WWE Raw Results: Highlights, Analysis, and Grades for February 20

The Brian Kendrick vs. Akira Tozawa

Result: No contest

Rating: N/A

I’m calling this segment “How to Alienate Your Ring Crew and Make Them Question Their Career Decisions.”

Seriously, if I had to convert the ring from “Raw” to “205 Live” for a non match that lasted maybe two minutes, I’d be a little upset.

Some positives in the segment: Kendrick is solidifying himself as a solid number two heel behind Neville in the Cruiserweight Division. I’ve been a fan of his going back to the Spanky days, and even I don’t want to cheer for this guy right now. And I cheer for all the bad guys!

Tozawa is also clearly primed to be the breakout star of 205 Live/the Cruiserweight Division. He’s actually connecting with the crowd in a way that few others in the division have. And getting beaten like this here is a surefire way to get the sympathy of the audience. Now the crowd wants to see him get his revenge on Kendrick.

I’m not a fan of the whole “respect/disrespect” thing, though. It’s an overplayed trope, and there’s got to be a better way to get Tozawa/Kendrick over.

Roman Reigns Interrupts Mick Foley

As if once wasn’t enough, Roman Reigns gets himself into a handicap match against the theoretical best team on Raw. This time, he willingly foregoes the chance at having a tag partner.

If someone can explain to me how this makes anyone look good – especially in light of last week’s match – I’d love to hear it.