WWE RAW emanated live from the Schottenstein Center in Columbus, Ohio. We saw a verbal exchange between World Heavyweight Champion Damian Priest and his Backlash challenger, Jey Uso. The World Tag Team Championship was defended on the show as well.
The night capped off with the crowning of a new Women’s World Champion. For those unaware, the title was vacated by Rhea Ripley following her injury on RAW two weeks ago. So what went good and what was bad on the red brand this week?
Let’s find out!
Miss – Opening segment on WWE RAW
Jey Uso kicked off the April 22, 2024, episode of WWE RAW. The YEET Master was interrupted by Damian Priest before he could say something meaningful. The world champion put over both himself and his challenger only for Jey to call him Dominik’s b*tch.
I think WWE needs to take time with Priest’s imminent face turn. He should’ve saved his lavish praise for Jey for RAW after Backlash. This feud has been weak thus far, in my opinion, with Judgment Day’s constant interference making only making it worse.
Hit – Tag team title defense
Awesome Truth defended their World Tag Team Titles against number one contenders DIY on WWE RAW this week. This was a decent match with both teams showing a great deal of momentum. The tag team finisher was set up perfectly for Miz and R-Truth’s win.
Having said that, I didn’t like the pedigree spot. What was once a protected finisher is now being used as a signature move. I’ve the same opinion on the double pedigree spot from the WrestleMania 40 Night One main event.
WWE should either restore its status as a protected finisher or come up with something creative other than those last-second kickouts.
Miss – Chad Ziggler
Chad Ziggler, I mean Gable, turned heel on Sami Zayn in his home country of Canada last week. Gable brought the whole Alpha Academy with him in the ring on WWE RAW this week. He told the fans Sami had it coming. Then we got to the “it should have been me” part of the promo.
While Ziggler’s delivery felt natural, Gable’s lacked intensity. It would’ve been better if he had a different choice of words. Moreover, Gable’s more than capable of winning the title on his own. Why does he want the Alpha Academy’s help in winning the championship? Does he want them to spar with him like he did with Sami or interfere on his behalf?
Somebody, explain!
Hit – Ludwig Kaiser finally snaps
The seeds have been planted for a Ludwig Kaiser solo run. Kaiser attacked Giovanni Vinci following their loss to The New Day on RAW this week. Officials tried to stop him, but a relentless Kaiser took out Vinci, similar to how he injured Kofi Kingston months ago.
It seems that’s what Gunther had wanted from his longtime associate all along. The Ring General gave Kaiser a nod of approval following the ruthless assault. Are we looking at the next World Tag Team Champions on WWE RAW?
Miss – WWE RAW gets new Women’s World Champion
Rhea Ripley’s title reign came to an unfortunate end last week on RAW. Mami relinquished the title before promising a much bigger and ruthless return. She is expected to remain out of action for the next three months.
WWE had no choice but to determine a new champion in her absence. Becky Lynch won the title in a battle royal on RAW this week. I think Liv Morgan would’ve been a more appropriate choice, given her bitter history with Rhea.
Hit – Burger after burger after burger
Drew McIntyre continued being an absolute savage on the mic this week. The Scottish Warrior had the perfect response to the “CM Punk” and “What” chants. Sheamus interrupted his close friend and mocked him for his five-minute title reign at WrestleMania 40.
McIntyre, in response, body shamed the Fella with a play on the “banger after banger after banger” catchphrase. He left the ring to Sheamus and Shinsuke Nakamura. The Celtic Warrior would pick up the win after a hard-hitting match.
Also read: Logan Paul Appearance And More Set For 4/29 WWE RAW
