While the latest episode of "Monday Night Raw" concluded with The Undertaker chokeslamming Roman Reigns, the rest of the show featured several title matches set in motion for WWE's "Wrestlemania 33."
Among the superstars who will be defending titles on the "grandest stage of them all" appear to be United States Champion Chris Jericho, Wwe Raw Women's Champion Bayley, WWE Tag Team Champions Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson, as well as the WWE Cruiserweight Champion Neville. Here's a look at what transpired on "Raw" to set up some big matches for "Mania."
US Championship and Tag titles
During the first part of "Raw," Chris Jericho made his return to the ring and called out his former friend Kevin Owens.
During their discussion from a distance, Owens admitted he was only pretending to be Jericho's friend and using him to help keep his championship.
Jericho suggested that he and Owens should settle their business at "WrestleMania 33." Owens agreed but added that Jericho needs to put the US Championship on the line. Y2J quickly agreed and the match was set.
The #USTitle WILL be on the line in 27 NIGHTS as @IAmJericho defends against @FightOwensFight at #WrestleMania! #RAW pic.twitter.com/QTk8M1nGl8
— WWE (@WWE) March 7, 2017
Also during the first half of the show, there was more jawing between the teams of Cesaro and Sheamus and Enzo with Big Cass. The latter of these teams got another shot at the current champs Gallows and Anderson.
Unfortunately, Enzo got knocked into Cesaro outside the ring which caused Cesaro to interfere in the title match. That all led to Mick Foley ordering these two teams to meet on next week's "Raw." The winners go on to a "WrestleMania 33" match against the champions. Could a Triple Threat match be coming?
Cruiserweight and Women's title picture
Neville also put the WWE Cruiserweight title on the line against former champion Rich Swann. While the challenger put up a good effort, he ultimately fell short and Neville was able to lock on a submission hold for the win. Moments later, Austin Aries interviewed Neville in the ring. After listening to Neville berate him a bit too much, Aries decided to make a statement by punching the champion down and then coming off the ropes to hit him again.
Neville announced later he'd have an announcement on "205 Live" which is probably a challenge for the title.
It'll be @ItsBayleyWWE vs. @MsCharlotteWWE vs. @SashaBanksWWE for the #RAW Women's Title in 27 DAYS at @WrestleMania! pic.twitter.com/NvgZHOZYTC
— WWE (@WWE) March 7, 2017
In the women's picture, things also heated up as both Sasha Banks and Charlotte Flair claimed they should have a shot at the championship. Mick Foley and Stephanie argued over it but eventually agreed to let Sasha challenge Bayley in a match.
If Sasha won, which she did by submission, then it would be a Triple Threat at "WrestleMania 33" involving her, Charlotte and the WWE Raw Women's champ. For some reason, Nia Jax didn't show up to claim she deserved a shot too, especially after pinning the champ several times.
That could be something to watch for in the coming weeks on "Raw."
The new Universal Champion Goldberg also appeared during "Raw" to show off his new championship belt. He was promptly interrupted by Paul Heyman who claimed his client Brock Lesnar wanted to shake his hand.
After a face-to-face meeting in the ring and some comments that irked Goldberg, Lesnar delivered a quick F5 to lay out Goldberg on the mat. These two will clash for the championship at "WrestleMania" which comes in early April and has fans wondering "what's next" after Goldberg and Lesnar's third fight.