Oh Buddy Let Me Tell You, Monday Night RAW is BACK

Monday’s episode had to have been one of the best episodes of Monday Night Raw in years. As many of you all know, the show kicked off with Roman Reigns saying that his leukemia is in remission. The crowd reaction that came after the announcement was the loudest I can ever remember hearing. This was the best possible way to start the show off. From here on out, the crowd was engaged and ready for a good show.

We saw Alleister Black and Ricochet team up to take on The Revival. These 4 men always put on a great match, and are superstars the crowds want to see. Finn Balor successfully defended his Intercontinental Championship against Lio Rush in a very good match. Lio was supposed to help Bobby Lashley get a rematch but instead got a match for himself, as they once again teased a break up. Also, Lashley then came out to get squashed by Braun Strowman, as that feud continues to heat up. The most surprising outcome for me, was watching Bayley get a much needed win over Nia Jax. I love both Bayley and Sasha Banks, so to see them getting big wins and big matches, really makes me happy.

Also, another highlight of the night was when Dean Ambrose took on Drew McIntyre in a no disqualification match. The ending saw Elias, Bobby Lashley, Baron Corbin, and Drew McIntyre beat down Dean. Seth’s music hits, he appears at the top of the ramp with a steel chair. Then, Roman’s music hits. The two look at each other and storm the ring. This is Roman’s first action since late October. He lands a couple good Superman Punches and an amazing Spear. So amazing to see Roman back, healthy, and active again.

The end of Raw couldn’t possibly top this, right? Wrong! It was advertised that Ric Flair was going to have his 70th birthday celebration. They bring out the entire roster on the stage. Old legends like HBK, Ricky the Dragon Steamboat and others come down to the ring. They go to introduce Ric but he doesn’t come out when his music sounds. They flash back stage to a man dragging a camera man. He enters Ric’s locker room, beats him down, and drags him out. It’s Batista. The animal looks up at the camera and says “Hey Hunter, do I have your attention now?” Just like I predicted last week, Batista is back, and a match between him and Triple-H seems imminent. The perfect way to end an amazing episode! It’s official, Monday Night RAW is BACK.

-Joe Pegoraro (@pegs1017)