As seen on this week’s episode of Monday Night Raw in Providence, RI at the Dunkin Donuts Center on the USA Network, Stephanie McMahon officially announced that the first-ever women’s Royal Rumble match would take place at the Royal Rumble PPV event.

McMahon spoke with ESPN for a new interview discussing the women’s Royal Rumble match. Here is what she had to say:

“I think that it’s long overdue. There’s been an incredible movement that’s been happening in our business that started nearly three years ago. They’ve been regularly headlining television and pay-per-view events, including their first-ever Hell in a Cell match and first-ever women’s Money in the Bank match. Now, for the first time ever, we’re going to have a women’s Royal Rumble match. Every time our women have had the chance to perform and headline, they have over-delivered, and I have absolutely every confidence that they will do the same thing at the Royal Rumble on Jan. 28. I think that it will be incredibly memorable, I think that they will over-deliver, and I think that fans will get more than their money’s worth.”

“We have a long way to go, but we are certainly getting there, step by step. I think that once we have a women’s match as the main event of WrestleMania, we will know that we’ve made it. And we’re going to keep fighting, piece by piece, bit by bit, until we get there.”

This week’s edition of WWE SmackDown aired live from the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ, and was the first episode after Sunday’s Clash of Champions PPV.

– We see a recap from Clash of Champions, then SmackDown GM Daniel Bryan comes out to the ring. Bryan has a mic, and he starts off talking about the first-ever Women’s Royal Rumble at the Royal Rumble pay-per-view. He announces Sami Zayn, Kevin Owens and Jinder Mahal vs. Randy Orton, Shinsuke Nakamura and AJ Styles in a six-man tag for tonight’s main event. Shane McMahon’s music hits and the SmackDown Commissioner comes down to the ring to meet Bryan. Shane talks about what happened at the PPV on Sunday, and says he knows Bryan falling into him was an accident now. Shane makes a comment that he doesn’t need any protection from Daniel Bryan, and Bryan tells him he does. Bryan says Shane is a hot heat and sometimes loses track of what’s best for the entire SmackDown roster – including Owens and Zayn. Shane says Bryan’s empathy will be his weakness with Owens and Zayn, because they’ll stab him in the back. Bryan asks if he shouldn’t have done what was best for business on Sunday, and if Shane wants to fire someone, don’t fire Owens or Zayn, fire him. The crowd makes lots of noise, and Shane says “well Daniel.” He says he respects and trusts Daniel, and wishes him good luck with the show tonight. Shane steps out of the ring and leaves.

– The Usos will take on Chad Gable & Shelton Benjmain in a non-title match tonight.

– The Usos vs. Chad Gable & Shelton Benjamin: The Usos start off strong and send Gable and Benjamin out to the ringisde floor. Shelton comes in an goes back and for with Jimmy. Jey and Gable get the tags and Jey fires up. Jey hits a series of kicks on Gable and goes for a Samoan drop, but Gable evades it. Jey finally hits the Samoan drop, then goes up top but Jordan stops him. Jimmy comes in but Gable hits him with a German suplex. Gable hits a German on Jey next, then Shelton tags in and they connect with a double team powerbomb/flying clothesline. Shelton pins for the three count.

Winners: Shelton Benjamin & Chad Gable

– WWE Women’s Champion Charlotte comes out to the ring and reminds everyone that she beat Natalya on Sunday. She recaps Stephanie McMahon’s announcement from Monday that there’s a women’s Royal Rumble coming up. Charlotte says this is thanks to all the fans, for going on social media and making their voices heard. Charlotte panders to the crowd some more, then Naomi comes out to interrupt. Naomi says she’s announcing she’ll be in the Royal Rumble, and that she’ll see Charlotte at WrestleMania to take her title. The Riott Squad comes out, and Naomi cuts a promo on them and calls them chicken-heads who won’t last in the Royal Rumble. Naomi challenges two of them to a tag match right now against her and Charlotte.

– Ruby Riott & Sarah Logan vs. Charlotte Flair & Naomi: Logan and Flair start off nad Logan gets some good offense in early on. She covers Flair for a 2 count before tagging in Riott. Ruby focuses on Charlotte’s leg and keeps things near her corner. They heel now trade tags to keep control and continuously work Charlotte’s knee. Naomi gets the hot tag and cleans house. She hits a scorpion kick on Logan, then another kick for a two count as Riott breaks up the pin. Charlotte comes in and takes out Riott with a big boot. Logan and Naomi go at it and Logan hits a headbutt. Liv gets on the apron, but Naomi dodges the cheap shot and Logan accidentally spears Liv off the apron. Naomi then rolls up Logan for the win.

Winners: Naomi and Charlotte

The New Day is backstage dressed in Christmas costumes, and then Rusev and Aiden English (also in Christmas/Rusev Day costumes) join them. Rusev says no one wants Christmas stuff, because they want Rusev Day stuff. English sings, and there’s some tension as Rusev doesn’t like The New Day’s pancakes. It looks like there might be a match between these two sides later.

– Dolph Ziggler comes out to the ring for his U.S. Title victory celebration. Ziggler says no one can do what he does in the ring, and he starts showing highlight videos from his past. Ziggler shows all of his previous championship victories, and says the fans don’t appreciate it. He says he’ll give them something to remember him by, and takes a long look at his U.S. Title belt. He drops the belt down to the mat, drops the mic and walk off. The announcers wonder what this means.

– Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens approach Daniel Bryan backstage to thank him for what he did on Sunday. Bryan says he didn’t do it for them, he did it because he thought it was the right thing to do for SmackDown. Bryan tells them to wipe the smiles off their faces and get ready for their match tonight.

– The New Day is backstage heading towards the gorilla position and they’re throwing pancakes at people working.

– Rusev Day vs. The New Day: Everyone in this match is wearing a Christ-mas themed costume. Rusev chases Kofi around to start as Kofi taunts him. English tags in and Kofi dropkicks him. Rusev runs in but Kofi throws him outside. The New Day grabs a red bag from ringside and they start throwing out tshirts to people in the crowd. Rusev and English drop Woods and Kofi from behind. English and Kofi are the legal men and English is beating down the New Day member. Rusev tags in and continues the assault on Kofi. Xavier finally gets the hot tag and lays into English with kicks. Kofi and Rusev come in, and Rusev dumps both Kofi and Woods to the outside. English and Rusev now go to the announce table and start pulling stuff off of it. English and Rusev set up a plate of The New Day’s pancakes with whip cream on it, and English tries to slam Xavier’s face into it but Xavier escapes. Kofi hits a suicide dive on Rusev at ringside, and Xavier and Kofi slam English’s face into the pancakes. Back in the ring, Woods hits a flying elbow drop on English for the three count.

Winners: The New Day

– We see an ad for Total Divas with a clip of The Miz and Maryse.

– WWE Champ AJ Styles is backstage discussing strategy for tonight with Randy Orton and Shinsuke Nakamura.

– AJ Styles, Randy Orton & Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn, & Jinder Mahal: The Singh Brothers do Jinder’s introduction and are at ringside in his corner. Randy Orton starts this one off and Jinder and he knocks the other heels off the apron too. This one quickly becomes a ringside brawl as all four men spill outside and fight on the floor. Orton slams Jinder onto the announce table then throws him back in the ring. Orton goes for the early RKO, but Jinder escapes. Orton drops him, then Nakamura and Zayn come in. Nakamura backs Zayn up to the ropes and rips some of his chest hair out. Zayn charges but Nakamura drops him, then tags in AJ. AJ beats on Zayn, then quickly tags in Orton who picks up Zayn and drops him across the top rope. Jinder tags in and starts putting the boots to Orton. Jinder drops Orton with an elbow to the face. Owens tags in now and continues to stomp on Orton. AJ comes in and he has some trouble against the combination of Zayn, Owens, and Jinder, as they trade frequent tags and wear down the WWE Champion. Jinder hits a series of knee drops on Styles chokes him. Nakamura and Zayn come in now and Nakamura tees off with kicks. He follows up with some knee drops on Zayn, then hits the good vibrations in the corner. He sets up Zayn in the corner and hits a running knee strike for a two count. Nakamura misses one kick, but connects with the second one and gets another two count on Zayn. Zayn escapes a suplex attempt and hits a cheap shot, but Nakamura comes back with an armbar attempt. Owens runs in and hits a senton on Nakamura to break it up. Orton throws Owens outside, then Jinder runs in and hits a DDt on Orton. AJ runs in and hits a Pele kick on Jinder, then AJ hits a suicide dive on Owens outside. The Singh Brothers get on the apron which appears to lead to a cheap shot on NAkamura. The ref kicks the Singh Brothers out ,but they don’t leave. Orton hits an RKO on Jinder, then he hits a draping double DDT on both Singh Brothers. AJ comes flying off the top rope with a Phenomenal Forearm on Owens, then Nakamura hits the Kinshasa on Zayn for the three count.

Winners: AJ Styles, Randy Orton & Shinsuke Nakamura

– Styles, Orton and Nakamura celebrate their win in the ring and stare down the heels laying at ringside.

AJ Mendez-Brooks and EUE/Sokolow studios announced today plans to turn “Crazy is my Superpower” into a television program. The book was released in April this year under the full title “Crazy Is My Superpower: How I Triumphed by Breaking Bones, Breaking Hearts, and Breaking the Rules”.

The book covers her life, career, and battles with mental illness.

Crazy Is My SuperPower Press Release

“LOS ANGELES, December 19, 2017—EUE/Sokolow, an Emmy-nominated production company behind Nat Geo’s “Genius” franchise, and producer Jeff Fisher are bringing AJ Mendez’s New York Times Best Seller “Crazy is my Superpower: How I Triumphed by Breaking Bones, Breaking Hearts, and Breaking the Rules” to television. The bestselling book chronicles former WWE wrestler AJ Mendez’s unlikely rise to stardom after growing up in poverty and enduring years of abuse. Mendez will serve as an Executive Producer and writer on the project.

“Crazy is my Superpower” intricately details Mendez’s harrowing struggle to understand her demons and the mental illness diagnosis that helped her gain control over her life, and how she harnessed that strength to become an internationally-beloved professional wrestling superstar (known as AJ Lee). The three-time WWE champion fought against stereotypes, forced the men in her industry to view her with respect and inspired millions of fans with her fierce independent streak.

“I couldn’t be more thrilled to work with this team to turn “Crazy is My Super Power” into a scripted show,” said AJ Mendez. “This is a story about the power of female strength and our incomparable ability to survive, persist and overcome. I knew that I would need partners that connected to that message, and Jeff and Sam’s bold vision was a perfect fit. I can’t wait to get started.”

“Jeff Fisher initially talked to me about this book and told me what an amazing story this woman had,” said Sam Sokolow, co-founder of EUE/Sokolow and executive producer of National Geographic’s first-ever scripted series “Genius.” “We’re so excited to get to work with AJ and tell her incredibly inspiring story.”

The book was originally released in hardcover, ebook and audiobook (narrated by Mendez) by Crown Publishing, April, 4, 2017 and will debut in paperback April, 3, 2018. Mendez is represented by literary agent Lisa Leshne at The Leshne Agency and attorney Alan Sacks at Frankfurt Kurnit Klein & Selz.

Recently, EUE/Sokolow produced “Genius,” with the series first season following the life of Albert Einstein with Academy Award winners Geoffrey Rush starring as Einstein and Ron Howard directing the pilot episode. Season One of “Genius” was recognized with ten 2017 Emmy nominations including Best Limited Series. “Genius” has been renewed for a second season and will follow the life of artist Pablo Picasso.

Beverly Hills-based EUE/Sokolow focuses on premium television programs including dramas, limited series, comedies and documentaries.”

WWE made it official on Monday night when the sports entertainment company announced that former WWE Champion John Cena would be returning to Monday Night Raw next week in Chicago, Illinois.

Cena, who has not been seen inside of a WWE ring since Survivor Series in November, is still a free agent. Thus, he can appear on both Raw and SmackDown TV.

Dave Meltzer gave an update on Cena’s status with the WWE during Monday’s Wrestling Observer Radio. Here is what he had to say:

“[Cena] is in, until he’s gone again,” said Meltzer. “He’s working the Garden, he’s working that whole week, so I presume he’s in the Royal Rumble. I haven’t heard his name attached to any new movies that are filming in the next couple months, so I think he’s back for a run.”

Former Impact Wrestling star Rockstar Spud is backstage for tonight’s WWE SmackDown show from Newark, New Jersey. Spud was also backstage at last night’s RAW from Providence, Rhode Island.

Spud is rumored to be joining 205 Live and WWE’s cruiserweight division soon. With the announcement that 205 Live is holding several special live events in January, WWE is looking to enhance the division to give those events a good chance at being successful.

Monday’s RAW saw the main roster debut of former NXT star Hideo Itami, who will also be joining the division.

WWE also this week that “Woken” Matt Hardy vs. Bray Wyatt will be taking place on the 205 Live house shows.

Here’s a photo of Spud arriving at the Prudential Center in Newark this afternoon:

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bc5KUrYDwam/?tagged=rockstarspud

WWE Superstar Bayley was recently a guest on former Tag Team Champions Edge and Christian’s podcast, E&C’s Pod Of Awesomeness, to talk about a variety of professional wrestling topics. “The Hugger” discussed falsely assuming she was over when she debuted at Battleground, wanting to be a female version of Stone Cold Steve Austin, who she wants to work with, and a possible Four Horsewomen vs. Four Horsewomen match. You can check out the highlights here:

Getting the false sense she was over when she debuted at Battleground:

“When I made my debut, I had that weird one-off at Battleground where I was like Sasha’s partner,” Bayley said. “And that was an amazing night. It felt like everybody in the arena wanted her partner to be me, so I was like, ‘oh yeah, everybody knows who I am and I’m going to be fine when I finally get here, like, for good!’ Then, I had my official debut. That was the night after NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn.

“And Brooklyn is just… it was SummerSlam weekend, so it’s kind of like a WrestleMania weekend where there [are] fans from all over [the world] and it’s just a load of NXT fans from around Europe and all that and I got a great reception there and I was like, ‘yep, I’m good. Everybody knows Bayley’ blah, blah, blah. But then, it wasn’t until I was there a little bit longer and I had to get on the regular schedule doing house shows and going to TVs in different cities where I realized my reception wasn’t as good as my first two things that I did because not everybody knew me.

“And the NXT crowd, although it is amazing, and we do have great fans all over the world, it’s not as huge as the audience we have for WWE, so I’m still kind of like at the point where people know who I am and I might not be as cool as I was in little, smaller venues or, like, a smaller audience, but now I’m at that point where I feel like, ‘yeah, I’m WWE,’ but it did take a while. I think my head got a little too big when I was like, ‘yeah, everyone knows me!’ to when I’m like, ‘wait! No, they don’t.'”

Wanting to be a female version of Stone Cold Steve Austin:

“I do definitely want to evolve my character, eventually, just because, I mean, since I started in NXT, I’ve kind of been doing the same thing. Like, I have grown a little bit, but I don’t know. I think it is going to be time for a change eventually. I think that would be like the fun of it all and everyone changes. I plan on being here for a long time, and I want to go through all those stages and be a bad guy, and then be a good guy again, then be a bad guy, and, like [Edge and Christian] have been a bunch of different characters and all that stuff.

“And I just think that’s part of the fun being with WWE, so I want to go on that roller coaster and have the fans be like they know they can count on me and, like, care about me, but still hate me at the same time, but know when I’m on the camera for them to cheer or to boo, like, they’re going to enjoy it. So I’ve recently thought about it and just as far as trying to be more aggressive, I think I want to be a girl version of ‘Stone Cold’, but it’s kind of hard to think of my character turning into a badass like Austin.”

Wanting to work with Asuka or Natalya:

“I mean, I want to have more matches with Asuka eventually because we only had the few in NXT. But I guess I haven’t really had anything with Natalya at all. When she first did kind of a live event loop or we did a Europe, that was my first thing with WWE, and I just teamed with her, so I didn’t get to wrestler her. Then we did one random live event when I was still with NXT.

“And I did like a one-minute opening thing with her and that was it. But I would love to have a full-on story with her and have full matches with her just because I think she’s so good, and, obviously, she’s so knowledgeable and has so much to teach. But also she’s hilarious. Every time I’m around her, I have so much fun. She’s so good.”

Possible Four Horsewomen vs. Four Horsewomen match:

“I was hoping it was going to be a thing pretty soon, but they were all there at the [Mae Young] Classic and we were there, minus Sasha. And we had our little face off, that thing outside, that [WWE].com thing we had, so I was kind of hoping that would lead to something. Maybe it still will. Ronda just kind of put it out there that they said, ‘any time, any place’ and I feel like it still can happen. So they know where to find us. That’s all I’ve got to say. They know where to find us. We’re here. We’re just waiting on them and we’ve got one of them, I guess. Shayna’s already in NXT, so we just need Ronda to hurry it up!”

You can listen to Bayley on E&C’s Pod Of Awesomeness by clicking this link here.

H/T Wrestling Inc. for the transcriptions

Several top independent talents are believed to be on their way to NXT next month. According to a report from PWInsider, the word around the Performance Center is that a top cruiserweight and a top tag-team are expected in NXT for January and possibly another top female talent as well.

Hanson & Ray Rowe of War Machine and Ricochet are the wrestlers expected to debut in WWE soon. The top female talent name was not mentioned in the report, but Tessa Blanchard is a possibility. Blanchard was in the Mae Young Classic and is dating Ricochet. She does have independent dates booked for 2018, however, indicating she’s not headed to WWE soon.

Candice LeRae is another name which has been rumored, though she does have independent dates booked for 2018 as well.

War Machine and Ricochet

War Machine and Ricochet have been on WWE’s radar for some time. In the case of Ricochet, his Lucha Underground contract was preventing him from signing with the company. Now that season three has fully aired and his no-compete clause is up, the popular high-flyer is free to sign with WWE.

War Machine recently finished up with Ring of Honor at the last set of TV tapings.

– WWE posted the following Fallout video showing what happened after last night’s Monday Night RAW. The women of RAW celebrated the announcement that the first-ever all-female Royal Rumble would be taking place next month:

– WWE Intercontinental Champion Roman Reigns was not mentioned on last night’s Monday Night RAW. He is being advertised for next week’s Christmas episode of RAW.

It looks like Randy Orton is set to take some time off next year. According to a report from PWInsider, the former WWE Champion will be working a light schedule in January before taking the months of February and March off. Apart from SmackDown Live tapings and the Royal Rumble, “The Viper” is only advertised for the second and fourth week for WWE live events in January.

Orton has been announced for the February 6th episode of SmackDown Live but not anything else after that. Orton is heading into his 17th year with WWE and is a 13-time World Champion. The son of WWE Hall Of Famer “Cowboy” Bob Orton will certainly be joining his father in the hall once he decides to hang up his boots.

On Monday’s RAW, Stephanie McMahon announced that next month’s Royal Rumble pay-per-view will feature the first-ever Women’s Royal Rumble match.

One of the most exciting aspects of Royal Rumble matches is seeing which legends will make surprise appearances. WWE Hall of Famer Trish Stratus heard about Stephanie’s big announcement and said it might be time for her to lace up the boots once again.

There's NOTHING @WWE women cannot do. It's been a long-time coming – can't wait for the FIRST EVER WOMENS #RoyalRumble! Now…where dem boots?

— Trish Stratus (@trishstratuscom) December 19, 2017

Trish wrestled her last match back in September 2006. On the 10 year anniversary of her final match, Trish posted a message on Instagram reflecting on her career. She concluded with, “I’ve still got some Stratusfaction to deliver if ya want it!”

In an interview with Sports Illustrated last year, Trish made it clear that the door is open for her to get back in the ring once again and show today’s WWE women that she can still hang.

“I’d only go back if it was worth it and if it was a challenge for me,” Trish told Sports Illustrated. “Something that’s different and unique, like playing a heel again, which would be super cool. I’ve gone back as a babyface, so it would have to be something challenging and something that would elevate either the division or a talent. Not just me for my own sh–s and giggles to raise my brand.”

Competing in the first-ever Women’s Royal Rumble match would certainly qualify as “something that’s different and unique.” Stay tuned!

Elias recently appeared on the Stone Cold Podcast with Steve Austin. While Elias and Austin talked a lot about music, other sports, and even blackjack, they also covered the genesis of the Elias character.

Elias revealed on the show he loves the character and has been working similar gimmicks since his time on the indies.

On Elias Character:

“I like to think Elias is (kind of) the culmination of everything I ever wanted to be and who I ever wanted to be so I’m very happy with that.”

On previous incarnations of the character:

“I can recall at one point I was “the Frontman” Logan Shulo, I came out with a mic stand, in my mind, I was this eclectic frontman rockstar. Then as it went on I became “Heavy Metal Jesus”.

On who came up with “Heavy Metal Jesus”

“It was a guy named Michael Facade out in Pittsburgh. One time we’re training, I just looked like it, I looked like Jesus you know, and he said “Heavy Metal Jesus”, he called me that. I said that’s the coolest nickname I’ve ever heard.

Sure enough, I would do bible verses in my promos and turn water into wine.”

You can listen to the full podcast here.

WWE.com has revealed two matches for tonight’s Smackdown. The show will emanate from the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ.

Shelton Benjamin and Chad Gable will receive a Smackdown tag-team championship match against the Usos. Gable & Benjamin received a title shot against the Usos on the November 7th, 2017 edition of Smackdown and won via count-out.

Smackdown Tag-Team Division

The tag division on Tuesday nights has seen an influx of new teams. After the division had been largely dominated by the Usos and the New Day, several other teams are now in the mix as well.

Rusev & Aiden English recently pinned the champions in a non-title match, the Bludgeon Brothers are undefeated since returning, and Gable & Benjamin could easily be in-line for a push as well.

Last night on Raw, Dean Ambrose suffered a storyline arm injury. WWE.com issued a report indicating the former WWE champion is waiting for X-Rays and evaluation.

Normally such angles are done to explain a Superstar’s absence but Ambrose is not expected to miss any time. Ambrose is still advertised for all upcoming Raw house shows and next week’s Raw from Chicago.

WWE.com Statement on Ambrose Injury

“Dean Ambrose sustained an injury to his right arm during Raw’s Six-Man Tag Team Match, and the damage was exacerbated when his opponents, Samoa Joe and Raw Tag Team Champions Cesaro & Sheamus, assaulted The Lunatic Fringe in the trainer’s room. The attack culminated when Joe slammed a road case onto Ambrose’s arm, leaving him writhing in pain.

Ambrose was taken to a nearby medical facility for X-rays and evaluation, and more details on his condition should be available tomorrow.”

Last night, WWE announced John Cena will return to Monday Night Raw next week. The December 25th, 2017, show will be held in Chicago.

NEXT WEEK: @JohnCena RETURNS to Monday Night #RAW LIVE on Christmas night in Chicago! ??? pic.twitter.com/aVQWaxYS8N

— WWE (@WWE) December 19, 2017

Thru good and bad the @WWE is my family. Can’t think of a better way to spend #Christmas than in the place of my 1st match, with my family. #RAW

— John Cena (@JohnCena) December 19, 2017

John Cena Tour Schedule

Cena will also be on the December 27th, 2017, Raw house show from the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale, NY. The following night, Cena will be in Hartford, CT for a Raw house show at the XL Center. Next Friday the 29th, Cena and the Raw crew will be in Albany New York, followed by a Saturday show in Tampa Bay.

At this time, Cena is not scheduled for the Raw on January 1st, 2018 from Miami.

You may have noticed a certain sequence from the recent ROH event involving The Young Bucks being the subject of much debate recently, Jim Cornette and UFC star Daniel Cormier had some rather disparaging comments on the Buck’s in ring style and how they felt it was too much like “gymnastics.”

Former WWE/WCW writer Vince Russo has now offered his thoughts on the controversy and he too decided to give his take on ring psychology and the foundations of wrestling. Check out what he had to say below and how Young Buck Nick Jackson decided to respond…

US Wrestling is about Ring Psychology, Storylines and Characters. It has been for decades. If you're going to change the very foundation to gymnastics and acrobatics, then just call it something else. Really don't know what the issue is. Not disrespecting at all.

— Vince Russo (@THEVinceRusso) December 18, 2017

https://twitter.com/NickJacksonYB/status/942864847947022337

If you haven’t seen the spot then here it is, let us know what you think in the comments:

https://twitter.com/briantheguppie/status/942054673451835392

UK promotion Pro Wrestling: EVE will be holding the biggest All Women’s event in European history ‘Wrestle Queendom’ when they invade York Hall on May 5th 2018.

3 of the matches for the card have already been revealed and it looks set to be an absolutely massive event that UK fans shouldn’t be thinking twice about attending. The card is currently as follows:

• Aja Kong vs “The Vixen Of Violence” Viper/Piper Niven
• Meiko Satomura vs Kay Lee Ray
• “The ACE of EVE” Charlie Morgan Challenges For The Pro-Wrestling:EVE Championship

The show falls on the same day as PROGRESS’ Super Strong Style 16 Day 1 event so fans in London should be able to travel via the tube system and make the 8pm kickoff for the EVE event.

https://twitter.com/ProWrestlingEVE/status/942550481569828864

Former WWE Superstar Emma/Tenille Dashwood has been announced for top United Kingdom promotion IPW:UK’s ‘International Battle Royale’ event on April 29th 2018.

The event will also feature the likes of PROGRESS’ Mark Haskins & Jimmy Havoc, James Castle, Kip Sabian and more.

IPW:UK recently held their ‘Undisputed’ event that saw Mark Haskins successfully win the company’s World Title, only to then lose in the main event against new champion Austin Aries. The former 205 Live competitor has not been officially confirmed for an appearance in April however the now co-Defiant Wrestling/IPW:UK Champion will likely be headed to the UK for appearances more often than not in 2018.

Tickets for the event are now available to purchase via Big Cartel.

https://twitter.com/IPWUK/status/942824230386896896

This past Sunday saw Daniel Bryan and Shinsuke Nakamura stood across the ring from each other in a WWE match, unfortunately for fans it was not in the manner they had hoped for.

The Clash of Champions match where Shinsuke teamed with Randy Orton to take on Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn saw Daniel Bryan and Shane McMahon act as the special guest referees. After the bout Shinsuke took to Twitter to mention the fact that he finally shared the ring with Bryan, and Daniel responded (check out the tweets at the bottom of the page).

Bryan has been discussing his want of a match with Shinsuke for a number of years, once it was announced that Nakamura would be coming to WWE’s NXT brand in 2016 Bryan took to Twitter and publicly asked the WWE to clear him for a match against the ‘King of Strong Style.’ Since then Bryan has been officially retired and while he still wants to perform in the ring it appears that WWE aren’t looking to clear him anytime soon.

I do not remember how many years passed. Anyway I surely stood in same ring with @WWEDanielBryan last night.

— Shinsuke Nakamura (@ShinsukeN) December 18, 2017

https://twitter.com/WWEDanielBryan/status/942818987305504768

A number of WWE and NXT contracted stars have been making appearances for independent promotions across the United States and UK over the past year, most notably Kassius Ohno and Noam Dar for ICW. Apollo Crews will also be making his way to PCW in February of next year.

Now another NXT star has been confirmed for an independent event…Oney Lorcan will be making his way to Beyond Wrestling’s ‘Heavy Lies The Crown’ event on New Year’s Eve at The White Eagle in Worcester, MA.

Lorcan will be performing in front of the live crowd however he will not be making an appearance for the On Demand feed.

BREAKING: @_StarDESTROYER returns to Beyond Wrestling at #HeavyLiesTheCrown on New Year's Eve at The White Eagle in Worcester, MA!

?? Tickets & Lineup: https://t.co/XO1jxiwqxU#OneyLorcan will be in the house for autographs and will make an appearance for the live crowd only. pic.twitter.com/xBIBnLkU5r

— Beyond Wrestling (@beyondwrestling) December 18, 2017

This week’s episode of RAW aired live from Providence, Rhode Island. The build to the Royal Rumble has officially begun as it is WWE’s next PPV on January 28th, 2018.

Here are 8 takeaways from this week’s episode of RAW:

The Universal Championship Match For Royal Rumble Is Set

RAW GM Kurt Angle kicked off this week’s episode of RAW. Angle announced that Universal Champion Brock Lesnar is here tonight. Angle added that he will determine who Brock Lesnar’s Royal Rumble opponent will be. Braun Strowman’s music hit and he marched towards the ring.

Strowman claimed that he earned the opportunity to face Lesnar because he was the only man left standing in his match against Kane last week on RAW. Kane’s music then hit and Kane came down to the ring with a microphone. Kane stated that he has caused more destruction in WWE over the past 20 years and that he was not going to let anyone step over him. Kane brought up Brock Lesnar’s victory over The Undertaker and said that Lesnar has not defeated him. Kane said that he will get his title shot at Royal Rumble unless Braun Strowman is man enough to stop him.

Paul Heyman joined the party and came down to the entrance ramp. Heyman introduced Lesnar and Brock circled the ring before entering with the Universal Championship. Lesnar raised the title and stared at Kane and Braun Strowman. Kurt Angle quickly announced that Brock Lesnar will defend his Universal Championship against both Kane and Braun Strowman in a Triple Threat match.

Angle then left the ring and Strowman charged at Lesnar. Brock was ready and launched Strowman out of the ring. Brock Lesnar then hit Kane with an F5 and exited the ring. Braun Strowman was already back up and stared at Lesnar as he made his way up the entrance ramp. Kane sat up in the middle of the ring and quickly got up and stared at Lesnar as the segment ended.

#ArriveF5Leave#RAW @BrockLesnar @HeymanHustle pic.twitter.com/AiVBH5YiMU

— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) December 19, 2017

Is this the best WWE can do for the Universal Championship match at Royal Rumble? It just doesn’t make sense to me that Kane is in this match. I haven’t found the feud between Kane and Strowman all that compelling and don’t have much interest in it continuing all the way up until the Royal Rumble on January 28th.

Seth Rollins Earned A Match Against Samoa Joe

Seth Rollins faced Samoa Joe tonight on RAW. Before the match started, Jason Jordan came down to the entrance ramp after Seth Rollins made his entrance. Jordan got booed out of the building as Jordan complained about asking Kurt Angle for a match against Samoa Joe for the past two weeks.

Jordan joined Rollins in the ring and said that he was done asking for the match. Rollins grabbed a microphone and was quickly interrupted by Samoa Joe’s music. Samoa Joe came down to the entrance ramp with a microphone. Samoa Joe proposed that Rollins and Jordan face each other to see who gets the honor of getting their ass kicked by him. Rollins said that the match had already been made and that Jordan should go look for his daddy’s approval somewhere else. Jordan shoved Rollins to the mat and then Seth Rollins agreed to the match as Samoa Joe watched on from ringside.

Is @SamoaJoe impressed? Hard to tell. #RAW pic.twitter.com/Jlxt41DOu5

— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) December 19, 2017

Rollins controlled the match early as RAW went to a commercial break. When RAW returned, Jordan was in control and beatdown Rollins in the corner. Rollins responded by Clotheslining Jordan out of the ring. Rollins tried to jump onto Jordan off the ring apron but Jason caught him and drove Seth into the barricade. Jordan brought Rollins into the ring and attempted a cover but Seth kicked out at two.

Jordan launched Rollins into the turnbuckle and attempted another cover but Rollins once again kicked out. Jordan continued on the attack and slammed Rollins into the turnbuckle once again. Rollins fought back briefly and hit a chop but Jordan lifted Rollins up and sent him back into the turnbuckle. Jordan applied a Chin Lock in the middle of the ring as Samoa Joe was shown watching on from ringside.

Jordan continued to control the action and slammed Rollins into the turnbuckle a few more times before driving his shoulder into Seth’s midsection. Jordan went for another cover but once again Rollins kicked out at two. Rollins connected with another chop but was dropped with a Backbreaker for another two count. Jordan then went back to the Chin Lock in the center of the ring.

Rollins went or a Superkick while Jordan was on his knees. Jason blocked it and delivered a Belly to Belly Suplex as RAW went to a commercial break. When RAW returned, Rollins was in control and connected with a springboard Clothesline for a two count. Rollins charged at Jordan but Jason caught him and planted him with a Belly to Belly Suplex for a two count.

Seth knocked Jordan out of the ring and then connected with a Dropkick through the ropes. Rollins followed it up with a Suicide Dive but his momentum sent him crashing into the barricade and both Superstars fell to the floor outside the ring. The referee began counting and both Superstars got back into the ring at the last second.

Rollins leaped onto Jordan but Jason once again caught him and hit two Northern Lights Suplex in a row for yet another two count. Jordan perched Rollins up on the top turnbuckle and went for a Superplex but Rollins blocked it. Seth blasted Jordan in the face with a couple of right hands and then hit a headbutt that knocked Jordan to the canvas. Seth Rollins hit an awesome Frog Splash and went for the cover but Jordan was able to kick out at the last moment.

Thing of beauty. Over and over and over again…#RAW @JasonJordanJJ pic.twitter.com/w62rh7GPvX

— WWE (@WWE) December 19, 2017

Jordan rolled out of the ring and Rollins connected with a knee to Jason’s face off the ring apron. Rollins got in Samoa Joe’s face ringside and then walked away. Rollins threw Jordan into Samoa Joe and then hit a massive Superkick to Joe’s face. The action returned to the ring and Jordan went for a roll-up but Rollins kicked out at two. Rollins then connected with the knee to the face for the pinfall victory.

A 2-for-1 deal for @WWERollins! #RAW pic.twitter.com/MdvIssDiGy

— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) December 19, 2017

Rollins then brawled with Samoa Joe outside the ring. Joe rolled into the ring and the referee tried to seperate them. Joe took advantage and jabbed Rollins in the face. Joe then planted him with an Uranage and punched him in the face a few times. Joe left the ring and delivered a Clothesline to Jordan against the barricade before angrily walking up the entrance ramp.

Rollins, Ambrose and Jordan all approached RAW GM Kurt Angle backstage demanding a match with Kurt Angle. Kurt made a 6-man tag match for later tonight. It will be Jason Jordan, Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose versus Samoa Joe, Sheamus and Cesaro.

A HUGE win for @WWERollins over @JasonJordanJJ, but this doesn't seem like a great victory prize… #RAW @SamoaJoe pic.twitter.com/4E6dd6HMUI

— WWE (@WWE) December 19, 2017

Seth Rollins and Jason Jordan had a terrific match tonight. Jordan has all the in-ring talent in the world, hopefully WWE finds a way for him to connect with the audience. Jordan is more entertaining in this annoying role where he keeps begging for a match against Samoa Joe. I’m not sure how long that can last before it starts getting old and the audience grows completely tired of him.

Matt Hardy Vowed To Delete Bray Wyatt & Sister Abigail

Bray Wyatt appeared on the screen and wondered what it was that draws Matt Hardy to be woken. Wyatt poked fun at Hardy’s childish laugh and all the funny faces he makes. Wyatt stated that it is all fun and games until someone gets hurt. Bray vowed to hurt Hardy and his followers and added that he doesn’t play by the rules. Bray added that Hardy should tell everyone that he loves that “she is sorry” and that the Great War must end. Wyatt told Matt Hardy to run as the promo ended.

If #WOKEN @MATTHARDYBRAND wants to play games, @WWEBrayWyatt is ready to play… because #TheGreatWar must come to an END! #RAW pic.twitter.com/wQRXM7ZtRR

— WWE (@WWE) December 19, 2017

Later on RAW, Matt Hardy was shown with a chess board and a goldfish. The goldfish was Napoleon and Matt Hardy had a conversation with it. Hardy stated that the battlefield in WWE was much like a chess board. Hardy said that he will stand side by side with all of his warriors in the Great War. Hardy said that Bray Wyatt and Sister Abigail must be deleted. Hardy then chomped his teeth and then the “Woken” transition slide flashed to end the promo.

The chess pieces are in place…

It's time for #WOKEN @MATTHARDYBRAND and his #WokenWarriors to ASSEMBLE for #TheGreatWar!!! #RAW @WWEBrayWyatt pic.twitter.com/0N1L3phLmD

— WWE (@WWE) December 19, 2017

Another week, another set of pre-taped promos for Wyatt and Hardy. These promos are entertaining, but I’d still like to see an interaction between the two Superstars in the ring.

Hideo Itami Made His RAW Debut

Finn Balor faced both Curtis Axel and Bo Dallas in a Handicap match tonight. Axel and Dallas wouldn’t stop stomping on Balor and were disqualified. Hideo Itami came out and made his RAW roster debut to help out Finn Balor. Itami got in some offense before Balor tagged back in.

SHOW HIM RESPECT!!!@HideoItami makes his #RAW debut by coming to the aid of his longtime friend @FinnBalor! @RealCurtisAxel @TheBoDallas pic.twitter.com/s7R76mBH6p

— WWE (@WWE) December 19, 2017

Axel continued the beatdown of Balor for the next couple of minutes before tagging Bo Dallas back in. Balor finally escaped and tagged Itami back in. Hideo connected with a Clothesline to Curtis Axel for a two count. Itami then hit a knee to Axel’s face and went for the cover but Bo Dallas broke it.

Balor sprinted in the ring and hit a Slingblade on Dallas and then knocked him out of the ring. Balor followed it up with a Dropkick to Dallas against the barricade outside the ring. Back in the ring, Itami connected with the GTS to Curtis Axel for the pinfall victory. Balor and Itami then shook hands in the ring after the match. Itami will join the 205 Live roster tomorrow night on the WWE Network.

Night-night, @RealCurtisAxel… ???@HideoItami and @FinnBalor pick up the victory on #RAW! pic.twitter.com/ZhLbkihleT

— WWE (@WWE) December 19, 2017

The crowd failed to show Itami respect tonight as their reaction sucked when he made his RAW debut. I hope that Itami can have success on 205 Live. That brand desperately needs someone to be relevant other than Enzo Amore.

Cedric Alexander Is The #1 Contender For The Cruiserweight Championship

Cruiserweight Champion Enzo Amore and Drew Gulak came down to the ring. The two cut a couple of Star Wars jokes and Gulak referred to himself as the Jar Jar Binks of 205 Live. Cedric Alexander interrupted before Gulak could provide his tribute to his best friend, Enzo Amore.

Gulak and Alexander faced off tonight to determine who will face Enzo Amore for the Cruiserweight Championship. Enzo Amore joined commentary for the match. Corey Graves asked Enzo Amore what his relationship was with Nia Jax and Enzo refused to comment. Alexander controlled the match early and connected with Dropkick that knocked Gulak out of the ring. Alexander then flipped onto Gulak outside the ring and then pointed at Enzo at the commentary table on the entrance ramp.

Both Superstars tumbled out of the ring in a dangerous looking Suplex spot at RAW went to a commercial break. When RAW returned, Gulak launched Alexander into the turnbuckle as Enzo Amore claimed the crowd was chanting his name. Alexander battled back but his back gave out and Gulak connected with a Clothesline. Enzo wouldn’t shut up on commentary and Cole and Graves started getting frustrated with him.

Cedric connected with a Back Body Drop and a series of elbows. Enzo Amore looked at his phone and left the announce table. Gulak was distracted by this and Alexander connected with a springboard Clothesline. Alexander followed it up with a Lumbar Check for the pinfall victory.

It appears @real1 got a little distracted…#RAW #205Live pic.twitter.com/4fMMIjOmks

— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) December 19, 2017

Enzo was shown backstage looking at his phone. Nia Jax then appeared with a smile on her face. Enzo said that he got her DM. Nia said that she wanted finish their conversation but Drew Gulak interrupted. Gulak said that he let everyone down by losing and said that he wanted to talk about it. Gulak had a tissue in his nose and blood on his face. Nia Jax said that they will have to finish their conversation later and walked away. Gulak stated that he had to review the tapes to see what happened and what he did wrong in the match. Enzo shouted “you did a lot of things wrong!” and walked away.

Well, what do we go over here… #RAW @NiaJaxWWE @real1 @DrewGulak pic.twitter.com/SAPnHApBAJ

— WWE (@WWE) December 19, 2017

I wouldn’t mind seeing him become the new Cruiserweight Champion because he is a terrific in-ring performer. There is a ton of talent on the 205 Live roster, yet Enzo Amore is pretty much the only one that generates any reaction from the audience. It would surprise me at all if WWE just keeps the title on Enzo for now until someone finally emerges with a personality. The storyline between Enzo and Nia Jax is interesting. I’m assuming that she isn’t actually into him and she is going to wind up screwing him over somehow.

Samoa Joe & The Bar Took Out Dean Ambrose

Samoa Joe, Cesaro and Sheamus faced Jason Jordan, Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose at the beginning of the third hour of RAW tonight. Jordan demanded to be in the match first and promptly got his ass kicked by Samoa Joe. Cesaro continued the beatdown for a moment before tagging in Sheamus who stomped on Jordan in the corner.

Cesaro was tagged back in and applied a Chin Lock. Jordan connected with a Suplex to break the hold and then rolled towards the corner and Rollins tagged himself in. Rollins hit Cesaro with a Slingblade and followed it up with a kick to the face. Rollins knocked Cesaro out of the ring as RAW went to a commercial break.

When RAW returned, Sheamus was in control of the match and had Rollins trapped in the corner. Joe was tagged in and he continued the beatdown of Rollins and the crowd was completely silent now. Sheamus connected with a Backbreaker and then Cesaro hit an Elbow Drop. Rollins rested against the ropes and Sheamus booted him in the face. Cesaro tried to cover Rollins but Seth kicked out at two.

Sheamus was tagged back into the match and connected with another Backbreaker. Rollins eventually fought back and hit a DDT but was quickly knocked back down by Sheamus. Sheamus charged at Rollins in the corner but Seth dodged it and Sheamus crashed into the ring post. Rollins slowly made his way across the ring but Cesaro was tagged in and prevented the tag.

Cesaro tossed Rollins out of the ring and then Sheamus and Samoa Joe stomped on him. Jordan and Ambrose ambushed Sheamus and Samoa Joe outside the ring. Samoa Joe launched Jordan into the timekeeper’s area and then Ambrose kneed Joe in the back of the head. Rollins hit a Back Body Drop on Cesaro outside the ring. Ambrose rolled Rollins back in the ring and tried to tag in but Cesaro booted him off the apron. Rollins launched Samoa Joe out of the ring and then hit a Suicide Dive onto Cesaro, Samoa Joe and Dean Ambrose.

The referee called for a doctor for Dean Ambrose while he was leaning against the barricade. Back in the ring, Sheamus leveled Rollins with a Brogue Kick for the pinfall victory. Ambrose was shown as the doctor was checking on his elbow.

Samoa Joe, Sheamus and Cesaro were attacked Rollins and Ambrose backstage while Dean was being attended to by a doctor. Samoa Joe slammed a storage cart into Ambrose’s arm and Sheamus leveled Seth Rollins.

Even @TheDeanAmbrose got CAUGHT in the CHAOS there…#RAW @WWERollins pic.twitter.com/yuQyeEP3N9

— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) December 19, 2017

I’m not sure if the injury to Ambrose was legit or not. That is something to keep an eye on going forward. Seth Rollins and Jason Jordan put in ridiculous efforts tonight wrestling in two matches. Unfortunately, this episode of RAW has been rather dull so far and the crowd wasn’t into this match at all.

The Revival Returned To RAW

The Revival made their return tonight against Heath Slater and Rhyno. Slater and Rhyno controlled the match early and beatdown Dash Wilder. Titus O’Neil, Apollo Crews and Dana Brooke were shown backstage. Dana Brooke is apparently the “Director of Statistics” for the team now.

There appears to be some scouting taking place by #TitusWorldwide's @TitusONeilWWE @ApolloCrews & their new #DirectorOfStatistics @DanaBrookeWWE… #RAW pic.twitter.com/MpcDVdjVpd

— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) December 19, 2017

Scott Dawson took control of the match and beatdown Slater before tagging Wilder back in. Wilder applied a Chin Lock in the middle of the ring to Slater. Heath fought out of it but was knocked back to the canvas. Dawson was tagged back in and Slater connected with a kick. Wilder leaped into the ring and accidentally bumped heads with Slater. Wilder pulled Rhyno off the ring apron and slammed him into the steps. Wilder was then tagged back in and the Revival hit the Shatter Machine for the quick victory.

After the match, Slater and Rhyno were shown backstage. RAW GM Kurt Angle approached them and said that they need to toughen up if they want to get any more opportunities. Rhyno agreed and said that Heath Slater needs to toughen up and he knows exactly how to do that. Rhyno instructed Slater to follow him and the two walked away.

Consider @HeathSlaterOMRB and @Rhyno313 SHATTERED by a couple of #TopGuys…#RAW #TheRevival pic.twitter.com/iwHSbD8LxV

— WWE (@WWE) December 19, 2017

It is great to see The Revival back on RAW. They are one of the most talented teams in WWE, but their main roster run has been hampered by injuries. I hope they can both stay healthy because they are an excellent addition to RAW’s tag team division. As for Slater and Rhyno, I had completely forgot they were even on RAW. They have become completely irrelevant on the show, so any change is welcome for them.

Stephanie McMahon Announced The First Ever Women’s Royal Rumble

RAW Commissioner Stephanie McMahon was shown arriving at the arena earlier in the night in a limo. She was then briefly shown later on having a conversation with RAW GM Kurt Angle backstage.

Elias came down to the ring and poked fun at Tom Brady for the Deflategate scandal. Elias also stated that his greatest performance ever will be at the Royal Rumble when he wins it. Elias started to perform a song dedicated to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell but was interrupted by Sasha Banks, Bayley and Mickie James. Elias went to leave with his guitar but Bayley met him at the entrance ramp and offered a hug. Elias refused and walked by Bayley.

"On January 28, it will be the performance of the year when I enter and WIN the #RoyalRumble match!" – @IAmEliasWWE #RAW pic.twitter.com/YZgVRlPZqu

— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) December 19, 2017

Sasha Banks, Mickie James and Bayley then faced Absolution in a 6-woman tag match. Paige and Mickie James started off the match. Mickie leveled Paige with a Clothesline and then tagged in Sasha Banks. Sasha and Mickie teamed up for a Suplex on Paige for a two count. Paige battled back and leveled Backs with a kick to the face.

Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville took turns beating down Banks in the corner. Paige was then tagged back in and she stomped on Sasha some more. Things broke down and Bayley, Deville, Rose and Mickie James battled outside the ring. Back in the ring, Sasha Banks leaped onto Paige and attempted a cover but Deville and Rose broke it. Mandy and Deville then started attacking Sasha Banks in the ring and the referee disqualified Absolution.

Nia Jax then came down to the ring as Absolution waited for her in the ring. Absolution charged at Nia but Jax beat the trio down. Nia lifted both Rose and Deville onto her shoulders and planted them both with a Samoan Drop. Paige attacked Nia from behind and knocked her to the canvas. Rose and Deville got back up and joined in on the beatdown of Nia Jax. The RAW women’s locker room then sprinted down to the ring and beatdown Absolution.

RAW GM Stephanie McMahon then came down to the ring and the brawl completely stopped in the ring. Stephanie grabbed a microphone and said that three years ago a revolution started in the WWE. Stephanie stated that because of the female Superstars, the divas division became the women’s division. Stephanie brought up the first ever women’s Hell in a Cell match and the first ever women’s MITB match.

McMahon added that WWE held the first ever women’s match in the Middle East and how the fans chanted “this is hope!” during the match between Sasha Banks and Alexa Bliss. Stephanie asked the crowd if they wanted to see the women make history once again and the crowd chanted “yes!”. Stephanie then announced that on January 28th, 2018, there will be the first ever women’s Royal Rumble match. The crowd chanted “yes!” as RAW went off the air.

YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES!

History WILL be made on January 28th when the women of @WWE compete in a #RoyalRumble match! #RAW pic.twitter.com/ohhilj8rsp

— WWE (@WWE) December 19, 2017

On January 28, the women of @WWE will make HERstory, once again, when we have the FIRST-EVER WOMEN'S ROYAL RUMBLE MATCH!!! #RoyalRumble #RAW @StephMcMahon pic.twitter.com/puIVdQIIae

— WWE (@WWE) December 19, 2017

RAW ended on a high note with the announcement of the first ever women’s Royal Rumble next month. This had been rumored for some time, but it was awesome to see it officially announced.

Here are some of the reactions from WWE Superstars:

My heart just exploded. The FIRST ever WOMENS #RoyalRumble … ???

— LIV Morgan (@YaOnlyLivvOnce) December 19, 2017

https://twitter.com/NikkiCrossWWE/status/942969812338307072

??? this is AMAZING & makes me incredibly happy ?? https://t.co/nWuZJSgBKk

— Jessica McKay (@JessicaMcKay) December 19, 2017

??? this is AMAZING & makes me incredibly happy ?? https://t.co/nWuZJSgBKk

— Jessica McKay (@JessicaMcKay) December 19, 2017

.@WWE is made up of extraordinary women. @StephMcMahon’s announcement is ground-breaking and exactly what both we AND the @WWEUniverse deserve. 2018 will be an interesting year… #RoyalRumble https://t.co/WhuOHkrqh8

— Charlotte Flair (@MsCharlotteWWE) December 19, 2017

Wow the first ever @WWE women's #RoyalRumble … Interesting #MythRises #Shenom

— Athena is ROH and All Elite! (@AthenaPalmer_FG) December 19, 2017

What a historic evening! The women just keep breaking barriers at @WWE January 28th 2018 the 1st ever Women’s Royal Rumble! I’m screaming! N

— Nikki & Brie (@NikkiAndBrie) December 19, 2017

The Harts have been a part of many #RoyalRumble matches and I’m ecstatic to hear that the women of both #Raw and #SDLive get to show everyone what WE can do. I can’t wait to be a part of history. ?

— Nattie (@NatbyNature) December 19, 2017

https://twitter.com/TaminaSnuka/status/942971533525442560

RAW Commissioner Stephanie McMahon announced on Monday night that the first-ever Women’s Royal Rumble match will take place at next month’s Rumble pay-per-view event.

No word yet on who the participants will be, but expect to see qualifying matches on RAW and SmackDown in the weeks ahead. The match will likely feature female Superstars from RAW and SmackDown. The Women’s Royal Rumble match also explains why WWE recently called up 5 women from NXT to the RAW and SmackDown rosters.

Below is the updated Rumble card coming out of Monday’s RAW:

30-Man Royal Rumble Match
Participants TBA

All-Women’s Royal Rumble Match
Participants TBA

Triple Threat for the WWE Universal Title
Kane vs. Braun Strowman vs. Brock Lesnar

WWE’s 2018 WWE Royal Rumble pay-per-view takes place on Sunday, January 28th from Philadelphia, PA.

Such an honor to announce the first-ever women's #RoyalRumble match on #Raw tonight. @WWE's female Superstars raise the bar every chance they get & I can't wait to see them make history once again at the #RoyalRumble next month. #WomensEvolution pic.twitter.com/Cerus16pWC

— Stephanie McMahon (@StephMcMahon) December 19, 2017

WWE NXT Superstar Hideo Itami made his main roster debut on tonight’s RAW from Providence, Rhode Island. Itami was set to make his main roster debut this week on WWE 205 Live but he was called up a night earlier than expected.

The debut came after Finn Balor lost a 2-on-1 Handicap Match to Bo Dallas and Curtis Axel by disqualification. Axel and Dallas double teamed Balor after the match until Itami made the save. Itami and Balor then cleared the ring and stood tall as the show went to commercial. The show returned from commercial to a tag match, which was won by Balor and Itami. The finish saw Itami hit the GTS on Axel for the pin.

It was confirmed that Itami will still appear on Tuesday’s WWE 205 Live from Newark, NJ.

Below are photos and video of Itami on tonight’s RAW:

A bit of Déjà vu on #RAW as @HideoItami comes to the aid of his friend @FinnBalor! pic.twitter.com/dcs28IrxhS

— WWE (@WWE) December 19, 2017

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SHOW HIM RESPECT!!!@HideoItami makes his #RAW debut by coming to the aid of his longtime friend @FinnBalor! @RealCurtisAxel @TheBoDallas pic.twitter.com/s7R76mBH6p

— WWE (@WWE) December 19, 2017

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The newest star of #205Live is EAGER to get into this one as @HideoItami and @FinnBalor reunite to battle The #Miztourage on #RAW! pic.twitter.com/TgWzMRc4ZR

— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) December 19, 2017

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FLY, @HideoItami, FLY! #RAW pic.twitter.com/6dsqSXubMK

— WWE (@WWE) December 19, 2017

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Night-night, @RealCurtisAxel… ???@HideoItami and @FinnBalor pick up the victory on #RAW! pic.twitter.com/ZhLbkihleT

— WWE (@WWE) December 19, 2017

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From @WWENXT to #RAW… you gotta love it! @HideoItami @FinnBalor pic.twitter.com/PUJ1RLrNVN

— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) December 19, 2017

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RAW General Manager Kurt Angle announced on tonight’s RAW from Providence, RI that WWE Universal Champion Brock Lesnar will defend against Kane and Braun Strowman in a Triple Threat at the 2018 WWE Royal Rumble pay-per-view.

The 2018 Rumble event takes place on January 28th at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The main event of the night will be the Royal Rumble match with a WrestleMania 34 title shot up for grabs.

Below are photos and video from tonight’s RAW opening segment with Angle, Lesnar, Strowman and Kane. The segment ended with Lesnar sending Braun over the top rope and then dropping Kane with a F5.

Something tells us "by the end of the night" won't be good for @BraunStrowman…

The #MonsterAmongMen knows HE should be @BrockLesnar's next opponent at @WWE #RoyalRumble! pic.twitter.com/AxJXiji8Wf

— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) December 19, 2017

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Not so fast, @BraunStrowman…@KaneWWE is HERE! #RAW ??? pic.twitter.com/dSomR7EwWs

— WWE (@WWE) December 19, 2017

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"You're not going to have this discussion without input from…my client: the REIGNING, DEFENDING, UNDISPUTED #UniversalChampion @BrockLesnar!" – @HeymanHustle #RAW pic.twitter.com/yYWHOVRQp9

— WWE (@WWE) December 19, 2017

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YOU JUST HEARD IT from @RealKurtAngle!@BrockLesnar vs. @BraunStrowman vs. @KaneWWE in a #TripleThreat match for the #UniversalTitle at @WWE #RoyalRumble! #RAW pic.twitter.com/qQWKfTfv3g

— WWE (@WWE) December 19, 2017

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#ArriveF5Leave#RAW @BrockLesnar @HeymanHustle pic.twitter.com/AiVBH5YiMU

— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) December 19, 2017

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#UniversalChampion @BrockLesnar sends a HUGE message to his TWO #RoyalRumble opponents as he takes down The #MonsterAmongMen @BraunStrowman and The #BigRedMachine @KaneWWE! #RAW @HeymanHustle @RealKurtAngle pic.twitter.com/CYpbLPDxZL

— WWE (@WWE) December 19, 2017

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The December 18th edition of WWE RAW took place at the Dunkin Donuts Center in Providence, RI.

– This week’s broadcast opens up with a video package replaying last week’s match between Kane and Braun Strowman to determine who will face Brock Lesnar at Royal Rumble.

– Kurt Angle comes out to the ring to kick off the show. Kurt says since there wasn’t a decisive winner of Strowman vs. Kane last week, he will announce tonight who will face Lesnar at the Rumble. Kurt gets interrupted by Braun Strowman, who comes into the ring with a mic and points out that he was the last man standing last week. Kane interrupts next, and gets in the ring and talks about his years of destruction in WWE. Paul Heyman comes out to the stage next to interrupt, and he says there won’t be any conversations without including his client, Brock Lesnar. WWE Universal Champion Brock Lesnar comes out and marches down to the ring. Lesnar steps in the ring, and Kurt Angle says before things get out of hand, he’s going to make his announcement right now. Kurt says at the Royal Rumble it’ll be a triple threat: Lesnar vs. Kane vs. Strowman. Kurt quickly says “its’ true, it’s true” and gets out of the ring before all hell breaks loose. Kane, Lesnar and Strowman circle each other. Kane and Lesnar dump Strowman outside, then Kane and Lesnar grab each other. Lesnar gets the better of the exchange and hits the F-5 on Kane. Lesnar holds up his Universal Title belt and then leaves the ring to join Heyman back on the ramp. Before they leave, Kane sits up and gets to his feet just moments after the F-5, and Lesnar and Heyman look concerned.

– Seth Rollins comes out for a match against Samoa Joe, but instead of Joe — Jason Jordan comes out. Jordan gets on the mic and says he thinks he deserves a shot at Joe first. Rollins starts to tell Jordan he’s out of line, but Samoa Joe interrupts. Samoa Joe comes out to the stage and tells them to fight each other, and he’ll face the winner. Rollins declines, saying he’s already been booked in a match with Joe, but then Jordan shoves down Rollins. That’s enough for Rollins, and he agrees to face Jordan. The ref makes it official, and Joe sits at ringside to watch.

– Jason Jordan vs. Seth Rollins: This winner of this one will face Joe later tonight. The opening bell sounds and Jordan overpowers Rollins early on, but Rollins decks him with a running big boot. Rollins throws Jordan outside and Joe taunts Jordan. Back in the ring, Jordan gets the upper hand and beats down on Rollins in the corner. Jordan hits some shoulder strikes, and some fans are chanting “boring.” Rollins tries to come back, but Jordan shuts him down with a backbreaker and keeps him grounded. Rollins gets off a good shot to Jordan’s face, but once again Jordan shuts him down and takes over. Rollins finally starts to mount a real comeback and he hits a slingblade on Jordan. Rollins hits a springboard clothesline for a two count. Jordan answers with a suplex for a two count of his own. Rollins hits some elbows an throws Jordan to the outside. Rollins goes for a suicide dive and crashes into Jordan hard. Rollins and Jordan make it back in the ring at the 9 count. Rollins hits some kicks, and Jordan answers with a Northern Lights suplex. Jordan rolls through and hits another one with a bridge for a two count. Jordan gets frustrated and he continues to beat on Rollins. They fight on the turnbuckle and Rollins knocks Jordan down to the mat, then follows up with a frogsplash for a two count. Jordan rolls outside and Rollins comes flying off the apron with a knee to Jordan’s head. Joe gets in Rollins’ face at ringside. Rollins shoves Jordan into Joe, and Joe charges but he runs into a superkick from Rollins. Rollins takes Jordan back in the ring, and Jordan grabs him in a roll-up for a two count. Rollins gets up and immediately hits a flying knee to the face for the three count.

Winner: Seth Rollins

– Joe attacks Rollins after the match and they brawl out to ringside. They fight back into the ring and the ref gets between them. Joe hits a cheap shot and the Uranage. Joe contiinues to beat on Rollins until more referees haul him off. Joe heads up the ramp while Jordan and Rollins are both checked on by officials.

– Seth Rollins is backstage with Seth Rollins, and they confront Kurt Angle. Rollins says he wants Joe no matte what tonight, and Ambrose says he wants Joe tonight too. Jason Jordan walks in and says he also wants Joe later. Ambrose tells him to get in line. Angle decides to make a six man tag match later: Rollins, Ambrose & Jordan vs. Joe, Sheamus & Cesaro.

– The announcers talk about “Woken” Matt Hardy, and then we cut to a pre-taped segment with Bray Wyatt. Wyatt cuts a promo on Matt and says The Great War between them must end. He sings a bit before leaving.

– Handicap match: Finn Balor vs. Bo Dallas & Curtis Axel: Axel and Dallas use frequent tags in the opening moments to control the match against Balor. Balor eventually fights them off out of the corner, but Axel shuts him down again. Axel goes for a sunset flip, but Balor stomps on him for a two count. Dallas distracts Balor and Axel drops him again. Axel takes Balor up top, but Balor drops him down to the mat. Balor looks for the Coup De Grace, but Bo knocks him off the turnbuckle. Bo comes in the ring and stomps on Balor until the ref calls for the bell.

Winner via DQ: Finn Balor

– After the match, The Mistourage beats on Balor until NXT’s Hideo Itami comes out for the save. Itami drops Axel and Dallas, and we go to commercial.

– Hideo Itami & Finn Balor vs. The Miztourage: Back from the break, we’re told this one was made an official tag match during commercials. Itami works on Dallas early on, then Balor tags in and hits a shot off the top. Balor picks up Dallas, and while the ref is distracted by Axel and Itami arguing, Dallas thumbs Balor in the eye. Axel tags in and continues the assault on Balor, and he hits a backbreaker for a two count. Axel continues the beat down until Itami gets the hot tag. Itami unloads with kicks on Axel ad hits a knee. Bo comes in but Balor takes him out. Balor dropkicks Bo into the barrier at ringside. Itami grabs Axel and hits the GTS for the three count.

Winners: Hideo Itami & Finn Balor

– Itami’s music plays and he and Balor celebrate in the ring as Axel and Dallas are down on the floor at ringside.

– Cedric Alexander does an interview in the back where he talks about how bad he wants to beat Enzo for the Cruiserweight Title. He says he’s not overlooking Drew Gulak tonight, and will beat Gulak and go on to win the Cuiserweight Title.

– Enzo Amore comes out to the ring with Drew Gulak. Enzo cuts his usual promo, and then hands the mic off to Gulak for a brief promo. They both made some Star Wars references. Cedric’s music interrupts, and their #1 contender match is on.

– Drew Gulak vs. Cedric Alexander: The winner of this one will face Enzo for the Cruiserweight Championship, and Enzo is on commentary for this match. They go back and forth in the opening moments until Cedric sends Gulak out to the floor. Cedric runs the ropes and goes flying with a suicide dive on Gulak. They fight into the ring and then back out to ringside. Gulak takes control and they get back in the ring. Gulak puts Cedric in some holds but doesn’t get the submission. Enzo gets a text message at the announce table, and he gets up and leaves. Gulak is distracted by Enzo leaving, and Cedric gets some time to recover. Cedric gets up and fires back with some stiff shots, and Gulak starts bleeding from his nose. Cedric hits a springboard clothesline, and then nails the Lumbar Check for the three count.

Winner: Cedric Alexander

– We see Enzo backstage approaching Nia Jax. Enzo says he got Nia’s message, and Nia says she wants to continue their conversation from last week. Gulak interrupts and apologizes to Enzo for losing. Gulak won’t leave Enzo alone and keeps bugging him about the match. Gulak has paper towel in his nose to stop the bleeding. Nia tells Enzo they’ll talk later and leaves. Enzo freaks out at Gulak for interrupting.

– We see a pre-taped promo from Alicia Fox where he says her match against Asuka won’t get interrupted this week, and she’ll finally be able to take out Asuka tonight.

– Asuka vs. Alicia Fox: Asuka dominates this one early on. Fox comes back with a big boot and a headlock. Fox hits a Northern Lights suplex for a two count on Asuka. Asuka quickly mounts a comeback and hits a dropkick. She throws Fox across the ring, and catches Fox in an armbar submission for the win.

Winner: Asuka

– Jason Jordan, Seth Rollins & Deam Ambrose vs. Samoa Joe & The Bar: Jordan, Rollins and Ambrose seem to argue about how will start off in this one, but they decide on Rollins. Jordan then tags himself in on Rollins’ back before the action starts. Rollins is not happy, but he leaves. Jordan and Sheamus start off. Sheamus whips Jordan into his corner and Jordan knocks Joe and Cesaro off the apron. Sheamus drops Jordan with a lariat, then Joe tags in. Joe stomps on Jordan and then lays into him with punches up against the ropes. Cesaro tags in now, and his team continues to use frequent tags to stay in control of Jordan. Jordan finally gets Cesaro off of him and hits a suplex. Rollins tags in and hits the slingblade on Cesaro, then Rollins knocks Joe off the apron. Rollins superkicks Cesaro for a two count. Rollins sends Cesaro outside and hits a suicide dive, then Rollins gets back in the ring before Joe and Sheamus can get to him. Joe tags in and hits a series of knee strikes to the body of Rollins. Joe drops Rollins and now slows things down with a head lock. Rollins hits a jawbreaker, but Joe drops him right back down with an elbow for a two count. Sheamus and Cesaro now use tags to repeatedly double team Rollins. Rollins starts to fire up, but Joe tags in and shuts him down with a kick to the head. Sheamus comes in next and he misses a spear in the corner. Cesaro tags in before Rollins can tag someone in, and he puts Rollins in a front face lock. Cesaro throws Rollins outside, and Joe and Sheamus start stomping on him. Jordan and Ambrose run around and start brawling with Joe and Sheamus. Back in the ring, Rollins almost get the hot tag to Ambrose, but Cesaro runs in and boots Ambrose in the face. Cesaro and Ambrose spill out to ringside, then Rollins hits a suicide dive onto Cesaro and Joe at ringside. The referee and a medic are checking on Ambrose on the floor at ringside. Rollins brings Cesaro back into the ring, but Rollins is distracted by Ambrose’s injury. Cesaro lays out Rollins with a cheap shot, and the ref gets in the ring just in time to count to three.

Winners: Samoa Joe & The Bar

– After the match, Joe, Sheamus and Cesaro celebrate on the ramp and stage. Ambrose is still being checked out by a trainer on the ringside floor.

– A limo pulls up to the back of the arena, and Stephanie McMahon gets out. She walks into the building as we go to commercial.

– Matt Hardy does a pre-taped interview where he cuts another “Woken” promote on Bray Wyatt, and he mentions “the great war.” Hardy says he’ll stand by his “woken” followers, and that Wyatt and Sister Abigail must be stopped. Hardy does some more catch phrases and starts a “Delete” chant.

– Joe and the Bar attack Ambrose and Rollins backstage while they’re being checked on by trainers. Joe flips over a production case onto Ambrose’s arm. On commentary, Cole says that Ambrose has been taken to the hospital for damage to his arm.

– The Revival vs. Rhyno & Heath Slater: Rhyno and Slater take over on Dawson early on. Slater continues the offense, until Dawson drops him and gets the tag to Wilder. They briefly double team Slater and take turns beating him down. The Revival knocks Rhyno off the apron, then they hit the Shatter Machine on Slater for the win.

Winners: The Revival

– Stephanie McMahon is seen speaking with Kurt Angle backstage. Cole wonders if they’re making plans for next week’s Christmas edition of RAW.

– Slater and Rhyno are backstage and they are greeted by Kurt Angle. Angle says with the new year coming up, Rhyno and Slater need to toughen up and improve their win-loss record. Kurt walks off, and Rhyno tells Slater that he knows exactly how to toughen them up. Rhyno walks off, and Slater follows him, asking if this is going to hurt.

– Elias is in the ring for a song. He cuts a promo about New England and Tom Brady. Elias says Tom Brady isn’t a real legend, Elias is. He says he’ll enter and win the Royal Rumble match on January 18th. Elias starts singing a song, but he gets interrupted by Sasha Banks’ entrance music. She comes down to the ring and Elias starts to resume his song, but then he gets interrupted by Mickie James’ entrance. Elias tries to sing his song again, but this time he gets interrupted by Bayley’s entrance music. Bayley tries to give Elias hug as he leaves, but he declines and walks past her.

– Sasha Banks, Bayley & Mickie James vs. Absolution: Mickie starts off against Paige, and Paige seems to get the upper hand. Sasha and Sonya tag in and start going at it, but this one quickly devolves into an all-out brawl between all the women. Sonya and Mandy double team Sasha in the ring until the ref calls for the bell, and it looks like this one is ending in a DQ.

Winners via DQ: Sasha Banks, Mickie James, Bayley

– Nia Jax runs in for the save and starts taking on Absolution. Nia hits a double Samoan Drop on Sonya and Mandy, but then Paige runs up and takes out Nia’s knee from behind. The rest of the women’s locker room clears out and hits the ring to brawl with Absolution. They keep fighting until Stephanie McMahon’s music hits and she makes her way down to the ring. The wrestlers stop fighting and form a half-moon around Stephanie who is in the middle. Stephanie talks about how inspiring the women are, and then announces that at Royal Rumble there will be an all-woman battle royal. Stephanie tells the crowd that if there was ever a time for a “Yes” chant, this is it. The crowd cheers and some join along in Stephanie’s “Yes” chant. The women in the ring look excited about the news and RAW goes off the air with everyone in the ring happy.

The movie “Ferdinand” features John Cena and Kate McKinnon in voice-over roles and has had the worst opening weekend ever in the history of its studio.

Blue Sky Animation (Ice Age franchise) produced Ferdinand. The film only grossed $13 million opening weekend, the lowest of any Blue Sky film thus far. The previous lowest-grossing opening weekend for a Blue Sky film was “Ice Age: Collision Course” which grossed over $21 million.

Ferdinand

The computer-animated feature is focussed on a bull from Spain named Ferdinand who is ridiculed by other bulls for being different. John Cena voices the bull. It cost the studio $111 million to make the movie.