The John Report: WWE Raw Deal 05/11/26 Review
It’s WWE Monday Night Raw featuring more of the Roman Reigns-Jacob Fatu rivalry, Joe Hendry and The Street Profits team up to face The Vision, and more.
The WWE Backlash PLE took place on Saturday night in Tampa, and I thought it was a very good show that exceeded expectations. I’m not sure what the social media reaction was because I’m on a break from that toxic world, but I enjoyed it and got zero emails complaining that I was too positive. The big matches got time, and three matches were around the four-star level (Breakker-Rollins, Sky-Asuka, and Reigns-Fatu). Jacob Fatu also attacked Roman Reigns after Fatu lost, so that suggests the feud will likely continue with a gimmick match of some kind. I’d expect the rematch at Clash in Italy later this month. John Cena also announced a future John Cena Classic tournament, introducing a new title. More details on that soon, apparently.
Another newsworthy item from Backlash was that Asuka may have retired after losing to Iyo Sky in a great match. Asuka hugged Sky post-match and waved to the fans, which felt like a goodbye or perhaps a “see ya later.” The WWE legend is in her mid-40s and has had a long career, so it makes sense if it’s true. There was a report that she is “semi-retired,” so maybe it’s just a break, and perhaps she wants to go back to Japan after being in the US for so long. Whatever the case, Asuka had an incredible run in WWE over the last decade and is a future WWE Hall of Famer. No doubt about it. It’s been a lot of fun writing about her career.
This is the Raw Deal for episode #1720 of Monday Night Raw, taking place at the Food City Center in Knoxville, Tennessee. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport. Let’s get to it.
Raw began with a Backlash recap ending with Jacob Fatu standing tall over Roman Reigns to end the show.
There were superstar arrivals shown of Brie Bella & Paige, Oba Femi, Iyo Sky, The Street Profits with Joe Hendry, and Roman Reigns will have an acknowledgment ceremony with Jacob Fatu.
Roman Reigns was shown exiting a Jeep when he was approached by Raw GM Adam Pearce. Pearce said that Backlash was too much and he’s not sure if Jacob Fatu deserves to be there. Reigns asked for his title and Pearce was handed the title. Pearce threatened like he was going to fire Jacob. Reigns said you can’t do that because Jacob has to acknowledge Reigns. Reigns claimed he cleared Jacob to be hired by WWE, so he’ll be the one to take him out. Reigns walked into the building and his dressing room.
Analysis: It sets up the future segment between Reigns and Fatu.
The Raw commentary team was Michael Cole and Corey Graves. Lilian Garcia was the ring announcer.
Let’s Hear from The Vision
The Vision’s Bron Breakker, Logan Paul, Austin Theory and Paul Heyman made their entrance for a promo before their match.
Heyman opened the show on a high note and he called Knoxville an inbred city, so that drew boos, and Heyman welcomed us to Raw. Heyman said talent was demonstrated at Backlash by Bron Breakker. Heyman asked who’s not ready now, and the answer is Seth “Freakin” Rollins. Heyman said on Saturday at Backlash, Rollins wasn’t ready for the physical onslaught of Breakker. Heyman said a year ago, Rollins wasn’t ready for the wisdom of the Wise Man. Heyman said Rollins won’t have a vision of victory over any of them. Heyman said there will not be a reason ever again for them to mention the name of Seth Freakin Rollins. Heyman moved on to talk about the World Tag Team Champions, Logan Paul and Austin Theory.
Theory said they got their brother Bron back, so they have a six-man tag team match tonight. Theory said that The Street Profits need these Tag Team Championships because Bianca (Belair) can’t pay the bills anymore…since she’s very pregnant. Theory mentioned this Joe Hendry nerd…and here’s the interruption.
The Street Profits made their entrance for tag team action. Ford said that he is here because his wife can no longer take care of the bills. Ford said since she’s busy with the baby, somebody had to come to Raw to whoop their asses over Knoxville, Tennessee. Ford said they had a goal in mind on Raw – the World Tag Team Titles. Ford said they are always up and they want the smoke.
Paul said that everybody knows The Street Profits are a legendary tag team, but you will find out they are old news. Paul said the only thing Ford has done in the last six months is organize a baby shower. Paul said he’s tired of this back and forth. Paul shouted that they were born ready.
Joe Hendry interrupted Logan Paul and had his guitar as he sang, “Paul, Paul, can we fire Logan Paul?” The crowd sang along with the catchy tune. The show went on a break for some fans as the singing continued.
Analysis: It was a fine show-opening promo. I don’t know if the Bron Breakker-Seth Rollins rivalry is really done, but Breakker got the first win, so he’s got the advantage at this point. I like the Profits against Paul/Theory as a feud, and I want to see the Profits with the titles soon.
The Street Profits – Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins and Joe Hendry vs. The Vision – Logan Paul, Bron Brakker & Austin Theory (w/Paul Heyman)
They started when the show was on a break for some fans. Dawkins hit a splash and jumping kick on Theory early on. Ford tagged in with a dropkick on Paul. Bron tagged in and ran the ropes, leading to a running clothesline. Bron suplexed Ford. Paul tagged in with an uppercut on Ford after Bron tossed Ford in the air. Paul hit a clothesline. Paul went for a leaping attack, Ford avoided it and Joe got the tag. Joe gave Paul a fallaway slam across the ring. Joe stared at the camera to fire up the crowd. Theory jumped on Hendry and Paul knocked Hendry down. Bron tagged in with a release German Suplex on Joe. They went on a break for some fans, and I’ll take a break too, as The Vision isolated Joe for a few minutes.
The match continued with Joe hitting Paul with a suplex. Ford got the tag with a cross body block off the top on Theory. Ford bounced off the ropes and Bron was sent out of the ropes, so Ford hit a somersault dive over the top onto Bron. Ford went up top, jumped off, Theory avoided it and Ford hit a powerslam for two. Theory with a kick to the jaw of Ford, but Dawkins made the tag. Paul knocked Theory off the turnbuckle. Dawkins punched Paul. Paul sent a charging Joe into the steel steps. Theory punched Dawkins in the jaw. Bron ran around the ring going for a Spear, but Seth Rollins was there with a clothesline on Bron. Dawkins got a ROLLUP OF DEATH~! on Theory for the pinfall win after 10 minutes.
Winners by pinfall: The Street Profits – Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins and Joe Hendry
Analysis: ***1/4 A good TV match with a lot of action and some chaos at the end with Seth Rollins costing The Vision the match. Dawkins pinning Theory gives The Street Profits a pinfall win over a tag team champion, so it could set up a future title match. The ROLLUP OF DEATH~! remains deadly as usual.
After the match, Rollins picked up Dawkins, Bron Breakker charged at Rollins, who moved and Bron hit a Spear on Dawkins. Rollins superkicked Bron out of the ring. Ford got in Seth’s face and shoved Seth because of what happened with Dawkins. Rollins tried to explain what happened.
Analysis: It should set up another Rollins-Breakker match. I don’t think that feud is done.
The Original El Grande Americano was with his buddies, The Creed Brothers, in their masks. Dominik Mysterio arrived with Liv Morgan, who wondered if Pearce had anything for Dirty Dom to do. Original told Liv this was serious lucha business. Dom said Original is not a real luchador. Pearce told Dom to defend the AAA Mega Title against Original El Grande Americano.
After Pearce was done with that, Angel & Berto spoke to Pearce, saying they wanted an opportunity. They used to be on SmackDown, so it looks like they are on Raw now.
Let’s Hear from Penta
Penta made his entrance as the Intercontinental Champion. Penta mentioned Ethan Page talking trash about him and Penta said he’s a fighting champion. Ethan Page walked out there in dress clothes. Page said he had no mask and he didn’t hide his face like Penta. Page said he hailed from the greatest country on Earth – Canada. So do I. Page said he pinned the Intercontinental Champion last week. Page said that makes him the number one contender for the IC Title, but Page may be afraid to lose the title. Penta said he’s not afraid and said they can fight right now. Page said that Penta is ready to fight, but Page is not ready right now. Page talked about how a lot of megastars have held that championship and Page is a megastar too. Page challenged Penta to an IC Title match on Saturday, May 23rd at Saturday Night’s Main Event. Penta said he would face him any time and anywhere.
Rusev arrived in his wrestling gear. Rusev said that Page amuses him, but they won last week as a tag team. Rusev said he bounced Penta’s head off the table. Rusev threatened Page. Page said he didn’t want to skip the line and Rusev deserves the title, so he has earned. Page said that Je’Von Evans claimed that Rusev isn’t good enough.
Je’Von Evans was the next man to join the promo party. Evans said that Page was lying. Evans did point out that he beat Rusev. That led to a fight with the four guys as Penta clotheslined Page out of the ring. Penta jumped onto Page on the floor. Evans sent Rusev out of the ring. Evans hit a suicide dive on Rusev on the floor. Evans and Penta danced in the ring together.
Analysis: A fine promo segment to show that Penta has multiple contenders for the Intercontinental Title. I think Page as the next IC Champion is a great idea, and I hope it happens.
Raw GM Adam Pearce walked out to set up a match. This was during a break for some fans. Pearce put Rusev in a match with Evans right now.
Je’Von Evans vs. Rusev
The match started during the break for some fans as Rusev was in control. Rusev hit a knee to the ribs, along with punches. Rusev kicked Evans in the back while he was against the ropes. Rusev hit a jumping side kick to knock Evans down. Rusev hit two suplexes in a row. Rusev set up Evans on the turnbuckle, but Evans fought back with punches. Evans headbutted Rusev to knock him down. Evans jumped to the top rope and Evans hit a twisting cross body block to knock Rusev down. Evans bounced off the top into a hurricanrana. Evans dropkicked Rusev out of the ring. Evans went for a dive, but Rusev punched Evans to stop that. Rusev gave Evans a fallaway slam onto the commentary table. They went on a break for some fans as the action continued. Rusev was in control as he stomped on Evans on the apron. Rusev elbowed Evans to knock him down, and Rusev grabbed a chinlock.
Rusev yelled at Evans to bring it, so Evans threw some strikes that Rusev didn’t sell. Evans avoided a charge, Evans hit a superkick and a clothesline. Evans sent Rusev into the middle turnbuckle and hit a kick to the neck. Evans hit a springboard clothesline for two. Rusev hit Evans with forearms to the lower back. Evans hit a superkick. Evans jumped off the top, Rusev caught him, and hit a uranage. Rusev hit a Machka Kick for two. Evans fought back with a double up kick and a twisting kick to the head. Rusev was on the floor, so Evans jumped over the top with a cross body block on Rusev. Back in the ring, Evans jumped off the top with an OG Cutter for the pinfall win after 12 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Je’Von Evans
Analysis: ***1/4 A good match with Rusev on offense for the majority of it. Evans did a nice job of selling throughout the match, and then it took three big moves in a row to put Rusev away. Rusev is a guy who I think should be pushed more, but I like Evans a lot, too, so it’s a tough spot. I think Evans winning was the right move.
They showed members of the Tennessee Volunteers football team at ringside.
A video aired about the AAA Mega Title since it’s being defended on this show.
Iyo Sky was shown getting ready when Asuka approached her and hugged her. Asuka said she was looking for somebody to take over her position, and Sky has become that person. Asuka said she’s so glad it was her and she’s so proud of Sky. Sky said even if we fight, they will always be family. Sky said goodbye to Asuka, who said, “See you later.” They hugged, and Asuka kissed Sky on the head. Asuka left with her luggage.
Analysis: There’s the goodbye for Asuka for now. She will be missed for sure, but I hope all is well with her, and if she can wrestle in WWE again in the future, then that would be great. Asuka is awesome.
The Women’s Tag Team Champions – Brie Bella and Paige – made their entrance for a promo up next. They went on a break for some fans. A video aired about Brie and Paige winning the titles at WrestleMania since Nikki Bella was injured.
Let’s Hear from Brie Bella and Paige
Brie Bella said that last week, Raquel Rodriguez and Roxanne Perez called for them to come to Raw. Paige said they are ready for a fight. They wondered what The Judgment Day had to say.
The Judgment Day’s Raquel Rodriguez and Roxanne Perez arrived. Raquel welcomed them to their show. Perez made an old joke about them, even though Paige is younger than most of the women on the main roster. Perez insulted Brie for setting the bar so low for her. Brie said you’re confusing her with Liv Morgan. Brie claimed she wanted Perez to shine on her own. Brie mentioned Perez’s mom is likely disappointed. Raquel claimed Paige was going to have another scandal. Raquel said there’s nothing sadder than two washed-up has-beens clinging to gold they don’t deserve.
The two teams got into a fight, so Liv Morgan showed up and hit a double knee attack on Paige. Perez hit a knee drop to Brie’s head to put her down. Perez held Paige, and Raquel hit her with a boot. Raquel and Roxanne held up the titles, joined by Liv Morgan with her Women’s World Title.
Analysis: A quick segment to likely set up a match. Using Liv in that spot to help her J-Day buddies made sense since it gives the group an advantage.
Roman Reigns was in his locker room when Jimmy Uso arrived. Jimmy claimed that Jey Uso was waiting for Jacob Fatu. Jimmy said he thinks Reigns needs to move on and leave it alone. Reigns said there needs to be order here. Reigns said that Jacob had to acknowledge him. Jimmy said he doesn’t trust him. Reigns said if Fatu doesn’t acknowledge him, then Fatu’s ass is out of here. Jimmy went to find Jey.
A video aired about Dominik Mysterio as the AAA Mega Champion. Dominik talked about how he’s held the title for the past eight months. Dominik said he’s surpassed what Rey Mysterio has done. Dominik said that Original El Grande Americano won’t get his hands on Dom’s title.
Iyo Sky made her entrance for singles action. The led to a break as they showed highlights about Sky’s win over Asuka and a Sol Ruca video.
An NXT Origins video aired about Rhea Ripley. This was shown over the last week on WWE TV shows.
Sol Ruca vs. Iyo Sky
There was a video shown of Ruca getting the upper hand on Becky Lynch last week. Cole said that Asuka’s future is up in the air. Ruca got a headscissors to knock Asuka down. Ruca spun Sky around and slammed her to the mat. Ruca did a backflip into a headstand, but Sky avoided that and hit a dropkick to knock Ruca down. Sky went to the apron, Ruca avoided a move and Ruca kicked Sky down to the floor. Ruca went for a moonsault, Sky avoided it and Sky hit a hurricanrana on the floor. Ruca hit a spinning kick, followed by a springboard corkscrew cross body block on Sky on the floor. Cool move by Ruca. They went on a break for some fans as the match continued, and Ruca hit a running knee. Ruca hit a surfboard submission, lifted up Sky and then kicked Asuka down. Sky hit a flapjack to send Ruca to the mat. The fans chanted “Iyo” for Sky. Sky hit a double underhook backbreaker for two. They battled by the turnbuckle.
Sky was able to counter a move by the turnbuckle and Sky hit an uppercut. Sky went up top and hit a Spanish Fly on Ruca for a two count. After Sky hit some strikes, Ruca came back with a sitting sitout Powerbomb for two. Sky kicked Ruca in the face and Sky went up top and hit a missile dropkick off the top. Sky went for the Bullet Train knees, but Ruca moved and Ruca hit a knee attack. Sky countered Ruca and hit a stomp on the midsection for two. Sky went up top, so Ruca was back up and shoved Sky. Ruca went to the middle turnbuckle and did a cartwheel DDT on Sky for two. Sky came back with the running knees two times in a row. Asuka went up top, jumped off with Over the Moonsault, so Ruca got her knees up to block. Ruca went for a Soul Snatcher off the ropes, but Sky avoided it and caught Ruca in a crucifix pin for the win. It went about 13 minutes.
Winners by pinfall: IYO SKY
Analysis: ***1/2 That was a terrific match between two talented babyfaces. I’m not surprised that it was a fun TV match because Ruca is very talented and Sky never has bad matches. I enjoyed that one.
After the match, Sky and Ruca hugged as a sign of respect.
The announcers set up the main event angle since Jacob Fatu attacked Roman Reigns after the match.
Jey Uso was out in the parking lot when brother Jimmy approached. Jimmy claimed the OTC was a bit delusional. Jimmy said their family can be stressful and Jey said their family is why they are here today. Jimmy wished Jey good luck with Fatu and left.
A clip aired about John Cena announcing the John Cena Classic event.
The Street Profits duo of Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins were interviewed. They are getting a Tag Team Title match in less than two weeks at Saturday Night’s Main Event. Dawkins said this is what they have worked for. Seth Rollins walked up to The Profits to talk about dealing with The Vision. Ford said that Rollins is one of the greatest of their generation, but they can’t trust him and they don’t need him to win the Tag Team Titles.
Oba Femi was shown walking backstage for his match up next.
The Judgment Day’s Liv Morgan, Roxanne Perez and Raquel Rodriguez were interviewed by Byron Saxton during the break. Liv did her usual bit about being the greatest of all time. Raquel said they are coming for the Women’s Tag Team Titles. Roxanne Perez said they trust eachother more than family. Roxanne said next week, they will become the Women’s Tag Team Champions and continue running Raw.
Sol Ruca was backstage after her match. Iyo Sky approached Ruca and said that she is the future and they will meet again. Ruca shook her hand. After Sky left, Becky Lynch approached and laughed at Ruca for losing. Lynch said those lights may be too bright.
Oba Femi got a big ovation as usual, with the fans chanting “Oba” and doing his arm swinging motion. Femi said that the Oba Femi Open Challenge begins. Raw GM Adam Pearce emerged and was booed. Pearce said nobody back there was willing to answer the challenge. Pearce claimed it was canceled for tonight. Femi left the ring and walked backstage. Femi found Angel & Berto backstage, so he brought both of them out to the entrance area. Femi carried Berto on his shoulder and sent Angel into the ring apron.
Oba Femi vs. Angel & Berto
Femi hit about ten running uppercuts in a row to knock both opponents down. Femi tossed Angel over Berto. Femi tossed Berto as well. Femi hit the Fall From Grace for the pinfall win after about 1 minute.
Winner by pinfall: Oba Femi
Analysis: * Easy win by Femi as you would expect here, even in a 2-on-1 match.
There was a video featuring the Original El Grande Americano (Chad Gable) talking about how he was going to beat Dominik Mysterio up next.
Dominik Mysterio was walking backstage with JD McDonagh, but Balor attacked and sent him into an equipment case. Balor told Dom it looked like he had to do it alone.
AAA Mega Championship: Dominik Mysterio vs. Original El Grande Americano
The Original El Grande Americano is Chad Gable and has a big Mask vs. Mask match on May 30th. Grande was in control with a bridging Northern Light Suplex and an armbar on the left arm. Grande pulled on the left arm against the ropes. Original went for a German Suplex on the apron, Dominik broke free, and then Dominik did a monkey flip to Original that sent him flying onto the floor. They went on a break there as Dirty Dom was in control.
Grande hit a superplex as the show returned from a break. Dom was in control for a few minutes before that. Dominik was back up with a dropkick. Original avoided a 619 and hit a reverse Angle Slam. Original went up top and hit a moonsault onto Dominik for a two count. Dominik gave Original an armdrag, followed by a Michinoku Driver for a two count. Dominik missed a senton splash when Original moved and Original hit a suplex into the turnbuckle. Original hit a Dragon Suplex for a two count. Rayo and Bravo showed up at ringside, so Original had to take care of them. Grande punched Original and Dom hit a Tornado DDT on Original for a two count. Julio and Bruto (The Creeds) took out Rayo and Bravo. Original was grabbing Grande’s mask, so Dom hit a 619 kick. Dom went up top and hit a Frog Splash for the pinfall win.
Winner by pinfall: Dominik Mysterio
Analysis: ***1/4 A cheap win for Dirty Dom as you’d expect there. I didn’t think a title change was likely here. They are pushing the AAA brand heavily, which is understandable since WWE owns it. Dom was very good in this match, while Original El Grande Americano is one of the best.
Next week on Raw:
* Women’s Tag Team Championships: Brie Bella & Paige vs. Raquel Rodriguez & Roxanne Perez
* Oba Femi open challenge
Logan Paul and Austin Theory were interviewed by Jacke Redmond. Paul complained about Joe Hendry’s song and said he made a version of the song himself. Theory tried to calm Paul down. Theory didn’t want to talk to Jackie, and we could see Maxxine Dupri was in the car, also.
Analysis: I don’t know if Maxxine Dupri is joining The Vision, but it continues to be teased. I don’t think they need her in the group.
Roman Reigns Acknowledgment Ceremony
The “Original Tribal Chief” Roman Reigns made his entrance as the World Heavyweight Champion, and he was joined by Jimmy Uso. There was a break for some fans as Netflix continued to show Roman’s entrance.
Reigns told Knoxville to acknowledge him, so there were “OTC” chants. Jacob Fatu was shown arriving and Jey Uso told cousin Jacob to think about this. Jey said if you do this, then you’ll create problems for your family. Jey told Fatu not to do this. Fatu made his way to the backstage area as Jey told Fatu to be smart, so Fatu headbutted cousin Jey. Fatu headbutted Jey a few more times. Fatu said he’s not going to acknowledge. Fatu said that Reigns will have to beat the acknowledgment out of him.
Fatu saw Jimmy Uso approach, so Fatu hit him with an uppercut. Fatu sent Jimmy into the barricade.
Reigns waited for Fatu in the ring and Reigns tossed the microphone down. Reigns and Fatu exchanged punches. Fatu sent Reigns into the turnbuckle, followed by a running elbow. Fatu hit a clothesline to send Reigns out of the ring. When Fatu tried a dive, Reigns hit him with a Superman Punch. Reigns grabbed a steel chair and hit Fatu in the back repeatedly. Reigns beat on Fatu with several chair shots to the back and Reigns worked over Fatu’s ribs with chair shots. Reigns set up in the corner, he charged and Fatu hit a boot to the throat. Fatu applied the Tongan Death Grip and sent Reigns out of the ring. Fatu hit a suicide dive to knock Reigns down on the floor. Fatu sent Reigns into the ring post. Fatu cleared off the commentary table. Reigns came back with a Superman Punch that was more like a forearm. Reigns charged, but Fatu caught him with the Tongan Death Grip. Fatu headbutted Reigns a few times. Fatu picked up Reigns and gave him a Powerbomb through the commentary table. After several minutes of fighting, some WWE Officials and referees went to ringside to try to stop this. Fatu gave Reigns the Tongan Death Grip again. Raw GM Pearce pulled Fatu off, but then Fatu applied the Tongan Death Grip again. Fatu shoved Pearce down. Fatu went into the ring and held the World Heavyweight Title. Fatu posed with the title. Fatu spoke into the camera, saying he’s all gas and no breaks. A referee went up to Fatu, so that was likely Fatu’s hint to go back to ringside. Fatu ran to ringside and hit a running hip attack that knocked Reigns and both Usos down as Fatu went crashing through the barricade. Fatu walked away to end the show.
Analysis: That was a very good brawling segment to end the show. I liked the physicality. It’s a bit unrealistic to have nobody there to try to break up the fight initially, but I get why it’s done to let the wrestlers do damage to eachother before the officials arrive. They are clearly setting up another Roman Reigns-Jacob Fatu match for the World Heavyweight. There will likely be a stipulation on the match, so it might be an I Quit Match or something like that. Fatu has proven he can dominate Reigns on more than one occasion, so it’s a different kind of rivalry for Reigns because we don’t see Reigns in situations like that very often. I liked the segment.
This week’s Raw had a runtime of 2:24 on Netflix. Last week was 2:18.
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Three Stars of the Show
- Jacob Fatu
- Iyo Sky
- Je’Von Evans
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The Scoreboard
7.5 out of 10
Last week: 7.25
2026 Average: 7.49
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Final Thoughts on WWE Raw
I enjoyed the show. I wouldn’t say that Raw is necessarily a “hot” show these days, but it is good most weeks and clearly superior to whatever SmackDown has become. I liked most of the matches this week, especially Sky/Ruca, Evans/Rusev, and the 6-man tag was fun. The main event segment was very effective in furthering the Reigns-Fatu feud, even though Reigns beat Fatu at Backlash. Clearly, Fatu is still going to be Roman’s main feud going into Clash in Italy, so I look forward to the rematch.
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Thanks for reading. Please check out my reviews of every WWE PPV ever listed in order. Go Toronto Blue Jays. My contact info is below.
John Canton
Email [email protected]
Twitter/X @johnreport