Raw Review 04/29/2019

Tonight we get a special Money In The Bank edition of A Moment Of Bliss as Alexa Bliss will reveal the Raw participants for the Money In The Bank matches! Plus, What will happen now that AJ Styles is the #1 Contender for the Universal Championship, is Rollins ready for the Phenomenal one? Also, we saw last week that Cesaro and Samoa Joe were the latest SuperStars to come over to Raw but now that they are here what’s going to be their plans? Becky Lynch agreed to work two matches at MITB defending both the Raw and SmackDown Live Women’s Championships, will The Man be able to soften Lacey Evans up tonight and make her night at MITB a little easier? Finally, The Firefly Fun House made headlines last week but will come next from this new Bray Wyatt?

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Raw comes to us from the Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky

Raw kicks off with us being welcomed by Michael Cole, Renee Young, and Corey Graves

In Ring Segment: A Moment Of Bliss
Bliss welcomes everyone and tells how in less than three weeks WWE will be hosting the annual Money In the Bank event. She tells how the event will have two MITB matches and feature 4 Raw SuperStars and 4 SmackDown SuperStars in each. She introduces the first participant Braun Strowman. Bliss than announces the man who redefined ariel combat Ricochet. The next participant for the men the Scottish psychopath Drew Mcintyre. Lastly the former acting General Manager of Monday Night Raw Baron Corbin. Corbin tells Alexa his list of accolades can be quite the mouth full. He says he can tell the crowd is gonna enjoy it when he makes it the two-time MITB contract winner. Ricochet then asks if it’s a two-time loser and brings up how Corbin failed at cashing in. Corbin then asks if someone said something and asks Ricochet if his mommy let him out to play. Mcintyre says he has a point and brings up how Corbin blew it last week against AJ Styles. Corbin tells he didn’t have enough time to prepare. Mcintyre says he is tired of outside sources screwing up his chances at the Universal Championship and he is sick of it. Ricochet says he didn’t come here to talk. Mcintyre tells him to shut up and tells him to stick to the high flying and leave the business talk to the grown-ups. He tells Ricochet if not he will drop him where he stands. Corbin says while he does that he will grab the contract. Mcintyre tells him to steal another one of his victories. Mcintyre then threatens him. Strowman tells them to shut up and says they can argue all they want but they don’t have what it takes to stop him. He then asks for a preview and proses Corbin and Mcintyre versus him and Ricochet. He tells Corbin and Mcintyre hey are gonna get these hands right now.
My Opinion:
I like these four entrants form Raw. There are two former winners and two guys at the top of their game. Right now out of these four McIntyre looks the most prepared. He really has the most to gain since he hasn’t been given a fair shot at the Universal Championship. Sure stopping Braun Strowman will be tough for the other 7 but I think they can learn ways from watching last years match. Hopefully, through which whoever wins gets a good run and actually wins because the past few years the MITB has come to not mean as much as it’s used to with the failed cash in’s.

Match 1: Drew Mcintyre & Baron Corbin vs Braun Strowman & Ricochet
Corbin goes right after Strowman and backs him into the corner. Strowman looks to get back into it but Corbin keeps him away with a boot. Strowman finally sends him to the floor and tags in Ricochet. Ricochet hits him with a boot and takes him out on the outside. Back in the ring Ricochet lands another kick and then launches himself off the top rope. Mcintyre gets the tag and throws Ricochet in the corner. Ricochet works out of the corner and lands a series of rights. Mcintyre uses his power and lands a chop that drops Ricochet. He lands a big kick and then lifts Ricochet to a vertical base. Ricochet tries to fight back with rights but Mcintyre knocks him back down. Corbin comes in and continues the assault. He keeps Ricochet on the mat with a right hand. Corbin hits him in the midsection and then lands a big knee strike. Corbin works on the neck of Ricochet and keeps him grounded on the mat. Ricochet works to his feet and tries to create separation. Ricochet is able to work out and land a hurricanranna. He then hits a kick up and follows with a dropkick. Ricochet comes off the second rope but is met with a huge right as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Corbin taunts Ricochet while he is still down on the mat. Corbin drives an elbow into the trap of Ricochet and then stomps away on him. Corbin lifts him up and then drives him into the corner. Ricochet creates space and then tries to hit Corbin but he is swatted away. Corbin then throws him to the outside. Corbin tries to attack Strowman from behind but he doesn’t move. Strowman runs after him but is then hit with a Claymore Kick from Mcintyre. Back in the ring, Corbin hits Ricochet in the gut. He then bounces him off the turnbuckle and tags in Mcintyre. Mcintyre takes out Ricochet and goes for the cover but he kicks out. Mcintyre then punishes Ricochet on the may and works his arm. Ricochet gets to his feet but still, Mcintyre stays on him and hits him with a backbreaker. Corbin comes back in and once again throws him in the corner. Ricochet catches him with a kick and then lands a double kick. Strowman finally gets the tag and he comes in hot with shoulder tackles taking down Mcintyre. He then crushes him in the corner and then drives him to the mat. Strowman crashes into the corner but Ricochet tags in. Ricochet tries to take it to Mcintyre but instead is hit with the Glasgow Kiss. Corbin tags in and tries to hit the chokeslam backbreaker but Ricochet reverse. Strowman comes in and slams Corbin after Mcintyre walks out. Ricochet hits the 630 and gets the 1 2 3 on the cover.
Winners: Braun Strowman & Ricochet
My Opinion:
Once again Corbin tries to steal the thunder but this time he failed. Mcintyre and Corbin were so dominant throughout the match but once you start working as individuals as Corbin did you lose the steam. I’m disappointed Ricochet get beat up so bad. I really want him to do well but lately, he has been at the bottom of the totem pole it seems. Hopefully, Ricochet can get back on track but a win with Strowman tonight is definitely a step in the right direction.

Match 2: The Usos vs Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson
Anderson and Jimmy start the match. Jimmy works a side headlock and is then thrown off the ropes but he comes back with a shoulder tackle. Jimmy hits a clothesline and goes for the cover but Anderson kicks out. Jey comes in and he and Jimmy work a double team on Anderson. Jey goes for the cover but Anderson kicks out. Anderson fights back and hits Jey with big rights in the corner. Gallows comes in and hits Jey with a big right. He tries to stay on him but is hit with a huge uppercut and a chop to follow. He then hits him with huge right hands in the corner but is knocked down by Gallows. Jimmy tries to fly but is hit with a big right by Gallows. Jimmy hits Gallows with huge chops fighting out of the corner. Gallows is able to knock him down with another right. Gallows goes for the cover but can’t get the three. Jimmy is then dumped to the outside. Gallows meets him out there and throws Jimmy into the barricade as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Jimmy tries to fight out but is thrown to the mat. Anderson gets the tag and this time he and Gallows work a double team. Anderson goes for the cover but can’t get the win. Anderson keeps him on the mat and tries another cover but fails again. Gallows comes in and continues the assault but he is caught with a kick. Jey comes in and comes in hot. He is able to hit a Samoan Drop on Anderson. Jey tries a cover but gets a near fall. Jey tries to run into Aderson in the corner but Anderson moves and he hits the ring post. Anderson then gets back in control. Gallows comes in but Jimmy helps out. Jey lands a superkick on Gallows and Jimmy goes up top. Jey takes out Anderson on the outside and Jimmy lands the splash in the ring. Jimmy goes for the cover and gets the 1 2 3.
*** Jey Usos shows a video from earlier today where Dash Wilder is shaving the back of Scott Dawson. The Revival comes out and Wilder says that’s an invasion of privacy. Dawson says they are men and being a man he has a little bit of body hair. He says reaching every part of his back isn’t possible. He tells he then asks Wilder for help and he gives it. Wilder says he has my back and I have his. Wilder says after their match with the tag champs tonight they are coming for them. The Usos welcome them to the Uso penitentiary.
Winners: The Usos
My Opinion:
Huge win for The Usos! This is a great start for them as they are fresh to Monday Night Raw. I think it’s smart to not push them for the title right away and instead allow them to face The Revival. These teams can put on great matches and you know they will test one another. I hope these teams have a good rivalry because they have the ability to do big things. Eventually, though I see the Usos taking a run at the Tag titles, it’d be a big thing for them to be the faces of the Raw Tag Divison.

In Ring Segment: Miz TV w/ Bobby Lashley
Miz says it’s good to have Miz TV on Monday Night Raw. He tells that this is a whole new era for him and he has been rejuvenated. He says he is ready for new competitors and new guest. He then welcomes Bobby Lashley.
Miz tells Lashley he looks great. Lashley tells Miz he is only gonna answer questions that he would like to answer. Miz says apparently Bobby Lashley speaks in the third person. Lashley tells him to watch his tone. Miz tells him he had to be his first guest because he poses some of the most natural talents in WWE. Miz tells Lashley some people don’t think he is reaching his full potential. Lashley then says he has been back for a year and now he has already been the Intercontinental Champion twice. Lashley then asks what Miz has done. Miz jokes and gives his accolades telling Lashley he has been here for a very long time. He says he is an overachiever and aks the crowd have you seen my wife. Lashley then brings up how Miz and his dad got beat up by Shane McMahon. Lashley tells Miz how he had an opportunity for payback and screwed it up. He tells Miz it is no wonder his father thinks he is worthless. Miz loses it and goes after Lashley. Lashley fights back but Miz quickly gets back in the control. Lashley goes to the outside as Raw goes to break.
My Opinion:
I’m really enjoying Miz on Raw and this segment was pretty good. Miz is over with the crowd and has some good jokes and I like where his character is at. Sometimes it’s good to have a good old fashion rivalry and for him and Lashley this could really work. Miz and Lashley can do great things in the ring and having nothing but pride to fight for could bring out the best in each one.

Match 3: The Miz vs Bobby Lashley
As Raw returns, Lashley hits Miz with rights. Lashley hits a verticle suplex and goes for the cover but Miz kicks out. Miz is sent into the corner but comes back with a big boot. Miz takes it to Lashley with strikes in the corner and then hits two knees on Lashley. Out comes Shane McMahon. Lashley tries to take advantage but Miz stays on him and sends him to the outside. Miz stays on him and sends him back in the ring. Sahne charges to him but Miz isn’t fazed. Miz plants Lashley face first and goes for the cover but Lashley kicks out. Miz then hits the IT kicks. Miz falls for Shane’s trap as he puts a pic of Miz’s father on the titantron. Lashley comes from behind and hits the spear. Lashley gets the 1 2 3 on the cover.
*** After the match Shane toys with Miz. Miz gets up and takes it to Shane. Lashley helps out and plants him. Shane then tees off on Miz. Sahne then grabs a mic and says he is The Best In The World before striking Miz with the mic.
Winner: Bobby Lashley
My Opinion:
Surprisingly Miz held his own in this match and this is one I’d love to see again. Miz showed a lot of ring smarts but unfortunately, his temper got the best of him. Shane has been a thorn in his side and it looks Miz is gonna have to finish this rivalry before he ever gets to advance ahead. Hopefully, there will be a big payoff with these two and Miz will go on top.

Match 4: The Viking Raiders vs The Lucha House Party
Before the match, The Lucha House Party attack them from behind. Metalik and Dorado take them out on the outside.
As the match begins Kalisto goes right after Ivar. Metalik gets the tag and takes it to him but Ivar turns a cartwheel into a clothesline. Erik comes in and beats up on Metalik. Ivar gets the tag but Metalik works away and tags Kalisto. Kalisto comes in hot but is planted. Erik lifts Ivar and throws him into Metalik. Ivar comes in and Kalisto gets planted with the Viking Experience Ivar gets the 1 2 3 on the cover.
*** After the match Dorado tries to fight back but is taken out by a flying clothesline from Ivar.
Winners: The Viking Raiders
My Opinion:
The Viking Raiders have so muhc potential and I can’t wait for them to break through. They have shown they are capable of being the top team and hopefully, soon they get the chance. The Viking Raiders took some time to find their name but now they have a solid foundation and it’s up to them to make this work. I think these two are poised to lead the Raw tag division and I can’t imagine how good a match with them against The Usos or The Revival would be. I’m excited to see what comes next!

A Moment Of Bliss
Bliss says she announced the men participants earlier and now on to the women. The first participant Natalya. Natalya says she has never won the Raw Women’s Championship but that will change when she wins the contract. Alexa says that’s great and then announces Dana Brooke as the second participant. Dana says wow what an opportunity. She says she has been held back and she is tired of waiting her turn. Natalya takes exception. Dana tells her she has been given every opportunity. Natalya says she has earned it. Bliss tells them to take their chatty arguments and get them off her show. She then announces Naomi as the third participant. Naomi says she is a 2-time SmackDown Women’s Champion and now that she is here she is going for the Raw Women’s Championship. She says whoever is the champion will feel this glow. Natalya says she is gonna get the championship. Bliss tells them they are interrupting and says there is another woman waiting to see if she gets that opportunity because it could change her life. She tells them to stop the fight for the sanctity of the Women’s Division. Bliss announces she is the fourth participant and says she will be a 2-time winner. Naomi then challenges her to a match. Bliss then makes excuses. Naomi says she must not be as good as she said she is. Bliss tells her she is on.
My Opinion:
Well, we got some good participants from Raw this year. First Dana is interesting because she doesn’t normally get these chances so this is her time to shine. Hopefully, she will make the most of it. Natalya I think has a lot to prove and this is a chance to finally stop people from telling her she doesn’t earn anything. As for Naomi, this would be a big way to make a splash on Raw and ultimately lead her to the championship. Finally, Bliss is the top one right now. She is a former winner and there is no doubt she has what it takes to get it done. It’ll be interesting to see how Bliss does this year as compared to last year.

Firefly Fun House Segment

Match 5: Naomi vs Alexa Bliss
Naomi tries a quick cover but it doesn’t work. Naomi lands a big shot and stays on her. Bliss is bounced off the second turnbuckle and then hit with a kick. Naomi takes her down and lands a big split on Bliss. Naomi goes for the cover but Bliss kicks out. Bliss lands a big kick and brings Naomi to a verticle base. Bliss brings her into the corner and tees off with big kicks. Bliss works a chin lock and keeps Naomi on the mat. Naomi tries to work out but Bliss wrestles her back to the mat. Noami gets to her feet and hits Bliss with kick after kick. Blis is able to plant Naomi and goes for the cover but Naomi kicks out. Bliss uses the ropes to choke Naomi. Naomi tries to steal one with the roll-up but Bliss kicks out. Bliss works another chin lock and continues to keep Naomi on the mat. Naomi gets to her feet and hits Bliss. Blis though throws her into the corner to buy time. Bliss then slings her down to the mat. Bliss bounces Naomi off the mat and then tries a cover but Naomi kicks out. Bliss hits Naomi and the picks her up to throw her to the outside. Naomi is able to hit her on the apron and then launch herself into a cover. Bliss kicks out. Bliss fights her off and dumps her int the turnbuckle. Bliss argues with a ref and is then hit with the rear view. Naomi hits the split leg moonsault and gets the 1 2 3 on the cover.
Winner: Naomi
My Opinion:
Big win for Naomi to gain some momentum. She shut up Bliss for the night and showed she isn’t here to play around. Naomi is super athletic and we know she has what it takes to be champion but she has to keep getting victories like this. For Bliss it’s no big deal, things happen and she will bounce back. Either way, Bliss has the most momentum going into the MITB match because she is the defending winner, Bliss has proven herself but it also is gonna make her a big target.

Backstage Segment:
Charly asks Rey Mysterion about WrestleMania and his past few weeks. Rey says it isn’t easy living in the land of giants but when he is knocked down he has to get back up. He says he felt like he let everyone down and he has to leave it all in the past and move ahead. He says he will prove it tonight against Samoa Joe.

In Ring Segment: Becky Lynch
Charly asks Lynch why she is gonna defend both titles. Lynch says there is nothing impulsive about what she is doing. She says she can try to protect all she has or she can fight all. Charly tells her how she is reducing her odds. Lynch says she wouldn’t be standing here as a double champ if she worried about odds. She tells how a year ago no one thought she could main event WrestleMania. She says a month again Ronda Rousey was undefeated and a lot of people thought she was unbeatable until she beat her to become Becky 2 Belts. Lynch says her whole career has been a long shot but she didn’t get her by chance. She says he won’t hold the titles hostage. She says she didn’t make history by dodging everybody but instead by beating everybody. Lynch says she has Flair’s number. She then tells Evans is making a big mistake punching someone who likes it. She says her beating is coming a the MITB PPV. Charly then aks about Evans hitting her last week and rolls the footage. Lynch then calls out Evans.
Evans says she can see the Irish temper in her bubbling up. She tells Lynch she warned her to not let her emotions get the most of her. Evans then goes after Lynch and the two go at it on the floor.
My Opinion:
I love the confidence in Becky and I think her both titles only helps her. I’m sure Lynch isn’t gonna keep both titles forever and in fact, there probably is a good chance she loses one at the MITB PPV but ultimately Lynch is showing she is a fighting champion. I’ll give to Evans she brought a fight to Lynch tonight but the question is will the big stage get the best of her. Evans has everything to gain and I think tonight she showed Lynch she is messing around.

Match 6: Zack Ryder & Curt Hawkins vs The Revival
Hawkins is able to take down Wilder and then follow with a big dropkick. Hawkins goes for the cover but Wilder kicks out. Ryder is able to take out Wilder off the tag. Wilder and Dawson get back in control with a knee from Dawson. Dawson comes in off the tag and takes it to Ryder on the mat. Dawson lands a standing knee and goes for the cover but Ryder kicks out. Wilder tags in and continues the attack on Ryder. He lands a big bot and then tags Dawson. Dawson lands a big elbow and tries a cover but Ryder kicks out. Dawson comes back in and locks in a modified chin lock. Dawson then wraps up Ryder in the ropes and hits him with big strikes. Wilder tags in and he and Dawson land a double team on Ryder. Wilder goes for the cover but can’t get the three. Wilder then works the arm of Ruder. Ryder comes back with the neck breaker but can’t get the three. Dawson lands a side headlock and falls into a cover but Ryder kicks out of it. Ryder is able to work a pin and gets the 1 2 3.
Winner: Zack Ryder & Curt Hawkins
My Opinion:
Hawkins and Ryder get the win but really it didn’t help. These poor guys get the title but still get pushed around. It’s hard watching because tag champs should be dominating and be the example of the team you want to be but they just get run over and then get lucky in the end. I hope these guys put up a better fight next time because what I really got out of that is The Revival should still be the champs not them. Maybe it’s just me but the way Ryder and Hawkins are booked as champions isn’t helping the tag titles on Raw and is making the titles look weak.

Backstage Segment:
Miz is asked about earlier. He says Shane made this personal and that’s why they fought all around Metlife. He says they need to keep it in the ring and that is why at MITB he is challenging Shane to a steel cage match.

In Ring Segment: Sami Zayn
Zayn says over the last nine months of recovery he did a lot of souls searching and had time to rekindle his love for so much. Zayn said he found his love for psychology again and it made him understand the audience. He then gives the definition of psychological entitlement. He tells how they have been lied to that the customer is always right. He tells the audience that they think what they feel is correct and whatever they want they feel it should be given to them. Zayn tells a story about a little boy asking him to sign an action figure. Zayn says he said no and the kid cried. He says it made him sick because a five-year-old kid already thinks he’s owed something. He tells the crowd he doesn’t owe them a damn thing. He says three shoulder surgeries and 17 years of five-star matches is good enough. He then says he will give only what he wants now. He tells how a lot of people have told him to quit if he doesn’t like it. He says quitting WWE would be amazing but what would be more amazing is coming out here week after week and holding the crowd accountable for their actions and calling them out on their crap. He says it is time Sami Zayn takes the power back.
My Opinion:
I really love this Sami Zayn, he is really giving it to the crowd and I can’t wait to see how this resonates with his in-ring work. Zayn has what it takes to be a great heel and I think he is on the right track to be very successful. He is saying a lot of the same things though so he needs to come up with some new stuff but as long as he hits points and doesn’t make it seem like he’s complaining he’ll be good. I believe in him and everywhere I’ve seen Zayn he’s always gotten himself over whether that’s here on Raw, NXT, PWG, ROH, etc.

Match 7: Samoa Joe vs Rey Mysterio
Joe lands a huge kick and then strikes Mysterio while he’s flat on the mat. Joe takes it to him but Mysterio fights back and is able to take him out on the outside. Mysterio tries to land on Joe but Joe gets his knees up and Mysterio crashes on the floor as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Mysterio lands big strikes on Joe. Mysterio comes off the ropes and his momentum is killed as Joe plants him with a power slam on the mat. Joe then wrenches on the head and neck of Mysterio. Mysterio fights back with kicks and then is able to hit a senton. He goes after the legs of Joe. Joe grabs him and tries to take control but Mysterio turns it into a DDT. Mysterio goes for the cover but Joe kicks out. Mysterio lands a 619 to the midsection. He then gets him in position for the real thing but is blocked. Joe comes back with a huge uranage. Mysterio counters Joe and stacks him up. Mysterio gets the 1 2 3. Mysterio’s son then comes out to celebrate with him.
Winner: Rey Mysterio
My Opinion:
Huge win for Rey tonight! It doesn’t always matter how you get the job done just as long as you get it done. Mysterio has made a career out of miracles and you can imagine right now is no different. If he gets another shot at Joe hopefully he will have the same luck. I personally love Rey and really want to see him have a championship run of some sort because he deserves it. Mysterio is a living legend and tonight he showed he ain’t done yet.

In Ring Segment: Universal Championship Contract Signing
Cole asks Styles what winning the Universal title would mean to him. Styles says it is what he came here for. He tells Seth he is a good guy but he has something he wants. He tells that he wants the Universal Championship. He says when you want something bad enough you will do some unexpected things to get it. He says winners find a way and says Rollins is a winner. He then asks how many times it has been said that Seth Rollins will be the new AJ Styles. He tells Rollins he will never be him. Rollins says he never wanted to be the next AJ Styles. He tells he always wanted to be the first Seth Fricken Rollins. He tells Styles this is Monday Night Rollins. He tells him he respects all he did on SmackDown but he is gonna have to be better than phenomenal to take the title from him. Styles says he knows Rollins did everything the had to in order to win the Universal Championship but asks how he is holding up.Styles tells Rollins his brotherhood isn’t here to hold him up anymore. He tells Rollins he doesn’t think he has much left. Styles says he is ready to go now. He says he is gonna be the bulldog nipping at his heels and at MIB he is gonna latch on and he isn’t gonna let go until he is standing over him as the new Universal Champion. Rollins says they have a lot of things in common but there is also a lot of differences. He tells Styles he beat Brock Lesnar and that is why he is standing here holding the title while Styles stands there trying to take it from him. He says he will be at his best at MITB when he beats him. Styles and Rollins then get up. Styles hands him the title and Rollins holds it up. Styles then hits him with a forearm and tees off. Rollins fights back and sends Styles to the outside. He then flies to take him out. Styles gets back into it and puts Rollins threw the title with a Phenomenal forearm.
My Opinion:
I can not wait for this match. These two are incredible in-ring talents and I have no doubt they are going to take each other to the limit. Tonight we got a little taste of it and it was awesome. Styles looks ready and he knows this is his one chance cement his legacy even further and win the Universal title. Rollins is living off his win at WrestleMania and you wonder if he will be as focused as he should be. Styles got the last laugh but the next couple weeks will be interesting to see which man will get momentum on their side.

Final Thoughts:
Tonight was a pretty good Raw, I’m very happy with the participants from Raw for the MITB matches. I think for the men there are four guys with a lot to prove. Like I said Mcintyre looks to be the front runner from the red brand. Even tonight he showed he is sick of having people in his way and I think he will unleash all his frustrations in this match. For the women I like the lineup, you have the one finally getting a chance, the one trying to signify her legacy, one trying to get to the title, and one defending her MITB win from last year. Right now I really like Bliss, even though she lost tonight I think she will refocus and bring a big fight to MITB. Also, some other things I liked was The Viking Raiders, once again they showed they are so dominating and they seem like they can run through anyone. I was pleasantly surprised by the fight The Miz brought. If not for Shane McMahon he might have had that match won. It’ll be interesting to see what comes next for him. I liked Becky Lynch tonight as well. I think Lynch is a great champion and she wouldn’t be Becky Lynch if she didn’t defend both belts. Evans brought a great fight but I really think Lynch will take her. Keeping the SmackDown title I think is gonna be the tough one for her. Finally, I loved the way the show ended. We got a taste of Styles and Rollins and I loved it. I can’t wait to see the match they put on because I think it will be a classic!
Overall Rating: 6/10