Reviews

The John Report: The WWE Raw Deal 05/02/22 Review

wwe raw may 2 roman reigns usos

This week’s WWE Raw featured an appearance from the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns and the Smackdown Tag Team Champions The Usos as The Bloodline made their presence felt on Raw.

It is one of those weeks where WWE decided to barely advertise anything before the show. The only thing they promoted all weekend was Reigns and The Usos on the show. That’s it. A reminder that WrestleMania Backlash takes place this Sunday, May 8th (Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms out there), so this is the last Raw before that Premium Live Event.

This is the Raw Deal for episode #1510 of Monday Night Raw. It’s taking place at the Greensboro Coliseum in Greensboro, NC. Follow me on Twitter @johnreport. Let’s get to it.

A video package aired showing highlights from Smackdown when The Usos and RK-Bro were supposed to have a contract signing that turned into a brawl. Roman Reigns showed up to support The Usos, Reigns ripped up the contract and joined The Usos in attacking Randy Orton and Riddle. Drew McIntyre appeared to make the save. That led to Drew having a showdown with Reigns. All of this led to WWE dumping the Tag Team Title Unification Match. Instead, they are doing Drew McIntyre, Randy Orton & Riddle vs. Roman Reigns & The Usos. That is this Sunday at WrestleMania Backlash.

Let’s Hear from Roman Reigns and The Bloodline

The Bloodline group led by the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns made their entrance with Smackdown Tag Team Champions The Usos and Special Counsel Paul Heyman joining them. Reigns was wearing the WWE Title, Heyman held the Universal Title and handed it to Reigns for an impressive pyro display. The Raw commentary team of Jimmy Smith, Corey Graves and Byron Saxton were on hand to call the action. As usual, it took about four minutes for Reigns to get into the ring. There was another impressive pyro display when they got into the ring.

Paul Heyman welcomed us to Monday Night Raw about eight minutes into the broadcast. Heyman said it’s a special treat for those of us watching on TV and the crowd live. Heyman said we should stand up and revel in the greatness of our Tribal Chief, the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns.

Reigns: “North Carolina…acknowledge me!” There were a mix of cheers and boos. That’s when Randy Orton and Riddle showed up with RKOs on each of The Usos! Reigns didn’t even see it since they appeared behind him. Drew McIntyre appeared with Angela the sword as Reigns stood alone in the ring. Drew dropped the sword while Orton and Riddle left the ring. Reigns charged at Drew, who was ready with punches and Drew drove Reigns into the corner. Reigns with corner clotheslines, but Drew powered Reigns into the corner again. The Usos showed up to save Reigns, so Orton and Riddle went into the ring. It turned into a brawl between the six guys until officials showed up to break it up. They went to a break.

Analysis: I thought they did a nice job of building up the McIntyre-Reigns confrontation. That’s obviously going to be a major title feud soon, so they shouldn’t give too much away now and that’s why it’s okay to have the tag team situation. There wasn’t much talking here even though they took a lot of time to get out there. I liked the spot with the double RKO attack as well. That worked perfectly. The fans enjoyed this. I did too.

(Commercial)

A replay aired of what happened before the break.

A clip aired from earlier today with The Street Profits talking to Ezekiel, who is the younger brother of Elias. They gave Ezekiel one of their red cups, he drank it and said he was good. Alpha Academy and Kevin Owens showed up to criticize Street Profits and Ezekiel for drinking on the job. Owens ripped on Ezekiel for really being Elias. Owens said he’ll find a better way to expose Elias. This trash-talking between the two sides is what set up a tag team match. Owens tossed a drink into Ezekiel’s face. It looked like water to me. Anyway, that match is up next.

Kevin Owens, Chad Gable & Otis vs. Ezekiel, Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins

Dawkins knocked down Gable with an elbow. Ford tagged in for a double-team flapjack on Gable for a two count. Gable did a drop toe hold into an armbar, Ford came back with an arm drag and a dropkick. Ford with a dropkick to Otis, then Dawkins joined Ford with a dropkick on Otis and Ezekiel joined for three dropkicks on Otis, which knocked Otis out of the ring. They went to a break.

(Commercial)

Gable was working over Ford’s left arm, then Gable knocked Dawkins off the apron. Ford jumped over the ropes into a suplex by Gable, which is a spot that they usually do. Owens tagged in with a senton splash on Ford followed by a moonsault off the middle ropes for a two count. Ford avoided a slam by Owens leading to Ford hitting a jumping kick to the head. Ezekiel got the tag with a clothesline on Gable, a spinebuster and a jumping knee to Otis. Ezekiel kicked Gable to knock him down. Ezekiel with a Stinger Splash in the corner followed by a suplex for two as Otis broke up the pin. Otis got a hold of Ford and tossed him out of the ring. Dawkins sent Otis out of the ring. Owens with a superkick on Dawkins. Ezekiel was focused on Owens, so they got into a fight with Owens going to the floor. Owens tripped Ezekiel, which the referee didn’t see and Gable did a cradle pin on Ezekiel for the win after ten minutes.

Winners by pinfall: Kevin Owens, Chad Gable & Otis

Analysis: *** A good tag team match with the heel side coming up with the win thanks to a trip by Owens. I thought maybe they would put over Ezekiel since he’s a newer character that WWE wants to establish. I think Owens playing a factor in Ezekiel losing does make sense at least. Gable worked most of the match for his team, which is perfectly fine with me.

AJ Styles was shown backstage talking to Kevin Patrick because there’s an interview with Styles after the break.

(Commercial)

AJ Styles was interviewed by Kevin Patrick with Styles talking about Damian Priest distracting Styles at WrestleMania, so AJ lost the match. Styles had a stipulation for his match tonight against Damian Priest saying if he wins then Priest will be barred from ringside at WrestleMania Backlash, but if not then Styles has to deal with it.

Analysis: I like matches with stipulations like that because then it gives us a reason to care about the result. It makes you wonder what might happen. That’s important.

They showed highlights of Bianca Belair beating Sonya Deville last week to retain the Raw Women’s Title. Deville changed the rules during the match a few times, but Belair still won.

Adam Pearce and Sonya Deville were shown in their office talking about what’s going to happen tonight. Pearce told Sonya she is a competitor tonight without any executive power, so she’s part of a six-woman tag team match with Rhea Ripley & Becky Lynch vs. Bianca Belair, Liv Morgan & Asuka later in the show.

Veer Mahaan made his entrance for a match.

(Commercial)

Byron Saxton was in the ring with Veer’s opponent Burt Hansen. Saxton asked why he signed up for this match. Burt said that Veer was scary, but Burt said that for all of his life he wanted to compete on Raw in his hometown of Greensboro. Burt said he was making his dream come true.

Veer Mahaan vs. Burt Hansen

Veer powered Hansen into the corner followed by some punches. Veer tossed Hansen across the ring and four knees to the ribs by Veer. Veer sent Hansen into the ropes leading to a Thesz Press followed by a huge lefty lariat. Veer pulled back on Hansen’s head/arm with the Cervical Clutch submission and Hansen tapped out right away. It went over one minute.

Winner by submission: Veer Mahaan

Analysis: 1/4* A squash match to put over Veer just like we have seen over the last month.

After the match, Veer put Hansen on the apron and applied the Cervical Clutch using the ropes to cause even more pain.

Analysis: Veer is mean. That was the point of that.

A replay was shown from two weeks ago when AJ Styles was attacked by Edge & Damian Priest. Their double team attack injured AJ’s left arm/shoulder.

Damien Priest entered for a match with Edge by his side. They were surrounded by darkness along with some purple light. Their group is called Judgment Day. Priest was in action after a break.

(Commercial)

Edge and Damian Priest stood in the ring for a promo with the fans booing them before Edge could speak. Edge said that they are Judgment Day. Edge said he knows that most of the fans can’t stand to look at themselves in the mirror and probably don’t like Edge any more. Edge said maybe you despise him, but that’s because you despise yourselves. Edge said it’s a miracle that you can live in Greensboro, put your clothes on and count high enough to find your seat. Edge ripped on Greensboro people saying they have very few teeth and said if Greensboro had a sports team they’d be the Greensboro Lemmings. Edge talked about how AJ Styles is running headlong into pain and judgment at WrestleMania Backlash. The fans booed loudly, so Edge told them to bring it. Edge said he knows AJ made sure that if Styles beats Priest then he is barred from WrestleMania Backlash. Edge said Styles is going to find out about punishment and that led to AJ’s entrance.

Analysis: Edge remains one of the best heel promos in WWE. He is great at not getting cheered as a heel. He knows how to get heat and embraces it.

AJ Styles vs. Damian Priest (w/Edge)

Styles had some kinesio tape on his left shoulder/arm to sell the attack from Edge and Priest two weeks ago. Styles with an elbow to the back of Priest’s head, then Priest sent Styles into the ropes and Priest hit a boot to the face. Priest stomped on Styles in the corner. Priest hit a Broken Arrow slam for a two count. Styles worked over Priest with kicks to the legs, Styles with an elbow to the head and Priest carried Styles over the top to the floor. Styles managed to get back into the ring while Priest was on the floor. Styles jumped over the top with a forearm on Priest. Styles sent Priest in the ring, Priest left the ring and Styles charged at Priest, who caught him. Priest sent Styles shoulder-first into the ring post.

(Commercial)

Styles with a corner clothesline, Priest fought back with knees to the ribs and a high kick to the head. Priest set up for a move on the turnbuckle, but Styles slipped out of it leading to a Rack Bomb for a two count. Great spot there for a nearfall. Priest with a kick to the shoulder, Styles with a kick to the head and Priest hit a spinning backbreaker for two. Priest went for a power move, Styles slipped out of it and Styles hit a Pele Kick to the head. Styles to the outside, he connected with a punch and Styles jumped off the top with a forearm, but Priest was ready for him. Priest hit the South of Heaven chokeslam for a two count. Priest with the bell clap around the head, Styles fought back going for a Calf Crusher, Edge distracted Styles and Styles managed to get a rollup pin where he sat on Priest for the win. It went 11 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: AJ Styles

Analysis: ***1/4 This was a very good match. I liked some of the nearfalls. Styles was on his game here for sure while Priest did well too. I’m not a big fan of another rollup pin since the tag team match earlier had a similar ending, but I understand doing it this way in order to keep Priest strong by beating him without doing a finishing move. Styles winning made sense here.

The win by Styles means Damian Priest is barred from ringside for the Styles-Edge match at WrestleMania Backlash.

Post match, Edge went into the ring and punched Styles repeatedly. Priest hit the Final Reckoning (lifting flatliner) on Styles. Edge brought two chairs into the ring. However, there was a save as Finn Balor ran out to the ring to save Styles. Balor with a dropkick to Priest and he took down Edge followed by some punches. Balor with a Slingblade on Priest and Styles clotheslined Priest out of the ring while Edge escaped. Balor stood with Styles in the ring where they did a “too sweet” hand gesture.

Analysis: The obvious prediction that most people are going to have is for somebody else to help Edge win and since Ciampa has been rumored to be in Edge’s group, it could be him. They could even have Balor turn on Styles. I think there will be somebody that costs Styles. It wouldn’t shock me if we get a third Edge-Styles match at Hell in a Cell next month.

Omos was backstage with MVP with Cedric Alexander walking up saying they were in The Hurt Business together with all of them as champions. Cedric complained about Bobby Lashley’s ego. MVP said he appreciated Cedric saying that with MVP talking about how he’s moved on to bigger things. Cedric said there was no Shelton Benjamin, so he wanted to show what he can by himself and he got a match with Bobby Lashley. MVP and Omos let Cedric know that they would be watching.

The Miz made his entrance to host Miz TV. He was in his wrestling gear, so that means he’ll be in a match after the talk show.

(Commercial)

A video aired wishing The Rock a happy birthday. He is 50 years old today. They showed a lot of tweets from people wishing Rock a Happy Birthday.

Miz TV

The Miz said that last week he was interviewing the US Champion Theory, but then he was interrupted by his guest this week…Mustafa Ali. That led to Ali’s entrance. They stopped Ali’s music before he could get into the ring.

Miz said that the fans are happy to see Ali just like Miz was happy to see him. Miz called him “Must” and asked if he can call him that. Ali’s microphone was not working. Miz talked about giving career advice to Theory, yet Ali showed up to interrupt. Miz spoke about how Ali’s act of desperation was because he was not a champion or that the WWE Universe forgot about him during his hiatus. Miz told Ali not to go to Twitter to complain about the microphone not working. Ali said that maybe we should complain about how The Miz still works there. Ali said when Miz feels unheard, he whines to his bosses and Ali said he goes to the WWE Universe because they are the only ones that matter. Miz took the microphone that wasn’t working, so then they fixed it. Miz told Ali he will live to regret that.

Theory made his entrance with the US Title around his waist. Theory said that unlike Must or Mustafa, he has something that these people want to hear. Theory said it bothered Miz that he was in a match that he was unable to prepare for. Theory said he spoke to Mr. McMahon, so Miz’s loss last week was removed from the record books. Miz thanked Theory for that. Theory said he appreciates Ali wanting a US Title match, but he doesn’t deserve it. Ali said that they both talk too much. Ali said that he wants to be the US Champion, but he doesn’t want an opportunity handed to him – Ali wants to fight for it. Theory said that his mentor Vince McMahon said that Ali gets a championship contender’s match tonight and he said it won’t go well for Ali. Theory told Ali that Ali can’t beat him because Theory is the youngest US Champion in WWE history and he doesn’t know if Ali can handle all that heat. Ali said that if there’s anybody back there that can handle the heat, it’s him. Ali wanted the match. Theory told Miz he deserves a second chance, so Theory told Ali has to face Theory and Miz in a handicap match. Theory said that match starts right now. They went to commercial.

Analysis: It is great to see Ali back in a babyface role getting some promo time. Since he’s working with good heels like Miz and Theory, the fans are supporting Ali a lot. I thought it was an effective way to follow up on what happened last week and now we need to see if Ali has an ally to help him deal with this.

(Commercial)

The Miz & Theory vs. Mustafa Ali

Ali knocked Miz down with a running forearm. Theory ran the ropes, Theory opened the ropes and Ali took a rough bump out of the ring to the floor. Theory with a stomp followed by a chinlock, which led to Ali hitting a jawbreaker. Miz with kicks to the chest, Ali came back with a chop and Ali kicked Theory off the apron. Ali with a neckbreaker on Miz for two as Theory made the save. Ali had to deal with Theory on the apron with Ali kicking Theory down, so Miz capitalized with a Skull Crushing Finale on Ali for the pinfall win. It went about three minutes.

Winners by pinfall: The Miz & Theory

Analysis: *1/2 A quick match that was unfair for Ali since it was a handicap match. They did have Ali get that one nearfall in the match, but he was never going to get the win here.

Post match, Ciampa (no longer Tommaso) went into the ring and hit Ali with a forearm to the back. The fans booed Ciampa.

There was an “Earlier Today” segment. Dana Brooke, the 24/7 Title, was shown walking with Reggie earlier in the day. Reggie wanted to go on a honeymoon with Reggie. They walked up to R-Truth, Tamina & Akira Tozawa. Truth apologized for trying to win the 24/7 Title. Tamina wanted Tozawa to help her win the 24/7 Title. Nikki A.S.H. jumped onto Dana’s back with a double axhandle and Nikki pinned Dana to win the 24/7 Title. Nikki left with the title while Dana told Reggie if he wanted to save their marriage, Reggie needs to get Dana a rematch tonight.

Analysis: These segments continue to be bad. Even R-Truth’s comedy can’t save it.

Dana Brooke entered with Reggie for her match.

(Commercial)

24/7 Title: Nikki A.S.H. vs. Dana Brooke

Brooke sent Nikki into the corner, then Brooke sent Nikki to the apron and hit a forearm to knock Nikki off the apron. Nikki trapped Brooke in the ring apron followed by some punches. Brooke hit a cartwheel elbow along with a flipping neckbreaker for the pinfall win after about one minute.

Winner by pinfall AND NEW 24/7 Champion: Dana Brooke

Analysis: 1/4* That was quick. The crowd didn’t care.

Post match, Brooke was given the title again. She avoided being pinned by other contenders. Reggie tried to rollup Brooke, but Brooke kicked out. Brooke: “Reggie, I want a divorce!” Dana left while Reggie was sad about it.

Analysis: I get that it’s a comedy story, so that was mildly funny at least.

Becky Lynch was interviewed by Kevin Patrick, who mentioned Asuka getting in Lynch’s face. Lynch talked about her history with Asuka, who made her comeback after nine months away. Lynch said that this is her comeback story and it ends with ending Asuka.

Seth “Freakin” Rollins made his entrance wearing a colorful suit as usual.

(Commercial)

There was a video that aired promoting the Doctor Strange movie that premieres this Friday.

Before we heard from Rollins, they recapped the opening segment with Roman Reigns and The Usos dealing with Drew McIntyre and RK-Bro.

Seth Freakin’ Rollins Appreciation Night

I think Rollins was in the ring for like eight minutes before he actually got to speak. Seth said that the time has finally come because Monday Night Rollins has begun. Seth talked about how last week was a celebration of 20 years of Randy Orton while adding that it was okay. Rollins said that they should celebrate a trendsetter, a fashion icon, a global sex symbol, a visionary and a revolutionary while noting that tonight was Seth Freakin’ Rollins Appreciation Night. The fans were humming Seth’s song even though it wasn’t even playing. Rollins said that he feels good while fans chanted “Cody” at him. Seth complained about how at WrestleMania, Cody tried to steal the spotlight. Seth added that he’ll show Cody at WrestleMania Backlash that you can’t steal the spotlight because Seth is the freakin’ spotlight. Seth told the fans to shut up when they started a “Cody” chant. Rollins said that some of you have forgotten just how good he is. Rollins said that you forget that Seth is the standard-bearer in this industry. The fans chanted “we want Cody” at him. Rollins said that you forgot how good he is, but he likes to remind us. Rollins claimed he had a video package to show his rise to superstardom, but he was interrupted. There was no video.

Cody Rhodes made his entrance also wearing a suit. Good ovation for the American Nightmare as he got into the ring with Rollins. They are having a big match at WrestleMania Backlash this Sunday night.

Rollins asked Cody why he was sticking his nose where it doesn’t belong? Cody congratulated Seth. Cody wondered what this was all about. Cody said that it’s like Seth can’t shake Cody’s victory at WrestleMania. Cody ripped on Seth’s “Johnny Polo get up” while Cody has said he has been nothing but professional and courteous. Cody said that he has been a gentleman while telling Rollins that he thinks Seth is going to cross the line. Cody said that he can tell Seth he’s one of the best wrestlers of the last 20 years and it would be true while Cody added he can say Seth is delusional, which is also true. Rollins put over Dusty Rhodes for wrestling hundreds of times in this very arena, which led to “Dusty” chants. Rollins said that just like Cody, Dusty was an egomaniac that thought he was larger than life and thought he transcended the business. Rollins told Cody that Dusty was delusional and so is Cody. Rollins talked about how Dusty wasn’t good enough to be WWE Champion while Seth added that as long as he’s there, Cody isn’t good enough either.

Rollins punched Cody first, then Cody turned it around and Cody got the advantage. Cody stunned Rollins with a punch, then Cody jumped off the ropes and hit a Cody Cutter. That’s impressive to do while wearing a suit. Rollins left to the back. Cody tossed Seth’s suit jacket into the crowd, so congrats to the fan that got that.

Analysis: A solid promo segment to get some heat on Rollins for trashing Cody’s later father Dusty right in Cody’s face. It’s a way to make the feud feel more personal since Cody will be more motivated to shut Rollins up. They had the best match at WrestleMania and will probably be able to do it again at WrestleMania Backlash although it won’t feel as back due to Backlash obviously being a lesser show. I think both guys are awesome in their roles. They are two of the best in WWE right now for sure.

A video aired showing the issues between Bobby Lashley and Omos from last week when they had an Arm Wrestling Competition. Lashley won, but Omos attacked him after the competition.

Bobby Lashley made his entrance for a match after the break. It was a newer entrance for Lashley since he stood on a podium doing a pose before he made his way down to the ring.

(Commercial)

There was another mention of The Rock’s 50th birthday on Monday. They plugged Young Rock on NBC on Tuesday at 8pm ET, which will cover when Rock made his WWE debut in 1996. I like Young Rock. I’ll check it out.

Bobby Lashley vs. Cedric Alexander

The bell rang to start the match, so then the music of Omos hit and Omos appeared with MVP. Alexander with punches, but then Lashley came back with a running shoulder tackle. MVP said that if Lashley struggles like that with Cedric, what can Lashley do against Omos? Lashley charged, Alexander moved and Alexander dropkicked the left knee. Alexander stomped on Lashley on the mat. Lashley was on the floor, Alexander went for a suicide dive and Lashley avoided it. Lashley sent Alexander into the barricade. Lashley put Alexander on his shoulders leading to Lashley driving Alexander into the ring post. Back in the ring, Lashley hit a Spear. Lashley applied the Hurt Lock submission with Alexander giving up to give Lashley the win after three minutes.

Winner by submission: Bobby Lashley

Analysis: * A very easy win for Lashley over Alexander, who got a bit of offense because of MVP’s distraction, but it’s not like anybody thought Alexander would win. This was all about putting over Lashley ahead of his match with Omos at Backlash on Sunday.

Liv Morgan was shown backstage for an interview after the break.

(Commercial)

They showed some WWE representation at the NFL Draft last week with Gable Steveson, The Miz, Happy Corbin and Titus O’Neil there to announce some picks.

A clip aired of Rhea Ripley attacking Liv Morgan after they lost a tag team match. It was Ripley’s heel turn.

Liv Morgan was interviewed by Sarah Schreiber. Liv said that for some reason, Rhea thought Liv was the problem. Liv said she won’t take another beating from Rhea and if she doesn’t believe that…watch me. That is Liv’s phrase she likes to use.

A replay aired of AJ Styles beating Damian Priest earlier on Raw.

There was a rundown of the WrestleMania Backlash lineup for this Sunday.

* Edge vs. AJ Styles

* Cody Rhodes vs. Seth “Freakin” Rollins

* Smackdown Women’s Championship – I Quit Match: Charlotte Flair (c) vs. Ronda Rousey

* Bobby Lashley vs. Omos

* Happy Corbin vs. Madcap Moss

* Roman Reigns, Jimmy Uso & Jey Uso vs. Drew McIntyre, Randy Orton & Riddle

Analysis: That’s the full card for now with six matches. Only one title match is strange, but that’s the lineup. Four of the six matches are WrestleMania rematches as well.

The six-woman tag team match was up next as the main event. “Big Time” Becky Lynch was up first for her heel team.

(Commercial)

They replayed some 24/7 Title “action” from earlier in the show with Dana Brooke telling Reggie she wanted a divorce.

Reggie was shown talking to R-Truth in the backstage area. Truth said that Reggie still has health and his funky flips. Reggie said he was a champion, he had the love of his life and Truth let it slip out of his hands so now Dana has the 24/7 Title. Truth wondered if Reggie had a pre-nup, Reggie didn’t know and Truth said he was a divorce attorney. Truth handed him his card and they walked off together.

Nikki A.S.H. was shown backstage looking sad. Doudrop walked up to Nikki asking if she’s done and if she’s ready to start taking things more seriously. Nikki nodded her head saying yes.

Analysis: That looks like a new heel women’s tag team. That’s fine since neither woman has been doing much of late. It will also likely mean the end of Nikki’s superhero gimmick, which is a good thing.

The rest of the entrances took place for the main event tag team match with Rhea Ripley and Sonya Deville joining Becky. After that, it was the babyface team of Liv Morgan, Asuka and Raw Women’s Champion Bianca Belair. They went to another break before the start of this match.

(Commercial)

Bianca Belair, Asuka & Liv Morgan vs. Becky Lynch, Sonya Deville & Rhea Ripley

Asuka went for a spin kick on Lynch, but Lynch avoided it and backed into the corner. Deville tagged in, Belair tagged in and Ripley tagged in. Belair wanted a suplex, Ripley avoided it while landing on her feet and Ripley punched Morgan off the apron. Deville tagged in going for a sliding knee, Belair avoided it and knocked Deville down. Belair with a one footed dropkick on Deville. Morgan tagged in with a running corner attack and Belair hit a body slam on Deville. Sonya with a punch to Morgan, Lynch tagged in and Deville clotheslined Morgan. Lynch with an uppercut on Morgan, who came back with a jumping kick. Morgan with a running knee in the corner on Lynch. Morgan jumped off the middle ropes with a missile dropkick for two. Morgan dove onto Ripley on the floor even though Lynch was legal. When Morgan turned around, Lynch hit a baseball slide dropkick. Lynch went up top and hit a leg drop off the top for two.

(Commercial)

There were about seven minutes left in the show as Ripley worked over Morgan as the face in peril. Morgan punched Ripley a few times, so Ripley punched her harder. Ripley tossed Morgan across the ring. Lynch tagged in going for the Manhandle Slam, Morgan avoided it and Liv hit a Floatover DDT. Belair got the tag against Ripley, who was ready for Belair with a headbutt. Belair ran off the ropes with a shoulder tackle followed by a delayed vertical suplex for two. Belair went up top, Ripley tried to stop her, Belair kicked Lynch away and Ripley punched Belair. Deville tagged in leading to Ripley/Deville hitting a double superplex on Belair with Deville getting a two count on Belair. Belair broke free of Deville, so Asuka got the tag with a shoulder tackle on Deville. Asuka kicked Ripley out of the ring. Asuka blocked a kick by Deville and a German Suplex. Asuka with a running knee on Deville for a two count. Asuka with a dropkick on Deville. Morgan made the tag for her team, Asuka hit a hip attack to knock Deville out of the ring and Morgan got two knees to the face. Lynch broke up the pin, Asuka with a spinning back fist, then Ripley sent Asuka out of the ring and Belair sent Ripley out of the ring. Deville tossed Asuka out of the ring leading to Deville hitting a running knee. Liv tried going for the Oblivion off the ropes, but Deville avoided it and Deville tried to pin with her feet on the rope. The referee saw it, so he didn’t count. Deville was mad about it, she looked at Belair on the floor and Morgan hit the Oblivion neckbreaker off the ropes for the pinfall win with Morgan pinning Deville. It went about 14 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Bianca Belair, Asuka & Liv Morgan

Analysis: *** It was an entertaining tag team match that followed the standard tag team formula with the heels working over the faces for most of it. Asuka was great in the hot tag spot and I thought she would win, but then they went with Morgan getting the win. It seems like Deville loses every match she has. I would have liked to see more interaction between Ripley and Morgan. They decided to keep them apart for most of the match. Anyway, it was a pretty good match. I’m glad Asuka is back. I missed watching her matches.

The team of Belair, Morgan and Asuka celebrated the win. That was the end of the show.

Three Stars of the Show

  1. AJ Styles
  2. Seth Freakin’ Rollins/Cody Rhodes
  3. Bianca Belair, Asuka & Liv Morgan

The Scoreboard

7 out of 10

Last week: 6.25

Final Thoughts

I thought it was a good show for the most part. The in-ring action was mostly solid with a few matches standing out a bit. I liked the men’s six man tag early, AJ Styles worked well with Damian Priest and the six women’s tag main event was solid too.

The non-wrestling segments were effective with Roman Reigns and The Usos getting beat up a bit by Drew McIntyre & RK-Bro in an entertaining opening segment. I thought the Seth Rollins-Cody interaction was booked well with Seth trying to make it personal by having Seth take shots at Dusty and Cody standing up for his late father.

I think everything on Raw has been built well in terms of the WrestleMania Backlash lineup.

The next WWE Premium Live Event is called WrestleMania Backlash on Sunday, May 8th. Here’s what we know so far:

wwe backlash drew mcintyre rkbro roman usos

* Cody Rhodes vs. Seth “Freakin” Rollins

* Roman Reigns, Jimmy Uso & Jey Uso vs. Drew McIntyre, Randy Orton & Riddle

* Smackdown Women’s Championship – I Quit Match: Charlotte Flair (c) vs. Ronda Rousey

* Edge vs. AJ Styles

* Happy Corbin vs. Madcap Moss

* Bobby Lashley vs. Omos

You can watch WrestleMania Backlash streaming live on Sunday, May 8, at 8 ET/5 PT on Peacock in the United States and on WWE Network everywhere else.

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Thanks for reading.

John Canton

Email: mrjohncanton@gmail.com

Twitter: @johnreport