WWE: Monday Night RAW was LIVE from the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, PA on 3/27/17!
The show begins with the WWE women’s champion Bayley heading to the ring. She receives a massive pop from the live crowd, just under a week before ‘Mania. Byron Saxton makes his reference to the Bayley buddies as they speak about the fatal four way match scheduled for Sunday. She is rocking a custom Ultimate Warrior shirt, which is pretty cool, and she tells Philly that she is feelin’ it. She promotes ‘Mania and talks about how the season is giving her butterflies. She talks about pooling her money with friends to order the show on PPV at home, but now, she is a featured performer on the grandest stage of them all. She continues to go on, but is then interrupted by Charlotte, the former champ. “The Queen of PPV” is rockin’ a beautiful red robe reminiscent of her legendary father. She references getting the strap back and besting Sasha Banks several months back and she speaks about how Sasha is going to use this weekend to turn on Bayley and take the title back for herself. Charlotte is sewing seeds of dissension in Bayley’s mind, but I completely expect things to play out that way Sunday. Charlotte says there are very few things still “legit” about “The Boss”, but the forthcoming betrayal is something that will be a legitimate thing. Charlotte shows a social media post that she uses to back up her story as a “CM Punk” chant breaks out. Here comes Sasha Banks, and she says Charlotte is out of her mind. Charlotte says she can see through the lies and Sasha says she is just trying to stir the pot. Sasha says friendship aside, she is going to walk out of ‘Mania the women’s champ. Nia Jax makes her way out to the ring and she trashes all the “high school drama”. She even mocks the title being passed around so frequently! Ha! That was pretty darn funny, because it’s true. Charlotte says the only reason Nia is in the match is because Sasha doesn’t have to pretend to care about Bayley anymore. Sasha attacks Charlotte and they head to a break, informing us that a tag match will take place after the break with Bayley and Sasha taking on Nia and Charlotte.
Bayley and Sasha Banks defeated Nia Jax and Charlotte via pinfall after Bayley hit a Bayley-To-Belly Suplex on Charlotte. Nia looks so lost in the ring at times. It’s one thing to no sell a move as a “monster” of sorts. It’s another thing to botch the attempted no-sell. She criminally no-sold a double dropkick and it was just ugly. Having said that, outside of that, the ladies worked a decent tag match heading into ‘Mania to set the stage for their forthcoming confrontation. Charlotte looked fantastic, Sasha really put in some solid effort, and the women’s champion really got the crowd behind her as she looks to overcome the odds, retaining her title against all odds. There was an incredible spot after the break where Charlotte leapt off the ropes and kicked out Bayley’s knee as she applied the figure four. Bayley fought out of it as Sasha disposed of Nia on the outside as Bayley hit the suplex on Charlotte in the ring to get the W for the faces. They celebrated but it was cut short as Nia destroyed the faces and then she blasted the Queen, standing tall as a dominant force before she took the title and hoisted it high to a chorus of boos.
After promoting the Hall of Fame, we hear about Mick Foley getting canned last week from the commentary team and they show the clip from last week. Sami Zayn is interviewed after the clip. He talks about overcoming all odds, and he talks about joining the Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royale. Wow, what a waste of a spot for a talent of his magnitude. He’ll be Strowman fodder. Stephanie McMahon shows up and she says that he won’t even be allowed to be allowed to be in the match unless he wins a No DQ match against the former Universal Champion, Kevin Owens, here tonight. If Sami doesn’t win, he’ll be joining Mick Foley on the unemployment line, because he’ll be fired. Why do talented individuals have to be thrust into foolish match stipulations like this? Book him and Joe. It would almost make too much sense to do that again, right?
On the positive side of things, the “King Of The Cruiserweights”, Neville, is on commentary, as his opponent for Sunday, “The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived”, Austin Aries, will be facing Noam Dar. Dar is of course accompanied by the lovely Alicia Fooooox, and no, she isn’t eating flowers this week. The bell rings and the tune-up match for Aries is underway.
Austin Aries defeats Noam Dar via submission with the Last Chancery. A running dropkick to the face of a distracted Dar fires up the crowd who is frantically chanting for Aries. After a return from a break, Aries keeps the offense going. Gruesome looking spot later in the match as Aries hits a tilt-a-whirl, but Dar seems to botch the landing, hitting face first, but he’s okay, thank goodness. The ref makes sure Dar is okay, and Aries nails a beautiful suicide dive, looking very strong heading into Sunday’s match. Neville is clad in a beautiful suit and he’s doing a fine job on commentary as Aries does a fine job in the ring. Alicia Fox tries to get involved in the ring and the crowd boos. They aren’t too “keen” on elements of that angle for sure. Awesome finale to the match as Dar is grounded and we see the return of the Last Chancery submission for the victory. I believe the Cruiserweight Title match, if given time, could steal the show at ‘Mania.
Highlights of last week’s in-ring sit-down promo with “The Game” Triple H, highlighting this week’s ordeal which will see Seth Rollins hopefully signing a Hold Harmless agreement, allowing the two men to compete at ‘Mania. Seth Rollins is shown on a crutch backstage, a determined look on his face, he is headed to the ring and that signing takes place next!
Right before Seth Rollins heads to the ring for his confrontation with Triple H, we see a cryptic promo, showing the Undertaker walking through a graveyard and Michael Cole references the potential of the Deadman digging a grave for “The Big Dog” Roman Reigns. Rollins makes his way to the ring and takes a live mic in hand, he gets a massive pop from the Philly fans. He calls out Triple H and “The Game” obliges. He gets a decent pop himself as he heads to the ring for the hold harmless agreement signing. Triple H explains that if Seth attacks Triple H, he will not only defend himself, but the match at ‘Mania will be off, as he will be held financially responsible until the the contract is signed. Seth says he’s done waiting on this, he tells him to get into the ring so he can sign the contract. Triple H tells him to sit down and listen to the explanation. Triple H tells him to comply or the match is off. Seth sits down and Hunter says “good boy”. Dang, cold blooded. Triple H tells him exactly how things will play out, and Seth says he gets it and he tells Hunter to sign the contract and hand it over. Hunter asks why Seth turned to begin with. He talks about haters being against the wealthy, and Hunter says if you don’t have enemies, you aren’t making money. Hunter says he’d rather eat well, drive a fine automobile and live in a big mansion than be the “good ole boy”. He is quoting Vince McMahon and a speech he gave a few years back. He mocks Seth growing a conscience and he then plugs the name of ‘Mania, “The Ultimate Thrill Ride”. He says after he ends Seth at ‘Mania, he can go back to performing at armories on the indie scene. He talks about the one legged man in a butt kicking contest and says that phrase is funny because a one legged man has never won said contest. Seth says Hunter is still feeding him the same BS lines from three years ago. He says while he’s been rehabbing, he’s taken time to reflect. He liked himself before he met Triple H. He didn’t mind wrestling for a hot dog and a handshake in the Philadelphia National Guard Armory. While they were together, he managed to see some great success, but this match isn’t about anything other than redemption. He gave up everything to stand beside Hunter, and for what? At ‘Mania, Hunter better tear his leg off his body, because there will be nothing that will stop him from tearing Hunter apart and getting back Seth Freakin’ Rollins once more. He signs the agreement and tosses it at Hunter. Hunter signs it and he assaults the knee immediately. Hunter loosens the tie as Seth crawls towards the ropes. Hunter has the crutch in hand, but Seth nails an inzaguri. He sets Hunter up for a pedigree, but Hunter takes the knee out and sets up for one of his own. Hunter is dumped over the top and onto the floor, but he is forced to retreat after getting back onto the apron as Seth strikes him with the crutch. Seth’s music plays and they truly set the stage for their match at ‘Mania. Can’t wait for that one.
We see the Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royale Trophy and JoJo introduces an “Over The Top Rope” challenge. The Big Show heads to the ring first. Jinder “Hardbody” Mahal heads over next. Show tries for a quick chokeslam, but Jinder sidesteps. It doesn’t matter, he is quickly disposed of. Bo Dallas is out next and he meets the same fate. Members of the Shining Stars are out next and they are disposed of. The Golden Truth and Curtis Axel rush the ring and they are rejoined by those eliminated previously. He is dumped out by everyone to a resounding chorus of boos. He gets back into the ring and runs rampant, disposing of everyone. Knockout punches and chokeslams for everyone. I get what they are trying to do with this segment, but poor Show. He got himself in tremendous shape for his contest with Shaq, but he has to settle for the Battle Royale because they couldn’t get the deal done. Show stands tall and we hear BRAAAAAAUN! The monster Strowman comes out and has a mic in hand. He says he could walk down there and proptly handle show, using more determined language. He says he does what he wants, when he wants and everyone will have to wait until ‘Mania. They plug the match once more and that’s that.
We see the events from last week where Gallows and Anderson, the tag team champions, turned on Enzo and Cass in their match last week. It led to Cesaro and Sheamus being added to the ‘Mania title match. They cut a promo backstage, mocking the champs and they say they’ll walk out of ‘Mania champs. We see another cryptic promo for the Undertaker before the champs head to the ring for a non-title bout against Enzo and Cass.
Before the non-title match, we see “The Big Dog” backstage with Charlie Caruso who asks him about the ominous signs from the Undertaker. He says he’s a grown man and he doesn’t believe in dead men either. He’s gonna head out to the ring later tonight to address Booger Red and Big Evil himself. We see clips of the New Day ringing the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange and they treat the Universe to the New Day ice cream and they actually have a race at the infamous Rocky Statue in Philly. Big E. is walking, eating some Booty O’s as Kofi and Woods hustle up the steps, but Big E. somehow appears at the finish line first. Okay, that was pretty funny, I must admit. The New Day will be on one of my favorite shows tomorrow, “First Take” with Stephen A. Smith and Max Kellerman. Sheamus and Cesaro talk about beating the odds at ‘Mania, and they are brutally attacked by the tag champs. Anderson and Gallows use a ladder to dispose of the challengers. That was impressive. Apparently, we get our timing wrong with the non-title match, because Neville heads to the ring instead for singles action himself. I’m completely okay with that, but who is in charge in the back? Seriously. Get it right, folks. Neville will compete after the break.
Neville defeats “Gentleman” Jack Gallagher via submission with the Rings of Saturn. “Gentleman” Jack and Neville entertain the fans with a very enjoyable contest. We see the triumphant Raw return of William III as Gallagher takes to the air with the umbrella out. After the fun, it’s all business as Neville takes charge with a vicious all-out assault. Neville takes Jack to the top rope and he lands a beautiful superplex that he transitions into the rings of Saturn for the submission victory.
After the match we get a Randy Orton shoulder injury update style promo from Austin Aries. It’s on the “Austin Aries News Network” and he’s got the hosts of Wrestlemania, the New Day. He is back to broadcast mode as he gets the New Day to weigh in on the contest. They tell him to get the hips involved and he says he’s being serious. He complies though and they get an “A-Double” promo going as he tells Neville that he’ll see him at the Ultimate Thrill Ride. Corey Graves says he jumped the shark and I almost spit coffee out. Classic. We see Roman Reigns heading down a backstage hallway, perhaps indicitive of him heading to the ring to confront the Undertaker. We then learn that the great Al Roker will be a special guest ring announcer this Sunday! Sweet!
Roman Reigns makes his way to the ring after the break and he is heavily booed. He grins and waits for a moment before talking about winning the Rumble match a few years back in Philly. They are merciless tonight with the boos. He trolls them as he talks about going on to headline ‘Mania twice. He thought that would be the biggest moment of his career, but he faces the Undertaker this Sunday, and he’s gonna put the Deadman down. He says he doesn’t care if you’re John Cena, Goldberg or Brock Lesnar, this is Roman’s time now. This sold out arena is his house now. This is his yard. We hear the Gong and Roman turns his eyes to the video wall. Taker says he’s made a grave mistake, because the ring Roman is in, is Taker’s yard. We see an empty grave and Taker says it’s going to be Roman’s yard. Taker says it’s one vs. all for Roman, that’s why he’s carved out a special corner of hell for Roman’s bones, and as Wrestlemania, the Roman Empire will fall. The Ultimate thrill ride, will be his last ride! We see a headstone with the ‘Mania date and Roman’s name on it. Taker advises him to live each day as if it’s his last, because soon it will be. At ‘Mania, Roman will…the arena goes dark and we hear the gong and Taker appears in the ring. Roman turns around, unnerved by the Deadman’s arrival, and Taker says, as I was saying, you will rest in peace! He raises his hands and we hear the thunder and the arena goes black as we cut to commercial. That was cool. After the break, it’ll actually be time foe the non-title tag match, there we go.
Gallows and Anderson and Enzo Amore and Big Cass doesn’t even get underway. But before that, holy crap, Big Cass just became the greatest of all time. Enzo Amore is cutting a great promo and he references this “practice” contest before the ‘Mania title match and Cass launches full-on into the classic Allen Iverson promo before saying it’s gonna be “Always Sunny In Philadelphia” after Sunday. Incredible. Seriously, that was gold. Go watch the AI stuff by itself. The champs don’t even make it to the ring before they are attacked by Cesaro and Sheamus as payback from earlier in the evening. The challengers have a ladder and they use it to assault champ and challenger alike. Big Cass dodges the bullet and takes over, clutching the ladder in hand, but the champs come back and use the ladder to dispose of everyone. Enzo goes to the top rope and gets destroyed as Corey Graves laughs out loud. The match is thrown out before it begins, but it looks like the triple threat will be changed into a ladder match and that should be something fantastic!
In keeping with honoring great women, we see a dedication to the legendary Maya Angelou. Very cool. I had the pleasure of hearing her do “The Pulse of Morning” live as a youngster, when I had the pleasure of attending the Inauguration of former President Clinton with my mother and sister. I didn’t realize how truly incredible that moment was until I took the chance to reflect on that several years back. We go from the great Maya Angelou to the great Kevin Owens, who is being interviewed backstage. He talks about Jericho making fun of him last week for being a fan. He says if he would have known what he did now, he would never have gotten his parents to spend money on that junk. He says one of his proudest moments was ripping up the List of Jericho, just like he’ll get to rip up the career of Sami Zayn by seeing him fired after a loss tonight. He’ll take pleasure in doing just that just like he will in taking the US strap from Chris Jericho at “KOmania 2” this Sunday.
After the break, there is a great video package highlighting the Seth Rollins/Triple H feud, with the culmination of said feud happening this Sunday. More ‘Mania week promotion follows and then Kevin Owens heads to the ring before a break for his no DQ match against Sami Zayn.
Sami Zayn defeats Kevin Owens via pinfall in a No DQ match with a rollup. These two, as per the norm, put on a clinic. Sami Zayn and KO fought up onto the stage at one point and Zayn hit a breathtaking somersault plancha off the stage onto KO right before a break. As they returned, the two kept after it. Zayn hit an Exploder on KO into the corner to buy himself some sorely needed time after some heavy artillery from Owens. Zayn waits for KO on the outside and he hits the apron dive tornado DDT and Philly goes nuts. Exhilarating maneuver! He tosses KO back into the ring as he reaches down deep, looking for that extra to put KO away. He looks for the Helluva Kick, but instead gets an invitation to a superkick party from KO. Owens hits a top rope frog splash, but Zayn kicks out at two. Zayn ducks under a clothesline and he nails a Blue Thunder Bomb. Samoa Joe makes his presence known as he comes down to the ring, grabbing an equalizer in the form of a steel chair. Chris Jericho’s music hits and Joe waits to attack him, but Y2J strikes from behind. Sami Zayn strikes and he rolls up KO from behind for the three count! Zayn keeps his job and heads to Wrestlemania and the Battle Royale. What a reward, said no one ever. A classic match nevertheless and the fans as well as yours truly got their money’s worth with this one as KO and Samoa Joe are sent retreating as Chris Jericho grabs a mic in the ring. He says you know what happens when you betray Chris Jericho? He prepares to click the pen, and KO just made the list! It might be for the last time for a while as Jericho is expected to take some time off again after ‘Mania, but what a year for this treasured talent. We are then shown the dressing room doors of both “The Beast” Brock Lesnar and the Universal Champion, Goldberg, as they’ll close out the go-home show for ‘Mania after the break.
“The Beast” Brock Lesnar and his “Advocate” Paul Heyman are out to a huge “ECW” chant, which is then accompanied by a “Goldberg” chant, then it’s quickly drowned out by a “Suplex City” chant. Heyman and Brock are having fun tonight. Heyman makes a reference to Lesnar besting Taker’s Wrestlemania streak and he goes ahead and “boos” himself in place of the crowd. He talks about Lesnar’s need and desire for the title. He says Lesnar lusts after the title. Heyman references legends of yester-year trying to do what Goldberg did by winning the Universal Title. He references “The Icon” Sting and puts him over, but he says Lesnar will chew up Goldberg and spit him out like nothing nobody has ever seen before. He says even though Goldberg is a legit bad dude, bad things happen when they step into the ring with Brock Lesnar. He elaborates on how the saga is going to end. He tells folks that they need a reason to order the network or to get a ticket for ‘Mania second hand because it’s sold out and he thanks Brock for the house. I chuckled. He says you’ll get to see Goldberg go to suplex city, where guests check in, but they don’t check out. He says they should rename the show Wrestlemania 33: Death of A Superhero. He starts the “In Nomini Patri” Catholic rites, but stops, realizing that Goldberg is a Jewish man like himself and he launches into a Hebrew prayer, delivering last rites for Goldberg. Heyman is a genius. Goldberg has heard enough and the music plays, the champ heading to the ring with purpose, perhaps for the last time on a live RAW. Goldberg has a mic and he says people didn’t come to hear them talk, they came to see a fight. And since he can’t take all the Philly fans to ‘Mania, how about they bring ‘Mania to Philly. He spears the living hell out of Lesnar on the floor. That looked awesome. Goldberg holds the strap in the air, standing tall yet again as they close out to go-home show before ‘Mania. I’ll be excited to cover next week’s show on behalf of the Scrum, it’s always my favorite RAW of the year.
