Since last night was WrestleMania, this episode of Raw is expected to be the craziest of the year. This is always the time for surprise returns, NXT call-ups, and anything WWE can pull out of their hats. Some highlights include the returns of Jeff Hardy and Samoa Joe, the call-ups of Ember Moon, No Way Jose, and The Authors of Pain, as well as the return of Bobby Lashley.
Stephanie McMahon Promo
To kick off the show, Raw Commissioner Stephanie McMahon comes to the ring with her arm in a sling (she was put in an armbar by Ronda Rousey at WrestleMania last night). After patting herself on the back for her first WrestleMania match, McMahon invites Rousey to the ring. McMahon tries to be gracious in defeat then proceeds to call Rousey her friend. Rousey responds by breaking her arm.
Alexa Bliss & Mickie James vs. Nia Jax & Ember Moon
This match marks the first night as a Raw Superstar for Ember Moon. The former NXT Women’s Champion was featured in the Women’s Royal Rumble but most recently unsuccessfully defended her title against Shayna Baszler at TakeOver: New Orleans.
Once she is tagged in, Ember Moon makes short work of her opponents. Moon jumps all around the ring and finishes off Bliss with the Eclipse stunner. Winners: Nia Jax & Ember Moon
Braun Strowman & Nicholas Relinquish the Raw Tag Team Championships
Last night Braun Strowman picked a child named Nicholas to team up with him against the Bar. Strowman ended up winning the titles, but they are relinquishing the belts tonight because Nicholas has a “scheduling conflict.” This conflict is the 4th grade.
No Way Jose vs. Irrelevant Wrestler
In the second surprise NXT call-up in a row, No Way Jose makes quick work of his opponent. His second move is his signature pop-up elbow smash, which gives him a win. He congas his way to the back. Winner: No Way Jose
The Revival vs. The Good Brothers – Tag Team Eliminator (Round One)
Since the Raw Tag Team Championships are vacant, Kurt Angle has come up with a plan to crown new champions. There will be two tag matches tonight with the winners facing each other next week. The winning team next week will face the Bar for the titles at the Greatest Royal Rumble event in Saudi Arabia.
With Luke Gallows knocked out at ringside, Scott Dawson and Dash Wilder pick apart Karl Anderson and pick up a win with the Shatter Machine. Winners: The Revival | Eliminated: The Good Brothers
Sasha Banks (w/Bayley) vs. Mandy Rose (w/Sonya Deville & Paige)
Even though their her friendship with Sasha Banks is very tense, Bayley comes to ringside in order to help fight off Absolution. Unfortunately, a strike to Rose accidentally hits Banks and it costs her the match. Winner: Mandy Rose
After the match, Paige grabs a microphone and officially announces her retirement. She returned a couple months ago only to reinjure her neck and she is no longer able to be a wrestler. She thanks the women’s division among others before saying that she needs to go find “something else.”
Bobby Lashley Interrupts Elias
After being interrupted by John Cena at WrestleMania, Elias goes for another performance. However, he is interrupted by a returning Bobby Lashley. The former ECW Champion holds Elias in the air for about thirty seconds before dropping him to the mat.
Heath Slater & Rhyno vs. The Authors of Pain (w/Paul Ellering)
Already, Raw has three NXT call-ups. Heath Slater and Rhyno issued a challenge to any team and they got an answer from Akam and Rezar, the Authors of Pain. The former NXT Tag Team Champions have won the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic and were undefeated for over a year before losing the title to SAnitY. Two nights ago, they competed at TakeOver: New Orleans against The Undisputed ERA and the team of Roderick Strong and Pete Dunne.
In quick fashion, AoP makes decimates Heath Slater without letting Rhyno in the match. After hitting him with the Final Chapter, they secure a dominant victory. Winners: The Authors of Pain
Samoa Joe Calls Out Roman Reigns
Roman Reigns comes to the ring to address his loss to Brock Lesnar when he is interrupted by Samoa Joe. Joe calls Reigns a failure before challenging him to a match at Backlash.
Titus O’Neil & Apollo (w/Dana Brooke) vs. Matt Hardy & Bray Wyatt – Tag Team Eliminator (Round One)
In the second match, we see Titus Worldwide taking on the unlikely alliance of Matt Hardy and Bray Wyatt. After entering the Lake of Reincarnation, Wyatt appeared in the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal to help Hardy win.
Hardy and Wyatt exhibit a surprising amount of tag team chemistry when they dispose of Titus Worldwide. They advance in the Tag Team Eliminator to face the Revival next week. Winners: Matt Hardy & Bray Wyatt | Eliminated: Titus O’Neil & Apollo
Kevin Owens vs. Sami Zayn – Winner Gets a Raw Contract
Last night, Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn lost to Daniel Bryan and Shane McMahon, meaning that they are banned from SmackDown Live. They approached Kurt Angle asking for a job, but he wanted to make them earn it. Whoever wins here will join Raw, but the loser won’t be on Raw or SmackDown Live.
The Miz & The Miztourage vs. Finn Balor, Seth Rollins, & Jeff Hardy
After an altercation earlier tonight, this match was set to save the show from a chaotic brawl. This marks Jeff Hardy’s return after being injured several months ago. The most interesting thing about Hardy’s returned is that he is not woken, even after being a part of the Ultimate Deletion.
With the Miztourage at ringside, Seth Rollins hit the Miz with a Curb Stomp to pick up his second consecutive victory over the former champion. Winners: Finn Balor, Seth Rollins, & Jeff Hardy
