WWE had the final Monday Night Raw before the 2016 Royal Rumble and centered hype squarely on promoting that match.
The show kicked off with Chris Jericho and Roman Reigns chatting and then being confronted by the League of Nations. This fed into a Roman Reigns vs. Rusev match that the Big Dog came out on top of.
Becky Lynch used Ric Flair and goaded him into accepting a rematch on behalf of Charlotte, so that match is on for the Diva’s title at the PPV.
Kevin Owens did great commentary in a tag match pitting Dean Ambrose and Kalisto against Sheamus and Alberto Del Rio of the League of Nations.
The main event segment was the Highlight Reel with both Brock Lesnar and Roman Reigns. Paul Heyman was also involved. Ultimately it turned into a big brawl with the dozen or so wrestlers who are officially announced for the Rumble, with the Wyatts getting the upper hand as the show went off the air.
Check out all the best video highlights from the show!
Roman Reigns wants payback against Brock Lesnar: Raw, January 18, 2016
The WWE World Heavyweight Champion kicks off Raw demanding a confrontation with The Beast Incarnate, but Chris Jericho has other plans.
Stephanie McMahon berates Chris Jericho: Raw, January 18, 2016
The Billionaire Baroness reminds Y2J that there will be severe consequences if he thinks of crossing The Authority again.
Natalya vs. Brie Bella: Raw, January 18, 2016
The returning Queen of Harts squares off against her “Total Divas” co-star Brie Bella.
Ryback & The Dudley Boyz vs. The Wyatt Family: Raw, January 18, 2016
The Big Guy teams with Bubba Ray & D-Von Dudley to take on three members of The Wyatt Family.
Big Show vs. Heath Slater: Raw, January 18, 2016
The World’s Largest Athlete clashes with The Social Outcasts’ Heath Slater.
The McMahon family reveals the No. 1 entrant in the 2016 Royal Rumble Match: Raw, January 18, 2016
The No. 1 participant in the 2016 Royal Rumble Match is chosen from the tumbler, and the unlucky recipient isn’t entirely surprising.
Roman Reigns vs. Rusev – Special Guest Referee Chris Jericho: Raw, January 18, 2016
Y2J takes it upon himself to officiate an impromptu bout pitting The Big Dog against The Super Athlete.
Becky Lynch vs. Tamina: Raw, January 18, 2016
As Becky Lynch awaits Charlotte’s response to her Divas Championship challenge for the Royal Rumble event, The Irish Lass Kicker battles Team B.A.D.’s Tamina.
The New Day pays tribute to “Francesca”: Raw, January 18, 2016
Xavier Woods mourns the passing of his beloved trombone.
Dean Ambrose & Kalisto vs. Sheamus & Alberto Del Rio: Raw, January 18, 2016
The Lunatic Fringe teams with the gravity-defying Kalisto to square off with two members of The League of Nations.
Jey Uso vs. Big E: Raw, January 18, 2016
Jey Uso faces Big E in this exciting Raw matchup.
Henry, Titus, R-Truth & Neville, vs. Breeze, Stardust & Ascension: Raw, January 18, 2016
Eight-man tag team action explodes on Raw.
Tensions rise as Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar appear on “The Highlight Reel”: Raw, January 18, 2016
Chris Jericho invites longtime rivals Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar to “The Highlight Reel,” which quickly becomes a chaotic preview of what to expect in the 2016 Royal Rumble Match.
