The Road to WrestleMania gets even bigger!

On the same night Roman Reigns returns to Raw, Logan Paul hosts a special edition of his talk show, with The Miz as special guest!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Austin Theory VS Montez Ford; Theory wins.
• Omos w/ MVP VS Mustafa Ali; Omos wins.
• Dominik Mysterio w/ Damian Priest VS Johnny Gargano w/ Dexter Lumis; Dom wins.
• Bayley w/ Damage CTRL VS Rhea Ripley; Rhea wins.
• Chad Gable w/ Otis VS Ricochet w/ Braun Strowman; Ricochet wins.
• Chelsea Green & Piper Niven VS Asuka & Bianca Belair; Asuka & Bianca win.

PLAY BY PLAY

Kevin Owens is here!

The fans fire up as the Prizefighter heads to the ring, but it turns out, he’s not alone! SAMI ZAYN is here, too! The best frenemies reunited on SmackDown, so they’re rolling together here on Raw! Fans sing Sami’s song and then cheer for “SAMI! SAMI!” Kevin says, “I think they like you.” Fans then chant for “KO! KO!” Sami says, “Sounds like they like you, too, pal.” Kevin appreciates them cheering, and Sami says it feels really, really, really good to come out here on the same page with Kevin again. And he didn’t get a chance to say this last week, but Sami says he gets it.

After Elimination Chamber, for weeks Sami came up to Kevin, talking about not being friends and working together, he had it wrong. He thought of it as a business transaction, and that’s not how they’ve done this. They’ve needed each other their whole careers, whether as friends or enemies, they’ve always used each other to get to the next level, and they did it as brothers. Kevin says Sami is right about that, but here’s something Sami might not understand. For 20 years, Kevin’s been Sami’s biggest fan. Whether fighting each other or fighting alongside each other, Kevin’s been Sami’s biggest fan. Whenever he would be asked who is the best wrestler he’s been in the ring with, he’d say Sami Zayn.

So for the last six months, it was frustrating to see Sami in the Bloodline, being held under Roman’ Reigns’ thumb, when the truth is, Sami is better than all of them! He outgrew the Bloodline right away! Kevin knew it, the Bloodline knew it, and the FANS knew it! Kevin couldn’t take seeing Sami stay under Roman. But Sami got through to Kevin, and Kevin realized it was time to get over that and take down the Bloodline together. Sami says they both know what comes next. They look to the WrestleMania sign! And here come the Usos! Jimmy & Jey glare right at Sami & Kevin, and they have mics of their own to speak their minds.

Fans boo but Jey says, “Look at ’em! You see what I see?” Jimmy sees ’em, Uce. That right there is a backstabber! Sami, what you whispering about? Kevin’s Sami’s biggest fan, they like you, too! You two are just gonna backstab each other! They’re the kind of family that cuts at each other’s throats! Sami says they’re gonna talk about family with cutthroats and backstabbers, we all know it is Jey’s dream to get back at Roman Reigns! Jimmy says Sami’s the only one dreaming! Wake up! The two of them staring at the Mania sign like something’s gonna happen there. Nothing’s gonna happen there. NOTHING!

Kevin says let’s just cut to the chase. We all know where this is going, what they’re thinking. And by the sound of it, the fans are thinking the same thing! There’s only one way to settle this, and only one place to do it: The Grandest Stage of Them All! Jimmy & Jey as brothers VS these brothers, Kevin & Sami, for the Undisputed Tag Team titles at WrestleMania! Fans chant “YES! YES! YES!” Jimmy says the Usos are the greatest team in the world! Kevin & Sami don’t deserve anything! They’ve been on the same page for three minutes. The Usos have been down since day one! There won’t be a title match at WrestleMania!

Jey says, “To be honest, though… This might be our one shot to put this, uh, Sami Zayn & Kevin Owens problem in the dirt. So yeah! Brother VS Brother at WrestleMania! WE ACCEPT!” In fact, why wait? The Usos rush the ring and the brawl is on! Kevin has Jimmy. Jey has Sami, but Jimmy POSTS Kevin and Sami TOSSES Jey! Jimmy then runs in to TOSS Sami! Sami throws hands, the Usos mug Sami, but Kevin CLOBBERS Jimmy into the timekeeper’s area! Now the Canadians mug Jey! They put Jey in the ring, Jey runs, into a SUPERKICK! And then Sami sets up, HELLUVA- NO, Jimmy bails Jey out!

Fans boo but the Usos regroup and grab chairs! But refs rush out, and a SUV pulls up backstage. The rest of the Bloodline arrives! Solo Sikoa & Paul Heyman get the door for the Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns! Kevin & Sami dare the Usos to do something, but the Usos retreat to regroup with the Bloodline. But the match is made all the same! Will the Bloodline stand or crumble in Hollywood?

Austin Theory VS Montez Ford!

The Now United States Champion didn’t like all the jokes made at his expense, and he took it out on Angelo Dawkins. But will he be able to do the same to the other half of the Profits? Or will A-Town go down this close to WrestleMania?

Raw returns and Ford makes his entrance. Dawkins sees him out to the ramp then falls back, as Ford did for Dawkins last week. The bell rings and Theory circles with Ford. Fans chant, “We Want The Smoke!” Ford and Theory tie up, Theory headlocks, but Ford powers up. Theory holds on tight, but Ford tries again. Ford gets free, but Theory runs him over! Theory does the running man then says, “All Day.” Fans boo but Theory talks trash on Ford. Ford ties up with Theory, headlocks back, but Theory powers out. Ford leaps over Theory, then CLOBBERS him! Fans fire up while Theory is dazed. Ford says, “You Can’t See Me!”

Ford stalks Theory, but Theory throws body shots and haymakers! Theory CHOKES Ford on the ropes! The ref counts, Theory lets off, but Theory storms up to bump Ford off buckles. Theory stomps away on Ford, the ref counts, but Theory lets off at 4. Fans boo but Theory soaks it all up. Theory then brings Ford up, but Ford turns things around and gives all those stomps back! Theory dodges the haymaker to kick and whip, but Ford reverses and follows to LARIAT! Theory stands, Ford clotheslines Theory up and out! Fans fire up, and Ford TOSSES Theory over the barriers! Fans fire up more as Ford celebrates with them and Raw goes to break!

Raw returns again and Theory has Ford up top, but Ford fights back with body shots! Ford ROCKS Theory, Theory holds onto ropes to stay up, but Ford CLAWS his face then DECKS him! Ford stands up to CROSSBODY! Both men are down and fans fire up! Theory and Ford stand, Theory storms up but Ford counter punches! And again! Ford rallies with big clotheslines, then he dodges to UPPERCUT! Ford hits a BIG back suplex, to a handspring, “You Can’t See Me!” STANDING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Theory survives but Ford has the fans behind him. Ford waits on Theory to stand, and then clinches, but Theory elbows free!

Theory brings Ford in, Ford wrenches out and ROCKS Theory! Theory rebounds to BOOT! Ford ENZIGURIS in return! Theory staggers, but he still fireman’s carries! Ford slips free to DDT! Theory bails out and sputters, but Ford kips up to then FLY!! Direct hit at the ramp and St. Louis is thunderous! Ford puts Theory back in, climbs up the corner, and FROM THE HEAVEN- NO, Ford has to roll through as Theory moves! Somersault SHOTGUN! Theory calls his shot, fireman’s carries, A-TOWN DOWN!! Cover, Theory wins!

Winner: Austin Theory, by pinfall

One miscalculation from Ford and Theory pulls out the victory! But as close as this was, will Theory find himself struggling against the living legend that is John Cena?

Theory gets the mic to say, “He didn’t believe in me, and now he does. And John, you don’t believe in me. But at WrestleMania, you will!” Theory points to the sign, will WrestleMania belong to The Now?

The Bloodline regroups in the private suite.

The Usos sit with Roman, and he says that wasn’t the best start to the night. Are they good? They’re good. Well, it looked like they took a beating. Well, yeah, a few shots. But y’know what? Nothing can hurt Jimmy or hit him harder than being torn away from his brother. Nothing! And then having to sit here and answer to it like it’s his fault! Is Jimmy standing up to Roman? “I will never forgive Sami Zayn for this.” At Mania, the Usos got him. Roman sure hopes so. He really does. “Wise Man!” “Yes, My Tribal Chief?” “Bring me Adam Pearce.” “Yes, My Tribal Chief.” Heyman heads out, as do Jimmy and Solo, but Roman tells Jey to stay.

Jey sits closer with Roman now, but what will the Tribal Chief have to say to him?

Raw returns as Roman and Jey continue to sit.

Roman says, “It’s been a minute. Haven’t seen you. Haven’t heard from you. I got to beg your brother to get some answers. And now you’re back, making decisions. In order to make decisions, you gotta be part of the Bloodline. Are you with us? Are you Bloodline? Are you still my family?” Jey says he is with Roman. He is Bloodline, Uce. The two look at each other, eye to eye, and Roman says, “I hope so. So I’ma let you do you. I’ll see you later.” Jey nods and goes to stand up, but then Roman puts a hand on his knee. “I love you.” Jey goes, and Heyman returns. “My Tribal Chief.” “Yes, Wise Man?” “Did you find out the answers you were looking for?” Roman says yes.

BREAKING NEWS for WrestleMania!

As first announced on SmackDown, there will be two Fatal 4 Way Tag Team showcase matches! While the women’s division is competing for their spots, the four men’s teams are decided! The Street Profits VS The Viking Raiders VS The Alpha Academy VS Braun Strowman & Ricochet!

Backstage interview with Adam Pearce.

Byron Saxton is with the WWE Official, and asks for some insight about this showcase matches. Yes, this is a great opportunity to showcase the best tag teams in the men’s and women’s divisions, and- Chelsea Green asks to talk to the manager. Hi, Chelsea, it’s him, Pearce. Then Chelsea wants him to know that she just made matching gear for herself and her tag team partner, Carmella, but Carmella isn’t available tonight! Yes, he knows, so- So he’ll have no problem to agreeing to this new tag partner she found, someone who has no love lost for Bianca Belair and Asuka. In comes Piper Niven!

Chelsea introduces Piper, and says she will help Chelsea destroy the competition. Talk to whoever you have to in order to make this official. For what feels like the thousandth time, Pearce is the one. He is the general manager, he makes things official, and he- Well if he’s so official, then go ahead and make it official that these two are in the Women’s Fatal 4 Way Showcase! That’s what he was in the middle of doing! Oh! Finalizing? Do you know who she is?! She is Chelsea green, she is a star, and you do not want to make her angry. Don’t make her go on social media and at WWE to put her on blast. Or worse, walk him! Put her in! ‘Kay, bye.

Pearce sighs, but at the very least, Chelsea and Piper are going to see if they’re a worthy duo against the EST and the Empress of Tomorrow.

It’s a tale of the tape!

“WrestleMania has played host to some of the biggest collisions in WWE history. And this year, two titans are set for a colossal showdown.” Brock Lesnar has used his natural physical gifts for roughly 20 years. He is 6’3″ and 285 pounds, with a wingspan of 81 inches, Lesnar has the ultimate tools to deliver suplexes and the F5. So it is no surprise that he has achieved so many accolades: seven-time WWE Champion, three-time Universal Champion, two-time Royal Rumble winner. He even dominated the octagon to become UFC Heavyweight Champion. It is clear that Lesnar is capable of decimating anyone he’s faced.

But he’s never faced someone like Omos. The Nigerian Giant’s sheer size made him a spectacle upon arrival. 7’3″, 416 pounds, making him dwarf even Khali, Kane and the Undertaker. The 87 inch reach gives him a foot of advantage over the average boxer, and his 14.5 inch hands are twice the size of a normal man’s. Omos has already cemented himself as a force of nature in the WWE. These two have all the components to overwhelm the ordinary competitor, but they’re both far from ordinary. This will be a battle unlike any other, on the only stage big enough to contain them!

Omos w/ MVP VS Mustafa Ali!

If that tale of the tape wasn’t enough for you, then prepare to see the Nigerian Giant in action! Will the Beacon be broken this close to WrestleMania?

The bell rings and Ali tries to reason with Omos. Ali believes in positivity now, and he will win with a smile on his face. Omos SHOVES Ali all the way to the corner! Omos talks trash on Ali, then CLOBBERS him! Ali flounders and Omos roars. Dolph Ziggler is watching backstage, he is not impressed by Ali’s overenthusiasm. Omos drags Ali up to MOUNTAINTOP SLAM!! Cover, Omos wins!

Winner: Omos, by pinfall

MVP gets the mic and says the Nigerian Giant fears no man, animal or beast. But Brock Lesnar will learn to fear the Nigerian Giant at WrestleMania! But will The Beast be able able to build Suplex City on the huge foundation that is this mountain?

Security knocks on Logan Paul’s door.

Logan Paul and his entourage head out, and Miz walks over for a handshake. Miz was hoping to go over the questions for tonight, since Logan will surely want have him, this year’s host of WrestleMania, as his guest on ImPAULsive TV tonight. Yeah, no, hard pass. Logan leaves Miz hanging and heads to gorilla, but will he regret showing up on Raw tonight?

Logan Paul heads to the ring.

Fans are torn as “the Maverick” is ready to host the Raw debut of his talk show. “EY YOOO, ST. LOUIS~! Ladies and gentlemen, let’s get a little ImPAULsive, shall we?” Logan knows last week, Seth Rollins said that the fans don’t want Logan here. Well too bad because tonight, you’re in HIS house! ImPAULsive TV, baby! Boo all you want, but here’s the reality, y’all. He doesn’t have to be here. He doesn’t. He’s made his millions off his name and his brands, but he’s here because he loves it. He hears you, and sadly, y’all don’t love him. Maybe two people do: his dad, who he dragged to St. Louis, and that kid who had the “Drink Prime” sign. Much love, kid.

But the rest of y’all, no matter how many times he gets on the mic for their entertainment, no matter how many of these “superstars” he beats up, the fans will never respect him. But guess what? He doesn’t care! It isn’t his fault you DORKS refuse to see the amount of talent standing in front of you! Logan is a 360 degree entertainer, there is nothing he can’t do, there is no seat he can’t fill, there is no person on this roster he can’t compete with. Whether you like him or not, yes, he IS that good. That’s why he didn’t invite anyone to be his guest tonight. Because he can do it all! And did you think any of his celebrity friends would come to a place like St. Louis?

“Two words: Get real!” They’d be outta here quicker than the St. Louis Rams! Oh, sorry, the LA Rams! In fact, he’s looking to joining the Rams back in LA when he challenged “your hear,” Seth Rollins, to a match at WrestleMania, April 1st, Logan’s 28th birthday. Happy birthday to himself, he gets to kick some ass. But jokes aside, the match will be great. Rollins is top three in the business. But Logan was talking with his brother, Jake, and Jake made a good point. It is hard to be afraid of a guy named “Seth.” Seths are nice guys. Seth Rogan, Seth Curry, though he’s not as good as Steph Curry, but hey.

And maybe, if Rollins hadn’t started this beef, they could’ve been friends! But now, Logan just wants to see himself knock Rollins out again. Actually, can we do that? Can we get a replay of him knocking Rollins out? It was two weeks ago, Rollins gave Miz a superkick and then Logan hit his One Lucky Punch. Do you guys like Rollins? Let’s see that again. Oh, so good! Rollins looked so dumb. Okay, one more time! Put some production value on it. BOP! SMACK! WHAM! Beautiful! Like watching Picasso paint. Logan could see that all day! But then Logan’s mic gets cut? Logan isn’t sure what’s going on here. Did the production team not get the mics right?

Fans cheer that Logan can’t be heard, but he just trades mic. But wait! Rollins is in the production truck! He “apologizes” to “Mr. Paul” about that. He isn’t sure what’s wrong. Logan’s audio isn’t working, the video isn’t working. What could the problem be? HAHAHAHAHAHA! Now the real question, Logan, is how on Earth are we gonna save this terribly awful episode of ImPAULsive TV? Any ideas? OH! Rollins has one. HAHAHAHAHA! “BURN IT DOWN~!” See you soon, Logan! HAHAHAHA! Rollins struts all the way from the truck to gorilla, in a leopard print outfit, too. Logan mocks the fans singing as tone deaf.

Rollins heads to the ring and fans sing more, “OH~ OHH~ OHHHH~!” Logan says St. Louis can’t keep a football team and they can’t keep a tune. And Rollins’ outfit is stupid. Rollins stands with Logan in the ring as fans sing, has the mic, but then TACKLES Logan! The two brawl, spill out of the ring, and Rollins throws hands! Refs rush in, as does Adam Pearce! Fans want to “LET THEM FIGHT!” and the two get loose! They COLLIDE, and then Rollins TACKLES Logan over the announce desk! Logan scrambles away, but Rollins trips him on the desk!! Logan lands hard, Rollins wants more, but security drags him away!

Rollins rips up Logan’s set, and hurries up the corner! He SUPER CROSSBODIES onto the security! But Logan hits ONE LUCKY PUNCH!! Logan laughs more than Rollins and he takes his leave. Logan says that’s another one, so third time will be the charm. Will Logan get another lucky punch at WrestleMania? Or will Rollins finally burn this “tourist” down?

Dominik Mysterio w/ Damian Priest VS Johnny Gargano w/ Dexter Lumis!

“Ex-Con” Dom keeps pushing his father, Rey, to fight him, but Rey has not caved in. Will the “pathetic, punk-ass kid” take out his frustrations in this match tonight? Or will Johnny Wrestling slap some sense into one smartass before handling another at Stand & Deliver?

The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, Dom gets around but Gargano wrenches to a wristlock. Gargano avoids the body shot to WRING Dom’s arm, then wrenches it again. Dom headlocks, Gargano powers out, and things speed up. Gargano hurdles, drops and CLOBBERS Dom! Dom flounders but Gargano puts him in a corner. Gargano climbs up to rain down fists! Fans count as Gargano goes WAY past ten! Gargano lets off and fans fire up, but Dom kicks Gargano in the ribs! Dom RAMS into Gargano in the corner, Gargano pushes past, but Dom whips him corner to corner. Dom runs in but Gargano goes up and over to schoolboy KICK!

Dom staggers, Gargano RANAS him out of the ring! Fans fire up, Gargano builds speed and DIVES! Direct hit at the ramp! Fans fire up but Gargano clutches his ribs. Gargano stands, Priest coaches Dom up, but Gargano brings Dom around. Dom RAMS Gargano into steel steps! Dom then RAMS Gargano into the barriers! Fans cheer Gargano on but Dom fireman’s carries to SNAKE EYES! Gargano falls to the mat and Dom soaks up the heat as Raw goes to break.

Raw returns and Dom taunts Gargano while tearing away the rib tape. Dom drags Gargano up, gives some Latino Heat, then suplexes for Uno Amigo! And then Dos Amigos! Fans boo but Gargano fights the third! Gargano suplexes Dom into buckles! Both men are down and fans rally up for Johnny Wrestling. Gargano stands, he fires hands on Dom, blocks a kick, then spins Dom to CLOBBER him! Gargano rallies with more clotheslines, then he ducks ‘n’ dodges to OVERHEAD Belly2Belly! Fans fire up and Dom goes to the apron. Gargano avoids the shoulder to KICK Dom! But Dom HOTSHOTS Gargano!

Dom hurries up to SLINGSHOT- NO, Gargano avoids the senton! SLINGSHOT SPEAR! Cover, TWO! Dom survives but Gargano keeps his focus. Dom wants mercy now? Fans boo and Gargano storms up, but Dom sends him into buckles! Roll up, feet on the ropes! The ref notices in time and calls off the count! Dom argues with the ref, but Gargano SUPERKICKS Dom down! Cover, TWO!! Dom survives and Priest is relieved. Gargano drags Dom up, Dom throws body shots, but Gargano ROCKS Dom with a forearm! Dom ROCKS Gargano back, the forearms go back and forth! Gargano gets the edge, but Dom drop toeholds him!

Fans boo but Dom dials it up, only for Gargano to duck the 619! DISCUS LARIAT! Scoop and LAWN DART! Gargano aims from the corner, SUPERKICK!! Cover, TWO!!! Priest is relieved again but Gargano puts Dom up top. Gargano CHOPS and ROCKS Dom, then climbs up after him. Gargano CHOPS away on Dom, then stands him up. Dom throws body shots in return just as furious! Dom CLUBS away on Gargano, then SUPER GOURD BUSTERS! Dom adjusts to FROG SPLASH onto Gargano’s back! Cover, DOM WINS!

Winner: Dominik Mysterio, by pinfall

Priest celebrates with Dom, and Dom pulls it out on an NXT Triple Crown winner! But Dom isn’t done, as he gets the mic. Fans boo, but Dom says, “Last Friday night on SmackDown, my good for nothing father denied my challenge once again to a match at WrestleMania. But you know what, Jefe? I’m not gonna stop until I get what I want. And at the end of the day, I know that this Friday night on SmackDown in las Vegas, the entire Mysterio family will be there live. So I believe that’s the same family that blocked my number, kicked me outta the group chat, and wanted nothing to do with me. But that’s okay, because the Judgment Day group chat is much better.

“But I think I figured out a way to get you to accept my match, and that’s gonna be when I say hi to mom and ask for her permission for you to face me at WrestleMania. That’s if you have the balls to get them out of her purse.” Dom insults his father, but will he regret dragging the rest of the family into this?

The Usos and Solo talk backstage.

Then Heyman walks over and asks if they’re waiting on the Tribal Chief. Because he’s waiting on them to go to the jet. The seafood has been delivered. Shrimp, lobster, mahi mahi. Roman is so proud of all of them, they can take the rest of the night off and indulge. So they can go eat? Okay! Wait, not Solo. Roman needs to talk with Solo. Solo walks back into the suite with Heyman, and Jey says aight. No mahi mahi for Solo. Will the Usos not be needed for what Roman has planned later tonight?

Edge speaks.

“If you push me, I will not just resist. I will throw you through a wall. Finn, I am a hostile man. I keep it caged so I can be the man I’ve become so I can function in society. But inside the cage… Well, that’s caged no more. I won’t apologize for it, I won’t fight it, I will lean into it, I will revel in it, I will savor it. Finn, you have no idea what I’m capable of inside Hell in a Cell, you have no idea what goes through your soul when that steel door slams shut behind you. But I do. I’ve been baptized inside the cell by the Deadman himself! The cell has become my one friend, my partner, my cathedral of pain. It rewards me for the streak that runs through me.

“You cannot become what you need to become by remaining what you are. Finn, you and I are two men who clearly understand that, so I grasped what you meant when you said that Hell couldn’t handle your demons.” Edge laughs, and says, “The scriptures, they say, ‘Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil!’ Well, I never have. Because I’m the evil in the valley. So leave Finn at home. Bring your demon… To meet the devil. He’d like to meet him.” Edge has a sinister smile, what will happen when the Rated R Superstar and the Prince unleash it all in one final battle?

Rhea Ripley heads to the ring.

Judgment Day is coming for WrestleMania, and that includes the Eradicator going after the SmackDown Women’s Championship. Rhea gets the mic and has the music cut. Fans rally for “MAMI! MAMI!” and Rhea is amused. “Last Friday, Charlotte, she said that I needed to be a champion. She said that I needed to be a star. And y’know, I actually agree with those statements. But the one thing I don’t agree with is living in the past. Charlotte doesn’t wanna accept her future, and that is why she keeps talking about what happened three years ago at my first WrestleMania, when we stepped into the ring one-on-one for the first time.

“Back when I was trying to make a name for myself and earn respect. Now Charlotte, she thinks that she’s the leader of the Women’s Division. But leaders, they actually respect others. And Charlotte, after that match, I knew that you didn’t respect anyone. I knew that you didn’t respect me. And to be honest, I don’t think that you ever will. Because I make you question the respect you have for yourself. When you hear the name ‘Rhea Ripley,’ you question everything. Don’t ‘What’ me, you’re all pathetic.” Fans boo but Rhea smiles. Rhea says that she brings out all the deepest insecurities that Charlotte tries to mask as confidence.

Rhea says that Charlotte knows that every single time they’ve gone to war, Rhea’s gotten up and kept going, because that is what she does. And what Charlotte does is try to keep people down. But not her! Charlotte, you have to admit that it is time. “You’re done! You’re washed. It’s over. It’s over and you have to go home, where you mean absolutely nothing. Because without the WWE, you are nothing.” Fans boo but Rhea says she doesn’t care about Charlotte’s insecurities, or if she respects Rhea. “Because at WrestleMania, I will become a champion, and I will be the biggest star here in the WWE!”

“And Charlotte~… My little Charlotte, when you see me holding your crown above your head… You’re gonna know that all your insecurities are true. I don’t need you to respect me. But you will fear me.” Wait, Damage Control is coming out here now? Bayley tells Rhea, “Earlier, when you were talking about leaders, I was waiting for you to mention my name. Because, Rhea, I do respect you. We all respect you! Anyone that puts Charlotte Flair in her place has the utmost respect from Damage Control. But um, if you needed any tips on how to beat Charlotte, you could’ve just asked your Role Model, because I did beat Charlotte in my first WrestleMania.

“And I’m pretty sure you saw what we did to Trish Stratus! We-” Rhea cuts Bayley off there and says she doesn’t need any help from them. Well, Bayley thought Rhea might say that. Because Rhea has gotten so cocky! Rhea this, Rhea that, everyone is talking about Rhea dominating the roster! Well guess what/ Raw is THEIR show, so DMG CTRL will show her what Bayley means. Rhea laughs. This is HER show? Mate, Rhea isn’t ring ready, but if one of them wants to get her out of her ring, go ahead. Um, well, ding dong, guess Bayley will be the one, since she’s dressed. Then bring it.

Pearce is backstage, he tells the ref to make this official now. The ref rushes out, Bayley VS Rhea is ready to go, after the break!

Bayley w/ Damage CTRL VS Rhea Ripley!

Raw returns and the bell rings for this match to begin. Rhea and Bayley circle, tie up, and Bayley waistlocks. Bayley ducks the elbow, gets a leg, but Rhea gut wrenches! Bayley fights free, goes after an arm, but Rhea shoves her away. Bayley shoves Rhea, and she says, “You think you’re so strong and cool, huh?!” But Rhea shoves back! Bayley pie faces Rhea, but Rhea just gets mad! Bayley wants her to take it easy but Rhea fires off in the corner! Rhea whips corner to corner, Bayley hits buckles hard, then Rhea runs in and fires off more forearms! Rhea whips Bayley into the corner again, runs in, but is put on the apron.

Bayley ROCKS Rhea and HOTSHOTS her! Kai & Sky fire up as Bayley runs side to side to SHOTGUN Rhea off the apron! Rhea staggers, Bayley runs in, but Rhea blocks the daredevil dropkick! Rhea shoves Bayley away, but Bayley grabs an arm to YANK Rhea into the post! Rhea staggers, Bayley storms up, but Rhea SHOVES her into barriers! Rhea goes up, and she CANNONBALLS onto Bayley! Kai & Sky back off, Rhea puts Bayley in the ring, and Rhea pushes Bayley to a cover, TWO! Rhea stalks Bayley, CLUBS her on the back, but Bayley throws body shots. Rhea blocks boots, carriers Bayley out to then RAM her into the corner!

Rhea snapmares, and KAMI-GOYES!! Cover, TWO!?! Bayley survives and Rhea is annoyed, but Rhea drags Bayley up to whip her to ropes. Rhea ROCKS Bayley in the back! Rhea dusts herself off and says this is HER ring. Rhea shoves and CLUBS Bayley again! Bayley staggers, Rhea whips her again, but Bayley ROCKS Rhea back! Bayley CHOPS away on Rhea, puts Rhea in a corner, then runs in, only for Rhea to catch her! Atomic FACEBUSTER! Rhea runs, stomps, and then drags Bayley up. Bayley fights the pump handle, Sky distracts, and Kai claws Rhea’s face! Bayley trips Rhea, high stacks, feet on the ropes! TWO!!

Rhea survives DMG CTRL playing a bit of number games a la Judgment Day, but Bayley hits a SAIDO! Cover, TWO! Wait, here comes Becky Lynch! The Man leads the legendary Lita and Trish Stratus out, with a HUGE bag of popcorn between the three of them. Is the Big Time trio just here to watch the show? We’ll see, after the break.

Raw returns again and Bayle waits on Rhea to rise. Rhea stands, Bayley reels her in, BAYLEY2BELLY!! Cover, ONE?!?! Rhea shocks Bayley and even Becky is surprised. Bayley huffs and puffs and reels Rhea back in, another BAYLEY2BELLY!! And then a short arm- NO, Rhea dodges to atomic FACEBUSTER! But Bayley avoids the basement dropkick! Bayley runs to REGAL KNEE! Rhea is dazed, Kai & Sky fire up, and Becky keeps munching popcorn. Fans cheer Becky but Bayley drags Rhea up to fire forearms. Rhea fires them back! The forearms go back and forth, Bayley gets the edge, but Rhea shoves her away.

Bayley avoids the boot, ROCKS Rhea, but Rhea BACK ELBOWS! Fans fire up as both women stagger, and Bayley ELBOWS Rhea in the corner! Bayley waits on Rhea, runs back in, SUNSET FLIP- NO, Rhea stays up! Rhea drags Bayley right up, BOOTS her right down, and then has a wild look in her eyes! Rhea drags Bayley by the legs, into the PRISM TRAP!! Bayley endures the inverted cloverleaf, reaches out for Kai & Sky, ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Rhea lets go at 4, and Bayley bails out. Rhea drags Kai up instead! Sky freaks out, but Bayley POSTS Rhea’s head! But here come Becky and the legends!

Kai & Sky brawl with Trish & Lita, but Trish & Lita toss them aside! Becky scares Bayley back into the ring, into a HEADBUTT from Rhea! And then RIPTIDE!! Cover, Rhea wins!

Winner: Rhea Ripley, by pinfall

Becky says that’s too bad for Bayley, it was so close. But Rhea is rolling down the Road to WrestleMania, will she rip the Queen down off her throne?

Chad Gable is looking for Otis.

No one’s seen him, it feels like last week. Wait, Otis is getting a spa day? Coach, this is a manicure. Okay, he has been busy with his modeling, but guess what! Gable got them into the WrestleMania Men’s Fatal 4 Way Tag Team Showcase! Wow, really? Yeah! And tonight, Gable is up against one of their opponents in Ricochet. Ricky? Yes! And Otis knows Braun will be out there, so Gable needs his number one guy! Let’s go! But Maxxine Durpi walks in. Otīse’s mani looks marvelous! And now, she’s scheduled him for a session with one of the world’s greatest hand photographers. She sent some samples and the photographer says he MUST work with Otīse!

Maxxine says this is a pivotal moment for Otise’s career! Gable says the models have a match with the Good Brothers, though. Actually, that was postponed. Unfortunately, Mace overexposed his cheeks during a shoot in Mykonos. None of that make sense. When you’re beautiful, you don’t have to make sense! Gable wouldn’t know since he’s so “horrifically middle class.” Now, Otīse, come along, they’re late for the photog. Otis is torn between his coach and his manager. Otis says, “Coach, let’s ride.” Gable’s happy but Maxxine can’t even. Will the Alpha Academy win big tonight on the road to the showcase?

Chad Gable w/ Otis VS Ricochet w/ Braun Strowman!

Raw returns and “SHOOOOSH~! Shoosh, please.” Gable makes his entrance,  his number one guy by his side, though admiring his clean hands and trimmed fingernails. The bell rings and and the circle. Ricochet waistlocks, Gable wrenches out and wristlocks, but Ricochet slips through to wrench and wristlock back. Gable rolls, spins, drop toeholds, and floats to a facelock. Ricochet rolls but Gable rolls with him. Ricochet slips free but Gable gets him again. Ricochet slips free again and backs away, and Gable says, “A Thank Yew!” The two reset, tie up again, and Gable headlocks.

Fans rally, Otis admires his hands, but Gable hits a headlock takeover. Ricochet headscissors, Gable kips free and roles reverse as Ricochet headlocks for the takeover and Gable headscissors. Gable holds on tight, Ricochet rolls and turns Gable over to then slip free and float to a facelock. Gable wrenches to wristlock, whips, but Ricochet reverses. Gable goes up and sunset flips, TWO! Ricochet hurries in, Gable dodges but Ricochet rolls off Gable’s back. Ricochet rolls under, handsprings to headscissor, then he DROPKICKS Gable down! Fans fire up, Ricochet runs in, but into a throat chop! Gable goes up, but Ricochet GAMANGIRIS!

Ricochet UPPERCUTS Gable, climbs up after him, and fires off hands! Ricochet then stands on the very top, to SUPER- NO, Gable blocks the Steiner! Gable brings Ricochet up, fireman’s carries, but Ricochet throws elbows! Gable still lifts Ricochet, and SLAMS him down! Gable then adjusts up top, leaps, FLYING LARIAT! Cover, TWO!! Ricochet survives but Gable is still in control as Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Gable is back up top, to MOONSAULT! Ricochet moves, Gable lands on his feet, and Ricochet BOOTS him away! Ricochet then somersault SHOTGUNS Gable down! Fans fire up, Gable goes to a corner, and Otis coaches him up. Ricochet stands, runs in, and CHOPS! Ricochet whips Gable corner to corner, Gable reverses but Ricochet goes up and over and UPPERCUTS! Ricochet roars, RAMS in, bumps Gable off buckles and ROUNDHOUSES him away! SPRINGBOARD LARIAT! Fans fire up more and Ricochet STANDING SHOOTING STARS! Cover, TWO!!

Gable is still in this but Braun tells Ricochet he still has this. Fans rally up, Ricochet waits on Gable, then he fireman’s carries. Gable fights free but Ricochet elbows! Ricochet swings, into a backslide! Roll through, LA MAGISTROL! TWO!! Ricochet trips Gable, jackknife bridges, TWO as Gable bridges up! Gable spins this around, Crucifix Lift into a Canadian Rack, CLIFFHANGER DDT! Cover, TWO!!! Ricochet survives, Braun is relieved but Otis is worried! “This is Awesome!” as Gable gets a leg but Ricochet boots him away. Gable ducks the leg lariat, and catches the leap into an ANKLE LOCK!!

Ricochet endures, rolls, sends Gable away and SUPERKICKS! Gable wobbles, into a V-TRIGGER! Ricochet suplexes, but Gable slips free to DRAGON SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!!! Ricochet escapes by nanoseconds and fans fire up again! But wait, Maxxine comes strutting out to fetch Otis. Otis doesn’t wanna go but Maxxine says the photographer is waiting. Gable is stunned that Otis is leaving! Gable O’Conner Rolls, CHAOS- NO, Ricochet slips out to SLICED BREAD! Fans fire up again as Ricochet goes up top! SHOOTING STAR PRESS!! Cover, Ricochet wins!

Winner: Ricochet, by pinfall

The One and Only adds to his highlight reel, and he is rolling down the Road to WrestleMania! Will he and Braun do even bigger in the showcase? Who will #GetTheseHands?

Chelsea Green & Piper Niven VS Asuka & Bianca Belair!

The Hot Mess was almost in a pickle without the Fabulous Princess of Staten Island. But she was lucky to find a Scottish Viper willing to take on the Empress of Tomorrow and the RawEST Women’s Champion. Will Chelsea & Piper show Pearce that they’re worthy of the WrestleMania showcase? Or will Asuka and Bianca showcase why they’re the top two women on Raw?

Raw returns and both Chelsea & Piper are already ringside. Asuka makes her entrance now, and the teams sort out. Bianca insists she’ll start, and Chelsea sneaks up behind her to waistlock! Bianca switches, ripcords and CLOBBERS Chelsea! Bianca handsprings and Asuka makes the tag before the MOONSAULT! Bianca says no, that wasn’t the plan, but Chelsea gets away to tag Piper! They rush in, but Asuka and Bianca both dodge! Asuka CLOBBERS Chelsea and Bianca DROPKICKS Piper! Piper & Chelsea bail out, Asuka and Bianca stare down despite being tag partners. Fans cheer, the ring count starts, and Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Chelsea has Asuka down in a chinlock. Fans rally as Asuka endures, and Asuka throws body shots. Chelsea CLUBS Asuka, whips her to the corner, but Asuka uses that to HIP ATTACK Piper! Asuka BOOTS Chelsea, dodges her, then CODE BREAKERS! Tag to Piper, she runs up but Asuka dodges to SOBAT! Piper HEADBUTTS! Piper scoops, Asuka fights free, but Piper elbows her away. Bianca tags in, RAMS into Piper, then jumps up and over to fire off forearms! Fans fire up, Pipers shoves back, but Bianca dodges to DROPKICK Piper! Chelsea runs in, but Bianca spins her to a BIG suplex!

Bianca kips up and St. Louis fires up! Bianca RAMS Into Piper, climbs up, and fans fire up as Bianca rains down fists! Bianca gets seven but Piper slips free. Bianca kicks Piper away, goes up an dover then spins Piper around. Fans fire up but Piper is too much to suplex! Piper suplexes, Bianca slips free, and Bianca BOOTS from the corner. Bianca goes up to CROSSBODY! Cover, Chelsea breaks it! Asuka BUZZSAWS Chelsea! Asuka throws Chelsea out, Piper whips Asuka but Asuka reverses, only to send Piper into Bianca! Asuka runs in, Piper dodges, and Bianca caches the hip attack! Bianca and Asuka argue, but Piper runs in!

Bianca pushes Asuka aside and Piper hits buckles! Bianca drags Piper up into the torture rack! Fans fire up as we again see a MASSIVE KISS OF DEATH!! Cover, Bianca & Asuka win!

Winners: Bianca Belair & Asuka, by pinfall

But then Asuka CLOBBERS Bianca! And HEEL KICKS her! The Empress is not playing nice anymore! She waits on Bianca to get up, and she SLIDING KICKS Bianca down! Asuka wants the title back, will Bianca NOT be ready for WrestleMania?

Roman Reigns heads to the ring.

The Tribal Chief has Paul Heyman and Solo Sikoa with him, and St. Louis is torn between cheers and jeers. Roman raises the belts, the pyro goes off, and then the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion, his Wise Man and his Enforcer continue down the ramp. They get in the ring, and Roman raises the belts again for the second round of pyro. Paul Heyman holds the belts for Roman, then hands over the mic. Roman says, “St. Louis! ACKNOWLEDGE ME!” But wait! “Wrestling has more than one… royal family.” Cody Rhodes is here! Roman is annoyed as the American Nightmare makes his entrance, with his own pyro!

Cody makes his way into the ring, gets his own mic, and fans cheer as he steps to Roman. “Normally, I would say, ‘So, St. Louis, what do you wanna talk about?’ But I think I know what you want to talk about. Because I’ve heard you talk about it. The warning to me about staying out of personal, Bloodline business. I’ve heard you talk about that. I’ve heard Mr. Heyman say that you’ve got a problem. Specifically, a Cody Rhodes problem. And I would love it if you could define for me what you mean by ‘problem.'” Cody cuts Heyman off, because he wasn’t talking to Heyman. “Mr. Heyman, sir, take a step back. I am talking to the Tribal Chief.”

Fans are torn again while Roman considers what to say. “Well, let’s get this straight. You’re not the problem. What you represent, now that’s the problem. Y’see, Wise Man, he’s what we used to be. He’s like our fathers. He’s a ‘professional wrestler.’ What we used to be. See, I’m a fighter. Which in turn has allowed me to be the mega star around here. And you come in here and you say all these things that you’re gonna do, when we know you’re not gonna do ’em, because look at your track record. Let’s look at it. You didn’t wanna do the Stardust thing, so what happened? You ran away.

“And what happened? You ran away, you started a company and a promotion you couldn’t get over in… and then you ran away! And then you came here, exactly!” Fans rally for Cody but Roman says, “And he got over, and his body quit on him as his little pec went pop. You’re not cut out for this. You keep talking about finishing the story? ‘April 2nd, I’m gonna finish the story.’ No, you’re not. April 2nd is just a moment, is like an opportunity, it’s like a lotto ticket for you. Your moment is on April 3rd, because when you wake up, you’re gonna have to look in the mirror. And then you’re gonna have to confront that adversity again.

“Not like you used to, because when you look in the mirror, I want you to make a choice, and I want that choice to be one your dad can be proud of. Otherwise, you’re just gonna do what you always do, and run like a little b*tch.” Cody says, “Okay, okay. Run, run away. So for those out here, these little Nightmares, if you’ve got the weight belts, if you’re somebody who likes the Undesirable to Undeniable tale, you have to know that what Roman’s saying is true. I did run away. Business broke my heart, I met adversity, and I ran away. I don’t hear a lot of people complaining, though, because what I did while I ran away was make it so 100% of every locker room can make a lot more money, so I’m not really worried about it.

“In addition to that, you’re calling me what our fathers were, ‘wrestlers?’ Man, I tried. I started here at 20 years old. WWE born and bred, I wanted to be a superstar. Sometimes, I still wanna be a superstar. But maybe that’s the truth. Maybe inside, I am just a runaway, violent, like-the-taste-of-blood-in-my-mouth professional wrestler!” Fans cheer that and Cody says to make it clear here and now, “nobody needs to bring up my father one more time, because if I hear it again, I’m absolutely gonna vomit. He’s not coming to this ring to give a Bionic Elbow. My brother works elsewhere. The only thing that you’re gonna see at WrestleMania is me.”

And Roman wants to talk family? Here’s someone they may not know: Cody’s “mean ass Cuban mother, who in this moment, you know what she would tell me? ‘Knock that boy out. And while he’s laying there, hit him again for good measure.'” Talking about April 3rd, and what it means for Cody. Let’s talk about what that could mean, and will mean, for Roman Reigns. April 3rd,m Tribal Chief wakes up to remember what it’s like to lose. he’s gotta wake up without his titles that mean the most in their world. And when that happens, here’s what else happens: Jey is gonna leave Roman. And then Jimmy will leave Roman, too.

So no Usos? Guess what happens next? Solo, who has been glaring at Cody all night! Let Cody tell Solo something he had to find out as a second generation flanked by the champion. You think you’re ready? You’re not! Solo will leave, too. And when that happens, Paul Heyman, well, he just becomes an advocate again. And there you will be: A Roman with no more Reigns, a Chief without a Tribe. Fans fire up behind Cody on that one, and Roman goes from smirk to scowl. Roman drops the mic, pushes past Cody, but Solo stares Cody down. Cody dares Solo to go! “Say when!” Heyman points this out to Roman and Roman is confused.

Roman shouts for Solo to follow suit, but Cody says, “It’s like I said: I knew you weren’t ready.” Solo throws off his towel, roars, but Cody BOOTS him first! Solo gets back up, fires up again, but Roman makes him stop! Fans chant, “You’re Not Ready!” as Solo obeys and leaves. Roman lets Cody have this one, but will everything the American Nightmare said become reality after WrestleMania?

My Thoughts:

A really good Raw, with an awesome ending. Great stuff out of the Bloodline all night, as always, but especially the dynamic of how the Bloodline really is crumbling. The Usos take it upon themselves to make the tag title match, and the way Jimmy was talking was a great little teaser that he was upset with Roman but then just put it on Sami. Roman talking with Jey alone, then keeping Solo with him later, he might be starting to distrust the Usos. And then that promo segment to end the night was great stuff, from Roman referencing AEW to Cody telling everyone to shut up about Dusty Rhodes, to Solo confronting Cody against Roman’s wishes. Roman’s tyrannical hold on his family is only going to bring everything Cody said to life, and that is amazing use of irony in this story.

Really good first match from Theory and Ford, and Theory winning again is fine, he needs the momentum going into WrestleMania. Theory has a decent promo calling out Cena, but it’s too bad R-Truth is still hurt from his appearance on NXT from a few months ago. R-Truth would make the perfect third person to face because of how John Cena is Truth’s childhood hero. Good tale of the tape vignette, and of course Omos wins in a squash of Ali. Really good promo from Edge to call out Finn, and this establishes that we are definitely getting some kind of new form of Demon Balor at WrestleMania to really make the Hell in a Cell match be that Hollywood horror movie.

Good match from Dom VS Gargano, but I am really surprised there were no shenanigans (that we saw on TV) that helped Dom win that one. Though I suppose Gargano being less than 100% is the technicality here. Good promo segment from Rhea, though something just felt off about it. Maybe her trying to be menacing killed the tempo of it. But very interesting move to have Rhea VS Bayley happen. I give them kudos since it was Heel VS Heel, even with Rhea being a fan favorite, and it was a halfway decent excuse for Becky, Lita & Trish to show up. Rhea winning is two birds with one stone, as Team Big Time also gets to stand tall compared to DMG CTRL.

The Men’s Fatal 4 Way Showcase just being decided seems a little unfair, but at the same time, this shows that WWE did not handle the women’s tag division well in Vince’s time and HHH just hasn’t been able to build it up in the time he’s had control. Profits VS Viking Raiders VS Alpha Academy VS Ricochet & Braun is a really good group, but I would’ve liked if other teams were given a chance. Ricochet VS Gable was an awesome match, just as the fans said, but it’s really wild how this was just a vehicle for the Otis/Otīse story. Good stuff in that story, though, with Otis torn between Gable and Maxxine. I have a feeling MMM has a part to play in the men’s showcase to keep Alpha Academy from winning and bringing us to Gable fighting to keep Otis in the Academy.

And speaking of the showcase, good promo from Chelsea with Pearce to Karen it up about being in the match. Not sure what happened with Carmella, hopefully she’s okay, but good adlib to bring Piper into things. Good tag match with Chelsea, Piper, Asuka and Bianca, and Piper being in the match, we of course got the strongEST KOD spot once again. And after toying with Bianca, it was about time Asuka went after Bianca. No more playing the Tweener line, she’s coming for gold! This is gonna come down to the go-home math next week, but their Raw Women’s Championship match could probably go either way.

My Score: 8.7/10