WWE Raw Grades: Ricochet and Rhea Ripley are on the rise

WWE Raw is set to take place tonight on February 3, 2020 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT live on the USA Network. Here are the results, highlights, and grades for the longest running weekly episodic television show in history.

On tonight’s episode of WWE Raw, there were two scheduled matches: (1) Seth Rollins vs. Ricochet vs. Bobby Lashley, (2) Lana vs. Liv Morgan. The triple threat match determined the next challenger for Brock Lesnar’s WWE Championship before Royal Rumble Winner, Drew McIntyre, gets his already scheduled title match at WrestleMania 36, while the other match was a rematch from last week’s Raw.

In terms of segments, Randy Orton addressed his malignant attack on the Rated R Superstar, Edge, last week. The WWE Universe is itching to see how their rivalry will turn out on the road to WrestleMania 36.

With that being said, it’s now time to bleed red and plunge into a slew of surprises for WWE Raw, starting with the Viper and Apex Predator, Randy Orton, explaining his actions from last week’s Raw. Viperville is near.

Randy Orton Promo

Result: Randy Orton is speechless

Grade: 4.0/5.0 Stars

Randy Orton kickstarted WWE Raw, grabbed the mic, and told everyone that he can’t do this. He cannot explain his actions from last week. He walked away from the wing in confusion and despair.

Analysis: It was smart for Randy Orton to not start Raw immediately with a heel promo. He already pissed off the WWE Universe from his actions last week. Instead, he strategically letsthe boos from the WWE Universe sink in as evidence for how great of a heel he truly is and also how much the WWE Universe loves Edge.

When he began to speak, the boos got so loud that they began to override his mic time. Rather than feeling good about his actions last week (like a usual heel would do), it seems that he feels regret and sorrow.

Does Randy Orton have a soft spot? Was his friendship with Edge a huge toll on his heart and too much to turn his back on?  Or did he just feel bad that he possible ended Edge’s career again? Deep stuff. The mystery of Orton’s thought process is still apparent throughout this suspenseful, nostalgic storyline, and that’s a good thing. Well done. Next up: Liv Morgan vs. Lana!

Liv Morgan vs. Lana [Grudge Match]

Result: Liv Morgan wins; Ruby Riott Returns

Grade: 3.0/5.0 Stars

Lana took control early on by faking injury and delivered a swift kick for an early two-count pinfall. Liv Morgan rallied back and delivered a Flat Liner for the three-count and the victory. After the match, Ruby Riott returned and turned on her Riott Sqaud partner, Liv Morgan. Lana delivered a Karma Buster to Morgan to close the post-match attack.

Analysis: The first match on WWE Raw was short and sweet, but Ruby Riott’s return was even sweeter. It’s great to see her back on Raw, where she belongs. Since Sarah Logan was not included in this interaction, it was expected Riott would turn on Morgan. It’ll be interesting to see how Ruby Riott factors into the storyline between Lana and Morgan. Great return.

Drew McIntyre vs. Mojo Rawley [Grudge Match]

Result: Drew McIntyre wins in record time

Grade: 2.5/5.0 Stars

Before he wrestled with Mojo Rawley, Drew McIntyre said on the mic that Brock Lesnar is apprehensive of the ‘Sexy’ Scotsman, which explains his attack from behind on last week’s Raw. He promised that he will kick Brock Lesnar’s head off at WWE WrestleMania 36. He almost forgot Mojo Rawley and promised Rawley that this match will be end in three seconds. The bell rings, Drew McIntyre delivers a Claymore and pins Rawley for the 1-2-3.

Analysis: It’s a good thing that this match ended as quickly as Drew McIntyre predicted, especially since the WWE Universe knew who was winning. The promo by McIntyre was quite basic but amusing when he addressed Mojo Rawley.

Too bad it was not for the 24/7 Championship. A backstage interview then shows Seth Rollins promising that McIntyre won’t have to worry about Lesnar because he will be taking the WWE Championship from Lesnar once he wins the number one contender’s match tonight. Next up: Kevin Owens and Viking Raiders vs. Buddy Murphy and Authors of Pain!

Kevin Owens and Viking Raiders vs. Buddy Murphy and Authors of Pain [Elimination 6-Man Tag]

Result: Buddy Murphy and Authors of Pain prevail; Rezar is the sole survivor

Grade: 4.0/5.0 Stars

Seth Rollins delivered a Curb Stomp to Erik from The Viking Raiders outside the ring, allowing Buddy Murphy to pin Erik for the three-count and eliminate him from the match. Meanwhile, Ivar accidentally delivered a running crossbody to the billboard on the ring apron and injured his shoulder, thereby taking himself out of the match.

Kevin Owens was all alone against Buddy Murphy and Authors of Pain. Kevin Owens delivered a Pop Up Powerbomb to Buddy Murphy for the three-count and the elimination. Kevin Owens quickly delivered a Stunner to Akam for the three-count and the elimination.

Kevin Owens and Rezar were the final two in this match. Rezar delivered two chokeslams to Owens for the three-count and the victory, thanks to some key interference from Seth Rollins at ringside.

Analysis: It was good in-ring psychology to screw Kevin Owens in this match when pertaining to his tag team partners. Last week, Samoa Joe got concussed and had to leave him alone in this match. This week, Ivar was unable to compete and had to leave him alone again after Erik already got eliminated. Both resulted in Owens losing the match.

However, Owens put an amazing performance in defeat and still looked like the winner, especially with a standing ovation from the crowd after the match. Ricochet is then interviewed backstage by Charly Caruso in addressing his chances at winning the upcoming triple threat #1 Contender’s Match for Brock Lesnar’s WWE Championship.

Aleister Black vs. Eric Young [Grudge Match]

Result: Aleister Black wins

Grade: 1.5/5.0 Stars

Aleister Black delivered a Black Mass to Eric Young for the three-count and the victory. Inspirationally, he cut a promo after the match and asserted that people should be who they choose to be because that choice drives relentless competition. This is the same competition he wants from the Raw locker room every week on WWE Raw.

Analysis: This match was quick and rightfully so. Aleister Black needs a real opponent soon or else this will get old.  His promo was new and may be a sign of things to come. Hopefully, his road to WrestleMania 36 won’t be repetitive. Next up: Humberto Carillo vs. Angel Garza!

Rey Mysterio vs. Angel Garza (w/Zelina Vega) [Grudge Match]

Result: Rey Mysterio wins (by DQ); Angel Garza stands tall

Grade: 3.0/5.0 Stars

Zelina Vega introduced Humberto Carrillo’s cousin and her newest and hottest Latino prospect, Angel Garza. The match never begins between Carrillo and Garza. Zelina Vega slapped Humberto Carrillo in the face and Garza delivered a Wing Clipper to Carillo inside the ring. As soon as he was about to deliver a Hammerlock DDT to Carrillo outside the ring, Rey Mysterio ran in to save Carrillo.

Angel Garza gained control early on in the match, but Mysterio rallied back with his babyface combos. However, thanks to Zelina Vega’s distraction, Garza got aggravated and delivered a Hammerlock DDT to Mysterio on the concrete outside the ring to force a disqualification finish.

Analysis: It appears that Angel Garza got called up to Raw to do Andrade’s dirty work while Andrade is suspended for 30 days. The original match was supposed to be Humberto Carillo vs. Angel Garza, but Mysterio’s key save turns this into a match between Mysterio and Garza. Hopefully, Garza does not get the cruiserweight treatment on the main roster.

The style of this match was fun to watch. The disqualification finish was underwhelming but was good for the overall storyline and kept both superstars looking strong. Great debut for Garza. Bobby Lashley is then interviewed backstage to talk about his chances of winning the triple threat number one contender’s match later tonight.

Charlotte Flair Gets A Challenge

Result: Rhea Ripley Challenges Charlotte Flair for WrestleMania 36

Grade: 3.0/5.0 Stars

Charlotte Flair asserted that she has been Raw and SmackDown Women’s Champion 10 times and had already beaten Raw Women’s Champion Becky Lynch and SmackDown Women’s Champion Bayley. Rhea Ripley from NXT made a surprise entrance to Raw, declared that Charlotte never defeated her, and challenged Charlotte Flair to an NXT Women’s Championship match at WrestleMania 36. Charlotte Flair walked away with no reply but shouted ‘Woo’ to close the segment.

Analysis: Does ‘Woo’ mean ‘Yes’ in Charlotte Flair language? Does ‘Woo’ mean ‘I accept your challenge’? Interesting. Charlotte continues to keep everything as vague as can be but it looks like the WWE Universe is already sold on Rhea Ripley vs. Charlotte Flair for WrestleMania 36. Solid, suspenseful segment. Next up: Natalya vs. Asuka!

Natalya vs. Asuka (w/Kairi Sane) [Grudge Match]

Result: Asuka wins via submission

Grade: 3.5/5.0 Stars

Natalya gained control early on in this match with some solid ground-based offense. Asuka gains back control with a plenitude of submission holds and strikes. After a hard fought match, Asuka made Natalya tap out with the Asuka Lock. Asuka cut a promo after the match, requesting a rematch for the Raw Women’s Championship against Becky Lynch.

Becky Lynch came out with savage shades on to say that it was fun beating Asuka once, and it’ll be fun to beat Asuka twice. She accepted the challenge and declared that beating Asuka once gave her superpowers, which helped her foresee Kairi Sane’s attack from behind.

Analysis: It was nice to see Natalya wear an arm band to tribute Kobe Bryant. As for the match, it’s always a pleasure watching two submission specialists showcase why submissions and rest holds are meaningful in a match. These holds exhaust the superstars, making it more difficult to remain durable throughout the match.

There was clearly no need for nearfalls. Asuka and Natalya utilized this strategy to their advantage and the match resulted in a well booked submission hold by Asuka. The promo between Asuka and Lynch after the match was surprising. It was expected that this rivalry was over but it seems that they will battling one more time to end the trilogy before WrestleMania 36 commences. The fake kick by Lynch to Kairi Sane at the end of segment was quite humorous.

Seth Rollins vs. Ricochet vs. Bobby Lashley [WWE Championship #1 Contender’s Match]

Result: Ricochet

Grade: 3.5/5.0 Stars

Before the match, Seth Rollins cut a promo on how thankful he is for the WWE Universe turning their backs on him. Last year, he asserted that he would move on to dethrone Brock Lesnar for the Universal Championship, and he will aspire to do the same for the WWE Championship this year.

Buddy Murphy and Authors of Pain ran in to help Seth Rollins, but Kevin Owens and Viking Raiders fend off the group into the crowd area. Since Seth Rollins had to fight this triple threat match by himself, he had a tougher time picking up a victory.

Ricochet delivered a 630 Splash to Bobby Lashley for the three-count and the victory. However, he does not have much time to celebrate because Brock Lesnar ran in to deliver an F-5 to Ricochet to close Raw.

Analysis: Although Seth Rollins had the most history with Brock Lesnar, most WWE fans wanted to see either Ricochet or Bobby Lashley battle Lesnar. Other than either bout being fresh, Lashley has dreamed of battling Lesnar for a long time now due to their common MMA backgrounds and Ricochet had some low blow interactions with Lesnar recently, which would explain a potential championship match against Lesnar as well.

This main event was an absolute demolition derby and a solid way to close Raw, leaving the fans with desire for more on next week’s WWE Raw, as it should. Ricochet is next to challenge Brock Lesnar for the WWE Championship. He was the only babyface in that triple threat match and he rightfully won to battle the heel Brock Lesnar.