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From a few returns to a high-stakes main event, this week's edition of WWE RAW featured many contrasting moments.
RAW after WrestleMania is always expected to be a highly newsworthy and significant affair. While this week's episode didn't exactly capture that premise to perfection, RAW still turned out to be an interesting show. Fans witnessed a general teaser of what could be in store for them over the next few months.
Let us know your thoughts about this particular episode in the comments section below.
Here are the five biggest news stories from this week's WWE RAW (April 12, 2021).
#5 Maryse's WWE return could spell the end of The Miz and John Morrison's partnership
WWE RAW after WrestleMania featured Maryse's return to the company. The main premise behind her comeback was to promote a new season of Miz & Mrs. However, the more subtle developments here revolved around The Miz and John Morrison's future as allies.
It seemed as if Morrison wasn't exactly happy about being overshadowed by Maryse. During the Miz TV segment, The A-Lister took false credit for Bad Bunny's success at WrestleMania. Damian Priest interrupted the segment and did not agree with the same, which led to a 2-on-1 handicap match where The Miz and Morrison teamed up against Priest.
Initially, The Miz and Morrison briefly argued about who should separately face Priest, but Maryse eventually steered them into the direction of the handicap bout.
The former NXT star held his own against The Dirt Sheet duo for a while, but a series of shenanigans allowed The Miz and Morrison to pick up the win. Surely, many expected Priest to emerge victorious here.
But despite the outcome, Maryse's presence always makes The Miz a more interesting character than he already is. Perhaps we wouldn't have even gotten the comedic genius of a pants-less Miz without her.
However, the bigger question here is whether or not John Morrison will remain by The Miz's side for the foreseeable future. Regardless of what happens, the two stars have excellent chemistry with each other, and this potential storyline promises to be an entertaining ride.
#4 Alexa Bliss and Bray Wyatt addressed the WWE Universe about their bizarre situation after WrestleMania
On the second night of WWE WrestleMania 37, Alexa Bliss betrayed The Fiend during the latter's match against Randy Orton. As expected, fans had a lot of questions following this development, and they received some answers on WWE RAW.
Bray Wyatt posted a cryptic tweet before RAW, which included an image of Samson and Delilah. The general plot of Samson and Delilah's love story revolves around the latter coaxing Samson into revealing the secret behind his strength. After knowing the secret, Delilah betrays Samson to the benefit of his enemies.
In WWE, Alexa Bliss has fulfilled the role of Delilah, while Bray Wyatt got betrayed just like Samson. During the latest episode of RAW, Bliss seemingly confirmed this development. She spoke about how the darkness (The Fiend) rescued her last year. While it taught her a lot of things, she became self-reliant when the darkness went away.
As she broke away from The Fiend, Bliss unlocked something even more sinister. She introduced a doll named "Lily," which will likely play an important role from this point onward.
Meanwhile, Firefly Fun House returned with Bray Wyatt at the helm. The Fun House puppets also resurfaced during the segment. Wyatt felt reborn and also teased a brand new start for himself and his fireflies.
So, is this all leading to a cinematic clash between Bliss and Wyatt? Will Bliss recruit someone else to do her bidding?
This storyline's future looks interesting, even though the path these characters have been on has triggered a legion of WWE fans on social media.
#3 The Viking Raiders returned on WWE RAW
The WWE RAW tag team division may not be the best part of the show, but things are looking slightly optimistic since WrestleMania. The Viking Raiders (Erik and Ivar) returned to WWE RAW and fought former Hurt Business members — Cedric Alexander and Shelton Benjamin.
Unfortunately, the returning tag team's opponents, Alexander and Benjamin, had to take the loss here. After all, Erik and Ivar couldn't afford to lose in this situation, even if it means Alexander and Benjamin will undoubtedly slip further down the card.
Let's hope WWE can use The Viking Raiders more efficiently this time around. At the moment, do you think they can secure a match for the RAW Tag Team Championships against AJ Styles and Omos?
The New Day (Kofi Kingston Xavier Woods) may have lost the titles to Styles and Omos at WrestleMania, but they picked up a victory over Elias and Jaxson Ryker on RAW this week.
As a result, The Viking Raiders and The New Day could cross paths soon if either team wants to challenge AJ Styles and Omos for the tag team titles.
#2 Charlotte Flair revealed her brutally honest intentions on WWE RAW
Charlotte Flair did not appear on WWE WrestleMania 37 due to circumstances that were completely out of her hand. This week, she returned to the Red brand and spoke about her place on RAW.
Charlotte let go of her semi-humble self and made her intentions clear — she won't steal any opportunities because she is the opportunity. Charlotte wants to be acknowledged for her dedication to the business, and she will demand that respect moving forward.
This promo highlighted her character's unfiltered thoughts in the most honest way possible. Charlotte cannot and will not back down from any opportunities because being the best will always be ingrained in her personality.
She later interfered in Rhea Ripley and Asuka's WWE RAW Women's Championship rematch to make a defiant statement. Charlotte inserted herself into the title picture in the process.
Rhea Ripley and Charlotte Flair must renew their one-on-one rivalry at some point. With that in mind, it seems likely that Asuka will be removed from the triple threat scenario in the long run.
#1 Drew McIntyre's path to regaining his WWE Championship led to an unusual twist
This week's WWE RAW kicked off with Bobby Lashley's dominance and ended with an unexpected twist for Drew McIntyre's future.
Lashley fought Riddle in the opening bout of the episode. The Original Bro tried to earn his place in the World Title picture after WrestleMania, but Lashley prevailed. Later in the night, McIntyre interrupted MVP's promo, which also brought out Braun Strowman and Randy Orton.
Strowman and Orton have moved past their WrestleMania feuds, even though Orton's future could still involve The Fiend. As the two stars, along with McIntyre, looked to challenge the WWE Champion, Adam Pearce came out and booked the three men in a triple threat main event. The winner of this bout would get to face Lashley for the title at WrestleMania Backlash next month.
While McIntyre did win the opportunity, some fans believe WWE may have rushed his epic rematch with Lashley. McIntyre vs. Lashley will most likely be an exciting clash, but it brings up the same dilemma in terms of the story — should Lashley continue his title reign, or will McIntyre complete his redemption arc?
A few months down the line, this dilemma wouldn't exist because it would be the right time to pull the trigger on McIntyre's third WWE Championship victory. If there is a possibility that SummerSlam will have a big live crowd, The Scottish Warrior should earn his moment in front of the fans at the event.
Meanwhile, this week's WWE RAW ended with an interesting development. As Drew McIntyre celebrated his main event victory, MVP entered the scene. This was followed by Mace and T-Bar's arrival, who ambushed McIntyre in the ring.
On the RAW after WrestleMania, fans expected someone like Brock Lesnar or Samoa Joe to attack McIntyre. However, even though Mace and T-Bar's inclusion doesn't seem like the most exciting development at the moment, it still counts as a cliffhanger.
What kind of a deal did they make with MVP? Tune into next week's episode to find out.
Do check out the latest edition of 'Legion of RAW' with Dr. Chris Featherstone and former WWE Head Writer Vince Russo in the video embedded above.
Also, make sure to subscribe to the Sportskeeda Wrestling YouTube channel.
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