Sports Al Dente WWE Raw Review: 4-30-18

Raw Review
Raw Review

[heading][/heading]WWE Raw Review

Opening Segment

Monday Night Raw starts with Roman Reigns coming to the ring. The show starts with controversy, as it appears Roman’s feet touched the ground before Brock Lesnar in their steel cage match at the Greatest Royal Rumble. Roman claims to be the rightful champ and is greeted with boos. He is interrupted by Samoa Joe, who says at Backlash Roman will be put to sleep.

Then, Jinder Mahal makes his presence known and comes down to the ring, claiming he will be the next Universal Champion. Sami Zayn comes out to a ovation to his hometown of Montreal and also calls Reigns out. Another hometown hero, Kevin Owens, emerges to a sea of cheers and says he also wants a match with Reigns. A brawl breaks out between Reigns and the three challengers. Bobby Lashley and Braun Strowman make their way to the ring to help Roman, setting up a six-man tag team match for later in the show.

Elias vs. Bobby Roode

The match starts with an Elias concert, which is rudely interrupted by Bobby Roode. Roode starts the match off strong, but eventually gives way to Elias and his aggressive style. Elias then throws Roode into the ring post, leaving the “The Glorious One” one unable to finish. The referee stops the match with Roode unable to continue.

The Authors of Pain vs. Jean-Paul and Francois

The Authors of Pain dominate the match using straight power. Akam and Rezar finish the two in timely fashion, using The Last Chapter to end the match. The two monsters then tell the crowd that every tag team on Raw is getting a chapter in their book of pain.

Monday Night Rollins

Seth Rollins head to the ring to a roar of applause from the crowd after retaining his Intercontinental Title at the Greatest Royal Rumble. Finn Balor comes out and congratulates the champion. After exchanging dialogue, the Miztourage comes out and suggests that the create the new Four Horseman. After being denied, the Miztourage attack Finn and Seth, but end up losing the fight. After clearing the ring, Finn drops Seth and tells him to keep his eyes on him.

Sasha Banks vs. Ruby Riott

Before the match, Banks lets everyone know that her and Bayley’s friendship is in question because the two no longer speak. Sasha starts the match strong, but the numbers game catches up. The rest of the Riott Squad get involved to distract the referee during Sasha’s rally. Riott knocks Banks out cold with her The Riott Kick for the three count.

Moment of Bliss

Alexa Bliss bring up the subject of bullying at the hands of Nia Jax by re-telling the trip of when her and Jax went to Walt Disney World. Bliss said Jax made jokes about her height, throwing shade at Nia at the same time as she claims her being bullied. She got down to business and let everyone know she’s focused on winning the RAW Women’s Championship at Backlash.

The Deleters of Worlds

The promo starts with the two showing themselves in past historical photos.  Bray Wyatt then brings the Tag Team Championships to Matt Hardy, calling themselves the Deleters of Worlds.

Reigns, Strowman and Lashley vs Mahal, Owens and Zayn

The match starts with Zayn and Owens playing with Reigns until “The Big Dog” starts to pick up some steam. Lashley comes in and takes a beating along with Reigns, who re-entered the match to take a beating of his own. Strowman gets tagged in and comes in like a freight train.  A frenzy breaks out, leading to Strowman taking Owens with a running power slam for the victory.

Baron Corbin vs. No Way Jose

“The Lone Wolf” comes out claiming that Jose and Titus O’Neil are not on his level. Titus Worldwide comes out and distracts Corbin to help Jose come up with a roll-up from behind and get the win.

Natalya vs. Mickie James

Natalya is accompanied by Ronda Rousey, while James is flanked by Alexa Bliss.  Natalya focuses her offense on the injured arm of Mickie James to remind Mickie of what Ronda did a week ago. James mounts a small offensive flurry with Alexa trying to distract Natalya. Bad knee and all, Natalya rolls up James for the win.  Nia Jax surprises Alexa on the ramp and “Little Miss Bliss” runs into the crowd. Nia enters the ring and raises Natalya and Rousey’s arms into the air.

Intercontinental Championship: Seth Rollins (c) vs Finn Balor

Great main event for Raw with these two superstars. Both guys are familiar with each other’s moves after squaring off frequently since the turn of the calendar. The match naturally goes back and forth between the two high flyers. Both fighters showcase their athleticism and wrestling skills. Rollins hit the curb stomp after multiple attempts to get the win, finishing up a great show put on by the two former champions.