We kick things off from the Cajun Dome in Lafayette, LA with WWE COO Triple H in the ring. Helmsley recaps the events of the previous nights Elimination Chamber PPV. The Game specifically mentions the Championship Victories of Finn Balor and Sasha Banks & Bayley who became Intercontinental and Women’s Tag Team Champions respectively. Triple H also makes mention (In a line blurring Baby Face promo) of Kofi Kingston’s valiant efforts as well as the intrusion of the “suspended” Becky Lynch, saying Corporately she’ll be arrested’ but personally “It was cool”. The Game goes on to reiterate ESPN’s earlier announcement of D-Generation X inclusion in the WWE Hall of Fame. The honored group will consist of HBK Shawn Michaels, Road Dogg, Billy Gunn, X-Pac, Triple H, & Chyna. Most fans have waited an awful long time for The 9th Wonder of the Worlds induction.
As if that couldn’t be topped, Triple H reminds the universe that he’s not only involved in the on-goings of RAW & SmackDown Live, but also NXT. We then get the announcement of 4 debuting NXT Superstars followed by video packages for Ricochet, Aleister Black, NXT NORTH AMERICAN Champion Johnny Gargano, & NXT Champion Tommasso Ciampa. The Game informs us that we will start the action with a Tables Match between Baron Corbin and Braun Strowman.
Braun Strowman vs Baron Corbin (Tables Match}
A rather quick and uneventful NO DQ match here that Strowman won with ease as he Powerslammed Corbin through a table set up in the corner. Braun sold the rib injuries from the before throughout. After the match Strowman confronted Paul Heyman at the top of the ramp. Almost as soon as Braun’s massive hand wrapped around Heyman’s neck The Advocate was pleading with The Monster among Men as he was “No physical threat” to the giant.
Paul Heyman Promo
Paul Heyman brushes off Brauns attack by saying he’s “not surprised” and that everyone should be jealous of his client, Brock Lesnar. Heyman offers us a career retrospective on The Universal Champion which I’ve shared for you in the link below.
After the video, Heyman asks the WWE Universe if they truly believe Seth Rollins can Slay the Beast at WrestleMania, but he’s interrupted by the NEW Intercontinental Champion Finn Balor.
Finn Balor Promo
Finn Balor talks up the legacy of the I.C Title and how its been awhile since he’s held some gold, quickly interrupted by Lio Rush. After Rush and Lashley jump Balor, Ricochet makes the save!
A relatively routine interview with Heavy Machinery turned into a walk down the runway for Lacey Evans. Not to be outdone, The Duo strut their stuff down the ramp as well.
Heavy Machinery/Lacey Evans Interview
Back-to-Back team interviews the first features Ciampa and Gargano and RAW Tag Team Champions The Revival. Though they were interrupted by former champs Chad Gable and Bobby Roode.
Finn Balor and Ricochet were up next, Balor defers to Ricochet saying it was his night. You could tell he truly was grateful to be there.
Balor/Ricochet vs Lashley/Rush
A highlight reel match for Ricochet who picked up the win with an eye popping 630 senton on Lio Rush.
Backstage we find Triple H who’s approached by Drew McIntyre wanting to fight Seth Rollins for a spot in the main event at WrestleMania. Dean Ambrose instead challenges McIntyre to match on RAW. After a vicious slap from Ambrose. Triple H asks Drew if he wants Rollins still or if he should switch the match to Ambrose. McIntyre tells The Game to “Change the damn match”
Lucha House Party vs Hawkins & Ryder
A blink and you’ll miss it victory for Lince Dorado and Gran Metalik with Durado getting the win over Curt Hawkins, and Zack Ryder.
DIY vs The Revival
A true throwback in tag team wrestling. These two teams tore it up on RAW reminding us all of the classics they created in NXT. If you haven’t seen this match I highly suggest you do. My words couldn’t ever do it justice. DIY picks up a huge upset of the champs in an impressive debut
We then get an Update on K.O and a celebratory promo from our Womens Tag Team Champions. Nia Jax and Tamina have some choice words for the Boss and The Hugger but are thwarted off by The Boss and Hug Connection.
Dean Ambrose vs Drew McIntyre
Drew McIntyre absolutely smashes Dean Ambrose and drops him for the 3 with a pair of Claymore Kicks
Seth Rollins Interview
Seth Rollins gives an interview agreeing with a lot of what Paul Heyman said earlier but vows to dethrone The Beast at WrestleMania. Dean Ambrose then appears to ask Rollins “Where were you out there?” Both men seemed utterly confused.
Elias vs Aleister Black
Aleister Black interrupts Elias and puts him away in routine fashion with a Black Mass kick.
Ronda Rousey vs Ruby Riott (RAW Womens Championship)
Ronda finishes what she started the night before and makes Ruby tap in very quick order concluding this action packed Monday Night Raw
