Reviews

The John Report: The WWE Raw Deal 02/13/23 Review

By John Canton • Published 13th February 2023
wwe raw deal feb 13 main

This week’s WWE Raw featured a Brock Lesnar-Bobby Lashley contract signing, a six-woman tag team match, Seth Rollins on Miz TV and more.

It is the last Raw before the WWE Elimination Chamber Premium Live Event on Saturday night in Montreal. Smackdown is also in Montreal so that should be a hot crowd for both of those shows. The Brooklyn crowd is usually really good too. I think the lineup for the Chamber PLE is pretty good for the most part as we continue on the road to WrestleMania 39 on April 1 and 2.

This is the Raw Deal for episode #1551 of Monday Night Raw. It’s taking place at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. Follow me on Twitter @johnreport. Let’s get to it.

The Raw intro video aired to start the show.

Let’s Hear from Becky Lynch

The show started with “The Man” Becky Lynch in the ring already along with WWE Official Adam Pearce. Lynch gave a shoutout to Brooklyn as she welcomed us to Monday Night Raw. When Lynch mentioned Pearce, the fans booed. Lynch talked about beating Bayley in a Steel Cage Match last week with thanks to Lita for helping her out. Lynch said that she has been so distracted by the Damage CTRL fools and mentioned how she is always after the Women’s Championship. Lynch wanted Pearce to let Becky fight her way into that Elimination Chamber match right here tonight.

Bayley showed up for the interruption with the fans booing her. Bayley called Lynch an idiot and the fans are idiots too. Bayley said that Lynch didn’t finish nothing last week because Lita had to do it for Lynch. Bayley told Pearce to put her into the Elimination Chamber match. Becky and Bayley both traded insults bragging about their accomplishments. Pearce tried to stop them, but here comes Bianca Belair.

Bianca Belair made her entrance with the Raw Women’s Championship around her waist with fans chanting “EST” for her. Belair walked into the ring saying she likes where this is going because she wants to face the best of the best.

Pearce suggested a match between Belair, Lynch and Bayley in a triple threat match. If Lynch or Bayley win then they get added to Elimination Chamber to start the Chamber as a triple threat. If Belair wins then Lynch and Bayley are both not in the Chamber match. Pearce made it official with the fans cheering that.

Analysis: A good promo segment to set up a main event match with a lot on the line because Lynch or Bayley could be added to the Elimination Chamber with a win. It’s a match with high stakes so that makes it interesting because of the potential reward for the winner. I enjoyed the trash talk from Lynch and Bayley as well.

The Raw commentary team of Kevin Patrick and Corey Graves were shown at ringside to hype up what’s coming up later.

They showed The Judgment Day backstage with Byron Saxton asking Finn Balor, Damian Priest and Dominik Mysterio if they’re ready for Elimination Chamber. Priest was confident about his US Title match at the Chamber show. Dominik made his prison references as usual and said that Mami (Ripley) is ready for Elimination Chamber while adding she’s still traveling the world and mentioned Valentine’s Day. Balor was confident going into the mixed tag at Chamber along with this upcoming match against The Street Profits.

The Street Profits made their entrance for tag team action.

A commercial aired for Elimination Chamber promoting Roman Reigns defending the Undisputed WWE Universal Title against Sami Zayn.

(Commercial)

The Judgment Day (Damian Priest & Finn Balor) (w/Dominik Mysterio) vs. The Street Profits (Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins)

Priest and Ford are in the US Title Elimination Chamber match. Balor teams up with Ripley against Edge & Beth Phoenix at Elimination Chamber.

Priest rocked Ford with punches followed by Balor tagging in with a stomp to the chest. Ford came back with a kick to Balor’s head, Dawkins tagged in with a dropkick and the Profits hit a double flapjack on Priest. The Profits cleared the ring by giving Priest a clothesline over the top to the floor leading to a break.

(Commercial)

Priest went for a belly to back suplex on Ford off the top, but Ford countered with a cross body block. Dawkins tagged in with a back elbow on Balor and a Silencer suplex. Ford tagged in and Dawkins launched Balor to Ford for a suplex for two, but Priest broke up the pin. Dawkins was legal, Ford jumped off the top and hit a super Blockbuster neckbreaker off the top for two. Priest was sent out of the ring again and Ford hit a dive over the top onto Priest. Dawkins brought Dominik into the ring and did a Pounce to knock Dominik out of the ring. Balor capitalized with a running dropkick in the corner. Balor jumped off the top with a Coup de Grace double foot stomp for the pinfall win after ten minutes.

Winners by pinfall: The Judgment Day (Damian Priest & Finn Balor)

Analysis: *** A pretty good match as usual any time The Street Profits are in a match like this. Balor and Priest work well as a team too. Dawkins let Dom’s presence distract him, so that led to Balor capitalizing with the dropkick on Dawkins leading to the finish. Ford and Priest had some good spots together. No surprise that Dawkins got pinned since the other three guys are in matches at Elimination Chamber.

Post match, Priest attacked Ford with a kick. Edge and Beth Phoenix made their entrance and ran down to the ring. The fans popped huge for it. Edge fought with Balor on the floor. Phoenix went into the ring and hit Dominik with a clothesline. Phoenix wanted to do more, but Rhea Ripley hit her with a forearm. Ripley hit Phoenix with a Riptide slam to drop Phoenix. The fans booed as Edge went back into the ring while the heels retreated. The Judgment Day left as they celebrated getting the advantage.

Analysis: That meant that Dominik lied about Ripley not being there. Heels lie! Breaking news! Or not. Anyway, it put some heat onto Ripley and friends going into the mixed tag team match at Elimination Chamber. It worked in terms of drawing boos from the crowd.

The Lesnar-Lashley contract signing was next.

(Commercial)

There were highlights shown of The Kansas City Chiefs being given a WWE Title for winning the Super Bowl on Sunday night. The Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes was carrying the WWE Title around so that’s good publicity for WWE.

Contract Signing For Lesnar-Lashley

Brock Lesnar made his entrance in the jean jacket, jeans and black cowboy hat look. Lesnar got a huge pop from the crowd as he entered the ring. The WWE Official Adam Pearce was in the ring for the contract signing. Lesnar tossed a leather chair over the top to the floor. Pearce said that Lesnar already signed the contract, so then Lesnar cut Pearce off and Lesnar told Lashley to get his ass out here to sign the contract.

Bobby Lashley made his entrance with about ten security guards. Some of them are much smaller than Lesnar and Lashley, just saying. An extra table was brought out to the stage along with a leather chair.

Bobby Lashley walked out in dress clothes and stood behind the table by the entrance. Lashley said this is not the Brock Lesnar Show. Lashley said he’s sick of this. Lashley said he has pinned Lesnar, left him unconscious and eliminated Brock from the Royal Rumble. Lesnar told Lashley to get his ass up there to sign the contract. Lashley claimed he had his agents, managers, representative and even had his kids look at the contract. Lashley said he doesn’t know if he’s going to sign the contract. Lesnar told him to sign the contract leading to “Bobby’s scared” chants. Lesnar told Lashley he’ll beat his ass unconscious and he’ll sign it for Lashley. Bobby said he didn’t think Lesnar had the balls to do that.

Lesnar grabbed the contract, left the ring and Lesnar beat up the indy wrestlers that were security guys. Lesnar charged and Lashley gave Lesnar a back body drop on the floor. Lashley hit Lesnar wit ha Spear. Lashley grabbed the contract, signed the contract and put the contract on Lesnar’s body. Lashley taunted the crowd a bit with the fans booing him. Lesnar did a nice job of selling on the floor.

Analysis: I thought it was an effective segment. Lesnar got the advantage last week with two F5’s so it was Lashley’s turn this week. Lesnar was cheered a lot, Lashley was heelish and the fans were into it. I think the Elimination Chamber match might have a screwy finish to set up another Lashley-Lesnar match at WrestleMania that might be a Street Fight or something with a stipulation.

It’s Michin against Niven next up on Raw.

(Commercial)

Piper Niven vs. “Michin” Mia Yim

Niven hit a running shoulder tackle. Michin tried a lift and Niven landed on top. Michin hit a DDT. Michin charged, Niven caught her and hit a spinebuster. Niven with a senton splash for two. Niven with chops. Michin with a spin kick. Niven blocked Eat Defeat, Niven caught a running Michin and Niven hit the Loch Ness Slam. Graves said it was like being slammed into the abyss as a reference to Abyss from TNA/Impact since he works for WWE now and he used to do that move. It went about three minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Piper Niven

Analysis: *1/2 A quick match to put over Niven as a powerful heel that is going to be tough to beat in singles matches. The fans were mostly dead for the match. Michin isn’t really getting pushed, so it was obvious who was getting the win there. Good choice for Niven using that finisher too because it suits a power wrestler like her.

There was a video showing The Usos beating Braun Strowman & Ricochet to retain the Smackdown Tag Team Titles last Friday on Smackdown. They also showed Jey Uso telling Jimmy Uso he didn’t know what he was feeling. Sami Zayn caught up to Jey in the parking lot saying that Jey didn’t have to go down with The Bloodline ship. Zayn acknowledged Jey and they touched fists. At the end of Smackdown, Paul Heyman told Jimmy Uso that Reigns wants them to stay home because sometimes you see things on TV that don’t see when you’re there live. It showed images of Sami/Jey talking meaning Reigns saw it since he was home and saw it on the show.

The announcers plugged Reigns-Zayn at Elimination Chamber and the triple threat women’s main event on Raw.

(Commercial)

They showed Dexter Lumis beating Baron Corbin. After the match, JBL trashed Corbin saying he didn’t belong with him. It was the end of the JBL-Corbin storyline.

Baron Corbin was interviewed by Cathy Kelley asking for a response to his harsh comments. Before Corbin could talk, Sami Zayn was shown in the ring in a hoodie.

Let’s Hear from Sami Zayn…and Cody Rhodes

Sami Zayn said he was there to talk to somebody and he’s not sure he would have a chance to do it before Elimination Chamber on Saturday. Sami called out his friend Cody Rhodes. That led to Cody Rhodes making his entrance in a suit with the fans popping big for him as usual.

Sami and Cody stood together in the ring with the fans cheering both of them. There were some “Cody” chants. Cody welcomed Sami to Raw and asked what does he want to talk about?

Zayn spoke about Cody’s promo exchange with Paul Heyman was great and got a lot of people talking with good reason. Zayn said that it is looking more and more every day like it is going to be Cody Rhodes vs. Sami Zayn at WrestleMania. Zayn looked Cody dead in the eyes saying he wanted Cody to tell him face to face if Cody thinks that Zayn can beat Roman Reigns.

Cody talked about said he doesn’t have a lot left to BS Sami. Cody said that he meant it when Zayn will beat Reigns. Cody said that he believed it when he said Sami would be his opponent at WrestleMania. The fans chanted “this is awesome” for them. Cody let it quiet down. Cody wondered if it really mattered what he believed. Cody said what mattered is if Sami believes that he can defeat Roman Reigns.

Zayn asked if he wanted the truth, the fans chanted “Ole” in support of Sami and Zayn said that the truth was he didn’t know. Zayn said he has been in the trenches with The Bloodline, stood in the trenches with The Bloodline for the last nine months and they always find a way. Zayn said that Roman Reigns is as good as he says he is and he has seen it. Zayn talked about guys bigger, stronger than him believing they can take down Reigns and every single one of them went down. Zayn said that after 900 days, now he has to believe that he will be the one to take down Roman Reigns? Zayn said he believes he is capable beating Reigns, he believes he can be the champion, he said he believes he is worthy of being WrestleMania main event material and he had to believe that with every fiber of his being. The fans cheered. Zayn said if you think that Zayn will walk out of Montreal as the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion…Zayn doesn’t know. The fans chanted “you can do it…no you can’t” at Zayn.

Cody said that Montreal is going to be chanting Sami’s name and they believe in him. Cody said that everybody has fallen to Reigns, but there is dissension in The Bloodline and that’s because of Zayn. Cody said that the idea of the greatest champion of their generation possibly being dethroned and this awesome moment of time is because of Sami. Cody said that Reigns is in God-mode, but he’s a man and Sami said he can find out himself. Cody said that he won the Royal Rumble, Michael Cole said he needs to finish his story, Cody said he’ll finish his story and Sami needs to finish his story. Cody told Zayn he didn’t want to see him on Raw next Monday because he would rather see him at WrestleMania. Zayn left the ring looking confident. Zayn exited by going into the crowd while Cody’s music played and Sami stared at him from a distance.

Analysis: This was excellent. Cody is such an awesome babyface promo at this point and Sami has the crowd behind him too, so he’s thriving in this spot. It’s awesome how they used Sami and Cody to build the Elimination Chamber match on Saturday and what could happen at WrestleMania too. All of that without Roman Reigns even there. The fans are totally invested in these storylines. Great performances by these guys. I have written for weeks about how I think Jey Uso will cost Sami the match against Reigns, but I’m still going to enjoy the match if that happens or something else. The storyline has been so good. Getting Cody involved last week and this week was a great call. Now we know that Cody believes in Sami, so maybe Sami believes in himself a bit more now. This was effective in terms of building the story that Sami believes in himself a bit more even though he knows how tough it is to beat Reigns. I liked this a lot.

They showed Carmella, Nikki Cross and Asuka with her headgear backstage. Carmella commented about how they are weird, so she left. Candice LeRae asked Nikki why she was following Candice. Nikki just laughed at her like a crazy woman.

(Commercial)

Baron Corbin was interviewed by Cathy Kelley with Corbin saying that JBL was a has been, so he’s better off without JBL. Corbin complained about being disrespected by Cathy because he was interrupted by Sami Zayn. Corbin said that Roman Reigns is going to destroy Sami Zayn at Elimination Chamber. Corbin said that he was the last guy to beat Reigns (a few years ago). Corbin went on a rant ripping on Cody Rhodes, who appeared by the curtain in the background. Cody Rhodes went after Corbin with punches. They made their way down to the ring.

Cody Rhodes vs. Baron Corbin

They went out to the ring brawling and had a referee with them. Cody took off his shirt and hit a suicide dive onto Corbin on the floor. They fought on the floor a bit, Cody shoved Corbin into the ring post and broke the referee’s count. Cody sent Corbin into the steel steps. Back in the ring, Cody avoided a charging Corbin and hit a Cody Cutter off the ropes. Cody hit the Cross Rhodes neckbreaker into the pin for the win after about three minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Cody Rhodes

Analysis: *1/2 A dominant win by Cody Rhodes wrestling in dress clothes and he did it just fine. Baron Corbin continues to lose a lot more than he wins.

They showed Natalya, Raquel Rodriguez & Liv Morgan talking backstage ahead of their match. Natalya didn’t like Bayley or Becky Lynch possibly being added to the Women’s Elimination Chamber match because they earned. Liv didn’t care if others were added, and then Raquel shouted at them saying that they need to focus.

Liv Morgan made her entrance ahead of the women’s tag team match.

This Friday on Smackdown: Ronda Rousey & Shayna vs. Natalya & Shayna Baszler. Plus, Sami Zayn is back in Montreal one night before the biggest match of his career.

(Commercial)

The entrances took place for the six-woman tag team match.

Raw – Asuka, Nikki Cross & Carmella vs. Smackdown – Raquel Rodriguez, Liv Morgan & Natalya

All six women are in the Elimination Chamber match.

Raquel started, Cross tried to fight her and Raquel knocked her down easily. Carmella faced off against Natalya leading to Natalya quickly putting on a Sharpshooter, but Cross broke it up. The Smackdown team cleared the ring leading to a break. I believe it was a picture-in-picture break in the US although it’s not like that here in Canada.

(Commercial)

Carmella was in control of Natalya with a superkick and a headlock, but Natalya got out of it with a slam. Morgan tagged in against Cross with kicks, a corner splash and a running knee. Morgan hit a missile dropkick off the ropes. Asuka tagged in against Morgan with Asuka doing strikes, then a knee to the face and Natalya broke up the pin. Asuka sent Natalya into the turnbuckle. Carmella off the top, Raquel caught her, Nikki on Raquel’s back and Asuka kicked Raquel to knock her down. Asuka kicked Nikki, then a suplex, Asuka kicked Carmella and a suplex. Asuka kicked Carmella down. Asuka hooked Morgan’s right arm and pulled on Morgan’s left arm as well with Morgan giving up. It went about seven minutes.

Winner by submission: Raw – Asuka, Nikki Cross & Carmella

Analysis: ** It was the Asuka show since she dominated the match by winning for her team and beat up her own teammates as well. Asuka is my pick in the Women’s Elimination Chamber match too. I don’t think Triple H books matches like this to have somebody look so strong and then lose at Elimination Chamber. He wants to make Asuka look like a threat to the champion and that’s what is happening.

Otis was shown eating backstage with Chad Gable talking about how a year ago they were Raw Tag Team Champions. Otis was eating a Coney Island hot dog, Gable grabbed the hot tag and threw it away, which landed on Mansoor. Maxxine Dupri was with Mansoor and Mace. Maxxine asked Otis if he had done any modeling. Gable considered himself a model. Maxxine pronounced Otis’ name in a unique way. Maxxine gave Otis her Maximum Male Models card and Gable took the card. Bronson Reed laughed at Otis & Gable followed by Reed making his entrance.

Analysis: It continued the story of Maxxine thinking Otis can be a model, so that should lead to some comedy segments.

A commercial aired for Elimination Chamber.

(Commercial)

Bronson Reed vs. Mustafa Ali

Reed shoved down Ali. When Ali got back up, he went for a running attack and Reed ran over Ali with a running dropkick. Ali with a dropkick, but Reed hit him with a back body drop over the top to the floor. Reed with a shoulder tackle off the apron onto Ali on the floor. With Reed on the apron, Ali hit a running kick to knock Reed down. Ali jumped off the top, Reed caught him and Reed slammed Ali onto a leather chair and metal chairs that were ringside. Reed pulled Ali by the arm and brought him back into the ring. Reed went for a Powerbomb, Ali slipped out of that and Ali hit a Tornado DDT for just a one count. Allow went for an attack, but Reed hit him with a clothesline. Reed went up top and hit a Tsunami splash on Ali for the pinfall win after four minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Bronson Reed

Analysis: *3/4 It was yet another easy win on this show with Reed dominating Ali throughout the match. While Ali got some offense, it was all about putting over Reed since he’s in the Elimination Chamber match while Ali is not.

They recapped the Edge/Beth story with The Judgment Day from earlier in the show.

Edge and Beth Phoenix were interviewed by Cathy Kelley. Edge said he’s sick of it with regard to The Judgment Day and Beth

The Miz made his entrance in his ring gear for Miz TV up next and he’s got a match as well.

A commercial aired for the WWE 2K23 video game.

(Commercial)

They showed a clip of WrestleMania 21’s 2005 commercial with Steve Austin doing a parody of the Gladiator film. There was a report that WWE will be doing new videos, but nothing new yet.

Miz TV with Seth “Freakin” Rollins as the guest

The Miz welcomed us to Miz TV with Miz complaining about how he’s not in the Elimination Chamber match. Miz talked about how Seth Rollins was good, but he wondered his head was at – in Elimination Chamber or with Logan Paul.

Seth “Freakin” Rollins made his entrance with the fans singing along to the song as well. Rollins was wearing some ridiculous large red boots along with his black attire. Seth has been trashing Logan Paul in media interviews all week, so that should continue here.

The Miz asked Rollins about the giant red boots and Rollins said it’s called style. Miz quickly mentioned Logan Paul so Rollins said they don’t want to hear him talk about that dumpster fire of a human being. Rollins said that the fans want to sing, so the fans sang with Seth’s song. Miz put over Taylor Swift as a great singer. Miz said that Logan Paul called Rollins a clown and Seth had the boots on to prove it. Rollins said if he didn’t have something nice to say then don’t say it all. Miz pointed out that Rollins was eliminated by Logan Paul from the Royal Rumble. Miz mentioned Rollins talked about Logan everywhere, but wondered why he won’t talk about Paul here. Rollins: “Shut up, Mike.”

Seth Rollins pointed at the WrestleMania sign. Rollins said he wants to main event WrestleMania saying it matters because “we love this.” The fans sang Seth’s song again. Rollins said that Paul doesn’t give a damn about that dream. Rollins said that all Paul cares about is lining his own pockets and getting famous. Rollins told Mike that Paul doesn’t deserve to be mentioned in this ring. Rollins said that Paul needs to have his teeth kicked in. Miz said he thinks Rollins is jealous of Paul. Rollins said he’s not jealous. Miz told Rollins he is not stupid, then Rollins asked Brooklyn and the fans chanted “yes” to Miz being stupid. Miz said they are the only two-time Grand Slam Champions in WWE, but Miz is the only one that headlined WrestleMania because Rollins didn’t do it due to Logan Paul. (Seth did end WrestleMania 31 in 2015 holding the WWE Title after his Money in the Bank cash-in so that feels like a WrestleMania main event to me even though he wasn’t advertised for it going into the Lesnar-Reigns match.) Rollins punched Miz. Rollins wanted The Stomp, but Austin Theory showed up to pull Rollins out of the ring. Rollins knocked Theory down on the floor. Miz went after Rollins, but Rollins went into the ring and hit Miz with a superkick. Rollins hit Miz with The Stomp using his VERY LARGE BOOTS. Theory went into the ring and hit A-Town Down on Rollins. Theory stood over Rollins to end the segment.

Analysis: It furthered the story of Rollins not respecting Paul, so that should set up their WrestleMania match soon. Theory attacking Rollins was a way to get Theory on the show and push the Elimination Chamber match, so that’s okay too. Seth’s red boots were absolutely ridiculous to look at, but that’s his style these days.

Rick Boogs was shown talking to Elias while MVP was talking to Shelton Benjamin & Cedric Alexander backstage. Elias told Boogs that if he loses to Miz, don’t let it get you down. Elias said maybe they can do a collaboration one day. Boogs did some posing and talked about beating Miz tonight.

The Miz was shown down on the mat leading to a break.

(Commercial)

Rick Boogs vs. The Miz

Miz complained about the match happening. Boogs hit an overhead suplex. Boogs did some curls into a slam. Boogs picked up Miz leading to a press that ended in a front slam for the pinfall win. It went about one minute.

Winner by pinfall: Rick Boogs

Analysis: 1/2* A short squash match. The Miz continues to get booked like a joke character similar to Baron Corbin.

Chelsea Green complained to WWE Official Adam Pearce in his office. Green claimed she sent emails complaining, Pearce reminded her that he runs both shows, he responded to her emails and she kept on complaining about things. Green wanted Pearce to put her in the triple threat later, he said no. Green did some more whining so Pearce just left.

(Commercial)

They showed an image of Patrick Mahomes holding the Super Bowl trophy with the WWE Title as well.

The Judgment Day was interviewed again by Byron Saxton, this time with Rhea Ripley there. Finn Balor said they beat Edge & Beth again while claiming they like it too much. Finn said they’ll do it again. Dominik Mysterio said that the game has passed them by. Damian Priest said he’s going to walk out of Elimination Chamber as the US Champion. Rhea Ripley said that Charlotte Flair is on a level below her when Ripley takes the Smackdown Women’s Title from Flair at WrestleMania. Ripley talked about beating Edge & Beth at Elimination Chamber to end it.

Analysis: A confident promo from The Judgment Day as usual. If Balor/Ripley lose at Elimination Chamber then it’s probably Balor who will take the fall.

There was a rundown of the Elimination Chamber card.

* Edge & Beth Phoenix vs. Finn Balor & Rhea Ripley

* Undisputed WWE Universal Championship: Roman Reigns (c) vs. Sami Zayn

* Brock Lesnar vs. Bobby Lashley

* US Championship Elimination Chamber Match: Austin Theory (c) vs. Johnny Gargano vs. Seth “Freakin” Rollins vs. Bronson Reed vs. Damian Priest vs. Montez Ford

* Raw Women’s Championship #1 Contender Elimination Chamber Match: Asuka vs. Raquel Rodriguez vs. Liv Morgan vs. Nikki Cross vs. Natalya vs. Carmella

There was a video that aired about past Elimination Chamber matches to try to put over how dangerous the Chamber match is.

Bianca Belair was shown walking backstage with the Raw Women’s Championship for the main event match up next.

(Commercial)

There were highlights shown of the Cody Rhodes-Sami Zayn promo from earlier on Raw. That was followed by a WrestleMania graphic.

It was main event time with Bianca Belair up first as the Raw Women’s Champion. Bayley was up next. She grabbed a fan’s sign and ripped it. Good job by her. Becky Lynch was up last.

(Commercial)

Bianca Belair vs. Bayley vs. Becky Lynch

If Bayley or Lynch wins then that person will be added to the Women’s Elimination Chamber match. If Belair wins then nobody is added to the Women’s Elimination Chamber match.

Belair tossed Lynch onto Bayley for a pin attempt. Lynch hit a back elbow on Belair. Lynch with a cross body block, Belair caught her and Bayley shoved Belair into the turnbuckle. Bayley dumped Lynch over the top to the floor. Bayley with a running clothesline to the back of Belair. Bayley tossed Belair shoulder first into the ring post. Bayley tossed Lynch into the barricade at ringside. Bayley hit a back elbow in the corner. Belair made a comeback with punches, then Bayley ducked a clothesline and a belly to back suplex got a two count. Bayley hit Lynch with a neckbreaker across the middle rope. Bayley with a kneebar submission, Lynch jumped off the ropes and hit a leg drop on Bayley to break it up. Lynch with a jumping back kick on Bayley. Lynch got a hold of both women leading to a double DDT and a two count on Belair. That led to a break.

(Commercial)

Belair sent Bayley into the turnbuckle. IYO SKY and Dakota Kai (with a crutch) were at ringside. Lynch got a rollup on Belair for two. They did a Tower of Doom spot out of the corner with Bayley doing the Powerbomb part leading to two counts. Bayley went up top with an elbow drop on Lynch for two, but Belair broke up the pin. Belair with shoulder tackles on Lynch as well as a dropkick. Bayley with corner punches, then she avoided a charging Bayley and hit a delayed vertical suplex. Belair with a moonsault off the ropes, but Bayley got the knees up. Bayley went for a pin attempt and Lynch broke that up. Lynch hit a Diamond Dust neckbreaker on Belair and a Manhandle Slam on Bayley for two because Sky pulled Lynch out of the ring. Lynch was sent into the ring post. Belair was distracted by Bayley’s friends, Sky with a kick and Bayley got a two count on Belair. The other women in the Elimination Chamber match showed up to brawl with the women at ringside. Belair with a spinebuster for two. Sky went up top, Belair punched her and Belair tossed Sky over the top onto the women on the pile of women on the floor. Lynch hit a Manhandle Slam on Bayley. Belair got a hold of Lynch and gave Lynch the KOD slam onto Bayley. Belair covered Bayley for the pinfall win after 16 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Bianca Belair

Analysis: ***1/2 A very good match where I thought one of Bayley or Lynch would get the win to be added to the Elimination Chamber match to get some more star power in there, but it didn’t happen. Belair wasn’t dominant the whole match although I liked the final spot with the KOD slam on Lynch onto Bayley, who had taken a Manhandle Slam just before that. It was well booked in terms of the finish. It was the second straight week where a lengthy Bayley-Lynch match main evented Raw so that’s cool to see.

Bianca Belair celebrated the win. The announcers went over the Elimination Chamber card again. Belair was shown again celebrating the win and that was the end of the show.

The Scoreboard

7 out of 10

Last week: 7.25

2023 Average: 7.29

Final Thoughts

It was mostly a good show although nothing that special overall. I thought they did a nice job of building the Elimination Chamber matches since there are only five matches and three of them are purely Raw matches. The Sami Zayn-Cody Rhodes promo was great. Easily my favorite part of this show. I liked the Brock Lesnar-Bobby Lashley contract segment too.

The main event was good with Bianca Belair beating Bayley and Becky Lynch in a triple-threat match to keep the Elimination Chamber the same. That was the best match of the show.

A lot of shorter, squash-like matches this week to put over some bigger wrestlers in some cases and simply people with a history in WWE as well.

The next WWE Premium Live Event is Elimination Chamber taking place in my home country of Canada in Montreal on February 18th with this lineup so far:

wwe elimination chamber 2023 us title

* Undisputed WWE Universal Championship: Roman Reigns (c) vs. Sami Zayn

* Brock Lesnar vs. Bobby Lashley

* US Championship Elimination Chamber Match: Austin Theory (c) vs. Johnny Gargano vs. Seth “Freakin” Rollins vs. Bronson Reed vs. Damian Priest vs. Montez Ford

* Edge & Beth Phoenix vs. Finn Balor & Rhea Ripley

* Raw Women’s Championship #1 Contender Elimination Chamber Match: Asuka vs. Raquel Rodriguez vs. Liv Morgan vs. Nikki Cross vs. Natalya vs. Carmella

You can watch WWE Elimination Chamber, streaming live at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on Saturday, February 18, on Peacock in the United States and on WWE Network everywhere else.

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Check out the WWE PPV Review archive right here. You can contact me using any of the methods below. Go Toronto Raptors and Toronto Maple Leafs. Be safe and smart out there.

Thanks for reading.

John Canton

Email: mrjohncanton@gmail.com

Twitter: @johnreport