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7 Takeaways From WWE RAW (2/26)

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Written by

Robert Lentini

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The February 26th, 2018 episode of WWE RAW aired live from the Honda Center in Anaheim, CA. It was the first episode of RAW following the Elimination Chamber PPV last night. Here are 7 takeaways from this week’s show:

Bayley Stood Up To Sasha Banks

Photo Credit: WWE.com

RAW kicked off with Alexa Bliss and Mickie James coming down to the ring. Michael Cole stated that it looks like Alexa Bliss will be defending her RAW Women’s Championship against Asuka.

Bliss boasted about winning the first-ever women’s Elimination Chamber match as Mickie James stood beside her. Alexa then claimed to not be selfish and said that she likes to give credit where credit is due. Bliss complimented Mickie on her effort last night and added that she has learned so much from her.

Alexa brought up Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville and said that those ladies have a bright future, just not while she is champion. Bliss stated that Bayley is a “sad situation”. Alexa stated that she capatilized on Sasha Banks’ massive ego to defeat her. Bliss pointed at the WrestleMania sign and vowed to break Asuka’s streak.

Asuka interrupted and stormed down to the ring. Bliss laughed in her face as the crowd chanted “Asuka’s gonna kill you”. Alexa claimed that Nia Jax humiliated and crushed Asuka last night. Bliss said that Nia Jax deserves to be in the championship match and Asuka doesn’t. Bliss noted that Asuka’s English wasn’t very good and slowed down her talking.

Nia Jax came down to the ring and attacked Asuka. Nia, Bliss and Mickie beatdown Asuka for a bit and then Bayley and Sasha Banks ran down to the ring. Banks and Bayley knocked Mickie and Alexa to the mat but turned around into a double Clothesline from Nia Jax.

This wound up leading to a 6-woman tag match. Mickie, Alexa and Nia faced Bayley, Asuka and Sasha Banks. Mickie James and Bayley started off the match. Bayley connected with a Body Slam and then dropped an elbow for a two count. Mickie hit a Hurricanrana and followed it up with a Clothesline for two.

Nia tagged in and continued the beatdown of Bayley. Bliss tagged in and Bayley battled back. Bayley slammed Bliss’ head off the turnbuckle a few times and followed it up with a Clothesline. Sasha Banks tagged herself in aggressively and delivered Double Knees to Bliss.

Alexa rolled out of the ring and had a conversation with Mickie James. Banks kicked them both through the ropes but Nia Jax leveled her with a shoulder tackle. Bliss brought Banks back in the ring and applied a Chin Lock. Sasha broke free but Alexa threw her into the turnbuckle and then booted her out of the ring as RAW went to a commercial break.

When RAW returned, Banks was trapped in the corner with Nia Jax beating her down. Mickie James tagged in and booted Banks in the face for a two count. Mickie bounced Sasha’s face off the turnbuckle and tagged in Alexa Bliss. Alexa connected with a Clothesline and punched Asuka off the ring apron.

Sasha crawled towards towards Bayley and went for the tag but Bayley hopped off the ring apron and stood on the entrance ramp. Asuka tagged in and Mickie James tagged in as well. Asuka hit a Hip Attack to Nia Jax on the ring apron. Asuka booted Mickie in the face and went for the cover but Alexa broke it up. Bayley got back into the ring and Suplexed Bliss and shoved her out of the ring. Asuka locked in an Arm Bar for the submission victory.

Well, it is about damn time Bayley stood up to Sasha Banks. Sasha once again betrayed Bayley last night at Elimination Chamber and tonight Bayley got some revenge by refusing to tag in. I’m incredibly tired of these 6-woman tag matches that seem to happen every week. At least something mildly interesting happened tonight. Asuka still hasn’t officially announced that she will be facing Alexa Bliss for the RAW Women’s Championship at WrestleMania.

Cena’s Road To WrestleMania Will Go Through SmackDown Live

Photo Credit: WWE.com

John Cena came down to the ring to discuss not having a road to WrestleMania. Cena looked up at the WrestleMania sign and then grabbed the microphone and announced that he failed last night at Elimination Chamber.

Cena stated that character is put to the test when your back is put against the wall. John said that he spent 5 minutes last night feeling sorry for himself. Cena’s last words last night on RAW Talk were “I’ll figure it out”.

John noted that he failed and the crowd chanted “what?”. Cena stopped and stood in silence for a moment as the crowd booed. Cena stated that he is fired up and figured it out. Cena then challenged The Undertaker and the crowd chanted “yes!”. Cena then stated that match will not happen because it is impossible. John said that his path to WrestleMania is through SmackDown and told the crowd that he will see them tomorrow night.

I guess we will find out what Cena’s plan is tomorrow night. Cena could try to find a way into the WWE Championship match at WrestleMania or try to earn a spot in the WWE Fastlane main event. It is still possible that he will wind up facing The Undertaker at WrestleMania 34, even though he stated that match was not going to happen tonight on RAW.

Seth Rollins & Finn Balor Defeated The Miz

WWE Intercontinental Champion The Miz came down to the ring with the Miztourage. The Miz poked fun at Anaheim and suggested that RAW GM Kurt Angle takes his Superstars for granted. The Miz went on a rant about all of his accomplishments and his new reality series with Maryse.

The Miz complained about not having merchandise and not being on WWE’s posters. The Miz called the Intercontinental Championship the most prestigious and honorable title in all of WWE. Miz said that he asked Kurt Angle earlier in the day about what he is doing at WrestleMania. Angle said that his opponent tonight “might” determine his opponent at WrestleMania. Seth Rollins made his way down to the ring as RAW went to a commercial break,

When RAW returned, the match started and The Miz was immediately in control. Rollins Clotheslined Miz out of the ring and went for a Suicide Dive but The Miztourage pulled The Miz out of the way. Back in the ring, The Miz connected with a knee to Seth’s ribs.

Miz hit a few It Kicks and then launched Rollins over the top rope as RAW went to another break. When RAW returned, Rollins connected with a Clothesline. Seth hit a Blockbuster off the second rope and went for the cover but The Miz kicked out at two. The Miz hit two Dropkicks and followed it up with a Clothesline that knocked Seth to the mat.

The Miz climbed to the top rope but Rollins met him up there. Rollins planted Miz with a Superplex and followed it up with a Falcon Arrow for a two count. Axel tripped up Rollins from behind and The Miz went for the Skull Crushing Finale but Rollins blocked it. Rollins connected with a Suicide Dive to Axel and Dallas outside the ring. Rollins Clotheslined The Miz out of the ring and hit a Suicide Dive onto all three of them. Rollins kneed The Miz in the face and then climbed up to the top rope. Rollins then hit a massive Frog Splash for the pinfall victory.

After the match, Finn Balor came down to the ring. Seth Rollins left the ring in disgust as Balor posed in the ring. Finn Balor was set to face The Miz tonight as well but he was attacked from behind by The Miztourage.

Gallows and Anderson sprinted down tot he ring and attacked The Miztourage. RAW GM Kurt Angle appeared on the jumbotron and announced that The Miztourage, Gallows & Anderson from ringside. Angle added that The Miz has to face Finn Balor or he is not going to WrestleMania.

The Miz controlled the match early and launched Balor out of the ring. Balor slung The Miz into the steel steps. Back in the ring, The Miz connected with a DDT for a two count. Miz hit a running knee and went for another cover but Balor kicked out as RAW went to another commercial break.

When RAW returned, The Miz had Balor in a Chin Lock and Rollins was shown watching the match backstage. Balor broke free with a Jawbreaker and then connected with an overhead kick. Miz missed with a kick and Balor knocked him to his knees. Finn Balor then hit some It Kicks of his own and followed it up with a Dropkick for two. Balor then hit another Dropkick and the Coup de Grace for the pinfall victory.

Seth Rollins was interviewed backstage by Renee Young. Rollins wasn’t impressed with Finn Balor tonight. Rollins added that he wanted The Miz at WrestleMania and wanted the Intercontinental Championship.

Both Rollins and Balor are worthy of holding the Intercontinental Championship. Time will tell if any other Superstars get involved in the IC Title picture before WrestleMania 34.

Roman Reigns Called Out Brock Lesnar

Roman Reigns came down to the ring to a chorus of boos. Reigns stated that he is a man of his word and he told everyone that he was going to win the Elimination Chamber match. Reigns said that he was also telling the truth when he claimed that he will go to WrestleMania 34 and defeat Brock Lesnar.

Roman Reigns said that Brock Lesnar is not here tonight and that the people in the back won’t like what he has to say. Reigns called Brock Lesnar an entitled piece of crap that hides behind his contract. Reigns blasted Brock Lesnar for running around the Vegas strip taking pictures with Dana White.

Reigns added that they are all sick of it in the locker room. Roman stated that he shows up every week because he is dedicated to WWE. Roman said that he doesn’t respect Brock Lesnar and damn sure does not fear that b*tch. Reigns then said that he was going to head backstage and take his ass chewing like a man because unlike some people, he actually respects this place.

https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/968320353117274112

If WWE wants to get the crowd on Roman Reigns’ side, this is a hell of a way to do it. Many fans are sick of Brock Lesnar holding the Universal Championship captive and want to see it featured on RAW every week. I think this angle is the only way to get the crowd to stop booing Roman Reigns at this point.

He got the crowd on his side tonight and for the match’s sake, I hope that trend continues. I’m not incredibly excited for another Lesnar and Reigns match at WrestleMania. However, I’m all for an interesting build to the match that gets me invested. Reigns’ promo tonight grabbed my attention and now I’m looking forward to Lesnar & Heyman’s response.

The Bar Defeated Titus Worldwide Again

Sheamus and Cesaro defended their RAW Tag Team Championships tonight in a 2 out 3 Falls match. Cesaro distracted Titus right away and Sheamus hit a Brogue Kick for the pinfall. The Bar were up 1-0 in a matter of moments.

Apollo and Titus controlled the beginning of the second bout and trapped Cesaro in the ring. Titus launched Cesaro into the turnbuckle and tagged in Apollo. Apollo slammed Cesaro to the mat and connected with a standing Moonsault for a two count. Apollo leaped onto Sheamus & Cesaro outside the ring as RAW went to a break.

When RAW returned, Apollo tagged in Titus and O’Neil beat the hell out of Sheamus in the corner. Titus slammed Sheamus to the mat and tried to pump up the crowd. Titus slammed Sheamus to the mat again and tagged in Apollo. Apollo connected with a Splash and went for the cover but Cesaro broke it up. Titus knocked Cesaro out of the ring and Apollo connected with a Standing Moonsault on Sheamus for a two count.

Sheamus launched Titus into the barricade outside the ring. Apollo leaped onto Sheamus with a Crossbody and brought him back into the ring. Apollo climbed to the top but Sheamus tripped him up. Cesaro tagged in and they teamed up and hit their finisher on Apollo for the victory. The Bar won the match 2-0.

After the match, Sheamus and Cesaro were interviewed. They bragged about taking out New Day, The Hardys, Jason Jordan and Seth Rollins & Dean Ambrose. Sheamus claimed that there is nobody left for them to beat at WrestleMania.

Dash Wilder sent out the following tweet during the promo:

https://twitter.com/DashWilderWWE/status/968326234009751552

I want to see The Revival succeed on RAW. They are one of the better teams on the roster but their main roster run has been hampered by injuries. RAW’s tag division has been a bore as of late, hopefully The Revival or whomever The Bar wind up facing can provide some much needed life into the division.

Elias Escaped Braun Strowman

Elias came down to the ring with his guitar and asked the crowd if they wanted to walk with Elias. The crowd cheered and Elias noted that was what it feels like to be in the presence of greatness. Elias admitted that last night did not go as planned but his road to WrestleMania will not be derailed. Elias then performed a song in response to Braun Strowman calling his music “noise polution”. Elias got in a few insults before Strowman interrupted and made his way to the ring as RAW went to a break.

The match started when RAW returned and Elias quickly rolled out of the ring. Elias got back in the ring for a moment but started to run away again. Strowman chased after him but Elias caught him with a knee. Strowman shrugged it off and leveled Elias with a Clothesline.

Strowman grabbed Elias by the throat and launched him across the ring. Braun hit a Splash in the corner and casually threw Elias to the mat. Elias battled back briefly but Strowman hit him with a shoulder tackle that knocked Elias out of the ring. Strowman followed him out there and threw Elias into the barricade a couple of times.

Elias grabbed a fire extinguisher from under the ring and spayed Strowman in the face to get disqualified. Elias slammed Strowman into the ring post and then threw him back into the ring. Elias hit Strowman in the ribs with the extinguisher and punched him in the face a couple of times. Strowman connected with a right hand and Elias retreated out of the ring.

Strowman caught up with Elias on the entrance ramp and hit him from behind. Braun kept rubbing his eyes while dragging Elias towards the announce table. Strowman started clearing off the table and lifted Elias onto his shoulders. Elias raked Braun’s eyes and then ran away. Braun once again started following him and chased him backstage. A limo pulled up as Elias escaped. Braun shouted “I’m not finished with you!” and walked away. RAW went to a break while showing the limo on the screen.

It is still unknown what Strowman and Elias are doing at WrestleMania 34. I would like to think that Strowman has earned a top spot on the card. The crowd is behind him and he has been one of the better parts of RAW every week. I’m not really interested in a feud between Elias and Strowman leading into WrestleMania with no stakes whatsoever.

Triple H Hit Kurt Angle With A Cheap Shot

Triple H and Stephanie McMahon came down to the ring to address what happened during Ronda Rousey’s contract signing last night at Elimination Chamber.

Stephanie McMahon accused Kurt Angle of hallucinating due to having “double pneumonia”. Footage was then shown of Angle claiming that Triple H and Stephanie only wanted Rousey in WWE to manipulate her. Rousey slammed Triple H through the table in the ring. Stephanie slapped Ronda in the face and then retreated up the entrance ramp.

Stephanie stated that Rousey added out of savage instincts in the way that she was trained. Stephanie added that she understood it, but said that she was the Commissioner of RAW and that Angle and Rousey report to her. Stephanie said that WWE owns Ronda Rousey and called Angle down to the ring to apologize for his actions.

Ronda Rousey’s music hit and Rousey angrily marched towards the ring. RAW GM Kurt Angle followed her and told her to hold up for a moment. Angle got in the ring and said that her coming to the WWE was the best decision she ever made. Rousey said that she meant everything that she said last night and wants this more than anything. Rousey added that she has never been slapped before, refused to be disrespected and is no one’s property.

Angle told Rousey that she needs to work within the system and that he needs this job. Angle claimed that he lied last night at the PPV. Triple H and Stephanie got back into the ring as Angle continued to claim that his statements weren’t true because he had pneumonia. Stephanie thanked Angle for admitting that he lied and said that they should put this all behind them.

Ronda said that they have addressed everything besides Stephanie’s slap. Rousey demanded that Stephanie apologize to her and if she doesn’t, she will not hesitate to rip Stephanie’s arm out of it’s socket. The crowd chanted “rip it out” and Stephanie got right in Ronda’s face. Stephanie said she was terribly sorry and that she was just reacting to Rousey slamming Triple H through a table.

Stephanie and Triple H went to leave the ring but Triple H stopped to punch Kurt Angle in the face. Triple H and Stephanie made their way up the entrance ramp as Rousey checked on Kurt Angle as RAW went off the air.

The ending to tonight’s RAW further hints at Rousey & Angle versus Stephanie McMahon & Triple H at WrestleMania 34. I’m assuming that is going to come out that Triple H and Stephanie forced Angle to say that he was lying to save his job. Rousey did much better with her promo tonight than she did last night at Elimination Chamber. She wasn’t caught up in the moment and that is a good sign.

Overall, RAW was below average tonight. The promo by Roman Reigns was very good and the ending of the show was interesting. We have some more episodes of RAW before WrestleMania so things should definitely pick up. However, I was expecting a better show tonight and thought it fell flat for the most part.

What did you think of RAW tonight? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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