WWE Monday Night Raw Highlights 20th Nov 2023

Published on 21 November 2023 at 16:00

Only five days from Survivor Series War Games and Monday Night Raw setup some incredible action at the Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Michgan. Lets take a look at the events from last nights ensemble of action...

 

In a surprising turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the WWE Universe, Drew McIntyre shed light on his recent actions that saw Jey Uso and Cody Rhodes come up short in their quest for the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Titles. McIntyre's interference was a calculated move, as he revealed his alliance with the formidable faction known as The Judgment Day. This unexpected coalition comes just in time for the highly anticipated WarGames Match at Survivor Series, adding a layer of intrigue and excitement to the already explosive event. As a result of this alliance, the rivals of The Judgment Day now face a daunting task: the urgent recruitment of a fifth combatant to fill the gap in their ranks and balance the scales against the newly fortified opposition.

 

Nia Jax Defeats. Raquel Rodriguez

In another bout that had the WWE audience on the edge of their seats, the formidable Nia Jax triumphed over Raquel Rodriguez in what can only be described as a Herculean struggle. The encounter, personal and intense from the onset, saw Rodriguez battle not only her formidable opponent but also her physical limits. In the climax of this titanic struggle, Rodriguez summoned the strength to hoist Nia Jax from the ropes to execute a decisive manoeuvre. Tragically, her resilience was outmatched by the toll of the match, as her back and legs tragically succumbed to the sheer weight and the relentless battle wounds sustained during the match. This moment of vulnerability was all Nia Jax, The Irresistible Force, needed. She capitalized on Rodriguez's compromised state, delivering a crushing blow with the Annihilator off the ropes, securing a hard-fought victory in a match that will be remembered for its raw display of power and determination.

 

Becky Lynch Defeats. Xia Li

In a stunning showcase of resilience and ring mastery, Becky Lynch, also known as "The Man," emerged victorious over Xia Li in a match that will go down in WWE lore. The contest began with high-intensity action as Xia Li, employing her signature spinning kick—a move that has toppled many before—sent Lynch tumbling out of the ring. Unphased and ever-defiant, The Man regained her footing in a testament to her indomitable spirit and fought back with vigor.

The battle escalated outside the ring, where Li, confident and seeking to capitalize, aimed another of her lethal spinning kicks at Lynch. In a display of veteran instinct, The Man evaded the assault with a nimble sidestep, turning the tide by launching Li into the unforgiving steel of the ring post. This pivotal moment swung the momentum firmly in Lynch's favour as the action returned to the squared circle.

Inside the ropes, Lynch executed a masterful Manhandle Slam, a move that sealed the fate of the best competitors in the business. The slam echoed through the arena, and with the referee's hand striking the mat for the decisive three-count, Becky Lynch solidified yet another impressive win in her storied career.

But the night was far from over. In the aftermath of the bell, the atmosphere turned chaotic as Damage CTRL, a faction known for their ruthlessness and unity, stormed the ring from the crowd. The surprise incursion set off a cataclysmic pre-WarGames brawl, a precursor to the impending mayhem of the WarGames match itself. Lynch, alongside the formidable Charlotte Flair, the powerhouse Bianca Belair, and the tenacious Shotzi, stood ready for combat, facing off against the invading forces.

What ensued was a no-holds-barred clash, each superstar unleashing their arsenal in a wild melee that brought the WWE Universe to its feet. This confrontation wasn't just a fight; it was a declaration of war—a statement from both sides that the upcoming WarGames would be a battle for the ages.

As the dust settled and Damage CTRL retreated, the message was clear: Becky Lynch and her allies were a force to be reckoned with, and the WarGames would be an epic struggle of wills, skill, and pure heart. The WWE Universe is left in anticipation, the air electric with the promise of an unforgettable showdown at WarGames.

 

Johnny Gargano Defeats. Ludwig Kaiser

In an intense showdown that had the WWE Universe on its feet, Johnny Gargano, known to his legion of fans as "Johnny Wrestling," clinched a hard-fought victory over the formidable Ludwig Kaiser. The stakes were high for Kaiser, who was determined to demonstrate his value to the Intercontinental Champion Gunther. In an assertive move before the match, Kaiser made it clear to Giovanni Vinci to stay clear of the proceedings, desiring to showcase his prowess in a fair contest against the stalwart of #DIY.

Despite Kaiser's explicit instructions, Vinci made his presence felt at ringside, stirring speculation among the fans and commentators. It appeared Vinci was there to tilt the scales in favour of "The Essence of Excellence" and secure a surreptitious win. The tension was palpable, as every glance towards Vinci suggested an impending interference.

Kaiser's focus wavered, caught between the high-octane match and the looming figure of Vinci at ringside. This momentary lapse in concentration proved costly. Gargano, ever the opportunist and technician in the ring, seized the moment. With swift precision, Johnny Wrestling executed his signature One Final Beat DDT, a move that has spelt the end for many opponents in the past.

The execution was flawless, the impact resounding, and as Gargano covered Kaiser for the pin, the referee's hand came down for the three-count, securing an emphatic victory for Gargano. The WWE Universe erupted in cheers for the beloved superstar, who once again demonstrated his exceptional skill and in-ring IQ.

The aftermath of the match left fans with more questions than answers. Was Vinci's ringside presence a calculated plan gone awry, or a genuine miscalculation? One thing was certain: Johnny Gargano's victory was a statement, a testament to his enduring spirit and undeniable talent in the squared circle. For Ludwig Kaiser, it was a night of what-ifs, a match that could have ended differently had distractions been set aside.

This encounter, while delivering a definitive result, has undoubtedly added fuel to an already blazing rivalry. As the road to the next WWE event unfolds, the eyes of the world will be watching to see how this saga develops, and whether retribution or redemption is written in the next chapter of this thrilling narrative.

 

Tegan Nox and Natalya become the Number #1 Contenders for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Title

In a stunning display of tenacity and ring savvy, Tegan Nox, alongside her formidable partner Natalya, ascended to become the number one contender for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Titles. The stage was set during a pulse-pounding Fatal 4-Way Match, where the duo faced fierce competition from across the division, all vying for the coveted opportunity at tag team gold.

Throughout the match, Maxxine Dupri, under the tutelage of the technical wizard Chad Gable, exhibited a series of manoeuvres that left the WWE Universe in awe. Her wrestling acumen shone brightly, giving her a significant upper hand over Tegan Nox. It seemed that Dupri's training with Gable, which focused on precision and agility, had paid dividends, as she maneuvered around the ring with the poise of a seasoned veteran.

However, the tides of battle are ever-changing, and so it was in these waning moments that destiny took an unexpected turn. Dupri, soaring through the air with a high crossbody aimed to incapacitate Nox, found her efforts thwarted in the blink of an eye. Nox, with an instinctual sense of timing, countered the aerial onslaught, rolling through the momentum to trap Dupri in a sudden pinning predicament.

The referee's hand struck the mat thrice before the audience could fully comprehend the reversal, and just like that, Tegan Nox and Natalya etched their names as the primary challengers to the reigning WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions, Piper Niven and Chelsea Green. The shock of the moment was palpable, a mix of disbelief and elation swirling through the crowd as Nox and Natalya's hands were raised in victory.

This triumph was not merely a win in the record books; it was a testament to the unpredictable nature of WWE matchups, where fortunes can change faster than a three-count. For Piper Niven & Chelsea Green, this outcome signals the arrival of a new threat to their reign – a duo with the synergy and skill to potentially topple their championship aspirations.

As Tegan Nox and Natalya prepare to step into the ring with the champions, the WWE Universe is abuzz with anticipation. Will the champions retain their dominance, or will the fresh combination of Nox and Natalya's experience and hunger for victory lead to the dethroning of the titleholders? The path to the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship promises to be a battlefield of drama, action, and pure athleticism, with the WWE Universe eagerly awaiting the next chapter in this exhilarating saga.

 

Intercontinental Champion Gunther Locks Horns with The Miz

In a moment that captured the very essence of high-stakes professional wrestling drama, Intercontinental Champion Gunther found himself embroiled in a scathing exchange with none other than The Miz, WWE's quintessential A-Lister. The arena was thick with tension as Gunther, with his imposing presence and steely gaze, launched into a verbal barrage aimed to belittle and unsettle his experienced adversary.

The Miz, whose career has been a storied testament to resilience and cunning, absorbed the taunts with the seasoned ease of a performer who has stood in the glare of the spotlight and the shadows of derision alike. However, beneath the Hollywood bravado and the showbiz glitz, lies the heart of a warrior ready to exploit any opening.

And so, in a move as controversial as it is characteristic, The Miz struck with a calculated low blow, a manoeuvre as much about mental warfare as it is about gaining physical leverage. The crowd reacted with a mixture of shock and awe, as The A-Lister capitalized on this underhanded tactic to pivot the direction heading to Survivor Series.

In the ensuing chaos, The Miz executed his famed Skull-Crushing Finale with the precision of a seasoned artist painting his masterpiece. The devastating manoeuvre saw Gunther's hopes of dominance abruptly dashed against the canvas.

In a world where giants boast of strength and titans of their power, the cunning and resourcefulness of an A-Lister can still turn the tide.

For Gunther, this encounter was a stark reminder that in the squared circle, battles aren't won by strength alone. For The Miz, this was another highlight reel moment, adding to a legacy that has been as much about brains as it has been about bravado.

The aftermath of this match leaves a litany of questions: Will Gunther seek retribution? How will The Miz leverage this victory in his pursuit of glory? One thing, however, remains clear: In the WWE, expect the unexpected, where every match tells a story, and every move can lead to a Skull-Crushing Finale.

 

Shinsuke Nakamura Defeats. Chad Gable

In a clash that displayed both athleticism and ring IQ, Shinsuke Nakamura emerged victorious over Chad Gable in a match that had fans talking. The bout, which was a riveting display of technical prowess and strategy, came to an unexpected end that underscored the unpredictable nature of WWE contests.

As the match progressed, the momentum swung like a pendulum between the two superstars. Gable, an Olympian and wrestling savant, was in his element, matching Nakamura move for move, hold for hold. However, the match's complexion changed when Gable, in a moment of heightened action, found himself careening towards an exposed turnbuckle. Showing quick thinking, Gable decelerated, narrowly avoiding what could have been a disastrous collision with the unforgiving steel.

This hesitation, however, opened a window of opportunity for Nakamura. Known for his uncanny ability to capitalize on the slightest of openings, "The King of Strong Style" pounced on the opportunity. With a swift motion, Nakamura seized Gable, executing a roll-up that transitioned smoothly into a pinfall. Before Gable could react and compose himself to break free, the referee's hand had hit the mat three times, signalling the end of the match.

Nakamura's victory was a testament to his seasoned experience and situational awareness. By turning a potentially dangerous situation to his advantage, he not only secured the win but also reminded the WWE Universe why he remains one of the most formidable and respected competitors in the ring.

The result was a stark reminder to all WWE Superstars that the margins between victory and defeat can be razor-thin. For Chad Gable, it was a bitter pill to swallow, a match lost not by lack of skill but by a fleeting moment of necessary caution. For Shinsuke Nakamura, it was another highlight reel moment in a career already studded with them, a victory claimed in the blink of an eye with the craftiness of a ring general.

 

Drew Mcintyre Defeats. Jey Uso

In an electrifying bout with high stakes on the line, Drew McIntyre emerged victorious over Jey Uso, securing a critical advantage for his team in the upcoming WarGames Match. The decisive moment came when McIntyre, known for his brute strength and resilience, delivered a thunderous Future Shock DDT—a move that spelt the end for many of his opponents. With this win, McIntyre not only demonstrated his prowess but also shifted the strategic landscape in favour of his team, giving them the upper hand as they marched toward the WarGames battleground.

The drama did not conclude with the bell, however. In the heated aftermath, The Scottish Superstar and members of Judgment Day launched a vicious post-match attack on Uso. It was a scene that threatened to escalate into utter chaos until a counterattack of equal ferocity was unleashed. Cody Rhodes, along with Seth “Freakin” Rollins and Sami Zayn, stormed the ring with steel chairs in hand. What followed was a maelstrom of retribution as chair shots rang out, echoing through the arena, a clear message sent by the retaliating trio.

Amidst the turmoil and the roar of the WWE Universe, Rhodes stood amidst his comrades, making a monumental announcement that sent shockwaves throughout the arena. Randy Orton, the Viper, a superstar whose name carries a legacy within WWE, was set to make a triumphant return. Orton, whose career has been defined by moments of cold-blooded precision and calculated violence, would join forces with Rhodes, Rollins, Zayn, and Uso. Together, they form a formidable coalition of skill, experience, and tenacity, poised to face their adversaries in a WarGames Match that promises to be a confrontation for the ages.

With the teams now set and tensions at a boiling point, the WarGames Match is shaping up to be a clash of epic proportions. It will be a battle that tests the mettle of each superstar, a challenge that could very well define their careers. For McIntyre and his allies, the WarGames Advantage might be the tipping point they need. For Orton and his team, the return of the Viper adds a lethal edge to an already dangerous ensemble.

As the WWE Universe looks on with bated breath, the anticipation for WarGames builds to a crescendo. The collision course is set, and with each passing moment, the inevitable conflict draws nearer. One thing is certain: history will be made, legends will rise, and WarGames will be a spectacle that will be etched into the annals of WWE forever.

 

Aaron Teasdale

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