WWE Raw Grades: Ricochet and Rhea Ripley are on the rise

Drew McIntyre vs. Mojo Rawley [Grudge Match]

Result: Drew McIntyre wins in record time

Grade: 2.5/5.0 Stars

Before he wrestled with Mojo Rawley, Drew McIntyre said on the mic that Brock Lesnar is apprehensive of the ‘Sexy’ Scotsman, which explains his attack from behind on last week’s Raw. He promised that he will kick Brock Lesnar’s head off at WWE WrestleMania 36. He almost forgot Mojo Rawley and promised Rawley that this match will be end in three seconds. The bell rings, Drew McIntyre delivers a Claymore and pins Rawley for the 1-2-3.

Analysis: It’s a good thing that this match ended as quickly as Drew McIntyre predicted, especially since the WWE Universe knew who was winning. The promo by McIntyre was quite basic but amusing when he addressed Mojo Rawley.

Too bad it was not for the 24/7 Championship. A backstage interview then shows Seth Rollins promising that McIntyre won’t have to worry about Lesnar because he will be taking the WWE Championship from Lesnar once he wins the number one contender’s match tonight. Next up: Kevin Owens and Viking Raiders vs. Buddy Murphy and Authors of Pain!

Kevin Owens and Viking Raiders vs. Buddy Murphy and Authors of Pain [Elimination 6-Man Tag]

Result: Buddy Murphy and Authors of Pain prevail; Rezar is the sole survivor

Grade: 4.0/5.0 Stars

Seth Rollins delivered a Curb Stomp to Erik from The Viking Raiders outside the ring, allowing Buddy Murphy to pin Erik for the three-count and eliminate him from the match. Meanwhile, Ivar accidentally delivered a running crossbody to the billboard on the ring apron and injured his shoulder, thereby taking himself out of the match.

Kevin Owens was all alone against Buddy Murphy and Authors of Pain. Kevin Owens delivered a Pop Up Powerbomb to Buddy Murphy for the three-count and the elimination. Kevin Owens quickly delivered a Stunner to Akam for the three-count and the elimination.

Kevin Owens and Rezar were the final two in this match. Rezar delivered two chokeslams to Owens for the three-count and the victory, thanks to some key interference from Seth Rollins at ringside.

Analysis: It was good in-ring psychology to screw Kevin Owens in this match when pertaining to his tag team partners. Last week, Samoa Joe got concussed and had to leave him alone in this match. This week, Ivar was unable to compete and had to leave him alone again after Erik already got eliminated. Both resulted in Owens losing the match.

However, Owens put an amazing performance in defeat and still looked like the winner, especially with a standing ovation from the crowd after the match. Ricochet is then interviewed backstage by Charly Caruso in addressing his chances at winning the upcoming triple threat #1 Contender’s Match for Brock Lesnar’s WWE Championship.