The Raw after ‘Mania had several ‘mark-out’ and pivotal moments that had fans at the edge of their seats. After being treated to many lacklustre episodes of Raw this episode was a refreshing change to fans who now prefer SmackDown. However, this solid episode had last-minute changes that saw certain storylines play out differently.
According to our sources, the first change had to do with segment placement and timing, more than anything else and involved the former Universal Champ. Goldberg's thank you speech, which actually took place after the show ended was supposed to be on the actual show.
Instead, it began Raw Talk and had Goldberg continually reminding us that this wasn't part of the show.
- Austin Aries winning the Cruiserweight Championship
The second of the three changes we are aware of involved the Cruiserweight division, as per our sources. Aries was apparently supposed to avenge his loss at ‘Mania on the latest episode of Raw and defeat Neville for the Cruiserweight Championship.
Instead, as we witnessed on the Red Brand, Neville cut a promo in which he said that Aries was all talk and nothing else. The Champion then had to face Mustafa Ali and found his way past him with a submission after a surprisingly intriguing encounter.
The third change would affect the Women’s division, as it involved Sasha Banks and her much-anticipated heel turn. The women in the fatal four-way at ‘Mania were joined by Emma and Brooke as Bayley, Sasha and Charlotte’s former protege took on Jax, Emma and Charlotte.
- Sasha Bank’s heel turn
According to our sources, this match was supposed to see Sasha finally turn on the Women’s Champion and the stage looked set for this swerve as the three faces celebrated their victory in the ring. A turn could have seen changed things up drastically in the division, instead, it was Nia who ran rampage, incensed at losing.
Charlotte Flair took the brunt of Nia's rage and ate a Samoan Drop. As of now, it is not exactly known why the last two changes were actually made.
Send us news tips at [email protected]
