‘WWE Raw’ Review (Apr 10th 2023)
Welcome to this review of this past Monday’s episode of WWE Raw, right here on Nerdly… This week’s show follows the widely-derided and much-maligned “First Raw After Wrestlemania” last week, so let’s get into it and see if there have been any improvements… Fingers crossed!
Match #1: Finn Bálor def. Rey Mysterio
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
After the nefarious Dominik Mysterio blasted his father with a chain-wrapped fist on the apron, The Judgment Day’s Finn Bálor finished off WWE Hall of Famer Rey Mysterio with the Coup de Grace.
My Score: 3.5 out of 5
Match #2: WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship – Raquel Rodriguez & Liv Morgan def. Becky Lynch & Trish Stratus
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
Following a mysterious attack on Lita backstage earlier in the night, Raquel Rodriguez and Liv Morgan battled Becky Lynch and her substitute tag team partner Trish Stratus in an explosive showdown for the gold. Although The Man delivered a Manhandle Slam, Rodriguez made the save by pulling the titleholder out of the ring. Meanwhile, Stratus attempted a Chick Kick in the ring, but Liv ducked out of the way and rolled up the WWE Hall of Famer for the quick pin to earn the titles for her and Raquel!
My Score: 2 out of 5
Match #3: Bobby Lashley vs. Bronson Reed (Double Count-Out)
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
In a power-driven showdown that pitted Bobby Lashley against Bronson Reed for the first time, the two forces of nature battled outside the ring until the referee was forced to end the match by count-out. But the bell did nothing to stop the fisticuffs, as The All Mighty and Reed continued to brawl in the aftermath while surrounded by a sea of officials.
My Score: 3.5 out of 5
Match #4: The Usos def. The Alpha Academy
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
Although Alpha Academy pushed The Usos to the limit in a contest that included numerous near-falls, Jimmy and Jey – arguably “the greatest tag teams in modern history” – worked together to neutralize Otis outside the ring before taking down Chad Gable with a double superkick en route to One and Done!
My Score: 3.5 out of 5
Match #5: Triple Threat Match – IYO SKY def. Michin and Piper Niven
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
In a Triple Threat Match to that could lead to a Raw Women’s Championship Match down the road, IYO SKY hit the Over the Moonsault on both Michin and Piper Niven to pick up the huge win!
My Score: 2 out of 5
Match #6: Solo Sikoa def. Kevin Owens
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
Despite suffering a knee injury as a result of a backstage attack on SmackDown, the unrelenting Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champion Kevin Owens fought through the pain and battled Solo Sikoa tooth-and-nail in a turbulent Raw main event showdown. Owens hit the Pop-up Powerbomb on his foe, but The Usos interfered and allowed Solo to emerge victorious with the Samoan Spike.
My Score: 3 out of 5
News of the Night:
- Trish Stratus attacked Becky Lynch after their tag team match loss.
- Cody Rhodes challenged Brock Lesnar to a match at WWE Backlash.
Final Verdict: 3/5
There’s no way you can compare last week’s fiasco to this episode of Raw, which managed to put on a great show even though there were apparently external issues that prevented some talent from appearing. Four great matches and two OK ones made for a much more exciting and interesting show, with some new storylines thrown into the mix – Trish Stratus turns heel? And the continuation of the company’s two biggest storylines – the Mysterio’s feud and the Bloodline/Sami/KO feud… I hate to think what happens to the stories in WWE once these are over!
