By Jason Powell, ProWrestling.net Editor (@prowrestlingnet)
WWE Raw (Episode 1,558)
Live from Los Angeles, California at Crypto.com Arena
Aired April 3, 2023 on USA Network
[Hour One] Raw opened with a WrestleMania 39 video package. The first part of the video featured “Hollywood Swinging” by Kool & The Gang. They switched to a different song for footage of the main event… Kevin Patrick and Corey Graves were on commentary. Patrick said it was a historic and groundbreaking day for WWE…
Paul “Triple H” Levesque made his entrance dressed in a suit. Ring announcer Mike Rome introduced him as “WWE Hall of Famer Triple H.” A graphic listed him as the WWE Chief Content Officer. Levesque smiled once he was in the ring and welcomed viewers to Monday Night Raw.
Levesque said that if he wasn’t already on a high from the weekend, he was now because the reaction was unbelievable. “What a weekend it was, right?” He listed the two-night attendance figure and called said it was the ultimate spectacle and said it was an event 40 years in the making.
Levesque said he was there to say thank you. He thanked the performers for putting their bodies on the line every single week. Levesque thanked the staff and the crew for making nights like WrestleMania weekend and a sold out Raw in Crypto.com Arena possible. He had a cameraman named Stu wave.
Levesque said people behind the scenes make it all possible. He said that no matter how many times he saw photos or drawings or videos, it took his breath away when he arrived at the stadium and saw the set for the first time. Levesque thanked the fans for making it possible for them to do what they do. A “Triple H” chant broke out.
Levesque said that on a day when they dominate the news and are the water cooler talk, WWE made an announcement that everyone wants to talk about. “I am here to assure you that we ain’t going nowhere,” he said. Levesque fired up the crowd and said they would be there week in and week out, sold out arena after sold out arena, packed stadium after packed stadium.
“Because we are WWE and just like it says in the beginning, then, now, together, forever,” he added. Levesque asked the crowd to help him acknowledge one more person, which drew some boos. He introduced Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns.
Roman Reigns, Paul Heyman, and Solo Sikoa made their entrance. Levesque joined them on the stage where he shook hands with Reigns and hugged him, and then shook hands with Heyman and Sikoa before heading to the back. Heyman handed a title belt to Reigns, who looked into the camera and smiled as he held it up and then pyro shot off.
Once in the ring, Reigns held out his hand and then Heyman passed him the mic. A “Roman sucks” chant broke out. Roman held the mic up to his mouth and there were more boos. “I guess after last night’s performance we should probably do it like this tonight,” Reigns said. “Hollywood… acknowledge me.”
Cody Rhodes entrance theme played and he made his entrance dressed in a suit. Rhodes sold injured ribs at points during his entrance and then entered the ring. A “Cody” chant broke out. “I know what I want to talk about,” Rhodes started. “Today is turning out a lot different for me than I anticipated, than a lot of people anticipated. I thought I would be standing here Undisputed WWE Universal Champion.” Reigns smiled and shook his head no.
Rhodes said Reigns was the better competitor during the WrestleMania 39 main event. There were boos. Cody said Reigns has won a lot of matches where he skated by and he got the victory, but that wasn’t the case this time. “Last night, I had you,” said Rhodes.
Cody said what he wanted to talk about boiled down to one word. A “rematch” chant broke out briefly. “Rematch,” Cody said. Reigns looked at Rhodes in disbelief and then looked at Heyman, who asked if he could speak to Rhodes instead. Reigns passed Heyman the microphone.
“I was thinking on behalf of the Tribal Chief, when exactly would you like this hypothetical rematch?” Heyman asked. Cody smiled and then made a serious face before saying tonight. Heyman spoke to Reigns, who then glared at Cody. “No rematch,” said Heyman. “Not tonight, not in Puerto Rico, not at SummerSlam, not at Survivor Series, not at the Royal Rumble, not at Madison Square Garden…”
Heyman said that’s what you call calling the shots because you live on the Island of Relevancy. Cody asked if Heyman thought he was in a normal mood. Cody said he knows exactly how tough Reigns is. Cody said that they should at least do a tag team match. “Let’s do something now,” Cody said. Heyman whispered to Reigns.
Heyman said he had been authorized by the Tribal Chief that his challenge was accepted with two parameters. Heyman said that Cody’s partner had to be someone who wrestled over the weekend at WrestleMania. Heyman said that the person who agrees to team with Cody will never get another title match against Reigns as long as he is the champion. “So, uh, who you want to talk about now, Cody?” Heyman asked.
Brock Lesnar made his entrance dressed in non-wrestling gear. Lesnar was all smiles as he walked to the ring and broadcast team speculated that he was going to team with Cody to face Reigns and Sikoa. Graves said Lesnar lost the right to challenge Reigns again at SummerSlam. Lesnar entered the ring and shook hands with Cody and then put his arm around him. Reigns and Sikoa exited the ring and joined Heyman at ringside before heading to the back. Cody and Lesnar went to the stage and played to the fans…
Powell’s POV: I was wondering if Matt Riddle was going to be Cody’s partner because he also lost the right to challenge Reigns. For that matter, I also assumed that Lesnar flew home about thirty seconds after his WrestleMania match. Lesnar is a much better fit due to his star power and given his history with Reigns and Heyman. That was a strong segment and I like the approach of Cody asking for an immediate rematch and being told that he’ll never get one. I’m not sure when the rematch will happen, but they’re making the fans want to see it.
WrestleMania still shots were shown…
Omos and MVP made their entrance followed by Elias. Both wrestlers received flat reactions from the crowd…
1. Omos (w/MVP) vs. Elias. Omos bodyslammed Elias a couple of times. Omos eventually hit his finisher and scored the pin…
Omos beat Elias in 1:40.
Powell’s POV: A total squash win for Omos with Elias getting no offense.
Jimmy Uso and Jey Uso were shown walking backstage and they knocked on Roman Reigns’ door. Paul Heyman answered the door and called them the greatest team of all-time. Heyman said Reigns and Sikoa stepped out and were talking strategy. Heyman said Reigns wanted the Usos to enjoy fresh seafood on the jet and he would join them after they beat Cody and Lesnar. Once the Usos walked away, Heyman opened the door and said he took care of things…
Patrick listed the attendance as 17,243 and said there was a similar number for the WWE Hall of Fame. A video package recapped the HOF ceremony… A brief video showcased mainstream headlines regarding WrestleMania…
Cathy Kelley stood at ringside and introduced Backlash host Bad Bunny, who was seated in the front row. Bunny said he was excited to be the host of Backlash and was just enjoying Raw as a fan.
Rey Mysterio made his entrance and hugged Bad Bunny a couple of times. Rey entered the ring and a 619 chant broke out. Rey said it was an emotional week. He said he was inducted in the WWE Hall of Fame. A “you deserve it” chant broke out. Rey said he wouldn’t be there without the fans and thanked them. Rey thanked Bad Bunny.
U.S. Champion Austin Theory made his entrance with a mic in hand and spoke as he walked to the ring. Theory said they were the only two men who did what they said they were going to do. Theory said Rey beat the product of his own bad parenting, while he beat John Cena. A “you tapped out” chant broke out. Theory told the fans they tapped out for not believing in him.
Theory entered the ring and recalled Cena claiming the Raw After WrestleMania crowd was going to eat him alive. Theory asked the crowd where he was at. The crowd booed briefly. Theory got the fans to chant for Cena and said he wasn’t there because he’s part-time. Theory told Rey that he would beat his ass and add him to his collection. Rey said the only thing Theory would collect is his teeth after he hits him with a 619. A referee entered the ring…
Powell’s POV: Cena was wrong. The fans have to feel strongly about a wrestler to eat them alive on the Raw After WrestleMania. Theory gets some heat, but he feels like he’s back in pest heel mode after Cena tore him down verbally and then Theory beat him with a nut shot at WrestleMania.
2. U.S. Champion Austin Theory vs. Rey Mysterio. They cut to a picture-in-picture break just seconds after the match started. [C]
[Hour Two] Rey performed a springboard crossbody block for a two count. Theory came back with a big slam for a two count of his own. Rey rallied and went for a 619, but Theory cut him off with a clothesline that led to a two count. Theory rolled through the ropes for a move, but Rey took him down.
Rey ran the ropes for the 619, but Dominik Mysterio hopped onto the apron. Rey knocked Dom to the floor and went for the 619, but Theory blocked it and then hit his A-Town Down finisher for the win.
U.S. Champion Austin Theory beat Rey Mysterio in 9:20 in a non-title match.
After the match, Dom and Damian Priest entered the ring. Dom attacked his father and then pointed at Bad Bunny. Dom exited the ring and approached Bunny. They exchanged words in Spanish. Dom turned to leave. Bunny said something to Dom, who turned around and swung at Bunny, who blocked it and punched out Dom.
Priest pulled Bunny over the barricade. Bunny shoved Priest and then turned and punched Dom again. Priest put Bunny down with a clothesline. Priest cleared the broadcast table. Graves said it would cost Priest a lot of money and told him not to do it. Priest chokeslammed Bunny through the broadcast table. Dom returned to the ring and put the boots to his father…
Powell’s POV: A strong angle. Dom has mega heat, so I really like the call to have Priest put Bunny through the table. Meanwhile, Theory picked up his latest cheap win and didn’t get much out of it.
A sponsored “WrestleMania Highlight of the Night” video recapped Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn beating The Usos to win the tag titles… An ad for Smackdown focused on Reigns and new champions Owens, Zayn, and Rhea Ripley… [C]
More WrestleMania still shots aired… The broadcast team recapped the previous angle…
Backstage, Adam Pearce told Priest that Bad Bunny was there to support WWE. Pearce said Priest provoked Bunny. Priest said Bunny took a swing at Dom. Priest said that if Bunny wasn’t his friend and he didn’t like him, then Pearce would really have a reason to be angry…
Kevin Owens made his entrance and stood on the stage holding his tag title belts, and then Sami Zayn made his entrance with his belts. Once both men were in the ring, a “you deserve it” chant broke out. Owens said they do deserve it, but so do the fans. The fans cheered and sang Ole, Ole, Ole.
Zayn said it’s been a crazy year for him starting with last year’s WrestleMania with Johnny Knoxville all the way to main eventing this year’s WrestleMania in Los Angeles. Zayn said it was corny, but he had to say that none of it would have been possible had it not been for the fans. Zayn thanked the fans and held up his title belts.
Zayn said he knows LA likes to celebrate. Owens said that sounded pretty good. Owens said nothing said celebration like a good fight. He said that there’s something about being in Los Angeles and fighting and giving it your all that feels like the perfect celebration. Owens assumed there were people in the locker room who wanted to make names for themselves and said that if anyone wanted some, they were there. “Come celebrate with us,” Owens said.
“The Street Profits” Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins made their entrance. Ford had a red solo cup and toasted the new Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions. Dawkins said they were also coming off a win at WrestleMania. Dawkins asked them for a match. Ford hyped up the crowd for the match. The Profits still want the smoke… [C]
Powell’s POV: The crowd was hot for Owens and Zayn. They seemed to like the Profits, but they weren’t as fired up about the idea of the match as one might expect. Ford’s mic work can be a bit quirky at times and it probably didn’t help the cause. Meanwhile, I actually forgot about the Priest and Bunny friendship, so it makes even more sense that they put heat on Priest.
Patrick hyped Cody and Lesnar vs. Reigns and Sikoa as the main event… Patrick plugged the Bel-Air season premiere for The Cock and then members of the cast were shown in the crowd…
3. Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn vs. “The Street Profits” Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins in a non-title match. The crowd was on the quiet side as the match started. They cut to a PIP break early in the match. [C]
Zayn performed a flip dive onto Ford and Dawkins on the floor. Zayn rolled Ford back inside the ring. They fought on the ropes and then Zayn performed a sunset bomb for a two count. Ford came back with a leaping enzuigiri and then tagged out. Dawkins hoisted up Zayn on his shoulders. Ford tagged in and performed a Doomsday style Blockbuster and had the pin, but Owens broke up the pin.
Zayn came back with an exploder suplex on Ford in the corner. Owens tagged in and knocked Dawkins off the apron before hitting Ford with a cannonball in the corner. Owens followed up with a Swanton, but Dawkins returned to break up the pin. Zayn, Dawkins, and Owens ended up at ringside. Ford hit Owens and Zayn with a flip dive.
Ford threw Owens back inside the ring and went for a top rope move. Owens rolled out of the way and then Ford landed on his feet. Owens tagged in Zayn and then hit a Stunner on Ford, who remained on his feet. Zayn shoved Ford into the corner and then hit him with a Helluva Kick and pinned him…
Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn beat “The Street Profits” Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins in 12:55 in a non-title match.
Powell’s POV: A solid television match. The Profits take a step forward with a win at WrestleMania and then turn around and lose to the new champions. Here’s hoping it’s because there’s a plan for Ford and Dawkins to do something fresh either as a team or as singles wrestlers.
The broadcast team hyped the main event and then set up a video package that recapped Seth Rollins beating Logan Paul at WrestleMania…
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviewed Seth Rollins, who cackled and clapped before dancing in place. Rollins said he was feeling good after hitting the Stomp heard around the world and sent Paul and his buddy KSI back to the wasteland of social media.
Rollins said there was something about the night that was missing. Rollins said the party isn’t in the back, “it’s out there.” Rollins asked for his music to play and it did. Rollins made his entrance while the crowd chanted his music heading into a break… [C]
Rollins was in the ring with his arms open while the crowd continued to chant his theme. Rollins left the ring and walked up the ramp…
Backstage, Bobby Lashley was interviewed by Cathy Kelley, who asked how he was feeling after winning the Andre the Giant battle royal. Lashley said he had a lot of pent up frustration over standing in front of the WrestleMania crowd yet not competing.
Bronson Reed entered the picture and asked if he could call him Uncle Bobby. Reed said he’s the nephew because Lashley teaches him things. Reed said Lashley taught him how to lose when he won the battle royal. Reed said the pupil eventually schools the teacher. Lashley asked if he wanted to fight him. Reed said he couldn’t do it tonight, but he added that Lashley would eventually learn his lesson.
Mustafa Ali showed up as Reed made his exit. Ali spoke about how Lashley has been hearing a lot of no’s lately. Ali told him to think more positive and never take no for an answer. Lashley said he wanted to take someone to the ring and maul them and wouldn’t take no for an answer. Lashley grabbed Ali and ended up bringing him to the stage and tossing him down the ramp. A referee entered the ring…
4. Bobby Lashley vs. Mustafa Ali. Lashley turned Ali inside out with a clothesline. Lashley followed up with the Hurt Lock for the win… [C]
Bobby Lashley beat Mustafa Ali in 0:40.
Powell’s POV: The Dre trophy was at ringside. It’s almost as if someone knew that impromptu match was going to happen. Meanwhile, the Rollins segment may have been fun for the live crowd, but it was pretty uneventful for the television audience.
[Hour Three] Additional mainstream headlines regarding WrestleMania were shown…
Reigns, Heyman, and Sikoa were shown seated backstage. Reigns asked if his cousins were gone. Heyman said they went to the jet. Reigns asked Heyman if he knew Lesnar would be there. Heyman said it was the day after WrestleMania. He said that’s normally when Lesnar takes six to nine months off and leaves everybody else hanging.
Heyman said that’s the life Reigns rescued him from and that’s why he loves him. Reigns asked how it happened. Heyman said Lesnar could never challenge Reigns again, but he has nothing to lose. Reigns said one of his greatest accolades of all-time is smashing Lesnar, so he would do it again. Reigns said he would smash Cody after that. Reigns said when he was done, he would tag in Sikoa, who could show Cody who is ready…
Raw Women’s Champion Bianca Belair made her entrance while Patrick noted that she was in the midst of a 366-day title reign. Belair celebrated her win and then thanked Asuka for pushing her to be the toughest that she could be. Belair said she could proudly say that “we did it.” She boasted of a “three-peat” at WrestleMania.
Smackdown Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley made her entrance with a mic in hand. Ripley said Belair calls herself the EST, but she’s really just the luckiest woman in WWE because Ripley challenged Flair instead of her. Once in the ring, Ripley promised that they would get back to it and she would beat Belair just like she beat Flair at WrestleMania.
Belair took issue with Ripley claiming she’s the luckiest. Belair said Ripley made her choice for a reason. Belair said she’s all about getting in the ring with the best and one day when Ripley is ready, they will really see who is the best of the best. Ripley said something off-mic and then started to make her exit.
Liv Morgan’s entrance music played and she came out with Raquel Rodriguez, who stopped and looked at Ripley before heading to the ring. The broadcast team said Morgan and Rodriguez would face Iyo Sky and Dakota Kai for a shot the WWE Women’s Tag Team Titles… [C]
Powell’s POV: I was hoping they were going to set up a unification match to unify the women’s titles, but no such luck. Rather, I suspect that was long term foreshadowing of Belair vs. Ripley for next year’s WrestleMania.
More WrestleMania still shots were shown… Cody Rhodes walked through the backstage dressed in his Homelander jacket and flashed a smile…
5. Dakota Kai and Iyo Sky vs. Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez for a shot at the WWE Women’s Tag Team Titles. Morgan hit an early backstabber on Kai, who tagged in Sky. Morgan sent both opponents to the floor and then tagged in Rodriguez, who picked up Morgan in powerbomb position and tossed her onto Kai and Sky on the floor heading into a PIP break. [C]
Rodriguez took a hot tag coming out of the break and worked over Kai with clotheslines and a fallaway slam. Rodriguez went for her corkscrew elbow drop, but Kai avoided it. Sky tagged in and the heels went for a double team move, but Rodriguez fought them off and threw Kai at Sky. Moments later, Rodriguez hoisted up Kai and had Morgan tag in before she performed her finisher. Morgan followed up with Oblivion on Kai and then pinned her.
Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez beat Dakota Kai and Iyo Sky in 7:00 to earn a shot at the WWE Women’s Tag Team Titles.
Graves said Morgan and Rodriguez will challenge Becky Lynch and Lita for the tag team titles on next week’s Raw…
The Miz was shown walking backstage. He passed Otis sitting in a barber’s chair while a man styled his hair as Chad Gable and Maxxine Dupri bickered… An ad aired for WWE Backlash on May 6 in San Juan, Puerto Rico… [C]
A graphic touted the success of WrestleMania related videos on social media…
The Miz stood in the ring for a Miz TV segment. Miz complained about Snoop Dogg forcing him into situations where he had to face Pat McAfee and George Kittle, Shane McMahon, and even Snoop himself. Miz said there would be no more surprises.
Matt Riddle made his entrance on his scooter. Graves said it had been nearly a year since they’d seen Riddle. A loud “Bro” chant broke out once Riddle was inside the ring. “Surprise, did you miss me,” Riddle said. Miz attacked Riddle from behind and put the boots to him. Riddle recovered and hit Miz with a ripcord knee and followed up with Bro Derek…
Graves hyped the main event as coming up next… [C]
Powell’s POV: It’s good to see Riddle again and hopefully this means he got the help he needed and is in a better place.
Graves recapped footage of the Bad Bunny angle. Graves said Bad Bunny was taken to a nearby medical facility. He said they were hearing varying reports, including that Bunny may have suffered a separated shoulder. Graves apologized to Bunny’s fans and said it was unacceptable and assumed that Priest would have to pay for his actions…
Becky Lynch, Trish Stratus, and Lita were interviewed by Byron Saxton on the backstage ring set. Trish and Lita were happy about their win over Damage CTRL. Lynch said she felt like her life had been on repeat after fighting Damage CTRL for the last nine months. Lynch said they could get back to their goal of raising the prestige of the titles now that they’re done with Damage CTRL. Lynch and Lita left. Trish stuck around. Saxton offered Trish a fist bump, but she told him that she was good and then left the interview set…
The broadcast team listed the following matches for next week: Becky Lynch and Lita vs. Raquel Rodriguez and Liv Morgan for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Titles, and Matt Riddle vs. The Miz…
Roman Reigns, Solo Sikoa, and Paul Heyman made their entrance for the main event heading into a PIP break… [C] Cody Rhodes made his entrance while Patrick touted the match as being the biggest tag team match in Raw history. Brock Lesnar made his entrance. Cody has his ribs wrapped, while Reigns had athletic tape on his back.
Mike Rome delivered introductions from the floor once the wrestlers were inside the ring. Suddenly, Lesnar grabbed Cody and put him down with an F5. The fans booed. Reigns, Sikoa, and Heyman left the ring while the broadcast team indicated that Reigns seemed just as surprised as anyone.
Lesnar gave Cody a second F5. Lesnar picked up Rhodes and gave him a German suplex. Lesnar dumped Cody to ringside, picked him up, and drove him back first into the barricade. Lesnar picked up Rhodes and suplexed him into the timekeepers area.
Lesnar grabbed the timekeepers’ hammer and rang the bell. Lesnar picked up a chair and hit Cody with it. Lesnar grabbed the top piece of the ring steps and hit Cody with it. Lesnar threw the steps inside the ring. Lesnar picked up Cody and gave him an F5 through the broadcast table.
Adam Pearce, producers, and referees came out and tried to talk Lesnar down. Lesnar blew him off and threw Cody back inside the ring. The producers reached in the ring to pull Cody to ringside, but Lesnar darted at them and they backed up. Lesnar picked up Cody and gave him an F5 on the ring steps he threw into the ring earlier. Lesnar held up his arms and played to the booing crowd, then climbed onto the top half of the ring steps and stood over Cody.
Lesnar exited the ring. Pearce and others checked on Rhodes. Lesnar looked back and then a “one more time” chant broke out with some fans. Lesnar darted back to ringside and grabbed a chair and brought it into the ring with him. Lesnar slammed the chair over Cody’s back and then hit his own head with it. Lesnar jabbed the chair into Cody’s throat and yelled at him, but he was censored. Lesnar left the ring and headed to the back while EMT’s showed up to tend to Cody. Lesnar walked back onto the stage, removed his gloves, and held up both middle fingers to close the show…
Powell’s POV: When Lesnar was censored, I believe he told Cody that he was pissed at him for leaving AEW because he was a huge f’n fan of “Rhodes to the Top.” No?
That was a hell of an angle. I really thought they were going through with the tag team match, so it legitimately surprised me when Lesnar attacked Cody. I really like the move because it gives Cody a huge mountain to climb since they clearly don’t intend to go to a rematch with Reigns at this time. Lesnar was vicious and Cody took a major beating a night after his battle with Reigns, which made him come off all the more sympathetic.
Overall, the show billed as the biggest Raw of the year failed to live up to the hype. The show closing angle was great, the Bad Bunny angle was well done, and Riddle returned. The rest of the show felt like business as usual with no surprise debuts or NXT call-ups. I will have a lot more to say about the show in my same night audio review for Dot Net Members (including our Patreon patrons). Let me know what you thought of the show by grading it below.
Thanks to everyone who made ProWrestling.net their home for WrestleMania weekend coverage.
Welp, that’s a hell of a tag match to set up.
Brock was definitely not the first person I was expecting, a nice surprise! Also I dig Elias’ entrance music
When is the “Lesnar doesn’t like wrestling” narrative going to end? Every report about him leaving, storming out, etc. has been proven false. Multiple wrestlers have said he sits in gorilla and gives encouragement and critiques to the other wrestlers. There’s years of evidence that he loves being part of things and has no intentions of leaving anytime soon.
Was this in reference to me assuming that Brock flew home right after his Mania match? It wasn’t a shot. I wrote that because it’s because it’s not uncommon for him to make a TV appearance and go straight to the airport once his segment ends. He has clout to do that because he’s earned it.
Yeah,
They got me there because Lesnar going first last night had me thinking he was out of there after that,but something tells me tonight could be his last night for a bit.
Glad Priest got some heat. He’s the only member of Judgement Day who either hasn’t broken out or hasn’t had an angle.
Having to watch WrestleMania on the day after BLOWS! Big time! And that’s only night 2, I’m yet to watch night 1 thanks to a stupid power out from thursday and lasted till after the show. Four freaking days without power! And night 1 looked liked the better of the two. Although, that triple threat did steal the show. So anyway, I know how a lot of people have been saying that Cody doesn’t feel as if he’s earned the right be champ just yet, but I’ve been thinking that after coming up short last night, maybe the right place for Cody to write the final chapter in this story should be same place he opened a lot eyes (as much as I tried to look away I just couldn’t) as he showed just how much heart he has and worked in the condition he was in, a long, gruelling match might I add. Maybe this needs to end inside Hell In A Cell. It should even take care of the USO and Solo problem (and Heyman). Although, after the Edge and demon Finn match that just took place recently, this match might not happen at Backlash. Perhaps the PPV or PLE, whatever, that comes after or maybe even the titular PPV or PLE, whatever.
I know Rollins is going for a take on the most recent Joker with his gimmick, but it feels more like someone trying to do a Randy Savage impression who read a book about him once and never saw him perform.
Something needs to happen in this Belair segment because this Raw has been pretty tame so far for it being after Mania..
It was kinda sad not having any doubt about the women’s tag match outcome. Just sad because Damage ctrl seems like they have been zero threat since they formed.
Is Bayley gone?
Damage Ctrl being booked like absolute shit makes no sense given that HHH booked them all pretty well in NXT.
Booking well in NXT means nothing. It’s a very small crowd (I think capacity is less than 200) that is essentially just a hardcore indie wrestling crowd. Has no correlation to the 90% of wrestling fans who still want larger than life people with larger than life personalities.
Didn’t see that ending coming at all.
I guess we’re getting Brock vs Cody for Backlash or SummerSlam? Not sure where that puts Roman for the time being.
They sold out arenas for their PPVs
I guess they wanted to keep the streak of Lesnar and Reigns not wrestling on Raw.We should’ve seen that coming actually.
They “sold out” arenas as a package deal with the big WWE shows. Nobody was paying just for NXT.
Maybe I’ve been spoiled but this years NOM Raw blew chunks.
It’s just more trash where going to continue to not have an actual world champion because they just keep it off the board for months at a time so that they can claim that he’s the longest ever.
I told a friend of mine legitimately. I think Reigns championship run is worse than Jinders
Why are wrestling fans so stupid?
Ratings are up, live attendance is up, records are being set just about every major PPV, and somehow Reigns has had a bad run on top?
Does anyone remember the entire fucking point of pro wrestling? It’s to have characters people care about in stories that keep their interest to draw as many eyeballs to the product as possible for as long as possible. The last 3 years of Reigns has been the first positive momentum for WWE in decades.
His run with the belts, and honestly this show, was more about doing what works instead of relying on cheap pops to pacify the WM crowd. They’re booking for the much larger audience instead of just the hardcore fans, and it keeps paying off.
Raw was boring for the most part, but I loved Brock’s heel turn and Reigns title run has been the best thing about the WWE in the past 3 years. Putting the title on Cody would’ve been a huge mistake. Too bad Cena fumbled on never turning heel over merchandise sales because he could’ve been the original Roman Reigns.
To echo the other guy about NXT he was right, they sellout their PPVs, like Vengeance Day back in February was not apart of a package plan. AEW is just slightly bigger than NXT and they sellout their PPVs too. You don’t have to be that big of a promotion to sellout an arena. NXT is booked well and people are drawn to it.
For whatever reason, Damage CTRL has been booked as an absolute failure on the main roster. It makes me nervous about the girls who come up from NXT in the future if they’ll still get the same proper booking on the main roster. Rhea is literally the only woman booked well.
A shit follow up to a shit Night 2 of Wrestlemania.
OK, WWE Marks….defend that steaming pile of crap. No debuts, no surprises, no call-ups, and Vince supposedly backstage causing chaos and changes.
You could see Lesnar turning on Cody a mile away. Called it as soon as Lesnar grabbed Cody’s arm and even hugged in the first segment. That’s not how Lesnar acts.
Now Lesnar will disappear, Cody won’t be focus on Reigns, and both Lesnar and Reigns will sit at home until Summerslam.
What garbage!
The Cody bandwagon fans who complain about part-timers are hilarious. I’m glad Cody won so they that can stay mad and upset at the WWE. A lot of them snapping on people and raging out the past couple of days is hilarious too. These dudes taking a scripted TV show, so seriously. LOL! If you don’t want to watch then stop watching it. Stop telling us you’re going to stop watching and go do it like I did for a few years after I got tired of Cena. The problem is a lot of them are addicted to pro wrestling and can’t stop.
*Cody lost