WWE Raw Results: Highlights, Analysis, and Grades for January 23

Cesaro vs. Luke Gallows

Result: Luke Gallows defeats Cesaro via pinfall.

Rating: 2.25 out of 5 stars

Karl Anderson escaped from ringside during the middle of the match after Sheamus chased him away. This came from Anderson trying to interfere, but sprinted away when it looked like he would be caught by the Celtic Warrior.

Eventually, Anderson returned and sent Sheamus into the apron. This was enough of a distraction for Gallows to take control and drop Cesaro for the pinfall victory.

Moments before this match began, WWE announced Cesaro and Sheamus vs. Gallows and Anderson in a Raw Tag Team Championship match for the Royal Rumble Kickoff Show. This comes after the disqualification finish from their previous bout, which made it look like the belts changed hands.

This match could be an early favorite for a title swap if WWE wants the Royal Rumble to get off to an intriguing start. Anderson and Gallows have failed too many times to count on one finger, when going for a title. Wil Sunday be their time to shine?

Mick Foley Backstage

Foley is speaking on the phone with Stephanie McMahon about Roman Reigns vs. Chris Jericho. Sami Zayn walks in and puts Stephanie McMahon on hold. He asks how to join the Royal Rumble match. McMahon tells Zayn he has to earn his way in by defeating Seth Rollins.

This is a bad sign, especially with all the speculation that went around about WWE trying to “punish” Zayn for a tweet about the Blue Thunderbomb he sent out a little over a week ago. It had been why he looked like a fool during his interactions with Reigns and Rollins, and for his pinfall loss in the six-man tag main event.