RAW Recap with Howie Fresh
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Raw opened this week with Rhea Ripley coming out in a sling. There had been some earlier rumors online about an announcement pertaining to an injury, and this seemed to confirm it. She appeared visibly emotional before she even got to the ring. She would open by saying she will be out for a few months due to the attack backstage from Liv Morgan last week. She would also express her anger at being forced to vacate the title. Liv Morgan would bravely make an appearance, but security would hold her back on the entrance ramp. What will happen with the Women’s World Championship?
💔💔💔💔💔@RheaRipley_WWE has just vacated the Women's World Championship on #WWERaw due to injury. pic.twitter.com/3fDE5uxtLu
— WWE (@WWE) April 16, 2024
Sheamus would make his return in a match against Ivar. Sheamus would show he hasn’t lost any strength, hitting White Noise from the second rope. Ivar would get to show off his athleticism as well, hitting a spinning kick before a splash from the top rope. It wouldn’t be enough to put Sheamus out, and he would go on to win after hitting his Brogue Kick.
Oh he is BACK, fella! 😏#WWERaw pic.twitter.com/weIDvf3wK8
— WWE (@WWE) April 16, 2024
Triple H would come to the ring with a red carpet spread and something covered, which at first glance appears to be a championship title belt. It would be clear very shortly they were about to present new tag team belts. It would also seem since the split of the WWE Unified Tag Team Titles, each show would get its own new title belts. Awesome Truth would be beckoned to the ring. They will be known as the World Tag Team Champions. The belts are a huge upgrade, bringing back some gold and old-school vibes. Adam Pierce would also announce a triple threat tag team match to determine their first opponents.
You alright, R-Truth? 😂#WWERaw pic.twitter.com/lxbjCnV4t6
— WWE (@WWE) April 16, 2024
DIY versus The New Day versus The Creed Brothers would be the matchup. The triple threat would lead to a lot of pace and guys coming out of nowhere to extend segments and break up pins. DIY would win the high-paced match, and DIY are your number one contenders for the new World Tag Team Championship.
THIS. IS. AWE-SOME.#WWERaw pic.twitter.com/BAlb788iNV
— WWE (@WWE) April 16, 2024
Candice LeRae and Indi Hartwell would take on Ivy Nile and Maxxine Dupri. Candice and Indi have been in a storyline where Candice has been exercising heel antics and Indi has been trying to pull her back to babyface. This would take a turn, however, as Indi would boot Maxxine while the referee was distracted to secure the victory. Maybe Candice LeRae is finally getting to the usual babyface Indi Hartwell?
poor indi 😔#WWERaw pic.twitter.com/tOBJmUnIdT
— WWE (@WWE) April 16, 2024
Andrade would take on Dominik Mysterio. This match would be the result of Andrade turning on Dominik at WrestleMania. Dominik would hit a Canadian Destroyer on the apron, but it would not be enough. Andrade would secure the victory and win the mini-rivalry.
Don't underestimate @DomMysterio35…#WWERaw pic.twitter.com/eFGnniUCVD
— WWE (@WWE) April 16, 2024
Chelsea Green and Piper Niven would take on Katana Chance and Kayden Carter. This match was average with not much to report. Chelsea Green would secure the pinfall for her team.
😲😲😲😲😲#WWERaw pic.twitter.com/lyFrWCa549
— WWE (@WWE) April 16, 2024
Finn Balor would take on Jey Uso in a singles match. Finn would rush Jey before the bell, holding control early on. While not a squash match, this would be rather short. Jey would eventually reverse the momentum of Finn Balor to secure the win off of his first splash from the top rope. After the match, Damian Priest and Jey Uso would face off before the other members of The Judgment Day jumped him. Most notably, it appeared Damian did not want them to do that, leaving him healthy for their upcoming title match.
Jey Uso ended up in The Judgment Day's trap!#WWERaw pic.twitter.com/TGH31aWnp1
— WWE (@WWE) April 16, 2024
The next match would feature Sami Zayn defending his Intercontinental Championship against Chad Gable. The two would have a good back-and-forth, which included smooth reversals on both sides. Chad Gable would have an ankle lock in deep and have Sami in trouble before Sami would reverse it to hit his Helluva Kick for the victory. After the match, Chad Gable would hit an unexpected heel turn, attacking Sami Zayn after the match. Gable has been an underutilized talent for some time, we will have to wait and see if the heel turn can catapult him to the next level.
HOW COULD HE?!?@WWEGable just turned on and destroyed @SamiZayn following their incredible #ICTitle match on #WWERaw! pic.twitter.com/zmBbBHugHi
— WWE (@WWE) April 16, 2024
That wraps up WWE Raw for this week. Stay tuned to Greenville Sports Media for more of my regular wrestling articles.
Howe Fresh (of The Wrasslin Corner on The Real Fresh Channel)
for Greenville Sports Media
and check out my weekly opinionated podcast “The Wrasslin Corner”
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