Wed Jan 08 11:40:00 UTC 2025: **Raw Highlights: Kevin Owens Battles Mojo Rawley, Seth Rollins and AOP Continue Their Assault, and More**

**Des Moines, IA –** Monday Night Raw delivered a night of intense action and escalating rivalries five years ago. The show opened with a heated confrontation between Kevin Owens and Mojo Rawley, culminating in a No DQ match that saw Owens utilize various ringside weapons before ultimately succumbing to a table-shattering powerbomb courtesy of Rawley. Owens’ post-match call-out resulted in a brutal attack by Seth Rollins and AOP, leaving Owens battered and vulnerable. The attack highlighted the growing threat posed by the newly formed heel alliance. Commentary, particularly Samoa Joe’s impassioned remarks, underscored the seriousness of the situation and foreshadowed darker times ahead.

Elsewhere on the card, a quick title change saw Akira Tozawa pin R-Truth for the 24/7 Championship in a humorous segment filmed in New York City. Bobby Lashley defeated Cedric Alexander in a match heavily influenced by Lana’s upcoming wedding to Lashley, distracting Alexander and assisting Lashley’s victory. Drew McIntyre decisively defeated Zack Ryder, further cementing his dominance and proclaiming 2020 as his year. Becky Lynch issued a challenge to Asuka for a title match, which Asuka seemed to accept.

The undercard featured a series of quick matches: Aleister Black defeated Deonn Rusman, only to be quickly defeated himself by Buddy Murphy in a cleverly booked squash match setting up a rematch for the next Raw. Ricochet triumphed over Ariya Daivari, and Charlotte Flair defeated Chelsea Green. The main event saw Seth Rollins and AOP unsuccessfully attempting to dethrone Rey Mysterio for the US Title, resulting in a disqualification victory for Mysterio. Following the match, the trio brutally attacked both Mysterio and commentator Samoa Joe, leaving the show on a cliffhanger. The show included several humorous segments featuring R-Truth and Akira Tozawa’s ongoing 24/7 title chase, which took place on the streets of New York City. Erik Rowan also continued his strange storyline involving his caged pet.

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