Welcome to the WWE Raw Review for February 26 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 Road
John Cena looked down as he addressed the WWE Universe. Saying that not getting it done Sunday had left him off the Wrestlemania card, he was trying to find a way there. He talked to management about fighting the Undertaker, but they said it was impossible. Deciding that he could either stay down or pick him self up, he declared that he would go to Smackdown and try to find a way to Wrestlemania. Cena being more of a underdog is interesting to watch, and we will have to see what he does tomorrow. That challenge to the Undertaker, however, is hanging in the air.
No Show
Brock Lesnar was not in attendance at Raw, and Roman Reigns was not happy about it. Delivering a fiery speech about how Lesnar is just a part timer, Reigns vowed to beat him at Wrestlemania. Watching this promo, it was amazing to watch they audience turn from booing to cheering Reigns. This is the type of character he needs going forward. No Cena 2.0, just a hardcore warrior who does not care what the crowd thinks of him. His ring work is above reproach, now he just needs to hit the right stride
The Slap
Stephanie McMahon and Triple H made their way out to end the show. Keeping the narrative that Kurt Angle was “sick”, they told him to come out and apologize. Rhonda Rousey marched out instead, and she looked mad as hell. Angle came out and tried to defuse the situation, telling Rousey he had lied last night. He preceded this by saying he “needed this job”. Rousey got on the microphone and was much more comfortable then twenty four hours earlier. Stephanie then apologized for the slap, but then Triple H sucker punched Angle. The writing may be on the wall, but Angle must tell us why he spoke out.
Match of the Night
Mickie James, Nia Jax and Alexia Bliss vs. Askua, Sasha Banks and Bayley (Askua, Banks and Bayley win by submission)
After their fantastic matches last night, the women had another great performance. It is apparent that Mickie James is now firmly aligned with Alexia Bliss, while Nia Jax might just be biding her time. As for the other team, something happened that changed what I thought the story of Sasha Banks and Bayley. Banks was being isolated and when she was finally free to make a tag, Bayley jumped of the ring. While many are saying Banks should turn heel, what if instead it is her best friend who goes dark?
Conclusion
Both Finn Balor and Seth Rollins want a shot at The Miz’s Intercontinental Title. Elias got one over on Braun Strowman, thanks to a fire extinguisher. The Bar retained their titles in a 2 out of 3 falls match against Titus Worldwide. Bray Wyatt is not done with Matt Hardy.
