Last stop before the Ultimate Face-Punching Extravaganza, at least for the red brand? Philadelphia, the city of brotherly love.
The Headliner
The last time Universal champion Goldberg and his WrestleMania 33 opponent Brock Lesnar were in the same building, the champ took his first bump in a decade.
Of course, in every other recent time prior to that, the Beast Incarnate was speared, jackhammered and otherwise thrown around - and out of - the ring. So we needed a little something to even the scales of what’s been a one-sided rivalry going back to last November’s Survivor Series. And all the way back to WrestleMania XX.
Heading into Orlando, Goldberg’s done most of the talking. Will we see him pull out a few of his new tricks tonight? Would be nice if they did something here to justify the main event slot this feud is rumored to be getting on Sunday...
The title scene
After pretty much being called a “mark” by United States champ Chris Jericho last week, Kevin Owens once again ambushed his former best friend. Y2J is likely to respond, but will it be with more jokes and revelations, or will he fight fire with fire? KO is promising the WWE Universe will be “disturbed” by what he does in Camping World Stadium this weekend, so it’s probably time for Jericho to get serious.
It might also be time for Women's titleholder Bayley to change up her gameplan. Last week, she was womanhandled by Nia Jax yet again, this time resulting in Jax being added to the list of ladies the Hugster will have to outlast to keep her belt at ‘Mania. Her bestie Sasha Banks seems to doubt her, Charlotte Flair wants to destroy her, and now Nia - someone we know can - is in the mix. Maybe she should grab a Snickers.
With a chance to turn their April 2 match from a Triple Threat to a two-on-two affair, Tag champs Karl Anderson & Luke Gallows couldn’t keep their issues with Enzo Amore & Big Cass from getting in the way of their handicap match against Cesaro & Sheamus. The Celtic Warrior & the Swiss Superman might have a little bit of a mental edge as they try to regain the straps - even without their mentor Mick Foley around any longer.
The war of words continues to escalate between Austin Aries and Cruiserweight champion Neville. Now, could we go ahead and get to the Ultimate Thrill Ride and get the match started? Both men are firing on all cylinders heading into a dream encounter at WrestleMania, and unless you just hate smaller wrestlers, you should be excited for this one.
Other stuff to keep an eye on:
- No doctor in America will clear Seth Rollins for this Sunday, but Triple H has a solution. Will Rollins show up to sign the “hold harmless” agreement that will allow them to have an unsanctioned match? And just how interesting with Daniel Bryan find it?
- There will be authority figure intrigue, according to the official preview over at the company website, as commissioner Stephanie McMahon weighs potential replacements for Foley. We’ll probably have to wait until next Monday for the big reveal, however.
- WWE.com’s preview is also teasing an appearance from the Dead Man. Undertaker appeared last week to dispatch Braun Strowman from the yard over which he and Roman Reigns are fighting, but that move led to his eating a spear from the Big Dog. In kayfabe, Taker popped right back up from that move. In the real world, he was rumored to be pretty sore.
It’s the WrestleMania ‘go home’ show!
What will you be looking for on Raw tonight?