WWE RAW REVIEW 2/19/24

Monday's installment of WWE RAW emanating from Anaheim, California, had a big PLE type feel with marquee matches, stellar production, and some major long-term storytelling elements headed into WrestleMania. 

 

The show started out with a banger between two top guys, Drew McIntyre and Cody Rhodes. Cody, being arguably the most popular guy in the company, while Drew is a heavy favorite to become the next World Heavyweight Champion. This was an epic PLE type match that served as a rare loss for Cody due to interference from The Bloodline's Jimmy Uso and Solo Sikoa. A minimally conflicted Drew McIntyre took advantage of the situation to hit a Claymore Kick to secure the win. I'm enjoying Drew's character arc, and I don't mind the rare L for Cody here, who isn't going to be untouchable going into Mania.

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Outside the arena, we're treated to a "Truthline" interview segment with R-Truth essentially recapping his arc with The Judgement Day, and explaining why he is teaming with DIY, who he actually thinks is DX. Truth is a National Treasure. 

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This episode of RAW featured nearly ALL of the Women's WWE Main Roster Superstars from Raw and Smackdown largely in part due to the Last Chance Battle Royal for the final spot in the Women's Elimination Chamber match. This match got a lot more time than usual, which is great to see. It also saw the surprise return of Raquel Rodriquez who won after eliminating both Shayna Baszler, Zoey Stark, and even a sneaky Chelsea Green.

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The aforementioned team of R-Truth, DIY, and The Miz took on The Judgement Day in a solid match resulting in Damien Priest pinning Truth. Regardless, Truth still looks and moves like he's in his late 20s or 30s. Anaheim and the WWE Universe at large are all in with R-Truth, and he's someone I always look forward to see in the ring or just providing some levity.

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Backstage, Rhea Ripley and the #1 Contender for her Women's World Championship, Nia Jax are interviewed by the commentary team. Cole was only able to ask one question here as both ladies declared their respective mission statements headed into the big match in Perth, Australia. 

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Conversely, later in the night, Becky, Raquel, Bianca, Liv, Naomi, and Tiffany Stratton would share their respective mission statements headed into the big Chamber match, before a six way brawl would break out. Jax took advantage of the situation, perhaps to make a statement, annialating nearly all six women in the ring. I'm liking the strong booking for Nia here after her impressive Royal Rumble performance. 

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Sami Zayn is interviewed backstage essentially saying he needs to take his focus off of McIntyre and focus on his road to WrestleMania. Sami seemed emotional and conflicted, which makes me even more invested in who I believe may have been the massively underrated MVP of WWE in 2022 and 2023. I am curious and excited to see what his WrestleMania looks like. 

 

Up next, Gable takes on the very agile big man in Ivar. These are two great performers who I wish had a bit more time in this one. Ivar seemed to have the advantage early but Gable showed his heart and athleticism. Gable scores a HUGE singles win making Ivar tap to the ankle lock. The Alpha Academy join Gable in the ring to celebrate. 

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Backstage Drew McIntyre is interviewed by Cathy Kelly and addresses being called a hypocrite. He says his win isn't tainted by The Bloodline interference, and he can't focus on things like that. He needs to focus on the big picture. He's one of only two men to pin Cody Rhodes as of late, and he needs to focus on becoming the next World Heavyweight Champion. Drew says he is the workhorse of WWE. I absolutely love this character work by Drew.

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Before the main event, a fired up New Day call out Imperium saying that this thing between them is far from over. Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods say that next week they are challenging Imperium to a Street Fight live on RAW. 

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Our main event is another marquee match with Jey Uso challenging for The Intercontinental Championship against the Ring General, Gunther. This match was great, and we knew it would be. Lots of time given and hard hitting action. Ultimately, Jey who may be a favorite to dethrone Gunther down the line, loses thanks to interference from his brother Jimmy, who once again plays a factor. It goes without saying that this may be another chess move to set up Jimmy VS. Jey at WrestleMania, which has notably been a lifelong dream for the brothers. 

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WWE is operating at another level right now on the road to WrestleMania. With long-term storytelling, larger than life characters, and a few new production moves, we may indeed be in store for the greatest WrestleMania of all time.