RAW LD April 23rd 2018 - ...In With The New

[Spidey]

https://411mania.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Roman-Reigns-Raw-22618-645x370.jpg


Tonight we see 19 of Smackdown's hand me downs try and grab a coveted spot called relevancy. Who gets lost in the shuffle? Why is Dolph and McIntyre a thing? How long can Finn Balor rock blue speedos? The answer is all year, but for the less pressing questions who knows.

Oh and GRR stuff obviously.

What? I'm not a wordsmith like FunKay. I do what I can to get by.

Let's discuss all this and more in real time.

[shafe_41]

These video packages WWE puts together in the short time they have to do so are absolutely fucking phenomenal.

[shafe_41]

So stoked I got to see that man get inducted in MSG five years ago. Easily one of the highlights of my wrestling loving life.

[BestSportsEntertainer]

Wow the champion actually showed up

[SD619]

Oh shucky ducky, Booker replaced Coach...

[Spidey]

He-Man Woman Haters Club

[BaconBits]

Wow the champion actually showed up

He looks to be in quite the good mood, too. I suppose if was being paid large sums of money by two different companies I’d be happy too.

[Spidey]

what are these five plants doin

[shafe_41]

I would be curious to know if Brock actually flies private to Saudi. But at the same time I can't see him mingling with any of the regular backstage worker folk.

[BaconBits]

What are these five plants doin

It was so hilariously obvious that they were plants.

[shafe_41]

Heyman setting Brock up to lose this match since he's touting that the cage and the whole deal is right up Brock's ally and the match is advantageous to Brock.

[Spidey]

I chuckled.

[BaconBits]

I would be curious to know if Brock actually flies private to Saudi. But at the same time I can't see him mingling with any of the regular backstage worker folk.

Supposedly heâ??s actually a fairly personable guy.

[Spidey]

Roman looks like the kind of guy that goes online to tell you how he feels about Men's Rights.



EDIT: WAIT, was that fucking it??

[BaconBits]

Roman never wears the chest protector anymore.

[BaconBits]

Roman looks like the kind of guy that goes online to tell you how he feels about Men's Rights.



EDIT: WAIT, was that fucking it??

Keeping Roman’s mic time short and sweet is for the best.

[BestSportsEntertainer]

Bruno won as many Super Bowls as Dan Marino

[smarkmouth]

Keeping Roman’s mic time short and sweet is for the best.
Short and sweet definitely does Roman favours, but it means so little when it's "right up in the face" (estimated distance 5') of the guy who whooped him literally every time. I don't know what would have been better, but the segment was pretty anticlimactic to me.

[Spidey]

Not to mention Paul Heyman turning into a Bingo card lately.

[shafe_41]

Bought Extreme Rules tix for Pittsburgh. Gonna be real salty if I don't get to see Elias and Roode.

[smarkmouth]

I love when Darrick Moore referees. He always looks so lost.

[shafe_41]

Supposedly he’s actually a fairly personable guy.

Guess it's the persona he's built with. Mission accomplished there. I just can't see him sitting next to Cena or Mojo yuckin it up. Although Lashley maybe.

[Spidey]

Sure, give us a GRR commercial during a match and completely take us out of the action. You know us better than we know ourselves, WWE.

[BaconBits]

Guess it's the persona he's built with. Mission accomplished there. I just can't see him sitting next to Cena or Mojo yuckin it up. Although Lashley maybe.

He came up with Cena. I’d guess they’re at least friendly.

[BestSportsEntertainer]

Dialing their number right now Corey

[BaconBits]

Elias winning was the right choice.

[SD619]

I feel the ending would have made more sense if Elias had his foot on the ropes...

[Slyfox696]

So Bray Wyatt, en route to becoming a superstar, somehow ended up with a crazy Matt Hardy.

Ahh, missed opportunities.

[Spidey]

Only Matt could give Ascension that round of applause.

[shafe_41]

Well I'm glad to see Bray isn't wrestling in his leather tool belt/kitchen apron anymore.

[shafe_41]

He came up with Cena. I’d guess they’re at least friendly.

No I know that. Cena/Orton/Batista, that whole crew.

Like I said... just the persona he's been built with.

[Spidey]

I ship it.

[supermatto64]

Am I thinking too much if I ask that if Sister Abigail was deleted, why Wyatt's finisher is still called Sister Abigail?

[supermatto64]

Definitely tuning in to that Bruno special.

[Skairipa]

The Sami and Kevin Show needs an audio clip of Shane moaning from the night he was attacked.

[Awesome_Miz]

I enjoyed that original piece from Sami and Kevin. But they needed some Elias to help them.

[BaconBits]

No I know that. Cena/Orton/Batista, that whole crew.

Like I said... just the persona he's been built with.

Brock might be he scariest looking human on Earth. That probably has a lot to do with his persona.

[supermatto64]

Yes, more Sami with glasses!

[BestSportsEntertainer]

Stephanie - “If there was ever a time for a “He’s got kids!” chant, it’s now”

[shafe_41]

Sami is so amazingly aggravating and annoying.

[BaconBits]

Sami is so amazingly aggravating and annoying.

Supposedly he’s that way IRL.

[Spidey]

Sethtourage!

[supermatto64]

Come on Seth, you need a little B&C Security.

[BestSportsEntertainer]

Supposedly heâ??s that way IRL.

Yeah he was talking about that on Jerichoâ??s podcast. Definitely worth listening to.

[BaconBits]

Bo and Curtis trying to get with various superstars is a storyline I could get behind.

[klunderbunker]

Egads shut up about the Greatest Royal Rumble.

[Skairipa]

Bo and Curtis looking for a new leader could be a funny story.

[Spidey]

Diet Royal Rumble: It's Not For Women

[Awesome_Miz]

I had heard Alexa was injuried which is why she missed events last week. Guess that was wrong. I feel she probably got married to Murphy. I mean they still a thing right?

[SD619]

Egads shut up about the Greatest Royal Rumble.

But, how else would you know that its free for new subscribers of the WWE Network...

[BestSportsEntertainer]

What happened to Broken Dreams?

[Spidey]

Couldn't have skipped on the record skipping, eh

[supermatto64]

They paired him with Dolph, they made his entrance music shittier than it already was, fuckin hell.

[Awesome_Miz]

You know what I would like for them to talk about when they speak of the Greatest Royal Rumble... Is the match the same as the Royal Rumble cause that will last forever.

[Spidey]

Even Titus hesitated, wondering why Dolph was selling the turnbuckle like a gunshot.

[BestSportsEntertainer]

We need a Dana cam during Titus Worldwide’s matches

[shafe_41]

I hope this breathes life back into Ziggler.

And no Corey it hasn't been 10 years since McIntyre showed up. It's been 7-8.

[BaconBits]

What happened to Broken Dreams?

Sheamus’ neck is fucked up and retirement is imminent, so Drew gonna end up being diet Sheamus.

[shafe_41]

We need a Dana cam during Titus Worldwide’s matches

Honestly... I'd like to see her be the valet for Dolph and Drew. I don't know why but I feel like she'd fit. Sort of like AJ did was Dolph and Big E.

[Awesome_Miz]

What happened to Broken Dreams?

Yes!!! I loved that theme. Was my #2 theme behind Miz's.

[BestSportsEntertainer]

Drew does that not describe Ziggler perfectly?

[Spidey]

Calm down, nether regions. Let Drew continue.

[BaconBits]

Dolph, you had Big E watching your back.

[klunderbunker]

Zigger has more new edges than the roof of a 194 sided building.

[BestSportsEntertainer]

Is Chad Gable face again?

[BestSportsEntertainer]

The dream match you never knew you wanted

[supermatto64]

Oh look, Jinder was actually funny for a moment there.

[Spidey]

O N C E I N A L I F E T I M E

[Skairipa]

I hope Gable gets a nice singles push.

[shafe_41]

I hope Gable gets a nice singles push.

If by nice singles push you mean slightly above Rhyno, then yes he'll get that. He won't be going much higher. Dude needs built in a tag team.

[BaconBits]

I hope Gable gets a nice singles push.

Lol.

[Skairipa]

If by nice singles push you mean slightly above Rhyno, then yes he'll get that. He won't be going much higher. Dude needs built in a tag team.

He's much better than Jordan, and served his time in teams. Give him a chance and the dude can be a nice midcarder for them.

[shafe_41]

He's much better than Jordan, and served his time in teams. Give him a chance and the dude can be a nice midcarder for them.

Oh you're preaching to the choir here. He's better in the ring. He's better on the stick. But Jordan has the look Vince salivates over... and that'll win every single time.

[Spidey]

Weak theme though.

[shafe_41]

Weak theme though.

Still rolling with that AA theme.

[Skairipa]

Oh you're preaching to the choir here. He's better in the ring. He's better on the stick. But Jordan has the look Vince salivates over... and that'll win every single time.

At least you see where I'm coming from. Honestly if Gable got an IC Title reign I'd be happy, don't expect him to even get close to the World Title.

[BaconBits]

“Pure white meat”

Really Book?

[Awesome_Miz]

If Chad wins this after a premature attack then I wouldn't doubt Jinder winning the US title back and having this be his feud afterwards.

[shafe_41]

“Pure white meat”

Really Book?

Quit bein' a racist ya racist Book.

[BestSportsEntertainer]

If Chad wins this after a premature attack then I wouldn't doubt Jinder winning the US title back and having this be his feud afterwards.

Yeah if Jinder loses here, I think he’s more likely to win the title. So I want him to win.

[BaconBits]

Quit bein' a racist ya racist Book.

Gimmick infringement.

[shafe_41]

At least you see where I'm coming from. Honestly if Gable got an IC Title reign I'd be happy, don't expect him to even get close to the World Title.

He just needs some sort of defining gimmick or characteristic that sets him apart. He's got nothing right now other than "I used to amateur wrestle and I was good at it."

[Spidey]

Congrats to BSE for surpassing 1,000 Likes Given on Steel Cage Forums.


https://nebula.wsimg.com/1d9456fc5121d75d3167df8326b749db?AccessKeyId=AE390 C3BA3FA36C76872&disposition=0&alloworigin=1

[klunderbunker]

He just needs some sort of defining gimmick or characteristic that sets him apart. He's got nothing right now other than "I used to amateur wrestle and I was good at it."

And that's never done anyone (especially not on this show and certainly not someone talking to Gable earlier) any good as a start.

[BaconBits]

He just needs some sort of defining gimmick or characteristic that sets him apart. He's got nothing right now other than "I used to amateur wrestle and I was good at it."

I used to amateur wrestle and I was good at it was Kurt’s gimmick, but he had the charisma to pull it off. I’m not sure Gable has “it”.

[BaconBits]

Congrats to BSE for surpassing 1,000 Likes Given on Steel Cage Forums.


https://nebula.wsimg.com/1d9456fc5121d75d3167df8326b749db?AccessKeyId=AE390 C3BA3FA36C76872&disposition=0&alloworigin=1

This thing looks like the end result of manscaping in the shower.

[shafe_41]

Yeah the longer this match goes, the more it screams Gable gets the upset win.

[Awesome_Miz]

Yeah if Jinder loses here, I think heâ??s more likely to win the title. So I want him to win.

I rather not cause the further Jinder is from a title the better we are. Unless Chad gets the title so he can feud with a returning Jason then I might okay with it.

[Skairipa]

Surprised they gave Gable the win, they're switching the midcard titles aren't they?

[BestSportsEntertainer]

Michael Cole is acting like Hogan just slammed Andre.

[shafe_41]

And that's never done anyone (especially not on this show and certainly not someone talking to Gable earlier) any good as a start.

It hasn't. Angle had the "I'm your Olympic hero and I'm better than YOU" attitude. Gable is "I was good at amateur wrestling" and it ends there.

[klunderbunker]

It hasn't. Angle had the "I'm your Olympic hero and I'm better than YOU" attitude. Gable is "I was good at amateur wrestling" and it ends there.

You haven't seen NXT have you?

[shafe_41]

I used to amateur wrestle and I was good at it was Kurt’s gimmick, but he had the charisma to pull it off. I’m not sure Gable has “it”.

Kurt took it higher though because he was THE BEST at it and he made sure you knew about that. Gable has no notable achievement that he rubs in your face like Kurt.

[BaconBits]

This is bad. Real bad.

[Spidey]

Sarah Logan came to bless their hearts

[shafe_41]

You haven't seen NXT have you?

I have. I like Gable. But he doesn't have that "thing" or that "it" that makes him stand out from anybody. Especially as a face. At least with Jordan he uses the "I'm Kurt's son" thing to at least annoy the bejesus out of you and in turn hate him. Which is obviously where things were going until the injury.

[BaconBits]

Kurt took it higher though because he was THE BEST at it and he made sure you knew about that. Gable has no notable achievement that he rubs in your face like Kurt.

What do you suggest for his gimmick then?

[shafe_41]

What do you suggest for his gimmick then?

That's why I'm not on the creative team (well... not the reason). I have no ideas for the guy either. I think he's just one of those guys that serves better in a tag team.

[Spidey]

Was that worth watching again?

[klunderbunker]

Keeping Reigns' lines short is the best thing they can do for him. He's just not good in that area.

[klunderbunker]

Was that worth watching again?

Well they haven't talked about the Rumble in five minutes. I see no other option.

[klunderbunker]

This card could be longer than Wrestlemania.

[Skairipa]

Tonight could have been a good drinking game, take a shot for every time the commentators mention the phrase "Greatest Royal Rumble".

[Spidey]

A nice looking Samoa Joe logo could have sufficed here but eh no sense pointing the obvious out anymore.

[shafe_41]

Tonight could have been a good drinking game, take a shot for every time the commentators mention the phrase "Greatest Royal Rumble".

Coulda been half in the bag in an hour.

[shafe_41]

I love Curt and Bo going to each superstar soliciting themselves. Doing this twice a night and the size of the Raw roster, they could actually make this their thing for a solid three months. Hell... I'd like to see them even approach Nia.

[Spidey]

I love Curt and Bo going to each superstar soliciting themselves.

Same. Refreshing to see some low card guys get more than one moment on the show.

[Awesome_Miz]

Bo and Curtis are going to help Miz one last time on Friday aren't they???

Also I like Finn's new shirt as well.

[BaconBits]

I love Curt and Bo going to each superstar soliciting themselves.

Would be hilarious if they ended up as Brock’s lackeys.

[smarkmouth]

So much for Balor Club being for Everyone.

[Spidey]

Okay that Anti-smoking WWE commercial was cool.

[shafe_41]

Damn... so these guys traveled around the US, went to South Africa, back to the US, and now to Saudi Arabia then back to the US after? Those are some fuggin' miles.

[Awesome_Miz]

I still don't understand how GRR has or even need a freakin' pre-show.

[shafe_41]

I still don't understand how GRR has or even need a freakin' pre-show.

There's a preshow? Did I miss them say this?
I'm actually pretty excited for this GRR. I'm off work Friday so I can watch live. And not really knowing how long this thing will last. Feels a little more authentic in a sense.

[Awesome_Miz]

There's a preshow? Did I miss them say this?
I'm actually pretty excited for this GRR. I'm off work Friday so I can watch live. And not really knowing how long this thing will last. Feels a little more authentic in a sense.

Yeah they haven't said it on live but if you check the network programming you can see it there. I'm just hating it due to the fact how long the show will be, how tired I also will be since I have to work the night before, and cause the show is the same day as the comic Con I'm going to.

[Slyfox696]

I hate the idea of putting together two guys the WWE has no idea what to do with. With that said, the idea of Braun and Lashley together is something I really like...

[klunderbunker]

More competitive than I was expecting so far.

[Skairipa]

Yeah they haven't said it on live but if you check the network programming you can see it there. I'm just hating it due to the fact how long the show will be, how tired I also will be since I have to work the night before, and cause the show is the same day as the comic Con I'm going to.

Getting any good autographs at this con?

[Skairipa]

Strowman just murdering Owens every time he gets up is great.

[shafe_41]

Braun just busted through Owens like you'd run through those cardboard bricks on Double Dare.

[Awesome_Miz]

Getting any good autographs at this con?

Hopefully Michael Rooker, Jason David Frank, and Will Friedle(Eric from Boy Meets World). I just hate they didn't get any WWE legend this year but oh well.

[klunderbunker]

These two could work as a monster team. Just don't go straight to the feud.

[Awesome_Miz]

I could go for a Lashley/Strowman tag team just ripping the tag division until their eventual split and feud.

[klunderbunker]

Owens is selling that thing like death and it made me laugh.

[SD619]

I could go for a Lashley/Strowman tag team just ripping the tag division until their eventual split and feud.

Maybe a match with AoP?

[shafe_41]

I could go for a Lashley/Strowman tag team just ripping the tag division until their eventual split and feud.

Lashley was a good heel in TNA. Wouldn't mind a heel Lashley some point down the line.

[Spidey]

We're sorry you can't fight at GGR. How about a meaningless multi-tag match to make up for it?

[Echelon]

Strowman made that tag match. Good lord. Looks like Owens banged his head on the steps after the dropkick too.

[Spidey]

THERE IS A FUCKIN LAWN GNOME YES

[Skairipa]

Hopefully Michael Rooker, Jason David Frank, and Will Friedle(Eric from Boy Meets World). I just hate they didn't get any WWE legend this year but oh well.

I got Will Friedle last year, very nice guy. He's originally from MA so we were talking about that along with BMW.

LOL No Way Jose is already gonna start jobbing.

[BaconBits]

They should just fire up the Social Outcasts again. Just put Jose in the Adam Rose role.

[shafe_41]

Well here's the start of No Way Jose's losing streak.

[BaconBits]

Well here's the start of No Way Jose's losing streak.

He sucks, so there’s that.

[shafe_41]

He's obviously going to get leveled on the ramp.

[klunderbunker]

Ah good. I was worried about both of them losing already.

[Skairipa]

Guess No Way Jose is safe for another week.

[shafe_41]

Guess No Way Jose is safe for another week.

C'mon now... you knew that wasn't going to be the whole segment.

[klunderbunker]

I still like Jose. He has charisma and size so give him something a little more serious. A haircut wouldn't hurt him either.

[shafe_41]

An Alexa Bliss PSA? This is gold.

[Spidey]

Bliss may be too good for pro wrestling.

[BestSportsEntertainer]

Oh wow Bliss is so awesome lol

[Skairipa]

I like how Bliss is making Nia out to be the bad person.

[Skairipa]

C'mon now... you knew that wasn't going to be the whole segment.

By safe I meant from losing, not from getting his ass kicked.

[supermatto64]

#momentofBliss

[SD619]

Alexa channeling her inner Eric Cartman here...

[BaconBits]

This Bliss segment is the greatest thing in the history of professional wrestling.

[klunderbunker]

Just imagine if this was anyone else doing the same thing. They'd be run off with pitchforks.

[smarkmouth]

There must have been a screaming match between whoever pitched that segment and someone really protective of the Be A STAR program.

[Awesome_Miz]

Maybe a match with AoP?
Speaking of AoP, where are they at??? I need some AoP.

Lashley was a good heel in TNA. Wouldn't mind a heel Lashley some point down the line.
I feel when he started doing his run on TNA that's when he started to actually grow as a performer for me personally.

I got Will Friedle last year, very nice guy. He's originally from MA so we were talking about that along with BMW.

LOL No Way Jose is already gonna start jobbing.

Yeah I've heard he's a nice guy as well. Im super stock to meet him as I just finished watching BMW just when he was announced to come here. Oh and he'll be coming with his co-star from Kim Possible(the voice of Kim). Can't wait to for this Friday.

[Spidey]

Seth looked like he needed pyro.

[Spidey]

And this is just sad.

[Awesome_Miz]

Seth looked like he needed pyro.

That's exactly what I thought when Lashley came out. Man a lot of these guys and gals need pyro just to set them apart a bit or add a little sparkle to their entrances.

[klunderbunker]

.....please let them try to be Hawkins' lackey. I want to hear that speech.

[BestSportsEntertainer]

*Tension intensifies*

[BaconBits]

Nia Jax is the single worst actress in history.

[Spidey]

I know she's been wearing it for a while, but I still don't know what the fuck Natalya is going for.

[smarkmouth]

Best I can tell is Mr, Sinister's cat.

[BaconBits]

I know she's been wearing it for a while, but I still don't know what the fuck Natalya is going for.

Crazy cat lady.

[Spidey]

Is that what they wear nowadays? My word.

[klunderbunker]

My goodness the silence during Natalya's entrance.

[Skairipa]

Damn, I forgot to mute my TV for Sasha's entrance so I wouldn't have to hear Michael Cole saying "IT'S BOSS TIME!". God I hate that line.

[smarkmouth]

Calling it now, homeless women making a run in.

[Spidey]

That itinerary is bloody insane.

[Awesome_Miz]

I just notice how more natural Alexa looks tonight. Which of course she pulls off excellently.

[klunderbunker]

That itinerary is bloody insane.

Crockett schedule from the holiday season in 1988ish:

Christmas Eve: Charlotte
Christmas Day: Atlanta
Day after Christmas afternoon: Minneapolis
Day after Christmas night: Greensboro
December 27: Santa Fe

[Skairipa]

Does Liv have a blue tongue again tonight?

[shafe_41]

Damn, I forgot to mute my TV for Sasha's entrance so I wouldn't have to hear Michael Cole saying "IT'S BOSS TIME!". God I hate that line.

IT'S THE BIG DAWG!!!

[smarkmouth]

Ember just seems so much more comfortable on the main stage than in NXT.

[Spidey]

WTF WWE

[klunderbunker]

You can pick anyone to get a hot tg and you pick Natalya?

[klunderbunker]

WTF WWE

Inset promo?

[Spidey]

Inset promo?

On the group that isn't going, aye.

[Skairipa]

Nattie is going back to heel within 2 weeks I'm guessing.

[klunderbunker]

On the group that isn't going, aye.

It does make thsi feel like a consolation prize.

[Skairipa]

Was that jump suppose to be impressive? She just basically fell onto them. And some fans were really starting a holy shit chant for it?

[Skairipa]

I would enjoy seeing Mickie vs Ronda. Mickie would be a great person to give her a good match and make her look great.

[BestSportsEntertainer]

Good show tonight. Not great due to length but still good.

[Spidey]

God I hope them plugging big events mid-match doesn't become normal.

[klunderbunker]

And remember kids: Mickie James is a six time Women's Champion and likely going to the Hall of Fame. She's one of the best ever and got tapped out by Rousey in about 5 seconds. Maybe she needs THIS BUSINESS IN HER BLOOD like noted armbar blocker Stephanie McMahon.

[klunderbunker]

Monday Night Raw
Date: April 23, 2018
Location: Scottrade Center, St. Louis, Missouri
Commentators: Michael Cole, Corey Graves, Booker T.

It’s both a new night for the roster as well as a go home show because April has to be the most packed month of all time. In this case we have the first night under the new roster after last week’s Superstar Shakeup, where your mileage may vary on how good of a thing that is. At the same time it’s the go home show for the Greatest Royal Rumble. Let’s get to it.

Click on the link below for the full review.

Not A GooThe Greatest Royal Rumble Is Friday!d Show (http://kbwrestlingreviews.com/2018/04/23/monday-night-raw-april-23-2018-not-a-goothe-greatest-royal-rumble-is-fridayd-show/)

[Spidey]

Yeah I'm commercially burnt out on GRR and feel no obligation to watch it now. Not to be overtly critical but Jesus what a grind tonight was.

[jmt225]

They actually have me highly interested in a Dolph Ziggler angle. Bravo WWE!

I'm really interested to see if they give Dolph and McIntyre a massive push. I certainly hope so; they're great together so far.

But, my cynical sides mostly expects WWE to blow it.

[Jack-Hammer]

They actually have me highly interested in a Dolph Ziggler angle. Bravo WWE!

I'm really interested to see if they give Dolph and McIntyre a massive push. I certainly hope so; they're great together so far.

But, my cynical sides mostly expects WWE to blow it.

I'm also interested in seeing where this goes. I thought their post match promo was something I'd LOVE to see more of on the main roster in that it got right to the point; they accomplished more in those brief couple of minutes than most 20+ minute promo segments. They didn't stand out there trying to be witty or snarky, they weren't popping off one-liners or catchphrases, they didn't spend it going on and on about how great they are and they delivered it with emotional intensity. McIntyre looked quite comfortable and confident out there, the exact opposite of what he was 10 years ago and while Ziggler may try to hard at times, I'd rather someone try too hard than not try hard enough. You can sum up what their promo was all about in a single sentence: "We're on Raw to take it over, we've got the ability to do it, so step on up and get your asses(or arses in McIntyre's case) kicked." Vince, most promo segments don't have to be 15 to 20 minutes, nor is it necessary to try cramming half the locker room into a single segment.