We’re in the homestretch of the Road to WrestleMania!

On the last Raw before WrestleMania, Brock Lesnar and Omos weigh-in while Cody Rhodes takes on the Bloodline’s Enforcer, Solo Sikoa!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Becky Lynch w/ Lita & Trish Stratus VS Iyo Sky w/ DMG CTRL; Becky wins.
• Seth Rollins VS Mustafa Ali; Rollins wins.
• 8 Man Tag: Ricochet, Braun Strowman & The Street Profits VS The Alpha Academy & The Viking Raiders; Ricochet, Braun & The Profits win.
• WrestleMania Women’s Tag Team Showcase Qualifier: Mia Yim & Candice LeRae VS Chelsea Green & Sonya Deville; Chelsea & Sonya win and advance to WrestleMania.
• Rey Mysterio VS Damian Priest w/ Dominik Mysterio; Rey wins, by disqualification.
• GUNTHER w/ Imperium VS Dolph Ziggler; Gunther wins.
• Cody Rhodes VS Solo Sikoa w/ Paul Heyman; Cody wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

The Miz heads to the ring.

Phoenix has mixed reactions as the Host of WrestleMania, the Hollywood A-Lister, is here to host his show, MizTV. He welcomes us to the Most Must-See WWE Talk Show, and says the WrestleMania energy is here! Because you all will bare witness the Most Must-See Master of Ceremonies, the host of WrestleMania, HIM! And on tonight’s special WrestleMania edition of MizTV, we get to the bottom of one of the most heated rivalries in all of WWE! Welcome his guests to the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions, Becky Lynch & Lita, as well as Trish Stratus! Trish comes out first, but then here come the legend and The Man!

Fans fire up because Phoenix just entered the Big Time. They join Mix in the ring and the champs hold up the belts. Miz has the fans give it up one more time as they take their seats. Tonight, Becky goes 1v1 with Iyo Sky, so he’ll start with her. Damage CTRL has made Becky’s life a living hell, to where she’s needed back-up in the forms of two legends. But The Man usually works alone. What does it feel like to admit she can’t do it herself and had to call in reinforcements? Fans boo but Becky says that’s right, she IS The Man. Just like Miz is a man, and Phoenix, AZ knows that Miz sounds more like an insecure man with notoriously tiny balls.

Fans chant “TINY BALLS!” at Miz but he raises his hand. “They are not tiny. They are massive. Verified by my wife.” Well, must be nice to know Maryse didn’t get around much before Miz. And anyway, Miz is right that DMG CTRL have been a thorn in the side since SummerSlam. They put Becky on the shelf. made it that she couldn’t look after her child, and that it was the toughest two months of her life. She thought she ended this at WarGames, but they kept coming back like the vermin that they are. And so yes, Becky doesn’t get along with too many people. But there are two people here that she respects more than anyone. And no, Miz isn’t one of them.

So when those people fight for Becky, Becky fights for them. Fans cheer but Miz has things move along. Lita, Trish, why now? Yeah, go ahead, cheer. Fans cheer, and Miz asks why Lita & Trish made comebacks just to play back-ups. Lita says that she isn’t back-up. She’s one half of the tag team champions. But she does know that- Here comes DMG CTRL. Bayley has the mic to say that enough. Miz is “surprised” that their opponents would show up. Bayley has Miz stop, because she has something to say. And she tells Phoenix “you idiots” to shut up with the booing. The fans just boo more.

Bayley is sick and tired of hearing the three others acting like this is just another match. To DMG CTRL, this is their life. Every single step they’ve taken since SummerSlam has led here. And the legends are here acting like they still mean something, when they only meant something about 20 years ago. Well, that title on Lita’s shoulder means she means something here and now. Bayley says at one point, this would’ve been the ultimate dream match. Going up against someone she came up with in the business, and two of her heroes. Two of DMG CTRL’s heroes. But now, it is a different kind of dream. “What?!”

“I SAID IT’S A DIFFERNET KIND OF DREAM!” Not that these fans know anything, they can’t do crap! And now, the dream is to take out the top women of this division, the one that everyone brags about, and two Hall of Famers, all in the same night. And then what?! Because Bayley goes on and on but does nothing! And she has Kai & Sky, they haven’t been doing anything! Kai was a TWO TIME Tag Team Champ! Iyo is one of the greatest in NXT! And what’re they doing? NOTHING! Nothing but being lackeys! And all DMG CTRL is doing is the same old tired stuff since SummerSlam. You haven’t done anything!

We thought this was gonna end at WarGames, in a steel cage, when Becky took these titles. But it hasn’t, so it can only end at WrestleMania! Becky slams the mic down! Tensions are high ahead of Becky VS Sky, will it all explode before Hollywood?

Becky Lynch w/ Lita & Trish Stratus VS Iyo Sky w/ DMG CTRL!

Raw returns and the two rush in! Becky DECKS Sky, bumps her off buckles and stomps away! The ref counts, DMG CTRL protests and Becky lets off. Fans rally for Becky, she runs in to forearm smash! Then jump kick! Then BECKSPLODER! Becky drags Sky up again to BECKSPLODER again! Fans fire up, Sky goes to the apron, but Becky has her through the ropes, Becky fires off, SOBATS, then goes up the ropes. But DMG CTRL save Sky from the leg drop! Fans boo but the legends storm over. The ref has everyone get back., but Becky grabs Bayley’s hair! Sky DROPKICKS Becky away!

Sky hurries in, storms up and stomps Becky down in the corner. Sky lets off, but then digs both boots in. The ref counts, Sky lets off to SWINGING KNEE DROP! Becky flounders, Sky pushes her to a cover, ONE! Sky clamps on with a chinlock and she grinds Becky down. Fans rally as Becky endures the knee in her back. Becky fights up, arm-drags free, but Sky DROPKICKS Becky down! Bayley is fired up and Sky covers, TWO! Sky throws down forearms, then gives toying kicks. Sky taunts the champion and throws forearms. Becky fires back, and the two trade shots! They go faster and faster and fans fire up!

Becky gets the edge, UPPERCUTS, runs, but Sky follows to SHOTEI! Becky staggers and Sky whips her to ropes. Becky comes back with BIG forearms! Both women are down, Lita & Trish coach Becky. The fans rally back up, Becky and Sky head for each other. Becky ROCKS Sky, ELBOWS her, then BOOTS her from the corner! Becky runs to LARIAT! And again! And then CALF KICK! Sky bails out but Becky kips up. Becky runs to WRECK Sky with a dropkick! Becky goes to the apron, leaps, FLYING FOREARM! Kai & Bayley coach Sky but Becky puts her back in. Sky shoulders in, but into KICKS!

Becky goes up the corner again, but Sky slips out of the ropes. Becky leaps over Sky, catches Sky, but Sky fights the clinch! Sky scoops, Becky slips free, REVERSE DDT! Cover, TWO! Fans fire up with Becky and Sky rises. Becky reels her in, MAN- NO, wheelbarrow, STOMP 182! Cover, TWO! Becky survives and Sky can’t believe it, but Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Becky hits a SUPERPLEX!! Cover, TWO!! Sky survives and Phoenix is fired up! Becky rises first, she throws hands on Sky, then goes after an arm. Sky powers out, waistlocks, and GERMAN SUPLEXES! Sky drags Becky back up, another GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!! Sky is shocked, Bayley & Kai coach her on. Sky drags Becky up, underhooks the arms, but Becky fights the lift. Becky wrenches out, ROCKS Sky, then hits a BECKSPLODER! Becky hurries to a corner, climbs up, and Phoenix fires up. But Sky rises, only to get a BOOT! Becky reels Sky in but Sky throws hands!

Sky springboards to DORPKICK Becky to the floor! Then she goes out to ASAI MOONSAULT! Down goes Becky at the ramp! Sky puts Becky in, covers, TWO! Sky grows frustrated but fans say “This is Awesome!” Sky pushes Becky to the drop zone and goes up top. OVER THE MOON- FLOP! Becky dodges, goes for an arm, but Sky rolls her! TWO and Becky drags Sky into a cradle! TWO! MANHANDLE SLAM!! High stack, Becky wins!!

Winner: Becky Lynch, by pinfall

One half of the champs stands tall all on her own! DMG CTRL is salty, but will they turn things around come WrestleMania?

The Bloodline arrives backstage.

Solo Sikoa leads the way, for his brothers, the Usos, and the Wise Man, Paul Heyman. Heyman has a sinister grin on his face, what will the Bloodline have in store for the American Nightmare this close to WrestleMania?

Raw takes a closer look at Asuka.

Corey Graves says that he had some prior knowledge of her dominance in Japan, but once she arrived in NXT, she was a gamechanger. Zelina Vega remembers watching Asuka and thinking, “This woman is scary.” Her undefeated streak in NXT, Kevin Owens says “she was like a buzzsaw, and it wasn’t long until she was Champion.” NXT TakeOver: Dallas began the Asuka Era in NXT, and she ran through the rest of the roster, and even the main roster. Lita says that is a huge accolade. The longest streak of male or female superstars at 914 DAYS. Molly Holly says that going YEARS undefeated, that’s just showing she’s in a class all by herself.

Charlotte Flair looks at Asuka and is in awe. She can do it all. The Women’s Royal Rumble, the Women’s Money in the Bank, the Elimination Chamber, WWE Women’s Grand Slam, and certainly one of the most feared women in WWE today. MVP says Asuka prevails because the mind games are the X-factor Bianca Belair hasn’t seen and isn’t prepared for. IS the EST ready for the Empress of Tomorrow? Or will her one-year reign be ruined at WrestleMania?

Raw shares footage from after last week’s episode went off the air.

Cathy Kelley caught up to Logan Paul backstage and asked about what happened. “Here’s your answer: I beat Seth Rollins again. And I’m gonna beat him at WrestleMania on April 1st, on my birthday, best birthday ever.” And then he goes on shouting that Rollins better watch out!

Backstage with Seth Rollins in the present.

Cathy now has The Visionary as he’s coming in, and he says Cathy is his favorite. What’s she got? Well, Logan has sucker punched him not once but twice. Anything left to say before the match at Mania? Rollins just frowns. And Mustafa Ali walks over. He explains that since Rollins has nothing nice to say, he’s not gonna say anything at all. Rollins looks at Ali and Ali is just trying to help Rollins ese the positive side to Logan Paul knocking him out. Twice. Listen, Logan and his crew had no idea who you even were before the Royal Rumble. And now… Logan and his millions of fans, they can’t wait to see if he’s gonna land another one of those lucky punches at WrestleMania.

Honestly, Rollins should be grateful. Think more positive-Ali. HAHAHAHAHA! Rollins likes that! Good pun! Genius, put it on a shirt, Ali deserves a prize! Any prizes? Maybe Rollins can get his guy to help Ali’s drip game. Or, no, wait! Even better! Remember when Rollins was US Champion and Ali was begging him for a match? Well, yeah, but that was a long time ago. Yeah, but good things come to those who wait. Ali’s night is tonight! Rollins VS Ali, positive-Ali beautiful! That’s not… Um… Well, Ali’s stepped in it, will he be able to survive an angry Architect?

Seth Rollins VS Mustafa Ali!

Raw returns and Rollins makes his entrance. Fans sing “OH~ OHH~ OHHH~!” Ali is already in the ring and is trying to ask for mercy. Rollins enjoys the singing for a moment before he takes off the jacket. The bell rings and Ali again tries to reason with Rollins. Rollins throws Ali to a corner, but Ali goes up and over and again wants Rollins to think calmly. Rollins rushes in, Ali slips to the apron, shoulders in, goes up and over and ROCKS Rollins! Ali says if he was Logan, he would’ve knocked Rollins out. Rollins still rushes in., Ali headlocks, but Rollins powers out. Ali goes up and over, ducks ‘n’ dodges, but Rollins CLOBBERS him!

Fans fire up while Ali flounders. Fans sing as Rollins stomps away on Ali in the corner, but the ref counts. Rollins lets off at 4 and fans fire up more. But then Ali YANKS Rollins into buckles! Ali goes up the corner, but Rollins ROLLING ELBOWS the legs out! And then ROLLING ELBOWS Ali in the back! Ali falls into the Tree of Woe and fans cheer. Ali wants mercy, but he gets an UPSIDE-DOWN CURB STOMP!! Ali flops out of the Tree, fans fire up as Rollins aims again, and he hits a proper CURB STOMP!! Cover, Rollins wins!

Winner: Seth Rollins, by pinfall

Ali’s positive attitude and negative comments got him a zero sum, but Rollins has something to say. “In five days, April 1st, night one of WrestleMania, I finally get my hands on Logan Paul. And Logan Paul, he’s got a history of making a joke out of himself. But me level with you. If I can’t beat Logan Paul at WrestleMania, he’s not the joke, I am.” Fans boo but Rollins says Logan threw Rollins out of the Rumble, cost him at the Elimination Chamber, and cheap-shotted him not once but twice. “And in five days, it all… comes… back… AROUND!”

And April 1st just happens to be Logan’s birthday? Logan, Logan, Logan, the WWE Universe at WrestleMania, they will be serenading you all night long. But it won’t be Happy Birthday! Phoenix, give Logan a taste of what Logan’s gonna hear at WrestleMania! “Sing that damn song!” “OH~ OHH~ OHHH~!” Rollins tells Logan, “I’ll see you at WrestleMania. HAHAHA!” The Visionary is ready to #BurnItDown, will this go from the best birthday to the worst birthday ever for the ImPAULsive Influencer?

Baron Corbin talks with Adam Pearce.

Rick Boogs challenged Corbin, Corbin is trying to get out of a slump he’s been in, and then there’s WrestleMania. Corbin has NO WrestleMania match and that’s embarrassing. He’s doing signings, media, meet ‘n’ greets, all about it! He used to run this show and Pearce has to give Corbin a break. And then Chelsea Green walks in. She would like a moment ot break her foot off in Pearce’s behind! Pearce says that’s real classy. But he tells Corbin that he and Boogs can have it out in the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal on Friday Night SmackDown. Now, excuse him for a moment.

Chelsea says she needs to know why she is NOT in the Women’s Tag Team Showcase. Because you don’t have a partner! Piper Niven no longer wants anything to do with her, but listen. Pearce has been working- NO, do not mansplain her. But then Sonya Deville walks in and says she couldn’t have said it better herself. The problem with Pearce is that Sonya did this job better than him, and that intimidated him. In fact, he might just be intimidated by strong women. Pearce would like to finish what he was saying. he looked at the roster, he was thinking about who could be in the Women’s Tag Team Showcase, and it struck him: Chelsea & Sonya.

They’re a bit surprised but he says yes, they can be a team. Call yourselves “The Complaint Department” or “Misery Loves Company” or whatever you want. But if they want in the match, they have to win against Mia Yim & Candice LeRae. The winner will be the fourth and final team in the Women’s Tag Team Showcase. Okay? Sonya says Pearce isn’t usually this smart but this is brilliant. So they’re okay with it? Yes, first thing he’s done right. Fine, does he at least get his office back? Chelsea & Sonya leave, Corbin steps back in and says, “Seriously?” Pearce sighs and leaves. Will Michin & The Poison Pixie ruin the hopes of the Hot Mess & Jersey Deville?

Corey Graves & Adam Pearce are in the ring.

Corey welcomes us to the official weigh-in for what is literally one of the biggest match at WrestleMania. So first, accompanied by MVP, it is the Nigerian Giant, OMOS! Omos makes his entrance with MVP right behind him. Omos enters the ring and then MVP takes the mic from Corey to take it from here. Fans boo but MVP says, “Before we are joined by the Beast Incarnate, I’d like to remind everyone that this one final opportunity for all of you–and for you, Brock Lesnar–to see the specimen that is the Nigerian Giant.

“You see, Brock, I will give you credit because I respect you immensely. Brock Lesnar, many times, you have stepped in this ring at previous WrestleManias and you have imposed your will and conquered some of the greatest that this business has ever seen. People like the great Kurt Angle. People like Goldberg. People like… Roman Reigns.” But MVP would be amiss if he didn’t mention the ‘crowning achievement: ending the streak at WrestleMania of the Undertaker.” But unlike all of those men, Omos is a GIANT. Lesnar can’t suplex him, he can’t F5 him, and at Mania, Lesnar will NOT defeat him!

So Omos, if you would, please. Omos steps on the scale, and the scales are adjusted. The final call is: 410 pounds! Lesnar’s a bad man, but he ain’t badder than Omos! But wait, here comes Lesnar! Lesnar takes off his hat to wave at the fans, then he fires off his pyro. Lesnar goes to the ring, taking off his denim vest and putting his hat aside. Lesnar enters the ring, looks Omos up and down, then ATTACKS! Omos stays up, Lesnar RAMS Omos again, then again! Omos staggers, Lesnar has the scale! But Omos BOOTS Lesnar down! Omos roars, MVP says to finish it! Lesnar gets away as Omos grabs the scale!

Omos shouts, “This is MY house!” Fans chant “SUPLEX CITY!” but Lesnar hasn’t had a chance to do even one suplex. Lesnar has things cool off, and we already know he isn’t close to 410 pounds. But will Lesnar prove that the bigger they are, the harder they fall?

Raw takes a closer look at Charlotte Flair.

Charlotte Flair says herself that this is her destiny. This is her birthright. This is her continuing the greatest legacy in professional wrestling. In total, a FOURTEEN-TIME Women’s Champion, and is ready to main event WrestleMania on April 1st against Rhea Ripley. The Queen vows to put Rhea in her place once and for all.

Backstage interview with Rhea Ripley.

Byron Saxton is with the challenger to Charlotte Flair, how does Rhea respond to Charlotte saying she’ll continue her storied legacy by winning at Mania? There is no denying how great Charlotte’s legacy is. But we don’t need to be reminded that she’s a 14-time women’s champion. Her legacy is unmatched, but it will not define Rhea. Rhea must beat Charlotte, she must prove she is the best, and she must become the biggest star in this industry. And Rhea needs Charlotte’s title to do so. It comes down to Charlotte’s legacy against Rhea’s destiny. And Charlotte can’t stop Rhea from becoming the NEW SmackDown Women’s Champion.

Finn Balor speaks.

“Edge. It was always gonna be this way, wasn’t it? You and I, dragging each other to the lonely wicked structure inside Hell in a Cell. Now you, you are familiar with the Cell. You say you thrive in the Cell. You ay you were baptized int he Cell. And now, you wanna lock yourself inside of the Cell with me. Don’t you know there is nothing more dangerous than a caged demon? So Edge, go to your dark place. Light your candles. Do whatever it is you need to do to unlock it, to summon it. But just remember: I don’t summon my demons. My demons are always here. You just have to look closely.” Finn is ready to bring out his dark side, will he use it to devour Edge’s soul?

8 Man Tag: Ricochet, Braun Strowman & The Street Profits VS The Alpha Academy & The Viking Raiders!

Ahead of the Men’s Tag Team Showcase Fatal 4 Way, it’s a 4v4! Will the King of Flight, the Monster of All Monsters, Angelo Dawkins & Montez Ford take the lead roles going into Hollywood? Or will Chad Gable, Otis, Erik & Ivar be the ones in the spotlight?

Raw returns as “SHOOOSH! Shoosh, please.” Gable & Otis make their entrance first, then Erik & Ivar make theirs, “Valhalla” Sarah Logan guiding them. The teams sort out, and Gable starts against Dawkins. They circle, tie up, and Dawkins wrenches an arm. Gable rolls, wrenches and headlocks to a takeover. Dawkins headscissors, Gable kips free, roles reverses and Gable kips out of headscissors. The two stare down and fans fire up. “We Want The Smoke! We Want The Smoke!” Gable says “SHOOSH!” and circles with Dawkins. They tie up, Dawkins headlocks but Gable powers out, only for Dawkins to run him over.

Things keep moving, Dawkins hurdles then whips, but Gable waistlocks and gator rolls! Dawkins gets free, things keep moving, Ricochet tags in before Gable hurdles and Dawkins cartwheels! Dawkins arm-drags, Gable arm-drags, and Dawkins bails out! “A thank yew!” Ricochet runs in, rolls and handsprings, but into an ANKLE LOCK! But Ricochet rolls to throw Gable away, and he DROPKICKS Gable down! Tag to Braun! Braun helps Ricochet, RAILGUN BODY CHECK! Then Braun adds a SPALSH! Feed to the ENZIGURI, LARIAT! Fans fire up with Braun, but Ford tags in. Ford also flexes but Braun isn’t amused.

Ford slingshots in but Gable arm-drags! Ford arm-drags, Gable arm-drags, repeat! Gable trips, covers, ONE! Ford trips, covers, ONE! Ford bobs ‘n’ weaves to BACKHAND! But Gable CLOBBERS Ford! “SHOOOSH~!” Fans boo and Ford’s team steps up. Gable’s team steps up, too, and fans fire up! The ref says no, but it’s an EIGHT MAN BRAWL! Braun throws out Gable, Erik and Ricochet fall out, Otis throws out Ford and Ivar throws out Dawkins! And now we have the three biggest men! Fans are loving this! Ivar swings on Braun but Braun DECKS Ivar! Otis CLOBBERS Braun out of the ring!!

Ford LEAPS in, but into a WORLD’S STRONGEST SLAM!! Otis and Gable celebrate while fans boo, and Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Erik has Ford in a headlock. Ford fights up, but Erik throws him down! Erik sits Ford up, has a chinbar neck wrench but Ford endures. Ford fights up, pries free of the hold, but Erik knees low! Tag to Ivar and the Vikings mug Ford against the ropes! Fans boo but the Vikings let off. Gable also gloats on their behalf, but Ivar tags Erik back in. Erik feeds Ford to Ivar’s KNEE! Ivar feeds Ford to Erik’s KNEE! Cover, TWO! Ford survives but Erik drags Ford over. Otis tags in, Erik hands off Ford and Otis CLOBBERS Ford! Maxxine Dupri is watching backstage, she is very pleased as Otis tears off his shirt.

Otis gets the truffle shuffle going, runs and ELBOW DROPS! “Maxxine, I’m here, baby!” Gable wants Otis to focus and he drags Ford up. Ford mule kicks! And front kicks! But Otis CLOBBERS Ford again! Otis looms over Ford and says, “Who’s the man!?” Otis drags Ford up, but Ford wrenches and ENZIGURIS! Otis wobbles and Ford crawls! Otis shakes out the cobwebs, hot tags to Dawkins and Ivar! Dawkins rallies on the other team, but Ivar kicks low! Ivar whips, Dawkins hurdles, FLYING ELBOW! Fans fire up for the CYCLONE SPLASH! And ENZIGURI! Ivar wobbles, Gable gets in, Dawkins DECKS Gable!

But Ivar DECKS Dawkins! Tag to Erik, SPLASH and FOREARM and then a LARIAT! Cover, Ricochet breaks it with a STANDING SHOOTING STAR! Ivar gets in, into an ENZIGURI! Ricochet triangle jump DROPKICKS Otis! Ricochet hurdles Gable, Dawkins DECKS Gable!! Fans fire up, Dawkins hurries, hot tag to Braun! And he gets on the tracks! The Strowman Express DERAILS Otis! And then Gable! And then Ivar! Erik ROCKS Braun at the ropes, Ace Ten Maou!! Erik runs, into a SPINEBUSTER! Braun rips off his shirt and fans are thunderous! Tag to Ricochet, then scoop! MONSTER SLAM!

Ricochet gets on Braun’s shoulders, for a MONSTER SWANTON!! And then Ford tags in, FROM THE HEAVENS!! Cover, Ford’s team wins!

Winners: Ricochet, Braun Strowman & The Street Profits, by pinfall

A HUGE team up, a HUGE victory! But will either of these dynamic duos be the winners of the Fatal 4 Way?

As for Maxxine, she does not like that Gable & Otis are still sticking together. Will she find a way to break Otis away from Gable and the Academy?

Backstage interview with Cody Rhodes.

Cathy is with the American Nightmare, and asks that with his Mania match just days away, is accepting a match with Solo Sikoa puts him in a “vulnerable position?” Cody lives for this position. He understands, though, because Solo is undefeated, like Cody. Hasn’t been pinned, hasn’t been submitted. Now if Roman Reigns and Mr. Heyman were here, you’d ask them if they think Cody has a chance of making it through tonight and winning at WrestleMania. They’d surely cackle maniacally in their Samoan Goodfellas aesthetic.

But Cody would follow up and say, “Why is it so important, Mr. Heyman, that I wrestle the enforcer of the Bloodline, and he always has an enforcer, six days away from the big one?” It’s because they know. They know the answer to the question people are asking: Has Cody Rhodes earned it? Has he? The fire didn’t start when he came back at AT&T Stadium. That’d be a disservice to where Cody’s been and where he’s gone. This started long before that. This fire isn’t going out. Cody hasn’t just earned it, he’s lived it!

“Tonight, Solo Sikoa finds out he’s not ready. And at WrestleMania, I defeat Roman Reigns and become the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion.” Cody is ready, but will the Bloodline look to ruin his Hollywood story?

Raw takes a closer look at Bianca Belair.

Liv Morgan says, “There’s nothing Bianca can’t do.” She remembers the first day Bianca was in the Performance Center, and from the first moment, it was clear they had a star. Corey Graves says, “When we talk about superstars in this business having ‘it,’ that sort of indefinable, intangible quality, Bianca exemplifies it.” The strongEST, the fastEST, the roughEST, the toughEST. Montez Ford could go on for days about how excited he is for his wife, and the dominance has been second to none. Beth Phoenix says it is special for her to see this generation having great role models, like Bianca Belair.

Bianca has been on radio, television, talk shows, sports shows, awards shows, and still has energy for the ring. Molly Holly is so proud of what Bianca’s accomplished. She’s got something special. Cody Rhodes knows Bianca’s year long dominance is legit. Kevin Owens says that between Bianca’s abilities and Asuka’s mind games, that is a must-see match. But then, who will be the RawEST Women’s Champion after WrestleMania?

Austin Theory speaks.

Earlier today, when there was no one in the arena, Theory said that at WrestleMania Saturday, he loses everything. “According to you, John Cena. But that’s where you’re wrong.” For some reason, Cena thinks he’s exposed Theory on the mic. No, he exposed himself. Cena showed himself that the one thing Cena can’t see is the future right in front of his eyes. Theory says it’s like Cena was hitting Theory with a reality check that no one believes in him. Not even him, THE John Cena. But Cena must be wondering why Theory’s here all alone. It’s simple. There’s no difference between an empty arena or a sold out SoFi Stadium.

Because Theory doesn’t do this for the fans. he doesn’t do it for a fan who wants to be the next Austin Theory> And he doesn’t do it to be the next John Cena. Theory does this for Theory. Theory does this because he had a purpose way before anyone had an opinion. “It’s sad. It’s so sad to know that I would’ve let you go down the hero.” But Cena made it personal. Theory knows a lot of people… Hell, everyone looks up to Cena. But it’ll be so fitting that Cena will be looking up at Theory. And that’s not a theory, because Theory will make Cena believe in Austin Theory. And the WWE Universe that Cena loves so much, they will stop believing in Cena.

And that’ll happen on the Grandest Stage of Them All, this Saturday at WrestleMania. Theory looks to the sign in silence, but will there be an uproar when he manages to defeat the living legend to start the Showcase of the Immortals?

The WWE Hall of Fame has legs!

That is to say, Stacy Kiebler is being inducted as part of this year’s class!

WrestleMania Women’s Tag Team Showcase Qualifier: Mia Yim & Candice LeRae VS Chelsea Green & Sonya Deville!

#Michin and the Poison Pixie have teamed before, but this is their biggest opportunity as a team yet! Will they clean up the Hot Mess and go on to WrestleMania? Or will all the complaints and criticisms turn into celebration for Chelsea & Sonya?

Raw returns and Candice & Mia make their entrance. The teams sort out and Sonya starts against Mia. They circle, tie up, and Sonya pulls hair. Sonya puts Mia in the corner, the ref counts, and Sonya lets off at 4. Sonya pie faces Mia, fans boo, but Sonya taunts Mia. Mia storms up, blocks a punch and fires off forearms! Mia whips, runs and then redirects to DROPKICK Sonya! Fans fire up and Sonya flounders to a corner. Mia runs in to BOOT Sonya down! Chelsea complains but Mia chases her off. Mia runs in but the CANNONBALL gets buckles! Sonya drags Mia up and bumps her off buckles.

Tag to Chelsea, Sonya fires off kicks and then Chelsea SLAPS! Chelsea digs her boot in, tags Sonya, and Sonya fires body shots. Tag back to Chelsea, she and Sonya bring Mia out to double suplex. They stall, but Mia uses that to turn things into a DOUBLE NECKBREAKER! Fans fire up, Mia crawls, hot tag to Candice! Candice goes up top and DOUBLE CROSSBODIES! Fans fire up, Candice fires off on Chelsea but Chelsea gets around. Chelsea ripcords, Candice dodges and CLOBBERS Chelsea! Then back body block in the corner! Snapmare, STEP-UP SENTON! Tag to Mia, she and Candice combine, WHEELBARROW VICTORY SPLASH! Cover, Sonya breaks it!

Candice swings on Sonya, but Sonya spins her around and ELBOW DROP DDTS! But Mia runs in to SHOTGUN Sonya down! Fans fire up but Chelsea runs in. Mia dodges, waistlocks, but Chelsea switches. Mia bucks the O’Conner, but Sonya sucker punches her! Chelsea chicken wings for the UNPRETTIER! Cover, Chelsea & Sonya win!

Winners: Chelsea Green & Sonya Deville, by pinfall

Fans boo but there’s nothing they can do about it now! Will there be nothing the other three teams can do when these two migraine makers hit Hollywood?

Backstage interview with Paul Heyman.

Cathy asks the Special Counsel his response to Cody’s words from earlier. Heyman says, “Ye, though he walks through the shadow of the Island of Relevancy, Cody Rhodes fears no Tribal Chief, because Cody Rhodes is. Not. Ready. He proved it just a few minutes ago, when he asked what had to be a rhetorical question. Why is it so important that he fight Solo six days before Cody Rhodes is in his first WrestleMania main event? It’s not important, it’s relevant. And here’s why it’s so relevant. Because Solo is ready… to weaken Cody Rhodes for his match against Roman Reigns.

“Solo is not here to compete. Solo is here to put a beating on Cody Rhodes so that Cody Rhodes is not at 100% against Roman Reigns this Sunday. And if you’re saying, ‘Well that’s not very dignified of Roman Reigns as champion.’ Well, Roman Reigns is ready to stoop to those depths, and rise to those occasions, and get any advantage that he can to remain Tribal Chief on the Island of Relevancy. And that, Cathy, is the difference between Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes. Roman Reigns came to his Wise Man and said, ‘Wise Man, I’m ready.’ And so Roman Reigns was ready to stop being the Big Dog and became the Tribal Chief.

“But this is the same Cody Rhodes we’ve known our entire lives. With those big puppy dog eyes, looking at his hero, Roman Reigns, across the ring Sunday night at WrestleMania, because Cody Rhodes has never been ready. Cody Rhodes was never ready to fill the shoes of the American Dream, Dusty Rhodes. Cody Rhodes was never ready to be the man of this generation. Cody Rhodes is not ready to defeat your Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns, this Sunday at WrestleMania. Cody Rhodes needs to be ready to take the beating that will be inflicted upon him by Solo tonight.

“And then, Cody Rhodes will have to take the emotional baggage that Roman Reigns will dump on him this Friday face to face on SmackDown, so that when Cody Rhodes enters the ring on Sunday night, the only thing he’s going to be ready for is to lose to Roman Reigns. And then Cody Rhodes, I implore you, be ready for the greatest moment of your entire existence. When in the glory of your own defeat, when you’ve disappointed the WWE Universe, be ready to ACKNOWLEDGE your Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns, in the main event this Sunday of WrestleMania.” Heyman claims Solo is ready, but will he be shocked in tonight’s main event?

Rey Mysterio VS Damian Priest w/ Dominik Mysterio!

You can insult a man all you want, but if you insult his wife, that’s a different story! The King of Lucha Libre finally smacked the smug smile off his son’s face on Friday night, and they’re going to have a WrestleMania match after all! But will the Judgment Day’s Punisher break Rey before Dom has to face what’s coming to him?

Raw returns and fans boo as Dom has the mic. “Dad. It takes a real lowlife to hit your own child. I thought you were a deadbeat then. Now, you really are a deadbeat! Everyone saw the video of you attacking me. And after Damian beats  you tonight and I humiliate you at WrestleMania, everyone here will really know what a failure of a father you really are! Someone roll the footage!” A replay of what went down on SmackDown plays, where Rey said no, but Dom had to push it by dragging his mother and sister into this. Dom told his mom to shut up, and Rey DECKED Dom! Dom rants in Spanish about his mom ignoring the truth and his sister not knowing anything.

Fans chant “YOU SUCK!” as Dom says “What kind of father hits his own son? What kind of mother sits there and does nothing?” Dom should’ve said all that a long time ago! Fans still boo and chant “YOU SUCK!” but Dom tells his dad that he’s never said this out loud, but he DOES wish Eddie was his real father! And that Rey never EXISTED! Because Dom’s entire family is a disgrace to the Mysterio name! And the Mysterio name will be HIS after WrestleMania! Dom’s rant ends, and Rey makes his entrance. Rey is keeping his cool, but will he explode before WrestleMania? We see, after the break.

Raw returns again and the match is underway. Rey headlocks but Priest powers out, only for Rey to kick him back. Rey then ducks, dodges, and wheelbarrows, to BULLDOG! Fans fire up but Dom shouts at Priest to get up. Rey goes to the apron while Priest slowly stands. Rey climbs the corner, leaps in, and SEATED SENTONS! Rey keeps moving, he slides past Priest to dropkick the legs out! Rey KICKS Damian down and fans fire up. Rey runs to LIONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Priest and Rey both stand up, but Rey whips. Priest blocks, Rey CLUBS Priest then runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, but springboards into Priest’s arms!

Priest swings Rey around, COMPLETE SHOT! Cover, TWO! Fans rally as Rey is still in this. Priest looms over Rey and wants him to stand up. Fans rally for Rey, that annoys Dom, but Priest runs in, only for the leg to get caught up on the top rope! Rey then CLUBS Priest down onto the ropes! Rey dials it up, but Priest LARIATS first!! Cover, TWO!! Priest and Dom are furious that Rey survives! Priest drags Rey up, RAMS him into a corner, then hoists him up top. Fans rally, Priest CLUBS Rey then climbs up after him. Priest choke grips, but Rey throws back hands and elbows! Rey then stands up, to SUPER STEINER!

Priest flounders up, Rey dropkicks him onto ropes! Rey redials, for the 619!! Priest is down and Rey goes up! But then Dom trips Rey up!

Winner: Rey Mysterio, by disqualification

Fans boo but Dom drags Rey off the corner and rains fists down! Dom roars as the fans boo, but Dom has Priest drag Rey up. They mug Rey, but wait! LEGADO DEL FANTASMA is here! Santos Escobar, Cruz Del Toro & Joaquin Wilde run Priest & Dom off! Will Dom lie, cheat and ultimately steal the Mysterio legacy away from his father?

Raw looks back at Andre the Giant.

“Larger than life. Unmatched in power. Andre the Giant towered over the competition with a nearly 15 year undefeated streak.” Jerry Lawler says that no matter where Andre went, people came to see him. Hulk Hogan says there was just “something magical” about Andre. The first-ever inductee to the WWE Hall of Fame, he holds the record for most career battle royal eliminations. And in 2014, WWE began the Andre the Giant Battle Royal. It is a tradition that brings the same awe and excitement that Andre himself brought to the ring. This Friday Night SmackDown, who makes their mark on history in the ninth annual memorial battle royal?

The list of participants is in the back.

Bobby Lashley, Johnny Gargano, Dexter Lumis, Rick Boogs, Dolph Ziggler, Elias, Mustafa Ali, Xavier Woods, Madcap Moss, Baron Corbin, Bronson Reed, Karrion Kross, LA Knight, Cedric Alexander, Shelton Benjamin, Mace, Mansoor, Top Dolla, Ashante THEE Adonis, Ridge Holland, “Butch” Pete Dunne, Angel Garza, Humberto Carrillo, Santos Escobar, Joaquin Wilde, Cruz Del Toro and… The Good Brothers, Karl Anderson & Luke Gallows! Bingo! Payday! Gargano says Friday Night SmackDown, NXT Stand & Deliver Saturday and WrestleMania ALL weekend, this is gonna be crazy!

Gargano, lead us tot he dojo. Uh, okay. Maybe this way? Sure. Boogs walks up and is so excited! Elias asks why? Boogs is in the battle royal! Sweet! Just like Elias. And Elias has a great feeling. Take notes, because Elias is a lock to win. But then he turns around to see Lumis. Well, nice gloves. And then he turns around to see Bronson Reed. Sorry, didn’t see you there. See you Friday, though. But then Elias bumps into the All Mighty! Elias is a lock to win, huh? Y-yeah… Lashley pats Elias on the shoulder and says, “See you Friday.” Boogs says this is gonna be SUPER! Is it, though? Or will a true giant win the Andre the Giant Battle Royal?

Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn speak.

Sami starts by saying, “I’d say it’s been a pretty emotional year. After everything that’s happened between us and the Usos, and everything else, we’re now finding ourselves less than a week away from the biggest tag team championship match of all time. And a huge part of why this is so emotional for us is also the fact that it’s happening in Los Angeles, because there’s a big part of the story there that not everybody knows. Yeah, everybody knows Sami Zayn & Kevin Owens started in Montreal, from nothing. Nothing! But Los Angeles is the city where we first got our big break. That is where we made our names, that is where we truly became a team.

“And now, after all these years, after everything that’s happened with us, it all comes full circle and we walk back into Los Angeles as a team.” Kevin says, “Because every fight we’ve ever been in, every fight we’ve had together, every fight we’ve had alongside each other, has been about getting our careers to the next level. Going forward, going upwards, getting bigger and better things. But this weekend, it doesn’t get any better, it doesn’t get any bigger. Biggest tag team match of all time? You’re right. It’s us against the Usos, the longest reigning tag team champions of all time. The best team in WWE.

“And that was true up until last week, because this weekend, we get to show The Usos, we get to show The Bloodline, we get to show the world, what we can do as a team, and we get to do it in Los Angeles, the city where we got our first big break! And in that city, we are going to achieve the biggest thing we can achieve together, when we become WWE Undisputed Tag Team Champions, and we’re doing it at WrestleMania!” Kevin & Sami are fired up, will they be the ones to finally dethrone Jimmy & Jey?

GUNTHER w/ Imperium VS ???

Despite Der Ring General wanting only one challenger for his Intercontinental Championship at WrestleMania, he made a miscalculation in his plans and now has two! Will Gunther be 100% before taking on Drew McIntyre AND Sheamus? Or will whoever his opponent is find a way to do some damage?

Raw returns and Gunther’s opponent is… Dolph Ziggler! The Showoff has been Intercontinental Champion many times before, will he show he can still get to that level?

The bell rings, and Ziggler DROPKICKS Gunther! And SATELLITE DDTS! Fans fire up, Ziggler aims again, and Gunther stands into haymakers! SUPER- NO, Gunther blocks the kick to CHOP Ziggler off his feet! Gunther drags Ziggler up, UPPERCUTS him to a corner, then drags Ziggler up to put him on the top rope. Gunther CHOPS Ziggler, then climbs up to STAND on Ziggler! The ref reprimands and counts, fans boo, but Gunther lets off at 4. Ziggler flops out of the ring, Gunther stands tall in the corner, and Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Gunther has Ziggler down with a chinlock. Ziggler fights up, throws body shots, then haymakers and forearms! Fans fire up, Ziggler HEADBUTTS, then he dodges a lariat to kick and FAMOUSER! Cover, TWO! Gunther crawls to a corner, stands up, and Ziggler jumps! But Gunther bucks the Zigzag! Ziggler runs back in, into a CHOP!! Gunther then drags Ziggler up for a GERMAN SUPLEX! And then Gunther drags Ziggler up to bring him around, for a GENERAL BOMB!! Gunther doesn’t end it there, though, as he drags Ziggler back up! For the scoop and LAST SYMPHONY! Cover, Gunther!

Winner: Gunther, by pinfall

The Intercontinental Champion didn’t need to do more damage, he wanted to do more damage. But Gunther then gets the mic to call out Sheamus and McIntyre. “Despite the disgrace of being forced to defend MY Intercontinental Championship against both of you… Have a look. Because this is the fate that awaits you at WrestleMania!” Will brutality be the melody of this Triple Threat of titans?

Cody Rhodes VS Solo Sikoa w/ Paul Heyman!

Fans sing for The American Nightmare and the pyro goes off, Cody is more than ready for this Monday Night Raw main event. But will he survive this fight with the Street Champion before taking on THE champion on WrestleMania Sunday? Or will the story he wants to finish meet a tragic ending right here?

Raw returns again and fans fire up with the bell. They rally behind Cody as he ties up with Solo. Cody headlocks, Solo powers out and they RAM shoulders. Solo dares Cody to try again, and Cody does run, but he slides under to kick low and drop for the RHODES UPPERCUT! But Solo UPPERCUTS right back! Cody staggers to a corner, Solo runs in but Cody dodges to DROPKICK! Cody fires off haymakers and forearms, runs, but Solo hits a SAMOAN DROP! It was more a toss, really, but either way, Solo stalks Cody out of the ring. Solo SMACKS Cody off the apron, then talks trash. “Who’s not ready, huh?”

Solo whips, Cody reverses, and Solo hits the steel steps! Cody hurries after Solo, they get in the ring, and Cody drags Solo to a corner. Cody ROCKS Solo, then SLAMS the bad leg against the post! Solo crawls, Cody slides in, and Cody runs to springboard and- Clinch! BELLY2BELLY! Solo snarls as he stands back up, and he watches Cody bail out. Solo smacks his bad leg to get it working, and he builds speed to CLOBBER Cody off the apron! Cody hits the announce desk, and Solo goes out after him. Fans are torn as Solo stalks Cody, but Cody blocks the bump to SMACK Solo off the desk! Cody dribbles Solo’s head, then rains down fists!

Fans fire up with Cody, he slides into the ring to refresh the count, and he builds speed! Cody DIVES, but into another clinch! SPINNING SOLO onto the desk! Fans boo while Cody writhes, and Solo drags him back up. For another SPINNING SOLO onto the desk! Solo soaks up the heat while Raw goes to break.

Raw returns once more and Solo clamps a claw into Cody’s shoulder. Cody endures and fans rally up, and Cody pries at the hold. Cody fights to his feet, pries the hand away, but Solo ROCKS him in the back with a forearm. Solo back suplexes, but Cody lands on his feet! Cody kicks low, reels Solo in, but Solo is too big to suplex! Solo HEADBUTTS Cody and puts him in a corner, to SPLASH! Solo shoves Cody down then stalks him. Solo grinds his forearm into Cody’s head, then scrapes his face! The ref reprimands but Solo eggs Cody on. Cody sits up but Solo CLUBS him down! Solo stomps Cody to ropes, then rains down fists!

The ref reprimands and counts, but Solo lets off at 4. Fans rally for Cody but Solo drags Cody up. But Cody stomps a foot! Then he GOURD BUSTERS Solo down! Solo sits up in a daze and staggers up, to HEADBUTT again! Cody wobbles, Solo runs, but then Cody follows! Cody CLOBBERS Solo, baits him to a corner, and goes up and over. Solo runs in, Cody dodges to POWERSLAM! Cody runs as Solo rises, BEAUTIFUL DISASTER KICK! Cody keeps moving, he springboards again, CODY CUTTER! Fans fire up with Cody, and he waits on Solo to stand. Solo rises, Cody dragon sleepers! CROSS RHODES! Cody crawls to the cover, ROPEBREAK!!

Solo survives by a literal foot and Cody can’t believe it! Cody drags Solo to a drop zone, stomps him a few times, then goes to the corner. Cody glares at Heyman while he climbs up, “Is this what you wanted!?” MOONSAULT FLOPS as Solo moves! Heyman says yes, that IS what he wanted. Solo and Cody both slowly rise, and they crawl towards each other. Both men stand, and Solo HEADBUTTS! And HEADBUTTS! And he prepares the thumb! Cody dodges the Samoan Spike to springboard and CODY CUTTER again! Fans fire up, but here come the USOS! Jimmy & Jey storm down the ramp, but Cody turns around into a SUPERKICK from Solo!

Solo hits another SPINNING SOLO!! Cover, TWO!!! Cody survives and the Bloodline is furious! But here come Sami & Kevin! The tag teams brawl at the ramp and Phoenix is thunderous again! Kevin ahs Jimmy, Sami has Jey, and Kevin sends Jimmy into the tron! Sami sends Jey into the tron! The brawl continues to the back! Solo is stunned, Cody springboards in! But Solo catches him! SAMOAN- NO, Cody ducks the spike! CROSS RHODES AGAIN!! Cover, Cody wins!!!

Winner: Cody Rhodes, by pinfall

Heyman is seething, but Solo’s WWE undefeated streak is broken by Cody’s! But will Cody cap this all off with the storybook ending of becoming Undisputed WWE Universal Champion?

My Thoughts:

A great episode, especially given this was a go-home episode. Great video packages to hype Asuka and Bianca ahead of their match, and a good one for Charlotte. Rhea had a good promo in person that didn’t really add anything. A little surprised they didn’t make a video for her so that everyone could see her run in NXT UK and NXT. Or maybe they should’ve had he reference that herself in this promo. Because Rhea could’ve brought up how she is the first woman to have been NXT UK Women’s and prime NXT Women’s Champion in her career, and is therefore also the only one to have had those, the Raw Women’s title and the WWE Women’s tag titles. If she gets the SmackDown title, she’ll join Charlotte as a WWE Triple Crown and Grand Slam, and even create like a “Five Star” Champion category all her own.

Great opening with MizTV, with good promos from everyone on the Face team, a good promo from Bayley, and a great response from Becky. Great match from Becky VS Sky, and great win from Becky. Becky’s promo did have a good point that DMG CTRL hasn’t really gone anywhere (not necessarily their fault), so I’m thinking that if DMG CTRL doesn’t win at Mania, Kai & Sky break away from Bayley to do things their way. Really good stuff from the women’s tag showcase story, too, with Chelsea & Sonya being almost as good of a combination as Chelsea & Carmella. And so of course they win to even things out, two Heel teams and two Face teams. I’m still thinking Ronda & Shayna win, and at this point, they probably pin/submit Chelsea to do it.

Good stuff from Rollins and Ali, with Ali apparently leaning into his “positive-Ali” gimmick to annoy more than just Ziggler. Rollins of course wins, and he has a great promo calling out Logan Paul. Not sure how that affects go-home math but obviously wrestling fans want Rollins to win so let’s hope he does. And speaking of Ziggler, I don’t know who I expected Gunther to beat, but I should’ve realized it’d be Ziggler. Good promo from Gunther warning his challengers, but it is still up in the air who wins that. Really good promo from Theory because he actually takes the Heel trope of not needing or caring about the fans to another level.

The weigh-in segment turning into a brawl was fine, because we were bound to get a brawl tonight anyway. Omos continues to look incredibly powerful, and Lesnar continues to find himself on the defensive. This could be one of the more compelling matches Lesnar has had because he has to figure out how to win as the underdog. Good vignette for Andre the Giant and the battle royal, and good promo where some of the entrants find they are in fact entrants. Elias is definitely not winning, but I would love if one of the “giants” in that match wins. And I’d personally go with Bronson Reed, he needs something to jumpstart his own story so he can stop story hopping.

Great promo from Dom before a really good match from Rey VS Damian. A disqualification win is a good way to give Rey the momentum, but then that can also mean Dom is going over at Mania for a huge moment. Really good promo from Finn to respond to Edge, can’t wait to see how this WrestleMania edition of Demon Balor will look. And really good 8 Man Tag to preview the Men’s Tag Team Showcase. The Faces winning makes sense, but who knows if either of those duos wins. It’d actually be rather surprising if, in her attempts to court Otis away from Alpha Academy, Maxxine has Mace & Mansoor help the Academy win with some shenanigans.

And of course, great stuff out of the Bloodline storylines. Great promos from both Cody and Heyman ahead of the great match from Cody VS Solo. Great promo from Kevin & Sami, and of course they counter The Usos trying to help Solo against Cody. This big win for Cody would normally make it seem like Cody is going to lose at the PPV, but there’s still the segment on SmackDown, and this story is a bit more complex, so there are ways for Cody to still win at Mania despite the math.

My Score: 8.7/10