Welcome to the WWE Raw Review for March 5 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
Her First Match
Kurt Angle was not feeling very happy to open the show. He challenged Triple H to come to the ring. Instead, Stephanie McMahon came out and told Angle that he deserved the sucker punch last week for how he spoke. This brought out Rhonda Rousey. Saying that she had figured out how things worked, she used a stipulation to challenge Stephanie at Wrestlemania. Triple H headed out to try and calm things down, but Angle said that both are under contract and he will team with Rousey against them. Things broke down, and Rousey hit an Angle Slam on Stephanie. Her talking needs a little work, but Rousey looks ready in the ring
No Hug
Bailey was not her usually self when she entered the ring to talk about her and Sasha Banks. She never got the chance as Absolution came to the ring and Mandy Rose challenged her to a match. Bailey was a little more focused, not smiling and taking whatever Rose threw at her. After pinning Rose, Absolution tried to beat her down, but Banks came in for the save. It might have seemed like the rift had been fixed, but when Banks went for a hug, Bailey stopped her and walked out of the ring. Bailey is laying the groundwork for a heel turn, and I’m interested to see where this goes.
Bloodline
Paul Heyman walked without Brock Lesnar. He laid the title on the ground and proceeded to give one of his best promos of all time. There was a lot going on, from saying no one insults the Undertaker for wrestling one day of the year, to saying that Lesnar might have a UFC belt to add to his collection, and finally talking about how having this title should mean more to you then your own family. He promised that Lesnar would be on Raw next week, which got Roman Reigns into the ring. Reigns stuck to his new attitude, saying that all anyone wants is for Lesnar to want to be here. Two weeks, and two flawless setups for this story. Will Lesnar so up next week?
Match of the Night
Nia Jax vs. Askua (Askua wins by submission)
There will come a time when Askua does not have her streak. When it does, I hope that this rivalry with Nia Jax will be revisited on a more level playing field. Three matches and these two have put on some of the best wrestling WWE has seen. Jax continued to use her power, but it seemed that Askua had learned from their previous encounters. She used her speed to hit and run and try to wear Jax out. While watching, I honestly didn’t know who was going to win. The crowd cheered Jax long after the match was over, showing their appreciation what what she did in the ring.
Conclusion
Finn Balor and Seth Rollins will face The Miz’s at Wrestlemania for the Intercontinental Title. Braun Strowman used a cello and a piano to flatten Elias. Matt Hardy challenged Bray Wyatt to come to the Hardy Compound for the Final Deletion. John Cena made a surprise appearance and even wrestled Goldust. Hillbilly Jim is the next member of the Hall of Fame
