Monday Night Raw
Date: April 27, 2026
Location: Sames Auto Arena, Laredo, Texas
Commentators: Michael Cole, Corey Graves

We’re rapidly approaching Backlash and that means it is time to start building up the show. That is likely going to be taking place this week, including Roman Reigns giving Jacob Fatu an answer after last week’s challenge for a title shot. A lot of things could come together for Backlash so let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

We open with a recap of Jacob Fatu challenging Roman Reigns last week.

Reigns and the Usos sit down in a dark room, with Reigns not being sure what to do about Fatu. Jimmy thinks it’s better to avoid Fatu while Jey wants to teach Fatu a lesson in respect for the family. Reigns says he’ll handle this tonight and they put their hands together, with Reigns suggesting that the team is called the First Family. It’s been used before in wrestling but it fits here.

Here is Seth Rollins to get things going. Rollins has a lot to get to tonight, starting with Roman Reigns holding his World Title because of Bron Breakker. That’s why he wants Breakker out here right now, which is what he gets, plus a side of Paul Heyman. Rollins says Breakker took everything away from him this year and Rollins wants to know why. Breakker wants to know what Rollins ever gave him.

For months, Breakker and Bronson Reed had to stand there while Rollins said his same thing and then they had to fight his battles. Rollins talks about going down to NXT and wanting to face Shawn Michaels’ best, which is why he fought Breakker in the first place. Then he agreed to take Breakker under his win because he knew the potential. Rollins knows what it means to be a 28 year old star with all over the potential in the world.

The difference is that Breakker is trying to take over but Rollins already did it. The reality is that Breakker isn’t ready, but Breakker says he lost to the best in the world, which is better than someone who just says it. Rollins: “That was pretty good Baby Steiner.” Rollins issues the challenge for Backlash but “Steiner” needs to understand he isn’t even the second best in his own family.

Judgment Day jumps Stephanie Vaquer in the back and crush her with an anvil case.

Penta vs. Rusev

Non-title and Ethan Page is here too. Rusev sends him flying with a fall away slam to start but Penta hits a dropkick to the floor, setting up the running flip dive. Page mocks Penta, who has to cut Rusev off with a superkick. Back in and Rusev superkicks him out of the air as we take a break. We come back with Penta kicking away and hitting the reverse Sling Blade. The running slingshot dropkick in the corner gets one but Rusev kicks him down. A release Rock Bottom sets up the Machka Kick but the Accolade is escaped. Penta teases a springboard but hangs on to headfake Rusev, setting up a rollup for the pin at 7:28.

Rating: C+. This was a quick match with Penta getting a win, with Ethan Page continuing to feel like the next challenger in line. That should be enough to carry the title picture going forward as Penta is doing well in his role as the fighting champion. It wasn’t a match that had a chance to go very far but they got the details right.

Post match Page runs in to help beat on Penta, with Rusev and Page stomping away. Je’Von Evans runs in for the save, including the OG Cutter to Rusev, and has a nice moment with Penta.

El Grande Americano, with Los Americanos, is ready to face the Original El Grande Americano in a mask vs. mask match. That’s as big as it gets for him and he needs to be ready, which is why he wants to face Rey Mysterio tonight.

Here is Becky Lynch for a chat. She’s very pleased to have gotten the Women’s Intercontinental Title back because it means she has won four different women’s titles at Wrestlemania and have more wins there than any other woman in history. The best thing thing was looking out and seeing her daughter, who needs to learn that there is more to being a champion than just the money and five star hotels. It’s also about facing the best, which is why it’s open challenge time.

Cue Iyo Sky to interrupt and Lynch isn’t sure about this one. Sky issues the challenge but Lynch says she wanted someone challenging and exciting, but Sky is neither challenging nor exciting. Lynch thinks this must be Sky accepting on behalf of Rhea Ripley because she wanted to face Shawn Michaels, not Marty Jannetty. Sky knocks her down and here is Adam Pearce to say let’s do the match right now. Lynch jumps her from behind as the referee comes in.

Women’s Intercontinental Title: Becky Lynch vs. Iyo Sky

Sky is challenging and we’re joined in progress with Lynch knocking her down. The middle rope legdrop connects for two but Sky is back up for the exchange of forearms. Sky German suplexes her for two and hits the missile dropkick. Back up and Lynch gets in a shot of her own before having to block a suicide dive.

Instead Sky hits a sunset bomb out to the floor and we take a break. We come back with the two of them knocking each other down again. Sky is up with a superkick and tornado DDT but Lynch is back with a Manhandle Slam for two. Back up and Sky knocks her outside for an Asai moonsault, only to lose a shoe. Sky loads up a dive but cue Asuka to cut off a springboard, allowing Lynch to hit the Manhandle Slam and retain at 13:12.

Rating: B-. Of course these two were capable of having a solid match and they did so here, with the focus being on Asuka’s interference. That’s perfectly fine, as it was more about setting up Sky vs. Asuka than anything else. Lynch is getting ready for her next challenger and that could be more than a few people, which is nice to see from the women’s division.

Post match Asuka lays Sky out with the Asuka Lock.

El Grande Americano asks Rey Mysterio if he has to worry about Mysterio in the mask vs. mask match on May 30. Mysterio says no and speaks Spanish, which the Original doesn’t understand. The other El Grande Americano and Los Americanos come in and aren’t happy with Mysterio, who says he’s not on anyone’s side. That isn’t good enough and the three of them leave.

LA Knight interrupts the Usos and tries to talk them out of this reunion with Roman Reigns. Jimmy says it isn’t Knight’s business but Knight says the power will eventually corrupt things and that makes it Knight’s business.

Here is the debuting Joe Hendry for a concert. He sings about officially signing with Raw and he’s fine with Oba Femi and acknowledges the OTC, but can we fire Logan Paul? Cue a ticked off Paul and Austin Theory to say he cannot be fired and declares everyone fired. Hendry laughs off the idea of the Vision being winners because all he saw on ESPN was a couple of prime time losers. They clear Hendry’s concert equipment out of the ring and the fight is on, with the Street Profits running in for the save. Hendry hits a running dive over the top onto the Vision and poses with the Profits. That’s pretty standard Hendry.

Grayson Waller is annoyed at not getting an opportunity of his own and insults Oba Femi, who pops up behind him. Femi says if Waller wants an opportunity, he can have one tonight. Adam Pearce is in.

Joe Hendry thanks the Street Profits again, with the Profits suggesting he gets a new shirt to replace the blue one since he’s a Raw star now. Hendry seems to agree and leaves, with the Profits running into Seth Rollins. They aren’t impressed because Rollins isn’t special and last week was about the Vision, not him.

El Grande Americano vs. Rey Mysterio

Los Americanos are here with Americano, who takes Mysterio down off a test of strength to start. Mysterio gets his shoulders up at two and sends him into the ropes but the 619 attempt is cut off with a clothesline. We take a break and come back with Americano knocking him into the corner. Mysterio jumps up for a moonsault into a tornado DDT though and Americano is rocked again. Rayo tries to load up the mas but gets taken down with a 619. Americano picks up the plate but here is the Original El Grande Americano to cut it off. Mysterio hits the 619 into the slingshot splash for the pin at 9:15.

Rating: B-. I was a bit surprised to see Americano lose here though the ending feels like it could be a step towards him dropping the loaded up headbutt. That is all but guaranteed to play into the mask vs. mask match, as will Americano being unhappy with Original interfering here. This feud continues to be a lot bigger in Mexico and that’s fine, as it’s better than not getting any heat for it whatsoever.

Post match Mysterio takes the foreign object and puts it in his tights, because Americano isn’t using it anymore. Since it’s impossible to find another metal plate? Anyway Mysterio leaves and the two Grande Americanos brawl.

We look at Jacob Fatu wrecking Solo Sikoa and the MFTs on Smackdown.

Backlash rundown, with Rollins vs. Breakker and Sky vs. Asuka officially set.

Asuka says she has blamed herself for Iyo Sky’s mistakes for so long but now she realizes that Sky is the real problem. Sky is her biggest failure because Sky failed her family. Now they’re both alone because Asuka thought they could be a family again. Nothing will stop her from destroying Sky at Backlash.

Oba Femi vs. Grayson Waller

Femi runs him over to start and sends him into the corner for a running uppercut. Waller gets in a neck snap across the top but the rolling Stunner is tossed away. The Fall From Grace finishes Waller at 1:06. That’s our Femi.

Post match Femi says he and the people are feeling good around here. Waller isn’t, but Femi did hear Waller say something that got his attention. He wanted a chance, so Femi will take it on himself with an open challenge to anyone who wants to try and climb the mountain. Just be ready.

Liv Morgan talks to Roxanne Perez and apologizes for what she thought of Perez while she was gone. She was watching Raw and Finn Balor put himself before the family. Morgan wants to support Perez in what she’s doing so she’ll be in the corner tonight. Perez trusts her….but needs one second backstage, where she doesn’t look happy. Balor pops up and tells Perez to be quiet, but she can’t trust Judgment Day. Perez asks if she can’t trust them or him. Perez throws him out, with Balor saying he hopes she knows what she’s doing.

Bayley/Lyra Valkyria vs. Judgment Day

It’s Raquel Rodriguez/Roxanne Perez with Liv Morgan for the team here. Rodriguez powers Bayley into the corner to start and it’s off to Perez, who gets quite the hometown reaction. Perez smiles her head off as she stomps Bayley down but gets powered over for the tag off to Valkyria.

Perez fights out of trouble but gets backbreakered down, only for Perez to kick away before Bayley can drop an elbow. That’s fine with Valkyria, who kicks Perez down again so the elbow can connect. Everything breaks down and Rodriguez posts Bayley as we take a break.

We come back with Valkyria firing off the clotheslines and rolling some suplexes on Perez. A fireman’s carry is loaded up but Perez escapes and rams Valkyria into Bayley to crotch her on top. Rodriguez comes back in for a big boot into Perez’s Russian legsweep for two but Bayley counters Pop Rox. The Bayley To Belly gets two on Perez and the other two fall out to the floor. Morgan offers a distraction and Bayley gets her throat snapped across the top. A Shining Wizard and Pop Rox finish for Perez at 9:21.

Rating: B. They had a lot going on in this match but Perez’s reception and reaction to that reception push it to a higher level. She was clearly so happy out there and it was a special moment to see. Other than that, you had Bayley and Valkyria having some miscommunication issues before their loss. That’s on top of Judgment Day having issues of their own, which is quite a bit to have in one single match.

Video on Sol Ruca, who has signed with Raw and will be here next week.

Here is Roman Reigns and the fans seem rather pleased to see him. Reigns even makes mention of the reaction before saying this title was made in spite of him. The reality is that the man makes the title, which is what he has done again. He has made this title relevant and now you can respect this title, or even ACKNOWLEDGE it. Let’s demonstrate, and he hits the catchphrase.

This brings out Jacob Fatu to interrupt, with Reigns saying Fatu is right on cue because Reigns was “just getting to you”. Reigns hopes Fatu has made the right decision but Fatu says he didn’t need a week, or even an hour to know what to do. Fatu still needs the title because Reigns still doesn’t know what it means to be like him. While the Bloodline was running things, Fatu was foaming at the mouth and he didn’t get a phone call from his family. You know who did call him? Solo Sikoa.

That doesn’t sit well with Reigns, who says Fatu is either completely confused or dumber than he thought. Sikoa couldn’t even get a cup of coffee delivered to the building. Who does Fatu think runs this place? The fans chant for Reigns and he says the fans aren’t lying. Reigns never forgot about him and he’s the one who signed off on Fatu.

The reality is Fatu has never earned it and he isn’t going to just give Reigns a shot because that’s nepotism, which Reigns isn’t allowing. Fatu grabs a TONGAN DEATH GRIP and Reigns goes down, with Fatu promising to take everything from him. That leaves Reigns laying so Fatu leaves, with Reigns accepting the challenge for Backlash. Fatu isn’t waiting for Backlash and he’ll see Reigns next week. The Death Grip was a surprise and makes Fatu feel that much more dangerous, which is great to see going into the title match.

Overall Rating: B-. The wrestling wasn’t the best here but this show was more about setting up Backlash. It wasn’t exactly a hard card to set up as you could guess a lot of the matches from at least a week ago, but you still have to get the work done. That’s what they covered this week, which makes sense as the pay per view is somehow a week from Saturday. Either way, not a must see show here, but it did what was necessary.

Results
Penta b. Rusev – Rollup
Becky Lynch b. Iyo Sky – Manhandle Slam
Rey Mysterio b. El Grande Americano – Slingshot splash
Oba Femi b. Grayson Waller – Fall From Grace
Judgment Day b. Bayley/Lyra Valkyria – Pop Rox to Bayley

Remember to follow me on Twitter and Bluesky @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Hall/e/B00E6282W6

Wrestlemania XLII Night One
Date: April 18, 2026
Location: Allegiant Stadium, Paradise, Nevada
Commentators: Wade Barrett, Michael Cole

We have arrived. After a less than great build and some questionable choices, it’s time for the biggest weekend of the wrestling year. No matter what happens here, this is a special event and we have Cody Rhodes defending the Smackdown World Title against Randy Orton in the main event. Let’s get to it.

The opening video, as narrated by Lin-Manuel-Miranda, talks about the memories and moments that are made at Wrestlemania. Years from now, our children will ask us where we were when things happened at this show. Heck of an opener here and it still worked even though it aired on Smackdown last night.

Here is John Cena as the host. He seems actually taken aback by the reception and then talks about how the Road To Wrestlemania has been rough this year. As Michael Cole has said, it’s been polarizing, but the important thing is that we’re here now. Cena getting emotional was a great thing to see as you can tell this means a lot to him.

Usos/LA Knight vs. Vision/IShowSpeed

The Usos come through the crowd and Knight comes to the stage in a customized truck. The Vision and Speed have a unique entrance of their own, as they have nine different camera angles shown at once to cover everything. We officially start and the Vision is knocked to the floor, leaving Speed alone with Knight. Speed’s headlock doesn’t work as Knight just stands up and walks around with him, sending Speed running off.

Knight stomps on Paul in the corner and it’s back to the Usos for a double elbow. Theory comes in off a blind tag though and jumps Jimmy so the villains can take over. The stomping has Jimmy in trouble but he fights back on Paul and gets over to Jey. Theory comes in as well and gets punched in the face, followed by the spear. Paul dives in for the save and everything breaks down, with Speed snapping off a headscissors. Speed accidentally knocks Paul down so Theory tells at him, only for Knight to send them into each other. The BFT finishes Theory at 7:07.

Rating: C+. It’s no classic, but it did exactly what it needed to do. They go the celebrity in there and he didn’t embarrass himself, with Knight getting the pin in the end. It’s just a basic match, but I do like the idea of taking something simple and doing it well. Nice enough here and that’s a good way to start the show.

Post match Paul yells at Speed and drops him with the metal fist. Paul loads up the announcers’ table but Jimmy and Knight make the save. Knight helps him up and Speed goes up top for the huge splash through the announcers’ table.

Drew McIntyre vs. Jacob Fatu

Unsanctioned. Fatu comes out with fire dancers while McIntyre knocks down a stone wall and walks through the hole. The entrances take a long time so Fatu dives onto McIntyre to start fast. The weapons are thrown in early on but Fatu is smart enough to knock McIntyre down again. It takes too long to get a toolbox though and McIntyre decks him from behind. A catapult sends Fatu face first into the bottom of the ring and it’s time for a table.

Actually it’s time for McIntyre to continue his tradition of tweeting during a match, which allows Fatu to fight back. A pop up Samoan drop gives Fatu two but McIntyre knocks him down again. The chair is loaded up in the corner but they both avoid going into it. Instead Fatu misses a charge and goes face first into the post, allowing McIntyre to suplex him down. McIntyre gets knocked back down though and Fatu’s triple jump moonsault connects….for two.

McIntyre finds a piece of metal to jab into Fatu’s head and then sends him onto some open chairs for two more. That’s not ok with McIntyre, who grabs the referee’s belt, only to walk into a superkick. Fatu chairs him in the back a few times and now it’s his turn with the belt. The whipping ensues so Fatu goes to grab the toolbox, allowing McIntyre to hit a Claymore for two.

McIntyre screams at the referee some more but loses a slugout with Fatu, who fires off some headbutts. Fatu puts him on a table and hits him with a chair to keep him down. That doesn’t really work either as McIntyre is right back up to hit him with a chair as well. Fatu is shoved off the top and through a table at ringside, which somehow doesn’t do much to slow him down. Back in and Fatu hits him in the head with the toolbox, setting up the triple jump moonsault through the table to finish McIntyre at 14:17.

Rating: B. That’s what this should have been, as Fatu survived everything a former multiple time World Champion threw at him and then finished him off. Some of the no selling and things that were shrugged off were a bit much, but that was how the match needed to go. Fatu gets probably the biggest win of his career and can move on to…whatever is next, just like McIntyre. Good brawl.

We run down the remaining card.

Women’s Tag Team Titles: Charlotte/Alexa Bliss vs. Bella Twins vs. Irresistible Forces vs. Bayley/Lyra Valkyria

The Forces are defending, there is one from each team in at all times and it’s one fall to a finish. Actually hang on as Nikki Bella says she can’t get medically cleared so she’s called in an old friend. And PAIGE is back, which is great to see after how bad her neck has been over the years. It’s a brawl to start with Jax taking over, only to get knocked outside by Charlotte.

Brie’s chops don’t get her very far as Valkyria hits a dropkick. Back up and Brie kicks away at Valkyria and Charlotte but the tag to Paige is cut off. Legend takes Brie outside for a drop onto the apron, leaving Bayley to middle rope elbow Bliss. Legend is back in to start taking over but she gets pulled out of the corner, allowing Brie to hit a middle rope dropkick. The tag brings in Paige, who strikes away at Jax and cleans house as everything breaks down.

The Paige Turner connects with Bayley making the save. A Lash Extension hits Valkyria so another save is made. Legend is knocked outside so it’s off to Paige vs. Charlotte for a big showdown. Paige wins the slugout and gets two off a small package. Charlotte is sent outside where Nikki beats on her with the crutch. Bliss tries Twisted Bliss but hits raised knees. The Rampaige gives Paige the pin and the titles at 8:29.

Rating: C-. Well that happened. As usual, these matches are kind of all over the place and it’s just a collection of spots that only kind of tie together. The ending was all about the big moment of the Bellas and Paige getting a special win. I’m not big on the Bellas, but it is good to have Paige back. Other than that, this was just kind of a mess with way too much going on to have a coherent match.

Women’s Intercontinental Title: Becky Lynch vs. AJ Lee

Lee is defending and comes out with an army of school girls dressed like her and carrying replica belts. On the other hand, Lynch is played to the ring live for a pair of cool entrances. Lynch is ticked off to start and gets sent outside, with Lee’s dive being powerslammed into the barricade. Back in and Lynch puts her down again and goes to take the turnbuckle pad off. The referee (Jessika Carr, who has had issues with Lynch) calls her insane and ties it back up.

Lee uses the delay to fight back for two but the Black Widow is countered. Lee’s standing Sliced bread connects but the Shining Wizard is countered into a powerbomb for two. A quick Black Widow attempt is swung into the corner and the Manhandle Slam gives Lynch two. Lynch gets into it with the referee again and they shove each other, allowing Lee to grab a Manhandle Slam for two of her own.

Lee grabs the Black Widow so Lynch pulls the hair to escape. The referee checks on Lee so Lynch gets the buckle off and pulls the referee over. That’s enough of a distraction for Lee to be sent into the buckle, setting up the Manhandle Slam to give Lynch the title back at 8:18.

Rating: C+. This felt like it should have been a Raw main event more than big time Wrestlemania title match. The stuff with the referee did fit well with the story, but these two just don’t have the best chemistry. Lee can go away for a bit again and come back to do something fresh, as anything she does now is pretty much bonus money. Lynch has a bunch of people who can come after the title, so this is the right result after an ok match.

Gunther vs. Seth Rollins

Rollins’ eyes are blacked out for a cool look. Gunther jumps him from behind before the bell though and hits the dropkick into the powerbomb to send him outside. Rollins goes to the eyes when they get outside and throws some chairs at Gunther as the bell hasn’t rung yet. Rollins flips him off and they get inside, with the bell ringing and Rollins taking over. Gunther gets knocked down again and stomped in the head but knocks Rollins down for a breather.

The pace slows way down and Gunther stands on Rollins’ head before trying a delayed vertical superplex. That’s broken up though and Rollins somehow gets him up for the Buckle Bomb. It’s too early for the Stomp so Rollins hits a clothesline and they’re both down. They kick away at each other until Rollins wins a chop off, only to get powerbombed for two more.

Gunther slowly hammers away but the clothesline is countered into a failed Pedigree attempt. Rollins hits a knee but the Pedigree is blocked again, only for tries it again and connects (though it didn’t look great). A Stomp gives Rollins two but Gunther pulls him into the sleeper. Rollins manages to get out and they trade big shots, with Gunther’s clothesline putting Rollins down.

Gunther takes too long going up though and gets superplexed into a Falcon Arrow for two. Rollins gets his own sleeper to send Gunther to the ropes and then out to the floor. The suicide dive is blocked and Gunther powerbombs him onto the apron and announcers’ table. Rollins shakes that off and counters the powerbomb into a Pedigree on the table. The Stomp drives Gunther into the table…and Bron Breakker is back with a Super Spear to Rollins. Back in and the sleeper finishes Rollins at 15:53.

Rating: B+. This took time to get going but they wound up having a heck of a fight. Gunther winning is fine as Rollins can get back to Breakker, where he belongs. Gunther is probably getting ready to retire Brock Lesnar at Summerslam so he needs all the build he can get. Good match here, despite a slow start.

Post match Breakker glares at Rollins…and runs all the way down the ramp to spear him again. Breakker hugs Paul Heyman as he leaves.

We meet the Hall Of Fame class:

Hulk Hogan vs. Andre The Giant (biggest match ever so that fits)
AJ Styles (yep)
Demolition (as overdue as it gets)
Dennis Rodman (someone had to get the celebrity spot)
Sycho Sid (how was he not in already)
Bad News Brown (put him in or he might hurt you)
Stephanie McMahon (yeah she’s probably still talking too)

Raw Women’s Title: Liv Morgan vs. Stephanie Vaquer

Morgan is challenging and basically does the music video to Trouble down the ramp. Vaquer goes after after her to start and Morgan is in early trouble. The Devil’s Kiss is blocked though and Morgan is right back up with a Backstabber. Morgan loads up her own Devil’s Kiss but Vaquer is grabs an SVB for two.

Vaquer hits her own Oblivion for two but here is Roxanne Perez for the distraction, allowing Raquel Rodriguez to knock Vaquer off the top. Oblivion gives Morgan two but Vaquer is back to dive onto Rodriguez and Perez. Morgan is up to send her into the steps though and a middle rope Codebreaker knocks Vaquer silly. Another Oblivion gives Morgan the title back at 6:52.

Rating: C+. Well that was quick. I’m not sure why they were flying through this match so fast but it didn’t feel like they had time to really do anything. At the same time, Vaquer only had so much of a chance in this one as Morgan has been on fire as of late. You could only stretch that out so far, as this was pretty much all about Morgan getting her coronation and it wasn’t a secret.

Here is John Cena for the attendance announcement: 50,816. Last year both nights had over 60,000.

Hold on though as here is Bianca Belair for a surprise. Belair says they need to add one more to that list and opens her rather feathery blue attire to reveal that she’s pregnant. Yeah ok that’s awesome.

We recap Cody Rhodes vs. Randy Orton. They were close back in the day and Rhodes considers him his mentor. Then Orton won the Elimination Chamber to get the title shot and Rhodes wants the old Orton, who listens to those voices. Orton turned evil thanks to someone calling him, who was revealed to be Pat McAfee of all people. This resulted in Orton attacking Rhodes to quite the positive reaction and beating up Jelly Roll. Yeah see why this has been kind of a mess?

Smackdown World Title: Cody Rhodes vs. Randy Orton

Rhodes is defending and his entrance is…a lot. He has basically a museum of his previous ring gear and clips of him in it before rising up through the stage as he does for big matches. Pat McAfee is here with Orton and handles Orton’s entrance. Also of note, not counting the Big Match Intros or the pre-match video, from the time McAfee’s name appeared on the Titantron to the end of Rhodes’ music: 15:18, or 35 seconds shorter than the longest match of the show.

McAfee jumps Rhodes before the bell but Rhodes fights back and sends Orton outside. Cross Rhodes takes McAfee out and here is Jelly Roll to put him through the announcers’ table. McAfee is taken out on a stretcher as Cole talks about Orton possibly having a back injury. As McAfee is wheeled out, he gives a thumbs up in a great moment. The bell actually rings and they fight over a top wristlock, which is quite the way to go for this kind of a feud.

Back up and Orton tries the over the back backbreaker…but he’s hurt. A poke to the eye lets Orton grab a chinlock but Rhodes fights up and puts him down again. That sends Orton out to the floor for a breather so Rhodes sends him back inside for a half crab. With that broken up, Rhodes switches to a waistlock but Orton fights out and…needs some time. Orton takes him up top for a superplex and then hits the powerslam, allowing him to shake his back a bit.

The hanging DDT slows Orton down again but the RKO is blocked. Rhodes sends him outside, where Orton cuts off a suicide dive. Orton drops him onto the announcers’ table for another breather but Rhodes stops him with a posting. Back in and Rhodes starts in with a few stomps (it looks like he’s trying a Garvin Stomp but doesn’t quite know how to do it). The Disaster Kick gets two so Rhodes rubs the blood on his own chest. A hanging DDT gives Rhodes two but Orton is back with a Cross Rhodes for two of his own.

The RKO is countered into a backslide to give Rhodes two, followed by an RKO to Orton for two more. They head outside again with a ticked off Rhodes being dropped onto the announcers’ table. Back in and a quick RKO gives Orton two and they slowly slug it out. Rhodes goes to the eye so Orton RKO’s the referee but the low blow is blocked. Rhodes kicks Orton low but the Cody Cutter is countered into an RKO. Cue Pat McAfee with a referee shirt (and a neck brace) to count two. That means an RKO to McAfee, allowing Rhodes to hit Cross Rhodes to retain at 23:40.

Rating: C. Well, it got better near the end (it couldn’t have gotten much worse) and Rhodes seemingly got rid of McAfee for good so we’ll call that a win. I still have no idea what is going on or how this is supposed to make sense, but I don’t think WWE is quite sure either. This felt like “throw a bunch of stuff out there and hope they’re confused enough by the time we’re done”, which is quite the way to go for the main event. It turned into a better match near the end and that was enough to save it (kind of) but wow this was a mess.

The problem is that’s just the insanity that went with it, as you also have the majority of the match being Rhodes working on the back in slow motion. I’d assume there’s a bit of truth to Orton being hurt but nothing terrible, which just leaves me wondering why they went in this direction. It’s not some terrible match overall, but sweet goodness it’s an amazing spectacle of nuttiness.

Post match Rhodes celebrates but Orton takes the title from him. A belt shot drops Rhodes and Orton Punts him before holding the title to end the show.

Overall Rating: C+. This show was ok enough for the most part, but as usual these two night Wrestlemanias just feel incomplete when you watch them this way. It’s a mixture of there being too much for one night but not enough for two and that leaves you with stuff like this, with short matches and some very questionable nuttiness.

Rollins vs. Gunther and Fatu vs. McIntyre were both good, but wow those things were few and far between. It’s not awful, but as usual it leaves you with a “that’s it?” feeling as there is so much left tomorrow. Overall, the good outweighs the bad and….whatever that main event was supposed to be, but just barely.

Results
LA Knight/Usos b. IShowSpeed/Vision – BFT to Theory
Jacob Fatu b. Drew McIntyre – Triple jump moonsault through a table
Brie Bella/Paige b. Irresistible Forces, Bayley/Lyra Valkyria and Charlotte/Alexa Bliss – Rampaige to Bliss
Becky Lynch b. AJ Lee – Manhandle Slam
Gunther b. Seth Rollins – Sleeper
Liv Morgan b. Stephanie Vaquer – Manhandle Slam
Cody Rhodes b. Randy Orton – Cross Rhodes

Remember to follow me on Twitter and Bluesky @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Hall/e/B00E6282W6

Well, here we go. It’s the biggest weekend of the year and…yeah the build for this one hasn’t been great. There are good parts to it, but a lot of what we’ve been seeing has been a bit less than a success. The ticket sales haven’t been great either, likely due to a variety of reasons. Hopefully they can make the wrestling side of things work and that’s what we’re looking at here. Let’s get to it.

Vision/IShowSpeed vs. Usos/LA Knight

So we’re starting with the celebrity match as Speed is dealing with Danhausen’s curse (assuming there is one) and accidentally got himself into this match as a result. Speed thinks he’s ready despite not being a wrestler, though almost everyone else thinks he’s going to get destroyed. This feels like a way to just get people on the show and I’ll take that over some multiman mess.

In theory (as opposed to Theory), this is one sided on paper and while Speed will get to do a thing or two, I can’t possibly imagine the villains win. I’ll take Knight and the Usos winning here as a way to get the crowd going in the right way. They’re a combination of popular stars against some unliked villains and that should be a simple enough formula. Knight and the Usos win a fun one here.

Jacob Fatu vs. Drew McIntyre

For the second year in a row, McIntyre is in a match with a monster which should be incredibly physical. Last year it was a street fight and this year it’s unsanctioned, meaning things should get nuts. That’s where Fatu should thrive and McIntyre can more than hang in a hard hitting match. They hate each other over previous brawls and it’s time for revenge all around.

I’ll go with Fatu here, as he needs the win a lot more than McIntyre, who has had all kinds of moments. Fatu is getting a chance for his first big personal feud match on the major stage and it wouldn’t make a ton of sense to have him lose. These two should beat the fire out of each other until one of them can’t get up anymore and in this case, the one who can’t get up should be McIntyre.

Women’s Intercontinental Title: AJ Lee(c) vs. Becky Lynch

This feud has shown just how good Lynch can be when she goes insane and acts like a raving lunatic, but she has more recently switched into someone who just wants her title back. On the other hand you have Lee, who returned last week and is basically playing with the house’s money. That makes for a good enough story, as this feels like a personal feud where two people want to get at each other, however they choose to do that.

I’m really not sure who wins this one. Lee is doing well in her return and while it makes sense for her to keep it going, I’m not sure I can imagine Lynch losing again. I’ll go with a tentative pick of Lee winning, but this one has me rather confused. It could go either way and while that is usually a good feeling, I’m really not sure how this is going to go. It might wind up being one of the weaker matches, though we’ll say Lee retains either way.

Raw Women’s Title: Stephanie Vaquer(c) vs. Liv Morgan

Morgan won the Royal Rumble (after coming close so many times) and it wasn’t clear which champion she would choose. Eventually she and Vaquer argued enough that Morgan made her choice and it’s turned into a heck of a heated feud, as Morgan seems ready to smash through Vaquer. At the same time Vaquer is just kind of there, feeling like a total afterthought most of the time.

In what might be the easiest pick of the weekend, I’ll take Morgan to win the title here. There is pretty much no reason to believe that Vaquer is going to keep the title. As much as I like Vaquer, Morgan is just that much bigger of a star and it fits so much more to have her win. It’s a good match, but the fans want to cheer Morgan and they’ll get a chance when she wins the title here.

Women’s Tag Team Titles: Irresistible Forces(c) vs. Charlotte/Alexa Bliss vs. Bayley/Lyra Valkyria vs. Bella Twins

So here we have a question mark, as Nikki Bella is injured and might not be able to work the match. That leaves things a lot more wide open, as the Bellas winning the titles felt like the logical ending. If they can’t go though, it makes things a lot more interesting. It helps that you have three teams who could all conceivably leave as champions and the match has been put together rather well.

I’ll throw in an asterisk here, saying that if the Bellas are in then they win, but if they aren’t then the champions retain. The good thing here is I could easily see any of them leaving with the titles, which is more than you get to say about a lot of matches. Bayley and Valkyria feel like dark horses, but I’ll take the Bellas as the favorites but the Forces as the best alternative option. Somehow, this is one of the best built matches on the card and that’s a nice thing to see.

Seth Rollins vs. Gunther

Gunther jumped Rollins to save Paul Heyman a few weeks back, setting up the proverbial “you owe me a favor”. While that sounds like Gunther vs. Brock Lesnar in the latter’s retirement match this year at Summerslam, there is a bit more to it. Gunther has said that he wants to face Rollins because Rollins was all goofy while Gunther wanted to face the best competition in the world and it offended him. That might sound a bit ridiculous, but it makes complete sense for Gunther.

As for a winner…geez this could go either way. Rollins is fresh off his injury and in theory you would want to see him get the big win, but I’m also not sure how logical it is to have Gunther lose here. I’ll go with Rollins winning, as in theory Gunther will be rebuilt on his way to the match with Lesnar (assuming it happens, which it should) later on this year. This could go either way though and it has a lot of potential to be awesome.

Smackdown World Title: Cody Rhodes(c) vs. Randy Orton

We had to get here eventually. This is a match that was going in a weird direction as the fans did not want to boo Orton no matter what. Then Pat McAfee was revealed to be the man influencing Orton and…well they still wouldn’t boo Orton, but they certainly would boo McAfee. I’m not even sure if WWE knows what they’re doing with this story but it’s what we’re getting for a main event. There is also a stipulation that if Orton doesn’t win, McAfee leaves wrestling. Just in case you needed anything to tip this further.

Yeah of course I’m taking Orton here, as there is no reason to suggest that Rhodes retains and gets rid of McAfee. Rhodes has been in something of a holding pattern for a long time as he isn’t doing anything different lately and that needs a shake up. The fans want to see Orton win and while I’m not sure where it goes after that, Orton should win here and move on to whatever he’s doing next.

Overall Thoughts

As risky as it might be to say this, I’m kind of digging this show’s card. They’ve got some interesting stuff here and if these matches deliver, it could be an awesome first half. That being said, the main event has all the signs of being a train wreck and could drag things way down. We’ll call this one cautious optimism though and hope for the best, which has gotten me in trouble before.

Remember to follow me on Twitter and Bluesky @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

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Monday Night Raw
Date: April 13, 2026
Location: Golden 1 Center, Sacramento, California
Commentators: Michael Cole, Corey Graves

It’s a special show this week with the final Raw before this weekend’s Wrestlemania. That means we are not likely in for much in the way of the wrestling, but we should be getting a lot when it comes to hyping up matches. If nothing else, it should be the last big push between Roman Reigns and CM Punk. Let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

Roman Reigns joins us to start and talks about how the fans trust him more than CM Punk because he’s real with them. We see some of Punk’s recent actions and what Pat McAfee has said about him. Reigns is giving Punk one more chance to tell the truth tonight. This was approved by Roman Reigns. Odd ending but ok.

We look at the Brock Lesnar/Oba Femi contract signing brawl from last week.

Adam Pearce is in the ring with HHH to open the show and says tonight, Lesnar and Femi will sign their contract separately. This brings out Paul Heyman, who says no one will get close to Lesnar during Wrestlemania fight week. Lesnar comes to the ring and signs, with a tip of his hat to Pearce. Heyman goes to talk about Femi, but Lesnar takes the mic and says no one will know Femi’s name after Wrestlemania. Heyman says there will be a winner and a loser and the winner will be Lesnar.

We look at the setup for the Wrestlemania six man tag.

The Vision is training with IShowSpeed, who is worried due to the whole “I’m not a wrestler” issue. They tell him that it doesn’t matter so he gets in the ring with the vision and what appears to be Dante Chen and Edris Enofe. Speed hits a nice high crossbody and a rather aggressive Boston crab before declaring himself ready.

Charlotte vs. Lyra Valkyria

Their partners are here too. Valkyria takes her down into a headlock to start but Charlotte reverses, only for Valkyria to slip away. Charlotte nips up and Valkyria drops her with a spinwheel kick, much to Bayley’s approval. A whip into the corner sends Charlotte to the apron and Valkyria kicks her to the floor. The dive misses though and Charlotte hits a big boot as we take a break.

We come back with Valkyria hitting a top rope ax kick for two but her moonsault hits knees. Charlotte’s moonsault connects for two but Natural Selection is blocked. Something like a fisherman’s buster gives Valkyria two so Charlotte throws her onto Bayley. Back in and Charlotte tries a rollup but Bayley trips her down to give Valkyria the pin at 10:24.

Rating: C+. This was another basic preview for the four (or maybe three) way at Wrestlemania. That’s not a bad way to go as Valkyria getting a pin on Charlotte is one way to change the titles. These random matches are about all you can do with the match set up and the match was completely acceptable.

Post match we get a staredown but it doesn’t get physical.

LA Knight and the Usos are ready for Wrestlemania but here are Solo Sikoa and the MFT’s to interrupt. Sikoa insults Knight and calls him an embarrassment, so Knight wants a six man tag against any of the MFT’s tonight.

We look at a clip from the Hulk Hogan documentary, focusing on the original NWO turn.

Here is Stephanie Vaquer for a chat…and Liv Morgan pops up from behind to shove her into Cathy Kelly. Agents break them up and Morgan calls her a little b****. Vaquer charges in and the brawl is on again before they’re separated again, leaving Morgan screaming a lot.

Video on Rhea Ripley vs. Jade Cargill, including Iyo Sky being taken out.

Sky is in the back when the Kabuki Warriors come up. Asuka calls Sky Ripley’s sidekick but Sky tries to tell Sane that she doesn’t have to listen to this. That’s cut off and Asuka makes Sky vs. Sane for tonight. Asuka calls Sane a good girl and they leave together.

Usos/LA Knight vs. MFT’s

Jimmy knocks Mateo into the corner to start and it’s off to Jey for a running forearm. Jey clotheslines Mateo to the floor for a big dive and we take a rather early break. We come back with Sikoa knocking Jimmy to the floor but Jey fights his way out of trouble. Knight comes in to clean house and Mateo is sent outside. Knight drops Loa but Mateo makes the save as everything breaks down. Jey low bridges Sikoa to the floor, where Sikoa sends him over the announcers’ table. Cue Tama Tonga (not here earlier) for a staredown with Sikoa, who isn’t pleased with him. During the distraction, Knight gives Loa the BFT for the pin at 6:48.

Rating: C+. This was another fine match, though I’m not sure why they needed a break in a match that doesn’t even last seven minutes. The good thing is Knight and the Usos have some momentum heading into Wrestlemania. Yeah it’s just a celebrity match, but at least it’s something a bit unique rather than the same multi team/man stuff we get elsewhere.

We look at Pat McAfee and Cody Rhodes’ segment from Smackdown. This resulted in Randy Orton beating up Jelly Roll.

Here is Gunther for a chat…and never mind as Seth Rollins runs in to knock Gunther outside. Rollins heard Gunther say it was personal between them last week and he wants to know why. He offers Gunther a chance to get in the ring and explain (which makes you wonder why he beat Gunther up in the first place) so Gunther grabs a mic.

Gunther goes face to face with Rollins and says it has ticked him off to hear Rollins talk about how he was the best in the world. When Gunther was World Champion and going for the best competition in the world, Rollins became Paul Heyman’s servant. Gunther says it’s personal to him because he wants to prove he’s the best in the world. The fight is on with Rollins knocking him to the floor but Gunther avoids a Stomp on the steps and bails into the crowd. That is a rather basic explanation from Gunther but it’s something that makes perfect sense for him.

We get a video narrated by John Cena advertising Club WWE (which has been shown in graphics for the last few weeks), which is a way to get fans exclusive access to various things. No word on how much it costs but I’ve heard worse ideas.

We see some smoke with red lights flashing over it and….yeah the Demon is officially back to face Dominik Mysterio.

Dominik Mysterio isn’t happy with Adam Pearce for letting this happen but he didn’t sign to face the Demon so the match has to be canceled. That won’t happen, and Pearce doesn’t care for Dominik talking about his father like he’s a loser. Pearce tells him to go look in the mirror because he’ll get what he deserves.

Iyo Sky vs. Kairi Sane

Sane takes her down and pounds away, followed by a running shoulder in the corner. A nice looking top rope forearm and we hit the chinlock. Sky fights up and flips out of a headscissors before taking Sane outside. The moonsault off the barricade drops Sane again and we take a break.

We come back with Sky’s missile dropkick connecting to send Sane into the corner. Over The Moonsault is broken up so they both go up top, with Sky being knocked into the ropes. Sane is knocked down so cue Asuka to send Sky into the post. This brings out Rhea Ripley (Asuka rolls up her sleeves) for the brawl but Jade Cargill runs in to jump Ripley from behind. Sane dives onto Cargill but Asuka breaks up Over The Moonsault again. Sane’s rollup gets the pin at 9:57.

Rating: B. This wound up being a match with a big angle and I got into what we were seeing. The Asuka vs. Ripley brawl didn’t last long but it made perfect sense for all of the run-ins. That’s a nice way to build up a few stories at once and it happened to come with a rather good match as well.

Video on AJ Lee vs. Becky Lynch.

Here are Adam Pearce and HHH for the signing with Oba Femi. Cue Femi, who signs the contract without saying a word. Paul Heyman pops up on stage to say he has never seen someone be perceived as the best around as fast as Femi. Heyman says Femi is the most violent person to come into WWE since Brock Lesnar so the fans chant for OBA.

This annoys Heyman again, but he says that everything comes crashing down for Lesnar at Wrestlemania. Don’t worry though, because Heyman’s door will always be open to him after Wrestlemania. The fans want Femi to beat Heyman up, but Femi says those scars will heal. The emotional beating after he beats Lesnar though? That never goes away. There are twenty five years of history that Lesnar can’t be beaten but Femi has four weeks of evidence that he can. It’s time to end the Beast and everyone can feel it.

Heyman has been Lesnar’s mouthpiece but he has never been an honest one. If Heyman was honest, he would have come out here and said that Lesnar was scared. Femi is the mountain that Lesnar cannot climb and the Beast is being slayed at Wrestlemania. Femi’s delivery isn’t perfect (granted he doesn’t have much experience) but I believed what he was saying and it sounded like he did too, which is a big part.

We get a Liv Morgan music video for a song called Trouble. This is certainly different, but it’s basically just an excuse to have Morgan dancing on TV in various outfits.

Je’Von Evans/Dragon Lee vs. JD McDonagh/Rusev

McDonagh stomps Lee down in the corner to start and hits a hard clothesline. Evans gets knocked off the apron and it’s off to Rusev to keep Lee in trouble. That’s broken up and it’s off to Evans to make the comeback. Rusev gets low bridged to the floor but McDonagh Asai moonsaults onto Lee. Evans dives onto him but gets fall away slammed onto the announcers’ table.

We take a break and come back with Lee’s running hurricanrana to send McDonagh into Rusev. McDonagh is able to catch him with a running Spanish fly so Evans is back with a flipping kick to the head. The huge dive over the top takes Rusev out, leaving Lee to roll McDonagh up for two. The Styles Clash puts McDonagh away at 8:13.

Rating: B-. This was a fast paced tag match with Rusev playing a good monster. That’s something the ladder match has been needing, as it has felt very thrown together. Giving it a bit of attention is a good idea and hopefully they can deliver on Sunday. The problem is that it’s still a bit thrown together, but this was the best build it has gotten thus far.

Post match Rusev wrecks the winners, as is his custom. Rey Mysterio runs in for the save attempt but gets taken out. Cue Penta but Rusev clears the ring again, including taking out McDonagh. Rusev grabs the Accolade on Lee and cranks way back.

Wrestlemania rundown.

Danhausen interrupts Adam Pearce and wants to talk to John Cena on the phone. Cena isn’t on the phone, though Danhausen hopes that he can see him at Wrestlemania. And then Danhausen disappears.

Here is Roman Reigns for the big closing segment. Reigns takes his time to set up the catchphrase but here is CM Punk, in the crowd, to cut him off. Punk takes his own sweet time to get to ringside, where he gets on the announcers’ table. Punk talks about watching the cold open and says stop him when he’s telling lies. Reigns says they won’t need these mics but Punk says this he hates Reigns because he envies him.

This is all Punk has ever wanted and he is jealous that it was handed to Reigns. He hates that Reigns was champion for so long, because he knows how hard Reigns worked to do that. Punk says the legacy is about how many and he hates how many times Reigns has main evented Wrestlemania. He hates that he feels this way before shifting over to Sika (Reigns’ father).

The reality is that Sika was a champion and a great man and a Hall Of Famer. Punk respects the old timers and he apologizes for invoking Sika’s name in vain. He hates that there is more than one royal family in wrestling and he hates that he wasn’t born into a dynasty. Punk doesn’t know what it’s like to have that kind of family. He grew up on the streets of Chicago and had to find his family.

Those people were found in barns, bowling alleys, abandoned churches and VFW halls. Punk conquered the indies and then he went to Japan and England and he made wrestling his home and family. Punk hates that he feels this way and he hates that he has to share his first singles Wrestlemania main event with Reigns. Tell him when he’s telling lies. He has gold on his shoes and gold around his waist, and on Sunday night after their fight, the gold will be around his head because he’ll still be Heavyweight Champion of the World. Tell him when he’s telling lies (Reigns has just stared at him during this whole thing).

Reigns says that’s probably the truest stuff he’s ever heard Punk say, except for the ending. The truth is he’s hated Punk for a long time, but that’s because of the relationship Punk has with the fans. He hopes that they chant for him when he leaves. No one can take away the connection he has with the fans and that’s his truth. The reality is that the time is up because on Sunday it’s not “AND STILL”, because it’s “AND NEW”.

The nostalgia act is through and on Sunday we fix this mess that Punk has made. On Sunday, the Tribal Chief takes over again and you, and everyone else, will acknowledge him. The staredown ends the show. Reigns didn’t get to say much but he didn’t really need to. This was a money promo and felt like a Wrestlemania go home speech from Punk, who showed some rare vulnerability. There have been some problems with this Wrestlemania build but this hasn’t been one of them.

Overall Rating: B. The wrestling wasn’t much here but that’s almost always the case with five days to go until Wrestlemania. This show was mainly focused on talking and the stuff we got worked well, with Punk’s speech and Femi’s response to Heyman going strong. I want to see their matches over the weekend as the Raw half of the shows are looking good. They mostly stuck the landing here, though the weekend is what really matters.

Results
Lyra Valkyria b. Charlotte – Rollup
Usos/LA Knight b. MFT’s – BFT to Loa
Kairi Sane b. Iyo Sky – Rollup
Je’Von Evans/Dragon Lee b. JD McDonagh/Rusev – Styles Clash to McDonagh

Remember to follow me on Twitter and Bluesky @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

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Monday Night Raw
Date: March 23, 2026
Location: TD Garden, Boston, Massachusetts
Commentators: Michael Cole, Corey Graves

We’re closing in on Wrestlemania and Roman Reigns is now under CM Punk’s skin. That’s likely going to create an issue on the way to their title match, but there are other things going on as well. Otherwise we have Oba Femi coming after Brock Lesnar, which has all of the hoss fight potential. Let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

We open with a recap of Brock Lesnar returning to confront Seth Rollins but getting laid out by Oba Femi instead. That’s a big move, but it’s asking a lot for someone so new to the main roster.

IMG Credit: WWE

Here is Lesnar, with Paul Heyman, to get things going. Heyman lists off Lesnar’s various accomplishments but the fans chant for Oba Femi. Heyman warns the fans about getting on Lesnar’s nerves and blames last week’s attack on Femi taking advantage of a distracted Lesnar. Femi is the latest man who is supposed to take Lesnar out, just like Goldberg, Dean Ambrose (!), Bobby Lashley and John Cena, but Femi will be victimized just everyone else. Cue Femi and Lesnar tries the F5, only for Femi to escape and clothesline him to the floor.

Dominik Mysterio is ready to get his Intercontinental Title back tonight.

IMG Credit: WWE

Usos vs. Vision

Non-title and it’s Austin Theory/Logan Paul for the Vision. Before the match, we look at Logan Paul getting into it with Tom Brady at a flag football game. Sounds Wrestlemaniaish. Theory grabs a headlock on Jey to start but it’s off to Jimmy for a double elbow. Jimmy is sent outside and Paul clotheslines him into the timekeeper’s area as we take an early break. We come back with Cole paying tribute to Dennis Condrey of the Midnight Express, who passed away last week. That’s a rather touching moment, especially as Condrey never wrestled for WWE.

Jimmy enziguris his way out of trouble and brings Jey in to clean house. Theory gets sent into the corner and the turnbuckle pad is pulled off. Jey tries a suplex but Theory seems to reverse it into a neckbreaker for two. The spear drops Theory but Paul breaks up the Superfly Splash. The brass knuckles are loaded up so here is LA Knight to take them away. Jey gets the knuckles and knocks Theory cold for the DQ at 7:13.

Rating: C. This was fine while it lasted but the result was about setting up a likely rematch, which is fine enough. The Vision is in a weird place right now but at least they seem to have something of a direction for the Tag Team Titles. Knight being involved makes things a bit more interesting, though I’m not sure how he’ll tie in at Wrestlemania.

We look back at Roman Reigns and CM Punk going face to face last week, with Reigns getting under Punk’s skin.

IMG Credit: WWE

Here is Becky Lynch for a chat. Lynch understands what it means to take some time off, because she took ten months off, unlike AJ Lee’s ten years off. She’s ticked off about the lack of respect after losing the Intercontinental Title because she is proud of what she made that title.

When she took some time off to be with her family, her daughter was dancing around to Lee’s music and flipping her hair like that twerp from New Jersey. She didn’t realize that her mother was the greatest of all time (and apparently she’s not the only one saying it). Lee mastered the Divas division but Lynch murdered it.

Cue Lee to chase Lynch off and say that maybe she has to beat her one more time to get rid of her. Say on the biggest stage of them all? She’ll show Lynch why she’s the best wrestler of this generation and apparently Lynch’s daughter’s favorite wrestler and yes the match is on for Wrestlemania. Lynch brings up Lee’s last Wrestlemania match, when she left the day after and we didn’t hear from her for about ten years. Don’t worry because this year Lynch will end her and we’ll never hear from her again. This got personal and it boosted the match up a bit, which is a good thing.

Jimmy Uso thanks LA Knight for the help but Jey still isn’t happy about the whole thing. They calm down a bit, with Jimmy suggesting that Knight watch his words when talking about the family.

Je’Von Evans vs. Grayson Waller

Kofi Kingston is here with Waller. Evans starts fast and sends him to the floor for the big running dive. Back in and a high crossbody gives Evans two but Waller sends him outside as well. Evans switches places with him and hits another dive as we take a break. We come back with Evans hitting another crossbody but Waller slugs him down.

Evans tries a springboard but slips, only to spin back around for a German suplex (nice save). A running knee knocks Waller down again but he pulls Evans off the top. The flipping Unprettier drops Evans again and he gets sent into the post. Evans catches him with a top rope hurricanrana though and the OG Cutter finishes Waller at 8:58.

Rating: C+. They had some slip ups in there but the good thing is they were able to recover in a hurry and the match wound up going fine. That’s a good sign for Evans, as it shows what kind of a head he has on his shoulders. Hopefully that continues, as WWE certainly sees something in him.

Post match Kingston tries to explain why he didn’t help but Waller isn’t convinced.

Paul Heyman comes up to Adam Pearce, who says Heyman is having a heck of a night. Heyman wants a street fight for the Tag Team Titles next week in Madison Square Garden. The match seems to be on, but Pearce tells Heyman to go to the ring now, as he requested. Heyman isn’t happy but goes anyway.

Dennis Rodman is going into the Hall Of Fame. Ok then.

Here is Paul Heyman in the ring to say he’s having a really bad night and not just because after a 40 year Hall Of Fame career he’s making a contractually obligated appearance here in Boston. There is no one for him to hide behind at the moment because all of his men are either gone or injured. At the same time though, he has a stalker who will not leave him alone.

That man is Seth Rollins, and no that isn’t a challenge for a match, because we know how that would go. Instead, maybe Rollins should just come put him out of his misery. The masked man pops up on the announcers’ table (Heyman doesn’t see him) so Heyman keeps calling him out, only to realize who is waiting on him. Some cops show up to get between them and take Rollins away for violating the restraining order (which is apparently a thing).

As Rollins is leaving, Heyman goes on a rant about how Rollins is going to jail and Becky Lynch will marry half of the locker room and his daughter will be adopted by Heyman. Rollins charges away from the cops (Heyman throws the mic at him) and gets in a forearm as Rollins is handcuffed, leaving Heyman looking maniacal.

Post break here what’s you saw pre-break.

IMG Credit: WWE

Kabuki Warriors vs. Lyra Valkyria/Bayley

It’s a brawl to start and Valkyria gets beaten down on the floor. Back in and the Warriors kick away at Bayley, with a basement dropkick taking her down. We take a break and come back with Bayley diving over for the tag to Valkyria. The comeback is quickly on, including a sitout powerbomb for two on Sane.

A delayed vertical suplex is countered by Sane and Asuka is back in to take over. Valkyria kicks her into the corner and a fisherman’s buster sets up Bayley’s middle rope elbow for two. Bayley takes Asuka outside for the Bayley To Belly onto the announcers’ table but Sane saves her from another elbow. Back in and Nightwing finishes Sane at 8:58.

Rating: C+. Well at least they didn’t lose again. I could go with seeing Bayley and Valkyria getting a chance to do something as a team. They work well together and they would fit in well with the Irresistible Forces as some challengers. It still feels like we’re gearing up for a big multi team match for the titles (the Warriors could be in there too), so maybe they’re on the way to setting this up.

Post match Bayley says they aren’t feeling pressure and Valkyria wants the Women’s Tag Team Titles. The challenge is on for next week, with Bayley having to win the crowd back after calling MSG the World’s Most Famous Arena.

We look at Tiffany Stratton’s start in NXT, with Stratton praising what she learned in NXT to bring her here.

IShowSpeed comes in to see Penta, who teaches him the strut. Dragon Lee comes in and Speed is excited to see him. Speed leaves and Penta and Lee seem cool.

Post break, IShowSpeed meets Adam Pearce and is happy that he’s here. Danhausen comes in and suggests they have a show together and split the profits. That’s a no, so Danhausen suggests the show is called “YOU ARE CURSED!” Speed freaks out as Danhausen vanishes, with Pearce wishing Speed luck. Danhausen popping up in the back every week for some wacky shenanigans is the best way to use him, as he certainly shouldn’t be having any serious matches.

Video on Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton’s issues on Smackdown, with Orton saying he’s back to his evil ways because he needs to beat Rhodes. Orton then feigned an apology and took out Matt Cardona, including Pillmanizing his arm.

Asuka yells at Kairi Sane and says she needs to make up the loss. Iyo Sky comes in to say Sane deserves better but Asuka summons Sane away. Raquel Rodriguez comes in to get on Sky for interfering in her match last week and they’re set for next week.

Intercontinental Title: Dominik Mysterio vs. Penta

Mysterio is challenging (and not defending his AAA Mega Title) but here is Stephanie Vaquer to jump Liv Morgan during the entrance. They brawl into the back and we take a break with the two of them having to be separated. Mysterio (with JD McDonagh rather than Morgan) jumps him during the Big Match Intros but Penta is back to knock him into the corner. The slingshot dropkick connects but Mysterio knocks him out to the floor as we take a break.

We come back with Penta sending him tot he floor for a flip dive. Back in and a suplex gives Penta two, followed by the Penta Driver for the same. Mysterio is right back with a Michinoku Driver for two of his own but the 619 is broken up. McDonagh offers a distraction though and now the 619 can connect. The frog splash is loaded up but cue Finn Balor for a distraction. Balor takes out McDonagh so Mysterio tries the frog splash, which is reversed into a small package to retain the title at 7:41.

Rating: B-. This was more about having Balor show up in the end to cost Mysterio and that isn’t a bad way to go. Balor vs. Mysterio is all but guaranteed for a big showdown at Wrestlemania and that should be a good way to go. Penta is going to need something to do at Wrestlemania and this should clear him out of the Judgment Day stuff.

Post match Balor runs in to take out Mysterio and hits a flip dive onto McDonagh and Mysterio. As Mysterio runs, Balor gives McDonagh the Coup de Grace.

We look at Oba Femi clearing out Brock Lesnar earlier tonight.

Here’s a Tale Of The Tape of the two of them.

CM Punk is in the Gorilla Position where he meets Jimmy Uso. The audio isn’t great but they both smile at each other after speaking.

Here is Punk for a chat. He says he’s not sure if we could hear what Jimmy said to him, but apparently it was another “watch what you say about the family”. Punk says that’s proof that Reigns can’t do anything without his cousins. Last week Reigns threatened to send the entire family after him but Punk hasn’t seen a single Samoan coming after him. We’re in a s*** talking business in an effort to set up the big fight and that’s what Punk does for a living.

Last week, Reigns was doing the same thing but he said one thing that got to him. Reigns called him old, and the problem was the young boy saying it. So is he old? The fans hit the YES chant and yeah of course he’s old. He’s not ashamed of it though and is even proud of it. If he was worried, he’s be covering up those gray whiskers, just like Reigns does. He’s middle aged and crazy just like Terry Funk. Gordie Howe, better known as Mr. Hockey, was playing until he was 52, so Punk is Mr. Game 7. Age is just a number so ask him how he feels.

Last week this old man dropped Reigns with one punch and at Wrestlemania, he’ll tie Reigns in knots. Gunther didn’t under estimate him but couldn’t get the job done, just like Jey Uso. Cue Uso (Punk: “Is he gonna yeet me to death?”) to say Punk is still running his mouth about the family. Punk says Jey is owed a rematch for the title and they’re ready to go but cue Jimmy Uso to say hang on.

Jimmy says Jey is always getting in trouble because he goes too nuts. He got them disqualified earlier tonight but Jey says he doesn’t care about the Tag Team Titles. Jey is ready to fight…and here is Reigns (Punk does the spooky fingers). After the long entrance, Reigns says the last time he checked, the Usos had a tag match, but it’s over. With all due respect, Jimmy needs to get his brother and leave his ring.

Punk says they should stay because Reigns needs the help. Jey goes after Punk and Jimmy tries to break it up, with Reigns hitting Punk with the Superman Punch. Adam Pearce and company come out and get rid of the Uso, but Jey tells Reigns to get him. The Spear drops Punk and Reigns kicks him to the floor.

Reigns hits the powerbomb to put Punk through the announcers’ table and then screams at him. As Reigns goes to leave, Punk laughs a lot and says he isn’t the one who needs help to end the show. This was some rather interesting stuff as Jey is basically a psycho and Punk is playing them all off of each other. I want to see where this is going and that’s a great feeling going into Wrestlemania.

Overall Rating: B. The Punk vs. Reigns stuff has me wondering where a lot of this stuff is going and hopefully that continues for the remaining weeks before Wrestlemania. Other than that, you have Femi feeling like a real threat to Lesnar and the women’s stuff getting interesting. This was a stronger episode of build towards Wrestlemania and it gave me some needed hope. They still need to set some more things up, which will likely take place next week in MSG. Good show here, with the ending segment having me rather interested.

Results
Vision b. Usos via DQ when Jey used brass knuckles
Je’Von Evans b. Grayson Waller – OG Cutter
Bayley/Lyra Valkyria b. Kairi Sane – Nightwing to Sane
Penta b. Dominik Mysterio – Small package

Remember to follow me on Twitter and Bluesky @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Hall/e/B00E6282W6

Monday Night Raw
Date: March 16, 2026
Location: Frost Bank Center, San Antonio, Texas
Commentators: Michael Cole, Corey Graves

It’s Steve Austin Day and odds are that isn’t going to mean much for this show. We’re about a month away from Wrestlemania and the show is needing a shot in the arm. We might get some of that this week as Brock Lesnar is here to hopefully address his Wrestlemania challenge. Let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

The masked men storm ringside to start things off and Seth Rollins is in the ring. Rollins gets right to the point: he created the Vision and he will be the one to destroy it. He doesn’t care which member you are, but if you stand next to Paul Heyman, you are marked for death. Rollins is the one who attacked Paul Heyman and….here is Heyman, looking like he just fell out of a bus. Rollins is ready to destroy Heyman, who says he wouldn’t miss this for the world. Everyone knows that the rule is FAFO. Heyman: “FAFO. FAFO. FAF….5.”

And here is Brock Lesnar, which has Rollins’ goons surrounding him. Lesnar takes off his hat and wrecks the masked men until he’s alone with Rollins….and here is Oba Femi. Even Lesnar isn’t sure about this one and Femi stares him down. The Fall From Grace immediately plants Lesnar (Cole: “HOLY S***!”) and Femi steps on Lesnar’s chest while pointing to the Wrestlemania sign. Well that works, but DANG Femi better be ready.

We look at last week’s CM Punk showdown with the Usos, who are not happy with how Punk has been talking about Roman Reigns. Punk didn’t back down and got hit in the face for his efforts.

We look at El Grande Americano winning the AAA Rey de Reyes tournament over the weekend. You should check out AAA if you haven’t (it airs on WWE’s Youtube page) as it’s one of the better weekly series going today.

Original El Grande Americano vs. El Grande Americano

Los Americanos are here with Americano. Original hits a quick rolling Liger Kick and crabs an armbar over the top rope. The lackeys get involved for a distraction, allowing Americano to send Original into the post. Original is able to reverse a slingshot into a northern lights suplex for two and they chop it out. A suplex sends Americano over the top onto the other two and we take a break.

We come back with Original grabbing a backdrop but needing a breather. Original’s rolling kick to the head sets up some rolling German suplexes but Americano sends him to the apron. That lets Original take out Rayo and then Bravo, only for Americano to grab his weird Death Valley Driver variant for two. A big kick to the chest rocks Original again and Death Valley Driver gets two more.

Original manages a suplex into the corner and the ankle lock goes on, with Americano making the rope. The rolling Chaos Theory suplex drops Original but the referee is with Rayo. Original Cactus Clotheslines him outside, allowing Bravo to load up Americano’s mask. Original’s Swan Dive knocks himself out and Americano gets the pin at 9:55.

Rating: C+. This was a fine enough match, but dang they need to have the inevitable mask vs. mask match down in Mexico. The fans there are eating up everything these two are doing and it would be great to see them get the chance to show off on the big stage. If nothing else, it’s nice to have them getting something else rather than fall down the ladder by being themselves.

Roman Reigns arrives and runs into the Usos. Reigns says there are consequences for what you say and he grabs the camera, saying his fans should be offended by what CM Punk said. Over Wrestlemania Weekend, Punk belongs to him. He’ll catch up with the Usos later.

We look back at Judgment Day turning on Finn Balor last week.

Liv Morgan says this has been her plan since the day she joined Judgment Day. She only put up with Balor for his relationship with Dominik Mysterio and it has been a pleasure watching Balor fall from grace. It made her sick to call him family every week so they took something out of his playbook. The team is on to bigger and better things, like her beating Stephanie Vaquer for the title at Wrestlemania.

We look at Dominik Mysterio retaining the AAA Mega Title on Saturday, though he isn’t medically cleared for tonight.

The Usos talk to Roman Reigns about how he should deal with CM Punk. He’s heard the part time thing all the time but he doesn’t care because it’s about his wife and children. Reigns will get his apology later tonight.

Women’s Intercontinental Title: AJ Lee vs. Bayley

Lee is defending and gets powered into the corner to start. Some quick rollups give Lee two each but Bayley trips her down. Lee kicks her out to the floor and lets Bayley come back in, where Lee grabs a flipping armbar. Bayley gets out and sends her outside for a change as we take a break.

We come back with Lee reversing a suplex into a crossbody before also reversing the Bayley To Belly. A spinwheel kick gives Lee two and a Standing Sliced Bread drops Bayley again. The Shining Wizard is countered into a half crab but Lee gets out, only to be kneed in the face for some near falls. The Rose Plant is blocked so Bayley goes with the Bayley To Belly for two instead. They slap it out from their knees until the Shining Wizard rocks Bayley. The Black Widow is countered into a side slam but Bayley misses the top rope. Now the Black Widow goes on and Bayley taps at 10:32.

Rating: C+. This is the kind of win that does a lot of good for Lee. She isn’t likely to be around here, champion or not, for very long but she can still beat some of this generation one on one. That’s what Lee did here with a clean win over a big modern name. Bayley is absolutely set and can lose something like this without being hurt so it’s not like there is much of a downside.

JD McDonagh isn’t happy that Dominik Mysterio isn’t getting his Intercontinental Title shot but Mysterio isn’t cleared. Penta comes up and thanks Adam Pearce, who argues with McDonagh some more.

Back from a break and Becky Lynch is attacking AJ Lee in the aisle. Referees try to break it up but Lynch drops Lee with a belt shot to the head.

We look at Randy Orton turning on Cody Rhodes on Smackdown and laying him out on Smackdown.

Here is Penta for a chat before his Intercontinental Title defense. He wants to be a fighting champion because this title is for everyone. And we have a challenger.

Intercontinental Title: Penta vs. Dragon Lee

Penta is defending and we’re joined in progress with the two of them going to the mat. Lee gets up and does Penta’s strut and then dropkicks him into the corner. Penta is back with a chop of his own, followed by the slingshot dropkick to send Lee outside. Lee is able to get back up for a running flip dive, only for Penta to come back with one of his own. Back in and Penta’s high crossbody gets two and we take a break.

We come back with the two of them slugging it out until Lee manages a Styles Clash for two. A quick Penta Driver gives Penta two more but Lee kicks him out to the floor. One heck of a running flip dive knocks Penta over the announcers’ table and the fans are way into this. Back in and Operation Dragon gives Lee a very close two but Penta is right back up with the Mexican Destroyer for the pin at 11:48.

Rating: B. Yeah this worked as they did the fast paced, non-stop action match that you would want them to do. It worked very well, with that flip dive from Lee looking outstanding. This was about Penta getting in the ring and getting a nice win, with Lee getting to do his thing as well. Very entertaining match.

Post match respect is shown.

The Vision tells Paul Heyman that they’re coming for Seth Rollins but an anxious Heyman says that’s a bad idea. They need power to do what they want and that means getting the Tag Team Titles. Go do something to get the Usos’ attention. Austin Theory is off to do just that, with Logan Paul saying consider it done.

Maxxine Dupri vs. Nattie

Nattie wrestles her down with ease to start and it’s time for some choking in the ropes. Dupri gets tied in the Tree Of Woe for more choking and Nattie grabs a rear naked choke. That’s reversed into the ankle lock, followed by a kick to put Nattie down. A fisherman’s suplex lets Dupri take the straps down for a step up legdrop and a near fall. Nattie is right back with a knockdown of her own though and the Sharpshooter makes Dupri tap at 4:20.

Rating: C. This was about what you would expect from these two, as Dupri showed off her athleticism and spammed the heck out of the ankle lock. Nattie’s whole point is about proving that Dupri isn’t ready and she got so show some of that tonight. Odds are this feud isn’t over yet, which is quite the shame at the moment.

Post match Nattie says the Dungeon is alive.

Randy Orton is on the phone with someone about what he did on Friday, saying he’ll see you soon. Orton stops for an interview with Michael Cole…but he’s changed his mind and isn’t doing it. He will say this though: he had a conversation with someone who has a brain and they made him understand who and what he is. The reality is Orton is a killer and wrestling has more than one royal family.

Je’Von Evans comes up to Dragon Lee, who is banged up from his match. Kofi Kingston pops in to tell Evans to hang out with the right people. Kingston insults Lee and that’s enough for Evans to give him a no. Grayson Waller says he doesn’t get what they see in Evans, but Kingston says that’s how people feel about Waller. Cue Danhausen to say he should join the New Day because they can have curse cereal. He does the New Day Dance but gets a no, so YOU ARE CURSED, with Kingston and Waller arguing over which one got it.

Stephanie Vaquer vs. Raquel Rodriguez

Non-title and Liv Morgan is here with Rodriguez. Vaquer gets shouldered down to start so she grabs a rolling cradle for two. A big clothesline hits Vaquer and we’re already in the chinlock. That’s broken up just as fast and Vaquer escapes a powerbomb attempt. Vaquer’s running dropkick sends Rodriguez outside, where she launches Vaquer face first into the post. That leave Vaquer’s eyes bugging out as we take a break.

We come back with Vaquer being knocked to the apron, where she gets up top for a high crossbody. Vaquer starts in on the leg and hits the running knees in the corner. Rodriguez is able to block the Devil’s Kiss and a suplex cutter puts Vaquer down. The Vader Bomb elbow misses though and now the Devil’s Kiss works.

Morgan gets up for a distraction but here is Iyo Sky to go after her. Rodriguez is up with a shoulder to put Sky over the announcers’ table but Vaquer superkicks Rodriguez and throws Morgan into the timekeeper’s area. Back in and Vaquer tries a high crossbody, which is reversed into a powerslam. The Tejana Bomb is loaded up but Vaquer reverses into a rollup for the pin at 10:06.

Rating: B-. The interference got a bit messy at the end but Vaquer gets to look solid in a win on the way to Wrestlemania. It is hard to imagine Vaquer retaining the title at Wrestlemania but she needed a chance to get back in the fans’ mind. Sky wanting to destroy Morgan is an interesting side story and I like where this is going.

Lyra Valkyria tries to talk to Bayley about her Wrestlemania prospects but Bayley cuts her off. The idea is for them to do it together but the Kabuki Warriors come in, with Asuka blaming them for her recent loss. Revenge is teased. Of note: the Vision was shown in the background, talking to a woman I believe was Maxxine Dupri.

We look back at Oba Femi laying out Brock Lesnar and their Wrestlemania match is set.

The Usos run into LA Knight, who wants to take out the Vision as well. As for Roman Reigns, it’s Family business and Knight needs to mind his own business. Knight respects the idea but he doesn’t want the Bloodline coming back.

Here is Roman Reigns for a chat. Reigns hits the catchphrase and says the fans know who closes this show. The thing is Phil gets a little confused because this is Monday and this is Reigns’ show so come on out here. Punk comes out and takes his sweet time circling the ring until Reigns welcomes him to his show. Punk says Reigns keeps calling him Phil when it’s supposed to be an insult.

That’s a friends and family thing and he should call Reigns “Titi Tiaki” or whatever his real name is. Punk certainly isn’t going to call him Joe because that’s insulting to a real Samoan named Joe that he loves very much. Reigns hasn’t sent any Samoans after Punk but he has told them to do whatever they need to do. Punk shows the proof that this is his show by asking how good it feels to be alive in San Antonio.

Punk knows he has already won because he is in Reigns’ head, though the fans chanting for Reigns cuts him off a bit. Reigns says the fans are calling Punk out, with Punk saying that he called Reigns out last week because he wasn’t here. Reigns says that he’s heard the part timer thing for years and if Punk wants to know what the top stars do, go ask his wife. That’s enough for Reigns to leave, but Punk cuts him off, saying Punk decides when he leaves on this show.

Punk promises him a GTS at Wrestlemania so Reigns says he didn’t want to go here. Everyone knows Punk is great on the mic but he can’t phase Reigns, who is the most successful star Punk has ever faced. At the end of the day, the truth is Punk isn’t stronger, faster or anything than Reigns. He isn’t even as good looking as Reigns. Punk is a try hard because he’s….old.

That’s enough for Punk to hit him with a right hand so agents come out to stop him, with Reigns laughing. With a ticked off Punk being escorted out, Reigns looks into the camera and talks about making Punk snap with one word. This feud is working for the simple reason (one of many) that you can believe these two do not like each other at all. It’s making these exchanges feel genuine and it comes off like a Wrestlemania main event, which is a job well done.

The show is dedicated to Davey Coates, the international tour manager who passed away last week.

Overall Rating: C+. This show illustrated the same thing as the last few weeks of Smackdown: outside of a few things, this company doesn’t feel like it’s in Wrestlemania mode. The main event segment was great and Femi vs. Lesnar could be awesome, but a good bit of the rest of the stuff is just kind of there. Some of it is good and could be worth your time in Las Vegas, but it isn’t making me hyped for the show. They need more of a feeling that this is what matters more than anything else and I’m not sure they can make that feel effective with about a month to go.

Results
El Grande Americano b. Original El Grande Americano – Swan Dive
AJ Lee b. Bayley – Black Widow
Penta b. Dragon Lee – Mexican Destroyer
Nattie b. Maxxine Dupri – Sharpshooter
Stephanie Vaquer b. Raquel Rodriguez – Rollup

Remember to follow me on Twitter and Bluesky @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Hall/e/B00E6282W6

Monday Night Raw
Date: March 9, 2026
Location: Climate Pledge Arena, Seattle, Washington
Commentators: Michael Cole, Corey Graves

We’re just over a month away from Wrestlemania and that means it’s time to start setting the stage for the biggest show of the year. The main title matches are set but there are quite a few spots to go. One of those spots might be filled tonight as we have a gauntlet match to crown a new #1 contender for the Women’s Intercontinental Title, plus the Intercontinental Title is on the line. Let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

We open with a recap of Seth Rollins laying out the Vision last week.

Here is Adam Pearce in the ring to get things going. Unfortunately it is time to have a conversation with someone he knows is in the building tonight, so Seth Rollins needs to get out here. About twenty masked men jump the barricade, with one of them standing on the announcers’ table. A bunch of them get in the ring and run around until only one is left. He unmasks as Rollins and Pearce says that these people deserve something better.

Rollins is only five months removed from surgery and these run-ins will only work for so long. Cue the Vision to say they’re here to take out Rollins’ goons. Rollins raises his hands and a bunch of the masked men jump in. Rollins remasks and they run around in circles to confuse things and then escape. That’s a unique idea and it worked well. Cue LA Knight to go after the Vision but the numbers get the better of things. The Usos run in for the save. That’s a really clever idea for Rollins and I’m curious about what he’ll be doing at Wrestlemania, though Brock Lesnar still feels like a real option.

Post match the Usos say they don’t care about Seth Rollins because they have receipts to give out to the Vision. And no, Jey has nothing to say to CM Punk after what Punk said to Roman Reigns…but Jimmy thinks they might.

Gauntlet Match

For a future Women’s Intercontinental Title match. Lyra Valkyria is in at #1 and Iyo Sky is in at #2 with Sky working on the arm. That’s reversed and Sky spins up for a standoff. Valkyria’s spinwheel kick gets two but Sky is back up with a dropkick to the floor. The suicide dive connects but Valkyria gets back in for a dropkick through the ropes. We take a break and come back with Sky hitting the Bullet Train Attack. Valkyria comes right back with a fisherman’s suplex for two but Sky knocks her down again. Over The Moonsault finishes Valkyria at 9:21.

Raquel Rodriguez is in at #3 and gets dropkicked through the ropes before she even gets inside. The Tejana Bomb is broken up so Rodriguez goes with something of a Pounce to send Sky flying. We take a break and come back with Sky hitting the Bullet Train Attack. Cue Liv Morgan for a distraction so here is Stephanie Vaquer to brawl with Morgan up the aisle. Sky goes up top for a super small package of all things to pin Rodriguez at 16:08. Rodriguez is ticked and posts Sky, followed by a Tejana Bomb on the apron. Ivy Nile is in at #4 (looking a bit like a mini Beth Phoenix) and easily pins Sky at 17:25.

Bayley is in at #5 and gets jumped on the floor as we take another break. We come back with Sky grabbing a chinlock but Bayley fights up in a hurry. Bayley’s running knee against the ropes has Nile in trouble and a middle rope elbow to the back of the head gets two. The Bayley To Belly is countered so Bayley sends her into the corner for two off a sunset bomb. Nile is back up with a rather delayed vertical suplex and hammers away on the ropes. They head outside with Bayley getting the better of things. Bayley knocks her back inside and hits the Bayley To Belly and gets the pin at 28:05.

Asuka is in at #6 to complete the field and is immediately forearmed on the floor. Asuka is right back with a shot of her own and we take a break. We come back with Asuka grabbing an ankle lock, which is reversed into a kneebar. That’s broken up so they fall out to the floor, only for Asuka to hit a quick knee back inside. Bayley is back with a running knee of her own for two, with Asuka’s kicks to the head getting the same. A Bayley To Belly gets two more but Kairi Sane interferes. Cue Valkyria to take out Sane, leaving Bayley to escape the Asuka Lock. The Rose Plant finishes Asuka at 37:15.

Rating: B. This got a lot of time but didn’t feel that long, which made for a good result. Bayley moving on to get the shot against AJ Lee is a good choice, as she’s someone who can be a threat to win the title but could also be a nice victory for Lee. If nothing else, it’s nice to see Bayley get a rare win over Asuka.

We look back at last week’s Roman Reigns/CM Punk showdown.

We look at Maxxine Dupri attacking Nattie.

Danhausen meets the Original El Grande Americano and wants to try on his mask. Americano likes Danhausen’s ideas but he has no tiempo for this. That earns Americano a curse and Danhausen disappears. Americano isn’t convinced as some men follow him.

Intercontinental Title: Penta vs. Original El Grande Americano

Penta is defending and thanks the fans for believing in him, just like he believes in himself. He’s ready to defend this title every single day and make history as the new Intercontinental Champion. He’ll fight anyone…and we have an odd replacement.

IMG Credit: WWE

Intercontinental Title: Penta vs. El Grande Americano

As in not the original (presumably dealing with curse related issues) and he is challenging. Americano starts fast but gets kicked down, meaning Penta can strut. Back up and Americano elbows him in the head, followed by the right hands in the corner. Penta is knocked to the floor and taken out, leaving Americano to pose near the title.

We take a break and come back with Penta snapping off the Sling Blade and adding the slingshot dropkick in the corner. Americano cuts him off in another corner though and hits a Death Valley Driver for two. Penta pops back up to pull him out of the air a middle rope Codebreaker, followed by the Mexican Destroyer to retain at 10:37.

Rating: B-. Penta getting a win is a good thing to see, as he won the title after slipping so many times. Now he needs to show that he can keep the momentum going and a win like this helps. I’m not sure how long he’ll be keeping the title, but he’s off to a good start. We’re also gearing up for Americano vs. Americano, and that could be a blast if they have things go in the right way. Like say in Mexico, where it’s a much hotter feud.

We get a video from Stephanie Vaquer, who talks about how Liv Morgan hides behind a variety of people. Vaquer grew up with nothing but it made her become what she is today. Morgan worked hard to get here but while Vaquer sees her as a fighter, Morgan sees her as someone talented. Morgan better bring everything at Wrestlemania.

Liv Morgan is mad about the video but Dominik Mysterio comes in, saying he needs to talk to Finn Balor. He’s heading to the ring and asks the ladies to come with him.

Post break here is Mysterio, with Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez. He gets right to the point by saying he wants Finn Balor and JD McDonagh out here right now. They come out and Mysterio yells at Balor, who asks if he got it all out. Balor says it was his fault that Mysterio lost last week and he is sorry. He was just trying to help, but sometimes Mysterio has to fight his own battles if he wants to be the best Mysterio ever.

The more Balor tries to help, the more he realizes that Rey was right: Dominik is just a spoiled little CENSORED. Dominik shove him and gets dropped with a Pele Kick. A Sling Blade takes Dominik down again but McDonagh cuts him off. The team beats Balor down, with Dominik hitting him with the bell hammer. The hammer is loaded into the shoe for a 619, followed by the frog splash. Another frog splash onto a chair onto Balor leaves him laying. That had to happen sooner or later and it’s good that everyone turned on Balor rather than some splintering.

Adam Pearce gives Je’Von Evans the week off but Kofi Kingston and Grayson Waller come in. Kingston asks Waller for a minute and says he and Evans got off on the wrong food. Kingston apologizes because he sees a lot of himself in Evans. Back in the day, Kingston was the new kid with a lot of moves and he became WWE Champion. Evans just needs the right team behind him, so think about it. That doesn’t seem to work for Evans, but he doesn’t give a flat out no.

Bayley is happy with her win but thanks Lyra Valkyria for helping her out. The title is coming next week and Valkyria can have the first shot.

IMG Credit: WWE

Oba Femi vs. Rusev

They stare each other down and trade clotheslines into right hands. Rusev’s running splash in the corner doesn’t work as a big boot puts him down. Femi clotheslines him to the floor, where Rusev gets in a shot of his own. Rusev knocks him off the apron and hits a running spinwheel kick onto the announcers’ table. Back in and Rusev strikes away, including the Machka Kick. Femi pops back up and sends him flying with a toss though, setting up the Fall From Grace for the pin at 3:08.

Rating: B-. This was exactly as advertised with Femi looking like a killer. Some of the power stuff he was doing was rather impressive, just as it was for him to shrug off Rusev’s hard shots. If Rusev isn’t going to do anything important, this was about as good of a use as he has. Solid hoss fight here, with the absolutely right result.

Here’s what’s coming next week.

Here is CM Punk for a chat to a rather positive reaction. He wasn’t sure how that would go but hits his catchphrase and brings up the Seattle Seahawks. There are some people who aren’t happy about what he said to Roman Reigns but Reigns has never respected him. The fans chant for Reigns so Punk says hold your breath and he might show up. Reigns may never respect him, but Punk will make Reigns respect the position Punk holds.

The fans deserve a fighting champion and he levels this place up. Cue the Usos, with Jey demanding Punk apologize right now but Punk asks why Reigns is sending his cousins to do his dirty work. Jimmy says this is about respect and Punk is the voice of the voiceless. He wants Punk to apologize as well, so Punk says Jimmy is right. If Reigns can hear him, he hopes Reigns and the Usos are listening.

They go back a long way, because Punk respected Sika and worked under Afa (Sika’s brother, Reigns’ uncle) for things like gas money or advice. The family has respected him for years, except for that one son of a b****. Punk sees Reigns as a fake, lying narcissistic person but Jey says this isn’t about Reigns. Jey says they need Punk to apologize, with the fans agreeing. Punk thinks about it and does say he’s sorry…that Reigns treated the rest of the family like garbage.

Reigns never apologized for how he treated the Bloodline and for insulting Dusty Rhodes. Reigns isn’t on the hook for that but Punk has to apologize? If Reigns cared at all, he’d be in the ring right now instead of his young boys. Jey shoves Punk and Jimmy drops Punk with a right hand. The Usos leave and Punk is ticked to end the show. They’re trying to blur the lines with the respect stuff here, but I’m not sure the fans want to boo either of these guys.

Overall Rating: B. The good thing here is that you can see where a lot of these stories are going, or at worst we’re getting closer to those things taking place. There is still a long way to go before Wrestlemania but they have enough of a card set that it’s a mixture of setting up new things and advancing what is already set. The pace needs to pick up and some of that seems to be coming in just the next few weeks. Keep doing that and we could be in for a heck of a Wrestlemania build, though that is far from guaranteed.

Results
Bayley won a gauntlet match last eliminating Asuka
Penta b. El Grande Americano – Mexican Destroyer
Oba Femi b. Rusev – Fall From Grace

Remember to follow me on Twitter and Bluesky @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Hall/e/B00E6282W6

Monday Night Raw
Date: February 16, 2026
Location: FedExForum, Memphis, Tennessee
Commentators: Michael Cole, Corey Graves

We’re less than two weeks away from the Elimination Chamber and that means it is time to continue the qualification process. Other than that, CM Punk is having some issues with Finn Balor, who is going to be challenging him for the World Title at Elimination Chamber, which happens to be in Punk’s hometown of Chicago. Let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

Here are the Usos to get things going but the Vision cut them off. Logan Paul brags about selling the most valuable Pokemon card in the world last night for $16 million. Paul insults the city and Heyman asks for some footage from last week, which saw the masked man attack the team and get chased off. Cue Adam Pearce to say we can go talk about this backstage in his office but Austin Theory yells about how he was supposed to have won his qualifying match last week.

Heyman wants Bronson Reed in the Chamber and Pearce gives him a qualifying match next week but here is LA Knight to interrupt. Knight gets to the point by praying that Reed gets into the Chamber so he can kick Reed over and over. After everything Reed put him through….Paul: “You mean like the car he put you through???” Knight doesn’t want them to leave and if the Usos (oh yeah they’re still in the crowd) are interested, a six man sounds interesting. The match is official for right now.

Usos/LA Knight vs. Vision

We’re joined in progress with Paul in the corner so Knight can stomp away. A kick to the face lets Paul get away for the tag to Theory but Jimmy is right in to start on the arm. The Usos elbow Theory down for two and it’s back to Knight, who gets taken into the wrong corner. Paul drops an elbow for two and the villains take turns beating on Knight, including Reed hitting a running splash.

We take a break and come back with Reed’s backsplash getting two and Jimmy having to make a save. Another backsplash misses though and Jey comes in to clean house. Everything breaks down and Reed drives Knight through the barricade. Paul knocks Jey down for two but Jey is back with a superkick. A double superkick gets two on Paul with Reed making the save. Reed’s big dive to the floor takes out the Usos and it’s the big right hand to Jimmy. The Tsunami finishes for Reed at 12:14.

Rating: B-. This is the kind of thing that you need to do every so often to keep the Vision looking strong. The team is supposed to be a big deal and they need to beat some top names every so often. If nothing else, there is always the chance that we get the Vision going after the Tag Team Titles, which isn’t a bad idea either.

Post match Paul brags about the win but the Masked Man runs in to knock him cold with a Stomp before running through the crowd.

Adam Pearce is shown a crate, which says DELIVER TO WWE, DO NOT OPEN UNTIL 2/28/26. Pearce’s name isn’t on it so he wants it sent to Smackdown. Los Americanos pop up (with the minions listening to the crate) while the main one isn’t happy with the Original Grande Americano getting an Elimination Chamber qualifying match. Grande wants the Intercontinental Title, so Pearce gives him a chance tonight to get a title shot. That works for everyone, including the exasperated Pearce. The crate is certainly intriguing and could go in a lot of directions.

Asuka, Bayley and Nattie are ready for their qualifying match.

Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match: Asuka vs. Bayley vs. Nattie

Nattie is sent outside to start and Bayley’s basement clothesline hits Asuka, who is up before the cover. Back in and Nattie strikes away at Asuka, who kicks her in the head. Bayley’s sunset bomb into the corner sends Asuka outside, where Nattie catapults Bayley into the post and we take a break.

We come back with Bayley tying Nattie in the Tree Of Woe for the running elbow. Bayley pulls Asuka off the top for two and the three of them forearm it out from their knees. Nattie is sent outside, leaving Bayley to drop a top rope elbow for two on Asuka. Back in and Nattie powerbombs Asuka for two, setting up the Sharpshooter. Bayley breaks that up with a running knee but gets pulled into the Asuka Lock for the tap at 10:18.

Rating: C+. Asuka winning is fine as Nattie is already feeling like someone who is just kind of here as well. The Chamber is something that can have a bunch of people thrown in and while Asuka doesn’t feel like a real threat to win, she does add some credibility. As for Bayley….I have no idea where she goes from here and that isn’t a good thing.

Post match Maxxine Dupri runs in to beat down Nattie but they’re held apart.

Adam Pearce offers Oba Femi a Raw contract, which has Femi intrigued. He’d like some time to think about it, which is fine with Pearce. As Femi goes to leave, he runs into Rusev and sneering ensues.

IMG Credit: WWE

We get a sitdown interview with Michael Cole talking to Liv Morgan but Dominik Mysterio joins in. Morgan talks about going to Wrestlemania but Stephanie Vaquer comes in as well. Vaquer rants in Spanish and Mysterio replies in Spanish as well. Vaquer seems to say that her belt is the one that matters the most and then leaves. Morgan cries and leaves with Mysterio without saying anything of note. That’s interesting, as Morgan vs. Vaquer seems to be a legitimate option.

Here is CM Punk for a chat. Apparently the office is not happy with him right now because he is jeopardizing the main event of Wrestlemania. Sports franchise can qualify for the postseason but it doesn’t mean they can skip regular season games. A few weeks ago, Finn Balor got a World Title shot and he lost, but now he has earned another shot with the beating that comes with it. Punk wants to be a fighting champion because he is the best in the world…and here is Balor to interrupt.

Cue Dominik Mysterio and the returning JD McDonagh so Punk knows he’s in trouble. Balor says it’s ok though because they’re not here for a fight. Balor talks about training with the best wrestlers around the world to be the best in the world. He showed up on Raw and beat Roman Reigns on his first night so the best in the world is staring at Punk. At Elimination Chamber, he isn’t jeopardizing the main event of Wrestlemania, because he’s making it better. Punk talks about Balor being the best in the world….or how he used to be the best.

There was no Judgment Day around him when he was wrestling around the world because Balor used to mean something. Judgment Day is dragging Balor down to their level. Mysterio has two titles that he never defends and McDongah’s head is so big he needs help getting in the ring. Fans: “BOBBLEHEAD!” Punk: “I’ll allow it.”

Punk says he’s going to do something stupid and turns his back on the team, with Balor holding the other two back. With no violence, Punk says Balor doesn’t need the two of them to prove himself. Punk walks out and throws the mic at Balor, who looks confused. This was hammering the point home pretty clear, and I could go with Balor getting a singles push as a good guy for a change.

Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky are both ready for the Elimination Chamber and are ready to keep their Women’s Tag Team Titles on the way. They want Nia Jax and Lash Legend as well. The Kabuki Warriors come in though, with Kairi Sane saying it’s over because Asuka is in the Chamber. They’ll make sure Ripley and Sky (the latter of whom still has to qualify) don’t win, with Asuka yelling about how the two of them aren’t ready for the Chamber.

El Grande Americano vs. ???

Los Americans are here with El Grande and the opponent is…Penta. Yeah that works. Penta blocks a chop to start and they chop it out until a heck of a superkick rocks Grande. A Backstabber puts him down again but they clothesline each other for a double down. We take a break and come back with Grande escaping the Penta Driver and grabbing the modified camel clutch.

That’s broken up and Grande hits a Death Valley Driver for two. Grande goes up but gets pulled into the Penta Driver for a rather near fall. The running headbutt connects for two and Rayo gets up for a distraction, meaning the dancing Bravo can offer the steel plate. Hold on though as someone pulls Bravo underneath the ring and the Original El Grande Americano comes out from underneath the ring to take out Los Americanos. The springboard Canadian Destroyer finishes Grande at 7:57.

Rating: B-. Penta was a good choice for the title shot as he’s had a history of going after the Intercontinental Title so it’s certainly not stretching thing much. On the other hand, the question is where the mask vs. mask match is going to take place between the Americanos. That very well could be a Wrestlemania match, but putting it on Elimination Chamber makes sense as well. Either way, it’s something that could go well, as it’s certainly a big story at the moment.

Post match Penta and the Original show respect. Penta leaves and the Original beats up Grande, including the Rolling Chaos Theory. Original goes for the mask but Los Americanos make the save.

Raquel Rodriguez offers to take Liv Morgan somewhere to calm her down a bit. That leaves JD McDonagh to ask what Finn Balor is doing. Dominik Mysterio is ignored as Balor and McDonagh have an intense debate (not quite an argument) about McDonagh helping, but Balor wants to do it on his own. The two of them leave and Mysterio says he still has a match tonight.

IMG Credit: WWE

Here is AJ Lee for a chat. Last week, she became the #1 contender to the Women’s Intercontinental Title. Becky Lynch showed her that this is serious business by smashing Lee’s face into the post. Lee hasn’t had a singles match in over ten years and things looked different back then. There was one pink butterfly title to fight over and Lee made that title matter by fighting for it.

There is a women’s division before her and after her and that is her gift to everyone. She still wants to face the division of today but for now, it’s just Lynch. Lee gave her a ten year head start and Lynch still hasn’t caught up. For now, Lee is ready to move into Wrestlemania with the title. She’s ready to give Lynch a beating right now though so here is Lynch (or Becky Boo Boo as Lee calls her) to interrupt.

Lynch laughs at the idea of Lee winning a title and says it’s more about Lee getting the retirement match that she never deserved. Lee’s real gift was leaving WWE, because Lynch has spent ten years making history while Lee has been making comic books. After Elimination Chamber, Lee can dictate a new comic book (from her full body cast) about their fight and maybe that one will sell. Lee offers her the first swing but Lynch can’t bring herself to do it. She knows the game that Lee is playing and leaves, saying she doesn’t fight in Memphis. Good stuff here, as Lee can bring the intensity when she needs to.

Adam Pearce runs into the Vision, with Austin Theory yelling at Pearce for not dealing with the Masked Man. Paul Heyman wants the Masked Man stopped, but Pearce says the Masked Man is a problem for Pearce too. Bronson Reed says he’s ready to solve the problem for the team. No problem.

Video on AJ Styles…who is getting a special tribute next week. That sounds like a Hall Of Fame announcement.

Gunther, Je’Von Evans and Dominik Mysterio are ready for their qualifying match.

IMG Credit: WWE

Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match: Je’Von Evans vs. Gunther vs. Dominik Mysterio

Non-title. Mysterio takes his time getting in so Evans goes after Gunther, who throws him down without much trouble. Mysterio tries to go after Evans, earning a heck of a glare from Gunther. Evans fires off some dropkicks but gets pulled into a Boston crab. That’s broken up by Mysterio, who gets chopped into next week by Gunther. Evans is back up but gets taken down by a chop, leaving Gunther to send Mysterio hard into the barricade.

That works so well that Gunther does it again but Evans is back up with a heck of a dive to drop Gunther. We take a break and come back with Gunther down and Mysterio putting the ring bell hammer on the steps. The 619 is loaded up but Gunther pulls Mysterio into the sleeper. That’s broken up but Evans punches Mysterio into the corner. Evans plants Mysterio but has to fight out of Gunther’s sleeper.

A hurricanrana gives Evans two so Gunther just drops him with a clothesline. The powerbomb gets two on Evans and Gunther chops Mysterio down again. Evans kicks Mysterio down and drops Gunther with a running knee for two. The sleeper to Evans is broken up but the OG Cutter is countered into said sleeper. Mysterio breaks it up with a frog splash but the 619 is dropped with a hard clothesline.

The hammer is grabbed so Gunther sleepers Mysterio, which is broken up from a sleeper by Evans. That’s broken up and Gunther grabs the hammer, but here is Dragon Lee with a bell shot to put Gunther down. Mysterio hits the 619 to Evans but misses the frog splash. The OG Cutter sends Evans to the Chamber at 14:32.

Rating: B. I liked this one a good bit, though I could have gone without the champion taking a pin. Granted they didn’t have much of another option in this match as Gunther certainly can’t take a pin here. Either way, it’s interesting to see Evans getting this kind of a chance, as he could be quite the spectacle in the Chamber, which is a big start for someone still so new.

Overall Rating: B. This is around the time where things need to get serious and that is working out pretty well. You can see some of the bigger stories coming together with the Chamber next week and Wrestlemania in about two months. This show had good action but the focus was more on the talking to back it up. I had some hope for the future after this show and that is a great thing at the right time. There’s a long way to go before Wrestlemania, but at least they’re off to a nice start from this point.

Results
Vision b. Usos/LA Knight – Tsunami to Jimmy
Asuka b. Bayley and Nattie – Asuka Lock to Bayley
Penta b. El Grande Americano – Springboard Canadian Destroyer
Je’Von Evans b. Gunther and Dominik Mysterio – OG Cutter to Mysterio

Remember to follow me on Twitter and Bluesky @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Hall/e/B00E6282W6

Monday Night Raw
Date: February 9, 2026
Location: Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse, Cleveland, Ohio
Commentators: Michael Cole, Corey Graves

The road to Elimination Chamber continues here as we have some more qualifying matches for the namesake matches. That isn’t going to be enough to fill out the card though and that means we should be getting some more things being set up. The Tag Team Titles are on the line as well so let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

CM Punk is in the back and AJ Lee happens to be here as well. Becky Lynch sees them and is not pleased.

We start with some less than good news: Bron Breakker has suffered an injury and undergone surgery, which will leave him out of action indefinitely.

Here is a ticked off Becky Lynch for a chat. She’s tired of the disrespect…and here is AJ Lee to interrupt. Lynch doesn’t like Lee being here to support Maxxine Dupri and insults her EYEBROWS before calling her a little chihuahua who keeps barking and ruining Lynch’s life. Lee thinks that’s a tad dramatic before going into a list of the things that she’s done to Lynch, including a bunch of defeats. Lee: “That’s water under the bridge.” Lynch: “THERE IS NO WATER AND THERE IS NO BRIDGE!!!”

Lynch starts to lose it (Lee’s eyes bugging out is hilarious) and issues a challenge for Elimination Chamber where she can spill Lee’s blood. Lee: “BECKY! I knew you liked me!” She thinks that since she beats Lynch, she should be #1 contender but that’s a big NO from Lynch. Lee: “No title, no match.” She teases leaving and Lynch begrudgingly agrees to make this a title shot. Lynch says if Lee thinks she was held down by the man before, she has no idea what this will be like. This was really good, as Lynch sold the heck out of losing it over Lee, who strung her along every step of the way.

IMG Credit: WWE

Tag Team Titles: Usos vs. Alpha Academy

The Usos are defending and Tozawa knocks Jey down into an early chinlock. That’s broken up and Jey drives him into the corner so Jimmy can come in. Tozawa fights out of the corner and gets in a hurricanrana, followed by a spinning kick to the head for two. Everything breaks down and the Usos are sent to the floor, with Tozawa being thrown onto them as we take a break.

We come back with Tozawa getting in a DDT to spike Jey (who thankfully seems ok), allowing the tag off to Otis. House is quickly cleaned but the Caterpillar is cut off with a superkick. Jimmy comes back in for the double superkick. Otis runs the champs over with a double clothesline. Everything breaks down and Tozawa’s top rope backsplash gets two on Jimmy. Otis is sent shoulder first into the post before missing a charge. A double spear drops Otis and the 1D retains the titles at 10:01.

Rating: B. I was dreading this match coming in because the Academy have been nothing for so long, but at the time, it’s not like there is a better option out there right now. The Raw tag division has been nothing for a long time so having a random tag match wind up being good is a nice surprise. They desperately need some fresh teams, but that could take a long time to get going, especially given WWE’s history.

Post match respect is shown but the Usos are asked what’s next for them. Jimmy wants Jey to qualify for the Elimination Chamber and get the World Title back.

We look back at CM Punk and Roman Reigns’ face to face showdown last week, with their Wrestlemania title match being set up.

Here is Judgment Day for a chat. Liv Morgan has something to say but first, Dominik Mysterio has some flowers for her. Morgan says that’s what should be done for Valentine’s Day and he’ll get his gift from her later. She knows that whomever she faces at Wrestlemania will lose, so here is Stephanie Vaquer to interrupt.

Vaquer says Morgan talks too much and switches to Spanish, with Morgan asking for a translation. Mysterio doesn’t think he should translate but responds in Spanish on Morgan’s behalf. Morgan asks what he said, with Vaquer saying “he said he’s a little b****.” More arguing ensues and Morgan insults her in Spanish, earning Mysterio a slap from Vaquer. Morgan getting all excited over the Spanish was a great touch and this opened the door of Morgan picking Vaquer a bit wider.

Rhea Ripley, Ivy Nile and Lyra Valkyria are ready for their Elimination Chamber qualifying match.

Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match: Rhea Ripley vs. Ivy Nile vs. Lyra Valkyria

Ripley sends Nile flying to start so Valkyria is right there to get two off a small package. Back in and Nile German suplexes both of them, with everyone heading outside. Valkyria snaps off a hurricanrana and we take a break. We come back with Nile getting caught in the Tree of Woe while the other two fight on top. Nile sits up and grabs a German suplex for the Tower Of Doom.

Back up and Ripley kicks away at Nile until Valkyria gets a quick two off a rollup. A Steiner Bulldog is loaded up but Ripley drops Valkyria down for a faceplant instead. Nile German suplexes Ripley and covers Valkyria for two more. Valkyria’s DDT to Ripley gives Nile another two as this has been about stealing covers at every possibility. Ripley saves Valkyria from a seated dragon sleeper but gets knocked outside. Nightwing connects, with Ripley making the save, setting up Riptide for the pin on Valkyria at 9:30.

Rating: B. Nile got something of a standout performance here, which has not been the case for a long time. At the same time, it was nice to see Ripley getting back to what made her a star in the first place. Fun match here, with everyone trying to steal a pin and keeping things moving until the finish.

The sore Dominik Mysterio is in an Elimination Chamber qualifying match last week but also has to defend the Intercontinental Title. For now though, Mysterio has to calm Finn Balor down, but Balor wants the World Title. Mysterio thinks Balor’s window might be closed, but Balor says he’s tired of being an afterthought. He thought they were supposed to be family and leaves.

Michael Cole is in the ring to introduce CM Punk but Finn Balor interrupts and grabs the mic. Balor knows that Punk is hurt but everyone is talking about Punk vs. Roman Reigns. Balor had Punk beat and he’s tired of being pushed around. He wants Punk for the title at Elimination Chamber but here is Adam Pearce, who says we’re not doing things like this. Pearce tells Balor that the title is spoken for so forget about this or get out of here.

Cue a ticked off CM Punk, who says Balor is the first thought instead of an afterthought. Punk thinks Balor deserves a beating instead of a title shot so get off the announcers’ table and come get it. Balor wants the title on the line so Punk says let’s do it. Pearce says no, but Punk says give him the match he wants or Punk will spend the rest of the show beating Balor up around the arena. Pearce says the match is on…at Elimination Chamber, taking a lot of the air out of the arena.

With all that out of the way, Punk is ready for the scheduled interview, with Cole asking what Punk is doing by jeopardizing his Wrestlemania main event. Punk says he isn’t jeopardizing anything, because he is trying to build things up. He is trying to get one step better every day and he knows this is a risky way to go.

These people deserve this but he knows it could end anywhere in any city in front of any crowd, but he’s confident enough to know “that s*** ain’t gonna happen.” The only way Wrestlemania ends is with his hand raised and the ring announcer saying AND STILL World Heavyweight Champion, CM Punk. Good stuff here from Punk, though that match with Balor is about as dead in the water as you can get. At the same time, Punk got to show what a master of the microphone he is here, as he was basically directing the whole segment with his words.

Adam Pearce makes sure Finn Balor is out of the building but here is the Vision to interrupt him. Paul Heyman underestimated Pearce because he kept pushing Bron Breakker, who injured himself lifting and had to undergo major surgery. Pearce stands up and says he knows Breakker is one of the keys to the future of WWE (Heyman: “Agreed.”).

He wants Breakker back more than anyone but we need to focus on the now, including Austin Theory’s Elimination Chamber qualifying match. Pearce also tells the Vision to stay out of the match, and that’s a threat. Heyman: “There it is.” Logan Paul asks Pearce what he’ll do if the team interferes, but that’s a rhetorical question.

Nattie vs. Maxxine Dupri

Yes it’s officially Nattie and Dupri gets her in the ankle lock in about ten seconds. That’s broken up so Dupri knocks her outside for another ankle lock. Nattie kicks her into the steps for the break and gets in a hard posting as well. Dupri gets dropped onto the announcers’ table and pummeled down for the double countout at 1:35. If this was the big change for Nattie, it’s about exactly what I would have expected from her.

Post match Nattie gets the Sharpshooter on the table. AJ Lee runs out for the save but Becky Lynch is here to post Lee, as a person who is snapping tends to do.

LA Knight is ready to qualify for the Elimination Chamber and wants to take the chance away from Austin Theory.

Los Americanos vs. Je’Von Evans/???

Evans’ mystery partner is…the Original El Grande Americano. Well who else was it going to be? Ron Bass? Rayo jumps Evans to start and gets dropkicked for his early efforts. A springboard hurricanrana takes Bravo down as well but Evans is sent outside. That earns the Americanos a top rope double clothesline from the Original.

We take a break and come back with Original coming in to start firing off suplexes. Rayo headbutts Evans but gets kicked in the face by Original. The regular El Grande Americano shoves the Original off the top so Bravo goes up. A dive (after Original has already moved) is cuttered out of the air and Original’s top rope headbutt gets the pin at 7:45.

Rating: C+. The dive into the cutter was such awesome timing that it makes up for how dump Bravo looked for jumping in the first place, which is rather impressive. The Americano stuff is awesome, especially considering it’s totally different down in AAA. Odds are this is setting up a mask vs. mask match and it could be rather good given how talented these two really are.

Post match both Americanos try to go after the masks but neither get anywhere.

Penta, Austin Theory and LA Knight are ready for the Elimination Chamber.

We look at Gunther’s celebration last week and beatdown of Dragon Lee from last week.

Gunther is annoyed at being told he has an Elimination Chamber qualifying match last week because he already knows that. His road to Wrestlemania should have started when he beat Bill Goldberg but the result will be the same, because he’ll leave Wrestlemania as the new WWE Champion. Of note: Gunther had a very nice looking watch.

IMG Credit: WWE

Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match: Penta vs. Austin Theory vs. LA Knight

Paul Heyman is here with Theory, who is taken into the corner to start for the slingshot dropkick. Knight’s running knee rocks Theory again and a double clothesline puts him on the floor. Penta takes over on Knight and sends him outside, only to get dropkicked by the returning Theory. A ram into the steps has Penta in trouble and we take a break.

We come back with Knight slugging away at Theory, who gives Penta a brainbuster for two. Theory kicks Penta down for two more but Knight is back in with a running clothesline to put Theory on the floor. That means Knight can send both of them into the announcers’ table but Theory is able to trip Knight into the turnbuckle. Penta is back up with the Backstabber out of the corner to Theory, with Knight making the save.

They go up top for a Tower Of Doom to give Theory two on Knight, meaning frustration is setting in. Knight knocks Theory down and hits the top rope elbow but here is the Vision for a distraction. The Tsunami crushes Knight so Adam Pearce runs out with security to get rid of Bronson Reed. Penta gets sent onto the announcers’ table but the masked man is back with a superkick and Stomp to Theory. Back in and the BFT finishes Theory at 13:42.

Rating: B-. I’m rather over seeing triple threat qualifying matches for anything, but at least they had a good match here. Knight getting the revenge on the Vision and moving on to the Chamber is a good way for him to go, as he’s still one of the most popular stars in the company. Go with what the fans want, as Knight getting the title later this year would not be a crazy way to go.

Knight promises more for the Vision and Pearce glares at Heyman to end the show.

The show is dedicated to Jim Shank, a longstanding member of the production team who passed away earlier today.

Overall Rating: B. They had a solid show here as we shift away from the Royal Rumble to the Elimination Chamber. The qualifying matches were both good and you can see a lot of the pieces on this side coming together. I’m not wild on seeing Punk vs. Balor again, especially after how the previous match ended and what is set for Wrestlemania, but at least it should be quality. Nice show this week, and hopefully they can keep up the interest going into the pay per view.

Results
Usos b. Alpha Academy – 1D to Otis
Rhea Ripley b. Ivy Nile and Lyra Valkyria – Riptide to Valkyria
Nattie vs. Maxxine Dupri went to a double countout
Original El Grande Americano/Je’Von Evans b. Los Americanos – Top rope headbutt to Bravo
LA Knight b. Penta and Austin Theory – BFT to Theory

Remember to follow me on Twitter and Bluesky @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Hall/e/B00E6282W6

Monday Night Raw
Date: February 2, 2026
Location: Xfinity Mobile Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Commentators: Michael Cole, Corey Graves

We’re done with the Royal Rumble and Monday Night Raw has both of the winners (I think?). Liv Morgan and Roman Reigns won the Royal Rumbles on Saturday and are guaranteed spots at Wrestlemania. Other than that, we have less than a month to go before the Elimination Chamber, where everything else will be decided. Let’s get to it.

Here is the Royal Rumble if you need a recap.

We open with a ticked off Bron Breakker saying he’s going to wreck the entire show in exchange for Adam Pearce wrecking his Royal Rumble. The Vision comes out to calm things down, with Paul Heyman taking the microphone (the fans approve) to complain about Pearce. How could Pearce not know who the masked man is when he approves the visas?

Breakker wants Pearce out here right now so here is Pearce, who points out that the last masked man around here was Austin Theory. Pearce says Breakker can keep his job but here is LA Knight from behind to chair Logan Paul and Austin Theory down, escaping through the crowd before he gets mauled.

Long Royal Rumble recap.

Je’Von Evans vs. El Grande Americano

Rayo and Bravo are here too. Evans knocks him into the corner to start and snaps off some very high dropkicks. They head outside with Evans getting sent into the barricade and they’re right back inside. One heck of a no hands dive drops Americano again but Rayo offers a distraction, allowing Grande to send Evans arm first into the post.

We take a break and come back with Evans striking away but getting cut off with some chops. A spinning kick to the back and another to the mask drop Americano but Evans can’t follow up. Evans gets to the corner and springboards into something like a camel clutch. That’s escaped as well and a springboard flip dive gives Evans two. Rayo offers a distraction so Bravo can shove Evans off the top, meaning it’s time to load up the mask. Cue the Original Grande Americano for a distraction though, meaning the OG Cutter can finish for Evans at 12:03.

Rating: B. There was no way this was going to be anything but the other El Grande Americano getting involved and that’s not a bad thing. They’ve got at least a little something interesting here, with Evans getting the win at the same time. This is the kind of totally goofy, ridiculous wrestling angle which can be a lot of fun, as was the case here.

We look at some recent NXT names (and Royce Keys) in the Royal Rumble.

Here is AJ Styles……’ music, with Gunther doing Styles’ intro (including the little bounce that Styles did to make this even better) before switching to his own music. The fans are not pleased, as Gunther has to wait a bit before saying that AJ Styles found out what happens when you step into the ring with the career killer. Cue Dragon Lee with an enziguri and one heck of a suicide dive. Gunther gets posted and dropkicked over the barricade, but picks up the ring bell to cut off a dive. The sleeper goes on but officials break it up, only for Gunther to put it on again and hang Lee off the apron.

We recap the Vision taking out LA Knight two months ago.

Paul Heyman comes up to Adam Pearce and requests/demands LA Knight vs. Bron Breakker tonight, but Pearce says he can’t do it because “he” was just walked out of the building for disrupting the show. If Heyman knows what’s good for him, he’ll have Breakker do the same. Heyman reminds Pearce that this is Philadelphia but Pearce takes off his glasses and says FAFO.

Post break, Bron Breakker storms out, much to the worry of Paul Heyman.

The War Raiders are in the ring for a match…and here is Oba Femi instead. Femi wrecks both of them with no trouble and leaves them laying in seconds. Yeah I’d say that worked.

Video on Finn Balor, who talks about his respect never being returned around here and always being taken for granted. That was the case during his time in Belfast, but then he didn’t get a chance to be in the Royal Rumble. He still wants the World Title.

Here are the Bellas. They’re glad to be back, as this is their first time on Raw in seven years. Brie is back in the ring and they want the Women’s Tag Team Titles. That’s it. They just leave.

The Alpha Academy meet comedian Bert Kreischer and Maxxine Dupri comes in. Next week, she’s going to make Natalya tap out. The men take their shirts off, as is Kreischer’s custom.

Bronson Reed vs. Penta

Reed runs him over to start and yells a lot. Penta gets sent into the corner for more yelling but he comes back with a dropkick. The springboard is pulled out of the air but Penta gets out of the powerslam. A dropkick sends Reed outside and there’s the big no hands flip dive. We take a break and come back with Penta in trouble again, allowing Reed to stand on his chest. Penta avoids a splash though and is back up with a springboard tornado DDT for two.

Reed is right back with a powerbomb into a powerslam for two but Penta Backstabs him down. Austin Theory gets up on the apron so Penta takes him out, with the referee getting bumped in the process. Penta hits a big dive to the floor, only to charge into the Jagged Edge. The Tsunami connects….but there is no referee. Reed grabs a chair but here is LA Knight with a BFT onto a chair. The Vision gives chase and Reed can’t beat the count at 12:54.

Rating: B-. I liked this, as they kept Penta looking strong enough that this wasn’t quite a slip on a banana peel win. Penta had to deal with the Vision so that Reed could hit the Tsunami and then interference from Knight gave him the win. No one but Knight really comes off looking great, but at least neither of them took a pin when they didn’t need to. As usual, Knight is great at causing chaos and it worked again here, which shouldn’t be a surprise.

We recap Stephanie Vaquer vs. Raquel Rodriguez for the former’s Women’s Title.

IMG Credit: WWE

Here is Women’s Royal Rumble winner Dominik Mysterio to announce that he is in fact, back. He introduces Liv Morgan, who jumps into his arms to kiss him. The fans tell Morgan that she deserves it and yeah she knows. You are now in the presence of the greatest Royal Rumble winner of all time and she’s not sure who she’s facing at Wrestlemania. She’ll even be at Smackdown to find out for sure. The one thing she does know is that we’re getting a new Women’s Champion tonight, so here is the heavily praised Raquel Rodriguez.

After the big entrance, we get the important question: why did Morgan eliminate her? Morgan backtracks and says that a win for the Judgment Day is a win for all. Rodriguez can buy that, but wants Morgan in the back for the title match so she can win the title on her own. Works for Morgan, who leaves with Mysterio.

IMG Credit: WWE

Raw Women’s Title: Stephanie Vaquer vs. Raquel Rodriguez

Rodriguez is challenging in a street fight and unloads with shots to the face in the corner. A big clothesline sets up a slingshot suplex for two on Vaquer as the champ is in trouble early. Vaquer is back with a kick to the head, followed by a knee to the chest. The big dive to the floor drops Rodriguez again and it’s time for a table. That takes too long though and Rodriguez gets to put up the table, followed by a powerbomb to send Vaquer through as we take a break.

We come back with Rodriguez missing a chair shot and getting kendo sticked down. Rodriguez staggers around but grabs the top of the announcers’ table to hit her in the face. The Tejana Bomb is countered so Rodriguez settles for ramming her into the post instead. The chair is wedged in the corner but of course Vaquer reverses…and the chair falls out before the collision anyway.

Some kendo stick shots look to set up the Devil’s Kiss but Rodriguez powers up. A superkick gives Vaquer two, only for Rodriguez to knock her down again. That means it’s time to throw in a bunch of chairs, with Vaquer getting tossed onto them. The corkscrew Vader Bomb misses though and the Devil’s Kiss onto the chairs have Rodriguez staggered. They go outside where another’ Devil’s Kiss onto the steps puts Rodriguez down and sends us to another break.

We come back again with Vaquer putting a trashcan over Rodriguez’s head, setting up the running knees for two. Rodriguez kicks her back down for two more and it’s time for another table. The Tejana Bomb is escaped so Rodriguez runs her over. Cue Liv Morgan to try and hand Rodriguez the title but Vaquer sends Rodriguez into the chair in the corner.

Vaquer kicks her onto the table and here is Roxanne Perez, who is knocked through a table at ringside. Rodriguez catches Vaquer on top, where a super Tejana Bomb is countered into a super hurricanrana through the table for a not so great crash (as the table barely broke). The corkscrew moonsault retains the title at 21:34.

Rating: B-. It was a violent match and some of the spots were good, but I was rather sick of what they were doing by the end. It also felt like they were just repeating a bunch of the same weapons over and over, which dragged it down a bit. This needed to be shorter, though Vaquer winning should further the issues between Morgan and Rodriguez.

We look at Finn Balor’s path through NXT in a clip which aired last week on NXT.

Roman Reigns arrives over two hours into the show and here he is in person. The fans are certainly happy with him and he talks about the various things he’s done in this city over the years. This includes the first Royal Rumble he won, and the fans didn’t exactly like him then. So now that he’s won it again, the question is who he should go after. He’d like the fans’ input, and they are pretty firmly in the CM Punk camp.

This brings out Punk (to an absolute roar) and Reigns takes his jacket off. First though, Punk looks into the camera to threaten Finn Balor, which doesn’t sit well with Reigns. Punk gets down to business and while he could listen to Drew McIntyre get booed all day, he thinks the fans have made their point clear. At the same time, he thinks Reigns has made his mind up with the easy pick of McIntyre.

Reigns calls him Phil and says McIntyre is a big guy who had Punk crying over a plastic bracelet. Punk talks about the beating he gave McIntyre in the Cell, with Reigns saying he beat McIntyre for three years straight. Punk asks how many of Reigns’ cousins it took to beat him, but Reigns says his family is the reason Punk had a place to come back to in the first place. That doesn’t work for Punk, who brings up Reigns manipulating a bunch of people, including saying that his vacations are just letting people get a chance.

No one is trying to follow in his footsteps. A long time ago, Punk was champion for 434 days with Paul Heyman by his side. It was Reigns who followed in Punk’s footsteps and just because Reigns did it longer doesn’t mean he did it better. Punk chooses to go to so many different countries, just like he chose to bring the Shield to the main roster. Reigns is choosing right because he knows he can beat McIntyre but he can’t beat Punk on his best day. Maybe Reigns wants to take the easy way, but he can also take door #2 and climb Mt. Everest on his own.

Reigns says Punk is making all these towns because he took a ten year vacation. The idea that Reigns learned from Punk is laughable, because the only thing he learned from Phil is what not to do. When Punk wanted to come back, who do you think they came to? He got signed back because Reigns signed off on him, but then Punk went on his best friend’s podcast and ran his mouth to make everything harder on him.

Then Punk came back, stole his wise man and tried to make him look like a young boy at WarGames. He’s picking Punk because he hates him, and at Wrestlemania Punk will acknowledge him. Outstanding stuff here, with Cole having to say “that was a pipe bomb” because nothing is allowed to be its own thing these days. That being said, these two just sold me on seeing them fight and I don’t want to wait two and a half months for it to happen.

Overall Rating: B+. This wasn’t an overly wrestling heavy show but that wasn’t the point this time. Instead, this was about starting the Road To Wrestlemania and the main event segment was an absolute home run. The wrestling was good enough, but for the most part, it wasn’t the focus here. That’s ok for a show like this, as there was more than enough to carry the rest. Couple the main event segment with the Vision’s issues and Oba Femi looking like an absolute beast and they’ve got something cooking here. The big question is can they sustain that for two and a half months, but at least they’re starting well.

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