WWE Raw Results, Grades & Opinion: January 18, 2021

WWE Raw Results, Grades & Analysis: January 18, 2021

A.K.A. The One Where Alexa Goes Full Fiend

Results:

• Charlotte Flair def. Peyton Royce
• Mace def. Xavier Woods
• Shayna Baszler def. Mandy Rose
• A.J. Styles def. Ricochet
• Hurt Business def. Lucha House Party & Matt Riddle
• Jeff Hardy def. Jaxson Ryker
• Alexa Bliss def. Asuka

The Main Event: Alexa’s Playground

It’s Alexa’s world, and we’re all just living in it. The show started with the victim of her fireball attack last week: Randy Orton. Wearing a mask, Orton delivered a promo promising to remain in the Royal Rumble match. It appears his issues with The Fiend are far from over, so will the Fiend appear in the match?

"Despite my sickening affliction, I vow to remain in the #RoyalRumble Match. I can only compete as long as I tolerate the pain, but … I enjoy the pain."#WWERaw @RandyOrton pic.twitter.com/CYIAn8MoeP

— WWE (@WWE) January 19, 2021

Alexa had her main event match against Asuka, but first welcomed her onto Alexa’s Playground. During the segment, Asuka didn’t seem phased by Bliss at first. Asuka made the mistake of sitting on the swingset, which apparently was occupied by an invisible friend.

"The Fiend is still here." – @WWEAsuka@AlexaBliss_WWE didn't take too kindly to that … or did she? 🤨 #WWERaw #AlexasPlayground pic.twitter.com/5vXSan6FrU

— WWE (@WWE) January 19, 2021

In their match, Bliss unleashed her whole Fiendish bag of tricks. She hit a Sister Abigail for the win, and even pulled out some quick-change magic. Bliss has gained some tricks from the Fiend, and seems more powerful than ever. She may be a favorite to win this year’s Royal Rumble.

👀 HOW did @AlexaBliss_WWE just do what she did? #WWERaw pic.twitter.com/R21QeHx9ss

— WWE (@WWE) January 19, 2021

The Undercard:

Charlotte and Lacey Evans have taken their feud to a new level, all thanks to Charlotte’s dear ol’ dad. Ric Flair appeared during Charlotte’s match with Peyton Royce and gave Lacey a robe of her own. Is it creepy? Tremendously! There are some weird undertones to dressing your apparent new boo to look like your daughter, but it is definitely getting under Charlotte’s skin.

Give us your best "WOOOOO!" @LaceyEvansWWE!

She and @RicFlairNatrBoy just took the mind games with @MsCharlotteWWE to a whole new level. #WWERaw pic.twitter.com/Zwl7BKbO22

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— WWE (@WWE) January 19, 2021

Retribution continues to have their eyes on the New Day. This week, Mace was able to take out Xavier Woods in singles action. The build for their feud seems pretty simple: New Day are positivity, Retribution are all negativity. It’s simple, but effective. Can’t wait to see a big match when Kofi returns from his jaw injury.

EXCLUSIVE: @AliWWE and @RETRIBUTIONMACE want to bring #TheNewDay's @TrueKofi & @AustinCreedWins back to reality. #WWERaw #RETRIBUTION pic.twitter.com/giSZFLvZlf

— WWE Network (@WWENetwork) January 19, 2021

We’re probably getting a Matt Riddle-Bobby Lashley match sometime in the near future. Hopefully it will be better than this miffed foot stomp spot.

That was a brutal stomp to the floor! #WWE #WWERAW pic.twitter.com/GDYoac6lpP

— NoDQ.com: #WWE #RoyalRumble 2021 news (@nodqdotcom) January 19, 2021

Hurt Business had some issues of their own during their six-man tag match. It feels too early to be splitting them up, but could one be turning face on the others?

The #HurtBusiness appears to be having some chemistry issues…#WWERaw @Sheltyb803 @CedricAlexander @The305MVP @fightbobby pic.twitter.com/mGMaDtsRl1

— WWE (@WWE) January 19, 2021

MizTv gifted us with Gillberg & Drew McInFart as a preview for the Royal Rumble where Miz may still cash-in. Would Gillberg really be that much of a downgrade from Goldberg at this point?

Gillberg couldn't even put @mikethemiz & @TheRealMorrison in a good mood on #TheDirtSheet. #WWERaw pic.twitter.com/V5EOhuJWce

— WWE (@WWE) January 19, 2021

Grade: B-

There were some definite misses on this show (looking at you, Gillberg) but overall it was a solid show. Mace-Woods was a good match, as was Styles versus Ricochet. The show was buoyed by the performance of Bliss. From the Playground segment to the final match, Bliss had an excellent show and has fully embraced this new role. Her (and The Fiend when he returns) are two of the most exciting acts on Raw right now. Overall, a good show this week as we build to the Royal Rumble.