WWE Raw: Results, Highlights, Analysis, and Grades for April 16

Photo Source: WWE.com via Twitter

Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn, The Miz, Bo Dallas, & Curtis Axel vs. Braun Strowman, Finn Balor, Bobby Lashley, Seth Rollins, & Bobby Roode

Result: Braun Strowman, Finn Balor, Bobby Lashley, Seth Rollins, & Bobby Roode defeated Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn, The Miz, Bo Dallas, & Curtis Axel via pinfall

Rating: 3.25 out of 5 stars

Before the match, three superstars were announced as headed to Raw via Twitter: Mojo Rawley, Zack Ryder, and Mike Kanellis. Then the mystery fifth partner for the babyfaces was Bobby Roode, which made the most sense of all the names it could have been, but was still a bit disappointing. But really, who else could have made their Raw debut? Nakamura isn’t going anywhere, and god help me if it would have been Nicholas. Any other superstars jumping brands would either be former Raw superstars (Orton, Cena, etc.) or heel (Andrade Almas).

As most multi-man matches are, this one was wildly chaotic. Roode introduced himself to the Monday night crowds fairly well. Lashley looked great in his first WWE match in a decade. The Miz played off his “grand finale” to perfection. Honestly, no one looked bad in this one.

But no one was more over than Braun Strowman. It is awesome to see a guy who has done literally everything asked of him, but so much better than could have been expected. Strowman is a once-in-a-generation talent, and I for one can’t wait until he picks up a championship for more than 24 hours.

I don’t necessarily agree with Dallas and Axel turning on The Miz at the end of the match. Instead, I prefer to look at it like they just didn’t want to tag in to face Strowman, and not “we hate Miz now.” It may not be right, but that’s my story, and I’ll keep it, thank you very much.

In the end, Strowman pinned the Miz after powerslamming him straight into Tuesday nights. Everyone got their chance to shine a bit, and the new Raw superstars have me excited for the future. Except Jinder and Zack Ryder, that’s just… not great.

Next: Should Finn Balor Be Traded To SmackDown?

What did you think about WWE Raw this week? Who are you glad to see joining the brand after the Superstar Shake-up?