Raw Review 04/03/2017

Tonight is the biggest Raw of the year, the Raw after WrestleMania. What’s in store after such an incredible show last night? What is next for The Big Dog Roman Reigns after he ended the career of The Undertaker? Plus The Beast Brock Lesnar is now the Universal Champion, what does that mean for the rest of the Raw locker room? Bayley was victorious in defending her Raw Women’s Championship. Who will be next in line to face her? The Hardy’s are here! With the Hardy’s now the Raw Tag Team Champions, what team is next to be deleted? Kevin Owens is now the United States Champion and now that he has taken care of Chris Jericho who will stand in the way of KO? Also the Architect Seth Rollins slayed The King Of Kings, will there be a price to pay for Rollins after the Billion Dollar Princess was sent through a table? Tonight there will be many surprises and you never know what is going to happen. It’s the Raw after Mania and it’s time!!!

Raw is live tonight from the Amway Center in Orlando, Florida.

Raw kicks off with us being welcomed to the show by Michael Cole, Corey Graves & Byron Saxton.

In Ring Segment: Roman Reigns
Roman waits through over ten minutes of chants before saying this is my yard now and leaving the ring.
My Opinion:
I loved that. Roman just needed to embrace that and what he said was simple and to the point. I thought It was a perfect way to start Raw.

Match 1: The Hardy Boys(c) vs The Club (Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson) :
Raw Tag Team Championships
Jeff and Anderson start off the match. Jeff lands a big shoulder tackle and works the arm of anderson. Matt gets the tag and they double team Anderson. Matt stomps Anderson’s head in the corner. Anderson catches him with an elbow but Matt follows up with the side effect. Matt looks for the twist of fate but Anderson pushes him off. Matt gets back on the offensive and sends Anderson to the floor and then Gallows. The Hardy’s are on top as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns Gallows is in control of Matt. Mtt battles out of the corner but Gallows lands a right and tags Anderson. They double team Mtt but it isn’t enough to put him away. Anderson pounds on Matt and takes a cheap shot on Jeff. Gallows gets the tag and lands a boot to Matt’s midsection. Gallows lands a big splash and tags Anderson. Anderson goes for a quick pin but Matt kicks out. Anderson gets Matt in a side headlock but Matt fights out. Anderson then throws Matt into the corner and tags Gallows. Matt fights back and takes Anderson off the apron. Gallows lands a big kick. Matt is able to tag Jeff. Jeff lands a big blow and sends Gallows to the mat. Jeff lands the inverted atomic drop and a big splash but Gallows kicks out of the pin attempt. Jeff uses the steps on the outside to fly into Gallows. Jeff goes to the top but Gallows takes advantage of the distraction and knocks him off. The Club lands the boot of doom but Jeff kicks out of the pin. They look for the magic killer but Matt intercepts. Matt lands a second twist of fate and Jeff lands the swanton bomb. Matt picks up the win.
Winners: The Hardy Boys: Still Raw Tag Team Champions
My Opinion:
I loved it!!! Great to see them back, they are awesome. I so hope they are here to stay for a long long time. The Hardy’s give a spark that Raw needed and they look great as the champs. I loved every second of that match. I can’t wait to see who they face next and most importantly who they DELETE next!

Match 2: Neville vs Mustafa Ali
*** Before the match Neville grabs a mic and says he did everything he said he was going to do. He says Aries is a better talker than a fighter. He states that you might not respect his tactics but you can’t deny his results. He tells that he will have the proper celebration tomorrow.
Neville bck Ali into the corner. Ali throws a few rights and knocks him to the ground but Neville gets back up. Ali is able to land a spin kick and flies off the second rope to take out Neville. Back in the ring Neville is able to plant Ali. Neville sends him to the floor.
Neville has Ali in a side headlock and flips him on the ground. He continues to toy with him and kicks him. Neville sends Ali off the ropes but Ali stuns him with a drop kick. Ali lands a big kick and follows with a neck breaker. He goes for the cover but Neville is out at two. Neville sends Ali into the corner. Neville chokes him on the bottom rope. Neville is able to land a back elbow and a wicked clothesline. He goes for the pin but Ali kicks out. Neville brings Ali to the top but Ali counters and lands a springboard spanish fly. The exchange strikes but Neville lands a sudden kick to get the advantage. Ali lands a kick to the chin and a big ddt. He pins Neville but Neville is able to get his foot on the bottom rope. Ali goes to the top and looks for the 450 but he misses and crashes to the mat. Neville locks in the rings of saturn for the win.
Winner: Neville
My Opinion:
A great match between these two. I think it was awesome how the crowd was crazy because it added a great feel to the match. These two really did tear it up. Ali and Neville are so athletic and that match could be a pay per view match. I really think Neville brings out the best in the Cruiserweights Ali is a guy to look out for, he’s one of the guys you wish had more of chance because he can go.

Backstage Segment:
We see a limo pull up in the back. When the door opens we see Vince McMahon!

In Ring Segment: Vince McMahon
Vince offers a thank you to the WWE Universe. He thanks them for their passion and helping WrestleMania living up to the hype. Vince says next week there will be a superstar shake up. He then brings up Stephanie going through a table last night. He says Stephanie will be out of action for awhile. Vince plays to the crowd and says they are being insensitive and blood thirsty. He says the show must go on and it is time to name a new General Manager. Out comes Teddy Long.
Vince tells Teddy to stop dancing and it’s not him. Teddy says it’s not me? He says my bad Holla Holla Holla and goes to the back. Vince announces Kurt Angle as the new General Manager!!! Here comes Kurt.
Kurt keeps it simple and says it is great to be back on Monday Night Raw, It’s True It’s Damn True!
My Opinion:
Loving having Kurt back and having him as the GM will be great. I hope the day comes where he wrestles again but for now this is awesome. Definitely a great choice and Kurt will provide a fresh new look.

Match 3: The New Day(Big E & Xavier Woods) vs The Revival (Scott Dawson & Dash Wilder)
Dawson works the arm of Woods and tags in Wilder. He wrenches the shoulder of Woods. He sends him off the ropes but is caught with a hurricanrana. Wilder is able to fight back and tag in Dawson as Raw goes to break.
Dawson lays out Woods as Raw returns. Wilder gets the tag and the two double team Woods. Wilder knocks down Woods and stomps on him in the corner. He takes Woods to the top but Woods fights out. Wilder goes back to his bad arm and tries again but Woods fights out again. He is able to hit the missile drop kick. Dawson gets the tag and so does Big E. Big E lands three belly to bellies. Big E sends Wilder flying. Woods gets the tag. He fights off Dawson. Wilder gets the tag and The Revival hit the shatter machine to pick up the win.
*** After the match they take out Kofi and crush his ankle.
Winners: The Revival (Scott Dawson & Dash Wilder)
My Opinion:
Love having The Revival on Raw. The landscape of the tag team division just changed and it looks great. I loved that they came out and did everything just like they did in NXT. They need that drive and aggression to set themselves apart. They can be big time players on the main roster. I hope they don’t end up like The Ascension or other teams that were called up but forgotten about. These guys have too much talent to waste.

Backstage Segment:
Enzo and Cass come to see Kurt Angle. Enzo asks how you doing and Kurt says it has been a pretty good week. Kurt asks how they are doing and they say not to good. Cass says the problem is they don’t have gold around their waist. Enzo asks why The Hardy’s are tag team champions. Kurt tells them they will compete in a number one contenders match tonight against Sheamus and Cesaro.

Match 4: Bayley & Dana Brooke & Sasha Banks vs Charlotte & Nia Jax & Emma
Charlotte and Dana start out. Before they can go at it Emma gets the tag. Emma comes in and slams down Dana. She lands a nice drop kick and says she wants Bayley. The two lock up and Emma gets the advantage over Bayley. Emma works her arm and takes her to the mat for the cover but Bayley kicks out. Bayley lands a drop toe hold and rolls on Emma. Emma gets back on the offensive as Raw goes to break.
Nia has gained control as Raw returns. Charlotte gets the tag and takes a cheap shot on Bayley. Emma gets the tag and she too stoms on Bayley in the corner. Emma goes to the outside to wrench on the arm of Bayley. Charlotte gets the tag and lands big knees to Bayley’s hamstring. Bayley lands a chop but is driven into the corner. Bayley is able to launch Charlotte to the outside. Charlotte is able to stop Bayley from making the tag. Charlotte tries to stop her gain but Sasha gets the tag and hits double knees. She takes out Emma and Nia. She lands double knees and goes for the cover but Emma makes the save. Dana comes in and takes out Emma. Sasha and Dana knock Nia out of the ring and Bayley finishes her off. Charlotte looks for natural selection but Sasha gets out of the way and locks in the banks statement. Charlotte taps out.
*** After the match Nia takes out Charlotte
Winners: Bayley & Dana Brooke & Sasha Banks
My Opinion:
A great match between these teams. With these six I think the Women’s division is looking great. I love the different elements each of them bring. I hope they continue to expand and have these kind of matches. I think throwing them all out there allows them to all be showcased so there is nothing wrong with that. I hope they continue to work with Dana as well because I think she is really stepping it up.

Backstage Segment:
Sami says he wants a close relationship with Kurt. Kurt says Sami posses intelligence, and in the ring he has intensity, and when he stood up for Mick he showed he had integrity and that Sami will do just fine in his career. Sami thanks him. Jinder Mahal comes in and says he should have won the battle royal and would’ve if not for Gronk. Sami says he was talking and Jinder says he had his time. Kurt tells them to settle it in the ring.

In Ring Segment: Brock Lesnar
Paul Heyman says my name is Paul Heyman and I am the advocate for the reigning defending Universal Champion Brock Lesnar. Heyman reveals a bedtime story, he states there was a man who presented himself as a superhero and one day this superhero took his spear and jackhammer and went into town. The superhero’s name was goldberg and he was the baddest dude in the village. He continues to says that once Goldberg took everything from the villagers he took a left turn and went through suplex city. He finishes by telling that the superhero got his ass kicked by The Beast. Heyman says the fairy tale has a happily ever after is you won’t be seeing Goldberg around here anymore. The crowd chants thank you Brock. Heyman says Lesnar is looking for new challenges and new challengers. Heyman goes down the list, he mentions Seth Rollins, and Matt and Jeff Hardy. He states that Lesnar is the disruption of the statuesque. He says it is time to talk about the 2 in 23-2 to determine who’s yard this really is. The crowd chants we want Balor. Heyman says if Roman is The Big Dog then Lesnar is animal cruelty. Heyman says it is time to give the crowd something they will never forget. Heyman proclaims why not do something right here right now tonight. Out comes Braun Strowman.
Braun says I see Roman has your attention and maybe when I’m finished with Roman I’ll have yours because Lesnar you damn sure have mine. Brock puts down the title and tells Braun to step to him. Braun exits and says you know where I’m at.
My Opinion:
Heyman was great tonight. I don’t think Roman should be facing Brock yet though. I think that is something to develope over time. I didn’t mind Braun coming out but I think it would have been better if braun would have had a match last night or something to work with.

Backstage Segment:
Charly asks Jericho about his match tonight. Jericho says tonight is one of his favorite nights of the year and beachball mania is running wild. Jericho says this is his crowd. Jericho tells the crowd to cheer him on maaaaaaaaan. Jericho says he will start tonight to get his revenge. He says Kevin Owens won by the tip of his finger. He puts the tip of Kevin Owens finger on the list. Owens comes out of nowhere and attacks Jericho. The two battle and Samoa Joe comes to help Owens. Owens sends Jericho through a table.

Backstage Segment:
Kurt Angle promises Seth Rollins that he will find him a partner for tonight.

Match 5: #1 Contender’s Match
Enzo & Big Cass vs Sheamus & Cesaro
Enzo backs up Cesaro but Cesaro hits him with a shoulder tackle. Cesaro tries to send him flying but Enzo sends him flying. Cesaro gets back in control and Sheamus gets the tag but so does Big Cass. Cass tees off on Sheamus. Sheamus throws himself into the corner on Cass. Sheamus goes to the top but misses. Cass slams Sheamus and tags Enzo. Cass throws Enzo into Cesaro and then into Sheamus. Sheamus and Cesaro get thrown to the outside and Enzo is launched onto them as Raw goes to break.
Sheamus throws Enzo into the corner. He is able to land a rolling senton and tag Cesaro. Cesaro tags Sheamus and lands a big right ot the gut. Enzo ducks out of the way of Sheamus and looks to tag Cass. He can’t get the tag but he does land a ddt on Sheamus. Cesaro gets the tag and goes swinging with Enzo. He locks in the sharpshooter but is taken out by a big boot from Cass. Cass gets the tag and lands a big splash on Cesaro. He hits a sidewalk slam and the empire elbow. They look for the ba da boom shakalaka but Sheamus breaks it up. Sheamus throws Enzo off the top and Cesaro hits him with an uppercut to pick up the win.
Winners: Sheamus & Cesaro: #1 Contender’s Match
My Opinion:
These two teams always deliver. I loved that ending move, I think that’s a good double team finishing move for Sheamus and Cesaro. I’m very excited to see them face the Hardy’s. They are a high flying team and smash mouth so they will work great together. I don’t want the Hardy’s to lose but Sheamus and Cesaro are my favorite besides them right now. On a side note Sheamus really looks like he needs some rest.

Match 6: Jinder Mahal vs Sami Zayn
*** Mahal attacks Sami before the match begins. He throws Sami out of the ring and then into the steps. He brings Sami in the ring and pounds on him. He lands three knees and drives his knee into Sami’s throat. He lands a big back elbow followed by a drop kick. He wrenches on the jaw of Sami and throws him down. Another knee another cover and another kick out. Sami fights back but is taken out by a high knee. Sami catches him and lands an exploder suplex. He lands the Helluva kick and picks up the win.
Winner: Sami Zayn
My Opinion:
I think Sami deserves more respect than getting tossed around by Jinder Mahal. It’s great sami picked up the win but they really need to get him in a storyline. Also they need to figure out what is happening with Jinder. He gets big moments but he is still billed like he is a jobber.

Match 7: Kevin Owens & Samoa Joe vs Seth Rollins & Finn Balor
Rollins and Owens lock up. Owens gets a side headlock but Rollins fights out. Rollins looks for a kick but Owens rolls out of the way. Owens tags Joe. The two throw shots at each other. Joe backs Rollins into the corner and pounds on him. Rollins comes back with his own rights but Joe gets on the offensive and tags in Owens. Owens throws Rollins into the corner. Owens catches him and hits a buckle buster. Balor gets the tag. Balor comes with big shots and hits a big drop kick. Balor catches Owens with a big kick. Balor goes to the outside and dropkicks Owens. Rollins gets the tag and he and Balor try to double team Owens. Owens drops to the outside and Rollins takes him out with a suicide dive. He then takes out both Owens and Joe with the dive. Owens plants Rollins with a ddt. He goes for two quick covers but Rollins kicks out both times. Joe gets the tag lands big forearm shots. Rollins is wiped into the corner and hits with a big side kick. Owens comes back in. Owens stomps on Rollins. Owens gets a nice face lock in but Rollins is able to fight it until Owens throws him down. Joe gets the tag and kicks Rollins. Rollins fights off Joe but Joe picks him up and lands a big move to the knee. Rollins fights back and hits an enziguri. Owens and Balor get the tags. Balor hits a big drop kick. He lands a series of chops but Owens comes back with an elbow. Balor is down for long and takes out Owens. He then takes out Joe with a big boot. Owens catches Balor and slams him. Balor hits the slingblade. Joe comes in and locks in the cocida clutch. Rollins takes out joe. Balor goes to the top and hits the kudagra.
Winners: Seth Rollins & Finn Balor
My Opinion:
One heck of a match between these two teams. I love seeing Finn back, he looks better than ever. Hopefully with everyone healthy we can see some good rivalries being built up. I love the whole tag team idea, I think it’s great to get all of them working together. It will be interesting to see how they will utilize Joe and Balor. Hopefully going forward they will find a good spot for them, I say even put them against each other. To me though Balor and Rollins need to get back on the title hunt.

Final Thoughts:
Overall I liked this Raw. Really no surprises but it had a big fight feel to it. First off The Raw tag team division is amazing. We have the Hardy’s back and as the tag champs and The Revival debuted which is great to see those guys. Lesnar was awesome and I love seeing him and Heyman on top. The divas didn’t get as much love as I thought they deserved but they need to go back into making good solid storylines with them. The Roman segment in the beginning I thought was perfect as well. Kurt Angle is going to make a great gm as well. I think this was well paced and to the point. With Balor back, The Hardy’s back, Lesnar as champ and Angle as gm I think Raw is going in a great direction. Very excited for the future!!!
Overall Rating: 8/10