The March 12th, 2018 episode of WWE RAW aired live from the Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, MI. Here are 10 takeaways from this week’s episode of WWE RAW:
Vince McMahon Temporarily Suspended Roman Reigns
This week’s episode of WWE RAW kicked off with Kurt Angle coming down to the ring. Angle said he was excited to compete with Ronda Rousey against Triple H and Stephanie McMahon at WrestleMania. Angle said that he feels sorry for what Ronda is going to do to Stephanie, but he wont be sorry for what he is going to Triple H.
RAW GM Kurt Angle claimed that Brock Lesnar wasn’t going to be here tonight. Roman Reigns’ music hit and Roman made his way towards the ring. Reigns stated that he wasn’t surprised that Lesnar didn’t show up. Roman said that Lesnar doesn’t have any respect for the fans and that Brock Lesnar didn’t show up for work. Reigns noted that there will be no repercussions for Lesnar because Brock is “Vince’s boy”. Roman stated that the he just walked by Vince McMahon and he didn’t even bother to tell him what was going on.
Reigns claimed that he will not be disrespected by Vince McMahon. Reigns stormed backstage and approached Shane and Vince. Vince said that they will talk in his office as RAW went to a commercial break.
When RAW returned, Renee Young was standing by Vince McMahon’s office. Roman Reigns exited and Renee tried to ask him a question but Reigns walked by. Vince McMahon stated that Brock Lesnar is his own man. Vince said that he reminded Reigns of an expression that his cousin The Rock used to say, which is “know your role and shut your mouth”. McMahon added that Lesnar probably doesn’t respect the WWE Universe and that Lesnar has earned most of those privileges. Vince McMahon assured everyone that Brock Lesnar will be on RAW next week and gave his word. Vince then announced that Roman Reigns has temporarily suspended.
Opinion: I laughed when Roman Reigns said that Brock Lesnar is Vince’s boy. I don’t think I’ve ever seen WWE bend over backwards over and over again to try and get a Superstar over like they have for Roman Reigns. This storyline is just another example of that. I do hope that this angle actually works on some people and they get behind Roman. It will not change the minds of people that have been watching the WWE product for some time, but might work on new viewers that check back in around WrestleMania season.
I’d also like to give some credit to Reigns. His promos have been solid during this angle. I just know that I’m never going to view Reigns how WWE wants me to and I think that is the case for most fans that are aggravated with WWE’s product. This really is the only way to go with this feud. It will give Reigns the best possible chance of getting cheered at WrestleMania 34.
Bayley Let Sasha Banks Get Beatdown
Sasha Banks faced Sonya Deville tonight on RAW. Bayley reluctantly accompanied Sasha Banks to the ring as Mandy Rose and Paige of Absolution were also ringside. Banks controlled the match early and launched Deville out of the ring as RAW went to a commercial break.
When RAW returned, Sonya had Sasha in a submission hold in the middle of the ring. Banks broke free but Deville connected with a Spinebuster for a two count. Sonya followed it up with a running knee for another two count. Banks finally fought back and kneed Deville in the face. Mandy Rose hopped up on the ring apron and Bayley dragged her down. Sasha then locked Deville in the Bank Statement for the submission victory.
After the match, Bayley didn’t get into the ring. Instead, she walked away with her head down as Sasha Banks looked confused in the ring. Absolution hopped up on the ring apron and circled Banks. Sasha got some punches in but Mandy Rose leveled her with a Clothesline. Rose and Deville beatdown Banks and Bayley didn’t come down to the ring to help.
Opinion: I’m not sure who I’m supposed to side with right now. As of now, Sasha Banks and Bayley are both faces. Banks got beatdown by heels tonight and Bayley let it happen. I’m sure Sasha Banks will wind up being the hell, but I would have liked to see some more storyline progression tonight.
The Miz Successfully Caused Tension Between Rollins & Balor
The Miz came down to the ring for an episode of Miz TV. The Miz boasted about elevating the careers of Bo Dallas and Curtis Axel. The Miz then vowed to defeat both Seth Rollins and Finn Balor at WrestleMania 34 and to become the longest reigning Intercontinental Champion of all time. Miz then introduced Seth Rollins as his first guest.
Rollins came down to the ring and took a seat. The Miz then introduced Finn Balor as his second guest on Miz TV. Balor took a seat and Miz sat in the middle and noted that both Rollins and Balor looked very comfortable. The Miz claimed that he and Rollins are the workhorses of the WWE. The Miz stated that Balor is always in Rollins’ way.
Seth said that everybody knew what The Miz was trying to do. Rollins added that is a Triple Threat match at WrestleMania and told Miz to deal with it. The Miz said that Balor was “the man in bingo halls” and then complimented Balor on becoming the first Universal Champion. The Miz stated that it actually should just be a one-on-one match against Finn for the IC Title. Balor said that he literally just tried the same technique with Rollins and that it wouldn’t work on him either.
The Miz stated that Rollins resents Balor for defeating him for the Universal Championship. The Miz claimed that Balor shouldn’t trust Rollins because he always stabs people in the back and brought up Rollins betraying The Shield. Seth interrupted and told The Miz to shut up and the crowd cheered. Rollins noted that The Miz doesn’t need to fire them up because it is an IC Title at WrestleMania and that they are already fired up.
Rollins vowed to win the title at WrestleMania 34 and told Balor that he doesn’t have a chance. Finn asked Rollins what happened the last time they had a championship match, in reference to Balor defeating him for the Universal Championship. Balor bragged about beating Seth with one arm. Rollins claimed that he doesn’t live in the past and stated that he was going to stomp Finn’s head into the mat in four weeks to become the new Intercontinental Champion.
Balor got up and said that they don’t have to wait four weeks to fight. Rollins and Balor had a stare down as The Miz grinned in the middle of them. Rollins and Balor turned their attention towards The Miz who tried to run away. Finn Clotheslined The Miz out of the ring and turned around into a right hand from Seth. Rollins pointed at the WrestleMania sign and then walked backstage as The Miz was laughing on the entrance ramp.
Opinion: I’m looking forward to this match at WrestleMania 34. The Miz is a great hell, but I think it is time for him to drop the title. The Miz rarely wins a match without outside interference and it is getting a little old. I would like to see Balor win the title at WrestleMania 34. He seems to be the Superstar that needs the title the most. Rollins should make his way back to the Universal Championship picture following WrestleMania 34.
The Entire RAW Tag Division Attacked The Bar
Sheamus and Cesaro faced The Miztourage tonight on RAW. If Dallas and Axel won the match, they would face The Bar for the RAW Tag Team Championships at WrestleMania 34. Dallas and Axel attacked Sheamus and Cesaro before the match started. Dash Wilder and Scott Dawson came down to the ring and attacked Sheamus and Cesaro as well.
Gallows and Anderson joined the party and joined the brawl. Sheamus and Cesaro retreated up the entrance ramp but were greeted by Titus Worldwide and Rhyno & Slater. The entire RAW tag division was in the ring and they all were beating down Sheamus and Cesaro.
Cesaro jumped out of the ring and escaped through the crowd. Sheamus escaped up the entrance ramp and made his way backstage as the rest of the RAW tag division stood tall in the ring.
Sheamus and Cesaro approached RAW GM Kurt Angle backstage later on the show and complained about being attacked by the entire division. Sheamus and Cesaro stated that they have heard rumors of a Superstar Shake-Up following WrestleMania and demanded to be traded right to SmackDown right now because they know when they are not wanted. Kurt Angle said that there is no way he is trading them and announced a RAW Tag Team Battle Royal tonight.
Opinion: My first thought when the entire RAW tag division was in the ring was that the division is weak. There are some good teams in there, but they never connected with the crowd or WWE has seemingly given up on them. The Superstar Shake-Up cannot come soon enough, as some of the teams in the division need a fresh start on SmackDown. I’m not even sure too many Superstars can succeed on SmackDown now, as creative on Tuesday nights has been atrocious. There is no team on the current RAW roster that I would be excited to see face Sheamus & Cesaro at WrestleMania 34. I would have said The Revival before last week, but then they lost to The Bar.
John Cena Challenged The Undertaker To A Match At WrestleMania 34
John Cena came down to the ring and stated that he has finally found his road to WrestleMania. Cena said that he was brave enough to face the truth and that he has failed at his opportunities on both RAW and SmackDown.
The crowd started to chant “Undertaker!” and Cena said that was very kind of the crowd and said that he hoped that the folks backstage were listening. Cena announced that he will not contribute to WrestleMania this year. A brief cheer broke out before the crowd started chanting “no!”.
Cena stated that he was still going to be at WrestleMania, but his road to WrestleMania was just like the fans. John said that he was going to WrestleMania as a fan and that the WWE Universe is the most important part of WrestleMania. John said that he is going fired up just like the fans and got out of the ring and joined the crowd. Cena took a sip of a fan’s beer and shouted “this is awesome!”. Cena then started a “this is awesome!” chant in the crowd. Cena tried to start a “lets go Roman!” chant and the entire crowd booed.
John started a “lets go Cena!” and the crowd responded with “Cena sucks!”. Cena said that that the only way the crowd is going to hear that chant at WrestleMania is if he did the thing he wasn’t supposed to do. Cena then said “screw it!” and challenged The Undertaker to a match at WrestleMania. The entire crowd chanted “yes!”. Cena noted that he was told that this match was impossible and that he never asked why.
Cena once again challenged The Undertaker to match at WrestleMania and said it a few more times to see if his microphone would cut out. It didn’t and Cena noted that it must be The Undertaker that is preventing this match from happening. Cena addressed The Undertaker and told him to get over his own ego. Cena said that the difference between The Undertaker and him is that when he fails he gets back up. Cena claimed that when The Undertaker fails, he hides because he is embarassed.
Cena told The Undertaker to stop hiding behind his lame excuses. Cena brought up The Undertaker posting workout videos on his wife’s Instagram. Cena called The Undertaker a “self centered egomaniac”. John asked the crowd if they wanted to see The Undertaker kick his at WrestleMania and Tombstone him in front of 75,000 people at WrestleMania. The crowd chanted “yes!” and Cena said that he would like to see The Undertaker try it. Cena stated that he is either going to WrestleMania as a fan or as The Undertaker’s opponent. Cena added that the ball is now in Taker’s court and said that if he was The Undertaker he would want one more match.
Opinion: I’m down for a match between John Cena and The Undertaker at WrestleMania 34. I am concerned about how good of a match it will be, as I thought The Undertaker looked terrible at WrestleMania 33 against Roman Reigns. I hope that his health allows him to put on a much better match this year. Cena is still one of the best promos in wWE and has a way of getting whatever reaction he wants from the crowd. This promo was awesome and I thought the interaction with the fan in the crowd was hilarious. I also enjoyed Cena jokingly trying to get the crowd to cheer for Reigns and they immediately responded by booing.
Braun Strowman Guaranteed That Somebody Is Going To “Get These Hands” At WrestleMania 34
Elias came down to the ring with a neck brace on after getting his ass kicked by Braun Strowman last week. Elias said that he has one question for everyone tonight and started strumming his guitar. Elias paused and said that this is your fault. Elias put his guitar on his stool and started walking away.
Elias limped up the entrance ramp as Braun Strowman was shown backstage. Strowman bragged about dropping a piano on Elias last week and noted that it was crazy that he doesn’t have a match at WrestleMania. Braun Strowman guaranteed that somebody is going to “get these hands” at WrestleMania.
Opinion: I’ve ranted about how Strowman should have a marquee match at WrestleMania for weeks now. I’ll take a break from that to complain about WWE’s new obsession with text on the screen during backstage promos. It is cartoonish and annoying as hell. I hope they get rid of it soon because I haven’t come across one person that likes it.
Finn Balor Outsmarted Seth Rollins
Finn Balor faced Seth Rollins tonight on RAW. Intercontinental Champion The Miz was shown backstage watching the match. Rollins controlled the match early and knocked Balor to the canvas with a knee to the face. Rollins connected with a chop and then booted Finn in the back. Seth beatdown Balor in the corner. Finn battled back and Dropkicked Rollins out of the ring. Balor booted Rollins in the shoulder from the ring apron as RAW went to a commercial break.
When RAW returned, Rollins was back in control and had Balor in a Chin Lock in the middle of the ring. Balor battled to his feet for a moment but Seth quickly wrestled him back down to the mat while maintaining the hold. Finn connected with a couple of jabs to the midsection to break the hold but Rollins quickly knocked him back down. Rollins rolled out of the ring and connected with a running knee to Balor’s head. Seth got back in the ring and went for the cover but Finn kicked out at two.
Seth applied the Chin Lock once again as The Miz was shown again backstage watching the match. Balor broke free and sent Rollins to the corner. Seth caught Finn with a boot but Balor responded with an Enziguri. Balor unloaded a few punches but Seth then connected with an Enziguri of his own.
Finn connected with a Slingblade and then charged at Rollins but Seth was ready and booted Balor in the face for a two count. Seth knocked Balor to the corner and connected with a couple of forearms. Rollins went for a third but Balor escaped to the ring apron and kicked Seth in the side of the head. Rollins climbed up to the top but Seth got back up and joined him there. Seth delivered a Superplex to Balor but Finn rolled through and rolled up Rollins for the victory. Rollins was trying to roll through for the Falcon Arrow but Finn was able to counter into a roll-up. After the match, Rollins was pissed off and stormed up the entrance ramp as Balor laughed in the ring.
Opinion: Rollins and Balor work great together in the ring. They are easily two of the best in-ring performers in WWE right now. Finn has been undervalued on RAW and I hope he gets to have a WrestleMania moment next month. Tonight’s match got me even more pumped for the IC Title match at WrestleMania 34.
Asuka Is Still Undefeated, Will Face Alexa Bliss Next Week
Asuka came down to the ring to address showing up at Fastlane last night to challenge Charlotte for the SmackDown Women’s Championship at WrestleMania 34.
Charly Caruso interviewed Asuka in the ring as photos were shown on the screen of Asuka’s appearance last night at Fastlane. Caruso asked why Asuka chose to face Charlotte Flair at WrestleMania. RAW Women’s Champion Alexa Bliss immediately interrupted and came down to the ring with Mickie James.
Bliss once again mocked Asuka’s english and said that talking wasn’t really her strong suit. Alexa stated that Asuka is a fierce competitor and very smart. Bliss claimed that Asuka didn’t want to risk giving up her undefeated streak in a match against Bliss at WrestleMania. Alexa boasted about winning the Elimination Chamber match a few weeks ago and that scared Asuka.
Alexa continued to belittle Asuka and called it “smart strategy” to not enter a match she can’t win. Asuka interrupted and said “to beat the woman you’ve got to beat the woman” and that she wanted to face the best champion in WWE. Bliss once again claimed that Asuka chose the weaker champion. Asuka challenged Bliss to a match right now. Bliss declined and said that Asuka will instead face “this woman” and pointed to the entrance ramp. Nobody showed up and Mickie James delivered a cheap shot to Asuka. Mickie then leaned over Asuka and said that she was ready for her as RAW went to a commercial break.
When RAW returned, Asuka was in control of the match. Asuka knocked Mickie out of the ring and then leveled her with a Dropkick. Asuka brought Mickie back into the ring but Mickie immediately rolled out of the ring again. Mickie tried to escape over the barricade but Asuka grabbed her and slung her into the ring post. Asuka went for a kick but Mickie got out of the way and Asuka grabbed her leg in pain. Mickie got back in the ring and the referee started counting.
Asuka got into the ring to break up the count and Mickie James immediately targeted her attack on Asuka’s injured leg. Mickie James connected with an awesome Sunset Flip Powerbomb for a two count. Mickie went for the Mick Kick but Asuka countered it into the Asuka Lock for the submission victory. After the match, Alexa Bliss stormed up the entrance ramp and left Mickie James behind.
It was also announced that Asuka will appear on SmackDown tomorrow night.
Opinion: Asuka and Mickie James had a solid match tonight. The RAW announcers were playing up the fact that Asuka injured her leg tonight and Charlotte may be able to take advantage of that by locking in the Figure Eight at WrestleMania 34. I like the idea of Asuka heading into WrestleMania as less than 100% to provide some more doubt that she will leave WrestleMania as the SmackDown Women’s Champion. I don’t like the fact that Asuka is facing Alexa Bliss next week. I cannot stand when WWE has their champions lose on television and they do it all the time.
Nia Jax Learned How Alexa Bliss Really Felt About Her
Alexa Bliss went backstage and approached Nia Jax. Bliss asked where Nia was when she called for her and Nia stated that Angle told her to hold back because she has a match tonight. Bliss brought up Nia Jax’s embarrassing loss to Asuka last week and said that she loved Nia Jax. Nia said that she loved Alexa too. Bliss asked for Nia’s word that she will be in her corner next week when she goes against Asuka next week and Nia stated that she would be there.
Nia Jax faced a jobber named Joan King and won the match easily. Alexa Bliss and Mickie James were shown backstage having a conversation. Bliss claimed that she was being nice when she said Nia Jax was an outcast her entire life. Alexa said that Nia Jax looked like Shrek walking through the airport. Alexa told Mickie that she uses Nia because she is a vulnerable human being. Bliss claimed that she has Nia in the palm of her hand and that she is easily manipulated. Bliss added that Nia is just as dumb as she is big. Alexa claimed that Nia knows that she would be nothing without her. Bliss stated that they will use Nia next week to do all the dirty work and then take all the glory as usual.
Charly Caruso showed up and informed Bliss that everyone has just heard everything Mickie and Alexa just said. Nia Jax was then shown slowly walking up the entrance ramp. Nia wiped away a tear and then stormed backstage. Alexa Bliss and Mickie James ran away as Nia Jax entered the room. Nia started throwing suitcases around and Charly informed her that they ran away. Nia screamed and continued to destroy the room.
Opinion: I thought this was great. Bliss’ on-screen character is so manipulative and detestable, it makes for great television. Her mistake tonight will most likely lead to her getting her ass kicked at the biggest PPV of the year. Nia Jax has been overlooked on the main roster and I’m looking forward to her getting her WrestleMania moment next month.
Braun Strowman Won The Tag Team Battle Royal
The Battle Royal to determine the challengers for the RAW Tag Team Championships at WrestleMania 34 was the main event tonight on RAW. Braun Strowman interrupted and made his way down to the ring. Strowman stared everyone down and shouted at the referee to ring the bell.
Strowman immediately eliminated Apollo and then slammed Heath Slater to the canvas. Strowman chased Slater around the ring and drove him into the barricade. Sheamus and Cesaro joined commentary for the match and had no idea what was going on because Strowman is an individual and not a tag team. Strowman then eliminated Heath Slater from the match.
The rest of the Superstars attacked Strowman and tried to eliminate him. The Revival broke away and eliminated Rhyno. Strowman once again cleared the ring as everyone rolled under the bottom rope. Titus O’Neil got in the ring to challenge Braun Strowman. Titus thought better of it and got back out of the ring as RAW went to a break.
When RAW returned, Strowman was knocked through the second rope and was not eliminated. Strowman was then driven into the steel steps by The Revival and The Miztourage. The two teams then picked up the stairs and charged at Strowman and knocked him into the timekeeper’s area.
Back in the ring, Titus O’Neil started launching people all over the ring. The Miztourage eliminated The Revival. Braun Strowman got into the ring and eliminated Titus O’Neil. Strowman then eliminated Gallows and The Miztourage tried to eliminate Braun from behind. Strowman planted Dallas and Axel with a Running Powerslam. Braun then eliminated both members of The Miztourage. Strowman then launched Karl Anderson over the top rope to win the Battle Royal. Sheamus and Cesaro looked concerned on the entrance ramp as Strowman posed in the ring.
Opinion: Well, the entire RAW tag team division is now officially buried. It is stunning how far The Revival have fallen. They were eliminated by The Miztourage tonight. I guess we will get an explanation next week from RAW GM Kurt Angle as to what is going happen. Strowman will either have to get a tag partner or become the RAW Tag Team Champions as an individual. Which sounds absolutely ridiculous so I doubt that will happen. It was fun watching Strowman dominate, but it just speaks to the poor condition the RAW tag division is in right now.
What did you think of this week’s episode of RAW? Share your thoughts in the comments below.