WWE Raw (26 February, 2018): Analysing and grading each segment

The first episode of WWE Raw after Elimination Chamber took place in Anaheim, California on Monday night.

The show featured five matches, including a rematch for the Raw Tag Team titles between The Bar and Titus Worldwide, as well as newsworthy in-ring promos involving John Cena, Roman Reigns and Ronda Rousey.

In this article, we take a look at all eight major segments from the show and analyze what was good and bad about the first Raw on the road to WrestleMania 34.

#1 Asuka, Sasha Banks & Bayley def. Alexa Bliss, Nia Jax & Mickie James

Storyline: Alexa Bliss retained her Raw Women’s title at Sunday’s Elimination Chamber pay-per-view, while Royal Rumble winner Asuka defeated Nia Jax (Alexa’s best friend) at the event but was viciously attacked by her opponent after the match.

Segment: Alexa, accompanied by Mickie James, kicked off Raw gloating about her victory before claiming she will break Asuka’s streak at WrestleMania. When “The Empress of Tomorrow” emerged, she was quickly joined by Nia, and a 3-on-1 assault soon became 3-on-3 when Bayley and Sasha Banks intervened. A tag match then took place, with Bayley refusing a tag from Sasha before Asuka made Mickie tap.

Verdict: Credit to WWE – this was certainly a different and refreshing way to start Raw. Alexa had the crowd in the palm of her hand during her promo, as she often does, and the story between Bayley and Sasha has been told brilliantly over the last couple of shows. The question remains, though: will Asuka really face Alexa at ‘Mania?!

Grade: B