It is now a tradition that Monday Night Raw has become a huge event on its own. Raw after WrestleMania has become the biggest one of its kind of the year. It is a time for new storylines, revenge, and settling scores. This year was no different. But did the WWE Universe witness the greatest episode of Raw ever? The show has run for thirty-plus years on a weekly basis. The fans were glued to their screens all night, and the ones who were in attendance were on the edge of their seats. What happened that has the WWE Universe buzzing?
The Raw After Mania Recap
The Monday Night Raw after WrestleMania 41 kicked off with the new record-breaking 17-time champion John Cena. Cena acknowledged being the GOAT of professional wrestling. He was able to get everything off his chest and tell the fans exactly how he feels about all of them. Cena was then visited by an old rival, Randy Orton, who happened to be hiding under the ring. Orton delivered an RKO “out of nowhere” to the 17-time champ, setting up a feud leading up to Backlash.
WWE fans also witnessed history as Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez regained their Women’s Tag Team Championships for a 4th time. The team would defeat their WrestleMania opponents 24 hours after dropping their titles. If that wasn’t shocking enough, Becky Lynch, who made her return the night before to team up with Lyra Valkyria as her mystery partner, would turn on the Women’s Intercontinental Champion. Lynch would attack Lyra, leaving her lying in the ring after the match.
Speaking of the Judgement Day, Liv’s onscreen boyfriend, Dominik Mysterio, would defend his newly won Intercontinental Championship against Penta. Penta would put on a good fight but would fall short after the return of JD McDonagh. McDonagh would help fellow Judgement Day member Mysterio retain his IC belt. We would then see the group celebrate. Finn Balor could be seen being hesitant and eyeing the title but ultimately joined the celebration.
Rusev Returns to Raw
Speaking of returns, the WWE Universe witnessed the arrival of Rusev! Rusev made his return to the company after years of absence. The former United States Champion would attack Alpha Academy, Otis, and Tozawa, reminding the WWE fans how ruthless and aggressive he can be. Alpha Academy did not experience a very happy Rusev Day!
Otis and Tozawa weren’t the only ones who were victims of an unexpected attack on Monday. A pissed off Gunther, would take his frustrations out first on Michael Cole then violently choking Pat McAfee. McAfee would make the save for Cole, but would then be the focal point of the attack. Gunther couldn’t have been happy with the Jey Uso celebration with brothers Jimmy and Sami Uso.
Of course, it wouldn’t be the Raw after Mania without a surprise appearance from a top NXT superstar. The NXT Women’s Champion, Stephanie Vaquer, would arrive to challenge Raw Women’s Champion Iyo Sky. Vaquer and Sky would put on the match of the night. The fans would express their feelings, not wanting the match to end. These two put on an absolute clinic.
Paul Heyman would then accompany his newest client, Seth Rollins, to the ring to give an explanation on his WrestleMania 41 actions. To no one’s surprise, CM Punk and Roman Reigns would interrupt. Both of them wanted revenge on the Wiseman, with Reigns delivering a Superman Punch to Heyman. As things looked gray for the new alliance, Bron Breakker appeared from nowhere, spearing both the Tribal Chief and the Best in the World. It was then revealed that Breakker would align himself with Rollins and Heyman, making an incredible trio!
Final Thoughts
The Raw after WrestleMania has taken on an aura of its own over the past couple of decades. Massive returns and swerves are always expected to create new storylines and feuds. Did the WWE Universe witness the greatest episode of Raw ever? It is definitely up there!
The amount of returns, action, and surprises were amazing! The pairing of Seth Rollins and Bron Breakker was something no one saw coming. It was a shock to all, and it will make for some intriguing stories to come. Breakker was expected to be pushed into the next level, and the alliance with Paul Heyman and Seth Rollins could shoot him into the stratosphere!
