Home News WWE RAW Recap & Reaction (4/17)

WWE RAW Recap & Reaction (4/17)

Robert Lentini
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WWE RAW Recap & Reaction (4/17)

Braun Strowman came down to the ring and cut a promo to kick off WWE RAW. Strowman claimed that Roman Reigns was now out of the way and that he was going to prove to himself to the world. RAW GM Kurt Angle came down to the ring and informed Strowman that he has done enough damage and gave him the night off. Strowman demanded competition and told Angle that he better give it to him or else. Angle asked Strowman “or else what?” and Strowman got right in Angle’s face. Strowman then walked away after the stare down.

Chris Jericho vs Samoa Joe

Seth Rollins joined commentary for the match. Jericho landed a Crossbody off the top turnbuckle for a two count.  Jericho hit a Dropkick that sent Joe out of the ring and RAW went to a commercial break. The match went back and forth for the next few minutes. Jericho hit a Lionsault for a two count. Jericho then applied the Walls of Jericho but Joe was able to reverse it into a sleeper hold. Jericho kicked off the turnbuckle to try to get out of the hold, but Joe rolled through and locked in the Coquina Clutch for the victory.

After the match, Joe grabbed the microphone and called out Rollins. Joe stated that at first, he just attacked Rollins because it was just business. It was what Triple H wanted him to do. Joe stated that things are now personal because of what Rollins did to Triple H and Stephanie McMahon at Wrestlemania 33. Rollins agreed that their rivalry is now personal and stated that “Payback is a bitch”. Rollins and Joe will face off at WWE Payback later this month.

Winner: Samoa Joe

Reaction: The match between Joe and Jericho was solid. I thought the promo after the match between Rollins and Joe was good as well. I think this match has the potential to be awesome and I cannot wait to see it at WWE Payback.

Gallows and Anderson walked past The Drifter backstage. Braun Strowman attacked Goldust and R-Truth backstage. Agents and producers eventually broke things up but not before Strowman launched R-Truth into a laundry cart.

Gallows & Anderson vs Enzo & Cass

The match started out back and forth. Big Cass planted Anderson with the Empire Elbow. Enzo was then gearing up for the Bada Boom Shakalaka on Anderson but Gallows broke it up. Cass then connected with a big boot to Gallows and both Superstars fell out of the ring. Enzo then climbed to the top turnbuckle and leaped onto Anderson but Anderson caught him. Anderson then threw Enzo into the turnbuckle and pinned him for the win.

Winners: Gallows & Anderson

Mix TV w/ Dean Ambrose

The Miz and Maryse came down to the ring. Miz was about to introduce Ambrose but his music hit before he was able to. Ambrose joined The Miz in the ring. Ambrose called for a truce because RAW was in Ohio and both are from that state. The Miz wasn’t having it and scolded Ambrose for thinking that this was a joke. Ambrose responded by making fun of Miz’s outfit. Miz then Ambrose doesn’t care about anything and poked fun at his hair. The Miz suggested that Ambrose start sporting a fanny pack. Miz also bragged about how he and Maryse look and stated that he puts effort into his looks because he wants to look like a WWE Superstar, while Ambrose just wants to look like a “rassler”.

Ambrose agreed that he doesn’t care about his looks or “his brand”. Ambrose stated that too many WWE Superstars worry about their brands and what they tweet. Ambrose claimed to love getting black eyes and spitting up his own teeth. Ambrose then bragged about taking the Intercontinental Championship from The Miz back when they were a part of the SmackDown roster. Maryse then chimed in and called Ambrose a “dirty little street rat”.

Ambrose took off his jacket and placed the IC Title on a chair in the ring. Maryse hit Ambrose with her high heel but Ambrose shrugged it off. The Miz tried to attack Ambrose but Dean got the upper-hand. The Miz and Maryse then retreated as Ambrose stood tall in the ring.

Reaction: This segment was entertaining. Having said that, I’m not really looking forward to another feud between Ambrose and The Miz. They had a solid feud on SmackDown recently. I was under the impression that the Superstar Shake-Up was designed to create new and exciting feuds. This feud certainly doesn’t fall into that category. The best part of The Miz and Ambrose feud on SmackDown was when Renee Young got involved. The feud became personal for a moment and then WWE completely abandoned that.

The only real positive I can take from this is that Ambrose is mildly entertaining again. I’m not sure if everyone agrees, but I thought Ambrose had gotten very stale on SmackDown. His feud with Baron Corbin was very boring in my opinion. There were also weeks where their feud wasn’t even featured on SmackDown. The Miz is a solid heel and hopefully he can bring out the best in Ambrose again.

Braun Strowman was shown dragging Kalisto around backstage. People were pleading with Strowman to stop but he didn’t listen. Strowman stated that Roman Reigns is garbage and so is Kaliso. Strowman then put Kalisto in a trash bin. Big Show then appeared and shoved Strowman to the floor. Big Show told Strowman to pick on someone his own size and walked away.

TJ Perkins vs Jack Gallagher

Before the match started, Neville came down to the ring and stared at Gallagher. Neville then looked at Perkins and sat ringside. The match was about start but Austin Aries’ music hits. Aries come down to the ring and stated that he was hear for the viewing party. Aries then took a seat right beside Neville. Perkins started out the match in control and dabbed. Gallagher then took momentum of the match and did a dab of his own. Perkins then sent Gallagher out of the ring and RAW went to a commercial break.

When RAW returned, Gallagher opened up his umbrella and climbed to the top rope. Gallagher leaped onto Perkins outside the ring with the umbrella. Perkins then shoved Gallagher into Aries outside the ring. The action returned to the ring and Aries hopped up on the ring apron. Neville tripped up Aries and Aries fell to the ring apron. The referee was distracted by this and Perkins hit Gallagher with a cheap shot. Perkins then leveled Gallagher with the Detonation Kick for the victory.

Winner: TJ Perkins

Reaction: Perkins is simply much better as a heel. 205 Live is reportedly struggling on the WWE Network. It hasn’t really picked up any momentum since the show made it’s debut. There is usually solid wrestling matches on 205 Live but there aren’t any performers that have really connected with the WWE Universe besides Neville and Aries. Gallagher is entertaining and Mustafa Ali has a lot of potential. The only way 205 Live will be a success is if WWE finds more Superstars that the WWE Universe cares about. The best way to do that is provide quality matches and storylines on RAW every week.

Titus O’Neil approached Apollo Crews backstage and congratulated him on expecting his first child. O’Neil than made a pitch to have Crews join the “Titus Brand” and Crews didn’t seem too interested.

The Hardy Boyz were interviewed backstage by Mike Rome. Matt Hardy claimed that the Superstars in WWE are the most athletic performers they have ever faced. Cesaro and Sheamus interrupted. Cesaro welcomed both Matt and Jeff back to WWE. Sheamus said that is going to be an honor to take back the RAW Tag Team Championships at Payback. Cesaro then apologized for Sheamus’ comments and the two walked away. Matt Hardy smiled and stated that it is great to be back in WWE.

Fatal 4-Way for #1 Contender to RAW Women’s Championship: Sasha Banks vs Nia Jax vs Alexa Bliss vs Mickie James

Nia dominated the match early as Bayley was shown watching the match backstage. RAW went to a commercial break after Sasha Banks leaped onto everyone outside the ring. When RAW returned, Nia was back in control and slammed everyone to the mat. Bayley was once again shown backstage as Nia had a submission hold applied to Mickie James. Nia then controlled the next couple of minutes of the match and went to pin Mickie James but Sasha broke up the pinfall.

Nia lifted Mickie by her neck and once again applied a submission hold. Mickie reversed it into an Arm Bar and wrestled Nia to the mat. Nia once again battled back but was eventually knocked out of the ring. Sasha went for the Bank Statement but Nia dragged her out of the ring. Bliss punched Mickie in the face and she fell on top of Nia outside the ring. Back in the ring, Bliss and Banks battled. Alexa shouted “this is my division now” but Sasha immediately applied the Bank Statement. Mickie got back in the ring and broke up the hold.

Alexa rolled out of the ring as Mickie and Sasha traded punches. Mickie got the upper-hand and climbed to the top turnbuckle. Sasha got back up and joined her on the top turnbuckle. Nia then got back in the ring and lifted Sasha Banks onto her shoulders. Nia then slammed Sasha into Mickie and Mickie fell out of the ring. Nia then planted Sasha with the Samoan Drop. Nia was going for the pinfall but Alexa Dropkicked her out of the ring. Bliss then pinned Banks and is now the #1 contender to Bayley’s RAW Women’s Championship.

Winner & #1 Contender: Alexa Bliss

Reaction: I thought this match was very good. Alexa Bliss can hopefully put on a great feud with Bayley because their characters are complete opposites. Nia Jax looked good in this match as well.

Big Show was interviewed backstage and was asked about attacking Strowman earlier in the night. Big Show claimed that Strowman needed to feel intimidated and stated that tonight he will give Strowman a taste of his own medicine.

Finn Balor vs Curt Hawkins

Balor dominated the match and quickly hit the Coupe De Grace for the victory.

Winner: Finn Balor

Chris Jericho was interviewed backstage about his loss to Samoa Joe. Jericho called Mike Rome “Tom” and stated that Samoa Joe is a tremendous athlete. Jericho claimed he was still distracted by his rematch with Kevin Owens at WWE Payback. Jericho said that Owens is not the face of America because Owens’ face is ugly. Jericho stated that America deserves better and stated that he should be the face of America. Jericho then yelled “frame it in man!” as the camera zoomed in on his face. Jericho said that he is looking forward to defeating Owens at Payback for the United States Championship. If Jericho wins at Payback he will join the SmackDown roster. Jericho was about to add Mike Rome to the list but The Drifter walked by them while playing the guitar. Jericho then added The Drifter (Elias Samson) to the list.

Bray Wyatt then appeared on the Jumbotron and cut a promo about Randy Orton and their WWE Championship match at Payback. Wyatt said that he harnesses fear and that fear lives within his house of horse. Wyatt said that he knew Orton was scared and that he could “smell it”. Wyatt said that he will fly Orton up to the heavens and right before they reach the light he will drop Orton down into the abyss. Wyatt claimed that Orton’s pain will fuel him at Payback. Wyatt stated that his house of horrors will forever be the nightmare at the end of Orton’s dreams.

Reaction: Bray Wyatt is great at cutting promos but it doesn’t mean anything if he continues to lose matches. It seems obvious that Wyatt is going to lose at Payback so that the WWE Championship will remain on SmackDown. I also think it is bizarre that WWE is already mentioning that Balor and Wyatt will have after Payback. As of now, there is a WWE Championship match at Payback that seems predictable and Finn Balor is wrestling Jinder Mahal and Curt Hawkins to kill time until the Raw after Payback.

Dana Brooke and Alicia Fox were backstage watching last week’s 205 Live on a tablet. Alicia Fox was showing a video of her getting embarrassed last week on 205 Live. Emma then appeared and claimed that Dana Brooke was making fun of Fox all week. Fox then flipped out and stated that she didn’t want to be friends with Dana anymore. Fox then walked away and Dana Brooke accused Emma of lying. Emma is apparently still annoyed that Dana Brooke didn’t want to be her sidekick.

Jeff Hardy vs Cesaro

Matt Hardy and Sheamus were ringside for this match. Hardy controlled the beginning of the match and leaped off the ring apron onto Cesaro outside the ring. Back in the ring, Cesaro slammed Hardy to the mat and Jeff rolled out of the ring. Cesaro followed him and connected with an uppercut. The action returned to the ring and Hardy climbed to the top rope. Cesaro rolled out of the ring and RAW went to a commercial break.

When RAW returned, Cesaro once again launched Jeff Hardy out of the ring. The match once again returned to the ring and Cesaro applied a Chinlock. Hardy fought out of the hold and hit Cesaro with a Clothesline. Cesaro responded by hitting an uppercut for a two count. Jeff hit an inverted Atomic Drop and followed it up with a Dropkick to Cesaro’s face. Jeff went for the Twist of Fate but Cesaro reversed it into an uppercut for a two count. Cesaro then connected with a springboard uppercut for a two count.

Hardy knocked Cesaro to the mat and climbed to the top turnbuckle. Cesaro got back up and hit Jeff with an uppercut and joined him on the top rope. Cesaro went for a Superplex but Jeff blocked it and hung him up on the top rope. Hardy then leaped off the top rope and connected with a Dropkick. Jeff connected with a Twist of Fate and followed it up with a Swanton Bomb for the victory. After the match, the two teams shook hands.

Winner: Jeff Hardy 

Reaction: It really is awesome to have the Hardy Boyz back on RAW. I enjoyed this match and am definitely looking forward to the RAW Tag Team Championship match at Payback.

Heath Slater and Rhyno were interviewed backstage. Rhyno was eating cheez whiz and crackers. Slater was saying that he was happy to be on RAW but became frightened when Braun Strowman walked by. Rhyno dropped his plate of crackers and Strowman walked right by them.

Braun Strowman vs Big Show

Strowman confronted Big Show on the entrance ramp and they traded punches. Strowman threw Big Show into the barricade. Big Show then launched Strowman into the steel steps and then into the barricade. Big Show then hit a Baseball Slide on Strowman and once again threw him into the steel steps. Strowman connected with a Dropkick for a two count. Strowman then hit two Arm Drags and went for a Body Slam but Big Show blocked it. Big Show then lifted Strowman and slammed him to the mat. Big Show went for a Chokeslam but Strowman blocked it and planted Big Show with a massive Suplex.

Strowman went for the Running Powerslam but Big Show avoided it and launched Strowman into the turnbuckle. Big Show then hit a Splash on Strowman while he was up against the turnbuckle. Big Show then planted Strowman with a Chokeslam but Braun kicked out at two. Big Show went for the KO Punch but Strowman ducked under it and planted Big Show with the Running Powerslam for a two count. Strowman then climbed to the top rope but Big Show got back up and met him there. Strowman connected with a couple jabs to the chest and Big Show fell crotch-first onto the top rope.

Braun then leaped off of the second punch but Big Show hit him with the KO Punch but Strowman kicked out at two. Big Show then climbed to the top rope but Strowman met him there. Braun hit a Superplex on Big Show and the ring imploded. The referee flew out of the ring as it collapses. The entire crowd chanted “yes!” as Strowman got to his feet. Strowman then celebrated in the ring and his music hit.

Reaction: This match was much more entertaining than I thought it would be. The ring collapsing spot will never get old. I could watch the referee bouncing out of the ring over and over again.

https://twitter.com/nickpiccone/status/854170797690290176

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

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