WWE Raw: Results, Highlights, Analysis, and Grades for April 16
By Bryan Heaton
Photo Source: WWE.com via Twitter
Mandy Rose (w/ Sonya Deville) vs. Natalya
Result: Natalya defeated Mandy Rose via submission
Rating: 1.75 out of 5 stars
It’s kind of weird that Absolution is still using Paige’s theme song on Raw, especially with their former (?) leader serving as SmackDown General Manager. That in and of itself really makes me think Rose and Deville are heading to Tuesday nights.
The match is short, and not great. It is what it is, you know? A longtime veteran up against a relative rookie, two superstars who haven’t had the opportunity to cross paths too much due to being on opposite brands. The Sharpshooter, in particular, looked a little wonky in the application.
When you MESS with one of @RondaRousey's friends, you MESS with @RondaRousey! @SonyaDevilleWWE just learned that the hard way... #RAW @WWE_MandyRose @NatByNature pic.twitter.com/Xb2E8kaNZW
— WWE (@WWE) April 17, 2018
But the real story in this match is what happened after the bell. Deville joined the fray to assault Natalya, and a two on one beatdown led to Ronda Rousey coming down to even the odds. Absolution bailed pretty quickly, but Deville came back in to challenge Rousey.
It wasn’t very effective. Rousey took her down with ease, and assisted Natalya to the back. But if you’re not already picturing the moment Natalya turns on Rousey, you should watch more professional wrestling.
He's bringing the darkness. He's bringing the thunder...to Monday Night #RAW!#SuperstarShakeup @BaronCorbinWWE pic.twitter.com/oEGhiyRL3X
— WWE (@WWE) April 17, 2018
Lone Wolf Comes to Mondays
Baron Corbin is announced as the newest member of the Raw roster. Now, all we got was a video package of Corbin, rather than a backstage or in-ring segment. Considering all SmackDown superstars were backstage at Raw, there’s really no reason for Corbin to not appear for the live crowd. This is a weird one, but I’m probably looking too far into this one.