Raw Review 03/04/2019

Tonight is the Go-Home Edition of Monday Night Raw before this Sunday’s FastLane PPV. First, what will Triple H have to say about Batista’s return and attack on Ric Flair last week. Plus, what will be the status of the Raw Women’s Championship after Rousey left it lying in the ring last week. Also, is it possible that we will see The Shield return? Bobby Lashley has been on the hunt for Finn Balor but will he be able to get to Balor this week?

Raw comes to us from the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia

Raw kicks off with us being welcomed by Michael Cole, Renee Young, and Corey Graves

In Ring Segment: Roman Reigns
Reigns says last week in Atlanta was his comeback and this week in Philly he takes his yard back. He says what he wants there is one man standing in his way and that’s his brother Seth Rollins. He says let’s get Rollins out here. Here comes Seth!
Rollins tells Reigns that seeing him come out here last week knowing he won the fight of his life was one of the greatest moments of his career. He says he is gonna take that inspiration and that motivation and go to WrestleMania and slay The Beast. He says he is gonna bring that Universal Championship to Raw every single week. He says he thinks he knows where his head is at because he has had to vacate a title. He tells Reigns if there is anyone else who deserves a title shot as much as him it’s Reigns. He says let’s talk about it. Reigns says he’s wrong. He tells when he was gone there was one person who kept this place in line and it Rollins. He says he knows Rollins has what it takes to beat Brock. He tells Rollins good luck, my brother. Reigns then says he needs a favor. Rollins says anything he needs he’s got his back. Reigns says he wants to get the band back together one last time. Rollins says anything but that. Reigns says he wants it and the crowd cheers for it. Reigns tells Rollins tomorrow isn’t guaranteed and the most important thing is the relationships we have and you two are my brothers. Reigns says he wants one more moment with his brother’s before they might not be around anymore. Rollins said he put that part of his life behind him but Reigns is right. Rollins says life is too short and tomorrow isn’t guaranteed so for Reigns he is in. Reigns says to bring Ambrose out here right now. Here comes Ambrose!
Before Ambrose can talk Elias comes from behind and takes Ambrose down after hitting him in the back with the guitar. Rollins and Reigns come to check on him.
My Opinion:
I’m excited to see this Shield reunion if it happens. Ambrose did turn his back on them but I guess people can be forgiven. I hope that if they do get back together it is something meaningful. Hopefully, it’ll be a linger storyline that will lead to WrestleMania and become something special.

Backstage Segment:
Charly asks about The Shield. Mcintyre stops her and says he broke them months ago. Corbin says she is ignoring the real story because the three of them take on Braun, Balor, and Angle. Lashley says he is gonna give a reminder to Balor tonight. Corbin then asks how many times he has to beat Angle.

Match 1: Finn Balor & Braun Strowman & Kurt Angle vs Baron Corbin & Drew Mcintyre & Bobby Lashley
Braun sends Corbin to the floor and then hits him with a clothesline. Braun then goes to the outside and lays out Corbin again. Corbin tags Mcintyre and Braun takes it to him. Braun continues to work Mcintyre and tags Balor. Balor works the arm of Mcintyre but Mcintyre fights back. Lashley gets the tag and tries to work Balor but Balor gets to the ropes and sends him to the floor. Balor then flies and takes him out. Rush gets involved and Lashley attack from behind as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Corbin hits Deep 6 on Balor but Balor kicks out. Corbin then works Balor in a modified half nelson. As Balor gets to his feet Balor is sent to the apron. Balor is hit with a big right as he tries to get back in the ring. Mcintyre gets the tag and continues to work Balor. Balor fights back with rights to the mid-section but Mcintyre grabs him and drops him. Mcintyre goes for the cover but Balor kicks out. Mcintyre works his arm but Balor gets to his feet. Balor hits him with a boot and fights out of the corner. Balor fights off Mcintyre and tags Angle. Angle. Hits Mcintyre with German Suplexes and takes him down. Angle lands a backdrop and goes for the Ankle lock. Lashley comes in to break the hold but Angle hits him with a German. Mcintyre takes advantage and hits Angle with the Glasgow kiss as raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Corbin works Angle on the mat. Angle is able to use his speed to get away from Corbin. Braun gets the tag and hits Corbin with a splash. He then knocks Corbin to the mat. Braun drops Corbin and tags Balor. Balor hits the Coupe de Grace but Rush gets involved. On the outside, Braun sends himself and Rush through the barricade. Lashley gets the tag and hits Balor with the spear. Lashley gets the 1 2 3.
*** After the match they attack Angle and Balor.
Winners: Baron Corbin & Drew Mcintyre & Bobby Lashley
My Opinion:
This was a pretty good match but there’s nothing that Angle and Balor and Corbin could do about interference. Mcintyre, Corbin, and Lashley are showing they are a very dominant group together. They bring the fight and no one is safe in their wake. I could see this three-man team being the ones that The Shield came back to face.

Backstage Segment:
Charly asks Heavy Machinery about people not being too happy about them being on Raw. she then shows teams on Raw talking about them not being to happy about them being here. Otis says he is sensitive and that hurt his feelings. Knight says if that’s how the team feels then they will take them on one after another and they will see that Otis hurts those who hurt his feelings.

Match 2: Natalya vs Ruby Riott w/ Sarah Logan & Liv Morgan
As the match begins Riott takes down Natalya and then lands a big kick to Natalya. Riott gets here in the corner and continues to hit her with kicks. Riott flips Natalya and then goes to a chin lock on the mat. Natalya is able to get to her feet and she takes it to Riott. She hits a fisherman’s suplex and then lands a big discus clothesline. Natalya then locks in the Sharpshooter and wrenches on Riott. Riott is able to reverse the move and tries an inside cradle but Natalya reverse and gets the 1 2 3.
*** After the match Lacy Evans comes out to make an appearance.
Winner: Natalya
My Opinion:
This was a huge win for Natalya. Natalya won this one pretty quickly and you can see Riott is in a funk. Lately she just can’t get herself going and hopefully she will get it together. Even with her girls by her side she still can’t put it together. I hope Riott will be able to get on track especially with Mania right around the corner.

Backstage Segment:
Stephanie brings in Michael and Colin who host SNL’s Weekend update. It is also announced they will be special guest media correspondents for Mania. Stephanie tells them to get to know the audience and the superstars. Colin says he wrestled a little bit in high school. She tells them to maybe get some security.

In Ring Segment: Triple H
Triple H tells how last week they were suppose to come out here and bring out one of the greatest in the business. He says he could stand out there for an hour and sing their praises. He says he was there last week for Richard Fliehr. Triple tells how Ric was there for the best and worst time as Ric was for him including Ric burying his son. He says Richard Fliehr was a man who a year ago was clinging to life. He says every time his phone would ring he dreaded it because he thought it was the call telling him he was gone. He said he was here to bring him out here when he wasn’t supposed to be and he was gonna bring him out to let him stand out in front of everyone because that is what he lived for. He said it didn’t happen because of that piece of, but he stops himself. He says Batista couldn’t quit unlike the other times when he quit WWE. he asks Batista why he went and attacked a 70 year old man who is lucky to be alive.  He tells Batista he doesn’t care where he has to go, he will come wherever they go. He tells him to have some balls and show up. He tells him for every drive down the road and every moment, when he steps in front of him and looks into his eyes it’s not The Game. He says Triple H is who they know but he won’t be looking at the character he is gonna look at the man. He says if Dave wants his attention he wants it.
My Opinion:
Wow, Triple H seems ready to go and whenever he meets Batista this gonna be a fight. Batista has his attention and I can’t wait to see this rivalry play out. This will be Batista’s final go so it’s time to make it a good one. If there is one person who can sell this like no one else it is Triple H so now it’s just a matter of seeing this unfold.

Backstage Segment:
Stephanie tells Charly that when Rousey laid the championship on the mat it was disrespectful and that’s why WWE is gonna do what’s best for business and drop all charges against Becky Lynch. She says that her 60 day suspension is lifted. Stephanie says is isn’t 100% so she has to sign an agreement that WWE is not responsible for any injuries when Becky faces Charlotte at FastLane for the Raw Women’s Championship.

Backstage Segment:
Reigns tells Ambrose they do have a locker room and they can talk about anything. Ambrose tells Reigns he has to stay sharp and has to get read for this match. Ambrose then walks away.

Match 3: Heavy Machinery in a Gauntlet Match
Otis knocks down Axel and hits him with huge blows. Knight comes in and they double team Axel. Knight tries a cover but Axel kicks out. Axel is able to take it to him and kicks him in the corner. Dallas comes in but Knight handles both of them and makes it so Dallas gets spiked on the mat. Otis comes in and hits Dallas. He and Knight double team Dallas and Otis gets the 1 2 3. The Accession comes in next. Konnor tries to take advantage but Otis takes it to him. Knight comes in and they double team Konnor. Knight can’t get the three and Konnor comes back. Viktor gets the tag and works Knight. Konnor comes in and they hit a double kick on Knight. Konnor hammers on Knight in the corner and then whips him into the other. Konnor tries to crush him in the corner but Knight moves out of the way and Konnor crashes. Otis gets the tag and runs through Viktor. He then crushes him in the corner. Otis flies form the second rope and hits the splash. Otis get the 1 2 3. Hawkins and Ryder are next. Hawkins takes it to Otis and Ryder then comes in and lands a springboard. Ryder goes for the cover but can’t get the three. Ryder and Hawkins try a double team and hit. Knight has to cme in to help. Otis gets back in control and is able to hit the caterpillars on Hawkins. Otis gets the 1 2 3 and Heavy Machinery wins the gauntlet.
Winners: Heavy Machinery
My Opinion:
Huge wins for Heavy Machinery tonight! They ran through those three teams and showed exactly what they can do. Give then right story to work with these guys can be dominate, they just can;t forget about them. They have huge potential and I really cannot wait to see what is in store for them.

Backstage Segment:
Charly brings up ho Charlotte will face Becky if Becky signs. Charlotte cuts her off and says Becky will sign. She says the man doesn’t compare to the queen. Charlotte says Becky was crushed with the 60 day suspension but when she is done with her she is gonna put her on the shelf for good. She says Becky is a one legged competitor in a ass kicking contest. She says every will bask in her glory when she is the Raw Women’s Champion.

Backstage Segment:
Rollins tells Ambrose that brother’s fight and through everything he likes to think they had respect for each other, he tells Ambrose he was his wrestling soulmate. He says they have one shot to do this the right way. Ambrose questions this and says no can do, he says he is preoccupied but he appreciates the help last week. He says he has to do this on his own.

Match 4: Dean Ambrose vs Elias
Ambrose hits Elias and rakes it to him with right but Elias fights back with a big chop. Ambrose stays on him and takes him down to the mat. He gets Elias in the corner and continues to hammer on him. Ambrose sends Elias to the floor and meets him out there. Ambrose hits him with a kick and then bounces him off the barricade. Ambrose brings Elias back in the ring and then sends him to the floor on the other side as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Elias works the arm of Ambrose. He hits old school and then hammers on the shoulder of Ambrose before hitting a huge kick. Elias then drives Ambrose out of the ring. Ambrose is able to take him down on the outside and then hit a suicide dive and drive Elias into the barricade. Ambrose then does it one more time. Ambrose brings him in the ring and hits him with a clothesline. He then hits him in the corner and then in the other corner with a forearm. Elias hits him with a big blow and tries a cover but Ambrose kicks out. Ambrose is able fight back and plant Elias. Ambrose tries to fly but Elias hts him with a knee. Elias then connects with Drift Away and gets the 1 2 3.
*** Reigns and Rollins comes out after the match.
Winner: Elias
My Opinion:
Elias picks up the big win and ultimately what I saw was Elias was more focused. Ambrose was trying to do too much and couldn’t get his pace going. With Ambrose down so much this maybe it’s time he gets Rollins and Reigns back. We don’t know if Ambrose is staying around or not so it wouldn’t hurt to have his brother’s back just to get him through.

In Ring Segment: Rollins & Reigns & Ambrose
Rollins tells Ambrose they have one more shot at this thing. He tells Ambrose they have to do this together. Ambrose tells them they’re putting this on him. Ambrose then gets out of the ring and exits through the crowd. Here comes Corin, Mcintyre, and Lashley. Corbin tells them to spare them another minute form this broken record. Mcintyre calls them the fable hounds of justice. He says they are just broken stray dogs fighting for scraps. Mcintyre tells Reigns this isn’t the return he envisioned. Mcintyre says they were gonna offer them an epic match this Sunday but they don’t deserve it. He says they are gonna end this right now. Reigns and Rollins go right after them but the numbers start to catch up. Ambrose comes flying through the crowd and helps out. The Shield take them out and stand tall. They hen fist bump. The shield is back!
My Opinion:
I love this! I know it’s a lot of the same thing over and over but I love The Shield and always have so it’s exciting to me to see them together one last time. I can’t wait to see what happens on Sunday but I think The Shield will show up in a big way. This is gonna be quite the war with these six men.

Match 5: Sasha Banks w/ Bayley vs Tamina w/ Nia Jax
Tamina knocks down Banks and takes it to her. Banks works some offense but once again she is taken to the mat. Banks uses her quickness to get away from Tamina and then lands double knees in the corner. Banks tries a cover but Tamina kicks out. Tamina now on her feet hits Banks with a headbutt. Tamina tires one from the standing position but Banks moves out of the way. Banks jumps on her back but is thrown off. Tamina tries a kick but Banks moves out of the way. Tamina misses Banks in the corner and is taken down. Banks off the side russian leg sweep locks in the Banks Statement. Bayley tries to help but Nia takes her out. Banks comes and takes out Jax. Tamina is able to land a kick off the distraction and Tamina gets the 1 2 3.
Winner: Tamina
My Opinion:
Big momentum win for Tamina tonight. Corey Graves said it best that one mistake can end your title reign. For Banks and Bayley they really will have to work together to avoid things like this. At the end of the day, this happened by chance and I can’t blame Banks for this one. Her and Bayley have been on a role so they shouldn’t be to alarmed by this.

Backstage Segment:
Braun Strowman chokes one of the co-host of Raw after he asks him if the stuff around here is real or not.
Charly asks Black and Ricochet about their critics. Black says people fear what they can’t comprehend. He says they will show actions that will prove they belong. Ricochet says they are humbled and they are ready. He says tonight your boy is about to fly even higher.

Match 6: Ricochet & Aleister Black vs The Revival:
Raw Tag Team Championship Match
Black hammers on Wilder with right hands. Wilder catches him after a series of kicks and The Revival double team him. Dawson gets the tag and continues to work Black with body shots. Dawson gets him  on the mat and tries a cover but Black kicks out. Black is able to take down Dawson and looks for a tag. Dawson stops him just in time after tagging Wilder. The Revival is in control as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Black continues to try to fight off Dawson. finally, after a series of knee strikes Dawson goes down. Wilder is able to get the tag and tries to stop Black but he takes him out. Ricochet gets the tag and takes it to Wilder and Dawson. He tries a cover but can’t get the three. He takes out Dawson with a neckbreaker and then tries another cover but still can’t get the three. Ricochet continues the offense and takes Dawson out of the ring. He flies off the ropes and hits Wilder with a flying uppercut sending him out of the ring. Outside the ring Roode and Gable who came to ringside stomp on Wilder ending the match.
*** Ricochet and Black take out Roode and Gable and send them running.
Winners: The Revival: Via DQ
My Opinion:
Black and Ricochet were really looking like they could’ve had this and it’s to bad it ended the way it did. It makes sense but still I really wanted to see black and Ricochet win. They are more singles wrestles and I do wanna see what they can do on their own but still it would’ve been awesome to see them win together. It looks like Roode and Gable have some new rivals though.

In Ring Segment: Becky Lynch
Stephanie says anything can happen on The Road to WrestleMania like The Shield reuniting or Ronda Rousey vacating the Raw Women’s Championship. Stephanie says it’s time to rectify the situation and they are gonna start by bringing out The Queen Charlotte Flair. She then introduces her opponent The Man Becky Lynch. Stephanie says they need a champion so at FastLane it will be Charlotte Flair vs Becky Lynch for the raw Women’s Championship. She then tells Becky she must sign the hold harmless agreement first. Charlotte tells her to sign it unless Stephanie just wants to hand the title to The Queen. Becky says she beat her on one leg at the rumble so she can do it again right now. Stephanie tells her no and says to sign it and then they can face at FastLane. Becky signs and Stephanie says it’s official. Here comes Rousey form the back as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, here comes Rousey! Rousey asks Steph what she’s doing. Stephanie says she had no choice. Ronda says she didn’t vacate anything. She says she wanted them to included becky and no exclude her. She tells Stephanie to give her the title back. Stephanie says that at FastLane Becky will still face Charlotte. If Becky loses she is done but if she wins she will be added to the match at WrestleMania. Ronda tells Stephanie that she makes her to much money to get rid of her. She says Stephanie values her bank account over anything. Ronda says she worked her ass off and gave everything she had to this. She tells the crowd she is not a dancing around anymore. She says damn the man, screw the woo and no more misses nice bitch. She takes down Charlotte and then gets Lynch in an armbar. Rousey continues to hammer on Lynch and gets her in the armbar again. Rousey then steps on Lynch and holds up the title. Rousey continues beating on Lynch and flips her to the mat. Rousey hammers on Lynch with body shots and goes to the armbar again.
My Opinion:
Wow, this was awesome! Rousey finally snapped and I loved it. This is exactly what they need out of Rousey, no more pretending and just letting her be the destroyer that she is. Rousey is a fighter and they have bring that light. This Sunday lych is gonna be in a fight and she has to survive if she wants Mania. This Sunday will answer a lot of questions and I can’t wait for it!

Backstage Segment:
Charly tells Stephanie it seems like she did Ronda a favour. Stephanie says Ronda showed she is an animal and she showed her true colors. Stephanie says she is sick to her stomach over what Ronda did. She says Ronda is gonna get what’s coming to her at Mania. Stephanie says no matter what it’s gonna be a hell of a match at Mania whether its a single or Triple Threat. Stephanie says she might make a decision that impacts Rousey’s career.

Final Thoughts:
I really enjoyed tonight’s Raw, for me I really think they are stepping up their game as of late. First, it was awesome to see The shield back together. This is a group that has transcended wrestling and if this is their final run they deserve it. I can’t wait to see them back together and this Sunday I know they’ll bring a fight. It’s something that you don’t know how it’s gonna end up with some many questions such as Ambrose’s contract; but hopefully, this can be put to the side and they can just put on a clinic as they do. Also, I loved the intensity in Triple H tonight. He and Batasia can really sell this as a fight and if they do the build up and payoff are gonna be amazing. I really feel like the crowd is gonna get behind this. A big nod to Heavy Machinery tonight as well, they fight hard and put those three teams down pretty easily. Finally, to close out the night I loved the side of Rousey that we saw. It’s about time we get the real Ronda Rousey. If Rousey is like this I don’t know who can stop her. Lynch and Charlotte have to look to this Sunday but they also need to watch their backs. We are on The Road to WrestleMania and this Sunday we take another pit stop. I can’t wait for FastLane!
Overall Rating: 6.8/10