WWE RAW Results
February 26, 2018
Anaheim, California
Commentary: Michael Cole, Corey Graves and Jonathan Coachman
Results by: Adam Martin of Wrestleview.com
A video package opens the show highlighting the men’s Elimination Chamber match showing Braun Strowman eliminating five men and losing to Roman Reigns in the end. Reigns will advance to WrestleMania 34 to face Brock Lesnar for the Universal Title.
We go live to Anaheim. A graphic hits the screen noting we will get a face-to-face confrontation between Brock Lesnar and Roman Reigns tonight.
Also tonight: Ronda Rousey will address his actions at Elimination Chamber last night.
Footage from Elimination Chamber last night airs featuring the return of “Rowdy” Ronda Rousey. We see RAW GM Kurt Angle trying to warn Rousey about comments by both Triple H and Stephanie McMahon backstage. We then see highlights of Rousey confronting Stephanie, putting Triple H through a table and Stephanie slapping Rousey.
RAW Women’s Champion Alexa Bliss heads to the ring with Mickie James. Highlights of Bliss retaining her title inside the first ever women’s Elimination Chamber is shown.
Michael Cole notes that Asuka will be the challenger for Bliss at WrestleMania 34 after Nia Jax was unable to defeat Asuka at Elimination Chamber last night.
Alexa Bliss addresses the RAW Women’s Division
Back live, Bliss has a mic in hand. “What a historic moment. And you know just when you thought it was impossible, I amaze myself.” Bliss said you have no idea how amazing it feels to retain her title in the first ever women’s Elimination Chamber match. She talks about setting a new standard and how they will be taking about her accomplishments for the next 10, 20 and even 50 years. Bliss wants to give credit when it is due. She introduces Mickie James at her side and how James showed the world why she is a 6-time Women’s Champion and future Hall of Famer. Bliss understands they have had a rough friendship, but she talks about learning so much from her and how the girls in the back can learn from her as well. She addresses Absolution and how they have a bright future…just not while she is champion. Bliss addresses Sasha Banks and Bayley. She calls Bayley a “sad situation.” Bliss says she capitalized on Banks’ massive ego. She says RAW is her show and this is why she is going to WrestleMania, pointing at the sign. Bliss says she will break Asuka’s streak and wonders if she will be 100 percent after what Nia Jax did to her.
Here comes Asuka. Asuka walks quickly to the ring and confronts Bliss and James. Anaheim starts a loud “ASUKA’S GONNA KILL YOU” chant. Bliss says Asuka isn’t fooling anyone walking out here like nothing is wrong. She talks about Nia Jax crushing her last night because she watched it live. Bliss says Jax deserves to be in the title match. She mocks Asuka’s bad English and calls her “cute.”
Nia Jax walks out next. Asuka takes out Bliss and James. Jax is in and takes out Asuka. Jax lifts up Asuka, but Asuka gets her down in a triangle. Bliss and James run in attacking Asuka. Bayley and Sasha Banks hit the ring going after James and Bliss. Jax then levels Bayley and Banks with a clothesline. Asuka is attacking Jax. Bliss drops Asuka with a big right hand. Bliss and Jax stand tall and leave together.
John Cena will address his path to WrestleMania tonight.
-Commercial Break-
RAW Women’s Champion Alexa Bliss, Nia Jax and Mickie James vs. Sasha Banks, Bayley and Asuka
We are back live with a six woman tag team match in progress.
Bayley tosses James to the corner, but James fires back with a few kicks. Bayley plants James with a scoop slam and drops a quick elbow. James with a huricanrana takedown on Bayley from the corner for a two count. Tag to Jax who headbutts the ribs of Bayley. Jax with another quick headbutt and charges Bayley in the corner. Bliss gets the tag and chops the chest of Bayley. Bliss with kicks and chokes Bayley with her boot in the corner. Bayley dumps Bliss to the corner repeatedly. Banks tags herself in when Bayley backs to the corner. Banks with double knees to Bliss for a two count. Banks trips up Bliss and gets a roll up for another two count. Banks with a high knee and double knees springboarding back inside the ring to the corner for a two count. Banks with a double dropkick shot to both Bliss and James through the ropes on the outside. Banks tosses Bliss back inside the ring, but Jax jumps out and completely levels Banks! Bliss tosses Banks back in and gets a two count off a pinfall attempt. Bliss dumps Banks to the corner and Banks rolls out.
-Commercial Break-
Back live, Jax cuts off a tag out attempt by Banks. Tag to James who hits a snapmare and boot to the face combo on Banks. James tosses Banks face first to the corner and tags in Bliss who kicks away at Banks in the corner. Bliss keeps Banks grounded in a headlock. Bliss cuts off Banks with a clothesline and then gets in a cheap shot on Asuka. Banks jumps to tag in Bayley. Bayley jumps down and backs up staring down Banks. Banks counters a finisher attempt by James and tags in Asuka. Asuka with a dropkick to James, strikes and then a leaping shot off the ropes. Asuka with a kick to Jax knocking her down. Asuka with a big knee to James and big kicks. Asuka with a shot to Jax knocking her back and Asuka with a kick to James. Bliss breaks up the pin. Bayley takes out Bliss jumping back in. Asuka gets the armbar applied on James. James quickly taps out.
Winners: Sasha Banks, Bayley and Asuka
After the match, we see Bayley smiling on the outside. She turns and stares down an upset Sasha Banks who is just starting to recover at ringside.
John Cena is live next.
-Commercial Break-
John Cena addresses his path to WrestleMania
Big reaction for Cena tonight in Anaheim as he runs to the ring.
Cena grabs a mic and looks up at the WrestleMania sign. Very loud mixed reaction for Cena in the audience tonight. “Last night I failed.” Cena said he was rushed into a room in front of a microphone and felt demoralized. “That’s because failure is tough. And judging by the sound in this arena tonight, you can tell that you go through failure alone.” He said your character is put to the test when your back is against the wall. For Cena, that time is now.
He talks about spending five minutes feeling sorry for himself, but he began to move forward. Cena promised to figure it out and that was his road to WrestleMania. He figured it would be the Royal Rumble – he failed. Cena figured it would be the Elimination Chamber – he failed. He felt for five minutes it was over and everyone can relate to this. Cena takes a moment to take in the reaction. He said the disappointment falls all on you when you fail.
Cena says failure gives you two choices – get up or stay down. He chooses to get up. Cena said he should have done something a long time ago. He says that is put out a WrestleMania challenge…to The Undertaker. HUGE reaction in Anaheim for this. Cena talks about how their is 39 WrestleMania appearances between the two and they have never stood face-to-face on the grandest stage of them all.
Not so fast…
He then tells the audience that match, unfortunately, isn’t possible because he’s been told that. The crowd does not like this. Cena then announces he will head to Smackdown Live tomorrow night as a free agent and create his own path to WrestleMania.
-Commercial Break-
The fireflies are out in Anaheim as Bray Wyatt heads to the ring.
Bray Wyatt vs. Heath Slater w/ Rhyno
Before the match, Bray Wyatt attacks Rhyno sending him to the outside. Wyatt then takes out Slater and plants Rhyno when he jumps back in.
Wyatt is laughing and drops down in his backwards pose. Wyatt with a big charge to Slater in the corner and throws big right hands as he laughs some more.
Wyatt grabs Slater, pretends to dance with him and hits Sister Abigail.
The match never officially started.
Wyatt drops to his knees and then hits a Sister Abigail on Rhyno as well. Wyatt grabs a mic and falls to the corner. “Look what you made me do. You made me hurt this innocent men. This is your fault Matt Hardy. You led them to slaughter. The great war is far from over my friend. You will face me again, but this time I will make sure your Woken eyes stay shut forever.” Wyatt begins laughing. “I’m coming for you, Matt. I’m coming for you…run.”
The Miz will find out his WrestleMania opponent next.
-Commercial Break-
Ronda Rousey will appear later tonight.
Also later tonight: Brock Lesnar and Roman Reigns go face-to-face.
The Miz needs a WrestleMania opponent
WWE Intercontinental Champion The Miz heads to the ring with The Miztourage.
The Miz has a mic and talks about how we are on the road to WrestleMania. He wonders why it stops in Anaheim. Miz talks about how Los Angeles is 45 minutes away, but instead he’s here in Anaheim. He says Kurt Angle takes his stars for granted. Miz says in 62 days, he will become the longest reigning Intercontinental Champion of all time. He will go on to be the best – not HBK, Bret Hart, Pedro Morales, Edge, Chris Jericho or Roman Reigns.
Miz refers to himself as the new television sensation along with his wife Maryse. He repeats himself and demands the crowd cheer. Miz says those booing will be watching anyway. He says despite all the accolades, he still isn’t treated like a star. Miz talks about a lack of merchandise and how his photo isn’t on any kind of promotional material. “I should be going to the main event of WrestleMania.” Miz repeats himself.
He talks about Kurt Angle forcing Finn Balor and Seth Rollins on everyone inside the Elimination Chamber and how he was “punished” for winning his qualifying match. Miz is sick of being taken for granted and is sick of the disrespect. He says despite it all, he still has his championship and he wants the fans to take a good look at it. Miz says this is the more prestigious championship in all of WWE. He talks about walking into Kurt Angle’s office and wants to know what the Intercontinental Champion is doing at WrestleMania. Miz asks if they want to know what he’s doing at WrestleMania. He adds Angle booked him against an opponent tonight who “might” determine his opponent at WrestleMania. Miz talks about carrying RAW on his back in the last year and how he has made his title more relevant than the Universal Championship. He talks about being here for 12 years. Miz says whoever comes out is going to get a beating and wonders who it is.
Here comes Seth Rollins out on stage.
-Commercial Break-
Non-Title Match
WWE Intercontinental Champion The Miz vs. Seth Rollins
Miz with a shoulder block takedown early on Rollins. Rollins with a hip toss, snapmare and Miz avoids a kick to the face sliding out of the way. Rollins with a shoulder tackle, knee to Miz, snapmare and this time connects with the running knee. Rollins then clotheslines Miz over the top rope. The Miztourage checks on Miz. Rollins teases a suicide dive, but Rollins stops himself from committing as Miz and Miztourage run off. Miz misses a clothesline to Rollins and Rollins tosses Miz back inside the ring. Bo Dallas with a distraction allowing Miz to knock Rollins off the ring apron. Back inside, Rollins with a jawbreaker to Miz. Miz catches Rollins with a big knee. Miz with a high back body drop sending Rollins out.
-Commercial Break-
Back live, Rollins catches Miz with a right hand from the ring apron. Rollins with a springboard clothesline to Miz and follows with a Sling Blade. Rollins with a Blockbuster from the corner on Miz for a two count. Miz with his spike DDT on Rollins. Miz with a corner dropkick to Rollins, connects with a second dropkick and then connects with his corner clothesline. Rollins crotches Miz on the top turnbuckle. Rollins with a superplex and Falcon Arrow combo on Miz for a very close two count! Rollins with a dive to the outside taking out the Miztourage. Rollins clotheslines Miz over the top rope. Rollins hits the ropes and takes out Miz, Bo Dallas and Curtis Axel with a suicide dive on the outside! Back inside, Rollins connects with his jumping knee to Miz. Rollins is going up top, he’s very far away from Miz, Rollins leaps and just barely catches Miz with a frog splash to get the win! Wow!
Winner: Seth Rollins
After the match, Finn Balor’s music hits and he immediately interrupts Seth Rollins celebrating his win over The Miz. Balor heads to the ring and does his usual corner pose. Rollins isn’t having it and leaves the ring upset heading to the back.
-Commercial Break-
Kurt Angle has now booked Finn Balor against The Miz.
Non-Title Match
WWE Intercontinental Champion The Miz vs. Finn Balor
The bell rings and here we go. Finn Balor charges Miz in the corner. The Miztourage jump inside the ring and immediately begin attacking Balor.
The referee calls for the bell.
Winner via DQ: Finn Balor
After the match, Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson run down and go after Bo Dallas and Curtis Axel in the ring. Gallows tosses Dallas out, while Anderson tosses Axel out. Axel with a forearm to Anderson. The Miz is standing up and walking back to Finn Balor. Kurt Angle shows up on screen. He kicks Luke Gallows, Karl Anderson, Bo Dallas and Curtis Axel from ringside and orders Miz vs. Balor to resume. Angle announces the match must resume or Miz will not compete in a match at WrestleMania.
Non-Title Match
WWE Intercontinental Champion The Miz vs. Finn Balor
The bell rings and here we go. Miz charges Balor in the corner and the connects with his DDT for a two count. Miz mounts Balor and throws lefts. Miz with a kick to the face of Balor and gets another two count. On the outside, Balor sends Miz into the steel steps. Back inside, Miz with a quick snap suplex on Balor. Miz with another spike DDT on Balor and gets yet another two count off a pinfall attempt. Miz with a running knee that drops Balor.
-Commercial Break-
Back live, we see Seth Rollins watching the match backstage. Miz with a left hand and Balor responds with a Pele Kick. Balor trips up Miz and connects with a double stomp to the chest. Balor with a chop to Miz in the corner, tosses Miz to the other corner and hits another big chop. Miz catches Balor with a boot, but Balor responds with a kick to the head of Miz. Balor with a roll up and Miz kicks out. Miz with a backbreaker and neckbreaker combo for a two count. Balor with kicks to the chest of Miz. Balor with a drop down dropkick to the face of Miz for a two count. Miz rolls out and Balor with a running dropkick that sends Miz back first into the barricade. Balor tosses Miz back in and connects with a Sling Blade. Balor dropkicks Miz to the corner. Miz is down. Balor is heading up top. Balor with his top rope Coup De Grace and hooks the leg to get the pinfall.
Winner: Finn Balor
After the match, Renee Young interviews Seth Rollins backstage. Rollins says Balor was being disrespectful tonight interrupting his celebration. Young talks about Rollins coming up short at Elimination Chamber. Rollins says he wants Miz and the Intercontinental Championship at WrestleMania. Rollins walks off as we see Balor celebrate in the ring.
Backstage, we see Ronda Rousey talking with Kurt Angle.
-Commercial Break-
WrestleMania is 41 days away in New Orleans.
Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar go face-to-face
We are back live and Roman Reigns heads to the ring.
Very loud and mixed reaction for Reigns tonight in Anaheim. “I’m a man of my word.” Reigns talks about predicting that he would win the Elimination Chamber and he did. He says when he predicts he will go on to WrestleMania and beat Brock Lesnar, he’s telling the truth. Reigns asks the fans if they want to know the truth.
He said they aren’t going to like that he is saying this, but he reveals Brock Lesnar isn’t here tonight. Reigns said up until about 30 minutes ago, Lesnar never showed. He says Lesnar is an “entitled piece of crap” and points out how they are six weeks away from WrestleMania with the Universal Champion no where to be seen.
Reigns says Lesnar was in Las Vegas last night, but he was more interested in taking pictures with UFC President Dana White. He says all the boys in the back “bust their ass” on the road and Lesnar shows up when he wants to. Reigns says Paul Heyman and Lesnar may refer to themselves as businessman, but he was born into this business and knows the different between business and respect. “I don’t respect Brock Lesnar. And I damn sure don’t fear that bitch.” Reigns adds that’s all he has to say and will head to the back to get chewed out, but notes he is the only one man enough to say what he had to say and actually respects this place. Reigns leaves the ring and walks to the back.
-Commercial Break-
RAW Tag Team Championships
Best 2 out of 3 Falls Match
The Bar (c’s) vs. Titus O’Neil and Apollo
We start with Sheamus and Titus O’Neil. Cesaro with a distraction running in and rolling out of the ring. This allows Sheamus to hit a Brogue Kick on Titus to get a pinfall.
The Bar wins the first fall going up 1-0
Sheamus and Cesaro celebrate at ringside. Cesaro is now in and Apollo gets the tag. Apollo with a shot to Sheamus in the corner. Apollo with a cross body for a two count. Apollo with a series of pinfall attempts early. Cesaro with a big right and tag to Sheamus. Apollo flips back from the corner and catches Sheamus with a quick dropkick. Tag to Titus who goes after Sheamus in the corner. Sheamus with a knee and tag to Cesaro. Titus with a big shoulder tackle on Cesaro. Titus with a chop to Cesaro, tags in Apollo, Titus plants Cesaro and Apollo drops an elbow. Tag back to Titus. Titus with a few rib shots and tag back to Apollo who press slams Cesaro down. Apollo with his standing moonsault over Cesaro. Apollo with a moonsault off the ring apron taking out both Sheamus and Cesaro.
-Commercial Break-
Back live, Apollo dumps Cesaro to the outside. Tag to Sheamus who cuts off Apollo. Apollo counters and tags in Titus who levels Sheamus with a shoulder tackle. Titus with a chop and body shots to Sheamus in the corner. Titus tosses Sheamus to the other corner. Sheamus with a knee, but Titus counters with a snap powerslam. Titus with a Dominator on Sheamus and gets a close two count. Tag to Apollo who comes off the top rope with a splash. Cesaro breaks up the pinfall attempt. Titus tosses Cesaro out of the ring. Sheamus tosses Titus out. Apollo rolls up Sheamus for a two count. Apollo with a kick to the head of Sheamus and connects with his standing moonsault for another close two count. Sheamus drives Titus into the barricade. Apollo tosses Sheamus in, kicks Cesaro away and Sheamus crotches Apollo who falls to the mat. Cesaro gets the tag. Sheamus has Apollo up and Cesaro comes off the corner dropping Apollo to pick up the pinfall.
The Bar wins the second fall, winning 2-0
Winners and still RAW Tag Team Champions: The Bar (Sheamus and Cesaro)
After the match, The Bar runs down all of the teams they have taken out in WWE. Sheamus thinks they will be punished when it comes to WrestleMania because they have been so dominate. He wonders who is left. Cesaro reminds everyone they are the bar.
A video package runs highlighting Jarrius “JJ” Robertson being the recipient of the annual Warrior Award at this year’s 2018 WWE Hall of Fame ceremony.
-Commercial Break-
We hear from Elias. His path to WrestleMania won’t be determined by his loss at Elimination Chamber last night. Here comes Braun. They face off next.
-Commercial Break-
Elias vs. Braun Strowman
The bell rings as we return live. Lock up and Strowman tosses Elias to the corner. Elias rolls out immediately. Strowman chases down Elias. Back inside, Elias catches Strowman with a kick to the face. Strowman levels Elias with a big clothesline. Elias with boots to Strowman in the corner, but Strowman hammers the chest of Elias knocking him down. Strowman tosses Elias from one corner to the next. Strowman splashes Elias in the corner. Strowman picks up Elias and levels him with another clothesline. Strowman drops his first over the chest of Elias sending him crashing to the mat. Elias rolls to the ring apron and drops the jaw of Strowman off the top rope. Elias goes up top and catches Strowman on the shoulder. Strowman then shoulder tackles Elias. Elias falls out and Strowman sends him chest first into the barricade. Strowman sends Elias back in and Elias rolls out. Strowman follows yelling, “You can run but you can’t hide!” Elias crawls under the ring. Strowman leans down and pulls Elias out. Elias sprays Strowman in the face with a fire extinguisher.
The referee immediately calls for the bell.
Winner via DQ: Braun Strowman
After the match, Elias sends Strowman face first into the steel ring post. Elias slides Strowman back in and hits him in the gut with the fire extinguisher. Strowman goes for a chokeslam on Elias and Elias breaks free. Strowman with a right hand and Elias bails. Strowman attacks Elias on the ramp and drags him to the top of the stage. Strowman clears off the announce table. Elias rakes the eyes of Strowman and runs away. Backstage, we see Strowman continuing to chase Elias. Elias runs far away as a limo pulls up near Strowman. He yells at Elias he isn’t finished with him. The camera focuses on the limo.
-Commercial Break-
Asuka vs. Nia Jax is announced for next week.
Ronda Rousey confronts Triple H and Stephanie
Triple H and Stephanie McMahon head to the ring.
Stephanie grabs a mic and says last night was supposed to be the highlight of their executive career by signing Ronda Rousey to WWE. She said because of the actions of one one – Kurt Angle – things went horribly wrong. Stephanie accused Angle of hallucinating during Elimination Chamber and forced Ronda Rousey to take action against Triple H. She said that kind of behavior might be tolerable in MMA, but not in WWE.
Another video package airs highlighting Ronda Rousy putting Triple H through a table, Stephanie McMahon slapping her and Ronda signing her WWE contract.
Back live, Stephanie said she had to get physical with Ronda to remind her of the hierarchy here in WWE. She points out Ronda signed her contract meaning she reports to her. “Which means WWE owns Ronda Rousey.” Stephanie says everyone needs to learn their place here in WWE and invites Kurt Angle to come out to give an apology.
“Rowdy” Ronda Rousey walks out instead with a very angry look on her face. Ronda reaches the ring and Kurt Angle walks out telling her to hold up. Angle gets inside the ring and says her coming to WWE is the best decision she ever made. Ronda said she meant everything she said last night and she wants this more than anything.
She points out how she’s never been slapped before in her life and she refuses to be disrespected. “I am no one’s property,” adds Rousey. Angle says this is a different world and that she needs to work within the system. He adds, “I need this job.” Angle says last night he lied. Triple H and Stephanie get back inside the ring and approach them.
Angle isn’t sure why he “lied” and isn’t even really sure what he said last night. He said his statements were not true and he’s sorry. Stephanie thanks Angle for clearing the air. She says they aren’t horrible people. Stephanie wants to put this all behind them and make Ronda the superstar she deserves to be. Stephanie and Triple H go to leave when Ronda says they addressed everything…except the slap. Ronda demands Stephanie apologize to her if she really wants to put this behind them. She says if Stephanie doesn’t apologize, she will not hesitate to rip Stephanie’s arm out of its socket. The crowd in Anaheim starts a “RIP IT OFF” chant. Stephanie walks up and says she is “terribly sorry.” She apologizes and asks to believe her. Stephanie welcomes Ronda to WWE and says we are all good now. Triple H then drops Kurt Angle with a right hand out of no where and they walk up the ramp. Ronda checks on Angle. Triple H and Stephanie look back at Ronda and Angle. Angle is just starting to recover as the show comes to a close.
Quick Match Results:
* Sasha Banks, Bayley and Asuka def. RAW Women’s Champion Alexa Bliss, Mickie James and Nia Jax in a six woman tag team match
* Bray Wyatt vs. Heath Slater never officially got started
* Seth Rollins def. WWE Intercontinental Champion The Miz in a non-title match
* Finn Balor def. WWE Intercontinental Champion The Miz via DQ in a non-title match
* Restarted: Finn Balor def. WWE Intercontinental Champion The Miz in a non-title match
* The Bar def. Titus O’Neil and Apollo to retain the RAW Tag Team Championships
* Braun Strowman def. Elias via DQ