The John Report: WWE Raw Deal 05/25/26 Review
It’s WWE Monday Night Raw featuring Roman Reigns and Jacob Fatu making Tribal Combat official, Penta facing Je’Von Evans, and more.
The WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event special took place on Saturday with three title matches and no title changes. Clash in Italy is coming this Sunday, May 31st, with some huge matches. None of the “WWE” or “World” Titles were on the line at SNME, but three of the four are on the line at Clash in Italy. Last week’s Raw saw Brock Lesnar shockingly return to WWE to attack Oba Femi, setting up their WrestleMania rematch at Clash in Italy, even though Lesnar “retired” at WrestleMania last month. This is my 4th night in a row reviewing a live wrestling show. I’m a little burned out, but Raw is usually good, so I’ll get through it just fine.
This is the Raw Deal for episode #1722 of Monday Night Raw, taking place at the Schottenstein Center in Columbus, Ohio. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport. Let’s get to it.
The show began with the graphic promoting Brock Lesnar facing Oba Femi at Clash in Italy this Sunday.
Let’s Hear from Paul Heyman
The WWE Hall of Famer Paul Heyman was in the ring, welcoming us to Raw and telling the fans to shut up. Heyman went in hype mode promoting the Brock Lesnar-Oba Femi rematch at Clash in Italy. Heyman claimed that Femi will be conquered by Lesnar.
A video aired featuring Brock Lesnar saying congratulations to Oba Femi for his win at WrestleMania. Lesnar said he’s had ass whippings over the years, but never like that, so he said that’s it, I’m done. Lesnar said it didn’t sit well with him and claimed it’s not going to end that way. Lesnar said he can take an ass-whooping, but can you? They showed Lesnar destroying Femi last Monday on Raw. Lesnar said he’s going to rule over Oba Femi.
Analysis: That’s a smart way to use Brock Lesnar on the show without him being there. At least we got to hear Lesnar’s perspective.
Heyman said that the bad news for everybody who worships Oba Femi is that he has awakened The Beast, Brock Lesnar. Heyman said that means one thing…and here comes Oba.
Oba Femi made his entrance to a big ovation from the crowd as they chanted his name and he marched down to the ring.
Femi confronted Heyman in the ring, saying that Heyman says Femi has awoken the beast, but what do you think he has awoken in Femi? Oba told Heyman he’s not going to hurt him. Femi said he needs Heyman alive and well to tell the tale of Lesnar. Femi said that you can move forward to the end of the story when Femi retires Lesnar for the second time. Femi said that Heyman will say it’s just business and not personal, but four F5s is personal to him. Femi pulled out the contract to say this is the final chapter and Femi signed the contract on Heyman’s shoulder. Femi told Heyman to tell Lesnar that the last time Femi was fighting to beat him, but this time he’s fighting to kill him.
Analysis: Well said by Oba Femi. I think his delivery was perfect in terms of the tone and the serious nature with which he said his words. That’s something Femi figured out early in his NXT run and he’s carried that over to Raw as well. I think Femi should beat Lesnar at Clash in Italy, but maybe Lesnar will win and set up a third match at a future PLE like SummerSlam or before that.
A video package aired about Saturday Night’s Main Event from last Saturday.
They showed superstar entrances, including Roman Reigns, Jacob Fatu, Rey Mysterio, and The Judgment Day.
It was Michael Cole and Corey Graves on commentary. Alicia Taylor was the ring announcer.
Raw’s first match is a title match with the Intercontinental Champion Penta defending his gold again. Penta made his entrance. Normally, I don’t see ads on Netflix in Canada, but we got three minutes of ads there. I guess it changed for us.
Intercontinental Championship: Penta vs. Je’Von Evans
It was a standoff early on with neither man getting the advantage. Evans did a Penta walk with him and Penta hit a dropkick. Evans hit a hurricanrana to send Penta out of the ring. Evans dove over the top onto Penta on the floor. Evans jumped off the top and Penta hit a superkick. Penta did a handstand against the turnbuckle, followed by a swinging dropkick to the chest. Evans hit a spinning kick to the head that knocked Penta out of the ring. Evans went for a suicide dive, Penta caught him and Penta slammed Evans into the corner of the commentary table. That led to 3-minutes of ads for me. As I said, I never got ads for Raw before.
The match continued with Evans hitting a springboard clothesline for two. Evans and Penta exchanged chops, but then Evans hit a running knee to knock Penta down. Evans hit a springboard Cutter for a two count that was not the same as his top rope OG Cutter. It got a two count. Penta caught Evans going for a move and Penta hit a Powerbomb onto the knees for two. Penta was on the apron as Evans jumped off the turnbuckle and hit a Cutter on the apron. Evans went for another springboard attack, but Penta caught him and Penta hit a Penta Driver for two. Penta went to the top rope, Evans went after him there and Evans jumped up with a top rope hurricanrana. Evans jumped to the top rope and Penta hit a superkick to counter the OG Cutter. Penta charged, but Evans hit a jumping knee or kick. Evans went for an OG Cutter, but Penta caught him with a Backstabber. Penta hit the Mexican Destroyer for the pinfall win after 12 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Penta
Analysis: ***3/4 That was awesome. I thought that was probably the best match Je’Von Evans has had on Raw since he got to show a lot of his incredible offensive moves and nearly got the win a few times, but Penta continues to prove he’s a great IC Champion. I think Evans showed a lot of aggression in the match and showed that he’s more than just a high flier, which is good for him. Anyway, I enjoyed that match a lot and I hope they do it again with Evans getting the win at some point this year to become the youngest IC Champ ever.
After the match, Penta picked up Evans and raised his hand. Evans was frustrated and walked away on his own.
The announcers mentioned that Logan Paul suffered a torn triceps at Saturday Night’s Main Event and will be out for several months. They showed the spot where Angelo Dawkins jumped onto Paul on the floor, and Paul tore his triceps.
Analysis: That sucks for Logan Paul. I noticed the injury when it happened during the match and I thought it was perhaps a shoulder, but it’s a torn triceps. That’s usually an injury that will keep somebody out of action for anywhere from 6 months or even up to 9 months. Best wishes to Logan.
Austin Theory walked up to Paul Heyman in the backstage area. Theory had the World Tag Team Title with him and Theory thought he should hand it to Heyman since he doesn’t have Logan Paul with him. Heyman said that The Vision are the Tag Team Champions, so Theory can team with Bron Breakker. Theory hugged Heyman. Heyman said he did this for Theory. Theory said he wants to take out who injured Paul. Heyman said now Theory knows what has to do tonight and to whom.
(Commercials – Once again, this is the first week I’m getting commercials on Raw on Netflix. I’ve had Netflix with ads for the last two years and never got ads on Raw before this. They are all American companies, so I don’t know if we’re supposed to get them in Canada.)
Joe Hendry was in the ring singing his “Can We Fire Logan Paul?” song. Joe led the crowd in singing I, but then Austin Theory showed up behind Paul and Theory hit Paul with several chair shots to the back. They did a spot where Hendry’s head was near the ring post, and Theory smashed the ring post, so the idea was that he hit Hendry with a chair to the head.
Analysis: A cheap attack by Austin Theory to get some heat on him. Theory also did what he said by getting revenge on Logan Paul’s rivals.
Angelo Dawkins was shown walking backstage when Seth Rollins approached him. Rollins said he stayed out of their business on Saturday. Rollins said sorry, and he knows what it’s like to get screwed by The Vision. Rollins said that if they came together, they could put an end to The Vision forever. Montez Ford interrupted, saying nothing good happens when Rollins is around. Rollins said nothing good happens when he’s not around, because otherwise, The Street Profits would be Tag Team Champions. Rollins said they don’t have to be friends, but they gotta work together to get rid of The Vision. Rollins said he understands why you can’t trust him. Rollins mentioned he’s a WrestleMania main eventer and World Champion. Ford said he’s also never stabbed his brother in the back. Ford challenged Rollins to a match. Rollins accepted, while Dawkins didn’t want them to fight.
Analysis: That should be fun.
Next Monday’s Raw has a 2 p.m. ET start time on Netflix since it’s in Turin, Italy. I like the afternoon start times.
A video aired about the AAA Mask vs. Mask match between El Grande Americano and Original El Grande Americano. Rey Mysterio narrated the video, talking about the history of Mask vs. Mask matches. The match is at AAA Noche de Los Grandes this Saturday.
Analysis: I think I might watch that and review it live on Saturday. It should be an awesome match. The AAA shows are fun.
Je’Von Evans spoke to Penta backstage. Evans apologized for being unprofessional. Evans said he’ll see him again for that title very soon. Penta said let’s do it. Rey Mysterio spoke up to Penta, saying remember that age. Penta said he understands it. Rey said that the IC Title is up here and it’s elevated with Penta. Penta congratulated Rey on being AAA General Manager. Penta said he wants to defend the Intercontinental Championship against Rey and Rey liked that. Penta said he’d talk to Adam Pearce about it. Rey was happy about it.
The Judgment Day entered for tag team action.
(Commercial)
Bayley & Lyra Valkyria vs. The Judgment Day – Raquel Rodriguez & Roxanne Perez (w/Liv Morgan & Dominik Mysterio)
It was Lyra and Bayley getting some tandem offense. Perez hit a forearm on Lyra. Bayley and Lyra made quick tags as they attacked Raquel in their corner. Raquel ran the ropes and hit a running cross body block on both opponents. Raquel splashed Lyra against the turnbuckle. Lyra jumped over Raquel and hit a dropkick. Raquel sent Lyra into the turnbuckle. Perez stomped on Lyra’s left arm against the ropes and Raquel hit an elbow splash off the ropes.
(Commercial)
The heels were in control of Lyra as the babyface in peril and Lyra kicked Perez into the commentary table. Bayley got the tag and hit a suicide dive on Raquel on the floor. Bayley jumped off the middle turnbuckle with an elbow on Raquel’s back. Raquel blocked a move and hit a clothesline. Bayley hit a back suplex on Perez. Bayley hit a sunset flip into the turnbuckle. Lyra tagged in with a flipping neckbreaker on Perez for two because Morgan put Perez’s foot on the bottom rope. The referee saw it, so Morgan was ejected. Bayley punched Morgan and then Raquel punched Bayley on the floor. Perez got a rollup for two. Lyra hit an enziguri kick on Perez. Bayley went up top, Dominik did a distraction and Raquel shoved Bayley off the top. Perez hit Pop Rox on Bayley for two because Lyra made the save. Lyra countered a Raquel move with a hurricanrana to the floor. Dominik distracted the referee and tossed his AAA Mega Title into the ring. Baley and Perez fought over the title, so Perez accidentally hit Dom with it to knock Dom off the apron. Bayley rolled up Perez with the ROLLUP OF DEATH~! for the win. It went about 10 minutes.
Winners by pinfall: Bayley & Lyra Valkyria
Analysis: *** The match was solid, with the numbers game actually hurting The Judgment Day instead of helping them. We’ve seen the numbers game help The Judgment Day a lot over the last few years, so it’s nice to see them fail to win sometimes. It felt like the usual tag team match between these teams that we’ve seen wrestling eachother for months. It might lead to Bayley and Lyra getting a title shot soon, but it wasn’t specified.
A video package aired about the Roman Reigns-Jacob Fatu rivalry to set up Tribal Combat at Clash in Italy.
Roman Reigns was backstage talking to Raw GM Adam Pearce, who said Jacob Fatu shouldn’t be here or be employed by WWE. Reigns said that he had to show the power that they have. Reigns said he didn’t know Fatu knew about Tribal Combat, and he knew Reigns’ obligation to accept. Reigns said as the Tribal Chief, he had to accept. Reigns said if Fatu wins, then he has to serve Reigns, or else he’s fired. Reigns said if Fatu wins, then good luck because they’re all screwed.
Analysis: Interesting comments there. Reigns said he was obligated to accept the challenge that Fatu made because Reigns is the Tribal Chief. That’s a simple way of explaining it.
LA Knight was shown walking backstage for a promo up next.
A video aired about Memorial Day, which was celebrated in the US on this day. The video was narrated by WWE Champion Cody Rhodes.
(Commercial)
Let’s Hear from LA Knight
LA Knight made his entrance for a promo after not having much to do since WrestleMania. The fans cheered for Knight as usual and chanted “LA Knight” for him. Knight said it’s been since WrestleMania since he stood in this ring in front of the fans. Knight did a Memorial Day shoutout. Knight said he put The Vision in his rearview mirror and The Usos were standing beside him. Knight said next week on Raw, the King and Queen of the Ring tournaments begin, and he’s throwing his name in the hat. Knight said he’s got a shot at wearing the crown, and then he is aiming for Roman Reigns. Knight called Reigns the most corrupt champion he’s ever seen. Knight said that he’s trying to get some Bloodline business running and it’s different from the Usos that he knows.
Jimmy Uso interrupted the promo and went into the ring with Knight. Jimmy said he respected Knight and he fought beside him at WrestleMania. Knight said with Roman Reigns, it’s 3-on-1. Knight said he’s been a victim. Jimmy said that the whole locker room has issues with The Bloodline and it got ugly for anybody. Jimmy said it’s not like that anymore. Jimmy said if you win King of the Ring then you have a fair shot at the OTC (Reigns).
Knight wondered if Jimmy was being honest with LA and with himself. Knight said he doesn’t want to see Jimmy become Roman Reigns’ errand boy again. Knight said you gotta learn a lesson from the past. Jimmy said this is a warning shot. Jimmy said if the Yeet Man wasn’t talking then they wouldn’t be talking. Knight said it would be 3-on-1 against him like what happened to Jacob Fatu. Jimmy said that’s family business. Jimmy warned Knight to tread lightly because then “our family” will become your business.
Knight said that Jimmy is the one he likes. Knight knows Reigns can’t get the job done on his own. Knight said that the family business could be his business. Knight left.
Analysis: There’s the first mention of the King or Queen of the Ring tournament, which will likely lead to the coronation at Night of Champions next month. I wouldn’t mind seeing Knight winning the King of the Ring crown, but they could go in another direction for that. Anyway, I don’t mind the story in this case, with Knight talking about his frustrations with The Bloodline being back together again and Jimmy trying to reason with him, saying it’s different this time. The difference is that Roman Reigns is a babyface this time.
Rey Mysterio spoke to Raw GM Adam Pearce in the backstage area. Ethan Page interrupted. Page complained about IC Title shots and wanted a rematch. Pearce said rematches have to be earned. Page wondered what Rey did to earn a title shot. Pearce said Rey is a WWE Hall of Famer. Page told Rusev what happened. Rey said if he had to face Rusev for a title shot against Penta then he’ll do that. Pearce said it’s official and Rusev shouted some things to signal that he’s ready for it.
Seth Rollins made his entrance for singles action.
(Commercial)
Montez Ford vs. Seth Rollins
It’s Ford alone without Angelo Dawkins at ringside. Rollins hit a shoulder tackle. Ford did a leapfrog and a shoulder tackle of his own. Rollins hit a boot to the face to knock Ford out of the ring. Rollins hit a suicide dive on Ford on the floor. Ford was back in quickly with a clothesline to send Rollins out of the ring. Ford hit a suicide dive to knock Rollins down on the floor. Back in the ring, they did a double cross body block.
(Commercial)
Rollins and Ford exchanged strikes. Rollins hit Ford with an elbow to the jaw. Ford came back with a step up enziguri kick. Rollins sent Ford to the apron, Ford went up top and Rollins hit a superplex, followed by a Falcon Arrow for two. Ford countered a move into a two count and they exchanged pin attempts. Ford with a superkick and Rollins hit a superkick of his own. Ford tried a move off the shoulders, but Rollins landed on his feet and hit a Pedigree for two. Rollins said if they work together then they don’t have to fight eachother. Rollins said he’s trying to change, so Ford slapped Rollins in the face. Rollins gave Ford a Buckle Bomb and Rollins hit another Buckle Bomb. Ford countered Rollins with a hurricanrana out of the ring. Ford jumped over the corner with a somersault onto the floor. Ford went up top, shoved Rollins down and Ford hit a massive Frog Splash for two. The fans were chanting, “This is awesome” for them. Ford kicked Rollins to knock him down. Ford went up top and went for a 450 Splash, but Rollins moved out of the way. Rollins hit The Stomp and put one hand on Ford’s waist to cover (Rollins was selling fatigue) and that was enough to win. It went about 13 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Seth Rollins
Analysis: ***3/4 I enjoyed the match. It was very even most of the way and then Ford went for a big move off the top, Rollins avoided it and Rollins hit his finish to win. Everything before that made it look like they were even opponents, which is good for Ford as a tag team guy. I think Ford could be a massive singles star in WWE, but he enjoys being in a team.
After the match, Angelo Dawkins was getting attacked by Austin Theory with a steel chair. Theory hit Dawkins in the back with the chair. With Dawkins’ face first on the floor, Theory hit the steel floor with the idea that it was like a Conchairto to the head, but obviously, Theory did it safely. Adam Pearce and other WWE Officials got Theory out of there.
Analysis: The new aggressive side of Theory continues. It makes sense for the story they are trying to tell.
(Commercial)
Seth Rollins and Montez Ford spoke backstage about what happened. Raw GM Adam Pearce was there, too. Ford said he knows they need to work together. Ford checked on Dawkins in the trainer’s room. Rollins told Pearce he wants to face Bron Breakker as soon as Pearce can make it happen. Pearce said he’d go talk to Paul Heyman and left.
There was a rundown of the Clash in Italy card for this Sunday, May 31st.
* Undisputed WWE Championship: Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Gunther
* WWE Women’s Championship: Rhea Ripley (c) vs. Jade Cargill
* Oba Femi vs. Brock Lesnar
* Tribal Combat Match for the World Heavyweight Championship: Roman Reigns (c) vs. Jacob Fatu
* Women’s Intercontinental Championship: Becky Lynch (c) vs. Sol Ruca
The Women’s IC Champion Becky Lynch was interviewed by Cathy Kelley in the backstage area. Kelley mentioned Ruca was injured after Lynch’s attack at Saturday Night’s Main Event. Lynch did her usual promo about being the greatest. Lynch said Sol Ruca is overmatched. Lynch said her name will be around forever. Lynch said she hopes Sol can come around for Clash in Italy. Lynch said there’s a difference between striving for greatness and standing across from it. Lynch said welcome to the big time.
Rey Mysterio, the WWE Hall of Famer, made his entrance for singles action.
(Commercial)
Rusev vs. Rey Mysterio
The winner gets a shot at the Intercontinental Title. Ethan Page was on commentary.
Rey ran away from Rusev, who left the ring while chasing Rey around the ring. Back in the ring, Rey hit a headscissors to send Rusev into the ropes. Rusev hit a back elbow and two suplexes. Rey knocked Rusev out of the ring. Rey hit a sunset flip Powerbomb into the turnbuckle. Rey tried an attack, but Rusev countered that and threw Rey into the barricade.
(Commercial)
Rusev sent Rey hard into the turnbuckle. Rey knocked Rusev down and jumped off the top with a seated senton. Rey hit a headscissors. Rey worked over Rusev with punches. Rusev went for a splash, but Rey avoided it. Rey hit a seated senton. Rusev got a hold of Rey, and Rey countered that with a hurricanrana. Rusev caught a leaping Rey and hit a uranage slam. Rusev hit a Machka Kick for a two count. Rey hit a 619 kick to the ribs, then a 619 attempt in the ring, but Rusev blocked it. Rey countered a move with a ROLLUP OF DEATH~! for the pinfall win after 9 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Rey Mysterio
Analysis: *** A solid match between two veterans. I figured Rey would win, but I like that he had to earn it and he did. Rusev did a nice job in his role in the match. The ROLLUP OF DEATH~! won a second match on this week’s show. It’s such a deadly move.
After the match, Rusev attacked Rey Mysterio, so Dragon Lee made the save. Lee hit a German Suplex and a kick to clear the ring. Lee hit a somersault dive over the top onto Rusev/Page on the floor. Rey hit a 619 kick. Lee helped Rey clear the ring and they celebrated together.
Austin Theory was backstage with Raw GM Adam Pearce, who told Theory he’s done for tonight. Theory spoke up about being a champion. Heyman got out of it and left with Theory. As Theory and Heyman walked away, they saw Alpha Academy’s Otis, Tozawa and Maxxine Dupri. Otis said that didn’t look good and Dupri said he’s just got a lot going on. Dupri left.
A video package aired about the Oba Femi-Brock Lesnar story.
Next week on Raw: King and Queen of the Ring tournaments begin.
Raw GM Adam Pearce was in the ring for the contract signing.
Jacob Fatu made his entrance to a somewhat mixed reaction.
(Commercial)
WWE World Championship Tribal Combat Contract Signing
Jacob Fatu signed the contract and then cleared the ring by tossing chairs and a table out of the ring.
The birthday boy Roman Reigns (happy 41) made his entrance as the World Heavyweight Champion, which Reigns was wearing around. Reigns signed the contract to make Tribal Combat official. Reigns called for Pearce to leave them. Reigns said that signing the contract means there was a blood oath, and he can’t touch Reigns until Italy. Pearce said have it your way and left.
Reigns stared at Fatu and told Columbus to acknowledge him. The fans cheered. Reigns said that’s all Fatu had to do – acknowledge Reigns.
Fatu said “hell no” to the idea of acknowledging Reigns. Fatu said he’s not like everybody else. Fatu said that Reigns is the reason why The Bloodline is living the life they have and why their family is on top of the mountain. Fatu said Reigns took the family to the promised land. Fatu said it’s time for a change, and it’s time for another destination. Fatu said that at Backlash, Reigns bent the rules just so he could pin Fatu. Fatu said that Reigns did what he had to do by any means necessary. Fatu shouted that anything goes in Tribal Combat. Fatu said everybody is going to have consequences.
Reigns said that if Fatu beats him, then Fatu becomes the Head of the Table. Reigns said if you can’t dogwalk him, then Reigns will walk him like a dog. Reigns said that if Fatu can’t beat him, then in time, Fatu will learn from his Tribal Chief.
Fatu said that it looks like a win for him. Fatu said that if Reigns dogwalks his ass, then Fatu still has a job here. Fatu said after he dogwalks Reigns then you will learn how to acknowledge him. Fatu extended his hand for a handshake, and Reigns shook it. Reigns and Fatu touched their heads together and then let go. That was the end of Raw.
Analysis: There is an issue between them, but they are also family, so that’s the conflict. It’s all about power, and it’s a story that the fans can relate to. I think Reigns will win at Tribal Combat, and I’m not sure what that means for Jacob. Anyway, it was a solid promo exchange. Reigns is really good at doing them, while Fatu held his own for sure.
This week’s Raw had a runtime of 2:28 on Netflix. Last week was 2:22.
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Three Stars of the Show
- Penta and Je’Von Evans
- Seth Rollins
- Montez Ford
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The Scoreboard
7.5 out of 10
Last week: 7.5
2026 Average: 7.49
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Final Thoughts on WWE Raw
I enjoyed the show, and I thought the match quality was really strong throughout the episode. The Penta/Evans and Rollins/Ford matches really stood out. There were some solid promos too. The ROLLUP OF DEATH~! had a big night with two wins on this show. Just saying.
WWE Clash in Italy takes place on Sunday, May 31st. Here’s the lineup.
* Tribal Combat Match for the World Heavyweight Championship: Roman Reigns (c) vs. Jacob Fatu
* Undisputed WWE Championship: Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Gunther
* WWE Women’s Championship: Rhea Ripley (c) vs. Jade Cargill
* Oba Femi vs. Brock Lesnar
* Women’s Intercontinental Championship: Becky Lynch (c) vs. Sol Ruca
You can watch WWE Clash in Italy on Sunday, May 31, at 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT on the ESPN App with an ESPN Unlimited plan 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. My contact info is below.
John Canton
Email [email protected]
Twitter/X @johnreport