The John Report: WWE Raw Deal 06/01/26 Review
It’s WWE Monday Night Raw featuring Roman Reigns wanting Jacob Fatu to acknowledge The Tribal Chief, King & Queen of the Ring Tournaments begin, and more.
This week’s WWE Monday Night Raw episode takes place in Turin, Italy, just like Sunday’s Clash in Italy PLE that saw Roman Reigns retain the World Heavyweight Title against Jacob Fatu in a Tribal Combat Match. There were four title matches at Clash in Italy with only one title change as Sol Ruca beat Becky Lynch to win the Women’s Intercontinental Title. Now the build begins for WWE Night of Champions on Saturday, June 27th, with some more European shows taking place this month. That means a 2 p.m. ET start time for Raw tonight, which I certainly don’t mind.
Also, please check out my review of the incredible Mask vs. Mask match between El Grande Americano and Original El Grande Americano at the AAA Noche de Los Grandes event from Saturday night. I loved the match, the crowd was amazing, and it was an incredible story.
This is the Raw Deal for episode #1723 of Monday Night Raw, taking place at the Inalpi Arena in Turin, Italy. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport. Let’s get to it.
There was a video package about WWE Clash in Italy.
Roman Reigns, the WWE World Heavyweight Champion, was shown arriving with The Usos to start the show. The fans cheered for The Tribal Chief as he held his title in the air.
Let’s Hear from Roman Reigns
The fans were cheering loudly as Roman Reigns made his slow walk to the ring and posed for them. The Usos were throwing the 1’s up in the air to acknowledge the Original Tribal Chief. The Italian fans were singing along with his song, which is pretty cool.
Reigns was soaking up the cheers and the singing by the fans. I have no idea what they were saying. It sounded like “Roman, Roman Reigns” again as the fans were going wild. Reigns told Torino to acknowledge him, so the fans did that. Reigns said there is no day like Acknowledgement Day. Jey Uso said first day on the job and Jacob Fatu is already late. That led to Fatu’s entrance.
Jacob Fatu made his entrance in a plain black dress shirt rather than one of his shirts. The fans were cheering for him on his way to the ring.
When Jacob got into the ring, Reigns told Jacob he knows what time it is. Jey repeated Reigns saying that Jacob knows what time it is. Reigns told Fatu to face him. The fans chanted “OTC” for Reigns again.
Fatu said at Tribal Combat, he knew what he was getting himself into and he knew the consequences. Fatu said he knew what would happen if he walked out with that title last night. Fatu said he knew what would happen if he lost. Fatu said he’s been taking L’s his whole life. Fatu said at Clash in Italy in front of the whole world, including his children, they will see his father take a loss and keep his word. Fatu said that last night he lost to his Tribal Chief. Reigns nodded. Fatu said that he didn’t lose to Jey’s punk ass. Fatu to Reigns: “I acknowledge you.” The fans cheered. Fatu even got down on one knee in front of Reigns and held up his right hand. The fans chanted OTC for Reigns, as he shook Fatu’s hand and lifted Fatu up. Reigns told Jacob that he loves him. Jimmy Uso said that you are here now. Jimmy said that this is a warning shot to the locker room because they the twos and we the ones. Fatu held up his hand to unite with Reigns and The Usos. Roman’s music played to end it. Reigns and The Usos went up the aisle together and posed for the fans again.
Analysis: There’s the official acknowledgment of Jacob Fatu toward Roman Reigns. I think The Bloodline story and angle works better with Reigns as a heel like he was from August 2020 until April 2024, but it’s a babyface Reigns era now, so it’s not the same as it was back then. Fatu is a popular guy, so having him align with Reigns and The Usos is fine as long as they can find some rivals. Raw has The Vision obviously, so that could be a feud down the line.
The Raw commentary team of Michael Cole and Corey Graves welcomed us to the show. Alicia Taylor was the ring announcer. They announced that they are showing the AAA Mask vs. Mask match on Netflix later.
There was some superstar walking shown of Seth Rollins, Bron Breakker with Austin Theory and Paul Heyman, and Sol Ruca.
A video package aired about the King and Queen of the Ring, narrated by a former King, Wade Barrett.
The Intercontinental Champion, Penta, made his entrance for the first King of the Ring qualifying match. No commercials for me this week after getting them last week. Good. Anyway, the entrances continued with Carmelo Hayes and Solo Sikoa.
Here are the King of the Ring tournament brackets.
The powerhouse Oba Femi was up next, following his first loss on the main roster, since Brock Lesnar beat Femi at Clash in Italy. The fans loved him as Oba did his strut on the way to the ring.
King of the Ring Qualifying Match: Oba Femi vs. Penta vs. Solo Sikoa (w/Talla Tonga) vs. Carmelo Hayes
Femi was attacked by the three guys, but he fought back with running uppercuts. Solo tried a splash, which didn’t work, so Femi punched Solo out of the ring. Penta hit a handstand kick on Melo by the ropes. Melo hit a springboard leg drop while Penta was by the ropes. Penta kicked Melo and Melo came back with a kick. Melo went for a springboard attack, but Penta hit a superkick. Solo was fighting with Femi on the floor and Femi sent Solo into the barricade. Femi went back in the ring with a double Chokeslam on Penta and Melo. They went on a break there, and I’ll take a break too.
The match continued with Penta and Melo battling in the ring while Femi and Solo were fighting on the floor during the break. Solo hit a double clothesline on Penta and Melo. Solo hit a running hip attack on Penta. Femi was back in the ring with a clothesline on Solo. As Femi tried to attack two guys, there were strikes from Solo, Melo and Penta. Femi charged at two guys, but they moved and Femi hit the turnbuckle. Solo used Talla to double team Femi by sending Femi into the ring post. Talla hit a running boot to knock Femi over the barricade. No DQ’s in a four-way. Penta hit a somersault dive on Solo. Melo jumped over the top and almost missed Penta on the floor, but Penta sold it. Solo hit a clothesline on Melo in the ring and Solo clotheslined Penta too. Melo hit a Dirty Diana slam on Solo into the mat. Penta hit a Penta Driver on Melo for two because Solo made the save. Femi was back on his feet and clotheslined Talla at ringside. Femi chopped Melo on the apron. Femi hit a spinebuster on Penta. Femi slammed Talla onto a commentary table. Femi launched Solo across the ring. Femi hit Fall from Grace on Solo for the pinfall win. I forgot to time it, but I think it was around 12 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Oba Femi
Analysis: ***3/4 That was an exciting 4-way match with Oba Femi standing out the most, obviously. I thought Penta, Melo and Solo did a good job in their roles, but this was about making Oba the star of the match. Femi continues to impress on the main roster after being a standout on NXT. I reviewed Femi’s entire run in NXT, so I know how talented he is, but it makes me so happy to see him standing out on the main roster.
The win means that Oba Femi is in the King of the Ring semifinals.
Oba Femi did a promo about how Brock Lesnar wondered how Femi would react after taking an ass-whooping. Femi said he’s still standing after taking Lesnar’s best shot. Femi claimed he’s going to be King of the Ring. Femi said that it’s 1-1, so he’ll see Lesnar down the line. The fans cheered.
Analysis: Good promo by Oba Femi. I think he certainly could be King of the Ring, but perhaps Brock Lesnar attacks him during a tournament match and costs Femi the win. That may happen.
A video package aired about the Seth Rollins-Bron Breakker match that will be the main event of Raw.
The new Women’s Intercontinental Champion, Sol Ruca, was shown walking backstage for a promo up next. As she walked, we saw Austin Theory talking to Maxxine Dupri, just as we’ve seen in previous weeks.
Lash Legend was interviewed by Byron Saxton in the arena. This was shown during the break. Lash bragged about how she’s going to be Queen of the Ring.
Sol Ruca Interview
The new Women’s Intercontinental Champion, Sol Ruca, was interviewed by Cathy Kelley in the ring. She was cheered by the fans. Ruca said she knew she could be a champion, and she thanked the fans for believing in her too. That fired up the crowd. Ruca said that Becky Lynch didn’t feel Ruca was ready, but Ruca said Becky let her test herself against the best, and Ruca proved her wrong. Ruca said it’s not just her saying it, but everybody is saying it. That’s a Lynch-ism. Ruca said she’s going to be a fighting champion. Ruca held up her title, and some fireworks went off.
Analysis: It was a quick babyface promo to have Sol Ruca thank the fans and say she’s a fighting champion. I thought there would be an interruption, but instead, Sol was able to talk without anybody confronting her.
There was a clip shown from Clash in Italy backstage when Roman Reigns stared at Cody Rhodes.
Roman Reigns was backstage with The Usos. Reigns said that Jacob Fatu has to understand tough love. Reigns told Jey Uso he’s held this World Heavyweight Title and said he wants him to win King of the Ring to hold the other WWE Title while reminding Jey that there are two ends on the table. Jey left while Reigns told Jimmy to stay with him.
Rey Mysterio and Dragon Lee made their entrance for tag team action. The entrances of Ethan Page and Rusev were shown as well. All of that was during a break.
Rusev & Ethan Page vs. Rey Mysterio & Dragon Lee
The powerful Rusev stomped away on Lee against the turnbuckle. Rusev put his foot on Lee’s throat while against the ropes. After Page tagged in, Lee was able to get some offense going with a wrecking ball dropkick. Lee hit a superkick on Page, but Rusev made a blind tag. Lee was ready for it with a rollup on Rusev. Thanks, Graves, for pointing out that the fans are singing after 2 counts, so it’s similar to the French crowd. The fans wanted Rey to tag in, but Page pulled him off the apron. Rusev hit a spinning uranage slam on Lee. They went to a break for some fans as the heels were in control for the next three minutes.
The action during the break was Rusev and Page isolating Lee, who managed to send Rusev out of the ring. Page held onto Lee to prevent Lee from tagging out. Fenix hit Page with a forearm and tried to get by Rusev, but Rusev blocked that. Lee hit a superkick to knock Rusev down. Rey finally got the hot tag with a kick on Page and Rey hit a seated senton off the top on Page. Rey hit a cross body block on Page for two. Rey punched Rusev off the apron. Page hit a running boot to knock Rey down. Rusev went into the ring illegally, as Rey hit a hurricanrana to send Rusev out of the ring. Rey dropkicked Page into the ropes. The fans were going crazy as Rusev tripped up Rey to stop him. Page shoved Rey into Lee on the apron to knock Lee down. Rey tried a hurricanrana, but Page countered it and applied a Boston Crab. Lee hit a superkick on Page. Lee gave Rusev a headscissors into Page and Lee hit Rusev with a knee out of the ring. Lee hit a suicide dive on Rusev. Rey dropkicked Page into the ropes and Rey hit a 619 on Page to a huge ovation. Rey hit a slingshot Dropping The Dime splash on Page for the pinfall win. It went about 12 minutes.
Winners by pinfall: Rey Mysterio & Dragon Lee
Analysis: ***1/2 It was an entertaining tag team match with the fans loving the legendary Rey Mysterio. The crowd popped big time when Rey hit the 619, especially. They did an excellent job of building to Rey Mysterio getting the hot tag, which fired up the crowd. Page is a terrific heel while Rusev also knows what he’s doing out there as a veteran heel. Lee had some cool moments in the match too. Rey getting the win was done to give him a push to get a shot at the Intercontinental Title against Penta.
Penta, the Intercontinental Champion, spoke to Raw GM Adam Pearce, who said Rey Mysterio wanted a shot at the IC Title. Penta liked that. Pearce said he’ll make it happen. Penta left.
LA Knight approached Adam Pearce to complain that The Bloodline was back running things again. Knight complained about Pearce talking to Reigns in the locker room last week. Pearce tried to calm Knight down. Pearce claimed that Jacob Fatu is a liability. Pearce said that he was trying to keep family blood in line and Knight saw Pearce’s hand pointing as if he was doing “1s” salute. Knight left.
The Judgment Day’s Dominik Mysterio and JD McDonagh were interviewed by Byron Saxton, who mentioned Finn Balor was traded to SmackDown. JD said that Finn won’t be missed. Dominik claimed he was the next King of the Ring while the fans booed him loudly. Saxton said if Dom wins his first-round match, then he’d be against Oba Femi, so Dom said that Femi should be afraid of him.
Analysis: Good luck to Finn Balor on SmackDown.
They showed highlights of the Mask vs. Mask match between El Grande Americano and Original El Grande Americano at the AAA Noche de Los Grandes from last Saturday. As I wrote at the top of this review, I loved the match. It’s definitely worth checking out.
There was also a clip of Chad Gable unmasking as the Original El Grande Americano. The screen went black and white because Gable was a bloody mess. They showed Gable’s speech, in which he mentioned he is (including his birthday), thanked his family, and the fans cheered him as a sign of respect. Gable gave El Grande Americano the mask after the match.
Analysis: I really hope Chad Gable gets used better on Raw or SmackDown soon. The same goes for The Creed Brothers, who are part of Gable’s American Made group.
It was time for a Women’s Queen of the Ring tournament match. Iyo Sky was up first. They went to a break as the other women made their entrances: Roxanne Perez, Giulia, and Lash Legend.
Queen of the Ring Qualifying Match: Iyo Sky vs. Giulia vs. Roxanne Perez vs. Lash Legend
The fans really liked Giulia, who is part-Italian. Lash had the size advantage in this match. Lash showed off her power early by catching Giulia, but then Sky hit a missile dropkick to knock them down. Perez knocked down Sky. Lash was back into it with a boot to the face. Giulia went for a headlock submission, but Lash put her on the top rope. Lash had Sky and Perez in her arms, so Giulia hit a missile dropkick. Giulia picked up Sky and hit a belly-to-back suplex. They went on a break for some fans, and I’ll continue with the action. Giulia and Perez exchanged strikes while the other two women were out of the ring. Giulia used a leg scissors around Perez’s neck, so then Sky did the same thing to Giulia. Lash got back into it and then it was broken up.
The match continued with Giulia and Perez pulling Lash out of the ring and Lash was sent into the steel steps. Perez outsmarted Giulia after working together briefly. Perez jumped off the turnbuckle, but Sky was ready and hit a dropkick. Sky hit a running dropkick on Perez. Sky gave Giulia a necksnap against the top rope. Sky went up top and hit a double missile dropkick to knock Giulia and Perez down. Sky hit the Bullet Train knee on Giulia and Perez. Lash was back in the ring, but Sky countered her and stomped on Lash. Giulia hit the running knee on Lash for two because Perez broke up the pin. Perez hit a legsweep/DDT combo on Giulia and Sky. Perez hit a handstand knee attack on Sky for two. Sky sent Perez back first into the turnbuckle. Giulia stopped Sky while she was going up top. Perez joined Giulia and Sky on the top turnbuckle. Lash joined the three women by the turnbuckle, so Lash hit a double Powerbomb out of the corner. Lash hit the Lash Extension on Perez and a Lash Extension on Giulia too. Sky broke up the pin attempt with a double stomp to the back. Sky jumped off the top and hit Over The Moonsault on Giulia for the pinfall win after about 11 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Iyo Sky
Analysis: ***1/2 It was another very good 4-way match on this show. These 4-way match are usually very well put together, like the earlier match on this show, and we’ll see more of them in the weeks ahead. I was glad to see Giulia look impressive in the match, even though she was the one who took the pin. Perez was like the glue of the match since she was involved in so much. They set up Lash Legend for some big spots throughout the match, and I thought she might win, but I’m glad it was Sky, who is awesome.
Maxxine Dupri spoke to Raw GM Adam Pearce backstage. Dupri complained about Pearce not putting her in the Queen of the Ring tournament. Pearce said the tournament is stacked. Dupri said she was overlooked again. Pearce told Dupri that if an opening comes up, she’s at the top of the list. Otis and Akira Tozawa were there with Dupri. Otis said he noticed she was hanging out with Austin Theory a lot lately. Dupri said she knows what she’s doing and to trust her on this.
Seth Rollins was shown getting ready for the main event.
El Grande Americano arrived with Rayo and Bravo for a promo for the crowd. This was during a break. They spoke in Spanish even though none of them are really Spanish. Grande said that the entire world knows what AAA and lucha libre is all about. Grande said that the entire world witnessed him fighting for himself, his people, and his country. Grande posed to end it.
A video package aired about Danhausen cursing the New York Knicks in the NBA Playoffs early in the playoffs, but then he uncursed them, and the Knicks are now in the NBA Finals. Danhausen is getting credit for their success.
Analysis: Go Knicks. I like the San Antonio Spurs a lot, but it’s been over 50 years since the Knicks won, so I’d love to see them as NBA Champions.
Bayley and Lyra Valkyria were interviewed by Cathy Kelley, who wondered if they met in the Queen of the Ring tournament. Bayley said they can’t think about that yet while talking about wanting to go after the Women’s Tag Team Titles as well. Lyra walked away and talked to Sol Ruca, who is the Women’s Intercontinental Champion. Lyra made it clear she wants to challenge for the Women’s IC Title, and Sol said she’d like that. Bayley walked over to talk to Lyra, saying they were doing something over there.
Analysis: I am ready for heel Bayley to return, but I don’t know if that’s the plan. The team with Lyra has been okay. I just think Bayley would be better off being a heel again.
Next week on Raw:
* King of the Ring Tournament: Seth Rollins vs. Je’Von Evans vs. Ricky Saints vs. Talla Tonga
* Queen of the Ring Tournament: Becky Lynch vs. Liv Morgan vs. Alexa Bliss vs. Chelsea Green
Analysis: Interesting matches there. I would love to see Je’Von Evans win and move on in the tournament. In the women’s match, please put over Chelsea Green, but I think Lynch or Morgan is more likely.
The Judgment Day was shown in their clubhouse as Roxanne Perez complained about her loss. Liv Morgan walked in, saying the crown will look so good on her. Morgan realized Perez was sad, so Morgan said that they should take advantage of opportunities. Morgan claimed they’ll take these tournaments since she and Dominik will be Queen & King of the Ring. Raquel Rodriguez wasn’t sure about that. Morgan said they should go have some fun. Morgan told Perez she was so proud of her.
Seth Rollins made his entrance for the main event. The fans loved him as usual since they like to sing songs most of the show, and the Rollins song is a popular one to sing. The Rollins entrance continued during the break, so there was a lot of singing of the Seth song.
Bron Breakker made his entrance as a World Tag Team Champion with Paul Heyman by his side. Bron was wearing the World Tag Team Title that he holds with Austin Theory. Breakker beat Rollins at Backlash last month, so it’s the rematch.
Seth Rollins vs. Bron Breakker (w/Paul Heyman)
There were punches exchanged early, and then Bron hit a German Suplex across the ring. Rollins hit a Slingblade neckbreaker, followed by a clothesline out of the ring. Rollins hit a suicide dive on Bron on the floor. Rollins hit another suicide dive on Bron. Rollins tried a suicide dive, Bron caught him and tossed Rollins over the barricade into the front row onto a bunch of dudes who might be indy wrestlers. The match continued with Bron in control with a running clothesline. Bron used his leg to choke Rollins across the middle rope. Bron sent Rollins sternum-first into the turnbuckle. After Rollins threw some punches, Bron did an elbow smash and a standing moonsault for two. Bron did some push-ups to taunt the crowd.
The match returned from the break for some fans as Rollins hit some slaps to the face. Bron hit another German Suplex to regain control. Bron sent Rollins into the ring post. While Rollins was on the floor, Bron ran around the ring and hit an elbow smash. Bron sent Rollins into the hood of the Italian commentary table a few times. Bron broke the referee’s count and then backed out to clear off the two commentary tables. Bron hit Rollins with a knee to the ribs, and they went back into the ring. Bron tried a press slam, but Rollins countered it with a reverse DDT. Rollins hit a couple of clotheslines and a third clothesline that knocked Bron down. Rollins hit a knee to the jaw. Rollins hit a springboard Swanton Bomb for a two count. Rollins went up top, Bron went after him and Rollins gouged the eyes. Bron popped back up with a Frankensteiner off the top for a two count. You can tell when that is coming because Seth’s feet were in front of the ropes to take the move instead of being behind the ropes when it’s a superplex. Rollins walked over to the commentary table, Bron jumped off the ring apron and they collided with a double clothesline spot. That was cool. The show went to another break as the match continued. Rollins and Bron were selling fatigue as they exchanged punches in the ring. Rollins hit Bron with forearms and elbows. Bron caught Rollins and hit a Black Hole Slam for a two count.
Rollins was able to regain control with a Powerbomb for a two count. They left the ring with Rollins sending Bron into the steel steps. Rollins put Bron on his shoulders and climbed the steel steps, but Bron shoved Rollins into the ring post. Bron went up top, took way too long, and Rollins did his jump up to the top for a superplex. Bron tried a move, but Rollins countered into a Falcon Arrow for two. That was sweet. Rollins hit Bron with a superkick. Rollins charged, but Bron jumped back up with a Spear that sent Rollins out of the ring. It was not a running Spear, but it’s still a Spear by Breakker. Bron put Rollins on the commentary table, then went on another table and Bron charged, but Rollins countered it into a Pedigree through the English commentary table. Back in the ring, Rollins hit another Pedigree for just a two count. Rollins set up for The Stomp, but Austin Theory showed up, so Rollins put Theory in the ring and sent him out of the ring. Rollins hit a clothesline on Bron, and some stomps. Heyman went on the apron to distract, so Theory hit Rollins with a belt shot to the head. Montez Ford showed up and jumped over the turnbuckle with a somersault onto Theory on the floor! Bron hit a Spear on Ford on the floor. Back in the ring, Bron hit a Spear on Rollins for just a two count. Rollins stopped a charging Bron with a superkick. Rollins hit The Stomp and Heyman put Bron’s left foot on the bottom rope. The referee saw Heyman do it and it was only a two count. Heyman trash-talked Rollins from outside the ring. Rollins was staring at Heyman on the floor as they argued, so Bron ran around the ring and Bron hit a Spear on Heyman through the barricade! Rollins avoided the charging attack by Bron. The fans reacted to that loudly while Heyman was down. Bron went for a Spear and Rollins had the World Tag Team Title in his arms while the referee was checking on Heyman. The referee never saw Rollis holding the title. Rollins hit The Stomp on Bron and covered for the 1…2…3. It went about 23 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Seth Rollins
Analysis: ****1/4 That was an awesome match that was like a PLE main event, so it was cool to see a match that great on Raw. It may have been better than any match at Clash in Italy. They had a lot of creative spots throughout the match , and ended it with some high notes as Bron hit Heyman with a Spear through the barricade. That was followed by Rollins with the clever move of holding the World Tag Team Title in his hands to counter the Spear that he knew Breakker would do. It’s great ring psychology and also some cheating, so it gives Breakker something to complain about. I really enjoyed the Rollins-Breakker match at Backlash and this one was great too. They got plenty of time and delivered an excellent main event.
After the match, Seth Rollins pointed over to Ford at ringside as if Rollins was thanking Ford for his help. Rollins celebrated the win some more. That was the end of the show.
This week’s Raw had a runtime of 2:33 on Netflix. Last week was 2:28.
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Three Stars of the Show
- Seth Rollins
- Oba Femi
- Bron Breakker, Iyo Sky
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The Scoreboard
8 out of 10
Last week: 7.5
2026 Average: 7.51
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Final Thoughts on WWE Raw
I thought it was a great episode of Raw, carried by the in-ring action. There were some promos like the Roman Reigns-Jacob Fatu acknowledgment segment and Sol Ruca’s promo in the ring, but the great matches are what carried this episode.
The King and Queen of the Ring matches were a lot of fun, with Oba Femi and Iyo Sky picking up big wins. Others stood out in those matches, even though they lost.
Seth Rollins and Bron Breakker also delivered one of the best Raw main events of the year. It was really good, they got over 20 minutes, and they had some memorable spots towards the finish.
Shoutout to the Turin crowd for making a lot of noise throughout the show. I don’t speak Italian, so I have no idea about some of the chants they did, but their energy was felt throughout the show, and that always helps.
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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