AJ Styles, Matt Riddle and Keith Lee all won qualifying matches to set up a Triple Threat Match for a WWE Title opportunity next week, The New Day once again defended the Raw Tag Team Titles and more.
Raw results, Nov. 23, 2020
The New Day def. The Hurt Business’ Cedric Alexander & Shelton Benjamin
The New Day finished a grueling week of competition with a championship rematch against their latest challengers, Cedric Alexander & Shelton Benjamin of The Hurt Business. Benjamin appeared shot out of a cannon early, as the bruising Superstar brought the offense to the mat. After Alexander slyly interfered when the official’s back was turned, Kofi Kingston and Benjamin were counted out before they cold reenter the ring. As Kingston & Xavier Woods exited up the ramp, MVP proposed the match continue and appealed to the pride of the Raw Tag Team Champions.
The Hurt Business’ aggression only ratcheted up another level after the match’s restart. After an Olympic Slam from Benjamin, it appeared the Raw Tag Titles were about to change hands. As The Hurt Business’ enforcer lined up Woods for a powerbomb, the fate of The New Day looked sealed, but Woods had one last gasp. A Sunset Flip roll-up from Woods caught Benjamin by surprise, and The New Day escaped with their Raw Tag Team Titles.
Riddle def. Sheamus – Advanced to Triple Threat Match for WWE Title opportunit
Earlier in the night, Adam Pearce announced a WWE Title opportunity would be given to a member of Team Raw as reward for their Survivor Series win. Braun Strowman offered a monstrous response with a headbutt to Pearce. After some recovery and a conversation with Randy Orton, Pearce proclaimed qualifying matches would take place to set up a Triple Threat Match for a WWE Title opportunity next week on Raw.
Riddle and Sheamus were the first two competitors to battle it out for the coveted spot. The Survivor Series teamwork went out the window, as the rivalry between the two heated back up on Raw. Riddle soared in for a huge Broton, but The Celtic Warrior kicked out and came battling back with 10 Beats of the Bodhrán. Riddle shocked Sheamus when he kicked out after a White Noise from the second rope. When The Celtic Warrior locked in a Cloverleaf, Riddle had one last gasp to counter for the roll-up win.
Asuka & Lana def. Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler – Non-Title Match
A night after very different outcomes, Asuka and Lana met in a Raw Women’s Championship Match. The match was quickly derailed by the presence of Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler, and a tag team match ensued after their challenge. The Empress of Tomorrow did her best to fend off the Women’s Tag Team Champions, but Baszler trapped Lana in the Kirifuda Clutch. As the match seemed headed for a conclusion, Asuka swooped in to roll-up Baszler to get the win and help Lana escape without a crash through the announce table.
Keith Lee def. Bobby Lashley by disqualification - Advanced to Triple Threat Match for WWE Title opportunity
It was a battle of big vs. bad, as Keith Lee and Bobby Lashley shared the ring with hopes of earning a WWE Title opportunity. The All Mighty put on a jaw-dropping display of strength by lifting Lee onto his shoulders outside the ring and ramming him into the ring post. After Lee broke his way out of a Hurt Lock, MVP rushed into the ring rather than let his client be taken out by the colossal Superstar. Lee dropped the Hurt Business leader and advanced to the Triple Threat Match by disqualification.
Alexa Bliss def. Nikki Cross
Nikki Cross was unable to reason with her former best friend in recent weeks, so she attempted to knock some sense into her in the ring. Cross attacked Bliss from the opening bell, but the wicked Superstar wore a sadistic smile throughout. After another flurry of attacks, Bliss appeared to snap to her senses and cried out for Nikki in the ring. After Cross went in for the embrace, Bliss converted a Sister Abigail and posed over her former teammate for the pin.
AJ Styles def. Randy Orton - Advanced to Triple Threat Match for WWE Title opportunity
Raw’s main event was a “WrestleMania caliber” match between the 14-time World Champion Randy Orton and "The Phenomenal One" AJ Styles. The Viper came out livid on the heels of losing his WWE Title last week and displayed cruel intentions for Styles. Orton nearly put Styles away with a quick strike powerslam, but Styles got a shoulder up in the nick of time. As Orton rolled outside the ring, The Fiend emerged behind the barricade and then again on the apron to startle The Legend Killer. Styles took advantage of the opening with a Phenomenal Forearm to finalize the field for next week’s Triple Threat Match.
Ex-teammates set for combustible clash
After failing to pry Alexa Bliss away from Bray Wyatt, Nikki Cross might not be able to salvage her friendship with WWE’s Wicked Witch, as they are scheduled to meet one on one tonight.
Cross has blamed herself for Bliss aligning with The Fiend and her ex-best friend’s ensuing descent into madness. The strange union originated this past summer after Cross refused Bliss’ consolation following a loss, leaving her all alone for her first confrontation with The Fiend. Wyatt has seemingly captured Bliss’ mind and soul ever since.
With her most recent plea for Bliss to leave Wyatt resulting in a thunderous slap last week on Raw, the former teammates pummeled each other until they were separated by officials.
Can Cross use force instead of reason to finally persuade Bliss? Or will the new, more sinister version of Five Feet of Fury prove indomitable?
What’s next for the Superstars of Raw after Survivor Series?
What’s next for the Superstars of Raw after a historic night of ups and downs at Survivor Series?
Both the Men’s and Women’s Raw teams were victorious in their traditional 5-on-5 Survivor Series Elimination Matches, including a clean sweep for the men and a sole survivor showing by Lana in a stunning turn of events.
Meanwhile, WWE Champion Drew McIntyre came up short against Universal Champion Roman Reigns thanks in no small part to timely interference by Jey Uso, Raw Women’s Champion Asuka was bested by SmackDown Women’s Champion Sasha Banks, and Raw Tag Team Champions The New Day were defeated by SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Street Profits.
Elsewhere, United States Champion Bobby Lashley crushed Intercontinental Champion Sami Zayn, and Mr. Money in the Bank The Miz won a Dual-Brand Battle Royal.
Find out what’s next for these Superstars and more tonight on Raw at 8/7 C on USA Network!
