The John Report: WWE Raw Deal 02/16/26 Review
It’s WWE Monday Night Raw featuring two Elimination Chamber qualifying matches, plus CM Punk, Liv Morgan, and more.
We are on the road to WWE Elimination Chamber on February 28th as the Men’s and Women’s Elimination Chamber matches continue to add wrestlers.
On a personal note, I recently changed my Netflix subscription to Netflix with ads to save a bit on my monthly bill and because it was part of the new cable package I have. If I don’t like it, then I’ll just go back to the usual Netflix Premium service and pay the extra money because the ads are annoying. I’m not sure how it will affect my Raw viewing, so we’ll see how it goes. (UPDATE: My Raw viewing was the same as Netflix Premium, so that worked out fine.)
This is the Raw Deal for episode #1708 of Monday Night Raw. It’s taking place at the FedEx Forum in Memphis, Tennessee. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport. Let’s get to it.
There was some pre-show superstar walking shown of Gunther, Bayley with Lyra Valkyria, Liv Morgan for a pre-show interview, and CM Punk with AJ Lee.
The Usos were shown in the crowd as the World Tag Team Champions, and they made their entrance. The Jey Uso “It’s Just Me, Uce” song isn’t that fitting for a tag team, but here it is. There was an interruption from Paul Heyman and The Vision (Bronson Reed, Logan Paul & Austin Theory), who were in their ring gear while The Usos were in the crowd.
Logan Paul told Memphis to shut up. Paul mentioned his valuable trading card that he just sold for $16 million last night. Paul trashed Memphis, saying it was not the most beautiful city in the US, but the good news is, they are here. The Usos were still in the crowd.
Paul Heyman said there’s a piece of footage that would explain his mood tonight. It showed last week’s main event when a masked man attacked Austin Theory during his match and LA Knight capitalized to get the win. Austin Theory said that the masked man is not original. Theory said that was his match to win.
Raw GM Adam Pearce said they can go back to his office to talk about this like adults. Theory said they are going to do it right here and right now. Theory said that Pearce screwed up last week. Pearce said his security would have had the masked man if it weren’t for Paul and Reed. Heyman told Pearce to make it official by putting Reed in the Elimination Chamber. Pearce said that Reed can earn his way into the Chamber by winning a qualifying match next week.
LA Knight was next to join the promo party in his “Unchosen” shirt. Knight said that the chickens have come home to roost. Knight said Theory is not going to Elimination Chamber or WrestleMania (well, he could go to WrestleMania like a lot of people). Knight prayed for Reed to be in the Elimination Chamber. Paul mentioned Reed put Knight through a car. Knight called Paul a simple-minded broccoli-haired bitch. Knight said he sees these three turd-stains in the ring, but he sees The Usos up there and he sees himself. Knight suggested a tag team match, so Pearce booked the match. Pearce said it’s a 6-man tag right now…yeah.
The Usos finished their entrance after standing up in the crowd for about seven minutes. That match is coming up.
Analysis: It was a lot of different people talking to set up the obvious tag team match since The Vision trio were in their wrestling gear, so we knew a match was coming. It makes sense storyline-wise, so I don’t mind it to set up a hot tag with popular babyfaces against the top heel group.
The Usos and LA Knight went into the ring to attack The Vision and they cleared the ring before the bell rang to start the match.
LA Knight and The Usos – Jimmy & Jey Uso vs. The Vision – Bronson Reed, Logan Paul & Austin Theory (w/Paul Heyman)
Paul worked over Knight with punches to start the match. Knight came back with stomps, along with a running knee against the turnbuckle. Paul kicked Knight, Theory tagged in and Knight greeted him with a clothesline. Jimmy tagged in with a kick to the gut and an uppercut punch. Jey got in there against Theory wit ha double team elbow drop. Knight hit a neckbreaker on Theory. Reed tagged in for a clothesline/chop block combo to knock Knight down. Paul worked over Knight with punches and a gutwrench suplex for two. Reed splashed Knight against the turnbuckle, followed by an elbow drop. They went on a break for some fans as The Vision remained in control. Paul worked over Knight with forearms while the fans chanted, “Logan sucks” at him. Theory was back in for a double team suplex with Paul on Knight. Reed was back in to work over Knight with shoulder tackles and a chinlock.
It looked like Knight would break free, but Reed hit a uranage and a senton splash. Jimmy saved his partner, so Reed sent Jimmy into the ring post. Reed missed a senton splash, Theory tagged in and Knight avoided a charge by him. Jey got the tag against Paul. Jey hit two clotheslines on Paul, along with some punches. Jey connected with a running hip attack on Paul against the turnbuckle. Jey ran the ropes and hit a Spear on Paul for two because Theory made the save. Knight clotheslined Theory out of the ring. Knight shoved Theory into the ring post and hit a BFT on the floor. Reed tackled Knight through the barricade at ringside. Paul hit a Zig Zag on Jey for two. The announcers didn’t use a name for it. Jey landed on his feet, he hit a superkick, Jimmy tagged in for a double superkick and The Usos hit a 1D, but Reed broke up the pin attempt. Reed headbutted Jey out of the ring. Reed hit a suicide dive on both Usos on the floor. Reed tossed Jey over the commentary table. Reed sent Jimmy into the ring and Paul punched Jimmy in the head. Reed tagged in and hit a Tsunami splash on Jimmy for the pinfall after 13 minutes.
Winners by pinfall: The Vision – Bronson Reed, Logan Paul & Austin Theory
Analysis: ***1/4 It was an impressive win for The Vision since they didn’t cheat and still found a way to get the victory. Reed stood out in the match since he put Knight through the barricade, dove onto Jey and threw him over the commentary team, and then he finished off Jimmy with a Tsunami. I’m not surprised that Reed looked so impressive since Bron Breakker is out of action. They are probably going to push Reed into that WrestleMania match with Seth Rollins, so that’s why Reed was featured so much.
After the match, Logan Paul put Cole’s headset on and bragged about winning. The masked man hit The Stomp on Paul on the commentary table. The Vision chased the masked man into the crowd and up the stairs.
Analysis: I’m not sure if the masked man will be revealed as Grayson Waller, or if they will wait until Seth Rollins is ready to return in two months or less.
Next week on Raw:
Raquel Rodriguez vs. Iyo Sky vs. Kairi Sane
Bronson Reed vs. Jey Uso vs. Original El Grande Americano
A crate was shown backstage that says Do Not Open Until 02/28/26, which is the date of Elimination Chamber. Adam Pearce asked a guy what was in the crate. The guy named Eli didn’t know. Pearce told “Eli,” the WWE worker, to put the crate on the truck, send it to SmackDown, and let Aldis deal with it.
Analysis: I have no idea what the crate is, but it could definitely hold a human being in it, so we’ll see in a few weeks. I assume a lot of people will guess it is for Chris Jericho. Since Jericho debuted in WWE in Chicago in 1999, you could say it’s full circle to have him return to WWE also in Chicago. Just saying.
El Grande Americano and Los Americanos approached Adam Pearce backstage. Americano wanted a spot in Elimination Chamber, but Pearce said the qualifying match spots were full. Grande mentioned the Intercontinental Title, so Pearce said he can try to earn a shot at the title.
A video aired featuring Nattie, Bayley and Asuka talking about their upcoming match for a spot in Elimination Chamber.
The Original El Grande Americano (Chad Gable) was interviewed by Cathy Kelley in a skybox. This was during a break for some fans. Original spoke in English talking about how there’s been an imposter Americano that has no respect for lucha traditions. He said there’s only “Uno” Grande Americano and you’re looking at him. Original praised Je’Von Evans. Original also said he’s going to win his Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match. Original said “Thank You” and “Gracias” to end it.
The WrestleMania 42 commercial aired.
I forgot to mention that the commentary team was Michael Cole and Corey Graves as the usual Raw team. Alicia Taylor was the ring announcer.
It was time for the Women’s Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match with Asuka up first. Nattie was next with her new look and entrance song, along with her “Low Key Legend” jacket. Bayley was up next in this match between three future Hall of Famers who have held a lot of championships.
Women’s Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match: Nattie vs. Asuka vs. Bayley
There are no countouts and no disqualifications in a triple threat match.
Nattie was in control early on with a surfboard submission on Bayley, but Asuka broke that up. Asuka and Nattie exchanged strikes until Nattie hit a German Suplex. Asuka kicked Nattie out of the ring, so Bayley hit a sunset flip to send Asuka into the turnbuckle. Bayley kicked Asuka to knock her down on the floor. Nattie got a hold of Bayley and sent her face first into the ring post. They went on a break for some fans as Nattie beat up Bayley with punches. Nattie hit a suplex on Bayley. Asuka was back in to knock Nattie out of the ring. Asuka worked over Bayley with kicks. Asuka applied an armbar and Nattie was back in to send Asuka into the turnbuckle. Bayley got a sunset flip on Asuka for two, and Bayley clotheslined Nattie. Bayley hit a neckbreaker on Asuka.
It was Bayley in control with an elbow drop to Nattie’s back for a two count. Asuka went to the top rope and Bayley set up Nattie upside down against the turnbuckle, so Bayley hit an elbow drop on Nattie. Bayley hit a superplex on Asuka for two because Nattie broke up the pin. They exchanged strikes, and then Nattie sent Bayley out of the ring. Asuka hit a forearm on Nattie. Bayley hit a forearm on Asuka. Nattie hit a discus lariat on Asuka. Bayley connected with a belly-to-back suplex on Asuka. Bayley went up top and hit an elbow drop for two because Nattie made the save. Nattie gave Bayley a German Suplex on the ring apron. Asuka applied an Asuka Lock submission, Nattie countered it and Asuka kicked Nattie in the jaw. Nattie hit a sitout Powerbomb on Asuka for two. Nattie applied the Sharpshooter on Asuka, but Bayley was back in the ring with a knee to Nattie’s head. Bayley with a neckbreaker off the ropes. Asuka hit a running hip attack on Nattie, and Bayley hit a Bayley to Belly on Asuka for the two count. Bayley went for a Roseplant, Asuka avoided it and Nattie was knocked off the apron by Nattie. Asuka applied the Asuka Lock to Bayley, who tapped out to give Asuka the win. It went about 12 minutes.
Winner by submission: Asuka
Analysis: ***1/4 A good match between three veterans. I wanted Nattie to win to give her some momentum as this new character of hers, but I have no problem with Asuka winning since she’s awesome too. I feel bad for Bayley since she rarely wins matches and is stuck in that tag team with Lyra Valkyria that really isn’t featured much. The final few minutes were very good.
The women’s Elimination Chamber Match looks like this now: Rhea Ripley vs. Tiffany Stratton vs. Alexa Bliss vs. Asuka vs. 2 more wrestlers. They are all former Women’s Champions.
Nattie was looking back at the ring when Maxxine Dupri attacked her from behind. They were fighting by the entrance area. Several WWE Officials showed up quickly to break it up.
Oba Femi was in the office of Raw GM Adam Pearce, who told Femi that he wanted Femi to sign with Raw. Pearce said he knows Femi got an offer from SmackDown, but this offer is better. Femi took the contract and said he had to think about it. As Femi walked away, Rusev stared at him. Femi and Rusev had a staredown without saying a word.
Analysis: I think Oba Femi is going to choose Raw, and a feud with Rusev sounds like a good idea for him to start on the red brand.
A video aired with celebrities pitching Triple H their WrestleMania ideas. They showed some fans in the crowd for some “Signs of the Night” for about a minute.
Liv Morgan Interview
The Women’s Royal Rumble winner, Liv Morgan, was with Michael Cole for a sit-down interview earlier in the day. Dominik Mysterio joined Liv for it. Liv said that she has decided her Wrestlemania opponent, but she said she’s not going to rush this decision. Liv said that she’s going to take a little longer to decide. Stephanie Vaquer walked in with the Women’s World Title and spoke in Spanish to her. Dominik tried to respond, but Vaquer kept talking. Dom translated that Vaquer said she has conquered everything. Vaquer kept talking in Spanish and eventually left. Dom was translating to Liv, but it was hard to hear what he said. Liv was sad and even in tears, as Dom consoled her. They left. Cole wondered what was going on.
Analysis: There wasn’t much to the interview, and having Vaquer speak in Spanish made it tough for me to know what she was saying. I could barely hear Dom translating to Liv. Anyway, I assume it’s Vaquer against Morgan at WM42 because it makes more sense to do that over Morgan/Cargill, so it’s just a matter of when they announce it.
The World Heavyweight Champion, CM Punk, made his entrance to a big ovation as usual. They went on a break for some fans, so Punk killed a few minutes saluting the crowd around ringside.
Let’s Hear from CM Punk
There were loud “CM Punk” chants as Punk held the microphone up for the fans. Punk said that Adam Pearce believes that Punk is jeopardizing the main event of WrestleMania. Punk mentioned his match with Roman Reigns is a big deal, but he is making everything better. Punk said that sports teams make the playoffs, but they still play regular season games. Punk said that you guys deserve a fighting champion. Punk said Finn Balor deserved a title shot because of what he’s done in his career. Punk said that at Elimination Chamber in Chicago, Balor has earned a beating because of his actions when he attacked Punk during his match with AJ Styles. Punk admitted he did things that pissed people off, and it’s why the fans love him. Punk said he wouldn’t be who he is without defending this title because he is the best in the world. Punk said it’s not Roman Reigns or Finn Balor…and here comes Finn.
Finn Balor made his entrance to his classic Balor song and he had on a BLR CLB shirt representing the Balor Club. Finn was joined by The Judgment Day’s Dominik Mysterio and JD McDonagh, who is back in action.
Balor was on the apron along with Dom and JD, while Punk looked ready to fight. The J-Day trio got in the ring with Punk. Balor said that to be the best in the world, you have to train with luchadores, survive Japanese dojos and beat Roman Reigns on your first night on Raw, so he’s the best in the world. Balor said that when he beats Punk for that World Title, he’s not jeopardizing the main event of WrestleMania because the real best in the world is making it better. There were “CM Punk” chants again.
CM Punk asked Balor what are these two idiots doing here? Punk said he knew who Balor was. Punk said Balor did those great things in the past by himself. Punk said Balor didn’t have the Judgment Day by his side when he was coming up. Punk said that Balor used to mean something. Punk said that Judgment Day has been an anchor around Balor’s neck. Punk said that J-Day has dragged him down. Punk trashed Dom for wearing two belts and never defending them, while JD’s head is too big. Punk said he’s been accused of being a smart man who does dumb things. Punk said that some things are out of his control. Punk turned his back to Balor and told them to jump him. Punk said he knows he’s the best in the world and he doesn’t need help to prove it, but maybe Balor does need that help. Balor held JD back as Punk left the ring. Punk threw the microphone at Balor and left.
Analysis: It was an interesting promo exchange as CM Punk made the point that Finn Balor isn’t as good with The Judgment Day, so maybe Balor needs to remember what he was before them. I think Punk retaining against Balor at Elimination Chamber is obvious. However, the key thing is that this story is likely going to lead to Balor being more like his past self and he’ll turn babyface, and likely take the IC Title from Dom at WrestleMania. That works for me.
Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky were interviewed as the Women’s Tag Team Titles, with Byron Saxton asking how they are holding it together. It was mentioned that Ripley is in the Women’s Elimination Chamber already and Sky can qualify next week. Ripley said that Nia and Lash thought they could take their titles, but they failed. Ripley said they turned up the heat, so Ripley and Sky will put them out. Sky said they will be ready. Kairi Sane and Asuka interrupted, so Sane said that Asuka is in the Chamber. Sane said they will make sure Rhea and Sky never win. Sane said they will make sure Asuka is champion. Asuka told them they aren’t ready for the Chamber. Asuka shouted at Kairi as usual.
El Grande Americano made his entrance with Los Americanos for an IC Title #1 Contender’s match. They went on a break for some fans, and I’ll take a break here.
The opponent of El Grande Americano was a mystery and then Penta made his entrance to a huge ovation. The fans love the guy.
Penta vs. El Grande Americano (w/Rayo & Bravo)
They exchanged chops early on and Penta jumped off the ropes with a clothesline as Grande (Ludwig Kaiser) hit a clothesline at the same time. They went on a break for some fans just one minute into this match. Grande worked over Penta with punches. Grande did a snapmare followed by an attempt to take off the mask. Penta almost took Grande’s mask off, but Grande bailed to the floor. After a Rayo distraction, Grande hit a clothesline to take control.
Penta got some offense going with a cross body block off the top, followed by a Slingblade. Penta did a handstand dropkick to Grande’s ribs for two. Grande countered Penta to slam him into the mat. Penta countered a move into a pin attempt for two. Grande hit a rolling senton for a two count. Grande chopped Penta, but Penta stopped a move off the ropes. Penta hit the Penta Driver for a two count. Penta kicked Rayo on the apron. Grande was back up with a headbutt to the chest for two. Bravo handed Grande a steel plate, but somebody pulled Rayo under the ring. It was the Original El Grande Americano (Chad Gable). Original gave Rayo a Chaos Theory suplex on the floor. Original hiptossed Bravo over the commentary table. Penta did a springboard Mexican Destroyer for the pinfall win after about 8 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Penta
Analysis: **3/4 The match was okay for a TV match. Grande was in control for most of it. Original El Grande Americano ruined things for El Grande Americano, and Penta hit an incredible finishing move to get the win. That Mexican Destroyer looks amazing.
After the match, Original El Grande Americano attacked Grande and hit a Chaos Theory rolling German Suplex. Original tried to take the mask off Grande, but Rayo and Bravo made the save.
Analysis: It should lead to an Original vs. Grande match that could be Mask vs. Mask at WrestleMania, but I’m not sure if that’s the plan.
The Judgment Day’s clubhouse was shown. Raquel Rodriguez left with Liv Morgan to handle something. JD McDonagh walked in with Finn Balor, who told JD he had to prove this himself. JD said that he’s trying to help Balor become World Champion. Balor told JD to let him do this alone. JD said that’s fine. Dominik said he still had a match.
Gunther was shown getting ready for his triple threat match later in the show.
The New Day’s Kofi Kingston arrived with Grayson Waller. This was during a break for some fans. Kofi said that Xavier Woods has been injured. Kofi said that Woods has been battling a shoulder injury, and now he’s been forced to take time off. Waller read a message from Woods. Waller read insults from Woods to the fans. Waller read more insults for the Memphis crowd. Kofi said they agreed and they were cut off because the break was done. Best wishes to Woods.
Let’s Hear from AJ Lee
It’s time to “light it up” with AJ Lee skipping her way down to the ring. Lee will challenge Becky Lynch for the Women’s Intercontinental Title at Elimination Chamber. Cole remarked about winning a Bexxie, then mocked the number of votes and Graves said you should have a newsletter. Tremendous. I’m sure all wrestling observers won’t get angry about that. Just saying.
AJ Lee spoke about how easy it is to get under Becky Lynch’s skin. Lee said she hasn’t had a singles match in over a decade. Lee said that all they had to fight for was a sparkly pink butterfly. Lee claimed she made that title. Lee said she knows who the hell she is. Lee said there’s a women’s division before AJ Lee and a women’s division after, and you’re welcome. Lee wants to fight everyone while mentioning many other women in the division, but for now, all roads lead back to Becky. Lee said that Lynch is so mad that Lee came back, that her merch does better, and that the fans like her more. Lee said she gave Lynch a ten year headstart and she hasn’t caught up. Lee talked about how if she’s going to walk out of Chicago victorious, then she’ll walk into WrestleMania as the Women’s Intercontinental Champion. Lee invited Becky Lynch to the ring.
Analysis: For what it’s worth, I think Becky Lynch has had by far a better WWE career than AJ Lee and probably any woman in company history. Lee was fine for her role in her prime, but let’s not act like she had memorable feuds or matches. I like AJ and respect what she’s done. Just saying Becky, to me, is on another level. That’s all. What Lee said is about projecting confidence, which is good for a face like her.
The Women’s Intercontinental Champion, Becky Lynch, made her entrance wearing a big fur coat. Lynch said that Lee thinks she will have a title run. Lynch said that this is an opportunity for Lee to get her friends and family, and give her a send off. Lynch said that this will be like Lee’s retirement match that she never deserved. Lynch said there was a division before AJ Lee and there was one after, and Lee’s gift was leaving. Lynch said she’s been making history while Lee has been making comic books. Lynch said that Lee can dictate to her computer about how she went one-on-one with Lynch, and Lynch bragged about herself.
Lee said we can save the title match for Chicago, but Lynch can come into the ring and throw hands right now. Lynch looked like she was going to fight, and then Lynch stopped herself on the floor. Lynch said when she gets in there, Lee will sucker punch her. Lee said she’ll let Lynch take the first swing. Lynch got in Lee’s face. Lee told her to swing. Lee put her hands behind her back. Lynch said she knows what the game Lee is playing. Lynch said Lee wants Lynch to beat her up so that Lee can’t even make it to Elimination Chamber. Lynch left and said she doesn’t fight in Memphis.
Analysis: The idea behind that is that AJ Lee is succeeding at getting in Becky Lynch’s head so much that Lynch wouldn’t punch her even after being offered the first shot. I think Lynch will keep the title at Elimination Chamber, it will be controversial and then they’ll build to a rematch at WrestleMania 42 when Lee gets the title.
Raw GM Adam Pearce was shown backstage, where The Vision was waiting at Pearce’s office. Austin Theory yelled at Pearce about the masked man attacking earlier. Heyman told Theory and Logan Paul to go to the jet. Pearce said that the masked man is a problem for him too. Bronson Reed said he solves problems, and he’ll solve that problem. Reed said that when he wins the Elimination Chamber, that problem will be solved, too. Pearce said, “Thank you,” and Reed said, “No problem.”
Je’Von Evans was shown getting ready for his triple threat match up next.
Maxxine Dupri was interviewed by Cathy Kelley in the back part of the arena. This was during the break for some fans. Dupri said she knows AJ Lee can beat Becky Lynch at Elimination Chamber. Dupri told Nattie that she won’t be able to keep Dupri down because Dupri will keep getting back up. Dupri said she’s tired of being walked all over when she trusts somebody. Dupri said she’s coming for vengeance.
A video package aired about AJ Styles’ career since he has now retired. It was announced that Raw is in Atlanta next week near where Styles lives, so they will pay tribute to him on Raw.
The main event was next, with Je’Von Evans up first, and the fans were cheering for him as usual. The “Ring General” and “Career Killer” Gunther was up next and he was booed a lot. They went on a break for some fans, so Gunther and Evans spent a couple of minutes killing some time. Dominik Mysterio made his entrance as the Intercontinental and AAA Mega Champion.
Men’s Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match: Gunther vs. Je’Von Evans vs. Dominik Mysterio
There are no countouts and no disqualifications in a triple threat match. The first pinfall or submission wins.
Evans hit a dropkick on Gunter and a dropkick for Dominik too. Gunther caught Evans, leading to a Boston Crab. Dominik chopped Gunther, who let go. Gunther let Dominik chop him and then Gunther chopped Dominik to put him down. Evans hit two more dropkicks on Gunther. Evans hit a hurricanrana to send Dominik into the turnbuckle. Gunther blocked Evans trying to bounce off the ropes and Gunther chopped him. Gunther sent Dominik into the barricade. Gunther whipped Dominik into the barricade again. Evans jumped over the turnbuckle and hit a cross body block on Gunther, who bumped over the commentary table. That was an impressive leap by Evans, who is such an incredible athlete. They went on a break for some fans as the match continued. Dominik grabbed the hammer from ringside and put it on the steel steps. Evans superkicked Dominik and Gunther while they were outside the ring. Back in the ring, Dominik hit an elbow on Evans. Dominik stomped on Evans’ ribs a few times. Dominik kicked Evans a few times against the turnbuckle. Dominik kicked Gunther off the apron to the floor. Dominik sent Evans into the turnbuckle for two.
It was Dominik and Evans battling in the ring, with Dom slamming Evans’ head to the ground. Gunther was back up to put a sleeper on Dominik, but Evans stopped that with a superkick on Gunther. Evans hit a jumping punch on Dominik, and a forearm smash. Evans hit a twisting kick to Dom’s back. Evans hit a spinning sitout slam for two because Gunther grabbed Evans. Evans kicked Gunther, but Gunther was back up with a chop. Gunther gave Dom a Powerbomb onto Evans’s back. Evans countered Gunther into a pin attempt for two. Gunther was back up with a clothesline and a Powerbomb stacked pin got two. Gunther worked over Evans and Dominik with kicks, along with chops. Evans kicked Gunther in the arm and a kick to the head. Evans hit a twisting kick to Dominik’s head. Gunther hit Evans with a forearm to the back. Evans avoided a slam by Gunther, landed on his feet and hit a knee on Gunther for two because Dominik made the save. Dominik jumped off the top with a Frog Splash, Gunther got his knees up and blocked. Evans punched Gunther and hit a springboard clothesline. Evans went up top, but Gunther stopped that with a forearm. Evans jumped off the top, Gunther caught him in a Sleeper and Evans got out of it quickly. Evans jumped off the top with an OG Cutter, but Gunther applied a Sleeper. Dom hit a Frog Splash to Gunther’s back. Dom went for a 619 on Gunther, but Gunther decked him with a clothesline. Dominik got the dreaded hammer from ringside. Evans got a hold of Gunther with a Sleeper hold, but Gunther countered it with a belly-to-back suplex. Gunther kicked Dominik off the apron. Gunther grabbed the ring bell. Dragon Lee showed up at ringside and hit Gunther with the ring bell to the head. Gunther was down on the floor, so Dominik dropkicked Evans into the ropes. Dominik hit a 619 kick. Dominik jumped off the top with a Frog Splash attempt, Evans moved, and Evans jumped off the top with an OG Cutter on Dominik! Evans covered for the pinfall win. It went about 14 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Je’Von Evans
Analysis: ***1/2 I thought it was a very good main event that didn’t reach the level where I’d call it great, but I loved some of the big spots in the match. It looked like Gunther would win at one point, and then Dragon Lee showed up to cost Gunther the coveted Chamber spot. After that, I started to believe that Evans could win, and I’m glad he did. The OG Cutter looks amazing every time Evans does it.
The Men’s Elimination Chamber Match looks like this now: Randy Orton vs. LA Knight vs. Cody Rhodes vs. Je’Von Evans vs. 2 more wrestlers.
Je’Von Evans celebrated the win with some dancing. That was the end of the show.
This week’s Raw had a runtime of 2 hours and 21 minutes on Netflix.
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Three Stars of the Show
- Je’Von Evans
- The Vision
- Asuka
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The Scoreboard
7.25 out of 10
Last week: 7.5
2026 Average: 7.54
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Final Thoughts on WWE Raw
I thought the show was good, but not that exciting at any point. The stories are just okay. I think the build for Elimination Chamber has been fine. I’m just kind of tired of watching two triple threat matches on every show. It feels repetitive.
Je’Von Evans getting the big win in a match with Gunther and Dominik Mysterio is a great sign for Evans’ future. While I don’t think Evans is going to win the Elimination Chamber match, it’s still cool to see him a part of it. I liked Asuka’s win too. It was also evident that WWE wants to push Bronson Reed now that Bron Breakker is out for a few months, which is why Reed looked so dominant in that tag team match.
The promos by CM Punk/Finn Balor and AJ Lee/Becky Lynch were similar in that Punk and Lee had the upper hand because they outsmarted their rivals with what they said. The segments were fine, but again, nothing special about them. I did enjoy the show overall.
The next WWE PLE is Elimination Chamber on February 28th in Chicago. Here’s the lineup so far:
* Men’s Elimination Chamber Match: Randy Orton vs. LA Knight vs. Cody Rhodes vs. Je’Von Evans vs. 2 more wrestlers
* World Heavyweight Championship: CM Punk vs. Finn Balor
* Women’s Elimination Chamber Match: Rhea Ripley vs. Tiffany Stratton vs. Alexa Bliss vs. Asuka vs. 2 more wrestlers
* Women’s Intercontinental Championship: Becky Lynch vs. AJ Lee
You can watch WWE Elimination Chamber, streaming live on Saturday, February 28, at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT on ESPN in the United States and Netflix everywhere else.
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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
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Twitter/X @johnreport