WWE Raw Results
January 11, 2021
St. Petersburg, Florida (Tropicana Field)
Commentary: Tom Phillips, Byron Saxton, and Samoa Joe
“Then. Now. Forever.” The WWE video leads us into the show.
A video recaps last week’s Raw Legends Night and Randy Orton verbally abusing multiple legends.
WWE COO Triple H makes his way to the ring. The virtual crowd gives him a round of applause and “chants” his name. It’s been a long time since he’s been able to say this and welcomes everyone to the ThunderDome and Monday Night Raw. It’s a really difficult time…
Randy Orton’s music cuts him off. Orton walks out to the stage and says “the office” decided to show up since Drew McIntyre couldn’t. Orton says he was supposed to have a big match tonight. Triple H says he was aware and it’s not happening. Orton gets in the ring and says since Triple H got dressed up, flew down to Florida, and showed up in the ThunderDome that he’s going to make a ruling. Is Triple H going to say Orton is entering last in the Royal Rumble or will he hand Orton the WWE Championship? Triple H says if Orton wants the WWE Championship then he should win the Royal Rumble however he has to. Orton doesn’t understand why he’s in the ring. The only reason he could possibly here is to make a call that benefits Orton.
They get face-to-face. Triple H asks if this is where they’re at now. It’s been impressive watching Orton over the past year. He’s sat back and watched the old Randy Orton step back into the dance. That Orton was gone for a while, but here he is. As he watched it take place, Triple H was in awe. A lot of people criticized him thinking Orton went too far and crossed too many lines. Not Triple H. Triple H watched him contemplate that match, light it, flick it, and burn down what he did. Everything Orton wanted was on the other side of that flame. The only thing that stood between Orton and the WWE Championship was The Fiend, so he dropped that flame. Triple H has never been more proud of Orton than in that moment. IT stood between Orton and that moment.
During that period of time, there’s been a few things. Triple H wants to address them. Some things Triple H hasn’t understood is kicking legends in the head, threatening them like Big Show, Mark Henry, Shawn Michaels, and Ric Flair. Triple H doesn’t understand because it doesn’t benefit Orton. The Fiend sizzling benefits Orton. Humiliating Ric Flair doesn’t. It solidified in Triple H’s mind that Orton is not a legend. Randy Orton is nothing but a no good prick. Triple H gets right in his face as he says that.
Orton says Triple H can think what he wants, but Orton is in his peak. He’s a legend in his own time. In fact… does Triple H still have it in him? Is the Cerebral Assassin still in there? Is the Game still in there? Is the King of Kings still in there? If he is, maybe he’ll take the legend of Triple H out. They don’t need to have a match. They’ll have a good old fashioned fight. How about tonight in this ring they go toe-to-toe. Triple H asks if he really wants to fight him. He won’t give Orton the satisfaction. There’s no benefit to Triple H, so the answer is no.
Triple H goes to leave. Orton says Stephanie isn’t here tonight. Is he unable to retrieve his balls from her purse? Triple H gets angered and walks around the ring. Triple H then drops Orton with a straight right hand. Orton rolls out of the ring and smiles. Orton gets up and supposes that was a “yes” from Triple H. Orton’s music plays.
Footage is shown of Lacey Evans flirting with Ric Flair last week on Raw, causing him to have a moment of weakness and trip his daughter to lose.
WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion Charlotte Flair is backstage. Sarah Schreiber says Lacey Evans is classless. She’s not the first woman to hit on her father in front of her. Schreiber asks if she patched things up with her father. It’s 2021 and she’s going to have a match on Raw. Why are they talking about her father? She’s going to take care of this classless woman.
Charlotte Flair makes her way to the ring.
Sarah Schreiber is backstage with Lacey Evans. Evans says Charlotte Flair needs to relax. She didn’t flirt with anyone that didn’t want to be flirted with. Ric Flair is a charming, powerful man’s man. What lady wouldn’t want that sugar? Tonight’s match is dedicated to “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair. Evans blows a kiss at the camera and let’s out a seductive, “Woo!”
-Commercial Break-
The commentators talk about WWE Champion Drew McIntyre being diagnosed with COVID-19. McIntyre is shown on a self recorded video.
“How are ya, WWE Universe? I wish I could’ve been there with you all tonight in the ThunderDome, but unfortunately, as I’m sure you’ve heard already, I tested positive for COVID-19. Now I’m one of the fortunate ones with no symptoms, but I assure you COVID should not be taken lightly. Don’t think you can’t catch it because you can. If it can happen to me, it can happen to anybody. The only way we’re gonna be able to stop this thing is by working together so please wear your mask, follow social distancing guidelines. It’s not just to protect you. It’s to protect everyone and their loved ones. I’ll see you all really, really soon, but until then… stay safe.”
WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion Charlotte Flair vs. Lacey Evans
They lock up, and Flair powers Evans to the corner before shoving her. Evans laughs. They circle the ring, and Flair sidesteps a tie-up. They lock up, and Flair catches her with an inside cradle for a one count. Evans wants a moment to recover. Flair goes for a test of strength, but Evans kicks her in the midsection and applies a side headlock. Flair whips her off and shoulder blocks her down. Evans gets to her feet and looks frustrated. Evans goes for a kick, but Flair blocks it and elbows her in the face. Flair chops the chest a few times, and Evans takes a bump. Flair sends Evans to the corner and connects with a running knee to the face for a two count. Flair grapevines the head and drives Evans’ head into the mat a few times. Flair rolls her over in the head-scissor a few times before kipping up. Flair blocks a boot and punches her. Flair attacks the knee and goes for the Figure Four Leglock, but Evans immediately gets to the bottom rope. Evans pulls herself out of the ring.
All of a sudden, “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair’s music hits… and out walks the legend strutting, stylin’ and profilin’. Charlotte looks completely confused.
-Commercial Break-
We come back from the break to see Charlotte shouldering Evans in the corner. Charlotte’s father, the legendary “Nature Boy”, is at ringside. Evans turns her around and stomps her down. Evans hits a slingshot Bronco Buster, and Charlotte rolls out of the ring to recover. Evans follows her out, so Charlotte kicks and punches her. Evans reverses a whip into the barricade, and Charlotte hits ribs-first. Flair gets in the ring, so Evans follows and struts. Evans goes for a knee drop, but Charlotte moves. Evans quickly takes Charlotte down and applies a chin lock. Charlotte fights up and hits a back suplex. Charlotte angrily looks at her father.
Charlotte reverses a whip to the corner, but Evans rolls her up. Charlotte rolls through and kicks her in the head. Evans avoids a big boot and pulls Charlotte down by the hair. Evans stomps her in the corner, so Charlotte fights out and connects with a pair of clotheslines. Charlotte ducks a clothesline and hits a neckbreaker followed by an exploder. Ric looks amped up at ringside. Charlotte drops Evans on the apron and forearms her. Charlotte then big boots her to the floor. Charlotte gets her back in the ring and goes to the top rope, but Evans pulls her down. Charlotte hits a backbreaker/flatliner into the turnbuckle. Charlotte hits Natural Selection insanely close to the ropes. Ric puts Evans’ foot on the ropes and yells at the referee to stop the pin. Charlotte looks furious, but Ric denies doing anything.
Evans misses a Woman’s Right and gets dropped on the apron. Charlotte forearms her and goes to suplex her into the ring, but Ric pulls his daughter’s feet out. Evans lands on top of Charlotte. Ric holds Charlotte’s foot to stop her from kicking out.
Winner by Pinfall: Lacey Evans
Ric Flair celebrates with Lacey Evans as Charlotte Flair looks furious.
Jeff Hardy and Elias will “renew hostilities,” next.
-Commercial Break-
Ric Flair and Lacey Evans are strutting around backstage. Sarah Schreiber asks what just happens, but they blow her off. Evans says something about a hotel.
Highlights are shown from last week’s WWE Championship match with Drew McIntyre and Keith Lee.
Keith Lee is shown stretching backstage. Kayla Braxton asks Lee how he’s feeling. Sheamus comes up and says if Drew McIntyre respects Lee then he does as well. The Miz and John Morrison comes up and says they’re going to right the wrongs of 2020 starting with them. Sheamus asks if they’re really challenging them to a fight. Lee accepts. Miz says the last time Sheamus and Lee tagged, Sheamus kicked Lee in the face.
Elias comes out with Jaxson Ryker and says he suffered a debilitating injury recording music, so Jaxson Ryker will take his place.
Jeff Hardy vs. Jaxson Ryker w/ Elias
Hardy quickly attacks Ryker and drops him with a Twist of Fate. Hardy heads to the top rope, so Elias distracts him. Ryker rolls Hardy up for the win.
Winner by Pinfall: Jaxson Ryker
Hardy tells Elias to get in the ring and face him. Hardy accuses Elias of being afraid that Ryker is better than Elias. Elias heads to the ring.
-Commercial Break-
Jeff Hardy vs. Elias w/ Jaxson Ryker
We join this match in progress. Elias sends Hardy into the ropes and hits a shoulder block for a two count. Hardy avoids a knee drop and punches back at Elias. Hardy hits a clothesline, an inverted atomic drop, a double leg drop to the midsection, a low dropkick, and an elbow drop for a near fall. Elias fights out of a Twist of Fate and hits a Death Valley Driver for a near fall. Hardy eventually fights back and hits Whisper in the Wind for a two count. Hardy signals for the end. Elias blocks a kick and throws him down. Hardy quickly hits a sit-out jawbreaker and goes to the ropes, but Elias knees him in the face. Elias hits a spinning neckbreaker for a two count.
Elias uppercuts Hardy a few times. Hardy fights back with a backslide, but Elias rolls out. Hardy hits a Twist of Fate and follows up with a Swanton Bomb for the win.
Winner by Pinfall: Jeff Hardy
Keith Lee and Sheamus take on The Miz and John Morrison, next.
-Commercial Break-
Footage is shown of the confrontation with Randy Orton and Triple H to kick off the show.
Sheamus and Keith Lee vs. The Miz and John Morrison
Sheamus starts against John Morrison and takes him down with a drop-toe-hold. Sheamus powers him down for a one count. Sheamus wrenches the arm, but Morrison manages to take him down with a front facelock. Sheamus fights out and tags Keith Lee in. Lee hits a scoop slam, and Sheamus follows up with a knee drop. Lee covers for a two count. Morrison elbows out and tags The Miz in. Lee immediately takes Miz down and knocks him out of the ring. Lee then presses Morrison up and throws him over the top rope onto The Miz. Sheamus tags in and hits a double clothesline off the apron.
Heads up, @mikethemiz! #WWERaw @RealKeithLee @TheRealMorrison @WWESheamus pic.twitter.com/YFJ8VYd0zW
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) January 12, 2021
Sheamus gets Miz in the ring and hits a rolling fireman’s carry. Lee tags in and throws Miz. Morrison tags in and dropkicks Lee in the legs. Morrison attacks the legs, but Lee stays standing. Morrison chop blocks him to bring him down to a knee. Lee quickly floors him with a head-butt. Lee talks a little trash and throws him across the ring. Lee then avalanches Morrison in the corner… and the top turnbuckle breaks off! The top rope is down and so is Morrison as we go to break.
WHAT THE WHAT! 🤯#WWERaw @RealKeithLee @TheRealMorrison pic.twitter.com/Q23vmkDap5
— WWE (@WWE) January 12, 2021
-Commercial Break-
We come back from the break to see Lee stretching The Miz. The ring crew is working on repairing the broken turnbuckle. Sheamus tags in, and he’s soon taken down following a distraction. Someone’s spray tan is stained on the mat. Miz and Morrison tag in and out attacking Sheamus. Miz applies a front facelock, but Sheamus soon fights out of it. Morrison quickly tags in and stops Sheamus from making a tag. Morrison attacks the leg before punching away at him. Morrison gator rolls Sheamus to his corner and tags Miz in. Miz hits a running boot, and Morrison follows up with a running knee. Miz covers for a two count. Miz goes back to the front facelock. Sheamus fights up and hits an Irish Curse Backbreaker.
Lee tags in and shoulder blocks Morrison, who also tagged in. Lee shoulder blocks Miz and Morrison before avalanching them. Lee throws Morrison into Miz. Lee sends Morrison into the ropes and hits a big spinning powerslam, but Miz breaks up the pin. Lee hits Miz with Grizzly Magnum and throws him out of the ring. Morrison quickly hits a Pelé Kick and goes for a springboard kick, but Lee swats him out of midair. Lee sets up in the corner, but Sheamus blind tags in. Lee laughs incredulously Sheamus hits Morrison with a Brogue Kick for the win.
Winners by Pinfall: Sheamus and Keith Lee
Triple H is asked about Randy Orton’s challenge for tonight. Randy Orton doesn’t understand that legends should be respected for paving the way for them. On behalf of the legends that have come before, he accepts Orton’s challenge.
“You want to fight me… I accept @RandyOrton!” 🚨🚨🚨#WWERaw @TripleH pic.twitter.com/ZgR4qe1N03
— WWE (@WWE) January 12, 2021
-Commercial Break-
We come back from the break to see Keith Lee and Sheamus shoving each other.
Sheamus vs. Keith Lee
The bell rings… and this is a match. They exchange big right hands. Lee throws Sheamus to the apron. Sheamus snaps him off the top rope and starts the 10 Beats of the Bodhrán. Lee blocks one, so Sheamus slaps him in the face. Lee head-butts him and pulls him into the ring the hard way. Lee ties Sheamus’ arms up in the ropes and CRUSHES his chest with chop after chop. Lee takes him down to his knees with Grizzly Magnum. Lee goes for a slam, but Sheamus slides off and sidesteps Lee. Sheamus hits the ropes and hits Lee with a baseball slide. Sheamus leaps off the apron, but Lee catches him and (sort of) hits a belly-to-belly suplex into the timekeeper’s area. Sheamus BARELY breaks the 10 count.
Lee attacks Sheamus as he gets in the ring. Lee puts him in the corner and charges, but Sheamus kicks him in the knee. Lee goes slow motion into the middle turnbuckle. Sheamus slams the arm into the ring post a few times before stomping it. Sheamus applies an arm bar, but Lee eventually fights up and throws him off. Sheamus quickly boots him back and powers to the top rope. Lee quickly attacks him and goes to the middle rope. Sheamus punches him down to the canvas and hits a diving clothesline. Sheamus knees him in the face for a near fall. Sheamus goes for an arm bar and clubs away at Lee’s face, but Lee fights out. Lee eventually hits a Spirit Bomb for the win.
Winner by Pinfall: Keith Lee
The get to their feet. Lee goes for a fist bump, but Sheamus swats his fist away. Sheamus then embraces him.
Footage is shown of Goldberg challenging Drew McIntyre for the WWE Championship at the Royal Rumble.
Drew McIntyre will respond to Goldberg’s challenge, next.
-Commercial Break-
Video Package: Goldberg challenges Drew McIntyre for the WWE Championship at the Royal Rumble
Drew McIntyre shows up in another self-recorded video. McIntyre says he stood and watched the legends that paved the way for him as he defended his WWE Championship. Before he could thank them, he was rudely interrupted by Goldberg. McIntyre didn’t see that coming. One of the most devastating and destructive forces in WWE. He and his brother loved watching Goldberg destroy people.
Maybe he was starstruck as Goldberg came to the ring. It’s best not to meet your heroes because they’ll let you down. Goldberg let McIntyre down and let his legacy down. Goldberg put words in his mouth. McIntyre gives respect to get respect. Goldberg doesn’t know about being WWE Champion. The title has eluded Goldberg his whole career. McIntyre doesn’t want to accept the challenge. Goldberg is 20 years older than him and out of his prime. Then Goldberg put his hands on him, so he needs a lesson in respect. He’ll get it at the Royal Rumble. At the Royal Rumble, Goldberg is next.
Riddle is backstage saying his match against Bobby Lashley is going to be incredible tonight. It’ll be like going to a pizzeria and ordering a wild pizza. It’s revealed he’s talking to the Lucha House Party. They’re confused. Lince Dorado says they hate the Hurt Business and he should watch his back. Riddle says he can’t watch his own back.
Xavier Woods makes his way to the ring… alone. He’ll face T-Bar, next.
-Commercial Break-
Xavier Woods vs. T-Bar w/ RETRIBUTION
The commentators say Kofi Kingston is out with a broken jaw.
They lock up, and T-Bar applies a side headlock. Woods elbows out and pushes him off, but T-Bar shoulder blocks him down. Woods gets up and applies a side headlock, but T-Bar whips him off and shoulder blocks him down again. T-Bar clubs the back and elbows him. Woods gets caught by T-Bar, but he slides off and attacks him. Woods hits the ropes, but T-Bar wipes him out with a vicious lariat. T-Bar gets him to his feet and punches him down. T-Bar knees Woods in the back and applies a chin lock. Woods fights out with a pair of jawbreakers. Woods chops the chest, but T-Bar knees him in the midsection. Woods quickly boots him back and chops the chest. Woods punches away at him, but T-Bar reverses a whip. Woods slides through the legs and kicks him. T-Bar blocks another kick and shoves him to the corner. Woods avoids an avalanche and kicks him back. Woods then sends T-Bar out of the ring with a missile dropkick. Woods kips up and is fired up. Woods hits a slingshot baseball slide and gets T-Bar in the ring. Woods scares Mustafa Ali back, and T-Bar attacks the shoulder. T-Bar rips at Woods’ arm and hits Eyes Wide Shut (Feast Your Eyes) for the win.
Winner by Pinfall: T-Bar
Randy Orton says at one point Triple H knew him better than he knew himself. Tonight he’ll take him out.
Bobby Lashley defends the WWE United States Championship against Riddle, next.
-Commercial Break-
WWE United States Championship
Riddle vs. Bobby Lashley (c) w/ MVP
Before the match begins, Lashley attacks Riddle from behind. Riddle did this to Lashley last week. Lashley backs up, but then he returns to punch away at him and hit a clothesline. Riddle tells the referee he will go through with the match.
The bell rings, and Lashley throws him across the ring before shouldering him in the corner. Lashley punches him down, and Riddle’s mouth is busted. Lashley WILDLY gives him a front suplex on the top rope, but Riddle skims it, lands on the apron, and takes a flat bump on the ground. Lashley goes outside to get him and lifts him up, but Riddle slides off and sends him into the ring post. Riddle gets in the ring, knocks him back, and hits a springboard Floating Bro to the floor. Riddle gets him in the ring and goes for a springboard, but Lashley catches him and hits a one-armed spinebuster. Lashley applies the Hurt Lock, and Riddle taps out.
Winner by Submission and still WWE United States Champion: Bobby Lashley
Riddle says he may not have been able to beat Bobby Lashley tonight, but he sure as hell can beat MVP. MVP, dressed in a suit, accepts.
-Commercial Break-
Triple H will face Randy Orton in a fight tonight.
Riddle vs. MVP w/ Bobby Lashley
MVP punches Riddle down and drops a Ballin’ Elbow for a two count. MVP punches away at Riddle, but Riddle kicks him in the head. Riddle hits a pair of running forearms in the corner. MVP elbows out of an exploder, but Riddle knees him in the face. Riddle goes to the top rope, but jumps down and hits Lashley with a running kick. Riddle hits MVP with a Floating Bro, and Lashley immediately hits Riddle with a Spear.
Winner by Disqualification: Riddle
Lashley punches Riddle and digs his forearm into his skull. Lashley taunts Riddle, who is too beaten to get to his feet. MVP then kicks Riddle in the ribs. Riddle screams in pain as MVP and Lashley walk off.
Footage is shown of Adam Pearce “earning” an opportunity to face Roman Reigns for the WWE Universal Championship at the Royal Rumble.
AJ Styles is talking to Adam Pearce backstage about winning the Royal Rumble match. Drew Gulak walks up and declares his entrance into the Royal Rumble. Pearce says he can’t just enter in with only 30 spots. He’ll have to earn his way in. Styles makes fun of him, so Gulak says he already had a WWE Title opportunity and blew it. Pearce makes the match with Styles and Gulak and walks off. Omos shows up.
-Commercial Break-
Drew Gulak vs. AJ Styles w/ Omos
The bell rings, and Gulak charges… but Styles dropkicks him out of midair. Styles hits a backbreaker, but Gulak quickly fights back with a snap suplex for a one count. Gulak hits a fallaway slam with a bridge for a two count. Gulak immediately follows up with a Tiger Driver for a two count. Gulak puts Styles on the top rope, but Styles slides off. Gulak counters into a victory roll for a near fall. Gulak follows up with a backslide pin, but Styles kicks out and hits a Pelé Kick. Styles forearms him back and hits a vicious strike combo. Styles connects with a forearm shiver. Styles charges, but Gulak puts a boot up. Styles catches it and flips him over the top rope. A giant boot steps right next to Gulak’s head, and Gulak looks terrified. Gulak looks up at the giant Omos.
Styles attacks Gulak at ringside and puts him in the ring. Styles connects with the Phenomenal Forearm for the win.
Winner by Pinfall: AJ Styles
We’ll take a look at the career of Goldberg, next.
-Commercial Break-
Video Package: The career of WWE Hall of Famer Goldberg
Triple H is backstage when Keith Lee walks up to him. Lee says Randy Orton pushed some buttons and has been testing legends. Maybe he pushed Triple H’s buttons. Lee offers to be there for Triple H to help him against Randy Orton. Triple H says he appreciates it, but he made this mess and will clean it up. Lee sighs and nods at Triple H. Lee hands him his leather jacket and says it’s time to play the game. Triple H puts the jacket on.
Nia Jax and Shayna Baszler are in action, next.
-Commercial Break-
In a pre-match promo, Mandy Rose and Dana Brooke declare themselves for the Royal Rumble.
Nia Jax and Shayna Baszler vs. Mandy Rose and Dana Brooke
After Jax and Baszler beat on Dana Brooke for a few moments, Mandy Rose tags in and runs over Baszler. Jax soon pulls Rose out of the ring and blind tags herself in. Jax gets Rose in the ring and hits a Samoan Drop, but Brooke breaks up the pin. Baszler rag dolls Brooke with a spinebuster. Jax avalanches Rose and Brooke. Baszler blind tags in and applies the Kirifuda Clutch to Rose for the submission.
Winners by Submission: Nia Jax and Shayna Baszler
Randy Orton is walking backstage. He’ll face Triple H, next.
-Commercial Break-
Triple H vs. Randy Orton
Triple H punches Randy Orton out of the ring as soon as he gets in. Orton gets in the ring, and Triple H punches away at him in the corner. Orton kicks Triple H back and knocks him down. They fight to ringside, and Triple H sends him into the ring steps. Orton’s cheek is busted open big time. Orton fights back and goes for a back suplex on the commentary table, but Triple H blocks it. Triple H then gives Orton a back suplex on the commentary table. Triple H gets him in the ring, goes under the ring, and pulls the sledgehammer out. Triple H sadistically looks at the weapon.
Triple H gets in the ring, but the lights start going out. The Fiend is here. Triple H lifts the sledgehammer, but it’s on fire. Triple H is stunned. The lights completely go out and the fire is extinguished.
When the lights come back on, Triple H is gone. A warped version of the Firefly Fun House theme plays. Orton turns and sees Alexa Bliss standing in the corner of the ring. Orton’s cheek, which was a bloody mess before, is not cut at all, signaling this was taped earlier in the day. Bliss holds up the “PAIN” glove and shoots a fireball into Orton’s eyes. Orton yells in pain and holds his face.
Quick Match Results
— Lacey Evans def. WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion Charlotte Flair
— Jaxson Ryker def. Jeff Hardy
— Jeff Hardy def. Elias
— Sheamus and Keith Lee def. The Miz and John Morrison
— Keith Lee def. Sheamus
— T-Bar def. Xavier Woods
— Bobby Lashley def. Riddle via Submission to retain the WWE United States Championship
— Riddle def. MVP via DQ
— AJ Styles def. Drew Gulak
— Nia Jax and Shayna Baszler def. Mandy Rose and Dana Brooke via Submission
Thanks for reading!