Welcome to the WWE Raw Review for April 9, 2018. For both this and Smackdown, I will go over what the big talking points were, pick the match of the night, and look ahead to the next show.
That’s Going to be Sore Tomorrow
Stephanie McMahon held her arm as she welcomed the wildest crowd of the year to Raw. Stephanie was pure heel, talking about how she challenged Rhonda Rousey so she will be the best in the WWE. Stephanie then called Rousey to the ring and it seemed like all would be forgiven as they shook hands and hugged. One of Rousey’s biggest strengths is her facial expression. One minute she was smiling, then her face went into attack mode. She threw Stephanie to the ground, removed her cast, and proceeded to apply the arm bar. Rousey will be fantastic and now she needs her own story.
Her House
After Mandy Rose beat Sasha Banks, Paige took the microphone as Rose and Sonya Deville came out of the ring. Paige talked about her neck injury and how she has made the choice to retire from wrestling. She thanked the entire women’s division, Daniel Bryan, and Edge. As the crowd thanked her and chanted “This is Your House” Paige got chocked up but thanked every member of the WWE Universe. If you have the network, honor this true trail blazer by re watching some of her classic matches. It will be hard, there is a lot to choose from.
One Spot
Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn appeared on Raw, asking for a job from Kurt Angle. After saying he did not need a tag team (and then saying the line of the night “I hear TNA is hiring”) Angle said he had one spot, but Owens and Zayn would have to fight to see who got it. Any trace of friendship left as the two best friends tore into each other It looked as if Owens had the job, but he was taken down by Zayn and both men could not answer the ten count. This meant neither men got the job. This story is interesting, but WWE can not have both men looking for a job week after week. Something has to give.
Match of the Night
Seth Rollins, Finn Balor and Jeff Hardy vs. The Miz and The Mizterouge (Rollins, Balor and Hardy win by pinfall)
Jeff Hardy is back, and he teamed with Finn Balor and the new Intercontinental Champion Seth Rollins against the Miz and the Mizterouge. This was a surprising fast match, as most of the performers need to recharge after Wrestlemania. Seth Rollins was the star here, feeding off the energy and flying in and out of the ring. Balor and Hardy look great as well, and a match between these two could be remarkable. The Miz also said that he was evoking his rematch clause at Backlash. Rollins better be careful, as The Miz always has something up his sleeve
Ember Moon came up, teaming with the Raw Women’s Champion Nia Jax to defeat Alexia Bliss and Mickie James. No Way Jose brings the party to Raw. Braun Strowman and Nicolas gave up the Tag Team Titles (stupid 4th grade conflict!) The Authors of Pain destroyed Rhyno and Heath Slater, but may have cut ties with Paul Ellering. Bobby Lashley did not want to walk with Elias. Roman Reigns meets Brock Lesnar again, but Samoa Joe does not think he has what it takes. The Revel meets Matt Hardy and Bray Wyatt next week, with the winners meeting The Bar a tGreatest Royal Rumble for the Tag Team Belts.
