HEYDORN’S WWE RAW REPORT 5/6: Alt Perspective coverage of the live show including Roman Reigns’s rogue appearance, Styles and Rollins contract signing fallout, and more

BY ZACK HEYDORN, PWTORCH CONTRIBUTOR (@zheydorntorch)


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HEYDORN’S WWE RAW REPORT
MAY 6, 2019
CINCINNATI, OH
AIRED ON USA NETWORK

Announcers: Michael Cole, Corey Graves, Renee Young

[HOUR ONE]

-The show began with Vince McMahon walking to the ring while Michael Cole discussed the Twitter “rumblings” of Roman Reigns making a Raw appearance on tonight’s show. Once McMahon got to the ring, Vince welcomed the audience to the show and said it would be one that nobody would ever forget. He said the reason for that was because the show started with him. As he announced his name, Roman Reigns walked out to a big pop from the crowd. Reigns posed on the stage and as he did, a SmackDown Live graphic displayed his name. As Reigns walked to the ring, the announcers made it clear that Reigns was technically a SmackDown star. They also said that Reigns does what he wants and goes where wants.

Heydorn’s Analysis: A nice pop for Roman that can’t be ignored. He got a good reaction here opposite of Vince McMahon. That said, the commentary around him and him “doing what he wants” is the narrative that fans soured to out of the gate. Doubling down on that is questionable even if the reaction was good. 

Once Reigns got to the ring, Vince told him that he had the Cincy policy waiting for him. From there, Vince asked Reigns who the hell he thought he was showing up whenever and wherever he wanted. Reigns told him to watch his tone and proceeded to run down how Vince ruined the show and broke promises that he made while Reigns was out sick. Reigns called Vince McMahon’s kids spoiled and Reigns told him that he now takes orders from the WWE Universe and not Vince McMahon. He said that if the audience keeps making noise, he’d show up every week. Vince responded to that and said that it would be anarchy if that happened. As he said that, Daniel Bryan walked out to a nice reaction from the audience.

Heydorn’s Analysis: That’s a nice surprise, but one that hurts the credibility of the Superstar Shakeup. Let’s see where it goes.

Bryan got to the ring and said he was robbed by Kofi Kingston at WrestleMania. He said since that night, he’s spent the time alone meditating to find answers for what happened. Bryan then said that when he heard Reigns was going to be on Raw, he decided to show up to try and have a conversation with Vince McMahon. As he finished his sentence, Kofi Kingston hit the ring to a big pop from the audience. As Kingston walked out, Vince looked surprised and Michael Cole excitedly claimed that all three wrestlers in the ring were from SmackDown Live. Kofi got on the mic when he got to the ring and said that he had an issue with Daniel Bryan. Kofi said that if Bryan had a problem with how things went down at WrestleMania, he should have come to him instead of the McMahon’s. Bryan agreed and told Kofi that he was an undeserving champion that should never have had a title shot. Bryan said that a novelty act like him should have never touched a title shot. From there, Kingston and Bryan argued before that Vince said he had an epiphany. Vince said that he would impose a wild card rule where three Raw stars and three SmackDown stars could switch brands to make things unpredictable. Vince said that it would be exciting before Kofi Kingston interrupted him and mocked the idea that he “just came up with.” Kofi then said that Roman hogged all of the fun before Bryan said that there isn’t any fun on Monday Night Raw. He said he didn’t come to Raw for fun, but to get a WWE title rematch.

Heydorn’s Analysis: A fun exchange. The WWE narrative structure and foundation of the company with two brands was sacrificed for it. It was nice to see big personalities own a segment, but the novelty of SmackDown stars invading Raw as part of a wild card rule isn’t sustainable as far as generating a good product week to week. It’s a quick fix and nothing more.

From there, Drew McIntyre walked out. He said that if nobody had a “set” to do anything about what was happening out there, he would. He then addressed Roman Reigns and told Reigns that he believes he can do whatever he wants. Drew said that he got drafted to SmackDown Live so he could dodge Drew McIntyre. He then called Reigns an ego-maniac before saying that he would Claymore Kick him back down. Reigns then told Drew that that didn’t happen at WrestleMania, but he could try again tonight. From there, Vince made two WrestleMania rematches. Reigns vs. McIntyre and Kofi vs. Daniel Bryan for the WWE Championship. After the announcement, McMahon called himself a genius before walking out of the ring. As he did, AJ Styles hit the ring as Michael Cole proclaimed that this would truly be a Raw that nobody would forget. The show then went to break. (c)

Heydorn’s Analysis: Vince calling himself a genius was an eye roll Raw moment if there ever was one. The truth of the matter is if he was a booking genius in 2019, he wouldn’t need the surprise factor of SmackDown stars showing up on different brands to drive his weekly rating number.

Out of the break, AJ Styles confronted Vince McMahon. McMahon asked him what was up and AJ responded by asking him what he was doing. AJ said that he finally got to Raw and now SmackDown’s stars are on Raw. Vince said his explanation was the wild card rule and AJ said that it was just a convenient excuse. Styles complained that he spent years on SmackDown Live and now that he has a Universal Championship match, McMahon invited Seth’s brother in arms back onto the show. AJ suggested that if that was the case, he’d go to SmackDown and bring some of his friends too. In response, Vince said it wasn’t friends coming over, but a simple three man wild card rule. From there, Seth Rollins walked out to confront AJ. Seth said that AJ suckered punched him and that would be the last time he second-guessed him. Rollins mocked AJ saying SmackDown Live was the house that AJ built. He said it was fine before he got to SmackDown and it was fine now that he was gone. Rollins then called Raw Monday Night Rollins. AJ responded to Rollins and said that he understood exactly what he did last week. He said he tried to ignore Rollins, but once Rollins stopped treating him like a man, he needed to kick his ass. Styles then said that at Money In The Bank he would stand over Rollins as the Universal Champion. When they finished, Vince teased them fighting each other, but said they would team instead. Both Rollins and Styles argued and said they didn’t want to, but Vince McMahon forced his hand and made them. He said a team was waiting and then left the ring as AJ and Seth argued again. (c)

Heydorn’s Analysis: Good fire from both Rollins and AJ. Styles explained himself well and they both continued to come across as alpha babyfaces looking to prove they are the dominant force on Raw. Good stuff and a good follow-up to last week’s contract signing.

-Out of the break, highlights of last week’s Styles/Rollins brawl aired. They then jawed back and forth in the ring again before their first opponent walked to the ring. Bobby Lashley answered that call without Lio Rush.

(1) SETH ROLLINS & AJ STYLES vs. BOBBY LASHLEY & BARON CORBIN

After Lashley, Baron Corbin was introduced with loads of fanfare from the ring announcer. Lashley and Corbin walked to the ring together. Once they got there, the bell rang, and the match began. Rollins and Corbin went at it to start things off. Corbin nailed Rollins with a shoulder tackle and then hit the ropes, but Rollins clocked him with a dropkick. From there, the announcers discussed the “wild card” rule that Vince put into place a few minutes ago. Back in the ring, AJ and Lashley entered the match and Styles connected with a dropkick. From there, Rollins made a blind tag into the match and he and AJ connected with a double team on Lashley. They then cleared the ring and both connected springboard over the top ropes moves as the show went to break. (c)

Heydorn’s Analysis: More alpha oneupmanship from Rollins and Styles. An effective way to present them and this feud with both guys as babyfaces. Well done.  

When the show returned, Lashley and Corbin regained control of the match. Lashley stomped Rollins in the corner, but smashing him face first into the mat. After the move, Lashley attempted a pin, but only got a two count. Out of the pin attempt, Lashley talked trash to AJ Styles. That distracted the referee which allowed Baron Corbin to illegally attack Seth. From there, Corbin tagged into the match and continued to beat on Rollins. The action spilled to the outside until Corbin rolled Seth back into the ring and locked in a shoulder submission. Corbin continued his attack and attempted pin along the way. Each time he got two counts. Finally, Rollins halted Corbin’s momentum and nailed him with a Blockbuster off of the top rope. After, he made the tag to Styles. Styles hit the ring and took Bobby Lashley down after Corbin tagged him in. AJ hit him with a strike combination before going for the Styles Clash. As he did, Lashley countered and drove AJ into the corner. AJ got up quickly and tried to hit his Phenomenal forearm before being distracted by Corbin. Because of the distraction, Lashley speared Styles through the ropes and took control of the match for his team again. Styles got momentum back and tried to make a tag, but Lashley pulled Rollins off the ring apron and slammed him into the barricade. With his partner out of the picture, AJ was attacked again as the show went to break. (c)

Heydorn’s Analysis: A pretty even match for both AJ and Seth. They are selling in similar ways and heat up their offense alike as well. Everything has been designed in a way that one doesn’t outshine the other.

Out of the commercial break, Cole said the story of the match was the fact that AJ and Seth were able to get along. In the ring, Corbin and Lashley continued their momentum and decimated AJ with a variety of moves including a massive overhead suplex by Lashley. Corbin took over and connected with a vicious uppercut counter on AJ who jumped off the top rope. After, Corbin taunted Rollins. Eventually, Rollins tagged into the match and took over with the Sling Blade after a running suicide dive on Lashley through the ropes. From there, he hit a second double suicide dive on both Corbin and Lashley. After, he rolled Corbin back into the ring and connected an elbow drop. He then covered, but only got a two count. In the end, a messy exchange between Corbin, Styles, and Rollins while Rollins went for the Stomp caused Rollins to get hit by AJ’s Phenomenal Forearm. With Rollins down, AJ left the ring and left Rollins alone in it. He was then hit with End of Days and covered for the 1,2,3 win.

WINNER: Corbin and Lashley via pinfall

Heydorn’s Analysis: Why would AJ just leave after that miscommunication? I could understand why Seth would leave, but AJ? Looking for an explanation here WWE.

-After the match, the announcers debated whether AJ meant to hit Rollins with his move. From there, they cued up a highlight video that recapped the events of last week between Shane McMahon and The Miz. When the video ended, the Miz was shown outside of Shane’s locker room backstage. Miz sat down next to the locker room and waited for his arrival.

-Sami Zayn hit the ring and as he did, Graves said he’s been waiting all week for “this.” As Zayn walked down the ramp, the show went to break. (c)

-Out of the break, Zayn asked the audience “what do you all have to complain about tonight?”

Heydorn’s Analysis: Don’t open that drawer, Sami.

From there, Zayn ran down Reigns showing up on Raw and a championship rematch as reasons to be happy with what they have.

[HOUR TWO]

Zayn then made fun of the audience and said that the fans couldn’t fix themselves like he fixed himself. He said the audience was a bunch of cowards.

Heydorn’s Analysis: It never occurs to Zayn that he should ask for a title match or demand more like Reigns, Kofi, and even Daniel Bryan did. He’s living outside of what should be important to all wrestlers on the roster and because of that, it will be difficult to pay this off in a meaningful way. 

From there, Zayn addressed the critics again, but was then interrupted by Braun Strowman. Strowman didn’t do his roar, but stared Zayn down as he walked to the ring. Finally, Strowman paused on the outside and glared at Zayn as he teased a fight. Zayn removed his coat, but then ran off as Strowman pursued him. From there, the race was on and Braun chased Sami around the ring and to the back. The announcers said they would try to follow what happens in the back, but then introduced the “regularly scheduled” match. As they did, the Lucha House Party hit the ring. While they were making their entrance, the cameras cut backstage to where Zayn was still running away from Strowman. Strowman tossed various things at Strowman, but Braun eventually caught him. Sami yelled “this has nothing to do with you,” as Strowman tossed him into a dumpster. After, a garbage truck conveniently appeared to take out the trash with Zayn in it.

Heydorn’s Analysis: Well, my worry was there wouldn’t be any payoff to this Zayn schtick. If this was it I supposed I was proved wrong. That said, it fell flat as it didn’t culminate with a massive Braun beating or a big spot.

(2) LUCHA HOUSE PARTY vs. CINCINNATI’S NUMBER ONE STAR (JOBBER)

The LHP decimated their opponent with a flurry of offense. The match ended in seconds after each LHP member hit their finisher.

WINNER: Lucha House Party via pinfall

Heydorn’s Analysis: Excuse me? A three on one babyface squash match? This wasn’t a wrestling match. Just a variety of “fun” moves tossed together. Yikes.

-The announcers cued up highlights of Reigns vs. McIntyre from WrestleMania. After those videos, Ricochet made his entrance to a nice reaction from the audience. As Ricochet made his entrance, Michael Cole said he was putting his MITB opportunity on the line against Bobby Roode. From there, the show went to break. (c)

-Out of the break, Natalya and Naomi opened invitations. They were invited to the ring by Lacey Evans and the invites called for “proper attire.” Dana Brooke then entered the shot and said she got an invite as well. They surmised they were called to the ring because they were participants in the MITB ladder match. From there, they complained about Evans and the fact that their invites smelled like Peach Cobbler.

Heydorn’s Analysis: Cheesy. Very cheesy and not well acted. That said, I enjoy the the commitment to the Evans character. Peach cobbler? That cracks me up.

-When the segment ended, Miz was shown outside of Shane’s locker room once again. The shot then moved to the ring for Robert Roode’s entrance. As he walked to the ring, the announce team ran down how Roode came to this MITB opportunity after beating Ricochet a couple weeks ago.

(3) ROBERT ROODE vs. RICOCHET – MITB opportunity on the line

Out of the gate, Roode took control of Ricochet and grounded him to the mat with a handful of grappling maneuvers and submissions. Roode then hit a stiff clothesline before attempting a pin, but he only got a two count. Out of the pin, Roode locked in a headlock to keep Ricochet on the mat. Eventually, Ricochet countered the move and connected with a moonsault. He then steadied his momentum and hit Roode with a series of forearms. Form there, Ricochet connected with a stiff uppercut before attempting a hurricanrana. As he did, Roode countered and slammed Ricochet to the mat with a sidewalk slam. In the end, Ricochet pulled away from Roode and hit the 630 for the victory.

WINNER: Ricochet via pinfall

Heydorn’s Analysis: I like the convincing win on the part of Ricochet. Smart to book him that way heading into MITB. That said, why not hype this a bit and get a week build. Like other pieces of Raw, this happened, but without context. These happenings with context increase interest.  

-After the match, the announcers revealed that Rey Mysterio would face Samoa Joe for the United States Championship at Money in the Bank. After the reveal, Mysterio and his son Dominic were shown walking backstage. Rey and Dominic walked near his locker room before Rey asked Dominic to get him something. From there, Dominic walked off and Rey walked into the locker room. As Dominic walked off, Samoa Joe followed him before the show went to break. (c)

-Out of the break, Joe confronted Dominic backstage. He ran down his Dad and said that Dominic disrespected Joe by celebrating the way he did after Rey beat him last week. From there, Joe said he couldn’t wait to defend the US Title against Rey at MITB.

Heydorn’s Analysis: Loved the tease of a potential Dominic beating at the hands of Joe. Joe looked scary within that tease and it propped his menacing promo up as well. Plus, WWE not going through with it leaves them a card to play later on if they need to.

-When the confrontation ended, Lacey Evans made her entrance. As she did, the announce team recapped last week’s brawl between Evans and Lynch. With Evans in the ring, Dana Brooke, Naomi, and Natalya walked out per their invitation. After, Alexa Bliss walked out as well to join her fellow MITB match competitors. When Bliss got down to the ring, the bell rang, and Lacey’s match began.

(4) LACEY EVANS vs. ALI KATRINA

Evans dominated early and after a few seconds delivered the Woman’s Right. From there, she covered for the 1,2,3 win.

WINNER: Evans via pinfall

Heydorn’s Analysis: A smart use of the squash match. Good stuff.

-After the match, Evans addressed the MITB members and said that she expected a proper RSVP. From there, she said they deserved a front row seat to see what a legitimate woman is capable of. After, Evans said she’s beat Becky Lynch at MITB and take everything she ever worked for. She said she’d do so with a Woman’s Right. Evans then addressed the MITB competitors directly and said they’d come up short like The Man will come up short should they try to cash-in on her. As soon as she said that, Becky hit the ring and the brawl was on. Lynch received a huge pop as she hit the ring. The brawl spilled to the outside of the ring. Once it got back in, Lynch attempted the Disarmer, but Evans escaped. From there, Evans retreated and Lynch posed with both belts in the ring.

Heydorn’s Analysis: A big pop for Becky. WWE has to be happy with that. Once again, this brawl worked. Lynch and Evans have polar opposite gimmicks, but chemistry together. This could be a sneaky good match come MITB. 

-When the brawl ended, Daniel Bryan was shown backstage. He addressed the camera directly and talked about Kofi Kingston shilling to the fans. He said because of that shilling, he has no choice but to rid humanity of Kofi Kingston. He said Kingston was not a role model and that he needed to correct history and become WWE Champion once again.

-The Viking Raiders made their entrance as the show went to commercial break. (c)

-Out of the break, the Usos were shown spying on “somebody” backstage. As they walked down the hall, the shot moved back into the ring and the in-ring action continued.

Heydorn’s Analysis: I’m afraid. Truly afraid of what will happen with the Revival tonight. 

(5) THE VIKING RAIDERS vs. ZACK RYDER & CURT HAWKINS

Out of the gate, the Raiders took control over Hawkins. Both Raiders tagged in and out to stay fresh and keep the offense locked in on Hawkins. Finally, Hawkins made the tag to Ryder. Ryder hit a flurry of offense and took control of the match. Ryder then attempted the Rough Rider, but it was countered. From there, the Viking Raiders hit the Viking Experience and covered for the 1,2,3 win. (c)

WINNER: Viking Raiders via pinfall

Heydorn’s Analysis: The new “hot” tag team beats the tag champs in easy fashion without the belts on the line. No wonder this division is where it is. This type of thing needs to be built up. This is the big match that comes months down the road. Taking away the fans opportunity to invest in a story like that one removes their passion out of the equation and it shows. Just listen to the reaction during this match. That’s right … there isn’t one. 

-Out of the break, episode three of the Firefly Fun House aired.

Heydorn’s Analysis: Intriguing. Better than episode two, but not quite as good as the first. 

-After the episode, the announce team cued up highlights from the happenings earlier in the night between Seth Rollins and AJ Styles.

-When the highlights ended, Seth Rollins cut a promo backstage. He said it didn’t matter whether or not AJ’s move was an accident or on purpose. He said the next time AJ walks away from him, it would be with two black eyes and a broken face.

Heydorn’s Analysis: Short, sweet, and effective. It’s amazing what happens when a logical narrative is told between two stars who understand their roles within that narrative. 

-When Rollins wrapped up, Roman Reigns made his entrance. As he walked out, the announcers discussed the new “wild card” rule and how great it was for Reigns to be on Raw. After Reigns, McIntyre walked out. As he did, the show went to break. (c)

(5) ROMAN REIGNS vs. DREW MCINTYRE

Out of the break, the bell rang, and the match began. As it did, Cole ran down what the wild card rule was. In the ring, Reigns hit some strikes on Drew and then hit a suplex. After, Reigns connected with a series of punches to McIntyre in the corner.

[HOUR THREE]

From there, Reigns tried for his series of clothesline strikes, but McIntyre countered and nailed Reigns with an overhead suplex. Out of that move, McIntyre went for the cover, but Reigns kicked out at two. After the pin attempt, Drew deadlifted Reigns and connected with a vertical suplex. Right after hitting that, McIntyre locked in a submission move that targeted Roman’s arm. Eventually, Reigns battled out and attempted to regain momentum in the match. He was unable as McIntyre countered and took Reigns back down to the mat. From there, the action spilled to the outside of the ring. McIntyre maintained his control there before rolling Reigns back into the ring where he kept the attack up. Finally, Reigns halted Drew after hitting a vertical suplex of his own. Both men got to their feet at the same time after the move and Reigns took control after clotheslining Drew out of the ring. Reigns then ran around the ring for a spear, but Drew countered with a boot to the face. Out of that move, McIntyre drilled Reigns into the apron with a reverse Alabama Slam. The show then went to break. (c)

Heydorn’s Analysis: From a nuts and bolts perspective, this is good so far. Crisp action with McIntyre looking really good as the monster heel. Because Reigns is on the receiving end, the wounded, fighting babyface story isn’t working fully. Because he is who he is, this type of psychology doesn’t allow the sympathy to encapsulate the match like it would for others. 

Out of the break, the battle continued with Reigns owning the upper hand over Drew. Both men traded near falls before the action spilled out to the outside of the ring again. Out there, Reigns attempted a flying clothesline, but Drew countered with another boot to the face. From there, McIntyre hit a high impact slam on Reigns before covering for a two count. Out of the pin, Drew climbed to the top rope and leapt off for a clothesline. Reigns countered with a Superman Punch and covered, but only received a two count. Out of the pin, Reigns signaled for the spear, but it was countered by Drew. Drew hit a headbutt on Reigns, but Reigns bounced off of the rope and connected with the spear. As Reigns went for the pin, Reigns was attacked by Shane McMahon and Elias.

WINNER: No contest due to a disqualification

Heydorn’s Analysis: So, the Superstar Shakeup is essentially voided because of the wild card rule and now that rule is voided because four members from SmackDown have now appeared on Raw? Got it. 

-As the beatdown continued, the Miz hit the ring to make the save. Miz received a nice pop and chased McMahon out of the arena. Because of this, Reigns was left alone with Elias and McIntyre. McIntyre hit Reigns with the Claymore and then celebrated with Elias as the show went through the backstage area to catch up on Miz and Shane. Shane hid from Miz and was then interviewed by Charly. Shane ignored the questions before running away. As Shane tried to get into his limo, Miz hit Shane with a chair. Both men battle around the limo until Shane hit Miz with a low blow. After, Shane got in the limo and drove off.

Heydorn’s Analysis: Really liked how Charly’s camera crew caught the beating as it happened and as they would if they caught something like that in real time. It felt authentic. Good stuff. 

-After the backstage encounter, a highlight video aired that detailed Kofi Kingston winning the WWE Championship at WrestleMania. The show then went to break. (c)

-When commercials ended, highlights aired detailing events between Braun Strowman and Sami Zayn from earlier in the show.

-When the highlights finished, the announcers recapped the back shaving events from last week on the show. With the Revival in the ring, the Usos walked out and introduced Ucy-Hot. It was apparent that Dash and Dawson applied this stuff to themselves and the result was a burning sensation in their private regions. From there, the Usos said they had water to help and gave it to both Revival members. This made the burning worse and both Usos laughed as the Revival waddled around in pain.

Heydorn’s Analysis: Juvenile. Totally juvenile. The Usos are better than this and were better than this not too long ago while on SmackDown. More of that team please as this is embarrassing to watch. 

-Kofi was shown backstage and cut a promo ahead of his championship match. Kofi said that Bryan was not the first one to say he wasn’t championship material. He said he had to show the world that the impossible was possible. Kingston said that he would retain the WWE title in his match tonight while also shutting Daniel Bryan up.

-When the promo ended, No Way Jose made his way to the ring. Before he could get there, Lars Sullivan interrupted and destroyed him and his entire Conga Line.

Heydorn’s Analysis: Sullivan continues to come off nicely as a destructive monster. Will be interesting to see how that plays opposite a suitable babyface that can have a match with him. So far so good though. 

-A promo video aired that hyped Naomi receiving an award from the Boys and Girls Club. The show then went to break. (c)

-Out of the break, Vince McMahon was shown talking about the wild card rule backstage on the phone. He was then interrupted by Lars Sullivan. With Sullivan around Vince said that maybe he would allow four wild card moves each week (to account of Lars). Vince then said “good talk” before Lars left the shot.

-After Lars left the room, Kofi Kingston made his entrance to a nice reaction from the audience. Kofi tossed pancakes to the audience as he walked down. From there, Daniel Bryan hit the ring. Once Bryan got to the ring, official introductions were made, and the match began.

(6) DANIEL BRYAN vs. KOFI KINGSTON – WWE Championship Match

Out of the gate, the audience chanted “Kofi.” Right away, Bryan hit Kofi with his running dropkicks. He hit two, but the third was countered by a Kofi dropkick. Out of that, Kingston hit Bryan with a suicide dive as the show went to break. (c)

After the break, the action continued with Kofi in full control of the bout. Kingston nailed Bryan with a combination of chops and strikes before attempting to whip Bryan into the post. Bryan countered the move and eventually pushed Kingston out of the ring. From there, Bryan rolled to the outside and slammed Kingston shoulder first into the steel ring post. The beating continued until Kingston battled back in the ring. He hammered Bryan with punches and then followed those with a knee to Bryan’s face. Out of that, Kingston looked to maintain momentum, but was hit with a double underarm suplex. Eventually, both men made it to their feet and hit the ropes. They then each hit each other with cross bodies as the show went to its final break. (c)

When the show returned, Kingston was hit with a massive back body drop over the top rope.

Heydorn’s Analysis: Concussion city. Brutal bump there by Kingston. 

With Kingston down, Bryan attacked and beat Kofi up around the ringside area. From there, Kingston gained some separation and hit Bryan with a flying dive off of the top rope. He followed that with a splash in the ring and covered, but only received a two count. Out of the pin, Bryan locked in the LaBelle Lock as the audience chanted for him not to tap out. Finally, Kingston made it to the bottom rope which caused the audience to cheer. From there, Bryan hit Kingston with a series of kicks to Kofi’s injured arm. Eventually, Kofi battled back with a flurry of offense. He then attempted a running splash, but it was countered. Bryan took over quickly, but Kingston got the upper hand back with a Boom Drop. Kofi attempted his finish, but Bryan countered it with a kick of his own. He then hit a German suplex before calling for his running knee strike. Kingston countered that and soon after hit Trouble In Paradise before making the cover for the 1,2,3 win.

WINNER: Kingston via pinfall

Heydorn’s Analysis: Good match. In a situation where there was no real reason for the title to change hands, Kingston and Bryan made you think it could. Well done.


NOW CHECK OUT LAST WEEK’S REPORT: HEYDORN’S WWE RAW REPORT 4/29: Alt Perspective coverage of the live show including the Money In The Bank edition of A Moment Of Bliss, Styles as the new number one contender, and more

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