Tonight’s episode featured the surprising return of Shane McMahon to the biggest ovation thus far in 2016. The dynamic played out with family tension with a underlying of some “trump” cards (Sorry Donald) of what Shane may have up his sleeve to reclaim his proverbial throne.
Shane usurped the spotlight from his sister Stephanie who was about to receive the award from her father Mr. McMahon. However, the double-edged key cog is this: If Shane wins at Wrestlemania, he controls RAW. However, his Mania opponent and match is the deadly Hell in the Cell versus the Undertaker.
In matches, Raw featured a budding development of Ryback walking out on partners Big Show and Kane during their 6-man tag team rematch from Fastlane. The trio went against the Wyatt family of Rowan, Bray and Strowman. The Wyatt’s were successful and victorious in their bout. The Uso’s defeated the Ascension’s Konnor and Victor in tag team action; as the Dudley’s promo-ed the Uso’s and watched up on the ramp way. Odds are, this feud and titanic clash will occur at Wrestlemania.
In diva developments, Sasha Banks continued her winning ways over Naomi, meanwhile Becky Lynch thwarted interference from Tamina. Charlotte promo-ed her victory over Brie from Fastlane, and crowing about her reign. Roman Reigns won the triple threat match over Ambrose and Brock Lesnar. However, Reigns was unsuccessful in a no-contest versus Sheamus in the RAW main event. Reigns will face WWE champion Triple H at Mania. Meanwhile who unceremoniously viciously attacked Reigns and gave him a fractured nose which required surgery.
In other developments, a fiery Brock Lesnar fresh off the Fastlane loss and severe chair shots from Ambrose led to a surprising pre-show development and a hard-hitting segment (pun intended). Ambrose lived up to his name and persona of Brian Pillman, Cactus Jack, Steve Austin anti-authority lunatic. He was beaten severely by Lesnar, pummeled onto a car hood. However, he came back into the arena in a ambulance and challenge Lesnar to a match at Mania. Heyman promo-ed about the injustices of Sunday night, and subsequently accepted Ambrose’s challenge. Dean was also treated to a F-5 for his bravado.
Kevin Owens retained his IC title over Ziggler at Fastlane, as did the US title of Kalisto who defeated Alberto Del Rio. Kalisto who is still apart of the Lucha Dragons with Sin Cara, teamed with Neville on RAW; and in a losing effort versus the trio of The New Day. R-Truth continued his refusals and rebuttals to being Goldust’s tag team partner; the same man who cost Truth a loss to Curtis Axel at Fastlane.
AJ Styles earned the endorsement of Jericho as he was victorious in their Fastlane bout. They also won their tag team match versus Social Outcast members Axel and Heath Slater. The Godfather is the second inductee for the 2016 Hall of Fame, with Sting being the first for this year.
RAW was the best “new” storyline show and with Shane appearing led to a ratings pop. This will be the heaviest implications of the leading feature story for the show. Will it over shadow others perhaps? Time will tell. How will RAW follow up (ratings and story-wise) to properly captivate moving forward? Let us all hope and tune in next week.
Recent Comments