by Opening Segment
John Cena’s opening segment is used to remind everyone he only has 27 dates left on his WWE contract. Also, in the most predictable moment in a long time, Randy Orton came out to attack John Cena. This was pretty much a lock the second they announced next months PPV was going to be in St. Louis and slapped Orton’s face on the poster.
Grade – B
First match
Raquel Rodriquez and Liv Morgan win their WWE Women’s Tag Championships back from Becky Lynch and Lyra Valkrie. This was all a ruse for Becky to attack Lyra after the match when she was pinned. A strange decision considering they could have done this exact same thing last night?
Grade – C
Rusev returns to WWE
The New Day were set to defend against Otis and Tazowa until Rusev came out and destroyed the challengers. This was a great way to bring Rusev back and even though he attacked fan favorites, I do not necessarily think that guarantees he is a heel either, I see him attacking heels later this month.
Grade – A
Backstage Segment with the New Day
Backstage, Finn Balor said that what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas and kept up the facade that he’s not upset at Dominik Mysterio pinning him at WrestleMania to win the Intercontinental Championship as they celebrate that and Liv and Raquel winning back the women’s tag titles. The tension remains no matter what was said.
Grade – A
Match Two
NXT Women’s Champion Stephanie Vaquer vs WWE Women’s Champ Iyo Sky
It wasn’t given enough time to be a five-star classic, but it was still damn good. Guilla showing up with Roxanne Perez to attack Vaquer kept it from having a clean finish, but overall a cool surprise match and it is clear Perez, Vaquer and Guilla are ready for the main roster.
Jey Uso In ring segment
The crowd was electric for this one. I don’t care what the dorks on the internet want to complain about, Jey Uso is over! Eventually Sami Zayn came out to congratulate him and the crowd lost it for that too. Just a feel good moment all around.
Grade – A
Backstage
Karrion Kross complained to AJ Styles backstage about how when The Phenomenal One loses to Logan Paul, that legitimizes Paul. Styles explains that if he had used the brass knuckles to win, it wouldn’t have meant anything, and if Kross wants to take care of Paul, he can do it himself. So this sets up a possible Logan Paul vs Karrion Kross match. This is now the second time Kross has gotten himself involved tonight, something is cooking.
Grade – A
Gunther attacks Michael Cole and Pat McAfee in a fit of rage.
WOW! I don’t typically go for announcers getting involved, but this was pretty damn cool! Gunther was pissed about all the cheering Cole and McAfee did for Uso in their feud and finally snapped. I have to say, seeing McAfee trying to rescue Cole was pretty cool and this was done nicely. Love the passion in this moment, this is what the RAW after Mania is all about.
Grade A+
Oh by the way, we are 2 hours and 20 minutes in, and have seen 2 matches, one of which was a surprise.
Dominik Mysterio defends his newly IC Belt against Penta
Recap – Dom hangs on to the belt with an assist from the returning JD. Everyone seemed pleased but Finn Balor, further teasing the eventual split. Meanwhile the Penta losing streak continues.
Grade – C
Seth Rollins attempts to have a promo, but it is cut off by Cm Punk and a rumble occurs.
Rollins handles Punk with ease and begins to gloat until Roman Reigns comes out and spears Seth Rollins. You think that is it until Bron Breakker shows up and destroys Reigns. Bronn is ready for the main event angle!
Grade – A
