WWE Raw Results: Highlights, Grades, Analysis For January 8 Show

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Samoa Joe vs. Rhyno (With Heath Slater)

The building of Rhyno and Heath Slater’s “new” gimmick took another turn for the worst with a battle against Samoa Joe.  Rhyno tried to show Slater how to be tough, but the only one who looked tough in the match was the Samoan Submission Machine for much of it.

Rhyno got a limited amount of offense in, but ultimately Joe made Rhyno tap out after a short, glorified squash match.  Joe then cut a promo after the match with his attention shifted towards Roman Reigns.

Joe then announced he would enter the Royal Rumble match, which will greatly affect the match.  As a bonafide superstar, Joe will certainly be a force to be reckoned with.  He also made an interesting comment that John Cena would be the first one he eliminates in the match.  Could that set up a potential Joe vs. Cena match at WrestleMania?

A backstage interaction between Alexa Bliss and Nia Jax ensued with Jax announcing she would enter the women’s Royal Rumble match.  Bliss tried getting back in the good graces of Jax, but it didn’t turn out the greatest.  The Raw Women’s Champion tried shifting the attention towards Asuka, but it didn’t work.