As we all know, Raw invaded Atlanta and they had a huge show planned. After last week’s debacle where the crowd was dead for a damn good Raw, Atlanta had to do better. Unfortunately, I wasn’t there because my daughter had her banquet, but I still caught it. The WWE already planned the 70th birthday for the legendary Ric Flair. There were a few legends that would be in attendance to honor the 16-time champ. Later on, it was announced that Roman Reigns would show up to give an update on his cancer treatment. With guys like Batista and the Rock in Atlanta, it was rumored they could also show up. Below are my top moments from Raw last night in Atlanta. Once again, excellent job by the crowd as they were hot all night.
Roman Reigns Announcement
Back in October, Reigns had to relinquish his Universal Championship because his leukemia had returned. For the most part, Reigns have been absent from the public outside a couple of appearances here and there. A few weeks ago, we saw that Reigns would be a part of one of the Rock’s upcoming movie, Hobbs and Shaw. After it was announced that Reigns would make an appearance, his trainer in Hawaii posted on his Instagram account he was training Reigns for an in-ring return. Last night on Raw, Reigns announced his leukemia was in remission and he’s back.
Batista Returns to Attack Ric Flair
All the WWE superstars were brought out to the top of the aisle before things kicked off. Triple H and Stephanie made their way through and hit the ring. Triple H talked about the legacy of Ric Flair and how he’s the greatest of all-time. Triple Ha brought out Shawn Michaels, Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat, Kurt Angle and then Sting. After talking more about Flair, Triple H announced him, and they all clapped. The music of Ric Flair continued to play, and they all looked confused. The cameras went to the back and you saw someone in a black jacket running by and going into the locker room. It was Batista and he dragged the lifeless body of Flair, looked into the camera and asked Triple H does he have his attention. Triple H had a shocked look and he ran to the back to check on Flair.
Becky Lynch Goes to Jail, Ronda Rousey Drops Raw Women’s Title
Ronda Rousey and Natalya teamed up to take on the Riott Squad. Towards the end of the match, Lynch came through the crowd and eventually attacked Natalya. Rousey ended up confronting Lynch and they got into it as the WWE officials got in between them. After Lynch was taken to jail, Rousey hit the ring to call out Mr. McMahon. Stephanie hit the ring and they got into it with each other with Rousey saying she’s tired of her opponents being handpicked. Stephanie let Rousey know that she’s not bigger than the WWE and Rousey said if Lynch isn’t added to the WrestleMania match, she doesn’t want the title. Rousey laid down the championship in front of Stephanie and left.
Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins Save Dean Ambrose
Earlier in the night, Ambrose interrupted Elias and issued a challenge to Drew McIntyre for a No DQ match. Elias ended up receiving Dirty Deeds in the process. Drew McIntyre won the match, but received help from Bobby Lashley, Elias and Baron Corbin. As they were beating down Ambrose after the match, the music of Seth Rollins hit, and he came out with a chair. As he stood on the ramp, Roman Reigns music hit, and they cleared the ring of everyone. Rollins and Reigns left as Ambrose recovered in the ring, but Rollins turned around along with Reigns to stare down Ambrose.
Finn Balor vs. Lio Rush Was Great
For those who’s not familiar with Lio Rush, that kids can go in the ring. The match took place when he interrupted Finn Balor’s appearance on the Moment of Bliss. Finn kind of suckered him into the match saying that Rush is better than Lashley to cause tension. Either way, the match was really fast paced, and it shows that Rush has a bright future in the WWE if he can get his attitude in check.
Ricochet and Aleister Black Manhandle Raw Tag Champs
For those that don’t know, these two are teaming with each other for the Dusty Rhodes Classic in NXT. These two really impressed and had the crowd behind them in their match with the Revival. Ricochet did his thing with his aerial assault and Black showed his agility also. In the end, Black hit his finisher on Scott Dawson for the win.
This was a great night of action from the WWE for the Atlanta crowd. The audience was hot all night and hopefully the WWE will bring WrestleMania back to Atlanta in the near future in the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. What did you think about Raw from Atlanta? What was your favorite moment? Leave some feedback below.
