The first RAW of the new year was definitely…just that. It was RAW Legends Night and ironically the results of the two matches were the highlight of the night compared to the theme of the show.
Let’s go ahead and get to the portion of the Legends Night first to get it out of the way.
As expected, the RAW Legends Night wasn’t impressive. It was the normal backstage appearances for a few seconds and the majority of the appearances were to boost Angel Garza. Despite who was advertised, several female legends were either not present or were not shown on screen. Torrie Wilson, Alicia Fox, Melina, Molly Holly, and Mickie James were present. Although it was good to see these women again, they could have definitely been used in a better fashion but as expected – we got what we got.
A couple of highlights were on social media. First, we have this picture below of Natalya, Molly Holly, and Sasha Banks. I’d love to see them in a Triple Threat match!
The other moment was when Cardi B interacted about Legends Night on Twitter. She was tagged in a WWE tweet because of Torrie Wilson mentioning her in the backstage segment with Nikki Cross and Angel Garza. She explained she hasn’t watched WWE for a bit but is a fan of Carmella and Sasha Banks. She spoke to Melina and Trish Stratus on Twitter as well.
Now that I spoke on Cardi B which I never thought I would in a Winners & Losers, let’s get into the matches of the night.
The first match was between Charlotte Flair & Asuka vs. Lacey Evans & Peyton Royce in a non-title match. Ric Flair was at ringside.
Lacey Evans & Peyton Royce defeated Charlotte Flair & Asuka
Lacey Evans & Peyton Royce picked up the upset over the Women’s Tag Team Champions in this non-title match. Evans played upon the Legends Night them by declaring herself Lacey the Legend.
As the match winded down, it was clear that Ric Flair couldn’t tell the difference between his own daughter and Lacey Evans. He tripped up Charlotte which he clearly thought was Lacey. This allowed Royce to pin Charlotte to pick up the win for her team. Charlotte would get into her father’s face and tell him to stay out of her business and told him to back up and get out.
I was pleasantly surprised by this outcome. I still will never understand the purpose of splitting up The IIconics just for Peyton to have a random tag team with Lacey but I have to get over it. Personally I much rather this turn into a Peyton vs. Asuka thing for the forgotten RAW Women’s Title.
The second match of the night was another surprising outcome which was Dana Brooke vs. Shayna Baszler.
Dana Brooke defeated Shayna Baszler
Dana Brooke started out the year with a win under her belt as she defeated the Submission Magician in quick fashion. The match was supposed to be Mandy Rose facing Baszler but Baszler attacked her from behind on the ramp before the match could start. Brooke would then run down to help her tag team partner and challenged Baszler. The match goes quick when Brooke flips the Kirifuda Clutch and pins her. Baszler still had the submission hold on Brooke which prompts Rose to come and help. Brooke & Rose stand tall as Baszler is reeling on the outside. Nia Jax was not at ringside.
Nikki Cross was with Torrie Wilson in their backstage segment last night. This was posted on Twitter prior to the show. Hopefully this means a better direction for her.
Randy Orton also confirmed that he did not set Alexa Bliss on fire at the end of last week’s RAW. He explains the voices in his head were telling him to do so.
Let’s get into the Winners & Losers of the week:
WINNER: Peyton Royce and Lacey Evans
Both women honestly had a good showing. Peyton pinned Charlotte which was great that they actually allowed her to go over on her. They could have easily had her pin Asuka but they didn’t go that route. Lacey was great in character form. Big win for both of these women.
I would be okay with Charlotte vs. Lacey and Peyton vs. Asuka down the road. The RAW Women’s Title and Tag Team Titles grouped together needs to stop though. They are both being stifled by this double champion thing.
WINNER: Dana Brooke
Challenging Shayna and getting a win is big for Dana. I just want a clear and concise division between the tag division and singles division on RAW and it is hard to get that. I want Dana and Mandy as tag champs but really want The Riott Squad to get it next. Based on what transpired this week I am assuming Peyton and Lacey may be next.
LOSER: Charlotte Flair
Well, that wasn’t on par with Charlotte’s booking. I am sure she will be back to winning in true fashion next week and this by no means holds her back but she took the biggest L of the night. I do wonder how far they will take this though.
Overall – RAW needs to get their act together. Clearly the least focused and interesting of the three main brands.
LOSER: Legends Night
Let me be clear, the legends themselves aren’t the losers, it is the lack of effort. The legends all looked as beautiful as we know they are. It was great to see Alicia Fox in particular in my opinion. I just don’t understand why they couldn’t have done something with AT LEAST Mickie. As far as we know she is still on the active roster. Even if it was a backstage scuffle. They literally had the chance to make every one of them 24/7 Champion and missed the boat.
I get that with the current pandemic things may have altered how they interacted, however, I am sure precautions were taken. If they didn’t do this same thing almost every time the legends returned then the pandemic would have been a good excuse. The RAW Reunion last year was the first time they really allowed some of them to interact – and that wasn’t much.
What did you think of this week’s RAW? Leave your thoughts in the comment section below of who was your Winners & Losers!
