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The go-home edition of WWE RAW before WrestleMania 37 was a promising one. It did well to establish the final developments in the ongoing feuds before the top superstars lock horns at the upcoming WWE pay-per-view this weekend. The show was action-packed between intense promos and hard-hitting matches and didn’t feature a single bad performance. Hence, our review from this week includes no superstars who "flopped" during the show.
Instead, we will take a look at five superstars who impressed us on WWE RAW this week. So, without further ado, let’s begin.
#1 Impressed on WWE RAW: Drew McIntyre
This week’s WWE RAW episode started and ended with Drew McIntyre, and The Scottish Warrior brought the best version of himself for the go-home show. In the opening segment, McIntyre addressed viewers and delivered a passionate promo in which he talked about his WWE journey.
McIntyre included the right mix of emotions in his speech that helped establish him as the top favorite to win the world title at WrestleMania 37. He was briefly involved in an altercation with Bobby Lashley and promised the WWE Champion that the latter’s title reign would end at the upcoming pay-per-view. This segment undoubtedly did justice to the top babyface of WWE RAW.
McIntyre backed up his claims by delivering a brilliant performance in his match against King Corbin in the main event of WWE RAW. The two superstars are familiar with each other, owing to their long history that dates back to the time when they were allies. Corbin did well to put McIntyre over in the main event right before the latter's huge match at WrestleMania.
McIntyre looked more brutal than ever before inside the ring. Corbin pushed him to his limits. However, a resilient McIntyre had his eye on the world title and fought well to retain his shot at the title.
McIntyre used to be great as a heel, and he has somehow been better as a babyface. His efforts to deliver good matches week after week deserve more credit from the WWE Universe. He has been one of the most hard-working performers on WWE RAW, without or without the title.
McIntyre is expected to capitalize on his current form and give his best shot at reclaiming the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 37.
#2 Impressed on WWE RAW: Rhea Ripley
This week on WWE RAW, Rhea Ripley teamed up with Asuka to take on the Women’s Tag Team Champions, Nia Jax and Shayna Baszler. The four superstars delivered an engaging match, and Ripley managed to stand out during this bout. She arrogantly stood in Asuka’s corner while the latter squared off against Baszler.
Soon after that, Ripley was tagged into the match, and she unleashed hell upon Jax. She was brutal and easily dominated one-half of the women’s tag team champions inside the squared circle. Ripley was highly impressive throughout this match on WWE RAW. Despite taking a lot of punishment, Ripley managed to steal the show.
Right during the closing moments of the match, Asuka had managed to gain complete control over Baszler. However, as soon as the WWE RAW Women’s Champion climbed onto the top rope, Ripley pushed her from the turnbuckle. The latter then brutalized Asuka near ringside before sending her back in the ring. Baszler took advantage and pinned Asuka while Ripley stood smiling in the ringside area.
Rhea Ripley will challenge Asuka for the WWE RAW Women’s Championship at WrestleMania 37. Given that Ripley has stunned Asuka two weeks in a row, the champion is expected to bring her brutal self during the title defense at the upcoming pay-per-view.
#3 Impressed on WWE RAW: Braun Strowman
Braun Strowman is not a part of the most flattering WWE RAW storyline ahead of WrestleMania. But The Monster Monster Among Men has found the right momentum ahead of the pay-per-view.
On the red brand’s go-home show before WrestleMania, Strowman locked horns with Elias and Jaxson Ryker in a 2-on-1 Handicap Match.
Strowman evidently worked hard to deliver a good story throughout this match. He fought against the odds and emerged victorious to establish his dominance on WWE RAW ahead of WrestleMania. The match was short yet action-packed, and Strowman came across as a ruthless fighter.
This feud should come to an end with Strowman picking up a convincing victory. Following that, he can go after the world title on WWE RAW. Strowman deserves to be in the WWE Championship picture on the red brand, and he has the potential to deliver memorable feuds.
Booker T believes Shane McMahon is trying to bring out the best in Braun Strowman. The WWE Universe is hopeful that this angle will positively impact Strowman's current run on WWE RAW.
#4 Impressed on WWE RAW: Riddle
Riddle is enjoying a good run on WWE RAW with the United States Championship wrapped around his waist. He is set to put his title on the line in a match against Sheamus at WrestleMania. This week, he locked horns with Mustafa Ali on the red brand’s go-home show before the pay-per-view.
The two superstars previously locked horns at Fastlane, where Riddle had successfully defended his gold. In their latest match, Riddle once again dominated Ali inside the ring. The United States Champion was brutal in his offense right from the start.
He read each of Ali’s high-flying maneuvers with utmost precision and reciprocated with brilliant counters. Although Ali managed to dominate the champion on a few occasions, the latter showed a lot of resilience during their WWE RAW match.
Ultimately, Riddle won the match. Sheamus was also present at ringside, as the two superstars engaged in a staredown.
Regardless of his backstage antics, Riddle manages to bring a lot of seriousness to his matches, and he actively comes up with creative ideas to keep things inside the ring.
Riddle could use this winning momentum at WrestleMania. Even if he loses his title at the upcoming pay-per-view, it will be challenging to keep Riddle away from the spotlight on WWE RAW.
#5 Impressed on WWE RAW: Bobby Lashley
Bobby Lashley is currently one of the most dominant superstars on WWE RAW. He is set to put his WWE Championship on the line at WrestleMania 37, where he will face Drew McIntyre. His title reign kickstarted The Almighty Era on the red brand, and Lashley is leaving no stone unturned in making it memorable.
This week, he faced Cedric Alexander in an exciting singles match. Both superstars were visibly frustrated with each other, owing to Alexander and Shelton Benjamin's split from The Hurt Business.
Alexander presented a tough challenge to the WWE Champion, but the latter prevailed after a dominant display during this match. Benjamin was also present near ringside and fell prey to Lashley’s anger after the match.
Lashley forced both Benjamin and Alexander to fade out in the center of the ring after he held them in The Hurt Lock. He used this victory to send a bold message to Drew McIntyre before their upcoming match at WrestleMania 37.
Although McIntyre has received a massive push on WWE RAW before the pay-per-view, Lashley’s current form will make it difficult for anyone to take the title away from him.
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