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WWE RAW Recap & Reaction (4/24)

WWE RAW

Written by

Robert Lentini

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Highlight Reel w/ Chris Jericho

This week’s RAW opened up with Chris Jericho and a Highlight Reel segment. Jericho claimed that this was the last Highlight Reel on RAW because he is going to defeat Kevin Owens for the United States Championship at WWE Payback. If Jericho wins, he will then join the roster of SmackDown Live. Jericho then announced that his guest tonight was himself. Jericho cut a promo on Kevin Owens referring to himself as “the face of America”. Jericho then called Owens the “hemorrhoid of America”.

The Miz and Maryse then interrupted and the crowd booed. Miz stated that RAW is no longer Jericho and it hasn’t been since he and Maryse arrived. The crowd chanted “you suck!” as Miz and Maryse got into the ring. Miz then made a joke about Kansas City and the crowd once again booed. Miz announced that the Highlight Reel has been officially been canceled and that it will be replaced with Miz TV. WWE employees then came down to the ring and removed the rug from the ring and brought in new chairs. The Jeritron 6000 was also raised out of the ring.

Dean Ambrose then joined the party and called Miz a “stupid idiot”. Ambrose then instructed the employees to change up the set and it was now the Ambrose Asylum. Ambrose informed Jericho that he will be rooting for him at Payback even though he smashed his potted plant. Jericho informed Ambrose that he still owed him $15,000 for destroying his light up jacket. Ambrose then gave Jericho a new jacket which was just a jacket with Christmas lights attached to it. Jericho put the jacket on and Miz called it hideous.

The Miz called Ambrose a slacker and stated that Ambrose devalues the Intercontinental Championship. Miz claimed that everyone should be thankful for Miz joining RAW and saving them from the mediocrity that is Jericho and Ambrose. Dean then gave Miz a Dirty Deeds and exited backstage. Jericho then added Maryse to the list for being married to The Miz.

Reaction: This segment was entertaining for a bit and then it dragged on and on. It wound up being a twenty minute promo that was just full of corny jokes. I’ve been bored with Dean Ambrose for a while now and this promo didn’t help that. I think Ambrose is very charismatic and talented. However, he hasn’t  done anything new for some time. His character just isn’t entertaining to me anymore.

Matt Hardy vs Sheamus

Sheamus connected with a shoulder tackle but was quickly planted with a Neckbreaker from Matt Hardy. Matt then hit Sheamus with a Leg Drop for a one count. Matt Hardy hit a Side Effect on Sheamus on the ring apron and RAW went to a commercial break. When RAW returned, Sheamus was in control and had Hardy locked in a Chinlock. Matt battled out of the hold but Sheamus hung him up on the ropes and clubbed him across the chest ten times.

Sheamus climbed to the top rope and hit Hardy with a Clothesline for a two count. Sheamus charged at Matt in the corner but Hardy got out of the way and Sheamus slammed into the ring post. Hardy then hit a Tornado DDT from the second rope. Matt then slammed Sheamus’ head into the turnbuckle several times as the crowd chanted “delete!”. Hardy planted Sheamus with a Running Bulldog and then climbed to the second rope. Hardy hit an Elbow Drop for a two count.

Hardy went for the Twist of Fate but Sheamus blocked it and hit him with a knee to the head. Hardy rolled out of the ring and Sheamus followed him. Sheamus planted Hardy with a Rolling Senton outside the ring. Jeff checked on Matt and Sheamus shoved Jeff away. Cesaro and Jeff Hardy started arguing outside the ring and Sheamus was distracted by it. Matt Hardy then connected with the Twist of Fate for the victory.

After the match, Cesaro got in the ring and started screaming at Jeff Hardy. Sheamus once again extended his hand for a handshake. The two teams shook hands for the second week in a row.

Winner: Matt Hardy

Reaction: I thought this was a good match. I’m really looking forward to the RAW Tag Team Championship match at Payback this Sunday. I think the sportsmanship between the two teams will come to an end at Payback.

RAW GM Kurt Angle was on the phone backstage and was discussing the Dumpster Match between Kalisto and Braun Strowman. The Miz then hung up the phone and complained about what happened earlier in the night. Angle then told Miz to find a partner because he has a match against Ambrose and Jericho later tonight.

Neville & TJ Perkins vs Jack Gallagher & Austin Aries

All four Superstars battled in the ring to start off the match. Aries and Gallagher launched Neville and Perkins out of the ring as RAW went to a commercial break. When RAW returned, Neville and Perkins had Gallagher isolated in the corner. Perkins hit Gallagher with a Dropkick and tagged in Neville. Neville controlled the match for a minute and tagged back in Perkins. Gallagher slammed Neville into the turnbuckle and then launched Perkins into him.

Aries was then tagged in and Aries cleaned house. Aries launched Neville and Perkins out of the ring and hit a Suicide Dive onto both of them. Back in the ring, Aries tried to pin Perkins but TJ kicked out at two. Aries then locked in the Last Chancery but Neville broke up the hold. Gallagher charged at Neville but Neville hit him with a series of kicks. Gallagher then leveled Neville with a headbutt. Aries then hit Perkins with the Discus Firearm for the victory.

Winners: Jack Gallagher & Austin Aries

Reaction: The match was solid and I think Perkins is much better as a heel. I wouldn’t mind if Perkins had his entrance music changed. It is just bizarre to have happy-go-lucky video game music playing while a heel walks down to the ring. When Neville returned as a heel, his Break Orbit music was altered and slowed down. It is a small thing that most people don’t care about, but I just don’t think his music fits right now.

Dumpster Match: Braun Strowman vs Kalisto

Strowman cut a promo before the match and stated that he considered everyone in the arena trash. Strowman claimed that when he stuffs Kalisto in the dumpster, it will be like he is stuffing everyone in the crowd in the dumpster as well. Kurt Angle was then shown backstage with Kalisto. Angle asked Kalisto if he was sure he wanted to go through with this match. Kalisto said that he does and wanted to fight for his pride.

Kalisto kicked Braun in the leg and Strowman just stared at him. Braun then grabbed Kalisto and threw him over the ropes onto the apron. Kalisto kicked Braun in the face and then connected with a Dropkick. Kalisto then hit a Jawbreaker and climbed to the top rope. Kalisto leaped onto Strowman but Braun caught him and threw him across the ring. Strowman then stepped on Kalisto’s back and posed for the crowd.

Strowman tried to put Kalisto in the dumpster ringside but Kalisto blocked it. Kalisto almost dragged Strowman over the ropes and into the dumpster but Strowman picked him up and tossed him back into the ring. Braun beatdown Kalisto for the next few minutes and once again tried to put Kalisto into the dumpster but Kalisto avoided it. Kalisto then hit a Dropkick to Braun’s leg and Strowman fell into the dumpster.

Winner: Kalisto

After the match, Strowman attacked Kalisto and slammed him to the mat several times. Braun then slammed Kalisto into the barricade as the crowd chanted “we want Roman!” and “Roman sucks!”. Strowman then threw Kalisto into the dumpster and shut the door. Braun then dragged the dumpster up the entrance ramp. WWE security then came out and tried to stop Braun from pushing the dumpster off the ramp. Braun then locked Kalisto in the dumpster and shoved it off the ramp. Kalisto was then placed onto a stretcher after the match. Kalisto was then shown being loaded into an ambulance as Kurt Angle looked on.

Reaction: The ramp was about four feet off the ground. It was pretty anticlimactic once I realized that the drop wouldn’t be that high at all. It got even more goofy looking when WWE replayed it 10 ten times from a bunch of different angles.

A Bray Wyatt promo was shown. Wyatt claimed that his mind was infected by Randy Orton’s actions. Wyatt stated that he will inflict pain and suffering on Orton during the House of Horrors Match this Sunday at WWE Payback. Bray said that the House of Horrors will become an eternal prison for Orton’s mind and soul.

Reaction: I hope that the House of Horrors match is entertaining at Payback. I have almost no expectations for the match.

Dana Brooke vs Alicia Fox

Fox hit a Northern Lights Suplex for a two count. Emma then came down to the ring as Dana leveled Fox with a Clothesline. Dana then slammed Fox to the mat and won the match. Emma smiled ringside as Dana Brooke celebrated in the ring. Emma then hugged Dana in the ring and Dana looked disgusted. Emma then walked away as Dana once again flexed in the ring.

Winner: Dana Brooke

Samoa Joe, Gallows and Anderson were interviewed backstage. Joe, Gallows and Anderson will face Enzo, Case and Seth Rollins later tonight. Gallows, Anderson and Joe stated that they will destroy Enzo, Cass and Rollins in the match. Karl Anderson referred to Enzo as a “butt nugget”. Joe stated that he is going to destroy Rollins for what he did to Stephanie McMahon and Triple H at Wrestlemania 33.

Gallows, Anderson & Samoa Joe vs Finn Balor, Big Cass & Seth Rollins

Anderson and Gallows attacked Enzo and Cass before the match. Samoa Joe dragged Big Cass over the barricade and beat him down. Anderson and Gallows then hit Enzo with a Magic Killer outside the ring. Rollins then stormed to the ring and traded punches with Samoa Joe in the ring. Big Cass got back in the ring and knocked Gallows, Anderson and Joe out of the ring. RAW went to a commercial break as security was checking on Enzo outside the ring.

RAW returned and Kurt Angle introduced a new tag team partner as Enzo Amore was unable to compete. Finn Balor was introduced as Enzo’s replacement. Cass, Rollins and Balor took turns beating down Gallows. Gallows tagged in Anderson and Balor leveled him with a Dropkick. Joe was then tagged in and he launched Balor into the turnbuckle. Joe then leveled Balor with a kick to the head.

Anderson then was tagged in and he connected with a Backbreaker to Balor for a two count. Gallows entered the match and hit several punches on Balor in the corner. Gallows locked in an Arm Bar in the middle of the ring. Balor fought out of it but Gallows planted him with a Side Slam. Balor finally tagged in Rollins and he hit Anderson with a Blockbuster. Rollins then connected with a Sling Blade to Anderson. Rollins hit a Suicide Dive onto Joe and Anderson outside the ring.

Balor leveled Joe with a Dropkick outside the ring. Back in the ring, Rollins hit Anderson with a Clothesline off the top rope. Rollins was about to hit the Pedigree but opted not to. Rollins then slung Anderson around and hit him with a knee to the face for the victory.

Winners: Finn Balor, Big Cass & Seth Rollins

Reaction: I hope that this is Rollins’ new finishing move. Rollins versus Samoa Joe is one of the matches I’m looking forward to at Payback. I wonder how much longer WWE is going to keep Enzo and Cass together. Enzo was taken out of the match tonight and they have yet to win a Championship in WWE as a team.

Alexa Bliss came down to the ring and cut a promo. Alexa poked fun at Bayley always talking about her childhood and wanting to be in WWE. Alexa then claimed that she didn’t come to RAW to talk, she came to RAW to win. Bayley then came down to the ring and stated that she knew Alexa was making fun of her. Bayley claimed that she will walk out of her hometown this Sunday still RAW Women’s Champion. Alexa then said that she is going to take her title, beat her down and humiliate Bayley in front of her own father. Bliss then called Bayley a “pathetic, sheltered child” and insinuated that Bayley had never kissed a boy.

Sasha Banks then came down to the ring. Bliss asked if Sasha puts love letters in her lunch bag. Banks called Bliss “a little troll wannabe”. Sasha said that Bayley is going to shut Alexa up this Sunday at Payback. Sasha then challenged Alexa to a match. Bliss stated that Sasha Banks was unhinged and that she didn’t feel safe being in a ring with her. Sasha then punched Alexa in the face and RAW went to a commercial break.

Sasha Banks vs Alexa Bliss

Bayley joined commentary for the match. Sasha controlled the match early and hit Double Knees while Alexa was hung up on the second rope. Sasha applied the Bank Statement but Alexa quickly got to the ropes. Alexa then rolled out of the ring and was counted out. After the match, Bayley chased after Alexa but Bliss retreated backstage. Bayley then turned around and Alexa attacked her from behind. Sasha Banks then chased Alexa away.

Winner via Count Out: Sasha Banks

Reaction: Alexa Bliss and Sasha Banks traded a few great insults during the promo. Bayley was pretty much lifeless during the promo before the match. The match itself was a throwaway, but I think Bayley and Bliss will put on a solid match at Payback.

Dean Ambrose asked Jericho to take him off the list backstage. Jericho agreed because Ambrose gave him a new jacket. Ambrose then slapped Jericho in the back several times and got pumped up about their tag team match later tonight. Ambrose then walked away and Jericho re-added him to the last for slapping his back.

Heath Slater, Curtis Axel, The Miz and Maryse were backstage promoting The Marine 5. Miz asked Slater to be his partner tonight but Slater stated that he already had a partner. Rhyno then showed up with his crackers and cheese. Maryse slapped the crackers out of Rhyno’s hands and they went flying everywhere. Someone then handed Miz a note and Miz stated that he has an awesome tag team partner for the match later tonight.

Apollo Crews vs Curt Hawkins

Crews dominated and won the match easily with a Powerbomb. After the match, Titus O’Neil showed up and raised Crews’ hand. O’Neil then pulled out his cell phone and took a selfie with Crews.

Winner: Apollo Crews

Reaction: Honestly, I don’t hate this. Apollo Crews is a charisma vacuum but is very talented in the ring. If Titus O’Neil is going to become some sort of manager character for Crews, I’m all for it. That means no more Titus O’Neil matches and maybe Crews will finally get some sort of reaction from the WWE Universe. I just think Crews is a great in-ring performer and I’d hate to see him fail on RAW after accomplishing very little on SmackDown.

Michael Cole revealed that Kalisto has suffered “hip and cervical trauma” from the dumpster fall earlier in the evening.

https://twitter.com/turnheelsite/status/856698837334872064

Kurt Angle was talking to The Miz backstage. The Miz informed Angle that when his tag team partner shows up, Angle is going to feel sorry for Jericho and Ambrose. The Drifter then walked by while strumming his guitar.

https://twitter.com/WWEDemonDiva/status/856700613098438656

Dean Ambrose & Chris Jericho vs The Miz & Bray Wyatt

The Miz asked his partner to come down to the ring and nobody came out. Angle then came down to the entrance ramp and started the match. Jericho and Ambrose beatdown The Miz for a minute and then Clotheslined him out of the ring. RAW went to a commercial break with Jericho and Ambrose in control. When RAW returned, Ambrose hit Miz with a Suplex and tagged in Jericho.

Jericho beatdown Miz for a minute and tagged Ambrose back in the match. Miz begged for mercy and demanded that Ambrose shake his hand. The Miz then slapped Ambrose and rolled out of the ring. Ambrose chased him but Maryse got in the way. Miz then took advantage of that and slammed Ambrose into the barricade. Back in the ring, Miz booted Ambrose in the face for a two count.

Miz planted Ambrose with a Neckbreaker and went for the pinfall but Ambrose kicked out. Miz then connected with a few Yes! Kicks as the crowd chanted “no!”. Ambrose connected with a Lunatic Lariat and tagged in Jericho. Jericho hit a Lionsault and went for a Codebreaker but Miz blocked it. Jericho Dropkicked Miz out of the ring and Miz started walking up the entrance ramp.

Ambrose chased him and smashed  Miz’s head into the announce table. Ambrose cleared off the table and was about to hit Miz with the Dirty Deeds but the lights went out. When they came back on, Bray Wyatt was standing on the table. Bray hit Ambrose with a Sister Abigail into the screen. The Miz and Bray then brought Jericho to the ring. Jericho planted Miz with a Codebreaker. Wyatt connected with a Sister Abigail to Jericho. Bray then delivered a Sister Abigail to Miz and posed in the ring as RAW went off the air.

Reaction: It was the final episode before Payback, so it makes sense that Bray Wyatt would show up. He is a part of the RAW roster now, but he is fighting for the WWE Championship at Payback this Sunday. The WWE Championship is featured on SmackDown and it feels obvious that Orton will defeat Wyatt at Payback. Overall, RAW wasn’t anything special tonight. The build to Payback has been bizarre because of the Superstar Shake-Up. It just feels disorganized and thrown together at the last second.

Correction: Pwnez in the comments pointed out that the House of Horrors match between Randy Orton and Bray Wyatt at Payback is no longer for the WWE Championship. WWE is no longer advertising it as a WWE Championship match in articles leading up to Payback. In other words, Bray Wyatt may actually have a chance now.

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

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