The April 2nd, 2018 episode of WWE RAW aired live from the Philips Arena in Atlanta, GA. It was the final episode of RAW before WrestleMania 34 this Sunday. Here are 8 takeaways from this week’s RAW:
Stephanie McMahon Slammed Ronda Rousey Through A Table
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This week’s episode of RAW kicked off with Jonathan Coachman in the ring surrounded by a table with four seats. Coachman introduced RAW Commissioner Stephanie McMahon first and she came down to the ring to a chorus of boos.
Triple H came down to the ring to his “King of Kings” theme. RAW GM Kurt Angle and Ronda Rousey then came down to the ring. Angle and Rousey shook hands with fans in the crowd before entering the ring. The crowd chanted “Ronda Rousey!” as everyone took a seat in the ring.
Coach stated that the WWE Universe has submitted questions and he was about to ask one but Triple H interrupted. Triple H said that the deafening “Ronda Rousey” chants will become silence at WrestleMania 34 because of Kurt Angle. Triple H noted Angle’s three I’s and added that he never got the “intelligence” thing with Angle. Triple H claimed that Angle set Rousey up for an embarrassment and a loss at WrestleMania. He then asked Angle why he did this?
Ronda asked Triple H and Stephanie why they would be so two-faced to sign her with an ulterior motive. Stephanie interrupted and poked fun at Rousey not knowing the format and vowed that they will polish her up following her loss at WrestleMania. Rousey quickly said that she was aware of the format in a Q&A. Ronda added that she asked a question and wanted an answer.
Stephanie got defensive and said that they signed her because she was a huge star, despite her terrible attitude. Stephanie and Triple H claimed that Angle has already cost Rousey and WWE millions of dollars. Stephanie added that Kurt and Rousey work for her and that she doesn’t get to ask the questions. Stephanie asked Rousey “who the hell do you think you are?” and Angle chimed in with “she is Ronda freaking Rousey” and the crowd cheered. Angle looked at Stephanie and claimed that Rousey is going to make her tap out this Sunday.
Triple H chuckled and pondered why Angle was so confident in that. Triple H stated that Rousey’s accomplishments in UFC mean exactly nothing in WWE. Triple H noted that WWE is he and Stephanie’s entire life and added that he was so confident because Rousey has no idea what goes on in a WWE ring.
Coach finally asked the first question and it was how important was it for both teams to win at WrestleMania. Stephanie answered first and guaranteed a victory and stated that it was incredibly important to show the locker room that they will bite the head off the sanke if there is an uprising. Stephanie added by saying that everyone in the back will learn to respect authority.
Angle was asked how he felt about teaming up with Rousey. Kurt said that Rousey was the baddest woman on the planet and that she is going to prove it this Sunday. Coach asked for any final thoughts and Stephanie said that everything was all on Rousey. Stephanie said that her very first match in WWE is going to be a loss to her and poked fun at how Rousey has handled losses in the past. Stephanie also poked fun at Rousey’s jacket in her answer.
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Ronda asked if Stephanie if she was left or right handed. Stephanie said that she was a righty and asked why Ronda asked that. Rousey responded that she was just wondering because she wants Stephanie to still be able to sign her checks after she rips one of her arms off. The crowd enjoyed that line and started chanting “yes!”.
Coach said that they needed to do a pre-match photo and asked for it to be classy and professional. Angle, Rousey, Triple H and Stephanie stood in front of the tables as photographers got into the ring. Triple H extended his hand and shook Angle’s hand. Stephanie extended her hand, but Rousey refused. Stephanie started trash talking and Ronda got in her face. Stephanie tried to step away but Rousey blocked her. Triple H blasted Angle in the back of the head with a microphone. Ronda grabbed Triple H by the neck, but Stephanie snuck up and slammed Rousey through one of the tables. Stephanie then shouted that Rousey wasn’t so tough and then posed with Triple H in the ring.
Opinion: I would have preferred Rousey to enter WrestleMania 34 without being slammed through a table before the event. Kurt Angle was the only one that screwed up one of his lines tonight. He referred to Ronda Rousey as “Ronda Rowdy”. I’m not expecting an incredible match this Sunday at WrestleMania 34 between these two teams. It should be a fun match and I’d be surprised if Ronda Rousey doesn’t get the last laugh on Sunday night.
Banks Fought Bayley Again & Absolution Capitalized
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Bayley faced Sonya Deville tonight on RAW. Paige and Mandy Rose were ringside for the match. The trophy for the women’s Battle Royal this Sunday was also beside for the match. Bayley started out the match in control and planted Deville with a Crossbody.
Bayley took Sonya down to the mat and applied a Headlock. Deville battled to her feet and drove Bayley to the corner. Sonya connected with a couple of shoulders to the midsection but Bayley responded by bouncing Deville’s head off the top turnbuckle. Bayley connected with a rough looking Arm Drag for a two count.
Deville hung onto the bottom rope to buy herself some time and then planted Bayley with a boot to the face as RAW went to a commercial break. When RAW returned, Deville planted Bayley with a Spinebuster for a two count. Sonya followed it up with a running knee for two as Paige and Rose cheered her on.
Sonya beatdown Bayley in the corner for a bit, but Bayley battled back with a couple of jabs to the face. Bayley connected with two Clotheslines and then stomped on Sonya in the corner. Bayley scaled the turnbuckle and hit Deville with a Crossbody. Bayley followed it up with a running knee to the side of the head for a two count.
Deville rolled out of the ring and regrouped with the rest of Absolution. Bayley got out of the ring, but Deville hit her with a knee. Deville got back into the ring and Bayley hung her up on the second rope for two. Rose hopped up on the ring apron but Bayley knocked her back to the floor. Deville went for a roll-up but Bayley kicked out. Bayley then rolled up Deville for the pinfall victory.
After the match, Rose and Deville attacked Bayley. Sasha Banks sprinted to the ring and fought off Deville and Rose. Bayley threw Deville over the top rope as Bayley and Sasha stood in the ring. Banks demanded that Bayley raise her hand and the two started arguing. Bayley said that she didn’t need Sasha’s help. Banks grabbed Bayley by the face and Bayley didn’t like that. Bayley started beating down Banks, but Rose and Deville got back in the ring. Rose and Deville beatdown Bayley and Sasha before exiting the ring.
https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/980967673352851457
Seth Rollins Defeated Finn Balor In A Great Match
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Finn Balor faced Seth Rollins tonight on RAW. Intercontinental Champion The Miz joined commentary for the match. The Miz will defend the IC Title against Rollins and Balor in a Triple Threat match this Sunday at WrestleMania 34.
Finn started off the match with a Wrist Lock on Rollins. Seth battled free and applied a Wrist Lock of his own. Balor quickly reversed it and battled with Rollins until the two Superstars had a stare down in the ring.
The Miz brought up his newborn daughter and said that she will motivate him this Sunday. The Miz added that he wanted to be the person that his daughter looks up to as Balor connected with an Arm Drag. RAW went to another break as Balor and Rollins had a standoff.
When RAW returned, Balor connected with a Dropkick as The Miz continued to explain how his life has changed since having a daughter. The Miz claimed that he was a new man and that having a child changed him. Rollins and Balor traded punches and then Seth launched Finn out of the ring.
Rollins exited the ring and chopped Balor across the chest. Seth slung Finn into the barricade as The Miz discussed his daughter pooping and peeing on him. The Miz called Monroe Sky the best baby in the world as Balor regained control of the match.
Finn booted Rollins the back for a two count. The Miz complimented Rollins and Balor and called them two of the best Superstars in WWE. Rollins slammed Balor’s face into the turnbuckle, but Rollins responded with a Blockbuster off the second rope for a two count.
Seth elbowed Finn in the face and applied a Chin Lock as WWE aired a video package of Nakamura versus Styles at WrestleMania 34. Finn escaped and planted Rollins with a Neckbreaker. Seth rolled out of the ring and connected with a boot to the face as Balor was on the apron for a two count.
Seth and Finn traded chops in the ring as the crowd chanted “woo!”. Balor knocked Seth to the mat for two. Balor went for the Slingbade, but Rollins countered into a Slingblade of his own and Finn rolled out of the ring. Seth connected with a Suicide Dive that drove Balor into the barricade as RAW went to a commercial break.
When RAW returned, Seth connected with a boot to the face for a two count as the crowd chanted “this is awesome!”. Balor connected with a kick of his own and climbed to the top rope. Rollins got back up and crotched Finn on the top turnbuckle. Seth joined him on the top rope but Balor quickly knocked him back down. Seth leaped back onto the turnbuckle and planted Balor with a Superplex. Rollins went for a roll-up but Balor kicked out at two.
Seth connected with a knee to the face for another two count as The Miz was pumped that the match was continuing. Rollins climbed to the top rope but Balor got his knees up. Finn went for a roll-up but Rollins kicked at the last second.
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Seth went to Powerbomb Balor onto the barricade outside the ring but Finn countered into a Slingblade. Balor followed it up with a Dropkick that launched Seth into the barricade. Finn rolled Rollins back into the ring and started climbing to the top rope. Balor missed with the Coup de Grace and then Rollins missed with the Curb Stomp. Rollins then quickly hit Balor with the Curb Stomp after a roll-up attempt for the pinfall victory. After the match, The Miz hopped up on the announce table and raised the Intercontinental Championship.
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Braun Strowman’s Tag Partner Wasn’t Revealed
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RAW Tag Team Champions Sheamus & Cesaro made their way down to the ring. They claimed to not care who Braun Strowman’s tag team partner is at WrestleMania 34. They stated that Braun will have to tag in his partner during the match and they both will need to be on the same page. Sheamus & Cesaro added that Strowman and his partner will never be a real team and that they will never get the RAW Tag Team Championships.
Braun Strowman’s music hit and Braun marched to the entrance ramp with a microphone in his hand. The crowd chanted “get these hands” and Braun nodded along. Strowman admitted that he doesn’t play well with others, but management has made it clear that he has to have a partner to challenge for the tag titles.
Strowman said that he has a partner and that he didn’t appreciate what Sheamus and Cesaro were saying. Braun added that his tag partner will come down to the ring if he gets a match with either Sheamus and Cesaro. Sheamus accepted the deal and Strowman said that he will go get him and marched towards the back. Strowman warned Sheamus and Cesaro that he was a lot like him, just a little different.
Braun’s music hit once again and he came down the entrance ramp in a disguise. He then referred to himself as Braun’s brother “Brains” and entered the ring. Sheamus and Cesaro attacked Strowman but Braun fought them off. The Bar battle back, but once again Strowman beat them down. Sheamus and Cesaro got out of the ring as Strowman shouted “get these hands!”.
Later on RAW, Strowman ran into Curt Hawkins backstage. Hawkins wanted to be Strowman’s partner. Braun asked what Curt’s win/loss record was and Hawkins dodged the question. Strowman then launched Hawkins through a wall.
Opinion: Brains Strowman made an impressive debut tonight, but we will have to wait until WrestleMania 34 to find out who Braun’s tag partner is. I’m ready for a new team to be the champs on RAW. The Bar are a solid team that could use a fresh start on SmackDown following WrestleMania 34.
The Undertaker Didn’t Show Up
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John Cena came down to the ring and said that he was wrong. Cena noted that there has been no response from The Undertaker and he has taken that as a no. Cena said that he is going to WrestleMania 34 in New Orleans fired up as a fan.
Cena stated that Michael Cole suggested that he enter the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal or become Braun’s partner. John brought up all of his recent losses and claimed that if he entered one of those matches, he would be taking a spot from a WWE Superstar that has busted their ass and earned it.
John noted that he has a lot of stuff going on outside of WWE and that maybe this WrestleMania is a perfect time for a change. The crowd chanted “Undertaker!” as Cena stood patiently in the ring. He said that he doesn’t think that The Undertaker hears them and stated that he is damn proud to go to WrestleMania 34 as a fan. Cena put over the WrestleMania card and added that he was proud that Daniel Bryan is back where he belongs, in the ring at WrestleMania.
Cena added that he was proud to get to watch AJ Styles finally get the WrestleMania moment he deserves. John brought up Rusev Day, Elias and all of the women’s matches at WrestleMania and stated that he was proud to watch all of it. John then apologized about The Undertaker and said that he did everything he could to get him to come back.
John tried one more time to summon The Undertaker and got the Atlanta crowd riled up. The crowd cheered as loud as they could as Cena ran around in the ring while holding the microphone up in the air. John stopped in the middle of the ring and the crowd started chanting “Undertaker!”.
The Undertaker didn’t show up and the crowd started to boo. Cena stated that The Undertaker doesn’t have the decency to stand up and do a damn thing. John said that The Undertaker can ignore him all he wants, but he is a “dead man walking” the second he ignores all these people. Cena stated that it was obvious that The Undertaker left his hat in the ring, but it is clear to everyone that he also left his balls at home. The crowd chanted “Cena!” as John shrugged in the ring. John’s music hit as Cena exited the ring. Cena made his way up the entrance ramp and walked backstage.
Opinion: Cena has done a hell of a job selling this match by himself. I’m expecting The Undertaker to show up at WrestleMania and it is going to be awesome when he does.
Elias Destroyed Heath Slater
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Elias strummed his guitar in the ring and claimed that everyone will know Sunday night that WWE stands for “Walk With Elias”. Elias then started poking fun at Atlanta and called it a dump.
Elias noted that he has the greatest performance of a lifetime in store for WrestleMania 34. He then told the crowd to shut up and was immediately interrupted by Heath Slater. Rhyno accompanied Slater down to the ring while wearing a shit that read “I walk with Slater”.
The match started off with Elias beating down Slater in the corner. Elias leveled him with a Clothesline, but Slater was able to battle back with a knee to the face. Elias connected with a massive punch and followed it up with the Drift Away for the easy victory.
We will find out Sunday what Elias will be doing at WrestleMania 34. He has been rumored to be Braun Strowman’s partner, perform a song or two, or wind up in the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal.
Nia Jax Vowed To Squash Alexa Bliss Like A Bug At WrestleMania 34
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Alexa Bliss and Mickie James had a backstage promo during RAW. They poked fun at Nia’s weight and Alexa Bliss vowed to retain her RAW Women’s Championship. Later on RAW, Nia Jax had an exclusive interview regarding her true feelings about Alexa Bliss.
Nia sat down with Renee Young and admitted that Alexa Bliss’ comments brought her back to when she was a child. She has always been different, but has learned to accept it and be herself. Jax noted that she has been disappointed in herself recently because she trusted Alexa Bliss. Nia went over Alexa’s comments and admitted that they shattered her confidence.
Jax said that she looked in the mirror and told herself that she doesn’t need to take this sh**. Nia added that she is proud of herself and that Bliss represents everyone that has ever doubted her. Nia looked at the camera and said that Alexa was nothing but an insecure little girl and that she was going to squash Bliss like a bug at WrestleMania.
Alexa Bliss and Mickie James faced off against Dana Brooke and Asuka in a tag match. Dana Brooke and Alexa Bliss started off the match. Bliss chuckled with Mickie James before locking up with Dana. Brooke was in control for a moment but Bliss knocked her to the mat with a forearm to the back.
Mickie tagged in and continued the beatdown on Dana Brooke. Dana went for a roll-up but Mickie kicked out at one. The crowd chanted “we want Asuka!” as Mickie taunted them. Dana connected with a right hand and drove Mickie James to the corner. Mickie booted Dana in the face and then taunted Asuka in the corner.
Dana planted Mickie with a Body Slam and tried to flip onto Mickie but she was able to get her knees up as RAW went to a break. When RAW returned, Dana Brooke was still trapped in the ring. Mickie applied a Chin Lock as Dana screamed in pain. Dana broke free but was quickly knocked back to the canvas.
Bliss tagged in and slapped Dana in the face. Alexa hit a kick to the ribs and stomped on Dana’s head for a two count. Brooke finally battled back with a Suplex and tagged in Asuka. Mickie tagged in at the same time and Asuka dropped her with a Hip Attack. Asuka connected with a knee to the face and followed it up with a few kicks. Asuka knocked Bliss off the apron and Mickie rolled out of the ring. Asuka hit Mickie with a sliding kick off the apron and then brought Mickie back into the ring.
The crowd chanted “Asuka!” as Mickie connected with a kick to the face. Mickie posed and made her way up the turnbuckle. Mickie missed with a jump and Asuka quickly locked in the Asuka Lock in the middle of the ring for the submission victory.
After the match, Bliss and Mickie attacked Asuka and Dana Brooke. Nia Jax ran down to the ring and Mickie and Alexa tried to run away. Nia grabbed Alexa’s hair but Mickie fought her off. Alexa Bliss retreated up the entrance ramp as Nia planted Mickie with a Samoan Drop.
https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/981002457638690816
Brock Lesnar Survived Five Superman Punches
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Paul Heyman was shown backstage on the phone and was quickly interrupted by RAW GM Kurt Angle. Kurt stated that it was important for the main event to stay intact. Heyman told Angle not to worry and that they will save it for WrestleMania. Angle told Angle to not say anything to Reigns so that Roman doesn’t injure Brock before WrestleMania.
Heyman laughed in Angle’s face and said that they will take it under consideration. Later on the show, RAW GM Kurt Angle approached Roman Reigns. Angle pleaded with Reigns not to do anything to ruin the main event at WrestleMania 34. Reigns said that if Heyman says one thing that pisses him off tonight, he will not just sit and let it happen. Angle approached Lesnar and Heyman just before the end of the show and once again asked them not to cause a scene. Heyman said that he was going to keep everything positive and then made his way to the ring with Lesnar.
The WWE locker room stood on the entrance ramp to prevent anything from going down tonight. Heyman said that Kurt Angle has no control and that Brock Lesnar has the control because he is the Universal Champion.
Heyman stated that they laughed at everyone in the audience after Brock Lesnar defeated The Undertaker to end his streak. Paul added that everyone thinks that it is Roman Reigns’ destiny to defeat Lesnar and capture the Universal Championship at WrestleMania 34. Heyman stated that you have to respect Roman’s “bad-assery”, but the truth is that Brock Lesnar will F5 Reigns and pin him at WrestleMania 34. Heyman claimed that wasn’t a prediction, it was a spoiler.
Paul said that if Roman Reigns were to become Universal Champion, this is the last time anyone will ever see Lesnar & Heyman on WWE RAW. A brief “yes!” chant broke out as Heyman continued. Heyman brought up people claiming that Lesnar doesn’t respect the WWE locker room and the fans is 100% true. Heyman claimed that Lesnar feels that there is not member of the WWE locker room that can hold his jock and that there is not one fan that can afford what he thinks it is worth to watch Brock Lesnar perform.
Heyman brought up Reigns’ family and added that Roman is going to face them and admit that he was conquered by Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania. Heyman added that Roman Reigns is not the Big Dog against Brock Lesnar. Paul called Reigns “Brock Lesnar’s bitch” and tossed the microphone out of the ring.
Reigns’ music hit and Roman came down to the entrance ramp. The Superstars on the ramp got in his way to try and prevent him from coming down to the ring. Lesnar smirked and raised the title in the ring. Reigns said “all y’all full-time talent are going to stand out here and protect that part-time bastard”. The Superstars then cleared a path for Reigns to come down the ramp.
Roman marched to the ring as Heyman rolled out of it. Some of the crowd chanted “lets go Roman” as Reigns walked up the steps and got on the ring apron. Reigns got into the ring with Lesnar and the two circled each other. Brock hopped out of the ring and grabbed his Universal Championship. Brock laughed as Reigns stood tall in the ring.
Lesnar grabbed a steel chair and got back into the ring. Reigns didn’t back down and the two circled each other again. Roman connected with three Superman Punches and Lesnar grabbed the chair again. Reigns delivered a fourth Superman Punch and Lesnar crashed to the mat. Brock slowly made his way back to his feet with the steel chair. Roman hit Lesnar with a fifth Superman Punch and grabbed the Universal Championship. Roman raised the title over Lesnar and looked at the WrestleMania 34 sign. Lesnar got back up and planted Reigns with an F5. Heyman reminded Lesnar that the F5 put Reigns down. Lesnar smirked and hobbled his way up the entrance ramp as RAW went off the air.
Opinion: The silence in the crowd during this segment is all you need to know. The WrestleMania crowd will not react well when Roman Reigns most likely wins the Universal Championship. It is a main event that few wanted, but WWE insisted on trying to make it work. There are several matches that I’m looking forward to more than the Universal Championship match at WrestleMania 34.
What did you think of the final episode of RAW before WrestleMania? Let us know in the comments below.
