Raw Review 03/05/2018

Tonight Nia Jax gets another shot at Asuka as the two go one on one, can Asuka overcome Jax again and keep her undefeated streak or will Jax be the one ready for Asuka? Last week Ronda Rousey made her first appearance on Raw but Triple H and Stephanie didn’t give the best welcoming with Triple H dropping Kurt Angle with a right hand but how will Rousey respond to them? Also, Roman Reigns made it clear how he felt about Brock Lesnar and is ready to face The Beast but what will Roman have to say this week? The Miz lost not once but twice last Monday and with that it’s up in the air who his opponent will be for WrestleMania, is Miz in for an easy road with one opponent or will he have to face both Seth Rollins and Finn Balor? Finally, Elias was able to escape Braun Strowman last week without much damage but how long with Strowman allow Elias to run for before he “gets these hands”?

Raw is live tonight from the BMO Harris Bradley Center in Milwaukee, WI.

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

In Ring Segment: Kurt Angle
Angle says every since he returned to WWE he has to swallow his pride on a number of occasions. He says as Stephanie McMahon has told him sometimes you have to do what’s best for business. He tells how Triple H sucker punched him last week and that was too far, he then calls out Triple H and says he doesn’t care if he is the COO he wants him to come out and face him like a man. Outcomes Stephanie McMahon.
Stephanie tells him to calm down and tells him Triple H isn’t even here yet. Stephanie brings up Kurt’s kids and the fact he is on two wives questioning the money Kurt has to put out. She gives him his props for being an Olympic gold medalist, being a Hall of Famer and being a four-time champion. She then reminds him that his accolades don’t pay the bills but being Raw GM does. She tells him that it’s not like Triple H wasn’t provoked and reminds Kurt it was his fault for getting Ronda angry. She says Triple H got even and now they can all be good managers and put this all behind him. She tells him to not let his ego get in the way. Outcomes Ronda Rousey!
Ronda tells Stephanie what they did to Kurt was enlightening and she is realizing the people who brought her here are not who she thought. She then calls them bully bosses. Stephanie says people just do what they and reminds her she did sign a contract which makes her a part of WWE that she oversees. Stephanie tells her that they gave her a dream opportunity and they are giving her a debut match at WrestleMania. Ronda says she gets to chose her opponent for WrestleMania. Stephanie says yes but it can’t be a champion and they have to be a member of the active roster. Ronda tells Stephanie she wants to face her. Stephanie says she is not a member but outcomes Triple H.
Triple H tells Kurt he needs to do his job and stop being a tough guy. Triple H says Stephanie runs this company. Kurt says I thought you weren’t here. Triple H says surprise I am. Kurt says she does have a contract saying she is an executive but she has a second one that says she is a superstar and Kurt says she will face Ronda. Kurt then says Triple H has a second contract and tells him that after Survivor Series he told him if he crosses him he’s coming for him. Kurt then says he and Triple H will be in the match as well. Stephanie yells at Kurt and Ronda grabs her. Triple H goes for a cheap shot but Kurt is ready and the two trade blows. Angle hits an Olympic Slam and looks for a ankle lock but Triple H escapes. Stephanie comes from behind and knocks down Ronda. Stephanie then runs away. Triple H looks for a pedigree but Kurt reverses and locks in the ankle lock. Ronda then grabs Stephanie and pulls her into the ring. Ronda then slams Stephanie to the mat. Ronda and Kurt celebrate.
My Opinion:
I love this kicking off the night, I absolutely love Ronda Rousey and it’s so cool seeing her. We knew this was the match they were heading for but I think it will be awesome. For Ronda this is a perfect way to start her career and it’s really a dream team with her and Angle. I can’t wait to see what Ronda will do and I hope it gets more intense between the teams as we inch closer to WrestleMania. The promos need some work between the four but when all is said and done I think this will go down as one of the coolest matches of all time.

Match 1: Asuka vs Nia Jax
Asuka hits Nia with right hands but Nia backs her into the corner. Nia hits Asuka hard and comes at her with a huge headbutt. Nia then throws Asuka to the mat and Asuka goes to the ground. Nia brings her into the ring and Asuka goes to the corner. Nia tries to crush her but Nia moves out of the way. Asuka gets some shots on Nia but Nia hits her with a backbreaker. Asuka comes back with an octopus hold on Nia. Nia powers out and then lifts her by her hair throwing her in the corner. Nia stomps on Asuka but Asuka gets to her feet. Nia hits her with a big right and then spins Asuka in the air and drops her to the mat. Asuka goes to the outside as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Nia tosses Asuka around. Asuka is able to back off Nia and hits her with a shining wizard. Asuka goes for the cover but Nia kicks out. Asuka is then thrown into the corner and Nia takes advantage. Nia tries for a pin but Asuka kicks out. Asuka comes back with big elbows but Nia is able to hit the samoan drop. Nia goes for the cover but Asuka kicks out just barely. Nia lifts Asuka and drops her with a power press. Nia goes for the leg drop but Asuka rolls out of the way. Asuka catches Nia with the armbar but Nia lifts her and drops her. Asuka keeps the now triangle choke locked in but once again Nia powers to her feet and hits her against the turnbuckle. Asuka keeps it locked in but again Nia gets to her feet and buries Asuka against the top rope but she still hangs on. Now Asuka goes back to the armbar and finally Nia has to tap out.
Winner: Asuka
My Opinion:
Wow, what a performance by Asuka, she once again beats one the most dominate superstars we seen in Nia Jax. Nia was so tough and hung on as long as she could, she literally did all she could but Asuka just knows how to win. If Asuka keeps this up and goes into Mania with this win streak Alexa is in big trouble. With Asuka the truth is if Nia isn’t ready then I don’t know who is. Asuka amazes me with her heart and determination and nothing keeps her down. Great match again between these two.

Match 2: The Revival (Scott Dawson & Dash Wilder) vs The Bar (Sheamus & Cesaro)
If The Revival wins they receive a Raw Tag Team Championship Match at WrestleMania
Sheamus and Dawson start the match. Sheamus is able to work Dawson to the mat and takes the early advantage. Sheamus hits him with a big shoulder tackle and backs him into the corner. Cesaro gets the tag and takes his shots on Dawson. Sheamus gets the tag and lands big shots to the mid section of Dawson. Sheamus hammers on Dawson but gets hung up on the ropes. Wilder is able to get the tag and the two double team Sheamus. Sheamus is able to tag Cesaro and Cesaro takes cheap shots but Wilder comes back and is able to tag Dawson. They double team Cesaro and Cesaro then looks to regroup as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Cesaro gets the tag and lands a big elbow on the double team. Cesaro goes for the cover but Dawson kicks out. Sheamus tags in and lands a big shot. Sheamus tries for a cover but Dawson kicks out. Dawson lands a jawbreaker and Wilder gets the tag. They go after the knee of Sheamus and double team him. He goes for a cover but Sheamus kicks out. Dawson gets the tag and tries a pin but Sheamus kicks out. Dawson hammers on Sheamus but Sheamus throws rights of his own. Dawson wears down Sheamus but he fights him off and tags Cesaro. Cesaro land a double leg takedown and looks for a sharpshooter but is hit with a ddt. Dawson tries a pin but Cesaro kicks out. Cesaro lands an uppercut and tags Sheamus. Sheamus hits a high knee and tags Cesaro. Dawson is able to fend off The Bar and Wilder gets the tag. Dawson hits suplex and Wilder hits the splash. Wilder goes for the cover but Cesaro kicks out. Sheamus hits the Brogue and Cesaro hits the Neutralizer. He goes for the cover and gets the win.
Winners: The Bar (Sheamus & Cesaro)
My Opinion:
Not a bad contest between these teams. The Revival seems like they come so close but just haven’t been able to get it done on the main roster. The Bar was great as always and I’m sure who’s left for them to face now. The tag team division on Raw has definitely calmed down from where it was but I hope they come up with something good. You The Bar can have an excellent match against anyone they just need to find them more competition again.

In Ring Segment: John Cena
Cena says he is here tonight on Monday Night Raw to talk about SmackDown. He says he suggest you listen, he says he has found his road to WrestleMania and that is why he is here tonight. Cena says he understands the right compete on both shows is a privilege. He tells that this Sunday at FastLane there is a six pack challenge and if he did this on SmackDown he would’ve been interrupted. He tells that this Sunday a record will be broken and it’s tough to talk about but it will happen. He says this Sunday at FastLane he will win the WWE Championship for the 17 time. He says all records are made to be broken. He says people tell him he is handed success and he is only here to hold people back. He says he was a give a chance and with that he earned his opportunities. He says he has not, will not and never will be a man to hold someone back. He says when he wins on Sunday people will say he robbed AJ Styles of his WrestleMania moment. He tells AJ to use his rematch clause and at WrestleMania it will be a Triple Threat match for the WWE Championship. Out comes Goldust.
Goldust says he could’ve been somebody instead of a bump which is what he is. Goldust says there he is your leading man John Cena. Goldust says he has always had a dream of sharing the silver screen with someone like Cena, the dreams of soaking in the spotlight at WrestleMania. Goldust says the dream begins with stopping John Cena from going to WrestleMania. Goldust says all his dreams have never had that perfect ending. Goldust says it will end today, he tells Cena he wants to go to WrestleMania but he is taking control right now as the new director for this epic motion picture. He says tonight his dreams will be shattered. Goldust then hits Cena with a right hand as Raw goes to break.
My Opinion:
Well, this was very odd, first I don’t know why Cena was out there in the first place besides for the fact they want him to show his face on Raw. But the things he said didn’t really have much meaning as it’s all just based on what could happen. When Goldust came out it was very odd, I mean they could’ve used someone who’s seen more on Raw. It’s just odd to me they don’t show Goldust on Raw 25 but would bring him out for this.

Match 3: John Cena vs Goldust
As Raw returns, Goldust is in control but Cena fights back. Goldust is able to knock Cena to the mat but it’s not enough to get the win. Goldust is able to drop Cena to the mat again and follows with an inverted atomic drop. Cena comes back and drops Goldust. Goldust tries a cover but Cena kicks out. Cena hits him with rights but Goldust lands a powerslam. Goldust drops the elbow but Cena fight back and is able to get a chinlock in. Goldust takes a cheap shot with the low blow and goes for the cover but Cena kicks out. Cena hits him with a series of shoulder tackles and then slams him to the mat. Cena hits the Five Knuckle Shuffle and follows with the AA. Cena goes for the cover and gets the 1 2 3.
Winner: John Cena
My Opinion:
No Surprise here with Cena winning but honestly I don’t get how they let Goldust control most of the match if Cena is supposed to look so good going into Sunday. I mean Cena won this fast and he didn’t have to do much but still it wasn’t that great. As for Cena he seems lost but after this Sunday hopefully, we will truly see where he is going to end up for WrestleMania. If he truly isn’t going to face Undertaker it would’ve made sense for him to compete for the WWE Championship at WrestleMania but Cena has had a lot of moments in his career and now he has to pass the torch and let Styles and Nakamura have their own.

Backstage Segment:
Elias tells Kurt that he needs to consider canceling the Symphony of Destruction match. He says music brings us together not tear us apart. Kurt says he’ll consider it but quickly says he’s not canceling it. Elias says he’s responsible for what happens to Braun. Kurt tells him that tonight’s match will be a falls count anywhere.
HillBilly Jim will be inducted into the 2018 WWE Hall of Fame

In Ring Segment:
Charly asks Bayley if she was sending a message last week or ending a friendship. Bayley says the rumble and Elimination Chamber was every women for themselves but what Sasha did, she is then cut off by Absolution. Paige says congratulations you finally grew a backbone. She says there is strength in numbers and in WWE if you have no on you have nothing.

Match 4: Mandy Rose w/ Paige & Sonya Deville vs Bayley
Bayley gets around on Mandy but is sent to the mat. Mandy uses her athleticism to work Bayley into the corner. Bayley works the arm of Mandy but Mandy comes back and dumbs Bayley into the corner. Mandy tries for a cover but Bayley kicks out. Bayley hammers on Mandy in the corner but Mandy rolls to the outside as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Mandy works Bayley on mat with a chinlock. Bayley fires back with elbows but Mandy lifts Bayley. Bayley then gets hit with a big right hand. Mandy tries for a cover but Bayley kicks out. Bayley hits the backslide but Mandy rolls through. Bayley goes for the inside cradle but again Mandy kicks out. Mandy hits the running knee and goes for the cover but Bayley kicks out. Mandy fires with big right hands and tries another cover but Bayley kicks out. Bayley is able to hang up Mandy on the second rope. Bayley drops Mandy with big swings and then unloads on Mandy. Bayley bounces her off the turnbuckle and then hits a side suplex. Sonya tires to distract but Bayley hits the elbow. Sonya again distracts but Bayley is able to fight back and rolls up Mandy getting the 1 2 3. Absolution goes after Bayley but Sasha comes out to make the save and Absolution retreats. Sasha then raises the hand of Bayley. Sasha tries for a hug but Bayley pushes her away.
Winner: Bayley
My Opinion:
Bayley looked really good tonight and so did Mandy but Bayley is more experienced and it showed. Bayley didn’t let distractions stop her and was able to overcome. Sasha did save her but obviously, Bayley still feels hurt form Sasha’s actions as of late. I think this rivalry won’t be bad, they can definitely have a classic at Mania if this is what it leads to. Paige made a good point before the match numbers do matter so hopefully at some point the two can get back on the same page.

Backstage Segment:
Alexa tells Nia she knows she is unbelievably disappointed. Alexa says she has never seen Nia give up like that and it must be so embarrassing. She says she doesn’t want her to feel like a failure and that she has friends. She says she knows she will be at WrestleMania next year and she has accomplished so much in a short time. Alexa tells her to look what she’s overcome. Alexa says even though she might think she’s a quitter she can’t let this be her downfall cause if she does everyone will lose all respect for her. Nia then breaks down in tears.

Match 5: Elias vs Braun Strowman:
Symphony of Destruction Match
Before the match Elias tries to run away, he gets in his getaway car but Braun Strowman holds up the car preventing it to move. Strowman chases him back into the arena. The match begins as the two make it back to the stage. Strowman kicks him down the ramp and then bounces him off the arpon. In the ring Strowman hits him with big rights. Stormwan crushes him in the corner and then drops him to the mat with a big blow. Elias is able to hit Strowman in the knee and then breaks a guitar across the back of Strowman. Elias hits Strowman with a hip check and climbs to the top rope. Elias flies and hits the elbow but it doesn’t keep Strowman down. Strowman hits him with a big right and knocks him out of the ring. Strowman brings him to the announcers table and tris to slam him but Elias racks the eyes. Strowman drives him into the led’s on the stage and then into a guitar. Strowan grabs the big upright bass and breaks it over Elias. Strowman then throws him under the piano and starts to play. Strowman then breaks a leg off the piano and drops it on Elias. Strowman goes for the cover and gets the win.
Winner: Braun Strowman
My Opinion:
A very cool kind of match and again Braun just goes out there and entertains. He is so awesome and he and Elias honestly have a very good rivalry in the fact it’s so entertaining and it’s bringing great moments. For Elias it’s awesome because it keeps him a good spotlight and for Braun he continues to cause destruction and just keeps pushing on every week.

Match 6: Bray Wyatt vs Rhyno w/ Heath Slater
Wyatt tees off on Rhyno and then lands a huge kick to the face. Wyatt hammers on Rhyno and looks for Sister Abigail and hits. Wyatt goes for the cover and quickly gets the 1 2 3.
Wyatt tells Matt Hardy he knows he can hear him and calls him over. He tells him the final deletion is far from over. Hardy says the great war is far from over but if he wants to face again it can’t be contained in WWE. he says the place it can be contained is the Hardy compound. Hardy says the battlefield has been prepared for annihilation, he tells Wyatt to prepare for the ultimate deletion.
Winner: Bray Wyatt
My Opinion:
Wyatt has looked very impressive these last couple of weeks. Whatever Hardy has done to Wyatt I hope he keeps this edge. I can’t wait to see how they have these two face at the Hardy compound. Obviously when Impact did it it was long and WWE can’t do it like that but maybe we will get a network special or something. Either way I can not wait to see how this goes down!

In Ring Segment:
Miz welcomes everyone to the Mizzie’s. He says the Mizzies do things right and recognize true greatness. He then complains how The Marine 5 didn’t win best picture. Miz starts with the first category for the superstar who is the best at patting themselves on the back. It’s a tie between Seth Rollins and Finn Balor but can’t accept because they weren’t invited. Next category is worst decision made by the Raw GM. The winner of the award is Kurt Angle but Miz says he can’t accept because he is too busy sucking up to Ronda Rousey. He then says it doesn’t matter cause Kurt will fired after WrestleMania anyway. He then goes to the next category which is the lifetime achievement but he is cut off by Seth Rollins.
Rollins says he was enjoying the Mizzies but someone had to cut him off because he was dragging. Outcomes Finn Balor. Rollins asks Balor if he’s done and asks what his deal is. Balor says he is out here to do one better. Miz tells them that neither one of them deserve to face him. Miz tells Rollins he always ends up losing and then says maybe Balor makes it look better. He asks Balor what he’s done since winning the Universal Title. He tells him this isn’t Japan it’s WWE. He then says to be over you need more than a hand sign that’s not even yours. Miz then challenges Balor and Rollins to a 3 on 2 Handicap Match. Rollins says he is on.
My Opinion:
I like this segment, Miz is very good with his in ring promos and knows how to get people going. I love the rivalry brewing between him and Rollins and Balor. Like I said last week I think these three and go out there and have a classic Intercontinental Championship match at WrestleMania. I think Miz will build it up and Rollins and Balor will make it look great with their in ring work. Either way I’m excited to see how this turns out.

Match 7: Seth Rollins & Finn Balor vs The Miz & The Miztourage (Curtis Axel & Bo Dallas)
2 on 3 Handicap Match
Balor and Axel start the match. Balor works Axel to the ground and works his arm. Axel is able to back him to the ropes and land big shots. Balor hits him with a drop kick and goes back to the arm. Rollins gets the tag and goes to the top. Rollins flies and hits the arm of Axel. Axel gets back in control and tags Dallas. Rollins slams Dallas and hits him with a drop kick. Rollins is brought into the corner and Miz gets the tag. Miz stomps on him and then lands a huge kick. Miz goes for the cover but Rollins kicks out. Axel gets the tag and works Rollins on the mat. Axel hits Rollins in the gut and then hits him with a big kick. Axel tags Dallas and he lands a big elbow to Rollins. He goes for the cover but Rollins kicks out. Rollins hits Dallas with big rights and is able to land a big kick. Balor gets the tag and lands the double stomp on Dallas. Balor lands a huge chop and another to follow. Balor gets caught but comes back with an enziguri. Balor goes after Miz on the outside but is take out by Dallas after getting past Axel as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns Balor gets caught by an elbow. Balor hits him with an overhead kick and Rollins gets the tag. Miz comes in but gets caught by Rollins. Rollins lands a big elbow in the corner and then hits a suplex. Rollins takes the suplex and turns it into the Falcon Arrow but it’s not enough to keep Miz down. Rollins fights off Dallas and is able to fight off Miz. Rollins lands a big kick but Axel breaks the pin. Rollins takes care of him and then takes out The Miztourage with a suicide dive. Balor then tags himself in. Balor knocks Miz to the floor and then he flies over the top rope to take out The Miztourage. Balor hits the slingblade on Miz and looks for the Coupe de Grace. Rollins tags in and hits the stomp and gets the win for he and Balor.
*** After the match Angle comes out and says it’s time to announce Miz’s match. He tells Miz he will be facing Balor and Rollins ina triple threat match.
Winners: Seth Rollins & Finn Balor
My Opinion:
This was a pretty good match, I love how Balor and Rollins try to one-up each other. I really think they bring out the best in each other. Angle finally announced what we all speculated and I couldn’t be more excited. Now the wheels are in motion and we will see what these three can do to make this epic. All three men try to steal the show so this will be amazing and I can’t wait!

In Ring Segment: Paul Heyman & Roman Reigns
Heyman says he is here tonight to deliver a message on behalf of his client. He says he is here tonight to set the record straight and gets the lay the title in the ring because Lesnar allows him to. He tells that after Lesnar keeps the title on April 8th and if he chooses to defend it at SummerSlam then he will come back out here and lay down the UFC title as well. He then goes to what Roman said last week about Lesnar’s schedule. He then mentions on Reigns beat Undertaker at WrestleMania and says no one said how Undertaker only wrestled one day that year because he is always Undertaker. He says Lesnar is always Lesnar and Reigns is not going to take the title from him. He says if Reigns doesn’t like what he says then next week he can do something about it because Lesnar will be there. He says after WrestleMania he can seek a new title to go after because this one belongs to Brock Lesnar. He the mentions how Reigns called Lesnar a bitch. Heyman says the Universal Title is Brock Lesnar’s bitch and Reigns can’t have her. Heyman then mentions Reigns family but tells him when you are the Universal champion this is your blood line and this is yours to keep. He says he is gonna have to take this form Lesnar. Heyman says the title is the declarative statement that you are number one. Heyman says it’s not how bad you want the title it’s how bad the title wants you. Heyman says the title needs you more than anything else. He says the title is you and you are the title. He tells that Lesnar will be here and he can say anything he wants to him. He tells Reigns he’s learned you don’t want to shoot on the mic with Paul Heyman and you don’t want to shoot in the ring with Brock Lesnar. Here comes Roman Reigns.
Reigns tells Heyman to pick up the title. Reigns says this is what he’s talking about, he tells he said a lot of things last week and some were harsh but all were true. He says Brock really is a bitch isn’t he. He says all they are asking is that their champion shows up to work. He says they want Brock to actually be here. Reigns tells Heyman to tell Lesnar he can say whatever he wants to his face but he better come dressed for a fight.
My Opinion:
Heyman said a lot of things but it’s all just crap nowadays. We all know where Lesnar stands and it’s time he leaves. Pro Wrestling isn’t something you just show up and do, it’s a lifestyle it’s everything and there are men and women all around the world willing to put in the work and would kill to be where Lesnar is. Reigns has now become everything WWE wanted him to be, the hero. Reigns is gonna save the day and that’s okay cause at least he will defend the title and shows up every single night. I can’t wait for next week but I also can’t wait for Mania so the Universe gets a real champion again.

Final Thoughts:
I was pretty happy with this Raw, obviously it started with a bang with Ronda Rousey. At Mania it’s gonna be truly special to see her team with Kurt Angle to face Triple H and Stephanie McMahon. As I said it’s gonna be a great way to start her career and it’s gonna be an awesome match. I was also very pleased that finally Miz vs Seth Rollins vs Finn Balor for the Intercontinental Championship was announced. When it comes to these three men you know they always try to be the best on the card and at Mania they will kill it. I was a little disappointed we didn’t get more insight to who Sheamus and Cesaro will face but hopefully there is a plan in place. The tag titles will be defended but they have so much to live up to from last year. Bayley and Sasha continued to spark this new rivalry but I think it’s great for both of them. Neither can get a spot for the title right now but a feud against each other gives them a match and they can show why they are two of the best doing it today. Asuka was once again so impressive knocking off the ever so powerful Nia Jax. I love what Asuka does in the ring but eventually she has to lose but we will see where it goes. One thing’s for sure with how things are now Alexa Bliss is in some serious trouble. Finally, I didn’t mind how tonight ended but the Brock Lesnar stuff is getting old, I’m ready for Mania to get here so Reigns can take back the title and bring it back to the Universe. Lesnar once again has turned his back and just like it went at WrestleMania 20 he’s gonna get another good send off. Reigns is finally becoming the hero and deserves it for the amount of work he puts in. overall this was a good show and WrestleMania is shaping up quite nicely. I can’t wait for next week and I hope everyone enjoys FastLane this Sunday!
Overall Rating: 6.8/10