WWE RAW this week emanated from the CHI Health Center in Omaha, Nebraska. This was the final show before the company’s next Premium Live Event, Backlash. It featured one superstar making his return in-ring debut, while another was coming back to pick up a huge win and other exciting moments.
The night was capped by a thrilling main event showdown featuring a World Championship match. As the dust settled on the match, fans witnessed CM Punk’s return after weeks to go right after his enemies.
Quick Results
- Penta defeated JD McDonagh in a singles match.
- Sheamus defeated Austin Theory in a singles match.
- IYO Sky picked up the win over Roxanne Perez in a singles match.
- Rusev defeated Otis in a singles match.
- Jey Uso vs Seth Rollins for the World Heavyweight Championship ended in a no-contest.
Best Match
The loud ‘This is Awesome’ chants of the fans made it clear which was the best match of WWE RAW this week. Despite no having a decisive conclusion, the main event showdown between Jey Uso and Seth “Freakin” Rollins stole the show this week on the red brand.
Both in-ring competitors displayed their exceptional in-ring ability, which led to exciting spots and captivated the audience throughout the entire bout. From the Stomp to a spear, to a Pedigree to multiple nearfalls that had the fans on their feet, it was a thrilling encounter that also saw the involvement of Sami Zayn and Bron Breakker towards the end. However, it was the resurgence of another top star who ended the show standing tall.
Worst Match
The worst match of WWE RAW this week goes to the night’s opening match. It featured Penta battling JD McDonagh. Apart from Penta’s upgraded new entrance music and amazing in-ring ability, it was surrounded by the constant interference of the Judgment Day members, who were eventually tossed out from the ringside by the referee. It ended with Penta planting McDonagh with a Mexican Destroyer to pick up the win.
Noteworthy Highlights
One of the biggest highlights of the night was Paul Heyman’s verbal rant that he laid out on the WWE Universe at the start of the show. He blamed CM Punk for putting him in a situation that ruined his relationship with Roman Reigns. Simultaneously, he berated Reigns for abandoning him after WrestleMania 40, leaving him with Solo Sikoa, not letting him be with his best friend, and reminded him how he took a Big Dog and made him into the biggest star of the industry. He lashed out on the fans who called him a scumbag and believed that he was right in joining Seth Rollins at WrestleMania.
Another highlight of the night saw Sami Zayn come out towards the end of the Jey Uso vs. Seth Rollins match to stop Bron Breakker from interfering. However, Zayn ate another thunderous spear from Breakker this week, who also took out Uso when Paul Heyman distracted the referee.
One more noteworthy moment was the return of the four-time World Champion, Sheamus, after months. He was revealed to be the surprise opponent of Austin Theory on WWE RAW this week, and he made quick work of it by dispatching him with a Brogue Kick to win.
The major highlight of RAW saw Rusev’s first in-ring match after returning to WWE two weeks ago. The Bulgarian Brute battled Otis in a meaty showdown. Despite Otis’ best efforts, Rusev caught him with a kick and made him submit to the Accolade. He then launched a post-match attack on Otis and his Alpha Academy member, Akira Tozawa.
Holy Sh!@ Moments
The major Holy Sh!@ Moment of this week’s WWE RAW was the return of CM Punk, which led to the fans erupting in a shocker. After Bron Breakker took out Sami Zayn and Jey Uso, and Rollins was about to score the pinfall, Punk made his shocking comeback with a chair. He first took out Breakker and then entered the ring to hit Rollins with a chair before he retreated with his stable on the entrance ramp.
Also read: Jey Uso Suggests WrestleMania 41 Could Be One Of His Last
Lowlights
The non-title match between IYO Sky and Roxanne Perez was a good showdown. Both women displayed an excellent showdown; however, the audience’s reaction was less than expected. Moreover, the ending saw IYO pick up a rollup victory and found herself beaten down by Giulia and Perez.
Related: New Report Claims Rumors Giulia Dropped NXT Title To Stephanie Vaquer Due To An Injury Is Fake News
Another lowlight of the show featured a heated exchange between Pat McAfee and Gunther before their match at WWE Backlash. McAfee said that Gunther can underestimate him all he wants, as it has cost him big matches. The Ring General retaliated by vowing to inflict maximum damage on McAfee and left him lying at Backlash.
What’s in store for WWE RAW next week
Three matches were announced for WWE RAW next week. The War Raiders will battle American Made, and IYO, Sky and Rhea Ripley will take on Giulia and Roxanne Perez in tag team showdowns. Moreover, next week’s RAW will feature the blockbuster match between AJ Styles and Finn Balor.