8 Ups & 10 Downs From Last Night's WWE Raw (Apr 22)

4. Innovative Finish Highlights The 1st 3-Way

AJ Styles Rey Mysterio Samoa Joe
WWE.com

The wrestlers involved means nobody should be surprised that AJ Styles vs. Rey Mysterio vs. Samoa Joe was the best match of the night. Still, Raw's first Triple Threat was brisk, exciting, and fun, with each performer delivering to the expected level.

The trio crafted a number of interesting three-man spots throughout, with the finish the highlight. Mysterio came close to taking the victory after hitting the 619 on Joe. In came Styles, who caught him mid-air, Powerbombed him onto the mat, then hit a second Powerbomb onto Joe's fallen body. Finally, he scooped Rey's carcass up, then slammed him back down with a Styles Clash onto the United States Champion, stamping his main event ticket.

For all the bad wrestling on this show, it was nice to have this refreshing, creative tonic in the number one contendership mini-tournament. The only shame is that it had to take place in the first hour.

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Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.