Welcome to the WWE Raw Review for February 12 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
The Last Man
Something is going on with John Cena. His promos of late have hinted at either a character turn or a future story line. Saying that he must go to Wrestlemania, or saying that the show can bring legends back from the dead is leading me to believe something is going to happen. He was interrupted by the Miz, and the two traded shots about their past history. A match was made that the loser would have to enter the Elimination Chamber first. The match was outstanding, with a lot of submission moves and near falls. In the end, Cena won, which means the Miz is at a huge disadvantage in two. There was a nice moment with Cena and fan after the match as well.
Homecoming
Bayley, back in her hometown, took on her friend Sasha Banks. This match started off as friendly competition, but quickly turned into a hard hitting affair. Banks is slowly starting to show some frustration, leaving me to think that a heel turn is coming sooner then later. As for Bayley, the underdog withstood everything the Boss threw at her, even managing to get to the ropes after being in a painful looking Banks Statement. Bayley hit her Bayley to Bell suplex from the top rope to gain the W. He looked like the two best friends would hug it out, but Nia Jax showed up, destroyed the two, and proclaimed that she is the only woman who can break Askua’s streak.
The Big Bass
Elias told the crowd that him winning last week was a sign of things to come. He proceeded to sing a song about the other men he will face. He was interrupted by Braun Strowman, who had his own microphone and the biggest cello I had ever seen. Singing about how Elias would get these hands, Strowman actually broke the cello. He then marched to the ring, destroyed Elias, and then smashed the cello over him as he tried to crawl away. It was totally out of character, and it still worked. Allowing Strowman to show some of his personality was a welcome surprise.
Match of the Night
Seth Rollins vs. Finn Balor vs. Bray Wyatt vs Matt Hardy vs. Apollo Crews (Winner gets the last spot in the Elimination Chamber) (No Contest)
Seth Rollins got added to this match earlier in the night. The stories played out like you would have thought. Matt Hardy and Bray Wyatt continued their feud, Rollins and Finn Blaor kept kicking out of each other’s moves, and Apollo Crews continued to show why he he is one of the most athletic men on the roster. The match ended when Balor and Rollins hit a tower of doom on Wyatt and both pinned him for the win. The match ended with both men making their case to the referee about who should be declared the victor.
Conclusion
Roman Reigns got a small measure of revenge against Sheamus. The Revival won the third contest against the Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows. Rhonda Rousey will sign her contract at the Elimination Chamber. Ivory is the next inductee to the Hall of Fame. Expect a match between Rollins and Balor next week to settle who gets the chamber spot.
