HEYDORN’S WWE RAW REPORT 3/25: Alt Perspective coverage of the live show including the women’s beat the clock challenge, more Rollins vs. Lesnar WrestleMania build, Angle vs. Joe, and more

HEYDORN’S WWE RAW REPORT
MARCH 25, 2019
BOSTON, MA
AIRED ON USA NETWORK

Announcers: Michael Cole, Corey Graves, Renee Young

[HOUR ONE]

-The show began with Michael Cole hyping WWE’s earlier announcement that the Raw Women’s Championship match between Ronda Rousey, Becky Lynch, and Charlotte Flair would be the official main event at WrestleMania 35.

-When their hype finished, Ronda Rousey hit the ring and stormed toward the ring to a loud negative reaction from the Boston audience. When she got to the ring, she grabbed a microphone and addressed the booing crowd. Rousey soaked in the boos and glared at the audience while they chanted “we want Becky.” As Rousey stood in the ring, the chants got louder and louder. Finally, Rousey spoke and talked up the fact that for the first time ever, women would main event WrestleMania. Rousey highlighted her match and then told the booing crowd “your welcome.” She dropped the mic, but then picked it back up and said she did have something else to say. She said she would tap out Becky and Charlotte at that same time at WrestleMania. From there, she dropped the mic again, but picked it up again and admitted she didn’t know what a beat the clock challenge was. She called it a silly gimmick and called for her match to begin so the farce could end. Rousey then dropped the microphone and got ready for the match. As she did, the Riott Squad’s music hit and they walked to the ring.

Heydorn’s Analysis: Good heat for Ronda there and she looked more comfortable in her heel role. The cadence to her promo was strong and left room for the audience to react to her. Simplistic, but got the job done.

Before the bell was set to ring, Becky Lynch’s music played and the crowd roared in approval. Lynch walked out onto the stage and stared out to her adoring fans. She told them it was good to be back and Boston and then addressed Ronda Rousey. She told her to stop being a weirdo and that she was given every opportunity and advantage. She said nobody cared about her though until The Man came around. The audience chanted “Becky” and Becky responded by saying that she was the best thing that ever happened to Ronda Rousey and her title run. From there, Lynch said that at WrestleMania the story ends with Ronda’s title held above her head with Ronda’s skull underneath her foot.

Heydorn’s Analysis: A well delivered babyface mission statement that the audience can buy into and get behind. Lynch delivered it with her flare and character which made it even more effective. Well done.

When Lynch finished, Charlotte walked out and called what they were saying a bunch of noise. She said they would main event WrestleMania not because of Lynch or Rousey, but because of what she’s done throughout the last seven years in WWE. She said for that reason, she was handpicked to be the main event of WrestleMania. When Charlotte finished talking, the bell rang, and Rousey’s match with Sarah Logan began.

Heydorn’s Analysis: That ended awkwardly with a different match set to start, but the content was good. Played back into why Charlotte was fit into the match and her character of being “genetically superior.

(1) RONDA ROUSEY vs. SARAH LOGAN – Beat The Clock Challenge

Out of the gate, Logan ran away from Ronda as the clock started to tick. The chase led back into the ring, where Logan caught Ronda in a leg submission. Eventually, Ronda countered that move and hit a step up Superman punch on Logan. She then locked in the Arm Bar on Logan which caused Logan to tap out immediately.

WINNER: Rousey via submission (1:25)

(2) CHARLOTTE vs. RUBY RIOTT – Beat The Clock Challenge

Right after Rousey vs. Logan finished, the bell rang, and this match began. Charlotte took over and quickly tried to hit Natural Selection. Riott countered with a DDT and covered, but Charlotte kicked out at two. Out of the pin, Charlotte locked in the Figure 8, but couldn’t get Riott to tap out quick enough to beat Ronda’s time.

WINNER: No contest as Charlotte did not beat Ronda Rousey’s time

(3) BECKY LYNCH vs. LIV MORGAN – Beat The Clock Challenge

As soon as the Charlotte vs. Riott match ended, Becky climbed into the ring for her match. Charlotte clocked her with a boot to the face and Becky started the match on her back. Eventually, the action started, but the clock was running. Morgan got some brief offense in, but eventually, Lynch rolled Morgan up for a quick 1,2,3 win.

WINNER: Lynch via pinfall (1:04)

-While Becky was celebrating, Michael Cole claimed that Becky Lynch proved she could beat Ronda Rousey’s time. After Becky celebrated, Lynch and Rousey jawed at each other from the ring and the ramp respectively. From there, Finn Balor was shown warming up backstage before the show went to commercial break. (c)

Heydorn’s Analysis: Flat. Cold. Both? The promos worked for me, but the Beat The Clock was utterly pointless. The matches were rushed and once Rousey set the tone at such a low time, whatever drama existed evaporated. Rousey was right when she called it a silly gimmick. These three women using their personalities and characters to sell the match is the formula. WWE needs to let it breathe rather than suffocate it to death with a nonsensical idea like this one. 

-Out of the break, Finn Balor’s music hit to a big roar from the crowd. As he walked to the ring, Cole discussed that Balor needed to beat both Lashley and Lio Rush in this handicap match in order to qualify for an IC Championship rematch at WrestleMania. Once Balor got to the ring, Lashley and Rush hit the ring. As they walked down, Rush spoke to Balor on the microphone and said that his road to WrestleMania runs through them. Rush then called Balor a piece of garbage like “Rob Gronkowski” which caused a huge negative reaction from the crowd. From there, Rush said that he was too injured to compete with Lashley and that Lashley found a replacement. Rush then announced Jinder Mahal as Lashley’s opponent and they all walked down to the ring together.

Heydorn’s Analysis: Cheap dig against the Boston crowd via Gronkowski, but it worked. I hate that it did, but it did.

(4) FINN BALOR vs. BOBBY LASHLEY & JINDER MAHAL w/ the Singh Brothers and Lio Rush

Once the bell rang, Lashley whipped Balor against the ring post. Balor countered and attempted a step up enziguri, but it was stopped due to distractions at ringside. From there, the Singh Brothers and Lio Rush pulled Balor off the ring apron and to the outside as the show went to break. (c)

Out of the break, Balor continued to get beat down until he tossed Lashley over the top ropes. He then turned his attention to Jinder Mahal and tossed him out of the ring as well. From there, Balor hit his flying suicide dive over the top rope onto all of his opponents. He then rolled Mahal back into the ring, hit the Coup De Gras, and then covered him for the 1,2,3 win.

WINNER: Balor via pinfall (Earned a WWE Intercontinental Championship match at WrestleMania against Bobby Lashley)

-After the match, Lashley angrily destroyed the Singh Brothers in the ring. From there, the announce team said that Elias would be the special musical guest at WrestleMania. Then, a pre-recorded promo aired from Elias in Times Square. He said at WrestleMania he would put on the greatest performance that the world had ever seen.

Heydorn’s Analysis: Cue returning legend at WrestleMania right here. 

-When the pre-recorded Elias video ended, Aleister Black hit the ring as the show went to break. (c)

-Out of the break, Ricochet made his full entrance and stood beside Black in the ring.

Heydorn’s Analysis: These guys each getting their own entrances is important to establish them as stars of the brand. Even in teaming with each other. Well done and smart move.

-Once Ricochet got to the ring, the Revival made their entrance. As soon as they got to the ring, Black and Ricochet attacked them and both teams brawled in the middle of the ring. Eventually, the referee separated both teams and calmed the situation down before ringing the bell for the match to begin.

(5) THE REVIVAL vs. ALEISTER BLACK & RICOCHET

Dawson and Black started things off with Dawson taking Black down to the mat with a headlock. Black attempted to tag Ricochet into the match, but was stopped due to a stiff forearm to his face. Eventually, Black nailed Dawson with a kick and tagged his partner into the match. They hit a tandem move on Dawson before launching him out of the ring. From there, Ricochet connected with an running high flying attack from the apron and Black followed with a flying double knee strike. They stood tall over both members of the Revival as the show went to break. (c)

When commercials ended, the action continued with Ricochet and Dawson in the ring. Ricochet attempted to tag Black, but Dawson slammed him to the mat with a body slam. From there, Dawson tagged Dash into the match and they hit a double team vertical suplex on Ricochet and covered for a two count. After, they rolled Ricochet toward their corner and continued their offense. Dawson tagged back into the match and arrogantly kicked Ricochet in the head. He then whipped Ricochet into the ropes, but was clocked with a kick for doing so. This allowed Ricochet the time to tag Black into the match. Black hit both Dash and Dawson with a springboard moonsault and then caught Dawson with a stiff spinning elbow before covering for a two count. Eventually, Dawson got momentum back in the match after hitting Black with a devastating DDT. Dawson covered, but Ricochet made the same. From there, Black hit Black Mass on both Dash and Dawson. Dawson rolled out of the ring because of it and Dash was left in the ring. Ricochet then hit his 680 finish off the top rope for the 1,2,3 win.

WINNER: Black and Ricochet via pinfall

-After the match, Dash and Dawson demanded that the ring announcer announce them as “still tag team champions.”

Heydorn’s Analysis: Good little match. Black and Ricochet continue to impress. They wrestle with a sense of urgency that others on this show don’t have. Surely, this win will setup a tag team championship match of some kind at WrestleMania. Nothing fancy here, but the pops for both Ricochet and Black get louder each week. Mission accomplished.

-Drew McIntyre made his way out to the ring to a chorus of boos. His walk was slow at first, but eventually he picked up his pace and marched into the ring. As he did, Cole highlighted McIntyre’s challenge to Roman Reigns at WrestleMania and then the show went to break. (c)

-Out of the break, McIntyre addressed the audience and demanded that they respect him even if they didn’t like him. He said that a week is a long time to wait for an answer. From there, he cued up a clip of him destroying Reigns two weeks ago. He told the audience to look at the eyes of Reigns as they prove that he could have ended Reigns officially if he wanted to.

[HOUR TWO]

After the video, he told Roman that he hoped his family convinced him to say “no” to his challenge. He said he vanquished the Shield and exterminated Dean Ambrose. He then raved about beating Seth Rollins last week. McIntyre then addressed “Joe” the man and husband. He told him to think about his family and his children. He asked if it was worth it to put them through more anguish after they watched him fight for his life already. The audience chanted “Roman” and McIntyre said that he would stand there the entire night until he gets his answer. From there, Roman Reigns hit the ring to a big pop from the crowd.

Heydorn’s Analysis: I’m not fully behind Roman’s cancer fight being involved in this story. That said, Drew’s verbiage here surrounding it worked better than it did last week. 

Reigns stood at the top for the ramp and stared a hole through Drew before walking down without breaking eye contact. He then got into the ring and went face to face with McIntyre. Both men stared each other down until Reigns said that “Roman accepts the challenge.” The audience cheered. Reigns then said he was addressing McIntyre as “Joe” and told him to never talk about his wife and kids. Reigns then punched McIntyre in the face and brawled with him to the outside of the ring. The quick brawl rolled back into the ring and Drew proceeded to hit him with a low blow. With Reigns down, McIntyre hit the Claymore Kick and dropped Reigns again as the audience booed. McIntyre then stood over Reigns before WWE officials yelled at him to leave the ring. Drew looked back on his destruction as Reigns worked to get to his feet and the audience chanted “Roman” again. The show then went to break. (c)

Heydorn’s Analysis: Very well done. Reigns looked authentic as a fighting babyface and hit Drew man to man and face to face due to what he said about his family. McIntyre capitalized on that work and captured additional heat with the low blow. Crowd reactions are spot on here and in line with the story being told. It’s been awhile since you could say that about a Roman Reigns story. Good stuff. 

-Out of the break, Drew McIntyre was shown walking backstage. He confronted Dean Ambrose who said he didn’t feel exterminated. Ambrose then challenged McIntyre to a Last Man Standing match. McIntyre accepted and promised Ambrose that he wouldn’t stand again after their match.

-Sasha Banks hit the ring with Bayley at her side. After, Natalya hit the ring with Beth Phoenix.

(6) NATALYA vs. SASHA BANKS

Once Nattie got to the ring, the bell rang, and the match began. To start off, both women slapped each other until Banks hit Nattie with a jumping arm drag takedown. Banks then tried for a kick on Nattie, but it was countered. Nattie then connected with an Octopus submission. Eventually, Sasha rolled out of the hold and hit Nattie with a running meteora. Banks then taunted Nattie a bit and Nattie responded by rolling Banks up for a two count. Out of the pin, Nattie attempted the Sharpshooter, but Banks countered it by kicking Nattie out of the ring. Banks followed to maintain momentum, but Nattie caught her and beat her up around the ringside area. Banks countered that offense with a hurricanrana off of the apron and then kicked Nattie into the ring barrier as the show went to break. (c)

After the commercial break, Nattie had regained control of the match and had Banks in a back submission. Banks countered into a nice offensive sequence that ended with Nattie in the Banks Statement. Nattie countered that right into the Sharpshooter, but Sasha stayed alive after rolling out of it. From there, Nia Jax and Tamina interrupted the match. They took out Banks, Bayley, and Nattie, but Beth Phoenix fended off Jax before hitting Tamina with the Glam Slam. She then posed in the ring with Nattie as Banks and Bayley looked on.

WINNER: No contest

Heydorn’s Analysis: Some nice chemistry and spots from both Banks and Natalya. Clearly, they are building toward a women’s tag team triple threat at WrestleMania. With the women’s tag team titles being new to the company, this triple threat is a watered down way to feature them on the biggest show of the year. The new titles needed a big stage and a story worthy of that stage. Nothing wrong with a Beth Phoenix return, but her as the featured act in all of this is a miss given all that’s at stake in the big picture.

-After the match, the announce team hyped Dean Ambrose vs. Drew McIntyre in a Last Man Standing match for the main event and then cued a promo video for the Hart Foundation’s induction into the WWE Hall Of Fame. When the video ended, Natalya reacted emotionally in the ring as the audience cheered her.

-Backstage, Kurt Angle was interviewed. He said he appreciated Samoa Joe coming over from SmackDown Live to wrestle him on Raw. He said that his farewell tour is about leaving on his own terms. He thanked his recent opponents and then was interrupted by Baron Corbin. Corbin told Angle that the audience was cheering him because they felt sorry for him. Angle told Corbin “screw you” and then walked off.

Heydorn’s Analysis: Baron Corbin vs. Kurt Angle in Kurt’s retirement match is a let down. That said, the build to this match has some historical roots and has featured some long term storytelling. Corbin is primed for loads of heat at WrestleMania.

-Alexa Bliss walked out for a Moment Of Bliss as the show went to commercial break. (c)

-After the break, Sasha Banks and Bayley were interviewed backstage. Banks stopped the question and said that they would take on any team on any brand at any time. She said that they’d take on all challengers at WrestleMania.

Heydorn’s Analysis: So a multi-team match it is. See commentary up above. 

-When the interview ended, Alexa Bliss welcomed the audience to A Moment Of Bliss. She said that since she became the host of WrestleMania, the show just kept on getting better. She then said she was at a crossroads and even though she’s on the cusp of her greatest career achievement, she was worried about a couple of key players on her show. Bliss then cued up highlights involving Braun Strowman and the Saturday Night Live Weekend Update hosts. When the video ended, Bliss called it all a public relations disaster. She said she hoped to heal the situation and invited Braun Strowman out to the ring. Strowman walked out to a nice reaction and a loud Braun roar from the crowd.

Heydorn’s Analysis: Still a decent reaction for Strowman. Quite the accomplishment given all he’s been through and the booking he’s dealt with throughout the last eight months.

Once Strowman got to the ring, Bliss welcomed Braun to the show. She said that everyone has seen what happens when Strowman loses his temper. Bliss went on to highlight a couple of historical moments of Strowman destruction. She then asked what would happen if the Saturday Night Live crew “got these hands.” Strowman said he envisioned bashing their heads in. Bliss said that was a bit scary, but that it was nice of Strowman to share as its the first step in healing. Bliss then brought in the SNL hosts via satellite. Jost put on a Yankees had which got some big heat from the Boston crowd. They said they were good people. From there, Jost said he wanted to be a mentor to Strowman due to his education from Harvard. He mocked Strowman a bit by calling him 5’11 and then asked Strowman if he’s ever considered therapy. He then asked for Strowman to pay him back for the car he destroyed and to give him an autograph from his favorite wrestler, Brock Lesnar. From there, Strowman demanded that Jost enter the Andre The Giant Battle Royal at WrestleMania. Jost tried to get out of it, but Che accepted on his behalf. In response, Jost said that Che would have to join him in the match as well. Strowman then asked Alexa Bliss if she could make that happen. At first, Bliss seemed unsure, but then said she absolutley could. Strowman finished by saying that they better show up or else they’d forever wander around NYC wondering when they’d “Get These Hands.” Strowman’s music hit and the segment ended.

Heydorn’s Analysis: For low card celebrity involvement at WrestleMania, this is fine. It paints Braun Strowman into a comedic box, but elevates him on a big stage that will inevitably get mainstream coverage when WrestleMania is over.

-Another pre-recorded video aired from Elias in NYC. He was in front of Madison Square Garden and said he sold that arena out three times. With a cup in his hand a bystander gave him a quarter to which he was offended.

-Baron Corbin hit the ring ahead of his match as the show went to commercial break. (c)

(7) BARON CORBIN vs. APOLLO CREWS

When the show returned, the match was underway. Crews attempted a moonsault off of the apron and connected. The move didn’t do much damage as Corbin launched Crews into the ring post soon after. Corbin maintained momentum from that point forward and pointed at the WrestleMania sign as he beat Crews down. Finally, Crews took the upper hand back with a step up enziguri. After, he hit a frog splash off the top rope and covered, but Corbin kicked out at two. Out of the pin, Crews hit the ropes for a move, but Corbin caught him and nailed End Of Days. He then made the cover for the 1,2,3 win.

WINNER: Corbin via pinfall

-After the match, Corbin hit crews with a second End Of Days to a chorus of boos from the crowd. Corbin then walked off with Crews left laying in the ring. (c)

Heydorn’s Analysis: A nothing match, but the angle at the end put additional heat on Corbin for his match with Kurt Angle at WrestleMania. Booking 101.

-Out of the break, the announce team hyped that Becky Lynch, Ronda Rousey, and Charlotte would be live on SportsCenter tomorrow morning. They then cued up highlights from their segment earlier in the evening. It was then announced that Ronda, Becky, and Charlotte would team up next week to face the Riott Squad.

-Seth Rollins hit the ring to a big reaction and a loud “Burn It Down” yell from the crowd. The announce team talked up his Royal Rumble victory and plugged his match against Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania.

[HOUR THREE]

Once Rollins got to the ring, he grabbed a microphone, and addressed the crowd. He told Boston that he wanted to cut to the chase. He said that he and Brock Lesnar were not cut from the same cloth. He said their roads to WrestleMania were different, but that there was only one road out of their match at WrestleMania. Rollins then said that he wants the weight and wants to carry the burden of leading the company out of WrestleMania. He said he wanted to be a champion that inspires people like Shawn Michaels, Bret Hart, Triple H, and others. Rollins then said that Brock Lesnar does not inspire people. From there, Seth called this match the biggest match of his entire career. He then said he didn’t realize it soon enough, but that this was a big match for the fans as well. Rollins said that fans told him over and over at an autograph signing to beat Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania. In response to that, Rollins said he needed to win because he couldn’t stand by and allow Brock Lesnar to define the future of the industry. Rollins then said that with an army of fans behind him, he’s unstoppable. He said he would march and army to the gates of Suplex City and burn it down.

Heydorn’s Analysis: Rollins stayed consistent with his mission statement opposite Lesnar and directly brought the fans into that mission in talking about bringing an army to suplex city. Classic babyface stuff. Well done.

As he finished talking, Paul Heyman interrupted. Heyman did his typical intro and thanked Rollins for letting him know that Lesnar would be in a handicap match at WrestleMania. Heyman did so in a mocking tone and said that it would be the Beast against Seth Rollins and the entire WWE Universe. From there, Heyman said that their chances of winning were zero and then ran down Seth for pining for the audience’s approval. He called Rollins undersized and overconfident and told Rollins he would be victimized and conquered at WrestleMania. He said that Rollins was looking for thoughts and prayers but that he himself doesn’t have a thought as to how he can do it and doesn’t have a prayer to get the job done. Heyman then told Rollins that he and the WWE Universe would lose at WrestleMania and walked off. In response, Rollins chased Heyman up the ramp. Heyman yelled that he was just an advocate. Rollins laughed and said that Heyman had it wrong. He said that he wasn’t asking for thoughts and prayers, but answering them. He then said that “We” would walk into WrestleMania and that “We” would win the Universal Title and walk to Suplex City to “Burn It Down.” The audience yelled “Burn It Down” in place of Rollins and cheered as Rollins dropped the mic on Heyman and walked off.

Heydorn’s Analysis: Heyman was masterful in mocking Rollins for calling on the WWE Universe to help him at WrestleMania. The psychology there is sound. With Heyman mocking it, it gives the audience more of a reason to engage with Rollins in that way, get behind the mission, and buy into the match. Well done.

-With Heyman still laying on the ramp, Kurt Angle’s music hit and he walked to the ring as the show went to break. (c)

-Out of the break, Samoa Joe walked out and cut a promo on Kurt Angle. Joe said he forgot his flowers, but that he wasn’t a sentimental guy. Joe then said that he couldn’t think of a better way to send off Angle into retirement than by putting him to sleep one last time.

(8) SAMOA JOE vs. KURT ANGLE

After Joe’s promo, he got into the ring and the match began. Joe hit Angle with a headbutt to start things off and decimated him with punches and strikes after that. Joe continued his assault on Angle which led to Angle getting bounced out of the ring. From there, Joe hit a flying suicide dive before the show went to break. (c)

Out of the break, the action continued with Joe still in control. He talked down to Kurt as he continued beat on him with strikes and chops in the corner. The offensive onslaught continued until finally countered a Joe clothesline into a series of German suplexes. Angle hit three and then covered, but Joe kicked out at two. Out of the pin, Angle attempted the Angle Slam, but Joe countered. He connected with a running senton bomb and covered, but Angle kicked out at two. Out of that pin, Angle dodged a charging Joe and hit the Angle Slam before covering, but Joe kicked out at two. From there, Angle attempted the ankle lock submission, but Joe countered it into a power slam. Joe then covered, but Angle kicked out at two. Eventually, Angle got momentum back and hit Joe with a missile dropkick off the top rope. He worked to maintain his offense, but Joe countered it into his chokehold finish. Joe brought Angle to his knees, but Angle rolled him into a pin for the 1,2,3 win.

WINNER: Angle via pinfall

Heydorn’s Analysis: Angle is slow and a shell of his formal self as a performer in the ring. That said, this little retirement tour has been fun to watch. Each match is more than a step slower than it should be, but its doing its job in putting a bow on his career.

-Triple H’s music hit and he hit the ring while slapping hands with fans on the ramp. The show then went to break. (c)

Heydorn’s Analysis: Leather jacket Triple H slapping hands with fans at ringside? I’ve seen it all now.

Out of the break, Triple H praised Ronda Rousey, Becky Lynch, and Charlotte. He congratulated for earning their spot in the main event of WrestleMania and told the audience they were not just given that spot. He then discussed what he was thankful for including a dry microphone in an attempt to make fun of Batista. From there, he pulled out a letter from Batista and his attorney that said he wouldn’t compete at WrestleMania until he agreed to one last stipulation. He then addressed Batista’s comments about his run as champion and what Evolution meant for him throughout his career. He then said that Batista quit because he realized that he just couldn’t quite beat John Cena. From there, Triple H read the letter and joked about the content of it saying that he wants Triple H to “give him what he wants, what he really really wants.” In the end, Triple H said that it wraps up with Batista requesting that Triple H put his career on their line in a match. He then recapped how they got to their match and said he wouldn’t allow Batista to quit this time around. Triple H said that he wasn’t obsessed with Batista, just obsessed with kicking his ass. He said that if at this point he can’t beat someone like Batista at WrestleMania, he shouldn’t be in the ring anyway. He then accepted Batista’s challenge and put his career on the line at WrestleMania.

Heydorn’s Analysis: This screams too cute. Nobody buys the notion that Triple H may actually hang it up for good after this. For that reason, rather than add drama to the match, it gives away the ending.

-Another video aired featuring Elias in New York City. After, Dean Ambrose hit the ring to a nice pop from the crowd. The show then went to break. (c)

-After commercials, Ambrose was in the ring pacing back and forth as Drew McIntyre made his entrance.

(9) DREW MCINTYRE vs. DEAN AMBROSE – Last Man Standing Match

Once the bell rang, Ambrose rushed McIntyre for a couple punches, but was clocked in the chest by a McIntyre chop. Ambrose then whipped McIntyre into the ropes and tossed him over the top and to the floor before flying off the top rope for an elbow drop. McIntyre moved out of the way to counter the move which caused Ambrose to crash into the ring barrier. As he answered the ten count, the show went back to commercials. (c)

When the action returned, Ambrose leapt off of the top rope for a move, but McIntyre countered it with a kendo stick shot to the stomach. After, he continued to beat on Ambrose with it until he went for a big swing, but missed and got clotheslined over the top rope instead. From there, Ambrose hit his suicide dive which prompted the referee to administer the ten count once again. Once both men made it to their feet, Drew hit Ambrose with a headbutt before catapulting him into the steel ring frame under the ring. After, McIntyre bounced the steel steps off of Ambrose and demanded the official make the count once again. Again, Ambrose got to his feet and got slapped in the face before being tossed back into the ring. McIntyre brought a steel chair into the ring with him, but ended up hitting it himself after Ambrose countered the move. Ambrose then hit Dirty Deeds on Drew which prompted the referee to start the count. McIntyre beat it, but Ambrose jumped on him and hit a flurry of strikes before rolling to the outside of the ring to grab a table. Ambrose set the table up in the ring, but was driven through it by Drew. Once again, the referee started his count, but again, Ambrose beat the count. Right as he did, McIntyre hit Ambrose with the Claymore and the referee started the count again. This time, Ambrose couldn’t make the count and the match ended.

WINNER: McIntyre via ten count

-After the match, McIntyre posed on the ropes as the show faded to black.

Heydorn’s Analysis: The match itself felt strapped for time, but the end game was to make Drew McIntyre look strong. They succeeded there and Drew had another really good night. 

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NOW CHECK OUT HEYDORN’S PREVIOUS REPORT: HEYDORN’S WWE RAW REPORT 3/25: Alt Perspective coverage of the live show including the women’s beat the clock challenge, more Rollins vs. Lesnar WrestleMania build, Angle vs. Joe, and more