Raw was live last night in Atlanta, Georgia. Big news was announced last week that Roman Reigns was going to return to Monday Night Raw with an update regarding his battle with leukemia. Also, the WWE Universe celebrate the 70th birthday of the limousine riding, jet flying; kiss stealin’, wheelin dealin’ son of a gun, Ric Flair.

   Raw kicks off with the return of the Big Dog, Roman Reigns. Roman returns with a standing ovation by the WWE Universe. Roman announces that his leukemia is in remission and will be returning to the WWE.

   Congrats to Roman for his successful battle against the disease. After the announcement, Seth Rollins came out to hug his Shield brother in celebration.

Aleister Black & Ricochet v. The Revival

   The NXT talent has made their presence known for the second straight week. This time the high flying Ricochet teams with the Dutch Destroyer, Aleister Black to take on the Raw Tag Team Champions, The Revival.

   The two teams had a heck of a match, keeping you on your toes after every move. The Revival looked to be setting up for the win until Ricochet broke up their double team which led to Aleister to hit the Black Mass for the win.

Elias Attempts Concert

   Elias last week was unable to have his concert, so here went round 2. However, the concert was a no go. First, Lacey Evans made her presence known by strutting down the ramp. Then, Dean Ambrose came out to challenge Drew McIntyre to a no-disqualification match later in the night.

   He then went into the ring to ask Elias for a song. The song never was played because Dean was able to hit the Dirty Deeds on Elias.

The Riott Squad v. Natalya & Ronda Rousey

   Ronda Rousey is going full speed towards WrestleMania. However, she needs to get rid of The Riott Squad that continues to try to stop her from getting there. That is why she and her friend Natalya teamed up to take on and take down The Riott Squad.

   The match was a back and forth affair with both team getting an advantage. However, as Ronda looked to be closing in on the win for her team, outcame Becky Lynch from the crowd. With crutch in hand, she knocked down Natalya and attempted to get to Ronda before security and police escorted her backstage and took her to jail.

   Ronda wanted to end this once and for all and demanded Vince McMahon to come to the ring to unsuspend Becky Lynch and drop all charges so she can fight Becky at WrestleMania. However, Stephanie McMahon came out and stated that her demand was not happening.

   Ronda does not like Stephanie’s answer, which led her to do something no one saw coming. Ronda laid the Raw Women’s Championship in front of Stephanie and walked away. Does this mean Ronda relinquished the Raw Women’s Championship? What happens to WrestleMania now?

Jinder Mahal v. ???

   Jinder Mahal was not digging the Ric Flair Celebration. That is why he came out to challenge anyone who was invited to the celebration later in the night. His opponent turned out to be Kurt Angle.

   The Hall of Famer took Jinder and the Singh Brothers to school and easily defeated Jinder after locking in the Ankle Lock for the submission victory.

A Moment of Bliss w/ Special Guest: Finn Balor

   Alexa Bliss came out to begin with a proposition to the McMahons about being the replacement to Ronda Rousey in the match at WrestleMania.

   She then invited the Intercontinental Champion, Finn Balor out to talk about his success since winning the Championship at Elimination Chamber. Lio Rush then came out to try to get the Intercontinental Champion back for Bobby Lashley. However, to Finn heard his demand as a challenge.

Finn Balor v. Lio Rush: Intercontinental Championship

   The challenge was then set for right then and there. Lio attempted to get the Intercontinental Championship back for his man, Bobby Lashley. Lio scratched and clawed, but it was unsuccessful.

   Finn Balor was able to hit the Coupe de Grace for the win. Finn week after week is increasing his distance away from Lio and Bobby Lashley with his eyes set on WrestleMania.

Bobby Lashley v. Braun Strowman

   Before the match was able to begin, Bobby and Lio attacked Braun. However, the Monster had none of it. Braun cleared house and stood tall. These two behemoths will cross down the same road sometime soon, and it will be a setup for chaos.

Drew McIntyre v. Dean Ambrose: No Disqualification Match

   These two men squared off in a rematch from last week. Being that these two are known for destruction, they definitely showed it in this no DQ match.

   It was anyone’s match until Elias came out to ensure a McIntyre victory. Drew was then able to hit the Claymore kick on Dean for the pin and the win. Bobby Lashley and Baron Corbin came down to make it a four on one assault on Dean.

   Then, Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns came down to save Dean. The two cleared house leaving nothing in their sight, except Dean Ambrose. Is this going to lead to the reunion of The Shield?

Bayley v. Nia Jax

   Being the first WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions, Bayley and Sasha Banks know they have targets on their backs. Their first challengers are Nia Jax and Tamina who get their shot at Fastlane.

   However, each team attempted to get an advantage before their championship match. Bayley being the underdog, had to strive and create a game plan to take down Nia. However, Bayley has the heart of a champion and will not give up.

   Bayley was able to capitalize on a big opportunity to hit Nia Jax with an elbow for the win. Bayley took down the larger Nia Jax by the skin of her teeth. However, a win is a win and it is momentum towards Fastlane.

Ric Flair’s 70th Birthday Celebration

   In the city that once was the home of the promotion Ric Flair helped build, World Championship Wrestling, WWE pays the ultimate respect in honor of Flair’s 70th birthday.

   Triple H & Stephanie McMahon brought the Raw roster to ringside for this momentous occasion. They also invited some of Ric Flair’s closest allies and greatest rivalries for this massive celebration. Names such as: Shawn Michaels, Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat and “The Icon” Sting.

   The two then showed off a custom made World Heavyweight Championship belt followed by a special video package of Ric Flair’s career. Then, it was time to bring out the birthday boy, the “Nature Boy” Ric Flair.

   The music hit and the crowd gave its loudest “WOO,” but there was no Flair. Then, cut backstage as a man is dragging a cameraman to Ric Flair’s locker room. Then it showed who the man was, Batista.

   Batista dragged out Flair and looked at the camera and called out Triple H to see if he finally got his attention. Batista has come back and has made his presence very well known and his message is clear as day.

Conclusion

   What a jam-packed episode of Monday Night Raw. The news of Roman’s cancer being in remission. Followed by Ronda dropping the Raw Women’s Championship at the feet of Stephanie McMahon. Concluding with the return of Batista. What a newsworthy episode of Monday Night Raw.

David Jacobus
Staff Writer