Raw Highlights 4-13-20
- Sean Covington
- Apr 14, 2020
- 3 min read
WWE Champion
Drew McIntyre looks fantastic as champion no matter who is in attendance. I’m not going to leave Roman Reigns alone about how he can’t connect with the WWE Universe because Drew does it effortlessly, even when they aren’t there.
Andrade is the first man to step up and what a treat because Andrade is the man who bested Drew in NXT to become champion.
To share the history of Drew and Andrade on the Hollywood brand is a big deal for a company that is always accused of not acknowledging anything is a big slap in the face of critics. I am glad that Andrade is talking more, while Drew delivers strong promos in the ring and backstage.
WMITB qualifying match
Asuka vs Ruby Riott
Asuka didn’t seem too worried about Ruby Riott because Asuka danced around for the first half of the match. Asuka still can’t be 100% or she hasn’t had opponents that bring out the best of her in a while. Given the limited roster I understand why they have to face each other I just think it should have been more build up.
VIP Lounge
Tells us about MITB qualifying matches awhile that awful song plays in the background. MVP announces the participants and names himself as one.
Sarah Logan vs Shayna Baszler
Looks like Baszler might be headed towards a collision course with Ronda Rousey, that’s certainly a seed that’s been planted. How can Sarah Logan come out like a badass and then be beat up like a chump? Raw and Heyman have done such a good job of building people up and then they do this? Come on. Shayna would be a badass regardless of how she beat Logan. Apollo Crews and Oney Lorcan took everything Aleister Black had to offer so why can’t Logan take on Baszler? I like what I see with these longer matches, don’t just let Black squash everyone in under 30 seconds.
Akira Tozawa vs Austin Theory
Commentary was exceptional during this match, with Zelina Vega delivering on the mic as usual. Theory and Tozawa put on a show with Theory winning and his teammates showing up to congratulate and gloat over Akira Tozawa’s body, adding insult to injury. Theory won this time but he’ll be losing against Aleister Black very soon.
Nia Jax is on a roll
Kairi Sane has become a glorified jobber and Nia Jax hasn’t gotten any better while she was away. It is smart to push Nia on her return but how far she goes can be problematic. I see her crossing paths and feuding with Becky sooner than we anticipated but for what it’s worth, it should be very interesting on Twitter.
Viking Raiders vs Ricochet & Cedrick Alexander
Such dynamic offense from these two teams, exactly what the program needed at this stage of the show. Viking Raiders win their return match. Both teams should get a push but I’m not sure who should get the titles.
Andrade [c] vs Drew McIntyre [c]
No games were being played from the sound of the bell. Andrade and Drew went at it and of course there were shenanigans. Drew kept the strap in a match that was worthy of any main event. Just as Drew lifted up his title in victory, Seth Rollins rushed out to Curb Stomp Drew for being a non believer.
Honorable mentions
Aleister Black fails to squash Oney Lorcan but does get the win. Aleister Black makes the interviewer look stupid and useless.
Becky delivers a great promo. The problem is her opponents just haven’t been quite strong enough.
Angel Garza destroys a jobber then his associates attack him.
Charlotte cut a damn good promo, let’s hope Io Shirai is able to deliver on the mic as well.
Bobby Lashley dominated No Way Jose while dealing with domestic issues with Lana. “A big punch” should not be the amount of offense Jose gets in.
Street Profits miss with their segment but Bianca Belair save their asses.
Final take
Now that WWE is officially deemed essential, maybe needs will keep their opinions on silent and just enjoy the product. Focus on specific talent to push with sprinkles of people you’re building up, that’s what makes a good show. This was a really good Raw. The limited roster has its advantages and we having been seeing Raw put out top notch quality content for quite some time now.
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