WWE RAW
Bell Center in Montreal, Quebec, Canada
The showed a shot outside the Bell Center as Michael Cole welcomed us to WWE Raw. We saw Sami Zayn from earlier in the day. Sami would be defending the WWE Intercontinental Title against Chad Gable. We also saw Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. They showed WWE World Heavyweight Champion Damian Priest arriving earlier in the day. We also saw Jey Uso as well.
Rhea Ripley Vacates WWE Women’s World Title
WWE Women’s World Champion Rhea Ripley came out to a big reaction. Adam Pearce was also standing inside the ring. Ripley noted the fans noted they know what’s going on. Ripley noted after the attack from Liv Morgan she’s been stuck on the bench for a few months. Ripley noted she’s pissed off right now. Ripley said she had to vacant the WWE Women’s World Title. The fans loudly booed this. The fans chanted “Bulls*it!” Ripley said “Yeah, it is!” Ripley said the World Title means most to her in her whole life. Ripley placed the Women’s World Title in the middle of the ring. The fans chanted “Thank You Mami!” Ripley said this is all because of Liv Morgan’s Revenge Tour. Ripley said she could have some respect for Liv. Ripley said Liv attacked her from behind like the coward she is. Ripley said she would’ve dropped Liv where she stood. Ripley sent a warning to whoever wins the Women’s World Title. Ripley said she’s coming back for blood. The fans cheered. Ripley said she’s not gone because she’s injured. Ripley said when she find Liv they are going to have to lock her up in Montreal jail. Liv Morgan came out. Liv was held back by security. Ripley said to let Liv go. Security held Ripley back. Liv went to the back. Security tried to calm Ripley down. Ripley gave a security a head butt. The segment ended.
[Amin’s Thoughts — Rhea Ripley was coming off her biggest win against Becky Lynch at WrestleMania. This news sucks because you don’t want to see any wrestler get hurt. I want to wish Ripley a speedy recovery. The fans loved Ripley as she delivered a strong promo explaining what the Women’s World Title means to hear. I liked the angle with Liv Morgan coming out. WWE seemingly did a double turn with Liv mocking Ripley. Ripley will return back to WWE as the biggest baby face star to possibly face Liv as the heel Women’s World Champion.]
We saw Rhea Ripley walking backstage. The rest of Judgment Day, Finn Balor, Damian Priest, Dominik Mysterio and JD McDonagh greeted Ripley with a hug. Priest told Ripley she will make Liv Morgan pay. Priest said Ripley will come back and even bigger bad ass. They told Ripley they loved her. Ripley told them to keep Judgment Day on track while she was away. Ripley shared a hug with Dominik. Ripley walked off.
[Amin’s Thoughts — This was a really nice moment seeing The Judgment Day share a heartfelt moment with Ripley. You can really see how much they really like and care about each other.]
Sheamus vs. Ivar
Sheamus made his WWE return to a huge reaction. Sheamus brought back his classic WWE theme which is awesome. Ivar and Sheamus exchanged big shoulder tackles. Huge chants of Sheamus from the fans. Sheamus rocked Ivar with a huge shoulder tackle. Sheamus called for the 10 Beats of the Beldrum but Ivar caught him against the ropes. Sheamus stopped Ivar from climbing the ropes. Sheamus grabbed Ivar delivering an avalanche White Noice to a big reaction. This looked awesome. Sheamus caught Ivar with a powerslam as they returned from break. The fans went wild as Sheamus rocked Ivar with 10 Beats of Beldrum. Ivar responded catching Sheamus with a spin kick. Ivar connected with a Super Splash for two. Sheamus told Ivar to bring it. Ivar went for a springboard but Sheamus caught him with a knee strike. Sheamus made a comeback rocking Ivar with the Knee Cap. The fans went wild as Sheamus connected with a Brogue Kick for the win in 8:30.
- Sheamus celebrated his win to a huge reaction. Sheamus celebrated with Michael Cole and Pat McAfee at ringside. Cole noted the WWE Intercontinental Title is the only championship Sheamus hasn’t held. A tease.
[Amin’s Thoughts — This was a really fun action packed as both Ivar and Sheamus worked great together. Really cool to see Sheamus back in action as he looked awesome in the win.]
We saw a great highlight package hyping the WWE Intercontinental Title match between Sami Zayn vs. Chad Gable.
The Miz & R-Truth Awarded New WWE World Tag Team Titles
WWE COO Paul “Triple H” Levesque came out to an incredible reaction. RAW GM Adam Pearce was also standing inside the ring. There was a podium inside the ring which was covered by a sheet. Michael Cole on commentary noted the Triple H era is here. Huge chants of Triple H from the crowd. Triple H said the crowd is on fire tonight. Triple H hyped the WrestleMania XL as the biggest of all-time. Triple H spoke about the start of a new era. Adam Pearce spoke about the WWE Tag Team Division being stronger. Pearce said we walked out WrestleMania with two sets of champions.
Pearce called out Raw Tag Team Champions The Miz and R-Truth to a strong reaction. The fans chanted “Truth Deserves it!” Miz raised R-Truth’s hand to a big reaction. The fans cheered as R-Truth delivered a splits jump. Triple H said “What’s Up?” Triple H then congratulated them on winning the Raw Tag Team Titles. Triple H said seeing R-Truth get his WrestleMania moment was awesome. Triple H said if you are going to represent this brand and those tag team titles. Triple H said you have to present it in a way that represents a new era. Triple H said that Miz and R-Truth will now be knows=n at the World Tag Team Champions. The fans cheered as Triple H and Adam Pearce revealed the new WWE World Tag Team Titles to a big reaction.
R-Truth flipped out and thought it was a magic trick. R-Truth said he’s seen a good magician when he sees on. R-Truth spoke about Triple H making the titles appear out of thin oxygen. Triple H asked Miz if he can explain to him. Miz said Triple H is not a magician. R-Truth said that’s exactly what a magician would say. R-Truth said he doesn’t trust magicians after Little Jimmy. Miz told Triple H he got this. Miz spoke to R-Truth about having the chance to elevate the World Tag Team Titles. Miz said that’s why Triple H and Adam Pearce awarded them with new titles. R-Truth wondered where Triple H is at? R-Truth called Triple H as Tommaso Ciampa.
Miz noted We are in Montreal. The fans began singing the Ole Song. Miz noted the fans are ready for Sami Zayn. The fans cheered as Miz explained to R-Truth in French. The fans chanted YES in French. Triple H asked if he can go. Triple H handed Miz and R-Truth the new Raw Tag Team Titles. Triple H left the ring. LOL. Pearce asked why they made Triple H leave the ring. Pearce noted it’s time to find out who will be Miz and R-Truth’s first challenger for the World Tag Team Titles. Pearce announced a Triple Threat Number One contenders’s match. Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa came out.
[Amin’s Thoughts — The fans love Triple H and wanted to see him run WWE for long time. This is WWE’s way of letting everyone know that Triple H is the leader of the new era. This was a cool moment seeing Triple H unveil the new WWE World Tag Team Titles. I liked the design of the titles as they look much better than the Raw Tag Team Title design. R-Truth’s usual comedy stuff clicks with the crowds. This just went too long and would’ve been better if they trimmed the segment.]
The New Day (Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods) vs. DIY (Johnny Gargano & Tommaso Ciampa) vs. The Creed Brothers (Brutus & Julius Creed) in a Triple Threat Number One Contender’s Match for the WWE World Tag Team Titles
Brutus shined early rocking Gargano and Woods with a double clothesline. Ciampa and Gargano went for a stereo plancha but The Creed Brothers caught them on the floor. This led to Kofi and Woods hitting stereo Tope Con Hilo to the floor. Ciampa, Kofi and Julius all exchanged strikes as they returned from break. Kofi went for Trouble in Paradise but Julius caught him in an ankle lock. The action broke down with everyone hitting big moves. Ciampa caught Kofi with Project Ciampa for two. Ciampa called for the Fairytale Ending but Kofi broke free. Woods ran wild rocking Ciampa a Tornado DDT. Kofi and Woods delivered a Wheelbarrow Famouser to Ciampa but Julius made the save. Julius ran wild hitting a series of overhead belly-to-belly suplex. Julius delivered a double Northern Lights Suplex pinning combo to Kofi and Woods. Brutus delivered a German Suplex/Northern Lights Suplex pinning combo to Ciampa and Gargano for a two count. The Creed Brothers called for a Super Brutus Ball. Kofi shoved Brutus to the floor as Woods caught him with a Superkick. Julius caught Kofi with a leaping Superplex. Woods caught Julius with a Limit Break Elbow on the landing. Ciampa and Gargano appeared delivering Meet in the Middle to Woods for the win at 10:30.
[Amin’s Thoughts — This was a fun action packed match with all teams working great together. It was a cool seeing R-Truth getting his WrestleMania moment and winning the Raw Tag Team Titles. I would like to see Ciampa and Gargano win the World Tag Team title as they could have great matches as champions.]
We saw highlights of CM Punk costing Drew McIntyre a Number One Contender’s match last week on Raw. Jackie Redmond was backstage with Drew McIntyre watching on a monitor. McIntyre was laughing. McIntyre knocked down the TV screen and walked off.
Candice LeRae and Indi Hartwell vs. Ivy Nile and Maxinne Dupri
Nile shined early rocking Hartwell with a spinning enzuigiri. Dupri caught Hartwell with a flying crossbody. Dupri planted Hartwell with a Fisherman’s Suplex for two. Dupri taunted LeRae. This led to Hartwell rocking Dupri with a lariat. LeRae took control rocking Dupri with strikes. LeRae went for a cheap shot but Nile moved. Dupri caught LeRae with a Snap DDT. Hartwell distracted the referee. Nile made the tag but referee didn’t see it. Hartwell rocked Dupri with a running boot. Hartwell placed LeRae on Dupri for the win in 2:30.
[Amin’s Thoughts — This was a basic tag team match. I thought Dupri looked good as she looks to be improving with more matches. I liked the finish with Hartwell going heel and helping LeRae get the win for the team.]
We saw an awesome highlight package on the new WWE World Heavyweight Champion Damian Priest. They showed clips of Priest rise in Judgment Day. They showed clips of Priest championship wins.
We saw Judgment Day in their clubhouse. Damian Priest said Judgment Day still runs WWE. Priest wants Dominik to show Andrade what happens if you mess with the crew. Priest wanted JD McDonagh to have Dominik’s back at ringside. McDonagh said she was fired up. Dominik and McDonagh left. Finn Balor told Priest their focus should be on getting back the tag team titles. Priest said he wants to see The Prince and for Balor to teach Jey the meaning of loss. Priest also vowed to take care of Jey at Backlash. Priest asked Balor if he’s okay with that. Balor said of course he was. Balor and Priest bumped fists.
We saw clips of Chad Gable training with Brutus and Julius Creed earlier in the day in preparation for the WWE Intercontinental Title match. Jackie Redmond asked Gable what winning the WWE Intercontinental Title would mean to him. Gable said winning the WWE Intercontinental Title is vindication. Redmond asked Gable his thoughts on facing Sami Zayn in his home town in Montreal. Gable spoke about being a Minnesota guy in Iowa when he made the Olympic team. He said nobody in that building wanted to see him win. He said he’s going to win tonight against Sami. Gable said Sami letting him train him helped find his weakness. Gable said he’s going to expose Sami tonight.
[Amin’s Thoughts — This was pretty cool seeing Gable training with The Creed Brothers before the WWE Intercontinental Title match. I would like to see this lead to Gable and The Creed Brothers forming a new faction.]
Andrade vs. Dominik Mysterio (w/JD McDonagh)
Andrade got a strong babyface reaction. Dominik came out to huge boos from the crowd. Andrade took control early rocking Dominik chops. Andrade caught Dominik with a flying crossbody for two. Andrade called for the 3 Amigos but Dominik blocked. Dominik went for the 3 Amigos but Andrade blocked. Andrade planted Dominik with a suplex. Andrade went to climb the ropes but McDonagh distracted the referee. Dominik took advantage draping Andrade on the ropes. Andrade caught Dominik with a pair of Dragon Screws as they returned from break. Andrade rocked Dominik with a running double knees for two. Andrade went for Split-Legged Moonsault but Dominik moved. Dominik took control planting Andrade with a Canadian Destroyer on the ring apron for two. Dominik called for a 619 but Andrade countered with a spinning elbow. Andrade connected with a double Underhook Spinning Suplex for the win in 8:40.
- Dominik and JD McDonagh attacked Andrade after the match. The fans cheered as Ricochet ran down to make the save.
[Amin’s Thoughts — I enjoyed watching this match as both Andrade and Dominik worked well together. A good showing from Andrade as he looked strong in the win. Simple post-match angle setting up a tag match between Andrade/Ricochet vs. Dominik/McDonagh.]
We saw highlights of Tama Tonga making his WWE debut as he and Solo Sikoa attacked Jimmy Uso last week on SmackDown.
Cathy Kelley interviewed Jey Uso backstage. Cathy asked Jey about Tama Tonga attacking Jimmy Uso on SmackDown. Jey said when you mess with The Bloodline you go down a deep dangerous road. Jey spoke about them adding members they don’t know about. Jey noted he told Jimmy to come with him. Jey paused but said he needed to concentrate on Finn Balor. Jey hyped his match with Finn Balor on Raw.
Chelsea Green and Piper Niven vs. Kayden Carter and Katana Chance
Niven shined early rocking Carter and Chance with a double clothesline. Niven rocked Chance with a short-arm lariat for two. Chance moved as Green charted into the turnbuckle. Carter placed Niven on her shoulders. Carter went for a flying stomp but Niven caught him. Niven sent Chance flying with a fallaway slam. Carter planted Green with a Fisherman’s Driver. Niven caught Carter with a sliding crossbody. Green rolled up Carter for the win in 2:20.
[Amin’s Thoughts — This was just a simple tag team match. A fine win for Green and Niven as they are fun to watch.]
Cathy Kelley interviewed Liv Morgan backstage. Cathy spoke to Liv about Rhea Ripley having to vacant the Women’s World Title. Cathy asked Liv if this was the end of her revenge tour? Liv said she was confused by the fan reaction. Liv wasn’t sure why everyone was mad at her. Liv said she’s not the bad guy. Liv wondered where was the sympathy for her when Ripley tore her shoulder out of her socket and put her on the shelf for eight months. Liv said it was a shoulder for shoulder. Liv told Cathy that Ripley got what she deserved. She said this was the just the beginning of the Liv Morgan Revenge Tour. Liv said the end will be when she’s the WWE Women’s World Champion.
Cody Rhodes Promo
Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes came out to a huge reaction. Cody got an awesome firework display. The WOAHHH are still getting louder. Huge Cody chants from the fans. Cody asked the fans what they wanted to talk about in French? The fans cheered. Cody smiled as the fans sang the Ole Song. Cody said we should all thank Adam Pearce for letting him hang out on Raw. Cody said he’s technaily a SmackDown superstar. Cody said he’s not going anywhere. Cody said he can’t keep reflecting on WrestleMania. Cody hyped the upcoming WWE Backlash PLE in France. Cody said he would defend the Undisputed WWE Championship against AJ Styles (fans booed) or LA Knight (fans cheered). Cody said he could talk about this man for hours. Cody said he would keep it brief. Cody said this man would be his Shield. The fans sang Seth Rollins song. Cody thanked Seth Rollins. The fans chanted “Thank You Seth!” Cody spoke about The Rock doing some reflecting. The fans booed. Cody spoke The Rock having a training camp. Cody said he does’t think Rock having just one more match in him. Cody said Rock has more matches in him. Cody spoke about Rock making him bleed again. Cody said if he’s going to bleed, Rock is going to bleed with him. The fans cheered.
Cody said when you speak of Rock, you have to speak of The Bloodline. The fans booed. Cody said he’s a little bit confused. Cody spoke about Tama Tonga’s introduction “by order of the Tribal Chief!” Cody noted Roman Reigns was nowhere to be found. Cody said there’s more questions than answers. Cody said the last bit of reflection he wants to do is bring someone to the ring. Cody said this person knows the Bloodline very well. The fans began chanting “YEET!” Cody called out Jey Uso to the ring.
Jey Uso received a big reaction to the ring. Cody spoke about Jey being the number one contender for the WWE World Heavyweight Title. Cody said Raw is about be Jey’s. Cody said nobody deserves it more than Jey. Cody thanked Jey for helping him at WrestleMania. Cody spoke about Jey’s upcoming match with Finn Balor. Cody spoke about the rest of Judgment Day being close by. Cody asked Jey if he could have his back.
Jey said he appreciates it. Jey said he needs to do it on his own. Cody said he understands and wished Jey luck. The fans cheered as Cody and Jey hugged. Cody was about to leave the ring but stopped. Cody told Jey one more thing. Cody said “Until we YEET again!” Cody and Jey both said YEET. Cody’s music played.
[Amin’s Thoughts — This felt like a segment to make the fans happy by having Cody Rhodes as the Undisputed WWE Champion make a live appearance on the show. The most notable part of the promo was Cody mentioning he’s was going to make The Rock bleed. It’s good to see WWE is not shying away from blood and letting fans know they will bring it back for important programs. This also kinda felt like a promo for Cody letting fans know he will most likely be on SmackDown after the WWE Draft. This was Cody’s way to endorse Jey Uso as one of the top babyface stars on Raw.]
Cathy Kelley interviewed Nia Jax backstage. Jax said she doesn’t care about Ripley. Jax said both Becky Lynch and Liv Morgan were mine. Jax brought up the WWE Draft and people who she hasn’t seen before. Jax said there are two types of people. She said those who fear Nia Jax and said those who learn to fear Nia Jax. She said nobody is taking the WWE Women’s World Title from her. Jax said the title is hers.
Finn Balor vs. Jey Uso
Finn Balor’s music played. Balor appeared jumping Jey from behind. Balor nailed Jey with a basement dropkick for a near fall. Damian Priest was watching backstage. Balor rocked Jey with strikes in the corner. Balor connected with a running dropkick sending Jey to the floor. Jey caught Balor with a spinning enzugiri for a double down. Jey made a comeback hitting a Samoan Drop for two. Priest was watching backstage. Priest grabbed his World Title and left the Judgment Day clubhouse. Balor caught Jey with a Final Cut for two. Balor connected with a Slingblade. Jey caught Balor charging with a Superkick. Jey called for an Uso Splash but Balor moved. Balor sent Jey flying with a Woo Dropkick. Balor went for the Coup De Grace but Jey moved. Jey connected with a Spear. Jey followed hitting an Uso Splash for the win in 6:45.
- Damian Priest and Jey Uso had a stare down after the match. Balor was shown watching on. Dominik and JD McDonagh attacked Jey Uso after the match. Priest didn’t seem pleased. Balor argued with Priest. Balor, Dominik and McDonagh kept attacking Jey after the match. Jey caught Dominik with a Superkick. Jey left through the crowd. Priest stood on the turnbuckle holding the WWE World Heavyweight Title.
[Amin’s Thoughts — This was a solid match as both Balor and Jey worked well together. This was a good win for Jey to build him up as a strong challenger for the WWE World Heavyweight Title match. The post-match angle was interesting with Priest not being pleased with Judgment Day attacking Jey. This could be the start for a Priest babyface turn. I would like to see a program between Balor and Priest.]
They aired a really cool camera shot of Jey Uso walking backstage greeting fans. The camera kept following Jey as he left the arena. The fans cheered as Jey saw Sami Zayn looking up at the sky. Sami told Jey the first show he saw was 25 years ago inside this building. Sami said all these years later he comes back as champion. Sami told Jey he walks into the building the same way he always entered. Sami said through the front door. Sami and Jey shook hands.
Sami entered the arena greeting fans who were really excited to see him. Sami’s music played to a huge reaction. The fans sang the Ole Song. A fan gave Sami the Canadian Flag. Sami draped the Canadian Flag over his shoulders as he made his way to the ring to a huge reaction.
[Amin’s Thoughts — That was a really visual with Sami making his hometown entrance through the crowd. This was a great moment for Sami received a superstar reaction from his hometown fans.]
Bronson Reed approached Chad Gable backstage. Reed said neither Sami nor Gable won’t be WWE Intercontinental Champion for long. Reed said the champion would have to answer to him.
Sami Zayn (c) vs. Chad Gable for the WWE Intercontinental Championship
Samantha Irvin’s ring introduction for Sami was awesome receiving an incredible reaction from the fans. The fans sang the Ole Song before the match began. The fans cheered as Sami posed with the WWE Intercontinental Title. Gable and Sami were both evenly matched as the match began. Gable rocked Sami with a clothesline for two as they returned from break. Sami went for a springboard but Gable caught him on the ropes. Gable connected with a flying crossbody to the floor. Sami’s wife was watching from ringside. Gable connected with a flying head butt for two. Gable connected with a Dragon Screw against the ropes. McAfee was entertaining on commentary. McAfee said “Gable and Sami are putting on a six star classic in Montreal.” Sami battled back catching Gable with a flying elbow drop. Sami went for an Exploder Suplex but Gable countered into a Victory Roll for two. Gable went for an ankle lock but Sami broke free. Sami caught Gable with a springboard Moonsault to Gable on the floor to a big reaction. Gable caught Sami with a Super Olympic Slam as they returned from break. Gable planted Sami with a pair of German Suplex. Sami responded planting Gable with a pair of German Suplex. Gable and Sami reversed German Suplex spots. There was a great counter exchange with Sami launching Gable with a release German Suplex. Gable caught Sami with a rolling kick. Sami responded catching Gable charging with an Explorer Suplex. Gable caught Sami charging with a rolling ankle lock. Sami broke free sending Gable to the floor. Sami caught Gable flying off the ropes with a Powerbomb. Sami went for a Sharpshooter but his leg gave out. Sami was bleeding above the eye. Gable caught Sami charging launching him into the turnbuckle with a German Suplex. Gable went for a flying Moonsault but Sami got his boots up. Gable caught Sami with an ankle lock. Gable pulled Sami back to the middle of the ring. Sami countered into a Victory Roll for two. Sami caught Gable charging with an Exploder Suplex. Sami followed hitting the Helluva Kick to retain the title at 17:15.
- Sami Zayn celebrated his win after the match. Sami placed the WWE Intercontinental Title on the mat. Sami approached Gable who looked disappointed on his face. Gable raised Sami’s hand and left the ring. Sami celebrated with his wife and family at ringside. Gable returned grabbing Sami and delivering a German Suplex on the floor in front of Sami’s wife. The fans booed loudly. Gable ran Sami against the ring post. Gable placed Sami in an ankle lock against the ring post. The fans booed. WWE referees appeared to hold Gable back. The show ended.
[Amin’s Thoughts — This was a really good action packed match. There were just some great counters and transitions as both Gable and Sami worked great together. This was a great moment for Sami winning in the main event of his hometown after losing to Roman Reigns last time he was in the main event in his hometown. Sami’s wife Khadijah, was once again showing such great emotion which adds so much more drama for big Sami matches. This was the right time for Gable to turn heel in order to progress the story. Gable attacking Sami in his hometown in front of his wife was the perfect way to establish the heel turn. They showed a clip from earlier in the day of Gable training with The Creed Brothers. It would be awesome if this leads to WWE’s newer version of Team Angle with Chad Gable and The Creed Brothers. Overall, a really good match and post-match angle to move forward the next chapter in this story.]
OVERALL THOUGHTS
This was a solid episode of WWE Raw. There was big news coming out of show with Rhea Ripley having to vacant the Women’s World Title. I want to wish Ripley a speedy recovery. You can see WWE has already set everything in place for Ripley to return as the biggest babyface star possibly against a heel Liv Morgan as Women’s World Champion. They also revealed the new WWE World Tag Team Titles which was a cool moment. I’m pretty sure we will likely be getting new WWE Tag Team Titles for SmackDown as well. I thought the Chad Gable heel turn was pretty effective to move his story with Sami Zayn forward. It was also great seeing Sheamus back in action. Overall, this felt like a cooldown episode of Raw coming out of WrestleMania. I’m sure things will once again really start picking up once we see the new Raw and SmackDown rosters after the WWE Draft.
