John Cena Is Entering The Royal Rumble Match – John Cena opened tonight’s edition of Monday Night RAW. He said he refuses to be left out of WrestleMania (is he ever?) this year, thus officially entering himself in this years Royal Rumble match to help his chances of earning a main event match at the show of shows.
A Future Match Between John Cena And Drew McIntyre Was Teased – During Cena’s promo, after he announced his entry in the Rumble match, he was quickly interrupted by Drew McIntyre. The two exchanged words on the mic and it looked like we were going to have a match on our hands, but instead Bobby Lashley and Lio Rush randomly interrupted and claimed they all had a bigger problem to worry about, that being Seth Rollins. Seth Rollins then attacked Bobby Lashley from behind on the stage, continuing their brawl that occurred at the start of the show prior to Cena’s return. Dean Ambrose then ran out to attack Seth and then Cena and McIntyre got involved, and later Finn Balor. One thing led to another, and we got a six man tag involving the 6 superstars. It was your typical six man tag match, but what I took from it is the fact that the seeds were seemingly planted for a future John Cena/Drew McIntyre match.
Hulk Hogan’s Return – Hulk Hogan returned tonight to pay tribute to his longtime friend, the legendary “Mean” Gene Okerlund. Putting your personal feelings and opinion aside for a moment regarding Hogan, you have to admit, the kind words and video package shown for “Mean” Gene was quite touching. Good on WWE.
New #1 Contender For The RAW Women’s Championship – During Alexa Bliss’ premier episode of her new talk show “A Moment Of Bliss,” Ronda Rousey – her guest – praised Sasha Banks. Nia Jax interrupted to say a few words and then Sasha herself came out. In short, Nia Jax and Sasha Banks got into it which led to Sasha challenging Nia to a #1 contenders match. The match happened and was nothing special, nonetheless we have a new #1 contender to Ronda Rousey’s RAW Women’s Title – The Boss, Sasha Banks. The match will take place at the Royal Rumble event.
Dean Ambrose Retained The Intercontinental Championship – After Seth Rollins, John Cena and Finn Balor defeated Drew McIntyre, Bobby Lashley and Dean Ambrose, Triple H was shown backstage speaking to other talents, which ultimately led to Seth confronting The Game. Upon his confrontation, he demanded an Intercontinental Championship match tonight against Dean Ambrose. Triple H obliged and said it’d be Falls Count Anywhere. Later on in the night, they had their match, which Dean ultimately won via help from Bobby Lashley. That’s pretty much it.
High Points
– Tribute to “Mean” Gene.
– A future match in which John Cena puts over Drew McIntyre looks like it’s on the horizon.
– Sasha Banks is rightfully back in the title picture, and will be in the spotlight against RAW Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey.
Low Points
– Baron Corbin vs. Elias…again.
– The Revival losing…again.
– Braun Strowman’s promo and overall segment with Lesnar.
That’s it. Thanks.
