Raw Quick Takes 4/12/21

Riddle lobbies for a match with Lashley. Riddle is no dummy, he pushes buttons and gets as physical as anyone can get while putting himself into a Championship situation.

Lashley vs Riddle

No one better than Riddle to take punishment. I thought there would be more to things but it was pretty much just Matt Riddle taking a beating.

Viking Raiders vs Cedrick Alexander & Shelton Benjamin

Big return for the tag team division as well as Monday Night Raw. Raiders win, told a great story of getting back on track and back in the win column. They should probably have a long feud with the champs, eventually dethroning them at Summerslam.

Asuka vs Rhea Ripley

Before we get started, Ms. Charlotte has a few words for everyone. The queen is back and everyone shall bow a knee. If Charlotte can get a couple of loyal subjects then this gimmick can go really far. I think when Charlotte had Dana Brooke by her side, she was at her best.

Now onto the match

Charlotte interfered and we are grateful that she did. This rematch wasn’t clicking. There were a few times where they just didn’t have a plan and the match fell apart. I sense a triple threat coming.

A special Miz TV

Miz TV has a special guest, Maryse joins Miz and Morrison to promote the season premiere of Miz & Mrs. Miz takes credit for bad Bunny looking great at Wrestlemania like a true heel; Damian Priest didn’t like that and challenged Miz on the spot. Maryse helps Miz win while during a comedy spot but the big takeaway is that they are teasing a Miz and Morrison breakup.

Mandy & Dana vs Nia[c] & Shayna[c]

The champs laugh backstage at Mandy’s slip at Wrestlemania and Dana and Mandy attack Nia; couldn’t have looked more phony. Dana and Mandy just walked out?! What the fuck is this? Why would they go through the trouble of challenging the champs in a badass way just to look like chumps and leave the match?

Here comes a new challenger

MVP hypes up Drew while Drew interrupts, followed by Braun, then Randy Orton. Adam Pearce makes a match that will mainevent the show. Winner gets Lashley at the next PPV. I like the idea of this match but I really would have liked to see some new faces step up, maybe even Ali.

Braun vs Randy vs Drew

Winner gets a shot at Bobby Lashley at Wrestlemania Backlash, stupid name but makes sense. The match was pretty good. Mace and T Bar attack Drew after the match and MVP looks on from the ramp as the show ends.

Honorable mentions

1. Adnan Virk really starts with sports like feel

2. Saxton really stepped up his game as well.

3. Alexa promo sets up intrigue and introduces a new character.

4. Firefly Funhouse

5. New Day vs Elias & Ryker. New Day feel very old sometimes but they are still very much over.

Final take

This Raw was terrible, everything was off. They are going to have to win people back with this shit performance. I believe there are far more changes than we know backstage and that is the reason for the Dynamite level production and performance quality of this episode of Raw.

#peacock #BobbyLashley #mizampmorrison #MattRiddle #WWE #Wrestlemania