SWAFT NATION! It’s the ‘Go-Home’ show for what is sure to be the most unusual WrestleMania of our lifetimes. Let’s take a look at what Vinny Mac has in store for us.
TONIGHT on the final #WWERaw before #WrestleMania!
🔴 Raw Women’s Champion @BeckyLynchWWE arrives
🔴 The @undertaker rises before #BoneyardMatch with @AJStylesOrg
🔴 @EdgeRatedR returns after @RandyOrton's #LastManStanding acceptance
…and MORE!https://t.co/UVSMDGLgYb
— WWE (@WWE) March 30, 2020
Interestingly enough, no matches are being previewed, just what I’m guessing are 3 promo segments. I don’t find this unwelcome as lately they have been killing it in the Promo Department, but we shall see how this plays out.
The Best of Raw
Dead Man Talking
After an outstanding promo package spotlighting AJ Styles’ perspective on the Undertaker feud, we suddenly get Undertaker in a smoky room.
You’ve done it now, @AJStylesOrg. You’ve gone and made a big mistake…#Undertaker awaits the #BoneyardMatch at #WrestleMania.#WWERaw pic.twitter.com/EswqJfcRqX
— WWE (@WWE) March 31, 2020
Taker calls AJ by his full name and talks about how AJ waited til all the top performers were out of the company before coming over. Talks about AJ’s jealousy of Michelle McCool and the Faithbreaker, which is amusing. We still don’t know what a Boneyard Match is, but this is maybe the best Taker Promo of all time.
Audible Theory
Montez Ford puts safety first by elbow-bumping Byron Saxton, despite the fact he’s about to grapple with three people.
ALL DAY.
An injury to @AndradeCienWWE means @Zelina_VegaWWE just brought in another 🔥🔥🔥 addition to her squad… @WWENXT's @austintheory1! #WWERaw pic.twitter.com/ltSHIFr41Y
— WWE (@WWE) March 31, 2020
This is an interesting change of plans. Instead of Andrade, who is allegedly out with injury to his ribs, Zelina presents Austin Theory to tag with the heels. Should be an interesting blend of personalities.
Can @FightOwensFight and the #StreetProfits take down @WWERollins, @AngelGarzaWwe and @austintheory1 in this #6ManTag?#WWERaw pic.twitter.com/xsvGNHQwti
— WWE (@WWE) March 31, 2020
Austin Theory gets a good chance to shine in this match, though I hope it wasn’t a botch but HOLY WOW AUSTIN THEORY HOW DID YOU NOT CATCH THAT!?!?! There is an awful moment where Montez Ford just slams audibly to the outside.
Austin Theory has to make the catch here sheesh… #RAW https://t.co/pOb8fDgTFp
— 2 Sweet Podcast (@2SweetPod) March 31, 2020
Anyway, back to the finish.
Kevin Owens hit the STUNNER, but @WWERollins hit the STOMP!#WWERaw pic.twitter.com/fAQje5yf3e
— WWE (@WWE) March 31, 2020
Owens gets the win, but Rollins gets a surprise attack at the end, and Ford is still lying on the outside, probably in severe pain.
KO Confessional
When the show returns from the match, Kevin Owens gets on the mic to address Seth.
Saturday night's alright for fighting at #WrestleMania! @FightOwensFight will finally get his match with @WWERollins.#WWERaw pic.twitter.com/R8L1y7VHTT
— WWE (@WWE) March 31, 2020
Owens is able to get over his accolades, and readily admits that he had help to achieve his accomplishments, while Seth refuses to acknowledge it. We do get a confiration that KO and Seth have their match taking place Saturday. Again, just an outstanding promo.
Living on the Edge
Edge is cutting a promo from a darkened room as well.
"You dug yourself another hole, didn't you @RandyOrton? This time, I'm not gonna pull you back out. I am gonna push you so far in, you will NEVER get back out!" – @EdgeRatedR
Who will be the #LastManStanding at #WrestleMania?#WWERaw pic.twitter.com/XvnyR0b8D0
— WWE (@WWE) March 31, 2020
It comes back to Grit. I love how these promos between Randy Orton and Edge have remained constant. These quiet promos allowing the men to articulate themselves with soft emphasis has done wonders for these segments.
This is a personal feud that is clearly one of the most invested-in storylines running throughout the Mania card. Again, just absolutely ace!
Asuka Readies for Mania
Asuka is out representing her team, solo, though doesn’t look like she’ll need it as her opponent is NXT’s Kayden Carter.
.@WWEAsuka looked to quickly prevail against @wwekayden on #WWERaw! pic.twitter.com/TziFk4Az9S
— WWE (@WWE) March 31, 2020
Asuka starts the match with a pretty amusing promo questioning who Carter is and reminding us that “Nobody is ready for Asuka.” The match is short and goes the way you’d expect. Asuka afterward gets on the commentary desk and promots her mania match, continuing to be a highlight.
Heyman Goes Home Hard
The Empty Arena is graced by the WWE Champion, allowing Paul Heyman to address us all.
.@HeymanHustle has a POWERFUL message for @DMcIntyreWWE when it comes to challenging @BrockLesnar for the #WWEChampionship at #WrestleMania!#WWERaw pic.twitter.com/bIxGgieLjT
— WWE (@WWE) March 31, 2020
Heyman pulls the curtain back a little but is able to over the talent of today as well as his client Brock Lesnar. He is absolutely one of the best in the business on the microphone, and the best at storytelling in or out of a ring. This was the perfect way to go home.
The Mixed Bag of Raw
The Man, Handled
#TheMan @BeckyLynchWWE would like to remind everyone what happened last year at #WrestleMania in a match against @RondaRousey AND @MsCharlotteWWE.#WWERaw pic.twitter.com/tc1RB4BjVm
— WWE (@WWE) March 31, 2020
While the replay will still be in the ‘Worst of Raw’ section, I have to take a moment to note that the way they used Becky Lynch to set up the clip was a very good use of the Women’s Champ.
.@BeckyLynchWWE had a message about #WrestleMania but quickly felt the presence of @QoSBaszler!#WWERaw pic.twitter.com/HQHygeJHiH
— WWE (@WWE) March 31, 2020
Following the match, we get an attack between Baszler and Becky which is at least a good setup to their match at Mania this weekend. Attacks still don’t play as well to an empty room.
Black Again
I still have no idea why Aleister Black and Bobby Lashley are fighting, but good to see Jason Cade on TV. I’m impressed that enhancement talent is still able to be used on TV.
What kind of game plan could @fightbobby have against @WWEAleister at #WrestleMania?#WWERaw pic.twitter.com/5uNTXm4fza
— WWE (@WWE) March 31, 2020
Obviously it would be a squash, but good job getting regular TV, Aleister Black.
The Worst of Raw
Replaynia
This isn’t unexpected by now, but Replays are a thing that are a necessary evil. So, here are what we saw once again tonight.
One year ago…
Will #TheMan @BeckyLynchWWE be equally triumphant this weekend at #WrestleMania when she battles @QoSBaszler? #WWERaw pic.twitter.com/GDmdJaOZ8B
— WWE (@WWE) March 31, 2020
As mentioned before, we got the WrestleMania main event from last year replayed with a setup by Becky Lynch.
Just an INCREDIBLE moment in the #WWEChampionship Match between @BrockLesnar & @reymysterio at #SurvivorSeries!
Can #TheBeast conquer at #WrestleMania?#WWERaw pic.twitter.com/CfhqiFYw94
— WWE (@WWE) March 31, 2020
And for some reason we’re showing the Rey/Brock match from Survivor Series.
Queen on a Kick
.@MsCharlotteWWE took down @RheaRipley_WWE with a sneak attack on #WWERaw!
The #WWENXT Women's Championship is on the line at #WrestleMania when #TheQueen challenges #TheNightmare. pic.twitter.com/p1SSrNbJHI
— WWE (@WWE) March 31, 2020
In the only buildup to Mania we get on Raw, Charlotte just attacks Ripley from behind, who is clearly violating the Safer at Home order. Hopefully this gets more of a build on NXT on Wednesday.
Overall Rating for the Show (From best to worst: RAWsome, Cor, AvRAWge, Poor and RAWful)
I must be in an outstanding mood. Though this show was once again in an empty arena format, and was more promos than action I absolutely loved it. The strength of these performers to carry the stories with their words was on full display. It is amazing how a promo with subtlety can do to get you emotionally invested in the stories being told.
The action was very good, despite a slight botch, and WHY ARE BOBBY LASHLEY AND ALEISTER BLACK FIGHTING!?!?!?
Despite this, this week’s RAW was a LOW RAWsome!
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