Reviews

The John Report: WWE Raw Deal 04/15/24 Review

By John Canton • Published 15th April 2024
WWE Raw Deal April 15

It’s WWE Raw featuring Sami Zayn’s Intercontinental Title match vs. Chad Gable, Jey Uso facing Finn Balor and more.

On last week’s Raw, Jey Uso won a four-way match to earn a shot at the World Heavyweight Title held by Damian Priest. We also learned earlier on Monday that Women’s World Champion Rhea Ripley is dealing with an injury and we’ll see what that means for her future on Raw. The next WWE PLE is Backlash on May 4th.

This is the Raw Deal for episode #1612 of Monday Night Raw. It’s taking place at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport. Let’s get to it.

They showed the Intercontinental Champion Sami Zayn walking backstage and he got a big pop from the hometown crowd. The World Heavyweight Champion Damian Priest was also shown backstage. They showed Cody Rhodes walking around earlier in the day as well. Jey Uso was shown arriving earlier in the day.

Let’s Hear from Rhea Ripley

The Women’s World Champion Rhea Ripley made her entrance with her right arm in a sling. The commentary team of Michael Cole and Pat McAfee welcomed us to the show. When Ripley got into the ring, the Raw General Manager Adam Pearce was in the ring. It was Day 380 for Ripley as the Women’s World Champion.

Rhea Ripley said that obviously you guys know what’s going on right now. Ripley said that after last week’s attack by Liv Morgan, she is now being told that she’s stuck on the bench for quite a few months. Ripley said she’s pissed off right now. Ripley said that she has been told she needs to vacate the Women’s World Championship. The fans chanted “no” in response and also a “bullshit” chant, so Ripley said, “yeah it is.” Ripley said that this championship means the most to her in her entire life. Ripley put the title down in the ring. The fans chanted “Thank You Mami” for Ripley.

Ripley said that this was all because of Liv Morgan’s revenge tour. Ripley said she could have had respect for Morgan if she attacked her face to face but instead, Morgan attacked Ripley like a coward that Ripley is. Ripley said that she would have jumped Morgan where she stood. Ripley said when she comes back, she is coming back for blood. Ripley spoke about how she’s not just going to be gone because of an injury because when she finds Liv they are going to have to lock her up in a Montreal jail. Liv Morgan made her entrance with security guys by her. Raw GM Adam Pearce wanted security to stop Morgan, so the two women were kept apart. Ripley knocked a security guy down with a headbutt and that was the end of it.

Analysis: That sucks about Rhea Ripley having to vacate the Women’s World Title due to the right shoulder injury. She had a great title reign over the last 380 days. Obviously, they can say it was Liv Morgan who caused it and maybe this could lead to Liv being a heel because the fans like Rhea, so they could blame Liv for it and get heat on Liv. We don’t know yet how long Ripley is out, but if she needs surgery then it’s usually a 5-8 month kind of injury, so it will be later in the year when we see Ripley again. I wish Rhea the best. She will be missed for sure because she’s one of the best all-around performers in WWE male or female. I’m a Ripley fan and I’m sure a lot of you reading this are too.

Sheamus was shown backstage because he was making his return up next.

(Commercial)

Rhea Ripley was shown backstage where she hugged the four guys in The Judgment Day. Damian Priest said they know when she comes back, she’ll make Liv Morgan pay and she’ll get her title back. Priest said they love her. Ripley told them to make sure The Judgment Day stays on top. Ripley said to keep an eye on this one in reference to Dominik. Ripley walked away at that point.

Analysis: That was a cool moment for The Judgment Day group.

Welcome back to the powerhouse Sheamus. They mixed his current song at the start wit the classic “too many limes” song. Sheamus has been out since last August with neck issues.

Sheamus vs. Ivar

The fans were chanting “Let’s go Sheamus” a lot for Sheamus, who has been part of WWE for 17 years as Cole noted. Sheamus ran over with a shoulder tackle. Sheamus wanted the forearms to the chest, but Ivar avoided those. Ivar went up top, Sheamus went after him with punches and Sheamus hit White Noise off the middle turnbuckle. The crowd popped big as the show went to break there.

(Commercial)

Sheamus was in control as he hit his ten beats (forearms to the chest) with the fans chanting along for it. Ivar came back with a spin kick. Ivar went up top and hit a Superfly Splash for a two count. Ivar hit a knee to the ribs. Ivar went for a springboard attack, but Sheamus avoided that and Sheamus hit a knee smash. Sheamus pulled the knee pad down leading to a running knee attack. Sheamus set up in the corner leading to the Brogue Kick. The fans were loving it. Sheamus covered for the win after about nine minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Sheamus

Analysis: *** A solid match to put over Sheamus strong in his return. He looked healthy and happy to be cheered as much as he was. Ivar is a good performer too, but this was all about putting over Sheamus in his return match.

Sheamus celebrated with the announcers saying he was back.

A video package aired about Sami Zayn beating GUNTHER to win the Intercontinental Title at WrestleMania 40. They showed Sami Zayn training with Chad Gable and they will face off in the main event.

Chad Gable was shown walking backstage as Michael Cole noted that Chad hasn’t won a singles title in his WWE career.

(Commercial)

Triple H Presents New Championships

The entrance of WWE Hall of Famer Paul “Triple H” Levesque took place while Michael Cole talked about how it was the Triple H Era once again. There was a red carpet in the ring along with something hidden underneath a black cover. The fans were popping huge for Triple H. The Raw GM Adam Pearce was in the ring too.

Triple H told the Montreal crowd that they were on fire. Triple H talked about how eight days ago it was WrestleMania and the new era started. Pearce spoke up saying that the tag team division has never been better. Pearce said that now Raw and Smackdown can have Tag Team Titles that they can be proud of. Pearce introduced Awesome Truth to receive their new titles.

The Awesome Truth duo of The Miz & R-Truth made their entrance with the Raw Tag Team Titles. Miz and Truth went into the ring as the fans chanted “you deserve it” to them. That led to Truth doing the splits to pop the crowd. Triple H said “What’s Up” to Truth and congratulated them.

Triple H said they made history in one of the biggest tag team matches in history. Hunter told Truth that seeing him have that WrestleMania moment was awesome. Hunter spoke about how if you are going to represent this brand and those titles then you need to do it in a way that represents an all-new era. Hunter said that going forward from now, they will be known as the World Tag Team Champions. Hunter and Pearce unveiled the new World Tag Team Titles.

They are similar to the World Titles we have seen on Raw in the last year, but these say “World Tag Team Champions” on them. Truth thought it was a trick for them to reveal the titles. Truth thinks that the titles appeared out of oxygen.

The Miz said that he’s not a magician and Truth said that’s what a magician would say. Truth said that he doesn’t trust magicians, not after Little Jimmy. Truth said that everybody used to see Little Jimmy, so what else is Triple H hiding? The Miz told Truth this was what they were working for and these are important titles in this new era of WWE. When Miz mentioned Triple H, Truth was confused and thought it was Tommaso Ciampa. Triple H was laughing. The Miz spoke in French to Truth and then Truth realized that it meant they were their new titles. They chanted “Oui” meaning “Yes” and the fans chanted “Oui” for them. Hunter: “Can I just go, please?” Hunter took the old titles and put the new titles on the champions. Hunter told Adam good luck, it’s all yours. Triple H left.

Analysis: I am all for those titles changing. Those Raw & Smackdown silver titles were around far too long and I think the new titles look terrific. As I said, the design is similar to the Men’s and Women’s World Titles, so it’s consistent with those titles, which is a good thing. As for the R-Truth comedy stuff, it was very over the top as usual and perhaps too much in this case, but I still chuckle at it.

Pearce wondered why they made the boss leave the ring. Truth said that Triple H wasn’t out there. Pearce said now they have to figure out who their first contenders will be. Pearce said there will be a triple threat match to determine the first contenders right now.

The #DIY duo of Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano made their entrance. Truth thought Ciampa was Triple H and he thinks Gargano is Shawn Michaels. Anyway, that triple threat match is next.

(Commercial)

The New Day – Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods vs. The Creed Brothers – Brutus & Julius Creed vs. #DIY – Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano

World Tag Team Champions The Miz & R-Truth watched from ringside. The way this match works is one guy from each team was legal while their partners were on the apron.

Brutus nailed a double clothesline on two opponents. All six guys went into the ring to start brawling. The Creeds were knocked off the apron by #DIY to send The Creeds to the floor. When #DIY tried dives on the floor, The Creeds caught them and New Day hit somersault dives over the top onto their opponents on the floor. That led to a break.

(Commercial)

The trio of Julius, Ciampa and Kofi were exchanging strikes in the ring. Ciampa and Julius traded forearms to the jaw. Kofi went for Trouble in Paradise, but Julius blocked it and went for an ankle lock. Ciampa hit a jumping knee. All six guys took turns doing strikes. Julius did an overhead suplex to Kofi and Gargano kicked Julius out of the ring. #DIY hit double team kicks on Kofi. Gargano dove on a couple of guys on the floor. Ciampa hit his Project Ciampa on Kofi into the double knees for a two count. There were Triple H chants for Ciampa. Kofi broke free and brought in Woods with a Tornado DDT on Ciampa. Woods with an Honor Roll clothesline on Gargano. Woods nailed Brutus with a forearm to the face. Kofi got the tag and hit a jumping kick on Ciampa. Woods held Ciampa leading to Kofi doing a Fameasser for two because Julius broke up the pin. Julius suplexed Kofi down and Julius hit a belly-to-belly on Woods too. Julius did an overhead suplex to Gargano and a German Suplex on Ciampa too. Brutus tagged in with a rollup attempt. The Creeds were pinning both teams at the same time for a two count. Brutus went up top, Kofi shoved him down and Woods superkicked Brutus down. Julius hit a superplex on Kofi and Woods hit a top rope elbow on Julius for two because #DIY hit their Meet in the Middle kick/knee combo. Ciampa covered Woods for the pinfall win after 11 minutes.

Winners by pinfall: #DIY – Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano

Analysis: ***1/2 That was a chaotic, exciting, and fun match. They did ignore tag team rules at times, but in a triple threat match without countouts and without disqualifications, I think it’s okay to be doing stuff like that. It could have gone either way since they are all babyface teams that are at around the same level, so I liked that aspect of it. The match really could have gone either way. The finish was booked well with Woods looking like he might win, but then #DIY hit their finisher and that was it. The Creeds had some impressive moments in the match too. I liked the match.

That win means that #DIY will get a World Tag Team Title shot against Awesome Truth soon.

Drew McIntyre was shown watching what happened last week when CM Punk cost him in a Fatal 4-Way match that was won by Jey Uso. Drew was laughing about it. Jackie Redmond said this wasn’t the reaction she was expecting from him. Drew smiled, then he kicked the TV and left angrily.

This Friday on Smackdown: LA Knight vs. AJ Styles for a shot at the WWE Title and Bayley defends the Women’s Title against Naomi.

(Commercial)

Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell vs. Ivy Nile & Maxxine Dupri

Nile hit Indi with a dropkick followed by a spin kick. Dupri tagged in with a cross body block off the top on Dupri. Maxxine hit a Fisherman’s Suplex on Indi for two. Indy nailed a clothesline while Dupri was looking at LeRae. LeRae sent Dupri into the turnbuckle and beat her up with punches. LeRae avoided a kick by Dupri and Dupri came back with a knee to the ribs followed by a DDT. Indi went in the ring while Dupri made the tag, but the referee didn’t see it. Indi went into the ring and hit a big boot to Dupri. The referee kept Nile back and Indi tossed LeRae onto Dupri for the pinfall win after four minutes.

Winners by pinfall: Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell

Analysis: ** A decent match with the story evolving because Indi did some underhanded tactics to help her team get the win. Indi is buying into what Candice has been doing by being heelish, so it led to the win and it should lead to more heelish tactics from Candice & Indi. Maxxine did fine in the match considering her experience level. Nile really wasn’t in the ring for that long because this was about isolating Dupri and not allowing her to tag out.

Damian Priest was shown visiting the New York Yankees last week with the World Heavyweight Title. The same Yankees who lost 3-1 to my Toronto Blue Jays on Monday night. Go Jays.

A video aired about Damian Priest showing his WWE journey from when he started in 2019. They showed images of Priest earlier in his career when he weighed a lot more. The video package showed highlights of Priest in action and winning championships, which included the World Heavyweight Title at WrestleMania 40 when Priest cashed in the Money in the Bank briefcase.

The Judgment Day were shown in their clubhouse. Priest said that they still run WWE. Priest told Dominik that he would teach Andrade that you don’t mess with their group. Balor thinks that they should focus on the Tag Team Titles. Priest said that he wants Balor to focus on teaching Jey Uso about a loss and Priest mentioned facing Jey Uso at Backlash. Finn said he was ready.

Andrade made his entrance for his match up next.

(Commercial)

There was a clip shown from 3:47 pm E.T. when Chad Gable was training in the ring with The Creed Brothers. Jackie Redmond asked him what winning the Intercontinental Title would mean to him. Chad said it would me an everything while saying it would be validation for his ten-plus years in WWE. Chad spoke about how he’ll fight against the hometown crowd that Zayn will have and Gable will expose his weaknesses in their match.

Analysis: They are doing a great job of building up the main event. No surprise there.

Dominik Mysterio (w/JD McDonagh) vs. Andrade

Andrade knocked down Dominik with a shoulder tackle. Andrade nailed Dominik with a forearm followed by a cross body block off the top rope. Andrade hit two vertical suplex, but Dominik blocked a third attempt and Dominik hit two suplexes. Andrade finished off the Three Amigos with a third suplex. JD distracted the referee while Andrade was on the top rope, so Dominik knocked Andrade down. Dominik stomped on Andrade a bit as the show went to break.

(Commercial)

Andrade took down Dominik twice with a dragon screw leg whips twice followed by Andrade hitting a forearm smash. Andrade hit a running double knee attack against the turnbuckle for two. Andrade went up top and went for a slingshot moonsault, but Dominik moved to avoid it. That wasn’t the double jump moonsault that Andrade likes to do. They battled on the apron where Dominik kicked Andrade to stun him and Dominik hit a Canadian Destroyer on the apron! Back in the ring, Dominik covered Andrade for two. The announcers put over that as an impressive move. Dominik dropkicked Andrade in the back to set up for the 619 kick, but Andrade came back with a back elbow. Andrade hit his double underhook spinning slam called The Message for the pinfall win after about nine minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Andrade

Analysis: *** A good match that was competitive the whole way. Andrade was on offense for a lot of it until JD did the distraction and then Dominik was able to take control for a bit. That Canadian Destroyer that Dominik did on the apron was so impressive. You don’t see it that often in WWE (like we see it a lot in other places), so seeing somebody do that move is a big deal and they sold it as a big deal. Andrade was able to overcome that and pick up the big win.

After the match, JD McDonagh attacked Andrade from behind. Dominik and JD worked over Andrade with punches, so Ricochet ran out for the save. The Judgment Day guys retreated at that point.

Analysis: That should set up a tag team match next week.

There was a video package of The Bloodline angle from Smackdown last Friday. Solo Sikoa told Paul Heyman and Jimmy Uso that losses have consequences. Solo hugged Jimmy, but that’s when Tama Tonga debuted to attack Jimmy from behind. They beat up Jimmy brutally while Solo stepped on Heyman’s phone when Paul tried to call Roman Reigns. Solo hit a hip attack on Jimmy against the turnbuckle.

Analysis: I thought it was a great angle. I’m excited about the long term potential of this story.

Jey Uso was interviewed backstage by Cathy Kelley. Jey said that The Bloodline are going down a dangerous road. Jey said he told Jimmy to come with him. Jey said that Finn Balor is about to feel this Yeetdown on Raw.

Analysis: It’s going to be a great moment when The Usos reunite at some point this year. What was done to Jimmy should turn Jimmy into a face, so The Usos reuniting will be a big deal when it happens.

(Commercial)

Chelsea Green & Piper Niven vs. Kayden Carter & Katana Chance

Niven did a double clothesline to knock her two opponents down. Green tagged in, did some taunting, Chance did a kick and Carter/Chance did a double team corner attack. Carter hit a flatliner like move. Chance jumped off the top onto Niven, who caught Chance and hit a fallaway slam to send Chance out of the ring. Carter tried a pin on Green, but Niven hit a cross body block on Carter. Green covered for the pinfall win after about two minutes.

Winners by pinfall: Chelsea Green & Piper Niven

Analysis: *1/2 A short match to give Green & Niven a win. Niven did the work and Green got the glory by getting the pinfall for her team.

Cody Rhodes was shown walking backstage with the WWE Championship for a promo up next.

(Commercial)

A replay was shown of Rhea Ripley vacating the Women’s World Title earlier in the show.

Liv Morgan was interviewed by Cathy Kelley backstage. Liv said that she felt like everybody was mad at her. Liv mentioned Ripley tore her shoulder out and put her out for eight months. Liv said that this is karma at its very finest and Ripley got what she deserved. Liv said that this was just the beginning of the Liv Morgan Revenge Tour because the end will be when she wins the Women’s World Title. Liv said “Watch Me” to end it.

Analysis: I think WWE could turn Liv Morgan soon and it would work. The fans loved Ripley, so having Liv brag about hurting her would get Liv heat for sure.

Let’s Hear from Cody Rhodes

The WWE Champion Cody Rhodes made his entrance to a huge pop from the crowd. It was really loud. The fans were cheering loudly and of course, they were loud for the “WHOA-OH” part of the song too. Cody was in dress clothes without a jacket and had the WWE Championship in his hands. There were loud “Cody” chants before Rhodes said a word. There were more “Cody” chants after that.

Cody asked “so what do you want to talk about?” in French. Cody said that he’s allowed to hang out on Raw even though technically he’s a Smackdown superstar due to his WWE Title. Cody spoke about how at Backlash in Lyon, France, he’ll face either LA Knight (yeah) of the “Phenomenal” AJ Styles, whose name was booed.

Cody said that there’s a man that he could talk about for hours but he’ll keep it brief. Cody said that this man would be his Shield and that led to fans singing the Seth Rollins song. Cody said that he is a man of his word. Cody thanked Seth “Freakin” Rollins for his help.

Analysis: Cody saying he was a Smackdown guy now was interesting, but I guess it makes logical sense since the WWE Title belongs on SD rather than Raw. Seth was awesome at WrestleMania 40 despite losing twice. He had great performances and I loved how he sold his injuries.

Cody spoke about how The Rock did some reflecting yesterday. That led to boos and a “Rocky Sucks” chant. Cody said that it was news to him that Rock did a ten-week training program and flew in talent to train with him along with the greatest strength & conditioning team that money can by. Cody said that Rock has more than one match in him because he’s got a lot more than that. Cody mentioned that Rock said that he’ll make Cody bleed again. Cody said that maybe he’ll bleed, but nothing that Rock does can stop the fact that if Cody bleeds then Rock will bleed with him.

Analysis: That match between Cody Rhodes and The Rock may be a year away at WrestleMania 41, but WWE wants Cody to keep talking about Rock to keep it fresh in people’s minds. That’s fine with me.

Cody moved on to talk about The Bloodline. Cody said that the introduction of Tama Tonga was last week by orders of The Tribal Chief, but Roman Reigns was nowhere to be found. Cody introduced somebody who knows The Bloodline very well and is a friend of his. Cody introduced Jey Uso.

Jey Uso made his entrance to a big pop as usual. Cole to Pat: “Please don’t Yeet on yourself.” Jey was doing his arm-swinging thing as the crowd joined in and Pat was doing it too. Jey kept doing the arm-swinging with Pat doing it as well.

Cody told Jey that he was the number one contender for the World Heavyweight Championship. Cody said that nobody deserves it more than Jey. Cody said that Jey helped him finish the story at WrestleMania. Cody talked about how he would like to have Jey’s back just like Jey has had Cody’s back. Jey liked that and they hugged. Jey said he appreciated that. Jey said that he has to do it on his own and be the Yeetmaster. Jey bragged about how he was going to be new World Heavyweight Champion. Cody said if you don’t need him, Cody understood and wished Jey good luck. They hugged in the ring. Cody: “Oh and Jey…one other thing. Until we Yeet again.” They did a “Yeet” together to end it.

Analysis: I like the Cody-Jey friendship a lot. They play off eachother very well.

Finn Balor was shown backstage because his match with Jey Uso was up next.

(Commercial)

Nia Jax was shown was interviewed by Cathy Kelley. Jax said that she didn’t give a damn about Rhea Ripley. Jax wondered who would stop her from taking the Women’s World Title while saying that Liv Morgan and Becky Lynch are hers. Jax mentioned the WWE Draft in two weeks and issued a warning to anybody coming after that title because Jax said it is her title.

Analysis: I think Nia Jax is certainly a top contender to win the Women’s World Title if she remains on Raw.

Finn Balor vs. Jey Uso

Balor attacked Jey from behind with a forearm smash. Balor didn’t make his entrance and instead did a cheap attack. The referee checked on Jey and started the match. Balor hit a running elbow smash. Balor did a basement dropkick. Balor grounded Jey with a chinlock while Priest looked on by watching a TV backstage. Balor worked over Jey with chops to the chest. Jey got some offense going with punches, but then Balor tripped up Jey on the top rope. Balor hit a running dropkick to knock Jey out of the ring.

(Commercial)

Jey went for a kick to the body, but Balor caught the boot and Jey hit a spinning kick to the head. Jey hit a punch combo followed by a Samoan Drop for two. Priest took his title and walked out of the room. Jey missed a running hip attack when Balor moved and Balor hit a reverse DDT for two. Balor hit a Slingblade neckbreaker to put Jey down. Balor charged, but Jey stopped that with a superkick. Jey went up top for a splash, Balor avoided it and Balor dropkicked Jey into the turnbuckle. Balor jumped off the top for Coud de Grace, Jey avoided it and Jey hit a Spear. Jey went up top and hit an Uso Splash for the pinfall win after about ten minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Jey Uso

Analysis: ***1/4 I liked the match. It makes sense for Jey to win since he’s the World Title challenger against Priest, so Jey should win a match like this. It does hurt Balor a bit as a singles wrestler, but I think he’ll be just fine long term. The finish was easy to see coming with Balor avoiding his top rope finisher, but Jey hit his and that was enough to win.

After the match, World Champion Damian Priest showed up on the apron to have a staredown with Jey Uso. Priest held up his title in front of Jey. Dominik and JD attacked Jey from behind. Priest didn’t know that was coming and Balor talked to Priest saying it was okay. Jey was sent out of the ring where he superkicked Dominik. Jey also tossed Jey into Finn at ringside. Jey went into the crowd and left through the crowd.

Jey Uso was shown walking down a hallway and it followed him as he walked by fans. Sami Zayn was standing there looking at the building. Zayn said that 25 years ago, he saw his first show in this building. Zayn said now he comes back as a champion. Jey told him to go do it and left.

Zayn walked down a hallways saying if you want to see the best wrestling city in the world, follow him. Zayn walked down the hallway and then made his entrance in the back part of the arena. Zayn made his entrance by walking down the steps while he took a Canadian Flag from a fan. Zayn made his way down the steps. Zayn walked around different parts of the arena while the fans were singing or his song. Zayn walked in from the back part of the arena and made his way ringside. They were going to break, so Zayn went into the crowd again.

Analysis: O Canada! That was really cool how the camera followed Zayn around the building as he greeted fans and walked around different parts of the building before making his official entrance. I love this new director that shows us different camera angles and shots to cover things like how a wrestler walks into the arena like Zayn just did. It gives the audience a different look, which his a good thing.

(Commercial)

Next Monday on Raw:

* A new Women’s World Champion will be crowned. They didn’t say what the match would be.

* World Tag Team Titles: Awesome Truth – The Miz & R-Truth vs. #DIY – Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano

* Ricochet & Andrade vs. The Judgment Day – JD McDonagh & Dominik Mysterio

Bronson Reed went up to Chad Gable backstage and said whoever is the champion won’t be champion for long because they will have to answer to Bronson Reed. Chad made his entrance.

Intercontinental Championship: Sami Zayn vs. Chad Gable

I didn’t catch the first couple of minutes since I got a phone call and had to talk. It was pretty even for both guys as they went to a break.

(Commercial)

Gable was in control with a knockdown for a two count. Zayn tried a move off the ropes, but Gable stopped that by twisting the left knee. Gable jumped onto Zayn on the floor while Zayn’s wife Khadija was at ringside. Back in the ring, Gable hit a top rope headbutt for a two count. Gable wrenched on the left knee again. Zayn came back with a big running clothesline followed by an elbow smash to the head. Gable rolled through against Zayn for a two count. Zayn countered an Ankle Lock by sending Gable out of the ring. Zayn kicked Gable down on the floor. Zayn hit an impressive springboard moonsault onto a standing Gable on the floor. Excellent move. The show went to break.

(Commercial)

There were less than ten minutes left in the show as Gable gave Zayn an Olympic Slam off the top rope. Both guys were down on the mat selling. Gable hit a couple of German Suplexes until Zayn hit two of his own German Suplexes. Gable hit another German Suplex and Zayn hit his third German Suplex. They countered eachother several times and Zayn gave Gable a release German Suplex with Chad landing on his head/neck hard. Both guys were down selling again. Zayn and Gable exchanged punches, but then Gable hit a front flip boot. Zayn hit an Exploder Suplex into the turnbuckle. Zayn charged, Gable avoided him and Gable applied an Ankle Lock on the left leg. Zayn sent Gable out of the ring to get out of the hold. Gable went up top and Gable went for a move, but Zayn countered with a Powerbomb. Zayn applied a Sharpshooter and then he collapsed to sell the left leg injury. Yes! Selling! Love to see it. Zayn charged, but Gable caught him and Gable gave Zayn a release German Suplex into the turnbuckle. Gable went up top, jumped off with a moonsault and Zayn got the boots up…but Gable got a hold of Zayn’s left leg for an Ankle Lock. Gable applied the Ankle Lock for about a minute, Zayn rolled through and got a pin attempt for two. Zayn hit an Exploder Suplex into the turnbuckle. Zayn nailed the running Helluva Kick for one…two….and three! Zayn wins! It went 17 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Sami Zayn

Analysis: **** That was an excellent match. No surprise there when you give two of the best wrestlers nearly 20 minutes in a main event match. I absolutely loved the spot where Zayn was going for the Sharpshooter and then he collapsed while doing the move, which is a brilliant thing to do because it puts over how well Gable beat up Zayn throughout the match. Zayn did manage to come back and win, which isn’t a surprise to anybody watching since he just won the title a week ago. I just think they did a tremendous job of having both guys looking like they might win at different points in the match. Zayn getting out of the long Ankle Lock leading to the Exploder and the Helluva Kick was a smart way to end it. This was one of the best WWE TV matches so far this year.

After the match, Sami Zayn celebrated the win. Zayn put the Intercontinental Title on the mat. Chad Gable looked sad against the turnbuckle. Zayn walked over to Gable and extended a hand to lift up Gable. Chad raised Zayn’s hand into the air. Zayn rolled out of the ring to greet his wife at ringside. Gable nailed Zayn with a German Suplex on the floor! Gable threw Gable into the ring post. Gable tossed Zayn over the commentary table. The crowd booed Gable loudly. Gable rammed Zayn into the ring post. Gable gave Zayn an Ankle Lock against the turnbuckle. Referees were there to try to stop Chad as the fans booed and the show ended there.

Analysis: I didn’t officially predict that Chad Gable would turn heel after the loss, but I certainly had lots of people predicting it to me and it made sense. Gable has lost a few IC Title matches at this point, so having him snap after this loss makes logical sense for a guy who was frustrated by not being able to win the IC Title. For Gable to do it right when Zayn was hugging his wife made it that much more despicable too. It gets more heat on Gable because of when he did it. I like it as a show ending angle.

===

Three Stars of the Show

  1. Sami Zayn
  2. Chad Gable
  3. Sheamus – Welcome back after eight months away.

Also a shoutout to Rhea Ripley. We will miss you.

===

The Scoreboard

7.5 out of 10

Last week: 8

2024 Average: 7.63

===

Final Thoughts on WWE Raw

I liked the show. The Zayn-Gable main event match was outstanding. Good to see Zayn pick up the win in front of the hometown Montreal crowd. Lots of emotion after the match and then Gable turning on Zayn with the cheap attack was a great way to get some heat for the heel turn. That should lead to a good rivalry between them.

It was sad to see Rhea Ripley talking about her right shoulder injury and having to vacate the Women’s World Title. It’s a reminder of how tough of a business pro wrestling is. You have all this momentum with a year long title reign, but one bad bump and you’re on the shelf for half a year or whatever it’s going to be. Ripley will be missed, but the WWE roster is loaded so I think they’ll be just fine. It will be interesting to see if Liv Morgan becomes a heel out of this because if they play it right, she could get a lot of heat for sure.

Welcome back to Sheamus. The Montreal crowd showed him a lot of love and it was cool to see that. Sheamus deserves that for having an incredible career for nearly 20 years and coming back after eight months away. Plus, we got the “too many limes” song back, so that’s a wonderful thing too. Lastly, I thought it was a good call to change the Tag Team Titles. I like the new look.

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Thanks for reading. Please check out my reviews of every WWE PPV ever listed in order. Go Toronto Blue Jays and Toronto Maple Leafs. My contact info is below.

John Canton

Email mrjohncanton@gmail.com

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