Raw is going to be red hot!

Not only does Becky Lynch defend her Raw Women’s Championship against Asuka in yet one more rematch, Seth Rollins and his followers look to finally rid themselves of the resistance!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Raw Women’s Championship: Becky Lynch VS Asuka w/ Kairi Sane; Lynch wins and retains the Raw Women’s Championship.
• Mojo Rawley & Riddick Moss VS The Street Profits; The Street Profits win.
• WWE 24/7 Championship Chronicles of Riddick Moss: Mojo Rawley VS Riddick Moss; Moss wins and becomes the new WWE 24/7 Champion.
• Angel Garza w/ Zelina Vega VS Cedric Alexander; Garza wins.
• Rhea Ripley VS Sarah Logan; Ripley wins.
• Bobby Lashley w/ Lana VS Ricochet; Ricochet wins.
• Akira Tozawa VS Aleister Black; Aleister wins.
• 8 Man Tag: Seth Rollins, Buddy Murphy & The Authors of Pain VS Kevin Owens, Samoa Joe & The Viking Raiders; Rollins, Murphy & The AOP win.

PLAY BY PLAY

Raw opens to Seth Rollins and his followers already in the ring!

Fans boo but the Monday Night Messiah takes it all as praise. “Welcome to Monday Night Raw!” Rollins is proud to stand here before us all, and must admit the name we gave him, he wasn’t so sure of. But it has grown on him, because he has come to realize how hard it is for fans to truly speak for the heart and make difficult decisions. So Rollins is there to speak our truths and make those tough decisions for us, as he leads us all into the future! Fans boo harder because that’s not true. But before the future, we must discuss the past, such as last week. Murphy and AOP took on Kevin Owens and the Viking Raiders in Six Man Tag Elimination action. Somehow, someway, Kevin would last until it was just him and Rezar, but Rollins helped his disciple win in the end.

“As you can see,” Rollins’ boys were victorious. But Kevin and the Raiders wouldn’t let it go and interfered with the Triple Threat that would’ve led Rollins back to Brock Lesnar and the WWE World Championship. “Forgiveness is a virtue,” but Rollins’ patience grows very thin when it comes to Kevin Owens. Rollins is not preaching divisiveness, but of unity! And Rollins is not leaving the ring until that message is heard! In that case, here comes Kevin! Fans cheer as Kevin has a mic to respond, but Rollins says he first needs to warn Kevin. “Do not get in over your head.” Samoa Joe got hurt, Ivar got hurt, and it is too little too late. Whether anyone likes it or not, Rollins is the WWE’s Monday Night Messiah! So if Kevin wants to fight alone, he will fall alone.

Kevin says Rollins running his mouth sounding “stupid as hell,” is compounded by how he looks stupid as hell. And even so, Rollins keeps talking. But Kevin says that he just keeps fighting! And Rollins is wrong, because Kevin is not alone. The Viking Raiders are here! Rollins says finding partners was never the problem. It was keeping them standing upright. Kevin tests the Raiders quickly, and they’re just fine. They’re all sick of Rollins’ talk, so we do this now! And a brawl breaks out at the ramp!

But here comes SAMOA JOE! He gets Rollins from behind with the COQUINA CLUTCH! AOP rushes in to save Rollins, but the Raiders follow! The brawl sends Rezar out, then Akam! Murphy is alone to get a STUNNER! Fans fire up as Kevin, Joe and the Raiders run the ring! But will the 8 Man main event be even more chaotic?

Becky Lynch heads out to the ring!

The Man comes around, but not in regards to her man’s business. Becky has business of her own to take care of, because she wants her rematch tonight! Will she still be Raw Women’s Champion after this epic tiebreaker with Asuka?

Raw Women’s Championship: Becky Lynch VS Asuka w/ Kairi Sane!

Raw returns as The Kabuki Warriors make their entrance. Before the Empress enters the ring, she introduces herself and the Pirate Princess, then laughs at Becky. She even makes a song out of her taunting. But then Asuka tops it off with her “Easy peasy!” Will it be that easy for the Empress?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and this trilogy will end one way or another!

Becky circles with Asuka as fans rally up. They tie up, go around, and Becky waistlocks. Asuka pries free to a wristlock but Becky spins around to reverse it. Asuka wrenches back, Becky grabs Asuka for a headlock but Asuka headlocks right back. Becky tries but can’t power out as Asuka holds on tight. Fans rally more as Becky powers out the second try. But Asuka runs her over with a shoulder! Asuka eggs Becky on and Becky grins. Becky kicks Asuka then wrenches to yank the arm, and again. Asuka rolls and throws forearms! Asuka headlocks again, but Becky throws body shots, and reverses the takedown to a headlock of her own!

Becky flexes while cranking on the head. Asuka avoids a cover, Kairi coaches her up, and Asuka gets to her feet. Fans rally and duel as Asuka powers out. Things speed up, Becky dodges to follow and run Asuka over with a shoulder! Fans cheer as Becky double guns that super strength. Asuka gets up to shove Becky then throw a kick. Becky counters with a dragon screw! Becky runs in at the corner but Asuka puts her on the apron. Kairi hops up to distract, then leap away! Asuka’s hip attack sends Becky down! The Straight Fire is in danger as Raw goes to break.

Raw returns as Asuka clubs away on Becky’s back and stomps away on her shoulder! Asuka grinds Becky down with an armlock, but fans rally up. Becky endures and fights back to her feet. She throws forearms on Asuka then runs, but Asuka follows to hip attack again! Asuka headlocks but no bulldog as Becky powers out and throws elbows. Becky begins to rally with lariats! Fans fire up with the calf kick! Becky back kicks then runs to double forearm! Cover, TWO! It’ll take more than that to defeat Asuka and Becky should know that. Becky refocuses and throws big haymakers on Asuka. Asuka roars and blocks the uppercut to underhook and cradle! TWO!

Becky kicks but Asuka gets around for a waistlock. Becky blocks the German to go after the arm, but Asuka won’t be disarmed. Asuka whips but Becky reverses. Becky ducks but runs into the pop-up KNEE! Asuka drags Becky up, fisherman SIT-OUT! Cover, TWO!! Becky survives that modified fisherman buster and fans are rallying. Asuka grits her teeth as she and Becky rise. Asuka runs in but Becky sends her out! Becky wrecks Asuka with a dropkick! Kairi checks on Asuka-nee but Becky leaps to FIRE FOREARM! Kairi goes down, Asuka attacks Becky from behind!

Asuka glares at Becky for what she did to Kairi. She drags Becky back into the ring and then runs in at the corner. Becky BOOTS! Becky hops up, leaps, but into the CODE BREAKER! Cover, TWO!! Becky survives and Kairi is frustrated enough for both Kabuki Warriors! Fans continue to rally but Asuka grins. Asuka fires herself up, using Becky’s cheers as her own fuel. Asuka drags Becky up, but Becky standing switches, only for Asuka to switch and shove her into the post! Becky tumbles to the apron and Asuka runs, but the third time misses! Becky gets the DISARM-HER in the ropes!

The ref counts, Becky lets go at 4, and drags Asuka out to join her on the apron. Suplex but Asuka blocks. Becky kicks, Asuka blocks and turns her for clubbing forearms! The ref counts, Asuka stops at 4, then drags Becky up for a suplex. Becky slips out, INVERTED DDT on the apron! Both women are down as Raw goes to break!

Raw returns again as Asuka puts Becky up top. Asuka climbs up and fans fire up as Asuka SUPERPLEXES Becky down! Cover, TWO!! The Man still lives! But Asuka is on Becky with the SHINING WIZARD! Cover, TWO!! ARMBAR! Becky endures as Asuka pulls, rolls to a cover, TWO! Asuka drags Becky into a Triangle Hold! Becky fights back up, dead lifts, and SLAMS Asuka down! Cover, TWO!! Asuka survives but Becky is too tired to be angry. Kairi shouts to Asuka as she and Becky stir. “This is Awesome!” but far from over.

Becky drags herself up with the ropes and heads to the corner. Asuka is in the drop zone and Becky hops up. She drops The Man’s Leg, but FLOPS! ASUKA LOCK!! Asuka rolls Becky away but Becky resists the hold! They go around, Asuka kicks the ropes to drag Becky around! Asuka sits on a cover, TWO! Becky has the cover, TWO! Becky ducks a kick to roll Asuka, TWO! She wants the arm but Asuka makes it another cover, TWO! MANHANDLE SLAM! Cover, Becky wins!!

Winner: Becky Lynch, by pinfall (still Raw Women’s Champion)

And in a flash, the match is over! The Man stays atop the Raw Women’s Division, but SHAYNA BASZLER attacks!? The former NXT Women’s Champion throws hands on Becky as she invades Raw! KIRAFUDA KLUTCH! Becky flails but Shayna throws her down! But the Queen of Spades isn’t done, she BITES Becky on the back of her neck!? She drew blood!! The Queen of Spades has become a bloodthirsty animal, but will she take more than a bite out of The Man?

Raw keeps with Becky backstage.

Despite the rather profuse bleeding from the nape of her neck, Becky refuses to be taken to the hospital. Referees and medics insist, but will Becky concede?

Mojo Rawley & Riddick Moss VS The Street Profits!

The WWE 24/7 Champion said on Twitter that he is THE One True Champion of the WWE. However, he and his lineman haven’t been doing so well in non-title situations. Will Mojo and Moss turn things around in the second quarter? Or will the Profits be up in that same quarter?

Before the match, the Profits grab some mics as fans chant, “We Want the Smoke!” Ford asks Dawkins if Dawkins sees what Ford sees. Dawkins does. “Mojo frontin’.” He’s puffing himself up and that 24/7 Championship, but he’s been hiding behind Riddy Mo’. But we all know what Mojo is known for: riding Gronk’s coattails! Mojo may not like this, but he must like that it’s WrestleMania season! The Profits are up, and #WeWantTheSmoke! The teams sort out, and it’s Mojo starting with Dawkins.

Mojo swings on Dawkins but gets a dropkick! Cover, TWO, and Mojo knees back. Mojo throws Dawkins down by his headbands then tags in Moss. Dawkins DECKS Moss with one hand! And Ford is fired up! Tag to Ford, Dawkins gives Moss the SPINE BUSTER! WORLD STAR SPLASH! Cover, The Profits win!

Winners: The Street Profits, by pinfall

That #CashOut was big money! The party continues, will the Profits party all the way to tag title opportunities? As for Mojo, he’s disappointed in Moss but still helps him up. Moss rolls Mojo!? MOSS WINS!!

Winner: Riddick Moss, by pinfall (NEW WWE 24/7 Champion)

The lineman turns on his quarterback! And now the #RiddickRegimen has the 24/7 football! Will Moss be taken that to the house?

Raw again checks on Becky.

She’s being guided to the ambulance but she still insists she has no need to go. Becky says she’ll go, by driving herself! “Say hi to my friend, Shayna.” Everyone tries to reason with Becky but she still drives off. Has the Man lost her marbles?

Raw presents: The VIP Lounge!

Montel Vontavious Porter brings back his WWE talk show with the biggest guest he could possibly start with! MVP talks with Drew McIntyre after the break!

Raw returns and MVP has the mic. Fans cheer for MVP as he says, “It’s been a long time. I shouldn’t have left you.” But big things are still poppin’, little things are still stoppin’, and MVP is still BAWLIN~! Enjoy the view, because the VIP Lounge is still for people like him, who are better than you. After 10 years, MVP couldn’t think of anyone better than the man who single-leggedly eliminated The Beast! Ladies and gentlemen, Drew McIntyre is here! The Scottish Stud struts his way down the ramp, and the tiny bouncers check their list. McIntyre doesn’t care, he knocks the velvet ropes over and joins MVP in the ring.

McIntyre has a mic as he says, “Sup, Cali?” And sorry about the ropes, that was an accident. That’s okay, that is Drew being Drew. MVP is thrilled to have his old pal here. McIntyre is finally realizing his potential! He eliminated Lesnar, won the Men’s Rumble and is going to WrestleMania! McIntyre hears the “magic word” and must now point to the sign. BOOM! MVP is so proud of McIntyre for what he has done, and what is going to do. Focus on that prize. But don’t worry about naysayers and non-VIP’s and what they’re saying.

Wait, people have been saying things behind his back? No one in Oakland! MVP is up to something, so he should spit it out. Nah, MVP is sincere right now. Some people say that even with all the tools and attributes, McIntyre just isn’t ready to be WWE World Champion yet. Fans boo, because they’re not the ones saying that. But again, don’t listen tot he unimportant people. MVP and Drew can change all that. Wait, MVP and Drew? Did Drew and MVP win the Rumble? Well, no, but McIntyre’s best days are ahead of him while MVP’s are behind. So McIntyre can realize his dream and MVP can keep all the distractions out of his way. McIntyre needs someone like MVP.

Fans boo but MVP tells them to be quiet. This is a conversation between them, not the fans. But McIntyre still includes the fans on the conversation. McIntyre knew there’d be a catch. MVP wants to be a business manager? An “advocate”? Like a much better looking Paul Heyman. But the difference between Lesnar and McIntyre is that McIntyre doesn’t need an external brain thinking for him, talking for him, and sure as hell kissing up to him. Hey, MVP has never kissed up to anyone! He’s an ass kicker. The two stare down but McIntyre goes to leave. MVP won’t let him! So he gets a Glasgow Kiss!

McIntyre tosses the table aside, then throws off his jacket and his shirt! Fans fire up as MVP stands up to get the countdown and CLAYMORE! MVP goes flying into his own couch! BAWLIN~! McIntyre kicks things into another gear as he’s heading down the Road to WrestleMania!

Angel Garza w/ Zelina Vega VS Cedric Alexander!

El Latino es en la casa, and after his Raw debut, he’s all smiles. Will he be smiling when facing the Ebony Lion in his own return?

Before the match, La Muneca gets a mic to speak. Garza hushes the booing fans as Zelina promises to show us why Garza is a “man’s man.” By that she means the footage of last week, when he decimated his own cousin, Humberto Carrillo, and then went on to do the same to Rey Mysterio. Garza takes the mic to asks if we saw all that. “And yes, I am a man’s man.” No other man has measured up to Garza. But he is also a ladies man, because no woman can resist him. Wait, is that Carrillo!? Ultimo Ninja is back and TACKLES Garza in the ring!

Alexander watches as Carrillo throws Garza around then throws hands! Security and referees get the two separated, and Zelina shouts for them to get Carrillo out of the arena! Carrillo is dragged away and only now does Garza talk tough. The ref tells Garza his match must still go on, and Alexander waits with a smile of his own. The bell rings and Garza hides in the ropes. Zelina distracts and Garza DECKS Alexander! Garza drags Alexander up into a straitjacket stretch and bends Alexander back!

Alexander endures as Garza thrashes him around. Garza pulls back, but Alexander rolls through to put the hold on Garza! Garza headbutts backwards and throws Alexander out. Alexander boots back,t hen steps in to huricanrana! Alexander clobbers Garza with forearm after forearm, then throws a strike fest! Fans fire up as Alexander runs corner to corner for a super forearm! Snapmare and basement dropkick! Garza bails out while Alexander kips up. Alexander builds speed and slides, bugt Garza blocks the dropkick to throw Alexander to the ground!

Garza rips up floor mats, but he has to go after Alexander first. Alexander sends him into steel steps! And barriers! And then into the ring! Zelina panics as Alexander aims and springboards… DROPKICK from Garza! OFF COME THE PANTS! Garza drags Alexander up, underhooks, WING CLIPPER! Cover, Garza wins!

Winner: Angel Garza, by pinfall

The Age of Alexander was cut short as Garza clips his wings. Will Garza continue to ascend in the Raw and Cruiserweight rankings?

Backstage interview with Rhea Ripley!

The NXT Women’s Champion is here on Raw, but she’s not waiting for Charlotte Flair’s response. She is here to do what needs to be done to get what she wants. But this Sunday is TakeOver: Portland and her title match. Is she perhaps getting ahead of herself? Before Rhea answers, Sarah Logan shows up to get in Rhea’s face. Rhea just shows up and acts like she can get whatever she wants. “Who the hell do you think you are?” She’s Rhea Ripley. Who the hell is Sarah Logan? The Aussie Nightmare heads out, but will the Kentucky Valkyrie make her remember?

Raw returns with a backstage interview of Bobby Lashley.

Lana admires her “hawt hawt husband” get some last reps in as he’s asked about his match with Ricochet tonight. The One and Only won, but Lana says Sara needs to ask him questions with respect. But then Lana says this is Sara’s lucky day. These two have been in sync about Ricochet being “a thief” who stole Lashley’s dream match with Lesnar! His DREAM! Lashley says Ricochet took advantage of an opportunity, but Lashley will make him pay for that. Lashley reintroduces Ricochet to reality, and Ricochet might not even make it to Super Showdown. Which Lesnar can thank Lashley for later.

Sarah Logan heads to the ring!

“If Rhea Ripley wants to know who I am, I am SARAH LOGAN!” Logan will defend her territory by any means necessary! Logan calls Rhea out for a fight! Rhea obliges and appears. Will Logan regret picking a fight with the Riptide?

Rhea Ripley VS Sarah Logan!

Before the bell rings, Charlotte Flair appears! The Queen gets Rhea’s attention and she waves hi. The bell rings, Rhea BOOTS Sarah down! Then reels her in for a LARIAT! Rhea glares at Charlotte as she lariats Logan again. Logan swings back but into a shove and a dropkick! Fans are fired up for Rhea as she drags Sarah up, pump handles and hits the RIPTIDE! Cover, Rhea wins!

Winner: Rhea Ripley, by pinfall

Charlotte “applauds” that dominant victory. But then Charlotte gets a mic as Rhea does. Rhea asks, “Where’s my answer, Charlotte?” She invited Charlotte to challenge for the NXT Women’s Championship. Rhea came to Raw, no answer. Charlotte went to NXT, no answer. Charlotte says that’s how the Queen operates. Or maybe it’s that Charlotte enjoys being “a royal pain in my-” Before Charlotte does answer Rhea’s question, consider this one: after TakeOver: Portland, what if Rhea is no longer champion? Charlotte gives a “WOO~” and now we play the waiting game. Will Rhea survive TakeOver to force Charlotte’s hand?

WWE returns to Hollywood!

WrestleMania 37 will go to the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles to have a star-studded event on the Grandest Stage of Them All! Get ready to walk the red carpet with WrestleMania!

Bobby Lashley w/ Lana VS Ricochet!

The Rocky Mountain Machine promises an All Mighty reality check for the One and Only #1 Contender. But will reality sink in for Lashley that his dream match isn’t happening just yet?

Before the match, Charly interviews Ricochet at gorilla for a response. Ricochet heard the “threats,” but he isn’t going to back down from this fight. Becoming WWE Champion is a dream of 17 years! People tried to intimidate Ricochet, but “this scrawny kid has something that is going to make him last longer than anybody ever.” Taking on Lesnar is the biggest match of his career. And not even Lashley will stop him from going to Super Showdown, even if he has to limp, or crawl, there.

The bell rings and Ricochet fires off on Lashley with forearms! Lashley shoves, Ricochet dodges to forearm again! And CHOP! Ricochet whips but Lashley reverses, but Ricochet boots back. Lashley LARIATS back! Lashley throws forearms then whips corner to corner. Ricochet goes up and over and keeps moving, but Lashley hurdles to run Ricochet over! Fans boo as Lashley drags Ricochet up and gorilla presses! Ricochet slips out but Lashley mule kicks! Lashley whips, Ricochet goes up and out this time to kick. Lashley blocks once but not twice! Ricochet springboards and missile dropkicks Lashley out of the ring! Then DIVES him into the barriers!

Ricochet puts Lashley in and speeds things up again. He sends Lashley out the side now to FLY! Direct hit at the ramp! Both men are down as Raw goes to break!

Raw returns as Lashley throws hands and whips Ricochet corner to corner hard! Ricochet tumbles over and out and Lana cheers her hawt, hawt husband. Lashley fetches Ricochet as fans rally up for the One and Only. Lashley throws Ricochet at steel steps but Ricochet goes up! Ricochet mule kicks then MOONSAULTS! Direct hit and fans fire up again! Ricochet is up first and he puts Lashley in. Cover, TWO! Lana is relieved but Ricochet keeps focus. Ricochet runs corner to corner but Lashley puts him on the apron. Ricochet climbs up but has to drop down. Lashley blocks the kick to elbow Ricochet, and toss him hard into the post!

Fans boo as Lana applauds Ricochet crashing and burning. The referee checks on Ricochet but he’s somehow okay to continue. Lashley taunts Ricochet and slaps him around. Lashley stands on Ricochet’s head! The ref counts and Lashley lets up at 4, but drags Ricochet up to whip him into barriers! Fans boo but Lana cheers as Lashley refreshes the ring count. Lashley drags Ricochet up again to put him in the ring. Lashley drags Ricochet up for a snap suplex! Cover, TWO! Lana is annoyed but Lashley clamps onto Ricochet with a shoulder nerve hold.

Raw goes picture in picture to plug Sonic the Hedgehog’s new movie. Ricochet endures and fights his way up as we return to single picture. Ricochet throws hands but Lashley gives knees back. Lashley runs but into the dropkick-flip and enziguri! Lashley wobbles but comes back. Ricochet goes to enziguri, Lashley ducks but Ricochet mule kicks back! Ricochet gets to a corner, Lashley blocks the boot but gets the enziguri! The somersault shotgun dropkick sends Lashley into buckles! Ricochet fires up and rams in his shoulder, to then springboard for the flying crossbody! Standing shooting star! Cover, TWO! Lana is growing worried as both Ricochet and Lashley are down.

Fans rally up for Ricochet as he watches Lashley stand. Ricochet fireman’s carries but Lashley slips out to club back. Lashley runs into a mule kick! Ricochet front kicks and runs, into a back drop! Lashley drags Ricochet up, whips him to ropes, and gives him the ROCKY MOUNTAIN TOP SPINE BUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Ricochet still lives and Lana is shocked! Lashley drags Ricochet up to throw haymakers and then puts him up top, backwards. Lashley climbs up to join Ricochet, SUPER BACK SUPLEX but Ricochet lands on his feet!! Ricochet runs back in to DROPKICK Lashley! And then again! Lashley is down, Ricochet heads up top! Ricochet 630!! Cover, Ricochet wins!!

Winner: Ricochet, by pinfall

The One and Only is on a roll! If he can overcome a mountain like Lashley, can he defy the odds taking on the reigning, defending, undisputed WWE Heavyweight Champion of the World?

Raw provides a quick update on Becky Lynch.

She has left a local medical facility, yet is on her way back to the arena?! What will The Man have to say when she comes back around?

Randy Orton is here!

The Viper was supposed to explain his actions towards the Rated R Superstar on last week’s Raw, but he couldn’t get the words out. Orton is back tonight to try again. Fans still boo Orton as they did last week, and that doesn’t seem to help Orton’s internal conflict. Orton still gets in the ring and still takes up a mic. Fans continue to boo and jeer as Orton takes a deep breath. The booing gets louder, but Orton manages to say, “I know I still owe everybody an explanation for what I did two weeks ago.”

Orton takes another moment to consider his words before saying, “What I did to Edge hurt me more than it hurt him.” But before Orton can explain how that is, MATT HARDY is here! The Extreme V1 had his own history with Edge back in their early days, and so Hardy wants to hear this explanation in person. We all want to know #WhyRKOWhy, but Hardy knows Orton is wondering why Hardy even cares. Everyone should know the story between Hardy, Edge and Lita. And there was a point in time when Hardy hated Edge, but they were friends at one point. They even stayed in one hotel room together to save money. That was when they were four young and driven kids living the dream! No Mercy 1999 revolutionized ladder matches! And fans know they invented TLC matches!

Those four young kids with dreams went to WrestleMania “and stole the damn show!” But they did it together. That means something, Orton. So when Hardy saw Edge being forced to retire almost a decade ago, that hate just disappeared. In so many ways, Edge and Hardy were the same. They have the same passion for pro-wrestling and for the WWE Universe! And to tell the truth, Hardy couldn’t imagine if “this” was taken from him when he was ready. Edge would often ask Hardy those “What If” questions burning inside. Nine years later, Edge made the most miraculous return ever! And yet, Orton took that away. So Hardy has to ask, “What in the Hell is wrong with you!?”

Orton steps closer, but Hardy sees the RKO coming! Hardy shoves Orton away and even throws his mic at him! Hardy clubs away on Orton in the corner! Fans fire up but Orton shoves Hardy away, to then RKO!! The Viper strikes again and fans boo. But then they start to panic as Orton grabs chairs! Orton wants to recreate what he did to Edge just two weeks ago as he sets Hardy’s head on one chair, and raises the other high! Fans shout but Orton still gives Hardy the CON-CHAIR-TO!! Orton has crushed V1 like he did Edge, and he smirks. The Viper slithers away as fans boo and referees check on Hardy. We still have no answers but there is a question: Will Orton destroy a third icon on the Road to WrestleMania?

Raw returns with a backstage interview with Ruby Riott.

The returning Riott ruined Liv Morgan’s victory with a shocking betrayal. They were best friends, but best friends know everything about each other. That means Ruby knows the real Liv. Liv is like a little puppy that you have to keep on a leash. Liv can change her hair, her clothes and claim she’s transformed. But Ruby isn’t buying that. Liv will always be a follower, a girl someone needs to babysit. So Ruby is putting Liv in her place to remind her of the truth.

Akira Tozawa VS Aleister Black!

The Stamina Monster is about to pick, a fight, with the Embodiment of the End. But will he be able to survive the shadows? Or will he simply #FadeToBlack?

The bell rings and the two circle. Akira avoids boots and grapples. Fans are on Aleister’s side as Akira slips under to waistlock. Aleister standing switches but Akira swings on him. Aleister shoves and runs Akira over with an elbow! Akira is in a corner but Aleister is on him with forearms and a whip. Aleister runs into a boot and Akira hops up for a missile dropkick! Akira throws hands on Aleister but Aleister shoves again. Akira ducks, dodges, but gets a pop-up KNEE! Fans cheer as Aleister lifts Akira with one foot. BLACK MASS! Cover, Aleister wins!

Winner: Aleister Black, by pinfall

Aleister basically won by knockout! He takes up a mic now to say, “I have enjoyed these pass few weeks, being able to share these intimate moments with you all.” Aleister appreciates each and every person here tonight. Because that is what this is all about. Everyone here tries to escape their “given idea of Paradise one way or another.” Aleister knows about rebelling against that Paradise. But personally speaking, Aleister is starting to “feel like an animal inside of a cage.” “So for those of you who venture out here, know that it is not who is in there with you. It is you who shall be trapped inside this metaphoric cage with ME!” The Embodiment of the End is becoming the Watchman of the WWE. Who will next be cast down into the shadows and #FadeToBlack?

An ambulance arrives! Or rather, returns!

Becky Lynch returns to Raw with sirens blazing and neck patched up. Are the flashing lights a literal warning to Shayna that she better clear out before Becky finds her?

Raw returns and Becky heads to the ring!

Beat up, bloody and mad as hell, Becky grabs a mic as fans cheer her on. “Hey, Shayna. They numbed me up with something real nice for the pan.” And now she’s ready to smash Shayna’s face in! Where is she!? Shayna wants to sink her “little rat teeth” into Becky to get her attention, huh? Then mission accomplished. It doesn’t matter how tough Shayna is or who she hangs with, because Becky made them all pay. But she doesn’t even care about settling debts, she’s going to break Shayna week after week, little by little. So Shayna better find Becky before Becky finds her. The Man has put #ShaynaTwoTime on notice, when and where will these two meet again?

BREAKING NEWS for WWE Super Showdown!

For the first time ever, there will be a Tuwaiq Gauntlet Match, and the winner receives the lovely Tuwaiq Mountain Trophy! Rusev, R-Truth, Erick Rowan, Bobby Lashley, AJ Styles and WWE United States Champion, Andrade Almas, are all going to climb the mountain, but who makes it to the top?

8 Man Tag: Seth Rollins, Buddy Murphy & The Authors of Pain VS Kevin Owens, Samoa Joe & The Viking Raiders!

The Monday Night Messiah and his followers managed to get away from the Prizefighter, the Samoan Submission Machine and their new allies at the start of Raw, but now there’s no running from this! This civil war for the soul of Raw is inevitable, but who wins?

Before the match, Rollins grabs a mic. Fans boo as Rollins says that he has one more thing to say. So please, give him a moment. Nope! The brawl is on again! Ivar and Erik throw out AOP while Kevin has Rollins! Things spill out of the ring and Raw goes to break, will things be sorted when we return?

Raw returns again, and things have sorted out so that Rollins is clubbing Erik. Murphy tags in but he runs into a takedown and waistlock slam! Erik looms over Murphy and puts him in the corner. Tag to Ivar and the Raiders work on Murphy with knee after knee! Murphy flops over as fans fire up. Ivar drags Murphy back up to scoop and slam! Tag to Samoa Joe and fans really fire up now! Joe throws jab after jab after jab on Murphy then hands from all sides! Joe whips Murphy corner to corner for the back elbow and PELE! Tag to Kevin and Kevin heads up to VADER BOMB! He tells Rollins to “SUCK IT!” The ref has to keep an enraged Rollins back as Ivar tags back in.

Ivar throws hands on Murphy then scoops him. Erik tags in as Ivar slams, and then Erik scoop slams Ivar onto Murphy! Cover, TWO! Erik drags Murphy up but Murphy knees low. Murphy is shoved to the corner but he boots Erik away. Akam tags in before Erik gives Murphy Ace Ten Mao! Akam SPINE BUSTERS Erik! And then rains down angry right hands! The ref backs Akam off but he just comes back for more. The ref has to count and Akam lets up at 4, then tags in Rezar. The AOP lift Erik for an atomic KNEE! Cover, TWO! Rezar clubs away on Erik’s face and soaks up the heat. Tag to Rollins, and Rezar helps Rollins mug Erik.

Rollins drags Erik up and hooks his face before putting on the chinlock. Erik endures and fans rally up. Erik throws body shots and shoves free, but Rollins hits a SLINGBLADE! Tag to Murphy and Murphy soaks up heat. Murphy stomps Erik around and scrapes his boot on Erik’s face. Rollins trash talks Erik but Erik ROCKS Murphy! Erik blows up the corner but Murphy whips him in. Erik goes up and over and tags in Ivar! The War Beard rallies and gives Murphy a sidewalk slam, to the BASEMENT SPLASH! Fans fire up as Ivar rocks Rezar and decks Akam, then dodges Murphy. Murphy ducks the heel kick to fire off a strike fest! Ivar cartwheel LARIATS! Fans are roaring with Ivar as Raw goes picture in picture!

Ivar drags Murphy up and scoops him. Murphy slips out and Rollins runs in, but Ivar clotheslines Rollins back out! Murphy tags Rezar and Rezar stands face to face with Ivar. The biggest men in this match start brawling! Ivar whips but Rezar rams him with a shoulder! Ivar rebounds but Rezar scoops him! But Ivar slips out, scoops and slams Rezar back! Tag to Kevin and Kevin drops the senton on Rezar Cover, TWO! Kevin keeps on Rezar with big body shots and a whip corner to corner. Rezar reverses, but Kevin dodges and sends Rezar into the post! Rezar is down, Kevin heads up top! SWANTON BOMB! Cover, TWO!!

Kevin argues the count but has to focus as Rezar is up. Rezar blocks the superkick to LARIAT Kevin down! Rezar rains furious fists and forearms on Kevin and then tags in Akam. The AOP mug Kevin together, and then Akam wraps on a chinlock. Kevin endures as Akam leans on him while squeezing the hold tighter. Fans rally and Kevin fights his way up to throw body shots. Kevin throws hands then runs, ducks and enziguris! Akam wobbles all around, Rollins tags in to throw Kevin out! The ref keeps Rollins from going after Kevin but Murphy gets a cheap shot in! Rezar keeps Erik back and the ref works to restore order. Raw returns to single picture as Akam tags in and knees Kevin against barriers!

Akam puts Kevin in and covers, ONE! Akam drags Kevin up to club him down but fans rally. Tag to Murphy and Murphy stomps Kevin down. Murphy drags Kevin up but Kevin throws body shots! Murphy clubs Kevin and throws him out, and Rollins comes around to give a cheap shot of his own! The ref counts and Murphy goes out to fetch Kevin, but Kevin scoops him! Fall Away Slam into barriers! Rollins shouts at Murphy as Kevin gets in the ring, so Rollins just puts Murphy in. Akam tags in and clobbers Kevin! Akam drops elbows over and over, then tags in Rezar. The AOP mug Kevin and cover, TWO! Rezar keeps on Kevin with a strong neck crank.

Fans rally again as Kevin endures. Kevin fights his way up, but Rezar rams him into Rollins’ corner. Tag to Akam and the AOP mug Kevin with knee after knee in the corner. The ref reprimands them but Rollins is proud of his followers. “That’s the truth!” Kevin gets up and SLAPS Akam! And then throws big forearms! Akam tackles Kevin and hammers away! Tag to Murphy and the isolation continues as Murphy drives his knees into Kevin’s back. Murphy clamps on a chinlock and grinds Kevin down. Fans rally once more and Kevin swipes at Rollins. Kevin gets up and throws body shots, but Murphy cranks harder. Kevin finds his second wind to punch Murphy, but Murphy knees low.

Murphy whips, Kevin kicks him away! Kevin DECKS Rollins, then kicks Murphy to DDT SPIKE him! Fans rally and Kevin flounders, hot tag to Joe! Rollins tags in but Joe rallies with big forearms and more jabs! Joe whips but Rollins boots! Rollins leaps but into an atomic drop! Joe runs to BOOT Rollins down! And drop the senton! Rollins bails out and the AOP go to guard him, but Joe builds speed. The AOP stand in Joe’s path, but the Raiders knock them down! Fans fire up as these three behemoths build speed to TRIPLE TOPE SUICIDA!! They wreck Rollins and the AOP, and Joe puts Rollins in the ring. Rollins SUPERKICKS in return! But runs into the COQUINA! Jawbreaker sets Rollins free, but Joe uses the URENAGE! Cover, Murphy breaks it!

SUPERKICK from Kevin to Murphy! BOOT from Akam to Kevin! Erik uses an EXPLODER to throw Akam! Rezar LARIATS Erik but Ivar gives Rezar the superheavyweight seated senton! KNEE TRIGGER from Murphy to Ivar! Fans are fired up as Rollins and Joe are left in the ring. Kevin gets up on the apron and then up top, for a SUPER CANNONBALL onto everyone else!! Fans lose their minds as Rollins mule kicks. Joe dodges, Murphy tags in! COQUINA, but Joe sees Murphy coming! COQUINA FOR MURPHY!! Murphy fades but the AOP distract the ref! Murphy is tapping out!! Joe’s team would win, but Rollins gives him a CURB STOMP!! Murphy flounders to a cover, the ref counts, Rollins’ team wins!

Winners: Seth Rollins, Buddy Murphy & The Authors of Pain, by pinfall

The Raw Tag Team Champions and their dangerous reinforcements steal one from Joe, KO and the Viking Raiders! Will they continue to steal the soul of Monday Night Raw?

My Thoughts:

A pretty good episode, with a main event that makes up for a portion of the sluggish portions. The way the opening segment was written made it feel like they forgot they announced the main event before Raw tonight. I get they wanted people to tune in tonight, but it would’ve given us a better sense of surprise if we didn’t know about the 8 Man. The match itself was really great, though, and it works for the Heels to steal a win like that. I can’t be sure what the plans for the tag titles are, other than a WrestleMania match, but I’d think a normal 2v2 title match at Elimination Chamber would be pretty good.

The Raw Women’s Championship story was incredible tonight! Probably the best part of the show. Becky VS Asuka III was a great finale to their feud, for now, and naturally Becky wins. Shayna showing up was a great surprise, as was her attack on Becky. But then WOW, I did not think they’d make Shayna some kind of savage monster “biting” Becky “making her bleed.” Obviously it was to give Becky toughness points, but also keeps with her issue with medical staff from before WrestleMania 35, seeing it as a way for the administration to sideline her. Shayna VS Becky is going to make for a great match at Mania. It seems to be the trade as Charlotte VS Rhea is definitely happening. Poor Sarah Logan got squashed to feed that story, though.

The WWE 24/7 Championship stuff was pretty great. Street Profits squash Moss, but Moss uses that to swerve Mojo! I hope we get more on that soon. And after Aleister wins against Akira Tozawa, can Aleister get that title to go all John Wick in defending it? How great would that be for the build to WrestleMania? Good to see Cedric Alexander on TV, even though he loses to Garza. I feel like it would’ve worked better if Carrillo rushed Garza after the win, but it was good to see Carrillo come back for revenge either way. Those two are going to need a grudge match that’s at least on a PPV kickoff show.

It seems the tradition of the WWE Saudi Arabia shows is coming up with one-time matches to make the events feel special. This Tuwaiq Gauntlet Match has some interesting choices for competitors. Truth, Lashley and Erick Rowan are great workers so I suppose it’s fine to have those three in. But I’m surprised that Rusev’s contract issues are being put aside for this, and that Almas’ suspension and Styles’ recovery from injury will be in time for Super Showdown. I have no idea who will win that match, but I don’t think it’ll matter in the long run. Ricochet VS Lashley was a really good match, and it is good for Ricochet to win to keep strong for his match with Lesnar. But in the end, we know Ricochet won’t win. McIntyre had a good segment in the VIP Lounge, he’s a great Face. Lesnar VS McIntyre needs to be the best singles match Lesnar has had in a long time.

My Score: 8.2/10