2/8 Raw News – Bryan’s 30-minute send-off, Dudleys turn, Lesnar-Ambrose, Highlight Reel, A.J., Flair, more

WWE Raw News & Notes 2/8

– Daniel Bryan closed Raw with a 30-minute farewell segment announcing his retirement. Raw returned from the final commercial break at the top of the hour at 11:00 p.m. EST and went off the air on WWE Network a bit past 11:30.

Bryan stressed being “grateful” for his experience in wrestling and WWE. He also talked about a recent test result showing that his brain is not in as good of condition as he previously thought, which led to him deciding to retire.

During the extended version of Bryan’s farewell speech on WWE Network, the roster came out on-stage along with the McMahon trio of Vince, Stephanie, and Triple H. Bryan was also joined by his wife, Brie Bella, for Bryan’s send-off in his home area of Seattle.

– The main event match prior to Bryan’s segment featured The Dudleys turning heel to try to reinvigorate their WWE run. The Dudleys and The Usos beat New Day (and Mark Henry, who walked out on New Day) in a Tables match. Afterward, the Dudleys turned on The Usos and put them through tables.

– Brock Lesnar was featured on Raw in two separate fights with Dean Ambrose. Ambrose got pummeled, but did the Jeff Hardy routine opposite The Undertaker of from 15 years ago of continuing to get up and ask for more. Ambrose eventually used a distraction from Roman Reigns to low-blow Lesnar and leave the ring while Lesnar recovered.

– The Miz tried to have Chris Jericho on Miz TV, but Jericho turned it into the Highlight Reel. A.J. Styles eventually came out to take out Miz, tease tension with Jericho, and get into a scrap with Jericho. Styles and Jericho face off this Thursday on Smackdown.

– Ric Flair made his customary appearance in the corner of his daughter, Charlotte, who beat Alicia Fox in a non-title match.

– Most of the show focused on Daniel Bryan’s career and legacy leading to his show-ending retirement speech. WWE mixed in Fast Lane hype, mainly focusing on the Ambrose-Lesnar issue with Reigns almost as a third wheel. WWE champion Triple H made a brief appearance overseeing the fighting amongst the top contenders to the WWE Title.