Ups & Downs - WWE Raw Review (April 27th)

Simon Mella delivers a passionate and critical review of WWE Raw from April 27th, 2026, navigating a mix of emotional storytelling, underutilized talent, and creative missteps. The episode opens with a controversial promo from Roman Reigns, attempting to reclaim relevance after two years without the top title, only to be challenged by Jacob Fatou, who delivers a shocking and emotionally charged betrayal using the Tongan Death Grip. This moment becomes the episode’s emotional centerpiece, with Mella praising its understated intensity and the rising tension around the Usos’ loyalty. Elsewhere, Seth Rollins and Brom Breaker’s feud is lauded for its compelling dynamic and character work, despite Mella’s frustration over the naming confusion between 'Brom Breaker' and 'Steiner'. Becky Lynch’s open challenge and Oba Femi’s subsequent open challenge create a narrative overlap that Mella finds redundant, though he praises Femi’s charisma and potential. The absence of Kairi Sane, released by WWE, is a major point of disappointment, especially as it undermines the emotional payoff of her feud with Asuka and Eosky. Mella also highlights standout moments like the Rey Mysterio vs. El Grande Americano No. 2 match, which he calls fun and refreshing, and the women’s tag team bout between Roxanne Perez/Raquel and Bayley/Lyra Valkyria, which he applauds for its drama and interference-heavy storytelling. Despite some structural issues and overuse of open challenges, Mella concludes that the episode is a strong, post-WrestleMania showcase with promising momentum heading into Backlash.