There were rumors of Jeff Hardy returning to WWE as ‘Brother Nero’ prior to this week’s episode of Monday Night Raw and he had also made a cameo as the same during The Ultimate Deletion a few weeks back.
So some fans felt a little disappointed when the former World Champion didn’t introduce his alter ego while making his comeback during the latest episode of The Red Branded Show.
Though in a backstage interview posted on WWE’s official YouTube channel after the event, he talked about his brother’s ‘Woken’ persona and while giving an update on Nero, Jeff said that it will probably come and go:
“It’s a little hard to explain but it’s just Matt being Matt. It’s the way he is, it’s the way he lives his life, and he’s a very knowledgeable guy with history and everything that exists in the future. It’s Matt being Matt and I think it’s going to get better and better. As far as Brother Nero surfacing in the WWE, it’s probably going to come and go as well, like Matt’s many personalities and egos, alter egos.”
For those who don’t know, Jeff Hardy suffered a shoulder injury back in September last year which put him out of action for about 6 months. Hardy made a cameo appearance on Ultimate Deletion during March 19th episode of Raw and made his full-time return this past Monday Night.
Now it’d be interesting to see when Brother Nero makes his next appearance on the WWE Programming
The first episode of WWE SmackDown after WrestleMania 34 aired live from the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans. Here are 6 takeaways from this week’s show:
Paige Is The New SmackDown GM
Photo Credit: WWE.com
SmackDown Commissioner Shane McMahon kicked off this week’s show. Shane thanked the crowd for the great response. He thanked everyone in the crowd and at home for making WrestleMania a huge success. The crowd chanted back “thank you Shane!”.
Shane said that this Sunday was extra special because we all got to witness the return of Daniel Bryan and the crowd chanted “yes!”. He stated that because of Daniels toughness and resolve to never let anyone take away his dream, we not only competed, we also won. Shane added that Daniel Bryan was born to do this and that Daniel has crossed back over to become a full-time WWE Superstar.
McMahon said that he has accepted Daniel’s resignation as SmackDown GM and then introduced Paige as the new SmackDown GM. Paige came down to the ring to an awesome reaction from the crowd. The crowd chanted “yes!” as Paige stood in the middle of the ring.
Paige noted that she gave her retirement speech last night at RAW and the first person waiting for her was Shane McMahon. Paige thanked Shane as the WWE Universe chanted “this is your house!”. Paige said that the Superstar Shake-Up is next week and that as her first act as GM, she wants to make tonight truly special for everyone in the crowd.
Paige brought up Daniel Bryan and the crowd chanted “yes!”. Paige noted that Bryan hasn’t competed in a match on TV in over 3 years and asked the crowd if they wanted to see him in action tonight. The crowd chanted “yes!” once again and announced Daniel Bryan will face…
The crowd interrupted with chants of “Rusev Day!” and “AJ Styles!”. Paige then announced that Bryan will face AJ Styles in his first match back on SmackDown.
Opinion: This was a great moment for Paige. Last night’s retirement speech was brutal to watch. She is only 25-years-old and it absolutely sucks that she had to retire from in-ring competition so early. However, it is great that she will remain in WWE in the role of SmackDown GM.
The Usos Will Face The Bludgeon Brothers At Greatest Royal Rumble
Photo Credit: WWE.com
The Usos battled New Day tonight on SmackDown. The winners of the match will get the first shot at The Bludgeon Brothers for the SmackDown Tag Team Championships. Thus, if Jimmy and Jey lost, they would forfeit their obligatory rematch for the titles after losing them Sunday at WrestleMania 34.
The Usos controlled the match early and isolated Xavier Woods in the corner. Woods battled back and tagged in Big E. Big E planted Jey Uso with a Belly to Belly Suplex and then Woods got back into the ring. Woods lifted Big E up on his shoulders and Big E connected with a Splash for a two count.
Big E and Woods took turns stomping on Jey in the corner of the ring as Kofi threw pancakes everywhere outside the ring. Xavier connected with a Dropkick that knocked Jey Uso out of the ring as SmackDown went to a commercial break.
When SmackDown returned, Jey Uso finally was able to tag in Jimmy and he leveled Woods with a Clothesline. Jimmy booted Big E in the head and then threw Woods out of the ring. Jimmy leaped over the top rope and connected with a Crossbody onto Big E. Back in the ring, Jimmy planted Woods with a Samoan Drop for a two count. Big E got back into the ring and connected with a Spear to Jimmy Uso on the apron and both Superstars crashed to the floor.
Woods connected with a couple of shots to Jey’s midsection, Jey connected with a boot to the chest. Jimmy Uso and Big E tagged in. Big E planted Jimmy with a Backbreaker onto Woods’ knees for a two count. Jimmy and Jey connected with Superkicks to Big E to knock him out of the ring. Jimmy hit Woods with a Superkick and tagged in Jey. Jey then hit a Splash off the top rope onto Woods for the pinfall victory.
The Usos will now face The Bludgeon Brothers for the SmackDown Tag Team Championships at WWE Greatest Royal Rumble later this month. After the match, Harper and Rowan came down to the entrance ramp and pointed their mallets at Jimmy and Jey in the ring.
Naomi battled Naomi tonight on SmackDown. The match started out back and forth. Naomi mocked Natalya’s chant and Natalya shoved her in the face. Naomi hung Natalya up on the ropes and booted her in the back. Naomi connected with a slingshot Leg Drop and Natalya rolled out of the ring as SmackDown went to break.
When SmackDown returned, Natalya had an Abdominal Stretched lock in. Naomi broke free, but Natalya dragged her to the mat by her hair. Natalya posed in the ring and then shouted at the crowd to shut up and then once again locked in the Abdominal Stretch. Natalya then planted Naomi with a Powerbomb for a two count. Naomi battled back and hit a split-legged Moonsault for the pinfall victory. Naomi then celebrated next to her women’s Battle Royal trophy after the match and high-fived the announce team.
Carmella Cashed In After Iconic Due Attacked Charlotte
SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte came down to the ring and thanked Asuka for making her worker than she ever has before at WrestleMania 34. Charlotte boasted about still being the champ and stated that Sunday was special and magical. Flair then asked who is she going to make magic with next?
The Iconic Duo, Peyton Royce and Billie Kay interrupted and made their way down the entrance ramp. The crowd chanted “NXT!” as Royce and Kay claimed that one of them can make Charlotte’s disappear. Billie Kay said that Charlotte’s match at WrestleMania was good, but it just wasn’t iconic.
Peyton and Kay got into the ring and did an impression of Charlotte thanking Asuka and everybody she has every met in her life. The crowd chanted “Iconic!” as Royce told Charlotte to stop living in the past, when right now she is looking at the future.
Billie Kay and Peyton Royce attacked Charlotte in the ring. Charlotte battled back and threw Royce to the outside, but turned around into a boot to the face from Billie Kay. They then launched Charlotte over the announce table. Billie Kay and Peyton Royce slammed Charlotte into the ring post and laughed at her as Flair slowly tried to get up.
They then launched her shoulder-first into the steel steps and the SmackDown Women’s Champion screamed in pain. Royce and Billie Kay followed that up with a Powerbomb to the floor and then picked her up once again and dragged her into the ring. Billie Kay and Peyton Royce stood over Charlotte in the ring as WWE referees came down to the ring to attend to Flair.
Carmella then ran down to the ring with the MITB briefcase and started shouting at the referee to ring the bell. Carmella then connected with a boot to the face to win the SmackDown Women’s Championship.
Opinion: Well, this makes me hate the decision to have Charlotte end Asuka’s streak even more. I would have preferred to see Carmella cash in at WrestleMania and have Asuka’s streak remain intact. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to understand that decision at WrestleMania and tonight just made it even worse. I have no problem with Carmella cashing in, I still just cannot get over that Asuka lost and now Charlotte dropped the title two days later. It makes no sense to me at all.
On a positive note, Billie Kay and Peyton Royce are very entertaining and will make SmackDown more fun to watch on Tuesday nights.
Randy Orton Will Battle Jinder Mahal Again In A Fresh & Exciting Feud
Photo Credit: WWE.com
Randy Orton, Bobby Roode and Rusev battled tonight on SmackDown to determine who will face Jinder Mahal at WWE Backlash for the United States Championship.
SmackDown went to a commercial break right when the match started. Orton took control during the break and dropped Rusev on the announce table when SmackDown returned from the break.
Roode brought Orton back in the ring and connected with a Clothesline off the top rope. Orton battled back and connected with a Powerslam. Rusev brought Orton out of the ring and slammed him on the announce table.
Rusev connected with a kick to Roode’s face and then got pumped up as the crowd chanted “Rusev Day!”. Rusev hit Roode with a Machka Kick and locked in the Accolade in the middle of the ring. Orton broke it up and threw Rusev into the ring post. Orton then planted Roode with an RKO for the pinfall victory.
Orton will now battle Jinder Mahal once again at WWE Backlash for the U.S. Title.
Opinion: I don’t know what to say. This is like a nightmare that I cannot wake up from. It is surreal that they are putting on this feud again after WrestleMania 34. WWE wants to maintain some of the viewers that are checking in after WrestleMania right?
Shinsuke Nakamura Ruined AJ Styles vs. Daniel Bryan
Renee Young interviewed Shinsuke Nakamura backstage. Shinsuke said that he didn’t know what came over him at WrestleMania, maybe he got too emotional. Nakamura jokingly said “I’m very sorry for what I did to AJ Styles”. Renee noted that he was being sarcastic and asked if he had any explanation for attacking AJ after their WrestleMania match. Nakamura paused for a moment and responded “sorry, no speak English” and walked away.
Daniel Bryan faced AJ Styles in the main event of WWE SmackDown. The match started off slow. Bryan took Styles down to the mat and focused his attack on AJ’s arm. Dueling “Daniel Bryan!” and “AJ Styles!” chants broke out in the crowd as Bryan was still in control.AJ Styles connected with a Dropkick that knocked Bryan out of the ring. AJ followed it up with a forearm to the face as SmackDown went to break.
When SmackDown returned, the action had returned to the ring. Bryan sent AJ to the corner and hit him with a running kick to the face. Daniel followed it up with the Yes Kicks, but Styles caught him and dragged him to the canvas.
AJ planted Bryan with a Neckbreaker for a two count. Daniel battled back and tried to apply an Arm Bar, but Styles was able to escape. AJ quickly locked in the Calf Crusher in the middle of the ring. Bryan countered and went for the Yes Lock but AJ countered into a roll-up for a two count. AJ connected with a Pele Kick and followed it up with a Clothesline for a two count.
Styles went for the Phenomenal Forearm but Bryan dodged it and connected with a kick to the ribs. Bryan geared up in the corner and went for the knee, but Styles caught him and went for the Styles Clash. Daniel countered into the Yes Lock but AJ quickly got his foot on the bottom rope to break the hold.
Daniel hung up AJ in the Tree of Woe and booted him in the midsection a few times. Bryan went for a Suplex off the top, but AJ countered and both Superstars fell to the canvas. Nakamura ran into the ring and hit Bryan with a Kinshasa and the referee called for the bell. Shinsuke then hit a low-blow on AJ and followed it up with another Kinshasa.
Opinion: AJ Styles versus Daniel Bryan is a PPV worthy match, so it was a little surprising to see WWE give it away for free tonight. The match was pretty entertaining, but I was glad Nakamura interfered. I want to see Bryan and Styles have a meaningful match with something on the line in the future, tonight was just a teaser.
Nakamura got himself booed out of the building tonight after he ruined this match and that is a good thing. I’m hoping that WWE does this right and it turns Nakamura into a bigger star in WWE. I don’t have much faith in that though, given some of the decisions they have made this week. WWE’s Superstar Shake-Up is next week and tonight could be the last time Daniel Bryan is on SmackDown for a while. Time will tell if Bryan stays on SmackDown or joins the RAW roster next week.
Carmella is your new SmackDown Women’s Champion after cashing in her Money in the Bank contract on Charlotte Flair, who had just been attacked by a debuting Peyton Royce and Billie Kay.
SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte came down to the ring and thanked Asuka for making her worker than she ever has before at WrestleMania 34. Charlotte boasted about still being the champ and stated that Sunday was special and magical. Flair then asked who is she going to make magic with next?
The Iconic Duo, Peyton Royce and Billie Kay interrupted and made their way down the entrance ramp. The crowd chanted “NXT!” as Royce and Kay claimed that one of them can make Charlotte’s disappear. Billie Kay said that Charlotte’s match at WrestleMania was good, but it just wasn’t iconic.
Peyton and Kay got into the ring and did an impression of Charlotte thanking Asuka and everybody she has every met in her life. The crowd chanted “Iconic!” as Royce told Charlotte to stop living in the past, when right now she is looking at the future.
Billie Kay and Peyton Royce attacked Charlotte in the ring. Charlotte battled back and threw Royce to the outside, but turned around into a boot to the face from Billie Kay. They then launched Charlotte over the announce table. Billie Kay and Peyton Royce slammed Charlotte into the ring post and laughed at her as Flair slowly tried to get up.
They then launched her shoulder-first into the steel steps and the SmackDown Women’s Champion screamed in pain. Royce and Billie Kay followed that up with a Powerbomb to the floor and then picked her up once again and dragged her into the ring. Billie Kay and Peyton Royce stood over Charlotte in the ring as WWE referees came down to the ring to attend to Flair.
Carmella then ran down to the ring with the MITB briefcase and started shouting at the referee to ring the bell. The referee took forever to actually start the match, but eventually called for the opening bell.
— seiya suzuki enthusiast ? (@Cantguardzach) April 11, 2018
Carmella quickly charged at Charlotte and delivered a boot to the face to win the SmackDown Women’s Championship. This marks the first title reign for the Staten Island native.
After announcing her retirement from active competition on Monday’s RAW the night after WrestleMania, Paige has found a new role on SmackDown Live.
SmackDown Commissioner Shane McMahon kicked off this week’s show. He thanked the crowd for the great response and thanked everyone for making WrestleMania a huge success. The crowd chanted back “thank you Shane!”.
Shane said that this Sunday was extra special because we all got to witness the return of Daniel Bryan and the crowd chanted “yes!”. He stated that because of Daniels toughness and resolve to never let anyone take away his dream, we not only competed, we also won. Shane added that Daniel Bryan was born to do this and that Daniel has crossed back over to become a full-time WWE Superstar. McMahon said that he has accepted Daniel’s resignation as SmackDown GM and then introduced Paige as the new SmackDown GM.
Paige came down to the ring to an awesome reaction from the crowd. The crowd chanted “yes!” as Paige stood in the middle of the ring. She noted that she gave her retirement speech last night at RAW and the first person waiting for her was Shane McMahon. Paige thanked Shane as the WWE Universe chanted “this is your house!”. Paige said that the Superstar Shake-Up is next week and that as her first act as GM, she wants to make tonight truly special for everyone in the crowd.
Paige brought up Daniel Bryan and the crowd chanted “yes!”. Paige noted that Bryan hasn’t competed in a match on TV in over 3 years and asked the crowd if they wanted to see him in action tonight. The crowd chanted “yes!” once again and announced Daniel Bryan will face…
The crowd interrupted with chants of “Rusev Day!” and “AJ Styles!”. Paige then announced that Bryan will face AJ Styles in his first match back on SmackDown.
#SDLive has been and always will be the land of opportunities and second chances. It was my PRIVILEGE to name @RealPaigeWWE as the new General Manager. This is her house now. pic.twitter.com/3xXGMDEEIV
Littlstar, the largest global platform dedicated to immersive virtual and augmented reality content, has released a video depicting Augmented Reality (AR) holograms of WWE Champion AJ Styles and Shinsuke Nakamura.
Reddit user Reveller says that Littlstar worked with WWE and Microsoft (using their Hcap volumetric capture technology) to build the AR holograms. Members of the Littlstar team flew to Microsoft’s studio in Redmond, Washington with AJ Styles and Shinsuke Nakamura to create the experience.
https://youtu.be/BqntTr8Rg6g
The WrestleMania AR holograms were built to promote the launch of Littlstar’s new Android ARCore application and subsequent launch feature with Google in the Play Store. For more information, visit Littlstar.info.
Check out these videos from WrestleMania weekend of the WWE AR holograms in the wild:
Monday’s post-WrestleMania edition of WWE RAW from New Orleans averaged 3.921 million viewers, a healthy 17% increase from 3.358 million the previous week.
This year’s ‘RAW after Mania’ featured a rowdy crowd, but one that was far less rebellious than previous years. That said, it was an eventful show to say the least. In addition to Ronda Rousey putting Stephanie McMahon in an arm bar once again and the news of the Superstar Shake-Up Returning this week, we got Bobby Lashley’s first WWE television appearance in a decade, the returns of Samoa Joe and Jeff Hardy and the main roster call-ups of Ember Moon, the Authors of Pain and No Way Jose.
Here’s the hourly viewership breakdown courtesy of ShowbuzzDaily:
The April 10th, 2018 edition of WWE SmackDown Live was the first episode after WrestleMania 34, and took place at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, LA.
– WWE SmackDown commissioner Shane McMahon comes down to the ring to kick off this week’s SmackDown broadcast. Shane gets on the mic and first of all, on behalf of everyone in the company, he wants to thank all of the fans for making WrestleMania such a huge success. Shane talks about his WrestleMania moment on Sunday, and talks about how great it was to see Daniel Bryan in action and doing what he was born to do. Shane says he’s accepted Daniel’s resignation as SmackDown GM, now that Bryan is wrestling again, and so Shane has to introduce the new SmackDown GM. Shane reveals the new GM: Paige.
Paige comes down to the ring and gets on the mic. Paige talks about her road to becoming GM, and quickly moves on to the topic of Daniel Bryan. Paige says since we haven’t seen Bryan wrestle on TV in so long, they’re going to make it happen tonight. Paige hesitates on revealing Bryan’s partner tonight. The fans chant for Rusev and AJ, and Paige goes with AJ. Paige and Shane head backstage as the announcers discuss AJ Styles vs. Daniel Bryan being booked for later tonight.
– The Usos vs. Big E & Xavier Woods: Jimmy and Xavier start this one off, and the Usos take control when Jey tags in and they do a double kick to the head of Woods. After some back and forth, Big E gets the blind tag and hits a big suplex on Jey. Woods and Big E trade tags frequently now and repeatedly double team Jimmy and Jey. The Usos come back and dump the New Day members to the outside, and Jey follows up with a suicide dive on to both of them at ringside. Back in the ring, Woods fires up with a DDT and a kick, then Big E comes in and spears Jimmy to the outside. Woods hits a flying leg drop to Jey in the ring for a two count. Woods and Jey start trading elbows to the face in the ring, until Jey hits a kick and both men are reeling. Jimmy and Big E tag in, and Big E and Xavier double team Jimmy with a suplex into a backbreaker for a two count. Woods tags back in and they go for another double team on Jimmy, but Jey breaks it up and they hit a double superkick on Big E. Woods hits a missile dropkick off the top one Jey Uso, but then Jimmy Uso superkicks him. Jey tags in now and hits the big splash off the top for the three count.
Winners: The Usos
– The Usos high-five in the ring as we go to replays. Before The Usos can leave, The Bludgeon Brothers’ music hits and they come out on the stage. Rowan and Harper stand on the stage and point their hammers at The Usos in the ring, then The Bludgeon Brothers leave.
– The commentary team promotes the AJ Styles vs. Daniel Bryan singles match later tonight.
– We see footage from earlier today of Naomi talking about winning the battle royal on Sunday, and then Natalya confronts her about it.
– Naomi vs. Natalya: Natalya starts things off with a headlock take down, and then they go back and forth trading holds and take downs. Naomi hits a hurricanrana, and follows up with a kick to the midsection. Naomi slingshots in with a leg drop on Natalya, then Natalya rolls outside for a breather. Back in the ring, Natalya mounts a comeback and starts working on keeping Naomi grounded. Naomi fires back with a kick and then a split-legged moonsault on Natalya. Naomi pins and hooks the leg for the three count.
Winner: Naomi
– After the match, Naomi poses with her WrestleMania battle royal trophy, and then she high-fives the commentary team at ringside.
– Shinsuke Nakamura does an interview backstage where he’s asked about his attack on AJ Styles on Sunday. Nakamura says he doesn’t know what came over him, and he’s very sorry, but he winks as he says it. Renee Young asks him again why he attacked him, and Nakamura says he doesn’t speak English and walks off.
– Women’s Champion Charlotte is backstage walking towards the gorilla position.
– Charlotte comes down to the ring and gets on the mic. She talks about how her and Asuka left everything in the ring on Sunday, and it was magical. Peyton Royce and Billy Kay make their debut and interrupt. They introduce themselves and say Charlotte’s match at WrestleMania was good but it wasn’t iconic. They say they want Charlotte to stop talking, and then mock her. They get in Charlotte’s face and Charlotte starts brawling with the two of them. Charlotte briefly fights them off, but then they start doubling teaming her and throw her into the announce table. They beat down Charlotte at ringside for several minutes and throw her into the ring post and ring steps. They do a double powerbomb on Charlotte on the floor, then they drag her back in the ring. Referees come out and chase them off and they check on Charlotte.
– Carmela runs out to the ring while Charlotte is still down. Carmella cashes in her Money In The Bank briefcase. The referee hesitates before starting the match, but he does start it, and Carmella is getting her Women’s Title shot.
– Carmella vs. Charlotte: Carmella kicks Charlotte and then immediately pins her for the three count.
Winner & new SmackDown Women’s Champion: Carmella
– After the match, Carmella grabs her Title Belt and runs around the ring with it. Carmella gets back in the ring and celebrates her win and taunts Charlotte with the belt.
– U.S. Champion Jinder Mahal is sitting at ringside in a big chair with Sunil Singh beside him. He’s here to watch this next match to determine the #1 contender for his U.S. Title.
– Bobby Roode vs. Randy Orton vs. Rusev: Aiden English does Rusev’s introduction, and he’s at ringside in Rusev’s corner. Orton looks for an RKO attempt on Roode early on, but Roode dodges it and Rusev drops Orton. Rusev and Roode go at it in the ring now and Roode hits a blockbuster off the middle rope. Orton comes in and dumps Roode outside, then he goes after Rusev in he ring. Rusev hits a kick to the head of Orton for a two count. Rusev and Orton fight out to ringside, and Orton hits a back suplex on to the announce table. Roode comes over and starts laying into Orton with right hands, then he takes Orton in the ring then hits a flying clothesline off the top. Roode looks for the Glorious DDT, but Orton escapes and they start exchanging strikes. Rusev pulls Orton out to the floor and hits a back suplex of his own on the table on Orton. Back in the ring, Rusev lays into Roode with kicks then hits a splash in the corner. Rusev follows up with a spinning heel kick on Roode, and then leads the crowd in a Rusev Day chant. Rusev hits a big boot then puts Roode in the Accolade. Orton breaks it up, then hits an RKO on Roode for the three count. Orton now has a U.S. Title shot against Jinder at Backlash.
Winner: Randy Orton
– Orton and Mahal have a stare down after the bell, and we see some replays from the match.
– We see replays of Carmella winning the Women’s Title earlier, and then Carmella does an interview backstage. Carmella talks about waiting for the perfect time to cash in, and she got it. Carmella fakes crying and says there’s someone she wants to thank who is really important — herself. Carmella says this is her time and she has the gold. Back at the commentary table, Graves asks Saxton why he isn’t celebrating Carmella’s win, and he throws a pen at Saxton.
– AJ Styles does an interview in the back where he says when he sees him he might kick his ass, but tonight his focus is on Daniel Bryan. AJ says Bryan is one of the greatest, but he’s not phenomenal. AJ walks off and gets ready to come out to the ring.
– AJ Styles vs. Daniel Bryan: This one is a non-Title match. AJ starts off with a side headlock, and then a shoulder tackle on Bryan. AJ and Bryan wrestle up to their feet, then Bryan connects with several kicks on AJ. Bryan starts working over AJ’s shoulder, then hits some European uppercuts. They run the ropes and AJ hits a dropkick that sends Bryan rolling outside. AJ follows up with a suicide dive on Bryan to the outside. Back in the ring, they trade elbows until Bryan whips AJ into the corner and follows up with a splash. Bryan misses a shot in the corner, and AJ capitalizes with his moonsault into a reverse DDT for a two count. Bryan and AJ trade strikes on their feet again until Bryan hits a slam and goes right into an arm bar. They wrestle around the mat and Bryan looks for the Yes Lock, but he can’t execute it. Bryan misses a shot and AJ hits the Pele Kick and then a lariat for a two count. AJ misses a shot off the top and Bryan kicks him. Bryan leads the crowd in a “Yes” chant then charges, but AJ trips him and looks for a Styles Clash. Bryan fights out and puts him in the Yes Lock, and AJ reaches the ropes to break it. Bryan hangs AJ upside down in the corner and repeatedly kicks him in the midsection. Bryan takes AJ up top and goes for a back suplex, but AJ reverses and lands on Bryan’s head. Shinsuke Nakamura comes in to interfere and he knees Bryan in the head. Nakamura then turns his attention to AJ and hits a series of strikes on the Champion. Nakamura hits a low blow on him, then the running knee to the face.
Winner via DQ: Daniel Bryan
– Nakaura picks up AJ, then drops to his knees and hits yet another low blow on Styles. Nakamura smiles and heads to the back as referees check on AJ in the ring.
Former WWE World Heavyweight Champion Dolph Ziggler, who has been with the sports entertainment company for over a decade, continues to address reports that he had signed a new WWE contract that was worth $1.5 million.
At one point, many fans thought he was the future of WWE and would be the top guy for the sports entertainment company. He has had a great career and is one of the best workers that the company has under contract.
Ziggler recently spoke with WSVN-TV Entertainment Reporter Chris Van Vliet to talk about various topics. During the interview, he was asked about the rumors of his new contract. “My father called me to congratulate me on my deal that I had re-signed and I said ‘What are you talking about?’ It’s fun to have Internet rumors out there, but even if and when I do re-sign I won’t be like ‘Hey everybody, here’s the details of this contract’. There’s a short amount of time left on this contract, we’re negotiating, and we’ll see what happens.”
At last year’s Clash of Champions pay-per-view, Ziggler defeated Baron Corbin and Bobby Roode in a triple threat match to win his second United States Championship. In this interview, he was asked about why he wasn’t happy with his latest run with the title. “I’m going to guess that some plans that were made originally didn’t happen. I asked to go away for a while just to let them forget that I wasn’t doing anything of too much importance. I asked for some time off. I got kicked in the head by Jack Swagger and got a concussion when I was the champ and I was out for 2 weeks and that’s basically all the time off I’ve had. Even my stand up dates are booked around when I’m not working here. So if I’m never gone, no one can hope for me to come back. One other time I was gone for 5 weeks to film a movie.
Ziggler continued, “That was it. I never went away, I never had a surgery and I don’t want to but you can’t be missed if you are never gone and you are always here. So I asked to go away for 6 months or a year and was told no, but maybe a couple of months. Out of nowhere in this title match, I won the match. It was really fun, it was really crazy. Corbin and Roode are really fun to wrestle. I won it and I went ‘Alright, what am I going to do now?’ and I figured I would have a moment and have everyone talking about me one way or another, so I threw down the title and walked out. I thought it was great and then 3 TV’s later I was back.”
Former WWE star MVP had fans talking over a recent tweet that seemed to tease that he would entertain an offer by the WWE for a potential return if the sports entertainment company is interested in bringing him back.
MVP signed with WWE in 2005 and was assigned to Deep South Wrestling, which led to him being promoted to the SmackDown brand the following year. During his time with the sports entertainment company, he won the United States Championship twice and the WWE Tag Team Championship alongside Matt Hardy.
MVP then found success in Impact Wrestling and New Japan Pro Wrestling. He was last seen on WWE television when he made an appearance on the 25th anniversary of RAW in January.
After Bobby Lashley made his return to WWE on this week’s episode of Monday Night RAW, MVP sent out the following tweet:
WWE has officially announced more names that will be appearing at the upcoming Greatest Royal Rumble event.
On Tuesday afternoon, it was revealed that Chris Jericho, Kurt Angle, Baron Corbin, The New Day, Apollo, Shelton Benjamin, Sin Cara, Elias, Chad Gable, Goldust, Titus O’Neil, Mojo Rawley and Dolph Ziggler will be wrestling in the first-ever 50-Man Greatest Royal Rumble Match.
Jericho was last seen on WWE television during a backstage segment with Elias at the 25 Anniversary episode of Monday Night Raw in January. He last wrestled in a WWE ring back in July of 2016. Since then, Jericho made several surprise appearances for New Japan Pro Wrestling including his match against Kenny Omega at the Wrestle Kingdom event at the Tokyo Dome.
Daniel Bryan, Bray Wyatt, Braun Strowman, Big Show, and Kane have already been announced for the match.
The sports entertainment company will be holding the show at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on Friday, April 27. The Greatest Royal Rumble Kickoff will stream live on WWE Network at a special start time of 11 a.m. ET/8 a.m. PT with the event airing one hour later. Here is the updated card:
50 Man Royal Rumble Match
Steel Cage Match: Universal Champion Brock Lesnar vs. Roman Reigns
John Cena vs. Triple H
Casket Match: The Undertaker vs. Rusev
Ladder Match: IC Champion Seth Rollins vs. The Miz vs. Finn Balor vs. Samoa Joe
RAW Tag Team Championship: The Bar vs Wyatt/Hardy or the Revival
WrestleMania 34’s main event left a lot of people scratching their heads – and rightfully so.
WWE has been planning this Brock Lesnar vs. Roman Reigns storyline for the past four years. It all kicked off at WrestleMania 30 in New Orleans when Lesnar became the first person to ever defeat The Undertaker at The Show Of Shows.
Lesnar would go on to win the WWE Title while Roman Reigns continued to climb the ranks within the company. Last year at WrestleMania 33 Reigns picked up the biggest win of his career when he became the second person to defeat The Undertaker at the event.
Now the stage was set for the only two men to have ever defeated The Undertaker at WrestleMania to clash themselves at the event for the Universal Championship. Fans expected WrestleMania 34 to be the event in which Reigns finally dethroned The Beast and took his place atop the WWE mountain.
Instead, Lesnar bloodied Reigns terribly with some legitimate elbows to the skull before hitting a sixth F5 to end the night. The following day news broke that Lesnar had signed a new deal with WWE.
There are conflicting reports as to how long that deal is – some reporting a multi-year deal and others reporting a short-term one. Bleacher Report’s Jeremy Botter reports a very interesting twist to the situation.
Botter reports that Lesnar has signed on for one more match in WWE, that match being his Universal Title defense against Roman Reigns inside a Steel Cage in Saudi Arabia later this month. Vince McMahon reportedly called an audible during the Lesnar and Reings match at WrestleMania and changed the finish because he didn’t like the reaction Reigns was receiving.
The plan is to have Lesnar lose the title in front of a more “conductive” audience. Botter did note that we will see Lesnar in WWE again after the match, but likely not for a long time and much less than we’re used to seeing him.
Brock reportedly wants to put all of his effort into the UFC at this time, as he will likely take on the winner of Daniel Cormier vs. Stipe Miocic for the heavyweight title at the end of this year. Botter also noted that Lesnar could return for an appearance at WrestleMania 35 next year:
It looks like Brock Lesnar isn’t the only one who just signed a new deal with WWE on WrestleMania week.
The word going around backstage at the Monday Night RAW after Sunday’s WrestleMania 34 was that Paul Heyman has also signed a new contract, per a report from PWInsider. F4WOnline is reporting that Heyman did in fact sign a new deal, and it’s a short-term agreement as well.
It was also noted that Brock Lesnar’s new deal with WWE would’ve included nearly everything he wants, including Heyman continuing to serve as his manager. There are no financial details for either contract as of this writing.
As for Lesnar, his deal is rumored to be a short-term one as well and he will also defend his Universal Championship against Roman Reigns in a Steel Cage match at the Greatest Royal Rumble event in Saudi Arabia on April 27th.
Perhaps Heyman’s new deal also presents the possibility of him working with other talents as well. He has spoke highly of both Ronda Rousey and Roman Reigns recently in the lead up to WrestleMania.
– Next week’s episode of Monday Night RAW will kick off the two-day Superstar Shakeup event. WWE posted a backstage interview between Mike Rome and Intercontinental Champion Seth Rollins, who is currently on the red brand.
In regards to the Superstar Shakeup, Rollins said he doesn’t know what to expect and doesn’t know if champions are exempt. The Architect said he believes we’re in for a few surprises, and noted if he does take off to SmackDown Live he’d love to face AJ Styles for the WWE Title:
– As we’ve noted, Paige officially announced her retirement from in-ring competition on last night’s episode of Monday Night RAW. WWE released the following statement on the matter:
Paige retires from in-ring competition
Citing medical reasons, Paige made the difficult decision to retire from in-ring competition during the April 9 edition of Monday Night Raw after four years in WWE.
In an emotional address, the brave Superstar thanked Daniel Bryan for his inspiration, WWE Hall of Famer Edge for showing her there is life after sports-entertainment, the WWE Universe for their support and WWE for allowing her to do what she loves to do.
A trailblazing Superstar who won the Divas Championship in her Monday Night Raw debut, Paige truly made the most of her four-year career and will surely find tremendous success in whatever she chooses to do next.
– Last night on RAW former NXT Women’s Champion Ember Moon made her main roster debut, as she teamed up with RAW Women’s Champion Nia Jax to defeat Alexa Bliss and Mickie James in a Tag Team match.
WWE posted the following video of Mike Rome interviewing both Jax and Moon to get their reaction on their win:
This past Sunday at WrestleMania 34 Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn lost their Tag Team match to Daniel Bryan and Shane McMahon – meaning they are out of a job on SmackDown Live.
Now on the hunt for a job, Owens and Zayn made an appearance on last night’s episode of Monday Night RAW. They asked Kurt Angle for a job to which Angle responded with “My tag team division is full, but I hear TNA is hiring.”
Fans in the crowd and online went nuts for the line, and this prompted IMPACT Wrestling to respond on Twitter by saying “We Are IMPACT,” correcting Angle for calling them TNA:
Angle later allowed Zayn and Owens to fight in a singles match, where the winner would receive a RAW contract. Unfortunately for the pair they fought to a draw and neither one received the RAW deal, as chants of “TNA” broke out in the crowd.
In regards to Angle saying TNA is hiring, IMPACT’s Twitter account also responded by saying they didn’t take it as an insult:
As we’ve noted, last night’s RAW featured a segment in which former WWE Divas Champion Paige finally announced her career inside the ring has come to an end.
This past December Paige suffered an injury at a house show after taking a hard kick to the back from Sasha Banks. Paige was stretchered out to the back before leaving the arena on her own power.
A month later news broke that WWE would not be clearing Paige to compete for them inside the ring ever again, comparing the situation to that of WWE Hall Of Famer Edge.
For the next several months WWE and Paige did not acknowledge these reports, however, she was held off from physical work on WWE TV – instead simply accompanying Sonya Deville and Many Rose out to the ring.
On last night’s RAW, following Mandy Rose’s win over Sasha Banks in singles action, Paige got on the mic and confirmed that her in-ring career with WWE is over. She thanked her family, the WWE Women’s Division, Daniel Bryan for giving her hope, and Edge for some recent advise.
PWInsider now reports that this segment was Paige’s final scheduled appearance on WWE TV. There’s currently no word on the plans for Absolution’s Mandy Rose and Sonya Devile, but Paige will remain on the cast of E!’s Total Divas and will also help promote WWE Studios’ “Fighting With My Family” movie.
WWE could possibly keep Paige around in Orlando as a trainer in the Performance Center.
Last night’s episode of Monday Night RAW featured a segment between General Manager Kurt Angle, and recently fired SmackDown Live stars Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn.
Owens and Zayn came to Angle in hopes of landing jobs, and Angle put the pair in a match against each other in which the winner would receive a RAW contract. The Olympic Hero was hesitant to give Owens and Zayn a chance at first, dropping the line “My tag team division is full, but I hear TNA is hiring.”
The line received a huge pop from the crowd and the professional wrestling internet community. Former WWE Women’s Champion and current IMPACT Wrestling Producer Gail Kim took to Twitter shortly after the segment aired.
Kim shared an interesting story of Vince McMahon watching a special episode of TNA backstage at a WWE event:
If I'm not mistaken, that would be the first mention of TNA on RAW.
Ronda Rousey really impressed during her performance at WrestleMania 34 this past weekend in New Orleans.
The former UFC women’s bantamweight champion teamed up with Kurt Angle to take on the team of Triple H and Stephanie McMahon, and the four put on one of the best matches of the night.
Rousey picked up the win for her team by locking in an armbar on Stephanie McMahon, forcing her to tap out. The following night on RAW, McMahon attempted to bury the hatchet with Rousey – who instead pulled a flying armbar on McMahon after ripping off her cast.
Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Radio reports that Rousey’s impact on WWE has been so big that the company is already talking about her main eventing next year’s WrestleMania 35 in New Jersey.
No opponent was specifically named for the potential match, but if there’s anyone with the star-power to put on the first-ever female match to main event a WrestleMania card – it’s Ronda Rousey.
Bobby Lashley is back on WWE television for the first time in a decade.
As seen on this week’s episode of WWE Monday Night RAW in New Orleans, Louisiana at the Smoothie King Center on the USA Network, the former WWE star made his return to WWE by interrupting Elias while he was cutting a promo and laid him out with a suplex.
Lashley, who burst onto the WWE scene with excellent size and power, made his debut on SmackDown back in 2005. During his first run with the sports entertainment company, he was a two-time ECW World Champion and one-time United States Champion. While away from the WWE, he had a successful run with TNA Wrestling.
WWE’s Youtube channel has released this video of Lashley talking about his return after the show. Here is what he had to say:
“Unfinished business. Unfinished business, completely. I’ve taken my level of wrestling and this entire business to a whole other level and I’m ready to go out here and show this crowd what I’m about. … I’m going to be bigger and badder, and tougher than ever. There’s a lot of really tough guys here in WWE at this time and I’ve got my sights set. It doesn’t matter what I post online, I always get tags saying, ‘We want to see you against so & so, we want to see you against so & so.’ So now I’m here to go and find so & so. Everybody wants the big match-ups and I’m here to make them happen.”
With the Mixed Match Challenge over and concluded, WWE’s Tuesday night schedule is back to just Smackdown and 205 Live. Tonight’s show will emanate from the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Smackdown Live Preview
No matches have been announced thus far for Smackdown. The following segments are believed to be scheduled, however:
AJ Styles Reacts to Shinsuke Nakamura’s WM Actions
Last night at WrestleMania, AJ Styles defeated Shinsuke Nakamura to retain his WWE Championship. Nakamura delivered a low-blow to Styles following the match.
How will AJ react to the dastardly attack from his WM opponent?
What’s Next for Daniel Bryan and Smackdown’s Leadership?
Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn are gone from Smackdown. Shane McMahon has also left for an indefinite leave of absence.
Now, Daniel Bryan is the only one left in charge of Smackdown and he just was cleared to return to the ring. Bryan will address the future of Smackdown’s leadership tonight.
Charlotte Flair Celebration
Charlotte Flair ended Asuka’s streak at WrestleMania but now what is next for her?
Naomi won the WM Women’s Battle Royal which could put her in line for a title shot. There is always Carmella and her MITB briefcase lurking in the wings, however.
Reign of the Bludgeon Brothers Begins
Harper and Rowen are the new Smackdown tag-team champions and we should find out what is next for them tonight.
New Surprise Call-Ups?
Ember Moon, No Way Jose, and Bobby Lashley all showed up on Raw last night. WWE.com is teasing there might be a few new faces to show on Smackdown tonight.
205 Live Preview
Drew Gulak vs Mark Andrews
in the only confirmed match for tonight, Drew Gulak will face Mark Andrews on 205 Live.
Cedric Alexander’s Championship Reign Begins
Cedric Alexander is the new Cruiserweight Champion but Drake Maverick already has challengers, such as Buddy Murphy, lined up for him. We’ll find out how the reign of Cedric Alexander begins tonight.
IWGP Heavyweight Champion, Kazuchika Okada, has also declared he will be at the event on September 1st, 2018.
Okada’s inclusion in the event is significant for a few reasons. He is NJPW’s top star and the event will be taking place not long after the annual G1 tournament. When it comes time for All-In, Okada might already be involved in his next big storyline rivalry.
Following the conclusion to WrestleMania 34 Sunday night, everything in WWE is now leading towards the Greatest Royal Rumble in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on April 27th.
In addition to the 50-person Royal Rumble match, 7 championship bouts will take place on the show. All of the confirmed matches thus far are posted below.
Greatest Royal Rumble Match Listing:
50-Person Royal Rumble
– Daniel Bryan, Bray Wyatt, Braun Strowman, Big Show, and Kane have been announced.
WWE Universal Championship Steel Cage
Brock Lesnar (c) vs Roman Reigns
Intercontinental Championship Ladder Match
Seth Rolins (c) vs Finn Balor vs Miz vs Samoa Joe
WWE Raw Tag Team Championship
the Bar (c) vs Wyatt/Hardy or the Revival
Paige made her main roster debut 4 years ago during the Raw after WrestleMania, so seeing her announcing her retirement at the same show was especially saddening.
After the announcement, the whole wrestling world, including the cast of Total Divas expressed their feelings on the event on Twitter.
Below are some top tweets from WWE stars of past and present, commenting on the retirement of the former Champion:
Feelings are bittersweet right now .. @RealPaigeWWE has been such a mentor to me since the day I got here. She is insanely talented and I know whatever chapter is to follow will be just as amazing as this one. ? thank you Paige! #ABSOLUTION
Can’t even put into words how thankful I am for you @RealPaigeWWE … you have taught me so much in such a short period of time, from Tough Enough to now. Love you and thank you ???? #ThankYouPaige
Thank you @RealPaigeWWE for being one of my all time favorite opponents I’ve ever worked with in the ring. I’m so proud of you for being so strong but I’m also so excited for so many incredible opportunities coming your way. You’re a star and you were born to shine! I ? you! pic.twitter.com/L1erOWqdlO
Beach balls were in the list of banned items for fans heading into the Mercedes-Benz Superdome for WrestleMania 34, but this wasn’t the case at Smoothie King Center for Raw after Mania.
While there were no notable incidents of beach balls taking the spotlight during the broadcast of the show, there was one after Raw went off air.
After Seth Rollins along with his partners Jeff Hardy and Finn Balor won the 6 men tag match at the main event of the show, the Intercontinental Champion himself tried to start a beach ball party.
Below are a few videos of the Kingslayer and others having fun with beach balls after the Red Branded Show went off air:
Fans were not expecting Brock Lesnar to retain the Universal Championship at WrestleMania 34 and the events that followed were as surprising as the result of the Mania main event.
It was reported after the PPV that Lesnar got into an argument with none other than the Boss Vince McMahon backstage, which ended with the Beast throwing off his Universal title.
At that point, not much was known about the reason for this altercation, however now a new report from PWTorch might have shed some more light on the situation.
According to the site, Roman Reigns was not expected to get busted open during the show and the color on the Television was the catalyst of the dispute.
Not only this but the German Announcers were not aware that their table will be used in a spot during the bout which may explain previous reports of the Universal Champion going off script near the end of the Championship match.
As noted before, Brock Lesnar has signed a new, short-term deal with the company but there is no word yet on how or if this altercation will affect the plans Officials had for Lesnar’s future before the Show of Shows.
The first episode of RAW after WrestleMania 34 aired live from the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans on April 9th. Here are 13 takeaways from tonight’s wild episode of RAW:
Ronda Got Stephanie In The Arm Bar Again
RAW Commissioner Stephanie McMahon kicked off RAW and limped her way down the entrance ramp to a chorus of boos. Stephanie tapped out to Ronda Rousey last night in the tag match also featuring Triple H and Kurt Angle. The crowd chanted “you tapped out!” as Stephanie grabbed a microphone and stood in the ring.
Stephanie scolded the crowd for not having any sympathy for her and the crowd chanted “you tapped out!” once again. McMahon boasted about her own performance last night and claimed that she knew that she could bring out the best in Ronda Rousey if she challenged her. Stephanie McMahon then called Ronda Rousey down to the ring and the crowd gave her a great reaction.
Rousey joined Stephanie in the ring and Stephanie claimed that the better woman won. The crowd chanted “Ronda Rousey!” as Ronda smiled in the ring. Stephanie said that Ronda was a role model for young girls and for people everywhere. She added that she got defeated by the best in the world and she certainly isn’t upset up about that. Stephanie claimed that with her talent and Steph’s spotlight, there are no limits to what they can do together. Stephanie continued to try to convince Rousey to join her and the crowd chanted “bullsh*t!”.
Stephanie said that Ronda was smarter than all these fans because she is a business person and they just understand. The crowd then chanted “shut the fu** up!” as Stephanie asked the crowd to give it up her friend, Ronda Rousey. Steph went in for a handshake, Ronda shook her hand and gave her a hug. Rousey then locked in the Arm Bar once again as Stephanie McMahon screamed in pain. Rousey took off her arm brace and bent her arm back as the crowd erupted. The referees ran to the ring as the crowd cheered Rousey as she posed in the ring.
WWE’s medical staff attended to Stephanie as the crowd chanted “you deserve it!”. The crowd transitioned into “na-na-na-hey-hey-goodbye” as Steph cried as she made her way up the ramp. The ring announcer asked for a little respect for Stephanie McMahon and the entire crowd. Corey Graves, Coach and Cole then gave the obligatory “the crowd after WrestleMania is a strange crowd. They boo who they would normally cheer” and all that crap.
Opinion: Ronda Rousey is over with the crowd and that is awesome. I’m looking forward to seeing what comes next for Rousey in the women’s division. My favorite moment of the RAW after WrestleMania happened right away. I absolutely love when the announcers give that silly warning that this crowd is bizarre and likes to boo Superstars that they would normally cheer. Tonight’s crowd was comprised of the most die-hard wrestling fans in the world. They always add a ton to the show make their voices heard.
Ember Moon Made Her WWE RAW Debut
Ember Moon (photo credit: WWE.com)
New RAW Women’s Champion Nia Jax came down to the ring to loud chants of “you deserve it!”. Alexa Bliss and Mickie James came down to the entrance ramp and Alexa said that there was no bigger bully in WWE than Ronda Rousey, unless of course you are talking about Nia Jax. Bliss said Nia was the bully here and that Jax just loves to throw her weight around, which is clearly a lot of weight. The crowd chanted “a**hole!” at Alexa Bliss.
Alexa claimed that she was distraught after Nia Jax beatdown Mickie James last night and that is why she lost the RAW Women’s Championship. She claimed that she was competing under emotional distress and that everyone knows that Nia is cold as ice. Nia told Alexa to shut up and the crowd erupted.
Jax said Alexa was right and that she enjoyed beating up Alexa and Mickie last night. Nia raised the title and said that she has a partner for the match tonight and the crowd chant “who?”. Nia Jax stated that she did have a partner and Ember Moon came down to the ring to an awesome reaction.
Ember Moon and Nia Jax picked up the quick victory after Moon hit the Eclipse on Alexa Bliss.
Opinion: Ember Moon is an incredible athlete and I’m looking forward to seeing her on the main roster. This means that the NXT women’s division belongs to Shayna Baszler now and someone is going to have to step up to take the title from her.
Braun Strowman & Nicholas Reliquished The RAW Tag Team Championships
Last night at WrestleMania 34, Braun Strowman went through the crowd to find a tag partner. He stumbled upon a 10-year-old boy named Nicholas and made him his tag partner. Strowman then defeated Sheamus & Cesaro on his own to win the RAW Tag Team Championships.
Tonight on RAW, Strowman and Nicholas interrupted RAW GM Kurt Angle backstage. Strowman informed Angle that they were going to have to relinquish the titles due to a scheduling conflict. Braun said that Nicholas was still in the 4th grade, but once he was done with school, they were coming back for the titles. Nicholas added that somebody is going to “get these hands” before they handed the belts to Kurt Angle.
Angle then announced a four team Tag Team Eliminator. The winners will face Sheamus & Cesaro for the vacant RAW Tag Team Championships at the WWE Greatest Royal Rumble event.
No Way Jose Made His WWE RAW Debut
No Way Jose made his main roster debut tonight on RAW. Jose brought his conga line down to the ring and danced around to a great reaction from the crowd.
Jose faced a local talent and dismantled him quickly with a Knockout Punch for the victory. No Way then danced his way back up the entrance ramp as the crowd cheered him on.
The Revival Advanced In The Tag Team Eliminator Tournament
The Revival faced Gallows & Anderson tonight in the Tag Team Eliminator tournament. Gallows started out the match in control and beatdown Wilder & Dawson. Sheamus and Cesaro were shown backstage watching the match.
Dawson and Wilder isolated Gallows and the corner and took control of the match. Dash focused his attack on Gallows’ leg and then tagged in Dawson.
Dawson prevented Gallows from tagging out and continued to take him apart. Anderson finally tagged in and beatdown Dawson. Anderson connected with a Neckbreaker off the second rope and then jumped on Wilder outside the ring. Anderson hit a Crossbody to Dawson and followed it up with a Spinebuster for a two count.
Outside the ring, Wilder through Gallows over the barricade. Wilder tagged in and Anderson didn’t notice. The Revival then planted Anderson with the Shatter Machine. The Revival will face the winners of the other Tag Team Eliminator Tournament tonight next week on RAW.
Opinion: The Revival have been completely dismantled by injuries since joining the main roster. I hope that things turn out better for them now that WWE is essentially starting a new season. They are an excellent team and it would make RAW’s tag division so much better if they got to showcase their talent on a weekly basis.
Jeff Hardy Returned To RAW
Jeff Hardy (Photo credit: WWE.com)
New Intercontinental Champion Seth Rollins came down to the ring to “you deserve it!” chants from the crowd. Seth noted that there have been a lot of ups and downs over the past couple of years and said that was the loudest “burn it down!” he has ever heard. The entire crowd started to chant “burn it down!” once again.
Rollins raised the IC Title and shouted “Seth Freakin’ Rollins is back baby!” and the crowd chanted “yes!”. Seth said “Grand Slam Rollins” kind of has a nice ring to it and the crowd chanted “Grand Slam Rollins!”. Seth added that it was pretty cool that every member of The Shield is now a Grand Slam Champion and that is pretty cool.
Finn Balor interrupted and said that he was sorry to break up the celebration, but there has something he has to get off his chest. Balor joined Rollins in the ring and told him congratulations and that he deserved it.
Balor noted that last night there was a winner and loser last night in the Triple Threat match. Finn said that he wasn’t pinned and it left him wanting more. Balor stated that he wanted to be the first man to step up and challenge Rollins for the Intercontinental Championship.
Finn extended his hand for a handshake and Rollins obliged. The Miz and The Miztourage joined the party and The Miz had a pissed off look on his face. The Miz marched down to the ring and claimed that Rollins doesn’t deserve it and then got into the ring. The crowd chanted “a**hole” at Miz.
The Miz claimed that he deserves it because he made that title and the crowd cheered. Miz stated that he walked down the ramp last night by himself because he knew that he would never hear the end of it if they helped him. The Miz said that wanted to excuses and once again claimed that he was a changed man. The crowd chanted “he’s got kids” and The Miz stated that he became a father to his beautiful daughter, Monroe Sky.
Miz added that his daughter watched his saw match and that Monroe cried when she saw the pain in her father’s eyes. Miz accused Seth of making his little princess cry, which then caused Maryse to cry. The Miz then admitted that he cried when he heard that happened and the crowd cheered.
Rollins patted The Miz on the shoulder and told him that was big of him to admit that he cried, because that is what everyone does when they watch him wrestle. The Miz stated that he is owed a rematch for the Intercontinental Championship. Seth asked if The Miz wanted to have the match right now and the crowd chanted “yes!”.
The Miz said that he is in a custom suit and will invoke his rematch clause at WWE Backlash. The Miz told the crowd to shut up and then proposed a Handicap Match tonight. The Miz claimed that he and The Miztourage can take on Rollins & Balor.
Jeff Hardy’s music hit and Jeff made his way down to the ring and stood beside Balor and Rollins. The Miz, Bo Dallas and Curtis Axel retreated and left the ring as the crowd booed. The 6-man tag match was then announced for later tonight.
Sasha Banks faced Mandy Rose tonight on RAW. Bayley was ringside for the match and the crowd sang to her throughout the match. Paige and Sonya Deville were also ringside for the match. Rose took control of the match and slammed Banks into the turnbuckle as RAW went to a commercial break.
When RAW returned, Sasha Banks was in control and knocked out of the ring. Mandy shoved Sasha to the floor and then pushed Bayley. Bayley took a swing at Rose, but Mandy ducked and Bayley punched Banks in the face. Banks threw Rose back into the ring and then argued with Bayley on the ring apron. The distraction wound up costing her and Rose connected with a knee to Sasha’s face for the pinfall victory.
After the match, Paige grabbed the microphone and stated that it really hurt to watch WrestleMania from the sidelines. Paige then stated that she cannot compete due to neck injuries in the ring anymore. Paige thanked the female Superstars and said that they have all built something special here in WWE.
Paige then thanked her family and Daniel Bryan. She added that Daniel Bryan returned from a career ending injury and that gave her hope. Paige said that she also spoke to Edge backstage and that he inspired her because he has a family and an acting career. She said that it pained her to say this, but now she has to go and find something else to do.
Paige thanked the WWE for giving her the opportunity to do this and letting her entertain the audience for the past four years. Paige noted that she made her debut in New Orleans four years ago and won the Divas Championship and four years later is where she wants to retire.
The crowd chanted “thank you Paige!” as she broke down in the ring. The crowd then chanted “this is your house!” and Paige nodded her head and thanked them. Paige once again thanked the crowd and said that this will always be her house before exiting the ring.
Thank you @RealPaigeWWE for being one of my all time favorite opponents I’ve ever worked with in the ring. I’m so proud of you for being so strong but I’m also so excited for so many incredible opportunities coming your way. You’re a star and you were born to shine! I ? you! pic.twitter.com/L1erOWqdlO
Elias came down to the ring and asked the crowd “who want to Walk With Elias?”. The entire crowd sang an Elias chant. Elias stated that he was going to perform tonight, granted that the crowd was the same unappreciated scumbags from last night. The crowd chanted “we are scumbags!” and Elias said that he was glad that they can finally admit it. Elias asked them to silence their cellphones and shut their mouths.
Elias started performing when Bobby Lashley’s music hit. The crowd erupted as Lashley made his way down to the ring.
The crowd chanted “welcome back!” as Lashley planted Elias with a Neckbreaker. Lashley held up Elias for a Suplex with one arm for twenty seconds before finally planting Elias with a Suplex. Bobby Lashley then exited the ring and high-fived members of the crowd.
Heath Slater and Rhyno came down to the ring and called out anyone from the back to face them. Akam and Rezar came down to the ring and dominated in quick fashion. Akam and Rezar planted Heath Slater with the Last Chapter for the pinfall victory.
After the match, Akam and Rezar shoved their manager, Paul Ellering, away and left him behind on the entrance ramp. It looks like The Authors of Pain feel like they do not need their manager anymore now that they are on the main roster.
Samoa Joe Returned & Challenged Reigns To A Match At WWE Backlash
Samoa Joe (Photo credit: Instagram @WWE)
Roman Reigns came down to the ring to a chorus of boos from the New Orleans crowd. Reigns said that he got his ass kicked last night and the crowd chanted “you deserve it!”. Roman claimed that the thing that ate him up the most was that Vince McMahon couldn’t look him in the eye and smarten him up.
Reigns stated that Brock Lesnar is one hell of a businessman because last week he was rumored to go UFC and today it was announced that he resigned with WWE. Roman then said that he had no idea that he was going to be facing Brock Lesnar again in a Steel Cage Match at WWE Greatest Royal Rumble until he read it on the internet.
Roman added that he doesn’t know what their scheme is, but he knows that if they keep putting him in matches with Brock Lesnar, the story will end with him becoming Universal Champion.
Samoa Joe’s music hit and the crowd chanted “Joe!”. Samoa mocked Reigns for thinking that there is a conspiracy and told Roman that he was going to bring him back to reality. Joe stated that Brock Lesnar didn’t just beat him last night, he exposed Reigns. Joe said that Reigns failed and then called Roman a failure. The crowd immediately started chanting “failure” at Roman in the ring.
Joe claimed that Reigns lied to the fans and family when he said that he could beat Brock Lesnar. Reigns started getting pissed off in the ring as Joe said that Reigns always has an excuse after he loses to Lesnar. Joe stated that after Reigns fails against in the Steel Cage Match against Lesnar, he will be waiting for him at WWE Backlash. Joe then vowed to put Roman Reigns to sleep at WWE Backlash.
Matt Hardy & Bray Wyatt Advanced In The Tag Team Eliminator Tournament
Apollo and Titus O’Neil came down for the second match in the Tag Team Eliminator Tournament. Their opponents were revealed to be Matt Hardy and Bray Wyatt.
Wyatt tagged in and floored Titus with a Clothesline. Apollo tagged in as the crowd sang “he’s got the whole world in his hands” for Wyatt. Apollo flipped in the ring and Matt Hardy shouted “wonderful!”. Matt and Bray then started clapping for Apollo and the crowd joined along.
Wyatt beatdown Apollo and tagged in Matt Hardy. Matt dodged a Dropkick and bounced Apollo’s head off the turnbuckle several times. Bray then tagged in and did the same before connecting with a right hand. Matt tagged in and launched Wyatt into Apollo in the corner. Matt connected with a Side Effect, but Titus broke up the cover. Wyatt tagged in and was greeted with a kick to the head from Apollo.
Bray connected with the Uranage and then geared up in the corner. Hardy tagged in and Wyatt set up for the Sister Abigail. Bray threw Apollo towards Matt and Hardy connected with the Twist of Fate for the victory. Hardy and Wyatt will face The Revival next week. The winners of that match will face Sheamus and Cesaro for the RAW Tag Team Championships at WWE Greatest Royal Rumble.
Later on RAW, Matt Hardy and Jeff Hardy had a conversation backstage. Bray Wyatt showed up and said “Brother Nero” and hugged Jeff Hardy. Jeff stated that he was so glad that his brother rendered Sister Abigail obsolete. Bray stated that he felt wonderful and walked away with Matt Hardy. Finn Balor were then shown standing next to Jeff Hardy and they asked what that was all about. Jeff shrugged his shoulders and made his way towards the ring.
RAW GM Kurt Angle was on the phone backstage and said that he was excited to see Lashley back on RAW. Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens showed up backstage and said that they had a bit of a falling out with management on SmackDown. Angle noted that Zayn and Owens got fired for attacking the SmackDown GM and Commissioner. Angle said that his tag team division is full but he heard that TNA is hiring. Owens said that they didn’t have to hire both of them. Kurt Angle said that he had one spot on the RAW roster available and the two of them can wrestle for it later tonight.
Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens battled for a roster spot on WWE RAW. Zayn went for a Helluva Kick right away and Owens dodged it. Zayn launched himself over the top rope and landed on Owens on the outside of the ring as RAW GM Kurt Angle looked on from backstage. Owens shouted “job is on the line buddy!” and went for a Powerbomb onto the apron. Zayn blocked it and slammed Owens into the ring post as RAW went to a break.
When RAW returned, Owens was in control for a moment but Zayn connected with a Helluva Kick and Owens fell to the ring apron. Owens got back into the ring and connected with a Pop-Up Powerbomb. Owens hit the move but fell out of the ring and couldn’t go for the cover.
Kevin Owens made his way up the turnbuckle but Sami got up and booted him in the face. Sami went for a Superplex but Owens was able to counter it into a Superplex of his own as the crowd stood up.
The referee started counting, but neither Sami Zayn or Kevin Owens got back to their feet before the 10-count. JoJo announced that neither of them will get a spot on the RAW roster because of the result of the match.
The Miz & The Miztourage battled Seth Rollins, Finn Balor & Jeff Hardy tonight on RAW. The Miz and Rollins staarted off the match in the ring. The Miz changed his mind and tagged in Curtis Axel. The crowd chanted “AxelMania!” as Curtis got in the ring. Axel connected with a shoulder tackle and got a great cheer from the crowd.
Bo Dallas tagged in and got a boot to the face from Rollins. Seth followed it up with a Leg Drop and then tagged in Finn Balor. Finn quickly tagged in Hardy and Jeff hit Poetry in Motion on Bo Dallas in the corner as RAW went to a break.
When RAW returned, Finn Balor was trapped in the ring and Axel leveled him with a Dropkick. Bo tagged in and connected with a couple of knees to Finn’s face for a two count. Bo applied a Chin Lock in the middle of the ring. Balor battled to his feet and connected with a Jawbreaker to break the hold.
The Miz tagged in and knocked Rollins off the apron. Balor connected with a Dropkick and both Superstars fell to the mat. Balor leaped across the ring and finally tagged in Jeff Hardy. Jeff hit an Atomic Drop for a two count. Jeff followed it up with Whisper in the Wind onto Dallas and Axel.
The Miz and Rollins tagged back in and Seth connected with a Blockbuster off the second rope. Rollins hit a Suicide Dive to Axel outside the ring and then Clothesline The Miz out of the ring. Seth then hit another Suicide Dive onto Miz, Axel and Dallas. The crowd chanted “burn it down!” as Rollins connected with a Superplex. Seth rolled through and hit a Falcon Arrow but Bo broke up the cover.
Balor hit a Slingblade to Dallas and then Clothesline Axel out of the ring. Finn flipped onto Axel and Dallas outside the ring as The Miz went for a roll-up in the ring. Seth kicked out and connected with the Curb Stomp to The Miz for the pinfall victory. After the match, Hardy hit Bo with a Twist of Fate and Balor followed it up with a Coup de Grace. Jeff climbed to the top rope and connected with a Swanton Bomb.
Rollins connected with a Curb Stomp to Dallas and then Superkicked Axel to the mat. Balor hit Axel with a Coup de Grace and then Hardy followed it up with another Swanton Bomb. Rollins connected with one more Curb Stomp to Axel. Balor, Rollins and Balor then raised their hands in the ring as RAW went off the air.
The RAW after WrestleMania is always very entertaining. There were so many surprises tonight and there are definitely going to be some more on SmackDown.
What did you think of this week’s episode of RAW? Let us know in the comments below.
