PWP Nation’s Caden Moran discusses six things we learned from the February 25th, 2019 edition of Monday Night RAW
Imagine thinking the February 25th edition of Monday Night RAW was bad. Just imagine.
Sure, there was still a bit of repetition, but it felt like WWE and the creative team truly put effort into last night’s show. From a feel good moment to begin the show, to the shocking return and chaos at the end, the red brand delivered this week.
Finally, I can go into this with a positive mindset. Here are six things we learned from last night’s episode of Monday Night RAW.
#6 – Black & Ricochet Can be a Formidable Tag Team
I am still a bit confused as to what the NXT guys’ plan is on the main roster brands at the moment. For right now, the guys like Johnny Gargano, Tommaso Ciampa, Ricochet, and Aleister Black are all floating around the entirety of WWE. Not that it is an issue at the moment, but there should be some clarity as to what is going on. However, even with the confusion, that does not stop the fun action we have been seeing.
Last night, Ricochet and Black teamed up to take on the RAW Tag Team Champions, The Revival. Also, being in Chicago, the stars finally got the reactions they did not get in Lafayette last week. All four men put on a great match, and it led to the NXT guys picking up the win against the champs.
Black and Ricochet are proving themselves to be a formidable tag team. With them set to team up in the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic later in NXT, it could be a sign that these two men could be teaming up for a while. I would not mind that decision.
#5 – Alexa Bliss is a Mess
What the hell is going on with the character of Alexa Bliss?
Ever since “A Moment of Bliss” was introduced on Monday Night RAW, Alexa Bliss has become a more…how can I put this delicately? She has become a more sensual character. Take last night’s interaction with the Intercontinental Champion Finn Balor, for example. She sounded like somebody that New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft would pay to do certain things before a big football game.
Before Lio Rush interrupted, Bliss said that if Finn showed her his abs, she would show him her…something. We did not get clarification on what that something was thanks to Rush. Look, I do not know what direction Alexa Bliss and her character are headed, but whatever is happening right now is not what any of us had expected from a five-time Women’s Champion.
#4 – The Shield Will Reunite One Last Time
With the return of Roman Reigns last night, we saw him and Seth Rollins share a couple of wonderful moments. One of those moment was saving Dean Ambrose from a 4 on 1 attack after his match with Drew McIntyre. As we know, the same night Roman announced he had to step away due to leukemia, Dean turned on Rollins and beat him down.
Over the last few weeks, and especially due to the news that Ambrose will not re-sign with WWE, him and Rollins have had a few odd interactions. Ambrose has been more on the babyface side of the spectrum lately, and with last night’s interaction, or lack of, between him and his former brothers, it is curious to see what will happen with the trio.
I believe we will see one final and true interaction between The Shield before Ambrose makes his exit. That is if he even does exit. Hopefully, we get one more embrace and fist bump between the trio before April is over.
#3 – They are Nailing the Becky Lynch Story
Believe it or not, WWE are nailing this story involving Becky Lynch and Ronda Rousey. Even if the match at Wrestlemania will be a triple threat, the build up to it so far has been incredible. Last night was no different,
Lynch broke her 60-day suspension and attempted to interfere with Ronda’s match. Lynch was consequently arrested and put in handcuffs. If was very, and I am not saying the comparisons are true, Steve Austin-esque. Becky’s story leading up to Wrestlemania has been wonderful and it only makes us as the fans want to know what happens next even more.
Following the arrest of Becky Lynch, Ronda Rousey cut a promo with Stephanie McMahon which led her to leave her RAW Women’s Championship in the middle of the ring. If Becky is not facing Ronda at Wrestlemania, Ronda will not compete.
The intrigue is high right now. They can only get better from here.
#2 – It Finally Feels Like Wrestlemania Season
Batista is back. In October of last year, Evolution reunited during the 1000th episode of Smackdown Live, which led to “The Animal” causing a tense situation between him and Triple H. Batista has always wanted a match with HHH at Wrestlemania. Now, he might just get it.
During Ric Flair‘s 70th Birthday celebration, RAW went off the air with Batista standing over a battered Ric Flair who he had just beaten down. It was an awesome moment and a genuine surprise to all of us. We knew Batista was backstage, but we did not know how he would make his presence felt. After dragging a helpless Flair backstage, Batista looked directly at the camera and said, “Hey, Hunter. Do I have your attention, now?”.
It was a goosebumps worthy moment and it was one of the best endings to RAW in a very long time. Batista is back and it appears he will be facing his former friend and foe at Wrestlemania to close out his career indefinitely.
Finally, it feels like Wrestlemania season.
#1 – Roman Reigns Will Never be Booed Again
What a wonderful moment last night. Roman Reigns announced his cancer was in remission and he is back with WWE. It was a moment nobody will forget, especially since it was only back in October where he announced he had to step away.
The reaction for Roman is one he had never received in his entire career. When real life causes interference with the world of professional wrestling, perceptions and attitudes change towards the guys you used to boo. Now, Roman Reigns will never be booed again.
You can say that it is sad that it took a life threatening disease to get the fans to cheer and love him, but you can’t think about it like that. Roman Reigns is back, and he will always be the lovable babyface that we can believe in.
Monday Night RAW was great, in my opinion. The Road to Wrestlemania continues and keeps getting better and better.
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