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The first episode of WWE RAW after WrestleMania is often an exciting event, but that was not the case this year. The show was underwhelming and barely did any justice in its follow-up to a memorable WrestleMania pay-per-view. WWE RAW featured just a few promising segments as few superstars’ performances emerged as the only saving grace.
It was surprising that the newly crowed champions like AJ Styles, Omos, and Sheamus did not make an appearance on the show. However, the Red brand did witness a couple of surprise returns and heel turns.
In this article, we will take a look at WWE Superstars who impressed us on RAW tonight and those who didn’t.
#1 Impressed on WWE RAW: Drew McIntyre
This week’s episode of RAW confirmed that Drew McIntyre is once again the new No. 1 contender for the WWE Championship. He has been in the world title picture for a long time, and once again, he proved why he deserves to stay there. It would be fair to say that McIntyre doesn’t get enough credit for being one of the most hard-working superstars in WWE today.
Bobby Lashley picked up a dominant win over Riddle in a brutal match on RAW this week. Following that, MVP addressed the WWE Universe to brag about Lashley’s title defense against McIntyre at WrestleMania. This prompted The Scottish Warrior to come out and demand a rematch. However, he was interrupted by Braun Strowman, who felt that McIntyre should now go to the back of the line.
Randy Orton also came out and agreed with The Monster Among Men. Finally, all three Superstars locked horns in a triple-threat match to determine the new No.1 Contender for the WWE Championship. It was a short match, but it was thoroughly entertaining. In fact, this main event was one of the few good parts of the show this week.
McIntyre dominated both his opponents right from the start. He first brawled with Strowman while Orton waited at ringside. Even The Viper was involved in a brutal to and fro with The Scottish Warrior later in the match. Drew McIntyre threw the steel staircase at Strowman to disrupt his run at one point in the match, and immediately after that, Orton slammed McIntyre on the announce desk.
In the closing moments of the match, Orton hit Strowman with an RKO and then fell victim to a devastating Claymore. McIntyre then pinned The Viper to win his title opportunity. However, his celebration was cut short as WWE Superstars T-Bar and Mace attacked him from behind. WWE will likely reveal the reason behind what happened in the main event next week.
For now, it is clear that a potential alliance between the former RETRIBUTION duo and The Hurt Business could put McIntyre at a huge disadvantage. It would be interesting to see how The Scottish Warrior navigates his way around multiple threats as he continues his quest for the coveted prize of WWE RAW.
#1 Flopped on WWE RAW: Nia Jax
Nia Jax and Shayna Baszler successfully defended their WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships against Natalya and Tamina at WrestleMania 37. Their next challengers could be Mandy Rose and Dana Brooke, who were involved in a match with Jax and Baszler on RAW tonight. Earlier in the show, Rose and Brooke attacked Jax backstage when the latter laughed at the video of Rose slipping during her WrestleMania entrance.
Following that, the two teams met inside the ring, and Nia Jax slipped twice. First, she lost her balance while entering the ring, and second, she slipped on the apron when trying to attack Rose. Their opponents laughed too hard both times and ultimately, they escaped because the two WWE Superstars didn’t want to face an angry Jax. This match ended with Jax and Baszler winning by a count-out.
Nia Jax did have a couple of good spots in the match. Understandably, they want to make Jax look like a monster, but that would never work if all her opponents are also made to look weak. At times, it felt as if Shayna Baszler was carrying the match all by herself. There are so many opportunities for WWE to explore with the reigning women’s tag team championships. At least one of them can deliver a serious feud.
#2 Impressed on WWE RAW: Charlotte Flair
WWE Superstar Charlotte Flair returned on the first episode of RAW after WrestleMania 37. She didn’t feature at the pay-per-view this year, and The Queen was not happy about the same. She addressed the WWE Universe and said that he would go after the RAW Women’s Championship. The promo was brilliant and played its part well in introducing a ‘new’ Charlotte Flair.
Later in the night, Rhea Ripley put her RAW Women’s Championship against Asuka in their WrestleMania rematch. The two WWE Superstars delivered a grueling battle for the second night in a row. Unfortunately, the match ended in disqualification after Flair attacked Ripley and Asuka at ringside. She cemented her heel turn on the Red brand and demanded a shot at the RAW Women’s Championship.
It is expected that WWE will book a triple-threat match for the RAW Women’s Championship between Rhea Ripley, Asuka, and Charlotte Flair at their upcoming pay-per-view, WrestleMania Backlash. The Queen is adamant to prove that she doesn’t take away the fan favorites' opportunities backstage. Instead, she's good enough that she deserves to dominate the title picture. Flair looked very convincing, and the segment was quite engaging.
The only problem is that we have seen this unfold in WWE a lot of times in the past. It would be a huge challenge for the creative to ensure that Charlotte Flair’s role in the title feud isn’t the same as always, dominant but monotonous. They should avoid building her up at the cost of other top names that have just gained good momentum.
#2 and #3 Flopped on WWE RAW: Mandy Rose and Dana Brooke
WWE Superstars Mandy Rose and Dana Brooke make for a promising tag team on RAW. The latter also deserves credit for evidently improving inside the ring. Unfortunately, their momentum is always halted by Nia Jax. Rose and Brooke had just started to look strong ahead of WrestleMania 37. However, they were the most underwhelming team at the pay-per-view.
This week on WWE RAW, things started well when Rose and Brooke made a surprise attack on Jax. Even in their match, they started great, but then the entire focus was moved to how none of their blows affected Nia Jax. Rose did have one good spot when she assaulted Jax with multiple clotheslines, but the latter was soon back on her feet like nothing had happened.
When Jax slipped during the match, Rose and Brooke only laughed. And then they ran from the ring instead of capitalizing on their opportunity. At least it means that there is still some unfinished business between the two teams. Hopefully, we will see them engage in a couple of good matches on WWE RAW in order to build up a good feud. The Women’s Tag Team Championships will quickly become insignificant if there are no go storylines around it.
#3 Impressed on WWE RAW: The Miz
The Miz lost his match at WrestleMania, but the WWE Superstar must be satisfied by delivering one of the first night's entertaining bouts. He worked tirelessly to help Bad Bunny inside the ring as the latter went on to make arguably the best in-ring debut by a celebrity in WWE history. Even Randy Orton broke kayfabe to applaud Bad Bunny for his performance.
On this week’s episode of WWE RAW, The Miz brought Maryse for a special edition of The Miz TV where they promoted their reality show, Miz and Mrs. However, they were interrupted by Damian Priest who immediately demanded a match against The Miz and Morrison in a Handicap Match. They battled in a good match, and The A-Lister ended up pinning Priest with the help of his wife, Maryse.
Although The Miz and Morrison won the match, they did well in ensuring that Priest doesn’t look weak. It appears that The Miz is once again preparing to pursue serious feuds on the Red brand. He was entertaining on the mic as always. He could engage in a brief feud with Damian Priest over the next few weeks. This feud could be huge for the latter’s push on WWE RAW.
