Raw Review 02/05/2018

We are on The Road to WrestleMania but before we get there who will earn the right to face Brock Lesnar? Tonight we will see a qualifying match between Bray Wyatt and Roman Reigns for the Elimination Chamber Match, will it be Reigns or Wyatt who gets one step closer to headlining WrestleMania and challenging Brock Lesnar? Plus which Superstars will compete in the first-ever Women’s Elimination Chamber Match? The Miz returned and recaptured his Intercontinental Championship, with Roman Reigns out of his way what will be next for the A-Lister? Also, we will see Bayley take on Asuka, and Seth Rollins and Jason Jordan vs “The Bar” Sheamus and Cesaro. Finally, John Cena, Braun Strowman, and Elias will face off in a Triple Threat Match with the winner earning the right to enter the Elimination Chamber Match at the final spot #6.

Raw is live tonight from the Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, Iowa

Raw kicks off with us being welcomed to the show by Michael Cole, Corey Graves, and The Coach.

Backstage Segment:
Wyatt says the Elimination Chamber is upon us, the home to his greatest victory. He tells how he won the match last year but to do it again there’s one man in his way his greatest rival Roman Reigns. He says Reigns is in a downward spiral and no one recognizes him but he does. He says he sees Reigns for what he truly is… a failure. He tells that Reigns is waiting to be put out of his misery and he’s happy to oblige. He says at the bottom of the spiral there’s something worse than failure and that’s The Eater of Worlds.

Backstage Segment:
Reigns tells Wyatt a failure is some who can’t deal with adversity and stays down when they’re knocked down. He tells he’s gonna go to the Elimination Chamber and smash through that and go on to beat Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania. He tells Wyatt that he can’t stop him, the Elimination Chamber can’t stop him and neither can Brock Lesnar.

Match 1: Roman Reigns vs Bray Wyatt:
Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match
Wyatt and Reigns lock up and Wyatt backs him into the corner. Reigns comes back but Wyatt hits him in the mid-section. Wyatt goes to a side headlock but Reigns fights out and hits a shoulder tackle. Reigns uses a headlock of his own but Wyatt fights out. Reigns sends Wyatt into the corner but Wyatt bounces back. Wyatt lands a big kick and goes to the second rope but is stopped by Reigns. Reigns puts Wyatt on his shoulders but Wyatt sends Reigns into the ring post. Wyatt goes for the cover but Reigns fights out. Wyatt then works a chinlock on the mat. Reigns is able to fight to his feet and hit Wyatt with a couple right hands. Reigns is able to hit a series of clotheslines and Wyatt goes to the outside. Reigns meets him on the outside and goes for the Drive-By but Wyatt counters with a clothesline. Reigns is sent into the steel steps as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Wyatt wrenches on the neck of Reigns with a chinlock. Reigns gets to his feet and powers out. He then hits Wyatt with a Samoan Drop. Reigns hits Wyatt with a series of clotheslines in the corner but Wyatt counters. Wyatt tries to lift him but Reigns separates. Wyatt then misses but then throws himself at Reigns and hits him with an elbow. Wyatt goes for the cover but Reigns kicks out. Wyatt hits a big uppercut and brings Reigns to the top rope. Wyatt tries for a suplex but Reigns powers off Wyatt and sends him to the mat. Wyatt comes back with a big chop and meets him again on the ropes. Reigns tees off with big headbutts. Reigns lifts Wyatt and hits the sit down powerbomb but Wyatt kicks out at 2. Reigns looks for the Superman Punch but gets caught and Wyatt hits the uranage into the senton. Wyatt goes for the cover but Reigns kicks out. Wyatt looks for Sister Abigail but Reigns counters into the roll-up but Wyatt quickly kicks out. Reigns then hits the Superman Punch but it’s still not enough to put away Wyatt. Reigns looks for the spear but Wyatt catches him with a kick. Wyatt hits Sister Abigail and goes for the cover but Reigns kicks out of the cover. Wyatt then unloads with elbow shots to Reigns. Wyatt goes for Sister Abigail again but Reigns powers out. Reigns hits the spear and gets the 1 2 3.
***After the match Matt Hardy hits Bray Wyatt with the Twist of Fate.
Winner: Roman Reigns:
Qualified for the Elimination Chamber Match
My Opinion:
An Awesome match between these two. I loved the unorthodox style of Wyatt, some of his moves are very unique and are what make his matches special. I like the way Reigns had to really fight, I think leading up to WrestleMania it’s a good way to book him and have him really fight to the top. Reigns is no doubt heading for the main event of WrestleMania but the interesting part will be the battle he has to endure to get there.

Backstage Segment:
Rollins asks Jordan how he’s feeling. Rollins tells him this is their last time facing The Bar. He tells Jordan he needs him ready to go. Jordan says he’s ready to go. Rollins tells him this is about what they can do together so they need to go out there tonight and take back their Tag Team Championships.

Match 2: Balor Club (Finn Balor & Karl Anderson w/ Luke Gallows) vs  The Revival (Scott Dawson & Dash Wilder)
Wider and Anderson start off the match. Wilder toys with Anderson and Dawson tags in. Dawson and Anderson lockup and Dawson backs him into the corner. Dawson lands big chops but Anderson fights back. Dawson is able to land a shoulder tackle. Anderson hits a deep arm drag followed by an elbow. Anderson then hits a hip toss on Wilder and Balor gets involved. Balor Club is on top as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Balor tosses Dawson out of the ring. Wilder makes the quick tag and runs Balor into the corner. Dawson gets the tag and pounds on Balor in the corner. Dawson works the arm of Balor and brings him to the mat. Dawson works the arm more and Wilder gets the tag. Balor is able to get the tag and Anderson comes in hot. Anderson lands a big knee and flies from the second rope hitting a neckbreaker on Wilder. Dawson helps Wilder and gets the tag. Dawson comes in and is hit with a spinebuster, Wilder breaks the tag but is sent out of the ring. Balor gets the tag and comes in and hits the sling blade. Balor dropkicks him into the corner and then goes for the Coupe de Grace. Balor goes for the cover and gets the 1 2 3.
Winner: Balor Club (Finn Balor & Karl Anderson w/ Luke Gallows)
My Opinion:
Awesome tag team match here, I was really impressed by The Revival. They are tag team specialist and I love how even with the simplest of moves they show that. I loved how Anderson went for the dropkick but Dawson held Wilder back so he couldn’t connect, it was perfect. Balor Club though is on a good incline right now and I can see this leading to bigger things. For Balor, I see the IC title in his future and for The Club maybe being with Balor is the boost they need to get back into the Tag Team Championship picture again.

Backstage Segment:
Bayley tells Sasha she needs to stop being so hard on herself. Sasha says she was so close to beating Asuka and she knows how to beat here now. Bayley asks if she could share but Sasha says she’s gonna keep it to herself. Bayley says that’s fine the Elimination Chamber is ever women for themselves just like the Royal Rumble. Sasha says she did what she had to do and is gonna go to WrestleMania to break Asuka’s undefeated streak. Bayley says she’s gonna try to do the same thing. Sasha questions this but Bayley says she knows she can beat her and if Sasha can beat Asuka so can she.

Match 3: Mustafa Ali & Cedric Alexander vs Tony Nese & Drew Gulak
Ali backs Nese up but Nese counters and shoves him into the corner. Nese lands huge shots and throws Ali into the opposite corner. Ali fights out and lands a hurricanranna. Alexander gets the tag and comes in hot. Nese is able to hang him up on the ropes. Nese takes control and tags in Gualak. Gulak hits a big ax handle and pounds on Alexander. Gulak hits a big clothesline and tags in Nese. Nese goes to the mat and works the shoulder of Alexander. Nese gets Alexander into the corner but Alexander fights back. Ali and Gulak gets the tag. Ali fights him off and hits a big dropkick. Ali is able to land a tornado DDT and goes for the cover but Nese breaks it up. Nese is sent to the outside and Alexander flies to take him out, Ali flies from the top and hits a crossbody. Gulak rolls threw and goes for the cover but only gets a 2 count. Alexander gets the tag and is able to hit the Lumbar Check. He goes for the cover and gets the victory.
Winner: Cedric Alexander & Mustafa Ali
My Opinion:
I like this match a lot, I really enjoyed the hard-hitting style here. Alexander took some big bumps I love how he fights through it all. I think the Cruiserweights are in a good spot right now especially with the new tournament going on. I’m excited to see if the excitement will come back. I think guys like Roderick Strong can really help with that. Tomorrow night 205 Live will definitely be a must watch. Overall this was a good match and good promotion for the division.

In Ring Segment:
Angle tells that last Sunday history was made with the first ever Women’s Royal Rumble Match and Asuka was the winner. He tells that at the Elimination Chamber we will make history again with the first ever Women’s Elimination Chamber. He then announces the challengers in the match: Alexa Bliss (c), Bayley, Mandy Rose, Sonya Deville, Sasha Banks, Mickie James. He then tells that Nia Jax will face Asuka at the Elimination Chamber and if Nia wins she will go onto WrestleMania and the Raw Women’s Championship Match will become a Triple Threat Match. Out comes Alexa Bliss.
Alexa tells Kurt this needs to stop right now. She says what he is doing is not only wrong but unjust. She tells him she can’t believe he had the nerve to mention the Women’s Revolution with what he is trying to pull. She then defines the Women’s Revolution and then asks Kurt why she is defining her title in the chamber when Brock Lesnar isn’t. She asks Kurt why she doesn’t get to sit on the sideline and have that privilege and asks if it’s because she is a woman. Kurt tells her that Lesnar defended his title at the Rumble and she hasn’t since October. Alexa then questions if Kurt values Lesnar more and says he’s being sexist. Kurt says he’s never compared them and then tells her that he feels she is trying to weasel her way out of the match. He then asks the crowd if they want to see her defend the title, the crowd goes wild. Alexa tells that crowd that she is the champion and deserves respect. Alexa then storms off. Kurt then asks the crowd again if they want to see the match.
My Opinion:
I loved this segment, the realness was amazing. There’s nothing better to me then when they break the fourth wall and we get to hear true feelings. Alexa sold this so well and the crowd was a huge help with the magic of this segment. I like how Nia will get her own opportunity as well, this is huge to have two big-time matches for the women at the event. I like the competitors in the Chamber and think this is a good mix. Especially for Rose and Deville, this is the time to show up and show off.

Backstage Segment:
Cena says The Road to WrestleMania is a big step. He says he has a plan and it’s as followed, to win the Elimination Chamber Match and give himself the best chance by winning his match tonight.

Match 4: Bayley vs Asuka
Bayley feels out Asuka to start the match. Bayley tries to gain offensive control but Asuka is too quick. Asuka lands a big kick and works Bayley to the mat with a chinlock. Bayley fights out and tries to work Asuka on the mat. Asuka comes back and takes control of Bayley’s arm bringing her to the mat. Asuka is able to out-tough Bayley. Bayley hits a big right but Asuka answers. Bayley fights back and gets a side headlock on Asuka. Asuka once again works Bayley to the mat and lands a series of devastating kicks to the spine of Bayley. Bayley is able to regroup and hits Asuka with a huge forearm knocking her off the top turnbuckle. Bayley is able to hit a hurricanranna and sends Asuka to the floor. Asuka gets back in the ring and sends Bayley off the apron and to the floor as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Asuka is in control of Bayley. Bayley comes back and hits a suplex on Asuka. Bayley goes for the cover but it is not enough. Bayley goes to the mat and wraps her arms around Asuka. Asuka gets to her feet and hits big shots on Bayley. Asuka connects with a huge kick and another to follow. Asuka then hits a sliding knee but it’s not enough to beat Bayley. Bayley is able to move out of the way and send Asuka crashing. She then hits a big kick and goes for the cover but Asuka kicks out. Asuka is able to get the Asuka lock on Bayley but Bayley uses the ropes to break the hold. Bayley goes to the apron and flies but Asuka hits her with a knee to the face. Asuka brings her in the ring and goes for the cover but Bayley kicks out. Asuka then unloads with kicks, but Bayley catches her and goes for a jackknife cover but Asuka kicks out. Bayley tries for the Bayley to Belly but Asuka fights out. Asuka tries for the Asuka lock but Bayley fights it. Asuka finally gets the Asuka Lock in, Bayley fights but has to tap.
Winner: Asuka
My Opinion:
I give a lot of credit to Bayley for being able to withstand so much. She had an answer to most everything but Asuka again finds a way to get it done. I’m not sure where Asuka is heading but I like that she’s starting to have very competitive matches. Eventually, she will have to be beaten so it’ll be interesting to see how things play out for her. For now, Asuka is doing something huge and that’s bringing the women to another level. I can’t wait to see Asuka face Nia again and to see how great that match will be.

Backstage Segment:
Sheamus tells that tonight he and Cesaro get to defend their Raw Tag Team Championships. Cesaro asks if this means they get to beat them again? Sheamus tells him, yes and Cesaro adds that this is their last shot. Sheamus says he will kick off their heads one more time and everyone knows they don’t just set the bar they are The Bar.

In Ring Segment: The Miz
Miz tells that the stars have aligned to tell that 2018 is the year of The Miz. He tells how in his first match back he regained the Intercontinental Championship by defeating Roman Reigns. He tells how that was the highest rated Raw in almost 3 years and the reason is him. He then tells how last week he beat Reigns again and how Reigns couldn’t contend with the overwhelming tide of momentum that is himself. He says that last night The Eagles were shown a video of his last match and it motivated them to win the Super Bowl. He proclaims that the best is yet to come and tonight he will qualify for the Elimination Chamber and then go on to defeat Brock Lesnar. Miz says at WrestleMania the cameras will be rolling, the world will be watching, and his daughter will be born just in time to see the first ever Intercontinental and Universal Champion The Miz.

Match 5: The Miz vs Apollo Crews:
Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match
As Raw returns, Miz backs Crews into the corner but Crews hits him with a big boot. The two then exchange pinfalls. Crews gets another roll up but Miz kicks out. Crews goes for a jackknife cover but Miz kicks out again. Crews hits a spinning elbow but it’s still not enough. Miz is able to hang up Crews on the ropes. Miz goes to the top rope and flies but is met with a dropkick. Crews goes for the cover but again Miz kicks out. Miz gets back in control but Crews uses his power to lift Miz and drop him. Crews goes for the standing moonsault but Miz counters with his knees. Miz then uses his legs to keep Crews on the mat. Miz works a chinlock but Crews fights out and hits a big boot. Crews hits another kick and then enzuguri after firing up. Miz is able to kick out of the pin attempt. Crews tries to lift Miz but Miz fights out and is able to hang up crews in the corner. Crews catches him and throws him to the mat. He then hits a moonsault and the standing shooting star but still Miz won’t stay down. Miz comes back and tries for The Skull Crushing Finale but Crews rolls him through. Miz kicks out and is able to hang up Crews. Miz then hits The Skull Crushing Finale and gets the big win.
Winner: The Miz:
Qualified for the Elimination Chamber Match
My Opinion:
Huge win for Miz, I’ve been really loving him as of late and once again he wins the big match. Crews put up a great fight and did everything he could but Miz showed his veteran in-ring presence. I love that Miz calculates his moves and knows when to strike. I don’t know if Miz can win the chamber but he can definitely have a good showing. With Miz I could see a huge match at WrestleMania for the IC title, this year could be his for sure.

Backstage Segment:
Jordan tells Rollins he can’t compete tonight. Jordan tells him that something didn’t feel right in his neck. Rollins says you have to be kidding me. Rollins asks what he can do, Angle tells him he doesn’t see any other option than to forfeit. Reigns then comes up and Rollins smiles.

Match 6: The Bar (Sheamus & Cesaro) (c) vs Seth Rollins & Roman Reigns:
Raw Tag Team Championship Match
Rollins and Sheamus start off the match. Rollins gets the advantage early but Sheamus comes back and hits a shoulder tackle sending Rollins to the mat. Rollins hits a cross body and works the arm of Sheamus. Cesaro gets the tag and works the arm of Rollins. Rollins is able to counter and works the arm of Cesaro. Cesaro comes back with a big uppercut. Sheamus gets the tag and best on Rollins. Cesaro tags back in and lands more shots on Rollins. Rollins is able to land a kick to the midsection and tags in Reigns. Reigns and Rollins double team Cesaro. Rollins gets the tag back in the two do it again. Reigns gets the tag and sends Rollins into Cesaro. Cesaro is then sent into Reigns. They send Sheamus to the floor and Rollins flies it take him out but Sheamus catches him and hits the Irish Curse. Sheamus gets the tag and the two send Reigns into the barricade. The bar is in control as raw goes to break.
As Raw returns Cesaro tags in Seamus. Sheamus hits an uppercut and then distracts the ref as Cesaro takes a cheap shot. Sheamus goes to the mat and works a chinlock. Reigns works to his feet but Cesaro gets the tag and The Bar hits a big clothesline on Reigns but it’s not enough to keep him down. Sheamus hits Reigns with a big knee and Cesaro follows with the uppercut. Cesaro goes for the cover but Reigns kicks out. Reigns fights back in but Cesaro rolls him up but only for a quick count. Sheamus gets the tag and takes it to Reigns. Cesaro flies form the top and connect but again Reigns kicks out. Reigns is able to counter Cesaro with the Samoan Drop. Sheamus gets the tag and knocks Rollins off the apron. Reigns connects with the Superman Punch and both men go down. Jason Jordan comes out and helps Rollins up. Rollins gets the tag and so does Cesaro. Rollins flies and takes out Cesaro. He then hits the Blockbuster. Next, he flies with a suicide dive to take out Sheamus. Rollins then flies and takes out Cesaro driving him over the barricade. Rollins hits the Sling Blade but Cesaro kicks out of the pin. Cesaro catches Rollins with an uppercut but Rollins comes back with a suplex into the Falcon Arrow. Rollins goes for the cover but again Cesaro kicks out. Jordan hangs up Cesaro and Rollins cover but Cesaro kicks out. Rollins hits a superkick but Sheamus breaks up the pin. Rollins takes down Cesaro and hits a superkick on Sheamus. Reigns gets the tag but Cesaro pulls out Sheamus to save him. On the outside, Jordan goes after The Bar and the ref calls for the bell.
Winners: The Bar (Sheamus & Cesaro): Via DQ:
Still Raw Tag Team Champions
My Opinion:
This was an awesome match. First I love The Bar and how they work together. They don’t just double team but watch each other’s backs and are there in critical moments like Cesaro saving Sheamus form the Superman Punch. Reigns and Rollins looked to have this in the bag but having Jordan ruin that was a good choice. I think we all know where Reigns is headed but Rollins will need to find something new. Maybe a feud with Rollins and Jordan could do both of them some good?

Backstage Segment:
Braun says last week he was the last one standing just like he will be tonight, at the Elimination Chamber, and at WrestleMania where he will be the new Universal Champion. He tells Cena and Elias they better be ready to get these hands because nothing is going to stop him.

Backstage Segment:
Rollins tells Jordan it’s all about him. He calls Jordan a selfish S.O.B. Angle tells him to back off. Rollins tells him the only thing he’s sorry for is not hurting him himself. Angle tells him to go home. Jordan says he can’t but Angle cuts him off and again tells him to go home.

Match 7: Nia Jax vs Vanessa Floyd
Nia throws her to the mat. She gets back up but Nia throws her in the corner. Nia takes a few shots but quickly bulldozer over her. Niz then throws her and crushes her in the corner. Nia slams her to the mat and then lifts her above her head throwing her to the mat. Nia hits the leg drop and gets the 1 2 3.
*** Renee asks Nia about her match at the Elimination Chamber. Nia tells Asuka that she is the only women in the locker room who does not fear her. She is the only one the locker room that she can’t beat. She tells Asuka she is gonna mess her face up so bad she’ll be wearing that mask permanently and when she’s done she won’t be the Empress of Tomorrow but instead the Empress of Yesterday.
Winner: Nia Jax
My Opinion:
Obviously a quick match for Jax but wow what power she has. Nia looks super focused and Asuka definitely needs to look out. I see the determination in her eyes and I don’t know if Nia will let anyone stop her. I do believe Nia deserves to be the championship match so we will see how it plays out.

Match 8: Sonya Deville w/ Mandy Rose & Paige vs Mickie James
Sonya quickly throws Mickie to the mat. Sonya stays on Mickie and continues to work Mickie on the mat. Mickie slaps Sonya and Sonya buries her in the corner. Mickie comes back with a right hand and jumps on her. Mickie lands big shots and goes for the cover but Sonya kicks out. Mickie lands big kicks. Sonya gets her in the corner and form distraction is able to get the advantage on Mickie. Sonya kicks Mickie and follows with big knee strikes. Mickie fight back but Sonya goes for another cover but Mickie kicks out. Sonya lands a huge strike but still, Mickie won’t stay down. Sonya and Mickie trade shots but Sonya stays on her with big knee strikes. Mickie locks in a rolls up and gets the 1 2 3.
*** After the match Absolution beat up on Mickie. Alexa Bliss comes out to save her.
Winner: Mickie James
My Opinion:
A very hard hitting contest. I loved that Mickie showed she still has fight left in her. Deville is an excellent striker and shows she has a bright future. I love that Mickie used her veteran skills to weather the storm and struck at the right time. For Deville, it’s something to learn from but she could be dangerous in the chamber when she has the ability to create all that carnage.

Match 9: John Cena vs Elias vs Braun Strowman:
Winner will enter last in the Elimination Chamber Match
Elias goes to the outside as the match at stars. Cena unloads on Strowman but Strowman hits him with a boot as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Elias steps in the ring but again runs out. Cena tries to lift Strowman but just can’t get it. Elias gets caught by Strowman and gets thrown across the ring. Strowman goes to the outside and hits a headbutt on Elias and then another on Cena. Strowman throws him in the ring and both Cena and Elias team up on Strowman. The two are able to send him to the outside. They go to the outside and send him into the ring post and one more time to follow. The two then throw Strowman into the steps. Cena grabs the steps and hits Strowman. Elias then breaks his guitar over Strowman. Cena then hits the AA on Strowman on the steps. Elia shits Cena from behind and tries for the pin but Cena kicks out. Elias tries for another cover but it’s not enough. Cena and Elias trade blows and Elias is able to hit the backbreaker. Elias hits a big right hand and goes to a rear chinlock. Cena fights to his feet and is able to fight off Elias and hits a shoulder tackle. Cena is able to slam Elias and goes for the Five Knuckle Shuffle but is caught by Strowman. Strowman hits a powerslam on Cena but is then sent out of the ring by Elias. Elias covers Cena and gets the win.
*** After the match Strowman hits a powerslam on Elias. Strowman then hits another one on Cena and another on Elias. Strowman plays to the crowd and hits a powerslam on Cena and Elias once more.
Winner: Elias:
Will enter #6 in the Elimination Chamber
My Opinion:
I’m really happy to see Elias get this huge victory. By entering #6 it definitely gives him the best shot at winning. With Elias, I’ve just wanted him to get more respect and he is now. This was a great match and I was blown away by the power of Cena, it still amazes me to see what he can do. Strowman obviously got the most over in this match, I’m so curious to see what happens because how can you stop him in the Elimination Chamber? Mainly though I just want to know where Strowman will end up at WrestleMania.

Final Thoughts:
This wasn’t a bad Raw, we saw a lot of good matches and have more of a clear landscape as to what the Elimination Chamber PPV will be. I thought Reigns and Wyatt started the show with a bang. Reigns looks like he’s locked in and even through Wyatt threw all he had at him Reigns was just too much. I thought Balor Club looked good tonight, I think The Revival needs more though if they’re ever going to get over but it seems Balor Club is of higher importance right now. I was happy with the participants in the Women’s Elimination Chamber, I think it’ll be a great match and Nia facing Asuka will be huge. The Women will be making big statements heading into WrestleMania. I was happy with The Miz getting into the chamber tonight, I thought he and Crews had an amazing battle but Miz is proving to be one of the best. No matter what people say Miz is on another level. Rollins and Reigns had a great match with The Bar, even though Jason Jordan messed it up for Rollins I still feel bad. Jordan is getting poor treatment and I want him back in the ring. This is a guy who is an amazing wrestler, probably better than most on the roster and yet he gets made to look like a crybaby. I hope Rollins and Jordan feud and Jordan comes out on top showing he can do this. The main event tonight was great, Cena blew me away with his power and Strowman still amazes me with his endurance and power as well. Elias was the smart one in this and I’ve been a fan of his for a while so I’m glad to see him get this opportunity to enter last. Elias has a lot to prove so I’m hoping he will. Overall this was a good way to end the night and it got the crowd excited.
Overall Rating: 6.7/10