Written by: Kevin Berge (All Images Courtesy of: WWE.com)
Monday Night Raw has a new Universal Champion. On Sunday, at WWE Fastlane, Goldberg defeated Kevin Owens in near-record time thanks to a timely distraction from Chris Jericho. Roman Reigns ended the undefeated streak of Braun Strowman, and Bayley ended Charlotte's pay-per-view streak.
This show was all about fallout with much controversy coming from these and other results along the way. The hope was that this Raw could salvage some of the poor booking of the previous and set Raw on the right path to WrestleMania.
This show was all about fallout with much controversy coming from these and other results along the way. The hope was that this Raw could salvage some of the poor booking of the previous and set Raw on the right path to WrestleMania.
Zayn couldn't just help on his own as he knew how little effect he'd have. He needed to bring in a steel chair to make sure it was fair.
Chris Jericho and Kevin Owens Set Their Date at WrestleMania
Overview: Chris Jericho opened the show and admitted to screwing Kevin Owens before calling him out to answer for his attack during the Festival of Friendship. KO denounced his friendship with Jericho and said he turned on Y2J because he forced him into the match against Goldberg, outstaying his usefulness.
Owens would only face Jericho at WrestleMania if Y2J put his United States Championship on the line. Jericho easily accepted before the two began brawling. Samoa Joe tried to get involved before Sami Zayn evened the odds with the faces running them off thanks to a steel chair in Jericho's hand.
Analysis: This was a fantastic hot opener where Jericho was on point as was Owens. The two sold their underlying anger at one another without having to overact. The undercurrent was clear. It was interesting that Joe came to KO's aid so quickly, showcasing more clearly the dynamic between the two Triple H favorites.
Owens would only face Jericho at WrestleMania if Y2J put his United States Championship on the line. Jericho easily accepted before the two began brawling. Samoa Joe tried to get involved before Sami Zayn evened the odds with the faces running them off thanks to a steel chair in Jericho's hand.
Analysis: This was a fantastic hot opener where Jericho was on point as was Owens. The two sold their underlying anger at one another without having to overact. The undercurrent was clear. It was interesting that Joe came to KO's aid so quickly, showcasing more clearly the dynamic between the two Triple H favorites.
Remember when this was one of the money matches of 2016? WWE forgot the day after Battleground.
Kevin Owens def. Sami Zayn
Overview: While Zayn had the advantage early on, Owens channeled his anger into a vicious one-sided victory as he hit powerbombs almost a will, finishing the match with a second pump-up powerbomb.
Highlights:
Analysis: This was actually a squash match even though it had the look of a competitive contest. KO sold his anger from last night so vividly that he was not going to do anything but squash any opponent he faced. It was a shame Zayn had to be on the receiving end of that with his WrestleMania status already in question.
Highlights:
- Owens caught Zayn running back into the ring with a clothesline then caught him with a cannonball only for his pump-up powerbomb to be reversed into a dropkick followed by a somersault plancha.
- Owens hit a sudden pump-up powerbomb then refused to take the cover, hitting a series of punches into a somersault leg drop.
Analysis: This was actually a squash match even though it had the look of a competitive contest. KO sold his anger from last night so vividly that he was not going to do anything but squash any opponent he faced. It was a shame Zayn had to be on the receiving end of that with his WrestleMania status already in question.
Referee #5 does not appreciate your banter, Neville.
Neville def. Rich Swann to Retain the WWE Cruiserweight Championship
Overview: This match was a back-and-forth long battle as Rich Swann brought his best and seemed to often have Neville off his game. However, Swann thought he had the phoenix splash for the win, but Neville dodged it to set up the Rings of Saturn for the win.
Afterward, Austin Aries interviewed Neville and took exceptional to his claim that no one could match up to him. Aries suddenly knocked down Neville and sent him running.
Highlights:
Analysis: The match here got three segments, and it was great because of that. Swann was fantastic throughout and matches well with Neville who is on a tear lately. Adding Aries' physical encounter with Neville to set up a match between them at WrestleMania was a great exclamation mark on great cruiserweight representation this week.
Afterward, Austin Aries interviewed Neville and took exceptional to his claim that no one could match up to him. Aries suddenly knocked down Neville and sent him running.
Highlights:
- Swann dropkicked Neville to the outside then slammed him into the barricade.
- Swann connected with an enzuigiri as Neville tried to springboard then hit a Swanton Bomb to the outside.
- Neville landed a clean superplex only for Swann to roll outside.
- Swann tried to rally with elbows but took vicious strikes from Neville in response only to reverse a German suplex into his own suplex followed by a sudden Swann Kick.
Analysis: The match here got three segments, and it was great because of that. Swann was fantastic throughout and matches well with Neville who is on a tear lately. Adding Aries' physical encounter with Neville to set up a match between them at WrestleMania was a great exclamation mark on great cruiserweight representation this week.
And it was just announced that Goldberg must forfeit the Universal Championship as his first bump in a decade caused him to dangerously hyperventilate.
Brock Lesnar Finally Gets A Measure of Revenge Against Goldberg
Overview: Goldberg came out to celebrate his Universal Championship victory and thanked the fans for helping him get to this point. Paul Heyman interrupted to bring out Brock Lesnar who stared down Goldberg as Heyman promised a Lesnar victory. As Goldberg dropped his guard, Lesnar pulled him in for a sudden F5 to stand tall.
Analysis: This was a solid segment with Heyman doing the heavylifting on the mic. Lesnar got in his shot to showcase he is not afraid of Goldberg, and this will likely have to tide fans over for a few weeks with a segment or two left in this feud until Mania.
Analysis: This was a solid segment with Heyman doing the heavylifting on the mic. Lesnar got in his shot to showcase he is not afraid of Goldberg, and this will likely have to tide fans over for a few weeks with a segment or two left in this feud until Mania.
I'm pretty sure there's a rule in the wrestling handbook that says don't bring coffee to a wrestling ring. But Cesaro's too cool for your rules and would much rather have it ruin his nice suit.
Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson def. Enzo and Cass By Disqualification to Retain the WWE Tag Team Championships
Overview: As this match started rolling, Cesaro and Sheamus walked down to ringside to get a close view of the match. Their involvement became a problem as Enzo accidentally knocked the coffee out of Cesaro's hand, causing him to run in and accidentally hit Anderson. A brawl ensued ending with Sheamus Brogue Kicking Enzo off Cesaro.
Highlights:
Analysis: This match was standard-fare with Cass's hot tag actually becoming a running formula at this point. The result was expected as was the set-up for a WrestleMania match that was likely for weeks now, since Enzo and Cass first got involved with the tag team championship again.
Highlights:
- A sudden Enzo DDT allowed Cass to get the hot tag.
- Cass hit back-to-back fallaway slams into Stinger Splashes followed by a sidewalk slam then the Empire Elbow.
Analysis: This match was standard-fare with Cass's hot tag actually becoming a running formula at this point. The result was expected as was the set-up for a WrestleMania match that was likely for weeks now, since Enzo and Cass first got involved with the tag team championship again.
Perfect form, just as Kendrick taught him.
Akira Tozawa def. Ariya Daivari
Overview: Akira Tozawa's speed and striking made quick work of Ariya Daivari whose suplex was turned into a sudden German suplex for the loss. Afterward, Tozawa challenged The Brian Kendrick to fight him with Kendrick coming out and promising Tozawa would regret challenging Kendrick when they fought again.
Highlights:
Analysis: This wasn't much of a match, but the post-match challenge from Tozawa to Kendrick was great with the excitement still building for this clash. If Neville has been the clear elite of the division, Kendrick has been a solid number two, helping to establish Tozawa quickly.
Highlights:
- Daivari caught Tozawa and quickly transitioned into a short-arm clothesline.
- Tozawa hit a running senton that sent Daivari reeling outside right into a suicide dive.
Analysis: This wasn't much of a match, but the post-match challenge from Tozawa to Kendrick was great with the excitement still building for this clash. If Neville has been the clear elite of the division, Kendrick has been a solid number two, helping to establish Tozawa quickly.
When you're less over than ice cream, you have to question your career choices. Really, New Day, question yourselves.
The New Day def. The Shining Stars
Overview: The New Day came out with their ice cream bike and promised it would soon be filled with ice cream if the WWE Universe let their voices be heard. They then quickly dispatched with The Shining Stars who got in one good shot before taking the Midnight Special for the loss.
Highlights:
Analysis: This was just another New Day segment with no substance. The ice cream idea is just setting up the big moment at WrestleMania when they reveal WWE ice cream bars
Highlights:
- Epico hit an early double underhook gutbuster into a body guillotine from Primo.
- Big E hit a running clothesline on Primo into a crossbody on the outside.
Analysis: This was just another New Day segment with no substance. The ice cream idea is just setting up the big moment at WrestleMania when they reveal WWE ice cream bars
I feel like we've seen this story before, just missing Ric Flair.
Sasha Banks def. Bayley to Earn a Spot in a Triple Threat at WrestleMania for the Raw Women's Championship
Overview: Bayley came out at the behest of General Manager Mick Foley who tried to figure out the next challenger to Bayley at WrestleMania. Sasha Banks came down to suggest she face Bayley before Charlotte came out quickly followed by Stephanie McMahon who set up Bayley vs. Banks with Banks earning a spot at Mania with a win.
Charlotte watched this match on commentary as Bayley and Sasha Banks chain-wrestled around the ring, trying to take the win with roll ups. As the match intensified, Charlotte walked down to the ring, accidentally not allowing Bayley to get to the ropes in the Bank Statement with her forced to tap.
Highlights:
Analysis: The segment here followed by the match succeeded in developing the story it needed to tell. Bayley finally showed some hesitation and remorse as she should as a face who only won by nefarious means. Banks came off as quietly calculating, trying to steal her way to a shot at Bayley.
The match itself sold that these are two friends who were not looking to injure one another. While WWE should save Bayley vs. Banks for PPV, this was the right way to sell the match if it was going to happen on Raw. The two had a decent match but held back basically everything with even the closing segment a quiet explosion.
Charlotte watched this match on commentary as Bayley and Sasha Banks chain-wrestled around the ring, trying to take the win with roll ups. As the match intensified, Charlotte walked down to the ring, accidentally not allowing Bayley to get to the ropes in the Bank Statement with her forced to tap.
Highlights:
- Bayley and Banks both dodged shots to the outside only for Bayley to run into a clothesline back in the ring.
- Banks rolled through the grip of Bayley and hit standing double knees.
- Bayley missed a diving crossbody and was quickly locked in the Bank Statement, making it to the ropes only to have Sasha lock the move back in.
Analysis: The segment here followed by the match succeeded in developing the story it needed to tell. Bayley finally showed some hesitation and remorse as she should as a face who only won by nefarious means. Banks came off as quietly calculating, trying to steal her way to a shot at Bayley.
The match itself sold that these are two friends who were not looking to injure one another. While WWE should save Bayley vs. Banks for PPV, this was the right way to sell the match if it was going to happen on Raw. The two had a decent match but held back basically everything with even the closing segment a quiet explosion.
Samoa Joe made sure he only won by count out so no one decided he needed a shot at the US Title. He wouldn't be caught dead with that around his waist.
Samoa Joe def. Chris Jericho By Count Out
Overview: Chris Jericho sent Samoa Joe reeling at first, but Joe rallied. When Joe was sent to the outside, Jericho slid to follow only to walk into a Coquina Clutch with Joe knocking Jericho out outside the ring before sliding back in to take the count out. Afterward, Joe tried to continue the damage but took a Codebreaker instead.
Highlights:
Analysis: This match was far too short, but it was clear Raw was jostling a lot of segments this week. The finish and post-match fallout were both excellent, selling both as major performers who should play big roles come WrestleMania. Joe's role is less clear than Jericho's, but he's clearly a major priority.
Highlights:
- Jericho caught a charging Joe with an elbow then chops but was quickly whipped into the corner and took a back elbow and enzuigiri.
- Jericho hit an enzuigiri then dropkick to the outside followed quickly by a springboard dropkick to the floor.
Analysis: This match was far too short, but it was clear Raw was jostling a lot of segments this week. The finish and post-match fallout were both excellent, selling both as major performers who should play big roles come WrestleMania. Joe's role is less clear than Jericho's, but he's clearly a major priority.
Imagine if Undertaker was still undefeated at WrestleMania. Imagine what the crowd would be like when Reigns wins clean as a whistle after three Spears, no selling a Tombstone. Absolute hero-making performance.
The Undertaker Returns to Re-Establish Dominance
Overview: Braun Strowman called out Roman Reigns, but The Undertaker answered the bell instead. He walked to the ring, and Strowman retreated for the moment. Reigns then came out to stare down Taker before telling him to leave the ring because it was now Roman's yard. Taker answered by chokeslamming Reigns.
Analysis: This was a solid finish to the show though was a bit confusing in presentation. Did they just shuffle Strowman off until after WrestleMania or is he going to be a part of the feud between Reigns and Taker? The triple threat would likely be a better match than the singles match given Taker's age and health, but it would not be the WrestleMania epic that Reigns vs. Taker is on paper.
Analysis: This was a solid finish to the show though was a bit confusing in presentation. Did they just shuffle Strowman off until after WrestleMania or is he going to be a part of the feud between Reigns and Taker? The triple threat would likely be a better match than the singles match given Taker's age and health, but it would not be the WrestleMania epic that Reigns vs. Taker is on paper.
Got to love a feud where one guy is too injured to do anything and the other only appears by satellite. Screams WrestleMania.
Final Notes: A new package was shown for the soon-to-come return of Austin Aries as a member of the cruiserweights. Enzo and Cass met Cesaro and Sheamus backstage as they prepared for their title match with the heavyweight reminding the number one contenders of unfinished business between them.
Enzo and Cass nearly came to blows with Cesaro and Sheamus backstage before Foley separated them with the help of security, announcing the two teams would fight next week to decide the number one contender at WrestleMania before Stephanie called Foley to her office.
A video package was shown of Seth Rollins' recovery post-attack from Joe with Triple H then responding via satellite, laughing at Rollins' stupidity promising to appear at WrestleMania. Reigns promised to end the night in the center of the ring if Strowman wanted to fight him again.
Conclusion: This show may frustrate fans, but it did its job extremely well, adding heat and momentum to all of Raw's major matches for WrestleMania. The cruiserweights in particular had one of their best weeks to date with the match of the night and multiple feuds pushing forward.
Not only that, WWE actually set up matches for next week with it feeling like we were truly on the Road to WrestleMania. If Raw could do this much quality work every week, I would never have to complain even with its clear faults.
It was a night of strong wrestling that didn't overstay its welcome and left more to come as well as segments that set up the Mania season well. It even culminated in the return of The Undertaker in a way that was somewhat expected. Perhaps last night made me willing to face anything else, but I enjoyed Raw.
Enzo and Cass nearly came to blows with Cesaro and Sheamus backstage before Foley separated them with the help of security, announcing the two teams would fight next week to decide the number one contender at WrestleMania before Stephanie called Foley to her office.
A video package was shown of Seth Rollins' recovery post-attack from Joe with Triple H then responding via satellite, laughing at Rollins' stupidity promising to appear at WrestleMania. Reigns promised to end the night in the center of the ring if Strowman wanted to fight him again.
Conclusion: This show may frustrate fans, but it did its job extremely well, adding heat and momentum to all of Raw's major matches for WrestleMania. The cruiserweights in particular had one of their best weeks to date with the match of the night and multiple feuds pushing forward.
Not only that, WWE actually set up matches for next week with it feeling like we were truly on the Road to WrestleMania. If Raw could do this much quality work every week, I would never have to complain even with its clear faults.
It was a night of strong wrestling that didn't overstay its welcome and left more to come as well as segments that set up the Mania season well. It even culminated in the return of The Undertaker in a way that was somewhat expected. Perhaps last night made me willing to face anything else, but I enjoyed Raw.