Reviews

The John Report: WWE Raw Deal 03/16/26 Review

By John Canton • Published Mar 16, 2026 23:30 EDT
WWE Raw Deal March 16

It’s WWE Monday Night Raw featuring a returning Roman Reigns, AJ Lee facing Bayley, Stephanie Vaquer against Raquel Rodriguez, a Brock Lesnar appearance, and more.

Happy Austin 3:16 Day to you. Last week’s Raw saw CM Punk get attacked by The Usos in the main event because of Punk’s comments about The Usos and Roman Reigns’ family. This week, Reigns is back to confront Punk about what he said two weeks ago when they were in the ring together. The Judgment Day also attacked and turned on Finn Balor last week on Raw, so Balor is now in babyface mode. WrestleMania 42 is on April 18 and April 19, and the card continues to grow as we get closer to the big days.

This is the Raw Deal for episode #1712 of Monday Night Raw, taking place at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport. Let’s get to it.

There was a pre-show walking shown of CM Punk and AJ Lee, Maxxine Dupri with Otis and Akira Tozawa, The Judgment Day was shown in their clubhouse and Stephanie Vaquer. There’s also a look back at Randy Orton’s SmackDown attack as well.

The commentary team of Michael Cole and Corey Graves were shown at ringside. The ring announcer was Alicia Taylor.

The ringside area was flooded with hooded men wearing masks. That led to Seth Rollins going into the ring for a promo.

Let’s Hear from Seth Rollins

Seth Rollins said he created The Vision, and he will be the one to kill The Vision. Rollins said he didn’t care if you’re on the shelf like Breakker or Reed or you are a peon like Theory or Logan Paul. Rollins said if you stand beside Paul Heyman, then consider yourself marked for death. Rollins said two weeks ago he had the satisfaction of putting a chair into Paul Heyman’s back and stomping Heyman’s head into the mat.

Paul Heyman walked out from the backstage area looking dishevelled with his eyes red like he hadn’t shaved in a while. The fans chanted, “F**k you, Heyman,” and it was getting muted on the broadcast. Rollins invited Heyman to the ring. Rollins said that letting Heyman into his circle was the worst decision he made in his life. Heyman said that he will cut Heyman out of this business like the cancer that he is.

Heyman said he wasn’t going to come out here, but he wouldn’t miss this for the world. Heyman said FAFO repeatedly, which means “F**ck around and find out,” so then Heyman said F5 at the end of it. That led to Brock Lesnar making his entrance to support his buddy Heyman.

Brock Lesnar slowly went down to the ring while Rollins was surrounded by masked men in the ring. Lesnar ran around ringside and beat up some of the masked men (indy wrestlers) that were around ringside. Lesnar suplexed a bunch of them on the floor. Lesnar tossed a guy onto the steel steps and suplexed another guy into the barricade. Lesnar went into the ring to knock three more masked men down. Lesnar hit a German Suplex and an F5. Lesnar hit another German Suplex on a masked man.

Lesnar and Rollins were alone in the ring as the fans chanted, “Holy S**t” for this moment. The lights went out…and here comes Oba Femi!

Analysis: There was the tease for Brock Lesnar against Seth Rollins, but it’s Lesnar against Oba Femi after all, just like the fans wanted.

Oba Femi got a huge ovation with the fans shouting during his entrance. Oba slowly walked down to the ring while the fans were chanting “Oba” and shouting for his entrance. Rollins was laughing against the turnbuckle while Lesnar was getting ready in the ring.

Femi went into the ring as the fans chanted “Oba” for him, and Lesnar was smiling. Rollins walked toward Lesnar, so Lesnar looked at him. Rollins left the ring, and Lesnar walked toward Femi, and Femi hit the Fall From Grace on Lesnar. Cole shouted, “Holy S**t” for that moment. The fans absolutely loved it. Femi posted at the WrestleMania sign while putting his foot on Lesnar’s chest. Lesnar left the ring while Femi stood tall in the ring.

Analysis: I loved that. They booked that perfectly, with Oba Femi dominating Brock Lesnar in their first confrontation on Raw, which sets up future matches where Lesnar could gain the advantage. Femi won this initial encounter, and it was the right way to structure it. Also, I think Femi needs to beat Lesnar at WrestleMania.

A video package aired about CM Punk’s interaction with The Usos in the main event last week. The Usos didn’t like what Punk said, so Jimmy punched Punk with the microphone and Punk was knocked down to end the show. Roman Reigns is back this week.

They went on a break for some fans as the video aired about celebrities pitching ideas to the WWE boss, Triple H.

El Grande Americano (w/Rayo & Bravo) vs. Original El Grande Americano

For clarification sake, Ludwig Kaiser is Grande, Rayo is Pete Dunne, Bravo is Tyler Bate, and Chad Gable is the Original El Grande Americano.

Original is in red, white, and blue, while Grande is in black and gold. Original hit a running liger kick and a back body drop. After a distraction by Rayo and Bravo, Grande sent Original into the commentary table. Grande hit a dropkick on the apron, along with a gutwrench suplex. Original hit a dragon screw leg whip, followed by a Northern Lights Suplex. They exchanged some chops. Original hit an overhead belly-to-belly over the top onto the guys on the floor. They went on a break for some fans as the action continued. I’ll take a break here too as Grande took control.

It was Original in control with a Russian legsweep and a rolling kick. Original hit two German Suplexes, followed by an Exploder Suplex across the ring. Original dove off the apron with a cannonball on Rayo on the floor. Original kicked Bravo off the apron. Original hit a reverse Olympic Slam-style move for a two count. Grande hit a running kick. Original hit a forearm. Grande hit a rolling senton slam for a two count. Original launched Grande into the turnbuckle. Original jumped off the top with a moonsault, Grande avoided it and Original applied an Ankle Lock, but Grande got his hand on the bottom rope. Bravo tried to hand Grande a metal weapon, but Original stopped that and hit a German Suplex. The referee distracted Rayo, so Original clotheslined Rayo out of the ring. Bravo put the metal plate under the mask. When Original jumped off the top, he did a headbutt and sold it like he was knocked out due to the metal object. Grande covered Original with one arm across the chest for the pinfall win after 10 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: El Grande Americano

Analysis: *** A cheap win for El Grande Americano. Original El Grande Americano took about 85% of the offense in this match, and it looked like he might win, but Grande got a very cheap victory thanks to the dreaded metal plate. I wonder if they will keep this going until WrestleMania, where the loser might have their mask taken off, leading to the Original El Grande Americano getting the win, which would be Chad Gable. I don’t know if that’s the plan, but I think it would be fine if that were the ending.

After the match, El Grande Americano celebrated with his buddies. Cole wondered if Grande could win without his friends.

A sports car was shown driving up to the arena. Roman Reigns got out of the back of the car, and the fans cheered while chanting “OTC” for him. The Usos walked up to Roman Reigns, and they were smiling. Reigns said he knows it felt good. Reigns said if you run your mouth, there’s gotta be consequences. Reigns spoke into the camera, saying that all of his family should be offended by what CM Punk said about his father and their uncle. Reigns said that on WrestleMania weekend, CM Punk is his. The Usos shook hands with Reigns, and they walked into the building together.

Let’s Hear from Danhausen

Danhausen made his entrance to his “very nice, very evil” theme song. This was during a break for some fans. They had a microphone on him as he did his promo from the entrance. Danhausen had the t-shirt gun, and he only shot one into the crowd. Danhausen had a cannon-hausen shooting t-shirts into the crowd using a cannon. Danhausen plugged his t-shirts and told the fans to spend their money on Danhausen, then you are cursed. Danhausen said that Danhausen 3:16 says I just cursed your ass.

Analysis: That was quickhausen, but also impressivehausen with how silly Danhausen is. Good job by him. I don’t know if he’ll ever get a storyline or a match, but he’s fine in small doses like that.

A video aired about The Judgment Day turning on Finn Balor last week on Raw in an attack initiated by Dominik Mysterio.

Liv Morgan appeared in a video package saying that taking out Finn Balor has been her plan since she joined Judgment Day. Liv said that Finn was on borrowed time, and he didn’t even realize it. Liv mentioned she only tolerates him because of Dominik. Liv added it’s been a pleasure watching him fall from grace. Liv said you couldn’t hang with The Judgment Day anymore because he’s a pathetic loser. Liv stated that Finn has taught them well because it’s The Judgment Day way. Liv said that JD McDonagh is finally free from Balor holding him down. Liv pointed out that Daddy Dom is the AAA Mega Champion and will get his Intercontinental Title back. Liv said that Raquel Rodriguez is a future champion who will handle Stephanie Vaquer. Liv stated that at WrestleMania, she’ll be the Women’s World Champion. Liv said that her family has her back and, without Finn, they are better than ever.

Analysis: Well played by Liv Morgan since she had tension with Finn Balor for nearly two years as allies, so what she said makes sense.

They showed highlights of Dominik Mysterio beating El Hijo Del Vikingo to retain the AAA Mega Title this past Saturday.

Roman Reigns and The Usos were backstage in the locker room. Jimmy Uso said everything CM Punk is saying isn’t landing. Jimmy said the only thing Punk mentioned is about Reigns being a part-timer. Reigns talked about how his dad and The Usos’ dad were always on the road. Reigns said they have paid their dues. Reigns emphasized that what matters to him is that he’s there for his wife and kids, and he’s a full-time father. Jey was upset because Punk didn’t give them an apology. Reigns said he didn’t need an apology, but The Usos do, and Reigns will get it from Punk. Reigns wondered what the worst that could happen was and laughed at the idea of Punk beating him up.

Analysis: Like it or not, Roman Reigns is a father who spends a lot of time at home with his kids. Reigns and his wife have a daughter and four sons, including two sets of twin boys, so life is busy at home. I believe it’s important for Reigns to mention this on WWE TV, so the audience understands why he’s a part-timer.

AJ Lee made her entrance as the Women’s Intercontinental Champion for her first title defense.  They went on a break for some fans, so AJ skipped around the ring and greeted the fans to fill some time.

A WrestleMania 42 commercial aired. Bayley’s entrance followed that as Lee’s opponent.

Women’s Intercontinental Championship: AJ Lee vs. Bayley

They are good friends who had a match in NXT over a decade ago, and now they get to have a match they have wanted a long time. It was pretty even early on until Lee hit a cross body block off the top rope and Lee followed up with a dropkick that sent Bayley out of the ring. When Bayley got back in the ring, Lee applied a bridging hammerlock. Bayley got out of it by using her right arm to elbow Lee down. Bayley hit a neckbreaker by the middle ropes for a two count. They went on a break as the action continued with Bayley rolling Lee back into the ring. Bayley connected with a suplex for a two count. Bayley sent Lee into the turnbuckle and Bayley stomped on Lee a few times.

The match continued with Lee hitting a bulldog counter to avoid a Bayley to Belly slam. Lee hit elbow smashes, along with a spinning kick for two. Lee connected with a standing Sliced Bread neckbreaker for two. Lee charged with a Shining Wizard attack, Bayley got a hold of her and went for a half crab submission. Bayley hit a running knee on Lee for a two count. Lee countered Bayley for a two count. Lee countered Bayley to Belly again, but Bayley blocked a kick and Bayley hit Bayley to Belly for a two count. Bayley slapped Lee in the face twice, so Lee slapped Bayley, and they got into a weak slugfest, exchanging strikes. Lee hit a Shining Wizard knee. Bayley caught Lee and hit a sidewalk slam. Bayley went up top and jumped off the top with an elbow drop, but Lee avoided it. Lee applied the Black Widow submission in the middle of the ring, Lee was pulling back on Bayley’s right arm and Bayley tapped out with her left hand. Lee gets the win. The match went about 11 minutes.

Winner by submission: AJ Lee

Analysis: ***1/4 I thought it was a very good match that was competitive and even most of the way. They got more aggressive as the match went on, which made sense for the story since they are friends, and it took them a few minutes to bring the intensity. Lee looks better than ever in the ring, mainly because when she was in her first run in WWE, the women’s matches rarely went this long. Lee is clearly in great shape and locked in to have entertaining matches on a consistent basis. Bayley is consistently good but hasn’t been winning many big matches lately, which is part of her story as a frustrated wrestler.

AJ Lee celebrated the win in the ring while Bayley looked dejected on the floor.

JD McDonagh was arguing with Raw GM Adam Pearce backstage. Pearce said that Dominik is not medically cleared. Penta walked up with his Intercontinental Title and went towards the ring for a match up next.

AJ Lee and Bayley were shown in the ring after the match. This was during the break. Lee extended a hand and Bayley gave Lee a big hug. Bayley left the ring to let Lee celebrate the win some more. Bayley found a fan with a replica Divas Title and posed for a picture with it. Lee celebrated with fans around the ring.

The end of the commercial break happened, and there’s Becky Lynch with a cheap attack from behind. Lynch threw Lee into the video boards by the entrance. Lynch beat up Lee in the aisle and sent her into the barricades around the ring. Lynch yelled at the fans around them. The attack was broken up by some WWE Officials. Lynch got ah old of the Women’s Intercontinental Title and hit Lee in the head with it.

Analysis: I figured Becky Lynch would be back to attack AJ Lee and set them up for a rematch at WrestleMania. I thought Lynch might ruin the Lee-Bayley match, but she waited until after the match. Anyway, I assume this leads to a Lee-Lynch rematch at WrestleMania 42, perhaps with a stipulation since Lee beat Lynch in a regular match last time.

A video package aired about the Cody Rhodes-Randy Orton contract signing on SmackDown last Friday. Cody was respectful to Randy, and then Randy snapped by doing a heel turn attack on Cody, even though Cody told Randy he would always love him. Randy’s attack left Cody a bloody mess.

Analysis: I thought it was great, and it makes that WrestleMania match more interesting for sure.

Penta made his entrance as the Intercontinental Champion. Penta did a promo saying he told Adam Pearce he was ready to fight anyone as the champion. The fans loved it. Dragon Lee made his entrance as the opponent. They went on a break for some fans as Alicia Taylor did the championship introductions.

Intercontinental Championship: Penta vs. Dragon Lee

Penta got in some offense early, but Lee came back with a running hurricanrana. Lee hit a pendulum dropkick, jumping over the top with a kick. Penta set up Lee against the turnbuckle and hit a superkick. Penta did a handstand dropkick into Lee’s chest. Penta clotheslined Lee out of the ring. Penta was about to leap, but Lee hit a running dropkick. Lee hit a somersault dive (tope con hilo) onto Penta on the floor. After Penta was sent into the ring, Penta hit his own somersault dive over the top onto Lee. Penta hit a cross body block for a two count. They went on a break for some fans, so I’ll take a break too.

The match continued with Penta charging into a superkick by Lee. Penta tried a move, but Lee hooked the legs and hit a Styles Clash, used by his good friend AJ Styles, for a two count. The fans chanted “AJ Styles” for that. Penta got a hold of Lee and hit an impressive Penta Driver for a two count. Lee was on the apron as he delivered a kick, but Penta came back with a jumping kick of his own. Penta jumped off the turnbuckle and Lee was ready for him with a superkick that knocked Penta down on the floor. Penta was seated on the commentary table, so Lee ran the ropes and hit a somersault dive through the ropes to send Penta crashing over the commentary table. Back in the ring, Lee hit his Operation Dragon jumping reverse DDT-like move for a two count. That leap onto Penta on the commentary table was impressive because he had to jump far to get out there. The fans chanted, “This is awesome” for them. Lee charged with an elbow, but Penta avoided it, and Penta jumped with a Mexican Destroyer for the pinfall win after 11 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Penta

Analysis: ***1/2 It was a terrific match that was fast-paced, just as you’d expect from two veteran luchadores who are highly skilled in the ring. There was a strong chemistry between them, which isn’t surprising since they have similar styles. I believe WWE let them go out there and perform freely to deliver an entertaining match. Lee came close to winning several times, which was great to see, but then Penta hit his Mexican Destroyer to finish Lee and secure the win. I didn’t expect a title change, and Penta winning was the right outcome.

Paul Heyman was shown looking sad in the locker room. Logan Paul and Austin Theory showed up to support him. Theory wanted to go after Seth Rollins, but Heyman shut that down, saying it’s not a good strategy. Heyman said that they have no more leverage and no more power. Heyman said they need titles. Heyman said that they need to be back in contention for The Usos’ Tag Team Titles, and then they can have leverage. Heyman said that the focus on the two of them is The Usos. Theory said that pressure is coming for The Usos. Heyman said that’s his vision. Logan said if you want them to get the titles, then consider it done. Logan said that because they loved Heyman so much, they’ll get LA Knight too. Heyman said, “Yeah,” to end it as a Knight reference.

Analysis: I assume that leads to The Usos against Logan Paul and Austin Theory at WrestleMania for the World Tag Team Titles. There will probably be a match where Logan and Austin earn the title shot.

Maxxine Dupri made her entrance with her generic theme song. They went on a break as Dupri continued her entrance. Nattie was up next as the opponent in her more serious attire and “The Low-Key Legend” jacket.

Nattie vs. Maxxine Dupri

It was an aggressive start by Nattie as she trapped Dupri against the ropes and performed a catapult into the ropes. Nattie pulled on Dupri’s neck while they were near the turnbuckle. Nattie said that Dupri didn’t beat Becky because The Dungeon beat Becky. Dupri escaped a move and went for an Ankle Lock, but Nattie got out of it. They exchanged pin attempts. Dupri used her long legs to hit a spin kick that knocked Nattie down. Dupri hit a knee strike to the face. Dupri splashed Nattie against the turnbuckle, and Dupri then hit a suplex, followed by a kip-up. Dupri delivered a leg drop to the back of Nattie’s neck for a two-count. went for a kick, but Nattie avoided it and chopped the back of Dupri’s left knee. Dupri went for the Ankle Lock submission, but Nattie kicked out of it. Dupri kicked Nattie in the head again. Dupri jumped off the top with nothing, but Nattie moved, and Nattie hit a discus clothesline. Nattie then applied the Sharpshooter in the middle of the ring; Dupri fought it, but Nattie held onto it for the tapout win. After the match, Nattie held the Sharpshooter a bit longer. This went about five minutes. Nattie looked into the camera to say: “The Dungeon is alive!”

Winner by submission: Nattie

Analysis: **1/4 A shorter match to give Nattie a win and boost her heel persona. I’m glad Nattie got a decisive victory like that. I’m all for a Nattie push as a singles heel.

They showed a video of Randy Orton’s heel turn on Cody Rhodes from SmackDown. They also showed comments from fans who watch and comment on the show. I don’t know who any of them are. Sorry.

Randy Orton Interview

Randy Orton was shown talking on a phone, saying it was good to see this person recently. Orton said that you’re right, that it was the right time. Orton said he appreciated this person doing this and he’ll see him soon. Orton ended his phone call. Cole tried to talk to Orton, but Orton said that he had changed his mind. Orton said no interview. Orton said ever since Friday, people have been talking his ear off. Orton said somebody said something profound to him. Orton said it made him think and understand who he is and what he is. Orton said they made him understand why he did what he did to Cody Rhodes last Friday on SmackDown. Orton said, “I’m a killer.” Orton said that wrestling has more than one royal family, which is what the start of Cody Rhodes’ theme song says. Orton will be on SmackDown on Friday.

Analysis: The way that interview went made me think Randy Orton was talking to a wrestling mentor like his father, Bob Orton Jr., or maybe even Ric Flair, but I’m not sure if Flair would be able to appear on WWE TV. I just think they might have somebody who knows Randy well as the one who wanted Orton to get back to being the “killer” Orton again.

Je’Von Evans spoke to his buddy Dragon Lee in the backstage area. Lee was holding his neck. Kofi Kingston interrupted, so Evans talked to Kofi just like they had talked over the last few weeks. Kofi said that it’s all about who you associate yourself with. Kofi said that some people will be “dragging” (Dragon) you down. Evans said he’s not interested in Kofi’s advice. Grayson Waller walked in, saying he’s not sure what you see in Evans, and Kofi said that people say that about Waller. Danhausen walked up to them, making references to The New Day, and Kofi said they didn’t want Danhausen to join them. Danhausen was making references to things New Day did in the past so Kofi and Waller told him to watch the product. That was funny. Danhausen said, “You are cursed,” and Kofi pulled Waller in front of him, so Waller is cursed. Waller wasn’t happy about it. Danhausen said, “You are cursed,” to the tune of “New Day Rocks” as he left.

Analysis: It’s more of the same with Je’Von Evans not interested in Kofi’s help. Danhausen made the segment great as usual.

Stephanie Vaquer made her entrance as the Women’s World Champion for singles action. They went on a break as Vaquer posed in the ring for a few minutes ahead of her match. The entrance of Raquel Rodriguez was next, with Liv Morgan joining Raquel as usual.

Stephanie Vaquer vs. Raquel Rodríguez (w/Liv Morgan)

There was a rollup by Vaquer early on. Raquel came back with a lefty clothesline to take control. Vaquer got some offense with a stomp to the face and a running leg drop. Raquel tried a lift, Vaquer got out of that, and Vaquer hit a dropkick. Vaquer hit a knee drop on Raquel on the ring apron. Raquel got a hold of Vaquer on the floor and Raquel sent Vaquer into the ring post. They went on a break as Raquel was in control. The match continued with Raquel knocking down Vaquer with a shoulder tackle. Raquel continued the attack with elbow drops and a clothesline. It’s a common thing for the heel to be in control during a break and that’s what happened here. Raquel grabbed an armbar.

It was Raquel in control with repeated elbow smashes against the turnbuckle. Liv told Vaquer she’s a loser. Vaquer kicked Raquel and Vaquer hit a cross body block off the top. Raquel went for a kick, Vaquer avoided it and Vaquer hit a dragon screw leg whip by the turnbuckle. Vaquer hit a meteora double knee attack on Raquel. Vaquer wanted a move, but Raquel countered with an inverted vertical suplex. Raquel missed a corkscrew elbow off the ropes. Vaquer hit the Devil’s Kiss knee smash on Liv and good job by Raquel smacking the mat to make some noise. Liv went on the apron, so Vaquer threw a punch and Liv went to the floor. Raquel hit a boot to the face. Iyo Sky made her entrance and went after Liv on the floor. Raquel left the ring and hit a Pounce on Sky onto the commentary table. Vaquer hit a cross body block on Raquel. Vaquer kicked Liv and tossed her over the barricade at ringside. Vaquer went up top and jumped off, but Raquel caught her with a spinning slam. Raquel picked up Vaquer for a slam, but Vaquer did a ROLLUP OF DEATH~! and used her body to lie on top of Raquel for the pinfall win after about 10 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Stephanie Vaquer

Analysis: ***1/4 Stephanie Vaquer’s victory was expected. Since she won with a rollup instead of her finishing moves, it emphasizes Raquel Rodriguez as a tough opponent, but the resilient Vaquer managed to secure the win, as anticipated. The Iyo Sky moment felt somewhat random, but she’s a babyface there to support Vaquer against the heel Judgment Day women. Since Sky isn’t pairing with Rhea Ripley, it’s a way to showcase Sky, who is fantastic.

Bayley looked sad backstage so Lyra Valkyria shouted at her, saying she’ll help her get to WrestleMania, and they’ll do it together. While this was going on, Maxxine Dupri was looking sad backstage, so Austin Theory talked to her, and Logan Paul approached, so Theory left. Asuka and Kairi Sane approached Bayley and Lyra. Asuka complained about them costing her last week. She said they are not ready for Asuka. After Asuka left, Kairi Sane told Bayley and Lyra to stay away from them, and Asuka yelled for them. Bayley said they are going after the Tag Team Titles. Lyra suggested they might want to talk to Pearce, and Bayley liked that.

Analysis: I have mentioned for weeks that I think the Women’s Tag Team Title match at WrestleMania will be a Ladder Match, but maybe they’ll do some kind of Gauntlet Match instead. Either way, I think it seems obvious there’s a multi-team match coming to get more women on the show.

There was a replay of Oba Femi giving Brock Lesnar a Fall From Grace in the opening segment. The crowd’s response to it was amazing.

It’s official: Oba Femi will face Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 42.

Analysis: I love it. I hope Oba Femi wins.

Next Monday on Raw in Boston:

* Brock Lesnar live

* The Usos vs. Logan Paul & Austin Theory

The Usos were shown walking backstage when they saw LA Knight. LA said that The Vision had The Usos and Knight’s names in their mouths. Knight said he can’t help but notice The Usos getting cozy with Roman Reigns. Jimmy Uso said it’s family business, so Jey told LA to mind his own business. Knight said he can appreciate family business. Knight said that he loves The Usos, but if you talk about The Bloodline, they cannot be on the same page. Jimmy understood and touched fists with him, while Jey didn’t want to touch fists. Knight said, “Yeah,” to end it.

Analysis: I’m not sure yet where LA Knight fits into WrestleMania, but I hope he gets a match because he deserves it.

Roman Reigns made his entrance for the main event promo segment. They went on a break for some fans as Roman continued his entrance.

Analysis: This is the third week in a row with a main event promo segment on Raw. Do I like it? Not really, but I understand it especially this time of year. I like the guys involved, but I do think they should think of matches to main event these shows too.

Let’s Hear from Roman Reigns…and CM Punk

Roman Reigns was in the ring as a stat went on screen saying that Reigns will main event his 11th WrestleMania this year, which is a record. Reigns will challenge CM Punk for the World Heavyweight Title at WrestleMania 42, likely on Sunday night, April 19th.

As Roman Reigns stood in the ring for his promo, the fans were chanting, “Roman, Roman Reigns” for him. Reigns told the fans to acknowledge him, so the fans cheered. There were “OTC” chants. Reigns said he knows they hear that back there and whose show this is. Reigns said that at the end of the day, he’s in the beginning, he’s in the middle, and you already know who closes the show, the OTC – Original Tribal Chief. Reigns said that you gotta forgive them because Phil (CM Punk) gets confused and thinks that this is his show. Reigns called for Phil to come out here to handle some business.

CM Punk made his entrance as the World Heavyweight Champion, and he was cheered as usual by the fans. Punk walked around the ring and stood on the commentary table while Reigns was in the ring staring at him. Punk kept on walking around the ring, greeting the fans around ringside, while Reigns acted like he was bored by it.

Roman Reigns welcomed CM Punk to his ring and his main event. Punk mentioned Reigns using his government name. Punk said that his family and friends can call him Phil. That led to Punk saying he could call Reigns “Titty Tiaki” or whatever his real name is. Punk said he won’t call him Joe because that would be insulting to a real Samoan, whom he loves very much. That’s a Samoa Joe reference. Reigns said you should call Joe to remind you who your Tribal Chief is. Punk wondered if Reigns was sending his other family after him. Reigns said he was giving them permission to do what they gotta do. Punk did his “great to be alive” line to fire up the crowd, and the fans cheered since he said San Antonio for a cheap pop. There were “CM Punk” chants.

Punk said he’s a little surprised that Reigns hasn’t taken a swing at him. Punk said he has already won at WrestleMania, he’s already won because he’s in Roman’s head. There were fans singing, “Roman, Roman Reigns” at him. Reigns said you would expect Punk to think that, but as you can hear, Reigns is on everybody’s mind all the time. Reigns said that Punk will just say anything like how Punk has got Reigns in the main event. Reigns said that Phil here hasn’t main evented anything this year. Reigns said that Phil couldn’t main event a live event tour in Europe, let alone the main event of WrestleMania. Reigns told Punk to say something special. Punk said that they are calling for Punk and Punk was calling for Reigns, but he didn’t show up, so Reigns said his cousins. Punk said that he is a guy who crosses the line. Punk said that he deserved what he got last week. Punk said that it was the right message by the wrong messenger. Punk wondered who is the real Tribal Chief? Reigns said that he has heard this for the past five years. Reigns said that Punk repeats the same shit that people have been saying about him after the last five years. Reigns wanted Punk to figure out what the top dollar earners do and go ask your wife. Reigns was about to leave. Punk said, “Young boy, you can’t leave yet.

Punk told Reigns that it’s going to be the last time Roman Reigns is in the main event. Punk said that he’s going to lift up Reigns by Punk’s beautiful head of hair, smash Reigns with his knee and beat Reigns on the grandest stage of them all. There were “OTC” chants again.

Reigns said that he didn’t want to go here because there’s so much rich history to tap into. Reigns said that Punk is delusional we know Punk is great on the microphone, but you can’t phase Reigns. Reigns said he’s the most successful superstar that Punk has ever run into, he is the Tribal Chief, and he’s done everything under the sun in this business. Reigns said that we know Punk can’t do it in the ring. Reigns said you’re not faster or stronger than Reigns is. Reigns said that you’re a try hard that makes everybody look terrible because at the end of the day, Punk is old. Punk smashed Reigns with a forearm to the head. Raw GM Adam Pearce and WWE Officials went into the ring to stop a fight from breaking out. Reigns was laughing as he got back to his feet and Punk left the ring to end the show. Reigns spoke into the camera, saying Punk talks a lot, but Punk can’t take it, and if you talk a lot, he can’t take it. Reigns looked on from the ring to end the show.

Analysis: Great promos. A long talking segment like the previous times they were in the ring together recently. If I had to say who “won” the trash talk this time, it was Reigns because he made a lot of good points about being the most successful WWE superstar ever, he’s bigger than Punk, he’s stronger than Punk, and he’s better than Punk. The CM Punk defenders will point out that Punk is where he is because of his heart and his willingness to always keep fighting. That’s the character Punk portrays as a babyface and it’s why fans love him so much. They’re doing a good job with these promos because it feels personal, with Reigns calling Punk “Phil,” and I like how Punk fired back at Reigns using Punk’s real name. It feels like two guys who genuinely don’t like each other, which is great and what you want for the main event of WrestleMania. I don’t think they truly hate each other, but they are such good characters that they convincingly play their roles. I believe Reigns should win at WrestleMania, and I think he will.

A graphic aired saying “In Memory of Davey Coates 1962-2026” for a long-time WWE staffer who passed away. Rest in peace, Davey.

This week’s Raw had a runtime of 2 hours and 37 minutes on Netflix. It was 15 minutes longer than last week.

===

Three Stars of the Show

  1. Roman Reigns and CM Punk
  2. Oba Femi and Brock Lesnar
  3. Penta, AJ Lee, Stephanie Vaquer

===

The Scoreboard

8 out of 10

Last week: 7.25

2026 Average: 7.57

===

Final Thoughts on WWE Raw

I really enjoyed this episode of Raw, so I rated it 8 out of 10. The action was good all night long, even though I wouldn’t say there was one match that stood out more than the others, but I did like Penta/Dragon Lee the most. The women’s division was featured heavily throughout the show, with three of the five matches. The two longer ones were very good, and then Nattie got a decisive victory, which I really liked.

The Oba Femi/Brock Lesnar segment was pretty basic, but it worked so well, and listen to how well the crowd cheered for it. The reaction was awesome. Femi is going to be a huge star, and Lesnar will help him get there.

I enjoyed the Roman Reigns/CM Punk promo again. Punk got under Roman’s skin two weeks ago, and this time it was Reigns pissing off Punk with the old line. They did a great job again.

The next WWE PLE is WrestleMania 42 on April 18 & April 19 in Las Vegas. Here’s the lineup so far:

* WWE World Heavyweight Championship: CM Punk (c) vs. Roman Reigns

* WWE Undisputed Championship: Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Randy Orton

* WWE Women’s World Championship: Stephanie Vaquer (c) vs. Liv Morgan

* WWE Women’s Championship: Jade Cargill (c) vs. Rhea Ripley

* Oba Femi vs. Brock Lesnar

There will be more matches added in the weeks ahead.

WrestleMania 42 will STREAM LIVE Saturday, April 18, and Sunday, April 19, 2026, at 6 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT on ESPN in the United States and Netflix everywhere else.

===

Thanks for reading. Please check out my reviews of every WWE PPV ever listed in order. Go Toronto Blue Jays, Toronto Raptors and Toronto Maple Leafs. My contact info is below.

John Canton

Email [email protected]

Twitter/X @johnreport