The John Report: The WWE Raw Deal 03/06/23 Review
This week’s WWE Raw featured John Cena making his return, Seth Rollins going face-to-face with Logan Paul and a whole lot more.
There are less than four weeks to go until WrestleMania 39 on April 1st and 2nd. It feels like a big Raw this week with some big names set to be there. We also found out that the horny grandpa Vince McMahon is backstage (what a maneuver!) as well, but apparently, it might just be to visit his pal Cena.
I was at a WWE Smackdown live event in Kitchener, Ontario on Sunday night. It was a fun show, but I didn’t write a long review about it due to having to write a detailed review of a four-hour PPV show this morning, followed by news writing on our wonderful website and now it’s time for Raw.
Last week on Raw ended with Lita & Becky Lynch winning the WWE Women’s Tag Team Titles from IYO SKY & Dakota Kai while Trish Stratus showed up to prevent Bayley from cheating for her Damage CTRL buddies. We’ll see how they follow up on that.
This is the Raw Deal for episode #1554 of Monday Night Raw. It’s taking place at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. Follow me on Twitter @johnreport. Let’s get to it.
They showed a Chevy Suburban driving up to the arena earlier in the day with Jimmy Uso and Solo Sikoa exiting the car. Paul Heyman was there too to remind Jimmy of Roman Reigns’ orders, which are to “solve the Sami Zayn problem.” Heyman said that Sami escaped. Heyman said that Solo will solve the Kevin Owens problem and Jimmy will solve the Sami Zayn problem once and forever. Heyman told his phone to call Roman Reigns for him.
Analysis: It helps to set the stage for the evening. I like segments like that.
Kevin Owens made his entrance to start the show. The commentary team of Kevin Patrick and Corey Graves welcomed us to Raw while doing a rundown of what’s coming up this week. They said it was sold out with over 15,000 people in attendance.
Solo Sikoa vs. Kevin Owens
They brawled outside the ring a bit. Back in the ring, the bell rang and Solo was in control with punches. Solo hit a spinning heel kick knocking Owens down. Solo continued with the punches along with a kick to the gut. Owens tried to fight back, but Solo hit a knee to the ribs. Solo with a headbutt to the left arm. Owens with a kick to the chest, then a few clotheslines, a knee lift, a clothesline and a senton splash. Owens charged for a corner attack, Solo to the floor and Owens hit a clothesline on the floor. Jimmy Uso ran down to ringside, Owens went up top and Solo punched him. Solo slammed Owens off the top. Solo hit a running hip attack against the turnbuckle. Owens left the ring, Solo with a running hip attack on Owens on the floor and the show went to break.
(Commercial)
Solo remained in control with a Samoan Drop while Jimmy was standing around ringside watching the match. Solo took way too long, so he missed a charge and Solo hit the turnbuckle/ring post, which led to Owens hitting a DDT. I saw the same spot on Sunday. Solo with a punch, then he ran into the turnbuckle again. Owens knocked Jimmy off the apron. Owens with two superkicks followed by a cannonball in the corner. Owens jumped off the top with a Senton Bomb for two leading to Jimmy Uso attacking KO for the DQ. It was about 11 minutes.
Winner by disqualification: Kevin Owens
Analysis: **3/4 A rare loss for Solo, but it’s a DQ finish to protect him without being pinned. The action was fine throughout the match. They are both hard hitters, so there is chemistry there. I’m not surprised by the result.
Post match, they left the ring with Jimmy throwing Owens into the steel steps. Jimmy set up Owens on the commentary table. Solo was about to hit a dive onto Owens, but Sami Zayn showed up for the save. Zayn beat up Jimmy and Solo enough to cause them to run away while Sami had a steel chair in hand. Jimmy and Solo went running into the crowd. The crowd was chanting “Sami” loudly.
Sami Zayn walked over to Kevin Owens, who was seated against the turnbuckle and instead of letting Sami pull him up, Owens walked out of the ring by himself. The fans booed Owens for not reuniting with his friend.
Analysis: The reunion is coming, but it’s not there yet. Booing Owens doesn’t make him a heel yet or anything like that, but just a case of fans wanting to see the Sami-KO reunion happen.
Bobby Lashley was up next.
(Commercial)
A clip was shown of Bobby Lashley beating up Uncle Howdy on Smackdown last week because Bray Wyatt didn’t show up.
Bobby Lashley was shown talking backstage to a camera saying he went to Smackdown to go after Bray Wyatt, but instead Bray sent him a man in a mask. Lashley wondered what it will take for Wyatt to face him. As Lashley spoke, the Bray Wyatt logo appeared in the background.
Analysis: WWE is going with Lashley-Wyatt at WrestleMania 39, but it’s obviously not official yet.
Carmella was interviewed by Byron Saxton. Carmella said she’ll beat Bianca Belair tonight on Raw and she should be added to the WrestleMania match for the Raw Women’s Title. Chelsea Green arrived to complain about Adam Pearce, who was behind the ladies and then he walked in the other direction. Carmella invited Chelsea to be in her corner.
Analysis: I like the pairing of Carmella and Green as two heel women that can work together. There needs to be more women tag teams too, so maybe they can team up sometimes too.
Bianca Belair, the Raw Women’s Champion, made her entrance.
(Commercial)
At WrestleMania 39, Bianca Belair will defend the Raw Women’s Championship against Asuka. Last week on Raw, Carmella knocked Asuka into Belair, so that leads us to this match.
Bianca Belair vs. Carmella (w/Chelsea Green)
Belair ran over Carmella with a shoulder tackle. Carmella to the apron, necksnap against the top rope and a hair pull. Belair showed off her athleticism with a backflip off the ropes followed by a dropkick. Belair was standing on the middle ropes going for a move, but Carmella grabbed her legs to pull Belair down. That led to a break.
(Commercial)
Carmella was in control with a chinlock, Belair was back up and Belair did a hair pull takedown. Carmella with a cross body block off the top, Carmella rolled through and Belair hit a backbreaker. Belair did a handspring off the ropes into a moonsault. Green jumped into the ring to distract, so the referee didn’t count. Belair pulled Green into the ring, so Carmella superkicked Belair for a two count. Belair with punches/forearms on Carmella by the turnbuckle (she was punching the turnbuckle instead of touching Carmella). Green with a distraction, Belair chased her around the ring and Belair tossed Green over the barricade. Back in the ring, Carmella got a two count with a rollup. Belair hit a KOD (Kiss of Death) slam for the pinfall win after nine minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Bianca Belair
Analysis: **3/4 Easy win for Belair as expected just like Asuka beating Carmella last week. Carmella got some offense, but it was mostly due to Green providing a distraction multiple times. Belair winning was the obvious result. Graves was a lot less obnoxious for his wife Carmella this week. Just saying.
Post match, Carmella and Green attacked Belair with some stomps. Asuka made the save and spit some blue mist into Green’s face because Carmella moved out of the way. Carmella left with Green. Belair and Asuka had a staredown while the WrestleMania 39 logo was shown in the background.
Analysis: I feel like Belair will probably win at WrestleMania, but I may change that prediction. This version of Asuka is so cool, so maybe it’s her time to win the title since Bianca will be a one-year champion going into WrestleMania.
Sami Zayn was shown walking backstage where he found Kevin Owens sitting on some equipment cases. Sami asked Kevin if he can see what he was trying to say. Sami said this is not a ploy to make everything okay again. Sami said they don’t need to be best friends, ride together or team together. Sami wanted Owens to work with him because Sami knows The Bloodline. Owens knows that The Bloodline is too much because Sami was with them last November right here in Boston at WarGames. Owens said he’s been fighting The Bloodline for eight months and Owens said he didn’t want to do this with Sami. Owens said he didn’t care what Sami does, just leave Owens out of it. Sami didn’t say a word as he left with a frustrated look on his face.
Analysis: The drama continues. Zayn made a lot of good points, but Owens has major trust issues, so they aren’t on the same page…yet. It’s coming. Just not yet.
Seth Rollins and Logan Paul go face to face up next.
A commercial aired for the NXT Roadblock episode this Tuesday night.
(Commercial)
There was a video that aired about Rhea Ripley. At WrestleMania 39, Ripley will challenge Charlotte Flair for the Smackdown Women’s Championship.
Seth Rollins & Logan Paul Face to Face Hosted By The Miz
This was not officially announced as Miz TV, but The Miz was in the ring for a promo since he is the host of WrestleMania 39. The Miz said he’s going to moderate this face to face segment. The Miz claimed as the WrestleMania host, he can’t show any bias toward a superstar.
Logan Paul was introduced by The Miz with the fans booing him loudly. Miz wanted a handshake, but Paul decided to just pose on the turnbuckle instead.
Seth “Freakin” Rollins made his entrance with a ridiculous red/white jacket as the fans sang his theme song. The Miz did his “my hand goes up, your mouth goes shut” thing but the fans kept on singing the song. Rollins put Miz’s microphone down as the fans continued to sing the song. Logan told Boston to shut up because this segment has a time limit.
Rollins mentioned Logan gracing us with his presence and the fans booed Logan as usual. Rollins claimed they have never been formally introduced as Rollins went over his nicknames. Logan said he knew who Seth since Logan eliminated him at the Royal Rumble and stomped his head in at Elimination Chamber. Logan said he embarrassed Rollins twice. Logan said he’s done more in one year than Rollins did in twenty years, and he’s naturally good at this. Logan said if he was Seth then he wouldn’t like Logan either. I think the fans were chanting “f**k you Logan” unless I’m mistaken. Miz said Logan made great points.
Rollins said that none of that is the reason “we don’t like you.” Rollins told Logan that he is the scum of the Earth. Rollins called Logan a coward, troll, fraud and a human dumpster fire while adding that “we don’t want you in our house.” The fans cheered. Rollins said that Boston didn’t come here to hear them mince words. Rollins said that the time for talk is over because it’s time to fight.
The Miz said that as moderator, it’s his job to make sure they don’t fight. Logan said if he wants to fight Rollins tonight in Boston, he’s going to do it. Logan said that’s how he does things. Logan said he’s not going to do it here. Logan said he doesn’t fight for free. Logan said he’s not going to fight for free in Boston, which drew boos as cheap heat. Logan suggested that if they were somewhere bigger and somewhere with more star power, he would consider it. The Miz mentioned he is the host of WrestleMania. Miz suggested that he could make Seth vs. Logan happen. Rollins tossed Miz out of the ring to go make it happen.
Logan went for The Stomp on Rollins, but Rollins fought him off. Miz went back in the ring, Rollins knocked him down and Rollins hit Miz with a superkick. Logan delivered a big punch to knock Rollins down. Logan said one more thing: “Bye bye, bitch.” That’s what Rollins said to Logan on the phone last week. Rollins was selling it like he was knocked out.
Analysis: I liked the segment. Logan Paul is a lot more natural as a heel. There were certainly some cheap heat aspects to the promo since they kept on mentioning Boston with Seth getting easy cheers while Paul was trashing Boston a lot. We all knew they were using this segment to set up a WrestleMania match, so it’s not like it was a surprise. I liked the way they put over Paul’s powerful punch and Rollins sold it perfectly. That puts the punch over as a deadly move.
They showed Brock Lesnar giving MVP an F5 last week on Raw after Lesnar agreed to a WrestleMania match with Omos.
Omos entered for singles action with MVP by his side.
(Commercial)
Omos vs. Dolph Ziggler
Mustafa Ali had a sign for Dolph Ziggler in the crowd. Omos hit Ziggler with a boot followed by a two-handed chokeslam for the pinfall win. It went about 30 seconds.
Winner by pinfall: Omos
Analysis: 1/4* Squash city for Omos. Poor Dolph.
Post match, MVP said that Brock Lesnar never should have put his hands on MVP. MVP said that at WrestleMania, Omos will tame The Beast (Lesnar).
Maximum Male Models and Maxxine Dupri were backstage looking at something with some compliments. Baron Corbin walked up to them thanking them for the kind words. It was actually Otis and Chad Gable doing some poses. Maxxine told Corbin to handle Gable and she will consider taking Corbin on as a client.
Finn Balor entered for singles action with The Judgment Day joining him.
(Commercial)
The Bloodline was in the locker room with Paul Heyman hyping up Jimmy Uso to take out Sami Zayn tonight on Raw. Solo Sikoa was there too. Heyman said that if Jimmy doesn’t get his brother Jey back into The Bloodline by the end of this week, then the “Tribal Chief” Roman Reigns will blame Jimmy. Heyman left while Jimmy was left to ponder it.
Johnny Gargano (w/Dexter Lumis) vs. Finn Balor (w/Damian Priest, Dominik Mysterio & Rhea Ripley)
Balor ran over Gable with a shoulder tackle followed by an armbar on the left arm. Gargano hit a dropkick, but Balor came back with a back elbow. Balor charged, Gargano with a boot up, a headscissors and a dropkick sent Balor out of the ring. Balor was distracted by Lumis on the floor, so Gargano hit a suicide dive on Balor leading to a break.
(Commercial)
Gargano was in control with a clothesline along with an enziguri kick knocking Balor out of the ring. Gargano jumped from the apron onto Balor with a Spear for two. Gargano with double knees, but Balor came back with a Slingblade neckbreaker. Gargano with a superkick and another superkick for a two count. Balor hit a reverse DDT with an elbow smash to the chest. Gargano got a pin attempt. Gargano with a kick. Gargano hit a dive onto Dominik off the apron onto Dom on the floor. Balor tripped up Gargano leading to a double foot stomp. Balor dropkicked Gargano into the turnbuckle. Edge’s music hit, but there was no sign of him by the entrance. Edge showed up at ringside to shove Balor off the top rope. Gargano jumped off over the top and hit the One Final Beat DDT on Balor for the pinfall win after ten minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Johnny Gargano
Analysis: *** A good match with a cheap ending as Gargano picked up a big win even though it was tainted. I don’t like the spot they did here Edge’s music playing during the match. Having another person’s music play during a match should not be done. We know it was done to have Edge screw Balor out of a win to set up their WrestleMania match. It would be nice if Gargano was part of a meaningful storyline, but sadly there’s nothing for him right now.
After the match, Edge hit Balor with a Spear. Edge shouted at Balor that this is not over. Edge went over the barricade and left through the crowd.
Analysis: This will lead to Edge facing Balor at WrestleMania. It has been building for a long time.
A video aired showing highlights of the Roman Reigns-Cody Rhodes promo segment from Smackdown last week. It was very good with Reigns coming across as a jerk the whole time while Cody was determined.
Nikki Cross entered for singles action.
(Commercial)
A commercial aired confirming the King And Queen of the Ring in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on Saturday, May 27th.
Edge was interviewed backstage by Byron Saxton. Edge called out Balor saying he’ll be in the ring by himself to finally settle this. Edge said we’ll find out if Balor has the same stones.
Piper Niven vs. Nikki Cross
Cross gouged Niven’s eyes before the bell rang. The bell rang, Cross hit a cross body block off the top and Niven rolled out of the ring. Cross went after the left knee, then some headbutts and Niven hit a spinning slam for the pinfall win after about one minute. The finish didn’t look smooth.
Winner by pinfall: Piper Niven
Analysis: 1/2* Easy win for Niven using her power to take care of Cross easily.
Rick Boogs was trying to lift a truck. Elias walked up to Boogs asking him what he remembered about the notes. Elias claimed he took the fight to Lashley last week. Elias told Boogs to challenge Bronson Reed to a fight since Reed was standing over there. Boogs apparently told Reed that Elias wanted to fight Reed since Reed said he’ll see Elias next week. Cody Rhodes was talking to Kevin Owens in the background of the segment, so that’s interesting.
John Cena was up next.
(Commercial)
A singer named Becky G will sing America The Beautiful at WrestleMania 39 night one on Saturday, April 1st. I have no idea who she is, but I hope she does well. I’m a nice guy.
Let’s Hear from John Cena
John Cena made his entrance to a huge ovation from the Boston crowd. Cena was a bit emotional as he stood by the entrance and got that big pop. Cena ran into the ring like he did so many times in his career. Before Cena could say a word, Austin Theory’s music hit as the US Champion interrupted the chance for Cena to do a promo.
Theory said that just like them, he’s got all the respect in the world for Cena. Theory talked about how he only became a WWE superstar because of Cena. Theory claimed that Cena inspired him and he thanked Cena for it. Theory said he had a gift for Cena. Theory said it’s a gift of me and you, one on one…but there were a lot of Cena chants. Theory suggested a match at WrestleMania for the US Championship – Austin Theory vs. John Cena.
Cena: “No.” Cena said “no” again. Cena said he’s not interested in Theory’s gift because he hasn’t earned the right to give it. Cena said he has been watching and listening to Theory, but he doesn’t care. Cena told Theory they don’t care about Theory. Cena said they don’t care about Cena because they don’t believe Theory. Cena told Theory he doesn’t believe in himself. Cena mocked Theory’s look. Cena pointed out a sign saying that “Austin Theory is a John Cena wannabe” with Cena saying that he is Theory’s Ghost of Christmas Future. Cena said that Theory is in the Ruthless Aggression phase that almost got Cena fired. Cena said that Theory doesn’t believe in himself while adding that Theory has no heart and soul. Cena said they are here because they believe, but they don’t believe in Theory. Cena told Theory he’s a pair of trunks away from being a jabroni.
Cena told Theory he had the best name in WWE history. Cena claimed there was no name better than Austin Theory because that’s exactly what he is – a theory. Cena said that Theory has everything a WWE executive looks for. Cena said we should be here to see Theory, but no one cares. Cena said on behalf of Boston, Theory can get out of the ring and “we” will let you walk out of here in one piece.
Theory said he’s not going anywhere like that bald spot on Cena’s head ain’t going anywhere. Cena took off his head to show the bald spot is covered now, so good job on that. Theory noted that Cena’s shirt said “just give up” and he wondered if Cena was giving up. Theory talked about the “hustle, loyalty and respect” that Cena mentions. Theory said it’s true when they say you don’t want to meet your hero because when you do, all they do is disappoint.
Cena talked about how he’d rather be bald than pipe in fake crowd noise because nobody cares. Cena told Theory he’s a dumb son of a bitch. Cena told Theory he said because Theory he’s not ready for it. Cena said the fans will eat Theory alive because Theory is full of crap. Cena said that Theory left John no choice because Theory brought “them” the fans into it. Cena said he had to ask Boston what they thought. Cena thanked his family for being there tonight.
Cena asked if you want to see Austin Theory against John Cena against WrestleMania? Lots of cheers and “yes” chants for that. Cena asked again because his hearing is going as well. Cena said he’ll never give up on the fans. Cena warned Theory that he made the biggest mistake of his life because at WrestleMania, it’s going to be Theory against Cena. John told Theory he doesn’t have it in his head, his heart and down low. Cena told Theory he really has to work on that last bit. Cena was by the entrance area. Cena introduced somebody that is ready for the WrestleMania stage, the “American Nightmare” Cody Rhodes. John Cena hugged Cody Rhodes by the entrance area and Cena lifted his arm up.
Analysis: John Cena was terrific in that segment. This was a nice reminder of how great of a talker Cena is in case you forgot. It’s been a while. Theory was his usual brash, cocky self in the promo and Cena roasted him for it while correctly pointing out that Cena used to be like that. Cena initially denied the US Title request, but then he agreed to it as we all expected. I also liked Cena put over Cody at the end since Cody has spoken so much about learning from Cena, so it’s great to see Cena endorse Cody like that.
Sami Zayn was interviewed by Cathy Kelley backstage. Sami said that Kevin Owens is right about the past, but things have changed. Sami issued a warning to Jimmy Uso for later.
Chad Gable entered with Otis.
(Commercial)
Baron Corbin vs. Chad Gable
I missed the first minute or two. Gable hit a German Suplex. Corbin hit a Chokeslam backbreaker. Gable tripped up Corbin and applied an ankle lock with a heel hook. Corbin tapped out to give Gargano the pinfall win after about three minutes.
Winner by submission: Chad Gable
Analysis: *1/2 A rare win for Gable. That’s fine with me since he’s good and deserves it. Corbin continues to lose matches, which is the norm for him these days.
A video package aired about last week’s Raw main event with Becky Lynch & Lita winning the Women’s Tag Team Titles thanks in part to Trish Stratus. The new champions were up next.
(Commercial)
They showed The Miz and his wife Maryse in a Top Gun movie parody to promote WrestleMania 39. I haven’t seen the new Top Gun movie yet, for what it’s worth.
It is confirmed that Seth “Freakin” Rollins will face Logan Paul at WrestleMania 39. The graphic was shown.
Let’s Hear from Becky Lynch and Lita
Becky Lynch and Lita entered as the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions. Lynch talked about how legends like them are not going to miss. Lita said that they made history. Lita said that Dakota and Iyo didn’t make it easy, but they made it worth it. The fans chanted “you deserve it” for the champions. Lita thanked Lynch for being her tag team partner, but there’s also an equalizer they have yet to thank.
Trish Stratus made her entrance looking incredible as always as she joined her best friend Lita and Lynch in the ring. Trish told Lita she will always have her book while adding that she wouldn’t have missed it for the world. Stratus did say a few months ago in Toronto she did tell Bayley if she didn’t shut her mouth…and here comes Bayley.
Bayley walked out with her Damage CTRL buddies Dakota Kai & IYO SKY with her. Bayley said that the fans may cheer for them, but Bayley sees right through them. Bayley told Trish and Lita they are selfish. Bayley said that the three of them will be the reason why Trish and Lita never come back. Trish said she can go real quick from “I am retired” to “I was retired.” Trish suggested the three of them against Damage CTRL at WrestleMania. Bayley accepted the match. Sky and Kai were quickly sent out of the ring while Bayley was all alone. Lynch, Lita and Trish all punched Bayley to send her out of the ring.
Analysis: The six-woman tag team match makes a lot of sense. That’s good for the Damage CTRL since they have been together since last summer, so I’m glad they get a WrestleMania match as a trio. I’m also happy to see my favorite of all time Trish Stratus in a match teaming with Becky and Lita. The babyface trio of Becky, Lita and Trish should win that match. I don’t know what it means for the Women’s Tag Team Title situation and Ronda Rousey-Shayna Baszler as potential challengers.
Next week on Raw:
* Edge calls out Finn Balor.
* Elias vs. Bronson Reed.
* Bianca Belair vs. Chelsea Green.
Jimmy Uso was shown walking backstage with Solo Sikoa for Jimmy’s match against Sami Zayn up next.
(Commercial)
It was main event time with WWE Tag Team Champion Jimmy Uso making his way to the ring with his younger brother, Solo Sikoa. Sami Zayn got a good pop as usual.
Sami Zayn vs. Jimmy Uso (w/Solo Sikoa)
Zayn attacked with punches and it quickly spilled to the floor. Jimmy charged at Zayn, who did a back body drop to launch Jimmy over the barricade. The show went to break.
(Commercial)
Zayn hit Jimmy with a Tornado DDT off the turnbuckle for a two count. Zayn jumped off the top with a cross body block for two. Jimmy with a punch to the jaw and Jimmy tossed Zayn out of the ring. The referee ejected Solo from ringside even though Solo didn’t really do anything. Zayn hit a Blue Thunder Bomb and they went to a second break.
(Commercial)
The match continued with Zayn seated on the top rope and Jimmy rocked him with a jumping kick. Zayn knocked Jimmy down, Zayn jumped off the top with nothing and Jimmy hit him with a superkick. Jey Uso appeared in the crowd wearing a “We The Ones” t-shirt and he made his way quickly down to the ringside area. Jimmy was so happy to see his brother Jey, who was on the commentary table. Zayn wanted a Helluva Kick, Jimmy avoided it and then Sami hit a sunset flip for the pinfall win after 10 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Sami Zayn
Analysis: **3/4 It was mostly good action, but we didn’t get to see a lot of it. Zayn winning is certainly fine although it was a move other than his finisher, so that protects Jimmy a bit. Having two commercials in a match that was only ten minutes is a bad thing. However, WWE had to get their allotted commercials in.
After the match, Jey went into the ring with his brother Jimmy. Jey put his hands on Jimmy’s shoulders, then Jey put his fist on Jimmy’s chest and Jey looked emotional like he might cry. Jey walked past his brother in the ring. Jey decided to leave the ring, which led to Jey staring at Sami in the aisle. Jey walked over to Sami and hugged him. The fans popped huge for that. Jimmy looked devastated in the ring. Jey held his finger in the air for The Ones as Sami held up his hand in the air. That’s when Jey hit a superkick! Jey shouted at Sami for thinking that Jey would choose him. Jey said this is his family. The Bloodline attacked Sami in the ring with Solo joining his brothers The Usos. It was brief because time was running out as Cody Rhodes ran out for the save. The Bloodline ran away when Cody went into the ring. No sign of Kevin Owens. The show ended there.
Analysis: This storyline is so awesome. The fans popped huge when Jey left Jimmy alone in the ring and Jey hugged Sami. They thought that Jey had chosen to be against The Bloodline, but it was all a swerve leading to Jey superkicking Sami and that led to huge boos from the crowd. Having Cody Rhodes make the save instead of Kevin Owens is interesting because Cody & Sami have common enemies now while Owens refuses to come to Sami’s aid at this point. Earlier in the show, we saw Cody talking to Kevin, so we could assume that Cody is trying to convince Kevin to help Sami after all. Anyway, I thought this was very entertaining. I liked it a lot as a closing segment.
Now we go into Smackdown this Friday knowing Jey is with The Bloodline, so that should lead to The Usos vs. Zayn/Owens at WrestleMania whenever KO decides to be on Zayn’s side again.
The SHOCKING ending to #WWERaw we all feared!
The battle lines have been drawn. pic.twitter.com/4OWu6nmYMJ
— WWE (@WWE) March 7, 2023
Three Stars of the Show
- John Cena – Welcome back, pal.
- Sami Zayn/Jey Uso – Just for that ending!
- Seth Rollins/Logan Paul
The Scoreboard
7.5 out of 10
Last week: 7
2023 Average: 7.28
Final Thoughts
I liked the show. Lots of promos due to WrestleMania season, but that’s fine because I really enjoyed what John Cena had to say about Austin Theory. The Logan Paul-Seth Rollins segment was very entertaining as well. The match quality was okay although nothing really stood out.
The main event ending with Jey Uso looking like he might be on Sami Zayn’s side only to turn on him was brilliantly done. Listen to the crowd react. They loved Jey hugging Zayn, but then when Jey hit that superkick, the fans totally bought into it and booed heavily. Great way to end Raw this week. Later this week on Smackdown or next week on Raw, maybe we’ll get to see Kevin Owens working with Zayn to set up the tag against The Usos. That’s going to be an amazing moment when it happens.
They are doing a nice job of building the WrestleMania 39 matches. I like the card and the time devoted to everything at WM.
WrestleMania 39 takes place on Saturday, April 1 and Sunday, April 2 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles with these matches advertised so far:
* Undisputed WWE Universal Championship: Roman Reigns (c) vs. Cody Rhodes
* Smackdown Women’s Championship: Charlotte Flair (c) vs. Rhea Ripley
* United States Championship: Austin Theory (c) vs. John Cena
* Raw Women’s Championship: Bianca Belair (c) vs. Asuka
* Seth “Freakin” Rollins vs. Logan Paul
* Damage CTRL – Bayley, IYO SKY & Dakota Kai vs. Trish Stratus, Becky Lynch & Lita
* Brock Lesnar vs. Omos
The Miz will be the host of WrestleMania 39.
===
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Thanks for reading.
John Canton
Email: mrjohncanton@gmail.com
Twitter: @johnreport