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13 Takeaways From WWE RAW (4/9)

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Written by

Robert Lentini

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The first episode of RAW after WrestleMania 34 aired live from the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans on April 9th. Here are 13 takeaways from tonight’s wild episode of RAW:

Ronda Got Stephanie In The Arm Bar Again

RAW Commissioner Stephanie McMahon kicked off RAW and limped her way down the entrance ramp to a chorus of boos. Stephanie tapped out to Ronda Rousey last night in the tag match also featuring Triple H and Kurt Angle. The crowd chanted “you tapped out!” as Stephanie grabbed a microphone and stood in the ring.

Stephanie scolded the crowd for not having any sympathy for her and the crowd chanted “you tapped out!” once again. McMahon boasted about her own performance last night and claimed that she knew that she could bring out the best in Ronda Rousey if she challenged her. Stephanie McMahon then called Ronda Rousey down to the ring and the crowd gave her a great reaction.

Rousey joined Stephanie in the ring and Stephanie claimed that the better woman won. The crowd chanted “Ronda Rousey!” as Ronda smiled in the ring. Stephanie said that Ronda was a role model for young girls and for people everywhere. She added that she got defeated by the best in the world and she certainly isn’t upset up about that. Stephanie claimed that with her talent and Steph’s spotlight, there are no limits to what they can do together. Stephanie continued to try to convince Rousey to join her and the crowd chanted “bullsh*t!”.

Stephanie said that Ronda was smarter than all these fans because she is a business person and they just understand. The crowd then chanted “shut the fu** up!” as Stephanie asked the crowd to give it up her friend, Ronda Rousey. Steph went in for a handshake, Ronda shook her hand and gave her a hug. Rousey then locked in the Arm Bar once again as Stephanie McMahon screamed in pain. Rousey took off her arm brace and bent her arm back as the crowd erupted. The referees ran to the ring as the crowd cheered Rousey as she posed in the ring.

WWE’s medical staff attended to Stephanie as the crowd chanted “you deserve it!”. The crowd transitioned into “na-na-na-hey-hey-goodbye” as Steph cried as she made her way up the ramp. The ring announcer asked for a little respect for Stephanie McMahon and the entire crowd. Corey Graves, Coach and Cole then gave the obligatory “the crowd after WrestleMania is a strange crowd. They boo who they would normally cheer” and all that crap.

Opinion: Ronda Rousey is over with the crowd and that is awesome. I’m looking forward to seeing what comes next for Rousey in the women’s division. My favorite moment of the RAW after WrestleMania happened right away. I absolutely love when the announcers give that silly warning that this crowd is bizarre and likes to boo Superstars that they would normally cheer. Tonight’s crowd was comprised of the most die-hard wrestling fans in the world. They always add a ton to the show make their voices heard.

 

Ember Moon Made Her WWE RAW Debut

Ember Moon (photo credit: WWE.com)

New RAW Women’s Champion Nia Jax came down to the ring to loud chants of “you deserve it!”. Alexa Bliss and Mickie James came down to the entrance ramp and Alexa said that there was no bigger bully in WWE than Ronda Rousey, unless of course you are talking about Nia Jax. Bliss said Nia was the bully here and that Jax just loves to throw her weight around, which is clearly a lot of weight. The crowd chanted “a**hole!” at Alexa Bliss.

Alexa claimed that she was distraught after Nia Jax beatdown Mickie James last night and that is why she lost the RAW Women’s Championship. She claimed that she was competing under emotional distress and that everyone knows that Nia is cold as ice. Nia told Alexa to shut up and the crowd erupted.

Jax said Alexa was right and that she enjoyed beating up Alexa and Mickie last night. Nia raised the title and said that she has a partner for the match tonight and the crowd chant “who?”. Nia Jax stated that she did have a partner and Ember Moon came down to the ring to an awesome reaction.

Ember Moon and Nia Jax picked up the quick victory after Moon hit the Eclipse on Alexa Bliss.

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Opinion: Ember Moon is an incredible athlete and I’m looking forward to seeing her on the main roster. This means that the NXT women’s division belongs to Shayna Baszler now and someone is going to have to step up to take the title from her.

Braun Strowman & Nicholas Reliquished The RAW Tag Team Championships

Last night at WrestleMania 34, Braun Strowman went through the crowd to find a tag partner. He stumbled upon a 10-year-old boy named Nicholas and made him his tag partner. Strowman then defeated Sheamus & Cesaro on his own to win the RAW Tag Team Championships.

Tonight on RAW, Strowman and Nicholas interrupted RAW GM Kurt Angle backstage. Strowman informed Angle that they were going to have to relinquish the titles due to a scheduling conflict. Braun said that Nicholas was still in the 4th grade, but once he was done with school, they were coming back for the titles. Nicholas added that somebody is going to “get these hands” before they handed the belts to Kurt Angle.

Angle then announced a four team Tag Team Eliminator. The winners will face Sheamus & Cesaro for the vacant RAW Tag Team Championships at the WWE Greatest Royal Rumble event.

No Way Jose Made His WWE RAW Debut

No Way Jose made his main roster debut tonight on RAW. Jose brought his conga line down to the ring and danced around to a great reaction from the crowd.

Jose faced a local talent and dismantled him quickly with a Knockout Punch for the victory. No Way then danced his way back up the entrance ramp as the crowd cheered him on.

The Revival Advanced In The Tag Team Eliminator Tournament

The Revival faced Gallows & Anderson tonight in the Tag Team Eliminator tournament. Gallows started out the match in control and beatdown Wilder & Dawson. Sheamus and Cesaro were shown backstage watching the match.

Dawson and Wilder isolated Gallows and the corner and took control of the match. Dash focused his attack on Gallows’ leg and then tagged in Dawson.

Dawson prevented Gallows from tagging out and continued to take him apart. Anderson finally tagged in and beatdown Dawson. Anderson connected with a Neckbreaker off the second rope and then jumped on Wilder outside the ring. Anderson hit a Crossbody to Dawson and followed it up with a Spinebuster for a two count.

Outside the ring, Wilder through Gallows over the barricade. Wilder tagged in and Anderson didn’t notice. The Revival then planted Anderson with the Shatter Machine. The Revival will face the winners of the other Tag Team Eliminator Tournament tonight next week on RAW.

Opinion: The Revival have been completely dismantled by injuries since joining the main roster. I hope that things turn out better for them now that WWE is essentially starting a new season. They are an excellent team and it would make RAW’s tag division so much better if they got to showcase their talent on a weekly basis.

Jeff Hardy Returned To RAW

Jeff Hardy (Photo credit: WWE.com)

New Intercontinental Champion Seth Rollins came down to the ring to “you deserve it!” chants from the crowd. Seth noted that there have been a lot of ups and downs over the past couple of years and said that was the loudest “burn it down!” he has ever heard. The entire crowd started to chant “burn it down!” once again.

Rollins raised the IC Title and shouted “Seth Freakin’ Rollins is back baby!” and the crowd chanted “yes!”. Seth said “Grand Slam Rollins” kind of has a nice ring to it and the crowd chanted “Grand Slam Rollins!”. Seth added that it was pretty cool that every member of The Shield is now a Grand Slam Champion and that is pretty cool.

Finn Balor interrupted and said that he was sorry to break up the celebration, but there has something he has to get off his chest. Balor joined Rollins in the ring and told him congratulations and that he deserved it.

Balor noted that last night there was a winner and loser last night in the Triple Threat match. Finn said that he wasn’t pinned and it left him wanting more. Balor stated that he wanted to be the first man to step up and challenge Rollins for the Intercontinental Championship.

Finn extended his hand for a handshake and Rollins obliged. The Miz and The Miztourage joined the party and The Miz had a pissed off look on his face. The Miz marched down to the ring and claimed that Rollins doesn’t deserve it and then got into the ring. The crowd chanted “a**hole” at Miz.

The Miz claimed that he deserves it because he made that title and the crowd cheered. Miz stated that he walked down the ramp last night by himself because he knew that he would never hear the end of it if they helped him. The Miz said that wanted to excuses and once again claimed that he was a changed man. The crowd chanted “he’s got kids” and The Miz stated that he became a father to his beautiful daughter, Monroe Sky.

Miz added that his daughter watched his saw match and that Monroe cried when she saw the pain in her father’s eyes. Miz accused Seth of making his little princess cry, which then caused Maryse to cry. The Miz then admitted that he cried when he heard that happened and the crowd cheered.

Rollins patted The Miz on the shoulder and told him that was big of him to admit that he cried, because that is what everyone does when they watch him wrestle. The Miz stated that he is owed a rematch for the Intercontinental Championship. Seth asked if The Miz wanted to have the match right now and the crowd chanted “yes!”.

The Miz said that he is in a custom suit and will invoke his rematch clause at WWE Backlash. The Miz told the crowd to shut up and then proposed a Handicap Match tonight. The Miz claimed that he and The Miztourage can take on Rollins & Balor.

Jeff Hardy’s music hit and Jeff made his way down to the ring and stood beside Balor and Rollins. The Miz, Bo Dallas and Curtis Axel retreated and left the ring as the crowd booed. The 6-man tag match was then announced for later tonight.

Paige Retired From In-Ring Competition

Photo Credit: WWE.com

Sasha Banks faced Mandy Rose tonight on RAW. Bayley was ringside for the match and the crowd sang to her throughout the match. Paige and Sonya Deville were also ringside for the match. Rose took control of the match and slammed Banks into the turnbuckle as RAW went to a commercial break.

When RAW returned, Sasha Banks was in control and knocked out of the ring. Mandy shoved Sasha to the floor and then pushed Bayley. Bayley took a swing at Rose, but Mandy ducked and Bayley punched Banks in the face. Banks threw Rose back into the ring and then argued with Bayley on the ring apron. The distraction wound up costing her and Rose connected with a knee to Sasha’s face for the pinfall victory.

After the match, Paige grabbed the microphone and stated that it really hurt to watch WrestleMania from the sidelines. Paige then stated that she cannot compete due to neck injuries in the ring anymore. Paige thanked the female Superstars and said that they have all built something special here in WWE.

Paige then thanked her family and Daniel Bryan. She added that Daniel Bryan returned from a career ending injury and that gave her hope. Paige said that she also spoke to Edge backstage and that he inspired her because he has a family and an acting career. She said that it pained her to say this, but now she has to go and find something else to do.

Paige thanked the WWE for giving her the opportunity to do this and letting her entertain the audience for the past four years. Paige noted that she made her debut in New Orleans four years ago and won the Divas Championship and four years later is where she wants to retire.

The crowd chanted “thank you Paige!” as she broke down in the ring. The crowd then chanted “this is your house!” and Paige nodded her head and thanked them. Paige once again thanked the crowd and said that this will always be her house before exiting the ring.

https://twitter.com/BeckyLynchWWE/status/983518120555016193

Bobby Lashley Made His WWE Return

Bobby Lashley
Bobby Lashley

Elias came down to the ring and asked the crowd “who want to Walk With Elias?”. The entire crowd sang an Elias chant. Elias stated that he was going to perform tonight, granted that the crowd was the same unappreciated scumbags from last night. The crowd chanted “we are scumbags!” and Elias said that he was glad that they can finally admit it. Elias asked them to silence their cellphones and shut their mouths.

Elias started performing when Bobby Lashley’s music hit. The crowd erupted as Lashley made his way down to the ring.

The crowd chanted “welcome back!” as Lashley planted Elias with a Neckbreaker. Lashley held up Elias for a Suplex with one arm for twenty seconds before finally planting Elias with a Suplex. Bobby Lashley then exited the ring and high-fived members of the crowd.

The Authors Of Pain Made Their WWE RAW Debut

Heath Slater and Rhyno came down to the ring and called out anyone from the back to face them. Akam and Rezar came down to the ring and dominated in quick fashion. Akam and Rezar planted Heath Slater with the Last Chapter for the pinfall victory.

After the match, Akam and Rezar shoved their manager, Paul Ellering, away and left him behind on the entrance ramp. It looks like The Authors of Pain feel like they do not need their manager anymore now that they are on the main roster.

Samoa Joe Returned & Challenged Reigns To A Match At WWE Backlash

Samoa Joe
Samoa Joe (Photo credit: Instagram @WWE)

Roman Reigns came down to the ring to a chorus of boos from the New Orleans crowd. Reigns said that he got his ass kicked last night and the crowd chanted “you deserve it!”. Roman claimed that the thing that ate him up the most was that Vince McMahon couldn’t look him in the eye and smarten him up.

Reigns stated that Brock Lesnar is one hell of a businessman because last week he was rumored to go UFC and today it was announced that he resigned with WWE. Roman then said that he had no idea that he was going to be facing Brock Lesnar again in a Steel Cage Match at WWE Greatest Royal Rumble until he read it on the internet.

Roman added that he doesn’t know what their scheme is, but he knows that if they keep putting him in matches with Brock Lesnar, the story will end with him becoming Universal Champion.

Samoa Joe’s music hit and the crowd chanted “Joe!”. Samoa mocked Reigns for thinking that there is a conspiracy and told Roman that he was going to bring him back to reality. Joe stated that Brock Lesnar didn’t just beat him last night, he exposed Reigns. Joe said that Reigns failed and then called Roman a failure. The crowd immediately started chanting “failure” at Roman in the ring.

Joe claimed that Reigns lied to the fans and family when he said that he could beat Brock Lesnar. Reigns started getting pissed off in the ring as Joe said that Reigns always has an excuse after he loses to Lesnar. Joe stated that after Reigns fails against in the Steel Cage Match against Lesnar, he will be waiting for him at WWE Backlash. Joe then vowed to put Roman Reigns to sleep at WWE Backlash.

Matt Hardy & Bray Wyatt Advanced In The Tag Team Eliminator Tournament

Apollo  and Titus O’Neil came down for the second match in the Tag Team Eliminator Tournament. Their opponents were revealed to be Matt Hardy and Bray Wyatt.

Matt and Titus started off the match. Titus did the “worldwide” taunt and Hardy responded with the “delete!” taunt.

Wyatt tagged in and floored Titus with a Clothesline. Apollo tagged in as the crowd sang “he’s got the whole world in his hands” for Wyatt. Apollo flipped in the ring and Matt Hardy shouted “wonderful!”. Matt and Bray then started clapping for Apollo and the crowd joined along.

Wyatt beatdown Apollo and tagged in Matt Hardy. Matt dodged a Dropkick and bounced Apollo’s head off the turnbuckle several times. Bray then tagged in and did the same before connecting with a right hand. Matt tagged in and launched Wyatt into Apollo in the corner. Matt connected with a Side Effect, but Titus broke up the cover. Wyatt tagged in and was greeted with a kick to the head from Apollo.

Bray connected with the Uranage and then geared up in the corner. Hardy tagged in and Wyatt set up for the Sister Abigail. Bray threw Apollo towards Matt and Hardy connected with the Twist of Fate for the victory. Hardy and Wyatt will face The Revival next week. The winners of that match will face Sheamus and Cesaro for the RAW Tag Team Championships at WWE Greatest Royal Rumble.

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Later on RAW, Matt Hardy and Jeff Hardy had a conversation backstage. Bray Wyatt showed up and said “Brother Nero” and hugged Jeff Hardy. Jeff stated that he was so glad that his brother rendered Sister Abigail obsolete. Bray stated that he felt wonderful and walked away with Matt Hardy. Finn Balor were then shown standing next to Jeff Hardy and they asked what that was all about. Jeff shrugged his shoulders and made his way towards the ring.

https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/983536196444983297

Sami Zayn & Kevin Owens Still Don’t Have Jobs

RAW GM Kurt Angle was on the phone backstage and said that he was excited to see Lashley back on RAW. Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens showed up backstage and said that they had a bit of a falling out with management on SmackDown. Angle noted that Zayn and Owens got fired for attacking the SmackDown GM and Commissioner. Angle said that his tag team division is full but he heard that TNA is hiring. Owens said that they didn’t have to hire both of them. Kurt Angle said that he had one spot on the RAW roster available and the two of them can wrestle for it later tonight.

https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/983521644730822656

Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens battled for a roster spot on WWE RAW. Zayn went for a Helluva Kick right away and Owens dodged it. Zayn launched himself over the top rope and landed on Owens on the outside of the ring as RAW GM Kurt Angle looked on from backstage. Owens shouted “job is on the line buddy!” and went for a Powerbomb onto the apron. Zayn blocked it and slammed Owens into the ring post as RAW went to a break.

https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/983533264039284736

When RAW returned, Owens was in control for a moment but Zayn connected with a Helluva Kick and Owens fell to the ring apron. Owens got back into the ring and connected with a Pop-Up Powerbomb. Owens hit the move but fell out of the ring and couldn’t go for the cover.

Kevin Owens made his way up the turnbuckle but Sami got up and booted him in the face. Sami went for a Superplex but Owens was able to counter it into a Superplex of his own as the crowd stood up.

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The referee started counting, but neither Sami Zayn or Kevin Owens got back to their feet before the 10-count. JoJo announced that neither of them will get a spot on the RAW roster because of the result of the match.

Seth Rollins Pinned The Miz Again

The Miz & The Miztourage battled Seth Rollins, Finn Balor & Jeff Hardy tonight on RAW. The Miz and Rollins staarted off the match in the ring. The Miz changed his mind and tagged in Curtis Axel. The crowd chanted “AxelMania!” as Curtis got in the ring. Axel connected with a shoulder tackle and got a great cheer from the crowd.

Bo Dallas tagged in and got a boot to the face from Rollins. Seth followed it up with a Leg Drop and then tagged in Finn Balor. Finn quickly tagged in Hardy and Jeff hit Poetry in Motion on Bo Dallas in the corner as RAW went to a break.

When RAW returned, Finn Balor was trapped in the ring and Axel leveled him with a Dropkick. Bo tagged in and connected with a couple of knees to Finn’s face for a two count. Bo applied a Chin Lock in the middle of the ring. Balor battled to his feet and connected with a Jawbreaker to break the hold.

The Miz tagged in and knocked Rollins off the apron. Balor connected with a Dropkick and both Superstars fell to the mat. Balor leaped across the ring and finally tagged in Jeff Hardy. Jeff hit an Atomic Drop for a two count. Jeff followed it up with Whisper in the Wind onto Dallas and Axel.

The Miz and Rollins tagged back in and Seth connected with a Blockbuster off the second rope. Rollins hit a Suicide Dive to Axel outside the ring and then Clothesline The Miz out of the ring. Seth then hit another Suicide Dive onto Miz, Axel and Dallas. The crowd chanted “burn it down!” as Rollins connected with a Superplex. Seth rolled through and hit a Falcon Arrow but Bo broke up the cover.

Balor hit a Slingblade to Dallas and then Clothesline Axel out of the ring. Finn flipped onto Axel and Dallas outside the ring as The Miz went for a roll-up in the ring. Seth kicked out and connected with the Curb Stomp to The Miz for the pinfall victory. After the match, Hardy hit Bo with a Twist of Fate and Balor followed it up with a Coup de Grace. Jeff climbed to the top rope and connected with a Swanton Bomb.

Rollins connected with a Curb Stomp to Dallas and then Superkicked Axel to the mat. Balor hit Axel with a Coup de Grace and then Hardy followed it up with another Swanton Bomb. Rollins connected with one more Curb Stomp to Axel. Balor, Rollins and Balor then raised their hands in the ring as RAW went off the air.

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The RAW after WrestleMania is always very entertaining. There were so many surprises tonight and there are definitely going to be some more on SmackDown.

What did you think of this week’s episode of RAW? Let us know in the comments below.

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