The 03/18/19 edition of WWE Raw, out of the Allstate Arena in Chicago, Illinois, just wrapped up. We’ve got the match results, as well as our overall thoughts on the show, for you to check out below. Let us know what you thought about episode #1347 of Raw by tweeting us, @TheRumbleRamble.
The Beast Has Arrived
How many chair shots does it take to render @DMcIntyreWWE MOTIONLESS?@WWERollins intends to find out! #RAW pic.twitter.com/Aj4xGHehJ4
— WWE (@WWE) March 19, 2019
Brock Lesnar and his advocate, Paul Heyman, opened the show to discuss Lesnar’s upcoming WrestleMania match against Seth Rollins, as well as address the comments Rollins made last week about Lesnar’s weakness being men of Rollins’ stature.
Heyman said that it was absolutely ludicrous that Rollins thought he could beat Brock Lesnar because all those men his size almost beat him. Key word being almost, as they were all unsuccessful.
Furthermore, Rollins was obviously a fool, as he chose Drew McIntyre as his opponent for the evening, who would undoubtedly destroy him. McIntyre came out to give his two cents, agreeing with Heyman that Lesnar should start the search for a new WrestleMania opponent, because Rollins would be unable to do anything when McIntyre was done with him.
The Kingslayer ran up behind McIntyre, pummeling him with a steel chair before sprinting to the ring, ready to do the same to Lesnar. The Beast and his advocate swiftly rolled out of the ring, escaping the onslaught. Lesnar appeared to consider jumping back in the ring to attack Rollins, but Heyman talked him out of it and Rollins was left standing tall.
Bobby Lashley and Lio Rush vs. Finn Bálor and Braun Strowman
The #MonsterAmongMen @BraunStrowman is out here breakin’ records. #RAW pic.twitter.com/SkXLvm00ae
— WWE (@WWE) March 19, 2019
Before the match, Lio Rush and Bobby Lashley taunted Finn Bálor over his loss of the Intercontinental Championship last week, but Bálor assured them that he wouldn’t be without his title for long. He then revealed his partner for the match: Braun Strowman.
Lashley showed no fear in the face of The Monster, starting things off by facing him one-on-one. It wasn’t long before Bálor tagged in, however, and Lashley and Rush immediately began double teaming him.
The action shifted in Bálor’s favor when Rush missed his frog splash, allowing Bálor to tag out and Strowman to absolutely brutalize the hype man. Lashley eventually interfered, preventing Strowman from finishing Rush off. Strowman laid out, Rush went for another frog splash, this time landing it successfully, but it had no effect on The Monster whatsoever.
Braun began chasing Lio around the ring, right into Bálor’s waiting arms. Lashley interfered again, but Strowman threw him into the barricade and again went after Rush, throwing him back in the ring. Strowman continued to ragdoll Rush until pinning him for the victory, all while Lashley made his escape up the ramp, abandoning his partner completely.
Winner: Braun Strowman and Finn Bálor
A Moment of Bliss: Elias
The @WWENoWayJose conga line just got #BlueCollarSolid with #HeavyMachinery…in the MIDDLE of A #MomentOfBliss! #RAW @OtisWWE @TuckerWWE pic.twitter.com/D7Niq3wsVj
— WWE (@WWE) March 19, 2019
After reminding everyone of what the WrestleMania 35 card has in store for the fans, and how happy she was to be hosting the event, Alexa Bliss welcomed her guest for the evening: Elias.
Elias gave a big announcement: he would be the featured musical performer at WrestleMania in New York. He was just about to reveal what awaited anyone who dared interrupt him when he was interrupted. This time by Otis and Tucker of Heavy Machinery leading No Way Jose’s signature conga line. While Elias was distracted by Otis and Tucker, he was attacked from behind by Jose.
Elias vs. No Way Jose
The support is STRONG at ringside for @WWENoWayJose as he takes it to @IAmEliasWWE! #RAW pic.twitter.com/iyJtIwevO6
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) March 19, 2019
With the rest of his conga line surrounding the ring cheering him on, No Way Jose resumed his assault on Elias. Despite Elias’ continued efforts to shift the momentum in his favor, Jose held the upper hand until a missed splash gave Elias the opening he needed to turn the tables.
Unfortunately for Jose and his band of partiers, it wasn’t long before Elias took the win with a Drift Away.
Winner: Elias
The Retirement Tour Continues
It’s very possible @WWEGable has never been happier to be on the receiving end of a suplex than right here. #RAW @RealKurtAngle pic.twitter.com/ZA6HLb8How
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) March 19, 2019
Kurt Angle came to the ring to announce his opponent for WrestleMania but first thanked the audience as they chanted “you suck” and “thank you Kurt” at him. After composing himself, Angle said that there were many opponents considered for the spot, but only one that he really wanted to beat: Baron Corbin. The crowd seemed quite disappointed at the lack of John Cena, and honestly, we agree with them.
Angle then prepared for his match. The second opponent of his retirement tour was none other than Chad Gable, a fellow Olympian who has been open about Angle being one of his biggest heroes.
Before the action, Gable thanked Angle for the opportunity, obviously gushing over being in the ring with his childhood idol. The two went back and forth until Angle hit a massive suplex, forcing Gable to roll out of the ring to catch his breath.
Back in the ring, Gable held his own against Angle, throwing a devastating suplex before working the knee of Angle. Angle nearly trapped Gable in the ankle lock, but Gable was able to escape, being a submission specialist himself.
Gable responded with an ankle lock of his own, then countered the Angle Slam with a DDT, but it only won him a two count. Trying again to put his hero away, Gable went for a moonsault but missed, enabling Angle to catch him in the ankle lock, tapping Gable out.
Angle still in the ring, Baron Corbin came to the stage to tear him down (verbally, of course, Corbin isn’t a fan of getting his hands dirty when it isn’t necessary). Corbin said he couldn’t wait to defeat Angle in his final match, grinning at the Olympian before disappearing backstage.
Winner: Kurt Angle
Fearless Bayley and Sasha Banks
WELL, @NatbyNature‘s heard enough of THAT! #RAW pic.twitter.com/jxgSM9UUCn
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) March 19, 2019
Sasha Banks and Bayley had an in-ring interview to discuss the future of the Women’s Tag Team Championships. When asked if they were purposefully avoiding The IIconics, they said that they would be making an appearance on SmackDown Live tomorrow night to prove that they weren’t afraid of anyone.
They were then approached by Natalya and Beth Phoenix, who said they wanted to face the champs for the titles at WrestleMania. Bayley and Sasha asked if Beth was sure she wanted to enter such a high stakes match after being away for so long, and things got ugly from there.
A brawl broke out between the four women, leading to a match between Sasha Banks and Natalya.
Sasha Banks vs. Natalya
We have ourselves an impromptu match pitting The #QueenOfHarts @NatbyNature against #TheBoss @SashaBanksWWE on #RAW! pic.twitter.com/aisidF1iy6
— WWE (@WWE) March 19, 2019
Looking for revenge on Sasha Banks for her insensitive words toward Beth Phoenix, Natalya started off strong against The Boss. With a clothesline to the outside, Natalya was gaining steam fast when the match was interrupted by Nia Jax.
Jax insulted Beth Phoenix from the stage while Tamina attacked Beth Phoenix, Sasha Banks, and Bayley, causing a disqualification. Nia and Tamina looked pleased with themselves as they left the other women in disarray, Jax jeeringly calling “see you at WrestleMania” as they went.
Winner: Sasha Banks (via disqualification)
Mojo Rawley is Losing Grip
DID. YOU. SEE. THAT?!#RAW @KingRicochet pic.twitter.com/vbzkvd9i03
— WWE (@WWE) March 19, 2019
Sitting in a dark room alone in front of a mirror, Mojo Rawley continued to talk to himself, this time screaming at his reflection to “figure it out.” It’s still unclear as to when Rawley will be making his in-ring return.
Ricochet vs. Jinder Mahal
DID. YOU. SEE. THAT?!#RAW @KingRicochet pic.twitter.com/vbzkvd9i03
— WWE (@WWE) March 19, 2019
With his usual tag team partner Aleister Black “conducting business” (honeymooning) in the Netherlands, Ricochet took on The Modern Day Maharaja in singles action.
The deck was stacked against Ricochet, as The Singh Brothers prowled at ringside, interfering in Jinder’s favor whenever possible. Jinder Mahal pounded on The One and Only relentlessly until Ricochet was able to build some momentum with a dropkick.
Moving slightly slower than usual but still using every high-flying move in his arsenal, Ricochet landed his handspring moonsault to the outside on all three members of Mahal’s squad before hitting a 630 back in the ring, winning the match.
Winner: Ricochet
Natalya (c) vs. Dana Brooke
Raw Women’s Championship Match
Well, @RondaRousey has already won this match…and husband @travisbrowneMMA just helped her in the fight against security! #RAW pic.twitter.com/KPlWZgUI1Y
— WWE (@WWE) March 19, 2019
Dana Brooke has been talking a big game the last few weeks, determined to prove herself against the champ. She was unable to back up her words, however, as she was demolished by Ronda Rousey in mere seconds.
After her victory, Ronda kept the armbar locked in while Dana screamed for mercy. Referees tried to separate them, so Rousey attacked them as well. Rousey then went over to embrace her husband who had been sitting front row for the match. Officials attempted to stop her, and she attacked again. She would have continued, but her husband lifted her over the barricade, steering her away through the crowd (after throwing an elbow at one of the officials himself).
Winner: Ronda Rousey
Baron Corbin vs. Apollo Crews
.@RealKurtAngle had to LOVE every second of that!#RAW @WWEApollo pic.twitter.com/AIThlLqnLY
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) March 19, 2019
Earlier in the evening, Apollo Crews was shown backstage telling Baron Corbin that no one liked him, with which The Revival agreed.
On a quest to gain retribution for being slighted, Baron Corbin put the boots to Crews, holding his opponent down for much of the match. Every time Apollo tried to get any offense, Baron was there to knock him down. In fact, Corbin countered a finishing attempt from Crews with a Deep Six, but Crews was able to kick out. This appeared to throw Corbin off his game, as Crews took the victory with a roll-up shortly after.
Apollo Crews celebrated with Kurt Angle on the stage while Baron Corbin looked on in shock and anger from the ring.
Winner: Apollo Crews
Batista Holds a Grudge
“At @WrestleMania…I’m going to END his in-ring career!”@DaveBautista has one mission when he battles @TripleH at #WrestleMania. #RAW pic.twitter.com/vBNVuuDtAE
— WWE (@WWE) March 19, 2019
Dave Batista was interviewed from his home via satellite by Michael Cole. Cole got straight to the point, asking why Batista hated Triple H so much. Batista essentially said, “I just do,” but that wasn’t a good enough answer for Cole, who pushed further.
Finally, Batista said that he resented Triple H for using him as his muscle in Evolution. He also blamed Triple H for ruining his career in WWE, forcing him to quit.
To get back at him for treating him so badly, Batista plans to end The Game’s career at WrestleMania
The Monster Among Talk Show Hosts
The #MonsterAmongMen @BraunStrowman is officially entering the #AndreTheGiant Memorial Battle Royal at #WrestleMania so he can show @ColinJost and Michael Che EXACTLY what he’s capable of! #RAW pic.twitter.com/doTe1oCvmy
— WWE (@WWE) March 19, 2019
Backstage, Braun Strowman was in the middle of yelling about what he was going to do to the hosts of SNL at WrestleMania when he was approached by Alexa Bliss.
Bliss said that, as the host of WrestleMania, she couldn’t allow him to do anything that might ruin her show, and offered to fix things with Colin Jost and Michael Che for him. Strowman grudgingly agreed but said that they would still be getting those hands when he was done with the Andre the Giant Battle Royal if what she had in mind didn’t satisfy him.
Drew McIntyre Lays Down a Challenge
.@WWERomanReigns has been challenged to a FIGHT at #WrestleMania by The #ScottishPsychopath @DMcIntyreWWE! #RAW pic.twitter.com/Jus7WEWpkb
— WWE (@WWE) March 19, 2019
Seth Rollins was shown in a backstage interview earlier in the evening. In the interview, he said he would do whatever it took to gain retribution for McIntyre’s vicious attacks on Dean Ambrose and Roman Reigns. He also hoped that Brock Lesnar was watching, as he wanted to show The Beast that he was willing to do anything to come out on top.
Drew McIntyre came to the ring before the match to address, not his opponent Seth Rollins, but Roman Reigns. He challenged Roman to a WrestleMania match “knowing” that Reigns would never accept, as The Big Dog knows he would be defeated.
This incensed Seth Rollins, who appeared on the big screen to say that attacking him with the chair was for Reigns and Ambrose, but what he was about to do was for him.
Seth Rollins vs. Drew McIntyre
FINALLY, @WWERollins is bringing the 🔥🔥🔥🔥! #RAW pic.twitter.com/tqF1IrvNUv
— WWE (@WWE) March 19, 2019
Seth Rollins came ready to hot start the match, and Drew McIntyre was prepared, running up the ramp to meet The Kingslayer on his way down.
Once the match began, Drew McIntyre went straight to work tearing apart the third Shield member. McIntyre was able to evade or counter just about everything Rollins had to throw at him, inside and outside the ring.
Rollins tried to turn things around with a suicide dive, but was caught by McIntyre, who threw him into the barricade before grabbing a steel chair from the announce area.
McIntyre lifted the chair to hit Rollins, but Rollins landed a superkick, which seemed to bring him a second wind. Rollins hit two suicide dives and a slingblade in quick succession, gaining him a near fall.
McIntyre got a near fall as well, attempting to follow it up with a big spot from the top rope, but Rollins countered with a superplex and a Falcon Arrow. Still unable to put McIntyre away, Rollins prepared for a Curb Stomp – when Brock Lesnar’s music hit.
The distraction allowed Drew McIntyre to land a Claymore Kick, defeating Seth Rollins.
Winner: Drew McIntyre
What letter grade would you give tonight’s show? #RAW
— Rumble Ramble (@TheRumbleRamble) March 19, 2019
