Monday Night Raw comes to us live tonight inside the All State Arena in Chicago, Illinois!
Brock Lesnar & Seth Rollins
The familiar tone of the Universal champion, Brock Lesnar’s music kicked off Monday Night Raw this week. Paul Heyman, reminded everyone of what happens every time he wrestles someone like Seth Rollins, the outcome is the same every time, Lesnar wins.
Drew McIntyre came out and reminds everyone that he took out the Shield last week. After tonight, Lesnar is going to need a new opponent for Wrestlemania after he’s finished with Seth tonight.
Rollins comes out and attacks McIntyre with a steel chair. After laying out McIntyre, he headed for Lesnar in the ring. Lesnar retreats and Rollins begged him to come in the ring. Lesnar held up the Universal title as he walked up the ramp.
It’s always a solid start to Raw went Lesnar kicks off this show. I’m hoping the two get physical in the next couple weeks. They have two more episodes to wrap up this story heading to Wrestlemania and i’m optimistic to see what’ll happen between now and the show of shows.
Kurt Angle Chooses His ‘Mania Opponent
Kurt Angle was out tonight to announce his opponent for his final match at Wrestlemania 35!
Angle thanked the McMahon’s for letting him choose his opponent at Wrestlemania. He chose Baron Corbin. He said that nothing would make him happier than to end his career by tapping out Corbin at ‘Mania.
This didn’t go over well with the crowd but it will be a good moment when hopefully Angle wins over Corbin in a few weeks. This is more about the moment after the match than the match itself.
Also, Angle wrestled Chad Gable tonight. Two former United States Olympic wrestlers squaring off in the WWE, something we may never see again.
WWE Woman’s Tag Team Championships at ‘Mania
WWE Hall of Famer Beth Phoenix and Natalya challenged Raw Woman’s Tag Team champions for the belts at ‘Mania tonight. The dragon was awoken at Fastlane and Phoenix is coming out of retirement.
Sasha Banks & Bayley accepted the challenge. Things broke down and the two teams went at it.
Natalya & Banks wrestled after and it was broken up by Nia Jax & Tamina who beat both teams down.
Ronda Rousey vs. Dana Brooke
Ronda Rousey defended her Raw Woman’s championship tonight against Dana Brooke.
Rousey tapped out Brooke in about 20 seconds with the arm bar. Ronda didn’t let go and ruined Brooke’s arm. Rousey goes after security next along with Rousey’s husband, Travis Browne getting involved as well.
This is exactly how this match should have gone. Rousey lookes like a bad ass and makes her look very strong. Brooke sold the arm and was given medical attention in the arena. Great segment.
Batista Tells His Side of the Story
Batista was live via satellite tonight. He said that he’s always wanted to come back and have this match. Way before Evolution, Triple H groomed Batista to be his muscle. That’s what he does, look at Evolution and DX.
He said Triple H talked down to him and held him down. He left WWE because of Triple H and since, he’s become a huge movie star. Batista said Triple H is the most insecure and jealous control freak he’s ever met.
Batista’s hoping that Vince McMahon wakes up one day and fires him. At Wrestlemania, Batista is going to end his career.
Strong words from Batista. The crowd chanted for CM Punk the whole time, taking away from the promo.
Drew McIntyre Challenges Roman Reigns
After laying out Reigns last week, McIntyre challenged the Big Dog for a fight at Wrestlemania.
Reigns was not only the show because of the attack last week and could not accept. McIntyre said while Reigns beat leukemia, he will never beat Drew McIntyre.
This was a really strong promo, i’m looking forward to this match up at the grandest stage of them all!
Drew defeated Seth Rollins in the main event with a distraction from Brock Lesnar. Great win for McIntyre heading into the show of shows.
Overall, this seemed like a filler show before things start heating up over the next few weeks. While there were some memorable moments, nothing other than Batista’s promo will be remembered from this episode.
Hopefully SmackDown can pick up the slack from Raw tonight. Here’s to a great episode of SmackDown Live tomorrow night!
