SPOTLIGHTED PODCAST ALERT (YOUR ARTICLE BEGINS A FEW INCHES DOWN)...
RAW PREVIEW
MAY 1, 2017
SACRAMENTO, CALIF. AT GOLDEN 1 CENTER
By Joey Galizia (@RamJam89), PWTorch contributor
“DO YOU BLEED? YOU WILL”
Braun Strowman continues to be underestimated. After weeks of destroying rings, pounding luchadores into oblivion, and preaching to the WWE Universe that he would leave Roman Reigns in a pool of his own blood, there was still some doubt in the air because of who Roman Reigns is and the obstacles he’s overcome in the past. That all changed on Sunday in San Jose, when Braun not only defeated The Big Dawg, but may have shelved him for some time with internal injuries. (Kayfabe obvi) Now the monster among men will aim his rage at The Beast Brock Lesnar, and the red brands top prize, the Universal Championship. Lesnar won’t be appearing tonight in Sacramento, but Braun surely is. Wonder what General Manager Kurt Angle will do to keep him occupied.
“NO HOPE FOR COLOR. ALL THE LOVE FOR THE WICKED.”
History made in San Jose: Alexa Bliss becomes the first superstar to hold both the Smackdown and Raw Women’s Championship after she defeated Bayley in her hometown as clean as a whistle. While the booking of the finish leaves me slightly irritated considering their mishandling of the Bayley character, the match was extremely entertaining. It also means that we get more “Five Feet of Fury” screen time on Monday nights which is exciting because that’s where Bliss really excels. However, we know the WWE. A championship rematch will be coming. Could be tonight, could be at the next PPV. Only time will tell.
“SHAKEN, STIRRED, BROKEN.”
Well this is interesting. Last night after Matt and Jeff successfully defended their prized tag team gold against Cesaro & Sheamus they received a vicious beatdown from their opponents that left Jeff Toothless and Matt busted open. For the last couple weeks the Hardys have gotten the better of the Europeans in singles matchups, but the teams exchanged a friendly handshake out of respect. BUT THREE LOSSES IN A ROW TWERE FAR TOO MANY FOR OLE SHEAMUSARO. (Cesheamus?) I’m no prophet, but could this brutal attack on the Hardys have them feeling….broken? Raw will be worth watching tonight just because of this angle.
“A CROWD OF CHALLENGERS. A MESS OF FLAVOR.”
–The pre-show kicked Payback off with a banger of a MizTV segment. His guest Finn Balor is ready to recapture his Universal Championship. The Universal Championship that he never lost to begin with. Miz started running his mouth and got an Irish stomping because of it. This feud works wonders for me. Balor is in need of a worthy opponent to restart his momentum, and The Miz has proven that he can make any segment gold.
-Seth Rollins was able to outlast The Destroyer. With the Universal Title scene starting to get a little crowded, perhaps they extend this feud out a little longer?
-Enzo & Cass finally overcame The Club and got a notch in the win column. The Realest Guys will always be entertaining, but they have yet to be involved in a conflict that really pushes their characters to something memorable. Hopefully this happens soon.
-Dean Ambrose didn’t even compete at Payback and I’m sure he isn’t too happy about it. It seemed at first he would continue his beef with the Miz but Bray Wyatt is currently without a challenger. All that’s old is new again?
-Austin Aries and Neville had another fantastic bout that ended in DQ. Neville attacked the referee and left the ring with his tail between his legs because even The King knew that he wasn’t walking away a winner on this night, but at least he still gets to walk away as champion. If only the next Raw special could push this feud to the extreme…
Sacramento should be in for a good show tonight. You watching?
NOW CHECK OUT LAST WEEK’S ARTICLE: RAW PRIMER: It’s not the size of the dog in the fight except it is, oh the House of Horrors, Little Miss Bliss, TJP, Hardys
What happens to Kevin Owens? Does he go back to RAW? Does he get a rematch tonight or Tuesday on Smackdown? We know Jericho is leaving so who get’t the US Title now? Owens or a new name. Love to see Corbin take it from Jericho. He is overdue for a title reign. Let’s see what he can do as champion.