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

Rusev & Jinder Mahal (w/ Lana) vs. The New Day (Big E & Kofi Kingston, w/ Xavier Woods)

Result: The New Day defeated Rusev & Jinder Mahal via pinfall

Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars

Before I let things go too far, let me say that I am 100% in favor of New Day voicing the hyenas in the Lion King reboot. That is something I didn’t realize I wanted until it was a possibility. And it won’t happen, but a guy can dream, can’t he?

Second, that was probably the best combination of Russian hacking and ice cream that will ever be executed. I am usually pretty good about seeing where things are going, but that got me. Bravo.

And then on to the match! It’s hard to get a good read on it since it started during the commercial break, but what we saw was decent. Jinder Mahal – excuse me, Hardbody Mahal – has looked really good in recent weeks, in albeit limited action. Rusev is always on point in the ring.

What’s frustrating is that the New Day has become basically nothing since losing the tag titles. It’s almost as if they were defined by setting the record, and there were absolutely no plans for what happened when the reign inevitably ended. Case in point: They’re hosting WrestleMania this year instead of competing. What’s the deal there, huh?

In Memoriam, George “The Animal” Steele

By the time I had conscious memory of watching WWE, Steele was already the lovable monster that he portrayed at the end of his career. But prior to that, he was a great actual monster in the ring.

What has always struck me is that Steele was probably one of the most intelligent men to set foot in a wrestling ring. He was a school teacher! The incongruous nature of real life and character has always fascinated me.

Sad to see him pass, it seemed like everyone truly liked and respected him.