The John Report: WWE Raw Deal 04/27/26 Review
It’s WWE Monday Night Raw featuring Roman Reigns responding to Jacob Fatu, Penta defending the Intercontinental Title against Rusev, and more.
We are on the road to WWE Backlash on May 9th in Tampa. On last week’s Raw, Roman Reigns was joined by The Usos in the ring, and they were confronted by cousin Jacob Fatu, who wants a shot at Roman’s World Heavyweight Title at Backlash.
This is the Raw Deal for episode #1718 of Monday Night Raw, taking place at the Sames Auto Arena in Laredo, Texas. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport. Let’s get to it.
Roman Reigns Talks To The Usos
There was a scene with Roman Reigns and The Usos seated at a table talking. Reigns said he knows the past is the past and they are his blood. Reigns said they are the only ones he trusts. Reigns said that everybody had two years while he took a backseat and now he’s back on top as the World Heavyweight Champion. Jimmy said he understands what Jacob is saying, but it shouldn’t come at Roman’s expense. Jey said that Jacob is dangerous. The Usos talked about how Fatu took out the MFTs one by one. Jey said if Reigns beats you, then he takes it all, and he’s the shot caller now. Jey said that this is it. Jey said there have to be consequences. Roman Reigns said they aren’t doing charity and he thanked Jey. Reigns said he’s going to chew on that, make it his own, and address it later. Jey said family first, and Reigns said, “The First Family.”
Jacob Fatu was shown backstage, thinking about the situation.
Analysis: Perhaps the new name of this group is The First Family instead of The Bloodline this time around. I like that.
Let’s Hear from Seth Rollins…and Bron Breakker
Seth Rollins walked out for a promo as the fans sang along with his song. Rollins talked about Gunther beating him at WrestleMania and it’s not because of Gunther. Rollins said that there’s a reason Roman Reigns is walking around with his World Heavyweight Title, and it’s not because Reigns beat Rollins. Rollins said his issues are because of Bron Breakker. Rollins mentioned Bron had a cut in the back of his head because of Rollins, and he called Bron out there right now.
Bron Breakker walked out with The Vision’s oracle, Paul Heyman. Bron got in the ring and stared at Rollins.
Rollins said he gave Bron everything on a silver platter, and Bron took everything away from him. Rollins said Bron is the reason that Seth had to forfeit the World Heavyweight Title, why Rollins didn’t main event WrestleMania, and why Rollins didn’t get his hand raised at WrestleMania this year. Rollins wondered why and how it benefited Bron in any way.
Analysis: The real reason for Seth losing out on those things is because of his shoulder injury at Crown Jewel, but for the sake of the story, they are saying Breakker’s attack on Rollins on Raw is what cost Rollins everything.
Bron said that him and Reed were like the errand boys for Rollins. Bron said they needed Rollins to fight his battles. Bron mocked Rollins for regurgitating the same promo every single week. Bron said he never needed Rollins and his vision. Bron said they are standing here today because Bron needed Heyman. Rollins called Heyman a “dried up sack of meat.”
Rollins said you proved everything that Rollins thought was right. Rollins talked about how, when he was World Heavyweight Champion, he wanted to fight the best. Rollins called Shawn Michaels and wanted to face the best, so Shawn said Breakker and Rollins liked that. Rollins talked about Paul Heyman wanting Rollins to take Breakker under his wing. Rollins said Breakker has it all. Rollins praised Breakker for being unique as the biggest, strongest, fastest, and most versatile athlete he’s seen here in 14 years. Rollins said you had everything to be the biggest star, except the most important thing – the mind. Rollins said he knows what it means to be a 28-year-old not wanting to wait for anybody and bet on yourself. Rollins said that Bron tries, but Rollins succeeds and Rollins let him know. Rollins said that every time he bet on himself, it ended in a World Championship or a main event. Rollins said that Bron got Austin Theory and Logan Paul, and steak dinners from Paul Heyman. Rollins told Bron he is not ready.
Bron talked about how, before this was a thing, he was on his way to becoming a main eventer, and he didn’t need Rollins. Bron said you want to blame him for Seth losing the World Title, but the truth is Seth’s body can’t handle it, his body is too brittle and his shoulder can’t handle the weight of a strap on it anymore. Bron said he believes everything Rollins says about himself. Bron said Rollins is the best pro wrestler in the entire world…at being number two.
Rollins said that was pretty good, “Baby Steiner.” Rollins asked if Bron came up with that on his own or if he called Big Poppa Pump. Rollins mentioned Backlash is two weeks away, and he’ll give Bron the opportunity to prove that he is ready. Rollins told “Steiner” he’s not even number two in his own family. Rollins left.
Analysis: I enjoyed that promo exchange a lot. Rollins and Breakker took personal shots at eachother, and it added to the intensity of the rivalry. Rollins calling him “Steiner” at the end was cool to see. I’d like to see Bron use the Steiner name again, but I don’t know if they’ll ever make the change. Anyway, it makes a lot of sense to do a Rollins-Breakker match at Backlash. That will be great.
They showed some superstar arrivals even though it was already 20 minutes into the show. The Raw commentary team is Michael Cole and Corey Graves. Alicia Taylor was the ring announcer.
Stephanie Vaquer was walking backstage, and Raquel Rodriguez attacked her with a cheap attack. Roxanne Perez rolled an equipment case into Vaquer. Liv Morgan, the Women’s World Champion, told Vaquer this is over because this is her championship.
Penta made his entrance as the Intercontinental Champion. They went on a break for some fans for the rest of his entrance. Rusev’s entrance also took place.
Ethan Page made his entrance to watch the Intercontinental Title match. All Ego being on Raw makes me happy.
Intercontinental Championship: Penta vs. Rusev
Rusev was in control early on with a fallaway slam. Page was watching from a chair at ringside. Penta hit a dropkick that knocked Rusev out of the ring. Penta hit a somersault dive over the top onto Rusev on the floor. Page was right there to applaud Penta. Rusev tried a move, but Penta hit a superkick. Penta went for a move off the ropes, but Rusev hit a Machka Kick. Rusev hit a spinning sidewalk slam as the show went on a break for some fans for three minutes. I’ll take a break with Rusev in control.
Penta got some offense going with a kick to the back of the knee and a running bulldog into the mat. Penta did the handstand dropkick by the turnbuckle. Penta hit a Backstabber with the double knees to the back for a two count. Rusev hit a back body drop and a kick to the ear. Rusev connected with a spinning side slam. Rusev hit a Machka Kick to knock Penta down. Penta was back up with a kick. Penta teased a leap off the ropes, Rusev tried a kick, Penta avoided it and Penta rolled up Rusev with the ROLLUP OF DEATH~! for the pinfall win after 11 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Penta
Analysis: ***1/4 A good match was competitive the whole way. Rusev looks like a credible wrestler when he’s out there, but he doesn’t seem to get the wins in the big matches. I like Penta as the champions, so I’m okay with the lack of a title change. The finish was creative.
After the match, Rusev knocked down Penta with a forearm to the back and some stomps. Page went into the ring and wanted to join in, but Rusev stared at Page, so Page backed off. When Penta tried to fight back, Page helped Rusev and knocked Penta down. Je’Von Evans made the save as Evans sent Rusev out of the ring and hit a springboard clothesline on Page. Penta superkicked Rusev and Evans jumped off the top with an OG Cutter on Rusev. Evans and Penta shook hands and raised their hands together.
Analysis: That was a way to show there are three challengers coming for Penta’s IC Title, even though Rusev just lost. It’s good to build up contenders to make the title more coveted. I like how it was booked. I think Evans or Page as the next champion would be great.
A clip aired from the “Hulk Hogan: Real American” documentary that is now on Netflix.
There was a promo shown from El Grande Americano, along with Rayo and Bravo. Grande spoke in Spanish about the Mask vs. Mask match against the Original El Grande Americano. Grande said it’s going to be the biggest fight of his life. Grande said he’ll have to be ready to fight for his name and his colors. Grande issued a challenge to the biggest lucha libre legend, Rey Mysterio, for a match on Raw in Laredo.
The Women’s Intercontinental Champion Becky Lynch made her entrance. They went on a break as she did her entrance. They also showed Danhausen’s invasion of The Miz’s home from last week on SmackDown.
Let’s Hear from Becky Lynch
Becky Lynch bragged about making history at WrestleMania 42. Lynch said she finally got rid of loser AJ Lee and ended her horrible title reign. Lynch said she truly deserved the title. Lynch became the first person to win four different titles at WrestleMania and became the first 3-time Women’s IC Champion. Lynch said she has won more matches at WrestleMania than any other women. Lynch did her usual routine about being the greatest, and everybody says it. Lynch said she saw her daughter in the front row and took her up the ramp. Lynch said she showed her what a real champion is. Lynch went on to trash Laredo and said she knows the fans want her to be a fighting champion. Lynch claimed she was the “man of the people” and she issued an open challenge to whoever wants to come out there.
The great Iyo Sky made her entrance. Sky was cheered heavily. Sky said she accepts. Lynch asked: “You accept, what?” Lynch said Sky isn’t new, shiny, or exciting. Lynch thought that this meant that Sky was doing this for Rhea Ripley. Lynch said she wanted Shawn Michaels, not Marty Jannetty. Poor Marty. Sky punched Lynch and kicked her out of the ring.
Raw GM Adam Pearce interrupted to say that this was official since Lynch issued the open challenge and Sky accepted it. Lynch knocked Sky down from behind. They went on a break as the match began.
Analysis: A fresh matchup for Becky Lynch against the great Iyo Sky. I like that as a rivalry.
Women’s Intercontinental Championship: Becky Lynch vs. Iyo Sky
The match started during the break with Lynch in control. Sky connected with a dropkick. Lynch was able to get some offense going with a kick, followed by a clothesline. Lynch hit a Bexploder. Lynch hit a sliding kick to knock Sky down on the floor. Lynch hit Sky with a forearm. Lynch hit a leg drop off the middle turnbuckle for two. Sky came back with a kick to the face while Lynch was on the apron. Sky jumped out of the ring and hit a Sunset Flip Powerbomb on Lynch on the floor. That was mighty impressive as the show went on a break and I’ll take a break too.
Lynch was in control with a superplex and a DDT. The fans chanted, “This is awesome” for them. Sky countered a Lynch move into a pin attempt. Sky hit a superkick and a double underhook backbreaker for a two count. Sky hit a Tornado DDT. Sky went for Over the Moonsault, but Lynch got the knees up. Lynch hit the Manhandle Slam for the pinfall, but Sky got her left up to kick out. The fans were really getting into it. Lynch was out on the floor, so Sky hit an Asai Moonsault onto Lynch on the floor. Sky tried a move on Lynch, but Asuka tripped up Sky on the apron. Lynch hit a Manhandle Slam for the pinfall win after 13 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Becky Lynch
Analysis: ***1/2 Great match between two of the best women’s wrestlers in WWE. I really enjoyed it with a lot of clever counter moves by both women and some nearfalls that worked. I’d like to see a rematch. It continues the story of Asuka being jealous of Iyo Sky, and it cost Sky the match.
After the match, Asuka went into the ring and hit a roundhouse kick. Asuka applied the Asuka Lock on Sky for the submission. The referee pulled Asuka off. The fans were chanting “We Want Kairi” for the released Kairi Sane.
Analysis: That should lead to an Asuka/Sky match at Backlash. I think Sane’s release was ridiculous, and good job by the fans for showing her support. I’ve also read that Sane may have wanted out to go back to Japan, but I don’t know if that’s true.
Rey Mysterio was approached by the Original El Grande Americano, who mentioned his big AAA match on May 30th. Original asked Rey if he had to watch his back. Rey said he just wants them to respect history. El Grande Americano and Rey Mysterio argued a bit. They’re in a match.
The Usos were interviewed by Byron Saxton. Jimmy Uso said that Roman Reigns will make his decision when he wants. LA Knight reminded them of who they are, noting that Jey Uso became World Champion on his own. Knight tried to hype up Jimmy too. The Usos told Knight that this was family business. Knight said that the power of The Bloodline eventually corrupts, and when it does, it becomes Knight’s business…yeah.
There was a replay of Danhausen in The Miz’s house from SmackDown last week. This was during the break for some fans.
Joe Hendry Concert
The former NXT Champion Joe Hendry was seated in the ring with a guitar and a microphone. Joe sang that he’s won titles everywhere he goes, he’s been on WrestleMania and many other shows. Joe said that the time has come for Joe to pick one brand, so Joe sang that he signed to Raw. Joe referenced others like The Ruler and the OTC, while Joe said he wanted one change, as he asked if they could fire Logan Paul. The fans joined in: “Paul, Paul, can we fire Logan Paul?”
That led to the interruption with World Tag Team Champion Logan Paul and Austin Theory. Paul said you can’t fire him. Paul told Hendry he’s awful and the fans are awful. Paul told Joe he had made the worst mistake of his life. Theory pointed out the gold that they had. Theory said they are winners. The fans didn’t agree with it. Joe said he saw a couple of primetime losers at WrestleMania. Paul and Theory cleared the ring. Theory said that the mat and the camera belong to The Vision. Theory shoved Joe, so Joe faced the camera, and Joe hit a clothesline. Logan and Theory attacked Joe, so they knocked Joe down.
The Street Profits duo of Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins made the save. The Profits cleared the ring of Ford and Dawkins. The Profits hit their tag team move – a Powerbomb/neckbreaker combo. Paul saved Theory, so Joe did his high jump leap over the top of Theory and Paul.
Analysis: It was a fun and catchy song by Joe Hendry, as usual. I think he’ll be a great addition to Raw as a popular babyface who the fans love. I also like The Profits going for the World Tag Team Titles held by Paul and Theory. That segment was booked well. It worked.
Grayson Waller spoke to Raw GM Adam Pearce backstage about not having opportunities. Oba Femi was behind Waller, and Femi said you can give Waller an opportunity tonight, so Pearce made it official. Poor Waller.
Rey Mysterio made his entrance, and that led to a break. El Grande Americano’s entrance followed that.
Rey Mysterio vs. El Grande Americano (w/Rayo & Bravo)
There was a cool exchange of counter holds to start the match, and Rey got a pin attempt for two. Rey sent Grande into the ropes with a headscissors. Grande was back up with a jumping kick for two. That led to a break.
It was Grande in control during the break. Rey was sent into the turnbuckle and Grande hit him with an uppercut. Rey was on Grande’s shoulders and then Rey countered that move into a DDT for two. After a Bravo discussion, Rayo tried to gift Grande the steel plate to put in his mask, but Rey saw it and stopped it. The Original El Grande Americano prevented Grande from using it. Rey sent Grande into the ropes with a hurricanrana into the ropes, a 619 and a slingshot Superfly Splash for the pinfall win after 9 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Rey Mysterio
Analysis: *** A competitive match to further the El Grande Americano’s story with the Original costing Grande the win. Rey doesn’t win that often, so it’s fine for him to get a W like this.
After the match, there was a fight between Original Grande Americano and El Grande Americano that was quickly broken up.
Two matches are official for Backlash:
* Seth Rollins vs. Bron Breakker
* Iyo Sky vs. Asuka
Asuka and Iyo Sky were featured in a video where they spoke in Japanese, and the words were translated on screen. They will have a Backlash match.
Oba Femi was shown walking backstage for match up next.
Oba Femi vs. Grayson Waller
Waller tried a kick, but Femi blocked that and worked over Waller with strikes. Femi hit some uppercuts against the turnbuckle. Waller tried a move, Femi blocked it with a necksnap across the top rope. Femi grabbed Waller and tossed him across the ring. Waller hit a running uppercut. Femi hit a Fall From Grace for the pinfall win after about two minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Oba Femi
Analysis: * Squash city with Oba Femi getting the easy win. Femi will likely keep being undefeated on Raw for a long time.
Oba Femi said he was feeling good. Femi talked about opportunities. Femi announced that as of today, the Oba Femi Open Challenge will commence. Femi said to anybody in the back who wants a challenge, step up. Femi said when you step into the ring with him, you are stepping up with The Ruler, Oba Femi.
Analysis: An open challenge to face Oba Femi. Good luck to anybody who answers that.
The Judgment Day trio of Liv Morgan, Roxanne Perez, and Raquel Rodriguez were backstage together. Liv apologized to Perez about how things went down with Finn while Perez was at home. Liv said she watched Finn bring Perez into The Judgment Day, and Liv said they are family. Liv said she wants to support Perez as Perez supports her. Liv asked Perez if she trusted her, and Perez nodded her head. Liv left. Finn Balor walked into the screen, telling Perez you can’t trust Liv or anybody in The Judgment Day. Perez said she’s with The Judgment Day, so she told Balor to get out of there before he gets hurt. Finn wished her good luck, and he hoped she knew what she was doing.
Analysis: It sure seems like a betrayal is coming.
The Bayley/Lyra Valkyria team entered for tag team action. The Judgment Day ladies were up next.
The Judgment Day – Raquel Rodriguez & Roxanne Perez (w/Liv Morgan) vs. Bayley & Lyra Valkyria
Raquel hit a belly-to-back suplex on Bayley. The fans wanted Perez since it’s her hometown, and the fans cheered loudly for Perez. Lyra tagged in with a kick to the ribs of Perez. After an athletic counter, Perez slapped Lyra in the face. Lyra retaliated with a slap of her own. Bayley got the tag, and Lyra knocked down Perez with a kick, followed by Bayley hitting an elbow drop off the top. Raquel clotheslined Lyra on the floor. Raquel got a hold of Bayley and sent her face first into the ring post. That led to a break for some fans with the J-Day ladies in control.
The match continued with Lyra tagging against Perez. Lyra hit a cross body block, along with clotheslines and a missile dropkick. Lyra hit a floatover suplex and a fisherman’s buster for a two count. Perez shoved Lyra into Bayley against the turnbuckle. Raquel was back in with a boot, and Lyra broke up the pin. Perez kicked Bayley in the ribs and wanted more, but Bayley countered. Bayley hit a Bayley to Belly for two. Raquel broke up the pin. Lyra tackled Raquel out of the ring. Liv went on the apron, Bayley grabbed her, and Bayley’s head was sent against the ropes. Perez hit a running knee smash, followed by Pop Rox for the pinfall win after about 10 minutes.
Winners by pinfall: The Judgment Day – Raquel Rodriguez & Roxanne Perez
Analysis: ***1/4 I thought this was setting up to have Perez lose this match in her hometown and then get attacked by Liv & Raquel. Perhaps that is coming another time. This one was about Perez getting the big win, although it wasn’t clean since Liv did the cheap shot that the referee didn’t see.
A video aired about Sol Ruca as a newcomer to Raw. Next Monday on Raw, Sol officially signs her contract.
The World Heavyweight Champion, Roman Reigns, made his entrance for a promo after a break for some fans. The OTC’s entrance took a few minutes, so it was shown during the break for some of the audience.
Let’s Hear from Roman Reigns…and Jacob Fatu
The “Tribal Chief” Roman Reigns finished his long entrance as the fans were cheering loudly for him as usual. Reigns held up the World Heavyweight Title as he looked for acknowledgment from the fans. The crowd chanted “OTC” for Reigns, and then they sang his name: “Roman, Roman Reigns.”
Roman Reigns said it’s been a while since he’s been here in Texas. Reigns said they love their Tribal Chief here. There were more “OTC” chants. Reigns said they made this title in spite of him. Reigns said they made this title to take away from his shine. Reigns said that the title doesn’t make the man, the man makes the title. Reigns said that’s what he’s done with this strap. Reigns said he put this title in the main event of Night 2 at WrestleMania. Reigns said he made this title relevant. Reigns said you can respect this title. Reigns said you can choose to acknowledge this title. Reigns told the fans to acknowledge him, so the fans did that for him with cheers.
Jacob Fatu interrupted cousin Roman’s promo. Fatu did a slow walk down to the ring to confront Reigns.
Reigns said he was just about to mention Fatu. Reigns said he hopes Fatu makes the choice to reunite the family and not divide it.
Fatu said he didn’t need a week. Fatu said he didn’t need a day or an hour to think about it. Fatu said he knows exactly what he wanted when he came out there last Monday. Fatu said that he didn’t want that title, but he needs that title. Fatu said that Reigns must be stuck in his main event bubble. Fatu said he’s been grinding for 12 years and not knowing what the next meal would be. Fatu said that when they were running The Bloodline, Fatu was broke and trying to figure out if he would be there. Fatu said it’s not where you start, it’s where you finish. Fatu said that Roman, Jimmy, and Jey didn’t call him, but Solo gave him a chance.
Reigns said Fatu is completely confused or dumber than he thinks. Reigns said that Solo couldn’t get a cup of coffee delivered. Reigns said that the OTC runs this place. Reigns said that he was a bit distracted and things got hectic. Reigns claimed he signed off on Fatu signing here. Reigns said he didn’t deserve it, and Fatu hasn’t earned it.
Fatu attacked Reigns by grabbing him by the throat. Reigns broke free, so Fatu put his hands around Reigns throat again. Fatu told Reigns he’ll take everything from him. Fatu held up the World Heavyweight Title and then tossed the title at him.
As Fatu walked away, Reigns addressed Fatu. Reigns: “You want me at Backlash? I’ll see you at Backlash.” Fatu said he’ll see him next week on Monday. Reigns pulled himself back up to end the show.
Analysis: That was heelish by Fatu, but it was also Fatu proving a point. It should be a great match at Backlash, and I think it’s obvious that Reigns will win.
This week’s Raw had a runtime of 2:26 on Netflix. Last week was 2:39.
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Three Stars of the Show
- Becky Lynch
- Iyo Sky
- Seth Rollins
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The Scoreboard
7.25 out of 10
Last week: 7.5
2026 Average: 7.50
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Final Thoughts on WWE Raw
I spent most of the last two days at the hospital with a loved one who suffered a serious injury after an accident, and while that person is going to be okay long term, it has affected me a lot. I admit, as I watched Raw, I probably wasn’t as focused as I should be, but I did enjoy the show. I’m glad I have pro wrestling in my life as an escape from some of the tough things in life. Please be safe.
They advanced plenty of stories, and I enjoyed the matches, especially the Lynch-Sky match. I’d love to see a proper Lynch/Sky feud. The Reigns/Fatu story progressed, and now it’s set for Backlash, which is good. I also like the Rollins/Breakker promos because they both made some good points to set up their Backlash match.
Welcome, Joe Hendry, to Raw. I’m glad he’s there.
The next WWE PLE is Backlash on Saturday, May 9th in Tampa. Here’s the lineup so far.
* WWE World Heavyweight Championship: Roman Reigns (c) vs. Jacob Fatu
* Seth Rollins vs. Bron Breakker
* Asuka vs. Iyo Sky
You can watch WWE Backlash, streaming live Saturday, May 9, at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT on ESPN Plus in the United States and Netflix internationally.
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Thanks for reading. Please check out my reviews of every WWE PPV ever listed in order. Go Toronto Blue Jays and Toronto Raptors. My contact info is below.
John Canton
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Twitter/X @johnreport