WWE Raw results: Drew McIntyre defeated Baron Corbin

WrestleMania season is running full steam ahead as the show of shows is set to kick off this coming weekend. However, before fans and performers alike can get to that event, they must get through another edition of Monday Night Raw and there was a lot left to happen before WrestleMania would get here.

The opening night started off with former WWE champion, Drew McIntyre. He made it clear that he intends to not only run through Baron Corbin that night but Bobby Lashley when they face off at WrestleMania. The result of the segment set the stage for Corbin and McIntyre’s battle later that evening.

Xavier Woods and AJ Styles were out first to mix things up after last week’s match ended in a disqualification. They picked up exactly where they left off last week, but Styles were able to get off the best offense early, even locking in the Calf Crusher on Woods. But Kofi Kingston caused enough of a distraction outside the ring that Styles let go of the hold. Moments later, Woods rolled Styles up to pick up the victory heading into their title defense at WrestleMania.

Xavier Woods defeated AJ Styles via pinfall.

Braun Strowman was out next to prepare for his upcoming steel cage match against Shane McMahon. To do so, he would take on Elias and Jaxson Ryker in a handicap match.

Strowman’s power came into play immediately, throwing Ryker over the top and nearly power slamming Elias. Ryker made the save, and both men started to find success jumping Strowman. They did not remain in control for long, after both men ate power slams and they were pinned at the same time, giving Braun the victory.

Braun Strowman defeated Elias and Jaxson Ryker via pinfall.

Women’s tag team action was up next. Asuka and Rhea Ripley are scheduled to battle for the WWE Raw Women’s title at WrestleMania, but before that, they were paired together to face off against Shayna Baszler and Nia Jax in non-title action.

Asuka and Baszler started things off for their respective teams. Neither individual was able to get the upper hand, but things changed with Jax and Ripley were in the match. They had a brief exchange before Ripley tagged Asuka back in, to her surprise. Asuka found some initial success against the much bigger woman, but that stopped with Jax steamrolled her into the mat.

The tag team champions took over when Baszler attacked Ripley’s knee from behind, allowing Jax to do more damage outside the ring. That continued once Ripley was back in the ring as Baszler had her way with Ripley, attempting to injure her knee. With Ripley isolated, she was put in various dangerous positions.

Ripley was finally able to get to Asuka to make the tag, and she came in with steam, laying out Baszler and nearly picking up the win. However, things took a turn for the worse when Ripley turned on Asuka, allowing Baszler to land a nasty knee to Asuka’s face. Baszler pounced on the downed champion and picked up the victory for their team.

Shayna Baszler and Nia Jax defeated Asuka and Rhea Ripley via pinfall.

Bobby Lashley wanted to make an example out of Cedric Alexander, and they faced each other in singles action.

Before the bell rang, Shelton Benjamin ran in and both men started to attack Lashley. Lashley ended up overcoming both men, throwing Benjamin out to the floor. Alexander went on the offense, but in mere seconds he was flattened on the mat. Benjamin tried to give Alexander a pep talks outside the ring, and that resulted in a brief flurry from the former cruiserweight champion.

Back outside the ring Alexander got in some high risk moves, landing two suicide dives. When the action returned to the ring Alexander continued to roll, even hitting a missile dropkick to drop Lashley. It did not take long until Lashley planted him again, even using the Dominator to drop his former stablemate. After another spinebuster, Lashley locked in the Hurt Lock and Alexander went unconscious, giving the victory to Lashley.

Bobby Lashley defeated Cedric Alexander via the referee’s stoppage.

Matt Riddle is heading into WrestleMania with his United States title on the line. But before he could get there, he would have to compete against Mustafa Ali.

Riddle and Ali immediately tied up, with Ali getting the first advantage, but slipping into a triangle from Riddle. Riddle was able to take over but goofing off with Sheamus ringside allowed Ali to take over after hitting a leg swipe takedown.

Back inside the ring, Ali was rolling until Riddle was able to get back his feet to land a striking combination. Ali went low, however, stepping on Riddle’s feet to slow him down. Ali attempted to submit Riddle, but the current US champion countered by tossing himself to the mat to land on top of Ali. Riddle even locked in another triangle, but Ali was able to escape once again.

The end of the match came off a great counter. Ali nearly landed a tornado DDT, but Riddle countered into the Bro Derek, dropping Ali, and picking up the victory.

Matt Riddle defeated Mustafa Ali via pinfall.

The main event of the evening brought McIntyre back to the ring to compete against Corbin.

The two big men locked up with neither being able to gain control at first. Corbin looked like he was doing well against the former champion early, but it did not take long for McIntyre to take over. A nasty clothesline allowed Corbin to get in control, but nothing he landed was able to put McIntyre away. They ended up outside the ring and McIntyre sent Corbin crashing into the steel stairs.

McIntyre continued to assault Corbin in the ring until he was tossed outside after being thrown into the ring post. Corbin remained in control, even pummeling McIntyre with elbows from the crucifix position. McIntyre battled back, landing the Future Shock DDT but Corbin kicked out, continuing to fight. The two men ended up standing toe-to-toe in the middle of the ring, exchanging blows until Corbin hit the Deep Six, just to see McIntyre kick out again.

The end came when Corbin attempted to use MVP’s cane, but missed it widely. On the rebound, McIntyre hit the Claymore to pick up the victory.

Drew McIntyre defeated Baron Corbin via pinfall.