The John Report: WWE Raw Deal 04/20/26 Review
It’s WWE Monday Night Raw featuring Roman Reigns and more wrestlers celebrating big wins at WrestleMania.
The 42nd WrestleMania took place on Saturday & Sunday in Las Vegas with over 7 hours of content over the two nights. That included 13 matches, which had several title changes and a whole bunch of commercials, too. The big winners were Roman Reigns, who became the World Heavyweight Champion in an epic match with CM Punk. We also saw Liv Morgan win the Women’s World Title, Rhea Ripley capture the WWE Women’s Title, Becky Lynch regain the Women’s Intercontinental Title, and Trick Williams become the US Champion. Oba Femi also got a massive win over Brock Lesnar, who retired after the loss.
Raw after WrestleMania is typically one of the bigger episodes of the year, with some big surprises and memorable moments in the past. Let’s hope for a great show this year. It’s my fourth night in a row writing about WWE live after a 3-hour SmackDown, 4-hour WrestleMania Saturday, 3.5-hour WrestleMania Sunday, and now Raw. It’s a lot, but I survived and am ready to do it.
This is the Raw Deal for episode #1717 of Monday Night Raw, taking place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport. Let’s get to it.
A video package aired with WrestleMania 42 highlights. No commercials in that video package. Too soon? Anyway, it was a good video package.
Roman Reigns will be on Raw later. They showed Liv Morgan walking with The Judgment Day, Rhea Ripley with Iyo Sky, and a look back at Brock Lesnar’s retirement.
Let’s Hear from Oba Femi
The powerful Oba Femi made his entrance wearing dress clothes without a jacket, and the fans were chanting “Oba” for him while a lot of them were doing the Femi dance. A lot of green shirt-wearing fans in the front row for this one. The fans reacted to Femi in a big way with “Oba” chants before he said a word. They were chanting “Oba Femi” for him again.
Femi: “The Ruler has arrived.” Femi dropped the microphone, and his music played. More “Oba” chants from the crowd. Oba left at that point.
Analysis: That’s it? Simple enough. I’m interested to see what happens next with him. Femi is clearly becoming one of the most popular guys in all of WWE, and it’s great to see.
The Kabuki Warriors duo of Asuka and Kairi Sane did a promo about Iyo Sky. It was Asuka talking in Japanese while the words appeared on screen. Asuka said that Sky is nothing, and she tried to corrupt Sane too. Sane said they will beat Sky and Ripley. Asuka said that Sky and Ripley will suffer the consequences since they are not ready for Asuka.
The new WWE Women’s Champion, Rhea Ripley, and Iyo Sky made their entrance for tag team action. They went on a commercial for some fans as Ripley/Sky posed for the fans.
It was Michael Cole and Corey Graves on commentary. Mark Nash was the ring announcer filling in for Alicia Taylor, who worked both nights of WrestleMania.
Kabuki Warriors – Asuka & Kairi Sane vs. Rhiyo – Rhea Ripley & Iyo Sky
Sane took down Sky with a headscissors, followed by a dropkick. Sky got a rollup on Sane for two. Sky hit a double underhook backbreaker. Ripley tagged in to slam Sky onto Sane for a two count. Ripley did a spinning slam on Sane into the mat. Asuka tagged in with a flurry of strikes and a running knee. Ripley hit a rising kick for a two count. Ripley kicked Asuka, and Sane got involved, so Asuka kicked Ripley out of the ring. Sane jumped off the top with an Insane Elbow on a standing Ripley on the floor. Great move. They went on a break for some fans, and I’ll take a break too.
The Kabukis were in control of Ripley as the face in peril. Sane hit a running dropkick on Ripley. Asuka held Ripley, who broke free with a forearm and Ripley hit a running kick on Sane. Sky tagged in against Asuka and unloaded with punches. Sky did backflips and hit a double dropkick. Sky hit running knee attacks on both opponents. Sky hit a superkick on Asuka for two. Ripley was back in for a Razor’s Edge on Asuka and Sky hit a missile dropkick, so Ripley covered for two. Sane hit a neckbreaker and the Kabukis hit a double kick on Ripley for two because Sky made the save. Sky countered an Asuka move and hit a double foot stomp to the ribs. Sky hit a suicide dive on Asuka. Ripley headbutted Sane and hit Riptide. Sky got the tag and hit Over The Moonsault off the top onto Sane for the pinfall win after about 12 minutes.
Winners by pinfall: Rhiyo – Rhea Ripley & Iyo Sky
Analysis: ***1/4 A pretty good match between four very talented women. It followed the usual tag team formula with Ripley isolated for most of the match, Sky got the hot tag, and the babyfaces were able to get the big win. I’m not surprised by the result with the Ripley/Sky team winning. If Ripley’s team lost, it would have surprised me. Ripley will also be on SmackDown moving forward, so it was a way for Ripley and Sky to team up one more time.
The Intercontinental Champion, Penta, spoke with Raw GM Adam Pearce. Pearce said that Penta was very impressive at WrestleMania. Je’Von Evans congratulated Penta and said he’s not going anywhere. Penta was fine with that and made it clear to Pearce that he would be a fighting champion. Ethan Page walked in, and Pearce said he is Raw’s newest superstar. Page said he wants the Intercontinental Title, and he won’t need a second chance. Pearce put them in a match. Evans said nobody will take his spot, especially not Evans.
Analysis: Ethan Page on Raw! I love that. It would have worked as a surprise if they had Evans in the ring for a match and said he’s against Raw’s newest superstar. Anyway, Page is more than ready to be on the main roster. I’m happy for him.
Los Americanos appeared by the entrance area for a promo during the break for some fans. El Grande Americano spoke in Spanish, and the fans cheered. Rayo and Bravo bragged about how they are great dressers and dancers. Grande said he’ll take the Original El Grande Americano’s mask off and celebrate.
The big man Royce Keys was shown sitting in the crowd. Cole said you can watch him on SmackDown.
Let’s Hear from CM Punk
The former World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk was shown walking backstage with some scars on his head. Punk walked through the Gorilla Position and through the curtain into the arena. They didn’t play Punk’s theme song as he stood by the entrance. There was cheering for him, they were chanting his name and there was some booing too. When Punk said, “It’s Clobberin’ Time,” that’s when “Cult of Personality” hit and Punk made his entrance.
CM Punk said he’s been dealing with a lot of loss in the last six months. Punk talked about how his friend Duke Rufus died last October, and in November, his dog Larry died. Punk mentioned three guys from the WWE team who died in the last few months, whom Punk paid tribute to. Punk said that these are the men and women who grind behind the scenes to help WWE produce these shows. The fans cheered. Punk said that his friend Bo Leuders passed away on April 1st, and Punk lost last night. Punk said that those other losses sting more than his title. Punk said that the fans have helped him get through all these losses. Punk said being World Heavyweight Champion and the support of the fans helped him get through his other losses. Punk said that he thinks the fans will help him get through this loss. Punk talked about how he wasn’t even supposed to be the World Champion, but he stayed ready and poured his heart and soul into this to become the World Champion again. Punk said if he didn’t stay ready, then you’d be here, Yeeting and talking to Jey Uso right now. The fans booed, and Punk didn’t know why they booed that. Punk said you never know when an opportunity is going to come. Punk said he’s still smiling because he’s still the Best in the World. Punk said he proved it, and he gave everything he had. Punk said that he’s going to stay ready because you never know when a championship opportunity is going to fall out of the sky.
Analysis: Good promo from CM Punk talking about how even though he lost at WrestleMania, he plans on staying ready because that’s the kind of person he is. I liked that it was a positive message from a guy who suffered a big loss at WrestleMania. Well done by Punker as usual.
The Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes made his entrance wearing a suit and sunglasses. Cody had a limp in his walk down to the ring. Cody took the sunglasses off to reveal the massive black eye and bruising around his left eye. As Cody got into the ring, Punk got a good look at the black eye. Punk wondered if he had gone over his time.
Cody Rhodes told Punk not to leave because this is Punk’s time. Cody said that maybe he was watching, and this isn’t necessarily what he expected. Punk said Cody thought that Punk was going to freak out. Cody said yeah. Punk said that’s fair. Cody said that they know eachother and this was not expected. Cody said that Punk deserved the flowers from Vegas. Cody talked about how he doesn’t know what to do since he’s feeling like a loser. Punk wondered if Cody wanted Punk to feel like a loser. Punk said he doesn’t feel like a loser and said he had a tattoo of a marshmallow on a stick. Punk said that Cody beat a first ballot Hall of Famer at WrestleMania. Punk said that it’s hard for Cody because he beat his friend and his mentor. Punk said for him it was easy because he fought a guy he hated. Punk said Cody is a winner and Punk is a loser, and it’s okay. Punk told Cody that heavy is the head that wears the crown. Punk talked about how he is free as a bird since he’s not the champion anymore. Punk told Cody to keep fighting as the WWE Champion. Punk said he’s going to stay ready because you never know when a championship opportunity is going to fall out of the sky. Punk left and Cody told Punk to just say when.
Analysis: That was an interesting promo exchange between Cody and Punk, who are friends. It’s certainly a tease for a big Cody-Punk match down the road. WrestleMania next year? Maybe before that. Anyway, nothing was set up officially between Rhodes and Punk, but it’s clearly a big match WWE is going to do down the road. Like I heard Punk say in a recent interview, Cody against Punk is a big match that WWE has in their “back pocket,” so to speak, and it’s certainly going to happen at some point. Perhaps Cody will be a heel by the time it happens. I don’t know.
Finn Balor spoke in the backstage area about how he expected this kind of betrayal from Dominik Mysterio, but not from JD McDonagh. Balor said that he remembers JD when he started and Balor helped JD grow into a great performer. Balor said that JD chose Dominik Mysterio over him. Balor said he got JD into this business, but tonight he’ll take JD out.
Ethan Page made his entrance for his Monday Night Raw debut. It’s so good to see my fellow Ontario-born wrestler finally on the main roster, where he belongs, after being a huge star in NXT for the past two years.
Analysis: Ethan Page is a talented guy who can do it all. Page is an elite talker, and he’s very talented in the ring. I also think “All Ego” Ethan Page has one of the best theme songs in WWE. Page can do it all, and I’m happy for him finally being on Raw. Page is also a natural heel who will make everybody around him better.
They were on a break for some fans, so they repeatedly showed the IShowSpeed I Show Splash from WrestleMania, with international announcers calling it. They also showed Jelly Roll’s elbow drop on Pat McAfee, too. The entrance of Je’Von Evans was after that.
Ethan Page vs. Je’Von Evans
These guys feuded in NXT over a year ago, so there’s a familiarity there. Page hit a backbreaker. Evans ran the ropes, Page ducked it, and hit an elbow to the jaw. Evans broke free from Page and hit a dropkick. Evans bounced off the ropes, leading to a hurricanrana. Page went to the floor, so Evans jumped over the top with a dive onto Page on the floor. They went on a break there, so I’ll take a break too.
It was Page in control during a lot of the break, but then Evans sent Page out of the ring, and Evans hit a suicide dive on Page on the floor. Back in the ring, Evans hit a springboard cross body block for two. Evans went to the turnbuckle and Page punched him. Page flipped Evans over into the mat, and then Page hit a powerslam. Page took Evans’ t-shirt off, and Evans had tape all over his body. Evans went after Page on the floor. Page moved, and then Evans sent Page into the ring post. Evans superkicked Page onto the commentary table. Rusev tried to punch Evans on the floor, but Evans punched him first. Evans splashed onto Rusev on the floor. Rusev never actually hit Evans. Back in the ring, Evans went for the OG Cutter, but Page tripped him up. Page hit the Twisted Grin neckbreaker for the pinfall win after about 10 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Ethan Page
Analysis: ***1/4 A big win for Ethan Page in his Raw debut. That’s the right way to start off his Raw career, even though it wasn’t a clean win since Rusev was there to distract Evans. The win by Page could set him up for an Intercontinental Title match.
After the match, Rusev beat up Evans with kicks. Rusev went for the Accolade submission, but Penta made the save. Penta stopped Rusev with a superkick. Penta went up top, and Page shoved Penta down. Rusev hit a Machka Kick on Penta. Page applauded Rusev and left. Rusev applied the Accolade submission on Penta while Page applauded in the aisle. Rusev picked up the Intercontinental Title and posed with it. The fans booed.
Analysis: It shows there are a few contenders for the Intercontinental Title, which is certainly fine with me.
They showed clips of the Hulk Hogan documentary that’s on Netflix.
Liv Morgan and The Judgment Day were walking backstage for a promo after the break.
Danhausen made his entrance for his weekly segment while the show was on a break for some fans. Danhausen said that John Cena passed the torch to Danhausen, so he’s the new GOAT. Danhausen said that since he walked the red carpet at the WWE Hall of Fame, he’s now a Hall of Famer. Danhausen said he finally got his blimp. Danhausen wants an animated series, a cereal, and they want his face on the side of a truck. Danhausen threw a shirt into the crowd and did his, “You are cursed” bit to end it.
Analysis: Riveting as always. It seems like they give him more stuff to do on SmackDown, and then on Raw, it’s this basic promo during a break for some fans.
They showed Tyrese Haliburton from the NBA’s Indiana Pacers, comedian Funny Marco, and also The Bella Twins and Paige. Brie Bella and Paige are the Women’s Tag Team Champions. They were cheered.
Let’s Hear from Liv Morgan with The Judgment Day
Liv Morgan made her entrance as the Women’s World Champion, joined by her pals in The Judgment Day – Dominik Mysterio, Roxanne Perez, Raquel Rodriguez and JD McDonagh. The fans chanted, “You deserve it.” Liv did her usual line about being the greatest of all time. Liv thanked her Judgment Day family, saying they have been her rock, she loved them, and she thanked them. Liv thanked her WrestleMania opponent, Stephanie Vaquer, because they beat the hell out of eachother. Liv said that Vaquer reminded her of a feeling of who she is. Liv claimed she was the most talented woman in WWE. Liv bragged about how it’s her show, and this is her Women’s World Championship. Liv said if you thought she was trouble before, just wait…and here’s Sol Ruca.
Analysis: The usual Liv Morgan promo. She is a good talker, so I certainly don’t mind it.
The popular Sol Ruca from NXT made her entrance to a good reaction from the crowd. Ruca was in the final two in the Royal Rumble with Liv. The fans cheered as Ruca got in the ring with Liv. Ruca claimed Liv is such an inspiration to her. Ruca said she has learned that Liv is the top woman in this division, and she deserves this. Liv said that Ruca has some nerve to interrupt this championship celebration. Liv told Ruca she is no Liv Morgan and laughed at her. Liv threatened Ruca, who claimed she didn’t go out there for a fight, and she won’t back down either.
Raw GM Adam Pearce said that the fans are acting like they want to see a fight. Pearce brought out referee Jessika Carr and the Liv-Ruca match starts right now.
Analysis: Easy way to set up a match. Sol Ruca is more than ready to be on the main roster, so I hope it’s a permanent move for her.
They went on a break for some fans, which led to Signs of the Night, and they showed some signs in the crowd. Somebody had a Brock Lesnar sign, and it spelled his name as Lesner. The man has been famous for 23 years, and you spell his name wrong. Good work.
Liv Morgan (w/Raquel Rodriguez & Roxanne Perez) vs. Sol Ruca
Ruca got a rollup early on. The announcers mentioned that Ruca is now a part of Raw. Ruca sent Liv into the turnbuckle and splashed her. Ruca went for a moonsault, but Liv got the knees up. Liv hit the ropes while Ruca went for a springboard attack, so Ruca collapsed to the mat. Liv sent Ruca into the turnbuckle and hit a running knee. Liv hit a running dropkick. Ruca tried a rollup, but Liv blocked it and kicked Sol in the ribs. Liv grabbed a front headlock, Ruca broke free, and hit an X-Factor. Liv was on the floor, so Ruca jumped off the middle turnbuckle with a moonsault onto a standing Liv on the floor. They went on a break there as the match continued. Raquel distracted Ruca, so Liv hit a Backstabber on Ruca. Liv dropkicked Ruca in the back. Liv grabbed a headlock.
It was Liv in control with two vertical suplexes, and then Ruca hit a suplex of her own. Ruca hit a German Suplex, along with a missile dropkick off the ropes. Ruca hit a running knee for a two count. Ruca set up on the top rope, took a long time, jumped off, and Morgan hit a double knee attack to counter. I think Ruca took a long time on the top rope because she was waiting for Liv to get in position. Ruca countered the Oblivion and hit a superkick. Sol jumped off the ropes and hit a Soul Snatcher neckbreaker off the ropes! That was great. Liv rolled out of the ring. Sol hit a cartwheel backflip over the top onto Raquel and Perez on the floor. The fans chanted “Holy S**t” for that. Ruca put Liv in the ring, and Zaria showed up at ringside to send Ruca into the ring post. Zaria gave Ruca a Spinebuster on the floor. The referee didn’t see any of it. The referee counted Sol out of the ring, and Ruca got back in before the 10 count, so Liv hit Oblivion for the pinfall win after about 11 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Liv Morgan
Analysis: ***1/2 I really liked that match. Sol Ruca had a very impressive performance, even though she didn’t win. Sol showed off her athleticism throughout the match, and the fans were in awe of the things she could do. Zaria showing up to cost Sol the match continues their NXT rivalry, and Morgan capitalized to get the win. Sol and Liv had a lot of chemistry in this match, so hopefully we get to see it again down the road.
After the match, Stephanie Vaquer showed up to confront Liv Morgan. Liv held up her title in Vaquer’s face.
Analysis: There’s obviously a Morgan-Vaquer rematch coming at some point. It makes sense for Backlash.
A video package aired about Brock Lesnar’s long journey in WWE over the last 25 years. Lesnar retired at WrestleMania, so it was a tribute video for him. In addition to his WWE highlights, they showed UFC clips as well because that was an important part of his journey.
Analysis: I’m not shocked by Brock Lesnar retiring the way he did. I thought SummerSlam would make more sense because it’s in Minneapolis and that’s where Brock spent a lot of years of his life, but if he wanted to do it at WrestleMania, then that’s cool. More power to him. And if Lesnar came back for another match to get a nice payday, good for him if that’s what he wants.
The Vision’s Logan Paul and Austin Theory, who are the World Tag Team Champions, made their entrance, joined by Paul Heyman. That led to a break.
Let’s Hear from The Vision with Paul Heyman
Paul Heyman said he had a prepared speech, but the start of this program threw him off. Heyman said his favorite part of WrestleMania has always been expect the unexpected. Heyman talked about how CM Punk was kissing people’s ass. Heyman was shouting about Brock Lesnar should be removed from the “Now” in the opening montage, and he should be in the “Forever” montage because he’s going to be remembered forever, and that Beast’s name is Brock Lesnar. The fans chanted, “Thank You, Brock.”
Heyman said that the “now” is that WWE is experiencing a resurgence in the tag team division thanks to Logan Paul and Austin Theory.
Logan Paul tried to speak, but the fans were so loud, and it was tough for Paul to say anything. Paul said that the only reason The Usos and LA Knight won at WrestleMania is because of that backstabbing weasel, IShowSpeed. Paul said he’s sick of these streamers and YouTubers for thinking they can do what “we” do. Paul said that he hates these outsiders. Paul said that Speed left this weekend with his fist in Speed’s face. Paul said they are still the Tag Team Champions of the World.
Heyman said Gunther did a magnificent favor for him. Heyman said that he owes Gunther a favor, so anytime Gunther is ready, Heyman will repay him. Heyman shouted about how this man returned to destroy Seth Rollins, and Heyman introduced the returning Bron Breakker. That led to Breakker making his entrance.
Bron Breakker got into the ring and said that one year ago, he became the leader of The Vision in this same arena because Seth Rollins was too weak. Bron said that his favorite part of WrestleMania weekend was Rollins coming close to beating Gunther, but then Gunther ruined everything for him. Bron said he hopes Seth is watching from somewhere. Bron said he’s going to come after Rollins, attack him, and make his life…here comes Rollins.
Seth Rollins was behind The Vision in the ring, and he hit Bron in the back with a chair. Theory got a hold of Rollins and punched him a few times. Paul worked over Rollins with punches to the body. The Street Profits made the save after a long time off from SmackDown, and I guess they are Raw guys now. Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins brought the fight to The Vision and cleared the ring. Ford hit a somersault dive over the top onto Theory and Paul. Dawkins fought with Theory to the back, and Ford fought with Paul to the back. Breakker tried to attack Rollins, but Rollins hit a superkick. Rollins went for The Stomp, but Bron avoided it and Bron hit a Spear. Bron said that he never needed Seth’s ass. Bron ran the ropes quickly and hit another Spear. Bron was bleeding from the side of the head or the top of the head. Bron stood tall over Rollins.
Analysis: It was a long talking segment that covered a lot and likely sets up the Bron Breakker-Seth Rollins match that would have been at WrestleMania, but we might get it at Backlash. I’m so happy that The Street Profits are finally back after being off for way too long and being stuck on SmackDown for too long. The Profits are such a talented team, and I want them to be featured regularly.
A Highlight of the Night video aired with JD McDonagh talking about his past with Finn Balor and leading to their match.
The US Champion, Trick Williams, was shown at ringside.
Finn Balor made his entrance for singles action.
They were on a break, so we got clips of the Hulk Hogan documentary on Netflix.
Finn Balor vs. JD McDonagh
They were fighting on the floor right away as Balor gave JD a back body drop over the barricade. JD has his ribs taped after the crazy Ladder Match at WrestleMania. Balor punched and kicked JD on the floor. They made their way back to ringside where Balor clotheslined JD over the barricade. Balor put JD in the ring, and the bell rang to start the match. JD was in control with an elbow smash. Balor came back with a shot to the ribs and a kick to the head. Balor jumped off the top, JD moved, and JD kicked Balor out of the ring. They went on a break and I’ll take a break also.
It was JD in control during the break, but Balor came back with a reverse DDT into the mat. Balor was bleeding from the mouth. Balor knocked JD down with strikes and a double foot stomp to the chest. Balor hit the Slingblade. Balor went for the dropkick, JD moved and tripped up Balor into a pin for two. JD used her giant melon to headbutt Balor for a two count. JD jumped off the top with a moonsault and Balor got the boots up to block. Balor hit a dropkick into the turnbuckle. Balor hit a Coup de Grace off the top rope for the pinfall win after about 7 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Finn Balor
Analysis: **3/4 It was fine for the time given, but obviously kept short for some reason. Balor getting the win continues his momentum as a babyface, while JD isn’t getting pushed much as a singles guy.
After the match, Dominik Mysterio attacked Balor from behind. Dom set up for 619, so Balor got back up and hit a clothesline. Balor dropkicked Dominik into the turnbuckle. Balor went up top for more, but JD saved Dominik from a further attack.
Analysis: It’s probably going to lead to another Balor-Mysterio match, which is not a surprise.
Gunther said there is no him with Paul Heyman. Gunther said that Heyman owes him a big favor. Gunther said that we will be seeing the World Heavyweight Title around his waist very soon. LA Knight congratulated Gunther on his WrestleMania win. Knight mentioned Gunther needed some help to win his match. LA Knight said he had his eye on the World Title too, and Knight did his catchphrase to end it.
Analysis: Easy way to set up an LA Knight-Gunther match to try to figure out a future World Title contender.
Next week on Raw:
* Women’s Intercontinental Champion Becky Lynch
* Joe Hendry concert. Cole said Joe is on Raw for good now, so he got moved to Raw.
Rhea Ripley was talking to Iyo Sky backstage. Ripley said that Sky can handle her business here, and Ripley will be champion on SmackDown. They hugged, and they told eachother to be safe. As Ripley walked down a hallway, she noticed Liv Morgan with the Women’s World Title. Sitting on some equipment cases. Liv said: “Guess I’ll see you around.” Ripley: “I’m looking forward to it.” Liv had a smirk on her face.
Analysis: That’s it for Rhea Ripley on Raw since she’s holding the WWE Women’s Title on SmackDown. It’s not like the brand extension is strict, but for now, Ripley will mainly be on the blue brand.
Roman Reigns was shown arriving in a truck, and he walked out with the World Heavyweight Title. Reigns walked down the back part of the arena and walked out to the ringside. The fans sang “Roman, Roman Reigns.” The Usos were backstage, and they hugged their cousin on his way to the ring. Roman told The Usos to come out there with him. That led to Roman’s music hitting for the main event promo. They went on a break for some fans as Reigns continued his entrance.
Roman Reigns Championship Celebration
The Tribal Chief went on the apron and saluted the crowd. The announcers put over the greatness of the Reigns-Punk match at WrestleMania, which makes sense considering how special a match it was. I gave it five stars, and I loved it. Reigns held up the World Heavyweight Title, and the pyro went off by the entrance.
Roman Reigns told Las Vegas to acknowledge him, and the fans cheered. Reigns said he was going to keep it simple, talking about the future, but then he saw his cousins, The Usos, and he wanted to discuss some family business. Reigns said he misses this. Reigns said he missed having their full trust, respect, and admiration. Reigns said he missed doing business with them. Reigns said they are weak when separated and scattered. Reigns said people like CM Punk can disrespect them. Reigns said that a 1990s rapper running their mouth at Jey is crazy. Reigns said that Jey changed the environment and he’s Main Event Jey Uso. Reigns made a fist. Reigns said that this is the power because when they come together, nobody can touch them. Reigns said that they ran this business for four years straight. Reigns said he’s not asking them to serve him. Reigns said he’s asking them to be his blood and stand with him.
Jimmy Uso said that Roman Reigns is the OTC and he’ll always be the Tribal Chief. Jimmy said that everybody knows that they are the twos and we are the ones! They held up the 1’s in the air, but before Reigns could do it, there was an interruption from Jacob Fatu, who is also a cousin of The Usos and Reigns.
Analysis: I like Roman Reigns with The Usos again. It just feels right, like Reigns said. I know they are in babyface mode now as opposed to their heel run in The Bloodline, but I think it works well to have them together again.
Jacob Fatu made his way down to the ring after coming off a big win over Drew McIntyre at WrestleMania. Jacob’s real last name is Fatu, which is also the last name of Jimmy and Jey in real life. Fatu got in the ring, and the fans chanted “Fatu” for him.
Reigns told Fatu it had been a while since the last time he saw him. Reigns said there can only be a couple of reasons why Fatu came out there. Reigns said he can assume it was to acknowledge him. Fatu said that ain’t it. Reigns said he guesses it’s because Fatu wants that World Heavyweight Title. Fatu said that he needs that title. Fatu said he’s not out there to be the Tribal Chief. Fatu said he needs everything that the Tribal Chief has. Fatu said that he needs everything that the Tribal Chief has, like the better shoes, the private jet, the bigger house, the better schools for his kids, and Fatu called out Reigns for a match at Backlash. Reigns said he agreed with Fatu, and he wants all those things for him, too. Reigns said maybe Fatu can beat him, but if he can beat him, can he handle the burden of this title. Reigns wondered if Fatu couldn’t beat him, could he handle acknowledging Roman Reigns? Reigns said he’s not saying yes or no. Reigns said he’s not sure if he’s ready, so he’ll see him next week on Monday Night Raw, little cousin. Reigns left with The Usos walking behind him. Fatu was in the ring staring at Reigns, and that was the end of the show.
Analysis: I didn’t expect Jacob Fatu as the first challenger for Roman Reigns and the World Heavyweight Title, but it should be a great match if it happens. I wonder if they agree to the stipulation that if Fatu loses, he has to join the new Bloodline Reigns is setting up. Reigns losing to Fatu would be a shocker, so it’s not going to happen, and maybe Fatu does join this new Bloodline if that’s where it’s going.
This week’s Raw had a runtime of 2 hours and 39 minutes on Netflix. Last week was 2:32.
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Three Stars of the Show
- Liv Morgan
- Ethan Page
- Sol Ruca
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The Scoreboard
7.5 out of 10
Last week: 7.5
2026 Average: 7.52
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Final Thoughts on WWE Raw
A good show most of the way, although truthfully, I admit I’ve consumed so much WWE content in the last three days before this that it was hard to get into some aspects of the show. I like Roman Reigns reuniting with The Usos because it’s good for all of them. That sets up Reigns against Jacob Fatu, which I didn’t expect. Perhaps it will lead Fatu to align with this reunited Bloodline after that.
I liked the CM Punk-Cody Rhodes promo showing the aftermath of their WrestleMania matches, while also teasing a future match between them. I’m happy to see Ethan Page, Sol Ruca, and, next week, Joe Hendry as new additions to Raw. Page got the big win on this show while Ruca lost due to Zaria, and we’ll see Hendry in a concert. That trio will make Raw better, so I look forward to seeing them more often. Also, moving The Street Profits to Raw was a smart move. It should have happened a long time ago and I certainly hope they are used better on the red brand.
In terms of matches, I liked Morgan-Ruca a lot and the Page-Evans match was solid. The Balor-McDonagh match was too short. It wasn’t some epic Raw After WrestleMania with shocking moments and surprises. Those days are in the past, and that’s okay with me. I still enjoyed the show.
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John Canton
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