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There was a time when the WWE RAW episode after WrestleMania would be just as exciting as the grand spectacle. Unfortunately, this episode was not very different from your regular WWE RAW episode and left a lot to be desired, for fans.
No, this wasn't the worst episode of WWE RAW we've seen, but RAW after WrestleMania is generally a much bigger deal than this week's episode was. As far as 'Bests' and 'Worsts' go, they were split down the middle this week.
The thing about surprises is that they are not necessarily always pleasant. Sure, MVP leading RETRIBUTION is a surprise, but is it enough of a talking point for fans to want to tune in next week?
It's really unfortunate that we've gone downhill from a great Night 1 of WrestleMania, to an okay Night 2, to now, a pretty poor WWE RAW episode.
#1 Best: Major WWE RAW return and a hint of a future storyline?
Did you guys get a hint that John Morrison and The Miz are headed for a breakup from their interactions on WWE RAW? It may not happen for a while but obviously, John Morrison feels like The Miz often leaves him out of the mix!
It was subtle, it wasn't in your face like everything else on WWE RAW is. It was well done by two masters of the craft.
But the main headline from this week's show was the return of Maryse to WWE RAW. The Miz is always at his best when she's around. And she's making John Morrison feel like the third wheel.
It was also cool to see The Viking Raiders return to action again. As far as Charlotte Flair's return to WWE goes, it was expected by fans. No real surprise there.
#1 Worst: WWE RAW ends with what looks to be an underwhelming twist
So, the big WWE RAW after WrestleMania surprise is that Mace and T-Bar are now seemingly a part of The Hurt Business. Or is MVP the new leader of RETRIBUTION? Whatever the case may be, it's a really bad decision.
Why would you have a cohesive team like The Hurt Business split up to introduce two random new characters into the mix? If the company wasn't sold on WWE RAW star Mustafa Ali as the leader of RETRIBUTION, why wouldn't they have someone else take over the group? What was the point of bringing King Corbin to WWE RAW from SmackDown and then abandon the whole angle altogether?
Yes, working with Drew McIntyre will elevate the members of RETRIBUTION, but somehow this random cliffhanger did not seem to work. Are you more excited to watch WWE RAW next week as a result of the angle?
What happens to the rest of RETRIBUTION now? Will they be unmasked and given brand new gimmicks, going forward?
#2 Best: Alexa Bliss admits on WWE RAW that she doesn't need Bray Wyatt
Alexa Bliss is committed to her character as her WWE RAW promo proved. She had the mammoth task of explaining the debacle that unfolded at WrestleMania, and to her credit, she did quite a good job. As for Lily, is this going to be the new mask that she puts on? Is she becoming the female Fiend next?
Alexa Bliss' WWE RAW promo was even better than the one that Bray Wyatt cut, where he promised a new start. Are these two characters going their separate ways OR are we headed towards an inter-gender cinematic match in the pipeline? Whatever the case may be, however ridiculous it may seem, these two characters are committed to delivering.
A certain route that WWE could go down would be to have Alexa Bliss start managing a brand new star in the days that follow, who could potentially feud with Bray Wyatt. Bo Dallas immediately comes to mind. It would make for a great feud.
#2 Worst: Do we need Corey Graves on the WWE RAW team as well?
The brand new WWE RAW announcer Adnan Virk isn't good at all. We know it was his first night on the job, and he has a long way to go, but there were various points where he struggled. It just seems like he's not as tuned into the product as a man in his position should be.
The bigger question is why Corey Graves replaced former US Champion, Samoa Joe behind the commentary desk. Let's hope that he is moving to SmackDown and that Graves does not have to pull double duty. Samoa Joe brought his own brand of cutting-edge commentary to the WWE RAW product which was sorely missed on this week's show.
WWE's announcers have been very lackluster lately, especially Michael Cole who botched his call during Bianca Belair's big win during WrestleMania. Let's hope that Virk eases into his role and can carry the mantle of WWE RAW lead announcer going forward. The gig isn't a walk in the park!
#3 Best/Worst: Drew McIntyre vs. Bobby Lashley will be the main WWE RAW feud AGAIN?
We don't have the kindest words to describe WWE RAW after WrestleMania and neither do Dr. Chris Featherstone and former WWE head writer Vince Russo. Check out their opinions by clicking on the video right above. They go live after WWE RAW every week. Make sure you subscribe to the channel. Kudos to Dr. Chris Featherstone for not missing the podcast even though he's positive for COVID-19.
Another Drew McIntyre vs. Bobby Lashley match won't be bad at all. That said, do we need another match at WrestleMania Backlash, so soon after they went to war at the Show Of Shows recently? Would you guys rather have someone like Randy Orton or Braun Strowman in the spot?
All in all, this was a 6/10 show, which is not what you would expect from the episode of WWE RAW after WrestleMania. Did you guys expect Brock Lesnar or Becky Lynch (especially after she teased a big return on social media) to return this week? Were you disappointed that they did not?
