Strowman pins Show in reinforced ring; Enzo Amore and Big Cass earn Tag Team Title shot; Gallagher bests fellow Englishman Neville
Thursday 23 February 2017 16:23, UK
Braun Strowman defeated Big Show in a battle of the big men on WWE Raw – before laying out his Fastlane opponent, Roman Reigns.
The 385lb Monster Among Men shrugged off the effects of a chokeslam and a Knockout Punch to down the 450lb World's Largest Athlete with a second Running Powerslam in a match contested in a reinforced ring.
Reigns - who had earlier lost to Raw Tag Team Champions Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson via disqualification after utilising a steel chair - rushed to confront Strowman after the bell.
The Big Dog wobbled the powerhouse with a Superman Punch but Strowman retaliated with a dropkick and a Running Powerslam ahead of their bout in Milwaukee on Sunday, March 5.
Gallows and Anderson - who were also Superman Punched and Speared by Reigns respectively - learned they will defend their belts against Enzo Amore and Big Cass at Fastlane.
Enzo and Cass earned their title opportunity by beating Cesaro and Sheamus, Cass sealing the win by hitting Cesaro with an East River Crossing, before a frustrated Sheamus Brogue Kicked Amore.
The New Day - now confirmed as hosts of WrestleMania 33 on April 2 - knocked off Rusev and Jinder Mahal, Mahal pinned after being nailed with Kofi Kingston and Big E's Midnight Hour.
Lana had managed to get hold of The New Day's secret ice-cream plans but Woods managed to pinch and destroy her iPad during his pals' bout.
Bayley refused to relinquish the Raw Women's Title, despite Stephanie McMahon - who later bickered with Raw General Manager Mick Foley backstage - insisting her win over Charlotte Flair last week was tainted by Sasha Banks' interference.
Bayley - who will defend the belt against Flair at Fastlane - then helped Banks beat Charlotte, the champion's attack on Dana Brooke distracting The Queen and allowing Banks to win via submission.
Nia Jax is also looking to become involved in the title picture, the former NXT star voicing her displeasure that she is yet to receive a championship match after dismantling Sarah Pierce.
England's Jack Gallagher and Neville came to blows ahead of their Cruiserweight Title clash at Fastlane - Gallagher head-butting Neville at their contract signing - while The Brian Kendrick assaulted Akira Tozawa after the Japanese star refused to shake his hand.
Plus, Universal Champion Kevin Owens - who had earlier vowed to conquer Goldberg at Fastlane - beat Sami Zayn with a Pop-Up Powerbomb after Zayn was jumped by Samoa Joe pre-match.
WWE dedicated Monday's show to George "The Animal" Steele and Ivan Koloff, who passed away last week at the ages of 79 and 74 respectively.
Watch the top Raw moves, including a kip-up from Strowman, in the video at the top of the page. You can catch a full repeat of the show at 11pm on Wednesday on Sky Sports 5 (channel 405).
