WWE Raw Results: Highlights, Analysis, and Grades for May 1

Bayley, Sasha Banks, Mickie James, & Dana Brooke vs. Alexa Bliss, Emma, Nia Jax, & Alicia Fox

Result: Alexa Bliss, Emma, Nia Jax, & Alicia Fox defeated Bayley, Sasha Banks, Mickie James, & Dana Brooke via pinfall

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

The match was literally a tale of two segments. Before the mid-match commercial, it was a babyface extravaganza. Everyone got some good work in, even Dana Broke. It was the best she’s looked on the main roster in a long time, if not ever. The incorporation of a more gymnastic style of offense is a great idea, because Dana’s big hook is her athleticism.

But as soon as Alicia Fox threw Sasha to the outside and Raw rolled on, the heels took over. It was a shame that most of Nia’s time in the ring happened during the commercial break, but I get it – probably hoping she didn’t almost kill anyone again, like Charlotte a few weeks back.

I love the way Alexa Bliss is the smartest coward right now – she refuses to enter the ring against a fresh Bayley to start the match, but once things are squarely in her team’s favor here she comes to take on Sasha.

But it was the finish that really shines a light on how good Alexa is. It comes down to Alexa and Bayley – as it should – when everyone else ends up outside the ring. Bayley is rolling, but Alexa shows that she studied her Austin Aries tapes with a thumb to the eye. A vicious DDT later – hello, callback to Payback – and Bliss proves she’s no fluke.

Great things from the entire division tonight, with more likely on the horizon.