‘WWE Raw’ Review (Apr 3rd 2023)
Welcome to this review of this past Monday’s episode of WWE Raw, right here on Nerdly… This week’s show is the overly-hyped “First Raw After Wrestlemania”, which usually holds some surprises, so let’s get into it!
Match #1: Omos def. Elias
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
Wanting to enact retribution after his loss to Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania, Omos took out his frustrations on Elias. The Nigerian Giant, looking to make an example, completely dismantled Elias, planting him with a devastating slam to end Elias’ night.
My Score: 1 out of 5
Match #2: Austin Theory def. Rey Mysterio
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
Both victors at WrestleMania, Rey Mysterio and Austin Theory went toe-to-toe in the ring. Mysterio hit the United States Champion with a spellbinding crossbody from the second rope. Theory looked to have the match won after he planted Mysterio with a modified blue thunder bomb, but the WWE Hall of Famer kicked out. This enabled Mysterio to set up the 619, but Theory clobbered Mysterio with a clothesline. Just as Mysterio was about to try for the 619 for a second time, Dominik Mysterio appeared, distracting his father long enough for Theory to hit the A-Town Down on Mysterio to win the match.
My Score: 2 out of 5
Match #3: Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn def. The Street Profits
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
All victorious at WrestleMania, Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn and The Street Profits battled in a tag team match. Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins took control early, isolating Owens from Zayn. When Owens finally tagged in his partner, Zayn was a house on fire, hitting a superb tornado DDT, then flying over the top rope to level Ford and Dawkins. The Street Profits executed a massive blockbuster on Zayn, fitting in the land of blockbusters. KO hit a Swanton Bomb, and Ford took a page out of Zayn’s book by hitting a dive over the top rope. Owens and Zayn signaled the end of the match with a super Stunner from KO followed by a Helluva Kick to Ford.
My Score: 2.5 out of 5
Match #4: Bobby Lashley def. Mustafa Ali
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
Angered by Mustafa Ali’s attempt to cheer him up, Bobby Lashley beat Ali straight to the ring from backstage. Lashley mauled Ali before applying the Hurt Lock for the submission win.
My Score: 1 out of 5
Match #5: Raquel Rodriguez & Liv Morgan def. Damage CTRL
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
With an opportunity to face Becky Lynch and Lita for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Titles on the line, Raquel Rodriguez and Liv Morgan faced off with Dakota Kai and IYO SKY of Damage CTRL. Much like what she did in a jaw-dropping moment at WrestleMania, Rodriguez once again powerbombed Morgan onto Kai and SKY outside the ring. Kai and SKY tried their hardest to put down Rodriguez, but Rodriguez proved to be too strong, lifting up Kai into a Tejana Bomb. Morgan hit a stunning Oblivion to win the match and the opportunity to challenge the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions.
My Score: 1.5 out of 5
Final Verdict: 2/5
Good god, the internet was right. This has to be the worst “First Raw After Wrestlemania” I’ve ever seen! Rumours are rife as to why (Vince, cough) but honestly this wasn’t good in any way shape or form – just look at the weird Seth Rollins segment, which was apparently changed WHILST ROLLINS WAS IN THE RING(!) during the ad break. I’ve seen rumours that he was to introduce new people to the roster from NXT and that was cut last minute. Bayley was reportedly cut from entering with the rest of Damage CTRL for their main event, the list goes on… And WTF was that Rhodes/Lesnar sh*t all about?! A disappointing episode of Raw all round IMHO.
