WWE: Monday Night Raw Recap 2/27

WWE Monday Night Raw was in Green Bay, Wisconsin this week. On the last stop before Fastlane this Sunday, matches are made and contracts signed.

Finally some face time

The night started off with Kevin Owens and Goldberg finally getting some face time. Their WWE championship match at Fastlane will be the main event. Owens called off the idea of a Green Bay Street Fight, using it only to rile Goldberg up. Needless to say, this is going to be a slobberknocker. While it has only been a war of words so far, words will not be enough to save Owens this Sunday.

It’s the Oscars all over again

WWE loves to make pop culture references in their storylines. Last week it was Lana being a hacker, simply because she is Russian. This week, it was something that wasn’t even a day old. While they were promoting a new brand of New Day ice cream, the New Day was interrupted by their opponents, the Shinning Stars. However, when a WWE staff member gave the New Day an envelope, they informed the Shinning Stars that their opponents were Rusev and Jinder Mahal, not them, mocking what happened at the Oscars.

New Day started out strong but when the commercials hit, Rusev and Mahal took over. Kofi Kingston started arguing with Lana outside the ring, which drew Rusev’s attention. While Rusev joined the argument, Mahal looked toward the noise and was rolled up for a three count. After the match, Mahal and Rusev argued in the ring, signaling the pair might head their separate ways.

Next lesson, pay attention

Next up, the cruiserweights take to the ring for the first time Monday night. Akira Tozawa squared off with Noam Dar. Tozawa defeated Dar with a quick Snap German Suplex. After the match, Tozawa was attacked by Brian Kendrick, still seething Tozawa didn’t accept his mentorship. Kendrick taught Tozawa his next lesson: even when the match is over, it’s not.

Down goes the champ

Charlotte Flair still isn’t happy she’s not the Raw Women’s Champion. After forgetting who Aaron Rodgers was while insulting the people of Green Bay, Bayley came out to confront the queen. Charlotte implied that Sasha Banks was the only reason Bayley won the title, prompting Banks to make her way to the ring. Nia Jax followed, and replaced Dana Brooke in the already announced tag team match.

While Charlotte has the title match at Fastlane, Nia Jax is making a strong case for herself to get a shot of her own. She picked up Sasha Banks and slammed her onto Bayley. Then, Jax finished the match with a leg drop for the three count. Later that night, Stephanie McMahon made a match between Nia Jax and Sasha Banks at Fastlane.

Only One Word To Describe You!

Ahead of their match for the Tag Team titles, Big Cass had a match against Luke Gallows. Cass appeared to have the match under control. Then, Enzo and Karl Anderson started brawling on the outside. Gallows attempted to take advantage of the situation but Cass dodged the attack and connected with a Big Boot for the three count. At Fastlane, the tag titles might have new holders.

Luck of the Irish

Titus O’Neil was on WWE TV for some reason. Oh yes, a match with Sheamus. WWE aired a video of O’Neil trying to convince Sheamus that he should be his new partner. He called it the “Irish Connection” saying he’s part Irish because his last name is O’Neil. Bad backstage segment aside, the match was incredibly short. As in O’Neil beat Sheamus into a corner, then got Brogue kicked and pinned short.

See You in Orlando

Seth Rollins was in the house, but still using a crutch. He came to Green Bay to clear the air about his Wrestlemania status. Looking obviously depressed, Rollins even sounded defeated. He then claimed that the doctors would not clear him in time for Wrestlemania. Triple H came out and warned Rollins to stay away from Wrestlemania. Samoa Joe was also at ringside to rub salt in the wound. As they prepared to leave, Rollins claimed that he will be at Wrestlemania. A between the two match is set in stone for all intents and purposes.

Seeing Stars

The Shinning Stars came back out for the right match this time. Unfortunately for them, it was against the Big Show. This was a squash match. The Shinning Stars both ate a Knockout Punch and Chokeslam. It goes without without saying though, the Big Show is in great shape.

Sending a message

The cruiserweights returned to the ring for a tag team match between Gentleman Jack Gallagher and TJ Perkins and the Cruiserweight Champion Neville and his partner, the Premier Athlete Tony Nese. A relatively quick match, it came to an end when Nese accidentally knocked Neville down and was put in a byzantine submission and tapped out.

Another Hall of Fame Induction

WWE officially announced that Beth Phoenix is the next member of the 2017 Hall of Fame. At the age of 36, she will be youngest member of the hall of fame.  The Glamazon is a three-time Women’s champion and a former Diva’s champion. She is currently married to former superstar and fellow hall of fame member Edge, whom she just had her second child with.

Another Fastlane Match

Samoa Joe was pitted against Cesaro in a dream match up. In the end Joe defeated the Swiss Superman. During a post-match interview, Sami Zayn came out and attacked Joe. He was finally able to put the big man down with a flip off of the stage. Afterward, a match was made for Fastlane between the two.

Unstoppable force meets and immovable object

For some reason, Braun Strowman demands a contact signing between him and Roman Reigns for their already assured match at Fastlane. When Reigns came out, he was met by Strowman outside the ring and the brawl was on. Reigns seemed to finally keep the big man down when he speared him through the barricade.

However, Strowman got up and threw Reigns into the turnbuckle with such force, the entire top rope collapsed around the ring. Strowman left after being begged off by officials. As he was at the top of the ramp, Reigns got up and signed the contract. Sunday is going to be an all out war between the two.