Raw Review 03/27/2017

Tonight is the go home edition of Raw as WrestleMania is this Sunday! Tonight we will see Goldberg and Brock Lesnar face off one more time before their epic WWE Universal Championship match. Also tonight will seth rollins agree to Triple H’s harmless agreement? Bayley has gone through a rough patch heading into her first WrestleMania, but can she turn it around with the biggest show of the year this Sunday? Has the Deadman gotten in the head of Roman Reigns as the two set to face off for control of who’s yard the WWE really is? Can Chris Jericho get retribution on Kevin Owens for his attack last week? Plus Raw is left without a GM, will that affect the show in anyway? I can’t wait WrestleMania is 6 nights away!

Raw is live tonight from the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia.

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

In Ring Segment: Bayley
Bayley says she is feeling it and asks who’s ready for WrestleMania. She talks about her as a kid and how her and her friends use to watch WrestleMania on PPV. She says this year she is in WrestleMania. She says the odds are stacked against her and out comes Charlotte.
Charlotte calls Bayley the paper champion. She says that Sasha has made Bayley her pawn. Charlotte says Sasha found her way back in the title picture through Bayley. Charlotte claims if it wasn’t for Sasha she would be the Women’s Champion. She tells Bayley that her and Sasha’s friendship isn’t legit. She proclaims that she will be the 5 time Women’s Champion after WrestleMania. Charlotte says Sasha only believes in championships and everyone else is tossed to the side. Out comes Sasha.
Sasha tells Charlotte she is out of her mind to compare them to her and Bayley. She says that her and Bayley know that friendship is friendship and business is business. Out comes Nia.
Nia talks about the three’s drama and calls them pathetic. Nia says that this Sunday the title will have a permanent home. Charlotte says that Nia is only in this match because Sasha didn’t have to pretend to care about Bayley anymore. Sasha then attacks Charlotte. Nia and Bayley go at it as Raw goes to break.
My Opinion:
I loved this opening. After a couple weeks of no attention the girls finally got it. They deserve to be the center of attention. There match at Mania is going to be huge. These girls can talk the talk and walk the walk. I love that the lines are drawn and it seems like all of them are setting friendships to the side and it is all about the Raw Women’s Championship.

Match 1: Bayley & Sasha Banks vs Nia Jax & Charlotte
Sasha and Charlotte lock up and bring each other to the floor. Sasha drives Charlotte into the ring. The two make it back in the ring and Charlotte lands a big kick. Sasha gets back on the offensive and locks in a tight submission hold. Charlotte throws Sasha out of the ring. Sasha fends off Charlotte but Nia gets the tag. Sasha is able to get away from Nia. Bayley gets the tag and her and Sasha hit a double drop kick. Bayley tries to fight but Charlotte gets the tag and her and Nia take down Bayley. Charlotte hammers on Bayley and goes for the pin but Bayley kicks out. Charlotte gets Bayley in a chinlock. Bayley lands nice kick but Charlotte gets back on the offensive until Bayley pushes her out of the ring. Sasha gets the tag and goes at Charlotte. She bangs Charlotte’s head off the turnbuckle and follows up with a crossbody. Nia gets the tag and blasts Sasha off the apron.
As Raw returns Charlotte tries to pin Sasha but can’t get it done. Nia gets the tag and throws Sasha. Nia uses Sasha like a rag doll and tags in Charlotte. Charlotte bends Sasha but Sasha uses her knees to fight back. Sasha throws Charlotte into Nia and Bayley gets the tag. Bayley lands a huge shoulder to Charlotte’s gut. Charlotte hits a high knee but Bayley gets back in control with a side suplex. Sasha sends Nia through the ropes and takes out Nia. Charlotte knocks off Sasha but Bayley hits the belly to belly to pick up the win.
*** Nia takes out Sasha and Bayley. Nia then turns and blasts Charlotte.
Winners: Bayley & Sasha Banks
My Opinion:
It was a very competitive match. These girls showed tonight they can put on a clinic and given more time they could steal the show. I think tonight foreshadows what we will see on Sunday will a little teamwork. They all looked focused and ready and it is anyone’s game. Nia is the wild card in all of this but the other three we know what to expect. It is going to be battle, but if I can give my bias opinion GO BAYLEY!.

Backstage Segment:
Charly asks Sami how he feels about Mick Foley. Sami says it is weird but it is the time to honor his legacy. He says Mick struck a chord by saying it is his time to step up. He announces he will be apart of the Andre The giant Battle Royal and dedicates it to Foley. Stephanie interjects and tells him that he is going to have to earn his way. She says she needs the best of the best and tells him that he will have to beat Kevin Owens in a no disqualification match and if he loses he will be fired.

Match 2: Austin Aries vs Noam Dar
Aries starts off with a huge drop kick and Dar goes to the outside.Dar is back on top as Raw returns. Dar lands knees to the side of Aries head. Dar sends aries into the turnbuckle and lands a huge uppercut. Aries is able to reverse Dar and sends him into the turnbuckle. He sends Dar face first into the mat. Aries takes down Dar and follows up with a big elbow. Dar goes to the outside and Aries launches himself through the ropes taking out Dar. Aries lands a huge neckbreaker and looks for the forearm. Alicia distracts Aries and Dar teis to roll him up but Aries kicks out. Aries hits the discus forearm and locks in the last chancery.
Winner: Austin Aries
My Opinion:
Aries looks very focused heading into Sunday. Aries showed a wide rage of offense and I think the sky’s the limit for him and Neville. I think they will be a great representation of the Cruiserweights especially since these guys could go with anyone so this is a perfect representation and I think people will love the Cruiserweights after this.

In Ring Segment: Seth Rollins
Seth says Triple H lets get this done. Out comes The Game. Triple H tells Seth that if he attacks him he will defend himself and if he attacks him before he signs the document the match at WrestleMania is off. Triple H tells him to sit and let him explain the contract or he gets nothing. Triple H tells Seth that listening to the crowd is a bad decision. Triple H informs Seth that he gives up all his rights by signing this contract. Triple H says he will keep going until he destroys what he created. He tells Seth he gives up all his rights and he can’t do anything once this is signed. Triple H asks why is success a bad thing. He tells that the crowd has pathetic jealousy. Triple H says screw everyone else and grab life and make it the way you want. He claims Seth’s ride won’t be thrilling. Triple H calls Seth the one legged man in an ass kicking contest. Seth claims that is the same bull crap he bought into 3 years ago. He says he liked himself before he met Triple H. Seth asks what did he give up for joining The Authority. Seth says this is about redemption. He tells that he gave up everything to stand next to Triple H. Seth informs Triple H that there will be nothing that will stop him from tearing him apart. He says there will be nothing to stop him from getting back Seth freakin Rollins. Triple h goes after Seth and takes out his bad knee. He grabs the crutch but Rollins catches him. Rollins looks for the pedigree but Triple H takes out the bad knee again. Triple H looks for the pedigree but Rollins sends him over the top rope. Rollins uses the crutch to send Triple H up the ramp.
My Opinion:
What a segment between these two/ you could feel their passion and desire to take out the other. This is going to be a fight and I think this is one of if not the most intriguing match because you don’t know what will happen. I loved the fight and these two look ready to go.

Match 3: Over the top rope challenge:
Jinder Mahal starts off with big Show. Big Show makes quick work and eliminates him. He quickly eliminates the next competitor Bo Dallas. The Shining Stars try to eliminate Big Show but lands a massive elbow to fight them off. He sends them both over the top rope. Curtis Axel, Goldust, and R Truth come and gang up on the Big Show. They are joined by Mahal, Dallas, Primo, and Epico. The 7 men are able to eliminate the Big Show. Big Show gets back in and takes out the 7 men. Out comes Braun Strowman. Braun says if he wanted to he could come kick Big Show’s ass. He says he does what he wants so everyone will have to wait for WrestleMania.
My Opinion:
Not the best segment. I just can’t get hyped for the Battle Royal. I’m disappointed that the Big Show won’t be facing Shaq and that Braun won’t have a singles match.

Backstage Segment:
Gallows and Anderson say Enzi and Cass are really stupid and they are not their partners. They claim that after WrestleMania they will still be the tag champions.

Backstage Segment:
Charly asks about Undertaker’s signs. Roman says he is a man and doesn’t believe in the Undertaker. He says he believes in the big fight and he is going to tell the whole world how he feels about the Undertaker.

Backstage Segment:
Cesaro and Sheamus says they won’t let Foley down. Cesaro says he missed last year’s WrestleMania and he won’t do that again. The Club then attacks them and takes them out with a ladder.

Match 4: Neville vs Jack Gallagher
The two lock up and Neville wrestles him to the ground. He gets a side headlock but Gallagher slickly gets out of it. Gallagher is backed into the ropes but fights out. Gallagher rolls up Neville but only gets a two count. Gallagher sends Neville off the ropes but Neville lands a big tackle. Neville lands a big german suplex as Raw goes to break.
Neville and Gallagher crash into each other. Neville rolls to the outside and Gallagher gets to his feet. Gallagher grabs his umbrella and goes to the top. He jumps and takes out Neville. Neville sends Gallagher into the turnbuckle and then lands a headbutt. Neville goes to the top with Gallagher and lands a suplex from the top. Neville locks in the rings of saturn and Gallagher taps.
*** Aries comes on the titantron and questions Neville for saying no one thinks Aries can beat him. Aries brings in The New Day and they give Aries the endorsement for WrestleMania.
Winner: Neville
My Opinion:
Neville like Aries pulled out a lot of moves tonight. Neville was very impressive and his style and Aries style will make magic together. On a side note I have to say Gallagher was very entertaining and impressive tonight as well.

In Ring Segment: Roman Reigns
Roman reminds everyone that in 2015 he won the Rumble right there in Philly. He reminds that he went on to headline WrestleMania twice. He states that this is the biggest challenge of his career and he is going to put The Deadman down. Roman says this is his time and this is his house. Roman says this is his yard. Here comes a message from The Undertaker. Undertaker says the ring is his yard. He says the cemetery will be Roman’s yard. Undertaker proclaims that at WrestleMania the Roman Empire will fall and the Ultimate Thrill Ride will be his last ride. Undertaker advises Roman to live each day as his last because soon it will be he. Undertaker comes to the ring and says at WrestleMania you will Rest In Peace. The lights go out as Raw goes to break.
My Opinion:
Great segment. Roman was awesome, I loved the attitude tonight. I feel as though the Undertaker shouldn’t have said anything when he was in the ring. I think it would have been better for him to appear and then disappear. I believe the purpose for this match is there but to me this doesn’t feel as special as the previous Undertaker WrestleMania matches.

Match 5: Enzo & Big Cass vs The Club (Karl Anderson & Luke Gallows)
*** As Anderson and Gallows come out Sheamus and Cesaro come from behind and take them out with the ladder. They go to the ring and go after Cass and Enzo. They use the ladder to take out Cass. Cass quickly turns it around and uses it to take out Sheamus. Anderson and Gallows comes from behind and take out Cass. They then turn and take our Cesaro followed by Enzo.
Winners: No match
My Opinion:
I liked that conflict between these three teams. I like the use of the ladder but that made me want a tag team ladder match. I think these teams can put on a show and they better because this is your Raw tag team division. I think they have stiff competition with the SmackDown tag teams looking hungry and ready to steal the show.

Backstage Segment:
Charly asks Owens about his match against Zayn and his match against Jericho. Owens says she is wrong Jericho was never his best friend. Owens says he was a Jericho fan but Jericho fans are morons. Owens says if he knew then he would have never bought Jericho stuff. He says tonight he will rip Sami Zayn apart. He claims he has waited a long time to take out Zayn. Owens says he won’t get even with Jericho he is going to one up him and he is going to turn the Ultimate Thrill Ride into the Ultimate demise.

Match 6: Kevin Owens vs Sami Zayn:
If Sami wins he is in the Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal, and if he loses he is fired
Owens hammers on Zayn right away. Sami fights back with big rights but owens lands a big chop. Zayn takes him don with a clothesline. He goes to the second rope and pounds on Owens. Owens rolls out of the ring and catches Zayn. he drives Sami into the barricade. He tries again but Zayn lands on the top. Owens then pushes him off. Owens gets thrown into the hockey boards. The two make it to the announcers table and Owens takes it to Zayn. Zayn ends up on the stage and launches himself onto Owens.
Zayn regroups and gets back in control. Owens uses a rake to the eyes to get an advantage and he hits a ddt on the steps. Owens throws him in the ring and goes for the cover but Sami kicks out at 2. Owens lands a big running clothesline followed by another. He tries for a third but Zayn catches him. Zayn dives through the ropes and hits the tornado ddt. Zayn thors Owens in the ring. He looks for the helluva kick but he instead runs into a superkick. Owens goes to the top and lands a frog splash. Owens looks for the pop up powerbomb but Sami counters and hits the blue thunder bomb. Out comes Samoa Joe. Joe grabs a chair but as he does out comes Jericho. Jericho comes from behind nd takes out Joe with the chair. Owens lands a big right on Jericho. The distraction allows Zayn to roll up Owens and pick up the win.
*** after the match Jericho comes in the ring and levels Owens with the chair. He grabs a mic and tells Owens he just made the list.
Winner: Sami Zayn
My Opinion:
A great match between these two. A great final match for this Raw. I loved Owens and Sami’s intensity. I can’t wait to see both of them at Mania. Owens and Zayn really know how to turn it on and they left it all out there. What loved is that you knew Zayn wouldn’t lose his job but these two were able to make you believe it just might of happened and that’s how you know they did their job.

In Ring Segment: Lesnar & Goldberg
Heyman asks can you believe this Sunday at WrestleMania and he is then cut off by the crowd. Heyman says the difference of opinion gets settled one way or another this Sunday. Heyman tells that the Universal Championship is everything around here. Heyman states that Lesnar needs, wants and lusts after that title. Heyman compare Goldberg to Sting and says the differnce is Goldberg pulled it off. He then calls Goldberg the man but says Lesnar is the beast and he will chew him up and spit him out. Heyman tells Goldberg that this Sunday he is going to Suplex city were Goldberg’s check in but they don’t check out. Heymans states that this is the last Goldberg chants on a Raw because WrestleMania 33 will see the death of a superhero. Heyman proclaims that goldberg can’t survive the F5.
Goldberg comes out and says people came here to see us fight. He tells Lesanr why don’t we bring WrestleMania to Philly. Goldberg walks to the ring and Lesanr goes out after him. Goldberg takes him out with a spear and stands tall in the ring.
My Opinion:
That was a good ending to Raw. Heyman can get you hyped as always. Goldberg and Lesnar will be a showdown but hopefully the match goes more than a couple minutes. Goldberg looked jacked tongiht and the spear was on point. If i is Goldberg’s final match he better make it a good one.

Final Thoughts:
It wasn’t bad show heading into WrestleMania. They did well in wrapping everything up. It din’t get me as hyped as It should have but it served its point. To me Rollins and Triple H did the best in hyping their match. There are so many questions heading into WrestleMania that I wished we had answered. I don’t like going into this not knowing if this will be Undertaker’s or Goldberg’s final matches. Hopefully SmackDown can do a better job of hyping everything and tying it all together.
Overall Rating: 7/10