WWE Raw Results (night after Mania)

WWE Monday Night RAW Results
April 4, 2016
Dallas, Texas
Report by: Mike Tedesco of Wrestleview.com

“Then. Now. Forever.” The WWE video leads us into the show.

A video package shows some of the highlights of the events at last night’s WrestleMania 32. 101,763 people showed up to enjoy the event. The video ends with a triumphant Roman Reigns holding the WWE World Heavyweight Championship above his head.

The RAW video plays, and we’re brought into the arena to see a big pyrotechnics display. The crowd is red hot as Michael Cole, JBL, and Byron Saxton welcome us to the show. This is the conclusion of WrestleMania week. The commentators warn that this is an unconventional crowd that cheers people they should boo, and they boo people they should cheer. JBL says they’re just having fun.

Vince McMahon’s music hits, and the entire crowd is singing his song. McMahon says that’s the same chance his son had against The Undertaker. McMahon puts over WrestleMania breaking all kinds of records. Unfortunately, we have a new WWE World Heavyweight Champion. His son in law and daughter are not feeling good. McMahon says he took control of the lockbox this morning. No one has anything on him, and they won’t ever again. Thinking about what happened with his son last night, seeing his grandson’s out there got him a little bit. Even as he was enjoying The Undertaker kicking the crap out of his son last night, there was one time that got him. That was when Shane went to the very top of the Hell in a Cell. McMahon thought, “My god.” A “Shane O’Mac” chant breaks out. McMahon thought he shouldn’t do it. McMahon had no idea that it meant that much to his son that he would risk his life to achieve his goals. It gave him respect for him, but it also showed him how foolish he is. McMahon is interrupted by a chant, and he puts over how crazy this crowd is the night after WrestleMania. McMahon tells them to enjoy Monday Night RAW because it’ll be one they’ll never forget.

Shane McMahon’s music hits, and the crowd explodes. Shane gingerly walks out to the stage to stand by his father. Shane has a large bruise on the left side of his cheek. A loud “Shane O’Mac” chant breaks out. Vince says Shane has no business being here. A “Thank you Shane” chant breaks out. Shane says, “Thank you.” Shane says he wanted to come out here to say that. He also has two other things to say. Since he’s the only man in the family, he does things face-to-face. Vince won, so he wants to shake his hand. The second has nothing to do with Vince. Shane wanted to thank all the fans. What they gave him, he’ll never forget. Shane sounded choked up as he said that. A thunderous “Thank you Shane” chant breaks out followed by a “You still got it” chant. Vince tells them not to enable him. It’s because of the fans Shane got the hell beat out of him. Shane thanks the fans and says goodbye. Shane’s music plays, and he walks off to loud “NO” chants.

Vince tells him to wait because nobody upstages him. Vince says he’s often thought about how ridiculous and crazy it would be if Shane were running Monday Night RAW. A loud “YES” chant breaks out. Vince says to prove his point (he’s interrupted by a “Let him run it” chant), he’s going to let Shane show what he’s got. The crowd pops so loud as Vince immediately walks off. Shane looks around and smirks. Shane looks pumped up about the decision.

“OH DALLAS – DON’T YOU DARE BE SOUR! CLAP FOR YOUR WORLD FAMOUS TWO-TIME CHAMPS AND FEEL THE POWER!”

The New Day makes their way to the ring to a booming pop and chants of “New Day rocks!” They’ll be defending their WWE Tag Team Championships. Kofi Kingston and Big E will represent The New Day. The crowd is absolutely into everything The New Day is doing right now. Big E thanks the crowd as the crowd sings to them. They start gyrating in the ring. Xavier Woods has a Booty O on his unicorn horn. Big E says last night didn’t go as they planned. They say no, but Kofi Kingston says it was exciting twerking with Shawn Michaels. On the other hand, Xavier took a Stone Cold Stunner from Stone Cold Steve Austin. Woods says upon review of the tape, it was pretty much his own fault, but it was lit baby! They celebrate wildly as Woods impersonates taking the Stunner. They then hold up the last piece of the WrestleMania Booty O’s cereal. Kingston says that’s the Booty of Life. Woods chants as he holds the Booty O up like Simba was held up in “The Lion King.” They say the tagline – “Booty O’s: They make sure you ain’t booty.”

Woods says they’re about to get back at the League of Booty. At the end of the night, they’ll walk out as the “WWE World Tag Team Champions.” The New Day didn’t even need to say it because the audience said it for them. They are extremely over here. They’ll do that because New Day Rocks!

-Commercial Break-

We come back from the break to see Lilian Garcia dancing with The New Day. The Italian and French commentary teams are shown sitting at ringside for tonight.

WWE Tag Team Championships Match
The New Day (c’s) vs. The League of Nations

Representing The New Day are Kofi Kingston and Big E. As for the League of Nations, Sheamus and King Barrett will represent them.

Kofi Kingston will start the match against Sheamus. The bell rings, and they circle the ring before locking up. Sheamus powers him to the corner and gives a clean break. They lock up again, and Sheamus again powers him to the corner. This time Sheamus punches him down before kneeing him in the head. Sheamus sends him into the ropes, but he lowers his head and eats a kick. Kingston ducks a clothesline, slides under the legs, and dropkicks him. Sheamus punches him back and charges, but Kingston gives him a back body drop over the top rope. Big E runs in and throws King Barrett out of the ring. Big E then leapfrogs Kingston over the top rope onto Sheamus! The New Day celebrates before throwing Sheamus back into the ring. Kingston goes to the top rope, but Rusev distracts him. Sheamus then throws him off the top rope to the floor! King Barrett is tagged in. Barrett drives Kingston into the apron before putting him in the ring for a two count. Barrett taunts The New Day before Kingston fights back. Barrett reverses a whip into the corner and counters a slingshot into a kick to the ribs. The League of Nations taunts Kingston as he recovers. Barrett then clotheslines him out of the ring. Barrett taunts the crowd as we go to commercial.

-Commercial Break-

We come back from the break to see Kingston trapped in a chin lock. Xavier Woods has the crowd going with his trombone. There is a wave going on in the crowd. Kingston fights up, but Sheamus counters him with a knee to the ribs. Sheamus mocks the wave in the ring. Sheamus kicks him in the face and talks some trash before hitting the ropes. Kingston then takes him down with a double stomp to the midsection.

Big E and Barrett are tagged in. Big E connects with two belly-to-belly overhead suplexes before viciously knocking Sheamus off the apron. Big E then lays Barrett out with a belly-to-belly side suplex. Big E then hits the ropes and hits a Big Splash as Woods plays the trombone. Big E starts clapping and gyrating as the crowd gets back into the match and stops putting themselves over. Barrett knees Big E in the head before Big E sends him into Sheamus. The New Day hits Barrett with the Midnight Hour for the win. It should be noted that Barrett being run into Sheamus should have resulted in a tag for Sheamus.

Winners and still WWE Tag Team Champions: The New Day
Match Rating: **

Sheamus yells enough and tells them to turn the crap off (their music). Sheamus says he’s sick and tired. They are a group of the greatest athletes from across the world. The crowd is loudly booing him. They should be destroying everybody in the WWE, but there’s something wrong. The crowd is chanting, “How you doin’?” Sheamus asks if they’re through before telling them to shut up. Everybody knows you’re only as strong as your weakest link. Rusev and Alberto Del Rio grab Barrett and hold him up for Sheamus to deliver a Brogue Kick! They then kick Barrett out of the ring.

The Wyatt Family’s video flashes on the screen, and the lights go out. When they come back on, The Wyatt Family is viciously attacking the League of Nations to the delight of the crowd. Erick Rowan sends Del Rio into the turnbuckle before throwing him out of the ring. Rusev tries to fight Braun Strowman, but he’s overwhelmed. The crowd is singing, “He’s Got The Whole World In His Hands.” Rowan and Strowman hold Sheamus up as Wyatt arcs his back. Wyatt then lays Sheamus out with Sister Abigail as the crowd loudly cheers them and chants, “Thank you, Wyatt!” The Wyatt Family poses in the ring as Wyatt says, “Follow the buzzards!”

-Commercial Break-

Still photos are shown of some of the impressive images from last night’s WrestleMania.

Renee Young catches up with Vince McMahon, who is getting into a limousine. She asks if he’s leaving because he’s confident in his son running the company. McMahon laughs before saying he’s not confident at all. This show is going to be a disaster, and he doesn’t want to see the ship going down. Besides, this is only temporary. McMahon gets in the limousine, and it drives off.

Summer Rae is in the ring. She says The Total Divas beat Team B.A.D. and Blonde last night. If she were running things, it would have been different. At least she didn’t wind up flat on her face like Sasha Banks. Talk about wasting a WrestleMania moment! Sasha’s music interrupts her.

Summer Rae vs. Sasha Banks

Sasha gets right in her face before saying Summer forgot about one thing. She’s Sasha Banks, and she’s still the boss. Sasha then slaps her in the face. Summer quickly puts herself through the ropes to keep her back.

The bell rings, and Summer immediately gets out of the ring. Summer then grabs Sasha and snaps her off the ropes before hitting a spin kick for a two count. A light, “Sasha’s gonna kill you” chant breaks out. Summer applies a chin lock, but Sasha fights up. Summer quickly slaps her down and talks trash. Sasha powers her to the corner and shoulders her in the midsection. Sasha hits a running double knee before hitting a double knee takedown for a two count. Summer knees her in the midsection, but Sasha comes back with a back elbow. Sasha ducks a spin kick, but Summer counters out of a Bank Statement. Summer rolls her up, but Sasha rolls through to apply the Bank Statement. Summer immediately taps out.

Winner by Submission: Sasha Banks
Match Rating: 3/4 *

Apollo Crews will debut next on RAW. Crews is seen talking to Shane McMahon backstage.

-Commercial Break-

Images of articles talking about WrestleMania 32 are shown. Any viewing of Roman Reigns’ image draws massive boos from the crowd.

Tyler Breeze vs. Apollo Crews

The bell rings, and they lock up. A loud “NXT” chant breaks out. Breeze applies a side headlock, but Crews counters into his own side headlock before being whipped off. Crews shoulder blocks him down before cartwheeling over him and doing a backflip. Crews then tosses him up and takes him down with a powerslam. Breeze quickly drops him onto the apron, but Crews shoulders him and flips into the ring. Breeze immediately superkicks him for a two count. Breeze punches him to the corner and stomps him. Breeze connects with a back suplex for a two count. Breeze quickly transitions into a chin lock. Crews fights up, but Breeze knees him in the midsection before shouting it is about him. Crews quickly kicks him in the back of the head before connecting with a military press drop followed by a standing moonsault. Crews lays him out with a spin-out powerbomb for the win!

Winner by Pinfall: Apollo Crews
Match Rating: * 1/4

Highlights are shown of Roman Reigns and Charlotte on “The Today Show” earlier today.

Later tonight, Charlotte will be presented with the new WWE Women’s Championship. Coming up next, we’ll see Roman Reigns.

-Commercial Break-

Roman Reigns’ music hits, and he comes out to thunderous, sustained boos from the crowd. Reigns nods his head and holds up his WWE World Heavyweight Championship. The commentators talk about how the crowd is booing people they normally cheer. JBL says they’re just having a good time once again. Reigns paces in the ring before grabbing a microphone. The crowd is viciously booing him. Reigns says, “Aw, come on.” They boo even louder as he smiles. Reigns says he’s not a bad guy. Reigns then says he’s not a good guy. Reigns says, “I’m THE guy!” That’s why at the biggest WrestleMania of all time, he beat Triple H’s ass. The boos are deafening. Reigns says he told Shane McMahon he was coming out here. If anyone wants this championship, they can bring their ass out here right now. Reigns tosses the microphone away.

Chris Jericho’s music hits, and he comes out to a good pop. Jericho is not dressed to compete. Jericho gets in the ring and stares at Reigns. Jericho says the crowd can shut their damn mouths and listen to him. Jericho mentions that Reigns said he’s THE guy, but from his vantage point, he’s just another guy. Reigns is just another idiot like everyone here tonight. The crowd loudly cheers that. Jericho says he’s seen them come and go, but none can compare to him because he’s the best in the world at what he does. The audience chants, “We are idiots.” Jericho says they’re not going to hijack the show on his watch. Jericho says they are certainly surrounded by idiots. Reigns can’t compare to him and neither can the internet favorite AJ Styles. Jericho says he beat and buried Styles. Jericho wants to do the same to Reigns. Jericho says he wants the championship. He’s not asking or telling him this. Jericho is demanding it. Reigns will put him at the head of the line. Jericho asks if Reigns understands what he’s saying to him right now.

AJ Styles’ music hits, and he comes out dressed to compete. Styles gets in the ring. Kevin Owens’ music hits, and he comes out to a ridiculous pop from the crowd. Owens angrily limps to the ring, selling the effects of the ladder match from last night. Owens points at the WWE World Heavyweight Championship and says that’s his. Sami Zayn then comes out to an equally loud pop. The crowd sings his theme song as he makes his way to the ring. Reigns looks at Zayn and brushes him off. Zayn and Owens immediately go for one another. Jericho and Styles get into it as well. Reigns just stands back and watches. Zayn then lays Owens out with an over the top rope summersault plancha. Jericho knocks Styles out of the ring before Reigns spears him down. Reigns holds up the WWE World Heavyweight Championship to massive boos before leaving the ring. The commentators wonder who is next in line for a title opportunity.

A replay is shown of Vince McMahon giving Shane McMahon control of RAW for one night. Later tonight, we’ll see The Usos take on The Dudley Boyz in a Tables Match.

-Commercial Break-

More still photos are shown of some impressive angles from WrestleMania 32.

Roman Reigns is seen walking backstage. The crowd immediately starts booing him. Shane McMahon walks up to him and congratulates him on becoming champion. Tonight’s main event will be a fatal four-way match to determine the #1 Contender for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. It’ll be Chris Jericho, AJ Styles, Kevin Owens, and Sami Zayn fighting for an opportunity at the title.

The André the Giant Memorial Trophy is seen at ringside. Baron Corbin, the winner of the André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal (which included Shaquille O’Neil), will be in his first singles match since moving to the main roster. Corbin poses next to the trophy. Corbin says for those in the crowd that don’t know who he is, he doesn’t care. This trophy is the only thing they need to know. He’s carved a path of devastation and broken dreams to get here. His arrival signals the End of Days for anyone that stands in his way. Dolph Ziggler’s music hits, and he comes out to a very light pop.

Baron Corbin vs. Dolph Ziggler

They circle the ring, and Ziggler ducks a lock up. Corbin corners him and tosses him to the corner. Ziggler gets out and punches away at him. Corbin goes for a back elbow, but Ziggler continues punching him. Ziggler dropkicks him, but Corbin doesn’t go down. Ziggler hits the ropes, and Corbin lays him out with a back elbow. Ziggler rolls to the apron to recover, and he snaps Corbin off the top rope. Ziggler goes for a slingshot, but Corbin punches him in the face, sending him to the floor.

-Commercial Break-

We come back from the break to see Ziggler trapped in a nerve hold. Ziggler fights up, but Corbin cuts off the momentum and takes him down with the nerve hold. Ziggler punches out and catches him with a back elbow. Corbin charges, but Ziggler sidesteps him, sending Corbin out of the ring. Corbin lands on his feet, gets in the ring, and misses a shoulder thrust in the corner, connecting with the ring post instead. The crowd seem to be amusing themselves. Ziggler avalanches him in the corner before connecting with a second one. Ziggler punches away at him before going for a neckbreaker, but Corbin pushes him off. Ziggler then connects with a face-buster for a two count. Ziggler grabs his knee, which he hurt last night at WrestleMania. Ziggler starts “tuning up the band,” but Corbin blocks the superkick. Ziggler comes back with a kick to the knee and a famouser for a near fall.

Both men take their time getting to their feet. Ziggler goes for a Zig-Zag, but Corbin holds the ropes to get out of it. Corbin immediately follows up with the Deep Six for a near fall. Ziggler rolls out of the ring to recover. Corbin goes outside to retrieve him. Ziggler punches him back, and Corbin comes right back with a big boot over the barricade. The referee is counting them out. Corbin sends Ziggler into some trash cans in the crowd as the referee calls for the bell, counting them out.

Double Count-Out
Match Rating: * 1/2

Corbin goes to the barricade and yells at the referee. Corbin yells at him, “This is on you!” Corbin grabs Ziggler and throws him over the barricade. Ziggler wildly punches away at him before Corbin cuts him off. Corbin then connects with the End of Days on the floor! Corbin looks at the carnage he created before walking off.

Coming up next, we’ll see highlights from the No Holds Barred match between Brock Lesnar and Dean Ambrose.

-Commercial Break-

Still photos are shown of the No Holds Barred match between Brock Lesnar and Dean Ambrose, which Lesnar handily won.

Zack Ryder makes his way to the ring with the WWE Intercontinental Championship. Lilian Garcia announces this match is for the championship, but her microphone is immediately cut off. The commentators mention she’s just overzealous. Still photos are shown of Zack Ryder winning the WWE Intercontinental Championship last night at WrestleMania 32.

Ryder stands in the ring, and the crowd chants, “You deserve it – Woo, woo, woo!” Ryder says last night was the greatest night of his life. All of his wildest dreams came true, and he finally had his WrestleMania moment. When he was a little kid, he took a picture with Razor Ramon, and he let him hold the Intercontinental Championship. The photo is shown on the titantron. Last night, they took another picture, and this time, Ramon held his Intercontinental Championship. Ryder says he has someone to thank, and he thanks his father, who is sitting at ringside. Ryder thanks him for encouraging him to live his dream.

The Miz’ music hits, and he comes out to the stage in his WrestleMania robe. Miz says this is so touching and heartwarming before mocking him. There’s no denying that Ryder had his WrestleMania moment, but just like many Hollywood stars, Ryder is just a flash in the pan and a one hit wonder. Miz gets in the ring and says Ryder ruined his WrestleMania moment in front of his family, friends, and wife. Miz came within inches of winning it until Ryder pushed him off. Ryder says, “Sucks to be you, bro.” Miz says it does not suck to be him. Miz puts his hand up and says when it goes up, the crowds’ mouths go shut. Miz says if Ryder wants to deserve that championship and prove that his name belongs with the likes of Razor Ramon, Shawn Michaels, and The Miz, then he’ll put the title on the line against him right here and now. Ryder says he has nothing to prove to him. Miz says that’s spoken like a true never was. If Miz were Ryder, he’d want to prove that last night wasn’t a fluke. Maybe he’s scared Miz will send him back to Long Island with his goofy father and show that Ryder is just all hype. Ryder says, “Woo, woo, woo – let’s do this!”

WWE Intercontinental Championship Match
Zack Ryder (c) vs. The Miz

They lock up, and Miz applies a side headlock. Ryder whips him off, but Miz shoulder blocks him down. Miz hits the ropes and goes for the Reality Check, but Ryder fights out and dropkicks him down. Miz reverses a whip to the corner, but he runs into a knee. Ryder connects with a missile dropkick for a two count. Ryder runs into a boot, and Miz goes to the second rope. Ryder cuts him off and connects with a super hurricanrana. Miz rolls out of the ring to recover. Ryder takes him out with a baseball slide as we go to commercial.

-Commercial Break-

We come back from the break to see Ryder punching away at Miz. Miz misses a clothesline, but he manages to duck a running cross-body that sends Ryder over the top rope. Miz rolls out of the ring and puts Ryder back in. Miz covers for a two count. Miz mounts him and punches away at him. The crowd is uncharacteristically quiet for this match. Miz digs his knee into the back and applies a surfboard stretch. Ryder fights up, but Miz knees him in the midsection. Ryder comes back with a face-buster, and they’re both down. Ryder elbows him in the back of the head and connects with a clothesline. Ryder clotheslines him in the corner and goes to the top rope. Miz avoids a missile dropkick before connecting with a kneeling DDT for a near fall. Miz waits for Ryder to get up, but he counters out of the Skull Crushing Finale. Miz avoids the Rough Ryder and goes for a kick, but Ryder ducks it and rolls him up for a two count. Miz goes for a suplex, but Ryder lands on his feet and catches him with a neckbreaker for a near fall.

Miz cuts Ryder off as he goes to the top rope. Ryder fights off a superplex, and Miz hits the ropes. Ryder connects with the El-bro Drop, but Miz gets his foot on the bottom rope before the count of three. Miz holds the bottom rope as Ryder tries to pull him off. Miz quickly boots him in the face and takes a moment to catch his breath. Miz goes for his patented corner clothesline, but Ryder avoids it. Ryder then forearms him in the back of the head. Ryder goes for the Broski Boot, but Miz gets out of the ring. Ryder connects with a baseball slide. Miz quickly sends him into the barricade before dropping him on the apron in front of his father. Ryder’s father talks trash to Miz. Ryder’s father then shoves Miz down at ringside. Ryder quickly takes Miz out with a running forearm. Ryder puts Miz in the ring. Maryse, Miz’ wife, jumps the barricade and gets in Ryder’s father’s face. Maryse talks trash before slapping him. Security hauls her off. Ryder, distracted by all this, gets caught with a Skull Crushing Finale. The Miz pins him to become the WWE Intercontinental Champion!

Winner and NEW Intercontinental Champion: The Miz
Match Rating: **

The Miz celebrates winning the WWE Intercontinental Championship. Maryse runs in, and they embrace before posing for the crowd.

Renee Young is backstage with Kevin Owens. She mentions that he lost the WWE Intercontinental Championship in a ladder match last night. Owens says it took six other guys with ladders to beat him. She mentions that he had a confrontation earlier in the night with Sami Zayn. Owens says Zayn won’t leave him alone. Owens didn’t lose the title last night. Zayn robbed him of the title. Now he’s onto bigger and better things. Shane McMahon knows how much better he is than everyone here. That’s why he put him in this fatal four-way match, which he will win. Then he’ll go on to destroy the Roman Empire and take the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. As far as Zayn goes, he may have cost him the Intercontinental Championship, but he won’t cost him the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. The road to K-O-Mania II begins tonight.

Shane McMahon is seen talking with Charlotte and Ric Flair. The formal presentation of the WWE Women’s Championship is next.

More still photos from WrestleMania 32 are shown.

-Commercial Break-

The Vaudevillains will debut this Thursday on Smackdown.

The ring is decorated with a red carpet with the new WWE Women’s Championship set up on a table. Inside the ring is WWE Hall of Famer, Lita, along with Paige, Tamina, Naomi, Lana, Summer Rae, Natalya, Eva Marie, Emma, Alicia Fox, Becky Lynch, and Sasha Banks. Lita says she’s always asked who the females are that she looked up to growing up. She didn’t have a lot of female role models growing up, but for the young girls today with this new generation, that is not the case. This division has never been stronger. Each and every one of these girls at WrestleMania put their bodies on the line and pushed themselves to the limit. The crowd gives them a nice hand. Tonight, they’ll formally present the new WWE Women’s Championship. Lita then introduces Charlotte to the ring.

Charlotte, the WWE Women’s Champion, makes her way to the ring alongside her Hall of Fame father, “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair. The title is given to Charlotte. The crowd chants for Bailey. Charlotte says this moment is about gratitude. The crowd boos her. Charlotte says this is about all the women in this ring. She calls them superstars. They’ve collectively made this happen. This wouldn’t have happened if it weren’t for the people. The people believed in them. The crowd is chanting whatever they want and aren’t paying attention. Charlotte says this is the future. Charlotte is cut off by a “Women’s wrestling” chant. Charlotte holds up the championship. Most importantly, she wouldn’t have gone down in the history books as the new Women’s Champion if it weren’t for her father, “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair. Flair always goes above and beyond for her. His daughter is now immortalized. She thanks her father. Charlotte then thanks everyone for attending WrestleMania last night because their energy fueled her to her victory. Charlotte says she hasn’t even been here a year and has accomplished so much. Charlotte cuts off their cheers with “Woos.”

Charlotte turns to Sasha Banks and Becky Lynch. Charlotte says they did it before saying that she did it. Becky gets in her face before all the women walk off. Charlotte says they need to show some respect. That’s why she’s the Women’s Champion. This is her moment. Natalya grabs a microphone and cuts her off. Natalya says Charlotte needs to learn a thing or two about humility. She is the woman that has given her some of her hardest fought matches, like at Road Block, but Charlotte doesn’t respect her. Charlotte says this is her moment. Natalya says Charlotte thinks she’s genetically superior, but she’s got the heart of a champion. Natalya tells her to put the title on the line against her. Charlotte says the title on her arm signifies that her family will always be better than Natalya’s. Natalya takes her down and applies the Sharpshooter. Ric Flair reaches in and pulls his daughter out of the ring.

Renee Young is backstage with AJ Styles. She asks how he’s feeling about the fatal four-way. Styles says this is about new beginnings. The day after WrestleMania feels like change. Shane McMahon is running RAW. We also have a WWE World Heavyweight Champion that is taking all comers. Styles says he didn’t come here to lose one WrestleMania match and fade away. Styles is here to become the WWE World Heavyweight Champion. Tonight is a new era and that era is phenomenal.

Coming up next, The Usos will take on The Dudley Boyz in a Tables Match.

-Commercial Break-

Tables Match
The Usos vs. The Dudley Boyz

The two teams start brawling to start off the match. Bubba Ray Dudley puts Jimmy Uso in the corner before throwing him out of the ring. D-Von Dudley sends Jey Uso into the barricade. Bubba lifts a table up and slams it on Jimmy. D-Von and Jey continue brawling at ringside. Bubba sends Jimmy into the steel steps. Jey sends D-Von into the barricade. Jimmy puts Bubba in the ring, but he lowers his head and eats a kick. Bubba hits some jabs, avoids a superkick, and big boots him. The Dudley Boyz then connect with the “Whassup” head-butt. The Dudley Boyz go to get a table, but The Usos take them out with stereo planchas.

-Commercial Break-

We come back from the break to see D-Von trying to superplex Jimmy through a table. Jimmy fights him off, but D-Von falls into the ropes. Jey superkicks Bubba onto the table. Jimmy sets up for a splash, so Bubba rolls off the table. Jimmy still catches him with a Superfly Splash. During the break, The Dudley Boyz went for a double-team suplex through the table, but one of the Usos moved the table. The Usos set up two tables end to end like at WrestleMania, but The Dudleys fight them off. The Dudley Boyz go for stereo powerbombs through the table, but the Usos counter with stereo superkicks. Bubba takes a Ric Flair face-first bump. The Usos scale the barricades and take them out with running clotheslines like The Hardy Boyz used to do. The Usos put The Dudleys on the table and go to the top rope. The crowd is loudly booing them. The Usos go for the splashes, but The Dudley Boyz move. The timekeeper rings the bell thinking that ends the match, but the Dudleys have to physically put them through the table. D-Von picks up Jimmy and sends him through a table propped up in the corner. Bubba screams that’s how you win the Tables Match and yells at the timekeeper.

Winners: The Dudley Boyz
Match Rating: * 1/2

Renee Young is backstage with Sami Zayn. She says he’s battling three men and asks if he has experience in a fatal four-way match. Zayn says he’s been in every kind of match. He’s the underdog from the underground. Zayn was underground for fourteen years, but he’s here now. Zayn says this is the biggest night of his life. Zayn needs to prove that he can be WWE World Heavyweight Champion. Kevin Owens attacks him from behind and punches away at him before sending him into a crate. Owens then powerbombs him through a table backstage! Referee run up and hold Owens back.

-Commercial Break-

A replay is shown of Kevin Owens attacking Sami Zayn moments ago and powerbombing him through a table.

The Dudley Boyz are still at ringside arguing with fans when Enzo and Cass’s music hits to a MASSIVE pop! Enzo Amore and Colin Cassady come out and walk right by the flabbergasted Dudley Boyz. Enzo Amore grabs a microphone and says, “My name is Enzo Amore, and I am a certified G and a bonafide stud, and you can’t teach that. And this right here, this is Big Cass, and he’s 7-foot tall, and you can’t teach that. Badda boom, realest guys in the room – how you doin’?” Amore says they’ve got a couple of haters, and they look at The Dudley Boyz. Amore says hate isn’t anything but love disguised as jealousy. If they were the Dudleys, they’d hate them too because they’re ugly as hell. Amore says they’re so ugly, tears run down the back of their heads to avoid their faces (how you doin’). Amore says he’ll put D-Von’s lazy eye back to work. D-Von absolutely flips out and screams that he’s a son of a bitch. The crowd is absolutely on FIRE. Amore says Bubba better think twice because that’s one more than he’s had all day. Bubba needs to fall back like his hairline. Amore says they’ll drop them like a deuce. The crowd absolutely loves this.

Colin Cassady grabs the microphone and says The Dudley Boyz don’t like what Amore is saying, so why don’t they come down to the ring and do something about it. The Dudley Boyz charge the ring and get on the apron. Bubba then says, “Screw you,” and they walk off. Cassady says there’s only one word to describe them, and he’ll spell it out for them: S-A-W-F-T – SAWFT! The crowd chanted along with every word.

Still photos are shown of The Rock’s confrontation with The Wyatt Family before getting assistance from John Cena at last night’s WrestleMania.

They’re making it seem like Sami Zayn is out of the Fatal Four-Way match. The match is next, and we’ll find out if there will potentially be a replacement.

-Commercial Break-

The Miz along with his wife, Maryse, who will be at ringside, will defend his newly won WWE Intercontinental Championship against Zack Ryder this Thursday on Smackdown. Next week on RAW, the special guest will be… Dr. Phil.

Michael Cole announces that Sami Zayn will be unable to compete following the powerbomb through the table. Lilian Garcia then announces to the crowd that Sami Zayn is out of the match. Per Shane McMahon, the replacement is Cesaro!

Cesaro walks out to the stage in a suit. The announcers are thinking he literally just found out he was in the match. Cesaro rips off his suit, and he’s wearing his wrestling trunks underneath. The crowd is absolutely buzzing about Cesaro’s return.

Fatal Four-Way – #1 Contender’s Match
AJ Styles vs. Chris Jericho vs. Kevin Owens vs. Cesaro

The bell rings, and they all start fighting. Jericho and Styles go one-on-one while Cesaro concentrates on Owens. Cesaro throws Owens out of the ring, but Owens gets on the apron. Jericho runs up and drops him with a springboard dropkick. Styles then throws Jericho out of the ring. Cesaro and Styles then go face-to-face to the absolute delight of the crowd. Cesaro hits the ropes, and Styles dropkicks him down. Cesaro applies a side headlock, but Styles whips him off. Styles leaps, but Cesaro counters into a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker for a one count.

-Commercial Break-

We come back from the break to see Jericho give Styles a suplex in the ring. Outside the ring, Owens poses for the crowd after sending Cesaro into the steps. Jericho chokes Styles on the middle rope. Outside the ring, Cesaro sends Owens into the barricade. Cesaro gets in the ring and takes Jericho down for a Cesaro Swing, but Owens cuts him off. Owens pretends to go for a Cesaro Swing, but he lets go. Cesaro kicks Owens down. Jericho chops Cesaro and throws him out of the ring. Styles grabs Jericho and starts punching him and delivering forearms. Styles grabs him, but Jericho punches him and dropkicks him down. A loud “This is wrestling” chant breaks out. Jericho puts Styles on the top rope and chops away at him. Jericho clubs away at him and goes for a superplex, but Styles fights him off. Owens walks up and punches Styles. Jericho and Styles go for a double-team superplex. Cesaro comes in, and they do the tower of doom spot!

After taking a few moments to recover, Owens boots Cesaro in the face before hitting Jericho with a cannonball in the corner. Styles then lays him out with a kick to the back of the head. Styles hits the ropes, and Cesaro takes him out with a Very European Uppercut for a near fall! Cesaro gives Jericho a couple of European Uppercuts in the corner before the referee backs him up. Jericho pokes the eyes and clotheslines him out of the ring. Owens attacks Jericho. Jericho slingshots over Owens, but Owens kicks him and connects with a package powerbomb for a near fall. Owens goes for a cannonball in the corner, but Jericho moves. Jericho then takes Owens down with a face-buster followed by a Lionsault, but Owens gets the knees up. Styles gets on the apron and connects with a springboard 450 Splash, but Cesaro pulls him out of the ring before the three count! Owens catches Styles with a torture rack neckbreaker for a near fall. Owens cannot believe he kicked out and argues with the referee.

Owens talks trash, and Styles punches him. Cesaro goes to the top rope and takes Styles out with a cross-body block, but Owens breaks up the pin. Cesaro blocks a whip and sends Owens into the corner. Cesaro starts an uppercut train on Styles and Owens. Jericho runs in and Cesaro uppercuts him for good measure. The crowd gives him a nice round of applause. Cesaro then restarts the uppercut train, adding Jericho in. Jericho eventually boots him in the face and goes to the second rope. Cesaro counters a dropkick from Jericho into the Cesaro Swing! Cesaro gets ten rotations before Owens superkicks him. Styles goes for a springboard, but Owens kicks the ropes. Owens catches Styles with a Pop-up Powerbomb, but Jericho breaks it up with a dropkick! Jericho avoids a Pop-up Powerbomb and catches Owens with a Codebreaker, but Cesaro breaks up the pin! Jericho chops away at Cesaro before eating an uppercut. Jericho rolls Cesaro up before applying the Walls of Jericho. Cesaro claws to the bottom rope, but Jericho pulls him away. Cesaro powers out and applies a Sharpshooter, which is in tribute to his injured tag team partner and best friend, Tyson Kidd. Styles then wipes out Cesaro with a Phenomenal Forearm. Owens gets in the ring and rolls Styles up for a near fall. Styles elbows out of a move from Owens and gives him a pelé kick. Jericho then lays Styles out with a Codebreaker out of nowhere for a near fall! Jericho cannot believe it.

The crowd is loudly chanting, “This is awesome!” Jericho talks trash before Styles connects with a strike combo. Styles goes for a backslide, but he transitions it into the Styles Clash for the win!

Winner by Pinfall: AJ Styles
Match Rating: ***

AJ Styles is the number one contender for Roman Reigns’ WWE World Heavyweight Championship! Styles looks very pumped up as he poses for the crowd.

A decent show, I felt it needed the main event to be a good one and it was, with a shock winner.

My problem is the whole Shane/Vince thing, Shane came to say goodbye and Vince made him GM for the night to appease the fans. The whole HIAC v Undertaker and he loses only to get what he wanted in the first place (albeit temporarily).

Some great debuts, Baron Corbin, Apollo Crews, Enzo and Cass and the return of Cesaro. Although I had hoped to see Finn Balor and or Samoa Joe as well.

Matches in the pipeline for Payback look like Miz v Ryder, Owens v Zayn, Corbin v Ziggler, Styles v Reigns, Dudleyz v Enzo and Cass. Could be worse.

Lillian prematurely announces the IC title. Ref botchs the finish of the tables match. Come on Shane get your Poopie together.

This RAW makes the Mania booking look even more confusing.

Also. This time last year Cena and Bryan were US and IC champions respectively. This year Ryder has a one day reign and Kalisto is nowhere to be seen.

It's not going to help Reigns being put up against AJ Styles. I'd rather they just properly turned him heel.

They'll probably do something like the Board looking the ratings and reactions to Raw when Shane was in charge and making him GM.

I like they way they're handling the callups - especially Crewes. No real build but it stops them shooting their load early and having nothing left after week 1. They got Corbins character over and its a smart move pairing him with Dolph, Dolph will make him look a million bucks. And Enzo and Cass are a shot of adrenaline the tag division desperately needs. Shame they've mishandled the Dudleys to the point they dont mean much.

Crimey wrote:It's not going to help Reigns being put up against AJ Styles. I'd rather they just properly turned him heel.

Like he said. He's not a bad guy, he's not a good guy, he's THE guy. Maybe he's actually just going to be a tweener, booed when facing faces and cheered a fair bit when facing heels.

AJ vs Reigns in Chicago that'll be interesting. Assuming that will be where the Balor Club shows up tbh.

Not sure why left Shane in charge unless they going to a pull the roster getting behind him due to being fed up of the authority etc.

Overall a disappointing and underwhelming couple of nights. Bang average Mania, bang average Raw.

Personally feel Jericho should have won the 4 way. He'd have been a much better first fued for Reigns.

Bray Wyatt is screaming out for a face turn. Talk of Reigns/Zayn/Ambrose being the next top babyface. For me Wyatt could be the man, I think the crowd would love him as a babyface.

I don't see any face like qualities in Bray, that said they've dropped the ball big time with him as a heel but I don't see his act going anywhere as a face, I think the crowd love him because no-ones getting behind him, he seems to be the odd one out, I don't see a Daniel Bryan like rise.

Cesaro for me is the guy, the only genuine credible guy who could be the main man, a guy I could see go toe to toe with Lesnar and make it feel Legit, Lesnar for me is the benchmark, if you look lkke an equal to him you'll be percieved to be the real deal, he doesn't need to do much but be a hard badass that he is.

Wyatt was prett good as a face on NXT right before he was called up.

Cesaro could certainly go toe-to-toe with Lesnar. Theres really not many others who could. Owens probably could aswell.

I really do hope that was a face turn by the Wyatt family. I remember watching this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBIKed_9gfg of Bray Wyatt saying goodbye to NXT and thought damn, they have a lot of potential.

A great post mania raw as ever. It felt like the start of a new season with so many fresh faces. Cesaro was immense in the main event.

TheCultOfPersonality wrote:
A great post mania raw as ever. It felt like the start of a new season with so many fresh faces. Cesaro was immense in the main event.

Did we watch the same RAW? Aside from the main event and the nXt guys I was mostly bored to tears.

Samo wrote:

TheCultOfPersonality wrote:
A great post mania raw as ever. It felt like the start of a new season with so many fresh faces. Cesaro was immense in the main event.

Did we watch the same RAW?  Aside from the main event and the nXt guys I was mostly bored to tears.

Hmmm well this was the most interesting Raw in weeks to me. I think the crowd helped although they were annoying at times.

We had new refreshing matches, couple debuts and new storylines were created such as Dudleys/Enzo&Cass, Wyatts/LON, Corbin and Ziggler possibly, Reigns/Styles which I think will be turned into a triple threat with Jericho and of course the continuation of Owens/Zayn.

I thought that was a near perfect Raw. Loved it. Thought they managed every segment perfectly.

I've never watched a weekly NXT episode better than that; sometimes I think people have pre-determined opinions

Yeah I thought it was a fantastic raw, it didn't have any huge OMG moments, but the storyline telling was spot on.

Buzzing that Cessaro is bs k and that Enzo and Cass debuted.

I hope that Shane is sticking around and we potentially see a Shane vs HHH feud.

All these years I never noticed this section... It's nice to see styles get some main event matches, and see the styles clash actually win something.

I imagine this is going to be used to either debut bullet club, and/or finally turn Roman heel. Feel sorry for the guy having to play the plucky baby face stuff he isn't good at to that reception

For me Reigns is similar to Orton in terms of his character not really working as a face and coming across a mixture of bland/disingenuous/douchey.

Miz beats Ryder after losing to him the night before.
Kevin Owens wrestles for the No1 contender spot after losing his belt to Ryder. Who then lost to the Miz.
AJ is the No1 contender beating Jericho who he lost to the night before.
Shane runs Raw. After losing his match to determine who runs Raw.
I could go on but weirdly enough it was the most promising Raw in a long time. Says everything about the WWE at the moment.

You know, I actually felt they explained all of those pretty well and made it into decent storytelling. Especially as it transitioned away from The Authority further.

Sounds like they are unsure as to whether Shane is gonna stick around, but that he gets properly involved when hes there, in with the writers etc. Hope he does stay, he seems perfect for a less hands-on GM type role.

Dolphin Ziggler wrote:Sounds like they are unsure as to whether Shane is gonna stick around, but that he gets properly involved when hes there, in with the writers etc. Hope he does stay, he seems perfect for a less hands-on GM type role.

Think that sounds like a good idea Dolphin... make the GM being on Raw a big event and something to look forward to and to pop for, especially if it is a face character - similar to the way Regal runs NXT. Other than that allow things to happen not referencing the GM and/or have video segments with them.