Written by: Kevin Berge (Images Courtesy of: WWE.com)
Vince almost blew a gasket when he found out a wrestling match was opening the show. Luckily, the New Day spoke for a few minute to satiate him.
The New Day's Big E and Xavier Woods def. League of Nations' Alberto Del Rio and Rusev to Retain the WWE Tag Team Championships
Overview: The New Day started the night talking about Booty-Os again before the League of Nations interrupted to begin this match that was set because of a Twitter spat after Roadblock. Big E began this match and took the early impact of the League of Nations. When Woods got into it, he looked strong, flying around until he took a Del Rio enzuigiri.
Woods was completely dominated by Rusev and Del Rio. He tried to fight Alberto with a series of punches but got caught with the Cross Armbreaker over the top rope. The two fought back to the middle of the ring with both going down, allowing Big E to get the hot tag and begin hitting repeated suplexes on Rusev.
He then hit a running splash, but Rusev fought out of the Big Ending and hit a running spinning heel kick. Big E fought back and took a double foot stomp from ADR hanging on the second rope. Kofi cleared out all of League of Nations and distracted Rusev enough for Woods to roll him up for three while holding the tights.
Afterward, an angry League of Nations pounced on the New Day and completely destroyed the champs each getting in their finishers.
Analysis: This was an all right tag team match, nothing special. Woods looked especially good in this match with his more babyface focused offense, rolling quick when he was playing more than the beat down underdog. The main issue here is that there was no spark with things moving too slowly.
This may come down to Sheamus and Barrett being more fast and agile than Del Rio and Rusev who really grounded this out to the point of exhaustion. Big E also held back a bit here mainly because Woods was the main focus of the match. The ending of the contest was the right move, giving Woods some credibility.
The after-match beatdown was the perfect storyline move. It was vicious and long to really clearly make the New Day the faces here and establish the dominance and danger that comes with the LoN. This finally made it possible to care about this tag team title feud though LoN really has lost any and all crowd heat through their booking.
Woods was completely dominated by Rusev and Del Rio. He tried to fight Alberto with a series of punches but got caught with the Cross Armbreaker over the top rope. The two fought back to the middle of the ring with both going down, allowing Big E to get the hot tag and begin hitting repeated suplexes on Rusev.
He then hit a running splash, but Rusev fought out of the Big Ending and hit a running spinning heel kick. Big E fought back and took a double foot stomp from ADR hanging on the second rope. Kofi cleared out all of League of Nations and distracted Rusev enough for Woods to roll him up for three while holding the tights.
Afterward, an angry League of Nations pounced on the New Day and completely destroyed the champs each getting in their finishers.
Analysis: This was an all right tag team match, nothing special. Woods looked especially good in this match with his more babyface focused offense, rolling quick when he was playing more than the beat down underdog. The main issue here is that there was no spark with things moving too slowly.
This may come down to Sheamus and Barrett being more fast and agile than Del Rio and Rusev who really grounded this out to the point of exhaustion. Big E also held back a bit here mainly because Woods was the main focus of the match. The ending of the contest was the right move, giving Woods some credibility.
The after-match beatdown was the perfect storyline move. It was vicious and long to really clearly make the New Day the faces here and establish the dominance and danger that comes with the LoN. This finally made it possible to care about this tag team title feud though LoN really has lost any and all crowd heat through their booking.
Brock Lesnar was so sure funny little man with big mouth posed no threat, but funny little man's crowbar was very scary up close.
Paul Heyman Barely Convinces Brock Lesnar to Not Assault Dean Ambrose Again
Overview: Dean Ambrose came out and said that he may have lost but he made Triple H see that he was a serious threat. Brock Lesnar interrupted with Paul Heyman saying he was trying to protect Ambrose. Ambrose kept egging on Lesnar as Heyman tried to stop Brock from losing it until Lesnar walked right to the ring.
Ambrose pulled out a crowbar as Lesnar circled the ring and was ready to assault. Brock jumped on the apron but was immediately forced to retreat as Ambrose swung at him with the crowbar.
Analysis: This was a fantastic segment to add to an already so well developed feud. Dean Ambrose's role in the feud was already clear. He's the man who will not quit and still feels the need to fight the Beast. Brock Lesnar also had his role established. He's a monster who is angry about Ambrose ruining his title shot.
Paul Heyman's role though was less defined. This week, he made it clear he's the man holding Lesnar's very fragile leash. While he doesn't like Ambrose, he is actually trying to hold Lesnar back because he's worried Lesnar will hurt Dean so bad that it will ruin his client's only chance at a WrestleMania match. Heyman can't have his client not wrestle at Mania.
We finally got the sense that this is more than just Dean getting beat up. He's ready to fight back, and he's got the chance to use any weapons he can get to take the Beast down. Much later in the show, Mick Foley even gave him a barbwire bat which is awesome as a passing of the torch moment as Dean becomes the new age indestructible hardcore star.
Ambrose pulled out a crowbar as Lesnar circled the ring and was ready to assault. Brock jumped on the apron but was immediately forced to retreat as Ambrose swung at him with the crowbar.
Analysis: This was a fantastic segment to add to an already so well developed feud. Dean Ambrose's role in the feud was already clear. He's the man who will not quit and still feels the need to fight the Beast. Brock Lesnar also had his role established. He's a monster who is angry about Ambrose ruining his title shot.
Paul Heyman's role though was less defined. This week, he made it clear he's the man holding Lesnar's very fragile leash. While he doesn't like Ambrose, he is actually trying to hold Lesnar back because he's worried Lesnar will hurt Dean so bad that it will ruin his client's only chance at a WrestleMania match. Heyman can't have his client not wrestle at Mania.
We finally got the sense that this is more than just Dean getting beat up. He's ready to fight back, and he's got the chance to use any weapons he can get to take the Beast down. Much later in the show, Mick Foley even gave him a barbwire bat which is awesome as a passing of the torch moment as Dean becomes the new age indestructible hardcore star.
Ryback was going to be especially vicious tonight with Kalisto's partner Sin Cara, but then Sin Cara Negro came out instead. It threw off all Ryback's plans.
Ryback def. Sin Cara
Overview: Ryback began this match dominating, but Sin Cara slowly began pulling out bigger moves, finally getting Ryback off his feet by sending him over the top rope. When the two got back to the ring, Cara ran right into a Ryback Shell Shocked who suddenly decided not to take the immediate pin when he looked over at Kalisto.
Ryback hit a second Shell Shocked then took the easy win. After the match, Ryback taunted Kalisto who was in the ring looking after his fallen friend. He challenged Kalisto to put up his title against the Big Guy before walking away without a response.
Analysis: This match was not much to go on. It was quick and didn't serve to show much from either man. It also didn't do a perfect job establishing Ryback's indomitable strength as Cara got in a bit too much offense in a too short match. We needed more Ryback throwing punches and punishing Cara in front of Kalisto.
I still am very interested in this feud, and both men should really be able to deliver once it is made official. The main thing missing is a personal element which this tried to deliver but didn't quite set up as well as it should have.
Ryback hit a second Shell Shocked then took the easy win. After the match, Ryback taunted Kalisto who was in the ring looking after his fallen friend. He challenged Kalisto to put up his title against the Big Guy before walking away without a response.
Analysis: This match was not much to go on. It was quick and didn't serve to show much from either man. It also didn't do a perfect job establishing Ryback's indomitable strength as Cara got in a bit too much offense in a too short match. We needed more Ryback throwing punches and punishing Cara in front of Kalisto.
I still am very interested in this feud, and both men should really be able to deliver once it is made official. The main thing missing is a personal element which this tried to deliver but didn't quite set up as well as it should have.
It's said if Dolph Ziggler had won his top choices for WrestleMania opponents were: Zack Ryder, famous fan Brock Lesnar Guy, the nearest broom, Tony Romo, or he would just use the time to perform his latest stand up comedy routine.
Dolph Ziggler Refuses to Stand Aside For The Authority
Overview: Stephanie McMahon came out to introduce her husband Triple H who came out with the WWE Championship. Hunter made fun of the idea that Dean Ambrose could ever beat him before turning to everyone else, saying no one could ever beat him because they were all losers.
HHH turned to how every loser was just a subordinate to authority, and no one would ever defeat authority. Finally, Dolph Ziggler interrupted and made clear he has nothing to lose anymore and was done getting screwed by the system. Stephanie got close to firing him, but Triple H said he wouldn't fire Ziggler.
Instead, what was best for business was for Ziggler to join The Authority according to HHH. Dolph balked at that, and Stephanie had a different offer for Ziggler: defeat Triple H tonight on Raw and get a match at Mania against anyone he wanted (besides HHH).
Analysis: This was a surprising and very well done segment even if Triple H used very similar beats to his past promos about Reigns and Ambrose before Ziggler came out. Dolph was clearly fired up, cutting a strong, honest promo about how much he cared about the business and would not simply give in and certainly wouldn't join The Authority.
The confusion here is that Ziggler is thrown around so much lately that it is tough to tell what the plan is here. First, Dolph is fighting Owens then he's having speed matches with The Miz. Now he's combating The Authority. Is there a bigger plan for Ziggler at Mania? If so, against who?
HHH turned to how every loser was just a subordinate to authority, and no one would ever defeat authority. Finally, Dolph Ziggler interrupted and made clear he has nothing to lose anymore and was done getting screwed by the system. Stephanie got close to firing him, but Triple H said he wouldn't fire Ziggler.
Instead, what was best for business was for Ziggler to join The Authority according to HHH. Dolph balked at that, and Stephanie had a different offer for Ziggler: defeat Triple H tonight on Raw and get a match at Mania against anyone he wanted (besides HHH).
Analysis: This was a surprising and very well done segment even if Triple H used very similar beats to his past promos about Reigns and Ambrose before Ziggler came out. Dolph was clearly fired up, cutting a strong, honest promo about how much he cared about the business and would not simply give in and certainly wouldn't join The Authority.
The confusion here is that Ziggler is thrown around so much lately that it is tough to tell what the plan is here. First, Dolph is fighting Owens then he's having speed matches with The Miz. Now he's combating The Authority. Is there a bigger plan for Ziggler at Mania? If so, against who?
Sami Zayn's master plan of telling all his opponents to spend the first half of matches performing headlocks is starting to frustrate the referees.
Sami Zayn def. The Miz
Overview: Sami Zayn sent The Miz reeling quickly, going to the outside with Zayn hitting a quick moonsault outside off the steel barricade. The two men began trading clothesline with Zayn sending Miz back outside and diving on his opponent which led to Kevin Owens interrupting from the announce table.
Miz attacked Owens from behind before both men ran back to the ring. Miz tried to roll up Zayn, but Zayn kicked out. Zayn then hit the Helluva Kick for the win.
Analysis: This match really should have lasted longer than it did. Zayn got in some early impressive moves, but this didn't ever quite get rolling like it could have. Even in recent weeks, Miz has been extremely impressive, and I'd bet he and Sami could have a great match with good time. This wasn't it.
Still, Owens was great on commentary, and this sets up at least Owens vs. Zayn vs. Miz for the IC Title at Mania, likely with at least Neville also in the mix. The way Zayn stared down Owens at the end really made it clear how much hatred there was between the two, and I expect we are a long ways away from this feud being over.
Miz attacked Owens from behind before both men ran back to the ring. Miz tried to roll up Zayn, but Zayn kicked out. Zayn then hit the Helluva Kick for the win.
Analysis: This match really should have lasted longer than it did. Zayn got in some early impressive moves, but this didn't ever quite get rolling like it could have. Even in recent weeks, Miz has been extremely impressive, and I'd bet he and Sami could have a great match with good time. This wasn't it.
Still, Owens was great on commentary, and this sets up at least Owens vs. Zayn vs. Miz for the IC Title at Mania, likely with at least Neville also in the mix. The way Zayn stared down Owens at the end really made it clear how much hatred there was between the two, and I expect we are a long ways away from this feud being over.
The real question here is: Is Team BAD now just Naomi and Tamina or is Lana the official third member of Team BAD?
Team BAD def. Brie Bella and Alicia Fox
Overview: Lana came out before the match to watch, sitting on the announce table. Alicia Fox started the match with Tamina dominating early. Brie Bella got the tag and began to dominate, hitting Tamina with a series of kicks and hitting the Bella Buster off the top rope as she looked over at Lana which Naomi had to break up the cover for.
Lana got off the announce table and distracted Brie long enough to take a superkick and get pinned for three. Afterward. Alicia got in Lana's face but took a double superkick from Team BAD.
Analysis: All right, so I guess we're basically being sold on the idea of Brie Bella, Alicia Fox, and Paige vs. Lana, Naomi, and Tamina with potentially Natalya and Summer Rae added to each side as well. This is not really a Mania quality feud, but at least a lot of deserving women will get some kind of Mania spotlight.
The match was over so quick I barely noticed it with a top rope Bella Buster just happening out of nowhere. It was competitive, but it was the kind of match that should have had 5 minutes more. Divas or not, you don't give competitive matches three minutes.
Lana got off the announce table and distracted Brie long enough to take a superkick and get pinned for three. Afterward. Alicia got in Lana's face but took a double superkick from Team BAD.
Analysis: All right, so I guess we're basically being sold on the idea of Brie Bella, Alicia Fox, and Paige vs. Lana, Naomi, and Tamina with potentially Natalya and Summer Rae added to each side as well. This is not really a Mania quality feud, but at least a lot of deserving women will get some kind of Mania spotlight.
The match was over so quick I barely noticed it with a top rope Bella Buster just happening out of nowhere. It was competitive, but it was the kind of match that should have had 5 minutes more. Divas or not, you don't give competitive matches three minutes.
The Social Outcasts have really amped up their ring gear lately to match their unbridled, colorful spirits.
The Usos def. The Social Outcasts' Bo Dallas and Adam Rose
Overview: The Dudley Boyz watched on commentary as The Usos immediately sent Bo Dallas over the top rope who landed on his feet and celebrated that with the Social Outcasts. The Dudley Boyz tried to distract The Usos, but it was to no avail as they quickly took out Rose and hit a superkick and Superfly Splash for the win.
Analysis: Again, WWE does not need to give this little time to wrestling matches. The Usos vs. Dudley Boyz feud has been so underrepresented that it needed more segments on Raw to help it out, but this did nothing. It felt like it was just thrown on because the WWE wanted to remind everyone that this feud was still a part of the Road to Mania.
With that said, it seems the only place left for all these teams is the Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal which will again happen this year. It feels like only a bunch of tag teams are left to fill up the match, and I have no idea who needs this kind of win right now.
Analysis: Again, WWE does not need to give this little time to wrestling matches. The Usos vs. Dudley Boyz feud has been so underrepresented that it needed more segments on Raw to help it out, but this did nothing. It felt like it was just thrown on because the WWE wanted to remind everyone that this feud was still a part of the Road to Mania.
With that said, it seems the only place left for all these teams is the Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal which will again happen this year. It feels like only a bunch of tag teams are left to fill up the match, and I have no idea who needs this kind of win right now.
If Triple H keeps this up, he's going to be a mess before he loses enough blood to get Reigns over with the crowd.
Triple H def. Dolph Ziggler; Roman Reigns Returns and Destroys Triple H
Overview: Triple H immediately grounded Dolph Ziggler with a headlock. Ziggler answered with his own headlock. Ziggler tried to pick up the face but took a big knee to the gut. HHH kept up that aggression by slamming Ziggler hard chest first onto the steel post. When Hunter locked him in the corner, Ziggler began throwing punches.
Again, Ziggler's momentum was crushed by a running high knee. Slamming him into the mat, HHH proceeded to drop a knee on Ziggler. Dolph tried to fight as Hunter picked him up, but he got thrown outside then tossed into the steel steps. Back in the ring, Hunter was taunting Dolph by taking too much time sitting on the top rope and took a Ziggler knee.
Ziggler began finally rolling from there, hitting a series of splashes in the corner then hit Triple H repeatedly in the face. When Dolph went for a superkick, Triple H blocked it and went for a Pedigree which Ziggler turned into a roll up for a very nearfall. The two traded nearfalls with Triple H barely stopping a rally with a spinebuster.
When Hunter picked up Dolph, Ziggler hit a superkick for a crazy nearfall. Hunter rolled to the outside with Ziggler forcing him back into the ring, but, when Dolph got back on the apron, he got knocked into the steel barricade. When Dolph got back to the ring, he reversed a Pedigree into a back body drop, but he got knocked off when he went for the Zig Zag.
Triple H immediately hit the Pedigree for the win. After the match, Roman Reigns returned and absolutely lost it on Triple H, brawling with him all over the ring and right to the backstage area. He eventually had to be forced off by The Usos, Mark Henry, and Jack Swagger who told him to wait until WrestleMania.
Analysis: Wow, this match might have been even better than Saturday's Triple H vs. Dean Ambrose title match. Triple H and Dolph Ziggler really built this one up, starting slow and amping up as each minute passed until they were throwing out nearfalls left and right.
Ziggler looked like gold against Hunter with a steady, undying desire to keep fighting, making Triple H pay any time he gave Ziggler any moment of respite. It was a classic high impact brawl that continues a series of quality matches we've already gotten in the first few months.
Dolph lost in the end though which muddles whatever position he's in right now even more, not that there were many opponents for him to choose from to face at Mania if he won. This ended up being a bit of a final filler moment for Triple H before Reigns returned.
And, boy, did Roman return with a vengeance. This was an absolutely fantastic brawl with Reigns showing the kind of anger and fury that has always been the best part of his character. He should be doing this all the time. The crowd though didn't even get behind Reigns for this which says a lot about his standing right now as a face.
As good as the brawl was, Reigns needs to keep that edge and hope that not losing that anger at Hunter will help him win back the fans he had seemingly caught a hold of all the way back at TLC. It's been a long road, and this feud still has potential. WWE just really needs to 100% commit to this Reigns because it's the only chance he's got as a face.
Again, Ziggler's momentum was crushed by a running high knee. Slamming him into the mat, HHH proceeded to drop a knee on Ziggler. Dolph tried to fight as Hunter picked him up, but he got thrown outside then tossed into the steel steps. Back in the ring, Hunter was taunting Dolph by taking too much time sitting on the top rope and took a Ziggler knee.
Ziggler began finally rolling from there, hitting a series of splashes in the corner then hit Triple H repeatedly in the face. When Dolph went for a superkick, Triple H blocked it and went for a Pedigree which Ziggler turned into a roll up for a very nearfall. The two traded nearfalls with Triple H barely stopping a rally with a spinebuster.
When Hunter picked up Dolph, Ziggler hit a superkick for a crazy nearfall. Hunter rolled to the outside with Ziggler forcing him back into the ring, but, when Dolph got back on the apron, he got knocked into the steel barricade. When Dolph got back to the ring, he reversed a Pedigree into a back body drop, but he got knocked off when he went for the Zig Zag.
Triple H immediately hit the Pedigree for the win. After the match, Roman Reigns returned and absolutely lost it on Triple H, brawling with him all over the ring and right to the backstage area. He eventually had to be forced off by The Usos, Mark Henry, and Jack Swagger who told him to wait until WrestleMania.
Analysis: Wow, this match might have been even better than Saturday's Triple H vs. Dean Ambrose title match. Triple H and Dolph Ziggler really built this one up, starting slow and amping up as each minute passed until they were throwing out nearfalls left and right.
Ziggler looked like gold against Hunter with a steady, undying desire to keep fighting, making Triple H pay any time he gave Ziggler any moment of respite. It was a classic high impact brawl that continues a series of quality matches we've already gotten in the first few months.
Dolph lost in the end though which muddles whatever position he's in right now even more, not that there were many opponents for him to choose from to face at Mania if he won. This ended up being a bit of a final filler moment for Triple H before Reigns returned.
And, boy, did Roman return with a vengeance. This was an absolutely fantastic brawl with Reigns showing the kind of anger and fury that has always been the best part of his character. He should be doing this all the time. The crowd though didn't even get behind Reigns for this which says a lot about his standing right now as a face.
As good as the brawl was, Reigns needs to keep that edge and hope that not losing that anger at Hunter will help him win back the fans he had seemingly caught a hold of all the way back at TLC. It's been a long road, and this feud still has potential. WWE just really needs to 100% commit to this Reigns because it's the only chance he's got as a face.
It is believed that the referee told Jericho he could not in fact attempt a Red Arrow at this stage in his career. Jericho would hear none of that.
Neville def. Chris Jericho by Disqualification
Overview: Chris Jericho bashed on AJ Styles, saying he was asserting his dominance with Styles. Neville interrupted to begin their match with Jericho quickly taken off his game by the quick Neville. When Jericho got frustrated, he shoved the referee who disqualified him.
Chris took the mic and immediately began attacking the audience again which brought out Styles to attack Jericho with the Phenomenal Forearm.
Analysis: This was an extremely ugly segment here where it seemed like Neville got seriously hurt, so they add to call off the match by having Jericho get weakly disqualified. I do hope Neville is all right especially given WWE is already lacking in talent and could use the high flier right now.
Jericho and Styles has a great vibe to it right now, and I am surprised the match hasn't been officially announce for Mania yet. I expect they'll have a face to face soon where the two agree to one last match. The only issue I had with Styles here is that I'm not big on him using the springboard forearm as a finisher, not with a name with the "Phenomenal Forearm".
Chris took the mic and immediately began attacking the audience again which brought out Styles to attack Jericho with the Phenomenal Forearm.
Analysis: This was an extremely ugly segment here where it seemed like Neville got seriously hurt, so they add to call off the match by having Jericho get weakly disqualified. I do hope Neville is all right especially given WWE is already lacking in talent and could use the high flier right now.
Jericho and Styles has a great vibe to it right now, and I am surprised the match hasn't been officially announce for Mania yet. I expect they'll have a face to face soon where the two agree to one last match. The only issue I had with Styles here is that I'm not big on him using the springboard forearm as a finisher, not with a name with the "Phenomenal Forearm".
Top 4 potential theories on whyTaker has agreed to fight Shane: 1. Shane has been condemning Taker for years for crucifying the McMahon family on live TV which is completely unfair. 2. Vince promised to adopt Taker if he wins. 3. Shane implied the End of an Era match wasn't really ending an era. 4. Shane called Taker's ring entrance "excessive".
Undertaker Makes Clear He Will Destroy Everyone
Overview: Vince McMahon came out first and demanded he be announced again to get a better reaction from the crowd. He then talked about how he's going to be gloating at WrestleMania thanks to the help of The Undertaker who came out next. Vince made clear immediately that he would not have Taker touching him again.
Vince then brought up the brutality of Taker which brought out Shane. Shane told Taker he had figured his gameplan against Taker, to win with tenacity and heart, which Taker said would simply not be enough. Shane then questioned why Taker was playing a puppet to Vince which set Taker off, chokeslamming Shane with Vince's small assist then nearly doing the same to Vince who ran off just in time.
Analysis: This segment should have been the big moment. Shane and Taker were in the same ring, and they were in each other's face. Why did this feel so underwhelming? Maybe it's because everyone seemed to be reiterating what they already said. There was a hint that we'd be told why Taker was so willing to fight Shane, but we ended up getting nothing.
Maybe the big reveal of what drives Taker is still to come, but this felt like one of the final moments of this feud before Mania. It didn't capture the excitement it should have. It was extremely underwhelming with Taker just chokeslamming Shane and showing he's still unpredictable by going after Vince.
I am honestly shocked and disappointed this short segment main evented Raw, likely just to avoid closing the show with the crowd booing Reigns which we'll likely hear the next few weeks to come as Reigns will have to end the show as his match is the main event.
Vince then brought up the brutality of Taker which brought out Shane. Shane told Taker he had figured his gameplan against Taker, to win with tenacity and heart, which Taker said would simply not be enough. Shane then questioned why Taker was playing a puppet to Vince which set Taker off, chokeslamming Shane with Vince's small assist then nearly doing the same to Vince who ran off just in time.
Analysis: This segment should have been the big moment. Shane and Taker were in the same ring, and they were in each other's face. Why did this feel so underwhelming? Maybe it's because everyone seemed to be reiterating what they already said. There was a hint that we'd be told why Taker was so willing to fight Shane, but we ended up getting nothing.
Maybe the big reveal of what drives Taker is still to come, but this felt like one of the final moments of this feud before Mania. It didn't capture the excitement it should have. It was extremely underwhelming with Taker just chokeslamming Shane and showing he's still unpredictable by going after Vince.
I am honestly shocked and disappointed this short segment main evented Raw, likely just to avoid closing the show with the crowd booing Reigns which we'll likely hear the next few weeks to come as Reigns will have to end the show as his match is the main event.
Awww, look at that, they let Barrett hold Big E for the other to punch him. Look, guys, Barrett's helping.
Final Notes: The League of Nations were interviewed about their attack on New Day, challenging the champions to a match at WrestleMania with Sheamus promising it would be a tragedy. Social Outcasts had their own Burger King commercial where they stole Curtis Axel's hot dogs. R-Truth dressed like a penguin confronted Goldust
Paige's interview was interrupted by Lana who said she had become a loser with her time in Total Divas. Paige threatened Lana until Team BAD got in Paige's face. Charlotte was interviewed about Becky Lynch and Sasha Banks and said she didn't care about either because she was better.
Mick Foley found Dean Ambrose backstage and asked Dean why he is putting his body on the line to fight Brock Lesnar. Ambrose asked back why Foley put his body on the line for decades. They both agreed it was just what they did. Foley then gave Ambrose a special bat to make sure Lesnar didn't keep talking about Suplex City.
Conclusion: This was a relatively quality show besides a few rough points. There were still a few too short segments/matches, but there were also some great moments and a match that may be up near the top for the year. It was a great night for at least the top of the Mania card even if the main event was the wrong segment.
This really felt like the kind of show we should be getting week to week on the Road to WrestleMania. Almost every match got its time. There were some real undercard matches set up with two more title matches almost confirmed tonight. We even got another Road to WrestleMania quality TV match with several competitors truly stepping up.
I just hope that the flaws of this show aren't the defining factors. This was almost an A show, but the pacing late into the show killed that momentum. Also, can we please stop giving each undercard contest three minutes? Just book less segments and give more time to the matches that need to be on Raw. Let the rest be on SmackDown.
Overall, this was the first time I felt comfortable about Mania once the show was over even if I've for numerous reservations about the top matches (the reaction Reigns will get, Shane and Taker's story and potential to deliver). If those issues can be ironed out, this Mania should shock more than a few people.
Paige's interview was interrupted by Lana who said she had become a loser with her time in Total Divas. Paige threatened Lana until Team BAD got in Paige's face. Charlotte was interviewed about Becky Lynch and Sasha Banks and said she didn't care about either because she was better.
Mick Foley found Dean Ambrose backstage and asked Dean why he is putting his body on the line to fight Brock Lesnar. Ambrose asked back why Foley put his body on the line for decades. They both agreed it was just what they did. Foley then gave Ambrose a special bat to make sure Lesnar didn't keep talking about Suplex City.
Conclusion: This was a relatively quality show besides a few rough points. There were still a few too short segments/matches, but there were also some great moments and a match that may be up near the top for the year. It was a great night for at least the top of the Mania card even if the main event was the wrong segment.
This really felt like the kind of show we should be getting week to week on the Road to WrestleMania. Almost every match got its time. There were some real undercard matches set up with two more title matches almost confirmed tonight. We even got another Road to WrestleMania quality TV match with several competitors truly stepping up.
I just hope that the flaws of this show aren't the defining factors. This was almost an A show, but the pacing late into the show killed that momentum. Also, can we please stop giving each undercard contest three minutes? Just book less segments and give more time to the matches that need to be on Raw. Let the rest be on SmackDown.
Overall, this was the first time I felt comfortable about Mania once the show was over even if I've for numerous reservations about the top matches (the reaction Reigns will get, Shane and Taker's story and potential to deliver). If those issues can be ironed out, this Mania should shock more than a few people.
