Raw Review 03/25/2019

Tonight Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair make their way to Raw but will it be one of them or Ronda Rousey who Beat The Clock? Also, Drew Mcintyre called out Roman Reigns and made it very personal with him but will Reigns accept the dangerous Mcintyre’s WrestleMania challenge? Natalya and Beth Phoenix have been vying for a shot at the Women’s Tag Team Championships but will they be able to make a strong push to be the challengers tonight? Plus, on his farewell tour can Kurt Angle beat Samoa Joe? Finally, will Finn Balor be able to lock a spot at Mania by beating Bobby Lashley and Lio Rush and securing a shot at the Intercontinental Championship?

---

Raw comes to us from the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts.

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

In Ring Segment: Ronda Rousey
Rousey tells how for the first time ever women will be in the main event of WrestleMania. She says it will be her versus Becky versus Charlotte. She then says you’re welcome and drops the mic. She pics back up the mic and says she will tap out Charlotte and Becky at the same time at WrestleMania. She then says she doesn’t know what a Beat The Clock Challenge is but let’s get this over with. Out comes The Riott Squad. The Riott Squad make their way to the ring and then Becky Lynch’s music hits.
Lynch tells Rousey how she was given every opportunity and advantage but no one gave a damn until the man came around. Lynch tells her she save her title run and made her better and that is why they are the main event. She says it ends with her having the title and Rousey’s skull under her foot. Her comes to Charlotte Flair.
Charlotte says they are the main event because of what she has done the last seven years. She says that is why she was hand-picked to be the main event of WrestleMania.
My Opinion:
I think it’s awesome the women finally get to main event at Mania. These three do deserve it, they’ve done so much to bring the proper attention and this is their moment. I hope they go out there and tear it up. This is historical and who knows when it will happen again so they have to give something to remember and with the talent, in this match, it’ll happen.

Match 1: Ronda Rousey vs Sarah Logan: Beat The Clock
Logan runs out of the ring and Rousey follows. Logan hits her on the way back in and is able to take advantage and stay on Rousey. Logan gets Rousey in a submission hold but Rousey is able to get the ropes and use them to work a submission of her own of the ropes. Rousey hits Logan with an elbow and gets the armbar locked in. Logan taps at 1:25.
Winner: Ronda Rousey: 1:25
My Opinion:
I’m not a huge fan of Rousey but she has been dominating lately at a whole new level. Tonight she made a statement and took control of Logan. Rousey was quick with the submission and that is what Lynch and Charlotte will have to look out for. I don’t think taking on those two will be as easy as Rousey thinks it will be.

Match 2: Charlotte vs Ruby Riott
Charlotte takes it to Riott early but Riott fights back. Riott tries to send her to the outside but Charlotte is able to hit a clothesline. Charlotte can’t hit on Natural Selection and Riott gets right up. Riott tries a cover but Charlotte kicks out. Riott misses on Riott kick. Charlotte locks in Figure 8 but Riott doesn’t tap and the clock runs out.

Winner: Charlotte: Didn’t Beat the Clock
My Opinion:
For Charlotte, this wasn’t surprising as she’s kinda looked at as the third wheel in this whole thing. This wasn’t gonna be hers to win but it also didn’t make her look weaken which is good.

Match 3: Becky Lynch vs Liv Morgan
Before the match Charlotte hits Lynch. As the match starts Morgan hammers on Lynch in the corner. Morgan tries a cover but Lynch kicks out. Morgan works a rear chin lock but Lynch gets out. Lynch fights out and hits a clothesline. Lynch hits a kick and looks for the disarm her. Lynch stays on her and works a bridge cover. Lynch beats Morgan 1 2 3. Lynch beat the clock at 1:15
Winner: Becky Lynch: 1:15
My Opinion:
Well, Lynch showed tonight she is the dominant one. Sure maybe she got lucky on the pin but Lynch shut up Rousey and put her in her place. In WWE it’s not about how you get the job done just as long as you get it done. Lynch is awesome and she is my pick for Mania. I loved seeing her on Raw!

Match 4: Finn Balor vs Bobby Lashley & Jinder Mahal:
If Balor wins he goes to Mania to face Lashley
Rush tells Balor his road to Mania goes through them but they are gonna leave him broken and washed up. Rush then informs Balor that he will be facing Lashley and Mahal instead of him.
Balor starts with Lashley and fights him off. Lashley works Balor to the apron. Balor tried to fight but a distraction sends Balor crashing to the floor as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Balor gets on a roll. He is able to take it to Mahal and takes out Lashley send him to the outside. Balor stays on Mahal and gets him to the mat. Balor goes to the top and hits the Coupe de Grace. Balor goes for the cover and gets the 1 2 3.
*** After the match Lashley takes out The Singh Brothers and Mahal.
Winner: Finn Balor: Balor is going to Mania to face Lashley
My Opinion:
Huge win for Balor tonight. Even when they tried to stack the odds against him he fought back and killed it tonight. I love Balor and I hope at Mania he brings The Demon King and beats Lashley. Balor is amazing and doesn’t need the title to get over but he for sure deserves it and I hope he will get his huge WrestleMania moment!

Match 5: Ricochet & Aleister Black vs The Revival
Black and Ricochet go right after The Revival before the match begins. Black and Ricochet get the early advantage before the bell rings. As the bell rings Wilder takes it to Black with the help of Dawson. Dawson tags in and works the arm of Black taking him down to the mat. Black is able to work to his feet and he works out of the hold. Ricochet tags in and he and Black work together to take out The Revival on the outside as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Dawson takes down Ricochet and works him over to the corner of The Revival. Wilder gets the tag and The Revival double team Ricochet. Wilder tries a cover but Ricochet kicks out. Dawson comes in and just mocks Ricochet. He toys with him for a while before Ricochet is able to land a huge kick. Dawson tries to stop him from getting the tag but Ricochet fights him off and tags Black. Black comes in and so does Dawson. Black is able to take out the legs of Dawson and then with a moonsault, he takes out both members of The Revival. Black hammers on Dawson and tries a cover but he kicks out. Wilder works a distraction and Dawson tries a cover but Black kicks out. Dawson hits him with a DDT and stays on Black. Wilder gets the tag but Black fights back and hits Black Mass on both members of The Revival after being sent into their corner. Ricochet gets the tag and hits the 630 on Wilder. Ricochet gets the 1 2 3 on the cover.
Winner: Ricochet & Aleister Black
My Opinion:
Another huge win for Black and Ricochet. They keep impressing everyone and hopefully, soon they will get that big one on the main roster that truly means something. They are amazing together and if they stay together they can do anything. I think though eventually, they will go separate ways since they are both capable of huge singles runs.

In Ring Segment: Drew Mcintyre
Mcintyre tells the WWE Universe they might not like him but they will respect him. He says one week is a long time to wait for an answer but he understands it. He then shows a clip from two weeks ago when he took at Reigns and then a clip from last week when he called out Reigns. Mcintyre tells Reigns he hopes his wife or one of his extended family convinced him to say no to the challenge. He tells that he has already gotten rid of The Shield and last week he beat Seth Rollins. Mcintyre says he knows the superstar Roman Reigns wants to say yes but Joe the man, the father, and the husband has to think about his family. He says think about his children who have already had to watch daddy fight for his life. He then as Reigns if he wants to put them through that again when he knows he is going to lose. He says he will stand out here all night until he gets an answer. Out comes Reigns.
Reigns says Roman accepts your challenge. Reigns then says this isn’t coming from Roman, don’t you ever talk about my wife and kids. Reigns then hits Mcintyre with rights and lefts and takes him to the mat. On the outside Reigns stays on him and sends him into the barricade. Back in the ring, Mcintyre hits Reigns with a low blow. Mcintyre then hits him with a Claymore Kick.
My Opinion:
Mcintyre has Reigns at a very angry state and if not for a cheap shot Reigns would have had his way tonight. Mcintyre though will do whatever it takes to make his point at Mania. Mcintyre needs this win at Mania so it will be no surprise if Mcintyre pulls out all the stops at Mania. Reigns needs to be cautious and fight smart and not on emotions.

Backstage Segment:
Ambrose tells Mcintyre he doesn’t feel exterminated and tells him to give one more try tonight in a Last Man Standing. Mcintyre says he doesn’t know how Ambrose is standing right now but he promises he won’t be by the end of tonight.

Match 6: Sasha Banks w/ Bayley vs Natalya w/ Beth Phoenix
Natalya backs up Banks but Banks stays on her and is able to work the arm of Natalya. Natalya and banks go at a stalemate. Banks continues to try to stay on her but Natalya works around her and works a submission hold. Banks fights out and hits double knees. She tries a cover but Natalya kicks out. Banks continues to try to fight and eventually Natalya ends up on the outside. Banks sends Natalya flying and then hits her with a knee to the face as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Natalya works Banks on her shoulder. Banks fights off but Natalya stays on her. Banks is able to grab the ankle of Natalya and locks in the Banks Statement. Natalya is able to fight out and works the sharpshooter. Banks is able to get out. Nia and Tamina comes out of nowhere and takes out Bayley on the outside. Hey then rush the ring. Phoenix is able to grab Tamina and hit the Glam Slam.
Winner: Sasha Banks: Via DQ
My Opinion:
This was a good match between these two while it lasted. I think it is awesome having Beth back. Beth is one of the best in recent memories and she and Nattie make an awesome team. I hope they get their shot because they seem ready for it. Sasha and Bayley better be prepared, they have a lot of teams coming for them.

Backstage Segment:
Charly asks Angle why he challenged Joe tonight. Angle says he appreciates Joe coming to Raw and he says this is about leaving on his terms. He says it was an honor to face Crews and Gable and he says tonight is a true test. He says he will be ready for Corbin at Mania. He then says this will also be his last match in Boston. Corbin comes up and says he appreciates this farewell tour but tells him people are cheering because they feel bad that Angle should’ve retired 10 years ago. He then says the headlines will say that Angle disgraced himself in his last match. Angle tells Corbin screw you.

Backstage Segment:
Charly says they will take on any team on any brand at any time. Banks says they will take them all on at WrestleMania.

A Moment Of Bliss:
Bliss says the women main eventing WrestleMania is incredible. She says it’s incredible what’s happened since she has been announced as host. She then shows who her guest for tonight are. After showing Strowman’s altercations with Michael and Colin, Strowman makes his way to the ring. Bliss tells Braun everyone has seen what happens when he gets angry. She goes over some over the destruction Braun has done and then asks Braun what will happen if Colin and Michael got these hands. He says when he says the convertible Collin tried to give to him all he could think about was smashing his pasty face. She then welcomes Colin and Michael via satellite. Colin says last time they were in Philly he had on a Mets hat so this time he won’t do that. Collin then puts on a Yankees hat. Michael tells Braun he jacked up this whole thing putting his hands on Collin. Collin then goes over things he could do as Braun’s mentor. He tells Braun he knows he is a big tough guy but tells him they can handle this as adults. Michael says they just wanna make this right. Collin says they sent him a car and then asks Braun if he has considered therapy. Collin asks Braun to pay him back for the car and getting a Brock Lesnar autograph. Collin then says they might not go to Mania. Bliss says they can’t have that. Braun then says if they want to make it right Collin can enter the Andre The Giant battle royal. He says it’s that or he will find them backstage. Michael says Collin is in. Collin doesn’t like this and Michael is in too. Braun asks Alexa to make this official. Bliss says she can’t sacrifice them but then says she is kidding and that they will be in the battle royal.
My Opinion:
Well, this should be interesting for these two. We will see what they can do in the battle royal or should I say how they try to stay away from Braun. You know Braun will look to make an example out of them so this will be something to see.

Match 7: Apollo Crews vs Baron Corbin
As Raw returns Corbin stays on Crews. Crews fights back and sends Corbin to the floor. Crews flies off the ropes and hits a moonsault taking out Corbin on the outside. Corbin gets back in control and sends Crews into the barricade. Back in the ring, Corbin sends Crews into the turnbuckle. He slams crews to the mat and tries a cover but crews kicks out. Crews comes off the ropes and hits Corbin with a kick. Crews then hits a step-up enziguri. Crews hits a frog splash and tries a cover but Corbin kicks out. Crews his Corbin with a shoulder shot and comes back in the ring. Corbin is able to catch Crews and hits him with End Of Days. Corbin gets the 1 2 3 on the cover.
*** After the match Corbin hits Crews with another End Of Days.
Winner: Baron Corbin
My Opinion:
Big momentum win for Corbin ahead of Mania. Corbin obviously isn’t who people want to face Angle but if that is who they are going to stick with then you need to give Corbin this little push and give him the platform to look like the dominant heal going into this. I agree since this is Angle’s last match it shouldn’t be against Corbin but I still think they can have a good match. Angle will have that one final chance to serve some justice and out down the traditional heel.

In Ring Segment: Seth Rollins
Rollins says he and Lesnar are not cut from the same cloth and they are taking different roads to get to Mania. He says one of them are gonna lead this business but he wants that weight and burden because he wants to inspire people. Rollins talks about champions who inspire and says Lesnar doesn’t inspire people. He says this is the biggest match of his career and up until recently, he didn’t realize how important this was to all the fans. He says yesterday at his autograph signing everyone said the same thing to him before they left and that was please beat Lesnar at Mania. He says he said he was gonna beat Brock before but now he feels like he doesn’t have a choice and he had to beat Lesnar. He says he refuses to Lesnar be the champion that defines this industry. He says he will get in that ring with Lesnar and with an army behind him he is unstoppable. He says together they will march to the gates of Suplex City and Burn It, Rollins is then cut off by Heyman.
Heyman says he has come here to say thank you. He tells Rollins thanks for telling him that this match is now a handicap match with Lesnar facing Rollins and the WWE Universe. Heyman says he likes the odds because the chances of winning for Rollins is zero. Heyman then makes fun of Rollins. He tells Rollins he needs their thoughts and prayers because Rollins doesn’t have a prayer in his head or a thought of doing so. Heyman tells Rollins when he and the WWE Universe loses to take it personally. Rollins then chases Heyman up the ramp. Rollins tells him he has it all wrong. He says he isn’t asking for thoughts and prayers, he is here to answer them. He says they are going to go to WrestleMania, march into Suplex City and Burn It Down.
My Opinion:
I wasn’t surprised by what Heyman had to say as this was his usual shtick with Lesnar’s opponents. Rollins knows what he has to do to beat Lesnar. This won’t be easy but Rollins can get the job down. Rollins has been to the top of the mountain and beaten some of the best this business has to offer and at Mania, it’s just another legend in his way. Rollins will Slay the Beast and become the Universal Champion. This just feels like it is Rollins time to shine again.

Match 8: Kurt Angle vs Samoa Joe
Joe starts the match by taking it to Angle. He backs him in the corner after a rack of the eyes and then toys with him Angle tries to fight back and lock in a suplex but Joe hits him with an elbow. Joe hits him with a takedown and hits the spine of Angle. Angle goes to the outside and Joe flies through the ropes to take him out as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Joe hits Angle with rights. Angle is able to fight back and hit Joe with a suplex and two more to follow. Angle tries a cover but Joe kicks out. Angle tries an Angle slam but Joe kicks out. Joe takes down Angle and hits a senton but Angle kicks out. Angle out of nowhere hits an Angle slam but Joe kicks out of the cover. Joe slams Angle and this time he tries a cover but Angle kicks out. Joe gets Angle in the corner and puts him up top. Angle flies from the second rope and hits a missile dropkick. Angle looks for the Angle slam but Joe counters. Angle hits him with a right but Joe isn’t fazed and locks in the Coquina Clutch. Angle takes Joe to the ground still in the hold but Joe’s shoulders are down and Angle gets the 1 2 3.
Winner: Kurt Angle  
My Opinion:
Wow, for Angle this is huge. He needed that win for his confidence and even though it wasn’t the most decisive victory he still got the job done. These last few matches of Angle haven’t been his best in-ring work but I’m hoping he is saving all he’s got for Mania. When he goes out there at Mania he has to give it all he’s got. With one final match it’s the time to leave it all in the ring.

In Ring Segment: Triple H
Triple H thanks the crowd for giving him a standing ovation through the commercial break. He then congratulates Ronda, Becky, and Charlotte for main eventing WrestleMania. He then congratulates all the women who have played apart in it. He says it was earned and not given. He says that’s stuff makes him happy. He says what doesn;t make him happy is this letter from Batista’s letter. He says the letter says Batista will not compete at WrestleMania unless he agrees to one more stimulation. He says Batista talked about how Triple H started Evolution to keep the world title longer. He says Batista also believes Evolution did nothing for his career. He says Batista felt he had an obsession with him and made him quit even though he quit because he Batista couldn’t beat John Cena. he reads part of the letter and says Batista wrote if he wants him to compete at Mania he has to put his career on the line. Triple H tells Batista he beat up a 70 year old man to get himself a match, he says he agreed to go to wrestleMania and then he sends this letter because it is another attempt to quit. Triple H says he is gonna make batista stand up to his commitment and make his show up. He says he doesn’t give a crap about Batisat but he is obsessed with kicking his ass. Triple H says if at this point in his career if he can’t beat a self diluted douche bag then he has no business being in the ring anyway. He tells Batista if he wants his career on the line then he’s got it.
My Opinion:
This is a huge stipulation added to this match but I think it only adds fuel to the fire for Triple H. you know The Game is gonna wanna go out on his own terms and there is no way he is gonna let Batista be the one to put him out. Triple H seems very ready for this and I hope he and Batista have a true battle at Mania. They both seem very ready to go at each other.

Match 9: Last Man Standing 
Drew McIntyre vs. Dean Ambrose
Ambrose goes right after Mcintyre and takes it to him in the corner. Ambrose battles with Mcintyre and Mcintyre fights back. Ambrose sends Mcintyre to the outside and Ambrose tries to fly and take him out but Mcintyre moves and Ambrose crashes. Ambrose makes the ten count but Mcintyre is waiting and sends him into the barricade as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Mcintyre tees off on Ambrose with a kendo stick and then drives it into his throat. Ambrose gets back up and sends Mcintyre into the barricade. Ambrose then flies to the outside and sends Mcintyre into the barricade. Mcintyre gets back up and takes advantage of Ambrose. He then sends him into the steel under the ring. Ambrose is able to get to his feet. Mcintyre grabs a chair and sets it up in the corner. Mcintyre then tries to send Ambrose into the chair but he reverses and sends Mcintyre into it instead. Ambrose then hits him with Dirty Deeds. Ambrose goes to the outside and grabs a table. Ambrose sets it up in the corner but it’s Mcintyre who drives Ambrose into the corner. Ambrose gets to his feet but Mcintyre hits him with a Claymore Kick. Ambrose can’t beat the 10.
Winner: Drew Mcintyre
My Opinion:
Mcintyre once again proves his dominance. Ambrose threw what he had at him and it still wasn’t enough. Mcintyre is a tough competitor and it’s gonna be hard for anyone to stop him with the roll he is on. This would have been a huge win for Ambrose and it probably would’ve done Reigns some good as well but of course, Mcintyre pulls out the win as he always does.

Final Thoughts:
This was an okay Raw, it was pretty much what you expect from a Raw so close to Mania. I liked the opening of Raw with Ronda, becky, and Charlotte. They deserve to be the main event at Mania and they all seem to be confident they will be the one winning. Lynch showed tonight she can get the job done and hopefully Rousey and Charlotte took note. Also, a big congrats to Finn Balor for picking up a huge win and earning a shot at the Intercontinental Championship at Mania. Roman Reigns may have been knocked down by Mcintyre tonight but he is gonna be coming for a fight at Mania. Mcintyre beat Ambrose tonight but all the momentum in the world isn’t gonna stop Reigns. Mcintyre made this personal and now he has a true fight coming his way. I also enjoyed the words of Seth Rollins tonight. It is clear the WWE Universe wants him to win and he has to get the job done at Mania. Rollins is the right guy to hold the title and lead the company so I hope he does in fact Slay the Beast. On that same note, I loved what Triple H had to say. It was simple and to the point but the fact is now his career is on the line and it’s only gonna make him fight that much harder which will lead to an amazing match. I can’t wait to see what the Go-Home show will bring next week!
Overall Rating: 6/10