The Beast is here. John Cena is losing his mind and with WrestleMania is just a couple of weeks away. This is the time where the WWE starts to tighten up on storylines. After a great few weeks of action in the ring. Will this story based show be as good as the past few shows or will it flounder? Let’s begin.
The Beast and his advocate.
Paul Heyman does what Paul Heyman does. Whether you enjoy it or not. Heyman has been the best match promoter in over a decade for the WWE. Again, Heyman pulls no punches. He goes through the storylines that have been set up between Brock and Roman Reigns. Even calling out/name dropping Roman’s illustrious heritage. Heyman says “Roman can not be here!”. Alas, Roman shows up. Through the crowd no less. Roman approaches the ring and is immediately met by Brock’s fist. Roman tries for a Superman punch off the steel steps. But Brock counters with a suplex. Brock continues a beating with steel steps and chairs. After the beating Brock served. Brock walks back to the ring of a beaten Roman to deliver a F-5. Standing proudly over a disposed Roman.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-IxZMzg6XY&w=640&h=360]
The Irresistible Force.
Nia Jax vs Mickie James. Shortly after Nia is introduced. A recap of what Alexa Bliss said about Nia is played. Then the two new BFFs walk down. Nia just dominates. Like she should. There was a few good spots from Mickie. Just like a future HOFer performer is capable of. Mickie goes for a top rope maneuver, only to have Nia counter with a power press, Samoan Drop for the win.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9vZe6CCD6zg&w=640&h=360]
The Billion Dollar Princess is training.
Next we are greeted with a video package of Stephanie McMahon. The Billion Dollar Princess is training hard. It was well produced. Building up Steph as a fighter in WWE. I simply just can not stop laughing as I write this. But see for yourself.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rO2AgXo2aRM&w=640&h=360]
205 Live on Raw
Next up we are treated to a 205 Live tag team match. Between the finalists for the Cruiserweight Championship title and the heels. Cedric Alexander/Mustafa Ali vs TJP/Drew Gulak. If this was a dark match, it would be entertaining. However, this was a match on the WWE’s flagship show. Not to say it was bad. But the commentators were just ignoring the match and talking to the GM of 205 Live, Drake Maverick. So, it became a filler match. Cedric hits a Lumbar Check after a blind tag from Ali. Then Ali hits his 0-4-5. Which is a 540 splash for the win.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXqUpBX-hkU&w=640&h=360]
The End of The Miztourage?
Miz TV begins. It starts off with The Miz berating his Miztourage. Afterwards, Seth Rollins interrupts. Seth calls out Bo Dallas on what he said about the Miz in the locker room. Rollins says that Bo called Miz a jerk. Bo said ” No. I called him a phony A-Lister, who can’t fight!”. After Bo realized what he said, Finn Balor walks out. Balor continues to egg on the separation of the Miztourage. Just as it seems that the Miztourage is done. The Miztourage attack Finn and Seth. This was a great segment displaying The Miz’s mic skills.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=88LNkHsCiw8&w=640&h=360]
The Empress of tomorrow on RAW
Asuka is still showing up on RAW. Despite challenging Smackdown Live’s Women’s Champion Charlotte. Asuka has a quick squash match with a local jobber. Hitting a fierce roundhouse kick for the win.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g8JzNPfpLiI&w=640&h=360]
Woken Universe is here.
After a quick backtrack from Michael Cole from last week’s introduction of Ultimate Deletion. Corey Graves calls out Cole. Graves basically told Cole on how he was wrong and how the fans loved Ultimate Deletion. This was followed up with an always brilliant, yet confusing promo from Woken Matt Hardy. Now I feel the need to do some gardening.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=igUMzusXpaE&w=640&h=360]
Friendship is wearing thin.
Next up is a segment between Bayley and Sasha Banks. The two exchange words. Bayley states that Sasha is good with her being passive. Sasha agrees, and then attacks her. Setting up a NXT continuation of the great feus these two had.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H0DFRx8Tuq0&w=640&h=360]
Who will The Monster team up with?
The Monster Among Men, Braun Strowman enters. His opponent is one half of the WWE Raw Tag Team Champions, Sheamus. The Celtic Warrior gets on the mic and tries to get Braun to announce his partner for WrestleMania. Strowman says, “if you beat me tonight. I’ll announce it.” The match starts. With both Cesaro and now Sheamus putting up a really good fight against Braun. It seems the The MOnster will need a partner for WrestleMania . However, just as you try to write off Braun. He comes through with brute strength. Cesaro tries to interfere with match. But Braun hits Sheamus with a Powerslam for the win. We still do not know who will be Braun’s partner.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YKigQVoTM6c&w=640&h=360]
Ronda Rousey
The Olympic Hero Kurt Angle comes out to praise Ronda Rousey on her training. Kurt says she is ready. Ronda says that is “Trust fund tough” and she will get everything she deserves she is going to get. Paige and Absolution enters and tries to recruit Ronda. Rousey declines and Absolution attacks. Ronda makes quick work out of the stable.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YKigQVoTM6c&w=640&h=360]
The Drifter is here.
Elias sings a song about Cleveland, in a way Elias can do. With a proper heel tone. His match is vs Rhyno. After losing to top stars on the roster. Elias scores a good win over Ryhno with the Drift Away. Elias needed some type of win after losing so much. After the win Elias attacked Heath Slater. Further cementing his heel persona.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zzk2myRUOT0&w=640&h=360]
Cena Vs Kane. No DQ match
I actually thought this was a headliner match from ten years ago. But here we are in 2018 and this match is headlining WWE Raw. The match between Cana and Kane was entertaining. Since it was a No DQ match. They where allowed to improvise with their surroundings. In which included Kane suplexing Cena through a barricade outside. Kane gets Cena to the ring and exposes a turnbuckle. Then Cena rises up like the Undertaker. Cena hits his move set and then chokeslams Kane! Only a two count is accomplished. Later, after Kane tries for a chokeslam to Cena through a table. Cena counters with an A.A for the win.
<iframe width=”640″ height=”360″ src=”https://www.youtube.com/embed/xEbzjGqsgo8″ frameborder=”0″ allow=”autoplay; encrypted-media” allowfullscreen><!–iframe>
What followed afterwards was a desperate John Cena wanting The Undertaker response. Cena mocked every staple The Undertaker is known for. Even the throat slash and eye roll. John asks “What no lightning?”. Cena leaves the arena disappointed not hearing from The Undertaker.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOY0X4Yv1zk&w=640&h=360]
Story time.
Tonight’s show was heavily focus on the storylines for WrestleMania. Even though there was action, it was lackluster. It’s pretty bad when the 205 Live match, Cena Vs Kane match were the best matches of the night. This type of show was bound to happen. However, it could’ve been more entertaining.
