Raw Review 03/20/2017

Tonight on Raw what will be the consequences for General Manager Mick Foley after stepping out of line and crossing Stephanie and Triple H. Announced last week Braun Strowman will again face The Big Dog Roman Reigns. Will these two finally be able to settle the score? Seth Rollins suffered an attack from Triple H as Raw went off the air. Can Seth still make it to The Show of Show’s? Also tonight Chris Jericho has vowed to expose the real Kevin Owens on a special edition of The Highlight Reel. After finally taking a shot at Charlotte, will Dana Brooke’s new attitude continue? Plus will WrestleMania so close Brock Lesnar in the head of Goldberg and will Paul Heyman’s theory be true? You never know what can happen on Raw when it is The Road to WrestleMania!

Raw is live tonight from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

Raw kicks off with us being welcomed to the show by Michael Cole, Corey Graves & Byron Saxton.

In Ring Segment: Mick Foley
Foley says he stands as a humble man who has been able to stand and call himself the general manager of Raw for 9 months. He thanks Stephanie and Triple H for the opportunity. He says he put the opportunity in jeopardy but putting Mr. Socko on Triple H. He states he does not want his problems with stephanie to get in the way of WrestleMania. He says effective immediately for WrestleMania and his own sanity he is taking a leave of absence. He then gets angry about the index cards and says he is Mick Fricken Foley and he does not need index cards he has been here for 31 years. He tries to thank Stephanie but his mic cuts off. Out comes Steph.
Steph tells Foley she gave him a golden opportunity and he attacks Triple H. She then says she has to give him index cards because he screws up everything he says. He couldn’t even get his farewell right. She says that Mick cares about being liked and not about the company. She then tells Mick she has two words for him. You’re Fired. Out comes Sami Zayn.
Zayn tells Steph what she is doing is wrong. He tells her she has been wrong about a lot of decisions but no has said it to her face. Steph tells him to help his broken down mentor to the back. Zayn then adds that Foley has shown more class and integrity in 9 months then Stephanie has her whole life. He tells her she should be ashamed of herself. Steph tells Sami he is not on the level to talk to her and he needs to go to the back and think of how to make this up to her. Sami says the smart thing to do would be to go to the back but he is trying to do the right thing. Here comes Samoa Joe.
Stephanie tells Joe it is okay she has got this. She tells Foley to get out and informs Sami he is going to face Samoa Joe now. Sami flies over the ropes and takes out Joe as Raw goes to break.
My Opinion:
Sad to see Foley go but I think it was time. I loved stephanie. All her suttle comments and expression make the whole thing. I thought it was cool with Sami coming out but he isn’t the rebel everyone wants. He is no CM but the continued rivalry with Sami and Joe is great for business.

Match 1: Sami Zayn vs Samoa Joe
As Raw returns Samoa Joe has Sami backed in the corner and is hitting with a series of knees. Samo fights back with a big forearm but Sami is quickly knocked down. Sami is able to flip Joe and goe to the second rope to pound on Joe. Sami looks for the Blue Thunder bomb but Joe hits a big chop to the back of the neck and takes Sami down again. He goes for the cover but Sami kicks out. Joe throws Sami over the ropes but Sami hangs on and delivers an elbow to the mid section. He lands a drop kick and couple forearms. Joe hits another powerslam but can’t get the three on the pin attempt. Sami lands a chop but Joe one ups with big forearms. Joe looks for the muscle buster but Sami fights out of it. Joe follows up and hits a big spin kick that seds Zayn to the floor. Joe flies through the second rope and runs through Zayn. Joe is on top at the break.
As Raw returns Zayn is trying to fight back. Joe stretches Zayn’s arm but Sami is able to flip out and catch Joe. Joe whips Sami into the corner. Joe and sami go to the outside and Joe takes out Sami and waits in the ring. Sami makes it back at 9. Joe kicks and knees Zayn. Zayn is able to get back on offensive with a big clothesline. Sami hits big chops. Sami hits a big kick to the face and a cross body. He gets the two count on the pin. Joe pulls Sami outside but Joe is the one who pays as he is driven into the post. Sami is able to hit his signature ddt on the outside. Sami misses the helluva kick and gets slammed into the mat. Joe locks in the cocida clutch. Sami taps.
Winner: Samoa Joe
My Opinion:
The match was a little repetitive but it was good. I loved how dominant they make Samoa joe. They show he can be stopped but ultimately he is the destroyer. I feel bad for Sami as he is like the little engine that could. He keeps trying and trying but it is hard to believe in his ability when he can’t get the job done in big situations. Even though these matches are good they are slowly burying Sami.

Backstage Segment:
Mick thanks Sami for what he did out there. Sami says Raw needs him to stand up for him. Mick says they need him to stand up for them. Sami thanks Mick and says he is glad he met his hero.
Sheamus and Cesaro thanks Mick for believing in them. Mick says he was just telling the truth. The Cruiserweights thanks Mick as well. Bayley then gives Mick a hug but are looked at by Triple H. He tells Mick to have a nice day as he proceeds to exit.

Seth Rollins Update:
The doctor says Seth re aggravated the knee but the brace saved him. He says the rehab is progressing well and Seth is the most driven athlete he has dealt with. The doctor says he never said he would be ready for WrestleMania. He says there is no doctor who will clear him but Seth is motivated and driven. He says the fear is that if Seth does this then they will see him the day after Mania.

Match 2: Charlotte vs Dana Brooke
Dana quickly slams down Charlotte. She backs her into the corner and drives her shoulder into charlotte’s mid section. She throws Charlotte. Charlotte gets out of the ring. Dana tries to lock in a full nelson but Charlotte fights it. Dana hits a bi clothesline but it doesn’t put Charlotte away. Charlotte fights with chops. Dana fights off Charlotte with a big boot but Charlotte follows up with one of her own and picks up the win.
Winner: Dana Brooke
My Opinion:
Dana did great tonight. I actually loved Dana dominating. It was fresh and new and maybe it is something that could work. I think for the women’s division to grow and get better there has to be more than just 3 girls running it.

Backstage Segment:
Stephanie asks Bayley what’s the matter. Bayley says she admired her and thought she was a strong woman but she has seen nothing but seeing her use her powers to hurt people. Steph says she doubts bayley’s ability and it will be tested. She says if Bayley loses to Nia tonight she will be added to the WrestleMania match.

In Ring Segment: The Highlight Reel
Jericho welcomes everyone and says his guest is the real Kevin Owens. He says he doesn’t need Owens as a friend because he has a lot of them. He states that Owens isn’t the prize fighter he says. He shows a picture of a young Owens wearing a Y2J shirt with a Y2J poster. He states that Owens looks like a fan of Jericho. He then says in 2014 the influence of Jericho continued. He tells how Owens reached out to him for advice. Jericho says he needs the night in the hospital back, he needs the hours of picking glass out back, he needs the hours of taking bumps and bruises back too. Jericho says he wants to see the real face of Owens at WrestleMania.Jericho says he is Owens idol and in less than two weeks when he walks down the aisle Owens will understand what he has got himself into. Jericho tells hows to wait and see how bad it hurts after their match. Jericho attempts to put Owens on the list but out comes Samoa Joe. off the distraction Owens attacks jericho from behind. Jericho tries to fight but Owens takes it to him. Owens hits a big pop up powerbomb. Owens then rips up the List of Jericho.
My Opinion:
I loved this segment. It was on the lighter side but it was still very meaningful. It was an interesting twist of getting in your opponent’s head. I don’t think it was the most killer promo or that it really put down Owens but it was a good way to burn him without destroying his image or anything. I love Owens coming from behind and taking out Jericho. Owens needs to show he will do whatever he has to do to gain an edge like a true heel.

Match 3: TJ Perkins vs Brian Kendrick.
Perkins starts with a drop toe hold. Kendricks fight back and sends TJ to the apron. TJ lands there and Kendrick gets out of the way. TJ hits a wrecking ball drop kick. He is able to hit a crossbody but can’t get the win on the pin attempt. He looks for the detonation kicks but Kendricks fights back and grabs his hair. Kendrick hits Slice Bread #2 for the win.
*** Kendrick grabs a mic and asks where Tozawa is. He says this would be the perfect time to confront him. He then says Tozawa isn’t even in the country and pulls out Tozawa’s passport.
Winner: Brian Kendrick
My Opinion:
It was a quick match as usual. Like a lot of the cruiserweight matches it leaves me wanting more. I find it hard to get into the cruiserweight storylines as they just don’t seem valuable. The division isn’t my favourite and it has really fallen from the at least exciting matches they use to have.

Backstage Segment:
Charly asks Roman if his match at WrestleMania affects his mind for tonight. Roman says he only thinks of Undertaker when he pictured him lying on his back. Roman says Braun will learn it’s his yard.

Backstage Segment:
Steph tells Sheamus and Cesaro cute walked out the door with Foley. Steph tells them they have to earn their spot again in a two on four handicap match and if they lose they won’t be competing at WrestleMania.

Match 4: Bayley vs Nia Jax:
If Nia wins she will be added to the Women’s Championship match at WrestleMania
Bayley tires to back Nia into the corner. Bayley tries to fight back but Nia pushes her off. Nia continues to throw Bayley around. Bayley goes to the floor and Nia follows. Bayley gets a kick but Nia isn’t fazed and lands a big headbutt. Bayley tries for a hurricanrana but Nia catches her. Bayley follows up with more kicks but Nia knocks her down. Bayley uses her quickness to send Nia into the steps.
Nia has Bayley in a chinlock. Bayley uses elbows to fight her way out. Nia throws her down again. She lands a shoulder breaker and goes for the pin but Bayley kicks out. Nia lays out Bayley and lands elbow after elbow. Bayley slaps Nia and is sent to the floor. Nia goes to the outside and throws Bayley up against the barricade. Nia grabs a steel chair but it backs fire. Nia recovers quickly and headbutts Bayley. Bayley tries get on the offensive but Nia kicks out at two. Bayley hits a crossbody and goes for the pin but it is not enough. Nia lays out Bayley and picks up the win.
Winner: Nia Jax:
The Women’s match at WrestleMania is now a Fatal Four Way.
My Opinion:
I like Nia being added. They need to incorporate more women into this. This will add a new element and keep it interesting. This also will allow for a longer match and keeps you guessing until the end. It ill be cool to see if the friends can reunite and take out Nia to help their chances in the match.

In Ring Segment:
Triple H tells the crowd he is having a nice day. Triple H says he is disappointed. He says he wanted the fight with Rollins but unfortunately for the second year in a row seth won’t make it to Mania. He says he doesn’t see it as his fault that Seth won’t make it. He claims Seth’s biggest mistake came when he started listening to the crowd. Triple H says Foley is a prime example of it with how many times the crowd has ruined his life. Triple H says Rollins got addicted to the roar of the crowd. After last week’s footage is shown Triple H tells the crowd that’s on them. He goes on to say he gave Rollins the blueprint to be the architect. Triple claims he made everything too easy for Rollins and became his crutch. He announces he is done with Rollins and then gives Cole tickets to give to Rollins for WrestleMania. Triple takes the tickets back and asks what if there was a way that he and Seth could face at WrestleMania.Triple H says he wants a non sanctioned match and if Rollins agrees then WWE is not responsible for the damage he will do to Rollins.
My Opinion:
I loved the passion of Triple H. He is one guy who when he talks you can feel his passion. He makes me feel. I love the idea of the no sanction match because that really sets forth that it is a fight and not just a wrestling match. Plus they can announces this and people can get excited knowing this is going to happen.

Match 5: Sheamus & Cesaro vs The Club ( Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson) & Enzo & Cass
Before the match The Club attacks Enzo and Cass. Sheamus and Cesaro work very quickly. Sheamus hits the Brogue on Anderson and picks up the win for his team.
*** After the match Enzo and Cass take out The Club.
Winners: Sheamus & Cesaro
My Opinion:
Even though is happened in a blink of an eye it was still good. It was a time filler but it gave Stephanie heat and it boost up Cesaro and sheamus even more heading in.

Match 6: Austin Aries vs Tony Nese
Nese waste little time and attacks Aries. Nese keeps Aries backed in the corner and hammers on him. Aries is able to counter but Nese comes right back. He is able to take Aries off his feet but can’t get the win on the pin. Nese hits a big leg drop and another pin attempt but still not enough. Aries sends Nese over the ropes and hits a suicide dive.
Nese has taken control and has a standing torture rack locked in. Aries is able to kick out and goes for the pin but Nese kicks out at two. Nese goes for a moonsault but Aries gets out of the way. Aries lands a chop and a clothesline. He hits a sto combo. He follows up with the pendulum elbow and a rolling senton. He goes to the top rope and hits a missile drop kick. Aries seals the deal with the discus forearm.
*** Aries stops Neville before he can say anything. Aries asks what he is doing out here. Neville says this is no interview and he could come to the ring and obliterate him right now. Neville says why would he bother because Aries is beneath him and he is no threat to the king. Aries says that is the worst interview segment he has done on Raw. Aries says he sees a man who knows he has to step in the ring with a man who is above his level. Aries tells Neville to say that he is the king because he won’t be after WrestleMania.
Winner: Austin Aries.
My Opinion:
As always Nese was very impressive and still doesn’t get the credit he deserves. Aries looked awesome. They are doing good by making him fight through his matches and become a great face. I loved the face off with him and Neville. Neville said the normal spiel but Aries made you believe. Aries shut up the champ and looks ready to roll for Mania. Aries does his job because you can really feel like he is ready for this. He is making you believe.

Backstage Segment:
Braun says he is going to destroy Roman. He tells Undertaker to bring a shovel to scrap Roman off the mat when he’s done.

Match 7: Roman Reigns vs Braun Strowman
Reigns immediately kicks Braun. He tries to use his quickness to catch Braun. Roman gets sent out of the ring but is able to hang Braun on the ropes. He then sends him to the outside. Roman goes to the outside but is layed out when he attempts to hit the drive by. Braun hits a big spinebuster and gets a two count. Braun punches Roman. He throws him across the ring and Roman hits hard into the turnbuckles. Braun locks in a chinlock and wrenches on Roman. Roman punches Braun. He hits a clothesline and another. He follows up with big forearms. He tries to get Braun up but Roman can’t do it. Roman bys time and Braun runs shoulder first into the ring post. Roman hammers away. Roma escapes from the grip of Braun. He then hits a big samoan drop. Roman goes to the outside again and hits the drive by. Braun drives Roman into the steps. Braun throws the steps into the ring and sends Roman back in. Braun looks to use the steps but Roman hits the Superman Punch. He goes for another but is caught by Braun. Roman goes on the move and Roman hits another Super Man Punch. Roman gets braun where he wants him and the lights go out. Undertake stands in the ring and stares down Roman. Undertaker turns around and hits the chokeslam on Braun. Roman follows up with spearing Undertaker. The Undertaker sits up and Shows Roman this is still his yard.
Winner: Roman Reigns
My Opinion:
I was really hoping that Undertaker and Roman would resist any physical contact until WrestleMania. I liked the ending but I feel it was somewhat predictable. Roman and braun was a good match to end tonight. I guess the ending had everything you want. You get a surprise, a great match, and a good ending.

Final Thoughts:
It was to safe of a Raw for me. I understand WrestleMania is super close but now would be the time I really would want things to get heated. We barely saw anything good from the divas tonight. There Should have been a stand off between the four or something. I hated how there was no Lesnar or Goldberg. I just don’t think they are doing themselves any favors because if I watched that Raw I wouldn’t be hyped for WrestleMania and it wouldn’t make me buy it. Overall I liked the ending of Raw. it had all the elements you need I just hope next week’s Raw ties everything up. It s just hard to think we may have two weeks of safe shows. Hopefully next week it is chaotic and it makes you feel like WrestleMania is this close.
Overall Rating: 6/10