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Welcome to this week's edition of things WWE subtly told us on RAW. It was yet another good episode this week with high stakes and important matches. Only the bizarre ending took away from it. We got a bit more in-depth with Eva Marie in her promos, indicating that she is going to be a "motivational" babyface character. Let's see how that works out.
That aside, the build to Hell in a Cell continued and it looks like it's going to be a good one. It's already started better than the build to WrestleMania Backlash, and a good pay-per-view could be in store - the final one before crowds return in July.
Let's begin with the Women's Championship feud and what lies ahead:
#6 Charlotte takes a step ahead on RAW, but is Asuka out of the picture?
We've seen Charlotte Flair vs Asuka quite a few times in recent weeks, and hopefully, this episode was the last of such rematches, as it takes away the value from it.
A bout between the two stars is a WrestleMania-level match-up, but WWE has booked the match numerous times recently, with both women in the hunt for the RAW Women's Championship.
Asuka was pinned by Rhea Ripley at WrestleMania Backlash, but she beat Charlotte Flair a night later to stay in the mix. This week, both women had a great match, where The Queen won in a slightly controversial finish, as the latter's shoulder was not fully down.
Either way, it means that Charlotte Flair is right back in the hunt for the RAW Women's Title, and Asuka isn't far behind.
If the Japanese star is getting left behind again and WWE plans to move forward with Rhea Ripley vs Charlotte Flair, then it is a decent way to protect The Empress.
The only issue is when the question arises as to what's next for Asuka. As of writing this article, Rhea Ripley vs Charlotte Flair is official for Hell in a Cell 2021.
#5 AJ Styles' character direction and handling on RAW
After winning the RAW Tag Team Title at WrestleMania, AJ Styles officially became a WWE Grand Slam Champion. He's had a few memorable title reigns, with his two WWE Championship runs in 2016-2017 and 2017-2018 being the two most significant ones.
He's had other good title reigns as well, but it's safe to say that the current one with the RAW Tag Team Titles is the worst that he's had. It has a lot more to do with the mishandling of it, and the overall apathy shown to the RAW Tag Team division.
Where are The Viking Raiders? Why is AJ Styles feuding with Elias and losing to Jaxson Ryker like he did this week on RAW?
For one, it seems like a face turn for him and Omos is coming. It's probably the right direction, but there needs to be a more serious way to handle them as Tag Team Champions.
This run post-WrestleMania has been slightly disappointing to watch, but hopefully, a face turn and a better storyline can fix that. AJ Styles hasn't turned face since the summer of 2019 - making it nearly two years.
#4 An interesting character direction for Riddle on RAW?
Riddle vs Xavier Woods on RAW had no right to be as good as it was. We were a bit surprised that it got so much time, but it was a match that could have stolen the show with a live crowd.
One of the most exciting things about the return of the live audience is seeing superstars like Riddle thrive in such environments when they haven't had the opportunity to do so since their debut (minus WrestleMania 37).
Either way, it was a continuation from RAW last week when Riddle shoved Xavier Woods down after Kofi Kingston (controversially) defeated Randy Orton. This match on RAW allowed both Riddle and Woods to display their athletic best, and it delivered.
The finish was interesting. Riddle hit an RKO out of nowhere and celebrated with Randy Orton's pose post-match.
Neither Kofi Kingston nor Randy Orton were at ringside, which boosted their match quality. WWE seems to be slowly forging Riddle and Orton into a cohesive unit, indicating that a potential heel turn (for Riddle) and a long-term storyline is in the works.
#3 The Women's Tag Team Title match headlines RAW and has an interesting end
This week's episode of RAW was headlined by the Women's Tag Team Title match as Natalya and Tamina faced Shayna Baszler and Nia Jax once again. The bout wouldn't be in the main event if nothing significant were to happen. However, it was an underwhelming ending to this week's show.
The two teams haven't exactly had classics in the ring, but the match itself was fun to watch. The only reason WWE could have put it last on RAW is Alexa Bliss and a possible twist ending.
Bliss was involved, but not directly. Reginald cost Shayna Baszler and Nia Jax the match after accidentally distracting the referee from a pin, which caused Baszler to force him to leave.
As he was leaving, Pyro shot out of the stage and nearly injured him badly - indicating Alexa Bliss' presence and indirect involvement.
This allowed Natalya to get a quick pin, and RAW ended with Shayna Baszler berating Reginald. She challenged him to a match next week on RAW, and that's how the show ended.
#2 Out with the young, in with the slightly older on RAW
Sheamus faced Humberto Carrillo on RAW once again, and he used his dirty tactics to get one over his young rival. The mini-feud hasn't had much of the US Title involved, but what it's done is it has given Carrillo some desperately-needed screentime on RAW.
After the defeat this week, it seems unclear as to whether Carrillo is going to the back of the line or not. One thing is for sure, Ricochet will be Sheamus' next Title challenger, presumably on RAW or at Hell in a Cell in less than a month.
We're not sure if WWE will drag on the rivalry on RAW, but Carrillo added in on the post-match attack against Sheamus, slyly indicating that he isn't done just yet. Be that as it may, it was satisfying to see Sheamus get a bit of a comeuppance on RAW.
He has been a great heel Champion, and what he needs is a consistent feud with a great match to cement a good reign.
#1 Bobby Lashley's potential WWE Title challenger at Hell in a Cell 2021 to be set on RAW next week
Bobby Lashley's WWE Championship challenge at Hell in a Cell may have gotten a whole lot harder on RAW. Kofi Kingston came out this week and while Drew McIntyre has been vouching for another Title shot, the former rightfully called him and said that he was sick of him getting free runs at the gold.
Ultimately, a match between the two men was booked, with the winner going on to face Bobby Lashley at Hell in a Cell 2021. While it should have been decisive, a double DQ ensued thanks to an attack on both men by the WWE Champion, Bobby Lashley.
Adam Pearce told Lashley and MVP backstage that he booked the rematch between Kingston and McIntyre for next week on RAW. Should either of them interfere in the match, they will be suspended from RAW for 90 days without pay.
It sets up a good challenge next week, and despite Kofi Kingston's best efforts, we fully expect Drew McIntyre to prevail and secure another WWE Title shot. Hopefully, this match headlines RAW next week.
