‘WWE Raw’ Review (Feb 13th 2023)
Welcome to this review of this past Monday’s episode of WWE Raw, right here on Nerdly… We’ve got more of the build to BOTH Elimination Chamber and Wrestlemania, so let’s get into it!
Match #1: Finn Bálor & Damian Priest def. The Street Profits
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
In the first Raw matchup of the night, Finn Balor used interference from Dominik Mysterio to hit the Coup De Grace on Angelo Dawkins and give himself and Damian Priest the victory. After the bell, the dark faction attempted a post-match beat down on The Street Profits. In response, Edge and Beth Phoenix charged in to even the odds. In the midst of that bedlam, The Glamazon attacked Dominik. As she did, Rhea Ripley suddenly entered behind her and hit the Riptide on the WWE Hall of Famer.
My Score: 2 out of 5
Match #2: Piper Niven def. Michin
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
Following a backstage confrontation last week, Piper Niven took down Michin one-on-one with the thunderous Loch Ness Slam.
My Score: 1 out of 5
Match #3: Cody Rhodes def. Baron Corbin
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
Baron Corbin’s rant during a backstage interview caught The American Nightmare’s wrath and led to a brutal match between them that ended with the Cross Rhodes.
My Score: 1 out of 5
Match #4: Raw vs. SmackDown Six-Woman Tag Team Match – Asuka, Carmella & Nikki Cross
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
In the height of a Raw vs. SmackDown showdown between the combatants of the Elimination Chamber Match, Asuka turned her fury not only on Liv Morgan, Raquel Rodriguez and Natalya, but also on her partners Carmella and Nikki Cross. This all-out beat down let to The Empress of Tomorrow making Morgan give up to a devastating submission to earn herself momentum heading into the career-altering structure this Saturday.
My Score: 2.5 out of 5
Match #5: Bronson Reed def. Mustafa Ali
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
A dominant Bronson Reed emerged victorious against Mustafa Ali with the earth-shattering Tsunami and showed that he will be a dangerous threat inside the Elimination Chamber.
My Score: 1 out of 5
Match #6: Rick Boogs def. The Miz
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
Shortly after being Stomped by Seth “Freakin” Rollins on “Miz TV”, The Miz was forced to compete against Rick Boogs. Before long, Boogs pressed the war torn A-Lister over his head before hurling himself into the canvas for another big win.
My Score: 1 out of 5
Match #7: Bianca Belair def. Becky Lynch and Bayley
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
In Raw’s incredible main event, Becky Lynch and Bayley had the opportunity be added to the Elimination Chamber Match if either one of them could emerge victorious in a Triple Threat Match against Raw Women’s Champion Bianca Belair. Despite constant disruptions from Damage CTRL and the emergence of a slew of Elimination Chamber combatants brawling at ringside, Belair ultimately triumphed. After lifting IYO SKY over her head and launching her over the top rope and down onto everyone at ringside, The EST of WWE ultimately hit the K.O.D. on The Man onto The Role Model before pinning Bayley.
My Score: 3.5 out of 5
Final Verdict: 2.5/5
Much like last week’s show, this was, honestly, a pretty terrible episode of Raw. Mainly because the whole thing felt like it was built around the Cody Rhodes/Sami Zayn promo and the multi-woman main event. It was a great promo (though it feels like we’re getting into rehash territory with Cody coming out week after week) AND a great match but the rest of the show was pretty much meh to terrible, with FAR too many short squash matches. The WWE were totally treading water this week.
