Kaiser. He follows up with a suicide dive that propels Kaiser into the announce table, continuing his onslaught with punches. However, Kaiser resorts to a thumb to the eye to gain an advantage. Undeterred, Kofi backdrops Kaiser onto the announce table.##
Officials intervene to restrain Kofi, attempting to prevent any further escalation.##
Kofi manages to break free, and Kaiser responds by hurling the announcer's chair at him, leaving Kofi down. Kaiser seizes the opportunity, punching Kofi on the ring steps. Heading to the apron, officials signal for Kaiser to stop, but he breaks free and delivers a running dropkick to Kofi against the ring steps.##
The situation intensifies as we head into a commercial break. ##
Returning from a Moments Ago segment, Jackie Redmond catches up with Ludwig Kaiser backstage.##
Jackie inquires about the recent altercation, and Kaiser deflects blame onto Kofi Kingston. According to Kaiser, he bears the weight of Imperium on his shoulders because of Kofi, and he insists that he merely responded to Kofi's actions, mirroring his approach with Vinci.##
In the ring, Michael Cole introduces Nia Jax, acknowledging her dominant victory over Becky Lynch. Nia questions why her success is perceived as shocking, emphasizing her newfound focus on the Royal Rumble. She confidently asserts her intention to run through 29 other women and secure a main event match at Wrestlemania. Rhea Ripley interrupts and confronts Nia, reminding her of their past encounters. Rhea challenges Nia to stop acting like she owns the division, especially since defeating Becky Lynch doesn't equate to conquering Rhea. Nia, undeterred, credits Rhea but claims she's only holding onto her title because she's afraid to face Nia. Nia asserts that she'll challenge Rhea after winning the Royal Rumble.##
Nia exits the ring, and the spotlight shifts to the contentious history between Jinder Mahal and The Rock, with Mahal's return overshadowed by The Rock's unexpected appearance.##
Backstage, Jackie Redmond interviews Cody Rhodes, asking for his thoughts on the upcoming match against Nakamura. Before Cody can respond, Nakamura ambushes him from behind, slamming him into the wall. Cody retaliates by sending Nakamura into a production case before officials step in to separate them. ##
The scene transitions to the locker room, where women watch the chaos on a monitor. ##
Women's Tag Team Championship: Chelsea Green and Piper Niven vs. Katana Chance and Kayden Carter ##
Green executes a dropkick that sends Carter to the outside. As Green pursues Carter back into the ring, Carter responds with a well-placed dropkick. Carter follows up with a forearm to Green, who is entangled in the ropes. Chance tags in and secures a near fall on Green. Carter re-enters, delivering a rollup for another close count. Carter unleashes a series of kicks, executing a drop toe hold that sends Green into the ropes. Chance tags in, and Piper pulls Carter to the floor. Green narrowly misses a kick but sends Chance into the turnbuckles, setting up Piper for a cannonball and a near fall.##
After the commercial break, Piper misses a cannonball when Chance evades. Green tags back in but swings at Carter and misses. Green momentarily prevents Chance from making the tag. Carter re-enters, landing forearms on both Piper and Green. Carter delivers kicks, earning another near fall. A running boot against the ropes follows, and Carter executes a twisting springboard leg drop. In the corner, Carter adds a forearm before setting Green on the turnbuckles for a potential superplex. However, Green halts Carter's attempt, and Chance joins her on the turnbuckles, delivering a kick to Piper. Carter manages to stop Green, who had knocked her off the turnbuckles. Carter then carries Green on her shoulders as Chance tags in for a super rana, securing a near fall.##
Carter tags back in, and Green counters an Unprettier attempt with a well-timed knee strike. Green executes a Rough Ryder for another near fall. She attempts the Unprettier once more, but Carter rolls through for a near fall. Piper tags in, and Green connects with a Codebreaker. Piper follows up with a back senton as Chance intervenes to break up the pin. Green sends Chance to the floor, and Carter kicks Green out as well. Piper lands a kick on Carter, then executes a uranage in the corner. Green tags back in, but as Piper ascends the turnbuckles, Chance pulls Carter to the outside. Green falls to the mat, and Piper delivers a Vader Bomb onto Green.##
Chance re-enters the ring, executing a Codebreaker off the turnbuckles to Piper. Chance tags in, and they combine for the Keg Stand, ultimately securing the three count. ##
WINNER: Katana Chance and Kayden Carter ##
Michael Cole announces that the match between Shinsuke Nakamura and Cody Rhodes will be a street fight.##
A video featuring R-Truth plays, where he shares his origin story, being born in Charlotte, North Carolina, on a cold January morning. He reminisces about dreaming of being part of Judgment Day, expressing gratitude for the experiences they've shared, including Money in the Bank and The Royal Rumble. Truth mentions the challenges they've faced and emphasizes the unity of the Judgment Day family, comprising Rhea, Finn, Priest, Tom, and Nick Mysterio. He sends a message to everyone on behalf of Judgment Day, offering support for those who need it and encouraging a spirit of living, laughing, and loving.##
In the Judgment Day clubhouse, JD questions when they will stop R-Truth. Priest finds it amusing, while Rhea urges them to focus on stopping Truth. Priest expresses his willingness to handle Truth. Rhea redirects their attention to DIY and questions why they aren't dealing with Drew. Priest dismisses Drew as a joke, not considering him an enemy. Rhea raises concerns about making an enemy of Nia Jax.##
Rhea instructs JD to take care of The Miz, and JD, accompanied by Dom, heads to the ring. ##
Miz vs. JD McDonagh (with Dominik Mysterio) ##
R-Truth joins Tom (or Nick) at ringside as the match kicks off, leading to JD shouting at Truth. Miz starts with a side headlock and a shoulder tackle, blocking JD's attempted hip toss and responding with one of his own. Miz follows up with a knee to the midsection but misses a running boot, allowing JD to go to the floor. Miz playfully engages with the crowd, executing a chop to JD when he returns to the ring. However, JD counters, sending Miz groin-first into the turnbuckles and delivering kicks. Miz, undeterred, kicks JD in the corner.##
JD retaliates with kicks of his own, blocking Miz's round kick. Miz counters with a leg sweep, attempting the figure-four leg lock, but JD kicks him away. Miz lands a Reality Check for a near fall, followed by a chop against the ropes. JD retaliates with a kick, and Miz answers with a back body drop. Miz sets up for the Skull Crushing Finale, but JD surprises with a snap mare. As Miz readies for the finishing move, Dom intervenes with a cheap shot, allowing JD to kick Miz for a near fall.##
After the commercial break, JD applies a reverse chin lock, attempting a belly-to-back suplex, but Miz lands on his feet. JD transitions into a sleeper hold, and Miz escapes with a jawbreaker. Miz misses a shoulder into the corner, and JD capitalizes with a leg trip and a slingshot corkscrew splash for a near fall. Miz counters with punches and a clothesline, while JD responds with an enzuigiri and a suplex for a near fall. JD adds a kick to Miz's head, but Miz fights back with more punches.##
Miz executes an Awesome Clothesline and attempts a rollup for a near fall. He follows with kicks to JD, who dodges one and lands an O'Connor Roll for another near fall. Miz targets JD's leg with a springboard knee drop and several kicks. Miz then goes for the figure-four leg lock, nearly getting the pin when JD's shoulders fall to the mat. JD reaches for the ropes, and although Miz keeps him away momentarily, JD ultimately grabs the ropes and rolls to the floor. JD drops Miz onto the top rope, and Dom checks on JD.##
Seizing the opportunity, Miz delivers a dropkick through the ropes, sending JD into Dom. Miz concludes the match with the Skull Crushing Finale for the three count. ##
WINNER: Miz ##
In the clubhouse, Priest, Finn, and Rhea discuss their plans. Rhea mentions she's going to talk to Pearce, while Priest decides to inform Dom and JD upon their return. ##
As we head into a commercial break, Seth Rollins is spotted walking backstage. ##
Back from the break, Seth Rollins strides to the ring to address the audience. He welcomes everyone and talks about the upcoming Royal Rumble, stating that this year is going to be the year of Seth Rollins. Seth acknowledges his past success at Wrestlemania but points out that he has never taken a World Title into the grandest stage of them all. He asserts that he has worked hard to elevate the title's prestige and vows to continue being a fighting and workhorse champion.##
Responding to chants from the audience, Seth muses about who he will face at Wrestlemania. Before he can elaborate, Jinder Mahal interrupts and makes his way to the ring. Jinder questions Seth's self-praise, accusing him of promoting degeneracy and lacking substance. He criticizes Seth for throwing tantrums and overlooking a tenured former WWE Champion like him. Jinder asserts that the disrespect won't be tolerated and demands Seth's attention.##
Seth, however, surprises Jinder by admitting that they have intentionally overlooked him. Seth explains that it worked until The Rock intervened last week, putting Jinder in the spotlight. Seth doesn't respect Jinder for ruining their party but acknowledges that Jinder now has his attention. He challenges Jinder to take a swing if he's sick of being overlooked and wants to be remembered forever.##
Jinder, hesitating, eventually hits Seth from behind and delivers a kick. In response, Seth retaliates with punches, a clothesline, and a superkick. Seth attempts the Black Out, but Jinder escapes to the floor.##
In the backstage area, Shinsuke Nakamura prepares for his match against Cody Rhodes. ##
Otis (with Maxxine Dupri and Akira Tozawa) versus Ivar (with Valhalla) ##
They engage in a lockup, reaching a stalemate in the opening moments. Ivar initiates the action with a kick, followed by both men simultaneously attempting clotheslines, with Otis countering with a back elbow. Ivar responds with a seated splash off the turnbuckles, then resorts to eye rakes and punches to maintain control. Otis fights back with powerful punches, but Ivar counters with a knee strike. Ivar follows up with a springboard crossbody, and Otis catches him, executing a power slam for a near fall.##
Heading to the turnbuckles, Otis's ascent is halted by forearms from Ivar. Ivar then sets up for a power bomb, successfully hitting it for another near fall. However, Ivar misses the Spin Kick of Doom as Otis rolls through. Otis delivers a clothesline, setting the stage for the Caterpillar, followed by an elbow drop. Otis goes for the cover, securing a near fall. Otis attempts a choke slam, but Ivar counters with a back elbow. Ivar, in turn, executes a cartwheel and the Spin Kick of Doom. He ascends the turnbuckles for a moonsault, landing it successfully and securing the three count for the victory.##
WINNER: Ivar ##
After the match, Tozawa confronts Ivar, getting in his face. In response, Ivar pushes Tozawa to the ground, asserting his dominance.##
Jackie Redmond is backstage with Jey Uso, questioning him about heading into 2024 without the Bloodline. She inquires if Jey has any resolutions for the new year. Jey expresses his determination to secure his first singles title.##
Bronson Reed interrupts the interview, addressing Jey as Jimmy's little brother. Reed shares his own plans of winning a title in 2024 and warns Jey not to stand in his way.##
As the show returns from commercial, it's announced that next week will feature Seth Rollins defending the World Title against Jinder Mahal. Miz and R-Truth will face Finn Balor and Damian Priest in a non-title match, while Tommaso Ciampa and Johnny Gargano take on Dominik Mysterio and JD McDonagh. Additionally, Gunther is set to make his return to Raw. ##
A video package highlights the upcoming match between Cody Rhodes and Shinsuke Nakamura. ##
Street Fight: Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Cody Rhodes ##
Nakamura pushes Cody, who responds with a kick and a drop-down uppercut. Nakamura retreats to the floor, and Cody follows up with a baseball slide, sending Nakamura up the aisle. The two engage in a brawl, exchanging forearms as they make their way toward the stage area. Cody gains the upper hand, delivering punches and sending Nakamura into the ringside barrier. Cody further exploits the ringside environment, utilizing the announce table and hitting Nakamura with a water bottle before finally getting Nakamura back into the ring.##
Cody attempts a high-flying move from the top rope, but Nakamura rolls to the floor. Surprisingly, Nakamura emerges from underneath the ring and strikes Cody with a broom. Seizing a kendo stick, Nakamura mercilessly beats Cody's back with it.##
After a commercial break, Nakamura executes a snap mare but misses a knee drop. Cody retaliates with the kendo stick, striking Nakamura in return. Despite Cody's counterattack, Nakamura delivers a running knee to Cody's ribs. Nakamura continues his offense with knees to the head, chest, and a head and arm choke.##
Cody manages to escape Nakamura's grip with a jawbreaker. The two exchange kicks, with Nakamura landing a kick to the back of Cody's head. Nakamura transitions into a single-leg crab, turning it into a single-leg Liontamer. Following a kick to the chest, Nakamura attempts a head and arm choke, but Cody breaks free with another jawbreaker.##
Cody rallies with a running forearm and a power slam, followed by a Beautiful Disaster for a near fall. With the crowd firmly behind him, Cody goes under the ring and retrieves a table. As Cody introduces the table into the ring, Nakamura retaliates with multiple hits using nunchuks. Nakamura clotheslines Cody into the timekeeper's area and continues the assault with the nunchuks.##
In a surprising turn, Nakamura accidentally spits the mist at the timekeeper instead of Cody. Cody seizes the opportunity, grabbing a chair, and Nakamura attempts to spit the mist again, but Cody dodges it, causing the timekeeper to be misted. Cody calls for assistance for the misted timekeeper, but Nakamura strikes Cody's back with a chair, further intensifying their heated confrontation. ##
As we return from the commercial break, Nakamura relentlessly strikes Cody with the chair multiple times before placing it in the turnbuckles. In an attempt to send Cody into the chair, Nakamura inadvertently ends up colliding with it himself. Cody and Nakamura exchange a barrage of punches and forearms, with Cody delivering jabs and proceeding to execute the "flip, flop, and fly" sequence. However, Nakamura counters with a well-timed knee. Cody responds with two Bionic Elbows and returns to the table, preparing to set it up.##
Nakamura interrupts Cody's setup, delivering a headbutt and placing Cody on the table. Nakamura unleashes a series of punches on Cody before climbing the turnbuckles and executing a double knee drop, causing the table to break. Nakamura manages to secure a near fall. ##
Following a kick to Cody's head, Nakamura retrieves another table from under the ring, earning the approval of the Portland crowd. He positions the table in the corner, attempting to apply a sleeper hold, but Cody blocks it. Cody successfully counters a reverse exploder, landing on his feet. Nakamura backs Cody into the chair in the corner, delivering a kick and a sliding German suplex. Nakamura ascends the turnbuckles and connects with a jumping knee for another near fall. As Nakamura runs into a superkick while attempting Kinshasa, Cody counters with a Pedigree, nearly securing the victory. ##
Feeling the adrenaline, Cody slaps the mat to muster the motivation needed to conclude his battle against Nakamura. Executing a Cody Cutter, he goes for the cover, earning a near fall.##
Determined to secure the victory, Cody sets up for CrossRhodes. However, Nakamura cleverly drops down and counters with a victory roll, coming close to pinning Cody. Seizing the opportunity, Nakamura delivers a kick and attempts Kinshasa. Yet, Cody skillfully sidesteps Nakamura, causing him to crash through the table. With Nakamura down and out, Cody capitalizes by hitting CrossRhodes for the decisive three-count. ##
WINNER: Cody Rhodes ##
Stay Tuned To Sacnilk...
WWE News
