A look at the live tracker for the results and recap of WWE RAW on March 21, 2016 from Philadelphia
There are only two more episodes of WWE RAW remaining until WrestleMania 32 and the excitement among fans is obviously palpable. However, the fervor might reach critical mass on Monday, March 21 as RAW takes on the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, PA as one of the hottest wrestling crowds in the country is the next stop on the Road to WrestleMania.
After Roman Reigns returned last week to beat down the WWE World Heavyweight Champion in Triple H, what the COO of the company has to say in response and what Reigns has to say about his actions will be next on the docket on WWE RAW. Moreover, it’ll be interesting to see how the Philadelphia crowd—the crowd who cheered him when he won the title a couple of months ago—reacts to him now that the masses have seemingly soured on Roman once again.
Beyond the two men in the main event of WrestleMania, there’s still plenty left to happen now that Dean Ambrose is embracing the hardcore side of his personality. Moreover, what’s next for Vince McMahon, The Undertaker, and Shane McMahon after things got physical in the ring last week on WWE RAW?
Then, of course we’ll see what’s on-deck in the Divas division as Charlotte, Sasha Banks, and Becky Lynch are building toward their triple threat at Mania for the title. In addition, what could be up next regarding the budding feud between Brie Bella and Lana moving closer to WrestleMania?
As always, there could be a surprise or two in the making, so we’ll have to see what’s next in that regard as well. Keep up with everything that happens by following the WWE RAW live tracker below once the show starts at 8 p.m. ET on Monday night.
And for all your WWE coverage in WrestleMania season and beyond, be sure to stay up to date with the FanSided hub.
Stephanie and Roman
Stephanie McMahon was out to open up WWE RAW, speaking on what Roman Reigns did to her husband—Triple H—last week and running the challenger down. Obviously that called out Roman who walked down to the ring and took the microphone from Steph.
Roman said that Trips didn’t show up because he was scared of getting beat down yet again, with Reigns adding that this was his ring and he was The Authority.
"Now I'M The Authority..." - @WWERomanReigns to @StephMcMahon #RAW #WrestleMania https://t.co/ukLg6b0UNT
— WWE (@WWE) March 22, 2016
AJ Styles vs. Kevin Owens
It’s hard to believe that WWE decided to put this match on free television, yet here we are. For what it’s worth, this match was every bit as good as you’d expect a match between these two men to be. While I could describe it, it’s best just to show you all the great action.
Charge at @FightOwensFight at your own risk, @AJStylesOrg!#RAW #KOMania pic.twitter.com/CKZg37XlG6
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) March 22, 2016
Beautiful sit-out faceplant by @AJStylesOrg! #RAW @FightOwensFight pic.twitter.com/OosANodngp
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) March 22, 2016
FROG SPLASH by @FightOwensFight!! Thunderous!! #RAW pic.twitter.com/QJaJ1TzIgg
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) March 22, 2016
The fists are flying ferociously!!! @FightOwensFight @AJStylesOrg @WWE #RAW pic.twitter.com/nfgaINShJ1
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) March 22, 2016
TOP ROPE POWERBOMB by The #Phenomenal @AJStylesOrg!!! #RAW @FightOwensFight pic.twitter.com/fPBvj4QSGG
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) March 22, 2016
Right as AJ was locking in the Calf Crusher, though, Chris Jericho interfered, Owens was able to roll Styles up and get the win. Style then chased Y2J backstage.
Winner: Kevin Owens
Then out came Dolph Ziggler, The Miz, and Sami Zayn to say they were gunning for KO’s title at WrestleMania, which Owens suggested a triple threat to decide who deserved to face him.
Ambrose in Philly
Next up was a short pre-taped segment out in Philadelphia where he met up with hardcore legend Terry Funk, who gave Ambrose another gift like Mick Foley did last week.
"If I had a son, I'd want him to be JUST LIKE YOU!" - Terry Funk to @TheDeanAmbrose #RAW pic.twitter.com/034FDxYWU6
— WWE (@WWE) March 22, 2016
.@TheDeanAmbrose takes #TerryFunk's chainsaw for a test drive! #RAW https://t.co/rW6qZfUhe6
— WWE (@WWE) March 22, 2016
Big E vs. Rusev
Both League of Nations and New Day got time on the microphone before this match and a brawl erupted because of New Day running down the challengers before the match ever started. Things go settled down, though and the bout got underway.
The match itself was quite good, featuring both men getting impressive offense in and overall looking good at their jobs.
Something's gotta give as #TheNewDay's @WWEBigE battles The #LeagueOfNations' #BulgarianBrute @RusevBUL on #RAW! https://t.co/KoCTToHcZk
— WWE (@WWE) March 22, 2016
In the end, though, it was Big E getting the victory after landing the Big Ending.
Winner: Big E
Andre Battle Royal Preview
Big Show was out to talk about his victory last year in the Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal, but then came the Social Outcasts into the arena to try and attack the giant. The numbers game started to be a bit too much, but Kane came out to make the save.
The DEMON @KaneWWE is here!! And the #SocialOutcasts are outta here!! #RAW pic.twitter.com/aghDIicvSX
— WWE (@WWE) March 22, 2016
However, Kane wasn’t all friendly as, after Show thanked him, the Demon Chokeslammed him off of the top rope.
Chris Jericho vs. Fandango
This match wasn’t really anything of consequence in a vacuum, but was more of a vehicle for AJ Styles to return the favor in distracting Y2J. However, Jericho still got the win in his match, but not before fleeing the ring after he begged AJ to come fight him.
Did The Phenomenal @AJStylesOrg just give @IAmJericho a taste of his own medicine?! #RAW #Y2Jackass https://t.co/X5pLooDh8w
— WWE (@WWE) March 22, 2016
However, Styles then got on the microphone and again challenged the veteran Jericho to a match at WrestleMania 32, to no response, though.
Stardust vs. Sin Cara vs. Zack Ryder
Kevin Owens played everyone and announced the opponents for the IC title No. 1 Contender matchup as Stardust, Sin Cara, and Ryder rather than Zayn, Ziggler, and Miz. However, all hell broke loose pretty quickly in this match with the latter three men making their way out to the ring. When it was all said and done, Owens was the one getting beat down before fleeing to the back.
.@MikeTheMiz, @HEELZiggler & @ILikeSamiZayn are all upset at being left out of this #TripleThreat Match! #RAW pic.twitter.com/4X0Du631Ed
— WWE (@WWE) March 22, 2016
Everyone wants a piece of the Intercontinental Champion!! #RAW @FightOwensFight pic.twitter.com/Ufiq7pTKdq
— WWE (@WWE) March 22, 2016
Owens was pissed off, so he went to Stephanie to complain about this interference and say that he shouldn’t have to defend the title at Mania. Instead, though, Stephanie didn’t like his tone and said that Kevin Owens would defend the belt against all six men in a ladder match at Mania.
Something tells us this is NOT the kind of #KOMania @FightOwensFight had in mind! #RAW #ICTitle @StephMcMahon https://t.co/sRUF1o0dik
— WWE (@WWE) March 22, 2016
Roman Gets Hand on the Boss, Again
Stephanie went to the garage where Triple H was waiting on her in the car as they looked to leave. When the door went up, though, there was Roman Reigns. He then charged the car, pulled Hunter out, and again beat him down for the second consecutive week.
#BelieveThat!! .@WWERomanReigns has found WWE COO @TripleH!! #RAW pic.twitter.com/KiT5Fsn504
— WWE (@WWE) March 22, 2016
Charlotte vs. Natalya
Charlotte and Natalya had a very good match that should have been given more shine and less attention on Sasha Banks and Becky Lynch being out on commentary. Though it was a quick win for Charlotte, it was still a fun little match overall.
Winner: Charlotte
Bubba Ray Dudley vs. R-Truth
Matches back-to-back to set up feuds outside of the match, this was really only something to set up a multi-tag match at WrestleMania 32 as Goldust came out to help R-Truth and they were followed by The Usos after Bubba Ray and D-Von were throwing down on everyone. Jimmy and Jey sent the heels running, though, when they threatened to put the through a table.
If @BubbaRayDudley and @TestifyDVon aren't gonna get the tables, The @WWEUsos WILL! #RAW #WrestleMania https://t.co/rTRoBVsJL4
— WWE (@WWE) March 22, 2016
Vince Puts Something on the Line for Taker
Vince McMahon was out next for another odd promo (he’s batting 1.000 on those it seems as of late). In said promo, he agreed with Shane that Undertaker is “Vince’s Bi***” and said that if Taker didn’t defeat Shane, it would be his last match ever at Mania.
If The #Undertaker doesn't beat @ShaneMcMahon, this @WrestleMania will be The Phenom's LAST?! #RAW #HellInACell https://t.co/bsDY89pZZo
— WWE (@WWE) March 22, 2016
Ambrose Stands Tall
Though it was a bit silly, Dean Ambrose was up against Braun Strowman in a match largely predicated on the idea of highlight the Lunatic Fringe’s ability to take down big man. Subsequently, the spot of Dean taking down Strowman with a billion chair shots was well done.
How does @TheDeanAmbrose do against GIANTS? @BraunStrowman just found out... #RAW #WrestleMania https://t.co/4cv4LEpIgM
— WWE (@WWE) March 22, 2016
And that’s how the show went off the air, with Ambrose standing tall as Paul Heyman watched ringside.