1Recap
Shane McMahon is out first tonight: The Prodigal Son addresses his father claiming that Vince has "lost his touch." (True point.) Shane says that when he controls Monday Night Raw "it all stops." Vince arrives with the sound of The Undertaker's Gong before belittling his son and the audience. Vince says that Shane's own children will be disappointed in their father following WrestleMania. Vince states that his "greatest creation will put to rest his greatest failure." Vince then sends security down to escort Shane from the building. Shane then takes it to security, clearing the ring before leaving on his own will.
Kevin Owens vs. Neville
Sometimes a fan needs a good reminder of real wrestling; which is exactly what this match provided. Kevin Owens wins with a roll-up pin and a handful of tights.
Post-Match: Kevin Owens assaults Neville until Sami Zayn appears to take out Owens.
Backstage: Stephanie McMahon approaches Dolph Ziggler who insults the boss and is placed in a 3-on-1 Handicap match.
Summer Rae vs. Brie Bella
Point of this match? Total Divas promotion. Summer Rae wins thanks to a distraction from Lana.
Post-Match: Lana attacks Brie Bella and finally displays some wrestling ability.
Dean Ambrose is out to address the WWE World Heavyweight Championship situation. Ambrose states that he is "hijacking WrestleMania." Ambrose says that Triple H will "respect him because he is going to be the face of the company." This brings out Triple H who "brings Dean back down to reality." Triple H states that Ambrose is not a "roadblock" rather he is more of a "speed bump" or a "pothole." Ambrose calls Triple H into the ring but Triple H opts to stay out while placing Ambrose in a match with Bray Wyatt.
Dolph Ziggler vs. League of Nations (Elimination Match)
Dolph Ziggler finds a way to eliminate Wade Barrett (no surprise there as Barrett must suffer throughout his remaining time with WWE) before Sheamus and Rusev pull out the victory.
-Cool Video Package Airs Highlighting the Career of Shane McMahon-
Backstage: Becky Lynch and Sasha Banks exchange some banter prior to their match.
Becky Lynch and Sasha Banks vs. Naomi and Tamina
Solid showing from the Real Divas of WWE, Becky Lynch and Sasha Banks. (Let's hope these girls are never cast on Total Divas.) Naomi taps to the Banks Statement.
Post-Match: Charlotte attacks both Sasha Banks and Becky Lynch.
Backstage: More R-Truth and Goldust shtick.
The New Day vs. Y2AJ (Tag Team Championship)
Hard-fought battle with plenty of back-and-forth action which would see the three Unicorns retain their belts thanks to a Big Ending on Chris Jericho.
Post-Match: A.J. Styles helps Chris Jericho to his feet, only to catch a Code Breaker in the process, followed by a second, and third for good measure.
Backstage: Renee Young asks Chris Jericho about his actions: Jericho says that in the town (Chicago) where Y2J was born all the fans were chanting was "A.J. Styles."
Kalisto vs. Tyler Breeze
Rather quick match with Kalisto picking up the victory. (Poor Tyler Breeze never stood a chance on the main roster.)
Backstage: JoJo interviews Kalisto; which is interrupted by Ryback. "The Big Guy" provides Kalisto with some advice: leave the Lucha Dragons and step out on his own.
Curtis Axel vs. Ryback
Filler Match: No fun. No excitement. Ryback wins. Boring.
Backstage: Stephanie approaches Vince about Shane to voice her "what if" worry about Shane winning at WrestleMania.
Pre-Match: Bray Wyatt cuts a promo Brock Lesnar; his opponent this Saturday night at Roadblock.
Dean Ambrose vs. Bray Wyatt
Strange but pleasant to watch two Superstars who should be considered main event talent actually main event Monday Night Raw. In a rough battle, the match would conclude with an attack on Ambrose from the entire Wyatt Family. With Ambrose laid out, Triple H arrives. Bray laughs in the face of Triple H before strangely petting the WWE World Heavyweight Championship and leaving with his Family. Triple H prepares to lay into Ambrose but catches a Dirty Deeds to end the show.
Going Forward
Suddenly, the prospect of a Kevin Owens vs. Sami Zayn match for the Intercontinental Championship at WrestleMania feels more exciting than the WWE World Heavyweight Championship bout.
Imagine if Dean Ambrose actually captured the WWE World Heavyweight Championship this Saturday night in Toronto? (Wishful thinking.)
Triple H is an all-time great and deserves recognition but something doesn't feel right about his involvement in the WrestleMania main event. Where is the Evolution in relics holding titles?