Triple H and Stephanie McMahon come out to the ring.
Stephanie welcomes everyone to Raw, and starts talking about theSuper Bowl Big Football Game. She puts over the Patriots, and compares that controversy to the controversy currently engulfing WWE. Trips also makes fun of the [HASHTAG]#CancelWWENetwork[/HASHTAG] trend with [HASHTAG]#CancelNFLNetwork[/HASHTAG].
Trips then moves on to the controversy surrounding the Royal Rumble. They say that they've been paying attention to the backlash, and they understand why there is controversy surrounding the match.
Insert Royal Rumble recap here.
Trips addresses the controversy from the start with Kane and Big Show being dubbed "unsportsmanlike" due to their interference. However, the real problem lies with The Rock (whose mention elicits boos). Rock had absolutely no business in the match due to him no longer being a WWE superstar, and that made a mess of things.
Trips says that he is partially guilty of the controversy due to him letting Sting get away with his actions from Survivor Series. Therefore, Trips challenges Sting to a staredown at Fast Lane....which is available on the WWE Network for the low low pric......whatever.
After this tangent, Trips addresses Roman Reigns' victory at Royal Rumble. If The Rock didn't interfere in the Rumble, then there COULD have been a new main event for WrestleMania.
The question is: Should Roman Reigns REALLY go on to face Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania?
After a few seconds, Roman Reigns comes down to the ring to a mixed reaction, and he is not happy.
Reigns asks Trips whether his Rumble victory will just be stricken. Reigns answers his own question with a resounding "hell no." Reigns and Trips have a staredown until Stephanie separates them. She addresses Reigns' interview from last week's Raw and his eloquence. She then asks if it's ironic whether his own family would want him to main event WrestleMania...or something like that (I got a little lost here to be honest).
Daniel Bryan comes out to a huge pop. He immediately addresses the fact that he never got a rematch for his WWE World Heavyweight Championship, and he deserves another WrestleMania main event. Trips fires back, saying that he didn't lose the title, but was stripped for not meeting his "contractual obligations."
Seth Rollins comes out, and we go to a break. Fun fact: he tries to talk as they go to commercial, but nothing comes through the mic.
Back from break, and Rollins says that he came out because this whole thing is getting ridiculous. He tells Bryan that Lesnar would eat him alive. Rollins addresses Reigns next, saying that he wouldn't have won without The Rock's help. If anyone deserves a WrestleMania main event, it's Seth Rollins: the man who broke Brock Lesnar's ribs.
Reigns cuts Rollins off by threatening to "knock him into next week."
Trips ends the debate by saying that they are going to end this controversy right now with a change of plans, and it goes like this:
Daniel Bryan vs Seth Rollins, with the winner going on to Fast Lane to take on Roman Reigns. The winner of THAT match goes on to WrestleMania to take on Brock Lesnar.
Roman has everything to lose, but he has an opportunity to end all the debate and controversy now if he accepts the deal. He can also prove to his family that he TRULY deserves to go to WrestleMania.
Bryan addresses Reigns, saying that they have a hell of a match at Fast Lane and tear the house down.
Rollins addresses Reigns next, saying that he would be gutless if he didn't accept the deal and face a possible match against Seth Rollins.
The question is laid out: Yes...or no?
The answer? "It's been one vs all the whole time...let's do it"
Daniel Bryan vs Seth Rollins is a go for tonight!
As for Roman Reigns, he has a match with Big Show right now...yay.
________________________________________
Roman Reigns vs Big Show
Shenanigans were abound here with Seth Rollins and J&J Security skulking around the ring. Big Show maintains control throughout the match. Reigns tries to rally, but Rollins hits him with the briefcase, allowing Show to get the pin.
Big Show def Roman Reigns
________________________________________
Backstage, Trips and Stephanie are talking about their long promo segment and making fun about some various things. Basically, The Authority is putting their full faith in Seth Rollins to main event WrestleMania. Trips also says that he will manipulate Steve Austin during the podcast tonight.
________________________________________
A pissed-off Curtis Axel comes out, and he has something to say: he was never eliminated from the Royal Rumble match. If he wasn't sucker-punched, he would have won.
Axel wants justice, and he alsowants to main event WrestleMania.
At this moment, Dean Ambrose thankfully comes out and beats the hell out of Axel.
Ambrose takes the mic, and says that Axel is now eliminated.
While everyone is making demands, Ambrose makes one: To be included on the championship wall at WWE HQ.
Ambrose claims that he has an Intercontinental Title shot since he pinned Bad News Barrett.
Axel reenters the ring and attacks Ambrose, but Ambrose fights back and gives Dirty Deeds to Axel.
________________________________________
For Black History Month, WWE honors Ernie Ladd
Ad spot for the WWE Network's free month
________________________________________
The Ascension vs The Dust Bros
Booker T reminisces about his Harlem Heat days, and a match happens in the ring.
The Ascension def The Dust Bros
After the match, Stardust tells Goldust to get his head on straight.
________________________________________
Backstage, Stardust is talking to himself when Goldust approaches him. Goldust tries to calm Stardust, but nothing works. Finally, Goldust yells "CODY!!!"
"Don't...ever...call me 'Cody'...again....*cat hiss*" - Stardust
________________________________________
John Cena comes out to the ring.
He goes for the cheap pop from the Denver crowd, and hawks Triple H's interview with Steve Austin.
Cena discusses Triple H and NXT, saying that Trips has a whole stable of NXT stars ready to take Cena's place. Cena says that Triple H really doesn't care about anyone but himself.
The Authority also tried to do something unthinkable: make John Cena give up...which is something that he will never do.
Cue a random recap of Sting's Raw appearance here
Cena thanks Sting for his actions, and officially welcomes back Ryback, Erick Rowan, and Dolph Ziggler.
Those men are the proof that The Authority CAN be beaten, and Rusev CAN be beaten at Fast Lane.
Stephanie finally ends Cena's preaching session. Ziggler takes the mic and asks if she is ever tired of putting obstacles in front of them.
Steph gets revenge by making some matches. Ziggler will face Bray Wyatt, Rowan will face Rusev, and Ryback will face Luke Harper, and that one is next
________________________________________
Luke Harper vs Ryback
Even though Ryback was involved in this one, this was a pretty good back-and-forth hoss fight. Both men got in a good amount of offense, and Harper was able to showcase some of his athleticism. In the end, Ryback got the win with Shell-Shocked.
Ryback def Luke Harper
________________________________________
Jimmy Uso vs Cesaro
Pretty good back-and-forth match that serves to do two things: establish The Uppercats as contenders for the Tag Titles, and set up a Total Divas double date...thing. Cesaro does some swinging and doles out some Swiss Death for the win after Tyson Kidd gets involved.
Cesaro def Jimmy Uso
After the bell, Kidd dropkicks Jey Uso before leaving with Cesaro and Natalya
________________________________________
Back in catering, Damien Mizdow is getting food for The Miz when some producer asks for an autograph. Miz blows him off, but the man actually asks for Mizdow's autograph. Mizdow signs, then Miz takes the pic and rips it up. Miz gives a speech to Mizdow, saying that he made Mizdow, and his ego is getting the better of him.
Miz fires Mizdow, then subsequently gives him a new job...as Miz's personal assistant. After a speech about Sin Cara, Miz tells Mizdow to make a smoothie.
John Cena is sitting in the locker room when Erick Rowan comes in. Rowan says that no one has ever stood up for him until now. Rowan thanks Cena for treating him like a human. Cena then tells Rowan to not take Rusev lightly. The two shake hands to end the segment.
________________________________________
Dolph Ziggler vs Bray Wyatt
As expected, this was a truly awesome match. Both men entered the ring and give it their all, and it really showed. Ziggler gave it his all, but it wasn't enough against the monster known as Bray Wyatt, who eliminated Ziggler with Sister Abigail.
Bray Wyatt def Dolph Ziggler
Great stuff right there
________________________________________
Recap of the "big announcement"
Backstage, Steph is worshiping her fitness DVD when Seth Rollins comes in and asks about Daniel Bryan. Steph says that they are only appeasing the crowd with including Daniel Bryan in tonight's main event. Randy Orton is also addressed and subsequently blown off.
________________________________________
Paige vs Alicia Fox
Two things to note: The Bellas are on commentary, and Paige got a big pop
Short match that involves some decent offense in the ring and some annoying commentary. Paige gets the win with a roll-up.
Paige def Alicia Fox
After the match, Alicia blindsides Paige and restrains her. The Bellas then come in and spray Paige with black paint.
Sigh...at least we know that Paige will enter full Kill Mode at Fast Lane, so there's that
________________________________________
Video package showcasing The Miz's guest appearance on Sirens.
________________________________________
The Miz vs Sin Cara
Before the match starts, Miz constantly yells at Mizdow for overshadowing him.
As the match goes, Mizdow constantly fights the urge to be Miz's stunt double, but Miz keeps yelling at him, especially when Mizdow climbs the turnbuckle as Miz climbs it. You can tell that Mizdow's about to snap.
The match ends when Mizdow distracts Miz enough to allow Sin Cara to roll-up Miz for the win.
Sin Cara def The Miz
After the match, Miz yells at Mizdow.
________________________________________
As Miz continues yelling at Mizow, Bray Wyatt interrupts with a promo.
He cuts an outlandish promo while addressing the old face of fear, calling himself he new face of fear.
"Find me"
______________________________________
Rusev comes out and chokes out Erick Rowan before the match even starts, Lana/Rusev have a promo.
______________________________________
Daniel Bryan vs Seth Rollins is up next after a segment between Bryan and Reigns in the locker room.. the winner of this match will face Roman Reigns for an opportunity at WM31.
Big Show interferes and Reigns comes out to Spear Big Show and Superman punch Seth while the Ref was distracted to let DB get the win.. DB vs Reigns at Fast Lane.
WINNER: DANIEL BRYAN
Stephanie welcomes everyone to Raw, and starts talking about the
Trips then moves on to the controversy surrounding the Royal Rumble. They say that they've been paying attention to the backlash, and they understand why there is controversy surrounding the match.
Insert Royal Rumble recap here.
Trips addresses the controversy from the start with Kane and Big Show being dubbed "unsportsmanlike" due to their interference. However, the real problem lies with The Rock (whose mention elicits boos). Rock had absolutely no business in the match due to him no longer being a WWE superstar, and that made a mess of things.
Trips says that he is partially guilty of the controversy due to him letting Sting get away with his actions from Survivor Series. Therefore, Trips challenges Sting to a staredown at Fast Lane....which is available on the WWE Network for the low low pric......whatever.
After this tangent, Trips addresses Roman Reigns' victory at Royal Rumble. If The Rock didn't interfere in the Rumble, then there COULD have been a new main event for WrestleMania.
The question is: Should Roman Reigns REALLY go on to face Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania?
After a few seconds, Roman Reigns comes down to the ring to a mixed reaction, and he is not happy.
Reigns asks Trips whether his Rumble victory will just be stricken. Reigns answers his own question with a resounding "hell no." Reigns and Trips have a staredown until Stephanie separates them. She addresses Reigns' interview from last week's Raw and his eloquence. She then asks if it's ironic whether his own family would want him to main event WrestleMania...or something like that (I got a little lost here to be honest).
Daniel Bryan comes out to a huge pop. He immediately addresses the fact that he never got a rematch for his WWE World Heavyweight Championship, and he deserves another WrestleMania main event. Trips fires back, saying that he didn't lose the title, but was stripped for not meeting his "contractual obligations."
Seth Rollins comes out, and we go to a break. Fun fact: he tries to talk as they go to commercial, but nothing comes through the mic.
Back from break, and Rollins says that he came out because this whole thing is getting ridiculous. He tells Bryan that Lesnar would eat him alive. Rollins addresses Reigns next, saying that he wouldn't have won without The Rock's help. If anyone deserves a WrestleMania main event, it's Seth Rollins: the man who broke Brock Lesnar's ribs.
Reigns cuts Rollins off by threatening to "knock him into next week."
Trips ends the debate by saying that they are going to end this controversy right now with a change of plans, and it goes like this:
Daniel Bryan vs Seth Rollins, with the winner going on to Fast Lane to take on Roman Reigns. The winner of THAT match goes on to WrestleMania to take on Brock Lesnar.
Roman has everything to lose, but he has an opportunity to end all the debate and controversy now if he accepts the deal. He can also prove to his family that he TRULY deserves to go to WrestleMania.
Bryan addresses Reigns, saying that they have a hell of a match at Fast Lane and tear the house down.
Rollins addresses Reigns next, saying that he would be gutless if he didn't accept the deal and face a possible match against Seth Rollins.
The question is laid out: Yes...or no?
The answer? "It's been one vs all the whole time...let's do it"
Daniel Bryan vs Seth Rollins is a go for tonight!
As for Roman Reigns, he has a match with Big Show right now...yay.
________________________________________
Roman Reigns vs Big Show
Shenanigans were abound here with Seth Rollins and J&J Security skulking around the ring. Big Show maintains control throughout the match. Reigns tries to rally, but Rollins hits him with the briefcase, allowing Show to get the pin.
Big Show def Roman Reigns
________________________________________
Backstage, Trips and Stephanie are talking about their long promo segment and making fun about some various things. Basically, The Authority is putting their full faith in Seth Rollins to main event WrestleMania. Trips also says that he will manipulate Steve Austin during the podcast tonight.
________________________________________
A pissed-off Curtis Axel comes out, and he has something to say: he was never eliminated from the Royal Rumble match. If he wasn't sucker-punched, he would have won.
Axel wants justice, and he alsowants to main event WrestleMania.
At this moment, Dean Ambrose thankfully comes out and beats the hell out of Axel.
Ambrose takes the mic, and says that Axel is now eliminated.
While everyone is making demands, Ambrose makes one: To be included on the championship wall at WWE HQ.
Ambrose claims that he has an Intercontinental Title shot since he pinned Bad News Barrett.
Axel reenters the ring and attacks Ambrose, but Ambrose fights back and gives Dirty Deeds to Axel.
________________________________________
For Black History Month, WWE honors Ernie Ladd
Ad spot for the WWE Network's free month
________________________________________
The Ascension vs The Dust Bros
Booker T reminisces about his Harlem Heat days, and a match happens in the ring.
The Ascension def The Dust Bros
After the match, Stardust tells Goldust to get his head on straight.
________________________________________
Backstage, Stardust is talking to himself when Goldust approaches him. Goldust tries to calm Stardust, but nothing works. Finally, Goldust yells "CODY!!!"
"Don't...ever...call me 'Cody'...again....*cat hiss*" - Stardust
________________________________________
John Cena comes out to the ring.
He goes for the cheap pop from the Denver crowd, and hawks Triple H's interview with Steve Austin.
Cena discusses Triple H and NXT, saying that Trips has a whole stable of NXT stars ready to take Cena's place. Cena says that Triple H really doesn't care about anyone but himself.
The Authority also tried to do something unthinkable: make John Cena give up...which is something that he will never do.
Cue a random recap of Sting's Raw appearance here
Cena thanks Sting for his actions, and officially welcomes back Ryback, Erick Rowan, and Dolph Ziggler.
Those men are the proof that The Authority CAN be beaten, and Rusev CAN be beaten at Fast Lane.
Stephanie finally ends Cena's preaching session. Ziggler takes the mic and asks if she is ever tired of putting obstacles in front of them.
Steph gets revenge by making some matches. Ziggler will face Bray Wyatt, Rowan will face Rusev, and Ryback will face Luke Harper, and that one is next
________________________________________
Luke Harper vs Ryback
Even though Ryback was involved in this one, this was a pretty good back-and-forth hoss fight. Both men got in a good amount of offense, and Harper was able to showcase some of his athleticism. In the end, Ryback got the win with Shell-Shocked.
Ryback def Luke Harper
________________________________________
Jimmy Uso vs Cesaro
Pretty good back-and-forth match that serves to do two things: establish The Uppercats as contenders for the Tag Titles, and set up a Total Divas double date...thing. Cesaro does some swinging and doles out some Swiss Death for the win after Tyson Kidd gets involved.
Cesaro def Jimmy Uso
After the bell, Kidd dropkicks Jey Uso before leaving with Cesaro and Natalya
________________________________________
Back in catering, Damien Mizdow is getting food for The Miz when some producer asks for an autograph. Miz blows him off, but the man actually asks for Mizdow's autograph. Mizdow signs, then Miz takes the pic and rips it up. Miz gives a speech to Mizdow, saying that he made Mizdow, and his ego is getting the better of him.
Miz fires Mizdow, then subsequently gives him a new job...as Miz's personal assistant. After a speech about Sin Cara, Miz tells Mizdow to make a smoothie.
John Cena is sitting in the locker room when Erick Rowan comes in. Rowan says that no one has ever stood up for him until now. Rowan thanks Cena for treating him like a human. Cena then tells Rowan to not take Rusev lightly. The two shake hands to end the segment.
________________________________________
Dolph Ziggler vs Bray Wyatt
As expected, this was a truly awesome match. Both men entered the ring and give it their all, and it really showed. Ziggler gave it his all, but it wasn't enough against the monster known as Bray Wyatt, who eliminated Ziggler with Sister Abigail.
Bray Wyatt def Dolph Ziggler
Great stuff right there
________________________________________
Recap of the "big announcement"
Backstage, Steph is worshiping her fitness DVD when Seth Rollins comes in and asks about Daniel Bryan. Steph says that they are only appeasing the crowd with including Daniel Bryan in tonight's main event. Randy Orton is also addressed and subsequently blown off.
________________________________________
Paige vs Alicia Fox
Two things to note: The Bellas are on commentary, and Paige got a big pop
Short match that involves some decent offense in the ring and some annoying commentary. Paige gets the win with a roll-up.
Paige def Alicia Fox
After the match, Alicia blindsides Paige and restrains her. The Bellas then come in and spray Paige with black paint.
Sigh...at least we know that Paige will enter full Kill Mode at Fast Lane, so there's that
________________________________________
Video package showcasing The Miz's guest appearance on Sirens.
________________________________________
The Miz vs Sin Cara
Before the match starts, Miz constantly yells at Mizdow for overshadowing him.
As the match goes, Mizdow constantly fights the urge to be Miz's stunt double, but Miz keeps yelling at him, especially when Mizdow climbs the turnbuckle as Miz climbs it. You can tell that Mizdow's about to snap.
The match ends when Mizdow distracts Miz enough to allow Sin Cara to roll-up Miz for the win.
Sin Cara def The Miz
After the match, Miz yells at Mizdow.
________________________________________
As Miz continues yelling at Mizow, Bray Wyatt interrupts with a promo.
He cuts an outlandish promo while addressing the old face of fear, calling himself he new face of fear.
"Find me"
______________________________________
Rusev comes out and chokes out Erick Rowan before the match even starts, Lana/Rusev have a promo.
______________________________________
Daniel Bryan vs Seth Rollins is up next after a segment between Bryan and Reigns in the locker room.. the winner of this match will face Roman Reigns for an opportunity at WM31.
Big Show interferes and Reigns comes out to Spear Big Show and Superman punch Seth while the Ref was distracted to let DB get the win.. DB vs Reigns at Fast Lane.
WINNER: DANIEL BRYAN
