On January 23, 2006, WWE Monday Night Raw from Charlotte, North Carolina, opened with a focused segment on Edge and Lita as the show built anticipation for the main event headlined by Edge and John Cena. Edge boldly declared that he would not be a transient champion but a ratings draw, challenging perceptions of past titleholders and setting the stage for his upcoming Royal Rumble match and WrestleMania plans. This assertion underscored the intense rivalry and ratings battle central to WWE Raw at that time, reinforcing the significance of the WWE Raw Edge ratings in the wrestling community.
Opening Moments Feature Tense Promos and Heated Exchanges
The show launched with Edge accompanied by Lita to the ring, where Lita introduced him with a declaration that he would soon appear at WrestleMania. Edge then claimed,
“coming to a WrestleMania near you.”
He emphasized his distinction from past champions such as the Iron Sheik and Mick Foley, who lost titles quickly and faded. Edge continued with a pointed jab, saying,
“I’m not going to lose it 16 times like Ric Flair. And I’m not going to become a walking joke like Ric Flair. But, then again, Ric’s not exactly walking right now, is he?”
The crowd responded with chants of “We want Flair.”
Edge mocked Ric Flair’s absence by claiming to have taken care of him the previous week and predicted that John Cena’s career trajectory would decline after their rematch, asserting fans would then be forced to support
“another overrated piece of crap like Cena.”
The segment was charged with tension and sexual undertones between Edge and Lita, setting a provocative tone just as Cena’s entrance music played, signaling his forthcoming rebuttal.
John Cena Fires Back with Sarcastic Retort and Future Predictions
John Cena responded by ridiculing the opening montage as a movie trailer, presenting his own version: a story of a “boy and his ho,” referring to Edge and Lita, which drew laughter from the crowd. Cena outlined a plot where Lita falls out of love with Edge after he loses the title to Cena and subsequently hooks up with Hacksaw Duggan. His pointed wordplay extended to calling Edge the “Rated-R Superstar” who would soon become
“Rated G for gone and gonorrhea.”
When Lita fired back, Cena sarcastically remarked,
“It’s nice to see something of substance coming out of your mouth.”
Cena promised,
“at Sunday’s Royal Rumble, I’ll make you mine.”
Early Matches Set the Tone with Physicality and Surprises
The first contest pitted Kane against Carlito, where Kane quickly dominated but Carlito avoided pinfall by resorting to a chair shot, resulting in disqualification. Kane remained dominant even as Carlito retreated backstage. The segment earned a solid 3/4-star rating for its intensity.
Backstage segments showed Lita attempting to charm Big Show to align with Edge’s team for the main event, though Big Show firmly declined, promising his own Royal Rumble victory leading to WrestleMania. Meanwhile, emotional tension unfolded as Mickie James confronted Trish Stratus about being replaced on Trish’s team, leading to a distressed breakdown and a quietly charged scene filled with hesitation and a psycho tone from Mickie.
Coach and Jerry Lawler Clash Over Royal Rumble Qualification
A backstage verbal confrontation between Coach and Jerry Lawler evolved into a confrontation where Coach announced he would be the Royal Rumble’s final entrant. Lawler objected, leading to a challenge that resulted in a match. The match was unexpectedly interrupted by the debut of the Spirit Squad, a male cheerleader faction that distracted Lawler and helped Coach secure a roll-up pin victory in less than two minutes. This introduced the Spirit Squad as a significant new heat-generating faction on WWE Raw.
Women’s Tag Match and Backstage Moments Add Layer to Storylines
A tag match featured Ashley and Trish Stratus against Victoria and Candice Michelle with Torrie Wilson and a dog at ringside. Ashley and Trish displayed control, leading to Ashley scoring a crossbody pin. Post-match, Mickie James attacked Ashley, with commentators labeling Mickie as “crazy,” heightening the ongoing storyline tension. Shelton Benjamin’s backstage exchange with his mother gave a personal glimpse into his character, where she reassured him when he expressed frustration over being called a “mamma’s boy” by Shawn Michaels.
Tribute to Superstar Graham Highlights WWE Legacy
A promotional segment honored Superstar Graham with various wrestlers praising Graham’s interview skills. John Cena acknowledged him as a pioneer of “Thugonomics,” while Hulk Hogan reflected on Graham’s untapped potential to be a major star had the business been ready. The segment culminated with Graham and his wife being introduced ringside, adding a nostalgic element to the evening’s programming.
Showdown Between Shawn Michaels and Shelton Benjamin Raises Stakes
In a high-profile match, Shawn Michaels faced Shelton Benjamin, with Vince McMahon announcing that if Michaels lost, he would be removed from the Royal Rumble. The match featured a strong offensive showing from Benjamin, who maintained control through various takedowns and submission holds, showcasing his athleticism. Michaels battled back with resilience, including a dramatic top-rope elbow and setup for Sweet Chin Music.
A distraction caused by Shelton’s mother at ringside allowed Shelton to pin Michaels after a roll-up, but Michaels quickly reversed to score the victory with his signature move. The match earned a 3/4-star rating, praised for its above-average action but noted for being somewhat one-dimensional due to Shelton’s sustained offense until the last minute. The emotional conclusion showed Shelton in tears, comforted by his mother.
Speculation Grows Over Edge’s New Tag Team Partner
Backstage footage teased Edge and Lita planning to recruit a new partner for the upcoming tag team match. Initially undisclosed, the mystery partner was later revealed to be Triple H. Triple H displayed hesitation but eventually said, “I’ll think about it.” This set the stage for heightened drama in the main event build-up.
Preview and Build-Up to the Royal Rumble Maintain Viewer Interest
Announcers previewed the anticipated Royal Rumble matches, including Ashley versus Mickie James with Trish as the special referee. Joey Styles expressed enthusiasm toward the 30-man Royal Rumble as his favorite event, providing excitement for viewers and tying into ongoing storylines.
Behind the Scenes: Vince McMahon’s Provocative New Year’s Resolution
In a backstage confrontation, Vince McMahon challenged Shawn Michaels, questioning when his luck would run out. McMahon revealed plans to revert WWE to a more decadent era filled with
“sex, drugs, and rock and roll,”
embracing a ruthless persona focused on personal gratification. He invited Michaels to join him in this lifestyle, referring to it as a return to “all-night parties” and recklessness. Michaels firmly declined. McMahon expressed disappointment and warned that Michaels’s luck would end at the Royal Rumble, concluding with a solemn guarantee.
Unexpected Twists Mark Royal Rumble Qualifying Matches
A tag match for Royal Rumble qualification featured Jerry Lawler facing Coach, resulting in Coach’s victory aided by the disruptive Spirit Squad debut. The Spirit Squad’s energetic performance quickly made them a compelling antagonist faction for WWE’s target audience, easily drawing boos for their obnoxious style.
The Royal Rumble second chance four-way match saw Big Show against Lance Cade, Rob Conway, and Gregory Helms. Big Show dispatched the trio with ease, showcasing dominance and securing his place in the Royal Rumble. The segment ended with Triple H confronting Big Show, declaring hostility and stating he would win the Royal Rumble himself, advising Edge that he was now on his own and declaring,
“Quite frankly, I’m done taking charity cases.”
Edge and Chris Masters Face John Cena and Ric Flair in Fateful Tag Match
The main event delivered a six-minute, high-energy contest with John Cena announcing Ric Flair as his tag partner. Flair’s arrival incited enthusiastic chants from the Charlotte crowd. The match saw Flair tag in early, aggressively targeting Chris Masters, before Cena took over with a flurry of offense. Lita interfered to protect Edge by preventing an FU finisher. The match climaxed with Cena applying the STFU submission on Masters, prompting a quick tap-out and victory for Cena and Flair.
This final contest received a 3/4-star rating, noted for its excitement and careful pacing that teased the impending Cena-Edge feud without revealing too much before the Royal Rumble pay-per-view.
The Show’s Place in WWE History and Future Implications
This episode of WWE Monday Night Raw, while not as electrifying as the previous weeks, effectively positioned storylines for the Royal Rumble and WrestleMania. Edge’s outspoken confidence regarding his impact on WWE Raw and his confrontation with John Cena offers insight into the intense ratings battle and shifting alliances within WWE. The involvement of major figures like Ric Flair, Triple H, and Vince McMahon underlines the significance of this period in wrestling history.
The introduction of new factions like the Spirit Squad and the continuation of personal rivalries promise escalating drama in WWE programming. Vince McMahon’s assertive return to a more rebellious persona adds a layer of intrigue, suggesting an unpredictable path forward for WWE’s future narratives. As the Royal Rumble approaches, fans can expect heightened tensions and pivotal turning points based on the developments from this broadcast centered on WWE Raw Edge ratings and key rivalries.
