In between WWE Raw 25’s hottest moments, a number of dumpster fires raged.
Raw’s 25th anniversary had a surplus of star power, but the show inconsistently put those names from the past to good use. Steve Austin transported the audience to the Attitude Era with a Stunner rampage.
A number of other talents, though, only showed up in cameo form.Lots of short segments filled the airwaves on Monday night. Faces popped up for a moment. It was often the pro wrestling equivalent of junk food.
It was hard to know how to feel after Undertaker‘s return.
The Miz reclaimed the Intercontinental Championship from Roman Reigns in the night’s best match. The Revival, meanwhile, was on the wrong end of WWE’s love affair with the past.
Sunday’s Royal Rumble pay-per-view got some love here and there, but this was a night focused on celebrating Raw. There is plenty to break down from Monday’s show, from the fun to the dreadful.
Raw 25 Kicks Off Stone Cold Style
Stephanie and Shane McMahon kicked things off, thanking everyone involved with Raw. Clips of some of the show’s best moments aired.
Stephanie welcomed her father, Vince, to the ring, where the chairman tearfully embraced his family.
Vince’s kids presented him with a plaque to celebrate Raw’s 25th anniversary, a gift he scoffed at. Mr. McMahon berated the fans and claimed he built the show all by himself.
Austin soon strutted out to dispute that.
Stone Cold hit Shane with a Stunner. He offered another to Vince after the two shared a beer.
Memorable Moments and Quotes
- The Manhattan Center was made to look just like the show’s original set.
- “We’re really just getting started.”—Stephanie on Raw.
- “Don’t start that!”—Vince to fans chanting “Thank you, Vince.”
- “I’m an AARP member.”—Vince.
Grade
A-
Analysis
The highlight package was superb and did well to set the tone for the night.
Austin and McMahon starring in the opener was as fitting as you could get. Those two were the center of the show for so long. Fans knew what was coming and still ate up every second.
This was a hit of pure nostalgia in the audience’s veins.
Absolution, Nia Jax, Alicia Fox vs. Sasha Banks, Mickie James, Asuka, Bayley
A brawl erupted before the match officially began.
Once things calmed down, Asuka tagged Sonya Deville with a flurry of strikes. She led the way as the babyfaces controlled the bout early on.
Nia Jax seized the momentum by laying out Sasha Banks. Deville, Alicia Fox and Mandy Rose beat on The Boss. As the other women fought outside, Banks cranked on the Bank Statement on Fox for the victory.
Asuka turned on her teammates and threw them over the top rope.
Result
Banks, James, Asuka and Bayley win via submission.
Memorable Moments and Quotes
- Asuka knocks Fox off the ring apron with a hip attack.
- Asuka hurls Mickie James and Banks over the top rope.
Grade
C
Analysis
Since her recent injury, WWE has kept Paige in a managerial role for Absolution. That’s one of the many ways the company can use her if she’s indeed done in the ring.
The match had solid energy but was nothing special. It was briefly an Asuka showcase and a means to remind us of Banks’ heart. But too many commercial breaks hurt the bout’s rhythm.
Asuka’s attack was a good post-match addition, a potential preview of what she’ll do at the Rumble on Sunday.
Undertaker’s Return
An Undertaker highlight package aired before The Deadman appeared in person. The Manhattan Center crowd showered him with chants.
He recalled his accomplishments and rattled off a list of victims before leaving.
Memorable Moments and Quotes
- “The carnage began on this sacred ground of evil 25 years ago.”—Undertaker.
- “I declare for all of those who have fallen it is truly time to rest in peace.”—Undertaker.
Grade
B-
Analysis
A fog continues to obscure Undertaker’s status. He never officially retired after WrestleMania. And he may have done so here, but his speech wasn’t a clear confirmation.
If this was his goodbye, it won’t rank in terms of emotional power anywhere near those of Edge and Daniel Bryan.
It’s always great to see Undertaker roam the Raw landscape. He is so infrequently around that every appearance is a huge deal.
Boogeyman Scares/Poker Game
Kurt Angle, Harvey Wippleman, Brother Love, Teddy Long and Jonathan Coachman laughed with each other backstage until Boogeyman arrived. The scary Superstar placed live worms in Coachman’s hand before leaving.
In another segment, Ted DiBiase joined Heath Slater, Rhyno and the Acolyte Protection Agency in a backstage poker game. Jeff Hardy, Montel Vontavious Porter, The Usos and others later joined in. Dana Brooke helped out by tracking the game’s stats.
Eventually, Slater was caught cheating and a fight nearly broke out.
Memorable Moments and Quotes
- “How did Coach worm his way in here?”—Michael Cole.
- “Flush. Queen high. Hearts of course.”—Natalya.
- “Just like my wife’s favorite show: full house.”—Slater.
Grade
C-
Analysis
The poker game was obviously WWE’s means to throw in as many stars as possible. It didn’t produce much in the way of memorable…
The post WWE Raw 25 Results: Winners, Grades, Reaction and Highlights appeared first on FeedBox.