Written by: Kevin Berge (All Images Courtesy of: WWE.com)
I'm actually getting excited for WrestleMania. The card is shaping up with some great matches, ranging from pure athletic showcases to physical wars. Moreover, it feels like WWE is not just heading straight to multi-man matches for every title but giving some solid story depth to the conflicts.
Fastlane proved that good matches can be enough to sell a whole card. My main worry is the spectacle side of 'Mania. Rumors are already starting to circulate that the MAIN EVENT of WRESTLEMANIA could be the Ronda Rousey mixed tag match. That would be a crime.
While I am interested in Rousey's future in this business, this match should be a short fun exhibition. The problem is that there are not many matches for WM that truly feel mainstream enough for the headlining spot. It is time for WWE to get moving and developing stories beyond Rousey that can be seen as legit headliners.
WWE Fastlane 2018 Review
Fastlane proved that good matches can be enough to sell a whole card. My main worry is the spectacle side of 'Mania. Rumors are already starting to circulate that the MAIN EVENT of WRESTLEMANIA could be the Ronda Rousey mixed tag match. That would be a crime.
While I am interested in Rousey's future in this business, this match should be a short fun exhibition. The problem is that there are not many matches for WM that truly feel mainstream enough for the headlining spot. It is time for WWE to get moving and developing stories beyond Rousey that can be seen as legit headliners.
WWE Fastlane 2018 Review
That's right, Kurt. Reigns won't stand for Vince having favorite stars.
Vince McMahon Suspends Roman Reigns After Latest Angry Tirade
Overview: General Manager Kurt Angle opened the night to announce that Brock Lesnar was not here tonight. This brought out an angry Roman Reigns to demand an explanation, deciding he needed to speak to Vince McMahon directly. He confronted Vince at gorilla, and they went to his office.
Renee Young waited outside the office with Reigns storming out before Vince told Renee that he had temporarily suspended The Big Dog. He also promised that The Beast would be on Raw next week and defend the Universal Championship at WrestleMania against Reigns.
Analysis: Reigns calling Lesnar the Vince's boy is certainly a bit ironic, but that is the role he needs to take to make this story work. He may not be the perfect wrestler for this story, but he has done some of his best work these last few weeks in a perfectly told realistic story, finally addressing Lesnar's status with WWE.
Renee Young waited outside the office with Reigns storming out before Vince told Renee that he had temporarily suspended The Big Dog. He also promised that The Beast would be on Raw next week and defend the Universal Championship at WrestleMania against Reigns.
Analysis: Reigns calling Lesnar the Vince's boy is certainly a bit ironic, but that is the role he needs to take to make this story work. He may not be the perfect wrestler for this story, but he has done some of his best work these last few weeks in a perfectly told realistic story, finally addressing Lesnar's status with WWE.
Sasha Banks def. Sonya Deville
Overview: Bayley reluctantly came out to back up Sasha Banks against Absolution. After Bayley took out Mandy Rose on the outside, Sonya Deville ran at Banks and missed, taking a backstabber into the Bank Statement for a submission. Bayley quickly walked off, leaving her friend to get surrounded and beat down by Absolution.
Highlights:
Analysis: This match felt like it never got going. Perhaps because it was mostly worked during the commercial break. That said, the story of Banks and Bayley continues to be great. We have to be getting closer and closer to one of the two women (hopefully Banks) turning on the other to set up their WrestleMania match.
Highlights:
- Banks caught Deville with running double knees for a nearfall.
Analysis: This match felt like it never got going. Perhaps because it was mostly worked during the commercial break. That said, the story of Banks and Bayley continues to be great. We have to be getting closer and closer to one of the two women (hopefully Banks) turning on the other to set up their WrestleMania match.
That's the greatest of all time at work there. Pay attention, Finn and Seth, you can learn something.
Miz TV Allows The Miz to Fuel the Feud Between Seth Rollins and Finn Balor
Overview: The Miz host Miz TV without The Miztourage for the night with both Seth Rollins and Finn Balor as his guests. Miz tried to turn Rollins and Balor against one another, and he succeeded with Balor challenging Rollins to a match. A brawl broke out with the two taking out Miz then Rollins blasting Balor.
Analysis: This was a solid but predictable segment. The conflict here is clear, and it is possible the story has already been played out. Rollins and Balor are rivals, but they also see through Miz's mindgames. The match will be great, but there are three more weeks of Raw that this story needs to develop over.
Analysis: This was a solid but predictable segment. The conflict here is clear, and it is possible the story has already been played out. Rollins and Balor are rivals, but they also see through Miz's mindgames. The match will be great, but there are three more weeks of Raw that this story needs to develop over.
Sheamus and Cesaro Finally Set Off the Entire Tag Team Division With Their Taunts
Overview: The Miztourage assaulted Sheamus and Cesaro before the bell which set off the champions, starting a brawl that The Revival, The Balor Club, Titus Worldwide, and Heath Slater and Rhyno all joined. The division all teamed up to beat down and send the champs scurrying backstage.
Analysis: The question of who Sheamus and Cesaro would face at WrestleMania has been one of the hardest calls for the 'Mania card. I was worried this was setting up Sheamus and Cesaro in a gauntlet match against the whole division. Instead it was a brilliant set up for a great payoff.
Analysis: The question of who Sheamus and Cesaro would face at WrestleMania has been one of the hardest calls for the 'Mania card. I was worried this was setting up Sheamus and Cesaro in a gauntlet match against the whole division. Instead it was a brilliant set up for a great payoff.
Cena sure has a skip in his step for a guy who lost his last opportunity at WM last night.
John Cena Challenges The Undertaker to a Match at WrestleMania
Overview: John Cena admitted his last avenue to compete at WrestleMania was gone, and he was going to be at 'Mania as a fan. Cena had a realization as he went into the crowd, and he did what he was told he wasn't suppose to: challenging The Undertaker at WrestleMania.
He claimed Taker was scared to fight again after his latest loss, feeling washed up. Cena refused to believe The Deadman was broken down and asked him to appear one more time for one last match.
Analysis: This went about as expected, but that didn't take away from the impact of the promo. This was Cena at his finest. He sold every moment as he built to announcing the match he has long wanted. I am still highly skeptical this match will be the great showcase it should be based on Taker's health, but we'll see.
He claimed Taker was scared to fight again after his latest loss, feeling washed up. Cena refused to believe The Deadman was broken down and asked him to appear one more time for one last match.
Analysis: This went about as expected, but that didn't take away from the impact of the promo. This was Cena at his finest. He sold every moment as he built to announcing the match he has long wanted. I am still highly skeptical this match will be the great showcase it should be based on Taker's health, but we'll see.
Finn Balor def. Seth Rollins
Overview: Miz was shown watching this bout backstage. Back and forth, Rollins and Balor battled, looking for opportunities to hit their home run finishers. However, as Rollins tried to transition a superplex into a Falcon Arrow, Balor showed how much he had studied Rollins and caught him for a small package for three.
Highlights:
Analysis: This match was solid but far from the showstealer it could have been. It felt quite tame and contained. I would assume the two were just keeping most of their tricks for the Grandest Stage of Them All. I have no problem with that as this felt like a waste of a huge match.
Highlights:
- Balor caught Rollins with a step-up enzuigiri into the headlock elbow drop.
- Rollins blocked the Slingblade then used a knee to block the 1916 only to have Balor turn his Ripcord into an elbow strike.
- Balor caught Rollins with an overhead kick then took a dropkick.
- Balor dodged the Curb Stomp and hit the Slingblade only to run into a superkick.
- Rollins hit two straight running forearms in the corner, but he missed the third and took an enzuigiri, barely blocking the Coup De Grace and hitting a superplex.
Analysis: This match was solid but far from the showstealer it could have been. It felt quite tame and contained. I would assume the two were just keeping most of their tricks for the Grandest Stage of Them All. I have no problem with that as this felt like a waste of a huge match.
How did Mickie and Alexa suddenly become the Mean Girls?
Asuka def. Mickie James
Overview: Alexa Bliss and Mickie James interrupted Asuka's interview about challenge Charlotte Flair, praising Asuka for backing off from a sure-loss against Bliss. Asuka made clear she considered Charlotte the better challenge but was ready to face Bliss right now.
Instead, Bliss tried to call for another match between Asuka and Nia Jax, but Jax didn't come out. Mickie cheap shot Asuka to set up a match with her as the back-up plan. Despite Mickie injuring Asuka's knee, The Empress dodged a Mick Kick and locked her in the Asuka Lock for a tap out.
Highlights:
Analysis: This was the best match of the night with Mickie looked as good as she has since she first returned, against Asuka. The two are great together and put on a show. I have no idea why the crowd tried to chant over it beyond them being pricks which I guess is the usual case with bad crowds.
Instead, Bliss tried to call for another match between Asuka and Nia Jax, but Jax didn't come out. Mickie cheap shot Asuka to set up a match with her as the back-up plan. Despite Mickie injuring Asuka's knee, The Empress dodged a Mick Kick and locked her in the Asuka Lock for a tap out.
Highlights:
- Asuka knocked out Mickie with a running kick off the apron then bounced her off the ring screen only to miss Mickie with a kick and have her leg hit the post.
- Mickie went for a Mick-DT with Asuka reversing it into an Asuka Lock that Mickie immediately turned into a roll up with Asuka kicking out and hitting a big side kick.
- Asuka caught Mickie with a hip attack then a snap knee strike only to miss a roundhouse and be planted by Mickie with a flapjack.
- Mickie was caught on the top rope only to hit Asuka with a sunset powerbomb.
Analysis: This was the best match of the night with Mickie looked as good as she has since she first returned, against Asuka. The two are great together and put on a show. I have no idea why the crowd tried to chant over it beyond them being pricks which I guess is the usual case with bad crowds.
Nia Jax def. Joan King
Overview: Nia Jax tossed around her local competition then hit a running elbow drop followed by a Samoan drop for an effortless victory. A camera showed Bliss and Mickie making fun of Jax after her win as they prepared for an interview with the two escaping when they found out they were being recorded with Jax destroying the area where they were talking.
Analysis: I like the story they're telling, but this feels like revisionist history. Jax has turned on Bliss many times. This friendship was never properly grounded. Why would Jax be remotely surprised that Bliss does not value her? This is the same woman who is friends with the woman she made fun of for being 38 years old.
Analysis: I like the story they're telling, but this feels like revisionist history. Jax has turned on Bliss many times. This friendship was never properly grounded. Why would Jax be remotely surprised that Bliss does not value her? This is the same woman who is friends with the woman she made fun of for being 38 years old.
Braun Strowman is way better at creating his own path for WrestleMania than John Cena.
Braun Strowman Wins a Tag Team Battle Royal To Earn a Match at WrestleMania Against Sheamus and Cesaro
Overview: As this tag team battle royal was about to start with Sheamus and Cesaro watching on commentary, Braun Strowman appeared and entered the match. Everyone tried to team up on Strowman at first, but there was too much in-fighting. Strowman was left outside only to return to action and eliminate everyone, ending with throwing Karl Anderson into everyone.
Highlights:
Analysis: This was a bit rude to the tag team division, but it is a hilarious set up. I don't know if we'll see Strowman vs. The Bar only Strowman with a partner vs. The Bar, but I look forward to what comes next. This is a lot of talent for a comedy segment, but it should be a really good comedy segment.
Highlights:
- Anderson caught Strowman with a single-leg dropkick into a big boot from Titus O'Neil then a roundhouse from Luke Gallows that sent Strowman through the second rope.
- Titus hit Scott Dawson with the Clash of the Titus, but The Miztourage stomped him into the mat.
- Titus ran over everyone with boots, but Strowman returned and dumped Titus with Gallows hitting with repeated roundhouses only to be clotheslined out.
Analysis: This was a bit rude to the tag team division, but it is a hilarious set up. I don't know if we'll see Strowman vs. The Bar only Strowman with a partner vs. The Bar, but I look forward to what comes next. This is a lot of talent for a comedy segment, but it should be a really good comedy segment.
Backstage Notes: Sheamus and Cesaro complained to Angle about the attack they suffered with Angle announcing a battle royal to crown their opponents at WrestleMania. Elias refused to sing and blamed the fans for his injury. Strowman promised he would carve a path of destruction to get the match he wanted at 'Mania.
Bliss found Jax backstage and asked her why she didn't come out with Jax saying she was told not to because she had a match later with Jax promising to be in Bliss's corner next week against Asuka.
A preview was shown for the Ultimate Deletion with Matt Hardy showing all the elements of his Broken world with Bray Wyatt responding by accepting the challenge. Angle then told WWE referee Shawn Bennett he needed him to be the referee for the Ultimate Deletion next week.
The first-ever Fabulous Moolah Memorial Battle Royal was announced through a video tribute to Moolah. Kid Rock's WWE Hall of Fame video was shown, promoting his musical impact in the company. The video package of Ronda Rousey's story was shown again.
Conclusion: I get that WWE is trying to avoid showing previews of matches we'll get at WrestleMania, but what happened to the Raws of February? It took an hour to get from the first match to the second on this show. It's disappointing as the show had evolved into a great weekly product since Raw's 25th Anniversary.
While I am getting more and more excited about the direction for WrestleMania, I can't help but feel WWE's wasting the Road to WrestleMania by relying on the angles rather than making compelling TV. There should be more here than just a bunch of segments and promos.
Next week at least, The Ultimate Deletion should add some flavor to proceedings. It won't be fully a match, but it's better than more generic promos on preparing for 'Mania. For now, we just have generic Raws to deal with at an important juncture.
Bliss found Jax backstage and asked her why she didn't come out with Jax saying she was told not to because she had a match later with Jax promising to be in Bliss's corner next week against Asuka.
A preview was shown for the Ultimate Deletion with Matt Hardy showing all the elements of his Broken world with Bray Wyatt responding by accepting the challenge. Angle then told WWE referee Shawn Bennett he needed him to be the referee for the Ultimate Deletion next week.
The first-ever Fabulous Moolah Memorial Battle Royal was announced through a video tribute to Moolah. Kid Rock's WWE Hall of Fame video was shown, promoting his musical impact in the company. The video package of Ronda Rousey's story was shown again.
Conclusion: I get that WWE is trying to avoid showing previews of matches we'll get at WrestleMania, but what happened to the Raws of February? It took an hour to get from the first match to the second on this show. It's disappointing as the show had evolved into a great weekly product since Raw's 25th Anniversary.
While I am getting more and more excited about the direction for WrestleMania, I can't help but feel WWE's wasting the Road to WrestleMania by relying on the angles rather than making compelling TV. There should be more here than just a bunch of segments and promos.
Next week at least, The Ultimate Deletion should add some flavor to proceedings. It won't be fully a match, but it's better than more generic promos on preparing for 'Mania. For now, we just have generic Raws to deal with at an important juncture.