The John Report: WWE Raw Deal 03/23/26 Review

It’s WWE Monday Night Raw featuring CM Punk-Roman Reigns face-to-face again, Brock Lesnar reacts to Oba Femi’s attack last week, Penta against Dominik Mysterio, and more.

The road to WrestleMania 42 continues with less than four weeks remaining until the two-night event on April 18 and 19 in Las Vegas. Last week’s Raw featured CM Punk and Roman Reigns exchanging insults in the main event. It marked the third consecutive week with a promo segment in that spot. This time, Punk grew tired of Roman’s trash talk and punched Reigns after Reigns mocked the World Champion Punk for being too old. Raw also saw Oba Femi hit Brock Lesnar with the Fall From Grace, while Becky Lynch returned to attack AJ Lee. It was a great Raw last week, and I hope the momentum continues. 

This is the Raw Deal for episode #1713 of Monday Night Raw, taking place at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport. Let’s get to it.

There was pre-show walking shown of Dominik Mysterio with The Judgment Day, Bayley and Lyra Valkyria talking, The Usos walking, Je’Von Evans seeing streamer IShowSpeed, and more CM Punk-Roman Reigns later. They weren’t shown walking, but that’s coming up later. WrestleMania 42 is 26 days away.

A video package aired about last week’s Raw when Oba Femi dropped Brock Lesnar with a Fall From Grace to set up their WrestleMania 42 match.

The commentary team is Michael Cole and Corey Graves. Alicia Taylor is the ring announcer.

Let’s Hear from Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman

Brock Lesnar made his entrance wearing a “FAF5” shirt that means “F**k Around and F5” as opposed to “FAFO” that means “F**k Around and Find Out.” Lesnar was joined by his advocate, WWE Hall of Famer Paul Heyman.

Heyman delivered his usual promo introducing Brock Lesnar, talking about Lesnar’s past as a champion. Heyman called Lesnar the “Main Event of WrestleMania,” and Lesnar looked into the camera as he did it. Fans chanted “Oba” while Heyman tried to speak. Heyman told the fans they are pissing off Lesnar. He said Lesnar beat up about 20 men, then got distracted by Seth Rollins, and that’s when the overhyped wannabe ruler Oba Femi took advantage of the situation. The fans booed Heyman for that. Heyman clarified that he’s talking about Oba Femi.

Heyman said that the saddest part is that people keep claiming someone will try to beat Lesnar. He mentioned Lesnar defeating Undertaker to end the streak, and noted how the fans booed. Heyman expressed amazement at how much the fans still hate. He listed others who have tried to beat Lesnar, like Goldberg, Braun Strowman, Dean Ambrose (who drew a reaction), Bobby Lashley, AJ Styles, and John Cena. Some of these guys beat Lesnar, but Lesnar won most of their bouts. Heyman said it’s not going to be Oba Femi. He claimed that at WrestleMania, Femi will be beaten, victimized, and conquered by Brock Lesnar. Heyman tossed the microphone as the lights went out.

Analysis: A strong promo from Paul Heyman, as usual. The mention of Dean Ambrose and the fan reaction to his name being mentioned was pretty interesting. More interesting than the Lesnar-Ambrose WrestleMania match was.

Oba Femi made his entrance through the darkness, with a spotlight shining on him. The fans were shouting for his catchy entrance song. You can tell the fans love this guy, and he’s already very popular since the whole arena was chanting “Oba” for him. Femi strutted down to the ring.

Femi and Lesnar faced each other in the ring as the fans went wild for them. Lesnar threw a kick, lifted Femi onto his shoulders, but Femi slipped free. Femi then clotheslined Lesnar over the top rope to the floor. The fans chanted “Oba” repeatedly. Lesnar wanted to return to the ring, but Heyman begged him not to, and Lesnar left with a smile on his face.

Analysis: That was a simple physical exchange since it was just a kick, F5 attempt, and then a Femi clothesline. It was the second week in a row where Femi got the better of Lesnar. With that said, it was just a simple clothesline spot, but it shows that all you need are the basics sometimes to get a story over. I love seeing the reactions that Femi is getting because the fans see him as a star.

A video aired about Dominik Mysterio facing Penta for the Intercontinental Title tonight. Dominik said it won’t be the same as last time because Finn Balor cost Dominik the title in that match. Dom said he’s the King of the Luchadores to end it.

The Usos made their entrance as the World Tag Team Champions. They did their full entrance during the break for some fans as well.

Highlights showed Logan Paul having some success during the Fanatics Flag Football game in LA on Saturday. Logan was heelish toward Tom Brady and others during the game.

The Usos – Jimmy & Jey Uso vs. The Vision – Logan Paul & Austin Theory

I thought this was changed to a World Tag Team Title match, but it’s not a title match after all.

Jey hit a running forearm on Theory. Jimmy tagged in for a double team elbow drop on Theory. The heel side took over as Theory kicked Jimmy out of the ring. Paul clotheslined Jimmy over the barricade at ringside. They went on a break for some fans as The Vision worked over Jimmy for a few minutes.

The match continued with Jimmy hitting a spin kick on Paul to break free. Cole did a shoutout to the late, great Dennis Condrey of the Midnight Express, who passed away over the weekend. That’s nice of Cole to say that. Jey tagged in with some strikes on Theory, but then Theory pulled the top turnbuckle pad off. Jey was trying to do a Samoan Drop, but Theory was able to counter it into a neckbreaker for a two count. Jey ran the ropes and hit a Spear. Jey went up top, Theory distracted the referee, and Paul tripped up Jey on the turnbuckle. Paul sent Jimmy into the ring post. Paul had the brass knuckles, so LA Knight made his entrance at ringside. Knight sent Paul into the steel steps. Knight passed the brass knuckles to Jey, and Jay punched Theory with them. The referee saw it and called for the disqualification. It went about 8 minutes.

Winners by disqualification: The Vision – Logan Paul & Austin Theory

Analysis: **3/4 A shorter match than you might expect for a World Tag Team Title match, but it was fine for the time given. This was about the story with The Usos getting DQ’d in the match, which should lead to Paul & Theory earning a World Tag Team Title Match, even though there was no pinfall win in this match. Logically speaking, if the champions lose a non-title match, it usually leads to a title match.

After the match, Jey went into the ring and punched Paul with the brass knuckles. They played The Usos song after that.

Analysis: It puts over the personal nature of the rivalry by having Jey do a cheap shot after the match.

A video aired about the Roman Reigns-CM Punk promo exchange from last week.

Becky Lynch was shown walking backstage for a promo after the break.

El Grande Americano was interviewed by Byron Saxton while Rayo and Bravo were standing by. This was during a break for some fans. Grande (Ludwig Kaiser) spoke in Spanish, while Rayo (Pete Dunne) and Bravo (Tyler Bate) spoke in broken English. Grande said that Original El Grande Americano is a fraud. Grande said he’ll beat Original one more time and take the mask with him to Mexico.

Let’s Hear from Becky Lynch

Becky Lynch made her entrance for some promo time. They showed last week on Raw when AJ Lee was attacked by Becky Lynch.

Becky Lynch said that you boo here, but you cheer somebody who abandoned her for a decade. Lynch said she took 10 months off, not 10 years. Lynch claimed she took a break because people got sick of her winning titles. Lynch said she went home to her daughter, the love of her life. Lynch talked about how, since she’s been back in the last year, she has made the Women’s Intercontinental Title into the most prestigious in wrestling. Lynch said she loves that title. Lynch talked about how, after the Women’s IC Title was taken from her at Elimination Chamber, she went home to try to get past it. Lynch claimed her daughter was dancing to that AJ Lee song even though Lynch was the greatest women’s wrestler of all time, and it’s not just her saying it…you know the rest. Lynch said that AJ Lee represented the Divas Era, but Lynch ended that era.

AJ Lee made her entrance as the Women’s Intercontinental Champion, but Lynch left on the other side of the ring and went into the crowd. Lee spoke to Lynch in the crowd, saying that every time they met in the ring, Lee had walked her like a dog. Lee said maybe she has to embarrass Lynch’s ass one more time and tap her out at the biggest stage of them all. Lee said that she’ll show you why she’s the best of her generation, this generation, the next generation, and apparently Lynch’s daughter’s favorite wrestler. Lee said she’ll defend the Women’s Intercontinental Title against Lynch at WrestleMania. The fans cheered.

Lynch said that you have no idea what you are in for. Lynch said that WrestleMania is where she is The Man. Lynch said that at Lee’s last WrestleMania 11 years ago, the next day, Lee handed in her resignation, and we didn’t hear from her for a decade. Lynch said she’ll end Lee, and we’ll never hear from Lee again.

Analysis: I think it was obvious that these two women were going to be in a WrestleMania match to continue the rivalry. I think Lee will win again and end the rivalry. Lynch has done an amazing job of putting over Lee in all of their matches to show that Lee is more than capable in the ring. To her credit, Lee has been impressive too. I’ve enjoyed the rivalry.

The Usos and LA Knight were shown walking backstage, talking about what happened out there. Jey Uso said that everybody needs to get got. Knight said that Jey was sounding a lot like Roman Reigns. Jey didn’t like people saying that about him. After Jey walked away, Jimmy told Knight that you should watch your words when talking about their family, and CM Punk is going to find out about that.

Analysis: After the show, I saw websites like ours reporting that when The Usos mentioned their family, these guys were standing in front of a truck with The Rock on it. I don’t think it means anything, but I have no idea if it’s a teaser that Rock may be back at WrestleMania. I feel like Rock has distanced himself from WWE in the last year since he doesn’t even mention it on social media at all.

Je’Von Evans was shown walking backstage for a match up next.

They went on a break for some fans with videos about The Bella Twins and a WrestleMania 42 commercial.

They showed Boston Celtics guard Derrick White and head coach Joe Mazzulla was with him. Big cheers for them. Cole: “Go Knicks.”

Je’Von Evans vs. Grayson Waller (w/Kofi Kingston)

Waller knocked Evans down with a shoulder tackle. Waller did a leapfrog, Evans did a backflip to avoid him, and Evans hit a dropkick. Evans got bouncy with a springboard hurricanrana to send Waller out of the ring. Evans hit a suicide dive on Waller on the floor. Back in the ring, Evans jumped off the top with a cross body block for two. Waller hit Evans with a knee to the ribs and knees to the face. After Waller tossed Evans out of the ring, Kofi didn’t do a cheap attack. Waller wondered why Kofi didn’t help him. Evans ran the ropes and jumped over the top onto Waller on the floor. They went on a break for a few minutes, with Waller taking control as usual for the heel in the match.

It was Waller in control with some trash talk, but Evans got back up and hit a superkick. Evans hit a spin kick to Waller’s back. Evans jumped off the top with a springboard clothesline. Evans hit a spinning kick to the head for a two count. Waller rocked Evans with a forearm, Evans hit a kick, but Waller came back with a knee, and Waller with a punch. Evans slipped on the ropes a bit, but he recovered with a German Suplex. Waller left the ring, jumped into the ring, and Evans hit a knee. Evans kicked Waller to knock him down again. Evans went up top, but Waller hit the ropes to stop that. Waller hit a flipping Unprettier-like move for a two count. Waller sent Evans into the ring post. Waller went up top, so Evans superkicked him while up there. Evans did a backflip off the top, then back up top and hit a top rope hurricanrana. Evans jumped off the top with an OG Cutter for the pinfall win after about 10 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Je’Von Evans

Analysis: *** A solid TV match to give Je’Von Evans a win over a guy like Grayson Waller, who doesn’t win very often on television. I would have liked to see Waller have more moments where it looked like he might win. Evans ‘ win is the right call, but I wanted Waller to look better.

Raw GM Adam Pearce was outside the trainer’s room when he was approached by Paul Heyman. Heyman said that he wants Pearce to schedule a match for next Monday’s Raw in Madison Square Garden with The Usos defending the World Tag Team Titles against The Vision in a Street Fight. Pearce said he’d consider it. Heyman looked like he was going to leave, but Pearce said that Heyman said he wanted to address Seth Rollins. Heyman said he’s sick of it all, and Pearce said he’s not going to miss him.

The Original El Grande Americano spoke to Byron Saxton for an interview in the back part of the arena. This was during a break. Original, aka Chad Gable, did a promo saying there isn’t room in this town for both of them. Original said he’s going to prove he’s the original El Grande Americano. Original said “Gracias” to end it and he got cheered.

Let’s Hear from Paul Heyman

Paul Heyman spoke into the camera, saying he’s having a really bad night. Heyman said he’s having a bad night because he has nobody to hide behind. Heyman said that Bronson Reed and Bron Breakker won’t be back any time soon, Brock Lesnar already left, while Logan Paul and Austin Theory are half-conscious. Heyman said he has a stalker and a jealous ex named Seth Freakin Rollins. Heyman said he’s a man who has been pushed too far. Heyman claimed that WWE isn’t big enough for the two of them. Heyman said that’s not a challenge for a match at WrestleMania or a fight tonight. Heyman wondered what other choice he was left with? Heyman suggested that maybe Seth Rollins comes out there to put Heyman out of his misery. Heyman said maybe it’s time to do this right here and right now. Seth Rollins was shown walking to ringside while wearing a hoodie and a mask covering his face. Heyman said that sometimes a man has to do what a man has to do.

Seth Rollins appeared on the commentary table while Heyman said let’s do this and he’s waiting for him. Rollins unmasked, and Heyman realized it. While Rolins was on the commentary table, there were four dudes dressed as police officers, even though they looked like indy wrestlers. Heyman said that men in his family are snitches, so they file restraining orders and lawsuits. Heyman was shouting that Seth’s wife is going to leave him since he’s a felon now, and that he’ll raise Seth’s daughter, which led Rollins to run down to the ring to go after Heyman. Rollins punched Heyman. The police officers put handcuffs on Seth’s wrists and walked him to the back. Heyman was laughing about it.

Analysis: It’s a way to prolong the story until Bron Breakker likely comes back soon. There were reports that Bron is going to be checked out at the WWE PC and hopefully he’ll be able to wrestle at WrestleMania 40, so this was a way to further the story until Bron is brought back for that match with Seth Rollins, who I assume will also need to be cleared. Arrest angles are a bit silly, but it showed that Paul Heyman outsmarted Seth Rollins by filing a restraining order.

There was a WrestleMania 42 commercial during the show’s break. The Kabuki Warriors made their entrance for tag team action.  

Bayley & Lyra Valkyria vs. Kabuki Warriors – Asuka & Kairi Sane

The Kabuki ladies were in control early on. Sane hit a spinning back fist on Lyra on the floor. Back in the ring, Asuka and Sane did some double team moves on Bayley, including a running dropkick by Sane. They went on a break for some fans about a minute into this match. Sane hit a running clothesline on Bayley against the turnbuckle. Asuka worked over Bayley with kicks. Sane used her legs to choke Bayley against the ropes. Sane went up top and hit a clothesline on Bayley for two.

Bayley finally broke free to bring in Lyra with a top rope cross body block. Lyra hit a sitout Powerbomb on Sane for a two count. Lyra kicked Sane and went for a suplex, but Sane countered it with a DDT. Asuka tagged in with a Codebreaker double knee attack, and Sane hit a neckbreaker as Asuka got a two count on Lyra. After Lyra was sent to the turnbuckle, she did a backflip and a spinning kick. Lyra hit a Fisherman’s Buster on Asuka, and Bayley made the tag, leading to an elbow drop off the middle turnbuckle for a two count. Asuka hit a release German Suplex on Bayley. Lyra was legal again. Asuka sent her up to the turnbuckle, and Sane tagged in with a double foot stomp on Lyra for two because Bayley broke up the pin. Asuka kicked Bayley in the head to clear the ring. Asuka left the ring, so Bayley hit a Bayley to Belly on Asuka on the commentary table. Bayley went for an elbow drop, Asuka moved, and Bayley hit the table. Ouch. Lyra kicked both opponents down on the floor. Lyra brought Sane into the ring, and Lyra hit a Nightwing on Sane for the pinfall win. It went about 10 minutes.

Winners by pinfall: Bayley & Lyra Valkyria

Analysis: *** It was fine for a TV tag team match. The Kabuki Warriors didn’t look like threats to win, but they did have a lot of offense. Lyra looked dominant at the end, while Bayley had her struggles outside the ring. There’s a story here about Bayley wanting to be in a match at WrestleMania, and the idea is that if this team can win, then maybe they can get into a Women’s Tag Team Title match at WrestleMania.

Bayley and Lyra Valkyria were interviewed by Jackie Redmond. Bayley said they felt pretty damn good. Lyra said that Lash and Nia know that they are the ones who can beat them. Bayley called out Lash and Nia, saying next week they are in the most famous arena in the world (MSG), so the fans booed, and Bayley said they are going to beat Nia and Lash.

Analysis: It makes sense to do that Women’s Tag Team Title Match on Raw in MSG next week. I don’t think there will be a title change, but I think there will be a 4 or 5 team Tag Team Match at WrestleMania.

An NXT Origins video aired about Tiffany Stratton. Tiffy Time talked about her WWE journey and how NXT taught her a lot as she became NXT Women’s Champion. Stratton said that NXT taught her everything from the ground up, and she became a WWE superstar.

Penta was shown getting ready in the locker room as IShowSpeed greeted him. Penta taught Speed his walk. Dragon Lee walked in to meet Speed, who left. Lee thanked Penta for his match last week. Penta said whenever you want a rematch, you’ve got it.

Je’Von Evans was interviewed by Byron Saxton in the back of the arena. Evans said he didn’t want to be the next Kofi Kingston or his young boy, but rather the first Je’Von Evans. That led Evans to talk about how he’s a future champion in WWE and that he’s coming for the Intercontinental Title.

Analysis: I think the IC Title is another title that could have four or five guys in a match. Last year was a 4-way match, so I can see that happening again.

Adam Pearce talked to IShowSpeed in the backstage area. Speed was excited to be there. Danhausen went up to Speed (very nice, very evil) and thought it was weird how Speed was so famous with 180 followers. Speed said it was 180 million followers. Danhausen suggested that Speed give him his password and access to his 180 million followers. Speed didn’t want to do that. Uh oh. Danhausen cursed Speed to end it. Speed comically yelled “Cursed” to end it.

Analysis: The Danhausen curse strikes again. Very nice, very evil. I don’t know much about IShowSpeed, but dude is rich and successful at whatever he does, so good for him.

A video package aired about Randy Orton’s heelish actions from SmackDown last week. Orton beat up poor Matt Cardona, who apparently didn’t see it coming because babyfaces are dumb. Orton stomped on a chair on Cardona’s left arm to end it.

It was announced that Cody Rhodes will be interviewed on Pat McAfee’s Show on Wednesday. It’s on ESPN and YouTube. It is Cody’s first interview since getting attacked by Orton.

Asuka and Kairi Sane were backstage, where Asuka was yelling at Sane about losing. Asuka left. Iyo Sky walked up to Sane, saying you don’t deserve to be treated like this. Sky said you deserve better. Asuka yelled, so Sane left. Raquel Rodriguez approached Iyo Sky about Sky getting involved in Raquel’s match with Stephanie Vaquer last week. Raquel challenged Sky to a match on Raw next week. Sky said she’s on.

Dominik Mysterio made his entrance for his match, and he was with Liv Morgan. Stephanie Vaquer attacked Liv from behind. Vaquer was pulled off Morgan, and Liv fought back. They went fighting into the backstage area. Vaquer did a good job of picking up and slamming Morgan down. The fight ended there.

Analysis: A quick Vaquer/Morgan fight to add more to their story. I liked that.

It was time for the Intercontinental Championship match, so Dominik Mysterio made his entrance, joined by JD McDonagh. This was during a break for some fans.

Penta made his entrance as the popular Intercontinental Champion. The fans love the guy. Ring announcer Alicia Taylor did the championship introductions, but Dominik did a cheap attack before she could do the introductions.

Intercontinental Championship: Penta vs. Dominik Mysterio (w/JD McDonagh)

Dominik got some offense before the bell, but Penta came back with a hurricanrana and a backbreaker. Penta kicked Dom against the turnbuckle. Penta did a handstand dropkick to Dominik’s chest. Dominik was back in with a dropkick to knock Penta out of the ring. Dominik did a suicide dive onto Penta on the floor with a DDT. They went on a break for some fans as Dom was in control with a chop and a senton splash into the ring. Dom hit another senton splash on Penta for two. Dominik elbowed Penta to stop a comeback. Dom choked Penta by the ropes, so JD punched Penta. Dom did two suplexes, but that’s when Penta fought back.

Penta got some momentum going with a facebuster. Dom went to the floor, so Penta hit a somersault dive over the top to the floor. Back in the ring, Penta hit a cross body block and a twisting neckbreaker for a two count. They exchanged holds, leading to Penta hitting a Penta Driver for two. Penta charged, but Dom caught him and hit a Michinoku Driver for two. Dom sent Penta into the ropes, but Penta was back up with a superkick. JD distracted Penta, so Dom dropkicked Penta into the ropes. Dom hit a 619 kick. Finn Balor’s music hit and he walked down the aisle. JD went after Finn, but that didn’t work as Finn beat him up. Dom was still on the top rope (for about 20 seconds), and Dom jumped off the top, but Penta hit double knees to the ribs. Penta cradled Dom to get the win. It went about 10 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Penta

Analysis: ***1/4 A good match as usual from these guys who have wrestled many times over the last year. I’m not a big fan of the music distraction finishes, but it was expected here since Finn Balor was off last week, so of course, he came back for revenge on Dominik. Penta winning was no surprise.

After the match, Balor punched Dominik and hit Slingblade on him. Balor dropkicked Dominik into the turnbuckle. JD pulled Dom out of the ring, so Balor hit a somersault dive over the top onto the guys on the floor. Balor wanted to do more to Dom, but JD stopped that. Balor hit a reverse DDT. Dominik left through the crowd. Balor dropkicked JD into the turnbuckle. Balor went up top and hit a Coup de Grace. Balor stared at Dom from the ring.

Analysis: It’s obvious that there will be a Finn Balor-Dominik Mysterio match at WrestleMania 42, which is certainly fine with me. They could be in the IC Title match if there are four guys in it, but I think a singles match is better, and maybe it’s the return of “Demon” Finn Balor on the WrestleMania stage.

A replay was shown of Oba Femi clotheslining Brock Lesnar out of the ring from earlier in the show.

Next week on Raw in New York City:

* Brock Lesnar live

* Women’s Tag Team Championships: Irresistible Forces – Nia Jax & Lash Legend vs. Bayley & Lyra Valkyria

* Iyo Sky vs. Raquel Rodriguez

* World Tag Team Championships – Street Fight: The Usos vs. The Vision’s Austin Theory & Logan Paul

CM Punk was shown walking backstage, where he saw Jimmy Uso. Jimmy said he’s not telling Punk what to do, but Jimmy’s brother Jey is on a warpath. Punk said thanks to Big Jim.

The World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk made his entrance to a big ovation. They went to break for some fans as Punk killed over two minutes by posing in the ring and greeting fans. It’s the fourth week in a row with a promo main event.

Let’s Hear from CM Punk…and Roman Reigns

CM Punk started his promo by saying that Jimmy Uso warned him about Jey Uso. Punk said that it shows Roman Reigns can’t do anything without his cousins. Punk said that nobody in that family can do things by themselves. Punk claimed that nobody in that family can be the Heavyweight Champion of the World. Punk said that Roman Reigns claimed that any Samoan in the family can come after Punk. Punk said that none of them have come after him. Punk said that this is a shit-talking business. Punk said that he’s tired of talking, but Reigns did say something that pissed him off. Punk mentioned that Reigns called him old last week. Punk said that his “Young Boy” doesn’t get to disrespect him and call him old. Punk asked the fans if he was old. Punk said he’s old, but he’s not ashamed of it. Punk said if he was ashamed of how old he was, he would cover up these grey whiskers with Just For Men like Roman Reigns does. Punk said that he’s Middle-Aged Crazy like Terry Funk, he referenced Nolan Ryan and Gordie Howe succeeding in their sports. Punk said that age is just a number. Punk said to ask him how he feels. Punk said he feels great and he feels like the Best in the World. Punk did his line, asking if it feels great about being alive on a Monday night in Boston, so the fans cheered. Punk trashed Reigns by saying he knocked him down with one punch. Punk talked about Reigns is going to be gassed, and he’s going to realize he got beat by THE old man. Punk mentioned Gunther underestimated him and couldn’t get the job done. Punk said Jey Uso couldn’t get the job done either.

Analysis: A strong promo from CM Punk there. That’s the norm for him as arguably the best talker in WWE.

Jey Uso’s music hit and he marched down to the ring. Punk wondered if Jey wants to throw hands or does he want to talk? Jey was pacing around the ring. Jey told Punk he is old. Jey said that Punk is running his mouth about Jey’s family. Jey suggested they can do it right now, and Punk said he’s a fighting champion.

Jimmy Uso walked out to the ring and asked Jey Uso what is he doing out there? Jimmy said that when Jey gets emotional, he doesn’t think. Jimmy said Jey sees red. Jimmy said that because of that, they got DQ’d tonight, and they have to defend the Tag Team Titles next week. Jimmy told Jey this is not about them and to leave this to the OTC. Jey was mad about Reigns talking shit. Jey wondered where Roman was.

Roman Reigns made his entrance with a quick walk down to the ring rather than one of his slow-paced OTC walks.

When Roman Reigns got into the ring, he stared at Punk, and the fans sang, “Roman, Roman Reigns” for him. Reigns said last time he checked, The Usos already had a tag team match, and it’s done now. Reigns respectfully told Jimmy to get his brother and leave the ring. Punk said that they should stay because Reigns needs the help. Jey charged Punk, so Punk fought back. Jimmy tried to help Jey, so Reigns added to it with a Superman Punch that knocked Punk down. The WWE Officials went into the ring to try to break it up before it got wild. Jey was shouting at Reigns to get him, so Reigns hit a Spear on Punk. That was great. Reigns left the ring with Punk and Reigns sent Punk into the ring post twice. The WWE Officials tried to stop Reigns, but he didn’t listen to them. Reigns picked up Punk and gave him a Powerbomb through the commentary table without clearing off the table. Reigns trash-talked Punk and punched Punk in the head. Punk was moving around on the broken commentary table as Cole noted that Punk was laughing. Reigns finally walked to the back to end this. Punk was laughing and saying, “I don’t need help. I’m not the one who needs help.” Reigns was shown with a serious look on his face to end the show.

Analysis: I’m glad it was a brawling, physical segment for them this week. We have seen them talk enough, so finally having a fight was a welcome sight. It’s not like this segment was as violent as Randy Orton beating up Cody Rhodes or anything like that, but I think it was needed for this rivalry to have Reigns attack Punk like that to show that Reigns may be able to kick his ass. Punk laughing at the end was a nice job of mind games, too.

This week’s Raw had a runtime of 2 hours and 30 minutes on Netflix.

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Three Stars of the Show

1. Paul Heyman
2. Penta
3. Je’Von Evans

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The Scoreboard

7.25 out of 10

Last week: 8

2026 Average: 7.54

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Final Thoughts on WWE Raw

This was a weaker episode compared to last week. That’s not to say it was bad or anything like that, but last week was 8/10, and this was a notch below that, mainly because the match quality wasn’t as strong this week. There were solid matches throughout the show. It’s just that nothing stood out.

It’s WrestleMania season, so there was plenty of talking, of course. It was the 4th week in a row with a talking segment in the main event. Paul Heyman was great in his segments as usual. I thought the Oba Femi/Brock Lesnar confrontation was effective at leaving us wanting more. The AJ Lee/Becky Lynch story progressed, leading to their WrestleMania match as expected.

As for the Roman Reigns-CM Punk segment, it furthered the story since Punk pissed off Reigns enough that Reigns decided to beat him up. Punk laughing about it shows that he was just playing mind games to anger Reigns, so we’ll see how they follow up next week on an MSG Raw.

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

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

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.

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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