The title says it all, doesn’t it? It’s another RAW in a Nutshell, and this time it’s all about WrestleMania Backlash.
As much as I dislike the conjoined mess of a name, it is what it is…and it’s next!
Well, not quite next…but it is our next PPV, and it happens Sunday.
And, since it is the next PPV, that makes this RAW, and this Nutshell, the go-home show.
Yep, this is your go-home RAW in a Nutshell. This week is all about WrestleMania Backlash.
Meaning we have plenty of hype left to get to. Matches left to be made, stipulations set to be added.
Every last little bit should be all geared toward WrestleMania Backlash. It may not be, but it should be.
So, we repeat that headline, just in case you missed it.
It’s time for RAW In A Nutshell: It’s All About WrestleMania Backlash
Let’s crack open this Nutshell and see what unfolds!
Best Match of the night:
Only two struck a good note with me.
Priest and Morrison, because I am hoping for a big Priest push.
The main event, because it did build up the biggest match from RAW for Sunday.
Worst match of the night:
Too many options on the go-home RAW in a Nutshell. It might have been all about WrestleMania Backlash…but it wasn’t all about good matches.
The eight man tag? Wasn’t much, and I don’t feel it served much purpose other than filler.
Sure, Orton is still Orton. But with seven other Superstars, WWE couldn’t hide that Omos is still super green.
Hardy and Mahal wasn’t good either. Jinder looked rusty and had a really bad looking punch of note.
I am sure I am leaving a few out…
Star of the Night
Tough call for this one. The way the show ended, you’d think they were pushing Braun Strowman pretty much to the moon.
I don’t see Strowman winning on Sunday…but…he was a top story by the close of the show.
Spot of the Night:
Not many worth remembering. However, they did save the biggest and best for the end of the show.
Braun Strowman’s running power slam of Bobby Lashley through the barrier.
Even though we all know those things are rigged to fall over a bit easier…the visual is still fine.
Not unlike the cage spot Chris Jericho just took.
Jobber of the Night:
Jeff Hardy.
Kind of sad to see this happen, if indeed Hardy is merely to be used as a glorified enhancement talent now.
Probably makes him start counting down the days till he can escape…and maybe reunite with his brother in AEW.
Holy Sh** Moment of the Night:
Well, I guess we could say that Jinder is finally back? Otherwise…not much really.
And with Mahal, it barely counts.
His return was telegraphed with his TV taping last week. With him being shown as being on the RAW Talk later, timing was off as it kind of spoiled his showing up later on RAW.
I could even argue that, if WWE wanted him to be more impactful or seen as a threat…there would have been better ways to bring him back.
Botch of the night:
OK, I didn’t pay enough attention last week, because Eva Marie returning does not move the needle. Anyone who remembers how bad she was in her last run likely has low expectations.
Well, I watched the vignettes…and man, that car looked bad.
I suppose maybe it was some manner of filter or bokeh…but a shiny show car like that should not have headlights that look as cloudy as a 15 year old beater.
Maybe it was more an annoyance than a botch…but that’s my call this time around.
Commentary of the night:
No lines…just…Virk still needs to grow into the role. I hope he will…I hope he does.
LOL Moment of the night:
Not much. I would likely just go with Riddle being Riddle.
Like, asking Orton how they’d have any friends, after Orton gave their partners RKOs after they won.
Don’t hate me…there wasn’t much to choose from.
Noteworthy Moment:
Not much that I haven’t already called out.
Jinder Mahal returned. Wasn’t an impressive return.
Overall lowlights:
Honestly, as far as go-home shows are concerned?
This one was kind of underwhelming.
Not much really sold me on the show. If I wasn’t already a subscriber…nothing I saw on this show would have made me go and become one.
Overall highlights:
In spite of what I just said, it wasn’t completely bad.
I did like two matches to some extent or another.
Damien Priest versus John Morrison…I want a big Priest push. Curious what they do with what has now become a Lumberjack Match.
It’s official!@ArcherofInfamy wants a LUMBERJACK MATCH with @mikethemiz this Sunday at #WMBacklash. Nowhere to run! pic.twitter.com/FASAIy3Uqm
— WWE (@WWE) May 11, 2021
The main event was good for what it was too. Not a great wrestling match, but it was focused on selling one big title match for Sunday…and it did.
After the final bell:
I may be in the minority but this show just did not wow me.
Maybe I have a high bar for what a go home show ought to deliver? I probably do…but even if I have a really low bar, I don’t think this show would have gotten there.
Hoping this is a case of…less than ideal build, but Sunday delivers.
Tonight was supposed to be all about WrestleMania Backlash…but ended up making me think the creative folks lost that memo.
Honestly, my favorite part of the show might have been this promo…and it’s for what’s to come on NXT!
⏳ ???? ???? ⏳#WWENXT Champion @WWEKarrionKross & @Lady_Scarlett13 delivered a message to @JohnnyGargano & @austintheory1 ahead of their encounter tomorrow night at 8/7c on @WWENXT!@USA_Network pic.twitter.com/P0SDFlbVKO
— WWE (@WWE) May 11, 2021
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