The March 18, 2019 episode of WWE RAW aired live from Allstate Arena in Chicago, IL. Here are 5 takeaways from the show:
Batista Vowed To End Triple H’s Career At WrestleMania
Batista appeared on RAW via satellite from his home in Tampa, Florida. Batista stated that he doesn’t like Triple H and wanted to come back to have this one last match. Michael Cole asked Batista if this went back to their days in Evolution and Dave claimed that it went back way further than that.
Batista claimed that he didn’t quit WWE 9-years ago and accused Triple H of holding him down. He said that he left because of Hunter and went on to achieve worldwide fame without him.
Michael Cole stated that Triple H has been nothing but fair to him and Batista quickly interrupted. He claimed that Triple is the most insecure, jealous, control freak he has ever met. Batista vowed to end Triple H’s in-ring career at WrestleMania.
"At @WrestleMania…I'm going to END his in-ring career!"@DaveBautista has one mission when he battles @TripleH at #WrestleMania. #RAW pic.twitter.com/vBNVuuDtAE
— WWE (@WWE) March 19, 2019
Tell them how you really feel, @DaveBautista… #Raw pic.twitter.com/WTwOCZAiND
— WWE (@WWE) March 19, 2019
Kurt Angle Picked A Terrible Opponent For His Farewell Match
Kurt Angle came down to the ring to announce his opponent at WrestleMania. On last week’s episode of RAW, Angle said that he will be wrestling in his farewell match at WrestleMania 35.
The crowd chanted “thank you Kurt!” as Angle said that there are so many Superstars that he would love to face, but there is only one that he would like to beat. Kurt stated that nothing will make him happier than tapping out Baron Corbin at WrestleMania.
Angle then battled Chad Gable and before the match, Chad Gable complimented Kurt Angle and shook his hand. The Chicago crowd chanted “this is awesome!” as the two Superstars locked up.
Nothing but respect from @WWEGable. pic.twitter.com/zmWtEo1IBn
— TDE Wrestling (@totaldivaseps) March 19, 2019
Gable controlled the match early and targeted Angle’s knee with his attack. Kurt battled back and Clothesline Gable out of the ring as RAW went to a break. When RAW returned, Gable was back in control of the match. Gable went for a Moonsault but Angle got out of the way and applied the Ankle Lock for the submission victory.
???????? @RealKurtAngle has done it again!
The farewell tour continues with another victory… #RAW pic.twitter.com/TCz3jOmm5i
— WWE (@WWE) March 19, 2019
Baron Corbin interrupted and vowed to embarrass Angle at WrestleMania 35. The crowd loudly chanted “we want Cena” as Corbin walked backstage.
.@RealKurtAngle announces on #Raw that he has chosen @BaronCorbinWWE as his opponent for his farewell match at #WrestleMania! pic.twitter.com/0aFbvI6BLk
— WWE (@WWE) March 19, 2019
The crowd absolutely hated this decision and I completely agree with them. Kurt Angle versus Baron Corbin sounds like a Kickoff Show match at best. I’m hoping that Kurt just hits the Olympic Slam and then immediately applies the Ankle Lock for the victory. I don’t have any interest in a 15-minute match between Corbin and Angle.
— TDE Wrestling (@totaldivaseps) March 19, 2019
Beth Phoenix & Natalya Challenged Bayley & Sasha Banks
Women’s Tag Team Champions Sasha Banks and Bayley came down to the ring and announced that they will be making a special appearance on tomorrow night’s SmackDown.
Beth Phoenix and Natalya interrupted and marched down to the ring. They challenged Bayley and Banks to a title match at WrestleMania 35. Bayley suggested that Phoenix might need more time to prepare.
Banks accused Natalya of riding Beth’s coattails just so she could have a match at WrestleMania. Natalya slapped Banks int he face and a brawl broke out. Bayley got in Beth’s face and Phoenix responded by shoving her to the canvas.
Natalya and Sasha Banks then squared off as Bayley and Beth Phoenix were ringside. Nia Jax and Tamina interrupted during the match and came down to the entrance ramp. Jax claimed that she has done more in three years than Phoenix has ever done in her career. Tamina then snuck up behind Beth and shoved her into the ring post. Tamina then hit Banks and Bayley with Superkicks and the match ended in a DQ.
Well, it sounds like @NatbyNature has heard quite enough from @itsBayleyWWE & @SashaBanksWWE on #Raw…@TheBethPhoenix pic.twitter.com/1AVHeXJiFf
— WWE (@WWE) March 19, 2019
Ronda Rousey & Travis Browne Attacked WWE Security
RAW Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey arrived at the show late and was informed that WWE had hired more security to keep an eye on her.
There's some extra security in the house this week, and they're keeping an eye on #RAW #WomensChampion @RondaRousey… pic.twitter.com/H8RyBBxVxf
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) March 19, 2019
Later on RAW, Rousey put her title on the line against Dana Brooke. Rousey almost immediately locked in the Armbar for the submission victory. Rousey wouldn’t break the hold as Dana Brooke screamed in agony. Rousey finally broke the hold as WWE officials ran down to the ring.
Ronda shoved down a referee and then kissed her husband, Travis Browne, in the front row. WWE security approached them and Rousey threw one of them to the ground. Travis Browne then punched a security guard in the face and the two exited through the crowd.
Alright, thanks for coming out tonight! pic.twitter.com/4wCnAxUTun
— TDE Wrestling (@totaldivaseps) March 19, 2019
Things are OUT OF CONTROL. @RondaRousey made quick work of @DanaBrookeWWE and is proceeding to attack officials and the security team on #Raw! pic.twitter.com/08BVICdOIA
— WWE (@WWE) March 19, 2019
Brock Lesnar Got The Better Of Seth Rollins
Universal Champion Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman kicked off the show as Renee Young joked that it was about time Brock showed up to RAW. The crowd loudly booed as Lesnar grinned and walked around the ring holding up the title. The fans then broke out in a “burn it down” as Heyman introduced himself.
Heyman called Rollins a fool for claiming that Lesnar has an issue with Superstars that are his size. Paul noted that Lesnar defeated AJ Styles, Daniel Bryan, and Finn Balor. Heyman referred to Drew McIntyre as a “career killer” and couldn’t believe that Rollins wanted a fight against him tonight.
Drew McIntyre interrupted and stated that it was refreshing to finally get the best he has earned in WWE. McIntyre told the crowd to close their mouths and then bragged about brutalizing Reigns and Ambrose last week on RAW. McIntyre vowed to brutalize Rollins tonight and added that Lesnar might have to find a new opponent for WrestleMania.
Seth Rollins then sprinted down the entrance ramp and hit McIntyre with a steel chair several times. Rollins got in the ring with the chair and Lesnar retreated. Brock raised the title once again before heading backstage.
Paul @HeymanHustle has no problem going over @BrockLesnar's impressive resume just weeks before #WrestleMania on #Raw… pic.twitter.com/TjFCx2l2ey
— WWE (@WWE) March 19, 2019
Before the main event, Drew McIntyre cut a promo on Roman Reigns tonight on RAW. McIntyre referred to Reigns as Joe and poked fun at him for not being at the show tonight. Drew McIntyre challenged Roman Reigns to a fight at WrestleMania and vowed to destroy Roman at WrestleMania. McIntyre added, “you may have beaten leukemia, but on the grandest stage of them all, you will never beat me”. Seth Rollins and McIntyre then brawled on the entrance ramp before the match started.
.@WWERomanReigns has been challenged to a FIGHT at #WrestleMania by The #ScottishPsychopath @DMcIntyreWWE! #RAW pic.twitter.com/Jus7WEWpkb
— WWE (@WWE) March 19, 2019
McIntyre controlled the match early as the crowd got behind Rollins. Seth tried to battle back but McIntyre connected with two Suplexes in a row for a near fall. The action spilled to the outside and Rollins went for a Suicide Dive. McIntyre caught Rollins and slammed his ribs into the barricade. Drew grabbed a steel chair but Rollins connected with a Superkick and both Superstars fell to the floor.
Rollins hit two Suicide Dives and followed it up with a Slingblade back in the ring. Seth hit McIntyre with a Superkick and went for the cover but McIntyre was able to kick out at two. Rollins connected with a Superplex and followed it up with the Falcon Arrow for a two count. Brock Lesnar’s music hit and McIntyre capitalized with the Claymore Kick for the pinfall victory.
The DISTRACTION by @BrockLesnar and @HeymanHustle leads to a @DMcIntyreWWE VICTORY on #RAW! pic.twitter.com/b08T8DRVyY
— WWE (@WWE) March 19, 2019
I thought this episode of RAW was very disappointing. It didn’t feel like an important show, even though we are three weeks away from WrestleMania. The most interesting thing that happened tonight was that Travis Browne struck a security guard. The rest of this week’s episode of RAW was completely forgettable.
.@DMcIntyreWWE hits @WWERollins with a massive claymore kick off the distraction from @BrockLesnar on #Raw! pic.twitter.com/gPABHkudGv
— WWE (@WWE) March 19, 2019
