WWE Monday Night Raw Results: Sheamus Returns, Rhea Ripley Makes Stunning Announcement

This week’s episode of WWE Monday Night Raw took place at the Centre Bell in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, the hometown of Intercontinental champion Sami Zayn, where he had been slated to defend his championship against Chad Gable of Alpha Academy. Zayn and Gable had been allies for a long time, working in unison towards dethroning former Intercontinental champion Gunther. On Monday, the script had flipped as the duo fought against each other for the title. The latest episode of Raw continued the build-up towards the next WWE pay-per-view, Backlash, which will take place on May 4 in Lyon, France. There were a few sections that focused on the events of WrestleMania 40, too, while also potentially setting up big things for the future.

Ripley’s big announcement

Rhea Ripley kicked off Monday Night Raw by raising her title with her left hand while her right hand was in a sling, despite the widespread assumption that she was hurt following her surprise attack by Liv Morgan last week. Ripley expressed her disappointment without any delay. She was informed that she had to give up her title as the Women’s World Champion. While Ripley did not rebel against the inevitable, she did issue a big warning, saying that anyone who claimed her title while she was away would not be holding it for long when she returned.

Sheamus makes a triumphant return

Sheamus made a comeback with the “Written In My Face” theme song that accompanied him on his WWE debut way back in 2009. He was welcomed with a voracious reception from the spectators at the arena as they witnessed the return of ‘The Celtic Warrior’. It was The Great White’s first WWE match since August 2023 as he overcame a long-term neck injury. In his match with the Viking Raiders’ Ivar, Sheamus matched his physicality and looked in great shape, as if he had not been away from the ring for over eight months. Sheamus finished the match with the famous Brogue Kick finisher to mark a victorious return to the ring.

Triple H introduces new titles

The Awesome Truth introduced the new tag team belts in the ring alongside WWE COO Triple H and RAW general manager Adam Pearce. The Miz and R-Truth will no longer be referred to as the Raw Tag Team champions in addition to receiving new belts. Instead, they will be known as the World Tag Team Champions moving forward.

Rhodes’ big hint

After receiving thunderous applause upon entering the arena, the Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes wasted little time in praising Seth Rollins before focusing on The Rock and The Bloodline. He continued to hint at the possibility of The Final Boss and himself facing off in the future, saying he thought the latter had more matches left in him. Calling out Jey Uso, the American Nightmare expressed gratitude for his assistance during WrestleMania 40. Jey told him he had to do it himself, even though he offered to repay the favor.

Zayn defends Intercontinental title

In the much-anticipated main event of Raw, Sami Zayn successfully defended the Intercontinental Championship against Chad Gable, continuing his incredible run. Zayn prevailed over his tenacious opponent in what was truly a fiercely contested bout. Gable attacked the Intercontinental champion while he was in the middle of an embrace with his wife, giving him a suplex outside the ring.

WWE RAW, April 16: Full Results

• Intercontinental Championship: Sami Zayn defeated Chad Gable via pinfallSheamus defeated Ivar via pinfall after a Brogue Kick
• DIY defeated The Creed Brothers & New Day via pinfall
• Andrade defeated Dominik Mysterio via pinfall
• Chelsea Green & Piper Niven defeated Katana Chance & Kaden Carter via pinfallJey Uso defeated Finn Balor via pinfall