RAW LD, April 30th 2018 - Diving Head Long into a Backlash

[FunKay]

https://media.giphy.com/media/2YeheNa7pHNTSPH60A/giphy.gif
Lord love ya' Titus...

Well we're back in the ol US of A after that weird detour to Saudi Arabia. On the RAW side of things Braun Strowman won the Greatest Royal Rumble, breaking the elimination record in doing so and capturing a nice giant trophy and a garish green belt. Whether or not he uses this to segue into something ahead of Backlash on Sunday remains to be seen, as does the overall importance or indeed canonical nature of the GRR. One thing we know will carry over is the new RAW tag champions; the Deleter of Worlds, the Woken Lovers, whatever you want to call them, Woken Matt and Reincarnated Bray are the new champs. With the Bar's monopolisation of the tag team title scene now over, what's in store for the tag division on Monday's?

Seth Rollins managed to steal a win in his first defense of the Intercontinental Championship, literally jumping in to snatch the title from Finn Balor's grasp. Monday Night Rollins is still a thing after last week's Superstar Shakeup, but he still has to attempt to keep the gold on Monday's as he defends on Sunday versus the Miz. You just know though that Finn's not finished with the Champ as their rather low-key, months long rivalry likely rumbles on. Meanwhile Jinder Mahal was unsuccessful in trying to recapture the United States Championship...that's all I have for you on that front.

And of course the biggest of dogs, the (alleged) wank pheasant and the perennial challenger for the Universal Championship, Roman Reigns yet again came up short against Brock Lesnar, spearing the champion out of the cage and thus losing. The ending looked rubbish and there appears to be some kayfabe controversy (presumably because of the rubbish nature of the finish). So unfortunately it does appear like we may very well see the most insufferable feud of 2018 drag its carcass into and, heaven forbid, throughout the summer. But who knows? Maybe this the dawning of a new day for both Reigns and Lesnar. Can the death grip this feud has had over the jam belt be broken?

Oh and there's of course a whole bunch of build to get us to the first dual branded B-show PPV of the second brand split...

[Jack-Hammer]

I'm hoping that things will get a bit more back to normal for a while now that the GRR is over. Of course, there are reports that WWE is going back there in November so, if true, there's no telling how that impacts Survivor Series. Might as well get used to it as the GRR was the first in a 10 year deal worked out between WWE and Saudi Arabia but, to be fair, it's entirely understandable. Vince was basically treated like a foreign dignitary along with pocketing what'll probably wind out to be an insane amount of cash.

As for Backlash, I'd rather they didn't even have the show but I know that's not realistic. Don't be at all surprised if Backlash actually turns out to be a newsworthy show whereas we've been endlessly raped by WWE with promoting the GRR event, where the most memorable thing that happened was Titus' epic stumble.

[SD619]

Sadly (but as expected), it doesn't look like we are done with Brock/Roman:

https://twitter.com/chadpattonwwe/status/991074626578141185

[BaconBits]

They’re playing up the controversy angle. Fuck.

[BaconBits]

I’ve never really been a Roman hater, but seriously, it’s not working. Move on.

[Spidey]

Does he wipe his hands with his hair?? That grease.

[SD619]

"The hometown hero" Mahal...

[BaconBits]

I like Jinder.

[smarkmouth]

You think these boos are bad? Roman's going to have to deal with an apology from every fan he runs into after the show.

[klunderbunker]

The Reigns thing is sad now. In a funny way.

[Spidey]

Lol that crowd's reaction to Sami's excuse.

[BaconBits]

I can smell the hold on a minute playa a mile away.

[klunderbunker]

Owens and Sami as the awesome face tag team has potential way down the line.

[BaconBits]

If I was voting, I want all three beating the failed push right out of Roman.

[smarkmouth]

I hope this encourages them to come back to Montreal more often. I'm surprised they're doing RAW here, as the Bell Center charges big money when you go past 11.

[BestSportsEntertainer]

I hope this encourages them to come back to Montreal more often. I'm surprised they're doing RAW here, as the Bell Center charges big money when you go past 11.

One of the best crowds in a while so far

[Wildcat66]

The crowd is actually booing Braun Strowman for once...

This is going to be an interesting night.

[Spidey]

This isn't booking. This is papering.

[BaconBits]

The crowd is actually booing Braun Strowman for once...

This is going to be an interesting night.

He beat up the Canadians. That’s why the booed him. If he was beating down anybody else on the roster except for Bobby Roode, they’d be going nuts for it.

[BestSportsEntertainer]

"So Roman about that time you attempted to murder me..."

[BaconBits]

"So Roman about that time you attempted to murder me..."

They’re trying to transfer the fans’ love of Braun onto Roman. The past doesn’t matter.

[klunderbunker]

"Eh this crowd is stupid. Everyone loves Roman."

[Jack-Hammer]

Apparently, not a lotta people in Montreal watched the Greatest Royal Rumble.

[BaconBits]

Apparently, not a lotta people in Montreal watched the Greatest Royal Rumble.

It was in the middle of a work day. I don’t know how anybody with a real job watched it.

[klunderbunker]

That was anemic.

[BaconBits]

Face Bobby Roode is raw, unadulterated shit.

[SD619]

Face Bobby Roode is raw, unadulterated shit.

Other than his entrance, I really don't see anything else he does that endears him to the fans.

[BestSportsEntertainer]

Other than his entrance, I really don't see anything else he does that endears him to the fans.

Well he says glorious and wears nice looking robes and... yeah he really needs to turn heel.

[Jack-Hammer]

Face Bobby Roode is raw, unadulterated shit.

Vince feels the heel/face dynamic isn't all that important. Some fans are gonna cheer who they're gonna cheer for and boo who they're gonna boo for, but that doesn't mean it's any easier to take Roode in this role. It just doesn't suit him and it especially doesn't suit his gimmick.

[smarkmouth]

I don't get 'Glorious' for a babyface, either. It's just so gaudy and ridiculous that it only works for a heel.

[klunderbunker]

Those inset promos need to die.

[Jack-Hammer]

Good God....don't tell me this nonsense with interrupting matches to briefly hype an upcoming event is gonna be a regular thing..

[klunderbunker]

I don't get 'Glorious' for a babyface, either. It's just so gaudy and ridiculous that it only works for a heel.

It was originally offered to Shinsuke Nakamura, who didn't think it quite fit. That's the understatement of the day.

[klunderbunker]

Good God....don't tell me this nonsense with interrupting matches to briefly hype an upcoming event is gonna be a regular thing..

Well they only have three hours to plug a pay per view that is even less important after Friday. And yeah I can't stand then either.

[smarkmouth]

Can't wait for inset commercials with text vectors popping up on the buzzwords.

[BaconBits]

Vince feels the heel/face dynamic isn't all that important. Some fans are gonna cheer who they're gonna cheer for and boo who they're gonna boo for, but that doesn't mean it's any easier to take Roode in this role. It just doesn't suit him and it especially doesn't suit his gimmick.

Uber cocky heel Bobby Roode in TNA was great. Just do that with him. It’s not rocket surgery.

[Jack-Hammer]

Khakis don't suit Elias. Makes him look like a buff weekend hipster who does the preppy thing during the week.

[Spidey]

Hard to care for a match when event promos are just going to blare during it.

[BaconBits]

Khakis don't suit Elias. Makes him look like a buff weekend hipster who does the preppy thing during the week.

Probably got more flex in em than jeans.

[klunderbunker]

Uber cocky heel Bobby Roode in TNA was great. Just do that with him. It’s not rocket surgery.

Neither is Roman Reigns but it's moved on to quantum mechanics at this point.

[Jack-Hammer]

Roode as a cocky babyface works fine, Roode as an asshole heel works fine. What Roode is doing now is just....well....it's just there.

[klunderbunker]

Wait.

Backlash starts at 8 and is running 4 hours.

THE REGULAR PAY PER VIEWS ARE GOING TO MIDNIGHT EVERY TIME NOW TOO???

[smarkmouth]

Roode's current persona, if given to a rookie who has little backstory or in ring history, would be excusable at best.

[BaconBits]

Wait.

Backlash starts at 8 and is running 4 hours.

THE REGULAR PAY PER VIEWS ARE GOING TO MIDNIGHT EVERY TIME NOW TOO???

Gotta get both brands get all their shit in. Be lucky it’s not five hours every month.

[Jack-Hammer]

Now that Roode is "hurting", why not have Elias come out and beat the crap out of him? Yell at a referee or two to get the hell out of his way, knock Roode around a bit, maybe hit his finisher outside the ring and end things with a nice guitar shot to the back? But yeah....I guess a slightly smarmy comment is just as good....

[smarkmouth]

Wait.

Backlash starts at 8 and is running 4 hours.

THE REGULAR PAY PER VIEWS ARE GOING TO MIDNIGHT EVERY TIME NOW TOO???

https://uproxx.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/tumblr_m5d3txu9q51rvs1mmo1_500.gif?w=650&h=488

[Spidey]

That was cool of Elias not to injure Roode further. He even took the time to do the ring announcer's job, who I assume is incompetent. Nice guy.

[klunderbunker]

Gotta get both brands get all their shit in. Be lucky it’s not five hours every month.

Or start it at seven so fans aren't getting home at 1am for an east coast show.

[BaconBits]

Or start it at seven so fans aren't getting home at 1am for an east coast show.

That makes sense to me.

[Jack-Hammer]

Yay!!!!! Jobbers are gonna die!!!!!!!!!!!

[BaconBits]

That was cool of Elias not to injure Roode further. He even took the time to do the ring announcer's job, who I assume is incompetent. Nice guy.

Elias is an asshole, but not a jerk.

[BaconBits]

Wait, isnâ??t one of the AoP a Canadian?

[Spidey]

Most French Canadianiest names of all time.

[smarkmouth]

Wait, isn’t one of the AoP a Canadian?

Yup, Rezar

[smarkmouth]

BIG MAGIC 3.0! FUCK YEAH!

[BaconBits]

Yup, Rezar

Actually it’s Akam. I just checked.

[smarkmouth]

Actually it’s Akam. I just checked.

Dammit, I was like 80% sure.

[SD619]

This RAW is missing Cesaro...He can speak 5 languages

[smarkmouth]

Scott Parker (the smaller) and Big Magic (beard) are really fun to watch. Magic should have brought his security.

[Jack-Hammer]

Vince is taking some credit for some of the progressive measures huh? Took him a little longer than I figured.

[Jack-Hammer]

BTW, does anyone know if the Guacamole Championship presented to Strowman is going to play a part in any sort of angle or was it just a trophy that Strowman could take home?

[Jack-Hammer]

Awww c'mon Seth, don't pull the Cena-esque platitudes. You're better than that.

[BaconBits]

BTW, does anyone know if the Guacamole Championship presented to Strowman is going to play a part in any sort of angle or was it just a trophy that Strowman could take home?

Probably just a souvenir. But would be good for a TV championship that could be defended every week. I tend to think there’d be way less people whining about Brock’s reign if there was a TV championship.

[mooseman]

its awesome when a wrestler is genuinely in awe and appreciation of a crowd response and thats Rollins right now. Awesome!

[klunderbunker]

But remember: Reigns is who people want to see.

[smarkmouth]

BTW, does anyone know if the Guacamole Championship presented to Strowman is going to play a part in any sort of angle or was it just a trophy that Strowman could take home?
Strowman will defend it in the 18 man Survivor Series Match in November.

[BaconBits]

But remember: Reigns is who people want to see.

The greatest moment of the Roman push will be when he finally gets his hands on the title and the crowds shits all over it more than they’ve ever shit on anything before.

[Spidey]

He's over like yesterday damn

[Jack-Hammer]

Jesus....how many more times are Rollins and Balor gonna have to beat these two?

[BaconBits]

This would be like the social outcasts, but less funny and more ass kicking.

[Jack-Hammer]

There ya' go!! Enough of this buddy buddy, I respect you bullshit!!!

[Spidey]

shit yeah four horsemen my dudes

[BaconBits]

Miztourage should just be Elias’ roadies.

[Wildcat66]

It's official: Titus O'Neil's career is over. No way does he recover from tripping in front of the entire world. Especially not after the commentators still find it funny a few days after the fact.

Not that i'm complaining or anything, you gotta milk it for what it's worth.

[mooseman]

I hope the Titus trip becomes a video we see often but at the same time I hope they don't try to go storyline with it and make him a stumbling goof

[BestSportsEntertainer]

I hope the Titus trip becomes a video we see often but at the same time I hope they don't try to go storyline with it and make him a stumbling goof

It was hilarious the first time, but it’s gonna get old fast if he keeps doing it.

[Spidey]

Titus was a klutz before the trip. Now it has a spotlight. Hell if anything this helps his career. He's more memorable now anyways.

[Jack-Hammer]

I like that they've been holding off on Bayley vs. Sasha.

[Jack-Hammer]

Titus was a klutz before the trip. Now it has a spotlight. Hell if anything this helps his career. He's more memorable now anyways.

Titus' trip is the single most memorable thing about his entire career. They might as well try to milk it.

[Spidey]

They're retconning the whole locker room tussle???

[SD619]

Not that i'm complaining or anything, you gotta milk it for what it's worth.

There is a Titus Slide T-Shirt:

https://twitter.com/titusoneilwwe/status/991097618251026432?s=21

[Jeff Deliverer of Mail]

Good ol Canadian wrestling crowd.

[Spidey]

We're upset about inset promos and text promos when wrestlers watch TV from the oddest fucking angles since forever.

[smarkmouth]

I know guilty parties are retired, fired, or not usually on the air, but I'm still expecting a "You Screwed Bret" chant.

[BaconBits]

Why is this match still going on?

[Spidey]

Wait wrestlers can step into the ring while a match is going on without a DQ call? Huh.

[mooseman]

Why do I get the feeling these "Moments of Bliss" are real stories with a heel twist on them lol

[TheManTheyCalledNorCal]

Moments of bliss are for the champions

[BaconBits]

Alexa Bliss again wins RAW.

[BestSportsEntertainer]

Wait wrestlers can step into the ring while a match is going on without a DQ call? Huh.

I’m pretty sure they can as long as they don’t contact any of the wrestlers involved.

[Spidey]

"It's a cup. You just sit...in a cup."



Give her an Emmy already.

[BestSportsEntertainer]

I’m already sick of this

[klunderbunker]

More proof that you can't script comedy like this. Titus' was hilarious because it wasn't supposed to happen. When WWE scripts it that way, it almost never works.

[Jeff Deliverer of Mail]

Didn't see the event, must've been pretty shitty when all I hear about is this mega trip to the ring.

[TheManTheyCalledNorCal]

TITUS WORLD SLIIIIDDEE

[Spidey]

Titus Worldwide is the light we need in this world.

[Wildcat66]

Aw, isn't it so cute that Bray and Matt are sharing catchphrases now?

[Spidey]

Hilarious

[Jeff Deliverer of Mail]

Now that's what a nice trophy looks like, take note Plastic Andre Trophy and Plastic Barbie Woman's Battle Royale Trophy.

[SD619]

Damn! Jinder is bigger than Lashley...

[klunderbunker]

Do wrestling fans have such short attention span tahtt hey need something to watch during a chinlock?

[BestSportsEntertainer]

Roman should turn heel by spoiling Infinity War

[Jeff Deliverer of Mail]

Even though Braun is a face, I'd like to see him bean Roman with a fastball swivel chair throw just for old times sake.

[BestSportsEntertainer]

Coach is easily the worst commentator in WWE

[Jeff Deliverer of Mail]

Coach is easily the worst commentator in WWE

Ya I don't see the point of him being there. Corey and Cole would be fine as a two man team.

[BaconBits]

Ya I don't see the point of him being there. Corey and Cole would be fine as a two man team.

He makes Cole more tolerable. I think that’s the reason he’s there.

[klunderbunker]

It's almost like having your talent break their necks traveling around the world (including flying from Saudi Arabia to New York and then driving six hours to Montreal), leaving them so tired that they have to do a bunch of tag matches is a bad idea.

[SD619]

Ya I don't see the point of him being there. Corey and Cole would be fine as a two man team.

Are you saying that you don't like his word of the hour :rollingeyes:

[Jeff Deliverer of Mail]

So they revived Adam Rose's old gimmick, that worked so well last time.

[BaconBits]

So they revived Adam Rose's old gimmick, that worked so well last time.

I don’t think Jose is a drug addicted wife beater, so there’s that.

[Wildcat66]

So they revived Adam Rose's old gimmick, that worked so well last time.

Technically No Way Jose was like Adam Rose for a time in NXT, so he's not really that much different from there.

[klunderbunker]

And of course.

[Wildcat66]

No Way Jose is better than Baron Corbin tbh.

[BestSportsEntertainer]

You can’t recreate something like that.

[Jeff Deliverer of Mail]

Corey looks like he has a loaf of bread on top of his head.

[BaconBits]

Corey looks like he has a loaf of bread on top of his head.

Hipsters gonna hipster.

[Slyfox696]

So they revived Adam Rose's old gimmick, that worked so well last time.Okay, so Adam Rose didn't come back? I just caught the tail end of the segment and was confused.

[Jeff Deliverer of Mail]

This is the main event. This is why I'm going back to PPVs only after this. Nevermind

[Jeff Deliverer of Mail]

They picked the worst still images for Carmella and Charlotte for Backlash, both look goofy as hell.

[jmt225]

Damn fine main event.

Monday Night Rollins!

[Wildcat66]

I'm convinced that Seth and Finn can never have a bad match. These are those types of people that can fight forever and still be entertaining to watch.

[klunderbunker]

Monday Night Raw
Date: April 30, 2018
Location: Bell Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Commentators: Michael Cole, Corey Graves, Jonathan Coachman

It’s the fallout show from the Greatest Royal Rumble but also the go home show for Backlash. The pay per view’s card is starting to come together but you can imagine how fast they’ll be adding things tonight and tomorrow. It’s hard to say where we’re going from here but Money in the Bank is already on the horizon. Let’s get to it.

Click on the link below for the full review.

Is It Nap Time Yet? (http://kbwrestlingreviews.com/2018/04/30/monday-night-raw-april-30-2018-is-it-nap-time-yet/)

[Lee]

"It's a cup. You just sit. In a cup"