Raw Review 02/03/2020

RAW REVIEW 02/03/2020

Tonight, how will Drew Mcintyre respond after he was attacked by his WrestleMania opponent the WWE Champion Brock Lesnar? Speaking of WrestleMania, will we find out this week who the 2020 Women’s Royal Rumble winner Charlotte Flair will challenge at WrestleMania? Also, what will be the fallout from the attack on Edge from Randy Orton? Plus, who will win as the team of Kevin Owens and The Viking Raiders (Erik & Ivar) take on Buddy Murphy and the Authors Of Pain (Akam & Rezar)? Finally, we have a huge Triple Threat match between Bobby Lashley, Seth Rollins, and Ricochet. Which of these three men will win and go on to Super ShowDown to face Brock Lesnar for the Universal Championship?

Raw comes to us from the Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City, UT.

Raw kicks off with us being welcomed by Jerry “The King” Lawler, Tom Phillips, and Byron Saxton. We are then shown a video Edge being taken away in an ambulance last week and the attack by Randy Orton that led to that.

In-Ring Segment: Randy Orton
*** As Orton walks to the ring we are told by Tom Phillips that Edge is at home recovering and will update the WWE Universe as early as next week.
Orton says he guesses he owes everybody an explanation. He says the thing… he then stops as the crowd boo’s him and chants for Edge. Orton begins to speak again but stops as the crowd now chants “you suck”. Orton then says he can’t do this. He drops the mic and exits the ring.
My Opinion:
I think everyone wanted an explanation but a good story gives time to build. This lets the crowd boo Orton and it shows how angry the WWE Universe is at him. It also keeps you guessing what is going on in Orton’s head. For his whole career, you’ve seen the aggressive side to him and then you’ve seen hints of remorse like tonight. An explanation may have been premature at this point and now everyone will wonder why and more importantly when and how Edge will get his revenge. I think either way this will lead to a huge and amazing match which I can’t wait for!

Match 1: Lana vs Liv Morgan
Morgan pushes Lana to the ground and Lana screams in pain about her wrist. Lana then grabs Morgan and pushes her. Lana lands a kick and tries a cover but Morgan kicks out. Lana now goes to a chokehold. Morgan tries to work out but Lana throws her down to the mat. Morgan comes back with a big kick. Lana goes to the ropes but Morgan uses the ropes to hit the big DDT. She covers and gets the 1 2 3.
*** The Riott Squad music hits and out comes Ruby Riott! Ruby comes in the ring and Liv goes for a hug but Riott throws her down to the mat. She then lands a big kick before hitting her with big right hands. She then hits Liv with big knee shots in the back. Riott then comes from behind and drills the back of Liv’s head sending her into the mat. Lana then plants Liv and lays her out. Lana tells her that’s karma.
Winner: Liv Morgan
My Opinion:
That was a very quick match but once again Liv puts away Lana very easily. I think Liv and Lana give it their best but their chemistry in the ring doesn’t come across well. The exciting part was to see Ruby Riott back but obviously this was a part of a plan for Lana who got Riott to take out Liv. I was super happy to see Ruby back but I was hoping when she did it would be her doing her own thing. I think Ruby is very capable of fighting for the Women’s Championship and it would have been awesome for her to return and face Becky Lynch instead of being thrown in this story.

Match 2: Mojo Rawley w/ Riddick Moss vs Drew Mcintyre
*** Before the match, Mcintyre thanks Salt Lake for fighting through the blizzard to be here tonight. He tells Mojo as soon as he puts this microphone down three seconds later he is going to Claymore his head off. He then tells how Brock attacked him last week from behind. He says that’s just fine with him because that tells him Brock Lesnar is apprehensive of the sexy Scottsman and he knows he is just as big and just as fast and he has a secret weapon that knocked his ass out of the Royal Rumble, the Claymore. He tells that come WrestleMania, he is going to kick his oversized head off his body and finally become WWE Champion. He then tells Mojo like he said, three seconds.
The match begins and right away Mcintyre hits Mojo with the Claymore. He pins him and gets the 1 2 3.
Winner: Drew Mcintyre
My Opinion:
Mcintyre was true to his word and won that match just as quickly as he said he would. He has been so impressive in the ring as of late and it’s awesome for him with such a big match around the corner. Mcintyre has every tool he needs to win and be the WWE Champion. I think last week Lesnar fired him up and it will be up to Mcintyre to stay on this hot streak and continue to get as prepared as possible to make his dreams come true. No matter who walks into WrestleMania as WWE Champion, Mcintyre will be ready!

Backstage Segment: Buddy Murphy & AOP
Charly welcomes Buddy Murphy and AOP. She asks them what their strategy is tonight. Murphy says as far as they are concerned they have already won tonight’s match because they are on the right side of history. He says they are focused on the Monday Night Messiah bringing Raw into the future. He adds about Owens and The Viking Raiders but Rollins comes up and tells them to go get ready for their big night.

Backstage Segment: Seth Rollins
Charly then asks Rollins about his match tonight. He tells how he has found himself with a second chance to face Brock Lesnar. He talks about how redemption is a beautiful thing and then tells how he has beaten Lesnar twice and he knows Drew Mcintyre has his heart set on facing Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania but Drew needs to start preparing for a new WrestleMania opponent, the Monday Night Messiah.

Match 3: Kevin Owens & The Viking Raiders (Erik & Ivar) vs Buddy Murphy & AOP (Akam & Rezar) w/Seth Rollins: Elimination Match
Erik starts with Murphy and quickly throws him down. Owens comes in and slams down Murphy. Ivar tags in and he and Erik land a double team on Murphy as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Rezar squares off with Ivar and the two hammer on each other with right hands. Ivar is able to hit a big kick and send him to the corner. Erik tags in and hits him with a big knee strike. Rezar comes back and takes Erik to the mat. Akam tags in and dominates Erik. he hammers on him before tagging Murphy. Murphy lands a big kick thanks to the help from Akam. Murphy tries to stay in control and eventually does. He hits a series of strikes before Erik comes back with a big kick of his own. Ivar tags in now and lands a big slam on Akam. Rezar comes in to help and Ivar continues to fight him off. He then takes it to Murphy and lands a huge clothesline. Erik tags in now. Ivar flies through one side and Erik flies through the other as they take out AOP. Ivar slams into the screens on one side of the ring. On the other side, Erik is hit with a stomp from Rollins. Erik is thrown back in the ring and Murphy pins him for the 1 2 3. Erik is eliminated. Ivar is then taken to the back with an apparent shoulder injury. Owens is now left 1 vs 3 as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Akam takes it to Owens and tries a cover but Owens kicks out. Murphy tags in and lands a big kick on Owens. Murphy then wrenches on the face of Owens. Murphy hits him with a kick and then sends him to the outside. Murphy meets him out there but he is caught and Owens hits him with a fallaway slam. Back in the ring, Murphy tries a cover but Owens kicks out. Rezar comes in and hits Owens with a big right. He sends him off the ropes but Owens connects with a kick and then an enziguri. Akam tags in and he and Rezar double team Owens slamming him to the mat. Akam tries a cover but Owens kicks out. Akam then goes to a chin lock. Owens gets to his feet and fights off Akam. he hits him with big right hands and then comes off the ropes but he is hit with a knee. Murphy tags in and stays on Owens. Murphy tries another kick but he is caught with a kick to the midsection and then hit with a DDT. Murphy works a tag and in comes Akam. Akam stays on him and hits him with stiff shots. Murphy tags in but this gives Owens room to fight back. He takes out AOP and then takes it to Murphy in the corner. He hits a cannonball on Akam on the floor. He then sends Rezar into the stairs. He lands a kick on Murphy and then in the ring he tries a senton but Murphy gets his knees up. Owens finally connects with the pop-up powerbomb and Owens pins him for the 1 2 3. Murphy is eliminated. Akam comes in and hammers on Owens with big right hands. Owens comes back with a kick and then hits a Stunner. He covers and gets the 1 2 3. Akam is eliminated. Rezar comes in and is sent shoulder first into the post. Owens knocks him down in the corner and then hits him with the cannonball. Owens goes up top and hits the senton. He covers but Rezar kicks out. Owens looks to lift Rezar and finally does. Rollins works a distraction and it allows Rezar to hit a big clothesline. Rezar then sends him off the ropes and lifts him for a big spinebuster. He then does it once more. He covers and gets the 1 2 3.
Winners: Buddy Murphy & AOP (Akam & Rezar)
My Opinion:
What a fight Owens brought in that match! He gave it all he had but ultimately came up short but the heart he showed was awesome. Owens was backed into a corner again but showed he will never give up. Thanks to Rollins Owens was thrown off his game but Owens was so close in this one. Owens now has to go back to the drawing board but you can guarantee he is going to keep fighting no matter what. Rollins and his disciples have been on a roll but it will be up to guys like Owens to stop them before they fully take over Raw.

Backstage Segment: Ricochet
Charly asks Ricochet what the opportunity later tonight means to him. He says it means everything and tonight is his chance to prove he is one of the best. He tells how it’s going to be hard for him to win this opportunity because of the obstacles put in front of him. He says it is his chance to prove that determination can out weight probability. He tells Charly this means everything.

Match 4: Aleister Black vs Eric Young
Young backs him in the corner and is able to hit him early. Black has to fight out of the corner and eventually is able to sweep the leg to take down Young. He hits a shot to the midsection and then connects with a series of strikes. Black then hits a huge shot to the face of Young and he falls to the mat. Black brings him to his feet and then hits Black Mass. He covers and gets the 1 2 3.
*** Black starts by saying remember when you were young when they told you that you could grow up to be anything you wanted to be only to row up to realize the opposite. He says to him, that is not real and not authentic. He says he is a firm believer people should be whoever they want to be because that drives relentless competition. He says so when he knocks down the Raw locker room there won’t be any light that seeps in. he will engulf with shadows cast by the Black Mass and you will realize when he is done it was done by someone who was told he could be whatever he wanted to be.
Winner: Aleister Black
My Opinion:
Another impressive victory for Black and so far his new proclamation of looking for fights is working out well for him. Black is always so impressive but I think many people are waiting for him to get to that next level. Now that doesn’t mean it has to be fighting for championships but giving Black a story he can really sink his teeth into. Black can have an amazing match with anyone and if he could just find another guy like Buddy Murphy but make it a more personal rivalry it would be amazing. Black is a guy you want to see do well and rise to the top so I hope he will get the chance.

*** Find out who’s next for Goldberg this Friday on SmackDown!

In-Ring Segment: Humberto Carrillo & Angel Garza w/ Zelina Vega
*** Before the match, Vega asks Humberto if he is surprised. She tells that nobody smart plays fair and vulnerability is a liability and she found his. She tells him when he messes with her business she is not the one who pays the price, he is. She says standing next to her is not some hired hitman but much worse. She says that standing next to her is a former champion in NXT, the hottest Latino prospect, and Humberto Carrillo’s cousin Angel Garza. Garza tells Humberto he knows he is shocked because he is seeing him right here but there is a reason. He tells that they both know in this era he is the leader of their family so Humberto answers to him. Garza tells him that all he has done the last weeks have been a disgrace to all the people, to their family, and to our Latino’s. Humberto grabs the mic. Humberto talks to him in Spanish before Vega slaps him. Garza then attacks him and takes him to the mat. He holds him down and then brings him up to hit him with the Wing Clipper. Garza then tosses Carrillo outside of the ring. Garza then throws him into the steps before exposing the concrete. Garza grabs Humberto and looks for the DDT but here comes Rey Mysterio. Garza is backed into the ring as Mysterio checks on Carrillo. Mysterio then gets in the ring and stares down Carrillo as Raw goes to break.

Match 5: Rey Mysterio vs Angel Garza w/ Zelina Vega
As Raw returns, the match begins. Garza goes to the outside and talks with Vega. Garza gets back in the ring and avoids Mysterio to start. Garza works a headlock and brings him to the mat. Mysterio counters and works a head scissors. Garza gets to the ropes and the hold is broken. Mysterio takes him down and works a chin lock. Garza gets to his feet and tries to fight off the hold and does. Mysterio comes off the ropes and the two trade counters. Mysterio finally hits a hurricanranna and takes him down. Garza gets on a knee and offers a handshake but Mysterio doesn’t bite. Garza turns things around and takes down Mysterio before landing a chop. Garza places him up top and gets him caught up in the corner. He then hits him with a big dropkick. Garza toys with him before bringing him to his feet. Garza brings him up top and hammers on his back. Garza then goes for the mask but stops and brings Mysterio down hanging him up again. He connects with a kick and covers but Mysterio kicks out. Garza lifts Mysterio but he fights off and lands a kick to the face. Mysterio gets him hung up in the ropes but Garza is able to escape. Garza then takes Mysterio off his feet on the apron and Mysterio drops hard to the floor as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Garza is in control and throws Mysterio sternum first into the top turnbuckle. Garza places Mysterio between the top and second turnbuckle and then hits him with another kick. Garza goes up to the second rope and taunts the crowd. He then tries a moonsault and misses on the landing. Mysterio covers but Garza kicks out. Mysterio lands a kick to the face and falls into the cover but Garza kicks out. Mysterio hits a huge DDT and covers again but still can’t put him away. Mysterio hits a seated senton and tries to build momentum but Garza halts him. Garza then hits him with a big knee strike. He covers but Mysterio kicks out. Garza looks for the Wing Clipper but Mysterio fights out. He hits the sunset driver and then looks for the 619 but Vega pulls Garza out of harm’s way. Mysterio then flies over the ropes and takes out Garza. Vega yells at Mysterio and distracts him. This allows Garza to hit him with a big superkick. Garza then brings Mysterio over to the exposed concrete and hits Mysterio with the DDT. the ref calls for the bell.
Winner: Rey Mysterio: Via DQ
My Opinion:
I loved seeing Garza make his way to Raw tonight, I thought it was very unexpected and gave people another chance to see what he is all about. If this leads to a rivalry between Garza and Carrillo on Raw I think these two will deliver as always. They know each other so well and I think they have exciting matches just like we saw with Murphy and Black. Garza really proved himself against Mysterio tonight as Mysterio gave him all he had but Garza just wouldn’t stay down. Of course, Vega helped out in this cause but Garza made a statement and showed what he is all about. Even though he can hit the big flashy moves he can also lay someone out if he feels like it. This was a good test for him and he delivered so I hope we see him stick around on Raw. Vega is a great business partner so there is no reason she can’t have two clients that both are successful.

In-Ring Segment: Charlotte Flair: WrestleMania Opponent Decision
Charlotte tells how everyone is wondering who she is going to face. She tells how she has held the Raw Women’s Championship multiple times and she has beaten Becky. She has also held the SmackDown Women’s Championship and beaten Bayley. She then tells that she has love for NXT. She tells how she has held all the gold. She then says the Queen still wants all the gold. Here comes Rhea Ripley!
Rhea reiterates how Charlotte won the Royal Rumble and can challenge for any title she wants at WrestleMania. She then tells Charlotte that she hasn’t beaten her. Rhea then tells how she has beaten Charlotte. Rhea tells her if she is going to challenge for any title at WrestleMania, well… she then holds up the NXt Women’s Championship. Charlotte looks at her and then walks by her as she exits the ring. As she stands at the top of the ramp she gives a WOOO.
My Opinion:
This would be amazing if this happens! What a match these two could have and I think this would really help NXT continue to move to the forefront of the WWE. Ripley obviously wants this fight and hopefully, Charlotte will accept. I like that she is keeping everyone waiting still because it shows the importance of the choice but it looks like this Wednesday we should find out so that will be huge!!!

Backstage Segment: Bobby Lashley
Sarah welcomes Bobby Lashley and asks what his battle plan is going into his match and if he is distracted his wife Lana lost her match tonight. He says he isn’t and tonight he will get the opportunity he deserves and has earned. He tells that when he lays waste to the two of those guys he is going to defeat Brock Lesnar at Super ShowDown and go on to WrestleMania as the World Champion. He says when he does go he will beat the holy hell out of Drew Mcintyre and remain the WWE Champion.

Match 6: Asuka w/ Kairi Sane vs Natalya
Asuka gets the early control and works around on Natalya. Natalya looks to break the hold but Asuka stays on her and brings her to the mat. Finally, Natalya works out of the hold and gets to her feet. Natalya fights back and hammers on her with big right hands backing her into the corner. Natalya then is able to hit a powerbomb and works a cover but Asuka kicks out. Natalya looks for the SharpShooter but Asuka avoids it and rolls to the outside as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Asuka is in control of the arm of Natalya. Natalya hits her with big rights but Asuka throws her down to the mat. Asuka hits her with a series of kicks and then sends her face-first into the mat. Natalya works a cover but Asuka kicks out. Asuka then lands another big kick and continues to work on the arm of Natalya. Asuka hits the Shining Wizard and goes for the cover but Natalya kicks out. Asuka now works an armbar and stays in control. Natalya fights out and hits Asuka with another big shot to the face. Asuka stays on the arm and now looks for a guillotine. Natalya lifts her up and turns it into a suplex. Natalya is able to land a back elbow and then a shot to the midsection. She catches Asuka and the two then trade near falls. Natalya then hits a discus clothesline. She looks for the Sharpshooter and locks it in. Asuka is able to get to the ropes. Asuka comes from behind and looks for the Asuka look after a distraction from Sane. Natalya taps out.
*** Asuka grabs the mic and tells Becky Lynch she wants a rematch for the Raw Women’s Championship. Here comes Becky!
Lynch questions Asuka for ducking her for a whole year and wanting to fight her again. She tells that beating her from the Royal Rumble damn near gave her superpowers. She then asks if she thinks she wants to drink from that fountain again, you’re damn right she does. She then asks herself why she would want to put her title on the line this close to WrestleMania? She tells because the only thing funner than beating her ass once is doing it twice. She tells her she is on. Lynch then takes down Sane who tried a sneak attack. She then says see superpowers, I got eyes in the back of my head.
Winner: Asuka
My Opinion:
An awesome match between these two tonight! They both fought their hearts out and I loved how back and forth this one was. These two know each other well and the chemistry shows in the ring. I thought this match could be a big breakthrough for Natalya but of course, she had to get screwed over in this one with the distraction. After the match, I liked Asuka calling out Lynch and the fact that Lynch accepted her challenge. It is a risky move for her to defend the title this close to Mania but at the same time, she knows she has to keep proving herself because that’s what champions do.

Backstage Segment: Seth Rollins
Seth Rollins heads to the ring for his huge Triple Threat Match, next!

***Charlotte answers Rhea’s challenge this Wednesday on NXT!

In-Ring Segment: Seth Rollins
Rollins says good things come to those who are on the right side of history. He then asks the crowd to give a round of applause to Buddy Murphy and the AOP for their victory earlier tonight. He says now is his time and it is his time once again to dethrone Brock Lesnar. The crowd then boo’s. He says that’s interesting because I made that same promise last year and got a different response. He then tells how he went on and beat Lesnar at Mania and defended it all around the world. He then says how he expected a hero’s welcome but instead, he was crucified. He says he doesn’t hate the fans for it but instead he wants to say thank you. He says it is because of all of them that he is the man he is today, the man he is so proud of. He says he is going to dethrone Brock Lesnar again and but this time it will be for the greater good and for something you cannot begin to understand. He says it will be remembered for 10 years, 20 years… he says Drew Mcintyre will not go into WrestleMania facing the Beast but instead will go into WrestleMania facing the Monday Night Messiah.
*** Becky Lynch will defend the Raw Women’s Championship against Asuka, Next Week!

Match 7: Seth Rollins vs Bobby Lashley vs Ricochet: Triple Threat #1 Contender’s Match: Winner Challenges for the WWE Championship At Super ShowDown
Ricochet works face and is able to send Lashley to the outside. He tries a cover on Rollins but Rollins is out quickly. Ricochet stays in control but Rollins comes back with a sling-blade. Rollins keeps Lashley out of the ring and then hits Ricochet in the corner. He tries a cover but Ricochet kicks out. Lashley comes in and takes it to both me. He then takes down both Rollins and Ricochet with neck breakers. Lashley sends Rollins to the outside and goes after Ricochet. Ricochet lands a big boot and then hits a dropkick sending Lashley to the outside. Ricochet then flies to the outside to take out Lashley. He then does the same to Rollins. He brings Rollins into the ring and looks to fly but Murphy and AOP come out to ringside and Murphy pushes Ricochet off the top. AOP then goes after Lashley on the outside. Lashley is thrown into the barricade. Meanwhile, Murphy is hit with a big right. Owens comes out and takes out Murphy on the stage. The Viking Raiders then come out and take it to AOP. Owens joins in and hits a superkick on Rezar. He then goes after Akam with a chair. Erik then hits Rezar with a chair. They then take AOP to the crowd and battle with them away from ringside as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Rollins and Ricochet are down. Rollins brings Ricochet to his feet but this allows Ricochet to fight back with big right hands. Lashley comes in the ring and takes down Ricochet before taking down Rollins. He then hits Rollins with a spear in the corner. Ricochet comes off the top and puts down Lashley. Ricochet then focuses on Rollins and drops him to the mat. Ricochet hits him in the corner and then hits Lashley with a big kick. Ricochet flies off the ropes and drops Rollins on the mat. He hits a standing shooting star but Lashley makes the save. Ricochet now hits Lashley with strikes but Lashley comes back with a spine buster. He then lays out Rollins and covers but Rollins kicks out. Lashley then lifts up Rollins but Rollins fights off. Rollins now looks for the cover but Ricochet breaks it up. Rollins goes up top and Ricochet is able to connect with an enziguri. Ricochet meets him up there but then so does Lashley who slams them all down to the mat. Ricochet now goes back up top and hits Lashley with a kick. Ricochet then looks to fl and connects with the 630. He covers and gets the 1 2 3. Out comes Brock Lesnar! He hits Ricochet with a devastating F5! Lesnar stands tall with the WWE Championship as Raw goes off the air.
Winner: Ricochet: Will Face Brock Lesnar for the WWE Championship at Super ShowDown
My Opinion:
What a match these three had! That was an awesome way to end the night and that match was really anyone’s to win. I’m super excited for Ricochet to get this huge opportunity but as seen Lesnar isn’t playing around and ended the feel-good moment real quick. Ricochet showed once again how impressive he can be in the ring tonight but it’s a whole new ballgame with Lesnar. I don’t know how Ricochet will prepare for this but right now it looks like easy pickings for the Beast.

Final Thoughts:
This was a decent Raw tonight and some of the matches were awesome! The start to Raw wasn’t bad and I liked that Orton didn’t say anything. This story with him and Edge will continue to develop and I’m very excited to see where it goes. With Edge returning you know he and Orton will do everything to make this memorable! I loved the 6-man tag we saw as well. Owens really made that match and I loved how hard he fought, plus it was great to see Owens and The Viking Raiders get one up on them at the end of the show. I thought Rey Mysterio and Angel Garza killed it as well. I’m happy to see Garza get this opportunity and he showed tonight he can run with it. I loved the match between Asuka and Natalya. They left it all out there and this was a big win for Asuka as it continued to show how tough she truly is to beat especially with a little help from time to time from Sane. I liked that Lynch is going to give her another title shot and whichever one of them wins next week it will skyrocket them towards WrestleMania. Speaking of that I loved Rhea Ripley coming out and offering the challenge to Charlotte. This is a match I think everyone would love to see and I cannot wait to see what Charlotte responds with on Wednesday! Finally, the main event was perfectly done. All three gave it all they had and everyone seemed like they could win this one. Ricochet picks up one of the biggest victories of his career but the celebration was short-lived. To me, that was great though because it shows Lesnar is ready and always waiting. Ricochet has a tall task ahead of him but I’m excited to see him with this opportunity! Overall it was a good night and there are a lot of big things ahead, on that note I can’t wait to see who’s next for Goldberg this Friday!!!
Overall Rating: 6/10