WWE Raw: Results, Highlights, Analysis, and Grades for April 30

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Mickie James (w/ Alexa Bliss) vs. Natalya (w/ Ronda Rousey)

Result: Natalya defeated Mickie James via pinfall

Rating: 1.5 out of 5 stars

Both superstars in this one were nursing injuries suffered last week: Natalya had a bum knee, and Mickie was still feeling the effects of a Ronda Rousey armbar. They also each had backup just in case: Mickie had Alexa Bliss, as per usual, and Nattie brought Rousey with her.

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The match wasn’t really much of anything, because it only served as a backdrop to everything else happening at ringside. You had Bliss trying to help out Mickie, only for Rousey to chase her around ringside. Then Nia Jax came down after the match, and Bliss ran away. Don’t forget Nia entering the ring to stare down Rousey and Nattie, before raising their arms in victory.

I still think before long, Natalya and Rousey will become bitter enemies. Now, I don’t doubt they’re longtime acquaintances, but the story kind of came out of nowhere. If it’s not actually leading to a feud, why bring it up at all? Or, why put so much focus on it, I guess I should say?

It seems like many of the stories in WWE (on Raw at least) are in holding patterns until Backlash is done. Roman Reigns can’t really do anything until he faces (loses to) Samoa Joe. Some titles are up for grabs in cross-brand matches. Once Nia is done with Bliss, the women’s division can continue moving forward.