Reviews

The John Report: WWE Raw Deal 04/06/26 Review

By John Canton • Published Apr 06, 2026 22:50 EDT
WWE Raw Deal April 6
WWE Raw Deal April 6 - Images via wwe.com

It’s WWE Monday Night Raw featuring Seth Rollins addressing Gunther, Oba Femi-Brock Lesnar in the building, Rhea Ripley teaming with Iyo Sky, and more.

The Road to WrestleMania 42 continues with the second-to-last Raw before WM42, taking place in Las Vegas on April 18 & 19. Last week’s Raw saw CM Punk put Roman Reigns through a table in the main event segment, just as Reigns had done to Punk one week earlier. Also, Logan Paul & Austin Theory beat The Usos to win the World Tag Team Titles thanks to a surprising assist from IShowSpeed. The WrestleMania card is nearly complete, but I expect WWE to finalize a few things tonight on Raw.

This is the Raw Deal for episode #1715 of Monday Night Raw, taking place at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport. Let’s get to it.

There was pre show walking shown of Oba Femi, Rhea Ripley with Iyo Sky, Penta with Je’Von Evans and Penta. They also showed CM Punk. CM Punk made his way through the backstage area and walked out to the ring for the show opening promo.

Let’s Hear from CM Punk

CM Punk made his entrance with the World Heavyweight Title on his shoulder. Punk walked quickly into the ring and sat down on the Slim Jim logo in the middle of the ring. There were “CM Punk” chants from the crowd and also some “OTC” chants for Roman Reigns.

Punk started his promo saying Houston is a wrestling town and there’s a lot of pro wrestling history here. Punk said he has history here and also things that haunt him. Punk said it’s Paul Boesch territory – Houston Wrestling. Punk spoke about how you can’t help but compare yourself to the old timers and wonder what Harley Race would do. Punk said that the important stuff happens when you’re awake. Punk stood up and did his “great to be alive on a Monday night in Houston” line.

Punk mentioned Roman Reigns is not here tonight. The fans booed. Punk said that with help from his cousins, Roman Reigns put Punk through the commentary table. Punk said that he couldn’t wait to get his revenge on Raw in MSG. Punk said he showed up by himself, with his two fists, got his receipt, and put Reigns through the commentary table alone. Punk said that Reigns said he hates him, so Punk said that’s good. Punk said that he is hated because he won’t trade his authenticity for approval. Punk said that being hated by losers is the price he pays for not being one of them. Punk put the World Title on the commentary table. Punk wondered if you’ll be mad at him when he damn near cripped him. Punk said he showed up, and he’s an old man. Punk said old, not weak. There were “CM Punk” chants. Punk spoke about why he hates Roman Reigns.

Punk got on the commentary table and took off his jacket to show off his shirt. Punk spoke while the WrestleMania Vegas was in the background. Punk said that his tools are hard-fought, and Reigns’ tools are plastic. Punk said back in the day, he didn’t understand. Punk said that he understands why TKO sends Roman’s belt-less ass to Jimmy Fallon because he’s safe and plastic. Punk said he’s dangerous because you never know what he’s going to do or what he’s going to say. Punk said he can film television and movies and still show up, but then the fans boo him when he tells the fans that Reigns isn’t here. Punk said when Reigns shows up, he shows up late, he leaves early, and puffs his chest around in the back like he’s The Rock. Punk said at least The Rock is a Hollywood superstar, and then said “WAS” a Hollywood superstar, just like Reigns was a champion. Punk said this is pro wrestling and not cinema. Punk said his cousin is not on the Board of Directors, and his daddy wasn’t a pro wrestler who got him a job because he sucked at football. Punk said he earned everything he had, while Reigns is a buck-toothed nepo baby who ate dog food for a weird old man. Punk said that the weird old man treated Punk like a dog and wanted him to smile, but Punk had money, and he left. Punk said Reigns wants to control him like he controls his cousins and his family, but THEY can’t control Punk. There were “CM Punk” chants. Punk said when people ask him for a pipebomb without understanding what it means, this is what you get. Punk said that Reigns can brag about being in the main event of WrestleMania, but if most people sucked as much as he did, then they’d be fired and blackballed. Punk stared at the camera to say that he can stand on the bridge and blow it up because bitch, he knows how to swim.

CM Punk said that everybody is getting it tonight. Punk said that Pat McAfee wrote himself a check that his narrow ass can’t cash. Punk said that McAfee should tell the agent that shoehorned Pat into the business to lower the ticket prices. Punk said that he’ll be damned if Pat can come to Punk’s business and talk to him about putting his asses in seats. Punk said that Pat has a receipt coming to him. Punk said he wants the ticket prices lowered so he wants all the families to come and watch him stand on Roman Reigns’ throat at WrestleMania. Punk ended it saying his name is CM Punk and he approves this message.

Analysis: I loved that. Epic promo from CM Punk going off about a number of topics and things that WWE fans are talking about, so that’s a great thing for him to discuss. The fact that Punk would talk about the ticket prices being too high was an incredible way to end it. The trash talk that Punk did about Roman Reigns was excellent, too. Punk even trashing The Rock was an interesting bit as well because it could tease a return of The Rock at WrestleMania to get revenge. That would generate a huge reaction. Punk even referenced Vince McMahon without saying his name, but we all know who the weird old man is. Punk trashing McAfee was absolutely outstanding as well. I was certainly entertained by this. Punk absolutely delivered a memorable promo here. We know CM Punk is one of the best talkers in WWE, and he reminded us of it here.

The commentary team of Michael Cole and Corey Graves welcomed us to the show. Alicia Taylor was the ring announcer.

They showed a clip of IShowSpeed accidentally helping Logan Paul and Austin Theory beat The Usos for the World Tag Team Titles last week on Raw. That was followed up by LA Knight attacking Speed at his house.

There was IShowSpeed walking backstage when he saw his rival Danhausen, who had a jar of teeth. Danhausen said he’d uncurse Speed if Speed gave him his mansion. Raw GM Adam Pearce approached Speed, and Danhausen left. Speed said he knows he cost The Usos their titles, and Speed said that you need to help Speed. Pearce advised Speed to leave. Austin Theory and Logan Paul walked up as the World Tag Team Champions. Speed said he was leaving. Logan said that Speed is hated by LA Knight and The Usos, so Paul said that safe space is with The Vision. Theory told Speed he was coming with them, so they took Speed with them. Pearce said it was a terrible idea.

Austin Theory, Logan Paul and IShowSpeed entered for Theory’s match up next. They went on a break for some fans after that.

LA Knight vs. Austin Theory (w/Logan Paul & IShowSpeed)

Theory connected with a suplex early on. Knight came back with a clothesline. Theory left to the floor, so Knight kicked Theory on the floor. Knight gave Theory a clothesline over the barricade at ringside. They went on a break for some fans as the action continued. Knight was distracted by the guys on the floor, so Theory sent Knight into the ring post. Knight worked over Theory with punches, but Theory came back with a clothesline. Knight hit a shoulder tackle and a sunset flip for two. Theory was back up quickly with an elbow to remain in control.

The match continued with Knight hitting a neckbreaker. Knight ran the ropes, hit a clothesline, and a side Russian legsweep. Knight shoved Theory into the turnbuckle and hit another neckbreaker for two. Theory hit a lefty punch, along with a Blockbuster. Knight avoided a move and clotheslined Theory over the top to the floor. Knight sent Theory’s head (arms) into the commentary table a few times so the fans could chant, “Yeah” for it. Knight sent Theory into the ring. Paul shoved Speed into Knight on the floor and the referee never saw it. Paul did that on purpose. Speed tried to leave, so The Usos showed up to prevent Speed from leaving. Knight chased Speed into the ring, and Knight got a hold of Speed. Paul was on the apron, so Knight punched Paul and Theory gave Knight a ROLLUP OF DEATH~! while grabbing the tights for the pinfall win after 10 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Austin Theory

Analysis: *** The match was more about furthering the story involving Knight and The Vision/Speed, with Knight getting screwed out of the win due to the chaos outside the ring. The match was fine for the time given. Knight losing to Theory might upset some fans for sure, but it’s a way to advance the story.

After the match, Speed was in the ring saying he didn’t do anything while Knight and The Usos stared at him. The fans chanted, “You F**ked Up” at Speed. Jey got a hold of Speed and sent Speed into the ropes, but Paul pulled Speed out of the ring to save him.

LA Knight and The Usos were in the ring. Knight called out Raw GM Adam Pearce to walk out here right now. Pearce showed up at the entrance area. Knight said that The Usos were the Tag Team Champions and Speed cost them the titles. Knight said Speed cost him his match tonight. Knight said he’s got the perfect place for this match taking place at WrestleMania. Knight said it’s Paul, Theory and IShowSpeed against The Usos and LA Knight. Adam Pearce summarized what Knight suggested. Pearce told Speed he should have gone home, but now you’re going to WrestleMania because it’s official. Knight said that The Vision and Speed will get stomped out by The Usos and LA Knight. Speed had a shocked look on his face.

Analysis: I mentioned last week that it seemed like a 6-man tag team match was the obvious route for these guys, and now it’s official. It will be Speed’s first match. I don’t know that much about Speed, but I know he’s a really good athlete, so he’s likely been training for this, and I hope he can put on a decent showing when he’s in there. I think Knight should pin Speed in that match.

The announcers talked about Pat McAfee’s heel turn with Randy Orton on Cody Rhodes on SmackDown. Cole said he was once close with Pat McAfee as if they were brothers, and it was one of the most surreal, bizarre, and disappointing things that he has ever seen in WWE in 30 years. Cole said he wants to see what the endgame is and how it all plays out.

They replayed what happened on SmackDown when Pat McAfee joined Randy Orton in attacking Cody Rhodes. It did not make the fans happy. A lot of people hate it because they don’t think Pat was needed for this angle. I agree. McAfee said that Orton is going to save the business.

Finn Balor was shown walking backstage. Kofi Kingston was arguing with Grayson Waller in the background.

The Los Americanos trio of El Grande Americano, Rayo & Bravo were interviewed by Jackie Redmond in the skybox area. This was during a break for some fans. Grande said that the Ladder Match for the Intercontinental Title at WrestleMania is a disgrace without El Grande Americano, so they should do something about it.

CM Punk talked about his WrestleMania moment that he will never forget, which was when he was an extra for John Cena’s WrestleMania 22 entrance for Cena’s match against Triple H. It helped him see the path forward. Punk said he thinks about that moment every day he walks into work.

Finn Balor made his entrance for a match with JD McDonagh, who was already in the ring, but Dominik Mysterio attacked Balor from behind. The fans booed that. Balor fought back with punches and threw JD into the ring post. Balor hit Dominik with an elbow. Balor tossed JD over the top to the floor. Dominik hit Balor in the back with the AAA Mega Title. Dominik attacked Balor with a steel chair to the back. Dominik put the chair across Balor’s throat and pointed at the WrestleMania sign. Dominik and JD posed over Balor.

Analysis: No match for Finn and JD due to the attack. I was hoping to see that Finn/JD match, so hopefully they can set it up in the future. Anyway, it was a short segment to get some heat on Dominik for another cheap attack.

A video package aired featuring AJ Lee, showing some of her career highlights.

AJ Lee Interview Interrupted By Becky Lynch

The Women’s Intercontinental Champion, AJ Lee, was seated with Michael Cole for an interview. Lee was asked about how it felt to be back in WWE, and before she could say much, Becky Lynch interrupted. Lynch trashed Cole, so he left. Lynch said she remembered Lee’s last Wrestlemania. Lynch said that Lee gave Lynch a big hug because Lee saw her replacement. Lynch said that the next day, Lee quit because she knew Lynch was coming. Lynch said WrestleMania is her home.

Lee said that everyone has underestimated her throughout her career. Lee said she’s proud of Lynch. Lee said she’s proud of everything Lynch has done for the business and the locker room, but none of that happens without Lee. Lee said that she shattered those glass ceilings and knocked them down for Lynch. Lee said that she’s not replaceable because after 10 years away, this company kept calling. Lee said that the fans didn’t forget her. Lee said she is your favorite wrestler’s favorite wrestler. Lee said when Lynch tucks her daughter into bed and asks who her favorite wrestler is, she won’t say Becky Lynch, she’ll say AJ Lee. AJ said she’ll see her at WrestleMania and left. Lynch was furious.

Analysis: It was a quick way to have the two rivals exchange words and make their usual points. Lynch is known for being a great trash talker, but in this case, it was about Lee silencing Lynch by making some valid points of her own. I think I’ll go with Lee winning at WrestleMania.

Bayley made her entrance for singles action, joined by Lyra Valkyria. They went on a break for some fans as Bayley and Lyra had some fun with people around ringside. There was only one match in the first hour. It is WrestleMania promo season after all.

Lash Legend (w/Nia Jax) vs. Bayley (w/Lyra Valkyria)

The Irresistible Forces team of Lash Legend & Nia Jax are the Women’s Tag Team Champions. Bayley and Lyra are one of the three teams challenging Lash & Jax at WrestleMania for the Women’s Tag Team Titles. Bayley went for a move off the turnbuckle, but Lash decked her with a forearm. Lash kicked Bayley out of the ring as the show went on a break for some fans one minute into the match. I’ll take a break too, as Lash took control.

Lash remained on offense with a backbreaker across the knee for a two count. Lash tried a lift, but Bayley fought out of it. Lash bounced back with an uppercut for two. Lash tried a running splash, Bayley avoided it and Lash hit the mat. Lash went for a pump kick, Bayley avoided it and Bayley hit two dropkicks in a row. Bayley hit a running knee to the face. Bayley jumped off the middle turnbuckle with an elbow to the back for a two count. Jax tripped up Bayley by the ropes and the referee never saw it. Lash charged, Bayley moved and Lash hit the turnbuckle. Lyra jumped on Jax, who caught her and Jax tackled Lyra into the ring apron. Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss showed up to fight Jax, so Bayle hit a cross body block on Jax, Flair and Bliss. Lash went for a superplex off the middle turnbuckle, but Lyra may have tripped up Lash on the move. Lyra held onto Lash’s foot while Bayley covered Lash for the pinfall win after about 9 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Bayley

Analysis: *** A crafty win by Bayley, who sold really well for Lash throughout the match. Jax tripped up Bayley during the match, so Lyra got payback by tripping Lash during her superplex attempt, and Bayley benefited from it for the win. It was the second match in a row on this show with chaos on the floor, leading to a finish.

A video package aired about last week’s Raw, when Seth Rollins attacked Paul Heyman with a chair. Gunther showed up, pulled Rollins out of the ring, and gave Rollins a Sleeper. Gunther told Rollins they’ll meet at WrestleMania.

Danhausen made his entrance for a promo where he claimed he won a Slammy Award at the WWE offices. That was during a break for some fans. Danhausen claimed he won for Most Evil, Most Rich, Most Handsome, and a bunch of other crap. Danhausen thanked people, including Triple Helmsley, which means Triple H. Anyway, Danhausen cut his speech short and shot a t-shirt cannon into the crowd. Danhausen posed by the WrestleMania sign. Danhausen said if you don’t love that Danhausen, then you are cursed.

Analysis: Love that Danhausen. I don’t want to be cursed.

They showed Houston Texans head coach Demeco Ryans at ringside, along with rapper Bun B and WWE Hall of Famer Mark Henry. Big pop for Mark.

The trailer aired for the new Hulk Hogan documentary coming to Netflix on April 22nd. I’m sure it’s well done, featuring some of Hogan’s last public interviews before his death last July. It’s a 4-part documentary. The trailer was released earlier today.

Let’s Hear from Seth Rollins

Seth “Freakin” Rollins made his entrance for a promo as the fans sang along with his catchy entrance song. Rollins will face Gunther at WrestleMania in a matchup of former World Champions. Rollins said he’s been gone for six months and he’s been waiting to hear you sing that damn song, the fans kept on singing even after the song stopped playing. Rollins encouraged the fans to keep singing it.

Rollins said he is back and that at WrestleMania, he goes 1-on-1 with “The Ring General” Gunther. Rollins said there’s no long history or personal issue between himself and Gunther. Rollins said over the past week, the logical conclusion is that Gunther is in some sort of business relationship with Paul Heyman. Rollins said he has two missions, and one of them is to take back the World Heavyweight Title that he never lost. Rollins said his second mission is to kill The Vision. Rollins mentioned that Logan Paul and Austin Theory have to deal with the Samoans and that never ends well. Rollins mentioned Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed are on the shelf. Rollins said he knew Paul Heyman would need protection, so he put Brock Lesnar on a platter for Oba Femi. The fans chanted “Oba” so Rollins said that man is the future.

Rollins said that if Gunther wants to be a shield for Paul Heyman, then this is business for you, but you have made it very personal for Rollins. Gunther attacked Rollins from behind, but Rollins was able to get out of a Sleeper. Rollins went for a Stomp, Gunther avoided it, and Rollins kicked Gunther out of the ring. Rollins tried a dive onto Gunther, but Gunther was ready and sent Rollins over the commentary table. WWE Officials showed up to try to stop them. While Rollins was being held by Shane Helms and Jason Jordan, Gunther broke free and kicked Rollins in the head to knock him down. By the time Rollins got back up, Gunther walked to the back. The fans sang Seth’s song again.

Analysis: It was a solid promo from Seth Rollins to try to make some sense of the match with Gunther, which does feel a bit random. The brawl was brief. It’s WrestleMania season, which means there are a lot of brawls for the matches set to take place at WrestleMania. I think it will be an awesome match at WrestleMania, even though it’s not a great story. That’s okay with me. I’ll enjoy the match.

Gunther was shown walking backstage, where he saw the WWE Hall of Famer, Paul Heyman. Gunther looked at Heyman, who said he didn’t know why Gunther did what he did at MSG last week on Raw. Heyman said he owes Gunther a very big thank you. Gunther said it’s very personal to Rollins, and Gunther is glad about it. Gunther said it’s personal to him as well, just not for the reason he’s thinking of. Gunther shook hands with Heyman. Gunther said that Heyman owes him so much more than a very big thank you. Gunther left.

The announcers wondered why Gunther did what he did if it wasn’t for Paul Heyman. They also wondered what it means if Heyman owes Gunther.

Analysis: I figured this wasn’t a case of Gunther being a Paul Heyman Guy, or anything like that. I don’t think Gunther fits in that kind of role. I’d rather have Gunther be more of a loner. They should have had Gunther say he did what he did to take down a former World Champion so he could get back into the World Title picture.

A replay was shown of Liv Morgan getting an assist from Roxanne Perez last week as Liv and Perez beat up Stephanie Vaquer.

Stephanie Vaquer, the Women’s World Champion, was featured in a video doing a promo. Vaquer said if you want to play, then she’ll play dirty. Vaquer called Morgan a bitch. Vaquer spoke in Spanish, and the translation appeared on the screen. Vaquer said she’s there to inspire girls everywhere and to help them forge their own paths in life. Vaquer warned Morgan that she was coming for her. Vaquer said in Vegas, Morgan will never get her hands on the Women’s World Championship because at WrestleMania, she’ll take Liv where nobody can follow. Vaquer welcomed Liv to her inferno.

Analysis: Good promo from Stephanie Vaquer, who is a very likable and honorable babyface. I think Liv Morgan will win at WrestleMania, but I certainly wouldn’t mind being wrong about that.

It was time for the 6-man tag team match with Penta up first as the Intercontinental Champion. They went on a break for some fans as Penta’s teammates Je’Von Evans and Dragon Lee made their entrances.

Penta, Je’Von Evans & Dragon Lee vs. Los Americanos – El Grande Americano, Rayo & Bravo

Los Americanos are faces in NXT, but they are heels here. This match has five of the six wrestlers wearing masks. Grande hit a knee smash on Evans, and then the Americanos danced. Evans went up top and hit a double cross body block. Lee and Penta hit a double superkick on Rayo. Evans hit a dive over the top onto Rayo, Lee hit a dive onto Bravo, and Penta hit a somersault dive over the top on Grande on the floor. That was a hot start to this match as the show went on a break for some fans. Evans was on offense against Bravo (Tyler Bate) with some strikes. Bravo launched Evans into the air and hit a kick to the ribs. Rayo (Pete Dunne) tagged in to work over Evans with a chop. Grande worked over Evans with a clothesline for a two count.

The match continued with Penta making the tag and hitting some big moves, including a backbreaker. Penta hit a DDT on two guys. Lee tagged in with a basement dropkick on Rayo. Bravo saved Rayo from a move and Grande headbutted Lee to knock him down. Rayo hit a headbutt off the turnbuckle and Bravo hit a top rope splash for two as Penta broke it up. Grande hit an enziguri kick on Penta, Evans hit a Red Dot kick, Bravo hit a forearm on Evans and Lee hit a double foot stomp on Bravo. Lee hit a Styles Clash on Rayo for two because the pin was broken up. Lee hit a hurricanrana on the floor. Penta hit a Mexican Destroyer on the apron. Evans was legal with Bravo, and Evans jumped off the top with an OG Cutter for the pinfall win after about 8 minutes.

Winners by pinfall: Penta, Je’Von Evans & Dragon Lee

Analysis: ***1/4 A fast-paced match with a lot of action going on, and it wasn’t easy to keep up with it, but I enjoyed what they did out there. Evans hitting that OG Cutter was spectacular. It also looked awesome coming right after Penta’s Mexican Destroyer on the apron.

Rey Mysterio, the WWE Hall of Famer, made his entrance to a big pop, and he was in street clothes. Rey joined the three babyfaces Penta, Evans and Lee in the ring. Rey said how cool it was that Penta was the Intercontinental Champion. Rey said that the Ladder Match at WrestleMania has the potential to be one of the greatest Ladder Matches in WrestleMania history. Rey said that last year he missed WrestleMania due to injury. Rey said he spoke with Adam Pearce, and they agreed this ladder match is missing one person – Rey Mysterio. Penta said let’s make history. Penta said “Cero Miedo” to end it. Rey celebrated with the guys in the ring.

Analysis: That means it’s a 6-man Ladder Match for the Intercontinental Title at WrestleMania 42 with Rey Mysterio added to it. I’m certainly fine with it. I know there were rumors of Rey against Gunther at WrestleMania, but Rey wasn’t cleared in time to set it up. Rey doesn’t wrestle that much anymore, but I’m happy for him getting another WrestleMania moment as he nears the end of his career.

They went back to SmackDown to show what Cody Rhodes said in response to what Randy Orton and Pat McAfee did to him. Cody did a good job with that promo.

Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky were shown getting ready for their match.

Bayley and Lyra Valkyria were interviewed by Cathy Kelley in a skybox in the back part of the arena. Lyra said what you saw tonight is a taste of what’s to come at WrestleMania. Lyra said they are walking out as the new Women’s Tag Team Champions. Bayley said we know how much those titles mean to her, since she and her partner are both former champions. Bayley said that some people don’t know how to get the job done, so that’s what they did tonight. Bayley said they’ll do whatever it takes to be victorious. Bayley didn’t care about the other teams because they are going to be the next Women’s Tag Team Champions.

This Thursday on Cody Rhodes’ “What Do You Wanna Talk About?” podcast has a big guest: Triple H. That should be great.

A recap of the 6-man tag team match being made for WrestleMania: Logan Paul, Austin Theory & IShowSpeed vs. The Usos & LA Knight was shown.

There was a video package recapping the Brock Lesnar-Oba Femi segment from last week, when Brock Lesnar and Oba Femi didn’t even touch eachother. They beat up some “security” guys and had a staredown that left us wanting more.

Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky made their entrance for tag team action for what is likely the final match of the night. They went on a break for some fans as the entrance continued. Jade Cargill made her entrance as the WWE Women’s Champion, joined by her allies Michin and B-Fab. They are usually on SmackDown, but they are on Raw this week.

Asuka was featured in a video speaking in a mix of English and Japanese, with translations on screen. Asuka said she used to love Iyo Sky and paved the way for Sky and Kairi Sane. Asuka claimed she did everything for Sky out of love, and now Asuka realized she loved her too much. Asuka claimed that Sky used her, and now she must pay. Asuka said she’d teach Sky one final lesson in the ring. Asuka said she’ll take everything away from Sky.

Analysis: It has been rumored that Asuka will face Iyo Sky at WrestleMania, but it’s not official yet.

Rhiyo – Rhea Ripley & Iyo Sky vs. Michin & B-Fab (w/Jade Cargill)

It started with Ripley against B-Fab, who hit Ripley with a DDT. It wasn’t a smooth transition, but Ripley sold it well. B-Fab grabbed a chinlock, Ripley broke free, and Ripley kicked B-Fab. Sky tagged in against Michin and hit a double foot stomp. Sky stunned both opponents against the ropes and hit a missile dropkick on both opponents. Sky hit a suicide dive onto Michin and B-Fab on the floor. The show went on a break there as the match continued with Michin hitting a sitout Powerbomb. Michin and B-Fab hit a double suplex on Sky. B-Fab hit a knee to the ribs on Sky. After Sky got a rollup, B-Fab hit an elbow to knock Sky down. Michin was back to choke Sky against the ropes.

Michin and B-Fab were working over Sky with double team attacks. Referee Jessika Carr was admonishing them, so Jade Cargill tripped up Ripley on the apron, and the referee never saw it. Michin charged at Sky, who moved, and Michin hit the turnbuckle. Sky countered B-Fab into a pin attempt, and Sky sat on top of B-Fab for the pinfall win after about 8 minutes.

Winners by pinfall: Rhiyo – Rhea Ripley & Iyo Sky

Analysis: **1/2 It was fine for a TV match to give Iyo Sky some positive momentum by getting the pinfall win. Michin and B-Fab really had no shot in a match like this.

After the match, the heel trio attacked Sky. Ripley made the save, but Jade hit a pump kick to knock Ripley down. Michin and B-Fab down by the turnbuckle. Jade picked up a kendo stick and hit Sky in the ribs with it. Jade hit Sky three times in the ribs with a kendo stick. Jade hit Jaded on Sky while Ripley was held against the turnbuckle. The fans booed. Jade and her friends left while Ripley checked on Sky.

Analysis: The build to WrestleMania has been about constant cheap attacks in this Ripley-Cargill feud, and here’s another one.

Finn Balor spoke in a darkened room, saying that Dominik Mysterio and JD McDonagh got the best of him tonight. Balor said Dominik Mysterio knows one side of him, but there’s another side that you haven’t seen before. Finn Balor said that you have awoken it, it’s back, and at WrestleMania, it’s coming for you. A heartbeat sounded at the end, so that’s something we know from Balor’s past.

Analysis: That means “Demon” Finn Balor is back for WrestleMania. Good.

The Judgment Day was shown in their clubhouse. Dominik wondered what Finn was talking about, and JD said it would be fine. JD McDonagh complained about Rey Mysterio being in the Intercontinental Ladder Match. Dominik assured JD he would win, and Dominik had an idea. Raquel Rodriguez was there, and Liv told her that she needed to speak to Roxanne Perez. Liv Morgan told Roxanne Perez she appreciates her so much. Liv told Perez they did what needed to be done to Finn Balor. Stephanie Vaquer showed up and attacked Liv from behind, and Perez fell down, too. Perez sent Liv into a TV in the room. Vaquer left.

UPDATE: Liv Morgan and Roxanne Perez legitimately hit their heads during this segment and got checked out for concussions. As you can see above, Liv has a legit bump on her head. Brutal. That’s a rough accident. I hope they are okay.

The boss man, WWE Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque, appeared with Raw GM Adam Pearce for the contract signing between Oba Femi and Brock Lesnar. The show went on a break, so Triple H did some interacting with the crowd while the ring was set up with the chairs, table, and black mat.

Oba Femi-Brock Lesnar Contract Signing

Raw GM Adam Pearce was in the ring with Triple H, with Pearce holding the contract. Pearce talked about the clash at WrestleMania, but here comes the interruption from WWE Hall of Famer Paul Heyman.

Paul Heyman claimed this was the most highly anticipated match at WrestleMania in decades, if not ever. As Heyman tried to speak, the fans chanted “Oba” for Femi. Heyman introduced us to the Conqueror of the Ruler because Femi can’t measure up to The Beast. Heyman introduced Brock Lesnar, who walked around in his FAF5 (F**k Around, F5) shirt and cowboy hat. Lesnar did his usual walk around the ring as usual. Lesnar shook hands with Triple H and Pearce.

Oba Femi was next, and he got a huge ovation with the fans chanting his name. Femi walked out slowly, wearing his shirt that says “The Ruler” on it, and he slowly got into the ring with Lesnar, but Lesnar went after him on the apron. Femi tackled Lesnar into the ring post. They went into the ring and exchanged punches. Lesnar picked up Femi, and they went crashing through a table. There were a bunch of security guys that went into the ring, so Lesnar broke free and jumped onto the pile of guys to go after Femi. That led to them being separated again until Femi broke free. Femi went after Lesnar. Lesnar tossed a chair at Femi, and Femi tossed a chair back at him. The show ended with both guys separated.

Analysis: It was another segment that left the audience wanting more because they built it up as a big deal, only to interact for a few minutes. There was no signed contract, but obviously, we are still getting the match at WrestleMania. The build for it has been strong. It was an even brawl this time, instead of Femi getting the upper hand. I liked it, but I was also hoping to hear at least a few words from Femi just to show how confident he is going into the match. Femi should win at WrestleMania, in my opinion, and I think Lesnar will have no problem putting him over in a big way. The segment was fine, but I was hoping to see more from them.

This week’s Raw had a runtime of 2 hours and 30 minutes on Netflix. Last week was 2:27.

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Three Stars of the Show

  1. CM Punk
  2. Penta, Je’Von Evans & Dragon Lee
  3. LA Knight

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The Scoreboard

7.25 out of 10

Last week: 7.5

2026 Average: 7.52

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Final Thoughts on WWE Raw

A good show that was mostly entertaining, but I wouldn’t go so far as to call it great. CM Punk’s promo was outstanding and easily the highlight of the show. I liked the Brock Lesnar/Oba Femi segment, but it also wasn’t anything out of the ordinary. We have seen that kind of thing many times before.

Most of the show was about building to WrestleMania, so there were matches with interference and brawling segments throughout the show. The match quality was below average for a typical WWE show in this era. Regarding the WrestleMania build, it’s more of the same that we get every week since the card is pretty much set.

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

On Tuesday morning, WWE announced which matches would be on which day. As a reminder, John Cena will be the host.

Saturday, April 18 Matches

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

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

* Seth Rollins vs. Gunther

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

* Women’s Tag Team Championships: Irresistible Forces – Nia Jax & Lash Legend (c) vs. Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss vs. The Bella Twins – Nikki & Brie Bella vs. Bayley & Lyra Valkyria

* Unsanctioned Match: Drew McIntyre vs. Jacob Fatu (Match Will Also Air On ESPN 2 In First Hour)

* LA Knight and The Usos – Jimmy & Jey Uso vs. The Vision – Logan Paul & Austin Theory and IShowSpeed (Match Will Also Air On ESPN 2 In First Hour)

Sunday, April 19 Matches

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

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

* United States Championship: Sami Zayn (c) vs. Trick Williams

* Finn Balor vs. Dominik Mysterio

* Oba Femi vs. Brock Lesnar (Match Will Also Air On ESPN In First Hour)

* Intercontinental Championship Ladder Match: Penta (c) vs. Je’Von Evans vs. Dragon Lee vs. Rusev vs. JD McDonagh vs. Rey Mysterio (Match Will Also Air On ESPN In First Hour)

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