Originally published at https://www.postwrestling.com/2019/02/02/live-report-wwe-raw-in-saskatoon-saskatchewan/
WWE Live Event
Submitted by: Mike McGuire
Date: Friday, February 1st
City: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Attendance: (Pre walk-up numbers) 3500
Show length: 2.5 hrs
First, I want to give major props to the WWE crew that braved the Saskatchewan cold to bring two shows to our area. The wind here alone makes things treacherous, and with 10-15 inches of snow falling over the couple of days they have to drive our highways, it’s a journey a lot of locals would skip if they didn’t have to.
Onto the show:
Seth Rollins and Sasha Banks were advertised but didn’t make the show. Assuming it might have been a flight issue, but not sure. Instead of Rollins v Lashley for the Intercontinental Championship, FINLAY came out as the authority figure and made a match between Finn Balor, Drew McIntyre, Dean Ambrose, and Lashley as a fatal 4 way.
As a replacement for Sasha, Natalya came out as Bayley’s surprise tag team partner – a great sub here in the frozen Canadian tundra.
Something really stood out to me about tonight though:
While it’s no secret Ambrose is leaving, he performed as professionally as one could. The show needed him to work as a face, so he did. He cut a great opening promo and worked as though he was still interested in giving the best he could. Even though he took the pin, he was quite enjoyable and made me realize how big of a star he could have been.
Here’s the stats/results:
Opening Promo:
Bobby Lashley w/Lio Rush announced Seth Rollins is not in attendance. Enter Dean Ambrose, Drew McIntyre, Finn Balor all wanting a shot at the Intercontinental title. Finlay came out and announced the main event will be a Fatal 4 Way for the title.
Bobby Roode and Chad Gable vs. The Revival for the tag titles
Dash Wilder openly yelling “Let me go! Release Me!” During the Revival’s entrance. At first, I laughed, but as I watched Gable run the game, Roode work as the veteran and even Dawson do his best to perform, Wilder’s comments reflected his performance. I’m not saying he was terrible, but with 5 people in there, (refs matter dammit!), it was clear he just doesn’t want to be there. It was disappointing as this was the first time I got to see the Revival up close and was looking forward to it.
Nikki Cross def Tamina via quick roll up.
Apollo Crews def Elias – Elias worked heel but was still largely over with the crowd
Braun Strowman def Baron Corbin
6-Man Tag
Slater, Rhyno & Titus O’Neil def Rezar and The Ascension (w/Drake Maverick)
Bayley & Natalya def. Ruby Riott/Sara Logan (w/Liv Morgan) (TRIPLE sharpshooters applied by Bayley and Nattie)
Bobby Lashley (w/Lio Rush) pinned Dean Ambrose to defeat Ambrose, Finn Balor, and Drew McIntyre to retain the Intercontinental Championship.
Post-match shenanigans saw Lashley attack Balor, only for Finn to turn things around and hit the Cous de Gras to send the fans home happy.