The fallout from a seismic WrestleMania 40 settled on the April 8th edition of Monday Night Raw. With a new Undisputed WWE Universal Champion crowned and Money in the Bank successfully cashed in, the landscape of professional wrestling had shifted dramatically. This Raw served as a platform for champions to celebrate, challengers to emerge, and the future of WWE to be addressed.
The Undisputed Era of Cody Rhodes
As the red lights illuminated the arena, a chorus of “American Dream!” chants erupted. Cody Rhodes, the newly crowned Undisputed WWE Universal Champion, swaggered to the ring, his golden prize held high. The scars of battle were evident on his face, a testament to the grueling war he endured against Seth Rollins at WrestleMania.
In an emotional address, Rhodes acknowledged the elation of victory. He spoke of fulfilling a childhood dream, etching his name alongside the legends who held the prestigious title before him. Yet, a determined glint remained in his eyes. He declared his reign would be one of action and opportunity, a platform for the best wrestlers in the world to showcase their talents.
The Rock Delivers a Cryptic Message
The electricity crackled in the air as a familiar theme song blared – The Rock had arrived! The crowd erupted in a frenzy as “The Great One” soaked in the adulation. With a charismatic smile, The Rock congratulated Cody Rhodes on his victory. However, his message took a more cryptic turn. He stated that their story, a story that began years ago at a SmackDown taping, was just getting started. The Rock’s intentions remained unclear, leaving both fans and Cody himself with a sense of intrigue. Will The Rock become an ally or a potential adversary for the new champion?
NXT Makes Its Presence Felt
A new chapter began on Raw as NXT Champion Ilja Dragunov stepped into the squared circle. In a hard-fought battle, Dragunov displayed his technical prowess and unrelenting spirit, defeating a seasoned veteran in a thrilling match. This victory sent a clear message – NXT was no longer a developmental territory; it was a breeding ground for future main roster stars.
Judgment Day Reigns Supreme
The Raw after WrestleMania witnessed a celebration unlike any other. Damian Priest, the newly crowned World Heavyweight Champion thanks to a successful Money in the Bank cash-in, reveled in his victory alongside his Judgment Day cohorts, Rhea Ripley and Finn Balor. The trio exuded an aura of dominance, vowing to crush any who dared to challenge their reign. Their celebration was interrupted by a disgruntled Dominik Mysterio, who felt betrayed by his former allies. This brewing tension within Judgment Day hinted at potential cracks in their seemingly unbreakable foundation.
A Rematch for the Ages
Monday Night Raw wasn’t just about celebrating victories; it was also a stage for rematches. The iconic team of John Cena and The Awesome Truth (R-Truth and Miz) reunited to face a formidable opponent – The O.C. (AJ Styles, Karl Anderson, and Luke Gallows). The nostalgia factor ran high as these legendary teams collided. In a chaotic yet entertaining bout, experience triumphed over youth as Cena and his cohorts secured a hard-fought victory.
The Draft Looms Large
As Raw progressed, a cloud of uncertainty hung over the arena. With the upcoming WWE Draft on the horizon, superstars grappled with the possibility of a brand switch. Backstage interviews revealed anxieties and excitement in equal measure. Who would stay on Raw, and who would be drafted to SmackDown? This impending event promised to shake up the rosters and create new rivalries.
Sheamus Returns with a Vengeance
The returning roar of the crowd announced the arrival of a Celtic Warrior. Sheamus, back from a lengthy injury, addressed the WWE Universe with characteristic intensity. He declared his hunger for championship gold and promised to dismantle any obstacle in his path. The return of the “Celtic Warrior” added another layer of intrigue to the already-competitive Raw roster.
A New Era Dawns
As Raw concluded, a sense of anticipation permeated the air. A new champion reigned supreme, NXT asserted its dominance, and established factions grappled with internal conflict. The upcoming draft promised to reshape the landscape of WWE. Monday Night Raw served as a bridge between the monumental events of WrestleMania and the exciting uncertainties that lay ahead. It was a night of celebration, of new beginnings, and a glimpse into a future brimming with possibilities.
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Winners and Losers: Raw After WrestleMania (4/8/24)
The fallout from WrestleMania left a clear picture of who gained momentum and who needs to regroup on Raw. Let’s break down the winners and losers from the April 8th episode:
Winners:
- Cody Rhodes: The biggest winner of the night, of course, is the newly crowned Undisputed WWE Universal Champion. He stands tall after conquering Seth Rollins and has the entire roster to potentially conquer.
- The Rock: Despite not competing, The Rock’s surprise appearance fueled speculation and kept him relevant. His cryptic message towards Cody sets the stage for a potentially intriguing storyline.
- Ilja Dragunov: The NXT Champion’s victory over a veteran on Raw sends a strong message about NXT’s rising status and Dragunov’s own potential for a main roster run.
- Damian Priest & Judgment Day: While their celebration was interrupted by Dominik Mysterio, Priest still holds the World Heavyweight Championship, solidifying his position as a top heel.
- John Cena, R-Truth, & Miz: The nostalgia factor combined with their victory over The O.C. gives this reunited trio a positive boost.
- Sheamus: The returning Celtic Warrior has a clean slate and a renewed hunger for championships, putting him firmly in the winner’s circle.
Losers:
- Seth Rollins: After a grueling war with Cody, Rollins walks away empty-handed. He’ll need to strategize a new path to reclaim championship glory.
- Dominik Mysterio: Publicly ostracized by Judgment Day, Dominik finds himself isolated and without allies. He needs to rebuild his trust and find a new direction.
- The O.C.: A loss to a reunited veteran team doesn’t bode well for The O.C.’s momentum. They might need to re-evaluate their strategy.
- Losers of the Fatal 4-Way (Ricochet, Drew McIntyre, Bronson Reed): All three superstars fell short in their bid for a World Heavyweight Championship shot. They need to regroup and find new opportunities to climb the ladder.
- Superstars on the Draft Bubble: With the looming WWE Draft, some wrestlers might end up on the losing end if they get drafted away from established storylines.
Uncertain:
- Jey Uso: While he won the Fatal 4-Way for a World Heavyweight Championship shot, the internal conflict within Judgment Day casts a shadow on his guaranteed title opportunity.
WWE Raw Results 4/8/24: Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who won the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship at WrestleMania?
A: Cody Rhodes defeated Seth Rollins at WrestleMania 40 to become the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion.
Q: Did The Rock win a championship on Raw?
A: No, The Rock did not compete on Raw. However, he made a surprise appearance and interacted with the new champion, Cody Rhodes.
Q: What is the significance of Ilja Dragunov’s win?
A: Ilja Dragunov, the NXT Champion, defeated Shinsuke Nakamura on Raw. This victory showcases the rising prominence of NXT and potentially sets the stage for Dragunov’s future main roster call-up.
Q: Who is the current World Heavyweight Champion?
A: Damian Priest holds the World Heavyweight Championship after successfully cashing in his Money in the Bank briefcase at WrestleMania.
Q: What is the status of Judgment Day?
A: While celebrating their victory, Judgment Day faced tension due to Dominik Mysterio’s resentment. Their internal conflict could potentially lead to a fracturing of the group.
Q: When is the WWE Draft happening?
A: The WWE Draft will take place on April 26th and 29th. This event will shake up the rosters of both Raw and SmackDown.
Q: Who is coming back from injury?
A: Sheamus made his return to Raw after a lengthy injury absence. He expressed his desire to reclaim championship gold.
Q: Where can I find more information about the results of Raw?
A: You can find detailed results and play-by-play reports on various websites dedicated to professional wrestling news, such as WWE.com, Wrestleview, and Ringside News.
