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WWE RAW TV REPORT
MARCH 4, 2024
SAN ANTONIO, TEX. AT FROST BANK CENTER
AIRED LIVE ON USA
Commentators: Michael Cole, Pat McAfee
Ring Announcer: Samantha Irvin
Attendance: WrestleTix reports today that 13,500 tickets were distributed so far; arena set up for 13,500.
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[HOUR ONE]
-Michael Cole introduced the show as they showed the stadium in Philadelphia hosting WrestleMania 40. He mentioned Jason Kelce announcing his retirement. Then they showed Jey Uso arriving backstage earlier and Nia Jax arriving backstage earlier.
-A video package aired recapping the segment on Smackdown last Friday with The Rock, Roman Reigns, and the rest of The Bloodline.
-Cody Rhodes made his ring entrance. He entered the ring five minutes into the show. Pat McAfee said he hopes they find out whether Cody accepts Rock’s challenge and terms. Cody asked San Antonio what they wanted to talk about. He said he wanted to talk about facing Reigns at WrestleMania, but he can’t because of a distraction named The Rock. A “Rocky sucks!” chant sorta started. He said Rock last week posted a 16 minute video on Instagram, then deleted it and posted a 21 minute director’s cut afterward. He said he disparaged the fans and called them meth-heads and then talked about his dog. He said Rock didn’t accept his challenge, but did issue his own. He said he “poured honey” in his ear by saying the people want Rock vs. Roman, not Cody vs. Roman. He said the most peculiar thing then happened when the fans began chanting something. “We want Cody!” rang out in the arena.
He said Rock then brought up someone he called his friend. Cody said he thinks they are friends now. He called Seth Rollins to the ring. Cole said Seth will face Drew McIntyre on night two of WrestleMania in the “second co-main event.” Fans sang Seth’s song. McAfee said Seth, wearing a neon yellow outfit, was dressed as a highlighter. Seth asked Cody, “What’re you thinking, my man?” Cody said he has offered to have his back against The Bloodline. He said the plot has been incredibly twisted and he didn’t think he was going to be on WrestleMania. He said he had to go back on his word when he saw Rock’s “stupid powerpoint presentation.” He said, “It was my right, I won the Royal Rumble, I get to challenge Roman Reigns.” (Good to see Cody acknowledge he at first passed the title shot to The Rock rather than pretending it didn’t happen.)
Cody gave Seth an out and said he’d totally understand if he isn’t still on board with having his back considering he has a title defense and an injury. Seth said he appreciated it, but last week he said there are some things bigger than them, and taking down The Bloodline is the biggest thing they can do. Seth said ten years ago, he and Reigns came in to WWE together and wanted to take the power from the top. He said he wanted to take the power and give it back to the people. He said Roman wants to keep all the power for himself. Fans booed. He said the problem is, with The Rock in The Bloodline, they are “this close to Roman Reigns having absolute power.”
Seth said he’s kind of over The Rock. A loud “Rocky sucks!” chant broke out. He said he hasn’t been The Rock for a long time nor has he been The People’s Champ for a long time. He said he has come up with a new name for The Rock. “How about Diarrhea Dwayne.” Fans chanted, “Diarrhea! Diarrhea!” He said Rock claimed on Instagram that he can make the World Hvt. Title go away because he’s his boss. “Well, Rock, I dare you to try,” he said. He said he said in that 21 minutes message, he made pro wrestling cool again. Fans booed. Seth laughed. “Rock, our savior, he saved us, he made it cool,” Seth said, dripping with sarcasm. He added, “Rock, I don’t know if you know this or not, but you haven’t been cool in 20 years, pal.”
Seth said this morning he received 100 percent medical clearance. “I am back, I am ready to go!” he said. “So this Friday, I will be at Smackdown to confront The Bloodline.” He turned to Cody and asked him if he has his back, too. Cody stared at him, blinked a few times, and looked at the crowd that was chanting “Yes!” Cody said: “I guess I also have a message for The Rock.” He looked into the camera. He said it’s been a long time since Rock hasn’t been handed something. He said he isn’t the same man as him who’s going to whine in a 21 minute video. He said he’s going to stand across the ring from him and the entire Bloodline and give him face-to-face, eye-to-eye “not whispering in your ear, my very clear and obvious answer for what’s happening at WrestleMania.” He dropped the mic.
Cole and McAfee reacted as Cody’s music played. McAfee said WM is shaping up to be iconic.
(Keller’s Analysis: You’d almost think Seth and Cody think Rock has a huge ego and is full of himself and are taking joy in tearing him apart. It’s believable, and I think WWE fans are going to be on their side over Rock, despite Rock’s history with the fans. This had some substance, with Seth confirming he’s got Cody’s back still, and it also provided a hook for Smackdown on Friday.)
-They showed Dominik Mysterio and J.D. McDonagh backstage. Then they showed Gunther smiling in his locker room. Cole plugged his match next. [c]
(1) GUNTHER vs. DOMINIK MYSTERIO
The very end of Dom’s ring entrance aired. As Gunther made his entrance, McAfee stood on the announce desk. Cole said Dom ran his mouth last week and it got him in some trouble because he has to get in the ring with The Ring General. As Gunther came out, Cole mentioned that Sting retired and thanked him for the memories. McAfee said, “Absolutely epic match last night.” Cole cut him off to call the action. (I’m not sure they wanted McAfee actually saying, on WWE TV, Sting had a retirement match. McAfee’s instincts aren’t great.) The bell rang 31 minutes into the hour.
Cole said if Dom were to win tonight, he might earn himself a shot at Gunther’s Intercontinental Title at WrestleMania. Cole touted the sellout crowd of over 14,000 and said it’s the fifth straight sellout of TV events for WWE Raw and Smackdown. Dom ducked into the ropes, but then slapped Gunther as the ref was trying to get between them. Dom retreated at ringside and stood behind McDonagh. Gunther shoved McDonagh against the ringpost, but when Gunther went for a chop, McDonaugh moved and Gunther’s hand hit the ringpost. Dom went after Gunther’s wrist in the ring. Gunther fired back with a chop. Dom bumped hard to the mat and then rolled to ringside. Cole said Dom might need CPR. They cut to a break at 1:30. [c]
Back from the break, Gunther and Dom were exchanging chops. Cole asked why Dom would want to get in a chop fest with Gunther. McDonagh distracted Gunther from the ring apron as he set up a Boston Crab. Gunther released his grip and charged at him. McDonagh retreated. Dom took over and leaped over the top rope onto Gunther. Cole wondered if Dom was even able to breath after those Gunther chops that took him down earlier. Gunther stood and chopped Dom hard, then threw him back into the ring. Dom sent Gunther into the ropes with a drop toe hold to set up a 619, but Gunther got up and clotheslined Dom, who took a 360 bump. He covered Dom, but lifted his shoulder at two. Cole said he’s going to teach “this punk kid Dom” a lesson.
Gunther went for a powerbomb, but Dom countered into a sunset bomb for a dramatic near fall. Dom knocked Gunter into the ropes and landed the 619 this time. He went for a top rope move, but Gunther moved. Gunther then dropkicked Dom and followed with a powerbomb. He applied the Boston Crab and Dom immediately tapped.
WINNER: Gunther in 8:00.
(Keller’s Analysis: That was a heck of an 8 minute match. They managed to make Gunther look devastatingly badass while also giving Dom just enough to not make it burial. I could see some people saying Gunther gave Dom too much, but Dom’s offense was always thwarted within about 3 seconds each time. It was interesting seeing two very different heels battle and how fans generally sided with Gunther. Interesting booking choice.)
-Backstage, Dakota Kai and the rest of Damage CTRL were walking backstage when Adam Pearce approached them. He said if they have a plan tonight, he doesn’t want it to play out. He asked why they’re there. He said Shayna Baszler & Zoey Stark have been running their mouths lately, so what better time to scout them. Shinsuke Nakamura then walked up to Pearce and said he wants to talk. Pearce turned to Nakamura and said if he wants to talk about Gunther’s challenger at WM, then meet him in his office. Nakamura turned and left.
-Cole hyped the next tag match. [c]
-A commercial hyped NXT Roadblock airing live on Tuesday night.
-They showed Andrade arriving backstage earlier in the afternoon. Cole said he makes his Raw debut later.
-An interview from a few hours earlier aired with Katana Chance & Kayden Carter talking with Cathy Kelley about wanting to get another shot at the tag titles at WrestleMania.
(2) KAYDEN CARTER & KATANA CHANCE vs. SHAYNA BASZLER & ZOEY STARK
Cole noted that Damage CTRL were sitting on the announce desk to scout the match. McAfee said he couldn’t see a thing. The bell rang 47 minutes into the hour. With Baszler and Stark in control after clumsily knocking Carter to the floor, they cut to a very early break at 1:00. [c]
Carter and Chance were in control after the break and gave Stark a double Spanish Fly. Chance leaped off of Stark’s back and dove at Baszler and sent her to the floor with a huracanrana. Stark tried to fight back, but Chance landed a sloppy flip dive off the top rope as Carter delivered a neckbreaker. Baszler broke up the cover. Baszler then put Carter in a sleeper at ringside. When Chance reached through the ropes to try to help her partner, Stark stopped her and rolled her up for a three count.
WINNERS: Stark & Baszler in 7:00.
-Afterward, Dakota entered the ring and congratulated Stark & Baszler on the win. She acknowledged they seemed leery of them being there. She said they’ll be on Raw next week in Houston and they’ll get their tag title match. She said they’ll send the both of them home crying “just like we did to Bayley.” Baszler yanked the mic from her. All four Damage CTRL members entered. Baszler said, “Well, it’s about time. We’ll see you next week.”
(Keller’s Analysis: Dakota is a good heel spokeswoman for Damage CTRL, and the other three make great heel facial reactions behind her. There’s still work to be done to get fans to side with Baszler & Stark with any enthusiasm, though.) [c]
-They showed scenes of San Antonio’s River Walk.
[HOUR TWO]
-Backstage, Rhea Ripley asked Dom, clearly in pain, what he thought was going to happen. Priest said he and Finn Balor are going to make things right with Imperium. He told McDonagh that he’s going to make things right with Gunther. McDonagh didn’t like that. He looked scared. Andrade showed up behind Priest and wished them luck. Dom said he could be helpful for them.
-They went to Cole and McAFee on camera at ringside. McAfee said a lot just happened there. Cole threw to a video package on Becky Lynch-Nia Jax.
(3) BECKY LYNCH vs. NIA JAX
Becky made her ring entrance first. Jax then made her entrance. Cole said Jax has vowed to make sure Becky doesn’t make it to WrestleMania to take on Ripley. The bell rang 4 minutes into the hour. Jax dropped an elbow and scored a two count at 2:00. Becky made a comeback at 7:00. She leaped off the top rope and grazed Jax. Jax took a cartoon bump across the ring and fell through the ropes. Becky leaped off the ring apron, but Jax caught her and delivered a Samoan Drop at ringside. They cut to a break at 4:00. [c]
Back from the break, Becky set up a superplex on Jax. Jax blocked it and dropped Becky to the mat. Jax then leaped off the second rope and landed a legdrop for a two count. Jax blocked a Manhandle slam, but she countered Jax’s backbreaker attempt with a head scissors, sending Jax into the corner. Becky then landed a flip dive onto Jax for a near fall. Jax powered out and sent Becky across the ring.
Becky played to the crowd, but Jax delivered a sudden Samoan Drop. She dragged her to the corner and went for the Annihilator, but Becky moved. Becky then applied a Disarm Her. Jax rolled under the bottom rope to the floor and dragged Becky with her. She rammed Becky into the ringside barricade. Cole complimented the “power game” of Jax. The crowd popped as Liv Morgan showed up and dove at Jax, knocking her into the ringpost.
WINNER: No contest in 10:00.
-Liv entered the ring and got in Becky’s face and had some words for her. As Liv turned to leave, Becky spun her around and yelled at her. Jax tripped them both from ringside and dragged Liv to the floor. She then rammed Becky into the ringpost. She legdropped Liv.
(Keller’s Analysis: A compelling if not somewhat clunky battle between Becky and Jax. WWE is doing too many non-finishes these days.)
-Ricochet told Pearce he’s had his head down and done everything asked of him, “but closed mouths don’t get fed around here.” Pearce said he has a plan nearly finalized that should satisfy Gunther and everyone who wants a shot at that title. Pearce told him to trust him. Ricochet said he does. Priest, Balor, and McDonagh walked up to Pearce. Priest said McDonagh wants a match against Gunther. McDonagh pitched the match to Pearce as they cut to a break. [c]
-Becky confronted Liv and said she understands why she did what she did after what she did last week. She said she already apologized to her. She said what she did last week was to get back at Jax rather than get at her. Liv said, “The Man can dish it out, but can’t take it. Typical Becky.” Becky challenged her to a match last week. Liv agreed to it and walked away. Ripley walked past Becky and laughed.
-Cole threw to a video package previewing the Drew McIntyre vs. Jey Uso main event later.
-They showed Jey warming up backstage.
-Andrade made his ring entrance as Cole talked about his family history in pro wrestling in Mexico. [c]
-They showed scenes of San Antonio.
-Cole and McAfee talked about some WrestleMania weekend events including McAfee taking his show on the road.
-Pearce said finding a worthy challenger for Gunther has been difficult. He said he’s narrowed it down to six men – Sami Zayn, Ricochet, Shinsuke Nakamura, Bronson Reed, J.D. McDonagh, and Chad Gable. He said they’ll battle next week in a Gauntlet Match, winner facing Gunther at WrestleMania for his IC Title.
(4) ANDRADE vs. APOLLO CREWS
Crews got a full ring entrance. Cole said Crews will provide a tough test for Andrade. The bell rang 34 minutes into the hour. Cole said Crews is on the cusp of breaking out and would love to embarrass Andrade in his return to Raw. They showed an inset image of The Judgment Day watching. Crews superplexed Andrade at 2:00. Andrade battled back with three straight vertical suplexes. Cole mentioned it was a tribute to Eddie Guerrero. Crews fired back with a dropkick as they went to a wide shot of the packed arena. Andrade came back with a spinning back elbow. He played to the crowd and then charged Crews in the corner with double-knees. He followed with his DDT for the win.
WINNER: Andrade in 3:30.
-Jackie Redmond interviewed Sami Zayn backstage about his chance next week to earn an IC Title match at WrestleMania. Sami said everyone has seen his highs and lows. He said he believed there’d be a path for him to WrestleMania and now it’s revealed itself. He said the Gauntlet match is the only thing stopping him from making history against a man with the most impressive IC Title reign ever. He said he’s had a lot of big matches, but the match next week on Raw is the biggest match to him. Ivar and Valhalla intruded on the interview. Ivar said he knows he can beat Gunther, but Sami knows he can’t beat Gunther. Sami said he knows he can beat him, so if he wants to prove him wrong, meet him in that ring tonight. Ivar told Sami to forget about WrestleMania because he won’t even make it to next week.
-Priest and Balor made their ring entrance. [c]
-The screen acknowledged the death of Paul “Butcher” Vachon.
-Backstage, Indi Hartwell and Candice LeRae were chatting about wanting a tag title shot. The camera panned over to Natalya telling Tegan Nox it didn’t help their cause that she threw her out of the Rumble. Nox said Natalya tried to throw her out first. Natalya said she didn’t remember it that way. She escorted her away to figure out a plan. The camera panned back to LeRae who told Indi they should do whatever it takes. Ivy Nile and Maxxine Dupri interrupted. Dupri said she had confidence in LeRae. LeRae asked what she would know given her three matches of experience. She said she couldn’t even lace her boots. LeRae walked away. Indi assured Dupri she’d go talk some sense into LeRae.
(5) DAMIEN PRIEST & FINN BALOR vs. IMPERIUM (Ludwig Kaiser & Gionvani Vinci)
The bell rang to star the match 48 minutes into the hour. They cut to a break at 4:00 after four minutes of back and forth action with Imperium in control. McAfee said he never thought he’d cheer for Imperium, but he was loving what he was seeing. [c]
Eventually, Balor fought back and leaped to hot-tag Priest in. Priest went to work on Kaiser including a Flatliner that Kaiser took on the top of his head. He one-arm slammed Kaiser as he charged into the ring, then showed fire and pounded his chest. He received some cheers. Priest charged into opposite corners of the ring with splashes against both Kaiser and Vinci. He then landed a Broken Arrow on Kaiser for a two count at 12:00.
[HOUR THREE]
Kaiser escaped a Razor’s Edge attempt. Priest missed a corner splash. Kaiser rolled him up. Balor had blind-tagged in, though, and rolled up Kaiser for a two count. Balor then landed a Sling Blade. Vinci grabbed Balor’s ankle from ringside. Kaiser gave Balor a Death Valley Driver and then tagged in Vinci.
A double-team move was botched with Balor mid-air. Cole said it could’ve been a disaster. Balor scored a two count with a small package on Vinci. Vinci knocked Priest off the ring apron. Balor then hit him with a Sling Blade. He followed with a Coup de Grace. Kaiser broke up the cover. (That’s how you break up a cover. He landed on Balor with force, and that freed Vinci to raise his shoulders before three.)
Balor tagged Priest back in. Balor leaped over the top rope with a flip dive onto Kaiser. Vinci rolled up Priest for a near fall. Priest clotheslined Vinci and then dropped his straps and played to the crowd. Priest then gave Vinci his South of Heaven for the win. McAfee used his telestrator to highlight the finishing sequence.
WINNERS: Balor & Priest in 14:00.
(Keller’s Analysis: Interesting dynamic there, with the match being structured to present Balor and Priest as the babyfaces. Priest played to the crowd and got an increasingly good response. Are they teasing a break up of Judgment Day with Andrade perhaps pulling Dom and McDonagh into his realm and forming a new heel faction?)
-Cole said he wouldn’t be there if not for the first entrant into the WWE Hall of Fame this year. He said on Wednesday nights back in 2005, Paul Heyman coached him and Taz for hours into the night at how to be an effective announcer. A video package then aired on Paul Heyman including vintage clips of him in the AWA, WCW, and ECW. McAfee called him an innovator and trailblazer who has worked to make pro wrestling better since he was a teenager.
(Keller’s Analysis: That’s going to be a hell of a speech he gives. Cole was very gracious and gushing about Heyman.)
-Backstage Redmond enthusiastically said she can’t wait to see what The Wiseman will have to say at the Hall of Fame. She asked if he thinks Seth listened to anything he said last week about The Bloodline. Drew said, “No, not for one second.” He said Seth is a spotlight junkie. He said she should be focused on Raw and his title, but as long as he shows up to WrestleMania, he’ll be fine because the title deserves better than Seth anyway. He then shifted to telling Jey Uso all he wanted all this time as an apology. He said he’s too dimwitted to realize that. He said there’s no chance in hell he’ll beat him tonight.
-Sami made his ring entrance. [c]
-They showed the exterior of Frost Bank Center.
-Backstage Damage CTRL ran into Ripley. Iyo Sky and Ripley eyed each other. Ripley told her, “Stay out of my territory.” Sky went, “Heh” and rolled her eyes and walked away.
(6) SAMI ZAYN vs. IVAR (w/Valhalla)
As Ivar and Valhalla made their entrance, Cole exclaimed, “Yes!!” He was so excited she was wearing antlers. “If you’re Sami Zayn, you have to be upset about this.” McAfee said Sami is probably sane and not concerned with Valhalla’s antlers. Cole put on the antlers. Cole told McAfee he’s jealous. The bell rang to start the match 17 minutes into the hour. Cole said Sami needs a win here to build momentum on his path to WrestleMania. They cut to an early break. [c]
After more back and forth action, Ivar climbed to the top rope. Sami moved out of the path of his moonsault. He then charged with a Helluva Kick and scored a three count.
WINNER: Sami in 9:00.
-As Sami began to celebrate, Bronson attacked Sami. Fans booed. Bronson landed a top rope Tsunami splash.
-Kelley interviewed Gunther. He said he gave Dom a chance, but there was no doubt what the outcome was going to be. She asked about Pearce’s announcement. He said he’s flattered by all of the people stepping up to try to face him at WrestleMania. He said it’ll lead to humiliation as they’re outclassed. Gable walked up and said he’s tired of his condescending smile. He said he can look past that, but not the tears in his daughter’s eyes. He next week is his path to redemption and taking that title from him at WrestleMania. He said this match just means more. Gunther laughed in his face, then turned and walked away.
-Jey Uso spoke backstage and said all he’s heard from Drew is him crying and complaining about wanting an apology. Jey said he’s sorry for what he’s about to do to him tonight. He said if he wants to find out about him, he’ll see that “Jey don’t play.”
-They showed Xavier Woods, Johnny Gargano, Tomasso Ciampa, Miz, and R-Truth playing the new WWE videogame. Miz said he’s got ideas how to get back at Judgment Day. Miz said they have to hit them where it hurts and take their tag titles. They all crossed wrists and said, “Re-generation X!” They were playing Shawn Michaels & Triple H in the game, playing into Truth thinking Gargano and Ciampa are DX.
-They went to Cole and McAfee at ringside. Cole plugged the release of the game tomorrow. McAfee then did a telestrator bit on a freeze-frame of Cole wearing the antlers. Then they plugged next week’s Raw featuring Becky vs. Liv, Baszler & Stark challenging the Kabuki Warriors for the tag titles, and the IC Challenger Gauntlet Match.
(7) DREW MCINTYRE vs. JEY USO
Jey made his entrance. Then Drew made his entrance. Cole said Drew was the first man to pin Cody since Roman did it at WrestleMania last year. The bell rang 41 minutes into the hour. They cut to a very early break. [c]
Back from the break, Jey leaped off the top rope and took Drew down with a crossbody for a two count at 6:00. They eventually fought at ringside where Drew delivered a suplex to Jey. They cut to another break with both men down. [c]
Back from the break, Drew was beating up Jey at ringside. He rammed him into the barricade and then the ring apron, then repeated that. He threw Jey into the ring. Jey caught a charging Drew with boots to the face. A minute later, Jey charged at Drew with a hip attack. Cole said it was an homage to Umaga. Drew rolled to ringside. Fans booed. Jey dove over the top rope onto Drew and then threw him back into the ring.
Jey climbed to the top rope. Solo Sikoa came through the crowd and showed up at ringside. Drew ducked Jey and then delivered a Future Shock DDT for a two count. Cole said Jey was distracted, although the camera didn’t catch that part of the sequence. Cody’s music then played and he charged out to battle Solo. He rammed him into the ringside steps and clotheslined him into the crowd. Drew then went for a Claymore, but Jey superkicked him instead. He landed two more superkicks followed by a spear. Jimmy Uso then showed up at ringside. Jey eyed him and then turned around and got caught with a Claymore for the three count. Cole shouted at Jimmy, “What is wrong with you?” He said Jimmy cost Jey again.
WINNER: McIntyre in 17:00.
-Jimmy picked up a chair and slid it into the ring. Seth’s music then played and he ran out with his World Title, rushing right past Drew and he kicked the chair into Jimmy. Drew re-entered the ring and gave Seth a Claymore. He kneeled over him and said this is what happens when he’s not focused on his title and their match at WrestleMania. A “C.M. Punk” chant broke out.
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