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WWE Raw TV News & Notes 2/22
– The McMahons were all over this week’s show officially kicking off the Road to WrestleMania following the Fast Lane PPV.
Included was a surprise return by Shane McMahon to interrupt Stephanie McMahon receiving the “Vincent J. McMahon Legacy of Excellence” award.
This led to a long promo exchange work-shooting the McMahon Family issues that ended with Vince booking Shane against The Undertaker at WrestleMania. The stipulations are that if Shane wins, he gets control of Raw and if Taker wins, then Shane has to give Vince a “lockbox” containing Vince’s dirty secrets.
– WWE ended Raw with Triple H giving Roman Reigns a vicious beating that included ample blood from Reigns. The crowd booed Reigns when he was on the offensive against Hunter, then cheered Hunter as he stood tall after beating down Reigns.
This isn't a game anymore. pic.twitter.com/onqgCewQtG
— Roman Reigns (@WWERomanReigns) February 23, 2016
– Brock Lesnar gave Dean Ambrose another beating, setting up their match at WrestleMania.
– Chris Jericho and A.J. Styles formed a team and beat the Social Outcasts.
– WWE set up Sasha Banks and Becky Lynch eventually fighting to decide which wrestler faces Charlotte for the Divas Title at WrestleMania.
– Ryback walked out on Big Show and Kane against The Wyatts because he’s tired of being in tag matches and wants to be singles.
– Michigan Wolverines head football coach Jim Harbaugh was shown in the crowd at Raw in Detroit. Harbaugh is friends with Ric Flair, who was at Michigan’s National Signing Day event earlier this month.
Harbaugh’s appearance was covered by CBS Sports nationally, the Detroit Free Press locally, and other media outlets.
– Announced for this week’s Smackdown is Triple H appearing on the show.
– IC champion Kevin Owens did not appear on Raw the night after beating Dolph Ziggler to retain the Intercontinental Title. Owens told concerned Twitter followers to calm down.
No worries people… #KOMania is still upon us.
— Kevin Owens (@FightOwensFight) February 23, 2016
Red is green. Shades of the Sheik. Only in Detroit does the heel get cheered.