Home News 9 Takeaways From WWE RAW (3/5)

9 Takeaways From WWE RAW (3/5)

Robert Lentini
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9 Takeaways From WWE RAW (3/5)
Photo Credit: WWE.com

The March 5th, 2018 episode of WWE Monday Night RAW aired live from the BMO Harris Bradley Center in Milwuakee, WI. Here are 9 takeaways from this week’s show:

Triple H & Stephanie McMahon vs. Kurt Angle & Ronda Rousey Was Officially Announced For WrestleMania

RAW GM Kurt Angle kicked off this week’s episode of WWE RAW. Angle brought up Triple H sucker-punching him last week and stated that he is not going to just pretend like everything was okay. Angle demanded that Triple H come down to the ring and face him like a man. Angle took off his suit jacket and waited for Triple H to come down to the ring.

RAW Commissioner Stephanie McMahon made her way to the ring instead and the crowd booed her out of the building. Stephanie noted that Triple H wasn’t at the building yet. Stephanie brought up Angle’s children and his one-year-old baby girl. Stephanie stated that Angle’s alimony payments from his divorce and wondered if he really wanted to risk being RAW GM. Stephanie then blamed Angle for almost ruining the biggest signing in WWE history and claimed Triple H got even last week. Stephanie wanted to put everything behind them but Ronda Rousey interrupted and came down to the ring.

Rousey had a smile on her face and high-fived pretty much everyone in the front row as Angle clapped in the ring. Rousey and Angle hugged and then Rousey shook Stephanie’s hand. The crowd chanted “Ronda Rousey!” and Ronda acknowledged the crowd. Rousey stated that she is starting to realize that the people brought her here aren’t who they said they are. Ronda said that she has dealt with bully bosses all her life and will deal with it her own way.

Stephanie responded by insulting everyone in the crowd because they blindly follow orders of their bosses. Stephanie added that they are giving Rousey an opportunity to fight at WrestleMania. Rousey noted that her contract allowed her to choose her WrestleMania opponent. Stephanie asked for a drumroll and Rousey blurted out “you” as the drumroll was playing. Stephanie said that she was not a member of the active roster.

Triple H stormed out from backstage and said that this was not going to happen. Triple H told Angle to stop acting like a tough guy and do his job. Angle said that he thought Triple H wasn’t here tonight. Angle noted that Stephanie has a second contract as a WWE Superstar and told Stephanie that she will face Ronda Rousey at WrestleMania. Angle added that Triple H also has another contract as a WWE Superstar and announced that it will be Triple H & Stephanie McMahon versus Kurt Angle & Ronda Rousey at WrestleMania.

Stephanie tried to slap Angle but Rousey grabbed her arm. Triple H broke it up and went for another cheap shot to Angle but Kurt was ready. Kurt tried to lock in the Ankle Lock but Triple H fought him off and slammed Angle into the turnbuckle. Stephanie attacked Rousey from behind but ran away once Rousey approached her. Ronda turned her attention to Triple H who was going for a Pedigree on Kurt Angle. Angle reversed it and locked in the Ankle Lock as Stephanie screamed from outside the ring. Angle released the hold and Rousey grabbed Stephanie by the hair and dragged her into the ring. Rousey lifted Stephanie onto her shoulder and planted her with a Samoan Drop. Rousey and Angle posed in the ring as Angle’s music hit.

The idea that both Triple H and Stephanie McMahon were blindsided by having a second contract as a WWE Superstar was too convoluted for me. I’m still looking forward to the match and I’m sure Triple H and Stephanie will get some revenge soon, as it has been announced that Rousey will be on every episode of RAW leading up until WrestleMania.

Nia Jax Broke Down After Losing To Asuka Again

Photo Credit: WWE.com

Nia Jax faced Asuka once again tonight on RAW. Nia launched Asuka into the corner and connected with a couple of Clotheslines to start off the match. Nia launched Asuka across the ring and Asuka fell out of the ring.

RAW Women’s Champion was interviewed during the match while Mickie James was standing beside her. Bliss stated that she hoped the EMTs were on standby because Nia is not only going to end Asuka’s win streak, she just might end her career tonight on RAW.

Asuka locked in a submission but Nia broke the hold. Asuka went for a roll-up but Nia grabbed Asuka by the hair and pulled her back to her feet. Nia lifted Asuka above her head, spun around and then dropped her face-first to the canvas as RAW went to a commercial break.

When RAW returned, Nia Jax was still in control. Asuka battled back and connected with a Shining Wizard for a one count. Nia slammed Asuka into the turnbuckle and threw her across the ring. Nia planted Asuka with a Samoan Drop and went for the cover but Asuka was able to get her foot on the bottom rope to break it up.

Jax showed off her strength by lifting Asuka over her head and dropping her to the mat. Nia went for a Leg Drop but Asuka rolled out of the way. Asuka locked in the Arm Bar in the middle of the ring. Nia made it back to her feet and slammed Asuka to the canvas but Asuka didn’t let go of the Arm Bar. Nia once again lifted Asuka up and slammed her against the turnbuckle twice and back to the mat but Asuka still didn’t let go of the hold. Nia once again lifted Asuka up and tried to slam her but Asuka rolled through and still had the Arm Bar locked in. Jax finally tapped out and Asuka is still undefeated. Alexa Bliss was shown backstage with a concerned look on her face.

After the match, Nia Jax got up holding her arm in the ring. The crowd cheered her on as Nia made her way up the entrance ramp.

 

Later on RAW, Nia Jax was shown backstage icing her arm. Alexa Bliss showed up and stated that she knows Nia Jax is so disappointed in herself. Bliss stated that Nia must be so embarassed over her loss tonight and that she wanted to Nia to know that she has friends. Alexa added that Nia wont be on this WrestleMania’s card but there is always next year. Bliss said that Nia Jax has always been an outcast because how much bigger than everyone else. Bliss added that people still look at her differently in airports today and Nia Jax started crying. Alexa added that Nia cannot let this be her downfall, because if she does everyone will lose all respect for her.

Asuka still hasn’t officially announced if she is going after the RAW Women’s Championship or the SmackDown Women’s Championship at WrestleMania 34. There have been rumors that it will be Alexa Bliss versus Nia Jax at WrestleMania 34 and Asuka versus Charlotte. After tonight, it sure is looking like those rumors will become true.

Nia did a great job conveying emotion during this segment as Alexa Bliss basically ran her down under the guise of a pep talk. Tonight was quite the turnaround for Nia. The crowd applauded after her loss to Asuka and I’m sure she got a bunch of people on her side during this segment. I’m sure some people hated it but I thought it was very well done and was impressed with Nia Jax tonight.

The Revival Missed Their Opportunity To Go To WrestleMania

The Revival faced The Bar tonight on RAW. If The Revival won the match, they would get a shot at the RAW Tag Team Championships at WrestleMania 34.

Sheamus and Cesaro started off the match in control. Sheamus knocked Dawson to the ring apron and Dawson battled back and escaped back into the ring. Wilder tagged in and went for a roll-up but Sheamus kicked out. Cesaro tagged in and Dawson tagged in at the same time as well. The Revival teamed up and slammed Cesaro to the mat for a two count. Cesaro rolled out of the ring to regroup with Sheamus as RAW went to a break.

When RAW returned, The Bar were back in control and had Dawson trapped in the ring. Cesaro dropped an elbow for a two count and then tagged Sheamus back in. Dawson hit a Jawbreaker and tagged Dash Wilder back in. Wilder clubbed Sheamus across the back a few times and then tagged Dawson back in.

Dawson stomped on Sheamus a couple of times and went for the cover but Sheamus kicked out at two. Dawson and Sheamus traded chops before Dawson locked in an Arm Bar. Sheamus battled to his feet and planted Dawson with a Back Body Drop. Cesaro tagged in and Wilder ran into the ring. Cesaro fought him off but Dawson took advantage of the distraction and planted Cesaro with a DDT for two.

Cesaro sent Dawson to the corner and connected with an uppercut. Sheamus tagged in and knocked Wilder off the apron before kneeing Dawson in the face. Dash once again ran into the ring as Cesaro tagged in. Dawson knocked Sheamus out of the ring and tagged in Wilder. Dawson planted Cesaro with a Superplex and Wilder connected with a Frog Splash for a two count. Wilder couldn’t believe that Cesaro was able to kick out.

Dawson tagged back in as Sheamus got back into the ring. Sheamus leveled Wilder with a Brogue Kick and Cesaro planted Dawson with the Gotch Neutralizer for the pinfall victory.

Injuries have really hindered The Revival’s main roster run so far. I still think they are one of the best teams in all of WWE, but I guess it was decided that now is not their time to go for the tag titles. I don’t really see why they wouldn’t be a decent option to face The Bar at WrestleMania 34. The RAW tag division is a total bore right now. Maybe a team from NXT will come up and face The Bar at WrestleMania 34. I have no idea, but I do know that I’ve lost all interest in this division right now.

I would have preferred to see The Revival win this match and then build up a feud between the two teams in the weeks leading up until WrestleMania. Now, it is another week gone by where we still don’t know who is vying for the titles and The Bar have become stale as the champs in my opinion. They desperately need an interesting team to face and I thought The Revival was that opponent.

John Cena Faced Goldust For Some Reason

John Cena came down to the ring to talk about SmackDown and his road to WrestleMania. Cena said that even RAW GM Kurt Angle recognizes the importance of Fastlane this Sunday.

Cena vowed to break Ric Flair’s title record this Sunday at WWE Fastlane and win the WWE Championship for the 17th time. John said that all records are made to be broken and added that he had to do this because it is his only road to WrestleMania.

John stated that he was not given success, he was given a chance and with that chance he earned his way into the title match at Fastlane by defeating WWE Champion AJ Styles this past Tuesday night. Cena challenged AJ Styles to use his rematch clause right away after he loses Sunday and make it a Triple Threat match between Cena, Styles and Nakamura at WrestleMania.

Goldust interrupted and came down to the ring with a microphone. Goldust claimed that he has always had a dream of sharing the silver screen with someone like John Cena. Goldust stated that the dream begins with him stopping John Cena from going to WrestleMania. Goldust said that all of his dreams have been taken from him and that his dreams of rainbows of turned grey and evil.

Goldust claimed that he was Cena’s new director and vowed to shatter Cena’s dreams tonight. Goldust punched Cena in the face and RAW went to a break.

When RAW returned, Goldust was in control of John Cena in a match that RAW GM Kurt Angle made official during the break. Michael Cole announced that this was the first time ever that John Cena and Goldust have had a match.

Goldust hit an inverted Atomic Drop for two. Goldust controlled the next couple of minutes of the match and hit Cena with a low blow as the ref wasn’t paying attention. Cena finally battled back and hit a couple of shoulder tackles and then the Five Knuckle Shuffle. Cena connected with the Attitude Adjustment for the pinfall victory.

Cena basically promoted WWE Fastlane this Sunday and then defeated Goldust in a pointless match. I don’t really know what else to say about besides it was random and I’ve pretty much already forgotten that it happened.

Bayley Shoved Sasha Banks Away

Bayley faced Mandy Rose tonight on RAW. Before the match, Bayley was asked if she and Sasha Banks’ friendship was over. Bayley didn’t get a chance to respond but was interrupted by Paige’s entrance music. Absolution came down to the entrance ramp and Paige mocked Bayley for not needing Sasha Banks to change her diaper anymore. Paige called Bayley a “stupid little kid” for pushing away the only person that cares about her.

Mandy Rose launched Bayley into the turnbuckle and then connected with a Body Slam for two. Bayley drove Mandy into the corner and dropped an elbow onto her. Mandy Rose rolled out of the ring as RAW went to a break.

When RAW returned, Mandy had Bayley in a Chin Lock as the crowd chanted “lets go Bayley!”. Bayley battled to her feet but Mandy leveled her with a right hand. Rose went for a cover but Bayley kicked out at two. Bayley rolled Mandy up for a two count. Mandy hit a running knee for two. Mandy got pissed that Bayley kicked out and went for another quick cover but Bayley once again kicked out.

Bayley connected with a Crossbody and unloaded a few punches to Rose’s face. Bayley then slammed Mandy’s face on the top turnbuckle a few times and followed it up with a Side Suplex. Bayley climbed up to the top rope and hit an elbow. Sonya Deville hopped up on the ring apron and distracted Bayley. Mandy tried to roll-up Bayley but Bayley reversed it for the pinfall victory.

After the match, Absolution attacked Bayley but Sasha Banks came down to the ring for the save. Sasha fought Absolution off and helped Bayley back to her feet. Sasha tried to hug Bayley but Bayley shoved her away and walked backstage.

I wasn’t a fan of Bayley’s promo before the match tonight that got interrupted by Absolution. Bayley seemed unsure of her actions last week when she refused to accept Banks’ tag. Thankfully, she turned Banks away after the match and the storyline remained somewhat interesting. Banks or Bayley has to turn heel soon. I want to see what Bayley is like as a heel but I’m guessing WWE will play it safe and Banks will beatdown Bayley next week.

Braun Strowman Crushed Elias With A Piano

Photo Credit: WWE.com

Elias faced Braun Strowman in a Symphony of Destruction match tonight on RAW. Elias played the piano, drums and a guitar before the match. Elias insulted the crowd and Milwaukee before asking for the lights to be turned off for a proper introduction. Elias ran through the crowd to try to escape facing Braun Strowman tonight as the lights in the arena were out.

Elias exited the arena and got into a car. Elias started the car and tried to accelerate but the car didn’t move. Elias looked in the mirror and Braun Strowman was holding onto the back of the car so Elias couldn’t move. Strowman chased Elias back into the arena and onto the entrance ramp and the match began.

Strowman booted Elias down the ramp and then slammed his face on the ring apron. Braun sent Elias into the corner and connected with a Splash. Strowman posed in the ring and the entire crowd cheered. Braun picked Elias onto his shoulders for the Running Powerslam but Elias escaped. Elias slammed a guitar over Strowman’s back and then knocked him to the mat.

Elias climbed to the top rope and hit an Elbow Drop for a one count. Strowman stumbled back to his feet and punched Elias in the face. Strowman brought Elias to the announce table and started clearing it off. Strowman nodded to the crowd and went for the Running Powerslam but Elias raked his eyes. Strowman threw Elias into a couple of acoustic guitars on the stage. Braun picked up the gigantic bass guitar and smashed it over Elias’ back.

Braun slid Elias under the piano and then Strowman took a seat. Braun slammed on the keys a couple of times and then booted over the drum set. Braun slammed the piano on top of Elias and posed for the crowd before covering Elias for the victory. Elias was loaded onto a stretcher after the match and wheeled backstage.

It is impossible to ignore the ridiculous response Braun Strowman is getting every week. The guy is just incredibly over, yet Roman Reigns is main-eventing another WrestleMania. This was a fun little match but I want more for Braun Strowman. I think it is a waste that he is wrestling throwaway matches against Elias on the road to WrestleMania.

Matt Hardy Wants To Battle Bray Wyatt At The Hardy Compound

Bray Wyatt squashed Rhyno tonight on RAW. After the match, Bray called out Matt Hardy and said that the Great War was far from over. Matt Hardy appeared on the screen and agreed that the Great War was for from over.

Matt Hardy said that there is only one battlefield that is worthy of this fight and said the Hardy Compound. A montage was shown of Hardy at his compound and Hardy noted that the battleground has been prepared for the Ultimate Deletion.

It took far too long for this feud to get to this point but thank goodness we are finally here. I hope that WWE can finally capture some of the magic that made “Broken” Matt Hardy so popular in TNA. They have gotten almost everything wrong up until this point, so hopefully this match is entertaining.

Kurt Angle Announced The Intercontinental Championship Match For WrestleMania 34

The third annual Mizzie Awards were held tonight on RAW.

Here are the nominees for Superstar that love to pat themselves on the back:

  • Seth Rollins
  • Kurt Angle
  • Finn Balor

The Miz announced that it the winner was a tie between Seth Rollins and Finn Balor. The Miz added that Rollins and Balor cannot accept their awards because they were not invited.

Here are the nominees for the worst decision made by a RAW GM:

  • Kurt Angle bringing his bastard son to RAW
  • Kurt Angle for letting both Finn Balor and Seth Rollins into the Elimination Chamber
  • Kurt Angle for failing to name a WrestleMania opponent for the Intercontinental Champion

The winner was announced as simply Kurt Angle. The Miz noted that Angle could not accept his award because he is too busy sucking up to Ronda Rousey. The Miz said that having a Mizzie will be very helpful for Kurt Angle when he is looking for a new job after WrestleMania.

The Miz was about to announce  that the winner of the Lifetime Achievement Mizzie Award was himself but Seth Rollins’ music hit. Finn Balor joined the party and interrupted Rollins. Balor joined Rollins on the entrance ramp and posed for the crowd. Rollins asked Balor what his deal was. The Miz chimed in and said that neither Balor or Rollins deserve an IC Title match. The Miz said that nobody makes losing look better than Rollins.

The Miz poked fun at Balor for only holding the Universal Championship for one day. The Miz added that for Finn Balor to be over, he needs more than just a hand sign that is not even his. Rollins and Balor then faced The Miz, Curtis Axel and Bo Dallas in a Handicap match.

Axel beatdown Seth Rollins to start off the match and trapped him in the corner. Axel connected with a Dropkick and shouted “The Miztourage baby!”. Bo Dallas tagged in and connected with an elbow for two. Dallas applied a Chin Lock in the middle of the ring as the crowd pumped up Rollins.

Seth battled free and booted Bo in the face. Rollins leaped across the ring to tag in Finn Balor. Finn hit a Double Stomp to Dallas and then ran at The Miz who hopped off the ring apron in fear. Balor kicked Dallas off the second rope but became distracted with The Miz. Balor chased The Miz around the ring but ran right into a Clothesline from Bo Dallas. RAW went to another break as The Miz taunted Balor outside the ring.

When RAW returned, Balor was still getting his ass kicked and was trapped in the middle of the ring. Balor fought back and tagged in Seth. Rollins booted The Miz in the back of the head and followed it up with a Suplex and the Falcon Arrow for a two count. Seth booted Bo Dallas off the ring apron and connected with a kick to The Miz’s face. Rollins went for the cover but Axel broke it up. Rollins then hit a Suicide Dive onto The Miztourage out of the ring. Rollins Clotheslined The Miz out of the ring and was going for another Suicide Dive but Balor tagged himself in.

Rollins Dropkicked The Miztourage and Balor flipped onto both of them. Back in the ring, Balor planted The Miz with a Slingblade and then Dropkicked The Miz to the canvas. Balor climbed to the top for the Coup de Grace but Rollins tagged himself in. Rollins connected with the Curb Stromp for the pinfall victory. Balor had a smile on his face on the top rope as RAW GM Kurt Angle’s music hit.

Kurt Angle then announced that The Miz will be defending his Intercontinental Championship against Finn Balor and Seth Rollins in a Triple Threat match at WrestleMania 34.

There were rumors going around that The Miz would be defending his Intercontinental Championship against Braun Strowman at WrestleMania 34. I’m glad that match isn’t happening because that didn’t sound like a WrestleMania worthy match at all. I think is time for The Miz to drop the title and both Rollins and Balor are worthy candidates to become the new Intercontinental Champion. I wouldn’t mind seeing Balor win the title at WrestleMania and that would open the door for Rollins to get back into the Universal Championship picture.

Roman Reigns Challenged Brock Lesnar To A Fight Next Week On RAW

Paul Heyman came down to the ring with the Universal Championship. Heyman stated that he did not seek the crowd’s irrelevant opinion and said that he was here tonight to deliver a message on behalf on Brock Lesnar.

Heyman laid the Universal Championship down in the ring and stated that Brock Lesnar will successfully defend the title on April 8th at WrestleMania 34. Heyman added that if Lesnar once again successfully defends the title at SummerSlam, he will come down to the ring and lay the Universal Championship and the UFC title down next to it.

Heyman gave Roman props for defeating The Undertaker last year and noted that nobody criticized The Undertaker for wrestling one time that year. Heyman said that nobody said that because that statement would be bullsh**. Heyman added that The Undertaker is The Undertaker 365 days a year and that Brock Lesnar is Brock Lesnar 365 days a year. Heyman stated that Brock Lesnar will be on RAW next week and challenged Roman Reigns to confront him. Heyman said that after WrestleMania, Roman Reigns can find a new title to challenge for because the Universal Championship belongs to Brock Lesnar.

Paul paused for a moment and brought up Roman Reigns calling Brock Lesnar a bitch. Heyman raised the title and said that this was Brock Lesnar’s bitch and that she belongs to Brock Lesnar. Heyman added that Roman Reigns cant have Brock Lesnar’s bitch and noted that Lesnar has always wanted to be number one. Heyman laid the title down in the ring again and kneeled next to it. Heyman said that this title means that you are better than everyone else in the world.

Heyman stated that it is not how bad you want the title, it is how bad the title wants you. Paul said that if you get a phone call at 1 a.m. on the Saturday before WrestleMania that something terrible has happened to your father, you cannot address it. You need to show up at WrestleMania and then if you are not needed on RAW or SmackDown, then and only then can you go home to your family. Heyman once again said that Brock Lesnar will be on RAW next week and challenged Reigns to confront him once again.

Roman Reigns’ music hit as Heyman was kneeling down to pick up the title. Reigns made his way down to the ring as Cole, Coach and Graves noted that there were rumors that Reigns wasn’t going to be here tonight because management asked him to stay away. Roman got into the ring and got right in Heyman’s face. Heyman grabbed the title and handed Reigns the microphone.

Reigns said that he said a lot of things last week and Lesnar couldn’t be bothered to show up to RAW this week and instead sent Paul Heyman. Reigns added that Brock Lesnar really is a bitch and that all the crowd is asking is that their champion shows up to work. Roman told Heyman to tell Brock that can he can say whatever he wants to his face next week. Reigns then said to make sure that Brock Lesnar doesn’t come dressed for a promo segment next week and that he comes dressed for a fight. Heyman then exited the ring and retreated up the entrance ramp as RAW went off the air.

Reigns cut a solid promo last week and called out Brock Lesnar for being a part-timer that doesn’t really care about WWE. Heyman responded tonight and even insulted the crowd while doing so. WWE clearly wants the crowd to turn on Brock Lesnar and get behind Roman Reigns. They have tried this countless times and it never works. I don’t see things turning out differently this year at WrestleMania 34.

WrestleMania crowds are comprised of the most passionate wrestling fans in the world. Most of them are sick of Roman Reigns being at the top of the card and are dying to see something different. When Reigns most likely walks out of New Orleans as the new Universal Champion, there wont be a standing ovation from the crowd. WWE just tried this in the feud with Reigns and Cena. Reigns bashed Cena for going to Hollywood and only showing up when he wants to. Some of the crowd got behind Cena, but the majority of them wound up chanting “you both suck!”. I just don’t think this is going to work like WWE wants it to.

I’m sure next week will be interesting when Lesnar and Reigns come face to face. Things will likely get more personal and a brawl will break out. However, at the end of the day it is still a match between Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 34. i don’t see a way WWE can escape the negative reaction that match is going to get on April 8th.

What did you think of this week’s episode of WWE RAW? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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