This Weeks RAW and Smackdown LIVE Highlights
The Boss vs the Empress of Tomorrow
This past Sunday both Sasha Banks and Asuka made history as the two standout stars in the first-ever women's Royal Rumble. The historic match saw Banks last an entire hour while the empress of tomorrow walked out with her name in the history books once again becoming the winner of the Rumble and heading to Wrestlemania. The following night the two collided in an epic singles match on RAW which yet again highlighted both women as leading faces in this ever growing evolution. Sasha back in her heel role is something I have been desperate to see again and the past few days she has been proving exactly why. A match between Banks and Asuka is another match I've wanted to see for a long time also and the two didn't disappoint. Asuka arrived in the WWE around the time the Boss moved to the main roster and so I've literally been waiting two years for this match and what an intensely physical contest this was. Sasha brought so much character and on the offset proved she was ready for the empress of tomorrow. The match as a whole had me completely entertained and glued to my TV screen and while that suicide dive gave me goosebumps (I'm pretty sure Sasha should just stop doing that) I loved this match and it was my personal favorite match of the night and of the RAW and Smackdown LIVE shows this week. Asuka may have kept her undefeated streak in tack but the boss sure gave her a run for her money and this was hands down Asuka's best main roster performance/match to date.The Road to the Elimination Chamber
The main focus on this weeks episode of Monday night RAW was, of course, the build-up to the Elimination Chamber set to take place in four weeks time. A key part in the road to Wrestlemania this is yet another personal favorite pay per view of mine and as always I cannot wait to see who walks in to compete and who walks out the man challenging Brock Lesnar for the Universal Championship at Mania in April. This week three qualifying matches took place on the show that saw Braun Strowman defeat Kane in a last man standing match (hopefully the last time we have to see these two compete against one another again), Elias pick up the victory over Matt Hardy, and in the main event John Cena defeated Finn Balor all qualifying for the Elimination Chamber. Am I happy with the results? Yeah, I think they all make sense. I would have been far happier if Balor got the win over Cena just because I do feel like he deserves a spot in this match probably more than someone qualifying next week but I do also feel as though the match between him and Cena was a strong booking decision to draw in fans this week. Does it help Balor's momentum? Not in the slightest but Finn is someone to keep our eyes on with Mania plans not looking great right now. Strowman was an obvious pick and the prospect of him being in the chamber is something that seriously excites me! And as for Elias... well you guys all know I am his biggest fan and I love that he has been given such a big opportunity!Women are set to make history yet Again
Keeping on the theme of the Elimination Chamber it was announced in the opening of this weeks Monday night RAW that the first-ever women's Elimination Chamber match will take place in four weeks time. Now, the crowd reaction was very weak when Stephanie made the announcement on Monday and I have actually seen some negative reactions online, however, I'm really happy about this. I was expecting the women to have their first Elimination Chamber match last year and with the road to Wrestlemania looking more positive for the women's division this year, it just feels even more fitting. We don't know who will be competing just yet but we do know that Bliss will be involved and defend her title inside the Chamber. This is something I'm super excited about and I cannot wait to see who is involved and how it goes down.The Bludgeon brothers Set their Sights on Tag Team titles?
Luke Harper and Erick Rowan have been shining brightly in their role under the new name "The Bludgeon brothers". Gaining momentum in squash matches over the past few months this week's show indicated that the pair may just be seeing their sights on tag team gold. After the Usos cut a strong promo in the ring Harper and Rowan made their way to the ring just as the champs were exciting and you have to believe that this was the start of one of the most dominant tag teams building their way to a championship opportunity. In coming weeks we can expect more momentum built for these guys and hopefully strong booking in matches against teams we actually care about and apart of the roster. I mentioned on Twitter during the show this past Tuesday that a few years back the Usos and Harper and Rowan took part in some epic matches where the now Bludgeon brothers one hundred percent deserved to be crowned champions (a decision I still don't understand why the WWE didn't make) however, I do believe that the two teams will once again provide fans with these awesome matches again and twenty eighteen will be the year Harper and Rowan get their hands on the championships.The Queen has a Big target on Her Back
I really liked what was done with the women's division over on Smackdown LIVE this week. Keeping things simple and basic instead of trying to fit everyone on the show we got a segment that worked, left me entertained, and showed a clear direction as to where things are going. Charlotte cut a solid in-ring promo discussing what went down at the Royal Rumble and promising that regardless of who the opponent is, she will be walking into Wrestlemania as the Smackdown LIVE women's champion. Soon joined to the ring by the Riott Squad I was hoping that this wouldn't lead to another three on three brawl, however, the right move was totally made and instead the Riott Squad attacked the champion and finally getting some momentum back on their side in the process. The segment ended with Carmella attempting to cash in and honestly I was hyped. The crowd in attendance were up on their feet and went to show just how interested fans are in the action going on in the division. While Carmella didn't end up cash in after dropkicking the ref by accident it was a fun, exciting moment of the night and highlighted just how big of a target Charlotte has on her back on the road to Wrestlemania.And that was this week's RAW and Smackdown LIVE highlights. A lot happened and honestly, both shows were pretty decent. The road to Wrestlemania is looking very interesting with exciting matches looking to be added to the Elimination Chamber and Fastlane pay per view. Next week we will have more qualifying matches over on RAW and as for Smackdown LIVE, Bobby Roode is set to defend his US Championship against Rusev and Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn will battle it out with the winner facing AJ Styles for the WWE Championship at Fastlane in March. As always, any recent blog posts will be linked bellow and finally, you can have your say and tell me what you thought of this week's RAW and Smackdown LIVE by leaving a comment bellow or by tweeting me over at @TezangiVictoria.
Recent Blog posts:
2018 Mens Royal Rumble Highlights
2018 WWE Royal Rumble PPV Highlights
NXT Takeover: Philadelphia Review and Reactions
First Ever Women's Royal Rumble Highlights
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