WWE RAW: Cody Rhodes breaks Solo Sikoa's undefeated streak

This is the final episode of WWE Raw before WrestleMania 39 this weekend, so we can expect WWE to tie a bow on all of the major storylines heading into the pay-per-view.

Cody Rhodes pins Solo Sikoa on WWE RAW [Image-Twitter]
By Blesson Daniel | Mar 28, 2023 | 5 Min Read follow icon Follow Us

Cody Rhodes had warned Bloodline member Solo Sikoa prior to Monday night’s Raw that he was “not ready” for their one-on-one bout. Rhodes delivered on his promise by winning the main event and ending Sikoa’s unbeaten streak on the main roster.

The two guys fought all-out in their fight, which nearly went in Sikoa’s favor when The Usos arrived at ringside. However, Rhodes was saved by Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens, allowing him to pick up a significant win less than a week before he fights Roman Reigns for the uncontested WWE universal championship in the WrestleMania main event.

WWE RAW match card

  • Becky Lynch vs Iyo Sky
  • Mustafa Ali vs Seth Rollins
  • 8-man Tag Match
  • Sonya Deville and Chelsea Green vs Mia Yim and Candice LeRae
  • Damian Priest vs Rey Mysterio
  • GUNTHER vs Dolph Ziggler
  • Cody Rhodes vs Solo Sikoa

Becky Lynch vs Iyo Sky

The Miz introduced Raw with an edition of Miz TV. He looked ecstatic to be on the Road to WrestleMania because he is this year’s host. He invited Lynch, Stratus, and Lita to talk about their impending match against Bayley, Iyo Sky, and Dakota Kai this Saturday. Damage CTRL made its way to the ring, as expected. This resulted in a match between Lynch and Sky.

As soon as the bell rang, The Man pounced on Sky. She had complete control of The Genius of the Sky until a ringside distraction allowed Sky to kick her in the face. After both ladies put forth a strong effort, Lynch earned the victory with a Manhandle Slam. Even though there was a little mayhem early on, the end to this match was clean.

Winner: Becky Lynch

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Mustafa Ali vs Seth Rollins

Backstage, Mustafa Ali and Seth Rollins chatted, which led to The Drip King claiming he would confront Ali in a bout even though Ali was attempting to be his buddy. Initially, Ali used his speed and agility to avoid Rollins. He tried to reason with him, but The Visionary kept pursuing. A clothesline turned the former Retribution leader inside out. Rollins delivered one of the most horrific Stomps he’s ever delivered. After Ali crawled to the center of the ring, he hit a second to seal the victory.

Winner: Seth Rollins

Before these two powerhouses meet for a match at WrestleMania, Omos, and MVP were out first for a weigh-in with Lesnar. As Omos arrived at the ring, the Beast attacked him, but the huge guy was able to stop him with a single kick. Lesnar exited the ring, and the segment concluded with them gazing at one other. This felt like a waste of time because Omos had already beaten The Beast in their previous encounter.

8-man Tag Team Match

In an eight-man tag match, Montez Ford, Angelo Dawkins, Strowman, and Ricochet face Erik, Ivar, Otis, and Chad Gable. These were simply temporary partnerships because these are the four teams who would fight in the WrestleMania tag team showcase. As the crowd chanted “We want the smoke,” Gable and Dawkins began with a fast-paced exchange of takedowns and counters.

The babyfaces had the upper hand until both sides collided and began brawling. As we returned after our break, Erik was still keeping Ford grounded. Ford and Ricochet defeated Erik with a spectacular series of high-flying maneuvers that had the audience on its feet.

Winner: The Street Profits, Braun Strowman, and Ricochet

Sonya Deville and Chelsea Green vs Mia Yim and Candice LeRae

Chelsea Green was left without a partner when Carmella had an injury and Piper Niven refused to work with her. Fortunately, she ran across Sonya Deville in Adam Pearce’s office, and he matched them up and granted them an opportunity to compete in the WrestleMania tag team showcase.

Mia Yim and Candice LeRae were their challengers. The brunt of the offensive was provided by the HBIC and Poison Pixie, but Green and Deville did not go down without a fight. After a diversion from Deville, Green struck Yim with an Unprettier for the pin and the victory

Winner: Sonya Deville and Chelsea Green

Damian Priest vs Rey Mysterio

Dominik Mysterio showed out to support Damian Priest as he faced off against his father and future WrestleMania opponent, Rey Mysterio. Before the contest, the jaded son trashed his father once more. When he came down the aisle, the Master of the 619 was not his usual lively self. He appeared depressed and upset that his relationship with his son had deteriorated so drastically.

As we returned after our break, the game had already begun. Rey landed a wheelbarrow bulldog before attempting a seated senton from the top rope. The Archer of Infamy was able to reclaim control thanks to his stature and might. He overpowered his smaller opponent for a few minutes, but Dominik ended up disqualifying Priest by attacking his father.

The save was performed by Legado Del Fantasma, who drove Dom and Priest out of the ring. The match itself was excellent, but it was the father-son drama that clinched the deal. That encounter between Rey and Dom will either be one of the finest or one of the most forgotten of the event.

Winner: Rey Mysterio via DQ

GUNTHER vs Dolph Ziggler

GUNTHER had to fight another former intercontinental champion, Dolph Ziggler, before facing Sheamus and Drew McIntyre this weekend. The Showoff landed a dropkick and a leaping DDT just after the bell rang, but after the IC champion got his composure, he delivered a chop that put Ziggler out cold.

We didn’t see much before the show went to commercial, but when we returned, Ziggler was making a comeback. The Ring General reclaimed control and won with a powerbomb followed by The Last Symphony.

Winner: GUNTHER

Cody Rhodes vs Solo Sikoa

The main event of the night pitted Rhodes against Sikoa. The Street Champ was more interested in softening Rhodes up for Reigns than in winning.

When Rhodes attacked him with a shoulder tackle, they locked up and Sikoa didn’t move. The American Nightmare tried to stick and move to evade the powerhouse, but one throw placed The Street Champ in command.

This was a grueling fight for both guys, and it spilled out of the ring several times. Sikoa’s goal was to do as much harm as possible, so he exploited elements of the surroundings to bring Rhodes even more suffering along the way.

The American Nightmare was able to rebound and perform numerous iconic techniques including the Cody Cutter, but Sikoa was able to avoid being pinned by the Cross Rhodes by getting his foot on the bottom rope.

The 30-year-old Samoan almost dodged a moonsault, but he couldn’t prevent another Cody Cutter. The Usos’ music came on, and they walked down to the ring to distract Rhodes, allowing Sikoa to pound him with a superkick and a side slam for a tight two-count. When Rhodes finished off Sikoa with another Cross Rhodes, Sami Zayn, and Kevin Owens came out to face The Usos.

Winner: Cody Rhodes

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