Three matches with women participation and one ending in a no contest. Raw after Wrestlemania, proved to be interesting with a new debut and one return, as well (as the debut was more exciting).
ASUKA defeated LIV MORGAN
An interesting and intensive battle between these two. It looks like WWE is trying to keep Asuka occupied so she might not have time to think about her career. Giving her some victories is a nice distraction. It was all her crazy stuff and trash-talking, with signature moves and Asuka Lock for the win.
My admirations go to Liv Morgan who shows us how far she went. Do you remember these two's fight in NXT? No? Well, it was a really short match and it ended with an arm lock submission, even. I remember it because the IIconics mocked Liv that she 'barely live through the match'. Now Morgan lasted long and she threw some really good offense toward the Empress, like this codebreaker with a springboard... She grows up for real and I hope to see more of her.
Overall:
It would be nice to see Liv Morgan having a PPV fight against the rest of the Riott Squad in a Triple Threat match. This is what I hope mostly to see.
Asuka is still billed as a part of the Kabuki Warriors, but it might be the last breath of the Japanese duo, except for them winning the title rematch which will be annoying. They are singles Superstars and their tag team attempt was nice in the beginning. Give them a break. Give Asuka more matches and wins if possible.
BIANCA BELAIR vs. ZELINA VEGA,
ENDED IN A NO CONTEST
There is no better way to debut as a future valet than debut against the top valet in WWE Raw - Zelina Vega! Especially after you irritate and humiliate her at Wrestlemania 36!!!
There was a match and that match was full of amazing spots. Belair dominated in the beginning, Zelina Vega took a unique control at some point and I thought to myself 'This is why I wanted to see her in WWE! Because she is amazing!". Bianca really got a good slingshot rivalry by her husband Montez Ford's side.
The match stopped because the men started to fight in the ring and the referee called for the bell.
BIANCA BELAIR & WWE RAW TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS defeated ZELINA VEGA & AGEL GARZA & AUSTIN THEORY,
IN A SIX-PERSON TAG TEAM MATCH
The men started the match, but the women finish it.
After a lot of back and forth between the male counterparts in this segment, there was a tag and Bianca and Zelina had a chance to finish their unfinished business. There was a distraction. Belair nailed Theory's head while executing a handstand springboard from the ropes transitioned into a moonsault and it looked that it was over for π·π πΈπΓ±πππ, but Angel Garza broke the pin. Vega tried to capitalize when the guys started to chase each other around the will. She jumped into a cartwheel position preparing for something, but Belair outpowered her and execute a perfect K.O.D, for her first win on the Main roster.
Overall:
I am really intrigued by this rivalry. It added some new blood to Raw and new action. It's always a pleasure to follow Zelina's rivalries and she is really good at build-up herself and her opponents to new heights. She is not bothered by her valet role, because WWE appreciates her talents and calls her for every multi-contestant major event or things like World Collision. They know that they can rely on her exceptional in-ring and mic skills.
About Belair - I am happy that she will try something new and I am sure that they won't keep her for too long as a valet for Street Profit. Actually, she is more of an enforcer than some lady around the ring who interfere from time to time. Her debut was over the roof. As I said it was a really interesting touch to chose Zelina Vega for her first rival in Raw. I can't wait to see more.
NIA JAX defeated DEONNA PURRAZZO
With a new finisher (gift from Paige) Nia Jax made her long-awaited in-ring return after double knee surgery. The Force of Greatness didn't leave any chance to breathe to her opponent.
This is their second match. They have met in NXT. Wow! Two matches were like nostalgic moments from the past. Well, Deonna Purrazzo in her second official Raw match (as a signed Superstar) wasn't able to do better than in their first encounter. Jax quickly broke any Purrazzo's wish to fight back. Lariats. Samoan drop. Aaand Ram-Paige, that was confirmed was used with Paige's blessing.
Overall:
About Deonna! I told you that I wan to see more of her, well I didn't have exactly this in my mind, but it's nice that she was booked to work another match on Raw. That means that we might see more fresh talents from NXT and WWE Performance Center in the ring, with an opportunity to shine before being squashed, ....or just being squashed.
It's nice to see the Irresistible Force Nia Jax back and I hope that after she breaks several NXT Superstars in the next week, she will go straight for the belt. Nice new finisher, though!
