Welcome to the Raw review for February 19 2019. For this and Smackdown, I will go over the talking points and pick the match of the night.
New Faces
Raw brought four superstars from NXT to compete on the main roster. Ricochet teamed with Finn Balor to defeat Bobby Lashley and Lio Rush. Ciampa and Johnny Gargano beat The Revival in a tag team match. Aleister Black beat Elias after the Black Mass. These four are near the top of NXT and it will be interesting if this is just a one off or a permanent move. All four looked like they belonged, but one stood out over the others.
Ambrose’s Journey
Dean Ambrose might be going back to his Lunatic mind set. After challenging Drew McIntyre, with the hardest slap ever given in the modern age, Ambrose was destroyed by two Claymoore kicks. Backstage, he interrupted Seth Rollins interview to ask why Rollins had not come out to help him. A disbelieving Rollins asked if he had lost his mind. Ambrose shrugged and walked off. Something is going on here and I think I like it.
Break it Down
There is absolutely no reason why Degeneration X should not be in the hall of fame. Their heyday in the Attitude era is sometimes dismissed as just a comedy show. They were the New Day of their time, making the audience laugh, but could turn it on in the ring. Their feud with the Nation of Dmination was always a highlight. The fact that this allows Chyna into the Hall is fantastic as well. The big question is: who will induct them?
Match of the Night
Finn Balor and Ricochet vs.Bobby Lashley and Lio Rush (Balor and Ricochet win by pinfall)
Of the four, it was Ricochet who had the most impressive performance. Doing things in the air that no non super hero should be able to do, Ricochet was just outstanding. His partner gave him all the praise, but there is a big part of me that wants to see Balor vs Ricochet. That would have Match of the Year written all over it.
Conclusion
Corbin was put through a table courtesy of Strowman. Rousey defeated Ruby Riott. It looks like Jax and Tamina will be the first challengers for Bayley and Banks. Zack Ryder and Curt Hawkins lost to Lucha House Party.
