Welcome to the WWE Raw Review for February 19 2018. For both this and Smackdown, I will go over what the big talking points were, pick the match of the night, and look ahead to the next show.
Talking Points
Someone is Ready
It is fair to say that the stakes have never been larger for Askua at the Elimination Chamber. Her spot at Wrestlemania is not up for grabs, but her undefeated streak is. Nia Jax is the perfect opponent to see if Askua can remain on top of the mountain. As Askua was being interviewed in the ring, Jax came to attack her. Askua saw her coming and was able to get a few shots in before she was laid out. Can Askua survive a loss in her record? Yes, but the real question is the Elimination Chamber the place to do it. I think that Jax breaking the streak would be believable as she is one of the best women on the roster today
Got Their Number
Sheamus and Cesaro have defeated the Shield, Seth Rollins and Jason Jordan, and anyone else who challenges them. Well, almost everyone. Titus O’Neil and Apollo Crews have figured out how to beat the champs on almost a weakly basis. This night was no different, as a surprise roll up made Titus Worldwide the victors again. This has to lead to a Tag Team Title match at Elimination Chamber. When it comes, The Bar had better change their style or they will leave Sunday without their belts.
The Final Battle
All of the women in the Elimination Chamber closed out the show with a six women tag. Alexia Bliss was with Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville. Sasha Banks, Bayley and Mickie James was in the opposing corner. It seemed that Bliss was still trying to make friends with James, tagging out if she was in the ring. The heels looked to be in controle until James hit a double neck breaker. Bliss and Banks were tagged in and one Bank’s Statement later, Bliss tapped out. James did save Bliss from the post match beat down. Bliss might find a way to survive on Sunday, but she will need all the friends she can find.
Match of the Night
Seth Rollins vs. Finn Balor vs. Roman Reigns vs John Cena vs. Elias vs. Miz vs. Braun Strowman (Gauntlet Match) (Strowman pins the Miz to win)
Two hours. TWO DAMN HOURS. That is how long this match went on and believe me, it could have been the entire show. Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins started it off. Reigns was hitting his moves but Rollins always had a counter. A surprise roll up eliminated Reigns before John Cena came out. Cena vs. Rollins was the real meat of this match, as near falls and big moves dominated. A Blackout from Rollins put away Cena. Elias came out, and despite still swinging. Rollins was eliminated. At this point Rollins had been in the match for one hour and five minutes. Finn Balor came out and was too quick for Elias. The Miz attacked from behind and the presence of the Mizterouge distracted Balor long enough for Miz to win. His prize was Braun Strowman, who threw him around like a rag doll before ending the match. This was fantastic
Conclusion
Matt Hardy and Bray Wyatt will settle their feud on Sunday. Jeff Jarett will be in the Hall of Fame. The gauntlet match was incredible and everyone got their moment to shine. The Chamber awaits as well as Ronda Rousey signing her contract