Welcome to the WWE Raw Review for April 23, 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.
The Final Speech?
Paul Heyman and Brock Lesnar came to the ring, accompanied by a lot more boos than usual. Heyamn took the microphone and tried his best to make more people turn against his Champion. By bragging about destroying Roman Reigns at Wrestlemania while talking about how much much money he and Lesnar were getting now, there were certainly a lot less Lesnar fans when he was done. Reigns came to the ring, but no punches were thrown. Instead, Reigns looked cool and collected as he promised to bring the Title home with him after the Greatest Royal Rumble. This is what this feud needed, no one broken or bleeding, but two men who value the title more than life itself.
The Sami and Kevin Show
Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens got their own talk show. The chemistry between the two is undeniable. Zayn and Owens are those kids in school everyone knew, who mocked everyone and thought they were so cool doing so. Their first guest was Kurt Angle, who they made sit on a lawn chair. They brought up how Stephanie had overruled him and asked about Jason Jordan. Angle shot back, reminding them that at The Greatest Royal Rumble, they would be in the same ring with him, Daniel Bryan, Chris Jericho and a lot of others who that had angered. Angle also said that they had a match tonight, but it was more of an execution.
Execution
Owens and Zayn faced Bobby Lashley and Braun Strowman, or at least they tried. Lashley was in trouble for most of the match, but when Strowman got tagged in, an announcement should have been made “Ladies and gentlemen, the match is over. Next is pure destruction.” Strowman got the crowd into a frenzy, shoulder tackling Owens two times, hitting a dropkick on him and clotheslining Zayn so hard I felt it at home. Lashley did his part as well, hitting the one arm suplex which is always impressive. If Strowman ever wants to get back into the hunt for the Tag Team Titles, Lashley would make a fine partner.
Match of the Night
Sasha Banks, Bailey, Ember Moon, Nia Jax and Natalya vs. Alexia Bliss, Mickie James and the Riott Squad (Bliss, James and the Riott Squad win by DQ)
If it’s good enough for the men last week, it is certainly good enough for the ladies. The 10 woman tag match might have been better than last week’s main event. There were some more personal stakes. Ember Moon is a revelation. Just the way she stares on the ring apron, like a hungry tiger, begging to be let out. Jia Jax also had the moment of the night, jumping from the ring apron to take almost the entire roster out. Natalya looked as if she had hurt her leg, but a Mickie James cheap shot brought out Ronda Rousey. Her take downs are brutal. This is the way to use Rousey, no overexposure, just an appearance here and there.
Conclusion
Chad Gable beat Jinder Mahl, and it looks like Gable will now be a baby face. Matt Hardy and Bray Wyatt defeated the Ascension. Baron Corbin attacked No Way Jose. Seth Rollin and Finn Balor defeated the Mizterouge, after the later tried to join up with both. Dolph Ziggler and Drew McIntyre destroyed Titus Worldwide.
