The “LMRT” Takes Center Stage; Hartwell Gives In To LeRae’s Heel Antics

Raw opened with Rhea Rhipley addressing the crowd relaying unfortunate news that due to injury, she would be relinquishing the Women’s World Championship. Nick already posted an article covering the emotional segment but I’ll post my thoughts at the end of the recap as I alluded last week to feeling strongly that Rhea’s reign had achieved its purpose and felt very much ready to see the title move on to another wrestler. 

First piece of in ring action of the night is a rubber match between The Way’s Indi Hartwell & Candice LeRae vs. Ivy Nile & Maxxine Dupri. Tension is palpable between the former NXT Tag Team Champions as they make their entrance. Action starts with Nile and Indi exchanging mat based techniques. Maxxine gets the tag and shows off the fruits of her training with an impressive Fisherman Suplex! 

Maxxine’s momentum is halted after Indi makes the tag to Candice and the wily veteran reminds Maxxine of her place at the bottom totem pole. Maxxine is all heart though and manages to plant Candice with a spike DDT! The poison pixie laid motionless in the ring as Dupri stirs towards her partner only for Hartwell to finally succumb to LeRae’s bullying and make the switch. 

After distracting the ref to prevent Nile from entering the match, Hartwell nails a big boot to the rookie Diva and places Candice over the fallen Dupri for the 1,2,3! Candice & Hartwell pick up the win! Match was short but did its job in bringing attention to Maxxine’s arsenal expansion and Indi aligning with LeRae’s heel persona.  

Chelsea Green & Piper Niven vs. Katana Chance & Kayden Carter next and we get entrances for both teams! Which is great for me bc Katana & Kayden always serve a much appreciated dose of energy to the show. This is always reflected in the pair’s offense but tonight the speedy teamwork is no match for Piper’s brute…