Raw Review 04/03/2018

Ladies and Gentlemen tonight is the Go-Home Edition of Monday Night Raw before WrestleMania this Sunday!!! One last time before their epic match at WrestleMania Ronda Rousey and Kurt Angle will stand face to face with Stephanie McMahon and Triple H. What will happen as these two teams meet just 6 days before their mega match? Plus after another attack at the hands of Brock Lesnar will Roman Reigns be ready for this Sunday? Seth Rollins and Finn Balor have a huge opportunity for the Intercontinental Championship on Sunday but what will happen when the two go one on one tonight? Nia Jax has been on a path of destruction to get to Alexa Bliss but can Bliss avoid Nia again or will Nia get to Bliss before their Women’s Championship Match? Braun Strowman has kept it a secret who his tag team partner is for WrestleMania but will we get an answer tonight? Finally, John Cena has been begging for an answer to his challenge to The Undertaker, will Taker respond or will Cena be going to Mania as a fan?

Raw is live tonight from the Philips Arena in Atlanta, Georgia.

Raw kicks off with us being welcomed to the show by Michael Cole, Corey Graves, and The Coach.

In Ring Segment:
Coach Welcomes everyone to Monday Night Raw. He tells how WrestleMania is this Sunday and says we are going to start with two teams facing off. He first introduces Stephanie McMahon and then her partner Triple H. He then introduces their opponents, Kurt Angle and Ronda Rousey.
Coach says they are going to answer fan questions now. Triple H interrupts and says Kurt it’s a shame all these people cheering Ronda Rousey. Triple H tells him that the roar of Ronda Rousey will become a deafening silence on Sunday. He then tells Angle that this is Ronda Rousey and he ruined it, he says he set her up for embarrassment and a loss on the biggest stage possible. He then asks Kurt why. Ronda cuts in and says why would you be so two faces to sign me with ulterior motives. Stephanie says Ronda doesn’t get the program yet but they will rebuild her career after Sunday. Ronda asks for an answer. Stephanie says they signed her because she is a huge star and she’s her because she is best for business. Stephanie then says Triple H asked a questioned and they work for them. Kurt says she is Ronda fricken Rousey and this Sunday she is gonna make you tap out. Triple H cuts in and asks what makes him so confident, he says everything Ronda has done means nothing in the WWE ring. Triple H says this is his whole life and he is confident because in the ring he knows the rules and they make the rules. He tells Kurt she is gonna lose. Coach gets to the first question and asks how important is it for you to win this Sunday and if you do how will it impact the future of WWE? Stephanie says when they win they will show that when there is an uprising they will shut you down. She says everyone will learn to respect authority. He then asks Kurt how he feels teaming with Ronda Rousey? He says she is the baddest women on the planet and she will make her tap out. Coach then asks for any final thoughts? Stephanie tells Ronda she chose this path and in the record books her first loss will be to her. Stephanie says the world knows how you handle losses. Ronda asks Stephanie if she is right or left-handed. Stephanie says she is right-handed. Ronda says okay because she still wants her to sign her checks after she rips it off. Coach says now it’s time for a photo-op. He wishes them the best of luck on Sunday. Triple H blindsides Kurt. Ronda grabs Triple H and Stephanie steps in and puts Ronda through a table.
My Opinion:
This was a pretty good segment, the talking between these two teams haven’t been the best but I think Sunday they will put on a good match. I like Stephanie getting one over on Ronda because it adds to Ronda’s motivation to go in there and take care of business. I think Ronda and Kurt will prevail but Stephanie and Triple H won’t go down easy. One thing’s for sure this match is very important for Ronda, she needs to put on a good showing and I think with three of the best in there with her she’ll have no problem.

Match 1: Bayley vs Sonya Deville w/ Absolution
Sonya starts with a quick strike to Bayley’s leg. She then connects with another kick. Bayley then lands a kick of her own. She is able to reverse Sonya and land a side headlock takedown. Bayley comes off the ropes and hits a crossbody. Bayley lands another takedown and goes to a side headlock again. Sonya backs her into the corner and drives her shoulder into Bayley’s gut. Sonya gets bounced off the top turnbuckle and runs into an elbow. Bayley tries for a pin after another takedown but Sonya kicks out. Bayley then goes to the arm of Sonya and wrenches on it.Bayley sends Sonya into the corner and meets her with a forearm. Sonya is able to hang onto the ropes and lands a huge strike to Bayley. Sonya is in control as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Bayley tries to fight off Sonya on the mat. Bayley bounces her head off the mat and tries to gain momentum but Sonya lands a spinebuster. Sonya lands a huge running knee and goes for the cover but Bayley kicks out. Bayley pushes Sonya but Soniya continues with big kicks in the corner. Sonya tries for a forearm but Bayley counters. Bayley hits a series of forearms and knocks Sonya to the mat. Bayley hammers on Sonya in the corner and goes to the top. Bayley hits a crossbody and follows with a running knee. Bayley goes for the cover but Sonya kicks out. Sonya goes to the outside to regroup. Bayley goes outside and Sonya hits her with a big knee to the gut. Bayley is able to catch her and hangs her up on the second rope. Bayley tries a cover but Sonya kicks out. Mandy hits a cheap shot and Sonya tries to capitalize but Bayley kicks out. Bayley rolls up Sonya and gets the win.
*** After the match Mandy and Sonya double team Bayley. Sasha comes out to help and takes out Mandy. Bayley and Sasha stand tall over Absolution. Sasha demands Bayley to raise her hand and Bayley refuses. Bayley goes after Sasha but absolution comes in and beats both of them up. Mandy finishes by slamming Sasha to the mat.
Winner: Bayley
My Opinion:
Sonya continues to impress me, she is getting better every week. Bayley put up a good fight and was able to outlast Sonya. Bayley is a veteran and knows when to capitalize. Sonya is gonna do great things in the future and right now even though she isn’t getting a lot wins she is still proving she can go with the best. Sasha and Bayley have issues to be worked out and I have a feeling that on Sunday they will clash.

Match 2: Finn Balor vs Seth Rollins
Rollins and Balor lock up to start the match. Balor works a wrist lock but Rollins is able to reverse. Rollins works Balor to the mat but Balor is able to get to his feet. Balor works Rollins wrist again and keeps him on the mat. Balor gets to his feet to get more leverage on the hold. Rollins hits a shoulder tackle and is able to get a side headlock in on the mat. Balor gets to a vertical base and is able to hit a deep arm drag. Balor works the shoulder of Rollins. Rollins knocks Balor to the mat with a shoulder tackle. Rollins and Balor standoff after a nice arm drag as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Balor is able to roll through and hits a dropkick on Rollins. Balor pushes Rollins and the two then exchange rights. Rollins sends Balor to the outside and meets him out there. Rollins hits a big chop on Balor and sends him into the barricade. Rollins throws Balor into the ring and Balor takes the advantage and sends Rollins to the outside. Balor lands a huge kick on the apron. Balor brings Rollins into the ring and tries for a cover but Rollins kicks out. Balor lands a big kick and tries another cover but Rollins kicks out. Balor lands big shots in the corner. Rollins is able to catch him and sends him into the turnbuckle. Rollins hits a blockbuster but it’s not enough to keep Balor down. Rollins works Balor with a chinlock on the mat. Rollins turns it into a neck breaker and plants Balor on the mat. Rollins lands a huge kick and goes for the cover but Balor kicks out again. Rollins lands huge chops on Balor. Rollins catches him with an elbow but Balor catches him with a kick and takes Rollins down. Balor sends Rollins into the corner but is met with a kick. Balor is able to send Rollins off the second rope and he slams to the mat. Balor plants Rollins on the mat and goes for the cover but Rollins kicks out. Balor tries to catch Rollins but he counters and hits a sling blade. Rollins flies to the outside and sends Balor into the barricade as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Balor hits a sling blade. Rollins comes back with a huge kick. Rollins goes for the cover but Balor kicks out. Rollins hits a huge forearm but Balor is able to get to the apron and hit a huge kick. Rollins is able to get to his feet and stop Balor on the top. Rollins looks for a suplex but Balor sends him to the mat. Rollins leaps back up and hits a suplex. Rollins rolls through and goes for the cover but Balor kicks out. Rollins hits a knee and goes for the cover but again Balor kicks out. Rollins goes for the frog splash but Balor gets his knees up. Balor tries for the cover but Rollins kicks out. Balor tries for a kick on the apron but Rollins catches him. Balor fights out and hits a sling blade. Balor brings Rollins into the ring but misses on the Coupe de Grace. Rollins misses on the stomp and Balor tries to roll him up. Rollins is able to fight it off and finally hits the stomp. Rollins goes for the cover and gets the 1 2 3!
Winner: Seth Rollins
My Opinion:
Wow, what an amazing match these two had! At first, I thought they started off slow but they picked it up and had one of the better back and forth contest you will see. Rollins and Balor are so even in the ring and work so well together. Rollins picks up a huge win because now he’s got some momentum going into Sunday. When you add Miz to this I really believe these three can have a classic. Both Balor and Rollins need to win Sunday so I can’t wait to see what they deliver. I feel like if they can this just for Raw then at WrestleMania who knows what they pull out to get that victory and get the Intercontinental Championship.

Backstage Segment:
Kurt asks Heyman if he can talk to him. Kurt tells him the most important part of WrestleMania is to make sure the main event stays intact. Heyman says they will go out to the ring and makes their peace and save it for WrestleMania. Kurt asks him to not say anything to insight Reigns because he’s worried about Lesnar’s well being. Heyman laughs at this. Kurt tells him to not add fuel to the fire. Heyman says they will take it into consideration.

In Ring Segment: The Bar (Sheamus & Cesaro)
Cesaro says they don’t care who Braun’s tag team partner is. Sheamus says it doesn’t matter to them. Cesaro says this is still a tag match and sooner or later you’ll have to tag him in. sheamus says you have to be on the same page. Cesaro says he’ll never have that and Sheamus adds they’ll never be a real team. Outcomes Braun Strowman.
Braun tells them if they’re trying to say he doesn’t play well with others then they’re right. He says that management told him he needs a partner so he got one. He says he was just talking to him and he didn’t appreciate what they were saying. Cesaro tells him to come out and say it t their face. Braun says he will if one of them have a match with them. Sheamus says how could we pass up on this, he says the partner has got it. Braun says good I’ll go get him. Braun says he’s gonna warn them he’s a lot like him. Braun the comes back out with a white shirt on and glasses on. He says his name is brains and he’s gonna come knock theirs out of their head.
Braun heads down for the match and The Bar attacks him. Braun beings to fight them off them off but the numbers game catches up. Braun tosses Cesaro and Sheamus exits the ring.
My Opinion:
This was good for Braun cause again he gets to stand tall and shows he could do this by himself. I believe that on Sunday he will have a partner but this was a good way to keep that still hidden. I definitely feel like we could see a title change on Sunday even though Sheamus and Cesaro are correct Braun will need a partner he can get along with in order to get the job done.

Match 3: Matt Hardy vs Goldust
As Raw returns, Goldust lands a big slap to Hardy. Hardy is able to land a big right but Goldust comes back with a big boot. Goldust hangs him up on the ropes and lands another slap. Goldust takes control in the ring but Hardy fights back with rights. Goldust picks him up and hits a spinebuster. Goldust hammers on Hardy on the mat but Hardy gets to his feet and fires away. Hardy bounces him off the turnbuckle and Goldust falls to the mat. Hardy hits a side effect but Goldust kicks out. Goldust is able to fight back and land a big slam but Hardy kicks out this time. Goldust tries for an elbow but Hardy is able to get out of the way. Hardy tries for the twist of fate but Goldust counters. Hardy is able to hit the twist of fate finally and gets the win on the pin.
Winner: Matt Hardy
My Opinion:
Hardy gains some momentum heading into Sunday, I appreciate them hyping up the battle royal and making it important again. It will be interesting to see who wins this match, there’s a lot of up and coming guys who could use the win but also a lot of vets who could use it so it’s anyone’s match to win.

In Ring Segment: John Cena
Cena says he was wrong because we are out of time and there is still no answer. He says that silence means no, no Undertaker. Cena says he’s not upset because he’s done all he could. He says he’s going to WrestleMania fired up. He tells how people have asked what his match is, he says he is just going as a fan. Cena tells how Cole told him to enter the rumble or join a match. Cena tells of his losses as of late and says after all of that he would be taking a spot of a full-time superstar who earned it. He says he called out Taker for a last chance because it was a match where no one got held back. He says things do change and there are things in his life that change every day. He says he believed this WrestleMania was a perfect time for a change. Cena tells the crowd he hopes Taker hears them but he doesn’t think he does, he says he’s going as a fan and he’s damn proud of it. He says he is proud to watch gifted performers and he’s humble enough to say they don’t need him to do it. He says he is proud that after three years Daniel Bryan is back where he belongs. He says he’s proud to watch AJ Styles get the WrestleMania moment he deserves. He says he is proud of all of the women’s matches at WrestleMania because they continue to prove that success is not based on gender. He then tells he did all he could to summon The Undertaker and so did every crowd. He then tells the crowd in Atlanta they haven’t tried yet. Cena gets the crowd fired up. Cena says you hear that Undertaker that is four weeks straight of people pouring their hearts out for you. He says he’s not upset about WrestleMania but he is upset with Taker, he says the second you ignore these people you are a dead man walking. He tells Taker it’s obvious he left his hat in the ring but it’s clear he left his balls at home.
My Opinion:
I don’t get what is going on with this whole thing. I really wanna see Taker back but it doesn’t seem like it’s happening. It’s very disappointing to sit here and watch this for 4 weeks and have nothing happen. If Taker doesn’t come back then everything that they have been doing is just a waste of time. Hopefully, something will happen cause otherwise, this could be the biggest let down in the history of WrestleMania.

Backstage Segment:
Kurt tells Reigns he already has one WrestleMania match that’s not going to happen and he doesn’t need another. He tells Reigns that Hyman isn’t gonna do anything to incite him. Reigns questions this. Reigns tells Angle he’s willing to hear him out but the disrespect these two give they’re tired of it. He says if Heyman says something he’s doing something.

Match 4: Elias vs Heath Slater w/ Rhyno
Slater and Elias lock up. Elias is able to get the advantage but slater comes back with huge knee strikes. Elias comes back and hits a knee of his own. Elias hits Drift Away and gets the 1 2 3.
Winner: Elias
My Opinion:
Elis made quick work tonight, Slater got a few moves in but Elias was just too much. Elias has been up and coming for a while but I think he’s coming into his own now. I’m very impressed with what he can do and I see big things in his future. He may even win the battle royal on Sunday.

Backstage Segment:
Curt Hawkins tells Braun he saw what happened and he was wondering if he gave any thought to who he will pick for his partner. Braun asks his win loss record. Hawkins says it’s not great but if he picked him this could be his big break. Braun then sends him through a wall and says there’s your big break.

Exclusive Interview: Nia Jax
Renee says she can only imagine how devastated Nia is. She says emotionally it brought her back to growing up and feeling insecure. She tells that you define you and you have to be true to you inside. She says she knows who she is and she knows who she’s not. Renee says so many women admire who she is. Nia says recently she has been disappointed in herself, she says she thought Alexa was her best friend and she made her doubt herself. Nia says Alexa’s comments took a toll on her and shattered her confidence. She says she had to tell herself she is Nia Jax and she doesn’t take this shit. She says she admires who she is and she is proud of this. She says Alexa represents everyone who tried to keep her down. Nia then tells Alexa that she is nothing but an insecure little girl and at WrestleMania, she is gonna squish her like a bug.

Match 5: Alexa Bliss & Mickie James vs Asuka & Dana Brooke
Dana and Alexa lock up to start. Dana works her wrist but Alexa gets to a vertical base. Alexa lands a big kick and is able to counter. Dana goes back to the wrist but Alexa connects with a right hand. Dana is able to land a back elbow but Alexa comes back with a shot to the neck. Mickie gets the tag and works the arm of Dana. Dana rolls her up and tries for the cover but Mickie kicks out. Mickie takes control but Dana fights back with right hands. Dana backs Mickie into the corner and tries for another back elbow but Mickie moves out of the way and hits a big kick. Dana is able to land a big slam but Mickie counters and brings Dana to the mat as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Mickie works a chinlock on the mat. Dana is able to get to her feet and tries to fight off Mickie but Mickie pulls her to the mat. Mickie works a chinlock again but Mickie doesn’t allow it. Alexa gets the tag and lands a big slap. Alexa stomps on Dana but Dana kicks out of the cover. Dana is able to fight off Alexa and is able to hit a suplex. Asuka gets the tag and so does Mickie. Asuka takes down Mickie and hits Mickie with big strikes. Asuka hits huge kicks on Mickie and then knocks Alexa off the apron. Asuka goes to the apron and lands a sliding kick to Mickie. Mickie tries a cover but Asuka kicks out. Mickie goes to the top rope and flies but Asuka gets out of the way and locks in the Asuka lock. Mickie taps.
*** After the match Mickie and Alexa attack Asuka. They then take out Dana. Nia then comes out and Mickie and Alexa run. Nia grabs Alexa but Mickie interferes. Nia slams Mickie and then plants her with a Samoan Drop.
Winners: Dana Brooke & Asuka
My Opinion:
This wasn’t a bad match and I have to give to Asuka she came in and took care of business. I think Asuka has a great shot to make history on Sunday and continue her insane undefeated streak. Nia looked good tonight too, I think she is in Alexa’s head and made a statement by taking out Mickie.

Backstage Segment:
Angle asks Heyman and Brock were they are going. Heyman says they are going to the ring. Angle tells him to not forget what he told him. Heyman says he’s got it and is gonna talk positively about Reigns.

In Ring Segment: Brock Lesnar w/ Paul Heyman
Heyman tells Angle that this is the picture perfect demonstration of overcompensatory behavior. Heyman tells him that control is held by the one who has the title. Heyman says he swears to tell the truth and nothing but the truth. He says it’s the truth that before WrestleMania 30 he stood in this ring and said Brock Lesnar would conquer the streak and it happened. He says this Sunday the only two men who have beaten Undertaker at WrestleMania will meet. He says you have to respect Reigns and his family history but the truth is that this Sunday Brock Lesnar will F5 Roman Reigns and in him 1 2 3. He tells that it’s not a prediction, it’s a spoiler and it’s the truth. Heyman says if Lesnar loses then this will be the last time you see them on Monday Night Raw. Heyman says this whole image that he has built around Brock Lesnar is 100% true. He says that Lesnar feels that there is not one person who can take his title and there isn’t one person who can afford to pay to see Lesnar do what he does. He says Reigns only choice is to accept defeat and his opinions are like his ass because they’re both owned by Brock Lesnar. He says Reigns will have to tell his family he got beat and conquered by Brock Lesnar. He says Reigns will only be another notch on Lesnar’s title belt. He says Reigns is just Lesnar’s bitch and outcomes Reigns.
Reigns asks if all these full-time talents are gonna protect that part-time bastard. They then move out-of-the-way and Reigns goes towards the ring. Reigns gets in the ring and the two have a standoff. Lesnar gets out of the ring and grabs the title. Lesnar then grabs a chair and gets back in the ring. Reigns hits Lesnar with a Superman punch and two more to follow. Reigns hits a fourth and Lesnar is down. Reigns connects with a fifth and then grabs the Universal Championship. Lesnar gets to his feet and hits a F5 on Reigns.
My Opinion:
Let go Reigns! He took it to Lesnar tonight and even though Lesnar had the last laugh Reigns got in his head. I think Reigns will win on Sunday and he has all the motivation in the world to get the job done. I think the WWE Universe loves Lesnar but sense it doesn’t seem like the feeling is mutual I think most people are behind Reigns. I cannot wait to see this match!

Final Thoughts:
A pretty good Raw tonight to bring us into WrestleMania this Sunday. I like how Raw started with Rousey, Angle, Stephanie, and Triple H. I think they’re talking throughout this lead up hasn’t been the best but they’ve done well in creating tension and Rousey has a lot to fight for. I think Rousey is motivated and they will make sure she doesn’t fail in there. Stephanie is gonna be a good opponent to get Rousey over and give her a huge match to start her career. Finn Balor and Seth Rollins tore it up tonight, they’re so good in the ring and great opponents for one another. I really enjoyed how back and forth they were and the competitive nature of their match. I think Both have something to prove at Mania and with Miz in the match it’s only gonna be that much better. I don’t mind continuing to wait to know Braun Strowman’s partner, I think it’ll create for a great WrestleMania moment and I believe Braun and his partner will have a good shot to win the titles. The John Cena angle was disappointing tonight, we all wanna see The Undertaker and even though he still could return for Sunday it’s something we don’t want to wait for. Hopefully, something will happen at Mania and we will get a special WrestleMania moment. Asuka looked really good tonight, she changes the pace of a match so quickly and looks ready for Sunday! On the same note Nia also looks very ready for her respective match, she seems like she is in Alexa’s head and she sent a big message laying out Mickie tonight. Finally, the ending was really good tonight. I thought Heyman as awesome on the mic and really helped get everyone fired up. Reigns got in Lesnar’s head and proved he can take him down. Lesnar had the last laugh but Reigns will be ready on Sunday. I can’t wait to see this match! I’m so excited for WrestleMania and hope everyone enjoys it!!!
Overall Rating:7/10