Welcome to the Opening Bell, where we round up what’s been announced for WWE (Raw and SmackDown) and AEW (Dynamite and Rampage) programming for the week we’ve just begun.
WWE Raw preview – Monday, Feb. 27, Van Andel Arena, Grand Rapids, Mich.
WWE has blessed us with a lot more insight into what to expect this Monday than some weeks, when it’s like three hours before the show and there’s been one match and one other segment promoted. For Grand Rapids, there’s much more starting with a tag team title match pitting Becky Lynch and Lita against Damage CTRL. Lita with WWE gold in the Year of Our Lord 2023 would be pretty wild, but we’re close enough that it feels quite possible.
Speaking of things no one saw coming, Omos‘ challenge to Brock Lesnar falls into that same category. The Nigerian Giant is awaiting a response, so we’ll see if the Beast Incarnate shows up to give him one this week.
Who’s ready for Asuka? Carmella claims she is, but that might not actually be the case since the Empress of Tomorrow is acting spookier and more unpredictable than ever. We’ll see what’s what when they compete on Raw.
Also on tap for Grand Rapids:
- The Miz will host a WrestleMania edition of Miz TV and perhaps discuss his own plans for the Showcase of the Immortals
- Candice LeRae will attempt to not become the latest victim of Piper Niven
AEW Dynamite preview – Wednesday, March 1, Cow Palace, San Francisco
Though there are no actual cows at the Cow Palace, it’s certainly a historic venue and a fitting one for the final Dynamite before Revolution. As such, it’s a loaded show that will answer who will be the Face of the Revolution with the ladder match of the same name. A bunch of big and intriguing names are in it, with Samoa Joe on commentary, so it should be fun.
Another bout that could be high on entertainment value is the Casino Tag Team Battle Royale. This one will have a direct effect on the Revolution card, as the winning team will be entered into the four-way dance for the AEW World Tag Team Championship.
And if you want a final dose of dueling microphones before the PPV, you’ll get it for the biggest match on the card as MJF and Bryan Danielson will get their final say. The champ, as he is wont to do, took things too far last week, which led to punches being thrown. We’d be shocked if there wasn’t a high chance of that happening again this Wednesday.
Here’s what else AEW is promoting for Dynamite:
- Toni Storm will take on Riho in a battle of former women’s champs
- Orange Cassidy will put his All-Atlantic Championship on the line again, this time against Big Bill
- Hook will be in action, defending the FTW Championship against Matt Hardy
WWE SmackDown preview – Friday, March 3, Capital One Arena, Washington D.C.
The nation’s capital plays host to SmackDown this week, and the big news is that Roman Reigns is scheduled to appear. The Tribal Chief has been sitting in the background watching drama continue to swirl around the Bloodline even after he defeated Sami Zayn at Elimination Chamber. What will the champ have to say?
A pair of women’s matches have also been announced for the show. Rhea Ripley, who is pursuing the SmackDown title at WrestleMania, will battle Liv Morgan in a match that Charlotte Flair will no doubt be watching closely. Plus Ronda Rousey, who didn’t appear to know who Tegan Nox was last week, will tag with BFF Shayna Baszler to face Nox and Natalya.
AEW Rampage preview – Friday, March 1, Cow Palace, San Francisco
Two nights before Revolution, AEW Rampage is live from the Cow Palace. Live editions of the show are always that little bit better than the recorded ones, and this should be no different.
No matches have been announced yet, but that could change even prior to Dynamite this week, so keep an eye on AEW’s social media accounts for some hints on what will be offered up this Friday.