Raw Review 04/23/2018

Tonight is the final Monday Night Raw before this Friday’s Greatest Royal Rumble! For the first time since WrestleMania The Beast Brock Lesnar is back, what will Heyman and Lesnar have in store for the WWE Universe just days before Lesnar defends the Universal Championship in a Steel Cage Match against Roman Reigns? Plus as seen last week Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens were hired by Stephanie McMahon overruling Kurt Angle’s initial decision, will Stephanie continue to step over the Raw GM? Matt Hardy and Bray Wyatt won the right to compete for the Raw Tag Team Championships at The Greatest Royal Rumble, will these two be able to win and keep the tag titles on Raw? Finally last week the WWE got shaken up with huge changes to the rosters but how will the new Raw acquisitions fit into Monday Nights?

Raw is live tonight from the Scottrade Center in St. Louis.

Raw kicks off with a Ten Bell Salute for Bruno Sammartino.

In Ring Segment: Brock Lesnar
Heyman tells that he is sure people are angry because they think he is gonna come out here and gloat and say I told you so. He names off the times Lesnar has won and conquered, he says when it comes to Brock Lesnar this is real. He tells that no one in the locker room stands a chance just like no one in attendance stands a chance. He reminds he delivered spoilers no predictions. He says Lesnar conquers and he is the one who gloats. He says he gloats over Lesnar busting open Reigns and beating him and leaving him in a pile of pity. He says none of this means anything to Brock Lesnar. He tells that Lesnar doesn’t dwell on the past and instead looks forward to the future especially when it’s this Friday at The Greatest Royal Rumble event. He says Lesnar will fly across the world for the mere opportunity to be locked inside a cage with Roman Reigns. He tells that Brock Lesnar pinned Reigns and then signed a substantial contract that he earned. He says that Lesnar wanted Reigns in a fight for the title in the cage and Reigns is at a disadvantage because he’s stepping in the cage with one of the best cage fighters. He tells Lesnar will rip Reigns limb from limb and he will come back as a victim at the hands of Brock Lesnar. Outcomes Roman Reigns.
Reigns tells Brock he doesn’t know how he’s gonna get back but he’s coming home with that title and you can believe that.
My Opinion:
I didn’t mind this to open the show, I like the rivalry with Lesnar and Reigns but I feel the promos are getting stale. As great as Heyman is on the mic it does get a little od hearing the same stuff over and over. For Reigns, I was glad he kept it simple out there. Being that they’ve been at it for so long now there’s not much these two can say that they haven’t before. I really hope this concludes this Friday and we can get a fresh rivalry going forward.

Match 1: Elias vs Bobby Roode
The two lock up and Elias is able to work a side headlock. Elias takes down Roode but Roode comes back with a high elbow. Roode hits a series of chops in the corner but Elias comes with one of his own. Elias throws him in the corner but runs into a boot. Roode hits an inverted atomic drop and follows with a dropkick. Roode goes for the cover but Elias kicks out. Roode works the arm of Elias on the mat. Roode continues to work the arm of Elias but Elias fights out with a straight right hand. Elias hits him with a couple of chops. Roode tries for a DDT but Elias is able to work out. Roode is able to clothesline Elias out of the ring as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Elias backs Roode into the corner. Roode counters and hits him with a knife edge chop. Elias is able to land a huge kick and Roode is then sent into the ring post. Elias grabs Roode’s trap muscle and squeezes on it. Roode gets to his feet and hits Elias with a right hand. Elias doesn’t give him much space as he pounds and stomps on him in the corner. Elias hits Roode with a running knee and tries a pin but Roode kicks out. Elias hits a crossface on Roode and goes to a deep chin lock. Elias continues to keep Roode grounded on the mat. Roode lands a back body drop and finally creates separation. Roode hits a series of right hands on Elias and follows with a huge forearm. Roode hits a clothesline in the corner and then hits the swinging neck breaker. Roode goes to the top and hits a clothesline. Roode tries for the Glorious DDT but Elias counters. Elias goes for the cover but Roode kicks out. Elias rolls out of the ring but Roode brings him back in. Elias is able to hang up Roode on the top rope and gets the win on the cover.
Winner: Elias
My Opinion:
This was a pretty good match, I loved how technical it was. I think simple matches like this are a great way to go because it gets back to traditional wrestling. Elias continues to get better in the ring and tonight he got a huge win. I’m not sure what the plans will be for Roode but a rivalry with Elias could be good for both. I think either one could be the Intercontinental Champion and keeping a rivalry going could help both get there.

Backstage Segment:
Matt Hardy says after their victory last week their future is clear. He says they will in the tag championships at the greatest of all rumbles. Wyatt says together they will cast a shadow that will engulf all living things.

Match 2: The Ascension (Konnor & Viktor) vs Matt Hardy & Bray Wyatt
Viktor gets a side a headlock on Hardy. Hardy gets out quickly and applauds. Hardy takes down Viktor and tags Wyatt. The two double team Viktor and Wyatt goes to work. Wyatt tries for the uranage but Viktor fights out and tags Konnor. Wyatt is able to hit a clothesline and tags Hardy. Hardy catches him and Wyatt follows with a shoulder tackle. Konnor gets Hardy into the corner and hammers on him. Viktor comes in and continues to beat on Hardy. Konnor comes in and hits an elbow on Hardy but he kicks out of the cover. Viktor comes back in and works a chin lock on Hardy. Hardy is able to fight out and tags Wyatt. Wyatt comes in and crushes Viktor. Wyatt hits a clothesline in the corner and Hardy comes in and hits the side effect to follow. Konnor takes a cheap shot but Wyatt takes him out with Sister Abigail. Wyatt gets the tag and the two double team Viktor. Wyatt goes for the cover and gets the win for him and Hardy.
Winners: Matt Hardy & Bray Wyatt
My Opinion:
Big win for Wyatt and Hardy as once again they prove they can be great as a team. I loved their frequent tags and the double team they displayed. The Ascension is no joke and Hardy and Wyatt made that look easy. I feel like they are ready for Cesaro and Sheamus and it’s up to them to keep the Raw tag titles on Raw. Hardy and Wyatt are definitely becoming a dominant team in the tag division and hopefully, they can pull off the win this Friday!

In Ring Segment: The Kevin & Sami Show w/ Kurt Angle
Owens welcomes everyone and Sami adds this is the hottest new interview show in all of WWE. They talk about the loss of The Miz but Owens says they can step up. Owens says they call this Friday The Greatest Royal Rumble because they’re gonna win the rumble and prove they are the greatest. Zayn says they will prove why they are the best and why they are the crown jewels of the show. Owens and Zayn then welcome Kurt Angle.
Owens says they got off the wrong foot and he makes fun of Angle for Stephanie stepping over him. Zayn says they get it though after what they went through on SmackDown. Owens says they had to take matters into their own hands. Zayn says that Stephanie either appreciates their talents or she must really dislike Angle. Angle says he gets it because if it wasn’t for him Ronda would still be in her hand and her arm would be fully functioning. Zayn and Owens then rip on Angle about Jason Jordan. Owens says tonight is about what Angle is gonna do to maximize the investment put into them. Angle says he wants to repay them and he’s gonna do it at The Greatest Royal Rumble because he is gonna be in the match and so will Daniel Bryan, Chris Jericho and every other superstar they’ve messed with over the years. He says he would love to repay them tonight as well so tonight they will have a tag team match against Bobby Lashley and Braun Strowman.
My Opinion:
This was awesome, I thought Zayn and Owens were pretty funny out there. I think their feud with Angle is a great thing because at least Zayn and Owens will continue to get opportunities and be put into big matches. Angle was right thought those two better watch out with all those men in the rumble. Also, a nod to Angle to make such a huge tag match tonight!

Backstage Segment:
Dallas says last week they said goodbye to The Miz and hello to their new future. Dallas and axel have on Rollins shirts and tell him it’s time to burn it down. They tell Rollins they could be the new Shield. Rollins tells them sorry that’s gonna be a hard no.

Match 3: Drew Mcintyre & Dolph Ziggler vs Titus World Wide (Titus O’Neil & Apollo)
Titus throws Ziggler into the corner and hits a chop as the match starts. He stomps on Ziggler and tags Apollo. Apollo works Ziggler and then hits a standing moonsault. Ziggler gets help from Mcintyre and he gets tagged in. Mcintyre goes to work and beats down Apollo. Mcintyre holds Apollo and Ziggler hits a superkick. Mcintyre then slams him. Mcintyre hits the claymore into the Zig Zag and Mcintyre gets the win for his team on the cover.
*** Charly asks Dolph why he brought Mcintyre. He says everyone knows why and now he has someone watching his back. Mcintyre says he’s right I am dangerous and he is especially dangerous to a locker room that’s gone soft. He says he has all the credentials to back it up and the times are changing and he is the wake-up call and reality check this place needs. Ziggler says they don’t need to steal the show because this is the show.
Winners: Drew Mcintyre & Dolph Ziggler
My Opinion:
I love Ziggler and Mcintyre together. They make such a great team and I really hope they will get a good push. I truly think together they can do a lot and be dominant in the tag division. Just watching how they work in the ring it’s awesome, I think they have a good thing going and their promo was really good as well. I hope they capitalize on this team because honestly it’s fresh it works and I think the fans really are going to catch on to these two.

Backstage Segment:
Gable thanks Angle for bringing him to Raw and says he is thankful for the opportunity. He asks how Jordan is and Angle says he is getting better but he brought him here to be a singles competitor. Mahal interrupts and says he was expecting a welcoming and a celebration. He tells Angle this Friday he will regain the United States Championship and he demands to be shipped back to SmackDown. Angle says he can’t do that. Gable says he needs to show respect. Mahal pokes fun at him and Gable takes a cheap shot. Angle tells them to settle it in the ring right now.

Match 4: Jinder Mahal vs Chad Gable
*** Before the match Gable is distracted by Sunil Singh and Mahal takes advantage. Gable is sent into the barricade and then brought into the ring. Mahal takes a few more cheap shots and the ref finally starts the match.
As the match begins Gable is able to work Mahal to the mat but Mahal is able to come back with a huge kick. Gable continues to try to work Mahal but can’t gain much of an advantage. Gable is able to send Mahal out of the ring and he follows. Mahal hits him with a huge clothesline on the outside as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Mahal wrenches on the face of Gable. Gable works to his feet but Mahal hits him with a suplex. Mahal goes for the cover but Gable kicks out. Mahal stomps on Gable. Gable hits him with a right but Mahal takes him back down with a clothesline. Gable is then wiped into the corner chest first. Mahal continues to work Gable on the mat. Mahal hits him with a high elbow and then uses the ropes to choke Gable. Mahal hits him with a series of knees. Gable is able to create space and catches Mahal with a kick. Gable works the leg of Mahal and then hits a dragon screw to bring him to the mat. Mahal fights back with a knee but Gable fights back. Gable is hung up on the top rope and Mahal hits a running knee. Mahal grabs Gable but Gable falls with him and has him in a pinning predicament. The ref counts and Gable gets the 1 2 3.
Winner: Chad Gable
My Opinion:
Mahal dominated this match for the most part and Gable didn’t really get much in. this is a big win for Gable but I don’t’ feel he was able to prove much out there. He will have to continue to work because I don’t think the fans got to see fully what he can do. Mahal continues to be so dominate and it’s amazing to see where he is. Mahal is a top contender on Raw and he’ll shake off this loss, I’m sure he’ll try to get some revenge on Gable for what can be seen as a cheap victory.

Backstage Segment:
Renee welcomes The Riott Squad. Ruby says last week was a direct message. Liv says they didn’t come here to be role models. Logan says everyone is looking over their shoulders. Ruby says they’re like a can of tear gas and when they hit the scene pretty soon everyone drops to their knees begging for help.

Backstage Segment:
Samoa Joe laughs at Reigns for declaring he’s gonna come back as a champion. Joe says he is worried he won’t have an opponent for BackLash. He says if history is any indicated Lesnar will conquer the big dog.

Backstage Segment:
Dallas and Axl try to join forces with Balor. Dallas says the Baxel Club would be too sweet. Balor says thanks but no thanks.

Match 5: Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn vs Braun Strowman & Bobby Lashley
Zayn and Owens are hesitant to start the match but Braun takes Zayn on the outside to start. In the ring, Lashley hit s a neck breaker and works Owens. Lashley hits a right hand and hits a big spear in the corner. Lashley hammers on Owens with elbows. Owens fights back and grabs Lashley’s neck and holds him in the corner for Zayn. Zayn hammers on Lashley but he fights out of the corner and hits a suplex. Zayn is able to get Lashley to the mat and works him. Lashley backs Zayn into the corner but Owens tags in and hammers on the back of Lashley. Zayn tags back in but Lashley takes control. Ownes is sent out of the ring and Zayn is bounced off the turnbuckle and then slammed to the mat. Lashley drives Zayn into the corner but Owens regains control for his team as he hits a senton on Lashley as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Zayn bounces Lashley off the turnbuckle. Lashley is able to grab Zayn and launches him with a belly to belly. Owens prevents the tag and unloads on Lashley. Zayn tags in and gets a chin lock on Lashley. Lashley stands up with Zayn on his back but falls. Finally, Lashley hits a sidewalk slam. Owens pulls Strowman off the apron. Lashley is sent into the corner but he takes out Owens and then takes out Zayn. Strowman gets the tag and hits a shoulder tackle on Owens. He then takes out Zayn in the ring. Strowman hits a dropkick on the outside on Owens. Strowman gets back in the ring and Zayn tries to run. Lashley grabs him and throws him back in the ring. Strowman drives him to the mat. Strowman throws Zayn and Lashley tags in and hits the vertical suplex. Strowman comes back in and slams Zayn. Strowman goes for the cover and gets the 1 2 3.
Winners: Bobby Lashley & Braun Strowman
My Opinion:
I’ll give it to Zayn and Owens for holding their own in the first part of the match. Honestly, as a team, they work very well together but Lashley and Strowman are just to dominate. These two handle business and I liked how Lashley struggled making Strowman look that much stronger. It’s really awesome that they put these two together but I think what we really wanna see is them go one on one.

No Way Jose vs Baron Corbin
*** Before the match Corbin says come on, he tells Jose this is a set up for him to jumped from behind. He tells him his idea of fun is ruining other people’s fun. He tells he is a former champion and he is here on Raw to be champion again. He tells him he is not on his level and tells Jose they’re not having a match if he’s gonna run around with these freaks. Jose says just because Corbin doesn’t them to have fun it doesn’t mean they have to stop. Corbin comes back and ambushes Jose on the ramp. Corbin throws him into the screen and hits the chokeslam backbreaker on the ramp.
My Opinion:
This a good way to integrate Corbin into the roster. Jose is all about fun so Corbin doing this to him just puts him over more as a heel. Corbin has a lot to offer and I truly hope he gets the opportunity. Corbin hasn’t always gotten his fair shot but hopefully, this is a fresh start and Corbin can make his mark.

Match 6: Finn Balor & Seth Rollins vs The Miztourage Bo Dallas & Curtis Axel
Dallas gets a headlock on Balor and follows with a shoulder tackle. Axel gets the tag and gets a side headlock on Balor. He then hits his own shoulder tackle on Balor. Balor with the standing switch is backed off by Axel. Balor takes Axel to the mat and goes for the cover but he kicks out. Axel uses the ropes to choke Balor. Dallas gets the tag and hits a big knee on Balor. Dallas goes for the cover but Balor kicks out. Dallas then goes to a chin lock. Dallas hits Balor with a big forearm but Balor answers with an overhead kick. Rollins gets the tag and so does Axel. He takes out Axel and then Dallas. Rollins hits the sling blade and then sends Axel to the outside. Rollins hits the suicide dive on the two. Rollins hits the blockbuster on Axel. Rollins hits a superkick on Dallas. He then hits the stomp on Axel and Balor gets the tag and hits the Coup de Grace. Balor goes for the cover and gets the 1 2 3.
Winners: Finn Balor & Seth Rollins
My Opinion:
Awesome match between these teams. First I’ll be honest I love Axel and Dallas and I wish they could get more of a push but I love how they’re incorporated into the show every week. Rollins and Balor took care of business as usual and showed why they are two of the best today.  Really think they make an amazing team but everyone would rather see them against each other of course!

Backstage Segment:
Ember and Nataly hype up the team for tonight. Nia says making fun of Nia Jax is bad for your health. Sasha stares at Bayley but she walks away.

Match 7: Nia Jax & Ember Moon & Natalya & Sasha Banks & Bayley vs Alexa Bliss & Ruby Riott & Sarah Logan & Liv Morgan & Mickie James
Liv quickly tags Logan and takes a cheap shot on Sasha. The two then double team, Sasha. Logan works here the mat but Sasha creates space and brings her to the corner. Sasha is able to take down Logan and goes for a pin but Logan kicks out. Logan works Sasha and tags Liv. Liv works Sasha but Sasha gets control and brings her to the corner to tag Ember. Ember hits a huge forearm in the corner and then hits a springboard into a lateral press but Liv kicks out of the pin. Liv is sent to the outside and is taken out by a suicide dive by Ember as raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Logan works Sasha on the mat. Logan hits a leg sweep and drops Sasha back to the mat. Sasha fights back with right hands but is prevented from getting the tag. Mickie gets the tag and hits Sasha with huge kicks in the corner. Mickie goes to a chin lock on Sasha. Sasha is able to hang up Mickie but Mickie grabs her and wraps around her on the mat. Sasha finally tags Natalya and she hits Mickie hard. Natalya hits a big suplex and follows with another. Natalya flips her and hits a basement dropkick. Natalya locks in the sharpshooter but Mickie is able to counter. Mickie takes a cheap shot but Bayley gets the tag. In the ring, Bayley hits a series of clotheslines on Riott. Riott hits the sto but Bayley kicks out of the cover. Riott works a chin lock on the mat but Bayley fights to her feet and backs her into the corner and Nia tags in. Nia crushes her in the corner and then presses her slamming her to the mat. Nia hits a leg drop but the team breaks up the cover. The teams all go at it on the outside and Nia flies from the apron to take them all out. Mickie takes a cheap shot on Natalya as the rest of the teams are down. Outcomes Ronda Rousey!!! Mickie then hits a baseball slide to take down Ronda. Ronda gets in the ring and quickly takes down Mickie and gets her in the armbar. The ref calls for the bell.
Winners: Alexa Bliss & Ruby Riott & Sarah Logan & Liv Morgan & Mickie James: Via DQ
My Opinion:
What a main event! These teams battled, I wish we could’ve seen more of some of the women out there but obviously, like Alexa, she’s dealing with something which is preventing her from wrestling right now. I like how the match ended with Ronda coming out, obviously everyone wants to see her so it was a great way to end. I think the Raw Women’s Division is on fire right now and I can’t wait to see what’s next!

Final Thoughts:
I like the way Raw started tonight, I think Lesnar is a big draw but this rivalry with Reigns is getting a little stale. I was glad Reigns kept it short as there’s not much left to say, it will be interesting to see what happens Friday and hopefully following we will see a new rivalry build up for the Universal Championship. Bobby Roode had a good debut singles match on Raw but Elias was able to pick up the huge win over him and it’ll be interesting to see if this turns into a rivalry. Big nod to Dolph Ziggler and Drew Mcintyre for picking up a huge win in their debut as a team. These two need to get into the mix right away as I think they could be one of the better teams we seen in a while. Owens and Zayn had a good run against Strowman and Lashley tonight, I was very impressed but Lashley and Strowman took over and proved they are the two dominant forces on Raw. as much as I loved them as a team I wanna see Lashley and Strowman go one on one. Rollins and Balor killed it as a team tonight and I can’t wait for the Intercontinental Championship ladder match, I really feel it’s gonna be epic! The main event was awesome! Those women put on a show and I was very impressed. Also, like I said ending the night with Ronda Rousey you just can’t go wrong. I’m so excited for the Women’s Division on Raw right now! I hope everyone enjoys The Greatest Royal Rumble on Friday!
Overall Rating: 6.7/10