Monday Night Raw TV report for 03/30/2015

It is a new year in WWE tonight after a pretty good WrestleMania. We have a new WWE World Heavyweight Champion, and he wasn’t even in the match to begin with! Seth Rollins cashed in his Money In The Bank contract, successfully, and pinned Roman Reigns to become the “top dog” of WWE.

Also, Triple H took back full-control after beating Sting, and Rusev is no-longer undefeated since John Cena pinned him too. All of this and much more, so read on!

Monday Night Raw TV Report for March 30th, 2015 – “The Future Starts Now!”

Introduction Segment: Welcoming

The regular Raw video plays and the pyro goes boom in the arena!

Segment #2: Arena Promo

The former WWE World Heavyweight Champion kicks off Raw, battered and bruised from his stiff-bout with Roman Reigns last night at WrestleMania! Paul Heyman is by is side and has the microphone. “Ladies and gentleman, and I am the advocate for the most ‘non-PG-ass-kicker of the PG-era,’ Brock Lesnar!” Heyman recaps the brutality that Brock gave Reigns, naming the numerous suplexes he performed. The crowd yells out “suplex city” repeatedly, and Paul E. responds with “or as my client said, ‘suplex city, BITCH!” He says that Lesnar was “bitch-slapping” Roman around the squared circle, then eventually “got bored.” In Heyman fashion, he continues to review what happened in the match. Heyman threatens to reverse the decision, via an injunction because Rollins pinned the challenger, not the champion when he wasn’t even a part of it to begin with. However, Lesnar is not going to do that, as all he wants is the WWE World Heavyweight Championship back with a rematch, which he wants to have tonight!

Instead of Reigns or Rollins to respond, the Principal Of The WWE, Stephanie McMahon, walks out. she puts over WrestleMania and the Reigns/Lesnar contest. During her speech, the fans now chant “Ronda Rousey,” so she teases them on if they want the rematch or not. She announces that new WWE World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins is not in the building right now, as he was doing a New York television appearance; but he will be here later. Paul follows up and confirms that Lesnar will be wrestling Rollins, then declaring “the winner, and once again, reigning and defending undisputed WWE Heavyweight Champion of the World, BROCK LESNAR!”

Lesnar’s music plays and he and Heyman walk away. John “Bradshaw” Layfield, Booker T., and Michael Cole run down Raw, which includes three championship matches – John Cena will put his United States Championship on the line in an Open Challenge, and Daniel Bryan will defend his newly-won Intercontinental Championship against Dolph Ziggler, and the WWE World Heavyweight Championship!

Commercials.

Still-photos of WrestleMania are shown, with the show’s theme song in the background.

Match #1: Single for the Intercontinental Championship – “The Show-Off” Dolph Ziggler (Challenger) VS. Daniel Bryan (Champion)

After formal in-ring introductions, it is made-known that Barrett. Back in the ring, both Ziggler and Bryan scout each other, then engage in a test-of-strength. Daniel wins that mini-battle with wristlocks, then rolls over with punches. Ziggler hits back with the same, then both measure up again. They tie-up again, then Dolph hits Daniel hard. Bryan turns it around with kicks-in-the-corner, then drags Ziggler to the middle of the ring and locks him in a surfboard-stretch. “The Show-Off” get out of it with a poke-to-the-eye, but Daniel slings him back into the corner. He whips him into the opposite one and flips over him, but his hit hard with a dropkick by Ziggler! They both end up on the floor for a break.

Ads.

“The Show-Off” is in firm control until Bryan counters and runs at him in the corner with two front-dropkicks. He leaps on Ziggler but Dolph tosses him up and Daniel lands crotch-first on the ring post. They reverse roles, then Bryan gets impressive height with a backdrop! Both now trade different covering positions, and struggle back-and-forth with a backslide! Bryan runs at Dolph but is met with a superkick and a two-count! The fans (and I) are LOVING this! Both slug it out from the canvas to their feet, then deliver headbutts. Daniel take a hard-shot, sending him into the corner, but he quickly sprints back with the running knee and covers for the victory!

Winner via Pinfall and STILL Intercontinental Champion: Daniel Bryan

Post-match, Bad News Barrett immediately attacks Daniel, until a returning and new-look (mohawk and braided-beard) Sheamus charges out! He makes the save, then suddenly Brogue-Kicks Bryan! He turns his attention to Ziggler and beats him up too, finishing with White Noise and another Brogue Kick. Amid chants of “asshole,” and “you look stupid,” then takes the microphone to announce “I’m back.” Sheamus drops the stick and walks off.

It is made official that Brock Lesnar will get his rematch tonight for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.

Commercials.

More photos from WrestleMania are depicted.

Segment #3: Video Promo

Recap of the Hall-Of-Fame Ceremony is aired.

Match #2: Eight-Man Tag-Team – The Ascension (Connor and Viktor) and Tag-Team Champions Cesaro and Tyson Kidd VS. The New Day (Big E. and Kofi Kingston) and The Lucha Dragons (Kalisto and Sin Cara) (Non-Title)

Cesaro and Sin Cara begin with a little mat wrestling before Cesaro turns Cara’s high-flying into a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker. Cara spins Cesaro around with an armbar slam, then tags in Kalisto. He tries a hurricanrana and a sunset flip, but both are turned around by Cesaro. Kalisto tornadoes Cesaro with a of couple headscissors, then tags in Big E. Connor also comes in and is shoulder-rammed in the corner. Kofi gets the tag and flies in over Connor, then switches with Sin Cara. Connor takes over, and slaps hands with his partner Viktor. Both he and Connor slam Cara for a two-count.

Ads.

Tyson is now in and continues to control Cara. Cesaro swings him around, but Calisto breaks up the pin attempt. Cara gets the hot-tag to Kofi who flies all over Kidd until Cesaro is in and uppercuts him. Viktor tags himself in, which Cesaro is displeased with. This allows Kofi to roll-up Viktor for two! Kalisto is tagged in and flies around Viktor with a 360-springboard crossbody and grounding-hurricanarana. The bout breaks down, leaving Cara and Viktor in the ring. Kalisto comes back in and drives down Viktor with a flipping stunner/reverse-facebuster combo for the finish!

Winners via Pinfall: The New Day (Big E. and Kofi Kingston) and The Lucha Dragons (Kalisto and Sin Cara) (Non-Title)

Segment #4: Locker Room Promo

Paul Heyman walks into Brock Lesnar’s locker room and tells him “you won’t believe this. He’s here. Let’s go.” They walk away together.

Segment #5: Video Promo

Highlights of NXT Superstar, Adrian Neville, are shown with just his last name at the end.

Commercials.

Another montage of stills from WrestleKania is shown.

Match #3: Single for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship – Brock Lesnar (with Paul Heyman) (Champion) VS. Seth Rollins (with J & J Security, Jamie Noble and Joey Mercury) (Champion)

Right away, Rollins gets into Lesnar’s space with the title. Once again, formal intros start, but this time, Rollins hops out of the ring and grabs the microphone. He makes a couple of excuses for not wrestling tonight.

Winner: No Contest due to No Official Start

Lesnar takes not-to-kind to this and goes to destroy the new champion! He tries a German-Suplex in the ring, but Seth lands on his feet and enziguri-kicks him! Lesnar doesn’t go down, so Rollins slides out. Brock catches him again, just before he enters the crowd. He positions for an F-5, but J & J pull Rollins down. Lesnar dismantles them with a double-clothesline, but Seth escapes through the fans.

Lesnar becomes fierce and furious, chucking J & J over one announce table, then tipping over the other on Booker and Layfield, then F-5ing Cole! He yanks a cameraman over the ropes and puts him on his shoulders too, but Stephanie marches out, screaming at him to “put him down.” He does so with an F-5, so McMahon indefinitely suspends him for the carnage he left. Once again infuriated, Lesnar F-5’s the cameraman then walks away with Heyman.

EMTs now bring out a stretcher to attend to Cole.

Ads.

Cole, Booker, and Bradshaw are all being tended to by EMTs and referees.

Segment #6: Backstage Promo

Rene Young interviews Stephanie about what just happened, wondering her reasoning for suspending Brock. McMahon cites the destruction he just let, then decides to go further and fine Lesnar. She knows now that with his new contract, “I own that son of a bitch!”

Commercials.

Round #4 of WrestleMania photos.

Match #4: Single – Stardust VS. Damien Mizdow

Damien finishes this one quickly with the Skull-Krushing Finale.

Winner via Pinfall: Damien Mizdow

Post-match, The Miz comes out and attacks his former friend/assistant/stunt-double. He berates an out-cold Mizdow, telling him he’s “nothing” and insinuates it was all him that took Damien to stardom.

Ads.

Segment #7: Photo and Video Recap

Still-pictures of The Rock, Triple H, Stephanie, and Ronda Rousey’s confrontation at ‘Mania is shown. As well, the events that lead up to WrestleMania are shown with video footage.

Segment #8: Arena Promo

“Don’t change the channel. The entire WWE roster is jealous of Axelmania!” Curtis then proclaims “the road to Axe-streme rules starts now.” It doesn’t take long for another debut, as Neville’s music plays to a loud pop! He walks out in a new cape and pyro, then immediately goes after Axel with a top-rope springboard-moonsault to the floor! We have a match!

Match #5: Single – “Axelmania” Curtis Axel VS. “The Man That Gravity Forgot” Neville

Neville completely dominates Axel, hitting all of his signatures then completing this bout with the top-turnbuckle Red Arrow Corkscrew Splash!

Winner via Pinfall: “The Man That Gravity Forgot” Neville

Up next, the U.S. Championship Open Challenge!

Commercials.

WrestleMania pictures.

Match #6: Single for the United States Championship – John Cena (Champion) VS. ???

Cena has the microphone and talks about “WrestleMania moments.” He then puts over the fans being “the greatest WWE audience of the year.” They continue to chant “John Cena sucks,” then Cena says is “not out here to run away from a fight.” “If any warm body behind that giant LED board wants some, it’s a hell of a time to come get some!” The challenge is answered by … Dean Ambrose!

They lockup and Cena takes Dean down with a side headlock. Dean shoves off, but Cena takes him down with another side headlock. They both even out for a break.

Ads.

Cena now has Ambrose clamped in a grounding rear-chinlock. “The Lunatic Fringe” begins a comeback with a clothesline in the corner then a bulldog out of it. Dean ascends the top rope, but misses the move. Cena spins him around with a backdrop, then signals for the 5-Knuckle-Shuffle Fistdrop. Ambrose counters with a kick and feisty punches. Cena moves out of the way of a clothesline, then nails the Five-Knuckle-Shuffle. He sets up for the Attitude Adjustment, but Dean slides out. He goes for the STF too, but Ambrose kicks off that and clotheslines Cena! 1 – 2 – Cena gets the shoulder up! Dean attempts the Dirty Deeds DDT, but Cena counters into a A.A. attempt. Ambrose gets out of it, and the two slug it out.

Dean capitalizes with a Tornado-DDT from the corner for a near-fall, then climbs the turnbuckle; he elbow-drops Cena on the floor! Charles Robinson, the referee, counts to seven before both are back in the ring. Cena catches Ambrose with a sudden Attitude Adjustment and covers. 1 – 2- Ambrose raises his shoulder! Now Cena wants to go for an Attitude from the top rope, but Ambrose fends him off. He goes for a sunset-flip powerbomb, but slips and doesn’t bring Cena with him. Instead, Ambrose just regularly-powerbombs him, but is trapped in the STF. He crawls and makes it to the ropes for the break! Cena goes for another A.A., but Ambrose drops down and clutches on the STF! Cena also makes it to the ropes, and Ambrose drives him down with Dirty Deeds! 1 – 2 – Cena lifts his shoulder!

Both strike each other with fists, then trade finisher-counters. Ambrose runs off the ropes with a crossbody, but Cena rolls through and plants him with the A.A. for the 1 – 2 – 3!

Winner via Pinfall and STILL United States Champion: John Cena

Post-match, Cena stands over Dean, who slowly gets to his feet. Ambrose points at the U.S. Title and slaps hands with Cena in sportsmanship, still looking frustrated though.

More WrestleMania photos are shown, this time of the WWE World Heavyweight Championship match.

Segment #8: Backstage Promo

Rene Young welcomes WWE World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins; she asks him about Brock Lesnar’s suspension. He agrees with the ruling, as Lesnar put non-wrestlers lives on the line tonight. Seth moves on to his biggest accomplishment, becoming the new WWE World Heavyweight Champion. He vows to “keep this title for a very, long time.” He then faces off with Randy Orton, who walks in. He also wants his rematch, which he never got from WrestleMania last year. Big Show and Kane join in behind Rollins. The WWE World Heavyweight Champ says that Randy has more than one issue now, but gives him a chance to find two “friends” and him and Show/Kane later tonight.

A.J. Lee makes her entrance, and will be in Six-Diva Tag action next. (Note: she is wearing NXT Diva Bailey’s t-shirt, “I’m a hugger.” Foreshadowing?)

Commercials

Ronda Rousey’s WrestleMania tweets and pics are shown.

Match #7: Six-Diva Tag-Team – A.J. Lee, Naomi, and Paige VS. Natalya, and The Bella Twins (Divas Champion Nikki and Brie) (Non-Title)

Natalya and Naomi start out, with Nattie taking Naomi down with a side headlock. Naomi counters into a headscissors, which Natalya hops up out of. During this, loud “we want Bailey” chants ring out. Natalya gives Naomi a shoulder-block and forearms. She whips Naomi into the corner, who hops onto the top turnbuckle and shakes her rear in Natalya’s race. Natalya slams Naomi back down and runs her over with a front-dropkick for two! She tags in Brie, who locks Naomi in a grounding wristlock. Naomi gets out of it and dropkicks Brie into the corner. Paige is tagged in, to a pop, headbutting Brie three times. She tries a kick, but is caught and slammed face-first. She trips up Brie, then tackles her to the outside. The rest of the Divas check on them.

Ads.

Brie is now tearing at A.J.’s head with a modified surfboard-stretch. Nattie is back in and gives Lee an actual surfboard-stretch, but A.J. kicks out of it. Natalya hits back with a couple of suplexes, then knees her in the corner after tagging Nikki. The Divas Champ takes over, mocking A.J. getting the tag then stomping on her hand. She stretches out A.J., then slams her down as A.J. tried another tag. Bella knocks Paige off the apron, then puts A.J. in an Indian Deathlock. Respectfully, loud “let’s go Divas” calls now blare. Nikki ties up A.J. over her knees again, then knocks her down and hits Paige again. She goes for Naomi too, but Jey Uso’s wife hops off the apron. A.J. manages the desperate-tag after driving Nikki into the middle turnbuckle.

Naomi comes in and is all over Nikki until she gets Alabama-slammed. Nikki covers but is broken up by Paige. Natalya German-Suplexes Paige, and A.J. runs in and Lou Thesz presses Natalya! Brie and Naomi bump, then Naomi ducks and Nikki accidentally knocks out her sister! Naomi nails the Rear-view Rear-Bump to take this one!

Winners via Pinfall: A.J. Lee, Naomi, and Paige

Segment #9: Locker Room Promo

Ryback walks up to Randy Orton and offers to be his partner for the Six-Man Tag Match.

Commercials.

Freeze-frames of the “Show Of Shows.”

Match #8: Single – Goldust VS. Rusev

Rusev totally owns Goldust, forcing him to give in to The Accolade.

Winner via Submission: Rusev

Ads.

The last collection of WrestleMania photos.

Match #9: Six-Man Tag-Team – Kane, The Big Show, and WWE World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins VS. “The Viper” Randy Orton, Ryback, and ??? (Non-Title)

Orton and Ryback’s partner is to be … Roman Reigns! Ryback and Kane begin, with Kane kicking and punching Ryback. “The Big Guy” whips Kane back, then gives him a spinebuster. He gears up for the Meathook Clothesline, but Kane rolls out of the ring. Rollins, Kane, and Show gather, but are taken down by a rocketing Reigns!

Commercials.

Orton and Kane are now wrestling, with Randy in control. Ryback is in again, suplexing Kane for a two-count. Orton’s back in, but gets shoved into the heel corner. Rollins now takes over, kicking Orton repeatedly in the corner. He whips him into another corner, but Orton fires back with a clothesline. He uppercuts Rollins a few times on the opposite side, then gives him an eight-punch. He flips up Rollins, but Seth counters with an enziguri. The heels take over as Show comes in. The fans call something that amuses Show, but it is inaudible because of the commentary. When Rollins enters, the crowd starts a wave!

Rollins soon goes back to heel and is “frustrated,” but Orton backdrops him from the top rope, then tags in Roman (to huge boos, unfortunately.) Roman Samoan Drops Kane, then mount-punches him on the mat. He knocks Show to the floor, then clotheslines Kane numerous times in the corner.

Reigns locks up for the Superman Punch, but is caught by Show. He lifts Roman up in a chokeslam, but Reigns leaps out and Superman Punches Kane. Show spears Roman, but Ryback plants him with the Shellshock Samoan Drop! Rollins enters and immediately Curb-Stomps Ryback, then leap-frogs a potential spear. Kane clutches Roman’s throat, but Randy saves him by R.K.O.’ing “The Big Red Machine.” Reigns follows up with a Spear to get the victory!

Winners via Pinfall: “The Viper” Randy Orton, Ryback, and Roman Reigns

Reigns and Rollins have a stare-down, with Reigns still in the ring and the WWE World Heavyweight Champion at the top of the stage to close the show.

End Of Raw.

Reporter’s Rumblings – By Moe Tapp

This was a fantastic Raw that begins the “new season!” From the opening promo, to the actual matches, to the fans, a well-done show almost all-around. Let’s “break it down!”

Excellence: Paul Heyman’s rant; as almost-always, it was gold and nothing more said. Also, Bryan/Ziggler and Cena/Ambrose gold; need I say more!? Loved Lesnar being the “legitimate destructive beast.” As well, as my Dad said with his “suspension,” “that’s one way to get around his contract.”

Aside from Damien/Stardust and Rusev/Goldust, the rest of the matches were awesomely-wrestled and entertaining! Speaking of entertaining, the debuts of Adrian Neville and The Lucha Dragons should bring more excitement to the main roster. All three wrestlers were stand-outs and champions in NXT, and fun to watch when I could. (Unfortunately, NXT was pulled from the airwaves here in Canada, so I didn’t get to see The Luchas as much, but I saw a lot of Neville, and he can be a big star!)

Absolutely loved Sheamus’ return and insertion to the I.C. Title picture; liking his new look too!

As it has been recently, loved the crowd. They really made Raw tonight, and I only wish that the commentator’s were silent for a while, especially during the main event, as the fans had some great chants and I would’ve liked to hear them.

Seth Rollins as WWE World Heavyweight Champion is looking great and like he’ll work out. It was a great move/ending to ‘Mania last night and I hope he gets to have a long time with the championship.

Bogus: didn’t enjoy the commentary by King and Saxton; thought they talked and overtook too much (especially with the fans and their unique chants as mentioned above.) Also, why didn’t they put the table back together? That looked really stupid for them to be standing behind a tipped over desk the rest of the night.

Would’ve preferred to see a Rusev-angry promo instead of a quick squash match

Lastly, I think saving Sting for the Network was a huge mistake. I understand that they want it to be “exclusive” for their subscribers (which does include me), and/or entice new subscribers right away, but I also think that they have alienated a big audience that may not have/want the Network, but really want to hear what Sting has to say. He should’ve been on Raw, “bottom line.”

All-in-all, a superb Raw and really looking forward to the coming weeks if they continue to go like tonight! Until next week, as always, Be Excellent Wrestling-Online Readers and Wrestling Fans!