The John Report: WWE Raw Deal 02/02/26 Review
It’s WWE Monday Night Raw featuring Roman Reigns and Liv Morgan after their Royal Rumble wins, plus Stephanie Vaquer facing Raquel Rodriguez, and more.
The Royal Rumble took place this past Saturday, and it was a newsworthy event, as it is every year. Roman Reigns became a 2-time Royal Rumble winner while Liv Morgan won the Women’s Royal Rumble for the first time. I liked both Rumble matches, but I know some fans complained about them for not having many surprises and for aspects that weren’t exciting. The reality is that when we’ve seen 40+ Rumble matches over the years, it’s hard to do anything that new to shock viewers. Just saying. I think the work in the matches was good, but I also think fans complain about Rumble matches in an unrealistic way every year. AJ Styles lost to Gunther with his career on the line, so Styles is retired as an active WWE superstar, even though some people are questioning it. In pro wrestling, you never really know. Next up for PLEs is the Elimination Chamber on February 2,8 and then it’s onto WrestleMania 42, which will be promoted heavily since the WrestleMania Vegas sign will be in arenas moving forward.
This is the Raw Deal for episode #1706 of Monday Night Raw. It’s taking place at the Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport. Let’s get to it.
Bron Breakker was shown walking at ringside as Michael Cole and Corey Graves were at ringside. Bron ripped apart the commentary table. Bron tossed Corey’s chair down and flipped over the commentary table.
Let’s Hear from Bron Breakker
Bron Breakker went into the ring with a microphone. Bron said that Adam Pearce wants to ruin his moment in the Royal Rumble…and here comes The Vision’s Logan Paul, Bronson Reed, Austin Theory and Paul Heyman to try to calm Bron down. Bron said if you want to ruin his Royal Rumble, then screw Monday Night Raw and screw you.
Paul Heyman said that this is not Bron Breakker’s fault. Paul said that this is Adam Pearce’s fault. Heyman complained about Bron being #2 in the Rumble match. Heyman said that Adam Pearce has to approve the Visa’s of everybody to go over to Saudi Arabia, so he knew who it was who attacked Bron. Bron grabbed the microphone and said he’d give Pearce the count of 3 to have Pearce come out there.
Adam Pearce walked out with a microphone and some security guys in front of him. Pearce said he didn’t know who the masked man was, and the last time we saw a masked man was Austin Theory. Bron looked at Theory. Pearce said that he’ll let Bron keep his job after that piss-poor performance in the Rumble. LA Knight’s music hit, and Knight went into the ring with a steel chair. Knight hit Paul and Theory with steel chair shots to the back. Reed went into the ring, so Knight left through the crowd. The fans loved that. Bron asked Heyman what are they doing? Bron was frustrated and walked to the back.
Analysis: I liked that Raw opening. Bron Breakker was pissed off about being attacked by a mystery attacker at the Rumble, and he wants answers, but Adam Pearce didn’t have those answers for him, and that set up LA Knight to do a cheap attack on The Vision in the ring. The Vision took out Knight in December, so it made sense for Knight go after them like that. That can lead to Knight facing someone from The Vision, which works for the story. It was the right way to start the show with some action. Raw is too formulaic with promos to start the show, so seeing something different like this is a welcome sight.
The commentary team of Michael Cole and Corey Graves welcomed us to the show.
A video package aired with Royal Rumble highlights.
It’s time to get bouncy with Je’Von Evans in the opening match on the show. Evans was the Ironman in this year’s Royal Rumble, with over 40 minutes in the match. They went on a break for some fans as Evans posed for the fans.
Je’Von Evans vs. El Grande Americano (w/Rayo & Bravo)
This is Ludwig Kaiser as El Grande Americano, although the announcers argue about how they don’t know who it is. Evans has kinesio tape on his back and ribs, along with his right elbow taped. Evans hit an impressive dropkick, a hurricanrana and another dropkick. Evans missed a splash and Grande punched Evans out of the ring. Grande chopped Evans, who tried to fight back with punches. Evans hit Grande with a forearm to knock Grande out of the ring. Evans jumped over the top onto Grande on the floor. Impressive leap from Evans, as usual. Rayo tripped up Evans, and the referee never saw that. Grande kicked Evans and Grande sent Evans face first into the ring post. Back in the ring, Grande hit a back body drop on Evans. They went on a break for some fans as Grande took control for the next three minutes.
It was Grande in full control with a clothesline for two. Evans fired up with chops as Grande threw some chops of his own. Evans punched Grande into the turnbuckle. Evans hit two kicks to the face and a forearm. Evans hit a great counter move into a DDT. Evans hit a superkick and a corkscrew kick to the back. Evans hit a forearm and two chops. Evans bounced off the ropes wit ha spinning kick to the jaw. Kaiser went for a Cobra Clutch-style move, but Evans broke free with a forearm. Grande pulled back on Evans’ head/neck in a submission, but Evans got out of it and went to the turnbuckle. Evans rocked Grande with a kick. Evans jumped off the top with a Swanton coast-to-coast across the ring, so it was a kick to the head for a two count. Bravo tripped up Evans on the turnbuckle when Rayo got involved on the other side of the ring. Rayo handed Grande the metal plate and the Original El Grande Americano (hey Chad Gable) made his entrance to cheers, so Grande was distracted by that. Referee Chad Patton took the metal plate from Grande. Evans hit a knee smash. Evans jumped off the top with the OG Cutter for the pinfall win after 12 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Je’Von Evans
Analysis: ***1/4 A solid TV match to put over the young guy Je’Von Evans and give him some momentum as a Raw newcomer. It also continued the story from the Rumble with the Original El Grande Americano returning and having issues with the current El Grande Americano, so that feud is going to continue. It will be fun to see that Americano feud continue in the weeks ahead. I also wouldn’t mind if Gable dumped the gimmick and was given a normal push on his own. I’m glad Gable is back after six months off due to shoulder surgery. Push Gable!
A video aired about new stars who got to shine in the Royal Rumble while Triple H said it was a “new era” on the post-show, which he says on every PLE post-show. The video showed highlights of Je’Von Evans, Lola Vice, Jacy Jayne, Royce Keys, Jordynne Grace, Sol Ruca, Trick Williams, Lash Legend, and “The Ruler” Oba Femi.
Analysis: Everybody in that video came from NXT except Royce Keys, who is a WWE newcomer who came from AEW as Powerhouse Hobbs. All of those people did have impressive showings and it’s smart of WWE to highlight them.
The Usos made their entrance as the World Tag Team Champions, and they were in the crowd. This was during a break for some fans. Jimmy Uso was back with brother Jey. Jimmy said that next week on Raw, they will put their titles on the line against Alpha Academy. Jey told the fans to throw your 1’s to the sky for your “Tribal Chief” Roman Reigns, and Jey said they love him and go get those championships. The Usos did some Yeeting with the fans.
There was a graphic congratulating Bad Bunny and Jelly Roll on their Grammy Award wins. Bunny won Album of the Year, which is obviously huge. I don’t watch the Grammy Awards, but congrats to them as two guys who have wrestled in WWE.
Let’s Hear from Gunther
The music of AJ Styles played, and Gunther walked out doing AJ’s poses, which drew boos when the fans realized it was Gunther. That was funny. It switched to Gunther’s music and the words “Career Killer” appears on screen with Gunther’s name.
There were chants of “F**k you, Gunther” by the fans, and the swear word got muted. Gunther said just like Bill Goldberg, and just like John Cena, AJ Styles found out when you step into the ring with the career killer, your career and legacy dies. Dragon Lee went down to the ring and kicked Gunther in the head. Lee was the tag team partner of AJ Styles. Lee jumped off the top and hit cross body block on Gunther. Lee kicked Gunther out of the ring. Lee hit a suicide dive on Gunther on the floor. Lee gave Gunther a hurricanrana into the ring post and Lee dropkicked Gunther over the barricade. Lee charged, but Gunther hit him with the ring bell to the head. Gunther put the Sleeper on Lee on the floor. There were WWE Officials who came down to ringside to try to stop Gunther. Gunther choked Lee by the ropes, and Lee’s arms went limp to sell the idea that he was knocked out. The WWE officials and referees checked on Lee on the floor. Cole called Gunther the most dangerous man in WWE today.
Analysis: It was an effective angle to put over how dangerous Gunther is and how ruthless Gunther is because he’s always willing to do what he can to try to injure people. Lee could have a match with Gunther soon, but if that happens, then Gunther should win that match.
A video aired about The Vision destroying LA Knight on Raw in December. Knight missed nearly two months because of it. That’s why Knight attacked them earlier in the show.
Paul Heyman went up to Adam Pearce, saying he wants Pearce to put LA Knight in a match against Bron Breakker. Pearce said Knight was kicked out for disrupting the show, and Pearce suggested Heyman take Bron out, too. Pearce said he wanted Heyman to make sure Bronson Reed was ready for his match. Heyman reminded him where they were and didn’t like how Pearce talked to him. Pearce said “FAFO,” which means “f**k around, find out” and Heyman said, “okay” and left. Pearce said “okay” as well. That reminded me of Curb Your Enthusiasm at the end with the “okay” usage. Just saying.
Maxxine Dupri was interviewed by Byron Saxton in the upper deck. Dupri was fired up doing a promo about facing Nattie in a match next week. Dupri said that nobody can decimate this Maxxine Dupri.
The War Raiders entered for a match.
Bron Breakker was shown walking around backstage, looking angry. Paul Heyman tried to convince Bron to leave, but Bron said he didn’t care and kept on walking. I think Bron left, but I’m not sure.
Oba Femi made his entrance. Cole said that Femi was a free agent who could be on Raw or SmackDown. The bell never rang to start this as a match. Femi clotheslined Erik and chopped Ivar. Femi hit running uppercuts on both guys. Femi launched Erik across the ring. Femi hit a spinebuster on Ivar. Femi hit the Fall From Grace (Popup Powerbomb) on Erik. Femi’s music played to end this. The announcers said that there was supposed to be a tag team match, but this was more like a crime scene.
Analysis: A quick segment to show how dominant Oba Femi is. Very effective, I’d say.
Finn Balor was featured in a video package saying that the respect he gives is never returned. Balor said that he’s been showing off his whole career. Balor said that Adam Pearce told him the Royal Rumble was full and respect only gets you so far. Balor said that he wants the World Championship. Balor said he’s not a bad guy, but he told CM Punk he’s willing to do bad things.
Analysis: I think it might lead to CM Punk against Finn Balor at Elimination Chamber in Chicago. Since Balor attacked Punk last week, it could lead to Punk saying he wants to defend the title against Balor one more time and this time it’s in Punk’s hometown of Chicago. Clearly, Punk will be in a match at that show, so it makes sense to do a Punk-Balor rematch there.
The Bella Twins were shown walking backstage for a segment up next.
There was a commercial for some fans as they showed the video of Triple H watching messages from celebrities wanting to be involved in WrestleMania. They did some “Signs of the Night” showing fans in the crowd.
The WWE Backlash PLE will be on May 9th in Tampa. That was announced over the weekend.
Let’s Hear from the Bella Twins
The Bella Twins, Nikki and Brie, made their entrance. Nikki walked out with her song first, and then I had to sit through the Brie Mode song, which is never a good thing. Brie asked Philly what’s up, then Nikki thought the fans were booing and she mentioned the Eagles didn’t make the Super Bowl. Nikki is an Eagles fan. It sounded like the fans were chanting “Coop” so Nikki said she had good taste in reference to her “dating” Cooper Dejean of the Eagles. Cooper is 20 years younger than her. Good for him. Nikki mentioned it had been 7 years since they’ve been together in the ring, and Brie Mode is back. Brie said she is finally home. Brie said that the fans are wondering why she’s back now, and it’s not because Nikki was getting beaten up and needs to be saved. Brie said that they are the original tag team. Brie said that the division is better than it has ever been and they want in. Brie said they want to go after the Women’s Tag Team Titles. The Bellas music played to end it.
Analysis: That was a basic promo by the Bella Twins to show that they are going for the Women’s Tag Team Titles, which they have never held together since they were introduced after the Bellas were retired as full timers. The most interesting part of this was Nikki Bella confirming she’s probably dating Cooper Dejean, who is 20 years younger than her. Once again, good for Coop. That makes me like him even more. I thought there would be an interruption, but it didn’t happen.
Alpha Academy’s Otis and Akira Tozawa were backstage talking to comedian Bert Kreischer, who I noticed was ringside earlier. Bert encouraged them about their Tag Team Title match against The Usos next week. Maxxine Dupri walked up to the guys and yelled about how she’s going to break Nattie’s ankle. Dupri left. Bert took his shirt off since that’s what he does and that excited Otis.
Penta made his entrance for singles action. They went on a break for some fans as Penta continued his entrance.
Bronson Reed (w/Logan Paul, Austin Theory & Paul Heyman) vs. Penta
It’s the second match of the night at 9:08 p.m. ET. A talking-heavy show so far. Reed splashed Penta against the turnbuckle. Reed sent Penta into the turnbuckle. Penta ran the ropes and hit a headscissors. Penta dropkicked Reed out of the ring. Penta hit a somersault dive over the top onto Reed on the floor. They went on a break for some fans as Penta chopped Reed on the floor. Penta tried another chop, Reed moved, and Penta hit the ring post. Reed threw Penta into the ring post. Reed tossed Penta into the commentary table. The announcers said that Heyman was quiet, stoic and showing no emotion. They went back into the rin,g where Reed beat up Penta with some forearms. Reed kicked Penta for a two count.
The powerhouse Reed was in control with a senton splash. Reed worked over Penta with strikes to the body, and he stood on Penta’s ribs. Reed hit a suplex for two. Reed hit a running elbow drop for a two count. Reed went for a senton splash, but Penta moved and Reed hit the mat. Penta hit some chops, a superkick and a Slingblade into the mat. Penta hit a springboard DDT for a two count. Reed came back with a headbutt, followed by a lift into a powerslam for a two count. Penta chopped Reed a few times, and Penta went on Reed’s back, leading to a Backstabber for two. Theory went on the apron, Penta punched him, Paul went on the apron and Penta punched him while the referee took a punch too. Penta went up top and hit a cross body block on Paul and Theory on the floor. Penta charged at Reed, who hit a Jagged Edge slam. Reed went up top and hit a Tsunami, but the referee, Danilo Anfibio, fell to the floor, so there was nobody to count. Reed tried to bring a chair in, so LA Knight showed up and gave Reed a BFT on the steel chair on the floor. The announcers said they thought Knight left the building. Theory and Paul chased Knight away. Heyman tried to tell the referee what happened as the referee counted Reed out. Reed couldn’t get back in, so Penta won by countout after 14 minutes.
Winner by countout: Penta
Analysis: *** It was a good match with LA Knight costing The Vision’s Bronson Reed the match. The story was that Penta didn’t have any friends to watch his back, but that’s when Knight showed up at the perfect time with the assist by hitting that BFT on the chair. I thought it was a clever way to book the match with Reed losing by countout because of Knight. It also protects Reed since he didn’t get pinned.
Bronson Reed and Paul Heyman were furious, while Cole mentioned it was a bad night for The Vision.
A video package aired about the Stephanie Vaquer/Raquel Rodriguez match coming up later.
Liv Morgan was shown walking backstage for a promo up next.
El Grande Americano (with Los Americanos) was interviewed by Byron Saxton in the back part of the arena. This was during a break for some fans. Grande spoke in Spanish. Bravo and Rayo (Tyler Bate and Pete Dunne) spoke with bad accents saying they would never support this imposter because this is the real El Grande Americano. Rayo said long live the real El Grande Americano. Grande said there’s only one El Grande Americano, and they will prove it to the entire world.
They showed comedian Bert Kreischer at ringsid,e and he took his shirt off as usual. Bert has a Netflix show, so they promoted that.
Let’s Hear from Dominik Mysterio and Liv Morgan
The Intercontinental Champion and AAA Mega Champion Dominik Mysterio is back after missing over a month with an injury. I think his neck tattoos are bigger than the last time we saw him. Dom said that the only reason he came back to a place like Philly is to celebrate the Women’s Royal Rumble winner, Liv Morgan.
The Women’s Royal Rumble winner, Liv Morgan, made her entrance. The short shorts she is wearing probably makes fans a lot happier than the outfit she had on at the Royal Rumble. Liv had a tight shirt on that said, “Hot Girls Love Dominik Mysterio” on it. The fans chanted, “You deserve it” for Liv after she was scripted to win a pro wrestling match.
Liv said that we are so happy to have Dominik back. Liv said that she is the greatest Royal Rumble winner of all time. Liv said you guys are really curious about who she might pick for her opponent at WrestleMania. Liv said she doesn’t know, and she doesn’t want to rush it. Liv said she will even go to SmackDown to assess all her options. Liv said tonight we will crown a new Women’s World Champion. Liv introduced her best friend and sister, “Big Sexy” Raquel Rodriguez.
Analysis: There are some fans who have no patience and will be mad that Liv hasn’t announced her WrestleMania choice. They have a lot of time, though. There’s no need to rush it. It should be announced before Elimination Chamber takes place, and I expect that to happen. I also think Liv will go against the Women’s World Champion from Raw, so we’ll see who it is when it happens.
Raquel Rodriguez made her entrance with some new gear for the Street Fight. She had a top that says “Big Sexy” on it. Raquel said that they have been celebrating Liv’s win, but they haven’t addressed why Liv eliminated Raquel from the match. Liv knows that Raquel is not a selfish person. Liv said that Raquel has a title opportunity, and Liv has an opportunity too. Raquel said that’s right, but she wants Liv to stay in the back. Raquel said that she’s going to become the Women’s World Champion on her own. Liv and Dom left.
The Women’s World Champion Stephanie Vaquer made her entrance. It sounds like she got a new generic theme song. This was during the break for some fans. A WrestleMania 42 commercial followed that.
Ring announcer Alicia Taylor did the championship introductions for the Philly Street Fight.
Women’s World Championship – Philly Street Fight: Stephanie Vaquer vs. Raquel Rodriguez
This is a match where anything goes, and the fall has to take place in the ring.
Raquel was on fire early on with elbow smashes against the turnbuckle. Vaquer got a rollup for a two count. Raquel hit a clothesline to put Vaquer down. Raquel hit a slingshot suplex into a slam. Vaquer avoided a kick by the ropes and Vaquer kicked Raquel against the ropes. Vaquer hit a knee drop on the apron. Vaquer hit a springboard cross body block on Raquel on the floor. Vaquer grabbed a table from under the ring, but Raquel stopped that and knocked Vaquer down. Raquel sent Vaquer into the barricade at ringside. Raquel set up a table on the floor. Vaquer tried a headscissors, but Raquel caught her and hit a Powerbomb through the table on the floor. Good bump. They went to a break for some fans as the action continued. Raquel put a steel chain on Vaquer’s left ankle and rammed the ankle into the barricade. Raquel sent Vaquer’s left ankle with the chain against the ring apron. Raquel sent Vaquer face first into the ring apron. Raquel used the chain to punch Vaquer’s left ankle repeatedly. Raquel trapped the left ankle against the steel steps and ring post, but Vaquer hit Raquel with headbutts to break free.
The match continued with Raquel continuing to dominate as she sent Vaquer into the ring post. Raquel tried a chair attack, but Vaquer moved. Vaquer hit Raquel with multiple kendo stick shots to the body. Raquel hit Vaquer with the hood of the commentary table. Raquel tried a lift, but Vaquer broke free and tried a knee that didn’t work because Vaquer moved. Raquel sent Vaquer into the ring post. The referee told Raquel to put her in the ring, so Raquel did that and got a two count out of it. Raquel tried to set up a chair against the turnbuckle, but the chair fell down. Vaquer hit Raquel with a kendo stick to the ribs. Vaquer hit a belly-to-back suplex. Vaquer tried the Devil’s Kiss, but Raquel powered up to get out of it and Raquel sent Vaquer into the top rope. Vaquer hit a superkick for a two count. Raquel had a garbage can that she used to hit Vaquer in the head for two. Raquel tossed several chairs into the ring. Vaquer jumped off the top, Raquel caught her and Raquel hit a fallaway slam onto multiple chairs in the ring. Vaquer avoided a move off the turnbuckle. Vaquer gave Raquel the Devil’s Kiss knee attack 10 times onto a steel chair. They went over to the steel steps and Vaquer did the Devil’s Kiss knee attack on the steel steps. They went to another break for some fans as the match kept going. Vaquer used a kendo stick to hit Raquel in the ribs. Vaquer threw a trash can at Raquel when they got back into the ring. Raquel was back up to kick Vaquer against the turnbuckle. Raquel tried wedging a chair against the turnbuckle again. The referee was talking to Vaquer to communicate the upcoming spots. Raquel set up a table on the floor. Raquel punched and kicked Vaquer to keep her down.
It was about 15 minutes into the match as Raquel hit a clothesline to knock Vaquer down on the floor. Raquel tried to attack with the steel steps, but Vaquer kicked Raquel and Vaquer sent Raquel into the steps. Back in the ring, Vaquer hit a dragon screw leg whip by the ropes. Vaquer hit a knee to the throat. Vaquer put a trash can on Raquel and Vaquer hit a double knee attack into the trash can for a two count. The fans chanted, “This is awesome” for them. Vaquer tried for a move, but Raquel blocked that and hit a clothesline. Raquel kicked a trash can into Vaquer’s face for a two count. Raquel brought a table into the ring. Raquel hit a running hip attack near the ropes. Vaquer avoided a slam near the table and Vaquer hit a superkick. Raquel bounced off the ropes and hit a clothesline. Liv was back at ringside and she handed Raquel the Women’s World Title. Vaquer was back up to send Raquel into the steel chair. Vaquer knocked Liv down. Vaquer dropkicked Raquel onto the table. Roxanne Perez showed up and went on the ropes, so Vaquer headbutted Perez through the table that was on the floor. Raquel was back up to try to put Vaquer through the table in the ring, but Vaquer blocked that and hit headbutts. Raquel blocked Vaquer on the turnbuckle and Vaquer hit a hurricanrana though the table. The table barely broke from Raquel’s back hitting it, but it did break at least. Vaquer went up top and hit a Corkscrew Splash for the pinfall win after 22 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Stephanie Vaquer
Analysis: ***3/4 A long match with a lot of weapons used. I liked the pacing of the match because they took their time and sold the physicality of a match like this. It wasn’t a match with a lot of nearfalls, but it was built up well for over 20 minutes. We know that Raquel didn’t want help in the match and then the help attempts by Liv and Roxanne ended up costing Raquel the match. That could lead to Raquel breaking free from The Judgment Day, but I don’t know if that’s the plan. Anyway, I was leaning towards Stephanie Vaquer retaining her title here, so the result didn’t surprise me. I like Raquel, but I’m certainly fine with Vaquer keeping her title.
Stephanie Vaquer celebrated with the World Heavyweight Title by the ropes. It was obvious what was coming next as Liv Morgan showed up with the Oblivion on Vaquer. Liv held up the Women’s World Title over Vaquer, and Liv’s song played to end it.
Analysis: I think Liv will win the Women’s World Title at WrestleMania 42. They’ll have over two months to build it up, so there’s lots of time for it.
There was an NXT Origins video about Finn Balor talking about how his run in NXT turned him from a wrestler into a superstar. Balor called it some of the most important and happiest years of his career.
Next week on Raw in Cleveland:
* Maxxine Dupri vs. Nattie
* World Tag Team Championships: The Usos vs. Otis & Akira Tozawa
* Elimination Chamber qualifying matches begin
Roman Reigns was shown arriving in a SUV, and he made his entrance into the arena. Reigns saluted the crowd with 1’s up the air, and he made his way down to the ring. This was during a break for some fans.
Let’s Hear from Roman Reigns
It was main event promo time as Roman Reigns soaked up the cheers in the ring as the Men’s Royal Rumble winner. Reigns put his finger up in the sky as usual and some pyro went off for him before he said a word.
There were plenty of “OTC” chants for the Original Tribal Chief. The fans also sang, “Roman, Roman Reigns” for him. Reigns told Philly to acknowledge him and they cheered, along with more “OTC” chants. Reigns said that felt incredible. Reigns said it’s no secret they’ve had highs and lows here in Philly. Reigns said he won his first WWE Championship here on his daughter’s birthday, but he also lost his last championship here as well. Reigns said he won his first Royal Rumble here, too, but it didn’t sound like that (the fans booed because they cheered). Reigns said that this time he wins his second Royal Rumble and the next city on the schedule is Philly. Reigns said that this is the perfect city to be in based on their history, so who better to ask than Philadelphia? Reigns said should he go after the title that he made, and then fans chanted “CM Punk.” Reigns wondered if they wanted him to go after Drew McIntyre and the fans booed that. When Reigns mentioned if they prefer CM Punk, the fans exploded in cheers.
CM Punk made his entrance as the World Heavyweight Champion, and he was cheered loudly as the fans sang along with “Cult of Personality” as Punk made his way to the ring.
When CM Punk got into the ring with Reigns, the fans were going crazy for them. Punk spoke into the camera, saying Finn Balor will find out very soon that Punk is the baddest guy. Punk was responding to Balor calling himself a bad guy. Reigns complained about Punk interrupting him. Punk said that Reigns is a visitor and this is Punk’s show because he’s the champ and he calls the shots. Punk mentioned Reigns asking the fans in Philly about his choices. Punk mentioned Drew McIntyre and the fans booed. Punk said, or it could be Roman Reigns against CM Punk, and the fans cheered. Punk kept saying Drew’s name and his own name. Punk said the choice is clear. Punk said that he knows Reigns is going to take the easy way out and pick Drew.
Reigns said he doesn’t like Drew McIntyre, but Drew is not the easy way out. Reigns said that Drew is four times bigger than you and Drew had Punk crying over a plastic bracelet. Punk was wearing the bracelet. Punk said that when he was done with Drew, they ran out of staples, putting him back together. Punk said he beat Drew in the most dangerous match WWE has to offer – Hell in a Cell. Reigns said he beat Drew for like three years straight and Punk said it was you and how many cousins.
Reigns said that you should watch how you talk about his family. Reigns said that his family is the reason why Punk had a company and a show to come back to. Punk asked Philly if they believed that. Mixed reactions. Punk said that Reigns manipulated his cousins and a number of people and held this place up to the sky, but all he did was hold it hostage. There were “OTC” chants.
Punk said that this isn’t ESPN. Punk said he heard Reigns saying that his quarterly vacations are Roman’s way of sharing the spotlight and how nobody filled his shoes. Punk said many years ago he was champion for 434 days with Paul Heyman by his side. Punk said that Reigns followed in Punk’s footsteps. Punk said that Reigns was champion for 1316 days, but just because he did it longer doesn’t mean he did it better. Punk said that Reigns is a box office bona fide main event WrestleMania superstar. Punk said he’s not mad at Reigns for choosing to be a part-timer. Punk talked about how he competed in 10 countries over three weeks and he chose to be here so he can say things like doesn’t it feel great to be alive in a Monday night in Philadelphia. Punk said that he chose to bring Reigns into this company along with the rest of The Shield and Reigns followed in his footsteps. Punk said Reigns learned from the best and he’s proud of him. Punk said that one guy is somebody Roman knows he can beat while the other guy is the Best in the World. Punk said that you can go after the WWE Title that makes Drew McIntyre the man, or you can go after the man who has made this title and held it down in your absence as the Heavyweight Champion of the World.
Reigns said that you make all these towns because you took a 10-year vacation. Reigns said that the only thing he learned from Punk is what not to do. Reigns told “Phil” he wouldn’t be here without him. Reigns said that they asked him when they wanted to sign Punk back and Reigns said it was all good. Reigns said that he made the promise to Heyman. Reigns said he remembered when Punk went on his best friend’s podcast and made life harder on Reigns. Reigns said that Punk tried to brainwash Roman’s cousins and almost brainwashed him. Reigns said Zebroes or some stupid shit like that. Reigns said he shook Punk’s hand and looked at him like a man, but Punk mocked him in the back like he was some young boy. Reigns said he could Punk he’s the biggest star available and he’s on the best show. Reigns said that he’s picking Punk because he hates him, he’s always hated him and WrestleMania will be the best day of his life because in the main event, Punk will acknowledge him. Reigns left.
It’s Roman Reigns challenging CM Punk for the World Heavyweight Title at WrestleMania 42. That’s going to be awesome.
Analysis: That was f’n outstanding by both guys, and I thought Reigns stood out more than Punk. They both crushed it, though. The best promos are the ones that feel real and this one definitely felt like both guys were “shooting” so to speak. What Punk said about being the best and being better than McIntyre was true because Punk has also been a fighting champion since he won the title. Reigns absolutely crushed it, talking about how Punk quit WWE while Reigns built it up into the bigger company that it is now. The ending was perfect because it was a case of Reigns telling Punk he hates him and he wants to beat him so that Punk can acknowledge that Reigns is the better man. I certainly hope we get some more strong promos from these guys in the coming weeks, but we don’t know how often Reigns will be around. I enjoyed this one a lot and I’m glad they got the time to speak from the heart. I wanted to just enjoy it without writing and be a fan, but obviously, writing is what I do. I’m just saying I thought they absolutely delivered with that promo. Great job by both guys. I also think Reigns will win at WrestleMania, too, but obviously, there are over two months until we get there.
This week’s Raw had a runtime of 2 hours and 30 minutes on Netflix.
"I'M PICKING YOU BECAUSE I HATE YOU" 😱@CMPunk | @WWERomanReignspic.twitter.com/ou6BsKx6rF
— WWE (@WWE) February 3, 2026
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Three Stars of the Show
- Roman Reigns
- CM Punk
- Stephanie Vaquer and Raquel Rodriguez
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The Scoreboard
7.75 out of 10
Last week: 7.5
2026 Average: 7.60
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Final Thoughts on WWE Raw
It was a good Raw for the most part, and it was also full of talking. The first half of the show was very promo-heavy, with just one match in the first 70 minutes. There were only 3 matches in a show that lasted 2.5 hours, so that seems very low.
As far as the matches go, the Stephanie Vaquer/Raquel Rodriguez match was easily the best of the night. Those ladies did a great job in the Street Fight. I liked the other matches with Je’Von Evans and Penta picking up big wins, too. They both had distraction finishes, but they made sense to me.
I loved the main event promo segment involving Roman Reigns and CM Punk. The fans were on fire for it, and I thought both guys made valid points throughout. These two guys showed everybody how to deliver a main event WrestleMania promo. It was perfect.
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Thanks for reading. Please check out my reviews of every WWE PPV ever listed in order. Go Toronto Raptors and Toronto Maple Leafs. My contact info is below.
John Canton
Email [email protected]
Twitter/X @johnreport