NXT Stars Debut On WWE Raw, Plus Injury Comebacks
It was all happening this Monday night.
The post-WrestleMania Monday Night Raw is always a news-packed show, and this year's edition did not disappoint. As well as ten-year exile Bobby Lashley making a dramatic return to the fold, a host of NXT graduates were handed their debuts on the main roster, plus several stars made long-awaited injury comebacks.
Ember Moon was the first yellow-and-black matriculant, joining forces with Nia Jax in the opening bout opposite Alexa Bliss and Mickie James. Moon, who relinquished the NXT Women's title to Shayna Baszler at this Saturday's TakeOver: New Orleans, sealed the victory with an Eclipse.
No Way Jose was up next, the Dominican Adam Rose easily dispatching of local talent John Skyler (who was under a mask as part of Charlotte's WrestleMania entrance on Sunday). He then danced for a bit.
The biggest call-up of the night came as part of a 'Tag Team Eliminator' to replace Braun Strowman & Nicholas as champs, the latter being forced to vacate due to scholastic commitments. After laying down the gauntlet to any team in the back, Heath Slater & Rhyno were forced to eat their words when faced with the prospect of bruisers The Authors of Pain. As you'd expect, Akam and Rezar obliterated the mooks, after which they appeared to give manager Paul Ellering the boot. At 64, you can't blame Ellering for opting against going on the road again now his team are on the main roster.
In addition to all the new stars, a few old faces lit up proceedings; Jeff Hardy joined Finn Bálor and Seth Rollins in the show's main event, whilst Samoa Joe re-emerged to challenged Roman Reigns to a match at Backlash - by which point the latter will surely be Universal champ.