WWE Monday Night RAW
February 27, 2017
Green Bay, Wisconsin
Commentary: Michael Cole, Byron Saxton and Corey Graves
Results by: Mike Tedesco of Wrestleview.com
“Then. Now. Forever.” The WWE video leads us into the show.
Goldberg talks about WWE Fastlane to kick off the show
We go live into the arena to hear Goldberg’s music. The crowd immediately comes to their feet and starts chanting his name. The cameras follow Goldberg while he makes his way through the backstage area. The sparks on the stage start to fly, and Goldberg comes through them breathing smoke before his pyrotechnics go off. Goldberg high fives and hugs children while he makes his way to the ring. Goldberg gets in the ring and continues listening to the chants of his name. Goldberg thanks Green Bay for the great reception. Last week, Kevin Owens came out in his nice little suit and spotlight and did what he does best: talk and talk and talk until he couldn’t talk anymore, and then he kept talking. Goldberg won’t do that, but he is in one hell of a good mood. He’s six days out. Goldberg says from his heart, he’s never made a promise that he didn’t follow through with. Here’s a promise: at WWE Fastlane, it’ll be Spear, Jackhammer, and a 1-2-3. Goldberg will become the WWE Universal Championship. He’s going to take it into WrestleMania to face Brock Lesnar. Another “Goldberg” chant fires up, but there was a smattering of boos for the promise. Goldberg promises everyone in the arena and at home, as well as his wife, son, and Kevin Owens that he will deliver, and he’ll see him Sunday.
Kevin Owens’ music hits, and the WWE Universal Champion makes his way to the stage dressed in a suit and looking thoroughly unimpressed. Owens says it’s great that Goldberg is in a good mood because he is as well. Owens says he’s happy to see him. Last week, he got a lot off his chest, but Goldberg was missing. Now he can tell Goldberg what he thinks. Goldberg promised his wife and son something, but when he got to WWE, he made a promise to himself. Owens promised himself he would grab the company by the throat and show them what he was about. On his first night here, he beat John Cena. Owens didn’t stop there. Dean Ambrose – he beat him. AJ Styles, the flavor of the month – he beat him. He even beat Seth Rollins and “The Guy” Roman Reigns. Owens won’t bring up what he did to Chris Jericho because he doesn’t matter, but everyone remembers what happened. No matter how loud the sheep chant his name, Goldberg is next! Owens says he’s not saying it in the cute way Goldberg says it. He’s telling Goldberg he’s next in the evolution of Kevin Owens as Universal Champion.
Goldberg sarcastically claps for him and says his speech was “wonderful and moving.” As entertaining as it was, it pissed him off. Goldberg wants to give Green Bay something to cheer for. Owens says he doesn’t speak Neanderthal very well, but it sounds like a challenge. Owens makes his way to the ring for a fight before saying Green Bay doesn’t deserve to see him fight. Owens tells Goldberg to not worry – they will fight this Sunday. Owens cannot wait to pin Goldberg and stand over him with his championship. The only thing Goldberg will hear is silence. At Fastlane, the Goldberg chant dies. Owens drops the mic and walks off.
Seth Rollins will be interviewed in the ring tonight about his status for WrestleMania.
The New Day is seen backstage. They’ll be in action, next.
Mike’s Thoughts: That was a very good opening segment. It didn’t drag at all. Goldberg has such a great presence about him. To his credit, Kevin Owens doesn’t appear out of place at all with him. Of course, time will tell on Sunday concerning how well they book Owens against Goldberg. They both did a great job building up for their match on Sunday. As random as it came about, I find myself quite interested in it. This was a huge improvement from that really rough promo Goldberg had before the Royal Rumble when he head-butted that door before coming out and forgot all his lines.
-Commercial Break-
“OHH GREEN BAY — DON’T YOU DARE BE SOUR! CLAP FOR YOUR LONGEST-REINING TAG CHAMPS AND FEEL THE POWER!”
The New Day makes their entrance. Big E pours Booty O’s down the expectant throats of some fans at ringside. Xavier Woods says as the hosts of this year’s WrestleMania, they have quite a bit on their plates. Kofi Kingston says they shouldn’t be concerned about what they have on their plate. Big E says they should be concerned with what is in their bowls. Woods says they have showered them with sugar and bathed them in Booty O’s. They know the crowd wants much more. They get in the ring. Boos are starting to kick up. Kingston says people want ice cream. That gets light applause and a quiet “ice cream” chant. Kingston says they’re trying to bring about “New Day Pops: a mouthful of magic; I gotta have it!” Big E says they have to take the shine off the Shining Stars because they rock.
The Shining Stars make their way to the ring. A technician comes in the ring and hands them a corrected envelope. They’re playing off the botch at the Academy Awards last night. Woods says The Shining Stars aren’t facing them – they’re facing The Big Show later tonight. Kingston says this is not indicative of their hosting abilities. They’re supposed to face Rusev and Jinder Mahal.
The New Day vs. Rusev and Jinder Mahal w/ Lana
Rusev is no longer wearing his protective face mask. Xavier Woods will start against Jinder Mahal. They lock up, and Mahal applies a waistlock. Woods turns it on him, but Mahal elbows out. Woods hits the ropes and takes him down with a head-scissor takeover. Woods avalanches him in the corner. Big E tags in and hits a running shoulder thrust. Woods follows up with the Honor Roll. Big E covers for a two count. Big E lays him out on the apron. Woods dropkicks Rusev down at ringside before Big E splashes Mahal on the apron. They celebrate before heading into a commercial break.
-Commercial Break-
We come back from the break to see Rusev applying a front facelock to Woods. Woods fights up and connects with a jawbreaker. Rusev stops Woods from making a tag before kneeing away at him in the ribs. Rusev follows up with a fall-away slam for a two count. Mahal tags back in and stomps Woods before dropping a knee for a two count. Mahal applies a chin lock. Woods fights up, but Mahal elbows him down. Rusev tags in and drops an elbow. Rusev taunts the crowd before Woods fights back. Rusev quickly powers Woods to the corner and shoulders away at him. Rusev sends him to the corner, but Woods catches him with a boot. Rusev is still able to prevent him from making a tag. Rusev lifts Woods up, but Woods gets out with an enzuigiri.
Big E and Mahal are tagged in. Big E hits Mahal with a trio of belly-to-belly suplexes. Big E gyrates before connecting with a big splash. Big E knocks Rusev off the apron and goes for a Big Ending, but Mahal gets out and superkicks him. Woods blind tags in. Mahal turns into a cross-body block, but Rusev breaks it up. Rusev kicks Big E off the apron. Kofi Kingston argues with Lana at ringside. This distracts Mahal, so Woods rolls him up for the victory.
Winners by Pinfall: The New Day
The New Day celebrates while going up the ramp. Jinder Mahal is furious with Rusev for not paying attention to their match. They argue in the ring, but nothing else happens.
Bayley and Sasha Banks will take on Charlotte Flair and Dana Brooke later tonight.
Mike’s Thoughts: That was an all around terrible two segments. The New Day came out and didn’t get half the reaction they normally get. They then tried some lame comedy, including the predictable shot at the Academy Awards blunder last night in an attempt to be trendy. It came off so hamfisted and unfunny that I almost felt bad for them. Then the match itself was just average. It doesn’t help that we saw this last week on RAW. It really feels like we’ve been seeing it for quite a while. This was just a total wash; channel changing stuff.
-Commercial Break-
Replays are shown of Enzo and Big Cass defeating Cesaro and Sheamus to become the #1 Contenders for the RAW Tag Team Titles at WWE Fastlane.
Enzo and Big Cass are talking backstage. Enzo says when they become champions, he’ll change up their Twitter pictures. Enzo says he’ll never take the title off. He’ll wear it everywhere. Big Cass says they need to remember that Anderson and Gallows have won titles all around the world. They’ve never won a title together. That’ll change this Sunday. They need to stay focused on their match, like he needs to focus on his match against Luke Gallows tonight. Enzo tries to get him fired up, and Big Cass walks off.
Elsewhere backstage, Cesaro and Sheamus are talking about their loss last week. Samoa Joe walks up to them. Cesaro says he’s always been able to handle Samoa Joe. Cesaro calls him a backstabber. Joe says Cesaro is just mad that he’s still grasping for the brass ring whereas he came in with it. Cesaro says Joe is just carrying Triple H’s jockstrap. Joe says Cesaro is clever before sarcastically saying it got him far.
Stephanie McMahon is yelling at a stagehand in her office when Mick Foley comes in. She wants to apologize to Foley. She says he is a legend in WWE. The sacrifices he made throughout his career, including his ear, are remarkable. Foley would stand up in the face of adversity and fear. She hired that Mick Foley to be General Manager of RAW. That’s not the Mick Foley she got. Seventeen years ago to the day, her husband retired Foley. Every year, Triple H gets stronger while Foley continues to get weaker. She’s shocked at how far he’s fallen and is a shell of his former self. Foley doesn’t measure up to her expectations or even his own. She says Foley is feeble and pathetic before apologizing that she put him in this position. The man that could stand up to anything can hardly stand at all. McMahon walks off while Foley just stares ahead.
-Commercial Break-
Austin Aries joins the commentary team for the Cruiserweight Match.
Brian Kendrick is shown in a pre-taped promo talking about Akira Tozawa. Kendrick assaulted him on RAW last week before trying him up to the ring apron on WWE 205 Live to get a count-out victory. Kendrick says he hopes Tozawa is learning his lessons.
Cruiserweight Match
Akira Tozawa vs. Noam Dar w/ Alicia Fox
They shake hands, and the match begins. They lock up, and Tozawa powers him to the corner. Tozawa screams at him and punches away at him. Tozawa knees him in the face and hits a standing senton for a two count. Tozawa tries to get the crowd going. They trade punches and chops with Tozawa coming out on top. Tozawa fakes him out and punches him in the face. Tozawa starts yelling to get the crowd going. Dar reverses a whip to the corner, but Tozawa elbows him back. Tozawa goes to the second rope, but Alicia Fox distracts him. Dar takes him off the ropes, and Tozawa lands right on his face! Dar attacks him and applies an arm bar. Tozawa seems like he was knocked a little loopy. Tozawa fights up, but Dar head-butts him in the midsection. Tozawa hits a sloppy hurricanrana and forearms him off the apron. Tozawa holds his head before hitting a suicide dive. Tozawa has some discoloration on his forehead. Tozawa gets him in the ring and hits a snap German Suplex for the win.
Winner by Pinfall: Akira Tozawa
Tozawa celebrates in the ring before Brian Kendrick attacks him from behind. Kendrick sends him shoulder-first into the ring post before booting him in the head. Kendrick grabs a microphone and paces. Kendrick says that is lesson number three. Even though you might win your match, you need to have eyes in the back of your head. Tozawa doesn’t. Even when the match is over, it’s not over. Kendrick asks if he has any questions before saying he hopes he learns his lessons. They’ll face on the Fastlane Kickoff Show.
Bayley and Sasha Banks will take on Charlotte Flair and Dana Brooke, next.
Mike’s Thoughts: Yikes, Akira Tozawa had a really nasty landing on his face and looked a little off after. That hurricanrana and suicide dive were not fluid at all. Hopefully he doesn’t have a concussion. As for the feud with Brian Kendrick, it’s a good enough feud for a Kickoff Show match and not much more.
-Commercial Break-
Mick Foley is looking upset backstage. Samoa Joe asks what’s wrong. Is he not having a nice day? Foley says he hasn’t had a nice seven months as the RAW GM. Something Stephanie McMahon said holds true for Joe. Time changes men. 13 years ago, he was Joe’s biggest fan. Now he’s Triple H’s puppet. Joe says he’s nobody’s puppet. Foley says he does everything Triple H tells him to. Joe says no one tells him what to do. Foley says as long as he’s RAW GM, he will tell him what to do. Tonight, Samoa Joe will have a match against Cesaro right here in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Foley says, “Have a nice day, Joe!”
Charlotte Flair calls out Bayley before WWE Fastlane
Charlotte Flair and Dana Brooke make their entrance. Flair says she thought Bayley would do the right thing and hand back her title last week, but she showed the world who she really is: selfish and greedy. Flair says Bayley has been playing them all. She should have won an Academy Award last night. At first, she was shocked, but then she thought about it. She wanted this her entire life. Bayley is just average like the crowd. She didn’t care how she won the Women’s Championship or that Sasha Banks helped her cheat. As long as she had her title held above her head, that was good enough for Bayley. Bayley is destined to be a one-hit wonder. They have their moment in the sun and disappear. Flair talks about The Baha Men and the cast of Twilight. Flair then says Brett Favre and Buster Douglas are also one-hit wonders to get heat in Green Bay.
Bayley interrupts the promo and makes her entrance. Flair calls Bayley a cheater. Bayley says the name she’s looking for is “The champion.” The crowd chants Bayley’s name. Bayley says this one-hit wonder has defeated Charlotte three times. Whether she or Stephanie McMahon like it or not, she made the right decision by keeping the title. She thanks the WWE Universe for that. If she thinks her WWE journey finishes here, she’s wrong. Once one dream is achieved, you have to keep reaching. Her next dream is going to WrestleMania as the RAW Women’s Champion. Flair says she’s tired of hearing about Bayley’s dreams. WrestleMania is in 40 days. She’ll regain her title at WWE Fastlane. She’ll buy her dad a front row ticket to watch his daughter become a one-hit wonder.
Sasha Banks’ music hits, and she makes her way to the ring. Banks says not everyone has daddy issues like Flair. Banks says Bayley is everything Flair wishes she was. Despite her rage and insecurity, Bayley is more deserving of the title than she’ll ever be. Flair says she’s impressed Banks isn’t out of breath because she’s continuously taking Bayley’s spotlight. Banks says she’s exhausted from looking at her stupid face. Banks says she doesn’t know why they’re still talking. Don’t they have a tag match right now? Flair says they have a tag match, but her protégée isn’t her partner. This woman is: Nia Jax. This match is next.
Mike’s Thoughts: That was painful. I mean, like, really painful. It felt like time wasting garbage, probably because it was. The lines were brutal as well. That comeback from Sasha Banks about being exhausted from looking at Charlotte’s “stupid face” was insanely brutal. Whoever wrote that, I’m sorry, but your three months are up.
-Commercial Break-
Charlotte Flair and Nia Jax vs. Bayley and Sasha Banks
Nia Jax will start against Sasha Banks. They lock up, and Jax powers her down. Jax pulls her down by the hair and stomps her. Banks whiffs on a kick and goes for a wheelbarrow bulldog, but Jax throws her to the corner. Jax bounces her off the turnbuckle and throws her to Bayley. Bayley tags in, and Jax scoop slams her down. Jax taunts Bayley, but Bayley fights back. Bayley goes for a suplex, but Jax easily counters. Bayley gets out and avoids an avalanche. Bayley then punches away at her, but Jax soon swats her away. Bayley dropkicks Jax, but she doesn’t go down. Banks blind tags in, but Jax quickly runs them both over. Flair tags in and chops Bayley for a two count. Bayley punches back at her before tagging Banks in. They give Flair a double hip toss for a two count. Banks slingshots over Flair and hits a head-scissor takeover before hitting a dropkick for a two count. Banks applies a submission, but Flair fights up. Bayley tags in, but Dana Brooke grabs the ankle. Bayley quickly sidesteps Flair’s sneak attack and sends her out of the ring. Bayley then gives Brooke Bayley-To-Belly on the floor.
-Commercial Break-
We come back from the break to see Jax tag in and attempt to slam Banks, but she gets out and dropkicks away at her. Jax simply head-butts her away. Banks comes back with some slaps and tries for an arm drag, but Jax doesn’t go down. Jax gives her a gut-buster before dropping the elbow. Jax drops another elbow for a two count. Flair tags in, and she takes Banks down before applying a grapevine to the head. Flair rolls her around a few times before kipping up. Jax tags in and avalanches Banks. The crowd is deathly quiet. Flair tags in, but Banks avoids both women.
Bayley tags in, and she clotheslines Flair three times before elbowing her in the back of the neck. Bayley hits a low clothesline before hitting a pair of running back elbows in the corner. Bayley hits a snap back suplex for a one count. Flair quickly gets her on the apron and attacks. Bayley snaps her off the top rope. Jax blind tags in, but Bayley comes back by jumping on her back with a sleeper hold. Jax gets out, but Bayley makes a comeback. Bayley knocks Flair off the apron before Jax avalanches her. Jax knocks Banks off the apron, but Banks soon comes back with a cross-body attempt. Jax catches her and body slams her on top of Bayley. Jax then drops a leg on Bayley for the win.
Winners by Pinfall: Charlotte Flair and Nia Jax
Seth Rollins will be interviewed in the ring later tonight.
Mick Foley is in his office talking to Braun Strowman about how he can’t give him any competition tonight. Strowman says he doesn’t want competition; he wants a contract. Strowman says he wants a contract for the match at Fastlane so Roman Reigns can’t tuck his tail and running. Foley says he can’t see that ever happening. Strowman hasn’t broken Reigns yet. If he wants to sign a contract in the ring, then he can. Strowman says he wants Reigns’ name on the line, “Or else.”
Big Cass will take on Luke Gallows, next.
Mike’s Thoughts: A poor follow-up to a really bad set-up for the match. This was a rough night for the women both verbally and physically. The verbal has been covered already. As for the match, it was pretty bad. There was no rhythm whatsoever. The terrible crowd could be blamed for that, but it’s really not their fault. Aside from a great opening segment, they’ve had to sit through some really bad drivel. WWE booking is still quite suspect. They abused Bayley all fall and killed her momentum, then hotshot the title onto her a few weeks ago, and have really booked her awfully since. This will culminate in (presumably) another Charlotte title victory at Fastlane. How can Bayley possibly rebound from booking this bad?
-Commercial Break-
Luke Gallows makes his entrance with Karl Anderson. They’re followed by Enzo and Big Cass. Enzo goes through his usual shtick, but the crowd isn’t as receptive to it this week. Big Cass says they will become the RAW Tag Team Champions this Sunday and prove there is only one word to describe Anderson and Gallows: S-A-W-F-T!
Luke Gallows w/ Karl Anderson vs. Big Cass w/ Enzo
Karl Anderson immediately distracts Big Cass. Luke Gallows superkicks him and kicks him in the head a second time. Cass blocks a whip and punches, but Gallows kicks back and punches away at him. Gallows avalanches him in the corner and clotheslines him down for a two count. Gallows applies a chin lock, but Cass fights up and punches out. Gallows punches him, but Cass grabs him by the throat. Cass goes for a Chokeslam, but Gallows gets out and kicks him. Cass avoids a kick and elbows him back. Cass sluggishly sidesteps an avalanche and punches away at Gallows. Cass shoulder blocks Gallows and avalanches him in the corner. Cass hits a fall-away slam and a second avalanche. Cass then connects with a sidewalk slam followed by the Empire Elbow. Anderson distracts Cass and tries to attack Enzo, but he’s sent into the steps. Cass then levels Gallows with a big boot for the win.
Winner by Pinfall: Big Cass
The commentators put over the WWE Network’s three year anniversary.
Mike’s Thoughts: Sheesh two matches in a row where a champion gets pinned. Another rough match. There was no chemistry. I just realized they’re coming back from a tour of Europe, so that could explain the sluggishness of everyone in the ring tonight. Still, this is not a good go-home show for the PPV so far. Sluggishness doesn’t account for plain bad booking.
-Commercial Break-
Titus O’Neil got into a fight with Sheamus earlier tonight on Facebook Live.
Titus O’Neil vs. Sheamus
O’Neil big boots Sheamus off the apron while he’s making his entrance. O’Neil punches away at him before sending him into the barricade. O’Neil then drove him into the LED ring apron. O’Neil gets him in the ring, and Sheamus tells the referee to ring the bell. Sheamus almost immediately levels him with a Brogue Kick for the win.
Winner by Pinfall: Sheamus
Cesaro will take on Samoa Joe later tonight.
Coming up next, we’ll hear from Seth Rollins about his WrestleMania status.
Mike’s Thoughts: More crap filler. This show is officially off the tracks. The complete apathy displayed by the crowd at the sound of Titus O’Neil’s music said more than I could write.
-Commercial Break-
Seth Rollins addresses his WrestleMania status
Cory Graves is in the ring, and he introduces a video package to explain how we got here. We see footage of Triple H’s return to challenge Seth Rollins only for Samoa Joe to attack him. Joe injured Rollins, which has put his WrestleMania status in jeopardy.
Seth Rollins makes his entrance for the first time since being injured by Samoa Joe nearly a month ago. Rollins comes out to a light pop with his knee in a brace and a crutch under his arm. Rollins hobbles down to the ring and slowly gets in. The crowd lightly buzzes, so Graves goes to the scripted line saying, “It sounds like they miss you.” Rollins says rehab is going well. The tear to the MCL was a little more significant than they thought, but hopefully he’ll be back soon. Rollins says, “It is what it is.” Graves says it must be taxing mentally being injured. Rollins says it really sucks. This felt like the same snap in his knee as last time. Rollins thought he might deserve this. Graves asks for clarification. Rollins says two years ago at the end of WrestleMania, he was holding the WWE Championship over his head. It was the greatest moment of his life, but he sometimes wonders what he sacrificed for that. Rollins blamed so many people. A “CM Punk” randomly fires up. Rollins told the world that he didn’t sell out; he bought in, but he should have known better. He let his ego get in the way. Rollins wanted to change and become something better, but somewhere along the way, he lost sight of that. Rollins says he feels like this is his fault.
Graves asks Rollins if he’ll be at WrestleMania. Rollins thinks about it. A light “YES” chant fires up. Some fans trying to make it all about them try to start a “NO” chant. Rollins says, “Right now, it’s not looking great. It doesn’t look like the doctors are going to clear me in time for WrestleMania.”
Triple H’s music hits, and the WWE COO makes his way to the ring laughing. The crowd gives him a nice reception. Rollins angrily gets to his feet. Triple H says the last time he saw Rollins, he didn’t think he’d ever see him again. Now here he is. Triple H points and says he knows Samoa Joe. Samoa Joe is shown at ringside. Triple H says he wants Rollins to give the real answer. Rollins will not be at WrestleMania. Triple H says the crowd will only get Rollins in trouble. If Rollins knows what’s good for him, he won’t be at WrestleMania. Is Rollins just coming to the realization that he deserves this? Rollins knew this day was coming. He knew damn well what he was getting into from the start. Triple H made him the man and the face of the WWE. Samoa Joe gets on the apron. Triple H says he did everything and delivered on everything he said he would. Then Rollins bit the hand that feeds him. Were they all supposed to go their separate ways? That’s not how it works. Rollins isn’t that stupid. He knows how this works. Triple H used him up and spit him out. Triple H told the world that Rollins was the future. Rollins is the past now. He’s just a washed up, beat up superstar who is worthless. Triple H tells him to salvage what little is left. He’ll do what he always does for him: tell him what the answer is. This is the most pivotal decision he’ll make in his entire career. Triple H warns him to not come to WrestleMania. He’s done playing with Rollins and warning him. If he shows up at WrestleMania and calls him out, he swears it will be the last thing he ever does in a WWE ring.
Triple H and Samoa Joe go to leave, but Rollins shouts, “Hunter!” Triple H turns to face him. Rollins says a month ago, he told his wife he has nothing left to lose. That couldn’t be truer than it is right now. Rollins says, “I will be at WrestleMania, and if it’s the last thing I ever do, then I swear to you it will be the last thing you ever do!” Rollins stares at Triple H before his music plays. Triple H and Samoa Joe walk off.
Roman Reigns and Braun Strowman will have a contract signing later tonight.
Mike’s Thoughts: Finally, we got something worthwhile on the show. This segment started off pretty poorly. The Green Bay crowd gave Seth Rollins absolutely nothing. In fact, a few crappy “fans” tried to make the show about them and chant “CM Punk.” Crowds like that are beyond pathetic. I’ve gone to more than a few WWE events and called out fans like that to their faces. You know the fans that try to do the “CM Punk” chant or chant for Chris Benoit. They’re all cowards and always back down. So lame. Anyway, this segment started off on a low note, but it improved with the appearance of Triple H. Triple H was really good coming down on Rollins before Rollins vowed to be at WrestleMania. There was a lot of good passion in that promo. Too bad it happened in front of a lame crowd.
-Commercial Break-
2-on-1 Handicap Match
The Shining Stars vs. The Big Show
Primo tries to give Big Show a brochure. Big Show turns it down and powers him down. Epico tags in. They try to double-team Big Show, but he pushes them both back. Big Show puts Epico in the corner and viciously chops the chest. Big Show chops him a second time before giving Primo a clothesline. They come back with some right hands and bring Big Show to a knee. Primo tags in and comes off the top rope into a vicious chop. Big Show brings Epico into the ring with one arm. Big Show throws Epico into Primo. Primo has Epico hooked in a headlock. Big Show gives Primo a Knockout Punch, which causes Primo to accidentally DDT Epico. Big Show then gives Primo a Chokeslam for the win.
Winner by Pinfall: The Big Show
WWE honors Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. for Black History Month.
Neville comes up to Tony Nese backstage. Neville says the purpose of them teaming up is to put Jack Gallagher in his place before WWE Fastlane on Sunday. That sideshow act made a mockery of their contract signing last week. Neville will enjoy proving he’s not worthy of his title. Neville will show why he is the King of the Cruiserweights. Nese isn’t paying attention. Nese says he’ll do what is best for himself. Neville warns him to not screw this up.
Mike’s Thoughts: I don’t know what it is about them, but every now and then a squash match cheers me up. I don’t want to see them every segment like the old RAWs used to be, but once a night or so isn’t bad. It seems like they’re building Big Show up for something. All the rumors say it really will be against Shaq at WrestleMania, but time will tell.
-Commercial Break-
A video package highlights Austin Aries as a competitor.
Cruiserweight Match
Jack Gallagher and TJ Perkins vs. Neville and Tony Nese
We see footage of the contract signing from last week with Neville and Gallagher. Neville knocked over the table before Gallagher head-butted him in the chest.
Neville quickly attacks Gallagher from behind. Perkins quickly attacks Neville and hits a wheelbarrow bulldog. Perkins accidentally knocks Gallagher off the apron. Neville quickly takes Perkins down and digs his knee into Perkins’ face. Neville hard tags Nese in. Nese is not happy with Neville. Perkins quickly rolls Nese up for a two count. Perkins then hits a Detonation Kick. Gallagher tags in and dropkicks Nese a few times before taking him down for a pin. Neville breaks it up. Perkins runs in, but Neville kicks him down. Gallagher quickly head-butts Neville out of the ring. Neville distracts the referee. Perkins hits Nese with a Detonation Kick. Gallagher dropkicks Nese in the corner and ties him up in an octopus stretch. You can hear the air conditioning in the arena it’s so quiet. Neville comes in the ring, but then thinks better of it. Nese taps out.
Winners by Submission: Jack Gallagher and TJ Perkins
Beth Phoenix is the latest inductee into the WWE Hall of Fame: Class of 2017.
Coming up next, we’ll see Samoa Joe take on Cesaro.
Mike’s Thoughts: They must be really running short on time because that Cruiserweight Match felt like it was under two minutes. They just blew through that thing, which begs the question I wonder weekly: how do you have a three-hour show, book segments to just fill time, and still run out of time every week?
-Commercial Break-
Bayley and Sasha Banks are backstage holding their necks. Bayley says that match was rough. Bayley says she’s worried Charlotte will have something up her sleeve at WWE Fastlane. Sasha Banks says she’ll be at ringside for Bayley. Stephanie McMahon walks up to them and asks if Banks doesn’t think Bayley can do it on her own. McMahon says she’ll give Banks her own spotlight against Nia Jax at WWE Fastlane. That’s the woman that just pinned Bayley and routinely hurts Banks. McMahon tells Banks to stop worrying about Bayley’s back and worry about her own.
Cesaro vs. Samoa Joe
The bell rings, and Joe immediately gets Cesaro in the corner and punches away at him. Cesaro comes back with some knees and gives him a deadlift gutwrench suplex. Cesaro hits a running uppercut and goes for another, but Joe dumps him to the floor. Cesaro tweaks his knee, but he comes back and hits Joe with a cross-body block for a two count. Cesaro uppercuts him, but Joe starts targeting the knee. Cesaro comes back with a dropkick, but Joe soon counters into a sit-out knee breaker.
-Commercial Break-
We come back from the break to see Joe send Cesaro into the corner for a back elbow. Joe then hits him with an enzuigiri. Joe goes for a suplex, but Cesaro counters into a deadlift suplex. Cesaro uppercuts away at him, but Joe comes back with some kicks before applying a knee bar. Cesaro turns and counters into a Sharpshooter attempt. Joe punches out, but Cesaro lays him out with a diving uppercut. Cesaro slaps his knee and uppercuts Joe a few times. Cesaro powers him up and slams him down with a torture rack for a two count. Cesaro goes for a Cesaro Swing, but Joe punches out. Cesaro quickly hits a double stomp for a near fall. Joe counters the Gotch Neutralizer with a back body drop, and Cesaro tweaks the knee again. Joe ties the legs up in the ropes and kicks it. Joe follows up with the uranage for the win.
Winner by Pinfall: Samoa Joe
Charly Caruso catches up with Samoa Joe on the ramp. She asks how he’s been able to have such a big impact on RAW in a short time. Joe says he’s here to hurt people. In the ring is Cesaro, a world renowned athlete and veteran, but he’s not him. This serves as a reminder to everybody in the back. It does not matter what you’ve accomplished or who you are. It doesn’t matter how much the people love you. Cesaro, Sami Zayn, Seth Rollins – when you come against the destroyer…
Sami Zayn’s music hits. Joe turns around and waits, but Zayn attacks him from behind. Joe gets away, but Zayn follows. Joe throws him down, but Zayn continues punching him. Security pulls them apart. Joe quickly knocks Zayn down and throws him onto the stage. Security holds Joe back, so Zayn hits him with a summersault senton that almost missed! Security holds them back and finally regains order.
Coming up next, Roman Reigns and Braun Strowman will sign a contract for WWE Fastlane.
Mike’s Thoughts: This could have been a really awesome match, but because of the time crunch, they weren’t given enough time to build to anything. The pull apart brawl was well done, but the outcome of Sunday isn’t in doubt whatsoever. I have to say, I really like how they’re using Samoa Joe on the main roster so far.
-Commercial Break-
Roman Reigns vs. Braun Strowman contract signing
Mick Foley is in the ring, which is set up with a conference table. Foley puts over the Reigns/Strowman match at WWE Fastlane. We have to have this contract signing because Strowman is worried that Reigns will back out of the match.
Braun Strowman cuts Foley off and makes his way to the ring. We see footage from last week of Strowman quickly dispatching with Reigns. Strowman stares at Foley. Strowman says the paperwork and table are here. Foley needs to leave, “Or else.” Foley says he understands this is a big career moment for Strowman. Foley may not be long for the General Manager position, but as long as he is, Strowman will respect what he has to say. Strowman says there was one day he would’ve been proud to stand in the ring with Foley, but now he’s pathetic. Stephanie is right. Strowman says he’s giving Foley all the respect a broken down suburban dad deserves. Foley screams that he is sick and tired of being talked down to. Foley pushes the table aside and says if Strowman thinks he’s pathetic and doesn’t deserve respect, he will respect him as a legend. GMs come and go, but WWE legends live on forever. Strowman laughs at him. Foley says, “You will learn to respect me… or else!” Strowman knocks the microphone out of his hand and bumps chests with him.
Roman Reigns’ music hits. Strowman meets him at ringside. Reigns kicks him, but Strowman sends him flying over the steel steps. Reigns quickly comes back with a leaping Superman Punch off the steps. Strowman counters a second Superman Punch and sends him into the ring post. Strowman sends him over the barricade, and they start to brawl in the crowd. The crowd is totally silent and not interested. Strowman gets the better of Reigns throughout the brawl until Reigns comes back with a Superman Punch. Reigns then spears Strowman through a security guard and the barricade. Reigns gets in the ring and prepares to sign the contract when he sees Strowman getting to his feet. Reigns pushes the table aside. Reigns hits Strowman with a Superman Punch as he gets in the ring and sets up for a spear. Strowman grabs him and sends him sternum-first into the turnbuckle, causing the entire top turnbuckle to explode, propelling Reigns backward! Strowman poses and leaves the ring. Reigns catches his breath and still signs the contract. Strowman looks surprised that Reigns was able to do that.
Mike’s Overall Thoughts: That was a very good closing segment. Everything involving Braun Strowman lately is just awesome. I cannot believe what an awesome job they’ve done building him up. It stands in stark contrast to his opponent, a guy they’ve tried countless times to build up, but have failed time and time again. Mick Foley did a good job with his promo before Reigns came out. Reigns and Strowman worked hard, even brawling into the crowd, but the Green Bay crowd at least maintained their gimmick of not caring about anything on the show, even a brawl amongst them. That was a really cool visual with the turnbuckle exploding on Reigns. I’m looking forward to this match and hoping they don’t simply feed Strowman to Reigns. Does anyone smell some Undertaker black magic? Anyway, the big things on this show like the Goldberg appearance, the Seth Rollins interview, and this contract signing all delivered. Unfortunately, those totaled probably a half-hour of this show. The rest of the two and a half hours was barely watchable. What a shame after last week’s show was so good. Oh well.
Quick Match Results
* The New Day def. Rusev and Jinder Mahal
* Akira Tozawa def. Noam Dar
* Charlotte Flair and Nia Jax def. Bayley and Sasha Banks
* Big Cass def. Luke Gallows
* Sheamus def. Titus O’Neil
* The Big Show def. The Shining Stars
* Jack Gallagher and TJ Perkins def. Neville and Tony Nese via Submission
* Samoa Joe def. Cesaro
E-Mail – MikeyT817@gmail.com
Twitter – @MikeTedescoWV