Raw runs it back for Drew McIntyre and Braun Strowman!

After the back and forth on last week’s Raw, we go around one more time! Will Drew McIntyre and Braun Strowman shut T-Bar & Mace down for good?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Drew McIntyre & Braun Strowman VS T-Bar & Mace; changed to…
• 2v1 Handicap: T-Bar & Mace VS Braun Strowman; Strowman wins, by disqualification.
• Drew McIntyre & Braun Strowman VS T-Bar & Mace; T-Bar & Mace win.
• Six Man Tag: Damian Priest & The New Day VS The Miz, Elias & Jaxson Ryker; Priest & The New Day win.
• WWE United States Championship Open Challenge: Sheamus VS ???; no contest.
• Randy Orton & Matt Riddle VS Shelton Benjamin & Cedric Alexander; Orton & Riddle win.
• Six Woman Tag: Rhea Ripley, Shayna Baszler & Nia Jax w/ Reginald VS Asuka, Naomi & Lana; Ripley, Baszler & Jax win.
• Charlotte Flair VS Mandy Rose w/ Dana Brooke; Charlotte wins.
• Drew McIntyre VS Braun Strowman; Strowman wins and joins the WrestleMania Backlash WWE Championship match.

PLAY BY PLAY

Drew McIntyre & Braun Strowman VS T-Bar & Mace!

Things only ended last week because of a disqualification and time running out on Raw! Tonight, the now unmasked T-Bar & Mace vow that they will bring extinction upon the Scottish Warrior and Monster Among Men! But Braun and McIntyre talk backstage. No thank you for the save last week? McIntyre asked for a handicap match, not for someone to get in his business. Well Braun saved McIntyre’s career. If people would listen and not let em0tions get in the way, he’d do this. Follow Braun’s lead, kid!

“Kid?” McIntyre says HE is the one with 20 years experience and titles! So maybe Braun will listen to McIntyre! Braun is the Monster Among Men who has destroyed more men than McIntyre can imagine. Braun will do what McIntyre couldn’t do and win against both T-Bar & Mace! Fine then! Wait, is this now a handicap match?! Braun grabs the mic from Mike Rome and makes it official! Will Braun end what T-Bar & Mace started?

The bell rings and Braun starts against T-Bar! They tie up, Braun powers T-Bar to a corner and fires off clubbing hands! The ref counts, Braun lets off but clubs T-Bar more. Braun whips T-Bar corner to corner hard, then gets him up to ROCK him with a right! Braun stalks T-Bar to a corner and bumps him off buckles. Braun CLUBS T-Bar down, glares at Mace, then gets T-Bar up again. Braun whips T-Bar corner to corner hard, then DECKS Mace off the apron! T-Bar staggers up, Braun runs at him and corner splashes! Braun whips T-Bar corner to corner again and hits another splash! Mace tags in and attacks from behind!

Mace kicks and throws hands on Braun! Mace whips but Braun blocks and breaks free. Mace dodges to run and LEG LARIAT! Braun flounders about but Mace is on him in the corner. Mace gets Braun up, tags T-Bar in, and they mug Braun in their corner! The ref counts, T-Bar wraps Braun’s arm around ropes and tags in Mace. The mugging continues, Mace goes corner to corner but Braun BOOTS him away! Braun gets up and throws hands with Mace. Mace ROCKS Braun, tags T-Bar, Braun ROCKS Mace! Braun ROCKS T-Bar but T-Bar stomps Braun back down! The ref counts, T-Bar lets off and tags Mace back in.

T-Bar and Mace go after Braun, Braun CLUBS T-Bar but Mace CLUBS Braun! T-Bar and Mace both stomp away, the ref counts but they don’t listen!

Winner: Braun Strowman, by disqualification

T-Bar & Mace keep going, so here comes McIntyre! A reversal of roles from last week and McIntyre RAMS T-Bar into barriers! McIntyre brawls with Mace, fires off windmill haymakers, but now he’s getting mugged! Braun runs back in to go after T-Bar and McIntyre clotheslines Mace out! Braun tosses T-Bar, and the warrior and monster stand tall again. McIntyre finally thanks Braun, and Braun says McIntyre must think he’s funny. But will these two settle things with the towering titans together now?

Drew McIntyre & Braun Strowman VS T-Bar & Mace!

Raw returns and we’re getting the scheduled tag match after all! McIntyre has T-Bar with a chinbar and armlock, but T-Bar fights his way up. T-Bar throws body shots, forearms, and then whips. McIntyre ducks to kick back and underhook! T-Bar fights free to wrench and mule kick, front kick and back elbow! McIntyre staggers to a corner, T-Bar runs in but into an elbow! McIntyre CHOPS and CHOPS and then fakes a chop to SLAP T-Bar! T-Bar ROCKS McIntyre, runs, but into a GLASGOW KISS! Cover, TWO! McIntyre gets T-Bar up to wrench, but T-Bar pulls hair! Mace tags in, he and T-Bar mug McIntyre, then KNEE AND BOOT!

Mace ripcords and reels McIntyre in for a SCRAPBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Mace keeps on McIntyre with a chinbar, McIntyre fights up but Mace pulls hair! Mace throws McIntyre down, McIntyre gets the ropebreak, and Mace lets off. McIntyre throws hands, Mace hits back! They brawl, Mace whips but McIntyre reverses to a Russian Leg Sweep! Both men are down and head for their corners! Hot tags to Braun and T-Bar! Braun CLOBBERS T-Bar, then runs corner to corner to SPLASH! Braun whips corner to corner, runs in again, but T-Bar dodges! Braun POSTS himself, McIntyre tags back in to DECK Mace! McIntyre gets T-Bar for a NECKBREAKER!

T-Bar is in a corner, McIntyre runs in but is put on the apron. McIntyre ROCKS T-Bar, climbs up top and leaps to hit a FLYING CLOTHESLINE! McIntyre kips up and fires up! McIntyre gets T-Bar up for a fireman’s carry but T-Bar fights free! T-Bar fireman’s carries, but McIntyre slips down to hit FUTURE SHOCK! Cover, Mace breaks it! Mace drags McIntyre up to ROCK him, Braun CLOBBERS Mace! Braun puts Mace in a corner to fire off hands! Braun throws Mace out hard, goes out and McIntyre pushes T-Bar out. Braun gets going, the Strowman Express BLASTS Mace! And then comes around, but T-Bar moves and McIntyre CLOBBERS Braun by accident!

T-Bar throws McIntyre over barriers, gets in the ring, the count hits 10!!

Winners: Mace & T-Bar, by count-out

Another week, another case of snatching victory from the jaws of defeat! Braun is pissed at McIntyre and scoops him for a MONSTER SLAM!! “Don’t you ever hit me again!” Braun tried to help McIntyre and teach him, and this is the thanks he gets?! The Monster Among Men misunderstands, but what’s done is done. Will McIntyre be able to brush all this off as he heads back to the WWE World Championship?

WWE and Make A Wish join forces once more!

World Wish Day is this Wednesday, so join in and donate at wish.org/wwe!

McIntyre goes to Adam Pearce backstage.

McIntyre wants Braun in a match tonight. Pearce can do that. Good. Will the Scottish Warrior get even or just #GetTheseHands?

Raw presents an all new Miz TV!

Miz and John Morrison welcome us to the Most Must-See WWE Talk Show, and their guests are already in the ring. This has been an amazing couple of weeks! The stars were out for the Oscars, a future Oscar award winning documentary in WWE 24: The Miz dropped on Peacock and the WWE Network, and the reviews have been raving! And immediately after tonight’s Raw is another all new and hilarious Miz And Mrs! Now, you might be wondering why Miz has the Drifter in the ring! Elias introduces himself and Jaxson Ryker, and then Johnny Drip Drip and MC M I Z join in to “honor” Bad Bunny’s historic and sold out 2022 tour!

A sincere congratulations while taking full credit. Because without their star power rubbing off at WrestleMania, Bunny wouldn’t have sold out a flea market! He didn’t even comp them tickets! Maybe they should’ve given him a custom Miz TV mic like HHH did. No, it has to be something more to prove they’re the multi-talents they are! So here is a free concert with Elias! Elias says this is going to be incredible! When they approached him and Ryker, Elias knew they had to accept! They’re all musical geniuses, unlike Xavier Woods & Kofi Kingston, who are more like a junior high school band. Elias dedicates this to his muse, Shane McMahon.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, this is Hey Hey, Hop Hop: Unplugged.” They try to harmonize as a quartet, and then start their acoustic version of their “song.” But wait, who turns the lights off?! UGH! It’s because The Archer of Infamy is making his entrance! And he tells them, “I am sorry that I had to interrupt that emotional performance. But I just felt like that was a concert you just have to attend in person.” Like when he was in the best seat in the house, watching Miz lose to Bad Bunny. In fact, this performance was so moving, Priest and his partners came up with a surprise of their own. The New Day heads out, and Woods still has his bass! Or at least the case

Priest promises this will be representative of their performance. It was so… rotten. They throw TOMATOES! Miz, Morrison, Elias & Ryker are flopping like that quartet! HEADSHOT on Miz! Commentary watches out for rogue fruit while Raw goes to break!

Six Man Tag: Damian Priest & The New Day VS The Miz, Elias & Jaxson Ryker!

Raw returns and there’s still a bit of a mess, but Woods starts with Elias. They tie up, Woods headlocks, and Elias powers out to ram Woods down! Elias CHOPS Woods in a corner, throws hands, then stomps him down. Elias bumps Woods off buckles, tags in Ryker, and they mug Woods. Ryker throws hands, brings Woods out but the ref has him let off. Elias and Miz claw at Woods’ face! Ryker ROCKS Woods, scoops him and SLAMS him! Cover, ONE! Ryker drags Woods up, tags Elias, and they mug Woods more. Elias DECKS Woods with a EuroUpper, then gets him up to whip. Woods ducks and dodges and slides to ROLLING ELBOW! Cover, TWO!

Woods gets Elias up but Elias CLUBS him down! Elias tags Miz, Miz hurries in but into a drop toehold! Woods hops over to headlock, wrench, and then tag Kofi. The New Day double wrench, double CHOP, and double kick to double BULLDOG! Cover, TWO! Kofi keeps on Miz with a facelock, tags Woods back in, and they snapmare to Penalty Kick and Sliding Lariat! Kofi drops a splash, Woods goes up to drop an elbow! Cover, TWO! Woods gets Miz up, wrenches and tags Kofi, to whip Miz into a shoulder, roll up and springboard ax handle! Cover, TWO! Kofi drags Miz over, and he tags Priest in! Miz runs away to cower in his corner!

Miz tags Ryker, and Ryker steps to Priest! Priest and Ryker tie up, go around the ropes, and Ryker gets a headlock. Priest powers out but Ryker CLUBS him! Priest dodges a boot, and the clothesline, to sweep the leg! Ryker gets up, Priest blocks his boot to spin and sweeps the leg again! Ryker scrambles over to tag in Elias, but Priest sweeps his legs, too! Miz runs in, Priest dodges, Miz jumps the sweep but not the return! Tag to Kofi, Kofi clotheslines Elias out, then Miz! Woods has Francesca to play a tune for them to dance to! Morrison and Miz regroup but Kofi fetches Elias into the ring. Kofi climbs up top, Elias turns around into the FROG CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO!

Kofi gets Elias up but Elias puts him in the corner! Miz tags in, he stomps away on Kofi, then lets off as the ref counts. Miz has Kofi in an open corner, whips him corner to corner, but Kofi slips out to swing kick! Kofi climbs but Ryker distracts the ref! Elias YANKS Kofi down to the floor! Woods protests but Miz BOOTS Kofi down! Morrison is fired up for his team as Raw goes to break.

Raw returns and Miz basement BOOTS Kofi down! Cover, TWO! Miz rains down fists then taunts Woods and Priest. Miz gets Kofi onto ropes, chokes him, but lets off so that Morrison can rub a tomato in Kofi’s face! The juice stings Kofi’s eyes! Tag to Elias and he stomps Kofi down! Elias drags Kofi up, DECKS him with a forearm, then drags Kofi around to wrench the arm. Elias facelocks for an ANARCHY SUPLEX! Cover, TWO! Kofi survives but Elias drags him back up for a chinlock. Kofi endures as Elias puts on the squeeze, and fans rally on their screens. Kofi fights up, fights back, but Elias whips him away to CLOBBER him!

Elias drags Kofi over, tags Ryker in, and Ryker drops a headbutt to the ribs! Cover, TWO! Ryker keeps between Kofi and his corner to whip Kofi into a sleeper! Kofi flails, reaches, but Ryker squeezes tight! Kofi throws elbows and body shots, but Ryker reels him in for a forearm! Tag to Elias, slingshot suplex SLAM and a SLIDING FOREARM! Cover, TWO! The duet didn’t finish this but Elias kicks Kofi to ropes. Kofi hits back, throws counter punches and fires off, but Elias RAMS him into the corner! Miz tags in, the mugging continues as Miz stomps a must-see mudhole, then he lets off so Elias can get his shot in! Miz sucker punches Woods!

Miz goes back to Kofi for the It Kicks! Kofi stays up as Miz kicks and kicks but the buzzsaw misses! SOS!! Kofi can’t make the cover but both he and Miz are down! Fans fire up, Priest is ready! Hot tags to Elias and Priest! The Archer of Infamy rallies on the Drifter and his follower! BOOT for Ryker, BIG back elbow for Elias! Priest runs to elbow Ryker, but Ryker waistlocks! Priest swings, BELLCLAP to ROUNDHOUSE to HEEL KICK! Elias runs into a low kick, Priest gets him up but Elias slips out of Broken Arrow and shoves. Priest comes back with a LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Priest keeps going and climbs a corner. Elias staggers up, Priest hits a FLYING WHEEL KICK! Cover, Miz BOOTS Priest!

Miz drags Priest up, but Priest hits BROKEN ARROW! Hot tag to Woods! Wood climbs, leaps but into Elias’ SymphoKNEE! Cover, TWO!! Elias tags Ryker and they work together to get Woods up. They double whip, Woods kicks back! Ryker swings, Woods dodges and Kofi tags in! Tilt-o-whirl and set up with Priest, Kofi jumps in, MISSILE DROPKICK DOUBLE LEG SWEEP! Cover, TWO!?! Ryker is tough as nails! Miz swings on Priest but gets a ROUNDHOUSE! Morrison catches Miz but Priest ROUNDHOUSES Ryker! Priest keeps moving, Woods tags in, Priest FLIES to take out Miz & Morrison! Woods rolls Ryker, Ryker rolls through to POLISH HAMMER!

Elias goes up, Kofi trips him! Woods turns Ryker’s bomb into a cradle! New Day & Priest win!!

Winners: Damian Priest & The New Day, by pinfall

That was fast and furious mortal combat, and in the end, MC M I Z, Elias and Ryker got rocked by POP, the Power of Positivity! Will Priest, Kofi & Woods use this to springboard towards the top of the charts?

Sonya Deville arrives on Raw?

Normally she is Pearce’s assistant manager on SmackDown, but she’s here… to let Charlotte Flair into the building?! Charlotte was suspended indefinitely for her actions last week, but she’s already being let back in!? What strings did Sonya have to pull to make this happen?!

Raw returns with Sonya in the ring!

“Please welcome to the ring, 13-time WWE Women’s Champion, The Queen, Charlotte Flair.” Charlotte walks out, again defying her suspension with help from Sonya, and gets herself a mic. Sonya says also in the ring is WWE official Eddie Orengo, the one Charlotte assaulted, as shown by replay footage. Sonya says that Charlotte was suspended indefinitely and given a $100,000 fine. But that said, Pearce’s decision was rushed because he didn’t hear both sides of the story. Sonya gives Charlotte the floor to speak her mind.

Charlotte thanks Sonya for this chance to repent. Charlotte spent a week reflecting, and realized the error in her ways. She apologizes to the WWE management, to the WWE Universe, and to the referee here. She didn’t even realize what happened in the moment. Instinct took over! Charlotte is here to right those wrongs. She tells Eddie, “I’m really sorry for putting my hands on you. I’m so sorry for manhandling you last week.” Sonya gives Eddie a mic so that he can accept her apology. He didn’t realize Rhea Ripley interfered, and had he, she would’ve won. So there it is! Charlotte paid the fine in full, made an apology here, and is now reinstated! She will even return to in-ring action tonight! And Sonya makes Eddie the referee for that match.

Charlotte wants everyone to wait because there’s one more thing. Eddie admitted it was his mistake. So then, Charlotte needs him to apologize to her now. Eddie is a bit reluctant, but he does say he’s sorry. Good. Now everything is finalized, and Sonya looks forward to Charlotte’s return tonight. How is Sonya able to go over Pearce’s head with this? And will Charlotte be able to keep her cool this time so things don’t go the exact same way as before?

Speaking of, Pearce confronts them backstage! Sonya says this was a last minute thing right before the show. She is sorry. Oh is she? Pearce might actually accept that if he believed it. Pearce storms off, Charlotte seems amused, but is there something more to this we don’t know about?

Adam Pearce is on the phone.

He tries to tell the other person that Sonya is attempting a power grab, but he is interrupted by Braun. Braun says the match with McIntyre sounds great, but he wants to remind Pearce of something from a few weeks ago. It was his “bright idea” to make a Triple Threat #1 Contender’s match to see who faces Bobby Lashley for the title at #WrestleManiaBacklash. Does Pearce remember who won that match? McIntyre. Yeah, Braun knows that, too. But who lost it? Randy Orton. Exactly! AKA not Braun! McIntyre didn’t pin Braun so Braun should still be a contender!

So here’s an idea: After Braun beats Braveheart, make Backlash a Triple Threat! What’s Pearce think? Or does he have to check with Sonya first? Pearce says that wont’ be necessary. If Braun wins, he’s added to the title match. Finally, Pearce is making sense. Is the Monster Among Men about to complicate the All Mighty’s next defense?

WWE United States Championship Open Challenge: Sheamus VS ???

The Celtic Warrior offered a non-title open challenge to anyone that wanted it last week, and he then brutalized Humberto Carrillo for accepting it! Sheamus promises to put the title on the line this time, but will anyone dare deem themselves worthy?

Raw returns and Sheamus says he could watch the highlights from last week over and over. That is proof that the US Champion is back and better than ever! He promised to be a fighting champion and he proved it! Carrillo came out and added himself to a list of many who tried to take something away from Sheamus. Now you’re probably saying, “But Sheamy, you didn’t even let the bell ring! Why?” The answer is simple: Carrillo doesn’t belong in the ring with Sheamus! Carrillo couldn’t step up to Sheamus’ level! Sheamus is a fierce fighter, but a generous man. And after last week’s successful open challenge series debut, Sheamus will do it again!

So if you fancy getting stretchered out in the ThunderDome, and being the guest of honor at your own funeral like “Dumberto” last week, go ahead and come on down! Take a swing on ol’ Sheamy! But this beautiful belt is not going to be on the line! Wait, what happened to what he said on social media? And here comes Carrillo again! He wants more?! Sheamus is shocked! Is Carrillo out of his mind? Is he loco? Listen, you had your chance, Carrillo so… Sheamus sucker punches Carrillo! And stomps him down! And hammers away with fists! Sheamus drops knees, then goes back to the mic.

You see that right there?! All bark and no bite!” But then Carrillo jumps on Sheamus and fires off on him! Sheamus’ jacket becomes a blinder so Carrillo can get at him! Sheamus gets free but Carrillo dumps Sheamus out! Then dropkicks him off the apron! And again! Carrillo runs and DIVES! Direct hit and Sheamus tumbles over the announce desk! Carrillo es en fuego, and he vows he’ll make Sheamus regret underestimating him! No title, no match, but plenty of anger! Will Sheamus put the gold on the line just to goad Carrillo into a grudge match?

Backstage interview with MVP & Bobby Lashley.

Kevin Patrick informs them that Braun VS McIntyre could change how the WWE World Championship match goes at Backlash. How will preparations change if- MVP stops Kevin right there. Braun hasn’t been added to anything yet, so let’s not jump to conclusions. And while Kevin likes hypotheticals, MVP likes reality. And the reality is, he and Lashley have some grievances to address. What MVP could do is give us all a hot, juicy scoop right now, but he won’t. What will the downsized Hurt Business have to say tonight?

Backstage interview with Rhea Ripley.

Would she care to comment on Charlotte’s “apologetic return?” Despite Charlotte’s apologies meaning nothing, Rhea loved seeing her get fined $100,000. Maybe their paths will cross again, but Rhea is focused on her Six Woman Tag tonight. Charlotte can play rugby with the refs, Rhea will focus on retaining her Raw Women’s Championship.

Bobby Lashley & MVP head to the ring!

The Chief Hurt Officer and Vice President of the Hurt Business are back in the ThunderDome, but as MVP said, they have some grievances to air. They each get mics, and Lashley starts by saying, “A few weeks ago, I did exactly what I said I was going to do. I walked into WrestleMania, and walked out of WrestleMania, the WWE Champion!” MVP confirms, he did do that. And when Lashley grabbed McIntyre and made him pass out, he held the title up high and commanded respect! The respect he received from the live audience was like a dream come true! It felt even better because McIntyre was crumpled up like a dollar bill thrown on the sidewalk, that no one cares about!

But now it’s like this. McIntyre is bubblegum stuck to his shoe. WrestleMania Backlash, Lashley must defend his title against McIntyre again! But he will beat McIntyre again! Though, this time could end up a Triple Threat? MVP is offended by that! Why would the WWE treat their most prestigious and most dominant champion so poorly? Why? Bobby Lashley is the CHO of the Hurt Business, THE All Mighty WWE World Champion! Any business involving this title can’t be conducted without first consulting the Chief, and the champ! Anything else is intentionally disrespectful!

MVP says Lashley has been the All Mighty Champion for 56 days! But his reign could be in jeopardy through a Triple Threat he wasn’t even consulted about? We saw this happen in his US Championship. Someone beat someone else, no one beat Lashley! So McIntyre could beat Braun and get this title back. Braun could beat McIntyre and get this title. So potentially, Lashley could lose his title and not even have a part in the outcome? That is disgusting, unacceptable and not fair!

And fair or not, Lashley could beat both men head to head at any time! But after tonight, the Backlash match could become a Triple Threat!? Lashley will have to observe that match very closely. After chasing this title for 16 YEARS, no one will stop him from leaving Backlash STILL champion! MVP says the All Mighty has spoken, but will they have any say in what happens next?

Backstage interview with Matt Riddle.

Kevin Patrick says after last week’s surprising victory over Randy Orton, Riddle must be riding high. Riddle says he feels awesome, bro! He feels like he’s scooting high through the clouds. Not even Cloud 9. This is like Cloud 12! Kevin kinda gets what he means. Riddle breaks it down like this: “Randy, he’s a legend killer, right? An apex predator, which I still really don’t understand. But most importantly, he’s a viper, a big, scary, slithering snake!” And Riddle smooshed him like a sexy little mongoose! Like Ricky Ticky Tavi! Remember him? Oh hey, Randy, they were just talking about you, bro!

Orton doesn’t get what planet Riddle’s from. He’s from Earth. Shut up… But, they have nothing in common. Except they’re both from Earth. Orton tries not to get mad. He says he underestimated Riddle, thought he’d teach Riddle a lesson. But in a way, Riddle earned Orton’s respect. Something else was that if they were to ever be a tag team, they’d be #RKBRO. Oh? Orton hates to admit it, but that is catchy. So how about they gave it a try in the ring tonight? Orton already called in some favors, they have a match as a tag team, if they want it. WHOA! #RKOBRO? So down! Let’s get matching snakeskin speedos! And also-

Orton stops Riddle there, and Riddle “zips” his mouth. They’ll see how it goes out there, and then they can talk. Another unexpected twist! Totally, bro! But will Riddle be able to trust Orton? Or will his dream be crushed #OuttaNowhere?

Nia Jax, Shayna Baszler and Reginald talk backstage.

So “The Queen” beats up a ref, but just apologizes to get reinstated? Nia wouldn’t believe a word coming out of that spoiled brat’s Cheshire cat mouth! The WWE enables her, just like they do Mandy Rose & Dana Brooke. Shayna says forget all of that. They don’t need any more distractions, and that includes Reggie. What? What did he do? He distracted Nia and that’s why she lost to Tamina! No, Shayna distracted her. Well, it doesn’t matter now. They have a match tonight, so no more distractions! Shayna storms off, and a delivery man comes by to hand Nia flowers. OMG, Reggie! Did you get these for her? No. Then who?

Angel Garza walks in to say he got them! They’re just as beautiful as Nia! And good luck in the match tonight. The roses smell lovely, and Reggie is upset. But then Nia uses the roses to SMACK Mandy upside the head! Mandy and Dana were minding their own business, but will they get involved with Nia’s tonight?

MVP finds Braun backstage.

Braun knows he’s there, and tells him to talk. That’s a poor attitude. Is that how you talk to the representative of the All Mighty Lashley? If MVP talks to Braun like that again. MVP will have a hard time speaking period. MVP says Lashley knows Braun is trying to get into the Backlash title match, and doesn’t appreciate Braun’s groveling. Stop right there. If Lashley has something to say to Braun, he can say it to Braun’s face. But if MVP is going to relay messages, take this one back: After Braun beats McIntyre tonight, “there ain’t a damn thing you or Bobby can do from stopping me from walking out of WrestleMania Backlash as the new WWE Champion.” The Monster heads out, but will MVP have a plan ready for tonight’s main event?

Randy Orton & Matt Riddle VS Shelton Benjamin & Cedric Alexander!

The Viper and the Bro aren’t a team yet, but they could be. Will this be the origin story of #RKBRO? Or will the Gold Standard & PRIMED Alexander shoot that down right away?

Raw returns as Benjamin & Alexander make their entrance. The teams sort out, Riddle starts against Alexander and they circle. Alexander says Riddle can’t trust Randy but we’ll see. Riddle gut wrenches Alexander once, twice, then wraps on a chinlock! Alexander arm-drags free, blocks a kick and DRAGON SCREWS him down! Alexander drags Riddle to the corner, tags Benjamin and Benjamin rains down rights! Benjamin gets Riddle at the ropes, Riddle hits back with forearms, but Benjamin blocks the kick to JAM the knee! Riddle writhes, but Benjamin drops a knee on Riddle’s knee! Tag to Alexander and Alexander kicks the leg!

Alexander hooks up the bad leg for a standing toehold and a SNAP lock! Alexander taunts Riddle and SNAP LOCKS again! Riddle punches back, but Alexander claws Riddle’s face! The ref reprimands, Alexander lets off, and he drags Riddle over to tag in Benjamin. Benjamin stomps Riddle, drags him up and puts him in the corner. Benjamin traps the leg, tags Alexander, then runs side to side to KNEE the leg! Alexander runs side to side to dropkick the leg! Riddle falls, Alexander taunts Orton, and he keeps Riddle back. Alexander stands on the leg to SMASH it into the mat! Riddle reaches but Alexander drags him away from Orton!

Tag to Benjamin, Alexander digs knees in and Benjamin drags Riddle up to throw knees. Benjamin gets the leg for a SHIN BREAKER! Benjamin gets the leg, turns Riddle with a Half Crab, but Riddle endures and gets the ropebreak! The ref counts, Benjamin lets off and tags in Alexander. Fans rally but Alexander stomps Riddle’s bad leg! Alexander gets Riddle up to forearm but Riddle fires forearms back! They brawl, Riddle kicks with the good leg, but Alexander blocks! FINAL FLASH point blank! Hot tags to Benjamin and Orton! The Apex Predator rallies on Benjamin, throws hands and stomps him in a corner!

Orton throws EuroUppers over an dover, then whips corner to corner. Benjamin reverses but Orton comes back to CLOBBER him! Orton blocks a kick but gets the DRAGON WHIP! Benjamin runs but into the SPINNING POWERSLAM! Orton paces, hears the voices in his head, and he watches Benjamin get up. Alexander leaps in, but into an RKO! Benjamin whips Orton but Orton reverses to send him out! Benjamin returns but Orton kicks him! Orton has Benjamin in the ropes and Riddle wants in! Orton tries to ignore him, but he tags him in! DRAPING DDT! Riddle is up top, for the FLOATING BRO!! Cover, RKBRO WINS?!?

Winners: Randy Orton & Matt Riddle, by pinfall

Is it really happening?! Riddle hugs but Orton tells him no. Riddle steps back and the two have their hands raised in victory. Orton says it’s too soon to do a team pose, but maybe one day. Will this most unlikely of duos be golden before we know it?

Six Woman Tag: Rhea Ripley, Shayna Baszler & Nia Jax w/ Reginald VS Asuka, Naomi & Lana!

The champions unite against their challengers as the Nightmare, the Queen of Spades and the Irresistible Force take on the Empress of Tomorrow and the #RavishingGlow! But will there be any distractions that ruin the champions’ teamwork? Or is no one ready to feel the glow?

The teams sort out, Asuka starts but Rhea stays back. Shayna steps up for her team and circles with Asuka. They tie up, Asuka gets a leg but Shayna blocks with a facelock. Shayna drags Asuka down, Asuka rolls to get her own facelock, but Shayna waistlocks. Asuka wrenches, and dares Rhea to tag in. Shayna knocks Asuka down, and now Rhea tags in to throw Asuka around! Rhea gets Asuka up but Asuka fires off body shots! Rhea runs into a pop-up KNEE! Asuka drags Rhea over, bumps her off buckles, and Naomi tags in. Naomi says kiss this then she splashes Rhea! Tag to Lana, they double snapmare roll and double KCIK sandwich! Cover, ONE!

Lana keeps on Rhea, Rhea blocks the whip, and Rhea whips Lana. Lana blocks the hip toss to wheelbarrow but Rhea tries to block. Lana victory rolls, TWO, and Rhea HEADBUTTS Lana down! Rhea gets Lana up for a BIG suplex! Cover, TWO! Rhea is annoyed, she sits Lana up to KICK her in the back! Lana ends up in enemy territory but Rhea throws Lana back down. Rhea taunts Asuka, drags Lana into the body scissors and squeezes tight! Lana endures but Rhea adds a dragon sleeper! Lana is caught but she reaches for ropes. Lana gets free of the dragon sleeper but Rhea CLUBS her over and over! Lana keeps fighting, throws elbows, and pushes back to a cover! ONE, and Rhea clubs away again!

But the Sexy Muscle Friends are here~! They look to have something planned, but Shayna goes after them first! She gets SPLASHED with a huge bucket of water! Nia runs over to help Shayna but she slips in the puddle! Reggie checks on Nia as she flounders like a fish, and everyone else is laughing at them as Raw goes to break!

Raw returns and Shayna stands on Lana’s head! Shayna has the arm trapped again, and STOMPS it! Lana writhes as she clutches her elbow, and Shayna DECKS Naomi! Shayna gets Lana up to go after the arm with a top wristlock! Lana gets a jawbreaker! Shayna whips, Lana tilt-o-whirls to a Ravishing Russian Leg Sweep! Hot tag to Asuka! Asuka hip attacks Rhea down, then runs Shayna over! Asuka hits a CODE BREAKER on Nia! HIP ATTACK on Shayna! Cover, TWO! Shayna escapes, Asuka stays fired up with Kowata Kicks! Asuka runs but Shayna ducks the sliding kick to roll up. Asuka blocks a kick but not the KNEE!

Shayna drags Asuka up, Nia tags in, and Shayna whips Asuka to Nia’s scoop and SLAM! Nia runs and drops the elbow! Cover, TWO!! Asuka survives, but Nia drags her up to whip her to a corner. Nia runs in to SPLASH Asuka, then throws her down just to drag her up. Nia shoves, fireman’s carries and SAMOAN DROPS Asuka! Asuka manages to get to a corner but Nia just smiles as she runs in. Asuka dodges and Nia gets buckles! Asuka fires off BACK HAND after BACK HAND! Tag to Naomi, for a springboard CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Naomi fires off on the corner, runs and rallies on Nia with elbows, but Nia stays up!

Naomi fires off shots, but Nia blocks the whip to reverse! SPRINGBOARD ENZIGURI! SPIKE-RANA! Cover, but Shayna breaks it! Reggie also distracts, but Naomi runs him off. Nia CLOBBERS Naomi, drags her over and tags in Rhea. Rhea stomps Naomi, drags her up and reels her in for an atomic SLAM! Cover, Asuka breaks it! Rhea throws Asuka out hard, storms back to Naomi, and drags her up into a back suplex. Naomi lands on her feet, Lana tags in! Naomi dodges Rhea, Rhea blocks the rana and pumps Naomi for the RIPTIDE! But Naomi isn’t legal, Lana FLYING CROSSBODIES! Cover, TWO!!

Lana keeps moving, Rhea is on ropes and gets DOUBLE KNEES! Lana keeps moving, but Rhea scoops her! Shayna intercepts Asuka but gets a BACK HAND! Nia BLASTS Asuka, Rhea swings Lana, but Lana hits a crucifix takedown, TWO!! Rhea DECKS Lana, hauls her up, RIPTIDE!! Tag to Nia, she runs to drop the leg, brother! Cover, the champions win!

Winners: Rhea Ripley, Shayna Baszler & Nia Jax, by pinfall

The Raw Women’s and WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions all stand tall over their challengers and hold their belts up high. Will the challengers be able to regroup and go for gold? Or will others step up to face them first?

Sonya Deville finds Mandy & Dana backstage.

Mandy & Dana got Nia that water she wanted, but Sonya says they should be ashamed of themselves. First, for getting involved in a match they had no business being in. Second, for playing a prank and embarrassing Nia. And now laughing about it. Though Sonya isn’t really surprised, since Mandy’s always had a lack of good taste. Wipe that look of your face, because Charlotte Flair needs an opponent, and it’s Mandy. And it’s next. Mandy and Dana shrug off Sonya’s attitude, but will the Golden Goddess be able to trump The Queen?

Raw returns to Alexa’s Playground.

Alexa says, “Lily’s truly my BFF. She understands me. She’s a confidant, a mentor, the little devil and angel on my shoulder.” But you can have a Lily of your own. All you have to do is ask nicely. C’mon, she’ll show you how. Come closer. Closer. Look into Alexa’s eyes. Concentrate. “Think dark thoughts. Think twisted thoughts. We all have them.” Now repeat after Alexa: “Lily. Lily. Lily.” Then, picture something peaceful. Take a deep breath in, and let it out. Think about how peaceful it is, and then Lily jump scares us! Alexa laughs. Did they get you? That was all Lily’s idea to prank us. She’s so mischievous some times.

But to be honest, Lily is getting restless here on the playground. It’s time Alexa lets Lily “play” with the rest of the WWE. But don’t blame Alexa for what happens next. “Lily made me do it.” Alexa laughs and swings with Lily, but who is about to become their plaything?

Charlotte Flair VS Mandy Rose w/ Dana Brooke!

The Queen is back thanks to Sonya, and now they’re both going to get some payback! Will Charlotte vindicate herself while defeating Sonya’s former friend?

Raw returns as Mandy makes her entrance, Dana by her side. The bell rings and Mandy circles with Charlotte. They tie up, go around, and Charlotte wrenches an arm to a wristlock. Mandy handsprings, wrenches back and has a wristlock in return. Charlotte fights it, cartwheels and wrenches to throw Mandy by her hair! Mandy kips up! And trips Charlotte to a jackknife, TWO as Charlotte bridges! Mandy fights the backslide, spins and runs but Charlotte runs her over! Charlotte seethes, high stack coves with feet on the rope, but Dana points it out! The ref stops counting, Charlotte tells Dana to stop the chirping. Charlotte was juts playing around, but Mandy ROCKS her and dropkicks her down!

Mandy fires off on Charlotte in a corner, backs off as the ref counts, but Charlotte knees her down! Charlotte throws Mandy into the corner, hoists her up top, but Mandy boots her away! Mandy adjusts, leaps and missile dropkicks! Cover, TWO! Dana coaches Mandy to keep going and Mandy thinks about what to do next. Mandy gets Charlotte up, whips her to a corner and fires off forearms! The ref counts, Mandy stomps, but lets off at 4. Charlotte goes along the ropes and Mandy fires off again! Charlotte blocks the whip but Mandy ROCKS her! Mandy whips Charlotte but at the ref! Charlotte is upset and BOOTS Mandy down! Cover, TWO!!

Charlotte is upset with Orengo again, and he says that was a fair count. Charlotte swears it was longer and gets upset. Mandy rolls her up!! TWO!! Mandy hits a KNEE FROM A ROSE!! Cover, TWO!! Charlotte survives and now Mandy is stunned! Dana coaches Mandy to keep going, and Charlotte is in a corner. Mandy runs in but Charlotte hits a backbreaker to BUCKLE SHOT! Charlotte then hits NATURAL SELECTION! Cover, Charlotte wins!

Winner: Charlotte Flair, by pinfall

Charlotte doesn’t let Orengo raise her hand, and celebrates her victory on her own. Will Charlotte get Orengo to fall in line as she heads back for the top?

Backstage interview with Drew McIntyre.

Surely he can’t be happy about the stipulation, where if Braun wins, he’s in at Backlash. No, he’s not. McIntyre thought it was “Get These Hands,” not “Get These Handouts.” But Braun is a monster, and a monster complainer. Braun got his way here but he won’t get in McIntyre’s way at Backlash! It only ends one way: with a Claymore. Will things stay the course for a WrestleMania rematch? Or will the Strowman Express force McIntyre and Lashley to take a detour?

Drew McIntyre VS Braun Strowman!

The Scottish Warrior pinned The Viper in the #1 Contender’s Triple Threat, but the odd man out wants back in! Will the Monster Among Men #GetTheseHands on a huge opportunity at Backlash? Or will he face backlash now in the form of McIntyre’s boot in his face?

The bell rings and the two circle. Braun and McIntyre tie up, Braun shoves McIntyre back, and he reminds us who he is. They tie up again, McIntyre waistlocks then headlocks, but Braun power sup and out! McIntyre elbows back from a corner, runs, but barely makes Braun budge with the shoulder! McIntyre kicks and throws hands! McIntyre whips, Braun reverses but McIntyre dodges, only to get run over by Braun’s shoulder! Braun smirks and asks, “What’s the matter, Drew?” Braun gets moving, rolls over McIntyre’s drop down, but McIntyre dropkicks the leg out! McIntyre drags Braun to drop elbows on the leg! McIntyre has a toehold, but Braun SWATS McIntyre off him!

McIntyre gets Braun in a corner but Braun clubs him away. Braun puts McIntyre up and out, but McIntyre ROCKS him! McIntyre climbs, but Braun ROCKET LAUNCHES him across the way! And ROCKS him with an uppercut! McIntyre ends up outside and Braun gets on the tracks! But here comes Lashley! The Rocky Mountain Machine promised to watch this closely, and that means in person! Lashley and MVP are on the stage as Raw goes to break.

Raw returns once more and Braun whips McIntyre corner to corner hard! McIntyre bounces off buckles and hits the mat, and Braun stomps him! MVP & Lashley sit by commentary as they watch and discuss what’s happening. Braun CHOPS McIntyre, whips him corner to corner hard again, and again McIntyre bounces off buckles to hit the mat. Braun drags McIntyre up, scoops him, but McIntyre shifts to a sleeper hold! Braun flails, McIntyre squeezes tight, and Braun turns red! Braun RAMS McIntyre into a corner, rams him more, then runs corner to corner, but only gets buckles! McIntyre OVERHEAD Belly2Belly suplexes Braun!?

Both men are down, but McIntyre crawls after Braun. Braun denies the Future Shock but gets caught for a NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! MVP shouts at McIntyre to beat Braun already. McIntyre snarls, but he does aim at Braun. McIntyre runs but the Claymore is turned into a POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO!! Braun is beside himself while MVP & Lashley are maybe impressed. Braun gets back up, watches McIntyre crawl to ropes and drag himself up. Braun brings McIntyre around, and- No! McIntyre blocks the clubbing forearm! McIntyre elbows Braun away, then hits a GLASGOW KISS! Both men stagger and Braun even falls over!

McIntyre shakes out the cobwebs and demands Braun get up. Braun does, into a SPINEBUSTER!! Cover, TWO!! MVP is amused now as McIntyre struggles to finish Braun. McIntyre sits Braun up just to stomp him down, then gets him up in underhooks! Braun powers up to RAM McIntyre into a corner! Braun has McIntyre up top and ROCKS him with an uppercut! And then another one! Braun climbs up now, gets McIntyre up, and SUPERPLEXES! Both men are down and MVP shoots out of his chair! Braun crawls to cover, TWO!!! McIntyre survives and Lashley is stressing just a bit. Braun is furious as both he and McIntyre flounder up.

Braun gets McIntyre and shouts, “I’M the Monster!!” before he CLUBS McIntyre back down! Then he run sin and SPLASHES McIntyre in a corner! McIntyre flounders, Lashley gets up to distract the ref! Braun SPLASHES then scoops, but MVP saves McIntyre! Braun DECKS MVP, but McIntyre hits FUTURE SHOCK!! McIntyre doesn’t cover, he goes to a corner to take aim! But T-Bar & Mace return! McIntyre ROCKS them, but Braun scoops! MONSTER SLAM!! Braun wins!!!

Winner: Braun Strowman, by pinfall (added to the WrestleMania Backlash title match)

The Hurt Business may only operate in reality, but the reality is, things just got much more complicated! The Monster is making the already All Mighty WWE World Championship rematch into a TRIPLE THREAT! Will Lashley lose his title without even being involved in the decision? Will McIntyre settle all the scores at once? Or will Braun finally #GetTheseHands on THE WWE Championship?

My Thoughts:

This was a pretty good Raw, and certainly a step better than last week’s. Though, I will say the first 20 minutes were a complete mess. They “cancel” the tag match to give Braun a handicap match that gets disqualified like last week’s, and then we get the scheduled tag anyway, because they didn’t know how else to fill 20 minutes. They could’ve done something else there, but whatever, Vince and his team can only do so much after cutting people and coasting on the Peacock paycheck. At least we got a great main event out of it, with Braun fighting his way into the Backlash main event. I do find the timing of T-Bar & Mace coming back curious, and how they only went for McIntyre and not Braun. Win or lose at Backlash, I wonder if Braun is going to try and lead a new trio with T-Bar & Mace.

On that note, I’m a little disappointed they’re insisting T-Bar & Mace keep those names despite ditching Retribution and the masks. Let them be Dominik Dijakovic and Dio Maddin again, anyone who actually pays attention knows their names. Honestly, Keith Lee could show up and link T-Bar back to being Dijakovic, it’s story that writes itself, but it’s all Vince’s stupid way of doing things that keeps continuity from existing. Though, Sonya still seems to keep her grudge with Mandy, which is why she made Mandy face Charlotte. Sonya “reinstating” Charlotte after only one week of suspension is a bit of a shame, but it does add some intrigue to her own story as a WWE official. Sonya is surely trying to take the senior official position from Pearce by making him look incompetent and this could make Raw a bit more fun to watch than it has been.

The trios matches were both very good tonight. The “song” from Miz, Morrison, Elias and even Ryker was properly awful and therefore hilarious, as was Priest & the New Day pelting them with tomatoes. That wasn’t quite Steve Austin’s beer truck or Kurt Angle’s milk truck, but it was perfect for this. The match was great, there was a lot of cohesion on both sides, and because Miz has been the chump for so long, his team was losing, but it was fitting that Ryker takes the loss since he’s just Elias’ sidekick. The Six Woman Tag was strong, and it was quite the surprise the Heels won. I will say Nia being clumsy this time was set up better, because a bunch of water is a logical reason why she’d slip. Last time was just them forcing things and that’s always awful.

Sheamus again fighting Carrillo, not having a match, was a natural move, and Carrillo getting the better of Sheamus this time was also a natural move. Sheamus surely will put his title on the line because Carrillo isn’t going to stop until he gets his shot, and that match will be great, but I would think Sheamus still wins so that he can continue this angle of a fighting champion that only fights, never has matches or puts his title on the line. Riddle and Orton teaming up was a surprising change to their story, and I really like it. Corey Graves being paranoid on commentary is a great little detail, and I hope #RKBRO gets to face Styles & Omos just once so we can see which makeshift team is stronger. It might not be much, but anything that builds the Raw Tag Division is a plus right now.

My Score: 8.4/10