WWE RAW DAY 1 2024 - Pechanga Arena

WWE DAY 1 RAW

Introduction of the episode includes Michael Cole & Wade Barrett welcoming everyone in the arena and at home to 2024 and the first edition of Raw for the new year. Along with showing all of the matches and what to look forward to including a return of a former WWE Champion and Cody Rhodes live!

Match 1 - Becky Lynch vs Nia Jax

Before the match a video package shows a call back to infamous incident between the two in 2018, leading to the iconic image of Lynch with a blood covered face in the WWE Universe as SD Live invaded Raw. Which would begin ‘The Man’ era for Becky Lynch.

Hard hitting opening from both with Becky Lynch getting the better of NJ including a missile drop kick landed by Becky Lynch off the top rope. Back and forth between each including Nia Jax missing and punching the turnbuckle post from the outside and failed cannonball to the outside, leading to a 9 count from the referee for Nia Jax to get back to the ring, 

Becky Lynch with a signature leg drop from the top rope but only a near fall. Straight into a Disarmher lock on Nia Jax. Nia powers up into a sit out powerbomb seemingly using strength from out of nowhere. Near fall of 2.85. Jax with a thunderous Samoan Drop from the top turnbuckle which Lynch manages to muster the strength to kick out of at 2.95.

The crowd on their feet for both competitors giving their all to win this opening contest, which could be huge for momentum in the lead up to the Royal Rumble. ‘Becky Lynch showing why she is a 6x Women's Champion. NXT Champion & Royal Rumble winner.’ Michael Cole explains what makes her earn her accolades in the WWE.

Flurry of furious Becky Lynch offense but a huge right hand similar to that from 2018, leads to an Annihilator to finish the match with a huge win for Jax. With visible shock and quiet filling the arena.

Next up the American Nightmare Cody Rhodes makes the crowd erupt with his spectacular entrance with two deafening ‘WOAH!!’

Cody cuts a promo to end the conflict with Nakamura TONIGHT, however then interrupted but Sinsuke Nakamura wants to make Rhodes wait another week. A frustrated Cody Rhodes then saw as he clearly was ready and fired up to end this tonight. 

Match 2 - Kofi Kingston & Jey Uso vs Imperium

Match was off to an intense and fast paced start when a difficult landing from Giovani Vinci leads to the referee quickly checking on him, which he quickly makes known to doctors that he may be hurt by holding up the X sign to doctors at ringside. 

The match then quickly and correctly called off if Vinci is hurt and cannot continue, with Jey Uso & Kofi Kingston being declared victorious by referee stoppage. Confused but also concerned looks on fans for one of the members of Emperium, who will hopefully make a speedy recovery. 

Return of a former WWE Champion segment

The crowd to their feet in anticipation as Samantha Irvin says to welcome the former WWE champ. However, the crowd seems quite underwhelmed as Jinfer Mahal's music hits, with many even booing to show their displeasure. 

Jinder cuts a promo on how the USA is as divided as it has ever been and that he is the person who can unite them back together. Then saying he isn't liked as he speaks and looks differently, with more boos coming from the crowd. 

As Mahal  begins to speak again in his native language, ‘IF YA SMELL…WHAT THE ROCK IS COOKING’ hits to the eruption of the crowd in San Diego. The Rock has arrived at Monday Night Raw. 

The Rock showing the camera on the ramp, the goosebumps all over his arm as he looks into the crowd going wild for his arrival. ‘ABSOLUTE PURE ELECTRICITY!’ ‘A TRUE ONE OF ONE!’ ‘THERE IS NO ONE ON THE PLANET LIKE THE ROCK!’ Michael Cole matches the energy of the WWE Universe for the arrival of The Rock. 

‘ROCKY! ROCKY! ROCKY!’ fills the arena as The Rock looks around taking it all in. ‘The Rock is not ashamed, actually The Rock is damn proud to be the People’s Champion’ with the fans making the feeling mutual between them and The Rock, with loud cheers. 

Fans inside the Pechanga Arena, say along with the The People’s Champ ‘The Rock has come back to SAN DIEGO!’ followed by cheers of happiness and excitement. 

Dwayne Johnson says ‘If you were one of The Rock’s movies you would be Baywatch" then Mahal responds with ‘thankfully i've never seen Baywatch’ with the quick wit response from Rock of ‘well nobody else did either’ to the amusement and surprise of the people inside Pechanga Arena. 

The Rock continues with ‘Wait, you actually didn't see Baywatch?’ Mahal then interrupted saying 'I've never see…IT DOESN’T MATTER IF YOU DIDN'T SEE BAYWATCH’ Jinder falling into the trap some many others have over the years. The crowd at home and in attendance love what they are seeing and hearing from The Rock. 

The Rock gets the crowd involved with one half of the arena saying ‘DAY ONE’ and the other side saying ‘DOUCHEBAG’ to insult Mahal, who looks infuriated looking at Rock with a huge smile on his face of enjoyment. 

Mahal then attacks Rock holding him in the corner when The Rock retaliates with right hands and a spine buster to deliver the People’s Elbow with the crowd going wild. 

‘The Rock is a little hungry, I’m gonna go get something to eat. When The Rock is going for something to eat, should The Rock sit in a booth? Or should The Rock sit at the bar? Or should The Rock sit at the Head of The Table?’ 

The quote of the night that sends verberations through the wrestling world as to if this is a direct message to Roman Reigns, which it appears to be. To the shock, excitement & eager anticipation of the people in attendance and watching from home for the dream match they all want to see. 

MAIN EVENT - Seth Rollins (c) vs Drew Mcintyre (World Heavyweight Championship Match)

Intense start by the champion as he takes out Mcintyre on the outside, Tables turn as Drew looks to take Rollins out on the commentary table. Rollins then reverses an Alabama slam attempt on the outside by Mcintyre. 

Rollins attempts to dive through the ropes to Mcintyre on the outside, which is reversed by McIntyre as he then belly to belly suplexes the champ onto the outside. With the thud of Rollins body hitting the mat heard around the arena and through screens around the world. 

Seth with a DDT counter puts Drew in position for a picture perfect Frog Splash off the top rope, with a near fall to follow for the champion as he looks to retain. 

Rollins jumps with freak athleticism, meets McIntyre at the top rope to deliver a signature suplex and Falcon Arrow. However, this is reversed by Drew who delivers a Falcon Arrow of his own, another near fall this time for the Scottish Warrior. 

A White Noise from the second rope by McIntyre, with a nod to his well known close friend and fellow European, Sheamus, with another near fall. Future Shock DDT by Drew who then kicks himself up and looks at the camera with his long hair over his face, similar to how he would look during his 2018 heel run in his return to the main roster with Dolph Ziggler. 

Claymore attempt reversed into a well executed power bomb by Rollins with another near fall. Seth looks at the ref in shock and disbelief at how this match is still going. Reversal after reversal by both until the champ delivers The Pedigree for a count of 2.85. 

A confused and exhausted Rollins looks around as Damien Priest music hits, appearing with a referee and “Dirty” Dominic Mysterio, looking as though he may cash in his briefcase for a title shot anytime and anywhere. 

Dirty Dom with the distraction as Priest strikes SR over the head with his briefcase. Looking to then cash in as a disgruntled Drew McIntyre appears in the back of the shot to deliver a Claymore to Priest. Dominic Mysterio is then taken out by Mcintyre as he rolls back into the ring to finish the match.

Looking to end the match, Mcintyre delivers a Claymore to an already hurt Rollins. As the pin is counted Rollins manages to get his foot onto the bottom rope, recognised by the ref as his hand goes to hit the 3 count. The match continues to the outrage of Drew Mcintyre

. 

‘Seth Rollins is there for the taking’  Wade Barrett emphasising what can be clearly seen as a damaged and exhausted Rollins. With the opportunity in front of McIntyre which he needs to take. 

The Scottish Warrior then in a last ditch attempt to end the match, looks to put Rollins through the commentary table, which costs McIntyre as Rollins counters for a Pedigree on the table instead. A move taken by his mentor, former Authority colleague & now head of WWE Creative in Triple H. 

Seth then rolls Mcintyre into the ring to deliver the Stomp to a dazed Mcintyre to get the 3 count and win this incredible match on the Day 1 edition of Monday Night Raw. The perfect start to the year for the World Heavyweight Champion, with Rollins looking to make 2024 the year of The Visionary.