Written by: Kevin Berge (All Images Courtesy of: WWE.com)
I have no idea what to make of WrestleMania. The wrestling quality was far higher than in recent years, but it was still a confused mess. The booking especially could have caused irreparable damage to both brands.
The Raw After WrestleMania though is always a great remedy to any frustration that comes from the main show. WWE puts everything into making this night perhaps even more a fan-pleasing experience and absolutely a memorable spectacle.
I was so confident this show would be good that my only concern was that the seven-hour experience had wiped me out so much that I can't enjoy this show.
WWE WrestleMania 34 Review
The Raw After WrestleMania though is always a great remedy to any frustration that comes from the main show. WWE puts everything into making this night perhaps even more a fan-pleasing experience and absolutely a memorable spectacle.
I was so confident this show would be good that my only concern was that the seven-hour experience had wiped me out so much that I can't enjoy this show.
WWE WrestleMania 34 Review
I'm starting to think Rousey just think being a face being means smiling a lot which is a better grasp on being a face than many on the roster have.
Ronda Rousey Refuses Stephanie's Oliver Branch
Overview: Stephanie McMahon dragged her feet to the ring with her left arm in a sling, and she praised herself for bringing the best out of Ronda Rousey. She introduced Rousey who refused to play to Stephanie's pandering, again putting her in an armbar.
Analysis: This was somewhat unnecessary, but it was fine. It didn't last too long, and Rousey makes sure Stephanie is written off TV for the foreseeable future. It is interesting that this was all that Rousey did with no set up for her next rivalry.
Analysis: This was somewhat unnecessary, but it was fine. It didn't last too long, and Rousey makes sure Stephanie is written off TV for the foreseeable future. It is interesting that this was all that Rousey did with no set up for her next rivalry.
Nia Jax and Ember Moon def. Alexa Bliss and Mickie James
Overview: Nia Jax came out only to interrupted by Alexa Bliss and Mickie James who she told to shut up. Jax announced her partner, the debuting Ember Moon. Moon looked dominant once she got the tag and hit Bliss with The Eclipse for the win.
Highlights:
Analysis: This was a cool way to have Moon debut rather than wasting her last night in the battle royal. She dominated Bliss which is a serious way to debut, putting her over a major star from the start. It will be interesting to see where she stands after the Superstar Shake-up changes the rosters.
Highlights:
- Moon planted Bliss with a springboard double leg smash.
Analysis: This was a cool way to have Moon debut rather than wasting her last night in the battle royal. She dominated Bliss which is a serious way to debut, putting her over a major star from the start. It will be interesting to see where she stands after the Superstar Shake-up changes the rosters.
I swear I've seen this act before, and the last guy didn't last long.
No Way Jose def. John Skyler
Overview: No Way Jose brought a crew of fans as he partied to the ring, and he made quick work of his local competition, hitting the Fastball Punch for the win.
Analysis: I'm all for giving stars a chance, but this is an odd choice for a call-up. Jose had done nothing for months in NXT then they finally gave him a chance here. I expect he'll get a short time in the spotlight before the bookers get bored of him. The gimmick just is not sustainable.
Analysis: I'm all for giving stars a chance, but this is an odd choice for a call-up. Jose had done nothing for months in NXT then they finally gave him a chance here. I expect he'll get a short time in the spotlight before the bookers get bored of him. The gimmick just is not sustainable.
The Revival def. Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson to Advance in the Tag Team Eliminator
Overview: The Revival managed to take out Luke Gallows outside before isolating Karl Anderson in the ring for the Shatter Machine to advance to the finals of the tag team eliminator.
Highlights:
Analysis: Well, that was a waste. The match started during the commercial break, and the action barely got going. It was a contest with major stakes that could help set up The Revival for a tag title run, but the way this was treated just shows how little Revival is respected by WWE.
Highlights:
- Anderson caught Dawson with a diving neckbreaker then immediately wiped out Wilder with a slingshot plancha to Wilder, returning to the ring for a diving crossbody with Dawson rolling through but taking a spinebuster.
Analysis: Well, that was a waste. The match started during the commercial break, and the action barely got going. It was a contest with major stakes that could help set up The Revival for a tag title run, but the way this was treated just shows how little Revival is respected by WWE.
It just doesn't look right in anyone's hand except Miz.
The Miz and Finn Balor Set Up Future Intercontinental Championship Matches Before Jeff Hardy Returns
Overview: Seth Rollins talked up his big win before Finn Balor interrupted to ask for the first shot at the new Intercontinental Champion. Rollins agreed, but The Miz interrupted to demand his own rematch, at Backlash. Jeff Hardy made a surprise return to even the odds as The Miztourage looked to beat down the faces, sending them retreating to the back.
Analysis: This was an odd place for Jeff to return with no explanation, but the segment overall did its job. Miz got his rematch set while Rollins vs. Balor was also set up for the future. Hopefully the quality matches continue for months to come.
Analysis: This was an odd place for Jeff to return with no explanation, but the segment overall did its job. Miz got his rematch set while Rollins vs. Balor was also set up for the future. Hopefully the quality matches continue for months to come.
Mandy Rose def. Sasha Banks; Paige Officially Retires
Overview: Mandy Rose dominated the action for a while before the two fought to the outside with Bayley accidentally missing Sonya Deville and hitting Sasha Banks. When Banks returned to the ring, she ran right into a running high knee for the loss. Afterward, Paige announced she was officially retiring from in-ring action, leaving her T-shirt in the ring.
Analysis: The match was nothing and can be forgotten. The important part here is Paige retiring. It has been an inevitable announcement for months, but she got to do it on her own terms. Her life has been a depressing tragedy despite having a huge impact on the business, and I hope she can find something that makes her happy long term.
Analysis: The match was nothing and can be forgotten. The important part here is Paige retiring. It has been an inevitable announcement for months, but she got to do it on her own terms. Her life has been a depressing tragedy despite having a huge impact on the business, and I hope she can find something that makes her happy long term.
Just don't have him talk... ever, please.
Bobby Lashley Makes His Return During an Elias Concert
Overview: Elias had a classic concert for the fans in attendance where he made fun of the crowd, but they just rolled with it. However, as he reached the climax of his performance, Bobby Lashley interrupted to make his return, hitting Elias with the Dominator.
Analysis: Most expectations were that Lashley would be feuding with Lesnar to start if The Beast remained on the WWE roster. It was odd to see him immediately go after someone like Elias, but it was likely just a way for him to show off. Lashley turned into a true star outside of WWE, and he can be a franchise talent now.
Analysis: Most expectations were that Lashley would be feuding with Lesnar to start if The Beast remained on the WWE roster. It was odd to see him immediately go after someone like Elias, but it was likely just a way for him to show off. Lashley turned into a true star outside of WWE, and he can be a franchise talent now.
The Authors of Pain def. Heath Slater and Rhyno
Overview: Heath Slater came out demanding any tag team come out to challenge him and Rhyno as Slater needed this win for his kids. The Authors of Pain made their debuts and wiped out the former tag team champions, finishing Slater off with the Last Chapter. Akam and Rezar then walked up the ramp, leaving Paul Ellering at ringside.
Analysis: Authors of Pain had to debut tonight or tomorrow. It has been too long. They are perfectly set up for a huge run over the tag team division. It was odd though they seemed to be leaving Paul Ellering behind. He was never going to be able to travel with them everywhere, but the heavyweights still need a manager. Neither can talk.
Analysis: Authors of Pain had to debut tonight or tomorrow. It has been too long. They are perfectly set up for a huge run over the tag team division. It was odd though they seemed to be leaving Paul Ellering behind. He was never going to be able to travel with them everywhere, but the heavyweights still need a manager. Neither can talk.
When you're the tenth return on the same night, you aren't even returning at that point. You're just appearing.
Samoa Joe Calls Out Roman Reigns as a Failure
Overview: Roman Reigns admitted he got beat up badly by Brock Lesnar. He felt like everyone was no longer talking to him especially Vince McMahon, but he promised with his next shot at Lesnar he would win the WWE Universal Championship.
Samoa Joe came out to mock Reigns, saying Lesnar exposed The Big Dog. He promised that, once Reigns failed once more at the Greatest Royal Rumble, Joe would be at Backlash to finish the job Lesnar started.
Analysis: I have no idea what to make of Reigns side of the promo. I suppose the point is Reigns feels there's a conspiracy against him, but what's the conspiracy? He is getting another title match. Joe's promo made up for it as he railed on Reigns as Reigns fumed in the ring, reminding everyone how good a promo Joe is.
Samoa Joe came out to mock Reigns, saying Lesnar exposed The Big Dog. He promised that, once Reigns failed once more at the Greatest Royal Rumble, Joe would be at Backlash to finish the job Lesnar started.
Analysis: I have no idea what to make of Reigns side of the promo. I suppose the point is Reigns feels there's a conspiracy against him, but what's the conspiracy? He is getting another title match. Joe's promo made up for it as he railed on Reigns as Reigns fumed in the ring, reminding everyone how good a promo Joe is.
Woken Matt Hardy and Bray Wyatt def. Titus Worldwide to Advance in the Tag Team Eliminator
Overview: Woken Matt Hardy cut a promo about beginning his Expedition for Gold with Bray Wyatt. Wyatt and Matt looked like a dominant team together with Wyatt playing up many of Matt's eccentric mannerisms. In the end, Wyatt Sister Abigailed Apollo Crews into a Twist of Fate for the win.
Highlights:
Analysis: This team could be interesting, but it is hard to trust how long WWE will be invested in the story. I would bet on the Woken duo to win the Raw Tag Team Championships, but this comes off similar to Wyatt's story with Randy Orton, far too soon after that feud fell apart.
Highlights:
- Wyatt threw Crews into the arms of Matt for a Side Effect.
Analysis: This team could be interesting, but it is hard to trust how long WWE will be invested in the story. I would bet on the Woken duo to win the Raw Tag Team Championships, but this comes off similar to Wyatt's story with Randy Orton, far too soon after that feud fell apart.
So who's left to sign with? 205Live? Zayn could probably make the cut.
Sami Zayn vs. Kevin Owens Goes to a No Contest with Neither Earning a Contract with Monday Night Raw
Overview: Both Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens went for their finishers right off the bat. The ball raged on until Zayn hit KO on the top rope with a Helluva Kick only for Owens to fight him off and hit a swinging fisherman suplex. Neither man could make the ten count, so they both got counted out and did not get a contract.
Highlights:
Analysis: This was easily the best match of the night, but it still felt rushed. It was smart to not just have the two earn contracts immediately as it elevates the storyline. KO and Zayn should grow more desperate with time. I also love that Owens and Zayn are best friends but still totally ready to stab each other in the back.
Highlights:
- Zayn threw KO outside and wiped out Owens with a somersault plancha.
- Zayn went for a rope walk, but KO tripped him, crotching him on the ropes before hitting a diving elbow.
- KO superkicked Zayn then went for the pump-up powerbomb, but Zayn leapfrogged KO and hit a Blue Thunder Bomb.
- Zayn went for his running DDT over the first rope, but Owens stopped it with a superkick before hitting a cannonball and frog splash.
- Zayn caught Owens running with a Helluva Kick, but Owens rolled to the apron then caught Zayn with a pump-up powerbomb only to fall out of the ring.
Analysis: This was easily the best match of the night, but it still felt rushed. It was smart to not just have the two earn contracts immediately as it elevates the storyline. KO and Zayn should grow more desperate with time. I also love that Owens and Zayn are best friends but still totally ready to stab each other in the back.
Seth Rollins, Finn Balor, and Jeff Hardy def. The Miz and The Miztourage
Overview: The faces had a tough fight against The Miztourage until Rollins got rolling. He dominated Miz, finishing it up with a Stomp for the win. Afterward, Jeff, Balor, and Rollins hit their finishers on Curtis Axel and Bo Dallas.
Highlights:
Analysis: This was a fine match, but it was an odd way to end such a big night. The tag had no stakes, and there really wasn't even much suspense. What did this accomplish in the end? Jeff returned to hit a few of his signature moves, but he didn't even get the win to establish himself as a potential title contender.
Highlights:
- Rollins and Balor leaned down in opposite corner for Jeff to hit the Poetry in Motion on both member of The Miztourage.
- Jeff got the hot tag and planted Axel with an inverted atomic drop, double leg drop, then went for the Twist of Fate only to be distracted by Axel with Jeff then wiping out both men with the Whisper in the Wind.
- Rollins got a hot tag for a blockbuster on Miz then suicide dive into Axel before setting up a second suicide dive into all three heels.
- Rollins caught Miz on the top rope for a superplex and Falcon Arrow with the action breaking down as Balor took out Miztourage with a somersault plancha.
Analysis: This was a fine match, but it was an odd way to end such a big night. The tag had no stakes, and there really wasn't even much suspense. What did this accomplish in the end? Jeff returned to hit a few of his signature moves, but he didn't even get the win to establish himself as a potential title contender.
That's the face you make when you just realized you're going to make someone lose to Mandy Rose.
Backstage Notes: Braun Strowman and Nicholas told Kurt Angle they had to vacate the tag team titles as Nicholas needed to go back to school. Cesaro and Sheamus then came to reclaim their titles with Angle instead announcing the tag team eliminator to determine who would face The Bar for the titles at the Greatest Royal Rumble.
Zayn and Owens went to Angle to ask for a job with Raw, and Angle announced he was skeptical of them. Thus, he would give one a job, the winner of a match. Matt and Jeff met backstage with Wyatt and Jeff hugging as brothers.
Conclusion: As far as Raws after 'Mania are concerned, this was not high on the all-time list. All the focus was on a bunch of returns and debuts, but none of them felt impactful. At least Moon got to dominate Bliss, showing she's a major title contender. Everyone else just hit a signature move or two and moved on.
It can sometimes feel like WWE puts more effort into this show than WrestleMania, but this year it felt like they had nothing for this show. They just had a backlog of stars to bring up. Why not just pile them all in for one night?
The worst part was simply how rushed it all was. The best Raws have eight strong running segments. This had twelve, an absurd number, showing just how much it was stretched thin. The wrestling was forgettable because it was rushed just like the segments.
I will grade this like a normal Raw rather than on the scale it should have been on because it felt like a normal Raw. I'm excited to see all this new talent make an impact, but they did not do so tonight.
Zayn and Owens went to Angle to ask for a job with Raw, and Angle announced he was skeptical of them. Thus, he would give one a job, the winner of a match. Matt and Jeff met backstage with Wyatt and Jeff hugging as brothers.
Conclusion: As far as Raws after 'Mania are concerned, this was not high on the all-time list. All the focus was on a bunch of returns and debuts, but none of them felt impactful. At least Moon got to dominate Bliss, showing she's a major title contender. Everyone else just hit a signature move or two and moved on.
It can sometimes feel like WWE puts more effort into this show than WrestleMania, but this year it felt like they had nothing for this show. They just had a backlog of stars to bring up. Why not just pile them all in for one night?
The worst part was simply how rushed it all was. The best Raws have eight strong running segments. This had twelve, an absurd number, showing just how much it was stretched thin. The wrestling was forgettable because it was rushed just like the segments.
I will grade this like a normal Raw rather than on the scale it should have been on because it felt like a normal Raw. I'm excited to see all this new talent make an impact, but they did not do so tonight.