Raw Review 03/11/2019

Tonight is the Fall-Out Edition of Monday Night Raw following last nights FastLane PPV. After their final ride, last night what will be the parting words for The shield and where will Reigns and Ambrose go next? Plus, What will happen when Batista and Triple H meet face to face Also, can Finn Balor his Intercontinental Championship against Bobby Lashley. Finally, what will go down with Ronda Rousey now that she interfered last night and assured that Becky Lynch will be in their match at WrestleMania?

Raw comes to us from the PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, PA.

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

In Ring Segment: The Shield
Reigns says over the past few months he has come to realize that life is short and there is no guarantee of tomorrow. He says if last night was the last ride he is satisfied because he was in there doing what he loves with who he loves. He says he is forever grateful for them getting back together with him. He says WrestleMania is coming close and they have business to take care of. He then offers for himself to have a singles match tonight. He then says Ambrose has some business too even though we don’t know what it is but that’s why they love him. He then tells Rollins he has the real business to take care of. Reigns says Rollins will beat Lesnar and take the Universal Championship. The Shield then do their signature fist bump.
Rollins then stands alone and says last night The Shield burned it down. He is then interrupted by Paul Heyman. Heyman does his normal shtick and Rollins makes fun of him. He then questions Lesnar about how he dominates his opponents. Rollins continues on and talks about how Lesnar had a real tough time getting by Daniel Bryan, he then mentions how he got pushed to his limit by AJ Styles, and how he almost lost to Finn Balor. Heyman tells him touche. Rollins says Lesnar seems to have a problem with guys his size and style. Rollins says he is the one man uniquely suited to beat Lesnar and it is Seth Ficken Rollins. Heyman says there will be no slaying of the beast. Heyman tries to defend Lesnar and says he had no time to prepare for those opponents. Heyman tells Rollins if he wants to meet his client Brock Lesnar he will introduce him. There is then a video package for Lesnar. Heyman tells Rollins he doesn’t know Brock Lesnar. From behind Shelton Benjamin hits Rollins with three German Suplexes.
My Opinion:
This was a good send off for The Shield. I think last night they put on a show and if that was their final time then that’s okay because it was a good match. For now, it probably is time to go separate ways but never say never in the future. For Rollins, he has an uphill battle with Lesnar. It does seem he has a good chance but it will be a tough win for him. Now we will wait and see what Shelton Benjamin is all about here.

Match 1: Seth Rollins vs Shelton Benjamin
Rollins goes after Benjamin but Benjamin is able to fight back and slams Rollins. Rollins fights back and gets him in a headlock but Benjamin reverses. Benjamin works him to the ground and works the face of Rollins. Back on their feet, Benjamin keeps a side headlock. Rollins pushes him off but Benjamin is able to hit him with a shoulder tackle. Finally, Rollins is able to fight back and takes Benjamin down. Outside of the ring, Rollins stays on Benjamin and then brings him back in the ring. Rollins hits him with a series of chops and then a boot as Benjamin throws him in the corner. Rollins then hits the blockbuster on Benjamin. Rollins looks for a stomp but Benjamin gets out of the way. Rollins sends him to the outside and tries to hit a suicide dive but Benjamin hits him with a big boot. Benjamin tries a cover but Rollins kicks out as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Benjamin knocks Rollins down on the outside. Benjamin brings him into the ring and taunts him. Rollins is able to take down Benjamin and fights back. Rollins flies off the second rope and misses Benjamin. Off the ropes, Rollins is able to hit the sling blade. Rollins tries a cover but Benjamin kicks out. Rollins misses on a kick and Benjamin hits release German. Rollins is able to fight off Benjamin as he tries to end it. Rollins somehow hits the stomp and gets the 1 2 3 on the cover.
Winner: Seth Rollins
My Opinion:
Huge win for Rollins tonight! Benjamin tested him but Rollins stayed strong and he needs these kinds of wins heading into Mania. Rollins showed he is resilient and he is ready to go. He knows what he is up against with Lesnar and he needs to take every match before then as his warm up and be ready for The Beast.

Match 2: Finn Balor (C) vs Bobby Lashley: Intercontinental Championship Match
Lashley is able to get around on Balor and slam him to the mat. Lashley gets him in the corner and wrenches on Balor with his boot. Lashley then grabs the face of Balor and wrenches on his neck. Balor is able to come back with a huge dropkick but Lashley once again takes it to him. Balor tries to fight back but he is hit with a huge elbow. Balor is able to hit Lashley with a dropkick through the ropes and then hits him with a kick to the face as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Lashley plants Balor and tries the cover but Balor kicks out. Lashley lifts Balor but Balor fights out. Lashley continues to stay on him and then drops him on the apron. He tries a cover but once again Balor is able to kick out. Lashley works the arm of Balor and keeps him grounded on the mat. Balor is able to fight off Lashley and hits him with a basement dropkick. Balor hits Lashley with a chop but then gets caught in the corner. Balor fights off and takes him down. Balor then lands a stomp. Balor once again though gets caught and driven into the corner and then into the other corner. Lashley tosses Balor on the corner but Balor is able to hit him with a sling blade. Balor is able to drive him into the corner and Lashley goes down. Rush is on the outside and rings the bell distracting Balor. He then taunts him with the IC Championship. Balor fights Lashley off for a second but he is then hit with the spear. Lashley goes for the cover and gets the 1 2 3.
Winner: Bobby Lashley: New Intercontinental Champion
My Opinion:
Wow, Lio Rush came through big tonight. Good for Lashley getting the title back but it’s too bad that Balor’s title run was short lived. Hopefully, he will get another shot and he can face Lashley in more fair terms. This one was Balor’s truthfully until Rush got out there.

Backstage Segment:
Charly asks Corbin about his comments he made when Reigns has to relinquish the title. Corbin says he is not gonna worry about hurting people’s feelings and he did want Reins off of Raw. he says there is no way Reigns is one hundred percent and tonight he is gonna house train the big dog.

In Ring Segment: Ronda Rousey
Ronda tells the crowd they can shove it. She tells them that Becky is a coward just like them. She says everyone would cower in front of her if there wasn’t a barricade. She says she is gonna embarrass and humiliate Becky and Charlotte. She says last night she is gonna expose and embarrass them as con artists. She says she is walking out of WrestleMania with the title. She says she would be embarrassed if she even broke a sweat. Out comes Dana Brooke.
Dana Brooke tells her it is enough and she is not gonna let her disrespect WWE, and the WWE Universe, and the women’s locker room. She says she loves the WWE and love this business. She says she has done everything to earn respect and prove she belongs here. She says each week she fights for a chance. She says she might not be on tv and she isn’t a household name like her but all she wants is a chance. She tells Ronda it is the night after a PPV and usually she offers an open challenge. She says she accepts. Ronda attacks Brooke and then slams her on the floor on the outside. In the ring, Ronda slams her. She then slaps an official.
My Opinion:
I’ll just say it I’m not a fan of Rousey. I’m not a fan of what she has been saying on social media. I’m not a fan of how she has to sit there in the ring and try to use big words and almost scream to get her point across. This is pro wrestling, learn our world if you wanna be a part of it. As far as I’m concerned I hope Becky beats her and I hope Ronda finds the exit of WWE sooner than later.

Match 3: Ricochet & Aleister Black vs Bobby Roode & Chad Gable
Gable and Balck trade rights to start ff the match. Roode and Gable try a double team but Black fights them off. Roode gets back in control and hits Balck with a spine buster. Roode drives Black into the corner and tags Gable. Gable and Roode double team Balck and Gable tries a cover but Black kicks out. Gable then works Balck on the mat wrenching on his arm. Gabe gets him in the corner again and tags Roode. Roode stomps on him and then knocks him down to the mat. Roode then goes to a waist lock and keeps Black grounded on the mat. Black fights to his feet and fights off Roode. Black tries a cover but Roode kicks out. Ricochet gets the tag and he takes it to Roode and Gable. He sends Roode into the corner and hits him with his shoulder. Gable makes a tag and grabs Ricochet. They hit a blockbuster into a German Suplex. Gable goes for the cover but Ricochet kicks out. Ricochet misses with a right but he is able to stay on his feet and hit a lariat. Ricochet then takes down Roode but Roode fights out. Black gets the tag and hits a knee. Ricochet takes out Gable and Black hits Black Mass on Roode. Black goes for the cover and gets the 1 2 3.
*** The Revival layout Balck and Ricochet from behind as they exit up the ramp.
Winners: Aleister Balck & Ricochet
My Opinion:
This was another big win for these two. Black and Ricochet have made such a huge impact since debuting and they don’t seem to be slowing down. Of course, all these teams are jealous of them but truthfully they are the guys who should be on the main roster. They are the guys who people really wanna see. They keep getting it done in the ring and they keep getting over. I say continue to push these guys and make them your top.

A Moment of Bliss:
Bliss welcomes everyone to a very special Moment of Bliss. She talks about how the WWE Universe has been buzzing about here scoop and she is ready to dish it all out. She asks who will be the host of WrestleMania. She then goes over the list of guest hosts of Mania in the past. She then announces the host of WrestleMania… herself. She tells everyone she is the host this year. She says it is such an honor for the WWE Universe and they are welcome because finally, WrestleMania will host the brightest star on the grandest stage of all. She says this has been your Moment of Bliss.

Backstage Segment:
Charly asks Braun about last week and his actions. Braun says Collin better stay away from him and he doesn’t care if he has the right to jack him up or not cause he liked it. Braun is then told his car is here.

Backstage Segment:
As Raw returns, Braun goes to the car and he has been gifted the car by the SNL cast and Collin specifically. The card tells him to treat it better than Mr. McMahon’s limo cause there are n more title opportunities to screw him out of. Colin then says he will see him at WrestleMania. Braun then says let’s see what this is made of and starts breaking apart the car. He hands the door to the stagehand and says you give this to them and tell them the next time I will see them will be live from New York.

In Ring Segment: Elias
Elias says he told himself he wouldn’t return to his hometown until he was a hero and a superstar and here he is. He then asks who wants to Walk With Elias. He says its a miracle he is a success as many born in Pittsburgh are a waste of life. He says the people here are miserable and they hold the good people back. He says that is the advice he gave to Antonio Brown. Out comes No Way, Jose. Elias his Jose and goes after him and a member of his conga line.

WWE Hall OF Fame: Harlem Heat

Match 4: Nia Jax w/ Tamina vs Natalya
***Natalya says last night made her think about who has her back. She says she didn’t know Ronda as she thought and she knows she can’t trust anyone besides her best friend. Out comes Beth Phenoix.
As the match starts Nia goes after Natalya. Nia hammers on her. Beth gets in the ring and takes out Nia and then Tamina. As Nia and Tamina walk backstage Sasha and Bayley attack them.
Winner: Nia Jax: Via DQ
My Opinion:
I loved having beth Pheniox out there tonight having Natalya’s back. Beth is one of those who hasn’t been brought back to much just mainly for commentary so to see her in the ring and invovled like this was awesome. I think she got the itch after seeing all the history the women were making. Hopefully, she sticks around and maybe she and Nattie could fight for the Tag Titles.

Backstage Segment:
Batista has arrived!

In Ring Segment: Triple H & Batista
Triple H yells for Batista as he stands in the ring. Out comes Batista but he didn’t come alone as a whole team of security following behind. Triple H asks Batista if he is gonna stand there like a nose ring model or come face him like a man. Triple H then questions the security. Batista tells him he isn’t stupid, he learned and he paid attention as he learned from the dirtiest players in the game. Batista then asks where his sledgehammer is. He tells Triple H they are gonna do this on his terms and tells Triple H to give him what he wnats. Triple H says he is not gonna give him a damn thing. He asks him how many times he quit. He says he isn’t getting anything just cause he is a movie star now. Triple H tells him he is gonna do it his way. He says he will tear through the Guardians of the Independent scene. Batista says he will be long gone before he gets there. He says he quit to get away from Triple H. he tells Triple h to give him what he wants and what he wanted for years or he will continue to hurt the people he loves. Triple H says he will not give it to him. Batista tells him to give him what he wants and says Triple H isn’t gonna give it to him because he isn’t in control. Batista tells him he wnats him at Mania. Triple H says this is what this is what this is really about. Triple H says he is on. Batista thanks him and says all he wanted was one more match to end his career on his terms and end Triple H’s career on his terms. Triple H says he will see him and tells him he better dig down and he better find whatever he has left of The Animal. Triple H says it is on his terms but it the match will be on his terms and it will be No Holds Barred.
My Opinion:
Huge announcement! We saw this match coming for a long time but that’s awesome that this is gonna be No Holds Barred. I feel like Triple H and Batista will tear it up and it will give Batista the proper send off he deserves. Also, for Triple H who knows how many matches he has left so, this is very important for him as well to put on a good show. I can’t wait to see what these two do to each other in 27 days!

In Ring Segment: Kurt Angle
Angle says 23 years ago he left Pittsburgh to compete in the Olympic Games. He says that led him to the WWE and he has gone and faced all the biggest stars this business has to offer. He says no matter where he has gone he has always kept Pittsburgh as his hometown and he saved this announcement for here. He says at Mania he will have his farewell match. Angle says he will have one more match in Pittsburgh before that.
My Opinion:
Wow, this is a sad announcement from Angle but I feel like a lot of people saw this coming for quite some time. Angle has given all he can since his return and it’s time he rides off into the sunset. The only question now is who will be Angle’s final opponent because they better make it a good one for his sake.

Match 5: Kurt Angle vs Apollo Crews
Crews gets Angle in a headlock and then hits him with a shoulder tackle. Angle is able to work him and works the arm of Crews. Crews gets him in the corner and works him. Angle is able to fight back and hits him with a belly to belly. Crews comes back with a dropkick and tries a quick cover but Angle kicks out. Crews tries another cover but Angle kicks out. Crews then goes to a sleeper hold and keeps him grounded. Angle works to his feet and fights off Crews with shots to the gut. Crews fights back with rights but Angle locks him up and suplexes him repeatedly. Angle tries a cover but Crews kicks out. Angle tries the Angle slam but crews counters and hits a step-up enziguri. Crews hits a standing moonsault and tries a cover but Angle kicks out. Angle is able to counter Crews and hits the Angle Slam. Angle goes for the cover and gets the 1 2 3.
Winner: Kurt Angle
My Opinion:
This was a good little send-off match for Angle in his hometown. He and Crews did exactly what they needed to and it was awesome that Crews got this chance since he loved Angle so much. Angle is a true hero and one of the greats. I’m glad he got one final win in his hometown and I hope his last few weeks with WWE are memorable and successful!

Roman Reigns vs Baron Corbin
*** Before the match begins Drew Mcintyre comes out of nowhere and attacks Reigns. He takes him down and then drives him into the ring post. Mcintyre goes to the outside and hits Reigns with a Claymore Kick on the outside. Mcintyre the hits him with another one and it sends Reigns face first into the ring post.
My Opinion:
It’s too bad we didn’t get to see Reigns have his return match on Raw but it seemed n attack by Mcintyre was inevitable. I hope Reigns is okay and I hope he will bounce back. I can see him and Mcintyre have a big match at Mania or maybe he and Ambrose vs Mcintyre and Corbin.

Backstage Segment:
Rollins and Ambrose help Reigns backstage. They bring him to the trainers and tell him to get it checked out. Ambrose tells Triple H he wants Mcintyre right now in a No DQ, falls count anywhere. Triple H says hell yeah, he’ll go let Drew Mcintyre know.

Match 6: Dean Ambrose vs Drew Mcintyre: Falls Count Anywhere Match
***Before the match Mcintyre asks Ambrose if he is gonna take this beating like a man or squeal like his pathetic brother Roman.
Ambrose runs right at him and the match starts on the stage. Ambrose hits him with a spine buster and then flies off the stage and takes down Mcintyre. Ambrose bounces him off objects throughout the crowd. Mcintyre hits him with a chop but Ambrose fights back. They battle up the stairs of the arena. Mcintyre bounces him off the handrails. They make their way to the mid-tier and Mcintyre throws Ambrose into the wall. Mcintyre tries to throw Ambrose but Ambrose bites his fingers and then launches himself into Mcintyre as Raw goes go break.
As Raw returns, Ambrose and Mcintyre battle down the stairs. Ambrose flies off the barricade but he is caught and Mcintyre throws him across the floor. Mcintyre grabs the steps and then hits Ambrose with it. Mcintyre tries a cover but Ambrose kicks out. Mcintyre grabs the steps again and once again Ambrose is knocked to the ground. Mcintyre tries another cover but Ambrose won’t stay down. Mcintyre grabs Ambrose and taunts him. Ambrose then hits Mcintyre with a low blow. Ambrose then jumps on Mcintyre and attacks him with strikes. Ambrose looks for a weapon but Mcintyre beats him to the punch and hits him with a chair. Mcintyre then bounces Ambrose off the hockey boards. Ambrose fights back and knocks Mcintyre an equipment cart. He then drives Mcintyre into another one. Ambrose tries a cover but Mcintyre kicks out. Ambrose bounces Mcintyre off the equipment cart again. He tries an inside cradle on the stage but Mcintyre kicks out. Mcintyre brings Ambrose over the announce table but Ambrose counters him and hits a side suplex slamming him on the table. Mcintyre then comes back with a low blow. He then stabs him with a pencil. He then slams Ambrose into the led boards. He then does it again. Mcintyre goes for the cover but Ambrose kicks out. Mcintyre then slaps him and taunts him. Mcintyre then pulls Ambrose through the railing on the stage and he hits a Claymore Kick knockin Ambrose off the stage. Mcintyre goes for the cover and gets the 1 2 3.
*** After the match Mcintyre hits him with another Claymore.
Winner: Drew Mcintyre
My Opinion:
This match was quite the brawl but ultimately Mcintyre got the better if Ambrose. Mcintyre is a very dangerous man and he proves each week that he is one of the if not the most dominate force in WWE. for Mcintyre, it is only a matter of time before Mcintyre is on top. They are giving him such a big push that at some point this has to pay off. For Ambrose, he proved once again he is one of the toughest guys in that locker room today.

Final Thoughts:
I was a fan of tonight’s Raw. I thought The Shield had a nice send off to start the show and then Rollins made his point afterward and in his match. I also loved Ambrose sticking up for Reigns. That was one heck of a fight he and Mcintyre gave each other to close the show. Mcintyre once again showed he is the man everyone should fear and I hope he gets to be on top soon. I wasn’t a fan of Rousey tonight. I’m just ready for Mania and I hope Becky takes that title. I thought once again Aleister Black and Ricochet put on a great match again. They are proving themselves and becoming the team everyone wants to see. I was sad to hear Angle say Mania will be his last match but I’m glad he got to have that moment in his hometown. Finally, I loved what happened with Triple H and Batista. I feel like both of them need this one good final match at Mania so I can’t wait to see what they do!
Overall Rating: 6/10