Raw was live last night in Chicago, Illinois. We are getting closer down the road to WrestleMania. Who faces Kurt Angle in his final match at WrestleMania? Also, what message does Universal Champion Brock Lesnar send to his opponent at WrestleMania, Seth Rollins?
Raw kicks off with the Universal Champion Brock Lesnar and his advocate Paul Heyman. Paul Heyman ranted about the upcoming beating that Seth Rollins is going to get at WrestleMania.
Drew McIntyre came out to say that Seth Rollins is not even going to make it to WrestleMania after he is done with him in their match later in the night. Seth Rollins then came from behind a brutalized Drew with a steel chair. After Rollins then locked eyes with Brock, he went to the ring to confront him. However, Brock walked out the ring and then out of the arena.
Finn Balor & Braun Strowman v. Bobby Lashley & Lio Rush
Last week on Raw, Bobby Lashley won back the Intercontinental Championship from Finn Balor thanks to the interference of Lio Rush. Finn vows to Bobby Lashley that he will regain that Intercontinental Championship very soon. However, back to the match at hand, Finn Balor needed a partner. So, why not the “Monster Among Men” Braun Strowman.
The two teams duked it out in front of a jam-packed crowd in Chicago. Bobby attempted to take out Finn and use the numbers game against Braun. However, that was to no avail as Finn & Braun were able to pick up the win over Bobby & Lio. Finn has his eyes set on one thing and that is reclaiming the Intercontinental Championship.
A Moment of Bliss with Special Guest: Elias
The Host of WrestleMania, Alexa Bliss came out to grant Elias a moment where he will not be interrupted. She announced that Elias will be the musical act of WrestleMania. He announced that this year will make sure you forgot last year’s WrestleMania.
However, before he could give a sneak peek of his music, out came the No Way Jose’s conga line led by Heavy Machinery. Elias became immensely frustrated by the interruption, but No Way Jose in disguise attacked Elias from behind.
Elias v. No Way Jose
The previous segment created the following match. In a short match, Elias was easily able to put away No Way Jose with the Drift Away. Elias now can focus on one thing and that is preparing to be the musical act of WrestleMania.
Kurt Angle v. Chad Gable
Before the match, Kurt Angle announced his opponent at WrestleMania will be Baron Corbin. He then announced his opponent for tonight, which is Chad Gable. He is a fellow Olympian who had admired Kurt Angle throughout his career. That is why he is honored to be his opponent on Raw.
The two had a solid matchup. These two technical wrestlers stole the show in a match to see. Chad tried everything in his arsenal to defeat Kurt, but after a missed Moonsault attempt, Kurt was able to lock in the Ankle Lock for the win.
After the match, Baron Corbin came out to state that at WrestleMania, he is going to embarrass Kurt Angle in his final match.
The Boss & Hug Connection Announce their Plans for WrestleMania
Since winning the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships, Sasha Banks & Bayley have appeared on Raw and even made the trip to NXT. However, they have not made the trip to SmackDown as stated by The IIconics. That is why they stated that they will make the trip SmackDown tomorrow night.
Then, out came Natalya and WWE Hall of Famer Beth Phoenix. Beth & Natalya challenged Sasha & Bayley for a match for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships at WrestleMania. The two teams exchanged words which led to melee to ensue.
Natalya v. Sasha Banks
After the carnage halted, the match was set between the two who started the exchange of words. The two had a quick match that was interrupted by the Samoa Slaughterhouse. Nia Jax had words for Beth Phoenix before Tamina attacked her from behind and then leveled Sasha and Bayley with superkicks.
Ricochet v. Jinder Mahal
In a decent match, Ricochet was able to defeat Jinder Mahal using the 630 for the pin and the win. Ricochet showed off his unique ability and his array of maneuvers to take out Mahal & The Singh Brothers. Ricochet continues to impress the world with abilities that are unlike anybody we have ever seen.
Ronda Rousey v. Dana Brooke: Raw Women’s Championship
Last week, Dana Brooke looked for an opportunity to challenge Ronda Rousey for the Raw Women’s Championship. However, all Ronda did was attack her and leave her laying in the ring.
In a short time, Ronda Rousey locked in the armbar on Dana Brooke and successfully retained the Raw Women’s Championship. Ronda was not done with the attack. She attacked more officials and then her husband Travis Browne attacked an official as well. Ronda was fined last week, but now she is out of control with no stop in sight.
Baron Corbin v. Apollo Crews
Apollo Crews feels that Kurt Angle is going to shut up Baron Corbin at WrestleMania, but he wanted to do it on Raw. Since Kurt made the decision, social media went into a tirade against Baron Corbin. This led to Baron getting himself distracted by the Chicago crowd which allowed Apollo to roll up Baron for the win.
Batista Tells his Story
Batista from his home in Tampa, Florida tells his story on why he has a vendetta against Triple H. He stated that Triple H has used everyone in his path to make him look dominant. Batista stated that he messes with the mind of the people around him to make him look powerful.
Since day one, Triple H used his mind games to make Triple H look like the powerful guy we all see today. Batista wants Vince McMahon to wake up and fire Triple H. He then vowed that he will end the in-ring career of The Game at WrestleMania.
Drew McIntyre v. Seth Rollins
Before the match, Drew McIntyre sent a message to Seth Rollins on why he attacked his Shield brothers last week. He sent a message to both Roman Reigns and Dean Ambrose stating it will only get worse for Seth Rollins on his road to WrestleMania.
Seth made his way down to the ring and before the bell rang, Rollins and Drew brawled down the ramp. The two went on to have a very intense and very physical match. Drew McIntyre would go on to dominate the match and making good on his promise to try to take out The Shield. The destruction of Seth Rollins brings only joy to the ears of Brock Lesnar.
Seth Rollins made a comeback to try and get back into the match and seemed to be closing in on the win, however, Brock Lesnar made his presence known, which distracted Seth and opened the door for Drew McIntyre to hit the Claymore for the win.
Conclusion
This was a real lackluster episode of Monday Night Raw. A week after a huge episode which built towards WrestleMania, this week fell flat. Especially when Kurt Angle announced that his final opponent at WrestleMania is Baron Corbin.
During Raw they announced that there was backlash on social media, so hopefully there is a swerve in the works, but if not, this is not the match a lot of people want to see as Kurt Angle’s final opponent in his career.
David Jacobus
Staff Writer