Raw Review 03/13/2017

Ladies and gentlemen, we are on The Road to WrestleMania and business is picking up. Tonight how will Roman Reigns respond to being challenged to a match at WrestleMania by The Undertaker. Will we see any new development in Seth Rollins push to be at WrestleMania and face Triple H. Plus we are set for a triple threat match for the Raw Women’s Championship. What will Bayley, Sasha, and Charlotte do to gain an edge heading into the Showcase of the Immortals. Brock Lesnar made a bold statement last week by taking out Goldberg. What can Goldberg do to regain an edge and have a chance against The Beast when April 2nd comes around. We now know that the former best friends Chris Jericho and Kevin Owens will face at WrestleMania for the U.S. Championship. What will KO do next as he seems focused on destruction.

Raw is live tonight from the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, MI.

Raw kicks off with us being welcomed to the show by Michael Cole, Corey Graves & Byron Saxton.

In Ring Segment: Brock Lesnar
Heyman starts by noting Lesnar hitting the F5 on Goldberg last week. Heyman goes on to call Lesnar the Goldberg eating carnivore. He tells that at WrestleMania Lesnar will cause the so called announcers to scream “Down Goes Goldberg.” He then plays to the crowd and says Goldberg is not here this evening but Lesnar is so pay attention. Heyman admits that Lesnar and him have had a problem with Goldberg and they couldn’t figure it out. He reiterates that last week Lesnar took out Goldberg. He says that Goldberg went down the most effective finishing move in WWE history the F5. He tells that everyone will see the resurrection of Goldberg put down. Heyman says his theory of WrestleMania equals Lesnar goes up down goes Goldberg.
My Opinion:
It could have been a better promo. Heyman just repeated himself a lot and it didn’t have a strong connection with the fans. I felt he could have done more or said more. To start off the show it should have been a big promo and something that kept people talking. I like promos that make you says wow did he just say that. The best promos leave something to be built on from it. This was just stating the obvious and didn’t really help the storyline. It was kind of similar to the problems from 2004.

Backstage Segment:
Steph tells Mick that she thinks their tension has to do with WrestleMania being so close. She tells him to not take things personally. Steph says Mick’s errors of responsibility are quite significant. Mick says he responds better with a pat on the back not tough love. Steph says she wants to teach him. Mick says the Mcmahon and Foley connection. Steph tells Mick to look at the Raw roster and pick one person to fire by the end of the night. Steph says it will send the message of strong leadership. Mick asks how long he has to make the decision. She tells him the end of the night and asks if she can count on him. He tells her that she can count on him.

Match 1: Sasha Banks vs Dana Brooke
Sasha and Dana lockup to start. Dana backs her in the corner and hammers away. Dana goes to the outside and throws Sasha’s head down on the mat. Sasha is able to regain control and hit double knees. Sasha goes for the cover but Dana kicks out. Sasha rolls up Dana again and picks up the win.
*** After the match Charlotte gets in the ring and calls Dana a disgrace. She tells her that she doesn’t deserve to be by her side. She tells Dana that she is getting rid of her. Dana then attacks Charlotte. She knocks her down and beats on her. They go to the outside and then back in the ring before Charlotte finally gets away. Dana stands tall in the ring.
Winner: Sasha Banks
My Opinion:
The match was very quick and there wasn’t much to it. The biggest thing from this segment was Dana attacking Charlotte. Hopefully Dana will stick around and this doesn’t mean she is out the door. Dana could be very good if they give her the chance. Hopefully this will continue and isn’t all for nothing. I feel right now this segment was pointless and doesn’t do any good for the Women at all especially not with WrestleMania so close. They deserve better.

Warrior Award: Eric LeGrand

Match 2: TJ Perkins & Akira Tozawa vs Brian Kendrick & Tony Nese
Nese comes in from behind and takes down Tozawa. Kendrick gets the tag and throws Tozawa. Tozawa is able to land a punch and an enziguri. He sends Kendrick to the floor and takes him out with a dive. Nese tries to get involved but is taken out by Perkins as Raw heads to break.
As Raw returns Kendrick has Tozawa grounded. Tozawa gets to a vertical base but Kendrick sends him into the corner. Nese gets the tag. They try to double team Tozawa but tozawa outsmarts him. Tozawa hits a big forearm and looks for a tag. Perkins is taken off the mat by Kendrick. Nese gets back in control and wrenches on the abdomen of Tozawa. Nese gets a waist lock but Tozawa powers through. Nese then sends him flying. Tozawa is able to take out Kendrick and get past Nese. he tags Perkins. Tj comes in hot. He is able to hit a bulldog but Kendrick breaks up the pin. Nese lands a big clothesline but can’t get the win. Tj moves out of the way of a running Nese. He hits a ddt from the top rope but Kendrick again breaks up the pin attempt. Tj gets Nese up and drops him. Tozawa takes out Kendrick. Nese pushes Tj into Tozawa and rolls him up. Nese grabs Tj’s tights and picks up the win.
Winners: Brian Kendrick & Tony Nese
My Opinion:
The match from what we saw wasn’t bad. I don’t think they gave it enough time to develop. It felt fast and rushed. I think with these four there was a lot more that could’ve been done. At this time in the year though I feel these matches need to go and everything should be building up to WrestleMania. I mean these guys got more air time than the Women who are actually having a huge match at WrestleMania.

Backstage Segment:
Charly asks Anderson and Gallows who they would rather face at WrestleMania. They asks why everyone talks about the other teams and not them. Gallows tells Charly to talk about the nerds some place else. Anderson says if they don’t get the spotlight they deserve then they will take it.

In Ring Segment: Kevin Owens
Owens tells that one month ago he took the spotlight and put it back where it belongs. Owens says that there are a lot of people who are upset with him for doing this. He claims he was never jericho’s best friend. Owens states that Jericho was just trying to get to the Universal title. He says that Jericho is made because he did what everyone else would do and that was stab him in the back. Owens claims that Jericho beat him at FastLane. Owens proclaims that at WrestleMania he will take Jericho’s title and the only thing left of Y2J will be the tears of Jericho. Owens says the only thing Jericho and Zayn will get tonight is a lesson, “Who needs best friends when you got a destroyer.”
My Opinion:
I didn’t enjoy this as much as I thought I would. I feel owens was another who was just stating the obvious. He was out there by himself and he could have killed this. This is why I miss CM Punk because he made the mic a weapon and that is how it should be especially with a spotlight on you.
Match 3: Kevin Owens & Samoa Joe vs Sami Zayn & Chris Jericho
Owens tags Joe in right away and doesn’t start with Jericho. Jericho starts with a drop kick and chops to Joe. Joe drops Jericho. He then hits a boot and a senton. He knees Jericho and back him into the corner. He throws Jericho not the corner but jericho is able to get to the top and and a dropkick. Zayn gets the tag and tees off on Joe. Joe then regains control and hits Zayn. Joe tags in Owens. Owens stomps on Zayn. Owens kicks Jericho off the apron. Zayn fights back and is able to take out joe and Owens on the outside. He throws Joe into the ring and lands a few shots. Owens come sin and takes out Zayn’s knee. Owens and Joe stomp on Zayn. they double team him and the ref calls for the bell.
*** After the match Joe locks in the coquina clutch and Owens stomps on Zayn. jericho comes in and takes out Joe and Owens he tries to lock on the walls on Owens but Joe comes in and takes him out. The duo now double teams Jericho. Owens finishes with a powerbomb to Jericho.
Winners: Kevin Owens & Samoa Joe
My Opinion:
A pretty good match. I like how they are keeping everything even and not letting things get to out of control they are more respecting the wrestling and I love that. I think Joe and Owens are so good together and all four of these guys are amazing. I can’t wait to see what the future holds and hopefully Zayn and Joe continue the rivalry and maybe even go at it at WrestleMania.

Backstage Segment:
Steph offers her help to Mick in making the decision of who to firs. Mick says he’s got it. Nia comes in and says that she should be in the wrestleMania match not Sasha. Steph tells Mick to let her interject. Steph agrees with Nia. She tells Nia that she will go one on one tonight with Bayley.

New Day Talks:
They welcomes in the Big Show and asks him what he did to prepare for his role. They go over the role. Big Show talks about the movie and his thoughts on it. They are interrupted by Titus O’neil. Titus says someone’s job is on the line and he doesn’t care about being on some stupid talk show. He asks the Big Show why he isn’t the sar of the movie. Big Show says he isn’t in control of it. The New Day sends it back to Cole.

Match 4: Sheamus & Cesaro vs Enzo & Cass:
#1 Contender’s Match
Cesaro immediately goes after cass. He hits a big uppercut on Cass. cass regains composure and hits a side slam. Cesaro fights him off and tags Sheamus. Sheamus goes for a quick cover but Cass kicks out. Cass gets on the offensive and hit Sheamus in the corner. Cass slams Sheamus and tags Enzo. He throws Enzo on Sheamus. Enzo and Cass are on top as Raw goes to break.
Cesaro hits a big clothesline on Enzo. Sheamus gets the tag and they double team Enzo Cass comes in and breaks up the pin. Sheamus gets Enzo in a chinlock and holds him on the mat. Enzo fights off Sheamus and goes to the outside. Cesaro gets the tag and tries to stop Enzo from getting a tag. Enzo hits an enziguri and is able to get the tag. Cass hits a fallaway slam on Cesaro and follows about with a splash and another slam. Cesaro tags Sheamus. Sheamus hangs Cass on the ropes but Cass fights him off. He lands a big boot and sends himself and Sheamus to the outside. Anderson and Gallows come through the crowd and take out Cass. They then turn to Sheamus and pound on him. Cesaro tries to stop them but the number catch up. Enzo tries to get in the ring and Gallows hits him with a boot. They hit the Magic Killer on Cesaro and stand tall in the ring.
Winners: DQ: No #1 Contender’s determined
My Opinion:
I liked the match. It was good throughout. Both teams are deserving and the direction it looks it’s going will be all three teams. I think with the lack of special tag teams now a days it is probably for the best. The more people you can throw in there the better. It gives them more to work with and they will all get chance to be champs. I don’t get why New Day isn’t involved with this and are just the hosts at WrestleMania.

Backstage Segment:
Mick stops The Club and says he is tempted to fire both of them. Mick says no winners equal four opponents at WrestleMania. The Club will now defend in a triple threat match.

Match 5: Roman Reigns vs Jinder Mahal
Roman backs Mahal into the corner. Mahl lands a cheap shot but Roman gets back on the offensive. Roman lands a Samoan Drop but can’t get the win. The Undertaker’s Music hits but he is not there. Mahal takes advantage and slams Roman. He goes for the cover but Roman kicks out. Mahal beats on Roman in the corner. He drives his knee into the throat of Roman. Roman is able to land a big right hand. He hits a Superman Punch and picks up the win.
Winner: Roman Reigns
My Opinion:
The point was there, Roman and Undertaker is on and Undertaker is in vintage fashion. I loved the mind games because that is who the Undertaker is. If this is his last go then he needs to go out as the guy we all know.

In Ring Segment: Roman Reigns
After his match Roman calls out Undertaker. Instead out comes HBK. Roman says it is cool to see you. Roman says it goes without saying Detroit loves you. Roman says he didn’t call out HBK he called out the Undertaker. HBK says he saw what happened last week and this week. He tells Roman that he is distracted and not focused. He tells Roman he will be eaten alive at WrestleMania if he is already in his head. Roman says it is not happening. Roman says maybe the Undertaker should be worried about being in the ring with him. HBK tells him to acknowledge that he is Mr. WrestleMania. He says he knows what it is like to walk around as the guy and he is on his side. Roman says he appreciates the advice but with all due respect the Undertaker retired you. Roman says he is the guy that is going to retire the Undertaker and walks out.
My Opinion:
It was cool seeing HBK but again I thought this could have been better. There needs to be more focus and more meaning to this. HBK being out there didn’t even really make sense if you were a casual fan tuning in. the point is to tell a story and that didn’t do much. I feel like they are forcing the point that Roman is focused on the Undertaker. I don’t get why Braun come out either. Pick a storyline for Roman and stick with it.

Backstage Segment:
Steph asks Mick if he made his decision. Mick says he hopes he can talk her out of it. She says she is doing it for his own good and helping him. He says he doesn’t understand why someone has to lose their job at WrestleMania. Steph says he has one hour and if he doesn’t make the decision she will make it for him and he won’t like it.

Match 6: Austin Aries vs Ariya Davari
Davari kicks Aries in the gut but Aries follows up with a forearm. He hits a couple deep arm drags and a big dropkick. Aries is tossed out of the ring. Davari goes to the outside and hammers on Aries. Aries punches Davari but Davari hits a big clothesline. Davari racks the eyes of Aries. Aries is able to regain control with a big clothesline. He drives his knee into the gut of Davari. He hits a spinning elbow but Davari hits a back elbow. Aries tosses him out of the ring and hits a suicide dive on the outside. He brings Davari back into the ring and drops Davari on his neck. Aries finishes with a huge rolling elbow for the win.
Winner: Austin Aries
My Opinion:
A good debut for Aries. He looks focused and I have no doubt he will face Neville at Mania. I can’t wait to see more of Aries. He was out for awhile so it’s nice to see him back and rolling. Davari still looks so good to me. I wish Davari got more opportunities because to me he keeps proving he can hang with the best of them.

Match 7: Big Show vs Titus O’Neil
Big Show hits a big chop on Titus. Titus reverses and stomps on Big Show. He takes down Titus with a big right. He follows up with more chops. Titus goes for the neck of Big Show and takes him down. Big Show quick to his feet hits a chokeslam followed by another and another for the win.
Winner: Big Show
My Opinion:
It was good to see a dominate Big Show. I was a little scared at the end because it looked like he was about to drop Titus. I hate knowing that Big Show is in the Battle Royal because if this is his last Mania then he should get some respect and have a good match not just that. It is too bad that Big Show just isn’t seen as he should be especially with all these guys who come back at his age and are considered top guys. Big show deserves more respect.

Backstage Segment:
Bayley says she is nervous to beat Nia. Sasha says she is beatable. Sasha tells her not to listen to the haters. Sasha tells her that after this she can focus on WrestleMania and tells her she’s got this.

Backstage Segment:
Jericho is asked how he will respond to Owens. He says at Mania he will get his revenge. He states that for now he wants to show everyone the true Kevin Owens. Jericho says next week his guest on the Highlight Reel will be the real Kevin Owens and everyone will want to watch it.

Match 8: Bayley vs Nia Jax
Nia pushes Bayley around to start. Bayley tries to lock up but Nia pushes her off. Nia pushes Bayley down and sends her to the outside. She meets her out there and throws her back in. Nia gets frustrated as Raw goes to break.
Nia wrenches on Bayley’s neck. Bayley tries to fight out but nia throws her down. Bayley is able to create some space but Nia just looks irritated. Bayley side steps Nia and uses the ropes to her advantage. She is able to send Nia to the ground.Bayley hits a stunner on the second rope but Nia throws her into the corner. Bayley fights back with kicks. She looks for a crossbody but Nia catches her. Bayley is able to slip out of it. Bayley looks for the guillotine but Nia throws her and locks on the bear hug. She tosses Bayley on the top rope. Nia drives her shoulder to Bayley’s mid-section and the ref calls for the bell. Nia continues to the punishment. Nia finishes with throwing Bayley into the barricade.
Winner: Bayley via DQ
My Opinion:
Nia is very dominate and without question is deserving of a title shot. I love Bayley and I hope she keeps the title forever but obviously it won’t happen. I think Nia would be a good add to the match at Mania. It adds a new element and it makes it more interesting. I think Nia will be champ soon but Bayley needs to keep fighting and I hope if and when Bayley losses the title it is at least to someone deserving.

In Ring Segment: Mick Foley
Steph tells the crowd she gave Mick the opportunity of a lifetime to show he is the boss. She introduces Mick. Steph says let’s hear it who is going to be fired. Mick says he could not think of one superstar who deserved to be terminated. He says he then had a name pop up to him. He thanks Steph for giving him the opportunity and says it will make him better. She asks him who it is. He says stephanie McMahon. Steph says it is to bad and it is not in his power to fire her. Mick says it’s here, she treats people like jokes. He says he treasured their friendship but he had to go back 6 months ago when he believed Stephanie for not knowing about Triple H’s interference. He says he is looking in the eyes of a good liar and a bad person. Mick says Triple H is not a creator. Steph says that Mick is pathetic. Mick says he will not be silenced. Out comes Triple H.
Triple H says if you have something to say to me say it to my face. Mick says he would love to but he thought he hid in the shadows. Triple H says he has a business sense and because of that he won’t attack Foley. Mick says would you do it or would Joe do it. Triple H says he would have never brought him back here. He claims he works so hard to create the future so he doesn’t have to look at has beens like him. Triple H says that Steph really likes Mick but don’t mistake Steph’s heart for a lack of being able to do it to take. Triple H tells Mick he is running dangerously close to being out of here. Mick says that he has the respect of the Raw superstars. Mick says they envy him because he doesn’t need to say he likes Triple H. Mick says he can look in the mirror and like what he sees and he doesn’t need the company. Triple H says he wonders how Mick’s kids will feel. Triple H then threatens to fire Mick’s son. Triple H tells Mick that he needs to go back up the ramp and when he gets back there he needs to decide that he loves his job.He says that when Mick sees Steph again he does what he is told. He tells Mick to get out of the ring and up the ramp. Steph says let that be a lesson to all of you. Steph says no one understands what it takes to run a business. Triple H goes up to Foley and Foley locks in the mandible claw on Triple H. Out comes Seth Rollins.
Triple H taunts Rollins and tells him to get in the ring. Seth drops his crutch. Seth comes in and attacks the game. He throws punches and drives him out of the ring. Triple H grabs the crutch and gets back in the ring. Rollins cuts him off but Triple H goes after his bad knee. Triple H locks in a figure four and the refs pill in to break it up.
My Opinion:
That was probably one of my favorite Raw endings in awhile. I loved the passion that was in that segment. It had so much meaning to it. I loved the passion of Mick and seeing him take a stand was awesome. It will be sad seeing Mick go but if that is his last big segment then he went out with a bang. Triple H and Stephanie killed their promos and you could feel the emotion. It was perfect. Rollins coming out made it so much better. Seeing him and Triple H go at it was so cool. Rollins obviously still feels the effects of his knee but he looks focused and ready. It is WrestleMania Season!

Final Thoughts:
The whole show wasn’t that great. I thought there were a lot of missed opportunities and a lot of playing it safe. It felt like things were repeated and nothing really picked up until the end. I don’t think this show really advanced the WrestleMania build up besides the end of the show. Some things were good like the triple threat match being announced for the tag team championships. I was disappointed in the lack of build for the women. They deserved more than the time they got. It isn’t going to help the selling of the match if that is how they are treated. I mean Sasha and Charlotte had a better build for their matches in the past 6 months. I guess mainly I just didn’t get as much as I wanted. It was like there was a wall stopping the advancement tonight and I was disappointed. The one thing I loved was that Foley went out with a bang. I also loved seth showing up but I wish it was more of a big arrival and one that shocked people. I hope the match between him and Triple H keeps being built up and hopefully we will see a real good match build up almost like a Stone Cold vs The Rock kind of build.
Overall Rating: 6.8/10