Reviews

The John Report: The WWE Raw Deal 04/10/23 Review

By John Canton • Published 10th April 2023
wwe raw deal april 10

This week’s WWE Raw featured a Women’s Tag Team Title match, Cody Rhodes reacting to last week’s attack from Brock Lesnar, Kevin Owens facing Solo Sikoa and more.

Going into this week’s show, there’s a report about WWE having to change things on the show due to travel issues with some talent not making it to Seattle in time for the show. I’m sure that’s frustrating for the creative team, so we’ll see what’s presented on the show this week.

This is the Raw Deal for episode #1559 of Monday Night Raw. It’s taking place at the Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, Washington. Follow me on Twitter @johnreport. Let’s get to it.

Rey Mysterio made his entrance for the opening match wearing an LWO (Latino World Order) shirt.

The commentary team of Kevin Patrick and Corey Graves welcomed us to the show. It was mentioned by Corey Graves that some of the superstars experienced travel issues, so they are delayed in arriving, but the ones that are there are ready to put on a great show. They mentioned some big matches coming up like Bobby Lashley facing Bronson Reed and Kevin Owens against Solo Sikoa.

Let’s Hear From Rey Mysterio

Rey Mysterio addressed the crowd saying that it’s been a crazy year with a lot of ups and downs. Rey talked about his Hall of Fame induction with the fans chanting “you deserve it” at him.

Dominik Mysterio showed up for the interruption saying that Rey always makes things about himself, Rey never cared about Dominik and Dominik is better off with his real family, The Judgment Day. Dominik was booed a lot. Rey said that The Judgment Day are just using him. Dominik said that Rey is the selfish one around here. Dominik said he would have beaten Rey at WrestleMania if Bad Bunny didn’t screw over Dominik to help Rey. Dominik said that Rey used Bad Bunny like he used to use Dom. Dominik called for some footage.

They showed Bad Bunny stopping Dominik from cheating at WrestleMania. That was followed up on Raw with Damian Priest beating up Bad Bunny and slamming him through the commentary table.

Dominik said that Bad Bunny makes some good songs, but Priest putting Bunny through the table was music to Dom’s ears. Dominik said he wanted Bunny to stay out The Judgment Day’s business. Rey said he spoke to Bad Bunny, he’ll be back and The Judgment Day will regret putting their hands on Bunny. Dominik told Rey to worry about what The Judgment Day is going to do to him. Rey wondered when Dominik will take care of things on his own. Rey didn’t want to face Dominik at WrestleMania, but Rey said since Dominik is a lost cause, why not step into the ring and have a rematch right here in Seattle? Dominik: “I don’t want to fight my own father, but I know who will.”

It’s Finn Balor of The Judgment Day back in action after losing to Edge at WrestleMania 39 eight days ago. That match is next.

Analysis: A good promo exchange by Rey and Dominik making the usual points they tend to do. Fans love Rey all the time while Dominik always gets a lot of heat during his promos, so the crowd reactions always help a lot. It’s clearly going to be Rey & Bad Bunny against Dominik & Priest at Backlash on May 6th, but it’s not official yet.

(Commercial)

Finn Balor (w/Dominik Mysterio) vs. Rey Mysterio

Balor with a hard whip into the corner leading to a sternum bump for Rey. Rey came back with punches. Balor went for a sunset flip, Rey with a dropkick and a headscissors takedown. Balor stopped Rey doing a move leading to a reverse DDT with an elbow drop for two. Balor stomped on Rey repeatedly. Balor with a back elbow. Balor with a chinlock, Rey got out of that with a kick, headscissors to the floor, a dropkick and Rey slid under the ropes for a splash on Balor on the floor. Rey stared down Dominik leading to a break.

(Commercial)

Rey was in control with a boot to the face leading to Rey’s classic bulldog spot. Rey hit a seated senton off the top and a springboard cross body block. Balor got some momentum back leading to his attempt for a top rope move, but Rey stopped it. Rey delivered headbutts while on the turnbuckle leading to a Frankensteiner off the ropes for a two count. Rey dropkicked the back of Balor leading to a 619 kick. Rey jumped off the top with a Frog Splash, but Balor got the knees up for the block. They were both down selling for a bit. Rey with some kicks. Rey charged and Balor launched him into the top turnbuckle. Balor distracted the referee, Dominik tried to use a steel chain punch, but Rey stopped it and punched Dominik. Rey sent Balor out of the ring. Rey hit a suicide dive onto Balor and Dominik on the floor. Rey sent Balor into the hood of the commentary table repeatedly. Rey sent Balor into the ring, Balor distracted the referee and Dominik hit Rey with a steel chain. Balor went up top and hit a Coup de Grace (double foot stomp) on Rey for the pinfall win after 15 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Finn Balor

Analysis: ***1/2 I thought it was a great match. They are two awesome veteran wrestlers that always are going to put on a fun match if they get a lot of time, so that’s what we saw here. The cheap shot by Dominik led to the finish with Balor taking advantage for the win. I’m not surprised by an ending like that since The Judgment Day cheats to win often. There was no ringside help for Rey with no sign of the LWO guys, so when I saw that, it seemed obvious that Balor was going to win. I enjoyed the match. They had good chemistry together. Rey continues to amaze in his late 40s while Balor gets a big win after losing at WrestleMania eight days earlier.

They showed a clip from earlier today when Alpha Academy were being interviewed by Cathy Kelley and then Maxxine Dupri interrupted. There was some commotion backstage with Lita down on the ground selling some injury. Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez showed up to see Lita. Some help arrived with Liv and Raquel telling them that they just found Lita like that. Becky Lynch and Trish Stratus were there as they wondered what happened.

Analysis: A mystery attack going into the Women’s Tag Team Title match. An interesting twist going into the title match.

Up next will be a look back at Brock Lesnar beating up Cody Rhodes last week on Raw.

This Sunday on A&E Biography is The Iron Sheik! Love it. The legend. Also, Hulk Hogan vs. Roddy Piper on WWE Rivals.

(Commercial)

There was a lengthy video package showing highlights from last week’s Raw when Brock Lesnar destroyed Cody Rhodes in what was a very surprising attack. The announcers talked about it after with Graves saying that there is speculation that Lesnar was angry about his placement on the WrestleMania card, but they haven’t heard from Lesnar.

Becky Lynch was interviewed backstage by Byron Saxton about what happened to Lita. Lynch said that Lita was in a local medical facility (aka a hospital). Lynch said she had her suspicions about who attacked Lita. Lynch said she would defend the Women’s Tag Team Titles on her own, but she found somebody and Trish Stratus appeared saying they did a great job at WrestleMania, so she would like to do this for Lita. Adam Pearce was there to say it’s official.

Becky Lynch and Trish Stratus made their entrance as the Women’s Tag Team Champions with Trish replacing Lita.

Analysis: Trish is a suitable replacement for sure.

A video aired promoting the movie Renfield.

(Commercial)

A commercial aired for Smackdown promoting Matt Riddle being back and he was coming for The Bloodline. Nothing specific was announced.

There was a brief video that aired about Seth “Freakin” Rollins showing some WrestleMania highlights.

Raquel Rodriguez & Liv Morgan made their entrance. Raquel had some cupping marks all over her back. People do that for training. They earned this title match with a recent win. The women stood in the ring as Mike Rome did the championship introductions.

Women’s Tag Team Championships: Becky Lynch & Trish Stratus vs. Raquel Rodriguez & Liv Morgan

Lynch started with Raquel with some shoving that didn’t work as Raquel sent Lynch into the turnbuckle. Morgan tagged in with a running back splash, Raquel hit a corner splash and Morgan hit an enziguri kick to the head for two. Lynch got out of a pin attempt leading to a kick to the body. Lynch hit a leaping knee to the face, a dropkick to the back and a double stomp for two. Lynch with a jawbreaker, then two forearms and Stratus tagged in with a double axhandle to the ribs. Lynch tagged in, kicked Morgan and Stratus did a headscissors takedown. Lynch hit a leg drop off the middle rope. Trish didn’t realize made the tag, so Trish tried a pin before that and Graves covered for it saying this impromptu team wasn’t ready. Anyway, Lynch got a two count leading to a break.

(Commercial)

Stratus was in control of Morgan with a chinlock. Liv broke free leading to a double head slam into the mat to knock them both down. Raquel tagged in against Lynch with Raquel hitting multiple clotheslines and a fallaway slam across the ring. Raquel hit a twisting senton elbow off the ropes for two. Lynch did a headscissors sending Raquel into the turnbuckle. Lynch followed up with a missile dropkick for two. Raquel with a necksnap across the top rope. Raquel went up top, Lynch went after her and there were headbutts by Lynch that looked better than some people do them. Stratus tagged in for a double team attempt, but Raquel powered out of that. Stratus managed to hit a hurricanrana off the top for a two count. While Stratus held Raquel’s hair, Lynch hit a leg drop to the back of the neck for two. Lynch with kicks, Raquel with a backbreaker, Morgan tagged in and Raquel provided a lift leading to Morgan getting a Tornado DDT for two. Liv tried a few covers for two counts. Morgan got a rollup on Lynch, then Lynch sent Stratus into the turnbuckle and the champions made quick tags. It took a while to set it up, then Raquel went into the ring illegally leading to a Tower of Doom spot out of the corner. The champions were down along with Morgan. The fans chanted “this is awesome” for them. Morgan got a rollup on Lynch for two. Lynch clotheslined Morgan. Raquel was in the ring illegally, Stratus went into the ring as well and Raquel shoved Stratus down. Raquel went for a slam, but Lynch turned it into a Diamond Dust on Raquel with Lynch splashing Morgan for two. Morgan countered Lynch from doing a Manhandle Slam and Lynch hit a Disarm-her submission, but Raquel broke that up. Stratus hit a Stratusfaction on Raquel. Lynch hit a Manhandle Slam on Morgan for two because Raquel made the save. Trish tagged herself in, she went for a Chick Kick, Morgan ducked it and Morgan did a ROLLUP OF DEATH~! for the pinfall win after about 17 minutes. New champions!

Winners by pinfall AND NEW Women’s Tag Team Champions: Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez

Analysis: *** The match was entertaining with a lot of action and many nearfalls from both sides. Perhaps it went a bit too long. There were some sloppy spots in the match. I didn’t think it was going to end on a ROLLUP OF DEATH~! like that, but sometimes that’s the way to do it. Plus, it fit the story of what happened after the match. Trish probably could have kicked out, but she didn’t, so what happened after could play a part in that ending. Anyway, I like Raquel & Liv as a team. They are different stylistically, but it works.

After the match, Raquel and Liv celebrated with the Women’s Tag Team Titles. Stratus and Lynch were in disbelief about what happened. Lynch hugged Stratus. Lynch walked away, so Stratus attacked Lynch from behind with a clothesline. Lynch stumbled towards Trish, who hit a Chick Kick. Trish got on top of Lynch and said something to her. Trish was booed as she left.

Analysis: The Trish Stratus heel turn was rumored for several weeks. Shoutout to the @WRKDWrestling Twitter account for reporting that many weeks ago. I love Trish as my favorite woman in WWE history in part because she’s a Canadian-Greek like me, but I also like her a lot as a performer. I like her even more as a heel, so this should be interesting to see her explain her actions against Lynch, what happened to Lita and what it builds to from here. Also, I would expect it is revealed that Trish attacked Lita earlier in the show.

Paul Heyman was interviewed backstage by Cathy Kelley with Heyman saying Sami Zayn and Matt Riddle weren’t there tonight because of flight delays. Heyman claimed they weren’t smart enough to know not to miss with Solo Sikoa. Heyman said that Owens isn’t that smart. Heyman said that Owens has an injured leg and he’s not very smart. Heyman claimed that Owens had no allies there. Heyman talked about how The Bloodline were there to solve the Kevin Owens “problem” with Heyman saying “we the ones” to end it.

Analysis: A nice job by Heyman setting up the main event by talking about Owens having the injured knee after being attacked on Smackdown last week and no Zayn/Riddle there to help Owens either.

Kevin Owens facing Solo Sikoa is still to come.

A commercial aired for NXT following Bron Breakker turning heel by attacking NXT Champion Carmelo Hayes last week.

(Commercial)

There were replays of Trish Stratus attacking Becky Lynch after their title loss.

Trish Stratus was shown walking backstage with Byron Saxton asking Trish why she did what she did. Trish said nothing and kept on walking.

Analysis: Save the explanation for next week. Don’t give it all away on one show. That’s the right way to do it.

A clip was shown from last Friday’s Smackdown with Triple H announcing it’s time for the WWE Draft in a “few short weeks.” Triple H said this year’s draft will truly change the game.

Dakota Kai was outside of Adam Pearce’s office with IYO SKY with Kai saying that she has been in there a long time. Bayley left the room to talk to her Damage CTRL buddies saying she told Pearce to make sure Damage CTRL stays together in the WWE Draft. Bayley said no Women’s Tag Team Title match, but Bayley is in a triple threat match later for a Women’s Title shot. Sky said something in Japanese and Kai said she thinks Iyo was saying it should be one of them in that match. Bayley said okay, she’ll go talk to Pearce so Bayley went back into the room.

Bobby Lashley entered for singles action.

(Commercial)

Bobby Lashley vs. Bronson Reed

The Andre The Giant battle royal trophy was at ringside since Lashley won it on Smackdown before WrestleMania. They are two power guys as Lashley was in control early, Reed came back with strikes and Lashley hit a corner clothesline. Lashley hit a flatliner sending Reed into the mat. They fought over a suplex, Reed lifted up Lashley stomach first across the top rope and then they exchanged forearms. Lashley sent Reed into the turnbuckle, but Reed came back with a kick to the body. Reed with a forearm knocking Lashley off the apron to the floor. Reed hit a shoulder tackle on Lashley on the floor. They went to break there.

(Commercial)

Lashley charged at Reed, who got a boot up to knock Bobby down. Reed went for a corner attack, Lashley moved, Reed hit the turnbuckle and Lashley hit a clothesline. Lashley hit a neckbreaker. Lashley hit a suplex on the big man leading to cheers from the Seattle crowd. Lashley tried the Hurt Lock submission, but Reed was too big to apply it and Reed managed to land on top of Lashley for a two count. Reed with an eye gouge leading to Reed jumping off the middle rope with a jumping body attack to knock Lashley down. Lashley got back up, he ran, knee to the ribs by Reed and Lashley hit a spinebuster to a huge pop. The fans were chanting “Bobby” for Lashley. Bobby went for the Hurt Lock, but Reed managed to get to the ropes leading to Lashley bumping to the floor. Lashley clotheslined Reed on the floor. Lashley lifted Reed, but that didn’t work and Reed sent Lashley into the ring post. The referee was counting and reached ten, so it was a double countout. It went 12 minutes.

Match Result: Double Countout

Analysis: *** It was a competitive match with some big power moves from Lashley leading to some big reactions from the crowd. This was a cold match with no story going into it, but they told the story in the match with Reed being too big for Lashley to apply the Hurt Lock and that led to the fight on the floor leading to the double countout. I liked the power spots by Lashley like the spinebuster leading to a big ovation. It’s a simple move, but when you build to a moment like that it can work in a big way.

After the match, Lashley and Reed got into a brawl on the floor as they exchanged punches. They were separated by security, referees and producers. The fans were into it and booing when the fight was broken up.

Analysis: The fans want to see the match again. You can tell by that reaction after the match. We should get the match again soon, so Reed will get a chance to try to beat the former WWE Champion. I like it as a rivalry.

Cody Rhodes was shown walking backstage for a promo up next.

(Commercial)

Let’s Hear from Cody Rhodes

Cody Rhodes made his entrance to a big ovation as usual. Cody was wearing a white suit with a blue tie. Cody was favoring the left side of his ribs to sell the attack from Brock Lesnar last week on Raw. The “WHOA-OH” part of the song remains popular and a loud reaction from the fans for it.

Cody: “So…Seattle…what do you want to talk about?” Cody said typically it’s a bit of a redundant question. Cody spoke about how he used to have a singular focus like it was Seth Rollins, his torn pec injury, Royal Rumble and WrestleMania finishing the story. Cody said now it appears cloudy.

Cody spoke about how at WrestleMania 39 in the main event, under the brightest lights, he lost to The Tribal Chief, to our champion, Roman Reigns. Cody said that you should blame him for losing dead in the center in the ring. Cody: “I lost and I’m sorry.” Cody heard from his friend Matt (Cardona?) asking if wins and losses even matter when you’re in the main event, but Cody said of course they matter. Cody said that the only people that say that are people that are Hall of Famers that have already finished their stories. Cody mentioned he had to win the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion. Cody said Paul Heyman claimed that Cody had to earn it if he wants to challenge for the championship. Cody recapped his career very quickly, even mentioning being an EVP, then coming back to WWE and said: “Earn it? I am it!”

Cody said now their unfinished tale has a whole new wrinkle to it. Cody mentioned “Brock Lesnar” leading to boos. Cody mentioned laying beside a rubber chicken at the end of WrestleMania. Cody did more fast talking about how Brock beat him up the way he did. Cody said he heard on Smackdown that Brock was unhappy about his spot at WrestleMania. Cody said that the other thing he thinks is that Brock is uncertain about Cody. Cody wondered why else would Brock wait until his back was turned? Cody said when Brock Lesnar looks in the mirror, he says he’s a predator. Cody talked about Brock’s accomplishments as an NCAA Heavyweight Champion, WWE Champion and UFC Champion. Cody said that Brock thought of The Rock, Randy Couture and The Undertaker as victims. Cody wondered if Brock thought of Cody as a victim. Cody said “yes” he’s scared of Brock Lesnar, but “I still want to fight Brock Lesnar.” Cody said that he’s going to make sure that Brock Lesnar sees himself as prey and Brock will be Cody’s victim. Cody said anywhere, any time and any place. Cody said he knows Lesnar isn’t there in Seattle. Cody suggested a match against Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania Backlash. Cody left to cheers.

Analysis: I liked that promo. They are calling it just “Backlash” again this year, but Cody said WrestleMania Backlash like WWE used the last few years. I think Cody said it wrong because WWE has been calling it just Backlash. Anyway, Cody made his points very well by talking about how he doesn’t have to earn it because “I am it” and I liked how he showed a lot of confidence. With Roman Reigns not expected to wrestle at Backlash, Cody facing Lesnar is a strong main event for the show. Fans want to see confident babyfaces in this spot, so that’s what we got from Cody. Being sympathetic is fine, but having confidence as Cody did is a good thing to see.

They showed some Smackdown highlights when Kevin Owens was attacked backstage. Matt Riddle saved Sami Zayn in the main event.

The Usos made their entrance for tag team action.

(Commercial)

A commercial aired for Backlash. Once again, they are not calling it WrestleMania Backlash. It’s just regular Backlash. It’s on May 6th from San Juan, Puerto Rico.

They showed media outlets covering Logan Paul signing a multi-year deal with WWE. Good for Logan.

Alpha Academy (Chad Gable & Otis) vs. The Usos (Jimmy & Jey Uso)

Otis started with Jey leading to some comedy spots from Otis including some booty shaking while Jey tried a sunset flip. Gable tagged in as Otis hit a running body attack on Jey’s head to knock him down. Jimmy tagged in as he exchanged strikes with Gable including an uppercut. Gable applied an armbar on the left arm against the ropes. Gable went up top and hit a top rope clothesline for two. Gable did ten punches in the corner like a babyface. Gable tripped up Jimmy followed by some head-slapping to the back of the head. Jey was back in with an elbow smash. The Usos hit a double superkick to knock Otis off the apron. Gable to the floor leading to a break.

(Commercial)

Jimmy was in control against Gable with some choking against the ropes. Jimmy spent a long time taunting, so he charged and Gable hit an Exploder Suplex. Otis got the tag to big cheers leading to an elbow smash, body slam, knee lift and running double clothesline. Jey went to the ropes, Jimmy tagged in, Otis slammed Jey and Jimmy jumped onto Otis leading to Otis hitting a falling front slam for a two count. Otis splashed Jimmy in the corner. Otis took off the shirt, then Otis did the worm (or caterpillar) and an elbow drop leading to cheers. Gable tagged in and hit a bulldog off the top while Jimmy was on Otis’s shoulders. Jey broke up the pin. Jey sent Otis out of the ring, Jey tried a suicide dive, Otis caught him and Jimmy hit a suicide dive. Both Usos hit superkicks on Otis. Gable jumped off the top onto both Usos with a moonsault! That was so great. Back in the ring, Gable hit a top rope headbutt on Jimmy for two. Jey tagged in to save his brother from a big move, double superkick by The Usos on Gable and The Usos hit 1D (1 And Done) for the pinfall win after 13 minutes.

Winners by pinfall: The Usos (Jimmy & Jey Uso)

Analysis: ***1/2 That was a terrific tag team match. No surprise when The Usos are involved. Alpha Academy did well in the babyface role in this match. I don’t know if that’s going to be a long-term thing for them or if it was just for this match with some of the roster missing this week. I loved that pop for the nearfall when Gable hit the top rope headbutt. It showed the fans believed that AA had a shot to win here. A quality win for The Usos after losing their Tag Team Titles at WrestleMania over a week ago.

IYO SKY made her entrance with Bayley and Dakota Kai.

A video aired promoting the movie Renfield featuring Nicolas Cage in the Dracula role.

Analysis: A lot of promotion for the Renfield movie.

(Commercial)

IYO SKY (w/Bayley & Dakota Kai) vs. “Michin” Mia Yim vs. Piper Niven

Bayley didn’t seem thrilled about not being in the match. Michin hit a flatliner on Sky while Niven was out of the ring. Michin was sent into the ropes, so Michin hit a suicide dive on Niven. Sky hit a springboard moonsault onto both women on the floor. They went to break two minutes into it.

(Commercial)

Niven slammed Sky onto Michin followed by Niven hitting a running cross body block. Sky was holding Niven against the ropes leading to Michin hitting a dropkick. Shirai hit a Frankensteiner off the top on Michin although Michin was on the middle turnbuckle. It’s still a good move. Sky hit a missile dropkick on Niven for two but Michin broke up the pin with a kick to the face. Michin worked over Sky with kicks followed by a Dragon Suplex. Niven slammed Sky with a uranage, Michin dropkicked Niven and got a splash attempt. Niven splashed Sky, who rolled out of the ring. Michin hit a Code Red on Niven, which is not easy to do. Michin hit Eat Defeat on Niven for two as Sky broke up the pin with an Over The Moonsault on both women. Sky pinned Michin for the pinfall win after nine minutes.

Winner by pinfall: IYO SKY

Analysis: **3/4 It was okay with Sky really standing out. The fans don’t react much to Michin while Niven does a nice job of using her power moves in a match like that. They timed the finish well with Sky hitting the top rope moonsault perfectly leading to the win.

After the match, Dakota Kai was excited about Sky’s win while Bayley looked proud as well.

Analysis: I believe they were originally going to do Bianca Belair against Iyo Sky this week, but I don’t think Belair was there this week, so this match replaced it and we’ll get Belair-Sky soon.

Kevin Owens was interviewed backstage by Byron Saxton. Owens said that he has to beat the hell out of Solo Sikoa for what he did to him on Smackdown last week. Owens said there’s no Sami Zayn or Matt Riddle there to help him. Owens said maybe it’s not a wise decision, but he’s going to keep doing what he does and Saxton read the back of the shirt: Just Keep Fighting. Owens left with his Raw & Smackdown Tag Team Titles.

Analysis: This is why we like KO as a character. He is a fighter that doesn’t back down and will always keep coming back for more. That’s an easy guy to like and support.

Solo Sikoa entered for his main event match with his brothers The Usos joining him.

(Commercial)

Next week on Raw: “The Beast” Brock Lesnar is back.

Kevin Owens got a big ovation with the Raw & Smackdown Tag Team Titles in his hands.

Solo Sikoa (w/Jimmy Uso & Jey Uso) vs. Kevin Owens

Solo kicked KO’s left knee right away to attack the injured left leg. Owens bounced off the ropes so Solo knocked him down with an elbow. Owens to the floor, he punched Jey, Solo left the ring and Owens threw Solo into the steel steps. Back into the ring, Owens hit a senton splash. Solo went for a slam, Owens got out of that, Owens was favoring the left knee injury and Solo kicked the knee again. Solo hit a running hip attack on Owens against the turnbuckle leading to a break.

(Commercial)

Solo remained in control with kicks. Solo tried a lift, Owens with an elbow to the head and a DDT. They exchange punches, Solo charged, Owens with a boot, Solo hit the turnbuckle with a splash, Owens kicked Solo and Owens tried a charge for the cannonball, but his leg gave out. Solo with a superkick for two. They were battling by the turnbuckle, Owens knocked Solo down and Owens hit a top rope Frog Splash for two. Owens teased a Stunner, Solo got out of that and Solo hit a Samoan Drop. Solo went up top, Owens stopped him there and Owens hit a jumping kick. They battled by the turnbuckle, Owens tried some move, Solo with a headbutt and Owens slammed Solo down. After a referee distraction, Owens knocked Jimmy off the apron and superkicked Jey on the floor. Owens went up top and hit a Swanton Bomb for a two count. Owens managed to hit a Popup Powerbomb. Jimmy distracted the referee, Jey Uso hit Owens with a superkick, Solo hit a superkick of his own and Solo hit a Samoan Spike for the pinfall win after 13 minutes.

Winners by pinfall: Solo Sikoa

Analysis: ***1/4 The numbers game strikes again. It was reminiscent of Sami Zayn losing to Jey Uso because of Solo, so now we see Owens losing in a similar fashion. Owens is so fun to watch and easy to root for. Solo sells really well while his offense looks believable, so you can buy into him being a badass character. I miss seeing the Spinning Solo slam as a finisher, but I understand using the Samoan Spike as an Umaga tribute too.

After the match, The Usos stomped on Owens repeatedly. Matt Riddle and Sami Zayn were shown running in the parking lot and they ran into the building. The story was their flight was delayed, but they were finally able to make it. Sami’s music hit to pop the crowd.

Sami Zayn and Matt Riddle ran out to ringside to bring the fight to The Bloodline. They beat up The Usos in the aisle. Zayn kicked Solo and Riddle hit a knee. They sent Solo out of the ring. Zayn hit an Exploder Suplex on Jey into the turnbuckle. Jimmy was back in, Zayn caught the boot and Owens hit a Stunner. Solo pulled Jey out of the ring. The heels retreated while the faces stood tall in the ring. End show.

Analysis: A 6-man tag team match at Backlash seems likely with The Usos & Solo vs. Owens, Zayn & Riddle. That should be a very good match. I guess they could do it on TV, but doing it at Backlash works just fine too.

===

Three Stars of the Show

  1. Finn Balor/Rey Mysterio
  2. Trish Stratus/Becky Lynch/Raquel Rodriguez/Liv Morgan
  3. Kevin Owens

===

The Scoreboard

7.75 out of 10

Last week: 5

2023 Average: 7.15

===

Final Thoughts

This was a very good wrestling show from top to bottom. Much better show this week compared to last week. Every match got plenty of time since they all went two segments. Since some of the roster was missing due to travel issues, that meant longer matches to try to fill the time and that helps the match quality.

It started off strong with Finn Balor beating Rey Mysterio thanks to Dominik and there were plenty of other great matches too like Solo Sikoa-Kevin Owens in the main event. Bobby Lashley and Bronson Reed was a cold match with no story going in, but then they had a match that turned into a fun fight. That Usos/Alpha Academy match was very entertaining too.

The Women’s Tag Team Title match was very interesting with Lita getting “mystery attacked” before the match. Then we see Raquel & Liv beat Lynch & Stratus (filling in for Lita) with Trish turning on Lynch after the loss. The rumors of Trish going heel were true and I love to see it. I’m certainly intrigued to see how things progress from here.

Lastly, I liked Cody’s promo quite a bit. No surprise there because he is doing very well in terms of his promos. We want our faces to keep fighting and don’t back down, so that’s what Cody is doing by challenging Brock Lesnar to a match at Backlash. I’m interested in seeing how that goes.

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Check out the WWE PPV Review archive right here. You can contact me using any of the methods below. Go Toronto Blue Jays, Toronto Raptors and Toronto Maple Leafs. Be safe and smart out there.

Thanks for reading.

John Canton

Email: mrjohncanton@gmail.com

Twitter: @johnreport