Tonight on Raw, we go back two weeks already, as both The Undertaker and Hulk Hogan are schedule to be in Memphis. Hulk Hogan is supposed to have a “major announcement” concerning WrestleMania XXX, so what will the “huge statement” be? With “The Deadman” in town, will he have another confrontation with Brock Lesnar, or is it just to affirm the WrestleMania showdown between the two long-time rivals?

C.O.O. Triple H laid out Daniel Bryan last week, but Bryan retaliated on Smackdown by verbally assaulting Batista. How will any of them respond tonight, and will Bryan be involved in the WWE World Heavyweight Championship match at WrestleMania, or will “The Game’s” emotions continue to get the best of him and he will answer Daniel’s WrestleMania challenge for a match?

Both The Real Americans and The Shield still seem to be on the brink of self-destruction; will they move on from their issues or are they destined to completely split, and possibly go at it at WrestleMania?

The Usos are the new Tag-Team Champions, so who are their new challengers? (Here’s hoping they will be showcased at WrestleMania – hello Goldust and Cody Rhodes for a classic tag-team feud and bout!)

John Cena is schedule to face Erik Rowan, according to WWE.com (accidentally saw that, when I was looking for the location of tonight’s show. I say “accidentally,” because I like to go into this completely “blind” and form my own preview/opinions, so that was one small spoiler.) Will he prevail or is another Wyatt Family beatdown and disturbing Bray prophecy in the cards for Cena?

All this and much more, so read on!

Monday Night Raw TV Report for March 10th, 2014 – “When A Verbal Push Comes To A Shove…”

Introduction Segment: Arena Promo

Michael Cole welcomes us to Monday Night Raw, then Justin Roberts welcomes out “The Immortal” Hulk Hogan. “The Hulkster” struts out to the ring. He puts over the reactions he has been receiving from fans, then cheaply plugs the WWE Network and his work from years gone by (which can be seen on said Network – okay, that was a cheap plug myself!).

Hogan recalls, in particular, what was probably his most famous match, facing the late-great Andre The Giant at WrestleMania III. This memory led to an “idea that was so intense, that I couldn’t wait to come to Monday Night Raw and tell all the Hulkamaniacs right here, in Memphis Tennessee, brother!”

Hogan announces, in memory of Andre The Giant, at WrestleMania XXX, there will be an over-the-top-rope 30-man Battle Royal, and the winner will receive the Andre The Giant Memorial Trophy. A picture of the trophy, which is a giant statue of Andre, is depicted on the Titan Tron. “Whatcha gonna do at WrestleMania XXX when Hulkamania and the memory of Andre The Giant runs wild on you, brothers?” Hulk finishes.

Some who would consider today’s Hulk Hogan, John Cena now walks out. He embraces the real Hogan, amid his usual boos and cheers. Cena puts over the fans and Hogan. John shares his own memories of growing up, watching Hogan, then puts his name first to be in the Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal. (And there’s your winner, right there!)

“Memphis, we’re here.” The Wyatt Family appears on the Titan Tron, then saunter slowly to the ring. Hogan and Cena stare them down. Bray sits in his rocking chair, then cuts a promo. “I have always been fascinated with pride. It is my favorite sin. It has the power to blind even the strongest men; even those who claim to be ‘immortal.’ Hey kids, take your vitamins and say your prayers. All praise be to the virtue of ‘hustle, loyalty, and respect.’ As if they can do you any good. You are both liars. And your foolish pride allows you to prey upon the week and fill you up with all this hope. But hope is dead, as will be your legacy John. I can see it in your eyes. You don’t get it. And, how could you possibly get something that you can’t comprehend. But I’ll lay it out for you John, right here, right now. If you look up at me, you will see a friend. If you look down at me, you will see an enemy. But if you look at me square in the eye, you will see a god.” (And right there, he just owned both Hogan and Cena all in one speech!)

Cena retorts, making fun of The Wyatt’s look. He then challenges Bray to a match at WrestleMania XXX. Wyatt responds, “it’s always fun and games with you John. Until it’s you caught in the spider’s web.”

They drop their microphones and the Wyatts hop the apron. Cena and Hogan standoff against Luke and Erik.

Commercials.

Match #1: Single – John Cena (with Hulk Hogan) VS. Erik Rowan (with Wyatt Family partners Bray Wyatt and Luke Harper)

This bout began during the break. Rowan clotheslines Cena down, then presses his fists against the temple of Cena. Erik gives Cena a pump handle slam for a two-count, but misses an elbow drop. Cena kicks back but gets caught in a crossbody attempt. Rowan tosses him with a fall away slam, and nearly takes this after a splash in the corner. Erik runs at John in the corner again, but misses. He catches Cena again off the ropes and locks in a nasty bearhug. Rowan clubs him on the back, then scoop/powerslams John to the canvas. Cena suddenly slides over the shoulders of Rowan and rolls him up for the victory!

Winner via Pinfall: John Cena (with Hulk Hogan)

Post-match, Harper and Rowan climb the apron again as Bray glares at Cena. It’s another standoff, then The Wyatts back down. Bray shouts “I welcome it!” then walks off with his charges. Cena and Hogan shake and hug in the ring, then pose for a bit.

Later tonight, Sheamus and Christian will face off in either a Falls Count Anywhere, 2 Out Of 3 Falls, or Memphis Street Fight match. It’s up to the WWE Universe which one. Plus, Big Show and Daniel Bryan will go against Batista and his WrestleMania opponent, WWE World Heavyweight Champion Randy Orton. Further, The Undertaker will be on Raw!

Up next, The Authority will be out to address their confrontation with Daniel Bryan.

Ads.

Replays of The Authority’s assault (despite Bryan fighting his best against them) on Daniel air, then Triple H and Stephanie make their entrance.

Segment #2: Arena Promo

Standing at the stage, Stephanie speaks first. She takes pride in what her husband did to Bryan, and says that Daniel’s actions would be “grounds for immediate termination.” However, after discussions between Stephanie and HHH, Stephanie sincerely apologizes and they both know that the “Daniel Bryan brand” has value. McMahon puts him down more, saying that he is not as worthy of “A + players like Batista or Randy Orton, or even Triple H.” Stephanie orders Bryan to say sorry himself, or there will be severe consequences. The New Age Outlaws walk out next and greet The Authority. They will be on commentary for the next contest.

Commercials.

Match #2: Tag-Team – Rybaxel (Ryback and Curtis Axel) VS. Tag-Team Champions The Usos (Jimmy and Jey) (Non-Title)

(Note: A video airs of Ryback declaring his entering into the Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal) Jimmy begins with Ryback, chopping him about the ring. He runs Ryback off the ropes and armdrags him. Ryback shoves back into the corner and tags in Axel. Jimmy hits a smacking uppercut on Curtis, then a shoulder block. Axel comes back and tosses Jimmy to the outside. Ryback is back in and splashes Jimmy for a near fall! He suplexes Jimmy, then switches again with Curtis. Jimmy is worn down with a grounding rear chinlock, but flips over a backdrop and tags in Jey. The brother is all over Axel, giving him kicks and a Samoan Drop. He hits the rear-end splash on Axel in the corner, then a superkick. Jey gears up and soars over the ropes onto Ryback while tagging in Jimmy. The other twin rockets off the top rope with a Superfly Splash on Axel and gets the 1 – 2 – 3!

Winners via Pinfall: Tag-Team Champions The Usos (Jimmy and Jey)

Segment #3: Office Promo

Director Of Operations Kane is with The Shield. He tries to figure out the point of when The Shield began falling apart. He speculates it was when they lost the Tag-Team Championship to The Rhodes Brothers. Kane books The Shield against Cody and Goldust. Rollins pokes fun at Kane’s recent losses to Daniel Bryan, then the trio walk away.

Ads.

Match #2: Single – Jack Swagger (with Real Americans partners Cesaro and Zeb Colter) VS. Intercontinental Champion Big E. (Non-title)

swagger takes control early after a lockup, punching away in the corner. Big E. counters with corner shoulder blocks, but is dropped by Swagger out of the corner when he was giving him punches. A clothesline puts down Big E. for two, then Jack continues to slug away. The I.C. Champ fires back with a couple clotheslines, then a belly-to-belly suplex, but is chopped down by the knee from Swagger. Jack chokes him on the ropes, but Zeb and Cesaro distract Jack, allowing Big E. to roll him up and finish this one!

Winner via Pinfall: Intercontinental Champion Big E.

Post-match, Cesaro is laughing at Jack, and then the two get in each others face, playing the blame game. Zeb snaps, yelling that they both are “driving me crazy.” He disrobes his jacket and demands both to shake hands again. Cesaro holds his hand out and Jack refuses, then accepts. Cesaro holds on longer and applies pressure.

Up next, one of the true icons, The Undertaker will be out!

Commercials.

Segment #4: Arena Promo

The familiar gong rings and the arena dims to purple/blue lighting and smoke. “The Deadman” is back and he walks out. Before he can utter a word, Paul Heyman is on stage. “I apologize if my presence has disrupted your train of thought. As you know sir, my name is Paul Heyman, and I am the advocate for your opponent at WrestleMania XXX, Brock Lesnar. I came out here tonight to advocate the position that Undertaker, you preserve the greatest streak in sports, the greatest streak in entertainment, the greatest streak in sports-entertainment.” Heyman lists all the big names, Hogan, Michaels, Austin, Triple H, and Cena, who all had WrestleMania wins consecutively, but not a stretch as long or as great as ‘Taker’s. “That is when a man becomes a myth, it’s when a myth becomes a legend, it’s when a legend becomes a deity of biblical proportions.” Paul implies the streak is too big to risk, so he requests Undertaker to not face Lesnar at WrestleMania XXX. Paul E. makes known that Brock is the one who will crush “The Phenom’s” streak. “It’s an unknown that you, sir, need to fear, because if you step into the ring at WrestleMania XXX, your streak will be conquered by Brock Lesnar!”

Undertaker responds, telling Heyman to give Brock a message. “The fear of death is far greater than the death itself; but the fear of the unknown is the greatest fear of all.” In addition, “you tell your client, Brock Lesnar, if he shows up in New Orleans, at WrestleMania XXX, he will ‘rest in peace.'” The bell tolls and Undertaker rolls his eyes back in his head. Heyman lays the microphone on the stage and backs away.

Up next, it’s The Brotherhood taking on The Shield!

Ads.

It is announced that both the Divas Championship and United States Championship will be defended on Main Event Tuesday night, seen on the WWE Network. A.J. Lee is putting her title up against Natalya, while Mark Henry challenges Dean Ambrose.

Match #4: Tag-Team – Cody Rhodes and Goldust VS. The Shield (Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins) (with Shield partner United States Champion Dean Ambrose)

Rollins and Rhodes begin, with Rolls kicking Cody in the corner. Cody counters a suplex attempt, and delivers a stalling front one of his own for a one-count! Goldust is tagged, but is pushed into the corner. He reverses an Irish Whip and backdrops Seth for two. Cody back in and jumps off the top with a fist drop. He whips Seth hard into the corner, but Seth flips over and delivers a flatliner into the second turnbuckle! He kicks away in the corner then switches with Reigns (who gets a decent pop.) Roman headbutts Cody, the holds him as Rollins fist drops off the top rope. Reigns is tagged back in, but misses a splash in the corner. Goldust in and clotheslines Roman a couple times, then uppercuts him. He pushes Seth down from the apron and almost gets this after a spinebuster on Roman!

Goldust crossbodys both Rollins and Reigns, then sends both to the outside via tosses! Both Rhodes and Goldust follow up with dives and square off with Ambrose.

Commercials.

Goldust and Reigns are now going at it, with Roman countering a suplex with one of his own for a two-count! He nails a vicious uppercut, then tag sin Rollins, who clutches down with a grounding rear chinlock. Seth sets Goldust up on the bottom rope with a splash, tags in Reigns, who then leaps from the floor onto Goldust’s head with a front kick! Both Rollins and Reigns now dominate “The Bizarre One.” Goldust counters a Roman run with a powerslam, then pushes off Rollins to get the hot-tag to his brother. Cody’s on fire with a sunset flip and uppercut, then flips out of a backrop and hits the Disaster Kick onto Reigns, knocking him off the apron! Cody soars backwards off the top rope with a moonsault for a near-fall, then delivers a Muscle Buster for another close-call!

Cody and Seth run into each other, while Roman spears Goldust. Rhodes sets up Rollins for the CrossRhodes, but Seth snapmares him over. Cody springboards for the Disaster Kick, but is caught and powerbombed into the corner. Rollins follows up with a stomping facebuster and the 1 – 2 – 3!

Winners via Pinfall: The Shield (Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins) (with Shield partner United States Champion Dean Ambrose)

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Match #5: Tag-Team – The Bella Twins (Nikki and Brie) VS. Tamina Snuka and Divas Champion A.J. Lee (Non-Title)

(Note: Natalya is on commentary, and at one-point pays subtle homage to her late-great Uncle, Owen Hart, with the phrase “enough is enough, it’s time for a change.) Elbow/collar tie-up between Tamina and Nikki begins, then they slug it out. Nikki kicks hard and wristlocks Tamina, then tags in her sister. They double-team Tamina with an elbow and knee combo, but Snuka powers back with harsh superkick on Brie, sending her rolling to the outside! Tamina rips at Brie’s chin with a lock.

A.J. now in, hitting a spin-kick on Brie for two. She goes for a Tornado DDT, and turns it into a Guillotine Choke. Brie rolls through and hits a front dropkick, then tags in Nikki. She flies all over A.J. with clotheslines. She hits a kneebuster, but Tamina breaks up the pin. Brie takes down Tamina, but receives a kick-to-the-head by A.J. The Divas Champion goes for the Black Widow Stretch, but Nikki turns it around into a Torture Rack Bomb and the W!

Winners via Pinfall: The Bella Twins (Nikki and Brie)

Post-match, Nikki holds up A.J.’s Divas Championship, but Natalya get son the apron and glares her down.

Commercials.

Segment #5: Arena Promo

The most popular superstar in the WWE right now is out, Daniel Bryan! He declares “the ‘Yes Movement’ is live right here, in Memphis, Tennessee.” He then questions the fans if Stephanie’s earlier apology was really from the heart. Neither the fans or Bryan think so, and he speculates that The Authority “wants to scare me into falling in line.” Bryan says that what he did to Triple H last week, he should’ve done long ago. He tells “The Game” that being C.O.O. is fine, but “if you want to lay your hands on me. If you want to send people down here to beat me down. If you want to Pedigree me. If you want to get in my face, and you expect me to back down, I am not going to. I AM GOING TO FIGHT! And if you want me to apologize for standing up for myself, I don’t got two words for you, I’ve got one – ‘NO!'”

Bryan tells Hunter that it is finished tonight. “You are not listening to me, you are not listening to these people, you are not listening to any of us! But tonight, we’re going to make it so you have to listen to us. Because tonight the ‘Yes Movement’ is in full-effect, and tonight, WE ARE GOING TO OCCUPY RAW!” Daniel explains that means he won’t exit the ring until he gets his match at WrestleMania XXX with Triple H. Bryan absolutely means it, because he is not the only one. He threatens to fill the entire building with the “Yes Movement.” He knows the consequences, but has backup with certain members of the yes movement. In rolls a bunch of people and they go to break.

Ads.

Many people with Bryan are now surrounding the ring and inside the squared circle, demanding Triple H to respond. The Authority finally walks out, and HHH looks infuriated. “Alright Daniel, congratulations, you got your little ‘Occupy Raw Movement'” Triple H smirks. He warns them they have thirty-seconds, then will have them arrested via security. No one is leaving, so “The Game” calls for help. Bryan threatens back to have everyone in the arena walk out and have their own Raw in the parking lot. Only two security walk down, but the numbers outweigh, to the chagrin of Stephanie and HHH.

“You see Stephanie, Hunter, this is the problem. You guys and people like you underestimate the power of these people. Stephanie, last week, you told everybody here that you own this ring, that you own this arena, that you own me, that you own these people. Guess what? You don’t any of this, WE OWN THIS RING!”

Triple H takes the mike back, “this ends now!” He orders the next match to start, and unfortunately it’s Damien Sandow, because he’s not going to last long! He approaches the ring, but no one is budging and it’s still blocked off. Bryan eggs hi on, then Damien goes to leave. HHH walks back out and argues with Sandow. Stephanie screams at Bryan and the people, but they’re still not moving. Daniel repeats his request to take on HHH at WrestleMania XXX. “The Game” contemplates, and gives him the truth.

“I actually like you, I actually saw something in you. I took it upon myself to try to protect you. To protect you from everything that would happen when you were successful. I protected you at SummerSlam. I protected you ever since then. And what happens? This happens! You want to know why I didn’t fight you at WrestleMania? For your own good, Daniel. Because I will end all of this. Because at WrestleMania I will not stop until I end you. That’s the way I operate, and that’s the way it’s going to be. You want to fight me at WrestleMania? Then be careful what you wish for – YOU’RE ON!”

Bryan still has some more needs for the people, stating that the people “really want is to see me fighting for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. So here is what we really want – if I beat you at WrestleMania XXX, I get added to the WWE World Heavyweight Championship match. So that then, the main event would be Randy Orton VS. Batista VS. Daniel Bryan!”

Triple H tears off his jacket and charges down to the ring, but is held off by his own security. “You want that? You get all of it! You get me! You get your deal! Get out of my ring, and I am going to end this at WrestleMania. You can bet your ass!”

Daniel and the people celebrate their victory over the powers-that-be!

Commercials.

Jerry “The King” Lawler is in the ring and reveals what the fans voted for in Christian and Sheamus’ match. They will be, not entirely surprisingly, battling in a “Memphis Street Fight!”

Match #6: Single – Sheamus VS. Christian (Memphis Street Fight Rules)

The bell rings and they slug away at each other to start. Sheamus tries a Brogue Kick early, but Christian moves, however is clotheslined over the ropes. Sheamus hurls him into the corner barricade, then slides him across the announce table. Sheamus punches again, picks up a guitar, and swings and misses. Christian uses another six-string to ram Sheamus. Christian Irish Whips Sheamus, but it is reversed and Christian is sent over the steel steps. Sheamus climbs the stairs and steps on Christian’s head, then chases him up the ramp. Christian shoves Sheamus to the floor (which doesn’t have as much impact as the good ole’ high stage of the “Attitude Era!”), then follows up with an impressive Tornado DDT!

Ads.

Christian is still dominating, sending Sheamus into the ring post. Christian collects a kendo stick/Singapore cane, then whales away on Sheamus. 1 – 2 – Sheamus kicks out! He continues to abuse the Irishman with the weapon, but misses a last shot in the corner. Sheamus fights back until he gets kneed and stomped down. Christian goes to the floor and pulls out another kendo stick form under the ring. He dives off the turnbuckle, but Sheamus counters with a fist. A close-up of Sheamus’ back, with marks all over it from the Singapore cane, is shown. Sheamus fights back, and catches Christian from the ropes in a rolling fireman’s slam. 1 – 2 – Christian kicks out!

Christian elbows his way out of the rope slugs, then both clutch the kendo stick. Sheamus wins that little tug of war, then hits Christian repeatedly. Sheamus drops him with White Noise and just about takes this! He holds Christian against the ropes and hammers away with numerous forearms. (Which Michael Cole informs us is now called, “The Ten Beats Of The Bowring.”) Christian’s back is split open following those kendo stick shots. Christian slides out of the ring before a Brogue Kick, but gets pulled face-first into the ring post. Sheamus delivers an Irish Curse Backbreaker off the steel steps! He throws some chairs into the ring, then brings in the biggest drum. (Yes, for real!)

Christian counters and kicks, then rams Sheamus down with chairs. He sets up a couple chairs on Sheamus’ chest, then soars off the top rope with a Frog Splash! 1 – 2 – Sheamus still gets the shoulder up! Christian picks up the drum, but Sheamus counters and nails him with the Brogue Kick THROUGH the musical instrument! That finishes this bout after Sheamus covers!

Winner via Pinfall: Sheamus

Segment #7: Backstage Promo

A Brad Maddox sighting is in account, with him talking to both Batista and WWE World Heavyweight Champion Randy Orton. He tells them that The Authority has left the building, but asked Maddox to inform Batista and Orton to be on the same page to take care of Big Show and Daniel Bryan. “The Viper” agrees, but Batista just walks off.

Commercials.

Segment #8: Arena Promo

Lana comes out to the stage, says something in Russian, then tell America to rise and brings out her charge, Alexander Rusev. The “Super Athlete” walks out, stands on his little podium, and proclaims something in his native language.

Segment #9: Video Promo

After a replay of Hulk Hogan’s announcement, The Wyatt Family cut in. Luke Harper tells John Cena that he has made a “really big mistake. It’s a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the reaper.” Bray now appears on camera, hanging upside down at first. “I am not of this world, John. It was such a euphoric experience for me to see you out there standing next to ‘The Immortal’ Hulk Hogan. It was almost like I was looking at your future. Do you see yourself in him, John? Two men out there, so self-absorbed, that they refuse to just let it go. Do you see yourself in me? I know it would take a lot for you John to admit that you are EVERY BIT A MONSTER THAT I AM! Underestimating me is the most foolish thing that you’ll ever do. I have a thousand faces and a million names. If you want to see me as a vicious beast, so I will be. If you want to see me as a smiling child, so I will be. At WrestleMania XXX, John, I accept. Just remember, you are the one with everything to lose. Your time is up, and I am forever. (creepily singing) TIME IS ON MY SIDE.”

Big Show makes his entrance for the Tag-Team main event, next!

Ads.

It is announced that The Big Show will face Director Of Operations, Kane, this week on Smackdown! Daniel Bryan then comes out, followed by Batista and WWE World Heavyweight Champion Randy Orton.

Match #7: Tag-Team – Big Show and Daniel Bryan VS. Batista and WWE World Heavyweight Champion “The Viper” Randy Orton
(Non-Title)

Bryan and Orton begin, with Bryan pulling the ropes down and Orton tumbling over them. Daniel follows up with a suicide dives and gets the crowd going in a “yes, yes, yes” chant.

Commercials.

Bryan clamps on a grounding chinlock, but Orton reverses a whip and knees Bryan in the gut. Batista now in (to massive boos) and rams his shoulder in Daniel’s stomach. Randy and Batista work over Bryan for a bit, but Bryan fights back with punches until he gets powerslammed by Orton off a run. Batista back in and suplexes Daniel to the mat, then delivers an elbow. He continues to control the super fan-favourite. Bryan moves out of the way of a knee drop from Orton, then tags in Big |Show. The 7’1 Giant clotheslines Batista a couple times, then rear-bumps him in the corner. He follows up with a sidewalk slam, but Randy comes back and distracts Show. They double-team him, then it is Orton alone. He kicks away at Big. Batista in again, and hits a spear on Show! He goes for the Batista Bomb, but Show backdrops him and makes the hot-tag.

Bryan is in and all over both Orton and Batista, then kicks away at Orton. He nails a kick to Orton’s head, and almost gets this! He ascends the turnbuckle, pushing Dave off the apron, but Orton rolls out of a headbutt dive. He rolls up Daniel, but Bryan counters into a Yes Lock Crossface. Batista breaks it up, but Show comes in and knocks him out. Orton brings Big down with an R.K.O., and stands up, but Batista spears him! Bryan hits a running knee on “The Animal,” but misses on Orton. “The Viper” plants Bryan with a slingshot DDT and gears up for another R.K.O.

Bryan reverses into a backslide, but still only gets two! Bryan ducks a clothesline and hits the running knee. 1 – 2 – 3! Bryan and Show get the victory!

Winners via Pinfall: Big Show and Daniel Bryan

Post-match, Bryan celebrates with the fans to close the show.

End Of Raw.

Reporter’s Rumblings – By Moe Tapp

This was an excellent Raw, pretty much start to finish. One of the best I’ve seen in a while, with great action and great segments! Onto the particulars:

Excellence – opening promo with Hulk Hogan, John Cena, and The Wyatt Family. Love the idea of the Andre The Giant Memorial Cup for WrestleMania XXX. It’s a great “special attraction” match and is truly old-school, with both who they are commemorating and the type of match being a classic Battle Royal. As well, Bray Wyatt can truly do no wrong. The man owned both Hogan and Cena in his first promo, then displayed his continuing talent with the second video promo. That is extremely hard to do these days, but Bray has “it’ and really can make one be enthralled with and believe “it.”

Like the potential continuing feud Tag-Team Champions The Usos have with The New Age Outlaws. I do hope this will lead to a match at WrestleMania XXX, and potentially even include Goldust and Cody Rhodes – that would be an instant classic! The Shield can also do no wrong right now, and are really intriguing with their “split up or no split up” angle. Plus, always deliver awesome physicality in the squared circle, especially Roman Reigns. Not sure where they’re entirely headed yet for WrestleMania, but it will be great nonetheless!

Truly excellent promo and segments by both Undertaker/Paul Heyman, and Daniel Bryan/Triple H/Stephanie McMahon. Heyman is the one absolutely selling this bout, doing justice to both Lesnar’s meanness and Undertaker’s legendary status. As for Bryan/HHH, I’m actually really cool they have gone this way. First off, that was a helluva promo by all involved and a unique “one of a kind” moment in Raw again with Daniel’s people. Second, it really adds even more interest into HHH VS. Bryan at WM30. I am a little worried though that Bryan will get to the WWE World Heavyweight Title bout, but fail in winning it. I am only worried because, if they book it that way, it CANNOT be the main event. The fans have to go home happy and the fans buying the Pay-Per-View have to end happy – it’s WrestleMania 30, for crying out loud! Should Batista or Orton be scheduled to win, then Undertaker/Lesnar must be the main event, as we know ‘Taker will win and keep his streak alive. If Bryan is going to win after all, then it is okay for the Triple Threat to close the show, because they will close the show with an entire stadium erupting in “yes, yes, yes,” and quite the sight for the 30th Anniversary of the “Granddaddy Of Them All!”

Sheamus/Christian was a brutal, physical battle, and those two have great chemistry. I am curious to see if this is the end or not. If it was supposed to be, honestly, should’ve been saved for ‘Mania. They have a great program going, keep it up!

Cesaro/Swagger split also interests me. Cesaro has great facial expressions and is an awesome wrestler.

Bogus: Did not like John Cena going back to his comic ways of tearing wrestlers down. While it definitely didn’t diminish Bray, because he ended up schooling both Hogan and Cena in the promo, it showed that Cena uses the cheap pop of elementary-esque put-downs way to often to “hurt” his opponent. I’ve heard much more serious stuff out of him (especially in his feud with Daniel Bryan), so he needs to go back to “that Cena.”

Also, if Cena really is going to pull double-duty and wrestle in the Andre The Giant Memorial cup, it will be disappointing if he wins. Much like someone maybe one day beating The Undertaker’s streak, as my Dad always says, it needs to be an up-and-comer who has excellent potential, to win this Battle Royal and solidify his status. (I’ll give you a pick in the next few weeks, when more are announced to partake.)

Didn’t care for the Divas Tag-Team bout. If A.J. is defending against Natalya on Main-Event the next night, why have her lose to Nikki, and then have Nikki hold up the title. Why was Natalya just standing on the apron, almost looking sad, and not doing anything? Made no sense!

Why is Brad Maddox still “General Manager?”

The main-event was so-so. Honestly, it was everyone’s usual work and really just served to have Bryan celebrate at the end.

All-in-all, an excellent edition of Raw and supremely built up WrestleMania even more so, and has now got me extremely hyped for it. Let’s hope the next three weeks of Raw do that too! Until next week, as always, be excellent Wrestling-Online readers and wrestling fans!