RAW begins with a a brand new opening!
John Cena is seen standing in the ring with the WWE Superstars.’
John Cena says The Authority is back in power and their first order of business was to bring everyone down to the ring to address them face to face. Cena takes a moment to apologize to the WWE Universe and the Superstars because he had to go back on his word and bring back The Authority. Cena thought he could be Superman and save Edge, but realized he couldn’t and Edge’s health was more important than The Authority.
John Cena is about to make a promise to the WWE Universe and the WWE Superstars, but gets cut off by The Authority.
Stephanie McMahon mocks the way John Cena opened RAW, then kicks off RAW with Vince McMahon-like excitement. Stephanie says she and her husband Triple H had a great New Years because they knew they were coming back to WWE, which was Best For Them and what was Best For Business.
Triple H mocks the WWE Universe and WWE Superstars for thinking The Authority was gone for good thanks to the “Face Painted Goof,” Sting.
Triple H reminds the WWE Universe that they were begging for The Authority back, then mocks the Anonymous RAW GM and Ho-Ho Hogan running the show. Triple H calls RAW without The Authority a sinking ship.
Triple H says WWE and The Authority are back and it’s all thanks to one man. Triple H introduces the man responsible for all of this, Seth Rollins.
After Seth Rollins greets The Authority and celebrates, he wish his good friend in yellow, John Cena, a Happy New Year. Triple H tells Seth Rollins that The WWE Superstars, WWE Universe and The Authority owes him a debt of gratitude. Triple H wants to make things right for Seth Rollins and as a Thank You, Triple H announces John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar vs. Seth Rollins in a Triple Threat Match for WWE World Heavyweight Championship at the Royal Rumble.
Stephanie McMahon gives John Cena thanks as well, for breaking his promise to himself, the WWE Superstars and the WWE Universe, and bringing back The Authority. Stephanie claims that Cena deep down knows what’s Best For Business and rewards him by making tonight “John Cena Appreciation Night.” Stephanie tells Cena that his attendance is mandatory and guarantees The Authority will deliver. saying John Cena has to attend the show. Stephanie guarantees it will be great.
Triple H says it’s a new era for The Authority, with no agendas or ulterior motives, and that the WWE Superstars will get out what they put into the era.
Triple H turns his attention to tonight’s RAW and Dolph Ziggler, and puts him in a match with Bad News Barrett for the Intercontinental Title right now.
Match 01: Dolph Ziggler vs. Bad News Barrett (Intercontinental Championship)
Dolph Ziggler catches Bad News Barrett with a crucifix.
Winner: Dolph Ziggler
Post-Match, Bad News Barrett destroys Dolph Ziggler, throwing him into everything.
Kane comes out and makes the match 2 out of 3 falls.
Match 01: Dolph Ziggler vs. Bad News Barrett (2 Out Of 3 Falls)
Bad News Barrett takes Dolph Ziggler out with the Wasteland.
Winner of the 2nd Fall: Bad News Barrett
Bad News Barrett goes for the Bullhammer, but Dolph Ziggler catches him with a Superkick.
Kane gets on the ring apron, but Dolph Ziggler Superkicks him..
Dolph Ziggler tries to Superkick Bad News Barrett again, but gets caught with the Bullhammer.
Winner and NEWWWWW Intercontinental Champion: Bad News Barrett
John Cena Appreciation Night: John Cena’s 2002 Debut Against Kurt Angle
Backstage: Renee Young asks Roman Reigns what can we expect from his match from the Big Show. Reigns doesn’t know what to expect from Big Show, but Big Show can expect Roman Reigns. Reigns recites the Faster Than A Speeding Bullet Speech from Superman, then tells Renee Young To Believe That.
Bray Wyatt Speaks:
Bray Wyatt asks Dean Ambrose about his New Years Revolutions, bringing up his criminal Father. Wyatt tells Ambrose that like his Father, he is going to do his time and go away. Wyatt says when he slams the ambulance door shut it will mark the end of their incredible journey and Ambrose’s Lunatic Fringe will be nothing more than a lost soul. Wyatt says the devil is real and he is suffering and pain. Wyatt says tonight, the devil walks beside him.
Match 02: The Ascension vs. ???
The Ascension bring up Ax and Smash of Demolition, saying they’d destroy Demolition and The Road Warriors, saying they’d throw them off the road. The Ascension mocks the Road Warrior’s “What A Rush” catchphrase, then says “What A Joke.” The Ascension tells the WWE Universe to Welcome To The Wasteland.
The Asecnsion destroys their competition.
Winners: The Ascension
Backstage: Lana speaks about Russian Christmas and she and Rusev have a gift for them. Rusev and Lana warn the United States to stay out of Russia’s business and any other countries business. Rusev calls America out for disrespecting other countries traditions and says Vladimir Putin is the only man who can lead this world to peace and prosperity. Lana brags about Rusev’s undefeated streak, saying he rises above the rest.
John Cena Appreciation Night: John Cena beats JBL to become WWE Champion
Three Man Booth 