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Manila Bulletin devider devider WWE: Post-WrestleMania returns and debuts

WWE: Post-WrestleMania returns and debuts

Published Apr 11, 2018 12:00 am
By Rafael Bandayrel Post-WrestleMania episodes of Monday Night Raw and SmackDown Live are as anticipated as the grandest show in pro-wrestling itself. During these moments, the WWE programming reboots. Meanwhile, the WWE Universe is at its loudest and rowdiest. (Remember the genesis of Beach Ball Mania last year?) But most importantly, this is the season of homecomings for injured stars or ex-WWE talents, as well as the call-ups of NXT youngsters. This year is no different. Here are the Superstars who arrived at Raw and SmackDown, in the aftermath of WrestleMania 34: Authors of Pain
One of the most destructive duos in NXT history will now show the Raw tag-team division their hard-hitting style of domination in the ring. Akam and Rezar found success in NXT with manager Paul Ellring, who will seemingly have a lighter on-screen role in the main roster. The Authors made an emphatic statement when they brutalized former SmackDown tag champs Heath Slater and Rhyno. After reaching the pinnacle of tag-team success in the developmental brand, and following a solid final performance at Takeover: New Orleans, the Authors are poised to take the tag division by storm. No Way Jose
No Way Jose was never a standout in NXT and his arrival on Raw is the least impactful. The happy-go-lucky, fiesta-loving character definitely has a low ceiling, especially in a stacked roster, but he has a chance of standing out akin to what Elias has done. But Jose showed promise during his brief feud with Austin Aries. Jose displayed intensity and a no-nonsense demeanor when the moment calls for it. Jose was given a new gimmick – one that’s similar to Adam Rose’s first gimmick. He now has a crowd that follows him around and parties with him. Let’s just hope that his posse produces another Braun Strowman, perhaps. Jeff Hardy
Hardy appeared during the segment between The Miz, Finn Balor, and new Intercontinental champion Seth Rollins. He also ended up as the partner for Balor and Rollins against the Miztourage. Jeff was shelved since Sept. 2017 due to a right rotator cuff tear. While he was gine, his brother Matt turned into Woken Matt and now has a new partner in Bray Wyatt. Hardy appeared in his classic music, donning his traditional outfit, which suggested that he will have some sort of separation from Matt's "Woken Universe." Samoa Joe
The Samoan submission machine made an earth-shattering comeback when he interrupted the challenger at WrestleMania's main event, Roman Reigns. Joe missed this year's WrestleMania due to an injury that he sustained at a house show late last year. Joe then promised to put "The Big Dog" to sleep at Backlash after he loses to Lesnar in Saudi Arabia at the Greatest Royal Rumble. Iconic Duo
No debut was as consequential as the debut of Peyton Royce and Billie Kay, collectively known as the Iconic Duo. The Aussies made a splash by being standout participants at the WrestleMania Women’s Battle Royal. But WrestleMania was only the beginning. The Iconic Duo laid out SmackDown women’s champion Charlotte, who defended her title in a grueling match at Mania. Miss Money in the Bank Carmella took advantage of the situation and cashed in her contract on “The Queen’s”. The blue brand now has a new Women’s champion thanks to the mischievous pair from Down Under. Ember Moon
After dropping her NXT Women’s Championship to Shayna Baszler at Takeover: New Orleans, the next logical step for Ember Moon is to move forward. Moon stepped up as the partner of Raw Women’s Champ Nia Jax. It was a solid debut for Moon who got the pin on former champ Alexa Bliss after hitting her with an eclipse. Moon is a welcome addition to Raw as the roster has opened a spot after Paige announced her in-ring retirement. Bobby Lashley
The biggest pop of the night belongs to the returning Bobby Lashley. The juggernaut last appeared in WWE in 2008 as he ventured to MMA. After a year of cage-fighting success, Lashley wrestled for Impact Wrestling and the independent circuit. Lashley displayed that his freaky athletic feats have not left him yet by lifting up Elias for an extended amount of time before giving him a suplex. One of the most iconic moments of Lashley’s career is being the representative to current United States President Donald Trump as they went against Vince McMahon and Umaga at WrestleMania 23.
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