WWE Raw Results (1/20/25) - Sami Zayn Has a Choice to Make

WWE Raw tonight emanated live from the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. The show featured several intriguing matches, enlightening promos and interviews, a beloved fan favorite returning and the tease of a not-so-fan favorite debuting, and much more on the Road to the Royal Rumble. Here are the Monday Night WWE Raw results from the January 20, 2025 show.

WWE Raw Results from WWE Raw Tonight

Raw is Zayn

Sami Zayn has a choice to make. That was the thread that began last week and continued on WWE Raw tonight. Zayn was featured throughout the show as he had interactions with Seth Rollins, Kevin Owens, and Drew McIntyre and was mentioned in Karrion Kross’ promo. Zayn’s actions were consequential on a night that truly focused on what is next for him. And after tonight, what’s next for him is a path that will be very, very interesting.

Last week, Zayn received advice from an old friend that it was time to start putting himself first. So when he came to the ring to a loud chorus of cheers, Zayn planned to do just that. Zayn told the fans he took Rollins’ advice to heart and thought about what he wanted for himself, specifically his younger self. Zayn said he has had a great life and a great career, one that led him from being a 14-year-old wanting to be a pro wrestler to achieving that dream and becoming one of just a handful of wrestlers in the upper echelon of WWE. Among that group? Seth Rollins, Roman Reigns, CM Punk, Drew McIntyre. The only difference between them and Zayn was that they all had won the world championship and Zayn hadn’t. But Zayn wanted to change that so he officially declared for the Royal Rumble, telling the fans that while he didn’t need the title, he wanted it, and he was going to take it.

Cue the music of none other than Kevin Owens, carrying the stolen winged eagle belt belonging to Cody Rhodes. Zayn wondered what Owens was going to do to him as a result of his support of Reigns, but Owens told his best friend he had no ill will toward him. In fact, it was the opposite as he understood why Zayn did what he did and why his actions were different than that of Rhodes. Zayn and Reigns have a history, like Zayn and Owens do. Zayn forgave Owens for the terrible things he did to him, much like he forgave Reigns. As Owens noted, that’s who Zayn was, a good person, and one who steps up for other people, especially his friends. Owens of course, was Zayn’s best friend, more like a brother, and he came to the ring to tell him he believes in him and knows Zayn can and will win the rumble. And when Owens wins the world title from Rhodes, the two can accomplish one last dream together, main eventing WrestleMania against each other. Owens continued, telling Zayn he has his back just like he knows Zayn has his. Together, they’ll both achieve their dreams because they have each others’ backs. Owens offered a parting note saying he knew Zayn would have his back if he needed it. As Owens left the ring however, Zayn didn’t seem so sure about the Quid Pro KO…

Sami Zayn has a choice to make, but it seems no matter what he chooses, it may end up with him and Owens facing each other at WrestleMania. Because if Zayn doesn’t help Owens win the world championship, it’s quite likely Owens will actively cost Zayn his shot at winning the rumble. These two are destined to fight forever and Zayn’s choices could result in a singles match at WrestleMania, even if not in the main event.

But Owens isn’t the only one Zayn seemingly has to contend with. Later in the night, Zayn caught Rollins backstage and thanked him for his advice. The two joked about throwing each other over the top rope before Zayn wished Rollins luck against McIntyre.

Rollins and McIntyre battled in the main event of the night (more on that below) and it was a brutal affair. After the match ended, McIntyre continued his assault on Rollins, nearly kicking his head into a ring post. But he was stopped by the arrival of Zayn, once again there to help out a friend. Zayn and McIntyre brawled outside before McIntyre got the upperhand and returned to the ring to attack Rollins once more. Zayn returned to the ring just in time to hit a helluva kick, only it wasn’t on McIntyre as he got out of the way at the last moment. That led to Zayn hitting Rollins square in the face as McIntyre laughed. Raw went off the air as Zayn tried to explain to a confused Rollins what happened.

Sami Zayn has a choice – rather, choices – to make and those choices are going to impact his journey toward a world championship.

CM Punk Still Has a Lot to Say

CM Punk knows how to energize a crowd. Self-proclaimed man of the people, Punk made a fantastic entrance through the crowd before meeting Jackie Redmond for an interview. Redmond asked Punk about his previous failures to win the Royal Rumble, questioning why this time would be different. For Punk, it was simple. History is why. Wrestling is a fickle business and it’s about ‘what have you done for me lately,’ and lately Punk has been making history. The stakes are too high for him not to win the rumble and for Punk, when the stakes are high, the lights are bright, and the pressure is on, that’s when he comes alive.

Punk said no one can beat him when he’s at his best. Not John Cena; Punk can’t see him throwing him over the top rope. Not Roman Reigns; Reigns needed Punk’s help at War Games. Not Drew McIntyre; he put him into the dirt. And not Sami Zayn; he’s not on Punk’s level. Punk even name-dropped Hulk Hogan saying he’d even throw his dusty ass over the top rope and end Hulkamania once and for all. This is the year Punk settles scores, cashes in debts, and calls in a favor or two if he needs to…That reminds us, Punk is owed a favor from Paul Heyman. This rumble may have just gotten very interesting…

JBL’s Triumphant Return to the Desk

Last week, it was announced that JBL would be returning to Raw for the first time in two years, though it was unknown what role he would have. That role was made clear during Raw as JBL met Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods backstage. Kingston announced JBL would be the special guest commentator for their match against Rey Mysterio and as a result, tried to bribe him (with a grand total of two dollars). Not sure what bribing the commentator would have done as opposed to the referee, but Kingston gave it a shot. New Day talked about how JBL understood them given he too had to drop the dead weight of a tag team partner. And JBL to his credit, did understand. He understood how popular and charismatic Big E was, how everywhere New Day went, people were there to see Big E. So he got why Woods and Kingston needed to drop Big E, because now, people would have to focus on them. New Day didn’t take that well…

That led into the match and a chance for JBL to reunite with Maigle, and man did it feel good. The match between Kingston and Mysterio was okay, the first singles clash between the two in over 15 years. But the main attraction was JBL back at the desk, his hatred for Mysterio still very much there. JBL picked up where he left off and if you didn’t know better, you may have thought he never left the desk in the first place. JBL and Cole’s chemistry was as good as it ever was and Wade Barrett and JBL chopped it up like old pals as well. Some of JBL’s best lines are below:

On Rey Mysterio: “He’s the worst father in the history of the world. Poor Dom. He went to prison and came out a hero, like Nelson Mandela.”

“The locker room leader shouldn’t be a guy who has to wear a mask because he’s ashamed of himself.” Michael Cole: “Are you still mad Rey retired you?”

On Kofi Kingston: “I was a big fan of KofiMania, it was a worldwide phenomenon. Kofi just happens to be a jackass.”

After Wade Barrett said how good Mysterio still was: “It’s infuriating. Are we even sure it’s the same Rey Mysterio?”

On Mysterio’s 619: “Shut up Michael, I’ve seen this movie and it sucks.”

Barrett was right when he said JBL is welcome back anytime.

Best of the Rest

Bayley’s back – Bayley announced her return to Raw, the brand that truly made her after she first left NXT. Bayley also entered the Royal Rumble, noting her intent to win back-to-back. She was interrupted by Nia Jax, leading to a match between the two later in the night.
Chad Gable owes Judgment Day – Chad Gable is acknowledging his problem. He’s lost to Dragon Lee, he’s lost to Rey Mysterio, and he’s lost to Penta. Gable went to Dominik Mysterio for help on how he can beat luchadors and Dirty Dom gave him a paper with a phone number. More to come on that, but in the meantime, Mysterio had a busy night, also inserting himself into the Judgment Day’s tag team title match next week in place of the injured Finn Balor. That’s going to go over well…
Karrion Kross is on to bigger and better things. Kross said he was excited for the competition on Raw, including guys like Sami Zayn, who liked to justify the terrible things he did. But Kross wasn’t mad at that. However, he did want fans to know not to believe a word Zayn says because he doesn’t think Zayn believes it himself.
Sheamus has the IC on his mind – Sheamus recorded a huge win over Ludwig Kaiser last week and now, he’s moving on to face Bron Breakker for the Intercontinental Championship, the one title that’s eluded him over his career. Sheamus promised Saturday would be the day before Breakker interrupted telling him he should just retire.
Jey and Gunther trade barbs – Jey Uso opened the show only to be interrupted by Gunther, much like the inverse of what happened last week. Gunther shut down the idea Uso would ever win the world title, even going so far as to say he may as well have been facing Jimmy Uso on Saturday instead as it didn’t matter. Gunther remarked that Uso was a ‘useful idiot,’ and one who would be exposed in their match. Gunther told Uso he had no business even being in the same ring with the title, let alone ever winning it. Uso agreed Gunther was right. He told the champ he respected him but on Saturday, Gunther would respect him too because only one of the two of them had ever main evented WrestleMania and it wasn’t Gunther. That was enough to get the Ring General going as he attacked Uso. But Main Event Jey Uso fought back, superkicking Gunther out of the ring. That left Uso to hold up the world title as the crowd cheered.

WWE Raw Match Recap and Results

Kofi Kingston vs Rey Mysterio

The New Day wasted no time gaining fans with the Dallas crowd, instantly telling production to turn the music off and the colorful graphics. They’ve gone full heel. Kingston cut a promo insulting the fans and their disrespect to them before going over to JBL to reclaim his two dollars. It was announced that Kingston would wrestle (and according to Woods, beat) Mysterio.

Kingston and Mysterio started pretty evenly in a fast-paced affair. Mysterio looked for the 619 early but was stopped as Kingston escaped to the floor. Turns out this was all part of his plan as once Mysterio followed out to the floor, Kingston took charge and dropped the LWO leader face-first on the apron. This allowed Kingston and Woods to taunt JBL a bit, though if they could have heard his commentary, they’d know he was loving the brutal assault on his old rival. The action returned inside with some big spots from both guys as the back-and-forth remaining largely even. Except for the two-on-one that was clear early on. Woods made his presence known throughout the match, ultimately preventing Mysterio from a 619. The ref caught it and threw Woods out. This allowed Mysterio to get the upper hand, finally hitting the 619 and finishing by countering the S.O.S. into a roll-up. Following the match, Woods returned to attack Mysterio with Kingston before LWO ran in to make the save.

Seth Rollins vs Drew McIntyre

Before the match, a video package airs reminding fans of the animosity between these two. It seemed settled at WrestleMania but looks like they’ve got one more in them. Rollins enjoyed an extended entrance, playing to the crowd. McIntyre entered after a break and the action was immediately fast and furious. McIntyre and Rollins traded blows with McIntyre getting the early edge with a huge tackle. As the action develops, Rollins manages to recover, hitting McIntyre with a suicide dive that brings the action to the floor. Rollins attempts a second dive but McIntyre is there, catching him and hitting him onto the announce desk with a huge suplex. Both guys continue fighting, trying to prevent the other from gaining any sort of advantage as Rollins sends McIntyre shoulder-first into the ring post. But they know each other too well. McIntyre begins targeting Rollins’ back while Rollins focuses on McIntyre’s arm. The two also engage in a series of counters starting with McIntyre countering a Falcon Arrow into his own Falcon Arrow for a nearfall. Rollins ducks the Claymore and sets up for a stomp but McIntyre counters for another nearfall. That’s when the personal attacks begin as McIntyre keeps calling Rollins selfish before both men have a chance to hit their power moves. Rollins gets a near fall on McIntyre before a series of counters that see McIntyre flip a Pedigree into a clothesline. Rollins traps McIntyre in a Crossface but McIntyre reaches the ropes and uses a distraction by the ref to grab Rollins’ hair and hit a Futureshock DDT. Another near fall. McIntyre continues to taunt Rollins as he hits him with a clothesline after a clothesline. McIntyre gets ready to finish it off but Rollins counters, catching McIntyre off guard. The match is over.

McIntyre is incensed at the loss and begins attacking Rollins, hitting him with a Claymore. Before he can do more damage, Zayn runs out to make the save, preventing McIntyre from kicking Rollins’ head into the ring post. The two brawl outside with McIntyre making quick work of Zayn before returning to attack Rollins. Again, Zayn attempts to make the save but instead of hitting McIntyre with the Helluva Kick, he hits Rollins instead. McIntyre laughs as he walks away and the show goes off the air with Zayn trying to explain to Rollins what happened.

Nia Jax vs Bayley

It was a SummerSlam rematch as Nia Jax met Bayley. Only this time, Roxanne Perez was front and center, there to continue her verbal harassment of Bayley that started on NXT. Bayley started hot, but her offensive flurry was stopped in its tracks by Jax’ power moves. Jax and Bayley fought to the outside, allowing Perez to briefly get involved before security forced her back to her seat. But the short distraction allowed Jax to take control, physically abusing Bayley for a few minutes before Bayley finally gained a head of steam and almost got a near fall. Jax regained her advantage briefly before Bayley dropped her face-first on the turnbuckle. The match continued for a bit with Jax ultimately getting the last laugh, finishing Bayley off with a combo of moves resulting in the Annihilator.

Jax’ celebration was short-lived as Rhea Ripley beelined to the ring. Only, the attack from earlier limited her so Jax was almost able to get in a cheap shot. Before she could, however, security dragged Jax away only for Ripley to take out everyone. Ripley then issued a challenge. Ripley vs Jax is official for Saturday Night’s Main Event.

Penta vs Pete Dunne

After Pete Dunne told fans to stop calling him ‘Butch,’ Penta came out to applause and the match quickly got underway. The two bruisers hit the ground running with Dunne getting the early lead, snapping Penta’s fingers. Penta is able to catch his bearings though, catching Dunne with a superkick that sends him to the floor. The action continues outside of the ring with some stiff forearms from Dunne. Penta battles back as the match continues its fast pace, hitting another superkick following the Mexican Destroyer. Penta and Dunne trade moves and counters before Dunne attempts to stop Penta’s Cero Miedo taunt, snapping his fingers back. Dunne locked in a choke hold but Penta broke the hold with a backbreaker. This left the perfect opportunity for the Sacrifice and finally a Penta Driver for the win. Another great match for Penta and another great choice of opponent.

Damage CTRL vs Pure Fusion Collective

A match years in the making unfolds as former NXT rivals, Dakota Kai and Shayna Baszler meet alongside the rest of Damage CTRL and Pure Fusion Collective. Zoey Stark gets the action going with a blind tag on Baszler before things can kick off. Stark targets Kai with a springboard dropkick that Kai never saw coming. Baszler tags back in and immediately goes after her old rival. Kai finally gets some relief, enough to tag in IYO Sky, who hits a series of two-on-one strikes to take out PFC. Baszler tags a suplex to the floor before Sky hits a huge dive off the ropes followed up by a dropkick. It was all Sky at this point. Back in the ring, Stark takes a near fall. Before Sky can take advantage, however, she’s distracted by Baszler’s vicious attack on Kai. This allows Stark time to strike as she gets a near fall of her own. PFC responded with their finisher combo but it’s not enough. Kai and Stark end up outside of the ring, allowing Sky the opportunity to trap Baszler in the ropes and hit the Over the Moonsault. That’s enough for Damage CTRL to take the match. However, it seems things between these two groups are just getting started.

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