Written by: Kevin Berge (All Images Courtesy of: WWE.com)
Here we are again, WrestleMania week. It's the most potentially exciting time in wrestling. WWE finishes up its build for some of the most exciting matches of the year while other promotions from around world have special shows.
Monday Night Raw should always be great at this time because the go-home show for WrestleMania is the second biggest Raw of the year (behind the Raw after WrestleMania). However, WWE continues to fail at delivering quality go-home shows.
This is the time to change the perception. There's too much good story to tell to fall flat at the most important time of the year for WWE.
Last Week's Monday Night Raw Review
Monday Night Raw should always be great at this time because the go-home show for WrestleMania is the second biggest Raw of the year (behind the Raw after WrestleMania). However, WWE continues to fail at delivering quality go-home shows.
This is the time to change the perception. There's too much good story to tell to fall flat at the most important time of the year for WWE.
Last Week's Monday Night Raw Review
"Maybe I should start watching more wrestling to get back up to speed. Nah, that won't increase my paycheck."
Stephanie McMahon Puts Ronda Rousey Through a Table Days Before WrestleMania
Overview: Jonathan Coachman introduced all four competitors in the mixed tag match at WrestleMania with seats set up for everyone. They answered questions with Triple H and Stephanie McMahon confident they would win.
As tempers rose, Coachman called for a photo with HHH knocking Kurt Angle out of the ring with a microphone to the neck then Stephanie side slamming Ronda Rousey through a table.
Analysis: This was fine. The presentation added a bit of variety to proceedings, and no one was bad here with Angle luckily only allowed a few lines (still flubbing Rousey's name once). Rousey continues to look more confident by the week on the mic, but we'll see how comfortable she is in the ring soon.
As tempers rose, Coachman called for a photo with HHH knocking Kurt Angle out of the ring with a microphone to the neck then Stephanie side slamming Ronda Rousey through a table.
Analysis: This was fine. The presentation added a bit of variety to proceedings, and no one was bad here with Angle luckily only allowed a few lines (still flubbing Rousey's name once). Rousey continues to look more confident by the week on the mic, but we'll see how comfortable she is in the ring soon.
Bayley def. Sonya Deville
Overview: Absolution tried to pay dividends here, but Bayley managed to roll up Sonya Deville for the win. Afterward, Mandy Rose and Deville beat down Bayley until Sasha Banks made the save. She demanded Bayley raise her hand after the save which annoyed Bayley, starting a brawl that Absolution took advantage of to lay both out.
Highlights:
Analysis: This was shockingly sloppy with no chemistry between these two. Bayley seemed distracted and unable to put together sequences with Deville at all. This might have been one of the worst performances I have seen from Bayley. Hopefully, this will not affect her work come 'Mania.
Highlights:
- Bayley caught Deville with a diving crossbody into a running knee.
Analysis: This was shockingly sloppy with no chemistry between these two. Bayley seemed distracted and unable to put together sequences with Deville at all. This might have been one of the worst performances I have seen from Bayley. Hopefully, this will not affect her work come 'Mania.
It's like looking into a mirror. Rollins is the actual wrestler. Balor is the superhuman, zero body fat fantasy.
Seth Rollins def. Finn Balor
Overview: This match went long as Finn Balor and Seth Rollins tested each other every step of the way. Both men went for their best shot late in the match and dodged them before Rollins finally hit The Stomp for the win with The Miz happily watching the destruction from the announce desk.
Highlights:
Analysis: I expect this might be a match that impresses me more on rewatch. However, with the three commercial breaks, the pacing of this bout felt off, letting down the great work of the two men. The final sequence was phenomenal, and this was a great preview for what should be a sensational triple threat.
Highlights:
- Rollins caught Balor as he was crawling outside with a running boot.
- Balor planted Rollins with the spinning headlock elbow drop.
- Rollins blocked Balor's Slingblade and hit his own, sending Balor outside to take a suicide dive into the barricade.
- Balor ran right into a superkick but only for a nearfall with Balor fighting back with an enzuigiri.
- Rollins stopped Balor on the top rope and caught Balor with a superplex before seeming to go for a Falcon Arrow instead turning it into an inside cradle.
- Rollins only got a nearfall off the Ripcord Knee then went for a frog splash which Balor blocked with two knees up into a quick roll up.
- Rollins nearly hit Balor with a running powerbomb into the barricade only for Balor to fight out and dropkick Rollins into the barricade.
Analysis: I expect this might be a match that impresses me more on rewatch. However, with the three commercial breaks, the pacing of this bout felt off, letting down the great work of the two men. The final sequence was phenomenal, and this was a great preview for what should be a sensational triple threat.
Braun Strowman Reveals His Tag Team Partner?
Overview: Braun Strowman promised to finally reveal his partner for WrestleMania if Sheamus and Cesaro agreed to a match against him. They did, and Strowman came out as his brother Brains Strowman. The Bar quickly went scurrying up the ramp as Strowman tried to get his hands on them again.
Analysis: This was a fine quick segment that probably should have led to a quick match. Last week, the options for Strowman's partner at 'Mania grew slimmer as it was basically confirmed we wouldn't know who it was until Sunday. Now, I'd put money on Big Show being the one after his surprise re-signing with WWE earlier in the day.
Analysis: This was a fine quick segment that probably should have led to a quick match. Last week, the options for Strowman's partner at 'Mania grew slimmer as it was basically confirmed we wouldn't know who it was until Sunday. Now, I'd put money on Big Show being the one after his surprise re-signing with WWE earlier in the day.
Matt Hardy looks at Goldust and realizes he should have come up with this gimmick 10 years ago. He would have been set for life.
Woken Matt Hardy def. Goldust
Overview: Woken Matt Hardy showed some appreciation for the wild style of Goldust, but he still refused to give Goldust any space. Surviving Goldust's best shots, Matt connected with the Twist of Fate to win. Afterward, Matt talked to the Andre trophy, promising to procure it soon.
Highlights:
Analysis: This was not the best way to hype up WrestleMania, but it wasn't actually that bad a match. Goldust worked better with Matt than many have lately with the two having a brisk old school signature move fest. With how little WWE has built up the battle royal, Matt is far and away the favorite.
Highlights:
- Goldust threw Matt shoulder-first into the post then hit him with an uppercut.
- Matt ran into a spinebuster from Goldust, but Matt fought back and hit the series of turnbuckle shots into the Side Effect.
- Goldust planted Matt with a scoop slam then missed a diving elbow, luckily reversing a Twist of Fate into a roll up.
Analysis: This was not the best way to hype up WrestleMania, but it wasn't actually that bad a match. Goldust worked better with Matt than many have lately with the two having a brisk old school signature move fest. With how little WWE has built up the battle royal, Matt is far and away the favorite.
John Cena Finally Gives Up on The Undertaker
Overview: John Cena came out and accepted that he would get nothing from The Undertaker. He talked about how proud he was of how great WrestleMania would be without him until he suddenly got an idea. He tried to create one final excited crowd cheer for The Undertaker, but he still got no response and walked away.
Analysis: This segment actually caught me off guard. This was supposed to be where The Undertaker finally appeared. It is unlikely WWE actually doesn't have the match, so that means WWE has decided to do something they've never done, put a headlining match on the card without ever confirming it. They must be very confident in ticket sales.
Analysis: This segment actually caught me off guard. This was supposed to be where The Undertaker finally appeared. It is unlikely WWE actually doesn't have the match, so that means WWE has decided to do something they've never done, put a headlining match on the card without ever confirming it. They must be very confident in ticket sales.
Elias will be going into WrestleMania contending with such former legendary concerts as Flo Rida and Pitbull. I think he's already won.
Elias def. Heath Slater
Overview: Elias insulted Atlanta until Heath Slater interrupted the song after Elias promised the concert of a lifetime at WrestleMania. Elias did not take too kindly to this, taking out Slater quickly in their match with the Drift Away.
Analysis: Instead of putting him in a match, it looks like Elias is going to be in a segment at WrestleMania. As long as it doesn't take too long, it should be a fun way to break up the show. It likely will lead to some surprise legends appearing as well to add to the fun.
Analysis: Instead of putting him in a match, it looks like Elias is going to be in a segment at WrestleMania. As long as it doesn't take too long, it should be a fun way to break up the show. It likely will lead to some surprise legends appearing as well to add to the fun.
Asuka and Dana Brooke def. Alexa Bliss and Mickie James
Overview: Dana Brooke played friendly with Asuka here and convinced her to let her start, and it allowed Alexa Bliss and Mickie James to isolate Brooke. Asuka got the hot tag and was on fire, taking out Bliss before catching Mickie in the Asuka Lock for the submission victory. Nia Jax then appeared and sent Bliss scurrying and planted Mickie.
Highlights:
Analysis: It says a lot about how limited the women's division depth is right now that WWE didn't even feel like explaining why Asuka was teaming up with Dana Brooke. That said, I did like the dynamic with Dana basically in The Miz role (for those watching Mixed Match Challenge), just trying to give Asuka a breather before dominating.
Highlights:
- Brooke hit Bliss with a cartwheel back elbow in the corner only to take a back elbow from Bliss then an assisted side kick to the gut from Mickie.
- Asuka caught Mickie with a snap knee then a series of shoot kicks before knocking Bliss off the apron with a hip attack then a sliding kick to Mickie from the apron.
Analysis: It says a lot about how limited the women's division depth is right now that WWE didn't even feel like explaining why Asuka was teaming up with Dana Brooke. That said, I did like the dynamic with Dana basically in The Miz role (for those watching Mixed Match Challenge), just trying to give Asuka a breather before dominating.
It could have been worse, Roman. This could have ended in a tug of war.
Roman Reigns Finally Take Down Brock Lesnar But Still Get Laid Out
Overview: Just before this final segment, Angle tried one last time to convince Paul Heyman to not incite Roman Reigns. Angle even created a wall on the ramp of Raw superstars to stop The Big Dog. Heyman gave his latest "spoiler" for WrestleMania, promising that Lesnar would pin Reigns.
Heyman began insulting the rest of the locker room then Reigns' family which finally bought out Reigns. He convinced the locker room to let him pass to make the part-timer suffer with The Beast then grabbing a steel chair. Reigns planted Lesnar with five Superman Punches before standing over Lesnar with the Universal Championship.
However, Lesnar popped back up and hit Reigns with an F5 before rolling outside with his title back in hand.
Analysis: This did its job for sure though it felt like the action was a bit tame, saving it for Sunday. Reigns getting the locker room to part to let him through to Lesnar was a great story moment with Reigns also finally getting Lesnar down for a moment. The crowd was even cheering for Reigns throughout.
Heyman began insulting the rest of the locker room then Reigns' family which finally bought out Reigns. He convinced the locker room to let him pass to make the part-timer suffer with The Beast then grabbing a steel chair. Reigns planted Lesnar with five Superman Punches before standing over Lesnar with the Universal Championship.
However, Lesnar popped back up and hit Reigns with an F5 before rolling outside with his title back in hand.
Analysis: This did its job for sure though it felt like the action was a bit tame, saving it for Sunday. Reigns getting the locker room to part to let him through to Lesnar was a great story moment with Reigns also finally getting Lesnar down for a moment. The crowd was even cheering for Reigns throughout.
Backstage Notes: Statistics were revealed for Asuka's winning streak including the time she was NXT Champion and the total days she has been in WWE and still not lost. Previews were shown for SmackDown's top matches: AJ Styles vs. Shinsuke Nakamura and Daniel Bryan and Shane McMahon vs. Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn.
The video package for Lesnar vs. Reigns was shown. Angle asked Heyman backstage to keep his comments civil and not incite Reigns which made Heyman laugh because he couldn't believe the GM was worried about Lesnar's well being. Angle later requested that Reigns stay in the back with Reigns promising to do his best.
Goldust cut a promo about winning the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal with Matt Hardy interrupting and promising to delete Goldust before the match he promises to win. Curt Hawkins tried to convince Strowman to choose him as a partner to get his big break, but Strowman instead threw him through a wall.
Alexa Bliss and Mickie James made fun of Nia Jax further in a selfie promo. Jax sat down for an interview with Renee Young, making clear she would not let Bliss faze her and would squash her like a bug at WrestleMania.
Conclusion: This was not all that exciting a show, but I'll give WWE credit in that it certainly made sure this show actually built toward the next pay-per-view. This really felt like a go-home show as everyone was ready to get physical but most of the heels escaped just barely before the fateful night.
Rollins vs. Balor was obviously the highlight, and there were a few fun surprising moments. It was not the grand show it probably should have been, but it was a lot better than I expected it be coming in. WWE actually tried this time. The only big issue was spending so much time on video packages that could have been shown on the Kickoff.
From Cena still not getting his answer to Jax getting in a powerful message about self-love, this show did enough to both surprise and impress even if the bar should be higher for one of the most defining shows of the year.
The video package for Lesnar vs. Reigns was shown. Angle asked Heyman backstage to keep his comments civil and not incite Reigns which made Heyman laugh because he couldn't believe the GM was worried about Lesnar's well being. Angle later requested that Reigns stay in the back with Reigns promising to do his best.
Goldust cut a promo about winning the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal with Matt Hardy interrupting and promising to delete Goldust before the match he promises to win. Curt Hawkins tried to convince Strowman to choose him as a partner to get his big break, but Strowman instead threw him through a wall.
Alexa Bliss and Mickie James made fun of Nia Jax further in a selfie promo. Jax sat down for an interview with Renee Young, making clear she would not let Bliss faze her and would squash her like a bug at WrestleMania.
Conclusion: This was not all that exciting a show, but I'll give WWE credit in that it certainly made sure this show actually built toward the next pay-per-view. This really felt like a go-home show as everyone was ready to get physical but most of the heels escaped just barely before the fateful night.
Rollins vs. Balor was obviously the highlight, and there were a few fun surprising moments. It was not the grand show it probably should have been, but it was a lot better than I expected it be coming in. WWE actually tried this time. The only big issue was spending so much time on video packages that could have been shown on the Kickoff.
From Cena still not getting his answer to Jax getting in a powerful message about self-love, this show did enough to both surprise and impress even if the bar should be higher for one of the most defining shows of the year.