WWE Monday Night Raw Results February 26, 2023: Live Coverage, Winners, Commentary, Recap
BY SACNILK
Here is the live coverage for this week's Monday Night Raw which is scheduled to air on February 26, 2024, at the Sap Center in San Jose, CA. ##
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, February 26, 2023: Live Coverage ##
Rhea Ripley and Dominik Mysterio Segment ##
Dominik barks an order for the crowd to cheer Rhea Ripley as she strides confidently to the ring.##
Ripley extends a warm welcome to the audience, declaring this "Monday Night Mami." She boasts about entering her home country as the Women's World Champion and exiting with the same title in hand. Nia Jax, she acknowledges, may have posed the biggest challenge to her reign at Elimination Chamber, but Ripley remains the undisputed champion.##
Becky Lynch's theme song blares, and she enters the ring with an air of determination. She declares that "The Man" has arrived in San Jose, ready to conquer WrestleMania 40 and face Ripley in the main event. She extends a begrudging congratulations to Ripley for retaining her title, acknowledging that both of them had an eventful Saturday. She playfully mocks Ripley, suggesting that her family and friends no longer need to travel to WrestleMania to witness her inevitable defeat. Dominik interjects, reminding Lynch to show respect, but she dismisses him with a sharp retort. Lynch further emphasizes her own contributions to the company, highlighting her recent book authorship while subtly criticizing Ripley's reliance on Dominik's support.##
Ripley confronts Lynch, questioning if she's finished with her taunts. She sternly warns Lynch against disrespecting Dominik again and offers her own congratulations for Lynch's victory at Elimination Chamber. Ripley urges Lynch to improve her performance and reach her level, challenging the notion that men are the sole driving force behind everything. She reminds Lynch of the current power dynamic and exits the ring with Dominik by her side.##
Suddenly, Nia Jax launches a surprise attack on Lynch, delivering a vicious leg drop from behind. She fixates on Ripley with a menacing glare before unleashing another leg drop on the defenseless Lynch. Jax drags Lynch towards the corner, ascends the ropes, and prepares to execute her signature move, the A-Nia-Lator. However, before she can inflict further damage, Adam Pearce and a team of officials intervene. Pearce sternly warns Jax that any further action will result in a hefty fine, forcing her to reluctantly comply.##
Sami Zayn then takes the stage, ready to address the audience.##
Following a commercial break, we return backstage to find Jackie Redmond interviewing Jax. Redmond inquires about the reason behind the attack on Lynch. Jax expresses her vehement belief that she, not Lynch, deserves the WrestleMania spotlight. She vows to employ all available means to prevent Lynch from participating in the prestigious event.##
Meanwhile, Shinsuke Nakamura makes his entrance ringside, preparing for his upcoming match. ##
Singles Match: Sami Zayn vs. Shinsuke Nakamura ##
The opening bell tolls, and the two combatants grapple. Zayn initiates with a smooth arm drag, but Nakamura counters with a swift knee to his gut. Zayn wisely exits the ring to regroup, but Nakamura pursues him relentlessly. Anticipating a brutal collision with the barricade, Zayn cleverly halts his momentum and launches a breathtaking moonsault attack from the top.##
After a brief commercial break, the action resumes with Nakamura ruthlessly bending Zayn over the top turnbuckle and delivering a punishing knee strike to his abdomen. Zayn retaliates with a powerful clothesline, followed by a devastating Michinoku Driver. Unfazed, Nakamura pummels Zayn's midsection with repeated shoulder strikes in the corner. However, Zayn demonstrates impressive resilience, countering with a lightning-fast Tornado DDT that sends Nakamura sprawling outside the ring. As Zayn attempts a daring aerial maneuver, Nakamura connects with a well-timed knee strike to his gut, sending him crashing face-first onto the ring apron.##
Following another commercial break, Zayn regains momentum with a powerful Blue Thunder Bomb on Nakamura. However, Nakamura refuses to yield, unleashing two brutal knee strikes to Zayn's head, the second one delivered from the top rope. The fight spills outside the ring, where Nakamura lands a third devastating knee strike to the back of Zayn's head, utilizing the ring steps for added impact. Nakamura capitalizes on Zayn's vulnerability, sliding back into the ring and prompting the referee to initiate a ten-count. Zayn exhibits remarkable fighting spirit, barely beating the count before a frustrated Nakamura unleashes a flurry of stomps. Nakamura attempts his signature Kinshasa finisher, but Zayn showcases his cunning by maneuvering Nakamura into a collision with the turnbuckles. Seizing the opportunity, Zayn executes a thunderous Helluva Kick to the back of Nakamura's head, and for good measure, delivers a second one to secure a decisive victory. ##
WINNER: Sami Zayn ##
Singles Match: Chelsea Green vs. Raquel Rodriguez ##
The bell clangs, and Green, with a fiery glint in her eyes, draws an imaginary line, daring Rodriguez not to cross it. Unfazed, Rodriguez strides past the line, prompting Green to deliver a stinging slap. However, the momentary lapse in judgment proves costly as Green turns to flee. Rodriguez, seizing the golden opportunity, snatches her back, leaving Green exposed. ##
With lightning-fast reflexes, Rodriguez executes a punishing clothesline, sending Green crashing to the mat. Capitalizing on her opponent's vulnerability, Rodriguez transitions flawlessly into a devastating Fallaway Slam, followed by her signature Texana Bomb, effectively sealing Green's fate and securing a dominant victory. ##
WINNER: Raquel Rodriguez ##
Imperium and The Judgement Day Segment ##
With a dominant victory over Jey Uso last week, Gunther stands tall in the ring, firmly retaining his Intercontinental Championship title and extending his reign as the longest-standing champion. He acknowledges that Jey nearly toppled him, the first time throughout his reign he felt the title slipping from his grasp. Admitting a touch of luck but maintaining his near-perfection, Gunther addresses his immediate future before his Imperium stablemates, Giovanni Vinci and Ludwig Kaiser, take on the New Day in their brutal Street Fight.##
Gunther passionately outlines his dedication to elevating the prestige of the Intercontinental Championship, emphasizing his relentless pursuit of victory against all challengers. He ponders the future, expressing uncertainty about his WrestleMania opponent. He reveals that he actively engages with the fans, absorbing their suggestions for potential contenders, with names like Sami Zayn, Chad Gable, The Miz, and even R-Truth circulating.##
Judgment Day's music disrupts his contemplation, and the entire faction – Finn Balor, Damian Priest, JD McDonagh, and Dominik Mysterio – marches towards the ring. Priest, addressing Gunther directly, acknowledges his dominance while simultaneously highlighting Judgment Day's even more impressive championship reign. He confidently declares that Elimination Chamber was merely a glimpse into what awaits them at WrestleMania, vowing to further enrich the group's trophy cabinet. He makes a bold claim, stating their intention to acquire Gunther's prized Intercontinental Championship.##
Confused by Priest's lack of intention to use his Money in the Bank briefcase, Gunther inquires about the chosen Judgment Day representative for their WrestleMania clash. Dominik, stepping forward with unwavering resolve, declares the group's unwavering commitment to their pronouncements. He confidently claims the Intercontinental Championship as their rightful property, prompting a shove from a visibly irate Gunther. Tensions escalate as Priest lunges towards Gunther, only to be restrained by his fellow Judgment Day members. ##
New Day vs. Imperium in a Street Fight ##
The opening bell tolls, igniting a chaotic brawl between New Day and Imperium on the entrance ramp. Vinci wastes no time launching Woods into the TitanTron, a colossal video screen. Meanwhile, Kaiser unleashes a barrage of right hooks onto Kingston's head. Vinici joins the onslaught, but their celebration is short-lived as Woods reappears from backstage, brandishing his signature trombone like a weapon. With a powerful swing, he connects with Kaiser's torso, sending him reeling. ##
The action intensifies as Kingston and Vinci engage in a heated exchange, spilling back down towards the ringside area. Woods and Kaiser mirror their rivals, trading blows with unbridled ferocity. In a strategic move, Kingston retrieves a table from beneath the ring, intending to set it up with Woods' help. However, their plan is thwarted as Vinci and Kaiser launch a surprise attack from behind. Capitalizing on the momentary distraction, Vinci dispatches Woods and Kingston back into the ring with ruthless efficiency. Undeterred, the resilient duo retaliates, clocking Vinci and Kaiser on the ring apron before executing daring aerial maneuvers to take down their opponents. ##
Following the commercial break, the brawl between New Day and Imperium transcends the confines of the ring, spilling into the raucous crowd. The chaos eventually draws them back to ringside, where Woods unleashes a stinging chop on Vinci. Kaiser retaliates with a punishing elbow strike to Kingston, and Vinci follows suit by driving Woods spine-first into the unforgiving ring apron. ##
Kaiser retrieves a table from under the ring. However, sensing the crowd's disapproval, he opts for a more brutal weapon – a steel chair. He slams the chair mercilessly into Woods' midsection before delivering a spine-shattering blow across his back. ##
Kingston connects with a precise enzuigiri kick on Kaiser, propelling him towards the top turnbuckle. He executes a daring crossbody, simultaneously taking down both Kaiser and Vinci. With momentum on his side, Kingston lands a devastating Side Russian Leg Sweep on Vinci and slams Kaiser on top of him in a display of dominance. He then connects with his signature Boom Drop leg drop on Vinci, further solidifying his control of the match. ##
Kingston retrieves the table he previously discarded on the outside and meticulously sets it up. He envisions a thunderous suplex, aiming to drive Kaiser through the unforgiving wooden surface from the ring apron. However, his vision is shattered as Vinci intervenes, joining forces with Kaiser to deliver a devastating suplex that sends Kingston crashing back into the ring.##
Kaiser, his ferocity amplified, grabs a pair of kendo sticks and hands one to Vinci. The ruthless duo proceed to unleash a relentless barrage of kendo stick strikes on Woods, leaving him reeling in pain. Kaiser, fueled by a desire for maximum impact, charges towards Woods with unbridled aggression. Anticipating the attack, Kingston displays remarkable reflexes, catching Kaiser with a perfectly timed jumping knee strike. Dazed but determined, Vinci retaliates by leveling Kingston with a powerful blow. He then ascends the top turnbuckle and executes a stunning crossbody onto Woods back in the ring. To further inflict punishment, Vinci savagely cracks the kendo stick across Woods' spine, followed by Kaiser replicating the brutality with a steel chair. ##
After a brief respite, Kingston launches a desk chair at Kaiser, sending Vinci tumbling into the ring steps in the collateral damage. He drags Kaiser back into the squared circle and snatches a kendo stick just as Woods claims the other. They take turns walloping Kaiser with the bamboo, and Kingston retrieves a table from beneath the ring. Working in tandem, they set it up, and Kingston hoists Vinci onto its unforgiving surface. Woods, with a fearless leap from the top turnbuckle, sends Vinci crashing through the wood in a spectacular display of aerial offense. Kingston then maneuvers Vinci into a backbreaker hold, leaving him vulnerable as Woods connects with a devastating double stomp delivered from the top rope.##
He attempts to pin Vinci for the victory, but Kaiser disrupts the count by yanking the referee out of the ring. Kingston responds with a daring tope suicida, taking out Kaiser outside the ring, before dragging him back inside. Woods hoists Kaiser onto his shoulders, preparing for a high-flying maneuver, but Vinci intervenes, sending Kingston crashing through a table positioned outside the ring. He then pummels Woods with a steel chair before setting up another table in the corner. Kaiser throws Woods into the corner, crashing him into the table, and then rolls him up for the win. ##
WINNER: Imperium ##
Indi Hartwell and Candice LeRae vs. Shayna Baszler and Zoey Stark ##
As the bell tolls, LeRae wastes no time, launching into the action with a swift enzuigiri to Baszler's gut. She capitalizes with a breathtaking senton, followed by a devastating Hip Attack delivered right in the corner. Not one to limit herself to the ring, she soars off the apron, taking down Stark with a well-placed strike. Back in the ring, LeRae attempts to maintain momentum with a knee strike to Baszler's temple while she's trapped over the middle rope. However, Baszler proves resilient, launching a counterattack with a knee strike of her own before swiftly tagging in Stark.##
Stark swiftly whips LeRae into the corner, aiming to gain control, and executes a brutal Half Nelson suplex. Recognizing an opportunity, Hartwell tags herself in and delivers a powerful kick to the side of Stark's head. She maintains the offensive with a series of impactful clotheslines and a well-placed right hand, culminating in a devastating spinebuster. But unbeknownst to Hartwell, a strategic blind tag has taken place. Baszler, the cunning veteran, has entered the fray. Seizing the moment, she applies her signature Kirifuda Clutch on the unsuspecting Hartwell, forcing a desperate tap-out. ##
WINNER: Shayna Baszler and Zoey Stark ##
Drew McIntyre Segment ##
McIntyre expresses gratitude to fans for their unwavering support, crediting them for his upcoming clash against Seth "Freakin" Rollins for the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania 40. However, he reveals his current state is less than ideal, having sustained a ruptured eardrum during the Men's Elimination Chamber match. Doctors advised against his participation in WrestleMania, but his unwavering determination, unlike CM Punk, wouldn't allow him to miss the grand event. He briefly mimics Punk by sitting down in the ring, admitting to contemplating Punk and honoring him by doubling his alcohol intake on his return trip from Australia. He then issues a challenge to Rollins, summoning him to the ring.##
Rollins arrives amidst his signature music, welcoming the audience to "Monday Night Rollins." He acknowledges McIntyre's long-awaited opportunity to become World Champion before a packed WrestleMania audience. He clarifies that the only obstacle in McIntyre's path is himself. He urges Rollins to cease his involvement with Cody Rhodes, Roman Reigns, and The Rock, emphasizing his desire for Rollins to be fully prepared. He questions Rollins' focus on "WWE SmackDown" battles when their priority should be "Raw." He envisions himself as the champion, dedicated to "Raw" and the World Heavyweight Championship, and warns him about the potential threat of The Bloodline sabotaging his title reign at WrestleMania. He advises Rollins to disengage to avoid such a scenario.##
Rollins acknowledges and appreciates McIntyre's concerns but insists that some challenges are worth the risk. McIntyre expresses disapproval through a simple head shake. Rollins assures McIntyre that he has carefully considered everything, including every potential outcome, and is aware of the potential roadblocks like injuries and The Bloodline. He acknowledges the validity of McIntyre's points but offers a contrasting perspective. He explains that fatherhood has shifted his perspective, making him realize that not everything revolves around him. He emphasizes that certain things, like the World Heavyweight Championship and dismantling The Bloodline, hold greater significance than individual desires. He recognizes The Bloodline's thirst for power and predicts their inevitable attempt to seize his current title.##
Rollins ponders a hypothetical scenario where his injuries are resolved before WrestleMania and The Bloodline is neutralized. In that case, WrestleMania would present a straightforward contest - just him, McIntyre, and the World Heavyweight Championship. He reiterates that the victor will be determined solely by merit and reaffirms his belief that some risks are justified.##
Their conversation is momentarily interrupted by the arrival of Nia Jax in the ring.##
Singles Match: Nia Jax vs. Liv Morgan ##
As the match begins, the bell tolls, and Morgan unleashes a powerful dropkick, propelling Jax into the corner. With relentless aggression, Morgan throws a flurry of right and left punches, followed by a swift knee strike. Anticipating a hurricanrana, Jax demonstrates impressive strength by hoisting Morgan onto her shoulders and executing a devastating Samoan Drop. Jax maintains dominance with a corner splash and a hip attack. Brutalizing Morgan further, she slams her face against the turnbuckle and attempts a leg drop from the ring apron. Demonstrating agility, Morgan swiftly evades the attack and counters with a breathtaking tope suicida, diving over the top rope to take down Jax outside the ring. ##
Following the commercial break, Jax charges towards Morgan, aiming for a diving splash (senton). Morgan anticipates the move and swiftly rolls away, then leaps from the middle turnbuckle (rope) with a powerful maneuver (codebreaker) before attempting to secure the win with a pinfall. Jax manages to resist the attempt (kicks out) and retaliates with a headbutt. However, Morgan swiftly maneuvers Jax, causing her to collide shoulder-first with the ring post both inside and outside the ring. Suddenly, Becky Lynch appears on the ringside barrier and launches herself over the top rope, striking Jax with a forearm blow, resulting in a disqualification victory for Morgan. ##
WINNER: double disqualification due to outside interference ##
Lynch relentlessly drives Jax into the announce table, inflicting repeated blows. Jax manages to break free, prompting the referee to intervene and restrain her.##
In the aftermath of the tragic passing of Ole Anderson earlier today, Michael Cole and Pat McAfee extend their heartfelt condolences to his family on behalf of WWE. ##
Following the commercial break, Lynch approaches Adam Pearce and forcefully requests a match against Jax. Pearce, seemingly without much resistance, grants her wish and schedules the match for the following week.##
Morgan, fuming after the interruption in her match, confronts Lynch. She accuses her of self-centeredness, claiming her actions weren't solely about achieving Lynch's own goals.##
The scene shifts to Jey Uso engaged in a conversation with Jackie Redmond. Drew McIntyre abruptly appears and, empathizing with Jey's situation, expresses his belief that Jey deserves his current predicament. This unexpected encounter quickly escalates into a physical altercation, forcing officials to intervene and break up the fight. ##
Meanwhile, at ringside, Grayson Waller and Austin Theory make their entrance. ##
Singles Match; Main Event: Grayson Waller vs. Cody Rhodes ##
As the bell tolls, the two competitors engage in a clinch. Waller quickly maneuvers Rhodes into a corner and unleashes a brutal knee strike to his head. Undeterred, Rhodes counters with his trademark open-handed blow, followed by a delayed vertical suplex that slams Waller with full force. With impressive momentum, Rhodes hurls Waller out of the ring, leaving him sprawled on the floor. Meanwhile, the announcer, Michael Cole, informs the audience that Paul Heyman has arrived backstage, creating a buzz of anticipation. ##
After the commercial break, Rhodes throws a chopping blow to Waller. Waller retaliates with a kick to Rhodes' stomach, then hoists him high and slams him down with power ("scoop powerslam"). He follows up with a devastating kick ("Disaster Kick"). Theory draws Rhodes' attention, allowing Waller to land a sucker punch. Rhodes retaliates by launching himself over the top rope, sending Theory crashing through the announcer's table ("tope suicida"). However, Waller takes advantage and clotheslines Rhodes from behind as he re-enters the ring.##
Back in the squared circle, Rhodes executes his signature move, the "Cody Cutter," on Waller. He then nails him with the "Cross-Rhodes" for a decisive victory. ##
WINNER: Cody Rhodes ##
The bell tolls, signaling the end of the match. Rhodes grabs a chair as Paul Heyman emerges on the ramp, flanked by three figures clad in black suits. Heyman attempts to introduce himself, but Rhodes cuts him off, expressing disinterest. He dares The Bloodline to attack him if it's a trap, prompting Heyman to assure him it isn't. Claiming to be the sole representative of The Bloodline present, Heyman reveals the individuals behind him as suspended NYPD officers. He demands that Rhodes refrain from mentioning The Rock's name, imploring him to retract his challenge for a match with the legendary wrestler.##
Rhodes counters that he has treated The Rock with respect, both on and off the mic, acknowledging his past role as a fan. He asserts his own drawing power and declares that his tolerance has worn thin. Reiterating his challenge, he warns The Bloodline to approach with caution. Heyman requests that Rhodes enter the ring, but Rhodes denies, threatening to incapacitate anyone who dares to come closer.##
Heyman seeks clarification, questioning if this threat extends to him. With a defiant tone, Rhodes clarifies his stance, emphasizing his readiness to confront any physical threat. He then proceeds to attack the officers with the chair, even executing his signature "Cross-Rhodes" on one of them. Faced with this escalation, Heyman attempts to summon Roman Reigns and The Rock, but Rhodes confidently states that he's not the one being hunted – the tables have turned. As the show concludes, Rhodes throws two officers out of the ring and stands tall, signifying his defiance. ##
Stay Tuned To Sacnilk...
Raw
