The Rated R Superstar returns to Raw AGAIN!
Because Edge is back for revenge on Randy Orton! Will the Viper pay for the RKO on Beth Phoenix that closed last week’s Raw?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Angel Garza VS Rey Mysterio; Mysterio wins.
- Bobby Lashley VS Zack Ryder w/ Curt Hawkins; Lashley wins.
- Drew McIntyre VS Erick Rowan; McIntyre wins.
- Liv Morgan & Natalya VS The Kabuki Warriors; The Kabuki Warriors win.
- WWE 24/7 Championship: Riddick Moss VS Cedric Alexander; Moss wins and retains the WWE 24/7 Championship.
- Aleister Black VS Seth Rollins w/ Murphy; Aleister wins, by disqualification.
- 8 Man Tag: The Viking Raiders & Street Profits VS Seth Rollins, Murphy & The Authors of Pain; Rollins, Murphy & The AOP win.
PLAY BY PLAY
The Man opens Raw!
Becky Lynch holds her Raw Women’s Championship up high, more than ready for her new #1 contender after Elimination Chamber! The Queen of Spades is coming for her title, but Becky doesn’t seem too worried about that as she grabs a mic. “Washington DC, the Man has come around.” But no more treading water or making jokes now that we know the cage fighter is going to WrestleMania. Becky cues up footage from Shayna Baszler’s shockingly dominant performance. No other woman eliminated another, Shayna did as she promised as she took out each and every one of them! And she enjoyed every single moment of it.
After her victory, Baszler told WWE media that “Becky Lynch has never faced anyone like me, because there is no one like me.” She already drew blood, and that is just a taste of what she can do. Shayna wrecked the Chamber to send a message to Becky. “Becky, look at me when I’m talking to you.” It’s like she knew Becky would watch this video! Shayna vows to take the title, “and there’s not a damn thing you can do about it, bitch!”
Back in the present, fans cheer for Becky as she considers her response. “Now here’s the thing about Shayna Baszler.” She cut through the field in a matter of minutes, and took out the one woman it took Becky’s entire career to beat. An MMA pioneer, a top tier competitor and a two-time NXT Women’s Champion, but also “a world class scumbag.” Becky tells the “black hole of charisma” off that she may be a bitch but she’s the bitch that runs the division. Fans are strongly behind Becky as she says she used to think of Shayna as “the constipated-looking robot from NXT,” the one who refused to shake Becky’s hand. Becky sees clearly now that Shayna is the biggest threat to the reign since Becky pried this title from Ronda’s hands.
Shayna isn’t just after the title, is she? Becky knows Shayna has been lurking, looking to rewrite history. Normal people like Becky don’t beat trained killers like Shayna. Except when they do. Heart VS Skill, The Man VS Queen of Spades. But Shayna is underestimating Becky, and Becky will smash Shayna’s face in for it. Mic drop and title raise, but will Becky be able to do all that with Shayna being out for blood and gold?
Angel Garza w/ Zelina Vega VS Rey Mysterio!
El Latino es en fuego, but the King of Lucha Libre looks to extinguish that hot streak right here! Mysterio also wants revenge for the bare concreted DDT from weeks ago! With El Idolo still WWE United States Champion, who moves up in the ranks to head for Andrade Almas and WrestleMania?
Garza lounges on the ropes until the bell rings. Mysterio rushes Garza but dodges Garza’s counter to get a headlock. Garza powers out, Mysterio goes up and over, then comes back to tilt-o-whirl headscissor Garza into buckles! DC fires up as Mysterio wrenches and whips. Garza reverses to hammerlock, but Mysterio gets up to snapmare Garza! Mysterio runs and headscissors, but Garza blocks it! Garza brings Mysterio up, pushes Mysterio off, and then BOOTS him to ropes! Fans boo as Garza grins and waistlocks. Mysterio fights out with elbows and a wrench. Mysterio whips, Garza reverses, Mysterio goes up to get a SUPERKICK!
Vega applauds as Garza dares Mysterio to stand. Garza dropkicks Mysterio hard out of the ring! Vega sits up on the apron to watch as the pants come off! Fans boo but Garza just soaks it all up as Raw goes picture in picture.
Garza goes out to fetch Mysterio and throw uppercuts. Garza clubs Mysterio and puts him in the ring. The ref counts but Garza gets in to catapult guillotine Mysterio! Mysterio sputters but Garza is on him with a cover, ONE! Garza keeps hold of Mysterio by a leg and kicks him around. Garza has both legs again, but Mysterio resists the turn, so Garza catapults Mysterio into buckles! And SUPERKICKS him deeper in! The ref checks on Mysterio but Garza drags him up for stomps! Garza grinds his boot in but backs off at the ref’s count. Garza dares Mysterio to stand, Mysterio flounders to a corner, Garza runs in to BOOT! He hoists Mysterio up top to tear at the mask! The ref reprimands, Garza soaks up heat, but Mysterio elbows him down!
Mysterio fights Garza but Garza yanks him into a Tree of Woe! And CLUBS him down! Garza drags Mysterio around to cover, TWO! Garza keeps on Mysterio with a headlock and grinds him down. Mysterio endures as Garza changes to a neck crank. Raw returns to single picture as Mysterio fights up and out! Mysterio pushes Garza and then hops up, but gets a pop-up kick! Garza glares down at Mysterio as he drags him to the ropes. Garza puts Mysterio on the ropes and mocks the dial! He runs, but into a DROPKICK! Mysterio won’t let anyone mock 619! Vega shouts at Garza to get up as both he and Mysterio stir.
Mysterio crawls over and throws forearms on Garza! Garza shoves, waistlocks Mysterio but Mysterio throws him out! Mysterio dropkicks Garza out then builds speed, sliding splash! Vega panics as Mysterio drags Garza up. Mysterio puts Garza in and takes aim, to springboard seated senton! He keeps moving, basement seated senton! Garza sunset flips but Mysterio slips out to BUZZSAW! Cover, TWO! Garza crawls to ropes but Mysterio runs, to springboard crossbody! But Garza catches him! And shifts him around to an inverted rebound suplex! Cover, TWO!! Mysterio survives and Vega is furious! Mysterio enziguris Garza to the ropes! Dial it up, but the call disconnects, SUPERKICK!!
Garza drags Mysterio up as the fans are thunderous! “He’s done!” Garza underhooks, lifts, but Mysterio powers his way to a corner for the ropebreak! The ref counts but Garza puts Mysterio up top. The two brawl with haymakers, Garza grabs the mask and headbutts! Mysterio headbutts back! And punches Garza off the ropes! Mysterio adjusts, leaps, but no Destroyer! Alabama and spin, but Mysterio headscissors Garza onto ropes! 6 1 9!! Springboard elbow drop! Cover, Mysterio wins!!
Winner: Rey Mysterio, by pinfall
The King of Lucha is back on top! Will he also get one more chance against Andrade and that United States Championship?
The Authors of Pain and Buddy Murphy “welcome” Kevin Owens to Raw.
As does Seth Rollins, with his bag of popcorn. Kevin responds by throwing his luggage at them! But he finds himself in a 3v1 mugging, and thrown into racks! Murphy kicks Kevin into trunks! The AOP throw Kevin into a bin! And dump the rack onto him! Security rushes in to back Rollins and his followers off, but the damage is done. Will Kevin be able to fight back as Rollins moves forward with “Phase 2” of his plan?
Stone Cold Steve Austin makes next week’s Raw “3:16 Day”!
That’s because he’ll be back on 3/16! What will the Texas Rattlesnake have to say this close to WrestleMania?
Raw shares Rhea Ripley’s visit to Raymond James Stadium ahead of WrestleMania 36.
Home of the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers and now the XFL’s Tampa Bay Vipers, this stadium will also be where the NXT Women’s Championship makes history by joining the WrestleMania card. The Aussie Nightmare feels honored to be part of such history. She takes a look around, and can’t get over the sheer size. She started wrestling in front of 50 people, maybe even less. A dream is coming true and it humbles Rhea. Rhea’s dream has been to help others, but she had to first help herself find who she was.
When Rhea first came to WWE, people were all saying that she was a lot like Charlotte Flair. So since then, she made sure she would stand out differently from Charlotte. Ric Flair would say, “To be the man, you’ve got to beat the man,” aka to be the best, you must beat the best. Charlotte is certainly one of the best, and while Rhea doesn’t know what’ll happen, she knows Tampa will erupt seeing that match. Rhea vows to beat the best to become the best, but will the Riptide fail to capsize the Queen?
Charlotte Flair is here!
The Queen of All Eras struts down the ramp and DC lets out a “WOO~!” for her. Charlotte has a referee help her through the ropes, then she is handed a mic. “Everyone, ladies and gentlemen, did you see that package? Meet Rhea Ripley, the next big thing. The new shiny toy! Inspiring.” The video had Charlotte all fired up. What about the fans? But this is what confuses Charlotte. Rhea knows that to be the best, you must beat the best. Yet Rhea doesn’t want to be like Charlotte, she wants to be herself. Don’t lose any sleep over this because Charlotte will make this clear: Rhea is not like Charlotte, she will never be like Charlotte and there will only ever be ONE Charlotte!
So Rhea can continue to be shiny and “the next big thing” and enjoy the hype surrounding her, because it won’t last. Charlotte will remind us all why she wants the NXT Women’s Championship: to teach Rhea and everyone else a lesson. It’s one thing to be in an empty arena and talk about hopes and dreams, and another to stand in an arena of 90 THOUSAND people and be humbled by the Queen. But wait! Rhea Ripley is here! And she also struts right out to the ring. Rhea helps herself through the ropes, gets herself a mic and says, “I’m going to explain something to you.” Charlotte says we’ve heard enough from Rhea just in that video. “This is not NXT. This is Monday Night Raw!” Raw is Charlotte’s Kingdom! Charlotte tells Rhea she is excused.
Rhea DECKS Charlotte instead!! Charlotte can’t help but smile and laugh at Rhea’s guts. Rhea does take her leave now, a smile on her face, too. The Queen composes herself while Rhea asks how her jaw feels. But how will either woman feel when they collide in Raymond James Stadium?
Bobby Lashley VS Zack Ryder w/ Curt Hawkins!
The Rocky Mountain Machine is without the Ravishing Russian this week, but the Broski has his bro with him. Will any of that make a difference?
The bell rings, Lashley runs Ryder over with a shoulder then hauls him up. Lashley throws haymakers and stomps into Ryder but the ref backs him off. Lashley runs back in to RAM his shoulder into Ryder! Clearly that loss to R-Truth in the Tuwaiq Mountain Gauntlet is still bothering him…
Fans troll with “We Want Lana!” while Lashley puts Ryder in a corner and he stomps away. The ref backs Lashley off but Lashley soaks up the heat. Lashley runs corner to corner again, but Ryder knees back! Ryder hops up, but his missile dropkick misses! ROCKY MOUNTAIN SPINE BUSTER! Lashley raises a fist in victory, and drags Ryder up for a gut wrench, DOMINATOR! Cover, Lashley wins!
Winner: Bobby Lashley, by pinfall
He may not have a trophy but he isn’t any less mountainous. Will Lashley unleash on this homestretch to WrestleMania?
Raw hears from Aleister Black.
But wait, someone knocks on his door?! Seth Rollins and Murphy pay him a visit. What can he do for these “gentlemen?” Well first, nice to finally meet. Murphy has told Rollins a lot about Aleister. But Aleister seems to have a number games problem, but Rollins is an expert at it. The bottom line is, Rollins wants Aleister on his side. Will he join their movement? Perhaps not. Was Rollins not clear the first time? He’ll say it plainly: Either you’re with them, or against them. Well Mr. Rollins, those sound like fighting words. In which case, Aleister accepts. Will the Embodiment of the End make Rollins #FadeToBlack? Or is he choosing the wrong side of this war for Raw?
Drew McIntyre VS Erick Rowan!
The Scottish Stud is up against a Big Red Behemoth! Will McIntyre chop down the Ent (living tree) before going after Suplex City?
The bell rings and Rowan circles with McIntyre. DC chants for “Drew! Drew!” but Rowan runs in! McIntyre BOOTS and CHOPS but Rowan doesn’t flinch! Rowan clamps on the claw, but McIntyre fights out. McIntyre ducks Rowan to clotheslines him out! But Rowan drags McIntyre out, only for McIntyre to send him into post! McIntyre rams Rowan into barriers, then throws him OVERHEAD! Fans fire up as McIntyre leaves Rowan behind long enough to refresh the count. Then McIntyre gets curious about Rowan’s eight legged friend. McIntyre picks up the cage, sets it down, and then grabs the steel steps! McIntyre brings the steps over, everyone chants “YES! YES!” and McIntyre SQUASHES THE BUG!!
Rowan is furious, but he gets a Glasgow Kiss first! McIntyre puts Rowan in, Rowan shoves him and charge sin, but gets post! And the FUTURE SHOCK! McIntyre kips right up to go to his favorite corner. Fans cheer and count along, 3, 2, 1! CLAYMORE!! Cover, McIntyre wins!
Winner: Drew McIntyre, by pinfall
Claymore Country crushes two monsters at once! He beats Rowan in the ring, and exterminates the above average arachnid in its cage. Will McIntyre do the same to Brock Lesnar’s reign at WrestleMania?
Liv Morgan & Natalya VS The Kabuki Warriors!
While Shayna Baszler has a match for the Raw Women’s Championship, Asuka and Kairi Sane still have their WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships to put on display. But will the Empress of Tomorrow, Queen of Harts or LIVing Embodiment be able to do much of anything after Shayna shredded them like paper?
Raw returns as Asuka and Kairi dance to their own music, and then laugh it up on the mics. “Asuka desu~!” “Kairi desu~!” And they are… the KABUKI WARRIORS! Asuka talks trash in Japanese to pretty much everyone. Kairi says Elimination Chamber was awful! Asuka’s hand got hurt MORE! How is she? “It’s okay.” It’s not! Look at what Shayna did!! Asuka is the absolute best so why did this happen to her!? WHY!? Asuka is so ready to beat up someone! Anyone! Who wants some?! Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross on SmackDown, they’re mean girls! Yeah, and dumb! But before they can talk more smack on the SmackDown team, Natalya and Liv make their entrances tonight. They also show the damage done by Shayna, but aren’t crying about it. Will they feel a lot better with a win over the tag champs?
The teams sort out and Liv starts with Kairi. The Pirate Princess and Liv circle but DC is on Liv’s side. They tie up, Kairi pulls hair and puts Liv on the ropes. The ref counts, Kairi pinches Liv’s cheeks and pats her on the head, then gives her a push. Liv smiles as she slaps and shoves Kairi back! Liv goes Matrix and rolls Kair, ONE! Kairi runs into Liv’s kick, then Liv whips. Kair redirects Liv, goes up and over to headscissor Liv down! Kairi laughs and runs back in, but into a drop toehold! She hits ropes and Liv comes back for a dropkick! Cover, ONE! Liv keeps on Kairi with an arm wrench and whips her into the corner. She hits a back body check then tags in Natty. They double suplex Kairi down, then Natty covers, TWO!
Natty keeps on Kairi with a whip, but Liv grabs ropes. Fans boo because Ruby Riott shows herself. Ruby has her own marks from the Chamber, but she says she’s just here to watch. Ruby stays back while Raw goes picture in picture.
Asuka tags in and attacks Natty, and the two point out each other’s bad arms. Natty shoves Asuka then dodges the clothesline to run Asuka over with a shoulder. She whips but Asuka reverses, only for Natty to catch the hip attack. Asuka counters the waistlock to a victory roll, TWO, Natty sits on the cover! TWO and Asuka has her cover back, TWO! Natty trips Asuka, but Asuka kicks her away before the Sharpshooter gets on! The Kabuki Warriors regroup but Natty and Liv double baseball slide dropkick! The fans fire up with Natty while she makes sure Ruby stays back. Natty puts Asuka in the ring then brings her around to tag Liv. Liv rolls Asuka up, TWO!
Liv throws hands but Asuka eggs her on. So Liv fires off forearm after forearm! Liv runs but Asuka runs her over! Ruby applauds mockingly as Asuka drags Liv around by her arm. Asuka cranks on the arm for a mounted armlock, but Liv endures. Fans rally and Liv fights her way up. Liv throws forearms but Asuka throws her by her hair! Asuka toys with Liv now, scuffing her with her foot. Asuka grinds a knee into Liv at the ropes and Kairi “photobombs” the moment. The ref reprimands them both and backs Asuka off. Liv fights back but Asuka DECKS her! And stomps her! And stands on her face! Asuka drags Liv up to whip into the corner, then throws big forearms over and over! She drags Liv back into the armlock as Raw returns to single picture.
Fans rally for Liv and she fights up again. Asuka keeps her from Natty but Liv punches Kairi! Liv elbows Asuka away, then goes up and around to missile dropkick! Liv hurries to her corner and tags in Natty! The two double whip Asuka and double hip toss! Cover, TWO! Natty drags Asuka back up but Asuka BACK HANDS! Asuka chokes Natty, but then Kairi hotshots the bad arm while the ref is pushing Asuka back. Fans boo as Asuka toys with the bad arm. Asuka wrenches and yanks the arm, then tags in Kairi. Kairi climbs up and drops ax handles on the bad arm! Kairi taunts Liv but fans rally for Natty. Now Kairi toys with Natty, and tags “Asuka-nee”. Asuka climbs up and drops her own ax handles on the bad arm.
Asuka drags Natty around to tag in Kairi. Kairi climbs up once more, and drops even bigger ax handles! Ruby likes it as Kairi stands and salutes for the cover. ONE, but Kairi kicks Natty in the bad arm. Fans rally but Kairi tags Asuka in again. They double whip Natty for kick, ax kick and a camel clutch dropkick combo! Cover, TWO! The Kabuki Warriors keep their cool as Asuka looms over Natty. Asuka kicks the bad arm over and over, then runs to sliding enziguri! ARMBAR! Natty flails and gets around to hammer away on Asuka! Fans fire up but Asuka grabs Natty for a guillotine! Natty powers up, but now Sarah Logan appears. Ruby doesn’t see Sarah until she’s ringside with her.
Asuka cranks on the guillotine but Natty powers up! Natty powers Asuka up and around to a scoop slam! Both women are down but fans rally up! Asuka and Natty crawl, but Sarah and Ruby fire off on each other! Sarah rocks Ruby with knees but Liv is climbing up? Liv LEAPS onto her former friends! The Riott Squad can’t leave each other alone! But this leaves Natty alone!! Kairi tags in and goes after Natty, but Natty kicks her away and rolls her up! ONE, DISCUS LARIAT! Cover, TWO!! Natty drags Kairi up for a scoop but Kairi slips out to waistlock. Natty elbows out hard but Asuka tags back in. Kairi runs, into the takedown and Sharpshooter! But Asuka is legal, and she BUZZSAWS Natty! Cover, The Kabuki Warriors win!
Winners: The Kabuki Warriors, by pinfall
Now that distractions are out of the way, will the Empress of Tomorrow and Pirate Princess pay the SmackDown Women’s Division a visit?
AJ Styles and the OC are here!
The Phenomenal One and his Good Brothers were about to beat down Aleister Black all over again, but the Phenom made sure they wouldn’t get away with it! These three go to the ring and Karl Anderson gives Styles a mic. “Not once but twice, the Undertaker has stuck his nose in my business, where it doesn’t belong!” Taker has taken moments from Styles! The Tuwaiq Trophy at Super Showdown, and a win at Elimination Chamber! Footage replays of that moment, and fans chant for Undertaker more now.
In the present, Styles says that “three years ago at WrestleMania, I saw The Undertaker get beat by Roman Reigns. And after the match, the Undertaker folded his jacket, took off his gloves and his hat, and laid them nice and neat right in the middle of the ring.” Taker did his fist, as if he were riding off into the sunset. He should’ve done that when the Streak ended, but whatever. The point is: it was a beautiful and powerful moment. Yet, Taker ruined it by coming back again. Whether it was ego or the paycheck, Styles will end Taker once and for all this year!
Maybe 10, 15 years ago, Styles might have been hesitant to call Taker out, but the truth is, he doesn’t see a mythical monster anymore! He doesn’t see a Phenom! Styles just sees “a broken down old man named Mark Calaway!” Taker should’ve retired in his PRIME. Styles isn’t sure why Taker keeps coming back, but he has a pretty good idea. It’s his wife, Michelle McCool! Hey, Michelle, are you watching? Time to let the cat out of the bag! They are married, “and she plays him like a fiddle!” She makes him come back, even as Taker keeps getting hurt. Michelle is the most conniving person Styles has ever met!
So here’s some advice from Styles to Taker: “Your wife is going to run you into the ground. And I’m going to help her.” Styles says he makes sure Taker DIES in the ring! Well, no, how about this. Styles will take Taker’s soul! He will do what Michelle wants someone to do! Styles challenges Taker to a match at WrestleMania! Taker, what do you have to lose? You lost your dignity, your pride, and your mystique. Now you’re just a broken down old man. Boo all you want, fans. Cheer for Taker! But we all know they don’t give a damn about Taker. So accept the challenge to fight Styles, Taker, and Styles promises will put the nail in your coffin. The strongest words anyone has ever said to the Dead Man. Will the legacy finally die?
Raw returns to a backstage interview with Randy Orton.
Charly Caruso knows he is waiting for Edge, so could he share his thoughts? The Viper stays quiet, but the slight smirk on his face speaks volumes. What schemes are hatching in that twisted mind?
WWE 24/7 Championship: Riddick Moss VS Cedric Alexander!
The Riddick Regimen is the longest reigning WWE 24/7 Champion, and is already setting records for most traditional singles match defenses. But will his time come to an end to make way for a new Age of Alexander?
The bell rings and the two tie up. Moss throws Alexander down, builds speed and runs him over with a shoulder! Alexander gets to a corner but Moss throws hands and stomps. Alexander BOOTS back! Then hops up and leaps, into Moss’s arms to Fall Away Slam Alexander into a corner! Alexander tumbles out but Moss fetches him back into the ring. Cover, TWO! Moss clamps on with a chinlock and leans on Alexander. He cranks Alexander around but Alexander endures. Fans rally up and Alexander fights up to a jawbreaker! Alexander throws haymakers then a flurry of strikes! Moss goes down, but he sends Alexander out. Alexander boots back, and step-in Complete Shots! Cover, TWO!
Moss flounders up, Alexander runs in, but Moss puts him on the apron. Alexander punches Moss away then springboards, but Moss trips him up! Alexander crashes ‘n’ burns to the mat, then Moss RAMS him into the corner! SPIKE Neckbreaker! Cover, Moss wins!
Winner: Riddick Moss, by pinfall (still WWE 24/7 Champion)
Moss takes it to the house and scores big again! Will anyone be able to strip-sack the new quarterback?
Raw returns to MVP in the ring.
Montel Vontavius Porter wants us to understand he’d rather be anywhere but DC. They’re not even really a state, they’re just a dot on the map no one cares about. But running them down is not why he’s here. MVP is transitioning from in-ring competitor to “absolute brainiac.” MVP has tasted gold many times, and now he will lead others to the goal. He will begin his stable and build it around a man like Edge. They go way back, MVP learned a lot from Edge. Edge just has a problem with focus. With MVP’s leadership, surely Edge will be back to the prominence he once held! MVP vows to make Edge a champion again, but he needs Edge to listen to him. Everyone wants to see Edge, but Edge isn’t here for the fans.
But Edge IS here! And he’s storming his way to the ring! MVP likes the serious expression on his face. “We about to make a bunch of money, man.” MVP wants Edge to join him in the ring to talk business. “You Think You Know Me.” Edge heads right to the ring, steps up to MVP and snatches his mic to shout for Randy Orton! “I need you to grow a set and get your ass out here right now!” MVP is upset with Edge, but says this is the problem. Edge’s mental focus is off! Out here embarrassing himself. Speaking of focusing on the wrong things, how is his wife? MVP, you shouldn’t have said that. SPEAR! But Orton appears! Orton throws hands and has Edge on the ropes. Edge pushes Orton off, and STEALS the RKO!!
Fans lose their minds as Edge glares wild eyes around. Edge goes out and decides to reclaim a move that’s his! He grabs a chair, and then another chair! Edge brings those into the ring but The Viper slithers away! MVP goes after Edge, but gets an arm triangle! Edge squeezes MVP until he’s faded out, but he’s just glaring at Orton the entire time! MVP gasps for air as Edge stands over the chair. Edge drags MVP up and makes sure Orton sees this FULL METAL RKO!! MVP hits chair, but Edge isn’t done yet. Edge grabs the other chair, and with fans chanting yes, “This is YOU, Randy!” CON-CHAIR-TO!! Fans want another, so Edge gives them, and MVP, another CON-CHAIR-TO!!
Needless to say, MVP will have to look elsewhere to start that stable. But with as unstable as Edge and Orton have become, will either man be left standing on the Road to WrestleMania? Orton hesitates to leave, and Edge gives chase! Will Edge catch up to the Viper before he can slither away?
Next week’s Raw will have a phenomenal contract signing!
The Undertaker will appear next week to confront AJ Styles and make their WrestleMania match official!
Triple H won the Arnold Sports Festival Lifetime Achievement Award!
Arnold Schwarzenegger gave HHH the prize personally. HHH says the gym teaches you everything you need to know to succeed in life. The more you put in, the more you get back. Whenever possible, inspire, support and give opportunities.
Raw looks at Lesnar VS McIntyre.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” the Advocate to the ranging, defending, undisputed WWE Heavyweight Champion of the World says that his client, Brock Lesnar, has demonstrated for 18 years, that he is the single most dominant force in pro-wrestling. “The list of victims is endless.” Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, Randy Orton, Hulk Hogan, The Rock, Ric Flair, Stone Cold Steve Austin, John Cena, HHH, and even The Undertaker. “No one, no one, has ever been so dominant for so long.”
But now, Drew McIntyre gives his introduction. Heyman spoke the truth. There has never been anyone who has dominated and conquered quite like Lesnar. Until Lesnar met McIntyre. Because when that happened, McIntyre ELIMINATED Lesnar from the Royal Rumble! And McIntyre made sure Lesnar understood it wasn’t a fluke when he gave THREE Claymores to The Beast last week. McIntyre has learned to never claim something he can’t back up. He chooses his words very carefully. Therefore, McIntyre will Claymore Lenar again, pin his ass, and become the NEW reigning, defending, undisputed WWE Heavyweight Champion of the World at WrestleMania!
Charly Caruso finds Edge backstage.
Edge wants after Orton but she says Orton left the arena already. Edge seethes, but he also seems to scheme. Will Edge have a plan on how to get to Orton?
Aleister Black VS Seth Rollins w/ Murphy!
The Embodiment of the End refused to join the Monday Night Messiah’s mission, but that just makes him a target of “Phase 2.” Will Rollins take all of his frustrations out regarding Raw on Aleister?
The bell rings and Aleister circles with Rollins. Rollins waistlocks but Aleister goes around to hook a leg and trip Rollins up. Aleister facelocks but Rollins endures the crank. Rollins pries out to a wristlock and wrenches Aleister. Aleister rolls and arm-drags Rollins away, then arm-drags him again! Aleister headlocks but Rollins slips out to his own. Rollins throws Aleister with the takedown, but Aleister headscissors. Rollins pops out, blocks a kick to give a kick, and runs, only to miss the stomp. Aleister swings but Rollins barely avoids the Black Mass! Aleister throws Rollins out, then fakes him out to sit down crossed legged! Fans fire up as Raw goes picture in picture.
Rollins regroups with Murphy to cool down, and then takes his time returning. Aleister patiently waits as Rollins steps inside. Rollins eggs Aleister on but Aleister does not respond. Aleister ducks the boot to kip up and fire off! Rollins knees low and brings Aleister around, but Aleister slips out of the suplex to waistlock. Rollins elbows free and runs but Aleister ducks and kitchen sink knees Rollins down! Aleister brings Rollins around but Rollins rams him into a corner. Rollins runs in but Aleister boots! And KNEES! Aleister seethes while Rollins bails out again. Murphy checks on his savior while Aleister storms over. The old rivals stare down, but Rollins throat chops Aleister! And bumps him off barriers!
Rollins puts Aleister in and stomps him around. Rollins taunts and slaps Aleister, then choke shim on the ropes! The ref counts and Rollins backs off to use the ropes to snap Aleister back. Rollins soaks up the heat as he looms over Aleister. Aleister swings but misses, and now Rollins drags him up by his beard. Rollins runs, but Aleister side steps the slingblade to fire off strikes! KNEE THRUST! Cover, TWO! Raw returns to single picture as Aleister drags Rollins up. Rollins resists the waistlock and elbows back, but Aleister still lifts. Rollins elbows again, and runs to ropes! Aleister gets a hotshot, and then a slingblade! Cover, TWO!
Rollins drives elbows into Aleister’s shoulder and neck before wrapping on a chinlock. Aleister endures and fans rally up. Aleister fights up and throws Rollins off. Rollins is in a corner, and catches Aleister for a buckle shot! Rollins drags Aleister to the apron and clubs away on him! Fans jeer as Rollins gets space and KNEES Aleister back into the ring! Only Murphy cheers as Rollins stomps back into the ring. Rollins stalks Aleister to a corner and CHOPS him down! He throws haymakers and CHOPS, but Aleister staggers to another corner. The ref reprimands Rollins but Rollins doesn’t care. Rollins runs corner to corner but Aleister puts him on the apron! Rollins holds on and springboards back in, but Aleister gets clear! Aleister rallies with forearms!
Aleister fires off a strike fest, leg sweep and knee thrust! And kip up! Fans fire up, Aleister QUEBRADAS! But Murphy distracts, so he gets DECKED! Rollins rolls Aleister, TWO! Rollins kicks, Aleister ducks to boot and ROUNDHOUSE! SNAP GERMAN! Bridging cover, but Murphy attacks!!
Winner: Aleister Black, by disqualification
The disciple saves the savior and stomps away on his former rival. But Aleister turns things around! Rollins attacks Aleister to help Murphy, and then he calls to the Authors of Pain. Akam and Rezar appear and head for the ring. They all mug Aleister 4v1, then bring Aleiser up for the suplex BOMB! But here come the Viking Raiders! Erik and Ivar wage war with Akam and Rezar once again! They each are in a corner but Murphy and Rollins turn the tide! 4v2 is still in Rollins’ favor, but here come the Street Profits! Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins even things out again! It’s a 4v4 fight! The resistance runs Rollins and his followers out of the ring! DC explodes with “We Want the Smoke!”
Ford tells the refs that before there’s any disqualifications, let’s just skip to an EIGHT MAN!! DC wants to see that! The Vikings and the Profits are up, and #WeWantTheSmoke. Rollins and his forces accept this challenge, and we’ll see this go down after the break!
8 Man Tag: The Viking Raiders & Street Profits VS Seth Rollins, Murphy & The Authors of Pain!
Raw returns as Murphy and Ford are set to start for their quartets. The bell rings and fans fire up. Murphy and Ford circle, tie up, and go around the ropes. They end up in an open corner and are pawing at each other, but they break. Ford shoves, Murphy shoves and BOOTS! Murphy whips, Ford goes up and over then handsprings to show off. And dropkicks Murphy down! Tag to Dawkins, things speed up and Dawkins dropkicks Murphy! Cover, ONE, but Dawkins drags Murphy up. Murphy elbows Dawkins away, tag to Akam and Ivar!
Ivar dodges Akam to throw haymakers and back hands! Ivar whips, Akam reverses to throw forearms. But Ivar BOOTS back! Tag to Erik, and Erik feeds Akam to Ivar’s knee! Ivar feeds Akam to Erik’s KNEE! Erik tags Ivar back in, and Ivar drags Akam up, only for Akam to knee and club him down. Tag to Rollins and Rollins throws haymakers and jabs on Ivar. Rollins whips, Ivar holds the ropes to block! Rollins tries again but Ivar won’t, so Rollins hits a rolling elbow! Tag to Murphy, and they double whip Ivar. Murphy whips Rollins in, but Ivar dodges Rollins to then run Murphy over! Tag to Erik, and Ivar scoop slams Murphy. Erik scoop slams Ivar, onto Murphy! Erik drags Murphy up but Murphy jawbreakers back!
Tag to Ford and Rezar, and Ford CHOPS away! Rezar doesn’t flinch! Ford keeps trying but still nothing. Ford ducks the punch to kick, kick and dropkick! He runs to the corner but Rezar puts him on the apron. Ford enziguris then hops up top, to leap! Into Rezar’s arms! Rezar uses a Fall Away Slam to TOSS Ford! Tag to Akam and the Authors of Pain mug Ford against the ropes! Akam knees and hammers Ford toward the corner, then tags Murphy. Murphy mugs Ford and snapmares him to a chinlock. Ford endures as Rollins taunts him. Fans rally up and Ford fights his way up to throw elbows. Murphy clubs Ford back down then puts him in the corner. Murphy taunts the Raiders but runs into a boot!
Ford fights out of Rollins’ corner but Murphy catches him. Ford sunset flips, Murphy rolls through, Ford pushes Murphy away! Tag to Erik! Erik rallies on Murphy then gives him an EXPLODER! Rezar runs in but gets knees and forearms! Erik whips Rezar but Rezar reverses, only for Erik to go up and over and shotgun knee Rezar out! Erik builds speed to DIVE! But Rezar catches Erik and stares him down! The two talk trash, Murphy METEORAS Erik down! Rollins’ followers take control as Raw goes to break!
Raw returns once more, and Rollins’ team drags Erik back to their corner! Murphy stomps Erik down then tags in Rollins so he can throw Erik out. Rollins goes out to throw Erik into barriers! And then back the other way, into more barriers! Fans boo but Rollins soaks it up. Rollins refreshes the count then fetches Erik to whip, but Erik whips and rams Rollins into barriers! Rollins is practically in the front row! Murphy gets Rollins back in and Rollins drags Erik back. Erik throws haymakers on Rollins as he hops for his corner, but Murphy goes past to blast the Profits and Akam hits Ivar! Rollins stomps Erik down and soaks up more heat as he taunts Erik’s team.
Erik throws hands back but Rollins tackles him to the corner. Murphy tags in and mugs Erik in the corner. Tag to Akam and Akam throws big knees into Erik! Tag to Rezar and the AOP give Erik the atomic KNEE! Cover, TWO!! Tag to Akam and the AOP mug Erik more. Akam clamps on with a chinlock and grinds Erik down. Ivar and the Profits coach Erik and fans rally up. Erik fights up to his feet and throws body shots. Akam knees back and tags in Rollins. The mugging continues with fast hands and big knees! The ref counts, Akam leaves but Rollins grinds a knee into Erik. Rollins backs off but Murphy gets in a cheap shot!
Fans rally with “We Want the Smoke!” and Ford stares Rollins down. Rollins goes to Erik but Erik throws haymakers! Rollins hits back but Erik keeps throwing forearms. They brawl back and forth, but Erik is gaining ground. Rollins clamps on with a facelock and grinds Erik down! Erik endures but Rollins says “Nobody’s getting the smoke!” Fans rally and Erik powers up to throw body shots. Rollins knees low then PELES Ivar! Rollins mocks the War Beard, but he turns around into Ace Ten Mao! Both men are down and DC fires up! Erik and Rollins crawl, hot tags to Murhpy and Ford! Ford springboards to crossbody! And then he dropkicks the AOP out! Ford dropkicks Murphy, too! And spins Murphy around, for a DDT!
Ford kips up as Raw goes picture in picture, and he hits the standing moonsault! Cover, TWO! Ford keeps his cool as he glares down at Murphy. He runs at Murphy in the corner but Murphy puts him on the apron. Ford punches Murphy away then climbs up top, but Akam shoves him down! Ford gets caught up on the ropes and then tumbles out. Murphy tags Akam and Akam goes around the way to drag Ford up. Akam throws Ford into barriers! Rollins applauds as Akam puts Ford in the ring. Akam stomps Ford around while staying between him and Dawkins. He drags Dawkins up to whip hard into the corner! Tag to Murphy and they mug Ford.
Murphy snapmares Ford and KICKS him hard in the back. Murphy drags Ford up to throw big forearms in the back. Rollins taunts Ford on the ropes and Murphy throws another hard forearm. Murphy chokes Ford but the ref backs him off. Rollins taunts more, but Ford DECKS him! Murphy rolls Ford up, TWO, and Ford pushes him away! Murphy keeps going after Ford, snapmare and KICK! Tag to Rollins and Rollins drags Ford up to whip. Rollins runs Ford over with an elbow then just slaps him all around! Rollins whips Ford hard into the corner! Fans rally for Ford as Raw returns to single picture.
Rollins stomps Ford’s hand, then dares him to go to his corner. He stomps Ford’s hands more, just toying with him now. Rollins makes Ford hold a hand out, but Ford rolls Rollins up! TOW, and Rollins CLOBBERS Ford down! Rollins cranks Ford’s neck then locks on a chinlock. Fans continue to rally and Ford fights his way back up. Ford throws body shots but Rollins clubs him down. Tag to Murphy and he drags Ford up for a snap suplex. Cover, TWO! Murphy KICKS Ford and drives in a knee before putting the chinlock back on. Ford endures as Murphy leans on him. Ford fights up again, and DC gets thunderous for the smoke! Murphy keeps Ford away from his corner and back suplexes Ford high and hard! Murphy taunts the Raiders and Dawkins, but turns around into a SUPERKICK!
Both men are down but moving, hot tags to Rollins and Ivar! Ivar BLASTS Rollins then scoop sidewalk slams Akam! Basement splash! Ivar dodges Rezar and gives him the seated senton! Cartwheel clothesline for Akam! Fans fire up with the War Beard! Tag to Erik and they grab Rollins. High waistlock and springboard, but Akam trips Ivar up! Rollins SUPERKICKS Erik! And then snap FALCON ARROW! Cover, but Ford breaks it! Murphy flips Ford but Ford enziguris Murphy out! Akam SPINE BUSTERS Ford but Dawkins SPEARS Akam! Rezar back elbows Murphy, but Erik returns to KNEE Rezar! Eirk turns into a mule kick, Rollins runs, but into an URENAGE! Tag to Ford and Ford is electric as he climbs. FROM THE HEAVENS!! Cover, Murphy breaks it!
Dawkins thrwos Murphy out and ROCKS him onto the AOP. Dawkins has the Vikings DIVE! They bowl everyone over! Rollins flying KNEES Dawkins down! Ford flounders over and scraps with Rollins. SUPERKICK! Rollins goes out, Ford points to the Mania sign! Ford FLIES onto everyone!! But wait, Rollins got back in! Rollins sees Ford return, to CURB STOMP!! Cover, Rollins and team win!!
Winners: Seth Rollins, Murphy & AOP, by pinfall
The Monday Night Messiah gets payback on the Raw Tag Team Champions and the rest of the resistance! But Kevin Owens is still here!? Kevin drags Rollins out and gives him payback for the assault! The AOP push Kevin into the ring but Kevin gives Akam a STUNNER! Kevin dumps Rezar out and gives Murphy a STUNNER! Rollins CURB STOMPS Kevin down!! Rollins scowls as he goes to a corner. He gives Kevin ANOTHER CURB STOMP! Rollins has Murphy stay out of the ring so that he can stand alone over Kevin. He drags Kevin up, for A THIRD CURB STOMP! Will the resistance be able to rise up after this?
My Thoughts:
A really good episode of Raw to follow up a pretty good Elimination Chamber. After the perplexing character shift last week, Becky’s back to the Becky we need for this story. Intense Becky and intense Shayna is what we need for this build. And I like that we got multiple builds in the women’s tag match tonight. The Riott Squad feud helps the Kabuki Warriors win their match, and the Kabuki Warriors’ promo beforehand was really good. I get that Bliss-Cross are pretty much the only Face team on SmackDown, and it’s always fun to see Kairi tease Alexa for being short when Kairi is barely that much taller, but I really hope we get more teams in on this. The whole point Bliss-Cross made was that the titles are cross-brand, so give us more brand representation!
Riddick Moss is becoming the biggest winner out of this next phase in the WWE 24/7 Championship’s run. He hasn’t lost the title even once since taking it off Mojo Rawley, and he’s getting wins over superstars who have already held other titles. However, we still need more social media matches for Moss because that is what charmed fans up to this point. I know Moss can be funny, so let him be the serious guy in a funny situation like he was at the Funko Pop HQ. WrestleMania needs to really give us something big for this title, too. For that matter, what is Lashley doing for Mania? Maybe he could win the Andre the Giant Battle Royal? And also take the 24/7 Championship to also take it on a long consecutive reign? That’d be pretty cool.
The Edge and Orton segment was pretty good tonight. I still feel they should’ve taken a beat for someone to give us that promised medical update from last week. That explanation to us that Edge was still able to return would’ve taken care of the stupid “Oh hey Edge is returning” advertising that just takes the drama out. Edge stealing the RKO was great, and then giving MVP multiple Conchairtos was great. I still hope MVP can make that stable as a post-Mania story. Maybe that’s something Lashley could do? And maybe the story of recruiting is made into something.
Mysterio VS Garza was a great opening match, and I’m really hoping the rumored Fatal 4 Way for the United States Championship is happening. Mysterio, Garza, Almas and Carrillo are going to steal the show. And assuming Vega’s stable no longer has the title after Mania, I would love to see them go into the Raw Tag Team Division. Almas & Garza VS Street Profits would make for some great action and promos. At least, I would hope the Profits still have the belts. I really like that Aleister was brought around into the story with them and Rollins given the history with Murphy. With Samoa Joe out from injury and suspension, I hope Aleister joins Kevin’s resistance and becomes a tag partner against Rollins and Murphy. I feel like with the US Championship and WWE World Championship spoken for, the pay off for this story are the Raw Tag titles.
Styles’ promo was wild. I did NOT think he’d do a worked shoot like that. The contract signing next week will be interesting, but I would actually hope nothing physical happens. The emphasis should be on Styles wanting to beat Taker down at WrestleMania, so nothing more should happen between them from here to Mania. McIntyre beating Rowan and “killing” the spider creature was an insane moment to give McIntyre in-ring momentum towards the title match. Plus, his promo package with Heyman was really well done, too. I think a lot of people would agree that we NEED McIntyre to win and so does the WWE. Their stocks are dropping along with their viewership and attendance. Lesnar is a great Heel, but even the greatest villain needs to lose in the end. And that needs to happen on the Greatest Stage of Them All.
My Score: 8.4/10
