WWE.COM PREVIEW: MONDAY NIGHT RAW, MARCH 30, 2015
The Architect Reigns: What Happens in the Aftermath of the Heist of the Century?
SAN JOSE, CA — The Grandest Stage of Them All has come and gone. The records have been set, the moments have been seared into history, but the landscape of WWE has been shattered into a million pieces. Last night at WrestleMania 31, the WWE Universe witnessed what can only be described as the Heist of the Century. And tonight, live from a sold-out SAP Center in San Jose, the aftershocks will rock the very foundation of WWE. The RAW after WrestleMania is not just another show. It's an institution. It’s the most unpredictable, raucous, and chaotic night of the entire year, where anything can—and usually does—happen. Careers are made, new faces arrive, and the battle lines for the coming year are drawn. After the events of last night, here is what the WWE Universe is buzzing about heading into a RAW that is guaranteed to be legendary.
Our New WWE World Heavyweight Champion: Seth Rollins
He called his shot. Seth Rollins, the self-proclaimed "Architect" of The Shield, orchestrated the single most audacious cash-in of his Money in the Bank contract in WWE history. As Brock Lesnar and Roman Reigns tore each other apart in a brutal war of attrition, Rollins saw his opening, sprinting to the ring to turn the main event into a Triple Threat Match. A Curb Stomp to Reigns later, and Seth Rollins stood tall, championship in hand, as WrestleMania went off the air. The Authority has its man back on top, but in a manner no one could have foreseen. How will Triple H and Stephanie McMahon react to the ultimate opportunist's master stroke? And speaking of the fallen, how will Roman Reigns respond to having his WrestleMania moment stolen from him at the one-yard line? But perhaps the biggest question of all... what happens when The Beast is awake?
An Unpinned, Unconquered, and Unleashed Beast
Brock Lesnar is no longer the WWE World Heavyweight Champion. But let one thing be crystal clear: he was not pinned. He was not submitted. He was not defeated. "The Beast Incarnate" took Roman Reigns to Suplex City, endured a valiant and brutal comeback, and was still standing when Seth Rollins made his move. Paul Heyman has always proclaimed his client to be the most dominant combat sports athlete in history. Now, that client has had his prize stolen by a thief in the night. A furious Brock Lesnar is a terrifying force of nature. What will happen when he and his advocate, Paul Heyman, address the WWE Universe tonight? Who will be the first unlucky soul to cross the path of the enraged, conquered conqueror? No one in the locker room is safe.
The Champ is HERE... and so is the U.S. Title
For nearly a year, Rusev was an unstoppable force, an undefeated colossus who held the United States Championship as a symbol of his dominance. At WrestleMania, that all came to an end. On the back of a tank and with unwavering patriotism, John Cena defeated Rusev to become the new United States Champion. Cena has reached the pinnacle of WWE time and time again, but this victory felt different. It was a mission statement. Now, as the standard-bearer for the United States Championship, how will Cena begin his reign? And more importantly, how will Rusev and the calculating Lana respond to the utter humiliation of Rusev’s first-ever pinfall loss? The Cold War is far from over.
First Title Defense: Bryan vs. Barrett is OFFICIAL
WrestleMania 31 kicked off with a spectacular Ladder Match that saw seven of WWE’s best Superstars risk it all for the Intercontinental Championship, but it was Daniel Bryan who stood atop the ladder, holding the one title that had eluded him his entire career. The leader of the YES! Movement has brought the people’s championship back to the people, and he will not have to wait long for his first challenge. WWE.com has learned that the former champion, the brutish Bad News Barrett, is wasting no time in invoking his rematch clause! It is official for tonight: Daniel Bryan will go one-on-one with Bad News Barrett for the Intercontinental Championship. Can Bryan solidify his new reign just 24 hours after his monumental victory, or will he get a dose of bad news from a vengeful brawler determined to take back what is his?
Icons, Legends, and Unfinished Business
WrestleMania was a night of icons. We saw Sting compete in a WWE ring for the first time ever, battling Triple H in a war that saw the nWo and D-Generation X collide in a moment straight out of a dream. Though "The Game" was victorious, what is next for "The Vigilante"?
The Undertaker returned from the darkness to vanquish the challenge of "The New Face of Fear," Bray Wyatt, proving that the Deadman is far from finished. Will we see The Phenom on RAW, or will he recede back into the shadows? And what of Bray Wyatt, who failed to slay the giant he so desperately sought?
And what about The Rock? The Great One, alongside UFC’s Ronda Rousey, stood up to The Authority and embarrassed Triple H and Stephanie McMahon on a global stage. There is no chance the Billion Dollar Princess will let that stand. What retribution does The Authority have planned?
The stage is set for the most explosive Monday Night Raw of the year. With a new champion, new challengers, and a locker room full of Superstars eager to make their mark, absolutely anything is possible.
CONFIRMED FOR TONIGHT'S RAW:
- A Championship Celebration for the new WWE World Heavyweight Champion, Seth Rollins.
- Intercontinental Championship Match: Daniel Bryan (c) defends against the former champion, Bad News Barrett.
- Brock Lesnar and his advocate Paul Heyman will appear live to address the "Heist of the Century."
- We will hear from the new United States Champion, John Cena.
- The Authority promises to respond to the actions of The Rock and Ronda Rousey.
- Plus, what surprises and new faces will emerge on the most unpredictable night of the year?
Don’t miss a second of the fallout tonight on Monday Night Raw, live at 8/7 C on USA Network!
