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Hot, Mid, or Trash?: A review For Monday Night RAW 4/3/23

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WWE

Hot, Mid, or Trash?: A review of Monday Night RAW 4/3/23

Opening of the show

HHH kicked the night off to a fired up, RAW after Wrestlemania crowd and came to the ring and ensured that fans could expect the same WWE (Despite the purchase of WWE by Endeavor).

HHH introduced Roman Reigns to the ring, flanked by Solo Sikoa and Paul Heyman. Before the Tribal Chief could tell Hollywood to acknowledge him, he was interrupted by Cody Rhodes who asked Roman for a rematch (Tonight). Roman declined via Paul Heyman, who basically said Cody isn’t getting a rematch in the foreseeable future. This prompted Cody to ask for a tag match against Roman and Solo. Roman accepted, via Paul Heyman, but added the caveat that Cody’s tag partner had to be someone who competed at Wrestlemania this weekend and whoever it was would forfeit the opportunity to have a shot at the WWE Undisputed Universal Championship as long as Roman is the champion. Surprisingly, Brock Lesnar, who already isn’t allowed to challenge Roman answered the call. Brock’s arrival caused Roman, Solo , and Paul Heyman to exit stage left. The main event for tonight’s Raw was set. Cody Rhodes and Brock Lesnar vs Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa.

Verdict: HOT

Elias vs OMOS

This was a quick squash match. OMOS decimated Elias for an easy victory.

Verdict: Trash

 

Rey Mysterio vs Austin Theory

After an awkward brief interview between Catherine Kelly and Bad Bunny and a replay of highlights of the 2023 Hall of Fame ceremony, Rey Mysterio came to the ring to get more flowers. Rey was interrupted by Austin Theory, who insulted Rey’s parenting skills and bragged about beating Cena. After Rey told Theory he would knock his teeth down his throat with a 619, the impromptu match was made official. Dominick Mysterio and Damien Priest interrupted the match, leading to an Austin Theory victory. After the match, Domininck rained down blows on Rey before turning his attention to Bad Bunny. Dominick tried to sucker punch Bad Bunny but he was blocked and counterpunched, knocking Dominick to the ground. This caused Damien Priest to pull Bad Bunny over the barricade and after a brief skirmish, Priest put Bunny through the announcers table with the South of Heaven.

Verdict: HOT

Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn vs The Street Profits

Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn came to the ring for the first time as the tag team champions and welcomed any challengers. This challenge was answered by The Street Profits. The Profits put a decent fight but were no match for the new tag team champions as Sami Zayn finished off Montez Ford with a Helluva Kick.

Verdict: Mid

Bobby Lashley vs Mustafa Ali

Bobby was doing a backstage interview with Catherine Kelly when he was interrupted by Bronson Reid who was hoping he and Bobby could have an Uncle-Nephew relationship (shrug). Bobby asked Bronson if he wanted a match. Bronson Reid said “No” and walked away. This prompted Mustafa Ali to pop up and tell Bobby he needs to think positive and stop taking “No” for an answer. Bobby asked Ali if he should maul him and drag him to the ring. Ali said “No” but Bobby took Ali’s advice and didn’t accept “No” for an answer and beat the hell out of him from the backstage to the ring then pinned him for an easy victory.

Verdict: Mid

Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez vs Damage CTRL

Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez squared of with Damage CTRL to determine who would get shot at the Women’s Tag Team Championship. Damage CTRL took the loss here as Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez are now the number one contenders for the Women’s tag team titles.

Verdict: Trash

 

The Miz vs Matt Riddle *

This wasn’t an official match, but for the third night in a row, The Miz was interrupted and embarrassed. This time, it was a returning Matt Riddle who downed The Miz with a ripcord knee strike and finished him off with the Broderic.

Verdict : Mid

 

Cody Rhodes and Brock Lesnar vs Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa

What was supposed to be the main event of the night never started. After the introductions of the competitors were made, Brock Lesnar attacked and victimized Cody Rhodes to close out Monday Night Raw.

 

Verdict: Mid

Analysis

It was hard to watch RAW last night and not feel like Vince was back at the helm. According to reports (I’m typically anti-dirt sheet) , that was exactly the case, this felt like a Vince show and it was noticeable that some of the wrestlers that were main stays when HHH was calling the shots were absent from the show.

Overall: Mid 

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