Monday Night Raw almost didn’t happen in front of a crowd this week as “Mother Nature” had a mind of its own. But no fear, the show must go on and so it did with fans filling the arena despite tough conditions. And boy are we thankful it occurred as Raw was the place of returns, debuts, and the ultimate of challenges. Here are the highlights.
Ruby Riott Returns, Takes Out Liv Morgan
Oh, how we miss the Riott Squad. It seems like forever ago that the three women raised hell on Monday or Tuesday nights. But here we are, and finally one of them is getting a chance to shine. Liv Morgan faces Lana for the second week in a row and did exactly the same thing for a second week in a row. Purely dominant in victory. But after she won, the music of the Riott Squad, notably Ruby Riott hit, as the former leader made her grand return to the glee of Morgan. Riott looked fresh and ready to go and all seemed to be right for them, until it wasn’t. Riott laid Liv in the center of the ring. For the second week in a row, betrayal between friends was the theme. Afterward, Lana took advantage, but all signs point to Liv vs Ruby soon enough. Maybe Sarah Logan can get in on the fun.
Angel Garza Arrives Alongside Zelina Vega
With the United States Champion, Andrade, on the sidelines for the next 30 days due to suspension, you didn’t think Zelina Vega wouldn’t have a backup plan, did you? Vega showed up in the face of Humberto Carrillo tonight, to show that she wasn’t going away even if he took out her client last week. Instead, she brought out his cousin and former NXT Cruiserweight Champion, Angel Garza. All began to make sense as to why he shockingly dropped the belt as a call to the main roster was imminent. He got into the face of his cousin, calling him a disgrace before ultimately attacking him. Vega alluded to Garza driving his cousin into the concrete, much like he did to Andrade the week before. But it was Rey Mysterio who would make the save, leading to the first-ever singles match between Garza and Mysterio.
Angel Garza vs Rey Mysterio
Long and entertaining was this one. Garza would attempt to go for the Wing Clipper, but was instead met with a Canadian Destroyer by Mysterio. He attempted to hit the 619 but Vega would pull him out of the way. Outside the ring, Vega would get into it with Mysterio. This allowed Garza to take advantage and eventually plant Mysterio into the concrete via Hammerlock DDT. This was a debut no one could have imagined for Garza. But an incredible one nonetheless.
Ricochet Becomes No. 1 Contender For WWE Championship
CONGRATULATIONS, @KingRicochet…@BrockLesnar will see YOU at #WWESSD! #RAW pic.twitter.com/J9ZwuQLARH
— WWE (@WWE) February 4, 2020
The main event of Monday Night Raw pitted Seth Rollins, Bobby Lashley, and Ricochet against each other to decide who will face Brock Lesnar for the WWE Championship at Super Showdown. The match was chaos from the start, as The Disciples and Kevin Owens along with The Viking Raiders made their way down to the ring. Hectic indeed, as we headed into a commercial break with all-out chaos. Back from commercial, it was down to the three men once again. Both Rollins and Ricochet got to the top rope as Ricochet attempted a superplex to Rollins. Lashley powerbombed Ricochet, leading to everyone flying. Rollins rolled out of the ring, allowing the final portion to come between Ricochet and Lashley. A swift kick to the side of Lashley’s head opened up one final opportunity for Ricochet. A 630 Splash to Lashley would give “The One and Only” a huge win and send him to Super Showdown for the biggest match of his career. After the match, Brock Lesnar showed up and laid him out with an F5 to close the show.
Raw MVP: Rhea Ripley
Charlotte Flair made her way to the ring to do the usual “this or that” when talking about facing Becky Lynch or Bayley for the Raw or SmackDown Women’s Championship. But she then stated she’s done it all, beat them both. The crowd began to chant “RHEA”, which Flair took exception to and said she understands NXT is also a place and she respects that, but kinda skipped the point to talk about her own success. Before long, the NXT Champion Rhea Ripley showed up to shock the world and step up to Charlotte. The same Ripley who has pinned Charlotte in the middle of the ring. “NXT” chants reigned through the arena before Ripley got on the mic to lay down the challenge of a lifetime for herself. She noted she’s beaten those two, but not her. The gutsiness of Ripley could not be overlooked, as she alluded to that fact she has beaten Charlotte.
“The Nightmare” put down the challenge that if she wants it, the NXT Championship at WrestleMania can very well be her match. These two women went face to face in a moment that has the feel of a WrestleMania match. Charlotte wouldn’t respond and instead walked away. All signs point to this match being the one Charlotte takes. A match that is not only fresh, but exciting for all as NXT can take center stage on the biggest stage in professional wrestling. Time will tell if this is where Charlotte goes, but an appearance on the black and yellow brand is now confirmed as she will answer the challenge this Wednesday night!
A busy week for WWE has already begun and is certainly not over yet. With NXT on Wednesday and a huge Friday Night SmackDown ahead, including the returning Goldberg, it’s sure to be a newsworthy week as it is WrestleMania season. Oh, Asuka will also challenge Becky Lynch once again for the Raw Women’s Championship next week.
Stay tuned to the Last Word on Pro Wrestling for more on this and other stories from around the world of wrestling, as they develop. You can always count on LWOPW to be on top of the major news in the wrestling world. We provide you with analysis, previews, videos, interviews, and editorials on the wrestling world. WWE fan? Check out the WWE Network to fulfill all of your WWE needs!
