Monday Night Raw opened inside an empty Performance Center in Orlando. “The Rated R Superstar” Edge kicked things off with an intense promo on Randy Orton. He claimed that before Randy Orton attacked his wife Beth Phoenix last week, she was going to deliver Edge’s second retirement speech. He gave props to “The Hardcore Legend” Mick Foley, saying he saw something in both a young Edge and Randy Orton.
A HUGE challenge has been issued by the #RatedRSuperstar on #RAW!@EdgeRatedR. @RandyOrton. #LastManStanding. #WrestleMania. pic.twitter.com/zU6O7ymS9w
— WWE (@WWE) March 17, 2020
He ended things by saying Randy was jealous that Edge worked his butt off to achieve all the things he did in WWE, while Randy was handed this life on a silver platter. He issued a challenge for a “Last Man Standing” match at WrestleMania.
Up next was the entire Men’s Royal Rumble match from the Royal Rumble this past January. Mainly used to hype the main event at WrestleMania – Drew McIntyre vs WWE Champion, Brock Lesnar.
See you soon, @DMcIntyreWWE!#Raw #RoyalRumble pic.twitter.com/WkTlr9eEsX
— WWE WrestleMania (@WrestleMania) March 17, 2020
The Undertaker – minus the smoke, pomp, and circumstance of his usual elaborate entrance – destroyed the contract signing set up in the ring while waiting for AJ Styles to sign the contract for their match at WrestleMania. Style’s entrance music played twice but he didn’t come to the ring. Instead, he appeared on the screen and insulted the Deadman.
Contract SIGNED.
The #Undertaker will see you at @WrestleMania, @AJStylesOrg! #Raw pic.twitter.com/s5Ia2xNAiF
— WWE (@WWE) March 17, 2020
He went so far as to offer to pay for The Undertakers assisted living arrangements. Styles sent the contract to the ring with Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson. The Undertaker, already incensed, wasted little time destroying the OC good brothers. He signed the contract and stuffed it into Karl Anderson’s mouth as he walked to the back with a purpose.
With Asuka on commentary, United States Champion Andrade took on Rey Mysterio Jr in a non-title match. They put on their usual dynamic and fast-paced match, minus the reaction of a live crowd of course. Rey Mysterio Jr would pick up the victory with a 619 and top rope splash.
What a VICTORY!@reymysterio has pinned the #USChampion @AndradeCienWWE!
(But @WWEAsuka is NONE too pleased!!!) pic.twitter.com/bqjcageeYV
— WWE (@WWE) March 17, 2020
Raw Women’s Champion “The Man” Becky Lynch arrived at Raw driving a custom 18-wheeler ala “Stone Cold.” She came to the ring to address her WrestleMania opponent, Shayna Baszler. She claimed that the “Queen of Spades” bullied her way to the top. She went on to say that The Man would no longer be the hunted, it was time for her to do some hunting herself.
#TheMan has a MESSAGE for @QoSBaszler on #RAW!@BeckyLynchWWE is ready for a FIGHT at #WrestleMania! pic.twitter.com/Ys4W7uYeSk
— WWE (@WWE) March 17, 2020
Kevin Owens snatched Charly Caruso’s microphone as he looked directly into the camera and challenged Seth Rollins to a match at WrestleMania. He talked about the long hours and sacrifices he made while chasing his dream at the Performance Center. He called it the perfect venue to add another big moment to his career by defeating Seth Rollins there at WrestleMania.
An impassioned @FightOwensFight issued a challenge for @WWERollins at #WrestleMania!#RAW pic.twitter.com/nsTrnRGlFi
— WWE (@WWE) March 17, 2020
To end this odd night of Raw, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin showed up to celebrate “Austin 3:16” day. He toasted a few of his “Stone Cold” IPA’s and talked about what 3:16 day meant. He then invited Byron Saxton into the ring and toasting him before striking with a Stone Cold Stunner. Becky Lynch’s music hit and she came down to the ring. She wanted to share a couple of beers with The Texas Rattlesnake. He then hit another Stunner on Byron to close the show.
ONE MORE FOR #316Day!
Better luck next time, @ByronSaxton.#Raw @steveaustinBSR @BeckyLynchWWE pic.twitter.com/4WmSla4Fhu
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) March 17, 2020