WWE Raw results, review: Triple H destroys Seth Rollins, Shawn Michaels returns
While surprise turns and shocking reveals are often the currency that make the Road to WrestleMania such a profitable stretch of the annual journey for WWE, sometimes it’s taking the known destination and tweaking it just enough that satisfies the most.
After pressing pause on an inevitable feud between Seth Rollins and Triple H for much of the past six months, business picked up in a huge way during Monday’s episode of Raw by using an unlikely source to light the flame.
Raw general manager Mick Foley’s involvement in a well-booked storyline with commissioner Stephanie McMahon — one that dominated much of Monday’s episode — set the stage for a thrilling close as Rollins returned to rescue Foley and escalate matters with Triple H in an exciting way.
#TheArchitect@WWERollins is BACK, and he’s not playing around anymore…
He wants @TripleH! #RAWpic.twitter.com/FlFkSLloOc— WWE (@WWE) March 14, 2017
In the end, one of the most important storylines during the buildup to WrestleMania 33 on Sunday, April 2 took an important step forward without giving away all of its secrets as the rumored return of Finn Balor to the main roster (after a recent return to house shows) never came to fruition.
Raw was fast-paced throughout and electric when it mattered most in the kind of episode that leaves you wanting more just 20 days out from the biggest night in sports entertainment.
WWE Raw results
In the ring — Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman: Raw opened with these two entering the ring to fireworks and a huge pop from the Detroit crowd. Heyman dropped to his knees to mock Golberg eating an F5 from Lesnar last week and worked hard putting over Lesnar’s finishing move, calling it “the single most effective finishing move in the history of WWE.” Simple, classic stuff here from Heyman, who closes by saying, “Ladies and gentleman, Heyman’s theory of WrestleMania relativity: F5 equals Lesnar goes up, down goes Golberg.” Mic drop. That would be the last time that the potential main event was mentioned on the show.
The outcome after @BrockLesnar encountered @Goldberg last week was MUCH different than #SurvivorSeries… #RAW@HeymanHustlepic.twitter.com/N2AFt8I1rf
— WWE (@WWE) March 14, 2017
Backstage confrontation — Stephanie McMahon and Mick Foley: The Raw commissioner pulled the general manager aside to discuss the pressures both are under during WrestleMania season and apologize for her short temper and recent “tough love.” McMahon said she hired Foley for how he connects with fans and superstars but has much more to teach him. She closed by challenging Foley to fire one person on the Raw roster by the end of the night. “Cut on person to trim the fat and send a message of strong leadership,” she said. “You have to think like a business person.” Foley reluctantly said she can count on him.
Sasha Banks def. Dana Brooke via pinfall: With Bayley in her corner, Banks overcme early physicality from Brooke to score a quick three count on a roll-up, using two hands to grab Brooke’s tights. After the match, Charlotte Flair called Brooke “a disgrace” who doesn’t deserve to ride her coattails to WrestleMania. After threatening to get rid of her, Flair is viciously attacked by Brooke her in a one-sided brawl. Flair eventually escaped as a fired up Brooke soaked up “Dana! Dana!” chants from the crowd.
The Brian Kendrick & Tony Nese def. TJ Perkins & Akira Tozawa via pinfall: Decent energy in this two-segment cruiserweight tag team match. A diving suicide head butt from Tozawa was instantly followed by Perkins’ hurricanrana from the ring apron on Nese in a strong double spot. A pair of pin attempts from TJP, including one following a sweet springboard DDT from the top rope, were interrupted by Kendrick run-ins. After Nese pushed Perkins into Tozawa, knocking him out of the ring, Nese rolled up TJP and held the tights to get the pin.
In the ring — Kevin Owens: Strong ambiance as Owens entered a dimly lit ring with illuminated WrestleMania sign shining behind him. Now that the spotlight is back where it belongs, Owens said he will deal Jericho “the ultimate payback on the grandest stage of all” at WrestleMania. “I am going to take Chris Jericho’s United States title just like he took my title away from me,” Owens said. “And once I’m done, the only thing left of Y2J will be the tears of Jericho. Cry it out … man.”
Chris Jericho & Sami Zayn def. Kevin Owens & Samoa Joe via disqualification: Fantastic Tope Con Hilo from Zayn onto the…
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