Bobby Fernandes reviews WWE Raw for 2/11/19 in the Good, Bad, and Ugly format. How did the show rank?

With Elimination Chamber approaching, Raw is tightening up everything.  Recent trends say there will be a lot to watch tonight although it doesn’t seem like any surprises are in story, anything can happen in the WWE.  Elimination Chamber could have some major changes headed toward WrestleMania.  There is a lot of time left before the big show.  Will they go on auto-pilot, or will they hit us with a stunner? 

GOOD

Stephanie McMahon and HHH w/ Becky Lynch

This according to everyone is being sold as a carbon copy of Stone Cold vs The McMahon’s Part 2.  There are a lot of similarities and of course an easy bridge between the two.  It is also appropriate as Becky Lynch, much like Stone Cold has become a firebrand for the current roster and carrying a huge burden by leading the pack as the overall beloved #1 Fan Favorite.  There are no better villains than the McMahons.  Anyone and everyone can get knocked down by them.  The Man loves the fight and her new enemies will oblige.  Lynch doesn’t just poke the bear, she slaps it in the face.  Her knee is cleared per HHH.  She is no longer suspended and will face Rousey at Wrestlemania.  But, she will have to apologize to HHH and Stephanie McMahon if she wants her shot.  The Man will not apologize and in fact will fight anyone who wants otherwise.  She will give her final answer by the end of the show.  Either she goes to Wrestlemania or it’s gone, and only an apology in her way. 

(Loser Enters Chamber First) Sasha Banks and Bayley vs. Nia Jax and Tamina Snuka vs. Liv Morgan and Sarah Logan

With the Tag Team Championships being a reality, we will see more and more Women’s action which isn’t a bad thing.  They are really pushing Nia Jax right now, and the other wrestlers are playing along.  They are intimidated and love to instigate.  Sarah Logan looks Good in there.  She really has a lot of energy and a decent style.  Honestly though, it will be plain shocking if Bayley and Sasha Banks lose the whole thing, they were made for those titles but they have to surprise us somehow.  That is of course if Bayley doesn’t have to go at it alone the entire time.  The Riott Squad really dominated toward the end of this match but Jax and Tamina overpowered them.  No one could take over, until Bayley not only regained herself but then destroyed all comers, until Nia Jax finally finished her for the win.  Nia Jax and Tamina Snuka Win!  Sasha and Bayley are now 1^st team in the Elimination Chamber. 

Finn Balor vs. Drew McIntyre

IC Champion Bobby Lashley with Lio Rush made their way down to ringside before the match to scout his opponent at Elimination Chamber, Finn Balor.  McIntyre and Balor are just insanely Good, and everytime they fight, there is potential for a classic.  McIntyre dominates, and Balor fights back with everything he has.  It is a proven method.  Of course we all knew Balor would get some of Lashley and Rush as he owed them.  Lashley went too far and got McIntyre DQ’d.  McIntyre and Lashley then destroyed Finn Balor until Hall of Famer, Kurt Angle ran in for the save.  Angle took full control but was blindsided by rival Baron Corbin.  Braun Strowman had enough and stormed the ring.  The wrestling Gods have spoken and we sense a 3 on 3 coming. 

Nikki Cross vs. Ruby Riott

Here we go!  We have ourselves some potential here.  A nice little NXT like match that is fun and different with some good raw talent.  It was a little disappointing that they cut to a Rousey/Lynch showdown.  Ruby Riott is just amazing and goes hard in there.  Nikki Cross has been nothing but impressive and seems to be able to go with anyone. Ruby being a great opportunist hit a sudden “Riott Kick” for the Win!  Good, solid match. 

Monday Night Rollins

The Beloved, King Slayer is one of the most over talents in the Professional Wrestling World.  He is to battle the Beast, the Champion, Brock Lesnar at Wrestlemania.  The un-accomplishable feat.  Rollins is hyping his uphill battle, pleading his case.  Truthfully, it is always better to see Rollins fight rather than talk.  The Advisor faked out everyone, as Lesnar was a no-show as usual.  Heyman always has something to say and everyone unapologetically listens.  Heyman hyped as he always does, Rollins stood and waited for his moment.  He again restated his case and got the crowd loudly behind him. 

Dean Ambrose then came out w/ Rollins still in the ring.  Anytime Ambrose and Rollins are involved with each other, there is tremendous potential.  It was quick this time around though with Ambrose grabbing a seat at ringside. 

Dean Ambrose vs. EC3

EC3 is going to always be a welcome Superstar on Raw.  The more the better, this guy needs a big push.  What better person than Dean Ambrose who has as much décor and clout as anyone.  Ambrose went right at him as he lost last week.  EC3 fought back though and would not be denied.  EC3’s reputation and history from Impact is well known and respected across the board.  He is a star and needs to be used that way.  EC3 got ahead of himself and Ambrose recovered.  Ambrose got the quick “small package” for the big rebound victory. 

Raw Tag Team Championship Match- Bobby Roode and Chad Gable (C) vs. The Revival

Ever since The Revival voiced their discontent, they have had a lot of TV Time.  The nostalgic, tag team specialist are a plus almost every time.  Roode and Gable are mega talented, Roode being a potential locker room leader if used more.  Being the Tag Team Champions isn’t Bad but he should be doing bigger things.  Tag team wrestling at its purest, this was textbook action.  Gable and Roode rallied hitting a series of offense.  These guys make the hot tag look so Good.  Gable came in and went hard against the challengers.  Both teams had close falls and a lot of back and forth action.  After Gable got worked over Roode was ready to go but was pulled off the apron.  Revival still couldn’t finish Gable.  Roode finally back in took out The Revival.  Again though back and forth near falls.  It was just insane how many false finishes there were.  Then just when you thought it was over, The Revial hits a huge “Shatter Machine” on Gable to win the Raw Tag Team Championships!  Big Win!  Great Match!  Good Team!

Becky Lynch Apology?

What will “The Man” do?  HHH is a presence himself and with his wife, the “Billionaire Princess” he is even more dangerous.  Becky has aggressively provoked both of them even striking them last week.  She made the smart move and apologized.  Becky made the best move and still stood her ground.  HHH and Stephanie then congratulated her and Lynch took over hyping what will be a showdown.  Rousey then stormed down belt in tow.  This was getting red hot, even Mr. McMahon came out.  Vince is “The Man.”  Vince then suspended Becky Lynch for 60 days which takes her out of Wrestlemania.  He then interjected Charlottle Flair into the Raw Women’s Championship Match in her place.  Charlotte is Vinnie Mac’s Champion.  This is obvious and shocking at the same time.  Speechless.

BAD

Braun Strowman, Kurt Angle and Finn Balor vs. Bobby Lashley w/ Lio Rush, Baron Corbin and Drew McIntyre

There is a lot of beef in that ring.  Tons of fight, guts and talent.  The pace was a little off at times but nothing completely detrimental early on.  A lot of back and forth leaning toward the heels having control.  Bobby Lashley has been impressive and continues going in that direction.  He has taken control and looks sharp in there.  This match was a safe bet.  It showcased a ton of talent in a compacted setting including the Intercontinental Champion, and kept them all fresh due to having a tag setting.  The power stuggle was awesome all around.  McIntyre and Strowman clashing, Lashley dominating, and Finn Balor fighting back.  Lashley got the pin even though Balor had his foot on the rope.  Referee Chad Paton came out and explained what happened and the match restarted. 

This has been a long match, and not smooth sailing considering the talent and format.  Again Finn Balor got beat down and grouped up on.  Lashley vs Balor is shaping up to be pretty Good.  Perfect timing, Strowman recovered, tagged in by Balor and let loose.  Complete Demolition of his opponents.  Strowman killed Lashley and tagged in Balor to finish the job with a “Coupe De Grace.”  This was okay but leaned toward the Bad side. 

UGLY

Walk With Elias

Strangely Elias was immediately interrupted by Lynch on the big screen having a promo with Finn Balor.  Balor and Lynch go way back and are always gold in any capacity but what a weird placement.  Follow that up with a commercial break/promo for Seth Rollins and you have horrible production value.  Interrupting Elias is a thing, granted we know and expect it but to do it as if we aren’t watching and paying attention, just mangling content together haphazardly is rough to watch.  Third times a charm, except this time he is interrupted by Lucha House Party.  Overkill much.  Elias’ Grammy Snub was the last straw.  LHP wants to Walk With Elias.  Elias is such a pure heel but he is over, and the inner struggle amongst the fans is intense.  Lucha House Party led by Kalisto had their fun with Elias but was hit by a guitar for their trouble.  Elias got out of harm’s way.  This was not Good by any standards.  Even a bit Ugly. 

FINAL

• Good – 8
• Bad – 1
• Ugly – 1

By the numbers and the action, we all had a pretty Good Raw.  This week flew by, and had a great amount of action, twist, turns and craziness.  Honestly, WWE took the audience for a spin and got our attention.  Successful week so far, and a slam packed Monday Night. 

SmackDown is slated next.  The 2-hour action packed “better” brand of WWE.  They seem to be on the Good side of things almost always and followed the next night by the spectacular NXT Brand.  There is a lot of action left on the agenda this week setting up everything for the big upcoming PPV’s, what will happen next?