‘WWE Raw’ (Apr 17th 2023)
Welcome to this review of this past Monday’s episode of WWE Raw, right here on Nerdly… We’ve got the build to Backlash so let’s see what went down on this week’s show!
Match #1: Solo Sikoa def. Rey Mysterio
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
With a one-day alliance between The Judgment Day and The Bloodline, Solo Sikoa took on one of The Judgment Day’s problem in Rey Mysterio. Mysterio was bravely up to the challenge, with Sikoa being on an unstoppable role as of late. As Sikoa was about to hit the running hip slam in the corner, The Master of the 619 rolled out of the way, but The Street Champion kicked out of Rey’s rollup attempt. Sikoa leveled Mysterio with a Samona drop, but Rey narrowly kicked out at two. Mysterio fought back with a 619 and a Splash, Sikoa somehow survived the onslaught. Mysterio looked to redial the 619 as The Usos hit the scene and distracted the WWE Hall of Famer. The LWO appeared, however, to combat The Usos. Another 619 led to diaster for Mysterio, as Sikoa moved out the way when Mysterio was about to hit his top-rope splash. Sikoa then obliterated Mysterio with the Samoan Spike to add him to his list of victims.
My Score: 3.5 out of 5
Match #2: Bianca Belair def. Dakota Kai
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
After IYO SKY won a Triple Threat Match to earn a potential bout with Raw Women’s Champion Bianca Belair, SKY’s Damage CTRL teammate Dakota Kai took on The EST. Belair’s athleticism was once again on display as she continually leaped out of the way of Kai’s kicks. Kai’s offense was no match for Belair’s strength, as The EST muscled Kai up with squats before dropping her with a suplex, followed by a superb moonsault. Kai had answers for almost all of Belair’s offense, getting out the K.O.D. and a Glam Slam. Belair’s second attempt at the K.O.D. hit the money, however, ending Kai’s dreams of toppling the Raw Women’s Champion.
My Score: 2.5 out of 5
Match #3: Seth “Freakin” Rollins def. The Miz
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
Right before the bell while the sea of Seth “Freakin” Rollins fans were singing his theme song, The Miz blindsided The Architect. Rollins and Miz put on a blistering display of back-and-forth action, with The Miz connecting with a resounding codebreaker. After a brutal knee attack, The Miz locked in the Figure-Four Leglock on Rollins. Buoyed by the WWE Universe’ cacophony, Rollins was able to make it to the ropes. The Miz dug deep into his arsenal, hitting Rollins with two blistering DDTs, but a glorious sequence of Superplex to Falcon Arrow to Stomp from Rollins to Miz ended a magnificent matchup.
My Score: 4 out of 5
Match #4: Bobby Lashley vs. Austin Theory (No Contest)
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
With the WWE Draft just weeks away, Bobby Lashley took on United States Champion Austin Theory in what could be the last time he could take out his aggression on Theory. Lashley dismantled the U.S. Champion in the early goings, taking out weeks of frustration on the man who has been a thorn in his side since the middle of last year. As Theory was about to hit A-Town Down, Lashley turned back the clock by hitting a version of the Dominator. Lashley caught Theory in the Hurt Lock, but Bronson Reed reared his head, clobbering Lashley and ending the match with no winner.
My Score: 2.5 out of 5
Match #5: Chelsea Green & Sonya Deville def. Candice LeRae & Michin
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
In a test before their battle with WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez, Chelsea Green and Sonya Deville took on Candice LeRae and Michin. LeRae and Michin attempted to prove that they deserved the title opportunity instead as LeRae countered out of a double suplex with a double DDT on Green and Deville. Green and Deville eventually connected with the double suplex after LeRae was surprised by Nikki Cross, who was sitting in the crowd. Michin nearly won the match with an awesome Code Blue, but Deville was able to break up the pin. Michin tried ending the match with the Eat Defeat, but Green countered into a leaping Unprettier for a huge win.
My Score: 1.5 out of 5
Match #6: Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn & Matt Riddle def. The Judgment Day
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
With The Judgment Day and The Bloodline joining forces for the time being, Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn and Matt Riddle had a mountain to climb in their fight with The Judgment Day. SmackDown Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley made sure her presence was felt as she pummeled Owens on the outside to leave him laying. As Riddle was setting up the Floating Bro to the outside, Priest caught him and dropped him with a Chokeslam on the ring apron. Ripley once again got involved, pushing Zayn from the top rope before Dominik hit a huge splash for a two-count. Ripley was finally caught trying to interfere in the match and was ejected from ringside. Bálor attempted a Coup de Grace but was thwarted by a Stunner from KO followed by a Helluva Kick from Zayn and a Floating Bro from Riddle to end the match.
My Score: 3 out of 5
Final Verdict: 3.5/5
Well it looks like Raw is back on track after the stumbling blocks post-Wrestlemania. Everything on this week’s show felt like it was in service of something – be it building feuds, furthering storylines, whatever. So much so that even a dusty finish to the Lashley/Theory match didn’t feel like the usual cop-out ending to a match. I think improvements can still be made, especially with the women’s division – which feels like an after thought to the return of the legends that are Trish Stratus and Lita. The CURRENT roster needs more of a fair shake, even more so considering how this week went down. But other than that this felt like Raw wis headed in the right direction.
