WWE Raw
PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina
We saw a shot outside Lincoln Financial Field as we are just 19 days away from WrestleMania. We saw Cody Rhodes arriving to Raw earlier in the day with his dog Pharaoh. Pharaoh was wearing a bandana which read “The Rock Is A Cat.” We also saw DIY and The Creed Brothers arriving.
Jey Uso / Jimmy Uso Promo
Jey Uso came out to a big reaction. Huge YEET chants from the crowd. Jey welcomed everyone to WWE Raw. Jey said he knows The Bloodline are in the building. The fans booed as Jimmy Uso and Solo Sikoa appeared from the crowd. Jey and Jimmy went face to face. The crowd chanted Usos. Jey said this feels a little different. Jey said he misses Jimmy despite everything that happened between me. Jey spoke about not ridding or going anywhere with Jimmy anywhere. Jey said he missed Jimmy.
Jimmy told Jey he never left him. Jimmy said he protected Jey. Jimmy said it was Jey’s idea to leave The Bloodline. Jimmy said Jey needed help to leave The Bloodline. Jimmy spoke about Jey leaving The Bloodline to become a top star and merchandise seller. Jimmy said Jey won the WWE Tag Team Titles without him. Jimmy said Jey won with Cody Rhodes. Jimmy said Jey’s biggest moment in his career is because of him. Jey said his biggest moment of his career when he faces Jimmy at WrestleMania. Jey said he’s going to knock the YEET out of Jimmy’s ass. Jey decked Jimmy. A brawl broke out as Jimmy nailed Jey with a Superkick. The crowd cheered as Cody Rhodes ran down to make the save. Cody gave Solo Sikoa a Cody Cutter which looked awesome.
(Amin’s Thoughts) This was a good segment. I thought both Jey and Jimmy were great in their roles. Jey was playing the sincere babyface who misses his brother’s company. Jimmy was trying to take the credit for Jey’s success. Cody Rhodes coming out to make the save was nicely done with his ongoing program with The Bloodline. I could Cody and Jey vs. Jimmy and Solo having a tag match before WrestleMania.
We saw a highlight package hyping the Last Woman Standing Match between Becky Lynch vs. Nia Jax.
We saw Adam Pearce on the phone backstage presumably with Nick Aldis about keeping the SmackDown roster in check. Paul Heyman appeared. Heyman said that wasn’t authorized by Roman Reigns and The Rock. Heyman said he’s not dressed to be here. Heyman said Jimmy and Solo are gone. Heyman said that’s Roman Reigns word. Heyman said he’s going to handle his official business and leave. Heyman said when he handles his official business everyone will be caught off guard. Heyman told Pearce that’s a spoiler. Heyman told his phone to call Roman Reigns.
DIY (Johnny Gargano & Tommaso Ciampa) def. The Creed Brothers (Brutus & Julius Creed) in a WrestleMania Tag Team Qualifying Match in 18:35. DIY got a strong reaction from the crowd. Ciampa and Julius began with some nice mat wrestling. Julius went for an ankle lock but Ciampa grabbed the ropes. DIY took early control as Gargano caught Julius with an assisted sliced bread. Ciampa and Gargano delivered stereo plancha to The Creeds on the floor. They returned from break with Brutus sending Gargano flying with an overhead suplex. Brutus planted Gargano with a bridging Northern Lights Suplex. This led to Brutus catching Ciampa and Gargano in a double pin for a two count. Julius connected with an overhead splash to Ciampa for two. Brutus and Julius planted DIY with stereo delayed suplex. Brutus and Julius followed hitting stereo Moonsaults for two. The Creeds called for a Super Brutus Ball but Gargano made the save. Brutus delivered a pounce sending Ciampa flying over the announcer’s table. Ciampa caught Julius with a reverse DDT as the returned from break. Gargano ran wild delivered a bulldog/clothesline combo to The Creeds. Gargano caught Julius with a slingshot spear for two. Ciampa planted Julius with a Super Air Raid Crash for two. Julius battled back as he and Ciampa exchanged big strikes. Julius caught Ciampa in an ankle lock. Gargano tried to make the save. There was an awesome spot as Julius caught Gargano with a one-handed Powerbomb. The Creeds placed DIY in stereo ankle locks. DIY broke free as they placed The Creeds in stereo Gargano Escapes. The Creeds broke free. The Creeds delivered stereo Moonsaults to Ciampa for two. The Creeds went for a Super Brutus Ball. Ciampa countered catching Julius in a Victory Roll but Brutus made the save. Julius caught Ciampa with a Victory Roll. Gargano nailed Julius with a Superkick. Ciampa transitioned catching Julius with a Victory Roll for the win.
(Amin’s Thoughts) This was a great action packed tag team match. Brutus and Julius both looked great as this was one of their strongest showings since coming up the WWE main roster. The Creed Brothers haven’t been on Raw much. I would like to see The Creed Brothers get back into the mix post-WrestleMania. This was a really good showing from Ciampa and Gargano as they looked great in the way. DIY have been one of my favourite tag teams to watch since their time in NXT. It’s really cool seeing DIY get the chance to wrestle at WrestleMania.
We saw Judgment Day hanging in their clubhouse with Andrade. Dominik told Andrade he liked his style. Dominik noted things are different now. Dominik noted Judgment Day runs Raw. Rhea Ripley said Judgment Day is a very exclusive club. Ripley said if Andrade can impress them they will see if they can make things happen. Finn Balor noted Andrade had match next week and they will be watching. Andrade saw Damian Priest as he was about to leave. They exchanged pleasantries. Priest noted DIY had qualified for the WrestleMania Tag Title match. Priest brought up how JD McDonagh didn’t handle the Gauntlet Match. Ripley brought up how Ricochet made McDonagh look like a fool. Ripley said Dominik is going to take care of Ricochet. Dominik was taken off guard. Dominik noted he was going to talk to Pearce to get the match made.
Michael Cole touted Thunderbolt Patterson will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame class of 2024.
Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell def. Kayden Carter & Katana Chance in 2:00. Carter shined early catching LeRae with a springboard dropkick. Hartwell tagged in. Carter nailed LeRae with a superkick. Hartwell rocked Carter with a big boot. LeRae went for a back senton but Carter moved. Chance ran wild rocking Hartwell with a running clothesline. Hartwell went for a backdrop suplex. Carter landed on her feet but sold her leg on the landing. LeRae tagged in. LeRae wrapped Chance’s leg around the ring post. LeRae placed Chance in a knee bar for the submission win.
- LeRae celebrated with Hartwell after the match. Hartwell wasn’t sure how to react to LeRae’s way of winning.
(Amin’s Thoughts) I thought this was a much better way to get LeRae over as a heel by going after Chance’s injured leg to get the win. I’m interested to see if Hartwell stands up to LeRae or follows along and goes heel with her.
We saw highlights from The Rock’s concert on SmackDown.
We saw a highlight for Bray Wyatt’s new documentary which airs on Peacock on April 1st.
Cody Rhodes Promo
Cody Rhodes came out to a huge reaction. Cody got a nice firework display. The WOAHHH are getting louder and louder. Huge Cody chants from the crowd. Cody spoke being in the WrestleMania main event for two years in a row challenging Roman Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Universal Title. Cody said he was going to have a conversation with Reigns on SmackDown. Cody said there’s some complications along the way namely “The Rock!” The crowd booed. Cody spoke about The Rock’s entertaining concert on SmackDown. Cody said The Rock didn’t want to be here tonight. The crowd booed. Cody spoke about Rock’s Instagram video. Cody said Rock calls himself as out favourite heel. Cody said it was kinda an insider term. Cody said Rock was a bad guy. Cody brought up names of classic wrestling heels. Cody said he didn’t think Rock was a heel. Cody called Rock an A**hole. The crowd cheered.
Cody told Rock and the Seven Bucks team not to get upset. Cody said he knows they don’t like emotion as he brought up Rock mocked him for crying. Cody claimed how Rock has been crying behind the scenes the entire time. Cody said Rock went to his buddies on the TKO board and said he was here to save WWE. Cody mocked Rock as he pointed the crowd they drew for the show. Cody brought up how Rock thought it would be great P.R until it wasn’t. said Rock thought it’d be good p.r. until it wasn’t. Cody brought up how they’re lots of yes-men and they don’t tell him the truth, so he will. Cody said Rock was a lot of great things like a Mount Rushmore wrestler. Cody also said Rock was also a terrible salesman and a “carny succubus.“ Cody said “You’re whiney b*tch.” Cody said Rock needs the locker room, more than they need him.
Cody recalled speaking about his mother. Cody said it was fair game Rock brought up his mother. Cody said he knows Rock’s mom. Cody said she’s salt of the earth and recalled her helping him by chopping Kevin Owens in a dark match. Cody said he has nothing but respect for Rock’s mom and it’s a respect that should echo back toward his mom. Cody brought up how Rock claimed his mom would tremble when he hands her a bloody weight belt. Cody said his mother once beat up an undercover cop at a Willie Nelson concert and said she’s not afraid of The Rock.
Cody brought up the WrestleMania Tag Team Match. Cody wasn’t sure if there will be Bloodline Rules when he faces Reigns. Cody said he wasn’t sure if he was going to finish the story. Cody questioned what Rock would do when the match starts. Cody wondered if there would be Big Dwayne Energy or LDS – “Little D*ck Syndrome.” The crowd cheered this. There was a LDS chant from the crowd. Cody gave credit to Brian Gewirtz for coming up with The Final Boss name. Cody said at WrestleMania, Rock would be Reigns side chick.
Paul Heyman came out. Heyman apologized to Cody for bringing out off-duty NYPD officers. Heyman said it was pretty stupid and noted that the plan didn’t work. Cody said he didn’t need an apology. Cody invited Heyman into the ring. Heyman said he’s fine of the ring steps. Heyman spoke about Reigns going face-to-face with Cody on SmackDown. Heyman said Reigns would appear alone without any Bloodline. Cody said that’s fine. Heyman told Cody he forgot to mention something. The fans booed. Heyman told the crowd to not boo him. Cody said he would go full Homelander and rip his throat out. Heyman said if Reigns comes alone. Heyman said Cody must come alone as well. Cody walked up to Heyman. Cody agreed. Cody offered a handshake. Heyman accepted. Cody’s music played.
(Amin’s Thoughts) A tremendous promo from Cody. Cody sounded great on the mic and had some great jabs toward The Rock. I really like how they are making the Cody and Rock stuff feel like there’s tension between. Cody and Heyman were great playing off each other. Good stuff here setting up the Cody and Reigns segment for SmackDown.
Nia Jax was backstage looking into the camera. Jax brought up how Becky Lynch never beat her. Jax said Becky will never beat her. Jax said she would break Becky’s face again. Jax said she would take and Becky’s spot at WrestleMania and win the Women’s World Title.
We saw Cody Rhodes walking backstage. Jey Uso appeared asking Cody if he’s sure going to SmackDown alone. Cody said he gave his word. Jey said Bloodline would be there. Jey said he would have Cody’s back if he needed him.
Ricochet def. Dominik Mysterio (w/JD McDonagh) in 7:22. Ricochet shined early catching Dominik with a handspring elbow. Ricochet went for a dive but McDonagh showed him out of the way. Ricochet posed in the ring. Ricochet hit a corkscrew splash onto Dominik on the floor. McDonagh grabbed hold onto Ricochet’s leg. Dominik took advantage hitting a basement slide. Dominik planted Ricochet with an X-Factor for two. Dominik went for the 3 Amigos but Ricochet broke free. Ricochet rocked Dominik with a Detonation Kick for two. Ricochet nailed Dominik with a Superkick. Ricochet went for a 450 Splash but Dominik moved. Ricochet caught McDonagh with a springboard dropkick. Dominik went for a 619 but Ricochet moved. Ricochet caught Dominik with a Recoil for the win.
- McDonagh tried to attacked Ricochet after the match. Ricochet then ricocheted off the ropes out of the ring.
(Amin’s Thoughts) This was a fun as both Dominik and Ricochet worked well together. A good showing from Ricochet as it was nice to see him get the win. I would like if this leads to Ricochet gaining momentum and seeing him raking up some more wins.
We saw Sami Zayn walking backstage. Sami approached Chad Gable. Sami spoke about being pushed by Gable in the match mentioning it could have gone either way. Gable said it was great in a blowoff way. Sami asked Gable if everything is fine. Gable said he’s fine. Sami spoke about knowing Gable for so long. Gable told Sami the match meant more to him. Sami brought up how he’s fighting for his family and kids as well. Gable said it wasn’t about that. Sami asked Gable what this was about? Gable said Sami can’t beat Gunther. Gable left. Sami was taken off guard.
(Amin’s Thoughts) This was a nice followup from the finish of last week’s Gauntlet Match between Sami and Gable. This was nice to see Gable being more serious and not letting go after not winning the Gauntlet Match.
WWE Intercontinental Title WrestleMania XL Contract Signing
Adam Pearce was inside the ring. Sami Zayn came out to a big babyface reaction. Gunther got a strong heel reaction. Gunther said this was the most important WrestleMania contract signing for the Intercontinental Title. Gunther wondered why Sami was dressed liked the rest of the “bums” in the crowd. Sami said Gunther’s smirk smile is starting to piss him off. Sami put over Gunther as beating his opponents on his own. Sami brought up how Gunther thinks that Sami can’t him. Sami brought up how people thought he was not gonna make it to WWE. Sami spoke about ending the Usos longest reigning tag team title reign at WrestleMania. Sami said he would end Gunther’s IC Title reign at WrestleMania. Sami signed the contract.
The crowd cheered for Sami. Gunther said Sami should listen to his new friend Chad Gable. Gunther noted Gable knows Sami can’t win. Gunther brought up how the crowd loves Sami. Gunther said even the crowd knows Sami can’t beat him. Gunther said even Sami knows he can’t win. Gunther said Sami wants to give him the biggest beating on the biggest stage at WrestleMania. Gunther signed the contract. Gunther stood up and was about to leave. Sami told Gunther to wait. Sami told Gunther to look into his yes. Sami said he’s going to take Gunther down at Wrestlemania. Sami left the ring.
(Amin’s Thoughts) This was a good segment here between Gunther and Sami. I liked the story with Gunther being his usual tremendous self as the confident champion. Gunther just looks like a top star and speaks on the mic with so much confidence. Sami was great here cutting the underdog promo getting the fans behind him that he could beat Gunther at WrestleMania.
They aired a great one camera shot of Sami leaving the ring and walking backstage past Miz, R-Truth and DIY. Miz told R-Truth that’s the mindset you need heading into WrestleMania. Jinder Mahal and Indus Sher walked past them. R-Truth said he felt sorry for who had to face them. Miz told DIY he will explain to R-Truth. They aired another great one camera shot of Miz and R-Truth walking from backstage into the arena. Miz was about to do a Remix for the theme. R-Truth told Miz to follow his lead. R-Truth sang the song. Miz chimed in saying “The Awesome Truth.”
(Amin’s Thoughts) This new presentation with the camera shots, showing the WWE superstars arriving before the show and the video package to hype up matches are making the TV shows feel more fresh.
Awesome Truth (R-Truth & The Miz) def. Indus Sher (Veer & Sanga) (w/Jinder Mahal) in 3:15. Sanga took control early rocking Miz with a back elbow. Veer connected with a leaping elbow drop to Miz. Miz battled back getting R-Truth the hot tag. The fans cheered as R-Truth did John Cena’s signature spots including the Five Knuckle Shuffle. R-Truth placed Veer in a STF but Sanga made the save. Miz and R-Truth rocked Sanga with a double dropkick. Miz and R-Truth delivered a Skull Crushing Finale/Flatliner combo to Veer. Sanga nailed R-Truth with a back elbow. R-Truth fell onto Veer for the win.
(Amin’s Thoughts) This was a fine tag team match. Miz and R-Truth have an ongoing story with Judgement Day so it would make sense for them to win the match. The finish worked for R-Truth who the fans love as the comedic babyface star. I could definitely see R-Truth being the one who grabs the Raw Tag Team Titles at WrestleMania. That leads to the WWE Tag Team Titles splitting after WrestleMania.
We saw Drew McIntyre walking backstage wearing “Saviour of WrestleMania” shirt.
We saw Sami Zayn approach Chad Gable backstage. Sami wanted to know why Gable think he can’t beat Gunther. Gable told Sami it’s not physical, it’s mental. Gable mentioned Sami has made a career out of being the underdog who crawls his way out of any hole he ends up in. Gable noted Gunther is on a different level. Gable noted Sami would sit and wait for that opportunity to appear. Sami said that doesn’t happen with Gunther. Gable told Sami if he doesn’t change his mentality, then he can’t beat Gunther. Gable left.
We saw a highlight package of CM Punk training recovering from his triceps injury. Punk asked if he would be at WrestleMania. Punk said you can’t spell Philadelphia without Phil. Punk said he would be at WrestleMania whether he’s invited or uninvited. They hyped Punk will be appearing on Raw next week in Chicago.
(Amin’s Thoughts) Nice to see CM Punk will be appearing at WrestleMania. I’m wondering if next week in Chicago we will find out to what Punk might be doing in WrestleMania.
Drew McIntyre / Seth Rollins Promo
Drew McIntyre came out to a strong heel reaction. McIntyre’s music stopped. Seth Rollins music played. Rollins came out to a big reaction. The crowd sang along to Rollins theme song. Rollins welcomed everyone to Monday Night Rollins. Rollins said he didn’t notice McIntyre said he was soaking up the spotlight. McIntyre told Rollins to get everything off his chest. McIntyre said after WrestleMania, the spotlight is all his. Rollins said he’s here to admit one thing McIntyre was right about. Rollins said the first step on the road to recovery is the hardest. Rollins said his name and said he was a spotlight junkie. The crowd sang Rollins song.
McIntyre said everything is a joke to Rollins. McIntyre said Rollins is now a parody to himself. McIntyre said he only care about their WrestleMania match and the World Heavyweight Title. There was a really light what chant. McIntyre thanked them for reminding him that he took out Punk. McIntyre said the punchline is he’s gonna beat Rollins at WrestleMania. The crowd chanted CM Punk. McIntyre said Punk would be here next week. McIntyre said Punk would never be here in some place like Raleigh. The crowd booed as he said the name of the city wrong in a heel way. McIntyre looked into the camera. McIntyre said Punk would leave his couch in Chicago to justify his big contract.
Rollins cut McIntyre off. Rollins said this wasn’t a joke. Rollins said he’s been doing this for twenty years. Rollins said when he comes through the curtain that’s his fix that gets better every single time. Rollins said the same of when he leaves it all in the ring. Rollins said it gets better. Rollins said when the fans chant his song so long he can hardly speak. Rollins said he knows McIntyre has been busy on Twitter and hasn’t been listening to him. Rollins said he was take the biggest star in Hollywood and “his side chick”, and make him his b*itches. Rollins then said the spotlight would be on him and McIntyre.
McIntyre said Rollins made the title the workhorse championship and the wrestler’s title. McIntyre said Rollins had him until he mentioned the spotlight. McIntyre asked why the hard work can’t be the reason they are getting the spotlight. McIntyre said all he cares about is Rollins making it to the ring at WrestleMania. McIntyre said he would carry Rollins down to the ring if he can’t get there. McIntyre said he wouldn’t get the moment that he deserves. McIntyre said he will get the moment “that I’ve bloody earned.”
Rollins said McIntyre wants the spotlight just as bad as he does. Rollins spoke about McIntyre winning the WWE Title in an empty warehouse. Rollins said McIntyre has been whining and complaining that he deserved better. Rollins said while everyone came back around. Rollins said McIntyre fumbled the ball. Rollins said he shines bright in this situations. Rollins said McIntyre will find out when the lights shine brightest that he’s not as good as he thinks he is. Rollins dropped the mic and left the ring.
(Amin’s Thoughts) Good promos here from both McIntyre and Rollins building up the World Heavyweight Title match for WrestleMania. McIntyre keeps on bringing up Punk’s name. They are clearly building to something between McIntyre and Punk. I wondering if Punk’s WrestleMania appearance will lead to him having some role in the World Title match.
We saw Becky Lynch backstage. Becky said she’s less than three weeks away from the Women’s World Title match at WrestleMania. Becky said she took this match because all she knows is fighting. Becky said she would be the last woman standing.
The New Day (Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods) def. Alpha Academy (Akira Tozawa & Otis) in a WrestleMania Tag Team Qualifying Match in 9:40. New Day came out to a strong reaction. Otis took control rocking Woods with a running clubbing blow. Tozawa caught Kingston with a flying Hurricanrana. Tozawa connected with a tope to Kingston and Woods on the floor. Tozawa nailed Woods with a leg lariat as they returned from break. Otis ran wild rocking Woods with a huge lariat. Otis caught Kingston coming off the ropes with a Worlds Strongest Slam. Otis connected with a Caterpillar Elbow to Kingston for two. Otis went for a Vader Bomb but Kingston moved out of the way. Tozawa caught Kingston with a flying crossbody for two. Woods tagged in. Woods caught Tozawa with a slingshot DDT for two. Tozawa stopped Woods from climbing the ropes. Tozawa caught Woods with a Super Hurricanrana. Tozawa followed getting incredible height hitting a Super Senton Splash to Woods but Kingston made the save. Kingston caught Otis with a DDT on the floor. Woods caught Tozawa with a Sit-Out Powerbomb. Woods climbed the ropes. Woods pointed at the WrestleMania sign. Woods connected with the Limit Breaker for the win.
(Amin’s Thoughts) This was a fun action packed tag team match. A good showing from Tozawa and Otis giving them some strong near falls. A strong showing from Kofi and Woods as they looked great in the win. It’s going to be fun to see New Day who are of my favourite tag teams compete at WrestleMania.
We saw Becky Lynch stretching backstage. Liv Morgan appeared. Becky asked Liv if she had to watch her. Liv said Becky should always watch her. Liv told Becky tonight is all hers tonight. Liv told Becky to kick Jax ass. Liv left.
We saw Cody Rhodes backstage with Pharaoh. Rollins appeared. Rollins told Cody’s he’s going to SmackDown. Cody said he’s going alone. Cody left. Rollins said Pharaoh was wearing a nice bandana.
Becky Lynch def. Nia Jax in a Last Woman Standing Match in 18:35. Becky came out to a big reaction. Cole plugged Becky’s new book. Cole also mentioned how Becky was at the White House on Sunday. Cole mentioned Becky passed her test to become a U.S. Citizen. Nia Jax got a strong heel reaction. Becky started quickly catching Jax with a missile dropkick. Becky went for a flying forearm. Jax countered by running Becky into the barricade. The fans cheered as Becky grabbed a table as they retuned from break. Jax placed a stack of chairs inside the ring. Becky responded whacking Jax with a chair. Becky went for a Manhandle Slam but Jax blocked. Jax countered hitting a Samoan Drop onto a stack on chairs. Becky got up. Becky caught Jax in a sleeper hold. Becky planted Jax with a running bulldog onto a chair. Becky flew off the ropes. Jax responded swinging Becky with a chair. Jax whacked Becky with kendo sticks. Jax connected with a running leg drop to Becky onto a chair. Jax sat on a chair over Becky. Becky responded whacking Jax with a kendo stick. The action moved to the floor. Jax rammed the ring steps into Becky. Jax went for an apron leg drop but Becky moved out of the way. Becky planted Jax with a DDT onto the ring steps. Jax got up. There was a ladder set up at ringside as we retuned from break. Jax teased climbing the ladder. Becky blew fire extinguisher into Jax’s face. Jax caught Becky charging. Jax delivered a Samoan Drop sending Becky crashing through a table. Jax followed hitting an Annihilator. Becky rolled to the floor. Jax carried Becky onto the ring apron. Becky escaped. Becky delivered a Manhandle Slam from the ring apron sending Jax crashing through a table on the floor. This got a huge reaction. Jax got up at nine. Becky climbed the ladder. Becky delivered a flying leg drop off the ladder as Jax went crashing through the announcers table. Becky won to a big reaction.
- WWE Women’s World Champion Rhea Ripley came out after the match. Becky and Ripley had a stare down. The show ended.
(Amin’s Thoughts) This was a great action packed match. A tremendous showing from both Becky and Jax as they both worked great together. The visual of Becky delivering a flying leg drop off the ladder for the win was a great visual. A great win for Becky building her up for her Women’s World Title match with Ripley. The stare down between Becky and Ripley. Becky and Ripley feels like a big WrestleMania match.
OVERALL THOUGHTS
There were some very strong wrestling matches on the show. I really enjoyed watching Becky/Jax and DIY vs. Creed Brothers. I also thought Cody Rhodes delivered a great promo to hype WrestleMania and his appearance on SmackDown this week. We got more build toward WrestleMania. Overall, this was a very good episode of Raw. The WrestleMania card is coming along well.
