WWE Monday Night Raw opened this week with Jey Uso on the mic. He will face Damian Priest at Backlash for the World Heavyweight Championship. It wouldn’t take long for Priest to make his way to the ring. JD McDonagh attempted to blindside Jey, but he slipped out of the way, causing JD to accidentally kick Damian Priest.
MIC. DROP.#WWERaw pic.twitter.com/VR8NpT2OGp
— WWE (@WWE) April 23, 2024
DIY challenged Awesome Truth for their World Tag Team Championships. It was a rather mediocre title match, with Awesome Truth retaining their newly won championships.
UH. OH.#WWERaw pic.twitter.com/312QRZ6dET
— WWE (@WWE) April 23, 2024
Gunther made his return and also announced he would be winning the King of the Ring tournament and challenging for any title he chooses. New Day came out, and Xavier Woods reminded everyone he is the defending King of the Ring winner. This led to a tag-team match between New Day and the other two members of Imperium. Sadly, it was another mediocre and predictable tag-team match. Gunther left the two other members of Imperium in the ring, leaving by himself with a disgusted look on his face. Ludwig Kaiser then snapped on Vinci, beating him senseless all over the place. It concluded with security pulling Kaiser away while Vinci was lifeless on the steel steps. Kaiser went backstage, where he came across a very pleased Gunther.
Was it worth it? 😔#WWERaw pic.twitter.com/OhXUU0ZvaC
— WWE (@WWE) April 23, 2024
Drew McIntyre cut a promo in the ring next. It was about CM Punk, sitting in the signature crossed-legged seated position of Punk. He called Punk a coward for constantly attacking him from behind. McIntyre announced his entrance in the King of the Ring tournament when he was interrupted by Sheamus. Sheamus told him he needs to take ownership of his mistakes and focus on a real prize, not CM Punk. McIntyre replied with essentially a fat joke. Drew then left the ring to watch a match between Sheamus and Shinsuke Nakamura. If you like stiff striking, this was a good match for you. Sheamus hit White Noise off the second rope for a great false finish. Sheamus ultimately won a great match via Brogue Kick.
We've got another BANGER on #WWERaw! pic.twitter.com/kZiYmDB1Vj
— WWE (@WWE) April 23, 2024
Chad Gable came out next. If you missed last week’s article, Chad Gable made a heel turn at the expense of Sami Zayn. He accused Sami of stealing his moment last week, just like he stole the moment at WrestleMania. He then said he has been wasting his time training a bunch of losers (the losers of Alpha Academy would be in the ring behind him). He insulted all three of them individually. Gable looks to have Alpha Academy assist him in winning the Intercontinental Championship.
It's a NEW Chad Gable…#WWERaw pic.twitter.com/54uFNdnPz3
— WWE (@WWE) April 23, 2024
Ricochet teamed with Andrade to take on JD McDonagh and Santos Escobar. Andrade secured the victory for his team before being blindsided by Damian Priest. Andrade then received a Razor’s Edge and a Chokeslam from Damian Priest before Priest turned to Judgement Day, telling them they need him more than he needs them.
World Heavyweight Champion @ArcherofInfamy just made a huge statement on #WWERaw! pic.twitter.com/AV3RmlqKHo
— WWE (@WWE) April 23, 2024
The main event determined the winner for the Women’s World Championship, which was vacated by the injured Rhea Ripley last week. This was a 14-woman Battle Royal. In Battle Royal fashion, everyone teamed up on the bigger competitors early, only to be thrown off. Becky Lynch was put through the announce table while still being part of the match. She was out cold as the remaining few fought it out. Nia Jax eliminated Shayna Baszler and was left face-to-face with Liv Morgan. Becky Lynch finally came to and crawled back into the ring. Becky and Liv temporarily aligned to eliminate Nia Jax, leaving them 1-on-1 for the Women’s World Championship. The two fought on the apron, and Becky hit her Manhandle Slam, causing Liv to fall to the floor. Becky Lynch is your new Women’s World Champion.
AND THE WINNER IS….. pic.twitter.com/og2ukSBvBn
— WWE (@WWE) April 23, 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”