Pre-Show Notes
We have been avoiding reviewing WWE after the recent Coronavirus development. Bad news is, WWE has now moved to Developmental Center in an empty arena in order to give us WWE entertainment even during this crisis. Good News is, the show must go on. I stand with Vince’s decision to continue with taping wrestling shows after taking necessary precautions.
We will continue reviewing the WWE from now on. Let’s begin
WWE RAW RESULTS
March 23th, 2020
We begin Raw with a Paul Heyman video package putting over Brock Lesnar as he lists off all of the people he has dominated. He states that nobody has been so dominant for so long. Drew McIntyre then shows up on the package, who agrees with Paul. But adds that was until Brock ran into him.
Drew says that he has learned to never make a promise he can’t back up. He says with that in mind, he is going to Claymore Brock Lesnar to become Universal Champion at WrestleMania.
BROCK LESNAR ARRIVES ON WWE RAW
We then head to the ring where Paul Heyman and Brock Lesnar already stand. Paul says let’s be honest with each other, we live in uncertain times right now. Paul says at this time when we need a little certainty in our lives, he gives us that in Brock Lesnar.
Paul says Drew McIntyre can train his ass off, he can spar with MMA stars, but he cannot beat Brock at WrestleMania. Paul continues the next time Drew prays about WrestleMania, Brock will answer and he will make it quick. But after recent weeks, he won’t make it painless.
Paul says that after what Drew has done he is made man who will main event for years to come. But Paul assures us that after WrestleMania, Drew will be another bitch that tried, and got beaten by the greatest WWE Champion of all time-Brock Lesnar.
Segment Review: Simple Segment and I am not complaining. With no crowd, and therefore no reaction, it is extremely hard to pull off a promo. Paul Heyman did his best keeping it short and summarising the rivalry. I love Heyman on Mic.
Our first match is from 2015.
BROCK LESNAR (c) vs JOHN CENA vs SETH ROLLINS from Royal Rumble- 2015.
Let’s do the play by play for this amazing match
Rollins escaped the ring as soon as the bell rank, so guess what? Lesnar hit a German Suplex on Cena. J&J tried to interfere, so Lesnar hit suplexes on them dropping them on their heads. Fans were cheering Lesnar as he hit German Suplexes on Rollins and then Cena. More suplexes by Lesnar although the one on Seth was sloppy because Seth landed on his shoulder. The replay was nasty. Vertical suplex toss by Lesnar on Cena and another one for Rollins with fans chanting for Lesnar. Fans chanted “ECW” for Heyman. Lesnar applied the Kimura Lock on Cena. Rollins broke that up with a flying knee attack off the top rope. There’s the first finishing move with Cena hitting the Attitude Adjustment. Rollins covered him for only a one count. Lesnar sent both guys out of the ring as the crowd applauded him. Rollins hit a dropkick outside the ring that sent Lesnar into the ring post. In the ring, Cena hit his shoulderblocks and spinning suplex as the crowd booed. Rollins fought out of it, so Cena hit another suplex. He wanted to hit the 5 Knuckle Shuffle, but Lesnar attacked Cena with a German Suplex. They were able to get Lesnar out of the ring briefly. Things slowed down a bit from there. It was a fast paced start to the match. Lesnar sent Rollins outside the ring, Cena decked Lesnar with a clothesline. Rollins did a springboard attack, Lesnar caught him on his shoulders and hit a F5. Wow that was amazing. Cena made the save, so Lesnar dropped him with another release German Suplex.
Lesnar cleared off the Spanish announce table. When he went back into the ring, Cena hit the AA and then Cena hit a second AA followed by a third AA for a two count because Rollins pulled Cena out of the ring. Rollins hit a Curb Stomp on Lesnar, but Cena attacked Rollins for the save. That’s four finishers that Lesnar received in about one minute. Lesnar stumbled outside the ring, so Cena charged at him with a Spear that sent them both through the barricade by the timekeeper. Moments later, Cena threw Lesnar hard into the steel stairs. Cena hit Lesnar in the head with the stairs. Rollins nailed Lesnar with a dropkick. Rollins to the top rope and there’s a flying elbow through Lesnar through the table. “This is awesome” chant. Damn right. With Lesnar out of it on the floor, Cena and Rollins battled in the ring. It’s been 15 minutes so far. This match has been very physical and intense.
Cena went for the AA on Rollins, but Seth landed on his feet and Cena hit a powerbomb for a two count. Heyman was yelling at ringside about needing a doctor, so two doctors were over there working on Lesnar. Rollins nailed Cena with the running powerbomb into the turnbuckle for a two count. After both guys were down for a bit selling pain, Cena applied the STF. J&J went into the ring to save Rollins. Meanwhile, stretchers were brought out for Lesnar. Rollins hit a three man powerbomb on Cena with the help of J&J for a two count. Cena made the comeback by sending Rollins outside the ring and then hit ting the AA on Noble & Mercury at the same time. Cena with the AA on Rollins for a two count. Big pop for that. There was a shot of Lesnar on the backboard. Cole said that Lesnar had at least a broken rib. Rollins hit an enziguiri kick to the back of the neck and then a Curb Stomp for a two count. That’s two great nearfalls in a row with each guy getting one of them. The match is at the 20 minute mark.
Rollins went up top and hit a spinning corkscrew splash (Phoenix Splash) on Cena that was very impressive. I want to see a replay of that! Lesnar went into the ring for the surprising save. Lesnar sent Cena outside the ring with a suplex. Rollins nailed Lesnar in the head with a briefcase shot. He hit him multiple times. When he ran the ropes, Lesnar popped back to his feet and hit a F5 on Rollins for the successful pin. Lesnar retains the WWE Title by pinning Rollins. The match went 23 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Brock Lesnar
Lesnar was congratulated by Heyman as they showed replays of some big spots in the match. Rollins was being helped by J&J Security.
Match Review: 4.75/5! WOW. WWE made a right call in showing this high energy match. Seth Rollins was the GOAT here. Excellent Chemistry Between Rollins and Cena with Brock dominating both after coming back. Lesnar got taken out because Rollins put him through a table, but he also took a beating before that. That led to some great pinfall sequences between Cena and Rollins where they were kicking out of anything. Rollins hit that poetic top rope move and that’s when Lesnar came back. He dominated the final two minutes with the clean win on Rollins with the F5. I was very impressed by all of it. Lesnar and Rollins were both fantastic in everything that they did.
AJ Styles Talks about Burying the Deadman
Back to the WWE Performance Center now, as AJ Styles says he doesn’t care which night he faces The Undertaker, but he thinks ‘Taker might care. He doesn’t know what night his wife lets him out of his house. AJ says last week Undertaker had maternity pants on.
AJ references the recent photo of The Undertaker with a Tiger that has been around on social media. Styles asks who this man is, asking if he lost complete control. AJ says Undertaker hasn’t been the same since Brock Lesnar, and he thinks Michelle McCool as beaten him to taking ‘Takers soul.
AJ says he doesn’t want the Mark Calloway who is on Twitter, he wants The Undertaker from yesteryear, but he’s nowhere to be found. However, AJ says he is going to give the fans what they want – he is going to bring back the Deadman in a boneyard match!
AJ says when it is over, he’s picked out the perfect plot, which ironically, is the same plot Michelle McCool picked out when she buried his career.
Segment Review: AJ Styles made it personal. I am loving this rivalry. I wished this was built in front of an active crowd, but it is still good. I look forward to see AJ Styles Vs Undertaker.
ZELINA VEGA Is Backstage
Zelina Vega is interviewed backstage as discusses her client’s preparations. She says they will show tonight why they’re the most skilled team in WWE and after WrestleMania, Andrade will be the most decorated champion in WWE.
CEDRIC ALEXANDER & RICOCHET vs ANDRADE & ANGEL GARZA
Before the match can even begin Andrade and Angel Garza attempt to jump Ricochet, but he manages to fight them off as his partner makes it down to the ring. The match then officially begins with Andrade unloading on Ricochet with a huge kick.
Ricochet then picks up the pace with a dropkick as he keeps attacking and Angel Garza keeps making mistakes on trying to tag in, distracting the official. That allows Ricochet to be sent flying out of the ring as Angel Garza then attacks him, throwing him into the LED board as The Street Profits head out to join commentary.
As we return from commercial, Andrade works the arm of Andrade as Angel Garza tags in and gets involved in the action. Garza begins lighting up Ricochet with a big chop and kicks to the back.The heels continue making frequent tags as they wear down Ricochet, staying in control of the match.
Ricochet keeps fighting though with a huge dropkick to Andrade on the top corner and Cedric Alexander finally tags in, picking up the pace against Angel Garza. Cedric connects with the Flatliner and chaos then ensues as all four men end up in the ring.
Eventually it ends up being Garza and Ricochet, and the former United States Champion catches Garza in mid-air with a great reversal dropkick. When we return from commercial again it Alexander bouncing off the ropes w to catch Andrade with a huge elbow.
However, as he looks to follow that up Andrade side steps him and that allows him to hit his running knees into the corner. Garza then tags in and he continues to stay in control, bouncing Alexander off the second rope and then dropping him face first onto the mat.
Andrade smartly swipes the legs of Ricochet as he tries to get involved and back in the ring Garza lights up Alexander with a huge knee to the face. Garza and Andrade go for a double team but Ricochet pops back up to stop it and flies out of the ring to take out Garza on the outside.
But back in the ring Andrade catches Cedric Alexander with a huge back elbow, which gets them the win.
Winners: Andrade & Angel Garza
Match Review: 3.5/5 I am still not used to empty arena matches. It is hard to watch a wrestling match with no crowd. That being said, Andrade is an excellent pro-wrestler. The match was decent and I wanna give all the four guys a loud cheer for pulling it off in the way they did. The finish was sloppy with Cedric Alexander botching the pin but I understand why. These are confusing times for everyone and WWE is no exception.
After the match, The Street Profits hit the ring as the WrestleMania opponents brawl, with the champions sending their challengers reeling.
THE STREET PROFITS vs SHANE THRONE & BRENDAN VINK
The Street Profits kick things off strongly in the match as Montez Ford lights up Shane Thorne’s chest with some huge chops. However, Thorne finally makes a tag and Brendan Vink hits the ring and destroys Ford with a huge big boot and then several chops.
He then begins to dominate using his size advantage and Thorne then tags in and launches himself into the corner to attack Montez. The bigger man tags back in but he gets caught with a huge kick and both teams make tags.
Angelo Dawkins immediately picks up the pace taking down both men who end up in opposing corner as Dawkins splashes in each corner. That sets up the Cash Out and the champions get the win.
Winners: The Street Profits
Match Review: 2/5. Simple match. The Street Profits need a rivalry and they need it soon. They kept this short.
We are then shown a video from this past weekend as Riddick Moss is defeated for the 24/7 Championship by R-Truth as Moss is out running. Truth pops out from the boot of a referees car and gets the win.
Segment Review: R Truth is still the funniest man in Wrestling Industry.
SHAYNA BASZLER INTERVIEW
Charly Caruso is shown in the ring with Shayna Baszler who discusses how she dominated the Elimination Chamber and earned the right to face Becky Lynch. Shayna points out that Charly looks nervous, asking if she’s afraid she will bite.
Charly asks if that’s what Becky should expect, and Baszler says that all she should expect is losing. Baszler says she wants the title because she loves to destroy, and she knows when she takes the title it will destroy Becky Lynch.
Charly looks to keep the interview going but out of nowhere Becky Lynch appears and attacks her with several chair shots from behind.
Segment Review: Good Segment. Shayna is getting better on Mic day by day. Becky Vs Shayna will be a good brawl at Wrestlemania.
ALEISTER BLACK vs LEON RUFF
Aleister Black slowly walks towards Leon Ruff and then just sits down. Ruff tells him to get up and asks the official what he is doing. He ends up deciding to take a running wing at a kick, but Black avoids it, gets up and hits Black Mass.
Winner: Aleister Black
Match Review: 1/5. Squash! Don’t give us squash matches WWE.
KO CALLS OUT SETH ROLLINS
As we return from commercial Kevin Owens is in the ring, and he says last week he was here to answer Seth Rollins’ challenge. He has heard Seth is here tonight so he calls him out. Seth doesn’t waste any time and says he has some questions regarding KO’s comments last week.
Seth questions if Owens honestly believes fighting in the PC gives KO a home-field advantage. He says he didn’t train here but Kevin did. Seth asks if Owens got the opportunity to train and make friends in this building. He said that he didn’t because the building didn’t exist.
He says that this building was built upon him and his success. Seth says he was told his life’s work meant nothing when he first arrived. But he had to succeed for people like Owens to train in a system like this. Seth says that KO just continues to get in his way as he refuses to fall in line.
Rollins then claims that the PC and NXT don’t exist without him. He adds there is no Takeover or women’s evolution without Seth Rollins, but most importantly without him, there is no Kevin Owens. Seth says his second question is more important, as he wants to know why KO chose WrestleMania.
He asks Owens if he knows about his track record at WrestleMania. He then reels off what he has done at WrestleMania, and compares it to Kevin Owens’ 0. He says KO’s track record at ‘Mania is a failure, and last year he wasn’t even good enough to be on WrestleMania.
Seth says KO can’t beat him on his worst day, but WrestleMania is never his worst day because at WrestleMania…he becomes a god.
Segment Review: Oh I love Kevin Owens. He is currently the best active overall wrestling superstar. Kevin Owens Vs Seth Rollins has been built up brilliantly. Again, I miss the crowd reaction.
WWE now shows another older match with the full WrestleMania 34 match between Charlotte Flair and Asuka being shown.
CHARLOTTE FLAIR vs ASUKA from WRESTLEMANIA 34
I won’t do play by play of this match but do a quick review instead.
Match Review: 4/5. They were great, but nothing was spectacular. I wished for Asuka’s victory. Charlotte should have passed the torch as she has won enough. I’ve no complains against Charlotte, she is arguably the best in ring Women’s wrestler but she didn’t need to win this one. But I know why she won. Asuka was undefeated and only the Queen could’ve ended the streak. Asuka’s career went downhill from here.
After the recap of Wrestlemania 34’s match, Charlotte is shown backstage stating she knows Rhea Ripley is excited for WrestleMania. However, she is the best at making history, whether it is ending Asuka’s streak, retiring the Divas Title or main eventing the show. Charlotte adds that she plans on winning the NXT Title for the first time in ‘Mania’s history as well.
RANDY ORTON ANSWERS EDGE
The Viper makes his way out and he says over the last few months he has done and said some things that have been misunderstood. Randy Orton says what he did was from a place of love, but it has been taken as an act of brutality.
Orton talks directly to Edge now, but first he needs to get something off his chest. He says that three weeks ago he lied to Beth when he said Edge is a junkie for the roar of the crowd, instead he is a junkie for his own ego. Orton said last week when Edge said he never had to pay his dues rang true, and he knows it.
Orton says he was handed an opportunity because of his last name. But being handed an opportunity doesn’t guarantee a Hall Of Fame career. He points out within a year he was Intercontinental Champion and then World Champion, which isn’t being given anything.
He notes that Mick Foley didn’t pass him the torch, he threw him into thumbtacks so Orton spat in Foley’s face and took it from him. Orton says it all happened because he has the one trait that Edge claimed he didn’t have, which is grit.
Orton says grit isn’t sitting at home for 9 months asking “what if.” Grit is longevity in an industry that seldom has any, he says he looks around the locker room and doesn’t see anyone who has accomplished anywhere near what he has.
Randy says nobody has as much grit as him, including Edge. Orton asks Edge if he would have done the same thing he did in regards to joining Evolution. Once again Orton says he has done everything out of love, but last week Edge challenged him.
Orton says that Edge might be writing the story, but at WrestleMania, he will end it and write the last chapter as he accepts the match.
Segment Review: Oh Randy. This is the best Orton has been on Mic ever! I am loving this heel turn. Classic Heel Randy is the Best Randy ever. Edge Vs Orton should have been in front of crowd. I know I am repeating this again and again but it feels weird to see such excellent promos without the crowd reaction. I am all for Edge Vs Orton to headline this year’s Wrestlemania.
Monday Night Raw Review: 7/10
- Decent Episode which felt weird due to no crowd reaction but the wrestlers gave their best.
- The Two matches from the past were excellent and helped revive beautiful memories from 2015 and Wrestlemania 34.
- Kevin Owens was amazing as usual.
- AJ Styles was excellent with his intense and personal promo. The Undertaker Vs AJ Styles just became personal. I am all for personal rivalries.
- O Randy. Randy Orton is classic heel at his very best.
- The two matches were brilliant
- Black needs a rivalry. ( I repeat this every week)
TOP 3 Stars of the show
- Randy Orton
- Kevin Owens
- AJ Styles (Excellent on Mic)
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