Raw Review 03/18/2019

Tonight on Raw Brock Lesnar returns, what will happen when he and his WrestleMania opponent Seth Rollins come face to face? Plus, if dealing with Lesnar isn’t enough what will happen when Seth Rollins takes on Drew Mcintyre to try to avenge his brother’s? Also, after announcing last week that at WrestleMania he will have his final match, who will Kurt Angle pick as his final opponent? Title shots come few and far between but Dana Brooke has one tonight, can Dana do the unthinkable and defeat Ronda Rousey for the Raw Women’s Championship? Beth Phoenix came back last week to stand by Natalya’s side but is Phoenix considering an in-ring return? Finally, Finn Balor is set to take on Bobby Lashley and Lio Rush but who will Balor find to be his partner?

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Raw comes to us from the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, IL.

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

In Ring Segment: Brock Lesnar
Heyman begins with his usual shtick after dealing with a very tough Chicago crowd. Heyman tells how Rollins was the one who necessitated an appearance from Brock Lesnar. He says Rollins is a revisionist, burn down Suplex City arsonist, he says Rollins spews propaganda and then questions Rollins on saying that Lesnar has a problem with athletes the size of him. Heyman continues to question Rollins and once again questions why Rollins would want Lesnar here when he has to face Mcintyre. He questions why Rollins would want to fight Drew Mcintyre 20 days before Mania when Mcintyre is a career killer.
Mcintyre, calls this refreshing. He tells Lesnar to find a new opponent for Mania because when he is done with Rollins he won’t make it to Mania. Rollins then comes from behind and attacks Mcintyre with a steel chair. He unloads on Mcintyre and lays him out. Rollins then jumps in the ring and Lesnar runs out.
My Opinion:
Nothing to special from this appearance from Lesnar but the big story here was Rollins decimating Mcintyre. This is the drive and the side that Rollins needs to show before Mania. It seems like he got the attention of Lesnar and he showed that he isn’t afraid to take care of business. Rollins is going to fight The Beast and it’s for the Universal Championship so he better be ready to do whatever it takes.

In Ring Segment: Finn Balor
Balor tells that the luck of the Irish wasn’t on his side last week but he won’t be a for too long. Out comes Rush and Lashley. Rush says it looks like the little leprechaun is upset cause Lashley has his pot of gold around his waist. Rush then tells Lashley to pose for the title since this city hasn’t seen one in a long time. Balor tells him to enjoy it cause he’s gonna get his hands on that title soon. Balor says for his partner tonight he plans on getting his hands on the both of them. Out comes Braun Strowman.

Match 1: Bobby Lashley & Lio Rush vs Finn Balor & Braun Strowman
Strowman and Lashley start off the match and neither give with their test of strength. Strowman gets angry and pushes him down. Lashley comes off the ropes and Strowman takes him down with a shoulder tackle. Lashley has to go to the outside to regroup. Lashley comes back in the ring and hammers on Strowman. Strowman fights back and tags Balor. Balor tries to take it to Lashley but Lashley gets back in control. He gets Balor in the corner and takes him out. He then stomps on Balor as he lays on the mat. Rush comes in but Balor fights him off and Rush has to make a quick tag. Lashley comes in and stops Balor from getting the tag. He toys with Balor and then plants him face first. Rush gets the tag and uses the ropes to choke Balor. Rush comes over the ropes but Balor is able to catch him with a basement dropkick. Lashley gets the tag and he once again gets control of Balor. Balor tries to fight and for a moment he does with double boots. Lashley though stays on him. Balor creates an opening with a side step. Rush tags in but he is taken out. Strowman gets the tag and sends Rush down face first. He then crushes him in the corner and throws him all around the ring. Strowman lifts Rush but Lashley hits him with a spear. Strowman is down and it gives Rush the chance to go up top. He lands the splash on Strowman but Strowman launches him off on the cover. Strowman gets up and chases after Rush. they go to the outside and Balor stops Rush. Lashley drives Balor into the timekeeper area. Strowman then lays out Lashley. Strowman then gets back in the ring and takes out Rush. He then hits him with a chokeslam and then hits him with a running power slam. Strowman goes for the cover and gets the 1 2 3.
Winners: Finn Balor & Braun Strowman
My Opinion:
Big win for Balor and Strowman tonight. Balor made the right choice here as Braun took control and got them the win. Balor got in the head of Lashley and Rush for sure and for Balor he has a good shot at winning the title back if he continues to soften up Lashley and Rush. Balor wants that title back and I think at Mania he has a shot to get the title back but Lashley definitely needs it more right now for his character.

Backstage Segment:
John Cone tells Ronda that management has been deemed to hire extra security.

A Moment Of Bliss: Alexa Bliss
Bliss tells she is worthy of hosting Mania and she says she is a really good talk show host. Bliss welcomes her guest, Elias. Bliss tells him that this is a safe place. She tells him that no one will interrupt his big announcement tonight. He says he is going to be the headlining act at WrestleMania. Bliss asks Elias about last year. Elias says last year serves as his motivation for this year. He says he thrives on the pressure. He tells the crowd if his performance was a game-winning field goal, he’d make it every time. He says his performance will be better than anyones. He says on that night if anyone dares to interrupt him. Out comes No Way Jose conga line lead by Heavy Machinery.
Bliss asks what they are doing. She says she did invite them but it was supposed to be at the end of the show. She tells Ottis to come on. Elias tells Ottis that timing is everything. Jose then attacks Elias from behind.
My Opinion:
Elias performing at WrestleMania means you can expect someone coming out to interrupt him. For this segment though it actually became a really funny segment with the conga line coming out. And Heavy Machinery was awesome. Jose attacking Elias from behind was a good touch. It’s a different tactic then your use to seeing from Jose and he showed he is fired up which is how every superstar should be with Mania this close.

Match 2: Elias vs. No Way Jose
Jose spins around Elias and slams him on the mat. Jose works Elias and tries a cover but Elias kicks out. Jose works him in the corner and fights off Elias to hit an arm drag in the corner. Elias throws Jose off the ropes but Jose once again is able to hit an arm drag. Elias comes back with a stiff shot and then hits Jose with a huge boot. Elias uses the ropes to choke Jose. Jose comes back with huge chops and then a takedown. Jose is in control and hits Elias in the corner. Jose then flies with a crossbody but Elias moves out of the way. Elias hammers on Jose in the corner and then hits a boot. Elias hits a clothesline and then hits Jose with a fist. Elias then fires with chops but Jose starts to fight out of the corner. Elias shuts this down and throws Jose. He then hits Jose with a boot. Elias flies off the top rope and connects with an elbow. He then lifts Jose and hits him with Drift Away. Elias gets the 1 2 3.
Winner: Elias
My Opinion:
This was a really good match between these two. I liked how Jose really got to showcase his talent tonight even if it was short lived. Elias turned it on and took over the match. Elias is a great wrestler and hopefully, he will get to move away from storylines like this and find his way. He has all the talent in the world they just need to use him correctly.

In Ring Segment: Kurt Angle
Kurt Angle says it’s his farewell tour and he is gonna have a match right here. He says WrestleMania is 20 days away and it is where he will compete for the last time. He says he wants to thank the McMahon family for letting him pick his opponent. He says he wants to face the man who made his life hell as the GM and that is Baron Corbin.
My Opinion:
Well, I’m sure this isn’t exactly who people expected but it does make sense. I think for Angle this is a good way to go out and Corbin is really good in the ring. It gives Angle one last chance to be a hero and put down the villain. Angle is a legend and I know Corbin will give him a good match. These two have come to know each other very well and there is no doubt in my mind that Corbin will be read for Angle and will give him his all.

Match 3: Kurt Angle vs Chad Gable
Angle backs up Gable in the corner. These two lock up and Gable comes off the ropes and hits a shoulder tackle. Angle gets around on Gable but Gable switches the hold. Gable takes down Angle and works a front face lock on the mat. Angle gets to his feet and works a headlock on Gable. He then takes him down. Gable fights back with an elbow but Angle hits him with a belly to belly. Gable goes to the outside and Angle waits for him in the ring. Angle stays on him and works another headlock. On their feet now Gable works the arm of Angle and works him down to the mat. Gable wrenches on the arm of Angle. Angle throws Gable off the turnbuckles and Gable flies back and hits the mat. Angle throws Gable but Gable hangs onto the ropes and sends Angle to the floor. Gable goes after the leg of Angle and continues to put pressure on it. Gable tries a cover but Angle kicks out. Gable again works the leg of Angle and keeps him grounded on the mat. Angle fights back and is able to send Gable to the outside as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Angle hits Gable with a series of clotheslines and then hits a back body drop. Angle continues to work Gavle and gets him in the ankle lock. Gable fights out and tries a cover but Angle kicks out. Angle fights back but Gable stays on him and works an ankle lock of his own. Angle is able to counter and sends gable into the corner. Angle tries the Angle Slam but Gable reverses it into the DDT. Gable goes for the cover but Angle kicks out. Gale goes to the top and tries a moonsault but Angle moves out of the way. Angle finally is able to lock in the ankle lock and Gable taps out.
*** After the match Corbin comes out and tells Angle he can’t wait to humiliate him at Mania and reminds Kurt that it’s the last match everyone remembers.
Winner: Kurt Angle
My Opinion:
Big props to Gable for taking Angle to the limit but angle got a much-needed win. Angle is on his farewell tour and before Mania, he needs as many wins and as much momentum as he can get. You know Corbin is gonna wanna win and you know he will want to humiliate Angle just as he said. Hopefully, Angle made the right decision and he and can bring the big fight to Mania.

Backstage Segment:
Apollo Crews comes up to Corbin and tells him he wants a chance to shut him up tonight. Corbin tries his way out of it but Crews pushes it. Corbin says he will face him.

In Ring Segment: Bayley & Sasha Banks
Charly asks if there is truth that they are ducking the Iconics. Bayley says they aren’t ducking anyone and they will step up to anyone who makes a challenge. Bayley says they will make a special appearance tomorrow night and it will be iconic. Banks goes to talk but out comes Natalya and Beth Phoenix.
Beth tells Bayley and Sasha she respects the heck out of them. She tells how she was there to see them win the titles and she loves what they have done. She tells she would’ve loved to have a shot at those titles when she was full-time. She says she was content on being in commentary and seeing the Women’s Revolution but that was until she saw Nia and Tamina trying to set everyone back. She says that she loved her WWE career but she wants one more accomplishment. She says she is ready to step out of retirement and stand by Natalya and challenge them for the titles at Mania. Bayley says that would be a huge honor. She questions beth though and asks if she wants more time to prepare. Bayley says she has been retired for 6 years and the competition around here has evolved. Natalya says she is the Glamazon and she is a WWE Hall Of Famer. Banks tells Natalya, of course, they know who she is and tells Natalya she is riding the coat-tails of Beth to have a match at Mania. Banks and Natalya then go at it and Phoenix then pushes down Bayley as Raw goes to break.
My Opinion:
If this match does happen it will awesome to see! Beth is one of the greats and she deserves another shot to step back in the ring. I think these four could put on a great match at Mania and I think it’d be good too if they added one or two more teams. This is all about making the Women Tag Team Championships huge and this is a great way to do it. Everyone will talk about Beth coming out of retirement to do this and it will give huge publicity to the match.

Match 4: Natalya w/ Beth Phoenix vs Sasha Banks w/ Bayley
Natalya takes down Banks and the two fight on the mat. Natalya works Banks and tries a cover following but Banks kicks out. Natalya then gets Banks in a body stretch and wrenches on her. Banks fights off and tries to pin Natalya but she kicks out. Banks hits Natalya with double knees in the corner but Natalya fights back and hits a clothesline and forces Banks to the outside. Nia and comes out and Nia tells Beth she is jealous of her. She says she is the prettier and stronger version of the Glamazon. Tamina comes from behind and attacks Beth abruptly ending the match.
My Opinion:
This was a short-lived match but the main point to it is Beth is back and I think tonight she is more fired up than ever. Not only will she want Bayley and Sasha which she will get but I think Beth is gonna want a match with Nia as well.

Match 5: Ricochet vs Jinder Mahal w/ The Singh Brother’s
Mahal backs Ricochet in the corner but is backed off. Ricochet is able to take it to Mahal and hit him with a big kick. Mahal goes to the outside to regroup. Ricochet hits him with a big kick and then gets him in the corner where he hits another kick. Ricochet gets distracted by the Singh Brother’s and is laid out of the apron by Mahal. Mahal then wrenches on Ricochet and tries a cover but Ricochet kicks out. Mahal then grounds Ricochet and wears him down. Ricochet is able to reverse Mahal but Mahal stays right on him and locks in a chinlock keeping him down on the mat. Ricochet tries to get his feet but Mahal brings him right back down. Ricochet finally gets to his feet but Mahal heaves him into the corner and then stomps on Ricochet. Mahal then uses the ropes to get leverage on Ricochet. Mahal hits Ricochet and then hits him with an elbow. Finally, Ricochet is able to fight back and land a big boot to the back of the neck. Ricochet stays on him and is able to work him in the corner. Ricochet launches himself and hits him with a flying forearm. Ricochet tries a running shooting star-press but it isn’t enough to put away Mahal. Ricochet then flies to the outside to take out Mahal and the Singh’s. Ricochet brings Mahal back in the ring and hits the 630 on him. Ricochet gets the 1 2 3 on the cover.
Winner: Ricochet
My Opinion:
Huge win again for Ricochet and once again he impresses everyone. His skills in the ring are just amazing. I’m glad he got the chance to fight on his own and show on Monday Night Raw what he is capable of. Ricochet should compete at Mania and he should be out into a big storyline cause you know he can do well with it. Hopefully, Ricochet will get some big opportunity on the big stage.

Backstage Segment:
Dasha asks Rollins if the behavior he displayed earlier is what he is gonna need to beat Drew. Rollins says he hurt his brother’s so he will do whatever it takes. He says he is doing this for Dean and Roman and for Lesnar so he can watch what he does. He says he isn’t afraid to fight fire with fire and at Mania, he will burn it down.

Backstage Segment:
Charly asks Dana if she knows what she is getting herself into. Dana says it is the Road to WrestleMania and this is where dreams become reality. She says all she has to do is keep Ronda down for three seconds to win.

Match 6: Ronda Rousey (c) vs Dana Brooke: Raw Women’s Championship Match
Rousey comes out hot and hits Daba with a knee to the face, she hammers on Dana and gets the armbar locked in. Dana taps. Ronda keeps the hold on and wrenches on Dana. Ronda then throws the ref down and goes to the outside. Security comes to get her and she lays one out. Her husband then hits one and grabs her.
Winner: Ronda Rousey
My Opinion:
Well, no surprise Ronda destroyed Dana. Ronda is ready for Mania but I hope Charlotte or Becky take that title. Ronda obviously is not meant for pro wrestling and she doesn’t get it. It’s time for her to go and time to get the women’s division back to where it should be.

Match 7: Apollo Crews vs Baron Corbin
Corbin backs Crews in the corner but is backed off. Corbin stays on him and tries to hit Crews but Crews fights back. Finally, Corbin takes him down with a shoulder tackle. Crews fight him off and sends both of them to the outside. Corbin is able to take down Crews on the apron. Corbin hits him with a knee and then hits him with more shots on Crews. Corbin hits him with a back elbow and then goes to a modified chinlock and keeps Crews grounded on the mat. Crews tries to fight to his feet and finally does. Crews hits him with forearms and fights out. Crews continues to fight off Corbin but Crews is caught off the ropes and Corbin hits Deep 6. Corbin goes for the cover but Crews kicks out. Corbin hits Crews with a right. Corbin continues to fight and look for the End of Days but Crews counters and gets a roll up. Crews gets the 1 2 3.
*** Angle comes out onto the stage and congratulates Crews on his win.
Winner: Apollo Crews
My Opinion:
Big win for Crews but I don’t think he stopped Corbin’s momentum. Corbin dominated this match and I hope Angle took notes cause you know Corbin will bring his best and now he is even more fired up. Hopefully, Crews didn’t wake a monster in Corbin by beating. Sometimes it’s easier to beat someone when they think they got this rather than when their back is against the wall.

Batista Interview:
Cole asks Batista why he is so angry with Triple H. he says he doesn’t like him and since he’s left all he’s wanted to do was come back and have this match with him. Cole asks what this goes back to and if it goes back to the Evolution days. Batista says it goes back further than that. He says he always hears how Triple H made him. Batista says Triple H groomed him to be his muscle like he’s done before and that’s all he did was use him. He says he was talked down to and underestimated. Cole asks Batista about quitting in 2010. Batista says to stop saying he quit. He says he was held down by him and says Triple H didn’t think he was a big enough star for the WWE. He then says look what he’s done outside of WWE and says he is now in a position of control. Cole says Triple H has always been fair. Batista says he has everyone fooled and he is a selfish control freak. Batista says one day hopefully soon Vince will wake up and fire his ass and end his professional control. He says for Mania he will end Triple H’s in-ring career. He then says the interview is over and tells the crew to get out of his office.
My Opinion:
I think for this rivalry between these two they could’ve come up with a better reason for Batista to hate Triple H. I think their match will be good and I think they will continue to build it well but they definitely could do better with this. Hopefully, the payoff will be big and Batista will get the perfect final match.

Backstage Segment:
Braun tells that Michael and Collin didn’t give him a proper apology and because of that he is gonna be in the Andre the Giant Battle Royal so as many possible people will get these hands. Bliss comes up and asks Braun to let her fix it. Braun agrees but says if something doesn’t happen he will show them what disrespect really is.

In Ring Segment: Drew Mcintyre
Mcintyre goes over how he attacked Reigns last week. He talks to reigns and then says he wants to talk to Joe who is the father and the husband. He tells him that he is sitting at home because of him. He then challenges Reigns to a match at Mania. He tells him to say no. He tells Reigns to look at his wife and kid and says no. He tells Reigns what he id to Ambrose and what he will do to Rollins will be nothing to what he will do at Mania. He tells Reigns he may have beaten leukemia but he can’t beat him on the grandest stage. Rollins then steps in and tells Mcintyre what he did earlier was for his bother’s but now this is for him. Mcintyre and Rollins then brawl on the stage and have to separated as Raw goes to break.

Match 8: Drew Mcintyre vs Seth Rollins
As Raw returns, Mcintyre works the arm of Rollins. Rollins gets to his feet and tries to fight back against Mcintyre. Mcintyre stays on him and wrenches on the face of Rollins. Rollins takes tries to come out at Mcintyre but he grabs him and hits a huge slam on Rollins and flows with another. Still, Mcintyre can’t keep Rollins down. Rollins gets to his feet and is able to finally fight back. On the outside, Rollins catches Mcintyre with an elbow. Rollins tries a moonsault off the steps but Mcintyre swats him down as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Mcintyre hits Rollins with a big chop and then lands a stomp on Rollins. Mcintyre tries a powerbomb but Rollins reverses it and sends Mcintyre to the outside. Rollins then tries a suicide dive but Mcintyre catches him and slams him into the barricade. Mcintyre then grabs a chair but with hesitation, Rollins is able to catch him with a kick to the face. Both beat the count into the ring but Rollins quickly gets up and sends Mcintyre to the outside. He then hits two suicide dives. Back in the ring, Rollins hits a sling blade and then a kick to the face. Rollins goes for the cover but gets a two count. Rollins tries to lift Mcintyre but Mcintyre blocks it. Mcintyre is able to catch Rollins in the corner and he then slams him to the mat. Mcintyre goes for the cover but Rollins kicks out. Mcintyre then brings Rollins to the top rope. Rollins fights off but Mcintyre knocks him down. Rollins jumps to the top and tries a suplex but Mcintyre fights him off. Rollins tries again and this time hits. Rollins then hits the falcon arrow and tries a cover but Mcintyre kicks out. Rollins hits Mcintyre with a kick but out comes Brock Lesnar. From behind Mcintyre hits Rollins with a Claymore Kick and on the cover, Mcintyre gets the 1 2 3.
Winner: Drew Mcintyre
My Opinion:
This was a hard fought battle between these two. Mcintyre really hit Rollins hard in this match but luckily for Rollins, he was able to fight him off just enough where it didn’t get too out of control. Mcintyre got the win off the distraction but for Rollins, he has nothing to be ashamed of. Rollins proved he could hang with Mcintyre and if it wasn’t for Lesnar he could’ve won that. Rollins better step up his game though because Lesnar is gonna be even tougher than Mcintyre.

Final Thoughts:
This was a pretty good Raw for being three weeks out from Mania. This is the time to play it safe right now and I thought everything moved the way it needed to. First, I’m so happy to see Beth Phoenix returning. I think Beth is a true trailblazer and I hope her and Natalya go out and give a good fight for the titles. I was super impressed again with Ricochet again, he’s showing he should be one of the top guys and I can’t wait to continue to see what he does. I thought the Batista segment was good, I think the story could be better but it works and he and Triple H will go out and have a great match with each other. Ronda Rousey didn’t do much for me tonight. I hope it’ll be her last ride at Mania. I also enjoyed the challenge from Mcintyre to Reigns, I think these two would have a great fight at Mania. On that same note, I’m glad Angle is giving Corbin the chance to be his final opponent. I love Corbin and I think he is the perfect final heal for Angle to overcome and come out on top. Finally, I thought Seth Rollins was awesome tonight. To kick off the show he showed that aggression he needs to have to beat Lesnar. To end the night he took Mcintyre to the limit and I think he has the right mindset heading into Mania.
Overall Rating: 6/10