This past week’s WWE Main Event was taped at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts, before Monday’s episode of Raw.
Carmelo Hayes defeated Akira Tozawa (5:42)
This was a good match between two extremely talented and athletic workers. Tozawa is always so good in this spot and Hayes showed what an exciting talent he is.
Hayes cut an inset promo as he made his way to the ring, pointing out that he was now the number one contender to the NXT title and that tonight, Tozawa would just end up as another name on a t-shirt.
Hayes is impressive and after Tozawa took the first minute or so, they did a nice spot where he suplexed Tozawa over the top rope and then hung his legs over the bottom rope and did some sit-ups. That, and an absolutely beautiful springboard clothesline where he pretty flew across half the ring, showed off what he can do.
Tozawa got the hope, culminating in a top rope back elbow for two. They then traded near falls before Hayes rolled out of the way of a top rope senton.
Hayes went up top himself and connected with a leg drop to the back of Tozawa’s neck for the win. This was very much like the move John Cena used to do and the crowd seemed to appreciate the acknowledgement given that Cena was in the building.
The OC (w/ Michin) defeated Maximum Male Models w/ Maxine Dupree) (5:59)
There wasn’t much to this one, but they gave the right team the win in front of an expectant Boston crowd.
Although both Mansoor and Mace have worked Main Event before, this was their first appearance as a tag team. It’s a horrible gimmick, but they made me chuckle as they walked to the ring. In their body language and gait, they seem to be channeling Serge from Beverly Hills Cop. If you know, you know.
Maximum Male Models are pretty easy to hate and Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson had no issue getting over with this audience. Without the injured AJ Styles, they are essentially treading water for now which must be frustrating after they returned to the company in the fall of last year.
They did some early comedy and quick tags, which led to Anderson getting distracted by Maxine who got up on the apron and tried to scout him for her agency. This led to Gallows getting taken out and Michin and Dupree arguing outside as we went to the break.
When we got back, Mansoor was in control of Anderson, slowing things down. They built to giving Gallows the hot tag and he ran wild, destroying both Mansoor and Mace. Anderson then recovered and they hit Mansoor with the Magic Killer for the win.
Final Thoughts:
This was a mediocre show made better by a strong, quick opener and a hot crowd. As a show, it didn’t translate that well on screen, but to get your crowd pumped for Raw, I’m sure it made sense in the building.
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