WWE Raw is live tonight from Philips Arena in Atlanta. Here is a quick preview video to get you ready for the show:
The main headline matchup being advertised tonight is Team Stephanie McMahon and HHH vs. Team “Rowdy” Ronda Rousey and Raw General Manager Kurt Angle. In addition, Intercontinental Championship contenders Seth Rollins and Finn Balor square off, we could find out Braun Strowman’s tag partner, WWE Raw Women’s Champ Alexa Bliss plots to avoid Nia Jax, Roman Reigns tries to recover from his beatdowns to challenge WWE Universal Champ Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania and The Undertaker may finally respond to John Cena’s WrestleMania challenges.
Team McMahon vs. Team Rousey Opens The Show
We go live into the arena to see Jonathan Coachman in the ring. In the ring with him are two tables and a red carpet. Coachman is at a podium. Coachman says we’re starting off with a face-off between two teams that will face at WrestleMania. Out first is WWE RAW Commissioner Stephanie McMahon. McMahon comes out to loud boos from the crowd. She’s joined by her husband, the WWE COO Triple H. Triple H and Stephanie McMahon walk to ringside and point at the WrestleMania sign before getting into the ring.
Kurt Angle is introduced next, and he leads the crowd in chants of “You suck” to the tune of his song. Angle stays on the stage while “Rowdy” Ronda Rousey is introduced. They walk to the ring together.
All four competitors sit in their seats. There is a “Ronda Rousey” chant. Coachman says the WWE Universe has submitted questions via social media, but Triple H cuts him off. Triple H has a question for Kurt Angle. It’s a shame that everyone is chanting “Ronda Rousey” (it takes a few moments, but they start chanting) because they really want to like them, but that deafening roar will become a deafening silence after Sunday because of Kurt Angle. Intensity, integrity, and intelligence. He’s a six-time WWE Champion and an Olympic Gold Medalist, won with a broken freakin’ neck. Since the day he’s met with Angle, he never got the “intelligence” thing. This is Ronda Rousey, biggest signing in WWE history, and he ruins it by setting her up for embarrassment and a loss on the biggest stage possible at WrestleMania. This is a whopper even for Angle. Why? Angle starts to speak, but Rousey cuts him off. She asks them why they signed her with ulterior motives. McMahon apologizes for Rousey and says they’ll rebuild her after they defeat her on Sunday. Rousey says she understands the format and wants an answer. McMahon says they signed her because she’s a huge star. This crowd is testament to that. They want to see her in a WWE ring. In spite of her appalling attitude, they brought her here because she’s best for business. Her husband asked Kurt Angle a question. Angle derailed Rousey’s career and cost her millions of dollars. Angle works for her. She asks the questions. Who the hell does Rousey think she is? Angle says, “She’s Ronda freakin’ Rousey. She’s an Olympic medallist, a UFC Champion, and this Sunday at WrestleMania she’s going to make you tap out!
Triple H says what Rousey has done in her past means nothing in WWE now. He says WWE is their life, from beginning to end, and he’s so confident because they know the rules in the ring but Rousey has no idea what’s going to happen. He says there’s a massive learning curve here and they make the rules. Triple H says Rousey is going to lose. Coach asks the first question now, for Stephanie – how important is it that they win and how will that impact the future. Stephanie says it’s not if they win, it’s when they win. She says this will show that when there’s an uprising in the back, the bosses will quickly shut it down. Stephanie says Rousey and everyone else in the back will learn to respect authority.
Coach asks Angle how he feels about teaming up with Rousey on Sunday. Angle says Rousey is the baddest woman on the planet, ring or octagon, and she will prove it this weekend by making Stephanie tap out. Coach asks if they have any final thoughts. Stephanie tells Rousey to remember she chose this path, it’s all on her. Stephanie says Rousey’s first entry in the WWE record books will be a loss and we all know how Rousey handles losing. Rousey asks if Stephanie is right or left handed. Stephanie answers and asks why. Because Rousey wants to make sure she can still sign her paychecks after she rips her arm off. Fans chant “yes!” and Coach says this is a good time to end the Q&A but first, we have to do the photo-op. Coach says this will be classy and professional, not out of hand like in boxing or UFC. Coach wishes them all the best and good luck. The two teams meet in the middle of the ring for the photo-op now. Angle and Triple H shake hands while Rousey and Stephanie stare each other down. Stephanie extends her hand but Rousey won’t shake. Stephanie talks trash and points her finger. Rousey steps up to her. They face off and Angle gets in between them. Triple H decks Angle from behind with a mic. Rousey grabs Triple H by his collar. Stephanie comes from the side and puts Rousey through a table as fans boo. Stephanie talks trash while Rousey is down. Stephanie points up at the WrestleMania 34 sign as Triple H’s music hits. We go to replays. Triple H and Stephanie kiss on the apron before heading to the back for more boos.
Sonya Deville with Absolution (Mandy Rose and Paige) vs. Bayley
They circle the ring before Deville kicks her in the leg. Deville kicks her again and talks some trash. Bayley avoids a kick and kicks Deville back. Deville sends her to the corner, but Bayley slingshots over her and applies a headlock. Deville whips her off. They do some slow motion moves before Bayley takes her down with a cross-body. They nearly botch a headlock takeover. Deville gets out and shoulders her in the corner. Bayley drops her face-first on the top turnbuckle and elbows her. They botch a springboard move. Deville eventually takes her over with a big kick. We go to commercial.
Back from the break and Deville continues to dominate. Deville with a spinebuster and a 2 count. Deville with more offense, including a big running knee to the face. Bayley finally fights back and goes to the top. Bayley nails a crossbody but doesn’t make the pin. Bayley with a running knee to the face for a 2 count. Deville goes to the floor for a breather with Paige and Rose.
Bayley follows but it backfires as Deville turns it around and brings it back in. Bayley drops Deville over the second rope and covers for a close 2 count. Rose gets on the apron but Bayley knocks her off. Deville with a 2 count off the distraction. Bayley comes right back with a roll up for the win.
Winner: Bayley
After the bell, Rose immediately hits the ring and Bayley gets double teamed. Sasha Banks runs down and takes out Rose but Deville grabs Banks. Banks fights back and Rose gets sent to the floor. Bayley and Banks team up to send Deville out of the ring. Banks and Bayley have some words as Banks demands her arm is raised by Bayley for making the save. A brawl breaks out between Banks and Bayley. Rose and Deville come back in and take them out. Absolution leaves with their arms in the air as a referee checks on Bayley and Banks. We go to break.
Finn Balor vs. Seth Rollins
We go to the ring and out first comes Finn Balor. Back to commercial.
Back from the break and out comes The Miz to join the announcers for commentary. Rollins is out next.
The bell rings and they lock it up, trading holds in the middle of the ring. They trade takedowns and face off in the middle of the ring again as fans cheer. Balor takes control and keeps Rollins grounded. Rollins floors Balor with a shoulder. Rollins takes Balor down and keeps him down with a headlock. Rollins with a 1 count. Balor with hip tosses as he makes a comeback. Balor keeps Rollins grounded now.
Rollins drops Balor with a shoulder but they trade counters and stand off once again as fans cheer. Back to commercial.
More back and forth after the match. They meet in the middle of the ring and shove each other, then look up a the WrestleMania sign. They start unloading on each other next. Rollins sends Balor out to the floor and follows. They trade shots but Rollins gets the upperhand and brings it back into the ring. Balor sends Rollins right back to the floor and then dropkicks him off the apron. Balor with a big kick to the mouth from the apron. Balor poses on the apron as fans cheer. Balor brings Rollins back into the ring for a quick pin attempt.
Balor with a kick to the back and a 2 count. Balor with chops in the corner now. Rollins catches Balor running and sends him face-first into the turnbuckles. Rollins goes up and hits a Blockbuster for a 2 count. Rollins with an elbow to the top of the head as he keeps Balor grounded on the mat. We cut to a Shinsuke Nakamura vs. AJ Styles promo while Rollins vs. Balor is seen in a smaller window in the lower left corner of the screen. The match goes back to full size as Rollins hits a neckbreaker. Rollins goes to the floor and hits a running boot to the head. Rollins returns to the ring for the 2 count.
Balor fights back as they trade chops in the middle of the ring now. They trade counters. Rollins runs into boots in the corner. Balor mounts offense now. Rollins turns it around but can’t hit the Blockbuster. Balor counters and goes for a move but Rollins rolls him up for 2. Balor drops Rollins for a close 2 count. Balor waits for Rollins to get up. Rollins counters a move and hits a Slingblade. Rollins runs the ropes and nails a suicide dive to the floor, sending Balor back into the barrier. We return to commercial.
Coming back from the break, we see Balor connect with a Sling Blade. Balor charges, but Rollins superkicks him for a near fall. The crowd is chanting, “This is awesome.” Rollins hits a running forearm and goes for a second, but Balor moves and hits a kick to the face. Balor goes to the top rope, but Rollins crotches him. This is a nearly twenty minute match. Rollins goes for a superplex, but Balor forearms him to the mat. Balor goes for a move, but Rollins scales the ropes for a superplex! Rollins rolls through and goes for a falcon’s arrow, but Balor counters with a roll-up for a near fall! Rollins hits a quick Rip Cord Knee for a near fall. Rollins goes to the top rope and looks at the WrestleMania sign before going for a Frog Splash, but Balor gets the knees up and covers for a near fall!
The crowd is really into this match. Balor pulls himself up to his feet, but Rollins rolls out of the ring. Balor goes for a running kick, but Rollins grabs the leg and goes for a powerbomb into the barricade, the same move that ripped up Balor’s shoulder at SummerSlam 2016. Balor gets out and hits a Sling Blade on the floor before dropkicking him into the barricade. Balor gets him in the ring and goes to the top rope for the Coup de Grace, but Rollins moves. Rollins goes for the Curb Stomp, but Balor moves. They trade roll-ups, but Rollins stuns him with a Curb Stomp for the win!
Winner:Seth Rollins
Seth Rollins poses on the turnbuckle while The Miz holds up his Intercontinental Championship to taunt him.
John Cena wants an answer from The Undertaker later tonight. Coming up next, we’ll take a look at the WWE Universal Championship Match.
Back from a break and we get a promo for the WWE Universal Title match at WrestleMania 34.
Paul Heyman is backstage on the phone when Kurt Angle walks up. Heyman hangs up and Angle tells him how important it is to make sure the WrestleMania main event stays intact. Heyman says they will go out to the ring tonight but they will take it easy and save anything controversial on Roman Reigns for Sunday in the ring. Angle mentions being concerned for Brock Lesnar and Heyman laughs in his face. Angle just asks Heyman to keep it civil tonight. Heyman says he and his client will take that into consideration. They thank each other and Angle walks off with Heyman laughing.
The Bar Attacks Braun Strowman
We go to the ring and out come RAW Tag Team Champions The Bar. Back to commercial.
Back from the break and Cesaro is in the ring with Sheamus. They’re not worried about who Braun Strowman’s partner for Sunday is because they’ll never be a real team and they’ll never get the RAW Tag Team Titles. They go on but the music interrupts and out comes Braun.
Braun speaks from the stage and reveals he has a partner. Braun says his partner doesn’t appreciate what The Bar has been saying. Cesaro calls the partner out. Braun says he will come out but he wants a match with one of them. Fans chant “yes!” now. Sheamus accepts the challenge. Braun says good, he’ll go to the back and get the partner. Braun stops and warns The Bar that his partner is a lot like him, just a little different. Braun heads to the back while The Bar waits. Braun’s music hits and out comes Braun with a different shirt and a pair of glasses. “My brother’s Braun but I’m brains and I’m coming to knock yours out of your head.” This must be Braun’s twin brother. He marches to the ring.
The Bar attacks Braun but he fights them off. Sheamus nails a Brogue Kick and they double team Braun now. Strowman fights out again and launches Cesaro across the ring. The Bar retreats as Braun stands tall and yells at them to bring it. Braun’s music hits as he motions for the titles around his waist and points up at the WrestleMania sign.
Goldust Promo
Cole sends us to a Shattered Dreams Productions video from Goldust, who confirms himself for the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal at WrestleMania 34. We cut to Matt Hardy’s response. The Woken One cuts a promo on winning the battle royal and says Goldustis scheduled for deletion later tonight. We go to commercial.
Goldust vs. “Woken” Matt Hardy
We join this match in progress. Goldust uppercuts Hardy and hisses at him. Hardy screams “WONDERFUL” and claps. Goldust looks confused. Hardy ducks a clothesline and punches him before sending him to the corner. Goldust boots him back and sends him shoulder-first into the ring post. Goldust punches him and stomps him in the head. Hardy punches back and hits the ropes, but Goldust takes him down with a spinebuster. Hardy soon comes back with some right hands and bounces him off the turnbuckles. Hardy says Goldust will be “DELETED!” Goldust gets out of a bulldog, but Hardy comes back with a Side Effect for a two count. Goldust shoves him off attempting a Twist of Fate and hits a scoop powerslam for a two count. Goldust goes to the second rope, but Hardy avoids an elbow drop. Goldust counters a Twist of Fate with a roll-up for a near fall. Hardy finally hits a Twist of Fate for the win.
Winner: “Woken” Matt Hardy
Hardy goes to ringside and grabs the André The Giant Trophy and shouts, “PROCURE! PROCURE!”
We’ll have an interview with Nia Jax later tonight.
They do one of those handheld video promos with Alexa Bliss and Mickie James where they have the words on the screen. At WrestleMania, Nia Jax will be blubbering in her blubber.
John Cena-Undertaker Segment
Back from the break and out comes John Cena to the ring. Fans sing their own version of his theme song.
Cena says we’re out of time and there’s no answer, so he was wrong. Cena says silence means no in this situation. Cena says he did all he could to make it happen but now he’s going to WrestleMania 34 as a fan. Cena brings up ow Michael Cole told him he should just enter the Andre Battle Royal. Cena says that’s not going to happen. He talks about some of his recent big losses and says he would be taking a spot from a full-time WWE Superstar that has busted his ass all year for it. He called out The Undertaker for a last chance WrestleMania moment, one reason because it would be a match where no one else got held back. Just two larger than life Superstars duking it out at WrestleMania. Cena says it seemed perfect but things do change. He says his life drastically changed one year ago today. He sends a message to Nikki Bella and says he will be home soon. Cena says maybe this WrestleMania is the one for change. Fans start chanting Taker’s name.
Cena hopes Taker hears the fans but he’s not sure if he is. Cena’s going to WrestleMania as a fan and he’s damn proud of that. He mentions Seth Rollins and Finn Balor, Daniel Bryan finally returning to the ring, AJ Styles, even Rusev and Elias. Cena says he’s genuinely proud of all the women’s matches at WrestleMania because that division continually proves that success is not based on gender. Cena announces again that he is going to WrestleMania as a fan and he’s proud of that. Cena wants to take a second to apologize about The Undertaker. He’s tried everything to summon Taker as have the fans in each city. Cena gets the Atlanta crowd to try and get Taker to respond next. Cena gets them to try again but louder this time if they want the lightning. Cena calls on them to try again, so loud that Taker hears them from Death Valley. The crowd goes wild but there’s no Taker. Fans start chanting Taker’s name now.
Fans boo when Taker doesn’t appear. Cena tells Taker that’s 4 weeks straight of an entire audience pouring their hearts out for him and he doesn’t have the decency to do anything. Cena goes on and says Taker can ignore him all he wants but the second he ignores the people, he becomes a dead man walking. Cena says it’s obvious that Taker left his hat in the ring but it’s clear to everyone here that he also left his balls at home. Cena plays to the crowd some more and fans chant his name. Cena’s music hits and he leaves the ring. Cena shakes his head in disappointment as he marches up the ramp.
Roman Reigns Backstage
Back from the break and Kurt Angle walks up on Roman Reigns backstage. Angle already has one WrestleMania match not happening, Cena vs. Taker, and doesn’t need another. He brings up how Paul Heyman has promised not to incite things tonight. This leads to Reigns threatening to hit the ring if they say one wrong thing tonight. Reigns doesn’t care about Angle’s peace treaty. Reigns tells Angle to take the peace treaty to the same pawn shop he took his Olympic gold medals to. Reigns storms off.
Elias vs. Heath Slater
We go to the ring and JoJo introduces Elias, who has a spotlight and his guitar. Elias plays some and asks who wants to walk with him. Elias talks about everyone wanting to walk with him after WrestleMania on Sunday and brags about another sold out crowd singing his name tonight. Elias starts ripping on the Atlanta crowd next. Elias says he has the greatest performance of a lifetime scheduled for WrestleMania but right now he has a song so he needs everyone to silence their phones, hold their applause and shut their mouths. The music interrupts and out comes Heath Slater with Rhyno.
They lock up and Elias takes it to the corner. Elias floors Slater with a big clothesline. Elias charges into the corner but Slater moves. Slater mounts offense now and get a pop. Elias comes right back with a knee to the jaw and a Drift Away for the easy win.
Winner: Elias
After the match, Elias stands tall as his arm is raised. Elias points up at the WrestleMania sign.
Still to come, an exclusive interview with Nia Jax. Back to commercial.
Back from the break and Braun Strowman is walking backstage. He sees Curt Hawkins wearing a “Pick Me Braun” t-shirt. Hawkins wants to be Braun’s partner at WrestleMania 34 to help with his win-loss record but Braun isn’t interested. Braun grabs Hawkins and throws him through a wall.
The announcers plug WrestleMania Week programming.
We go to Renee Young’s sitdown interview with Nia Jax. Jax talks about how she’s disappointed in herself for how RAW Women’s Champion Alexa Bliss has gotten over on her and made her doubt herself. Jax says some of the comments from Bliss took a toll on her and hurt some of her confidence but she took a look in the mirror and told herself that she doesn’t take s–t. She’s strong, she’s confident, she’s different and also big but she loves who she is. This is how God made her and what her mom gave her. Jax goes on and has a message for Bliss – she’s nothing but an insecure little girl, a pathetic fly, and Jax will squash her like a bug at WrestleMania.
Mickie James and Alexa Bliss vs. Asuka and Dana Brooke
We go to the ring and out first comes RAW Women’s Champion Alexa Bliss with Mickie James. Back to commercial.
Back from the break and out comes Dana Brooke. Asuka is out next. Dana and Bliss start things off, trading holds and going at it. Dana works on the arm but Bliss decks her with a right hand. Dana with the cartwheel into the corner. Dana scoops Bliss on her shoulders but Bliss slides out and drops her with a shot to the neck. Mickie tags in and takes over on Dana. Dana rolls Mickie up for a 2 count.
Fans chant for Asuka but Mickie mocks them and keeps control of Dana. Dana fights back and rams Mickie into the corner with shoulder thrusts. Mickie sends Dana down and kicks her in the face. Mickie taunts Asuka, bringing her in through the ropes but the referee backs her off. Mickie keeps control of Dana and stops her from tagging. Dana comes back and scoop slams Mickie. Dana lands on Mickie’s knees and loses control once again as we return to commercial.
We come back from the break to see Brooke trapped in a chin lock. Brooke fights out, but James takes her back down. Asuka hasn’t been in this match yet. Brooke fights up again, but James turns her inside out with a knee to the midsection. Bliss tags in, and she attacks Brooke in the corner before kicking her in the ribs. Bliss stands on her before covering for a two count. Brooke comes back with a suplex.
Asuka and James are tagged in. Asuka hits a flying hip attack before punching away at her. Asuka knees her in the face and kicks away at her. Asuka then knocks Bliss off the apron. James gets out of the ring, but Asuka hits a sliding kick from the apron. Asuka puts her in the ring and eats a superkick for a two count. Asuka avoids a diving Thesz Press and applies the Asuka Lock for the win.
Winners: Asuka and Dana
Alexa Bliss quickly attacks her from behind. They then hit Dana Brooke with a double-team DDT. Bliss then grabs Asuka, but Nia Jax’ music hits. She runs down to the ring and grabs Bliss, but James attacks. Jax throws her off and hits an avalanche. Jax then hits James with a Samoan Drop before staring at Bliss, who is already up the ramp. Bliss looks terrified.
Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman are walking backstage when Kurt Angle stops them and asks where they’re going. Heyman says he’ll talk positively about his client’s opponent, Roman Reigns. We go to commercial.
Brock Lesnar-Roman Reigns Segment
Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman make their way to the ring. RAW Superstars come out to form a wall on the ramp in case Roman Reigns comes out. Lesnar and Heyman don’t look thrilled. Heyman starts doing his opening lines, but he stops. Just because Kurt Angle got his manhood ripped off this evening and proved to be an ineffective mentor to “Rowdy” Ronda Rousey, this is overcompensatory behavior. The Universal Title is owned by Brock Lesnar! Heyman hear by swears and affirms to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth so help him God. Before the last WrestleMania in New Orleans, he said his client would end The Undertaker’s streak, and they did. Heyman told them it wasn’t a prediction, but a spoiler. No one laughed when it happened, but they laughed at each and every single one of those that didn’t believe it. Six days from now, WrestleMania will take place in New Orleans. The only two beings on the face of the planet that own a WrestleMania victory over The Undertaker will collide for the WWE Universal Championship. Everyone thinks its fait accompli that Reigns will dethrone Lesnar, but at WrestleMania he will F5 Reigns and beat him in the center of the ring. Lesnar will pin him 1-2-3. It’s not a prediction… it’s a spoiler. If some act of God happens and Reigns slips on a banana peel and wins, this is the last time you’ll ever see Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman on Monday Night RAW.
Heyman will save his goodbyes for his own social media, but since Lesnar will be saying hello from UFC, he wants to dispel some things about his client. This whole aura he’s built for Brock Lesnar since 2002 that Lesnar thinks no one can shine his shoes in the locker room and that Lesnar hates the crowd, this image is 100% true. It’s understated. Lesnar feels there isn’t one member of the locker room that can hold his jock, let alone take his title. No one watching can afford to pay what they think Lesnar is worth to compete in the ring. This Sunday night, Roman Reigns’ only choice is to accept defeat. It’s easy to make choices when you have no options. Reigns’ options are like his ass — they’re both owned by Brock Lesnar. Reigns isn’t having a victory party. He’ll have to go home to his wife, kid, father, and uncles and admit that he got defeated and conquered by Brock Lesnar. Roman Reigns isn’t the big dog nor is this his yard. Reigns will only be another notch on Brock Lesnar’s title belt. Roman Reigns is just Brock Lesnar’s bitch.
They go to leave, but Roman Reigns’ music hits.
Reigns tries to go to the ring, but the human wall stops him. Lesnar laughs in the ring and holds up the title. Reigns has a microphone. Reigns asks if these full-time talents are going to protect this part-time bastard. Reigns tells them to think about it. They look around before separating to let Reigns through.
Reigns walks down to the ring. Lesnar tells Reigns to think about it before getting in the ring. A “Let’s go Roman” chant fires up. Lesnar yells, “Think about it, boy!” Reigns climbs the stairs and stands on the apron before staring at Lesnar. Reigns then gets in the ring. Lesnar drops the title, and they circle the ring. Reigns looks at the title before quickly looking at Lesnar. Lesnar then leaves the ring and grabs his Universal Championship. Lesnar then laughs at Reigns while the crowd loudly boos. Lesnar then grabs a steel chair and puts the title down. Lesnar gets in the ring with the chair, but Reigns doesn’t back down. Paul Heyman shouts, “Victimize him!” Reigns hits Lesnar with a trio of Superman Punches! Lesnar gets up holding the steel chair, and Lesnar floors him with a fourth Superman Punch! Lesnar staggers up still holding the steel chair, and Reigns takes him down with a fifth Superman Punch. Reigns picks up the Universal Championship and stands over the fallen Brock Lesnar. Reigns holds it up to mostly cheers. Reigns looks at the WrestleMania sign before turning to see Lesnar on his feet. Lesnar hits him with an F5 and rolls out of the ring with the Universal Championship belt.