WWE Raw: Results, Highlights, Analysis, and Grades for April 23

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Jinder Mahal (w/ Sunil Singh) vs. Chad Gable

Result: Chad Gable defeated Jinder Mahal via pinfall

Rating: 2.0 out of 5 stars

Before the match, Singh distracts Gable, allowing the Maharaja to launch a sneak attack. Gee, I wonder if Gable will be able to come back when all is said and done?

For the vast majority of the match, Jinder just beat the stuffing out of Gable. Any time Chad started to get something going, he ran into a big boot, or an elbow smash, or the floor. And even though the whole crowd wasn’t particularly loud, there was a pocket in there chanting for Gable.

Trouble is, that same pocket was chanting “USA” a whole bunch, which proves WWE still has a long way to go when it comes to building rivalries while avoiding the “evil heel” stereotype. It may have been the go-to all the way through the 1980s, and even into the 90s, but in 2018 it’s passé. Let’s try something different.

And, hey hey, look at that — Gable managed to avoid the Khallas and catch Jinder with a crucifix for a surprise victory. Poor Jinder: last year he was glorified enhancement talent on Raw, and was sent to SmackDown in the Superstar Shake-up. He went on to become WWE Champion, and now that he’s back on Raw? 0-2, and getting inside his head. Yeesh.

Riott Squad

Good for Sarah Logan, slowing down and enunciating a bit. See, a little time is all you need to fix things. But the star here is Ruby Riott, making the most of every opportunity she’s gotten.