3/28 WWE MONDAY NIGHT RAW RESULTS: Keller’s report on final hype for WrestleMania 38 with Lesnar and Reigns, Rey vs. Miz, more

KELLER’S WWE RAW REPORT
MARCH 28, 2022
PITTSBURGH, PA. AT PPG PAINTS ARENA
AIRED LIVE ON USA NETWORK

WWE Raw Commentators: Jimmy Smith, Byron Saxton, Corey Graves, Michael Cole

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[HOUR ONE]

-Jimmy Smith introduced the show as “a special WWE WrestleMania Raw.” He said it’s their last stop before Dallas, Tex. “where everything is on the line.”

-Brock Lesnar’s music played. They went to ringside where Smith, Byron Saxton, and Corey Graves were joined by Michael Cole from Smackdown. Saxton said without irony or sarcasm, “Brock Lesnar is smiling; that’s a comforting thing, right?” Smith said, “It’s never comforting when you see Brock Lesnar smiling.” Saxton took a deep breath and Cole seemed to react slightly to Smith completely missing what Saxton was getting at. Cole said it must be comforting to them to have him at ringside. A five minute video package recapped what happened with Lesnar and Roman Reigns last Friday on Smackdown.

In the ring, Lesnar’s music faded. Smith said it doesn’t appear Lesnar is fazed. Lesnar said, “Your WWE Champion is in the house.” He said for the last 20 years, “that loud-mouthed Paul Heyman has been doing all the yapping for me.” He then welcomed everyone to Monday Night Raw. “That felt good, but it felt like it sucked,” he said. He laughed and said he won’t be doing that again. He said what he doesn’t suck at is handing out “country ass-whippins.” He said he’s going to reveal his gameplan for Sunday at WrestleMania. “This is a spoiler now,” he said. Fans started doing “What?” and he said they can play along like that if they want. He said Steve Austin is an ass-kicker like him too, “but he didn’t kick my ass.” He laughed and said, “Alright, enough.” He said his title is going to marry Reigns’s title, and they’re going to have a baby, the Unified Title. “And I get full custody,” he said.

He said he’s in a great mood because in six days at WrestleMania, he finally gets his hands on Reigns. He said there is no more running and no place to hide on Sunday.

-The announcers hyped that Reigns would appear on Raw for the first time in six months. They also hyped the rest of the line-up including an eight-woman tag team match, the return of Bianca Belair, the Usos vs. RK-Bro, and they’d reveal what happened during the Vince McMahon-Seth Rollins meeting at WWE Headquarters in recent days regarding Seth’s role at WrestleMania.

-Miz made his ring entrance.

-A video aired building the Kevin Owens-Steve Austin segment at WrestleMania. [c]

-Miz introduced Lucha Logan (Logan Paul wearing Rey Mysterio’s mask). Logan did a cartwheel onto the stage. Graves said his little brother in Mexico told him Lucha Logan is all the buzz in Mexico this week. Miz said unmasking Rey was the most disrespectful thing he could do, but Rey doesn’t deserve respect. Rey’s music interrupted Miz as he continued talking. Rey and Dominik charged to the ring. Dominik tackled Miz. Logan rolled to the floor where Rey pursued him. Graves called on Dominik to get six months in juvenile detention. The ref ejected Dominik. Graves said maybe Dominik will earn some respect. Saxton complained that Miz and Logan came out acting like clowns, yet Dominik is the one who got ejected from ringside.

(1) REY MYSTERIO vs. MIZ

Miz took early control. Rey fought back seconds into the match and head-scissored Miz. Smith called it a huracanrana. When Miz bailed out, Rey pursued him. Logan distracted Rey, and Miz then drove Rey into the ringside barricade. Then he DDT’d Rey on the floor. Miz and Logan hugged as they cut to a break. [c]

Back from the break, Rey was in control. Cole said Rey has to keep his emotions in check or he’ll be in trouble at WrestleMania. Miz went for a slingshot powerbomb, but slipped free and then sunset flipped Miz for a surprise three count. Smith called it “a beautiful move.” Rey stood over Miz and glared down at him.

WINNER: Rey in 6:00.

-After the match, Dominik ran back to the ring. They set up stereo 619s, but Logan and Miz dropped to ringside. Miz yanked the mask off of Logan’s head. They trapped Miz in the ring. Dominik hit a superkick that showed some light. Then they set up Miz for a 619. They landed a double-619 on Miz. Dominik then landed a top rope frog splash. Rey followed with a top rope splash, too.

(Keller’s Analysis: They gave quite a bit of Mysterios revenge away tonight, which seems to take some of the heat off the heels going into their match at WrestleMania.)

-Graves said that next they’d get into “all the delicious details from the McMahon meeting with Seth earlier in the day.” [c]

-A Veer Mahaan vignette advertised he’d be on WWE Raw next week.

-They went to the announcers at ringside. Cole said Veer would be on what is annually the biggest episode of Raw next week. Smith then threw to a video package on Seth’s attempts to maneuver himself onto WrestleMania.

-They showed Seth’s text message saying he was summoned to WWE Headquarters earlier in the day.

-They showed Seth arriving just before 7 a.m at the WWE offices. He asked the receptionist if Vince was ready for him. She said it would be just a few minutes. It took a while, as at 9:05 a.m. Seth was showing impatience. He was then told Mr. McMahon was ready for him. Seth entered and another man sat in the room outside of Vince’s office. Seth then entered Vince’s office. Vince ignored him as Seth kicked his feet up onto his desk. Vince shot Seth a dirty look. “Get your feet off my table,” he said. Seth complied.

Seth asked Vince to cut to the chase. He asked if there’d be a fine or a suspension or ban him from Raw or WrestleMania. Seth thought some more and said if he’s going to fire him, just rip the Band-aid and do it. Vince said he’s not going to fire him. Seth asked why he asked to see him. Vince said he failed many times trying to get onto WrestleMania. Vince said Seth could have just asked him. “Why did you jump through all those hoops?” Vince asked. Seth asked if all he had to do was come to him. Vince said he’s not saying whether he’s in or out. He asked Seth why WrestleMania is different than all the others. Seth said it’s two nights and the most stupendous of all time.

Vince asked if he could have a stupendous WrestleMania without Seth. Seth cackled and said, “Of course not.” Vince said he thinks it might be a good idea if he’s in it. Vince said he’d have to have his own main event, though. “It wouldn’t work any other way,” he said. Seth said he likes where his head is at. “So, Seth ‘Freakin’ Rollins is going to WrestleMania,” Vince said. Seth asked if it’s a trick. He asked who his opponent will be. Vince said it will be an opponent of his choosing, and he’ll know when he’s introduced. Seth was quite satisfied that he is going to WrestleMania. He cheered and ran laps around Vince’s desk while singing and dancing and cackling. He then leaped onto Vince’s desk.

-The announcers reacted to what happened. The outline of a mystery wrestler in the graphic looks like Cody Rhodes. Or Christopher Daniels. Or Low Ki. Or maybe Tommaso Ciampa. Or Bron Breakker, even!

(Keller’s Analysis: You can hear Vince in real life selling Cody on how his debut at WrestleMania will be the most stupendous debut ever. If it’s anyone else, it’s a tough spot to be in, but I wouldn’t completely rule out Ciampa or Breakker. But it’s Cody. It’s interesting he’s being presented as Vince’s choice. I don’t know what that would indicate about Cody’s character going forward. Maybe nothing.)

-Omos made his way to the ring to face The Viking Raiders. Smith said he isn’t sure who is handicapped in this match. [c]

(2) THE VIKING RAIDERS (Erik & Ivar) vs. OMOS

Erik attacked at the start. Omos brushed off his attack and then clotheslined him. Saxton said Omos might be in the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal. Erik rolled to the floor as the ref counted. Ivar checked on him and the ref got to ten and counted him out. After the match, Ivar went after Omos in the ring, but he kicked him off the ring apron. Saxton said Omos made it look “disturbingly easy.”

WINNER: Omos in under 1:00 via countout.

-Kevin Patrick interviewed Omos in the ring. He asked if there is anyone who could put up a challenge against him at WrestleMania. Omos said there is nobody because he dominates everyone. Bobby Lashley’s music then played. “Are you kidding me?” exclaimed Smith. Lashley walked out, looking ready to take on Omos. No MVP. Fans chanted “Bobby! Bobby!” Omos shoved Lashley aside with one hand. Lashley charged, but Omos brushed him off and then shoved him head first into the turnbuckle while trash-talking him. Lashley charged again at Omos, but Omos absorbed it and threw him into the ropes. They collided mid-ring. Omos went down and then rolled to ringside. Lashley went down, but popped right up. Saxton said that was a statement from Lashley. Omos said, “You don’t want this!” A “Bobby! Bobby!” chant rang out. Lashley pointed at the WrestleMania sign.

(Keller’s Analysis: A good set-up for a match that feels special for WrestleMania. Omos overpowered Lashley, but then Lashley was the first to knock Omos onto his back in the ring. It seems this is positioning Lashley as the babyface. Will it last past facing Omos, and what does it mean for the future of Lashley after WrestleMania? This is a tough finish to book given how protected both are, which makes he wonder if MVP doesn’t show up during the match and turn on Lashley since Omos could use a manager more than Lashley at this point, and fans are ready to cheer Lashley full-time.)

-Cole plugged that Reigns would appear on Raw next. [c]

-Backstage, Reggie said he’s been meaning to talk to Dana Brooke about something. She said he can say anything to her anytime. Reggie kneeled and said, “Dana, will you…” She said this is so sudden. He then presented her with a ring and offered her a chance to have a WrestleMania Moment. She thought for a second and then said, “Yes!” As they were about to hug, Tamina attacked both of them. Reggie shoved Tamina off of Dana and fled. Tozawa then showed up in a suit. Tamina asked what he was wearing. Tozawa said he heard Reggie say earlier he was going to propose to Dana. Tamina said, “And?!” Tozawa kneeled and presented her with a ring and asked her to marry him. Tamina yanked him up and looked him in the eyes and said, “What do you think?” She raised her arm like she was about to slap him, but then said yes. He tried to shove the ring onto her finger. He licked the ring and it slid on. They danced off screen. They cut to R-Truth who watched with binoculars and then said “That gives me an idea. With the power vested in me…”

(Keller’s Analysis: Well, that developed quickly. A double-wedding at WrestleMania? The crowd didn’t seem to care, but it wasn’t easy to know for sure.)

[HOUR TWO]

-Reigns made his ring entrance with Paul Heyman and the Usos. Cole said there have only been four men who have held the championship longer – Pedro Morales, Bob Backlund, and Bruno Sammartino. “That is the rarefied air that Roman Reigns breathes.” said Cole. He said he hasn’t been pinned or submitted since December 2019 over two years ago. He said he’s entering his sixth WrestleMania main event, and only one man in history has been in more. He didn’t mention that wrestler’s name.

Reigns’s music stopped and he looked around at the audience. They booed. Reigns said he was going to shine on them and talk about God Mode and being the last Needle Mover until Fox came and begged for him. He said he’s done all that can be done in this business except for one thing. He said if the fans keep what’ing him, he’s going to smash them all like he’d smash Steve Austin “just like I’m going to smash Brock Lesnar.” He said he’s done everything other than beat Lesnar at WrestleMania, “and that pisses me off.” Fans chanted “Suplex City!”

Reigns said it sounds like they want to talk about Brock. He said Brock said he was out for blood and said it was already personal to him, but he’s already spilled his blood. He said at WrestleMania 34, he busted his head wide open. He pointed at places on his skull where he bled all over New Orleans. He said he smashed his face to the point his children didn’t recognize him and his wife didn’t want him in the business anymore. He said his family was disappointed in him. He yelled, “Then the Tribal Chief changed the game.” He said they’re going to take everything from Lesnar. He said he already took his Advocate and upgraded him to The Wise Man. He said he took his claim of being the longest-reigning champion in the past 35 years. He said he got his receipt at MSG. He said on Sunday, he’ll make the final move and take his title. “And then Brock,” he yelled, “you’re going to know what it’s like to make it personal. It’s always been personal – to me!” He raised a finger in the air. The Usos did so too. Heyman held the Smackdown Title belt and watched Reigns.

-A video package aired on the bickering and the fighting between Carmella and Queen Zelina last week, followed by their attack on four other women in the ring later which seemed to lead to a reconciliation.

-Backstage, Zelina told Carmella it’s great they’re on the same page. Carmella said they’ll look stunning leaving the ring with the tag team titles. Shayna Baszler and Natalya interrupted. They said they’re going to walk away as the tag team champions.

-Sasha Banks’s music played. Cole said, “It’s Boss Time!” Saxton said he missed that. Sasha came out with Naomi, Rhea Ripley, and Liv Morgan. [c]

-They went to the announcers at ringside who hyped the WWE Hall of Fame ceremony on Friday immediately following WWE Smackdown on Peacock. Saxton talked about the Steiner Brothers being inducted this year.

(3) SASHA BANKS & NAOMI & RHEA RIPLEY & LIV MORGAN vs. CARMELLA & ZELINA VEGA & NATALYA & SHAYNA BASZLER

Zelina kicked Sasha at ringside a couple minutes in, and they cut to an early break. [c]

Back from the break, Carmella had Sasha grounded. Saxton expressed skepticism that Carmella is really focused on WrestleMania and whether Carmella and Zelina are on the same page. Graves said of course they are, and he said he’s excited to practice the consummation so it’s goes perfectly. Natalya and Baszler gave Sasha the Hart Attack clothesline. Baszler yanked Zelina off of Sasha as she tried to steal the pin. Baszler then hit Carmella at ringside. Smith said the teammates were all fighting each other to try to get the pin. Sasha stood and grabbed Vega’s leg, then tagged in Naomi. Naomi kicked Vega, then tagged in Morgan. Ripley then tagged in and landed the Rip Tide for the win.

WINNERS: Ripley & Morgan & Naomi & Banks in 8:00.

-Highlights aired of Kevin Owens calling out Steve Austin. [c]

-A video aired on Steve Austin during his peak years in the Attitude Era.

-Owens stood in the ring as his music faded. He said it was a tremendous video tribute to Austin. He called WWE’s production crew true angels. He said it was nothing, though, compared to his tribute to Austin last week. He said some people said he was mocking Austin. Fans started doing the “What?” chant. He said those people are lying. He said he was paying homage to Austin. He said people are ecstatic that Austin is his guest on WrestleMania Saturday. He said what they saw wasn’t just him paying tribute to Austin, it was also him doing everyone a favor because that is the closest they’ll ever get “to the old Stone Cold we used to admire.” He said he’s been gone for 19 years. He said he isn’t ever coming back. Boos rang out. He said it’ll just be Steve, not Stone Cold. “The same Steve that’s been drinking himself into oblivion for 19 years now.” He said Steve is so bored to tears that he’s begging people to come onto his podcast to talk about the old days “and make him feel good again.” (Fun Fact: You know which guest has been on his podcast more times than anyone else? Wade Keller. 40 times.)

Owens said he’s not coming to the KO Show to pick a fight with him “because he knows damn well what would happen.” He said he’s having another nice conversation about his career. He said he’s so honored and happy that he accepted his invitation that he will do that for him. He said he’s a good person who will give him the biggest platform he’s ever had in his career on the KO Show. He said they’ll talk about him and make him feel good and give him the sendoff he deserves. He said he hates beer. “It’s disgusting,” he said. Boos rang out. He said he’s going to drink one with him at AT&T Stadium. He said they could even toast to him finally officially passing the torch to him as the new “Stone Cold” and the one true master of the stunner. He said his stunner is better than Austin’s. He offered Austin a “friendly warning.” He said, “If you try to get funny with me, there will be a stunner with you on the receiving end of it.” He added, “Oh hell yeah!” He said he’ll end up pouring a beer on his lifeless carcass “after I open a can of whoop ass on you.” He said that’s the bottom line because KO said so. He threw the mic down. Cole called him delusional.

-The announcers commented on a replay of the Lashley-Omos exchange earlier. Cole said it’s now an official match at WrestleMania.

-Ricochet made his ring entrance. Smith said he’s a visitor from Smackdown to take on Austin Theory. [c]

-Cole hyped that Ricochet would defend against Angel and Humberto on Smackdown this Friday.

(4) RICOCHET vs. AUSTIN THEORY

As Theory made his entrance, a soundbite aired with Theory touting what he’s going to do to Pat McAfee at WrestleMania. He said he’s going to make McAfee wish he stayed in his “goofy studio.” He promised the best selfie of his career. He smiled and took a selfie. Cole said McAfee-Theory was trending all day. Fans chanted, “We Want Pat!” Theory set up an ATL, but Ricochet blocked it and then climbed to the top rope. Theory got up and knocked Ricochet off balance. He then gave Ricochet an ATL for the clean win.

WINNER: Theory in under 2:00.

(Keller’s Analysis: If you were looking for heels to win clean without interference or distractions, there you go. Not sure what to make of that other than they want Theory to seem like a bigger deal going into WrestleMania while Ricochet got a nice little push lately but he’s still not seen as a star or being protected as one.) [c]

-Cole talked about Triple H announcing his retirement. Cole said Hunter was vital to his role in WWE. Graves said Triple H believed in him and so many others. He said it’s unfortunate they won’t be able to see him in the ring anymore.

[HOUR THREE]

-Bianca Belair made her ring entrance. She said two weeks ago she found out how low Becky Lynch would stoop. She said her confidence threatens her. She said Becky bashed her name and played the victim. “But girl, eh eh,” she said. “They don’t call me the EST for no reason.” She said Becky took her out for a week, but she’s back on Raw “like I never even left.” She said after everything Becky tried, she’s still standing there. She said it’s gone on too long, dating back to Summerslam, trying to escape with the title. She said she tried everything, including deliberately trying to end her career. She said she has nothing left she can do to her, so come Saturday at WrestleMania, she’s coming for her “and there’s not a damn thing you can do about it.” Becky’s music played.

Becky tried to sneak in from the opposite side of the ring. Graves said he thinks she came out from under the ring. (He had the best seat in the house to verify that.) Becky and Belair brawled. Becky bashed Belair with a chair with a jab to her gut and a smash to her back. She threw down the chair. Becky pulled out a pair of scissors and said, “I said I was coming for your hair, Bianca.” Becky grabbed onto her braid, but Belair resisted and then hit a K.O.D. Becky dropped the scissors before the move. (Safety first!) Belair then delivered a second K.O.D. Belair stood over Becky, then looked over at the scissors. She picked them up and cut off a wad of Becky’s hair. Graves said Becky wasn’t really going to do it. She got off another wad when Adam Pearce and other officials and referees ran out. Belair kept snipping away. Smith said she is humiliating “Big Time Becks.” After Belair left, Becky woke up and began screaming and mumbling “I am going to end her.” A “You deserve it!” chant rang out.

(Keller’s Analysis: Becky deserved what she got. Now it seems to set up Becky with extra motivation at WrestleMania, or for her to be more unstable. Belair didn’t take off so much that Becky’s stylist can’t make it look good with a new look at WrestleMania. I like that twist on “You Deserve It!” Belair’s promo before the angle was solid. The crowd didn’t seem super into it, though.)

-They went to the announcers who ran through the WrestleMania Saturday line-up.

-Drew McIntyre made his ring entrance. [c]

-Cole hyped that Brantley Gilbert and Jessie James Decker will be singing “America the Beautiful” at WrestleMania this weekend.

-Sarah Schreiber interviewed Becky backstage. Becky was frowning and holding wads of her cut hair. Becky yanked the mic out of her hand and threw it to the ground. He said, “Bianca, you bitch!”

(5) DREW MCINTYRE vs. HAPPY CORBIN & MADCAP MOSS – Handicapped Match

There was no explanation offered for why Drew had to fight both of them tonight as a preview to the one-on-one match this weekend. As Drew and Madcap made their way to the ring, Corbin told Madcap to just sit back and watch. Madcap asked, “What are you going to say after you get a Claymore? It Kilt!” Corbin didn’t like it and walked away.

When the bell rang, Corbin and Drew locked up. Corbin shoved Drew, then tagged out to Madcap. Madcap yelled, “I thought you were going to show me?” Drew yanked Madcap into the ring and threw him around the ring. Graves said Corbin wants Madcap to get some seasoning. Drew gave Madcap a neckbreaker and then kipped up. Drew eyed Corbin and threw Madcap into the corner to tag out to Corbin. Corbin dropped off the ring apron and began to walk backward to the stage. Madcap made a move toward Drew, but Drew headbutted him. He then counted down from three and hit a running Claymore for the win.

WINNER: McIntyre in 3:00.

-Afterward, Corbin attacked Drew from behind and threw him shoulder-first into the ringpost. He delivered an End of Days. Then he grabbed Drew’s sword and left with it. He yanked up Madcap and they returned to the stage together and gloated about having Drew’s sword.

-A clip aired of Edge attacking A.J. Styles last week.

-A  promo aired with Edge backstage sitting at a table under a spotlight. He said he had a choice to bash Seth with a chair and give him another deserved beating at WrestleMania or let fate take its course. He said he decided to take fate into his own hands, and he realized it needed to be Styles. He said they need each other. He said he needed to wake up Styles from his run of mediocrity to realize again he’s a era-defining Superstar. “You’re welcome, by the way,” he said. He said he’s the benchmark of WWE. He said now they will face off for the first time ever after over 20 years of running parallel and collecting championships wherever they’ve gone and have a match of the ages. He said he is already roaming inside A.J.’s head, and on Sunday it’s going to be A.J.’s judgment day. He said his judgment is sealed. He put a golden skull on a scale and then leaned back and exhaled. [c]

-Schreiber asked Styles for comment backstage. Styles said Edge used a lot of words to justify another cheapshot. He said that’s his reaction. He said it was a month ago when Edge grabbed a chair and cracked him in the back of his head twice. He said since then, his music has changed and he’s changed. He said he wanted to get in Edge’s head. He said he achieved his goal. He said if Edge wants to destroy him, the feeling is mutual. He said since judgment is coming, the verdict is already in. He said he will deliver a beating the WWE Universe and Edge will never forget this Sunday at WrestleMania.

(Keller’s Analysis: Good final promos from Edge and Styles, just reviewing the basis for the feud and revving up the emotions.)

-Rick Boogs came onto the stage and played electric guitar. He introduced Shinsuke Nakamura. Graves asked Cole if he wants him to be a buffoon and stand on the desk and dance. Nakamura and Boogs then made their ring entrance. The announcers ran through the WrestleMania Sunday line-up.

-As the Usos made their ring entrance, a promo aired with the Usos. [c]

(6) THE USOS vs. RK-BRO (Randy Orton & Riddle)

RK-Bro made their ring entrance. Nakamura and Boogs watched from ringside. Orton and Riddle beat up Jimmy early. When Riddle and Orton set up moves against both Usos, they dropped to the floor to avoid them. Riddle and Orton followed them and slammed them on the announce desk as Nakamura and Boogs reacted nearby. [c]

Back from the break, Orton and Riddle were working over Jimmy. The Usos took over. When Jimmy took a cheapshot at Riddle from the ring apron, Orton was fuming mad. Cole called it “text book tag team wrestling.” The announcers talked up the Usos advantage from being a tag team since birth, whereas Nakamura & Boogs are a relatively new duo. Jimmy tossed Riddle into the time keeper’s area. They cut to another break. [c]

Back from the break, Jey stopped Riddle from tagging out to Orton. He taunted Orton who was itching to get into the match. Riddle surged with a running knee to the jaw of Jey. Both were down and slow to get up. Both crawled over and hot-tagged in. Orton snap-powerslammed Jimmy and set up a draping DDT. Jey rolled up Orton from behind. Orton landed a snap powerslam (which Smith kept calling a “snap bodyslam.”) Riddle landed a corkscrew dive off the top rope onto an interfering Jimmy. Orton then gave Jey a draping DDT. Cole said it’s been a long time since he was able to see that. Orton played to the crowd and signaled for an RKO. The Street Profits ran into the ring and attacked Orton.

WINNERS: RK-Bro via DQ in 16:00.

-Boogs and Nakamura joined in a brawl. Jimmy and Boogs brawled to the stage. Riddle and Orton got the better of the Street Profits in the ring including an RKO. Orton and Riddle celebrated as their music played. Fans chanted “One more time!” The Street Profits stood, and Orton gave Montez Ford an RKO. Orton shoved Dawkins into Riddle for an RKO from him. As RK-Bro celebrated to their music again, Smith hyped the Raw Tag Team Title match.

-Cole then shifted to final run through the top WrestleMania matches on both nights.

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CATCH-UP: Major update on main event of WrestleMania night one