Sporst Al Dente WWE Raw Review: 4-16-18 Superstar Shakeup

Raw Review
Raw Review

Raw Review

Monday marked the first of a two-night special known as the Superstar Shakeup. With so many possibilities of returns and brand switches, there’s bound to be a great night in store and a plethora of fantastic moments.

Opening Segment

Raw GM Kurt Angle kicks off Raw. Kurt begins to kick off the festivities but is interrupted by Sunil Singh. Singh announces Jinder Mahal as the newest member of Raw. Mahal claims he’s the best on Raw. Kurt makes a match between Jinder and a surprise opponent for the U.S. Championship. The challenge is answered by Jeff Hardy.

Jeff Hardy vs. Jinder Mahal

The two swap control early in the match as we switch to commercial. We come back from commercial to find Mahal in control.

Mahal tries to hit the Khallas but gets rolled up for a near fall. Hardy hits the Twist of Fate followed by the Swanton Bomb and gets the win becoming the new United States Champion.

Bayley vs. Sasha Banks

The match starts at a quick pace with both taking the match outside the ring. Midway through the match, the two go back and forth. The two trade slaps then fists. Banks rolls Bayley into the Bank Statement but its broken up by the Riott Squad and the match ends in disqualification.

After the match, it is announced that the Riott Squad will be joining Raw.

 Heath Slater & Rhyno vs. Authors of Pain.

Slater and Rhyno attack first, trying to catch AoP by surprise. AoP takes control early though and ends the match in quick fashion with the Last Chapter.

Miz Tv

Before the segment, its announced that the Miz’s guest will be someone moving from SmackDown who will “change the landscape of Raw”.

The guests are announced as Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn. Before Miz can say much, he’s interrupted by Kurt Angle. Sami reads an email from Stephanie McMahon saying that Owens and Zayn are on Raw.

Angle announces that The Miz will be moving to SmackDown without The Miztourage. Kurt also makes a 10-man tag match for the main event.

The Revival vs. Matt Hardy & Bray Wyatt

The “Deleter of Worlds” take control early. The two teams trade dominance midway through. Bray gets the hot tag goes on a tear, tags in Hardy who hits a Twist of Fate for the win.

Mickie James vs. Ember Moon

Nia Jax is out for commentary and although Alexa is supposed to be, she’s not. Mickie takes control early. Moon hits an Eclipse outta nowhere for the win.

Superstar Shakeup Announcement

The latest superstar to be traded to Raw is Dolph Ziggler. Ziggler says he’s the best but gets interrupted by Titus Worldwide. Titus asks Dolph to join the group but Ziggler says that he doesn’t want to join TW. Dolph claims he didn’t come alone, introducing Drew McIntyre. The two attack Titus Worldwide.

Roman Reigns Promo

Roman says he’s ready for Brock (who isn’t there) but gets interrupted by Samoa Joe, who says he will fight Roman at Backlash and shows Reigns a video package of him getting beat by Brock.

Natalya vs. Mandy Rose

The two go back and forth until Natalya slaps on the Sharpshooter for the win. Deville and Rose attack Nattie until Ronda Rousey comes and breaks it up, taking out Sonya Deville.

Superstar Shakeup Announcement

Baron Corbin is announced as the newest member of Raw.

Breezango vs. The Bar

The Bar hold control for most the match. Tyler Breeze rolls up Cesaro for the quick win and shock victory.

Ten-Man Tag

Before the match, the fifth man for Strowman’s team is announced as Bobby Roode. Kevin Owens and Seth Rollins start the match. Rollins takes control as we cut to commercial. The Miz’s team controls Balor until Lashley gets the hot tag and takes out the other team. The two teams go back and forth late in the match until a Running Powerslam from Strowman to Miz for the win.

Conclusion

With a lot of new faces, returning face and an action-packed show, this was a great night and this week’s SmackDown should be even better.