A night of chaos, fun moments, and some head-scratching moments as we start the final stretch towards WrestleMania.
Raw Thoughts (3/11/19)
- The Shield comes out to a great ovation from the crowd for their farewell address as a group. Roman puts over last night and thanks Ambrose and Rollins for last night. Reigns is going to have his first 1-on-1 match in 5 months in Pittsburgh tonight. Ambrose is going to handle his business tonight. And then, there's Seth Rollins. "Slay The Beast" chant from the crowd. Roman again gives Seth his approval and tells him to handle his business. The Shield do their fist bump one last time. Roman and Dean get out of the ring to let Seth say what he needs to say about WrestleMania.
Seth starts to speak. "Ladies and Gentlemen..." Here comes Paul Heyman! Seth mocks the way Paul Heyman says Brrrock Lesnarrrr. Seth talks about Brock Lesnar's accomplishment. Seth Rollins talks about Lesnar's difficulties beating people of his speed and ability. He says he is uniquely qualified to beat Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania. "Slay The Beast" chants start up. Paul says tell the truth: Brock Lesnar had no time to prepare for any of those opponents. Paul points up to the screen to introduce Seth Rollins to Brock Lesnar... via a pre-taped video montage.
Paul Heyman tells Seth that he doesn't know Brock Lesnar. Shelton Benjamin comes out and German Suplexes Seth Rollins a few times.
(That was huge. I mean... SHELTON BENJAMIN STILL HAS A JOB?! I guess they are going to connect Benjamin to Lesnar by saying they were former partners. But seriously, this was just odd. They got some good sound bytes for the WrestleMania 35 match promo, but the finish of the segment was weak.)
- We return to see Shelton Benjamin take on Seth Rollins. Paul Heyman is on commentary. Heyman shoots down Cole's comments about Lesnar not showing up to work again 4 weeks away from WrestleMania. Shelton and Seth go back and forth in the ring. Seth starts getting the advantage, and he follows Shelton out of the ring to continue the attack. They return to the ring with Rollins continuing to chop and attack Shelton. Blockbuster off the corner by Seth. BURN IT DOWN Stomps. Stomp misses. Shelton is sent to the floor. He goes to dive, but Shelton gets a kick in from the floor. 2 count for Benjamin. Commercial Break.
We return from break to see Shelton Benjamin continue to beat down on Seth Rollins with a head lock. He then rams Seth Rollins back and forth between the barricade and the ring frame. Shelton and Rollins go back and forth in the ring. Rollins sends Shelton into the corner. Sling Blade by Rollins as he starts to build momentum. Springboard Clothesline by Rollins. 2 count only. Release German Suplex by Shelton Benjamin. Another one by Shelton. F-5 blocked by Seth. Curb Stomp by Rollins. 1-2-3.
(Um... Since when does Shelton Benjamin have anywhere near the body frame of a Brock Lesnar to be using his moves? Bobby Lashley is more appropriate of a guy to meet the body type of Brock Lesnar for Seth Rollins to defeat. Decent enough match, but I don't get the booking here at all. That being said, I'm glad to see Shelton on TV at this point.)
- Speaking of Bobby Lashley, it's time for Finn Balor to defend the Intercontinental Championship against former champion Bobby Lashley. Finn Balor comes out and meets Seth for a handshake on the ramp. While Finn is in the ring, Bobby's intense face is shown on the video monitor.
The bell rings. Lashley manhandles Balor early on with aggressive strikes, chokes, and headlocks. Balor finally gets a dropkick in on Lashley. Lashley regains control easily though. Balor sends Lashley to the floor and nails a running PK on the apron. Commercial break.
We return from break to see Lashley dominating Balor. Flatliner gets a 2 for Lashley. Lashley dumps Balor spine-first on the apron. 2 count. Balor rolls out of a Powerbomb attempt and gets a dropkick in. Balor starts getting some momentum going and goes after Lashley. Double Stomp to the chest by Balor. Balor is caught and manhandled from corner to corner by Lashley. Lashley gets rolled up for a 2. Sling Blade by Balor to Lashley. Lashley beats Balor to his feet. Running Dropkick by Balor. Balor gets on the corner, but the bell rings. Lio Rush distracts Balor by ringing the bell and holding into the Intercontinental Championship. Balor kicks Lio Rush away, and he springboards into a SPEAR by Lashley. 1-2-3. Bobby Lashley is once again the Intercontinental Championship.
(Wow. Lashley basically won a glorified squash match here as he mowed over Balor for the majority of the match until the last couple moments. I can't say I'm shocked that Balor's Intercontinental Championship was this short. Then again, Vince thinks Balor is too short to be anything. So, that's that. My question is will Balor or Lashley have a match at WrestleMania. Or will they be put in the Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal? )
- Baron Corbin is interviewed backstage. He's asked about his comments after Roman's leukemia diagnosis last October. Corbin owns it, and he says that he's going to house train "The Big Dog."
- Ronda Rousey comes out next to address her actions from Fastlane. Rousey tells the fans they are "bandwagon *****es." Becky is a coward just like the fans. She's going to humiliate Charlotte and Becky at WrestleMania. She's going to expose Charlotte, Becky, and WWE as the "Carny Con-Artists" that they are. She tells WWE to make it a Handicap Match. She can beat everyone. (She seems so much more comfortable as a heel.)
Dana Brooke comes out to be the jobb... enhancement talent for Ronda. She tells Ronda she has nothing left to lose. (Her job. She can lose that. Just saying...) She's not going to let Ronda disrespect the locker room. Dana loves this business and the WWE. (She's met with a mild reaction from the crowd. The crowd is not buying any of this.) Dana says each week on Raw, she fights for a chance. But she doesn't get the time of day or a match. She's not a household name like Rousey. All she wants is a chance. She talks about Rousey's Open Challenge on Raws after a PPV. Ronda just throws her jacket off and boots the hell out of Dana. Dana gets Judo Flipped around the floor. Back in the ring, she again manhandles Dana. Then, when the referees try to break it up, she belts one of them right in the mouth.
(THIS is the Ronda Rousey we should have been seeing for months. Take no prisoners and truly a Rowdy buttkicker. Her explanation for helping Becky win makes sense: She wants to beat both of WWE's best women and expose the business for being a "carny show." Good stuff here.)
- Aleister Black and Ricochet take on Bobby Roode and Chad Gable. Aleister fights off both Gable and Roode early on. But Roode gets the spinebuster on Black for a 2 count. Roode and Gable beat down on Black for a few moments, including a nice Back Suplex into a Moonsault by Roode and Gable. Roode misses an attack in the corner, which allows Black to tag in Ricochet. Ricochet Hits his trademark offense on Gable and Roode. Blockbuster into a German Suplex by Roode and Gable on Ricochet gets a 2. Roode and Gable go for their finisher. Ricochet avoids it and lariats Gable down. Black gets a blind tag on Ricochet. Ricochet takes out Gable. Black Mass on Roode. 1-2-3.
(I'm actually thankful that WWE didn't prolong the inevitable in this match. We know what the finish was going to be for this match, and thankfully, WWE decided to keep the show going.)
The Revival jump Black and Ricochet from behind on the stage.
- A Moment of Bliss is next with Alexa Bliss in which the host of WrestleMania will be revealed. Alexa has the scoop that 1 billion social media followers have been asking for. (That's a load of garbage by the way. WWE is clearly counting those who are on multiple forms of social media.) Alexa Bliss announces that she is the host for WrestleMania this year. (Just great. We get a guaranteed boring 5 minute Moment of Bliss on the big show this year.) Alexa tells the WWE Universe that they are welcome. WrestleMania will be hosted by the brightest star on the biggest show of them all.
(Just great. Next.)
- Speaking of more ridiculousness for WrestleMania, we get a recap of the Weekend Update guys from SNL doing their bad comedy from last week.
Braun Strowman is asked about it backstage. He says they better stay away from him. He liked beating them up last week. Braun's car is supposedly here. "What car?" Braun asks. Fade to black.
Braun is shown backstage with a car with a ribbon on it. The guy reads a note from the SNL guy that insulted Braun last week. The car comes off as condescending. So Braun literally tears the car apart.
(Braun, you are a heel now. I'd take that car.)
- Ladies and Gentlemen, Elias. Elias is back in his hometown and receives a great ovation from the crowd. Elias is back in his hometown and a hero for them to believe in. Elias heels on his hometown, saying it is a miracle that he's such a success. He comes into town and realizes how miserable the people are in this town. Elias brings up Antonio Brown to really get the crowd to boo him.
No Way Jose's music hits and he walks out with the Congo Line. Jose sports the new hair. Vince is going to have Elias destroy him, isn't he? Yep. Elias is beating the hell out of the Congo Line. HOW DARE YOU GET A NEW HAIRDO?! DRIFT AWAY ON THE STEEL RAMP! (No Way Jose has just been written off WWE TV.) Elias asks for the mic. But we're already on to the next segment.
- We get the Harlem Heat WWE Hall of Fame Induction Video.
- Lacey Evans walks the stage and puts her fan up against Renee's face. She walks up to Nia and Tamina as they come out for the next match. Nia just says "Whatever" and walks off.
- Nia Jax vs. Natalya is next. Natalya talks about who is going to have her back. Ronda can't be trusted. Nia and Tamina can't be trusted. So, here's Beth Phoenix, Natalya's best friend. Beth Phoenix gets involved soon in the match and knocks down Nia. She also knocks down Tamina. Backstage, Sasha and Bayley are fighting Nia and Tamina in the Gorilla Position. Fit Finlay has a Bear Hug on Sasha for God's sakes.
(Well that was... something, I guess.)
- A pair of cars come up to the arena. Out of one of them, Batista comes out. He's surrounded by bodyguards.
- Triple H comes out and calls for Batista to come out. And here comes Batista. Batista takes his good ol' time coming to the ring. Batista has his security come to the aisle and block the entrance way to keep Triple H from attacking him. Batista stands and takes his good old time to speak. Batista tells Triple H that security is there for a reason. He learned from the two dirtiest players in the game: Triple H and Ric Flair. They're here to protect Batista. He knows Triple H has a sledgehammer somewhere. Triple H cuts a promo about how many times Batista has quit the company. Triple H is giving Batista anything. He threatens to beat up the security.
Batista says he's done with Triple H holding him down. That's why he left. Batista tells Triple H he wants what he's wanted for years. Triple H refuses. Batista threatens to hurt more of the people that Triple H loves. Batista tells Triple H to give him what he wants. Batista wants Triple H at WrestleMania. Triple H tells Batista that he is on. "Thank you. That's all I ever wanted. One last match to end my career on my terms. And one last match to end your career on my terms. I'll see you at Mania." Triple H says he will see him at WrestleMania. Triple H tells Batista that the match is on his terms: NO HOLDS BARRED.
(An ok segment. Again, Triple H was trying to be too cute with his shoot comments. He called the security guards "Guardians of the Independent Scene" in a moment that most of the mainstream audience and a lot of die-hard smart fans likely rolled their eyes at. Inside baseball. Gotta love it. Batista was one note in his character, basically just saying the same thing over and over again. But it got what it was designed to do: set up Triple H vs. Batista at WrestleMania. The No Holds Barred stipulation is a smart idea given Batista and Triple H's limitations at this time of their lives, especially with Triple H just coming off of a torn pec.)
- Kurt Angle comes out and talks to his hometown crowd about his future. He's been around the world, but Pittsburgh is his hometown. At WrestleMania, Kurt Angle will compete in his farewell match. Angle gets a standing ovation and a "Thank You Kurt" from his hometown crowd. He wants one last match tonight. His opponent is Apollo Crews.
We return to see Apollo and Angle have their match. Angle gets a Belly-To-Belly Suplex on Crews. Crews gets the advantage soon after on Angle. But Angle answers back with some Rolling German Suplexes on Crews. 2 count only on the pin attempt. Angle Slam is countered into an Enziguri by Crews. Standing Moonsault by Crews. 2 count only. Crews goes up to the top rope. Frog Splash misses. Angle Slam by Angle. 1-2-3. Angle hugs Crews after the match and holds up his hand. Crews returns the favor.
(Again, a nothing match here as Crews really isn't doing much at this point. This is more significant due to Angle announcing his in-ring retirement at WrestleMania and his last match in his hometown. Crews getting to work with Angle in such a match is a nice treat for Crews.)
- The main event is next as Roman Reigns takes on Baron Corbin. BUT as Roman is in the ring, Drew McIntyre jumps Roman from behind and pummels him. Reigns is driven into the post by McIntyre. Reigns gets hit with the Claymore Kick on the floor. Roman gets hit with another one that sends him face first into the ring post. (I think we can see WrestleMania right here.) Roman is being checked on by doctors, and he seems to be selling a concussion. Seth Rollins comes out to check on Roman. Roman tells Seth he just has a bit of a headache. That's it. Roman and Seth, along with the referees and doctors, walk to the backstage area.
(Drew McIntyre vs. Roman Reigns would make for a very good undercard match for WrestleMania. McIntyre has earned having a big time match like this at Mania, and it will make for a good first big singles match for the returning Roman Reigns. And as far as the physicality is concerned, I'm more than excited to see these two big men go at it. They had some good chemistry in the other matches I've seen them have. This should be no different.)
- Dean has joined Roman and Seth in the back as they continue to check on Roman. Dean walks up to Triple H. Dean wants McIntyre tonight, now. NO DQ. No Countout. Falls Count Anywhere. Triple H says "Hell Yeah. You're on."
(So, here's what I'm thinking at this point: Drew is taking out Dean Ambrose tonight until after WrestleMania. If Dean has signed, he'll show up and play a role in Drew losing at WrestleMania. If Dean doesn't sign, this makes for a good sendoff and a way to build more heat on McIntyre.)
So, here we go: McIntyre vs. Ambrose- Falls Count Anywhere. McIntyre walks out with a mic. Is Dean going to squeal like his pathetic brother? Dean runs up and starts the match on the stage. Suplex on the stage by Dean followed by a dive off the stage onto Drew on the floor. They are fighting all over the arena as McIntyre and Ambrose go into the stands. They literally are going up into Section 102 in the arena. (3 sections away from where I was at just 2.5 months ago for the SmackDown taping.) Ambrose gets smacked against the wall. Drew tries to throw McIntyre off the press box area. Ambrose fights back as we go to commercial break.
McIntyre and Ambrose finally get back to the ringside area after battling through the concourse area and even the merchandise stand. (Hey, that stuff ain't cheap. Believe me!) McIntyre rams the steel stairs into Ambrose a couple times. Deadlift Suplex on the floor by McIntyre. 2 count again. McIntyre and Ambrose fight into the other side of the arena. Ambrose fights off McIntyre and starts throwing punches at him. McIntyre and Ambrose fight around the tech area and the Penalty Box (this is at the home of the Pittsburgh Penguins). Ambrose puts McIntyre on a production cart and rolls him down a few feet into a collision into another cart. 2 count on the pin. (Some kids and an adult are cheering "This is Awesome." Bless them for being that desperate to get that going.)
Ambrose and McIntyre are fighting on the stage now. McIntyre clears the table, but Ambrose suplexes McIntyre on that table. Dean starts throwing punches down on McIntyre. Low Blow by McIntyre on the table. He sticks a pencil in the eye of Dean Ambrose and Lawn Darts Ambrose into the LED Board once. He does it again. 2 count. McIntyre continues to talk smack as he assaults Dean. He puts Ambrose's head on the railing on the stage. CLAYMORE KICK TO AMBROSE'S HEAD INTO THE RAILING DOWN TO THE FLOOR! 1-2-3!
( A very good hardcore match here that served the purpose of entertaining the live crowd and making Drew McIntyre look awesome on his way to WrestleMania. It's obvious that Drew vs. Roman is happening at this point, and that's not a bad thing at all as I explained earlier. Dean and Drew put on one hell of a show for the live crowd and the audience at home, and I for one am glad that I didn't have to sit through Baron Corbin main eventing another Raw. )
Dean is back on the stage as Drew celebrates. ANOTHER CLAYMORE KICK! As the show goes off the air, Drew McIntyre stands tall over Dean Ambrose.
Overall, this was a good episode of Raw. For these 3 hour marathons, it's a good thing if the show seems to pass by quickly. This one definitely did as the WWE was trying to juggle a lot of storylines in their 3 hours. For the most part, I feel they were successful. I still don't get Shelton Benjamin playing Brock Lesnar tonight. And I can only laugh at Finn Balor once again losing to a bigger wrestler and dropping his championship so quickly after winning it. But that's WWE for you.
With WrestleMania being 27 days away, Raw provided enough to seemingly push many of their narratives forward.
Until next time, take care of yourselves.. Spread some awesomeness.
Raw Thoughts (3/11/19)
- The Shield comes out to a great ovation from the crowd for their farewell address as a group. Roman puts over last night and thanks Ambrose and Rollins for last night. Reigns is going to have his first 1-on-1 match in 5 months in Pittsburgh tonight. Ambrose is going to handle his business tonight. And then, there's Seth Rollins. "Slay The Beast" chant from the crowd. Roman again gives Seth his approval and tells him to handle his business. The Shield do their fist bump one last time. Roman and Dean get out of the ring to let Seth say what he needs to say about WrestleMania.
Seth starts to speak. "Ladies and Gentlemen..." Here comes Paul Heyman! Seth mocks the way Paul Heyman says Brrrock Lesnarrrr. Seth talks about Brock Lesnar's accomplishment. Seth Rollins talks about Lesnar's difficulties beating people of his speed and ability. He says he is uniquely qualified to beat Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania. "Slay The Beast" chants start up. Paul says tell the truth: Brock Lesnar had no time to prepare for any of those opponents. Paul points up to the screen to introduce Seth Rollins to Brock Lesnar... via a pre-taped video montage.
Paul Heyman tells Seth that he doesn't know Brock Lesnar. Shelton Benjamin comes out and German Suplexes Seth Rollins a few times.
(That was huge. I mean... SHELTON BENJAMIN STILL HAS A JOB?! I guess they are going to connect Benjamin to Lesnar by saying they were former partners. But seriously, this was just odd. They got some good sound bytes for the WrestleMania 35 match promo, but the finish of the segment was weak.)
- We return to see Shelton Benjamin take on Seth Rollins. Paul Heyman is on commentary. Heyman shoots down Cole's comments about Lesnar not showing up to work again 4 weeks away from WrestleMania. Shelton and Seth go back and forth in the ring. Seth starts getting the advantage, and he follows Shelton out of the ring to continue the attack. They return to the ring with Rollins continuing to chop and attack Shelton. Blockbuster off the corner by Seth. BURN IT DOWN Stomps. Stomp misses. Shelton is sent to the floor. He goes to dive, but Shelton gets a kick in from the floor. 2 count for Benjamin. Commercial Break.
We return from break to see Shelton Benjamin continue to beat down on Seth Rollins with a head lock. He then rams Seth Rollins back and forth between the barricade and the ring frame. Shelton and Rollins go back and forth in the ring. Rollins sends Shelton into the corner. Sling Blade by Rollins as he starts to build momentum. Springboard Clothesline by Rollins. 2 count only. Release German Suplex by Shelton Benjamin. Another one by Shelton. F-5 blocked by Seth. Curb Stomp by Rollins. 1-2-3.
(Um... Since when does Shelton Benjamin have anywhere near the body frame of a Brock Lesnar to be using his moves? Bobby Lashley is more appropriate of a guy to meet the body type of Brock Lesnar for Seth Rollins to defeat. Decent enough match, but I don't get the booking here at all. That being said, I'm glad to see Shelton on TV at this point.)
- Speaking of Bobby Lashley, it's time for Finn Balor to defend the Intercontinental Championship against former champion Bobby Lashley. Finn Balor comes out and meets Seth for a handshake on the ramp. While Finn is in the ring, Bobby's intense face is shown on the video monitor.
The bell rings. Lashley manhandles Balor early on with aggressive strikes, chokes, and headlocks. Balor finally gets a dropkick in on Lashley. Lashley regains control easily though. Balor sends Lashley to the floor and nails a running PK on the apron. Commercial break.
We return from break to see Lashley dominating Balor. Flatliner gets a 2 for Lashley. Lashley dumps Balor spine-first on the apron. 2 count. Balor rolls out of a Powerbomb attempt and gets a dropkick in. Balor starts getting some momentum going and goes after Lashley. Double Stomp to the chest by Balor. Balor is caught and manhandled from corner to corner by Lashley. Lashley gets rolled up for a 2. Sling Blade by Balor to Lashley. Lashley beats Balor to his feet. Running Dropkick by Balor. Balor gets on the corner, but the bell rings. Lio Rush distracts Balor by ringing the bell and holding into the Intercontinental Championship. Balor kicks Lio Rush away, and he springboards into a SPEAR by Lashley. 1-2-3. Bobby Lashley is once again the Intercontinental Championship.
(Wow. Lashley basically won a glorified squash match here as he mowed over Balor for the majority of the match until the last couple moments. I can't say I'm shocked that Balor's Intercontinental Championship was this short. Then again, Vince thinks Balor is too short to be anything. So, that's that. My question is will Balor or Lashley have a match at WrestleMania. Or will they be put in the Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal? )
- Baron Corbin is interviewed backstage. He's asked about his comments after Roman's leukemia diagnosis last October. Corbin owns it, and he says that he's going to house train "The Big Dog."
- Ronda Rousey comes out next to address her actions from Fastlane. Rousey tells the fans they are "bandwagon *****es." Becky is a coward just like the fans. She's going to humiliate Charlotte and Becky at WrestleMania. She's going to expose Charlotte, Becky, and WWE as the "Carny Con-Artists" that they are. She tells WWE to make it a Handicap Match. She can beat everyone. (She seems so much more comfortable as a heel.)
Dana Brooke comes out to be the jobb... enhancement talent for Ronda. She tells Ronda she has nothing left to lose. (Her job. She can lose that. Just saying...) She's not going to let Ronda disrespect the locker room. Dana loves this business and the WWE. (She's met with a mild reaction from the crowd. The crowd is not buying any of this.) Dana says each week on Raw, she fights for a chance. But she doesn't get the time of day or a match. She's not a household name like Rousey. All she wants is a chance. She talks about Rousey's Open Challenge on Raws after a PPV. Ronda just throws her jacket off and boots the hell out of Dana. Dana gets Judo Flipped around the floor. Back in the ring, she again manhandles Dana. Then, when the referees try to break it up, she belts one of them right in the mouth.
(THIS is the Ronda Rousey we should have been seeing for months. Take no prisoners and truly a Rowdy buttkicker. Her explanation for helping Becky win makes sense: She wants to beat both of WWE's best women and expose the business for being a "carny show." Good stuff here.)
- Aleister Black and Ricochet take on Bobby Roode and Chad Gable. Aleister fights off both Gable and Roode early on. But Roode gets the spinebuster on Black for a 2 count. Roode and Gable beat down on Black for a few moments, including a nice Back Suplex into a Moonsault by Roode and Gable. Roode misses an attack in the corner, which allows Black to tag in Ricochet. Ricochet Hits his trademark offense on Gable and Roode. Blockbuster into a German Suplex by Roode and Gable on Ricochet gets a 2. Roode and Gable go for their finisher. Ricochet avoids it and lariats Gable down. Black gets a blind tag on Ricochet. Ricochet takes out Gable. Black Mass on Roode. 1-2-3.
(I'm actually thankful that WWE didn't prolong the inevitable in this match. We know what the finish was going to be for this match, and thankfully, WWE decided to keep the show going.)
The Revival jump Black and Ricochet from behind on the stage.
- A Moment of Bliss is next with Alexa Bliss in which the host of WrestleMania will be revealed. Alexa has the scoop that 1 billion social media followers have been asking for. (That's a load of garbage by the way. WWE is clearly counting those who are on multiple forms of social media.) Alexa Bliss announces that she is the host for WrestleMania this year. (Just great. We get a guaranteed boring 5 minute Moment of Bliss on the big show this year.) Alexa tells the WWE Universe that they are welcome. WrestleMania will be hosted by the brightest star on the biggest show of them all.
(Just great. Next.)
- Speaking of more ridiculousness for WrestleMania, we get a recap of the Weekend Update guys from SNL doing their bad comedy from last week.
Braun Strowman is asked about it backstage. He says they better stay away from him. He liked beating them up last week. Braun's car is supposedly here. "What car?" Braun asks. Fade to black.
Braun is shown backstage with a car with a ribbon on it. The guy reads a note from the SNL guy that insulted Braun last week. The car comes off as condescending. So Braun literally tears the car apart.
(Braun, you are a heel now. I'd take that car.)
- Ladies and Gentlemen, Elias. Elias is back in his hometown and receives a great ovation from the crowd. Elias is back in his hometown and a hero for them to believe in. Elias heels on his hometown, saying it is a miracle that he's such a success. He comes into town and realizes how miserable the people are in this town. Elias brings up Antonio Brown to really get the crowd to boo him.
No Way Jose's music hits and he walks out with the Congo Line. Jose sports the new hair. Vince is going to have Elias destroy him, isn't he? Yep. Elias is beating the hell out of the Congo Line. HOW DARE YOU GET A NEW HAIRDO?! DRIFT AWAY ON THE STEEL RAMP! (No Way Jose has just been written off WWE TV.) Elias asks for the mic. But we're already on to the next segment.
- We get the Harlem Heat WWE Hall of Fame Induction Video.
- Lacey Evans walks the stage and puts her fan up against Renee's face. She walks up to Nia and Tamina as they come out for the next match. Nia just says "Whatever" and walks off.
- Nia Jax vs. Natalya is next. Natalya talks about who is going to have her back. Ronda can't be trusted. Nia and Tamina can't be trusted. So, here's Beth Phoenix, Natalya's best friend. Beth Phoenix gets involved soon in the match and knocks down Nia. She also knocks down Tamina. Backstage, Sasha and Bayley are fighting Nia and Tamina in the Gorilla Position. Fit Finlay has a Bear Hug on Sasha for God's sakes.
(Well that was... something, I guess.)
- A pair of cars come up to the arena. Out of one of them, Batista comes out. He's surrounded by bodyguards.
- Triple H comes out and calls for Batista to come out. And here comes Batista. Batista takes his good ol' time coming to the ring. Batista has his security come to the aisle and block the entrance way to keep Triple H from attacking him. Batista stands and takes his good old time to speak. Batista tells Triple H that security is there for a reason. He learned from the two dirtiest players in the game: Triple H and Ric Flair. They're here to protect Batista. He knows Triple H has a sledgehammer somewhere. Triple H cuts a promo about how many times Batista has quit the company. Triple H is giving Batista anything. He threatens to beat up the security.
Batista says he's done with Triple H holding him down. That's why he left. Batista tells Triple H he wants what he's wanted for years. Triple H refuses. Batista threatens to hurt more of the people that Triple H loves. Batista tells Triple H to give him what he wants. Batista wants Triple H at WrestleMania. Triple H tells Batista that he is on. "Thank you. That's all I ever wanted. One last match to end my career on my terms. And one last match to end your career on my terms. I'll see you at Mania." Triple H says he will see him at WrestleMania. Triple H tells Batista that the match is on his terms: NO HOLDS BARRED.
(An ok segment. Again, Triple H was trying to be too cute with his shoot comments. He called the security guards "Guardians of the Independent Scene" in a moment that most of the mainstream audience and a lot of die-hard smart fans likely rolled their eyes at. Inside baseball. Gotta love it. Batista was one note in his character, basically just saying the same thing over and over again. But it got what it was designed to do: set up Triple H vs. Batista at WrestleMania. The No Holds Barred stipulation is a smart idea given Batista and Triple H's limitations at this time of their lives, especially with Triple H just coming off of a torn pec.)
- Kurt Angle comes out and talks to his hometown crowd about his future. He's been around the world, but Pittsburgh is his hometown. At WrestleMania, Kurt Angle will compete in his farewell match. Angle gets a standing ovation and a "Thank You Kurt" from his hometown crowd. He wants one last match tonight. His opponent is Apollo Crews.
We return to see Apollo and Angle have their match. Angle gets a Belly-To-Belly Suplex on Crews. Crews gets the advantage soon after on Angle. But Angle answers back with some Rolling German Suplexes on Crews. 2 count only on the pin attempt. Angle Slam is countered into an Enziguri by Crews. Standing Moonsault by Crews. 2 count only. Crews goes up to the top rope. Frog Splash misses. Angle Slam by Angle. 1-2-3. Angle hugs Crews after the match and holds up his hand. Crews returns the favor.
(Again, a nothing match here as Crews really isn't doing much at this point. This is more significant due to Angle announcing his in-ring retirement at WrestleMania and his last match in his hometown. Crews getting to work with Angle in such a match is a nice treat for Crews.)
- The main event is next as Roman Reigns takes on Baron Corbin. BUT as Roman is in the ring, Drew McIntyre jumps Roman from behind and pummels him. Reigns is driven into the post by McIntyre. Reigns gets hit with the Claymore Kick on the floor. Roman gets hit with another one that sends him face first into the ring post. (I think we can see WrestleMania right here.) Roman is being checked on by doctors, and he seems to be selling a concussion. Seth Rollins comes out to check on Roman. Roman tells Seth he just has a bit of a headache. That's it. Roman and Seth, along with the referees and doctors, walk to the backstage area.
(Drew McIntyre vs. Roman Reigns would make for a very good undercard match for WrestleMania. McIntyre has earned having a big time match like this at Mania, and it will make for a good first big singles match for the returning Roman Reigns. And as far as the physicality is concerned, I'm more than excited to see these two big men go at it. They had some good chemistry in the other matches I've seen them have. This should be no different.)
- Dean has joined Roman and Seth in the back as they continue to check on Roman. Dean walks up to Triple H. Dean wants McIntyre tonight, now. NO DQ. No Countout. Falls Count Anywhere. Triple H says "Hell Yeah. You're on."
(So, here's what I'm thinking at this point: Drew is taking out Dean Ambrose tonight until after WrestleMania. If Dean has signed, he'll show up and play a role in Drew losing at WrestleMania. If Dean doesn't sign, this makes for a good sendoff and a way to build more heat on McIntyre.)
So, here we go: McIntyre vs. Ambrose- Falls Count Anywhere. McIntyre walks out with a mic. Is Dean going to squeal like his pathetic brother? Dean runs up and starts the match on the stage. Suplex on the stage by Dean followed by a dive off the stage onto Drew on the floor. They are fighting all over the arena as McIntyre and Ambrose go into the stands. They literally are going up into Section 102 in the arena. (3 sections away from where I was at just 2.5 months ago for the SmackDown taping.) Ambrose gets smacked against the wall. Drew tries to throw McIntyre off the press box area. Ambrose fights back as we go to commercial break.
McIntyre and Ambrose finally get back to the ringside area after battling through the concourse area and even the merchandise stand. (Hey, that stuff ain't cheap. Believe me!) McIntyre rams the steel stairs into Ambrose a couple times. Deadlift Suplex on the floor by McIntyre. 2 count again. McIntyre and Ambrose fight into the other side of the arena. Ambrose fights off McIntyre and starts throwing punches at him. McIntyre and Ambrose fight around the tech area and the Penalty Box (this is at the home of the Pittsburgh Penguins). Ambrose puts McIntyre on a production cart and rolls him down a few feet into a collision into another cart. 2 count on the pin. (Some kids and an adult are cheering "This is Awesome." Bless them for being that desperate to get that going.)
Ambrose and McIntyre are fighting on the stage now. McIntyre clears the table, but Ambrose suplexes McIntyre on that table. Dean starts throwing punches down on McIntyre. Low Blow by McIntyre on the table. He sticks a pencil in the eye of Dean Ambrose and Lawn Darts Ambrose into the LED Board once. He does it again. 2 count. McIntyre continues to talk smack as he assaults Dean. He puts Ambrose's head on the railing on the stage. CLAYMORE KICK TO AMBROSE'S HEAD INTO THE RAILING DOWN TO THE FLOOR! 1-2-3!
( A very good hardcore match here that served the purpose of entertaining the live crowd and making Drew McIntyre look awesome on his way to WrestleMania. It's obvious that Drew vs. Roman is happening at this point, and that's not a bad thing at all as I explained earlier. Dean and Drew put on one hell of a show for the live crowd and the audience at home, and I for one am glad that I didn't have to sit through Baron Corbin main eventing another Raw. )
Dean is back on the stage as Drew celebrates. ANOTHER CLAYMORE KICK! As the show goes off the air, Drew McIntyre stands tall over Dean Ambrose.
Overall, this was a good episode of Raw. For these 3 hour marathons, it's a good thing if the show seems to pass by quickly. This one definitely did as the WWE was trying to juggle a lot of storylines in their 3 hours. For the most part, I feel they were successful. I still don't get Shelton Benjamin playing Brock Lesnar tonight. And I can only laugh at Finn Balor once again losing to a bigger wrestler and dropping his championship so quickly after winning it. But that's WWE for you.
With WrestleMania being 27 days away, Raw provided enough to seemingly push many of their narratives forward.
Until next time, take care of yourselves.. Spread some awesomeness.
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