It’s our Monday routine, another RAW In A Nutshell, and this time it’s party time for Randy Orton!
After 20 years of a Hall of Fame-level career, WWE has chosen this RAW to celebrate all things Viper.
And why shouldn’t it be party time for Randy Orton? The man is seriously accomplished…and I am sure it will turn into something fun, too.
Beyond the festivities, what else can we expect?
Well, if the rumors are true, we might actually see Asuka back, how sweet would that be?
And, we can’t forget, it won’t just be party time for Randy Orton. He and Riddle will likely have more interaction with The Usos.
They do have a rather significant title match coming at Backlash, after all.
Plus…Kevin Owens will be on his newest quest: proving Elias and Ezekiel are one in the same.
It should be a fun night in Knoxville, so let’s get things going and enjoy party time for Randy Orton.
No more delays, it’s time for…
source: @wwe, twitter, screenshot
RAW In A Nutshell: Party Time For Randy Orton!
Let’s light the candles and crack open this Nutshell!
Best Match of the night:
Kinda worked out by default…but the main event 8 man match takes this one.
Lots of duds and misfires tonight, or at least it felt that way to me.
Worst match of the night:
Was not fond of the mixed tag match.
Could say similar things about the arm wrestling thing too…those are always risky, because if they were really trying, it’s a fabulous way to injure a biceps.
And then, well, I could complain about the RAW Women’s Championship bout, too. Weird is probably the best way to describe it.
Mostly because it felt like just a win for Belair, and diminished Deville…which considering the build, was not expected.
source: @wwe, twitter, screenshot
Star of the Night
The headline reads…”party time for Randy Orton”…soooo…where do you think this one is going?
OK, fine, how about…Mustafa Ali?
Seriously, he did look like he hadn’t missed a beat.
But yes…Orton wins this on Randy Orton night.
Spot of the Night:
Maybe it’s lazy, I don’t care tonight. But the RKO to Uso as he came off the top rope?
I mean, it’s Randy Orton’s party tonight…did you expect anything less?
Jobber of the Night:
Sam Smothers…otherwise known as the poor guy who was fed to Veer…
source: @wwe, twitter, screenshot
Upset of the Night:
I mean…it was sold as an upset, but I doubt it really was…because you couldn’t have Ali lose his return.
Holy Sh** Moment of the Night:
Was kind of spoiled, but really nice to see Asuka back…and she got a nice pop.
She’s baaaaaaaack!@WWEAsuka has just returned on #WWERaw!!! pic.twitter.com/lJkqJ8RvtR
— WWE (@WWE) April 26, 2022
Plus, not sure how much was legit emotion versus what they were told to say, but Graves for one was going bananas for her (and I thought he was the heel…).
One that wasn’t spoiled (for me anyways):
Welcome back, @AliWWE!!!#WWERaw pic.twitter.com/huXO0ZQivZ
— WWE (@WWE) April 26, 2022
And I was a bit surprised at the shots lobbed at Mustafa Ali by both Miz and Theory. Also, surprised that he’s back as Mustafa Ali, not just Ali.
I mean…one word names are kinda Vince’s thing, right? And now…he adds one back?
And…because why not…Ali wins…and as he walks to the back, he got railroaded by…Ciampa!?
Where did @NXTCiampa come from?! #WWERaw pic.twitter.com/3ESVl3hQVF
— WWE (@WWE) April 26, 2022
LOL Moment of the night:
R-Truth saved the segments involving the 24/7 title. Is it fair to say they should just put the belt on him again, for like the 78th time?
source: @wwe, twitter, screenshot
Noteworthy Moment:
Forgive me if this came out already (I was recovering from vacation), but interesting choice for Edge and Damien Priest’s faction: Judgement Day…
source: @wwe, twitter, screenshot
Overall lowlights:
See worst matches.
Seriously, the opening match gave the hometown girl and her fans something to be happy about (that’s good)…but it was just not good booking otherwise.
Hated the arm wrestling segment.
source: @wwe, twitter, screenshot
Veer getting jobbers will eventually get old. It’s close already, to be honest.
Just say no to mixed tag matches, thank you very much.
Overall highlights:
I did not like when Ali appeared to pout and go home. However, I was glad WWE didn’t release him, and even happier he is back on RAW.
No idea all that went on to sour things, but very happy things seem better for now…and hopeful that perhaps he will get back to the push he had a few years ago (that ultimately gave way to Kofimania).
Liked the opening for Orton, and the packed ring set the stage for a rather large main event…lots of star power, and why not put Orton in the main event.
source: @wwe, twitter, screenshot
I would also say that the seeds were at least planted (maybe again) for Rhea to join Edge and Damien Priest. And, with Ciampa clearly serving as a heel now, maybe that rumor comes to pass, too.
After the final bell:
Talk about party time for Randy Orton, eh? Orton kicked off and closed out the show, which was fitting.
As was the ending.
Not the best show, to be honest.
Strong open and close, but the middle was kind of…all over the map.
Best parts being the return of Becky, the bigger returns for Asuka and Mustafa Ali…and the rest was mostly filler.
