Tag: brock lesnar

WWE Raw live results: CM Punk, Brock Lesnar, Oba Femi appear

Posted on by Marc Quill

WWE Raw on Monday April 6, 2026 is set for the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.

Seven matches/segments are advertised for the show, including WrestleMania 42 opponents Brock Lesnar and Oba Femi being “in the same building.”

After he was attacked by Gunther last week, Seth Rollins will kick off this week’s Raw. Their match for WrestleMania has been made official as well.

CM Punk is also booked to appear, plus four matches are scheduled: Finn Balor vs. JD McDonagh, Austin Theory vs. LA Knight, Rhea Ripley & IYO SKY vs. B-Fab & Michin, and Penta, Dragon Lee & Je’Von Evans vs. El Grande Americano, Rayo Americano & Bravo Americano.

The full lineup for the show is as follows:

  • Seth Rollins to kick off the episode
  • We will hear from CM Punk
  • Oba Femi and Brock Lesnar will be in the same building
  • Finn Balor vs. JD McDonagh
  • Rhea Ripley & IYO SKY vs. B-Fab & Michin (w/ Jade Cargill)
  • Austin Theory (w/ Logan Paul) vs. LA Knight
  • Penta, Dragon Lee & Je’Von Evans vs. El Grande Americano, Rayo Americano & Bravo Americano

Our live coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern.

**********

CM Punk opens Raw

The show opened with CM Punk addressing the crowd, as he put over Houston’s wrestling heritage. Punk pointed out that Roman Reigns was not in the building tonight, stating that he got some payback from being put through a table two weeks ago as he gave Reigns the same treatment last week in Madison Square Garden.

Punk said he hated Roman Reigns because he viewed him as a “store-bought and plastic” star manufactured by corporate. He pointed out that this wasn’t “cinema”, it was pro wrestling and that Reigns and his bloodline don’t run the place anymore. Punk took a shot at Reignsf or being a nepo baby who ate dog food for “a weird old man” (Vince McMahon), the same one who treated Punk like a dog, but he had dignity and left when he had the FU money.

Punk then turned his attention to Pat McAfee for his remarks on SmackDown last Friday. Punk challenged McAfee to call his ‘agent” to lower ticket prices and that he’s also got a receipt coming. He wrapped up by saying that the prices should be lowered so that families can see him step on Reigns’ neck at WrestleMania, as he stated that he approved this message.

Effective opening salvo from Punk, but as I noted on the SmackDown recap, I’m really not a fan of the Pat McAfee stuff being brought up. Punk also bringing up Vince McMahon but not alluding to him by name also didn’t sit right with me.

**********

– After a recap of LA Knight’s invasion of IShowSpeed’s stream, we got Speed himself running into Danhausen. He asked Danhausen to lift the curse that was put on him, but Danhausen only agreed to do it if he got a mention on his streams. Speed didn’t agree as Danhausen vanished.

The Vision’s Austin Theory and Logan Paul grabbed Speed and said that they were safe with him.

LA Knight vs. Austin Theory

We started off with some chain wrestling, but Knight pushed back and tossed Theory across the ring. As Theory rolled out of the ring, he re-entered and instantly got met with a Knight clothesline. After being deposited out of the ring, Knight dropped him with a dropkick to the outside. We took a break as Knight had the upper hand on Theory at the timekeeper’s area.

Our opener returned from the break as Knight went for a neckbreaker, but Theory rcountered with the Blockbuster for a close near-fall. The action spilled outside as Knight bashed Theory’s head across the commentary table. Logan Paul tried to get involved, but got taken out by Knight for his troubles.

IShowSpeed found himself caught in the fray as Logan pushed him into Knight’s path. Speed ran as fast as he could up the ramp until The Usos’ music played. As Speed was caught between a rock and a hard place, he leapt over Knight in a great show of agility and paced back into the ring. Knight gave chase, but this allowed Theory to pick up a tainted win with a roll-up pin.

Austin Theory def. LA Knight via pinfall

After the match, IShowSpeed tried to beg the Usos and Knight for forgiveness. Before the Usos could do anything to Speed, Logan Paul pulled him out of the ring.

This led to Knight asking for a six-man tag between him and the Usos against Theory, Paul, and IShowSpeed to be made for WrestleMania, as Adam Pierce made it official soon after.

I’m not too hot on this match being made, and it’s easy to see why, given the sorry state of The Vision, which was once heralded as a dangerous heel stable on Raw.

**********

– A recap of Pat McAfee’s aligning with Randy Orton from SmackDown aired.

– Finn Balor tried to make his way for a match, but he was ambushed from behind by “Dirty” Dominik Mysterio. Balor did try to fight back, but Dom and JD McDonagh used the Judgment Day numbers game to their advantage to leave Balor laying.

– AJ Lee’s interview with Michael Cole was rudely interrupted by Becky Lynch. The challenger to Lee’s Women’s Intercontinental Title dissed the champion’s last WrestleMania appearance and how she quit the day after. Lynch put over her WrestleMania acumen stating that it was “her home”.

Lee fired back by saying that people kept underestimating her and that the fans never forgot who she was even after all the years away from WWE. She closed off by telling Lynch that she should ask who Roux Lynch’s favorite wrestler his when she Becky tucked her daughter to bed, because it was AJ Lee.

**********

Bayley vs. Lash Legend

The match opned with Legend at the advantage early, but Bayley attempted to fight back. Big boot by Legend took us to the commercial break.

We returned as Legend hit Bayley with a backbreaker for a near-fall. Bayley tried to fight back as she avoided a pump-kick. The elbow drop from the heavens missed its target. In the end, Lyra Valkyria held down Legend’s leg as Bayley got the pin with a diving crossbody after countering a superplex.

Bayley def. Lash Legend via pinfall

**********

Seth Rollins addresses GUNTHER

Seth Rollins made his way down to the ring, with the Houston crowd loudly singing his song. He was addressed as “Seth ‘Freakin’ Rollins” in his entrance

As Rollins took the mic, he showed excitement and gratefulness to the Houston crowd for singing his entrance them as he had been waiting for it after six long months away from the ring.

Rollins took in the crowd singing before he declared that he was back. He talked about how in less than two weeks at WrestleMania, he was going one on one against GUNTHER. He was trying to figure out how we all got here, mainly because he and GUNTHER had no personal issues with one another. Rollins suggested that GUNTHER had a business relationship with Paul Heyman.

Rollins stated that he had two missions: to take the World Heavyweight Title he never loss, and to kill The Vision. He talked about how Logan Paul and Austin Theory had issues with The Usos, Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed were on the shelf, and that Brock Lesnar was put on a silver platter by Rollins for Oba Femi.

As Rollins addressed GUNTHER, the Ring General tried to ambush him, but Rollins got ahead of it and avoided a sleeper. The brawl spilled to the outside, as Adam Pearce and officials tried to break things up.

This Rollins/GUNTHER feud is somehow the one feud that hasn’t been a total wash in terms of the Road to WrestleMania. I’m surprised at how much I’m enjoying it.

**********

Penta, Je’von Evans, Dragon Lee vs. El Grande Americano & Los Americanos

El Grande dropped Evans with a knee as he and Los Americanos did a dance in the middle the ring. Evans headed to the top and took everyone out. The action spilled to the outside as Lee, Evans, and Penta took out everyone with massive dives as we took a commercial break.

The match resumed from the break as Penta and Rayo Americano were the legal men. Penta connected with an amazing rolling double DDT on Los Americanos. Meanwhole in the ring, Lee hit Rayo with a basement dropkick. Lee attempted a Styles Clash, but Bravo pulled at his leg, which allowed Dragon to be hit with repeated headbutts by El Grande and Los Americanos. Evans entered and tried for the Springboard Cutter, but got hit with a forearm.

Things hit a quickening pace as Dragon Lee connected with the Styles Clash. El Grande broke up the pin as all six men were now in the ring. Dragon Lee dropped El Grande with a hurricanrana from the apron, while Penta hit the Mexican Destroyer on Rayo on the apron. Evans finished things off with the O.G. Cutter on Bravo to pick up the pin and win.

After the match Rey Mysterio showed uip to a huge ovation from the Houston crowd as he embraced Evans, Dragon, and Penta.

– Rey Mysterio talked about how cool it was for Penta’s journey to take off with him becoming the Intercontinental Champion. Mysterio said that he missed WrestleMania last year due to injury, but as for this year, he spoke with Adam Pearce. Mysterio said it was missing him . Penta agreed and seemed to welcome Rey into the Intercontinental Championship ladder match.

Je’von Evans, Dragon Lee, & Penta def. El Grande Americano & Los Americanos viua pinfall.

A heck of a tag match. I might be generally down on WWE as a whole, especially as far as the Road to WrestleMania goes. But, I find myself enjoying Je’von Evans and Penta. Seeing these two succeeding as they are always puts a smile to my face.

**********

– Cody Rhodes’ response to Pat McAfee’s actions from SmackDown last Friday later that evening was shown.

– A recap of Brock Lesnar and Oba Femi’s Madison Square Garden showdown was shown.

RHIYO (Rhea Ripley & IYO SKY) vs. B-Fab & Michin (w/ Jade Cargill)

Ripley slammed B-Fab down and punched away at her. She then took her out with a fierce clothesline. Ripley threw Michin into the ring and laid her out with a kick before tossing her to the ringside area. B-Fab took advantage and hit Ripley with a strike before she worked her over in the coner. B-Fab than hit a DDT on RIpley for a two-count.

B-Fab locked in a chinlock on Ripley for a good while before it was broken up with a snapmare. Ripley tagged in SKY while Michin entered for her team. Double stomp to Michin by SKY, who dropped B-Fab by the neck across the ropes. This left B-Fab and Michin at the mercy of a double dropkick from SKY. B-Fab and Michin were then rattled by a suicide dive by SKY as we took a break in the action.

Raw returned from commercial with SKY at the mercy of a two-on-one attack from B-Fab and Michin as they took control during the break. While the referee was distracted, Jade Cargill tripped up Ripley at the apron to prevent her from tagging SKY. Back in the ring, SKY rolled up B-Fab with a flash pin for the win.

After the match, Cargill laid out SKY, as Michin grabbed a kendo stick, looking to do damage, Ripley entered the ring and tried to even the odds, but a pump kick from Cargill put her out for the count. With Ripley held against the ropes by B-Fab and Michin, Cargill took the kendo stick and turned her attention to SKY. Cargill then finished her off with Jaded.

RHIYO def. B-Fab & Michin via pinfall

I can’t tell you how this feud is leaving me cold. Cargill is just not a good heel, and the inexplicable alliance between her, B-Fab, and Michin does not interest me as a heel faction.

**********

– Finn Balor addressed Dominik Mysterio and stated that a side he had buried a long time ago as he said that it was coming back at WrestleMania, hinting that he was bringing The Demon back to deal with Dom.

– Stephanie Vaquer attacked Liv Morgan in the Judgment Day clubhouse, throwing her right into the TV.

Oba Femi/Brock Lesnar WrestleMania contract signing

During the commercial break, Paul “Triple H” Levesque was shown entering the ring and confiding with Adam Pearce as they’ll oversee the Femi/Lesnar contract signing.

Pearce addressed the crowd, and stated that over the last couple of weeks, we’ve seen the birth of a true clash of heavyweight titans at WrestleMania between Oba Femi & Brock Lesnar. Before Pearce could continue, Paul Heyman butted in as only he could. Heyman talked about this match being the most anticipated match in WrestleMania history and how Oba Femi couldn’t measure up to Brock Lesnar.

At that moment, Lesnar made his entrance. Soon after, Pearce introduced Femi, as “The Ruler” made his way down to the ring to a loud ovation.

As Femi entered, Lesnar went on the attack before Femi fought back as security ran down post-haste to break everyone up… or at least try to. Even with everyone attempting to separate Femi and Lesnar, the brawl continued on. Lesnar and Femi tossed a chair at one another as the show ended rather abruptly.

**********

As with most overused Triple H booking tropes, the pull apart brawl is one that’s gotten a bit too much use over the past couple of weeks, between Femi/Lesnar, Punk/Reigns, and Rhodes/Orton. This final segment didn’t exactly feel that exciting and enticing me to watch WrestleMania for the Femi vs. Lesnar match. The rather abrupt ending before anything truly could break down didn’t help matters either.

All in all, this was kind of an okay Raw. Maybe my lack of excitement for WrestleMania season kind of colored how I reacted to the show tonight, but nothing really grabbed my interest. That said, the six-man tag match was a highlight and the actual matches themselves tend to be enjoyable. It’s just the overall storytelling in WWE that’s been failing for the most part.

WOR: WrestleMania card, Cena returns, non-Mania big matches, RAW report, more!

Posted on by Bryan Alvarez

Wrestling Observer Radio with Bryan Alvarez and Dave Meltzer is back with tons to talk about including the WrestleMania card filling up, what should headline night one, John Cena added to boost ticket sales, new Mania weekend non-WWE matches, Arena Mexico, Best of the Super Juniors, the RAW report, ratings and tons more! A fun show as always so check it out~!

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WWE Raw live results: Punk, Reigns, Lesnar appear at Madison Square Garden

Posted on by Steve Khan

Date: March 30, 2026
Location: Madison Square Garden in New York City 

The Big Takeaway —

If you thought WWE would put together a big Madison Square Garden show with WrestleMania around the corner, you’d be wrong. This was a weak show that concluded with a Punk-Reigns angle for the fifth straight week, and it was not worth the wait. 

**********

Show Recap — 

CM Punk, Oba Femi, Nia Jax and Lash Legend arrived at Madison Square Garden. 

Cody Rhodes kicks off Monday Night Raw in MSG

Rhodes entered and was almost universally cheered. He said MSG was the home of the WWE Championship and the WWE Champion would always be present at the world’s most famous arena. He asked what they wanted to talk about. 

Stephanie McMahon interrupted. Rhodes was surprised to see her. She wasn’t sure why, because her last name was “McMahon,” and this was the place her grandfather built. He asked her what she wanted to talk about. 

Stephanie said she wanted to talk about him, Randy Orton and WrestleMania—but Rhodes wouldn’t like what she had to say. She said the three of them were multigenerational talents and knew what it was like to be at the top. 

They all took different paths to get to where they were. Rhodes took the golden path, and that was wonderful. He was true to himself, and he believed he could bring out the best in his opponents. But he couldn’t do that this time against this version of Orton. 

This Orton was diabolical. Rhodes didn’t have to be diabolical, but he had to be able to think like Orton. Dusty Rhodes knew that. Dusty could get down and dirty, but Cody was not his father. This Cody could not beat this Orton. 

Rhodes said the last thing he wanted to do was be rude to Stephanie. He knew all about Orton. He knew Orton punted people’s heads off—his father included. Orton did stuff so vile they couldn’t show it today, including things he did to Stephanie. 

Fans wanted the student-teacher dynamic from them, but he ceased to be the student a long time ago. He wasn’t the student when he was Orton’s babysitter, making sure Orton was still breathing in the car they rode together. 

Rhodes was not the student, and he was not afraid. Rhodes said he was not his father and added, “You wanna bring up fathers? I’m not mine, you’re right. Stephanie McMahon, with all due respect, you’re not yours either.” 

The crowd popped, and Stephanie smacked him in the face. Stephanie said she was out there because she cared about him. She was there because no one else was giving him guidance. Rhodes didn’t understand what Orton was capable of. Orton wasn’t just listening to the voices in his head—he beckoned them. And it appeared he was listening to someone else as well. Unless Rhodes learned to think like Orton, he would lose the title. 

Stephanie was about to leave, but Rhodes grabbed her by the arm and turned her around. Rhodes said he had two words for her: “Thank you.” He left. 

********

IShowSpeed and Adam Pearce were interrupted by Danhausen. Speed told Danhausen he’s had a terrible week and wanted to be uncursed, but Danhausen had a list of crazy demands to make that happen. Pearce tried to cheer up Speed by telling him he had front row seats for the men’s tag team title match. LA Knight, guest announcer for the match, appeared and left with Speed. 

Street Fight for the World Tag Team Championships: Jimmy & Jey Uso (c) vs. Logan Paul & Austin Theory

They can go 17 minutes uninterrupted for a talking segment, but this supposedly important tag team title match couldn’t go 50 seconds without going to commercial break. 

The Usos hit a dive ahead of a break, but it didn’t matter because the Vision took control with weapons immediately after. The Usos came back with ugly-looking superkicks and weapon shots. They placed a trash can over Paul and obliterated it with kendo stick shots. They also gave Theory a double superplex off the middle rope through a table. 

Paul approached his mother in the front row, and she handed him brass knuckles while IShowSpeed tried reasoning with him. Knight left the announce table and went after Paul. Paul grabbed onto Speed for leverage to save himself, but he pulled Speed over the barricade in the process.

Knight chucked Paul into the ring post as Speed put the knux on. Speed felt something behind him, turned around and knocked down Knight with the knux before realizing who it was. Speed was filled with regret. 

Paul tried to use the knux on Jimmy, but he ducked, and the Usos handed out superkicks to both Vision members. Jey speared Theory and went to the top as Jimmy went for a dive, but Paul decked Jimmy with the knux. Jey went after Paul, but Theory rolled over onto the unconscious Jimmy for the pinfall win. That’s how they changed the tag titles. 

— Paul and Theory celebrated with IShowSpeed as fireworks went off, although Speed wasn’t sure how to react. 

Match result: Austin Theory & Logan Paul defeated Jimmy & Jey Uso to win the World Tag Team Championships (8:48) 

This was not a particularly entertaining street fight. The stip was an excuse to do all the outside nonsense, and the finish sucked. 

********

Jeff Ross and Lin-Manuel Miranda were in the crowd. 

Liv Morgan and Stephanie Vaquer segment 

Morgan entered. She told Stephanie Vaquer, “You’re done for, bitch.” She said it was one thing to attack her, but it was another thing to attack her family, Daddy Dom. She wasn’t surprised because Vaquer didn’t have any family there. Vaquer claimed Morgan hid behind her family, but Vaquer sneak-attacked her anytime she got. 

Morgan wondered if Vaquer was scared to confront her face-to-face. Morgan’s mother taught her not to let anyone get the better of her, but as for Vaquer’s mother: “tu madre es basure, puta.” 

Vaquer stormed out (to her music) and dropped Morgan with a thrust kick. Vaquer grabbed a steel chair, but it was a trap, because the returning Roxanne Perez decked her from behind. The two heels hammered away on Vaquer until Morgan laid her out with Oblivion. 

********

Theory and Paul celebrated with the tag titles backstage. IShowSpeed wanted to make it clear that he didn’t want to get involved earlier. Paul wasn’t hearing it. He laughed and said Speed had enemies now. Speed tried pleading with them until Paul Heyman interjected. 

Heyman said Speed was in good hands. He told the Vision to take Speed with them to dinner so they could celebrate. After they left, Heyman bluntly said, “The Usos are going to kill him.” The crowd laughed. 

Pearce approached Heyman and asked if he had checked his email. Heyman brushed this off as nonsense and left. (This was weird. Heyman was oddly dismissive of the idea that he would correspond via email. I’m also not sure why Pearce didn’t just explain it to him here.) 

********

Michael Cole said this was the first time since 1987 that women’s tag team titles were defended in MSG. That match was between The Glamour Girls and The Jumping Bomb Angels. 

Women’s Tag Team Championship match: Nia Jax & Lash Legend (c) vs. Bayley & Lyra Valkyria

They got a full three minutes before the babyfaces wiped out the heels with dives ahead of a break. Like the previous match, it didn’t matter because the heels took control as soon as they were in commercials. 

Back from break, Valkyria planted Legend with a DDT and made the hot tag to Bayley, who landed a diving elbow drop for two. Legend cut her off with a big boot, and Jax followed with a leg drop for two. Jax set up for the Annihilator, but Bayley got underneath, walked with Jax toward the middle of the ring and hit a powerbomb. The crowd cheered the impressive spot. 

They all traded moves when Nikki and Brie Bella marched to ringside. They were quickly joined by Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss. Valkyria left the ring to talk to them for some reason, so Jax attacked her from behind. 

Some other stuff happened before Flair entered the ring and chop-blocked Jax for the DQ. Fans groaned. 

Jax and Legend were attacked by everyone else and knocked out of the ring as the energy evaporated from the crowd. 

Match result: Nia Jax & Lash Legend defeated Bayley & Lyra Valkyria via disqualification (10:44) 

Another subpar match with an even worse finish. 

********

Danhausen announced during a break that Saturday Night’s Main Event would return to MSG on July 18th. He did some goofy comedy before scampering backstage. 

Brock Lesnar and Oba Femi segment 

Brock Lesnar, wearing his gear, entered with Heyman. Heyman repeated what he said about what happened two weeks ago, that Lesnar was distracted and caught off guard by Oba Femi. Last week, Lesnar was not there for a fight—he simply wanted a conversation with Femi. This week, however, Lesnar was dressed to fight. 

Heyman has seen this before in WWE and UFC. When a man locks eyes with Lesnar, they piss themselves and leave a puddle of piss in the ring. They might as well wipe up Femi along with the puddle of piss. 

Lesnar was tired of hearing about piss (interesting) and grabbed the mic from Heyman. He angrily called out Femi. 

Pearce entered with security guards because he wanted to preserve one of his WrestleMania main events. (I don’t think this is actually the main event of either night, that’s just how big they see the match.) 

Oba Femi entered anyway. Security ran after Femi, but he easily chucked them all aside—killing one guy in particular by launching him way up in the air and dropping him on the floor. Pearce got in Femi’s face, but Femi shoved him aside into the barricade. 

The crowd chanted for Femi as he sauntered around the ring. Femi entered the ring and faced off with Lesnar as the crowd chanted, “Holy shit.” Triple H slipped in the ring to get between them, and people booed. 

The crowd chanted for a fight, but Lesnar smirked and backed out of the ring. Triple H told them it would happen at WrestleMania. Before he left, Lesnar grabbed a security guard and gave him an F5 onto the floor. 

(This was well done. They can probably hold off on any further interaction because the crowd is begging for them to go at it now.) 

********

Finn Bálor pre-taped promo 

Bálor said Judgment Day were a family, and they ran Raw for four years. Bálor did things he wasn’t proud of during that time. Perhaps the worst decision he made was thinking he could make a man out of Dominik Mysterio. 

Bálor gave credit to Dom for running his playbook against him. But Dom should remember that when he turned on his father and felt lost, it was Bálor he turned to. Bálor stepped in and stepped up for him. 

Dom didn’t lose the Intercontinental Championship because of him—he lost because he was a self-entitled jackass. Bálor was guilty of creating that jackass. He was responsible for creating Dom, so he would be responsible for destroying him at Mania. 

******** 

Cole gave Carmelo Hayes a shout-out for his United States title reign and his run of open challenges, which came to an end against Sami Zayn on Friday. 

Intercontinental Championship match: Penta vs. Kofi Kingston (w/ Grayson Waller)

Kingston took control after giving Penta a back body drop onto the apron. Waller was about to go after Penta, but Kingston stopped him because he wanted to do this on his own. Following a boring heat segment during a break, Penta mounted a brief comeback until Kingston cut him off with an SOS for two, followed by a Fameasser for two. 

With Penta outside the ring, Waller was about to chuck him over the announce table, but thought better of it and placed him on the apron. Kingston called Waller a dummy and told him to leave it alone. Kingston tried a leaping backward dive, but Penta caught him and suplexed him onto the announce table. Waller told Kingston that maybe he did need him. Penta flew in at that moment and laid out Waller with a Canadian Destroyer. 

Back in the ring, Penta came off the top, but Kingston met him mid-air with a Trouble in Paradise for a nearfall. Kingston set up for a superplex, but Penta dropped him and spiked him with a Canadian Destroyer for the pinfall win. 

— Jackie Redmond interviewed Penta and asked him about his plans for WrestleMania. Penta said he spoke to Pearce, and the IC title would be defended in a ladder match. He issued a warning to anyone in the match and warned them that it wasn’t just the title hanging about the ring, it was his kingdom. 

Match result: Penta defeated Kofi Kingston to retain the Intercontinental Championship (9:57) 

This was ok. I feel like Kingston only got this IC title match because of that one big spot he did in MSG with Randy Orton many, many years ago. 

********

Pearce approached Heyman backstage and asked where Lesnar was. Heyman assured him that Lesnar had left the arena. Pearce again asked if Heyman checked his emails. Heyman was again dismissive of this. Heyman instead wanted Pearce to hear what he had to say in the ring. 

******* 

Dom entered during a break and cut a basic promo saying he would beat Bálor at Mania.

Paul Heyman segment, WrestleMania angle 

Heyman entered. He gave Howard Finkel a mention before announcing that the Vision were the new world tag team champions. He said he tried to give the fans Lesnar vs. Femi tonight, but that wannabe mid-level suck-up middle-management pseudo-general manager Pearce got in the way. 

Pearce interrupted. He asked again if Heyman checked his emails. Heyman said there was nothing Pearce could tell him that he didn’t already know. Pearce informed him that the Boston police department dropped all charges against Seth Rollins. 

Heyman claimed he knew that already. Heyman continued by putting himself over as the last remaining manager from the 1980s and the last promoter standing from the 1990s. Some fans chanted for ECW. 

Pearce said if Heyman checked his email, he’d also know that Seth Rollins was medically cleared to compete. Heyman was shocked as Rollins’ music hit. 

The babyface Rollins attacked Heyman from behind with a steel chair. Rollins set up for a curb stomp but was suddenly yanked out of the ring by Gunther. 

Gunther put Rollins in a sleeper hold and put him to sleep. He grabbed Rollins by the head, pointed at the sign, and told him WrestleMania was in their future. 

********

IYO SKY vs. Raquel Rodriguez 

For the third time tonight, the babyface hit a dive ahead of a break, only for the heel to take control immediately during commercials. In this case, Sky hit an Asai moonsault. Penta was somehow the only babyface to not follow suit. 

Sky made her comeback when they returned, but Rodriguez got her feet up on a moonsault attempt. Sky responded with a hurricanrana and double foot stomp for two. 

Asuka and Kairi Sane ran out as Asuka urged Sane to get involved. Sane leaped on the apron, and Sky confronted her. Rodriguez tried to take advantage with a big boot, but Sky moved out of the way, and Rodriguez booted Sane off the apron. 

Sky hit Rodriguez with a running meteora before turning her attention to the outside as Asuka was yelling at Sane. 

A frustrated Sky decided to wipe out Asuka with a suicide dive, but she slipped as she went through the ropes and landed right on her head. Sky popped up, fortunately, and seemed ok. 

Sky said something to Sane before making her way back into the ring, but Rodriguez simply grabbed her and hit a Tejana Bomb for the pinfall win. 

Match result: Raquel Rodriguez defeated IYO SKY (10:26) 

Yet another match that felt secondary to all the other stuff happening around it. Not good. 

********

Cole spoke about Penta’s IC title ladder match at WrestleMania. He claimed Pearce already set the field because qualifying matches had been happening on WWE Main Event, which airs on YouTube. Joining Penta in the ladder match will be Dragon Lee, Je’Von Evans, Rusev, and JD McDonagh. 

(This is absurd. Rusev, for example, last wrestled on Main Event nearly two months ago, while McDonagh last wrestled on the show in January.) 

They ran down a few other matches before showing John Cena’s announcement on social media that he would be hosting WrestleMania. (I believe this was the only time this was mentioned on the show.)

Backstage, Redmond asked Pearce for an update on Rollins. Pearce said Rollins would be looking for a receipt at Mania and made the match official for the show: Rollins vs. Gunther. 

********

CM Punk and Roman Reigns main event segment 

Reigns entered first and asked New York to acknowledge him. After they did, Punk marched out to his music, and he immediately attacked Reigns. They brawled back and forth as officials tried breaking things up. Reigns tossed one guy aside before spearing Petey Williams. 

Reigns was about to powerbomb Punk through the announce table, but Punk slipped out and gave him a GTS. Punk acted like he was done, but he grabbed Reigns and powerbombed him through the table. Punk screamed, “Who’s f—cking old now?!”

Punk sat down next to Reigns and punched him in the head a few more times before being pulled off by Pearce. Punk posed atop the barricade as officials checked on Reigns, and the show ended.

Brock Lesnar grateful to be back in WWE ‘for a short time’

Posted on by Rosanne Raphael

While appearing on Barstool Sports’ Spittin Chiclets podcast, Brock Lesnar made a comment that is sure to fuel speculation about him retiring from WWE.

It’s rumored that Lesnar will be retiring from the ring in 2026, with SummerSlam in Minneapolis a possible destination for his final match. Lesnar spoke to Spittin Chiclets about his WWE run and made reference to the fact that he’s back in the company for a “short time.”

“I was a shooter, an amateur guy. I had a lot of credentials to my name. Of course I got tested along the way by the old-timers and the guys. You have to pay your dues. Back then, you paid your dues and you had to get your respect,” Lesnar said while reflecting on how WWE has changed over the years.

“It’s different now, obviously. Things have gotten a lot softer. There’s no more kangaroo courts. It’s different now. But I mean, I go there, I’m the old guy now.”

He emphasized the purpose of his WWE return was to feed his family and is grateful for his ongoing stint with the company. 

“Sh*t, I went back to work so I could feed my kids. You guys should see my grocery bill. I had left the company years ago, and I’m grateful that I’m back for a short time here,” Lesnar said. “So I’m really grateful for all the opportunities that I’ve had in my life.”

Lesnar returned at SummerSlam 2025 for the first time since his name was mentioned in Janel Grant’s lawsuit against Vince McMahon and WWE. He defeated John Cena on Cena’s retirement tour and is currently engaged in a program with Oba Femi, which escalated on Raw last night ahead of their encounter next month at WrestleMania 42.

Brock Lesnar says professional accomplishments mean ‘nothing’ to him

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Even with all of the success he’s had in WWE, UFC, and amateur wrestling, professional accomplishments mean “nothing” to Brock Lesnar.

A new episode of Barstool Sports’ Spittin Chiclets podcast premiered today with Lesnar joining the show for an interview. He opened up about being a “hockey dad” now that his sons Duke and Turk are rising through the game in Canada. Even if they never end up playing professionally, Lesnar is happy that they’re committed to something and have something valuable that is occupying their time.

Lesnar said his kids are going to be his legacy, and everything he accomplishes in his own professional career ultimately means nothing to him.

“For me, none of my championships or none of my accolades, they all mean nothing. It means nothing to me,” Lesnar said. “My kids are my legacy. I mean, in today’s dark-ass world that we’re living in, if you can come out and have good kids — I take a lot of pride in that. When parents come to me and say, ‘Man, your boys are really respectful.’ That pumps my tires, you know?”

Lesnar’s daughter Mya has also made her mark in athletics as a champion shot putter when she attended Colorado State University.

Though Lesnar has now been in the public eye for decades, he believes the version of him that people see on television isn’t who he actually is.

“People see the entertainment Brock Lesnar and they think that that’s who I am, but it’s not who I am,” Lesnar said on Spittin Chiclets. “And I don’t let people into my circle enough to know. It’s been a mystique for a long time. But I’m still — I can be an assh*le when I want to be.”

Lesnar is now a few weeks away from facing off against Oba Femi at WrestleMania 42. There have been rumors about Lesnar retiring this year, so this could potentially be his last WrestleMania. He signed a new WWE contract in 2025 when he returned to the company for the first time since his name was mentioned in Janel Grant’s lawsuit against Vince McMahon and WWE.

Brock Lesnar reflects on breaking Undertaker’s WWE WrestleMania streak

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Brock Lesnar had mixed emotions when he broke The Undertaker’s WrestleMania streak in 2014.

At WrestleMania 30, Lesnar defeated Undertaker to end his Mania streak after 21 straight victories. It was a controversial decision and remains one of the biggest moments in WWE history. Lesnar reflected on the night during an appearance on Barstool Sports’ Spittin Chiclets podcast.

“For me, guys, it’s really simple. Like, this is a business. It’s a business,” Lesnar said about the decision for him to win. “And I think a lot of guys live and breathe the lifestyle of it. And for Taker — obviously it wasn’t my call to make. At the time, Vince McMahon, if there was a person that could take the streak away with a legitimate background and people could believe it, I guess it was me. There’s a lot of people that are pissed that it’s me, but it’s not my call. And so my hats off to Undertaker, Mark, he’s a great guy. And at the end, it’s a business. It’s a give and take. And it was time for Taker to give — and it was a time for Brock Lesnar to take it.”

Lesnar said he was excited when he found out he was going to win, but he also felt bad for Undertaker. They’ve always had a good relationship. And after Undertaker suffered a concussion during the match, Lesnar made sure to go to the hospital with him.

“He was a mentor of mine. Like, I worked with Taker for many years,” Lesnar said. “And so now we’re out in this match and Taker got hit left field day of. He’s coming to his [22nd] WrestleMania thinking that he’s going to win and then two hours before we go on, the rug gets pulled on him. And so a lot of different emotions there, I’m sure. I was excited, but I also felt bad too. Like, I’m the guy and I get to be the guy.

“So we’re out in the match and next thing I know Taker is not being Taker. It’s a dance out there and you just got to do your best to get through it. And we did. And, yeah, out of respect — because I spent a lot of time with Taker and I wanted to make sure that he was all right. And that’s part of the deal, you know? I did go to the hospital to make sure he was okay. That’s just part of the respect thing.”

Undertaker ended up continuing his in-ring career through WrestleMania 36, where he defeated AJ Styles in a Boneyard Match. He finished with a WrestleMania record of 25-2.

At WrestleMania 42 this year, Lesnar is set to face up-and-coming WWE star Oba Femi. The two-night event is being held in Las Vegas on Saturday, April 18 and Sunday, April 19.

WWE Raw live results: CM Punk, Roman Reigns, Brock Lesnar appear

Posted on by Steve Khan

Date: March 23, 2026
Location: TD Garden in Boston, MA 

The Big Takeaway —

For the fourth straight week, Raw ended with a talking segment featuring CM Punk and some combination of the original Bloodline. This week, it was all three Bloodline members. The segment ended with Roman Reigns laying out CM Punk at the behest of Jey Uso. It was a more interesting segment than last week, fortunately. 

On the flip side, Raw featured about 33 minutes of wrestling (even fewer when counting commercials) over 2 and a half hours. I know it’s WrestleMania season, but it’s been weeks of the same pattern, with weeks to go. 

**********

Show Recap — 

Judgment Day, Bayley and Lyra Valkyria, The Usos, and Je’Von Evans (greeted by IShowSpeed) were shown arriving at TD Garden in Boston. 

There was a very dramatic recap of Oba Femi laying out Brock Lesnar.

Brock Lesnar opens Monday Night Raw

Lesnar entered with Paul Heyman. (Lesnar wore a new “FAF5” shirt, a reference to Heyman’s promo last week. Heyman was well dressed and is no longer dishevelled.) 

Lesnar was greeted with chants of “Oba.” Heyman ran down his resume, which just received more chants for Oba. Heyman said the fans were pissing off Lesnar. If we were being honest about last week, Lesnar beat up 20 masked men, got distracted by Seth Rollins, and only then did the overhyped Femi take advantage.  

Heyman said we’ve heard this narrative many times. This new opponent of Lesnar would be the next big thing, the conqueror’s conqueror, etc. Lesnar conquered Undertaker’s streak, but Undertaker never got revenge. (Except that Undertaker did beat Lesnar that following SummerSlam.) 

There was a line of guys who were supposed to beat the ‘one’ in ‘21-and-one’ after that: Goldberg, Braun Strowman, Dean Ambrose (whose name got a pop), Bobby Lashley, AJ Styles, and John Cena. None of them could do it. And Oba Femi wouldn’t either. Femi already had his moment when he put his foot on Lesnar and pointed at the sign. That would be the biggest moment of Femi’s career, because he would be victimized and conquered by Lesnar at WrestleMania. 

The lights dimmed, and Femi entered. Heyman bailed before Femi faced off with Lesnar in the ring. Lesnar kicked Femi in the gut and went for an F5, but Femi slipped out and clotheslined Lesnar over the top and to the outside. Lesnar looked stunned, and the crowd chanted for Oba again. 

Lesnar backed away as Femi stared him down. Lesnar yelled, “You ain’t that lucky, boy!” and he smiled as he backed up the aisle.

(This was a perfectly good follow-up to last week.) 

******** 

Dominik Mysterio cut a pre-taped promo on his IC title match tonight. 

There were clips of Logan Paul at the recent flag football event. He “sacked” Jalen Hurts and got into it with Tom Brady.  

World Tag Team Championship match: Jimmy & Jey Uso vs. Logan Paul & Austin Theory

The opening match started at 8:25 pm, and they still went to a break less than 90 seconds into it. And nothing had even happened since the last break besides the Vision entering the ring. 

They returned from break, and Michael Cole gave a quick mention of the recently passed Dennis Condrey. Then Jey Uso made a hot tag. 

The top turnbuckle came off during Jey’s comeback. Theory cut him off for a moment, but Jey came right back with a spear. Jey went to the top, but Paul crotched him on the exposed buckle. Jimmy went after Paul, but Paul chucked him into the ring post. 

Paul grabbed the brass knuckles, but LA Knight’s music hit. Knight attacked Paul from behind and shoved him into the ring steps. Knight slid the knux into the ring, and Jey used them to knock out Theory. The referee saw that part, so he called for a DQ. 

— After the Vision were announced as the winners by DQ, Jey popped back into the ring and punched Paul with the knux, too. 

Match result: Logan Paul & Austin Theory defeated Jimmy & Jey Uso via disqualification — The Usos retain the tag team titles (7:26)

So, 40 minutes into the show, we’ve got one match that went 7 minutes and ended in a DQ, and half of it happened during commercials. 

******** 

El Grande Americano, Bravo and Rayo were interviewed by Byron Saxton during commercials. El Grande wants to take Original’s mask. 

Becky Lynch and AJ Lee segment

Lynch entered. She questioned the fans booing her while they cheered AJ Lee, who abandoned them for a decade. She understood taking breaks. She took 10 months off, but not 10 years. She took time off because the fans got tired of seeing her succeed. She went home to her family, to people who appreciate her. Her daughter and the love of her life. 

When she came back, she didn’t go after the world title. She instead went after the Intercontinental title and turned it into the most important and most interesting women’s title in all of wrestling. She was damn proud of that title and what it represented. (Maxxine Dupri was recently the champion.) 

Now, AJ Lee pranced around like she deserved the title. Lynch tried to go home and take a break with the people she loved, but when she went home, her daughter—her greatest accomplishment—was singing Lee’s stupid “Light It Up” song, skipping around the house and flipping her hair like that Jersey scum. It’s almost like her daughter didn’t realize her mom was the greatest women’s wrestler of all time. 

Meanwhile, Lee’s greatest claim to fame was that she mastered the Diva’s era. “Well, I murdered the Diva’s era.” She put a stake through its heart and ripped the wings off the butterfly belt. 

Lee entered to her music, but Lynch bailed into the crowd. Lee said Lynch liked to fight dirty because Lee walked her like a dog every time they entered the ring together. Lee figured Lynch wanted to get embarrassed again. She was ok with that because maybe that would finally get Lynch out of her life. Maybe she would make Lynch tap out on the biggest stage of them all. 

Lee wanted to show why she was the best wrestler of her generation, Lynch’s generation, and maybe next. She was your favourite wrestler’s favourite wrestler—and Lynch’s daughter’s favourite wrestler. Lee gave Lynch an IC title match at WrestleMania. 

Lynch said Lee fell right into her trap. WrestleMania was her domain. Lynch recalled the last time Lee competed at WrestleMania. Eleven years ago, Lee walked into the office the next day and handed in her resignation. Lynch would save her the trouble this time by ending her at WrestleMania. 

(Lynch was better than she’s been in a while here, and I liked her line about killing the Diva’s division. Lee’s delivery was fine, but her dialogue does not align with reality.) 

*******

Backstage, Jimmy thanked Knight for the help earlier. Knight told Jey he could’ve tried to hide the knux. Jey wasn’t about to hide because everyone had to get got. Knight understood how he felt, but he was starting to sound like Roman Reigns. Jey was tired of hearing this, so he left. Jimmy politely warned Knight to watch his mouth when he spoke about their family. 

(This interaction happened in front of a production truck with a big picture of The Rock on it.) 

********

Derrick White and Joe Mazzulla of the Boston Celtics received a big ovation from the crowd. 

Je’Von Evans vs. Grayson Waller (w/ Kofi Kingston) 

This also went to break about 90 seconds in. Waller used to wrestle in boxing shorts, but he’s traded those in for long tights. Waller tried enlisting Kingston’s help early in the match, but Kingston declined. 

Evans was in complete control outside of Waller briefly taking control during a break. Waller had some offence after the break, but Evans came back with a German suplex out of the ropes and a leaping knee strike. Waller knocked him off the top and hit some sort of Unprettier variation. 

Waller went to the top, so Evans scaled the ropes, leaped up off the top rope and brought Waller down with an impressive super hurricanrana. Evans followed with an OG Cutter for the pinfall win. (Kingston seemed amused by the result.) 

— After the match, Kingston told Waller he didn’t get involved because he’d rather Waller try to win than get DQ’d. 

Match result: Je’Von Evans defeated Grayson Waller (8:56) 

This was a good showcase for Evans, and Waller provided a good base. 

********

Heyman approached Adam Pearce backstage. Heyman wanted him to schedule a match at Madison Square Garden next week for the tag titles, with the Usos defending against the Vision in a street fight. Pearce said he liked the idea and he’d think about it. Heyman was about to flip his wig because Pearce didn’t immediately agree, but he calmed down, realizing it was not a good idea to upset Pearce. 

Heyman was about to leave, but Pearce told Heyman to go to the ring. Heyman didn’t know why, so Pearce reminded him that he wanted to address Seth Rollins. Heyman didn’t want to anymore, but Pearce told him he had to do it and do it now. After Heyman left, Pearce said he won’t miss Heyman when he’s gone. 

********

Original El Grande spoke to Saxton during a break. He said there was only room for one Americano in this town. (It’s beyond time to get Chad Gable out of this gimmick.)  

They announced Dennis Rodman for the WWE Hall of Fame. 

Paul Heyman and Seth Rollins segment

Heyman entered the ring again, this time on his own. He was having a bad night. Not just because he had to appear in Boston, but because there was no one left for him to hide behind. Bronson Reed and Bron Breakker would not be back any time soon. Lesnar had already left. Paul and Theory were half-conscious. Heyman was alone. 

Heyman had a stalker. A psychopath who calls himself a visionary. Despite the character Heyman portrayed on TV, he said, “I’m a man. A man who’s been pushed too far.” 

Heyman knew Rollins felt the same way, which meant WWE wasn’t big enough for the two of them. That wasn’t a challenge for a match, because he obviously didn’t stand a chance, but he wondered what choice he had left. Heyman invited Rollins to the ring to finally put him out of his misery. 

A masked man entered through the crowd and hopped on the announce table. The masked man revealed himself to be Rollins, of course. Four police officers confronted Rollins as Heyman smiled. Rollins smiled too, realizing this was Heyman’s doing. 

Heyman announced he had a restraining order placed on Rollins, and Rollins was in violation. (If that were true, Rollins would have been made aware of the order and not been caught off guard.) 

As police escorted Rollins away through the crowd, Heyman said Rollins would be fired and go to jail. His wife would leave him and marry half of the locker room. Someone would call Child Protective Services, and Heyman would adopt his daughter. 

Rollins ran away from the police, sprinted to the ring and decked Heyman with a single punch. Police ran in and handcuffed Rollins. Pearce joined the police as they marched Rollins to the back. Heyman looked on with his evil grin. 

********

Cole announced a crowd of 13,340. 

Asuka & Kairi Sane vs. Bayley & Lyra Valkyria 

This also went to break just after 90 seconds had elapsed. The babyfaces (Bayley and Valkyria) made their comeback after a break. Valkyria hit Asuka with a fisherman’s suplex before Bayley hit a flying elbow drop for two. Bayley was frustrated and tagged out, but Asuka first planted Bayley with a German suplex. Asuka and Sane double-teamed Valkyria before Sane hit a double foot stomp off the top, but Bayley broke up the cover. 

Bayley suplexed Asuka onto the announce table and went for a flying elbow drop off the barricade, but Sane pulled Asuka to safety, and Bayley crashed onto the table. Valkyria dropkicked Sane, who knocked over Asuka in the process. Valkyria then hit Sane with Nightwing for the pinfall win. 

— Jackie Redmond interviewed the winners in the ring. Bayley said they were feeling pretty damn good after beating one of the best teams in the world. Valkyria said Nia Jax and Lash Legends knew that they could beat them. Bayley challenged the champions to a tag title match next week at MSG. (The fans booed when she called it the world’s most famous arena.) 

Match result: Lyra Valkyria defeated Kairi Sane & Asuka (8:58)

There were some good spots, but this match was just ok, and the crowd didn’t really care. The basic story was Valkyria pulling out the victory despite Bayley’s efforts coming up short. Bayley didn’t explicitly mess anything up, but Valkyria was the one who earned the win. 

********

IShowSpeed met with Penta and Dragon Lee. He was a fan of Penta and wanted Penta to show him how to do his little strut. After Speed left, Penta told Dragon Lee he could have a rematch whenever he was ready. They shook hands. 

Saxton interviewed Evans during a break and asked why he hadn’t accepted Kingston’s offer. Evans respected Kingston but wasn’t interested in being the next Kofi Kingston. He wanted to be the real OG and the first Je’Von Evans. He had dreams and goals of his own. He wanted to be a champion and had his eyes on tonight’s IC title match. 

IShowSpeed met with Pearce backstage. He was excited to see CM Punk, Roman Reigns, and Brock Lesnar. Danhausen showed up. (He put his ear out so he could hear the crowd cheering.) Danhausen was impressed with IShowSpeed’s social media follower count. Danhausen wanted a piece, but Speed said no. Danhausen cursed him and vanished. Speed was concerned. 

Cody Rhodes’ first interview since being attacked by Randy Orton will happen… this Wednesday on Pat McAfee’s show. 

******** 

An emotional Asuka told Sane that they had lost because of her and that if she cared about their team, she would make it up to her. Asuka left, and Iyo Sky (who got a nice pop) approached Sane. Sky told Sane she deserved better. Asuka called Sane away. 

Raquel Rodriguez confronted Sky. Rodriguez wasn’t happy about Sky getting involved in her match last week. Sky said she’d do it again. Rodriguez challenged her to a match, and Sky accepted (for next week). 

******** 

Dom and Liv Morgan entered for his match, but Stephanie Vaquer attacked Morgan from behind. Officials pulled Vaquer away, so Morgan took advantage and attacked Vaquer, tossing her into the stage. The fight spilled to the back, and they brawled in Gorilla as officials tried to break it up. 

Intercontinental Championship match: Penta (c) vs. Dominik Mysterio (w/ JD McDonagh) 

They were about to do the usual title match in-ring introductions with Alicia Taylor, but Dom attacked Penta as she got started. The ref checked with Penta before starting the match. Dom’s idea didn’t work because Penta immediately cut him off and went on offence. 

Dom came back with a dropkick and hit a suicide dive into a DDT (sort of) as they went to break 75 seconds into this title match. Penta mounted his comeback after the break and hit a flip dive, and he hit a Penta Driver moments later for two. He set up for a Destroyer, but Dom hit a Michinoku Driver for two. Dom set up for a 619, but Penta hit a superkick. Penta distracted himself by going after McDonagh, so Dom dropkicked him and hit a 619. 

Dom went to the top, but Finn Bálor’s music hit. McDonagh ran after Bálor, but Bálor launched him into the stage and over some equipment. Dom took too long to go for the frog splash, so when he did, Penta countered into a small package for the pinfall win. 

— Bálor attacked Dom and hammered away at him. McDonagh pulled Dom to safety, so Bálor wiped them both out with a dive. Bálor went after Dom again, but McDonagh saved him again. 

Dom was able to escape through the crowd while Bálor laid out McDonagh with a dropkick and Coup de Grace as Dom watched from the stands. Bálor stared him down as his music played. (Bálor could’ve just gone after him again now that JD was laid out, but Dom was out of the ring, so you’re not allowed to.) 

Match result: Penta defeated Dominik Mysterio to retain the Intercontinental Championship (7:45) 

This wasn’t much of a match, and the finish wasn’t great either. I suppose I don’t blame them too much, given the lack of time and the finish. These two have also wrestled each other way too much since Penta’s debut, so hopefully, this will be it for a while. 

******** 

There was a tale of the tape for Femi and Lesnar, and Femi’s height was listed as 6’4”. (Femi is both taller and heavier than Lesnar.) 

Next week on Raw at Madison Square Garden in New York: 

  • Brock Lesnar appears 
  • Nia Jax & Lash Legend (c) vs. Lyra Valkyria & Bayley for the tag titles 
  • Raquel Rodriguez vs. IYO SKY 
  • The Usos (c) vs. The Vision for the tag titles in a street fight 

******** 

Punk made his way through Gorilla, but was met first by Jimmy Uso. Jimmy warned Punk that his brother was on a warpath. 

CM Punk and Roman Reigns main event segment

Punk entered first. He mentioned Jimmy’s words of warning, but he wasn’t about to watch his words. It also showed, once again, that Roman Reigns couldn’t do anything without his cousins. 

What he didn’t know was that his cousins couldn’t do anything without Reigns. Nobody in that entire family could do anything by themselves. Nobody in that family could be the heavyweight champion. He had them all shook. Reigns gave the entire family permission to go after him, but none of them had. 

This was the shit-talk business. They said awful things to each other to sell the big fight. That was his job. But these were just words, and he was tired of talking. Reigns did say one thing last week that pissed him off. (Fans yelled, “Old.”) 

Punk said Reigns called him old. It’s not what he said, but who said it. “My young boy does not get to disrespect me and call me old.” He asked the Boston fans if he was old. They actually cheered, and some chanted, “Yes.” 

Punk said if he told them he wasn’t old, he’d be a liar. He was old. He was proud of it. If he were ashamed of it, he would be covering up his grey whiskers with Just For Men, just like Reigns did. 

He was middle-aged and crazy like Terry Funk. He’s the same age as Nolan Ryan was when he beat up Robin Ventura. Gordie Howe played pro hockey until he was 52, and they called him Mr. Hockey. Punk was Mr. Game Seven. The older he got, the more pressure he felt, and the more pressure he felt, the better he was. Age was just a number. 

He was old but not insecure. He would never ask the fans to acknowledge him. Reigns has underestimated him. He dropped Reigns with one punch last week. This old man would tie him up in knots at WrestleMania. 

Twenty minutes into their match, when Reigns was grasping for air and all the oil and “jizz” he covered himself in dried up, Punk would hit him with a GTS and put him to sleep. Reigns would wake up and realize Punk was the best in the world, and he just got beat by an old man. Gunther didn’t underestimate him and still couldn’t get the job done. The same could be said about Jey Uso. 

Jey entered. Jey told Punk he was old and had been hit in the head too many times because he was still running his mouth about their family—and about him. Jey threatened to fight him right now. Punk said Jey never did get his title rematch, so he offered a world title match right now. (The fans didn’t react because they knew that was not happening now.) 

Jimmy entered. He told Jey that he didn’t think when he got emotional. He only saw red, and that’s why they got disqualified earlier. They had to focus on their title match next week. Jey said he didn’t care about that right now. Jimmy told him to let Reigns handle it. Jey was pissed about Punk talking shit and wondered why Reigns wasn’t out there. 

Reigns entered. Reigns stared at Punk before turning his attention to the Usos. He said they already had their tag match and told them, respectfully, to get out of his ring. Punk advised them to stay because Reigns would need their help. 

Jey shoved Jimmy aside and went after Punk, but Punk dropped him with the microphone. Jimmy and Punk got tangled up before Reigns dropped Punk with a Superman punch. 

Officials ran down to settle things down, and the Usos left the ring. Reigns was about to leave, too, but Jey told “Joe” that he knew what he needed to do. Jey told Reigns to get Punk. After hearing Jey’s words, Reigns turned back toward the ring and speared Punk. 

Reigns didn’t stop there. He drove Punk twice into the ring post and powerbombed him through the announce table. Reigns grabbed Punk by the sweater and screamed in his face as Pearce yelled at him to stop. 

Reigns walked toward the back. As Punk was still down, he looked up, laughed, and told the officials, “I don’t need any help. I’m not the one that needs help.”

Kevin Nash: Brock Lesnar is the ‘most giving’ wrestler on the planet

Posted on by Joseph Currier

WWE Hall of Famer Kevin Nash is a big fan of how Brock Lesnar handles his business.

It was confirmed last week that Lesnar will face off against Oba Femi at WrestleMania 42. To help build interest for the match, WWE ran an angle where Femi laid Lesnar out and posed with his foot on top of the fallen Lesnar. Nash reacted to the segment on his Kliq This podcast, praising Lesnar for how giving he is.

“Brock, who’s the most giving motherf***er on the planet,” Nash said. “He’s just not a f***ing mark. There’s nothing about that guy that’s a f***ing mark. I guess when you’re one of the baddest motherf***ers on earth, [you have nothing to prove].”

Femi was a two-time NXT Champion and joined the WWE main roster at the start of this year. He defeated Rusev on Raw a couple weeks back, and Nash would now like to see Femi squash a smaller opponent on the road to WrestleMania to help get his move set over even more.

“Either way it’s going to f***ing sell, though,” Nash said. “If I’m Brock Lesnar and I have to make somebody to make them worthy of a WrestleMania match and I’m probably going to get a $2.5-3 million payday out of it, I’m pretty sure I’m making somebody.”

WWE’s build to the Lesnar vs. Femi match began back in January at the Royal Rumble, where they had a face-off as a teaser to see how fans would react.

There are rumors that Lesnar could be planning to retire from the ring soon, with SummerSlam in Minneapolis this August considered as a possible destination for his last match.

June 2, 2008 Observer Newsletter: Mark Coleman out of Brock Lesnar UFC fight, WWE Q1 business notes, Frank Shamrock feature

Posted on by F4W Staff

We are just one issue away from having the entire full set of 2008 Wrestling Observer Newsletters available for subscribers.

In the June 2, 2008, edition, the lead story was inaugural UFC heavyweight champion Mark Coleman being pulled from a planned fight with Brock Lesnar (Lesnar’s second-ever in UFC) due to a knee injury and one that was never rebooked.

Dave Meltzer also does an extensive feature on former UFC and Strikeforce star Frank Shamrock.

Dave also looks at more detailed info from the first quarter of WWE financials plus news on Ring of Honor’s pay-per-view contract coming up and what that meant for their immediate future.

All that and more awaits.

Click here to read (sub needed)

Danhausen listed among WWE free agents on roster page

Posted on by Rosanne Raphael

Danhausen is listed on the free agents section of the roster on WWE’s official site.

He joins Brock Lesnar, Oba Femi and Omos as those with free agency status with the company.

Danhausen made his WWE debut at Elimination Chamber 2026. In the weeks leading up to the Premium Live Event, Adam Pearce and Nick Aldis received a mystery crate with the advisory to open on February 28. 

Since then, Danhausen has made backstage appearances on Raw and SmackDown, ‘cursing’ those who oppose him and refuse to align with him. He is yet to wrestle his first match in WWE. 

On March 13, WWE filed for multiple Danhausen trademarks.  Danhausen made his wrestling debut in 2013. Six years later, he joined and competed for ROH until 2021. Following this, he signed with AEW. His last match was at AlW Alive out of Habit against Eric Taylor on January 23, 2026. 

Meanwhile, two of WWE’s other free agents, Lesnar and Femi, will collide at WrestleMania 42, which was made official after the altercation on Raw this week. Omos has not competed on Raw or SmackDown since the 2024 Andre The Giant Battle Memorial. Most recently he competed in the Rey de Reyes 2026 Qualifying Four Way match against El Grande Americano,  El Hijo de Dr. Wagner Jr. and NXT’s Ethan Page. 

Indie wrestler confirms role in Brock Lesnar WWE Raw angle

Posted on by Rosanne Raphael

Independent wrestler Vin Parker played a role in the opening segment of WWE Raw last night.

The March 16 edition of Raw kicked off with a chaotic angle where Seth Rollins had a confrontation with Paul Heyman. Brock Lesnar then made his presence felt. The masked men who have been accompanying Rollins surrounded Lesnar as he tried to invade the ring — and one of the masked men ended up being taken out with a slam onto the steel steps.

Responding to a clip of the incident on social media, Parker shared that he was the man under that mask.

“Not my wisest decision,” Parker tweeted.

Parker is an independent wrestler who has trained at the Rhodes Wrestling Academy, owned by Dustin Rhodes. He has made some appearances for Ring of Honor and is based out of California for his independent work.

The Raw segment led to the announcement that Oba Femi will be Brock Lesnar’s WrestleMania 42 opponent. Femi stood toe-to-toe with Lesnar, overpowered him with a Fall from Grace, and put his foot on top of Lesnar as the audience cheered. WWE’s clip of the moment currently has nearly 1.5 million views on YouTube.

Oba Femi accepts Brock Lesnar’s open challenge for WWE WrestleMania 42

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Oba Femi has made it clear who he’s coming for next.

Femi powerbombed Lesnar in the opening segment of Raw, placing his foot on the fallen former UFC and WWE Champion and pointed at the WrestleMania 42 sign, accepting Lesnar’s open challenge from a few weeks ago.

The segment had started with Seth Rollins coming out with his masked men declaring that anyone associated with Paul Heyman would become a target of his. Heyman, who was previously announced as being out indefinitely, came out looking disheveled and eventually revealed Lesnar, who came out and destroyed the masked men surrounding Rollins. Lesnar and Rollins met face-to-face, but were then interrupted by Femi. Rollins exited the ring, distracting Lesnar long enough for Femi to lay out Lesnar with the pop-up powerbomb.

Later in the show, the match was made official for WrestleMania 42.

Several weeks ago on Raw, Heyman announced Lesnar’s dates with WWE heading into WrestleMania. He said there would be an open challenge for anyone to come out and challenge Lesnar for next month in Las Vegas.

Femi officially made his debut on the main roster back at the Royal Rumble, confronting Lesnar at one point in the match. On that night, Lesnar won their battle by eliminating Femi.

WWE Raw live results: Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar appear

Posted on by Steve Khan

Date: March 16, 2026
Location: Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, TX 

The Big Takeaway —

For the third straight week, Raw concluded with a talking segment to build the CM Punk vs. Roman Reigns match. Feuds are meant to build as they go, but this was the least interesting segment so far. 

On the positive side, Oba Femi laid out Brock Lesnar, and the two men will face off at WrestleMania. 

**********

Show Recap — 

CM Punk and AJ Lee, Maxxine Dupri (with Alpha Academy), Judgment Day, and Stephanie Vaquer were shown at the arena earlier today.

Lucky us, over a dozen masked men swarmed ringside, led by Seth Rollins, who entered the ring. (Even Michael Cole stated, “Not this again.”) Rollins initially wore a mask, but removed it once he entered. 

Rollins said he created the Vision, and he would be the one to kill it. He didn’t care if you were on the shelf like Bron Breakker, or a hanger-on like Austin Theory and Logan Paul—if you stood next to Paul Heyman, you should consider yourself marked for death. (That was a hint for what was coming.) 

Rollins mentioned that he had the satisfaction of wrapping a chair around Heyman and stomping his fat head on the mat. At that point, a very dishevelled Heyman walked on to the stage. 

The San Antonio crowd chanted, “F—k you, Heyman.” Rollins said he made a lot of mistakes in his life, but letting Heyman into his inner circle was the worst one. Rollins would make Heyman pay for his betrayal every day until he was gone from the business. Rollins would cut him out like the cancer he was. 

Heyman said Rollins F’d with him, so he would F with Rollins. He repeated, “F.A.F.O.” until he ended with “F5.” 

Brock Lesnar entered. Five masked men entered the ring to protect the babyface Rollins, while the others guarded ringside. Lesnar suplexed a bunch of them and shrieked at a handful of others who all ran to safety. Lesnar suplexed and F5’d the remaining masked men who greeted him in the ring. After Lesnar disposed of them, he faced off with Rollins. 

However, the lights went out, and Oba Femi entered. Lesnar backed into a corner with his guard up as Rollins gleefully watched on. After Femi entered the ring, Rollins slowly walked up beside Lesnar, but he bailed from the ring when Lesnar turned his attention to him. 

With Rollins out of the ring, Lesnar turned to Femi, but Femi hoisted him up and nailed him with a sit-out powerbomb. The crowd went nuts for this spot, and Cole yelled, “Holy sh-t!” (which was censored). Femi put his boot on Lesnar’s chest and pointed at the sign. 

(Femi came across great here. He was cheered in his entrance, when he laid out Lesnar, and when he pointed at the sign. Veteran viewers would know that Lesnar is more than happy to sell for people when necessary, and he sold big time here for Femi. 

However, everything else with Rollins was so stupid. I don’t know why he’s hiding in the shadows if he isn’t fired or suspended. He could just come out to his music like a normal person. He also hid behind all the masked men and bailed from the ring when confronted by Lesnar. Maybe we’ll find out Femi’s involvement here was all part of Rollins’ master plan, but he still comes across like a coward.) 

********

There was a replay of El Grande Americano (Ludwig Kaiser) winning the Rey del Reyes fatal four-way match, thanks in part to interference by Rayo and Bravo, who handcuffed Original Americano (Chad Gable) to a railing in the crowd. Kaiser was wildly cheered when he won. They would not get that kind of reaction tonight.

El Grande Americano (w/ Bravo & Rayo Americano) vs. Original El Grande Americano

Cole said this was their first singles match, which isn’t true when you consider their actual identities. 

This followed the usual pattern. After a break, Gable had the match won, but Bravo and Rayo distracted the referee. As Gable dealt with Rayo outside the ring, Bravo placed a metal plate in Kaiser’s mask while the ref was distracted. Gable hit a diving headbutt, but he hit Kaiser’s loaded mask and was knocked out, so Kaiser rolled into a cover for the win. 

They used a close-up angle when Gable executed the headbutt, and it showed that he completely missed, so the finish stunk. This whole thing stinks. 

Match result: El Grande Americano (Ludwig Kaiser) defeated Original El Grande Americano (Chad Gable) (9:55) 

********

Today is 3:16 Day, so Cole announced that WrestleMania tickets are 31.6% off today. 

Roman Reigns arrived, and he was approached by Jimmy and Jey Uso. Reigns was happy about how they handled Punk last week. Reigns looked into the camera and told his whole family that they all should be offended by what Punk said about his father. He invited the family and cousins to deal with Punk before and after Mania, but on that weekend, Punk belonged to him.

******** 

Danhausen handed out t-shirts during a break. Cole announced a sold-out crowd of 15,236. 

Liv Morgan promo 

There was a video package of Judgment Day turning on Finn Bálor. They censored the word “prick” again. 

Liv Morgan cut a pre-taped promo on Bálor. She said this was her plan since she joined Judgment Day. Bálor was never in charge. He was on borrowed time and just didn’t know it. Morgan knew when Bálor was lying and scheming, and it was a pleasure watching him fall from grace. 

Bálor couldn’t hang with them anymore because he got soft. He was a pathetic, washed-up loser. They took a page right out of his playbook when they laid him out. JD McDonagh was finally free from Bálor holding him back. Daddy Dom was still AAA Mega Champion and would regain his Intercontinental Championship. 

Raquel Rodriguez was a future champion, and at WrestleMania, Morgan would be the new Women’s World Champion. Morgan didn’t hide behind her family’s back like Vaquer claimed—they had her back. Without Finn, they were better than ever. 

******** 

The Usos were with Reigns in the locker room. Jey was surprised that Reigns didn’t drop Punk after he said what he said. Jimmy brought up Punk’s comment about Reigns being a part-timer. 

Reigns said that none of them saw their fathers much when they were kids. But with his kids, it would be different. The whole world could call him a part-timer if they wanted, he didn’t care. As long as his wife and kids knew he was a full-time father. That was his legacy. That was the biggest flex any superstar could ever say. 

Jimmy was happy to hear this, but Jey still wanted an apology from Punk. Reigns said he didn’t need an apology, but thought the Usos did, so he said he would go get them one. Reigns said, “I mean, what’s the worst that can happen, CM Punk beat me up?” They all laughed at this, and Reigns left. 

********

Women’s Intercontinental Championship: AJ Lee (c) vs. Bayley 

After a break, Lee hit a bulldog counter and a standing sliced bread, but Bayley responded with a single leg crab and knee strike. Bayley yanked Lee off the top rope and hit a Bayley-to-belly for a nearfall. They traded strikes until Lee hit a shining wizard. Bayley countered a Black Widow with a side slam and went for a flying elbow drop, but Lee moved out of the way. Lee applied the Black Widow, and Bayley tapped out. 

— Bayley hugged Lee during commercials. 

Match result: AJ Lee defeated Bayley to retain the Women’s Intercontinental Championship (10:40) 

This was ok. It was laid out well enough, and the crowd got into Lee prevailing in the end.

******* 

In the back, McDonagh yelled at Adam Pearce for giving away Dom’s IC title match. Pearce said he didn’t give it away—Dom wasn’t cleared. As they argued, Penta appeared, and the production team suddenly cut the background crowd noise. Penta did his pose in McDonagh’s face and thanked Pearce. Penta walked away, and they turned the crowd noise back on. That was weird. 

Becky Lynch attacks AJ Lee 

AJ Lee continued to celebrate during commercials. As they returned from break, Becky Lynch attacked her from behind. Lynch tossed her into the barricades and booted her repeatedly. The highlight of this was a young fan trying to reason with Lynch, and Lynch screaming at her in response. The little girl held her hand up as if to tell Lynch to calm down. As officials checked on Lee, Lynch decked her with the IC title belt. 

******** 

Penta entered to a good response. He wanted to be a fighting champion and told Pearce to pick anyone, because he would always be ready. Penta continued in Spanish, and fans chanted his name. He advised his opponent to be ready. 

Intercontinental Championship: Penta (c) vs. Dragon Lee

They started with a handshake. They went back-and-forth early on until Dragon Lee hit a flip dive, but Penta came right back with one of his own. After a break, they traded chops and strikes until Penta planted Dragon with a superkick. Dragon hit a superkick of his own and a Styles Clash for a two count. Penta followed with a Penta Driver for two. 

With Dragon on the apron, Penta tried a leaping spearingboard move, but Dragon caught him with a mid-air superkick. With Penta seated on the announce table, Dragon hit an awesome-looking suicide flip dive, knocking them both over the table. Dragon followed with Operation Dragon in the ring for a nearfall. 

Dragon went for a hidden blade, but Penta ducked and hit a crazy Canadian Destroyer for the pinfall win. (They went so fast on the Destroyer, Dragon popped to his feet, bounced off the ropes and collapsed.) 

Match result: Penta defeated Dragon Lee to retain the Intercontinental Championship (12:40) 

This was fun, and the last few minutes were particularly great. 

********

Theory and Paul approached Heyman backstage. Theory said Lesnar would take care of Femi, while they would take care of Rollins. Heyman said that was the worst thing they could do. Rollins’ game plan was divide and conquer. It was the art of distraction. 

Heyman said Rollins hit him with a chair and curb-stomped him, but Rollins received no punishment because the Vision had no more power. They needed titles (championships). He said they needed to win the tag titles from The Usos, and then he could position them to get singles titles. Their focus should be The Usos. 

Theory and Paul were on board with this. Paul also planned on getting LA Knight. 

******** 

Maxxine Dupri vs. Nattie

Dupri hit a fireman’s suplex and showed aggression by dropping her straps and hitting an elevated leg drop. Nattie kicked out, and Dupri acted shocked that a leg drop would only yield a two count. Nattie came back with a discus clothesline and a Sharpshooter for the submission win. 

Match result: Nattie defeated Maxxine Dupri (4:17) 

This was nothing, and the fans did not care. 

********

Randy Orton interview 

They advertised throughout the night that Cole would interview Randy Orton. They cut to the announcers, and Cole introduced Orton, who appeared on the screen via a very grainy, low-quality video. 

Orton was on the phone with someone, so Cole and the audience had to wait. Orton told this mystery person he was happy to see them a couple of weeks ago, and agreed with them that it was about time for him to do what he did (turn heel). He told the person he appreciated what they were doing, but told them he had to get to the interview. 

Orton told Cole that he had changed his mind. He wasn’t doing an interview tonight. Orton said he had a conversation with someone who had a brain. They said something profound to him. Something that made him think about his life. Something that made him think about who he was and what he was. They made him understand why he did what he did to Cody Rhodes. 

Orton told Cole, “I’m a killer,” and “wrestling has more than one royal family.” The feed cut. 

Orton will be on Friday’s SmackDown. 

******** 

Je’Von Evan approached Dragon Lee backstage. Evans was excited about Dragon’s performance earlier, but they were interrupted by Kofi Kingston. Kingston was less friendly than he was last week. He said there were people on this roster who could lift Evans up, while others were “Dragon” (dragging) him down. Evans gave Kingston an answer: “No.” Evans left. 

Grayson Waller told Kingston he didn’t know what he saw in Evans. Kingston heard people say that about Waller. 

Kingston and Waller were accosted by Danhausen, who proposed the idea of him replacing Xavier Woods. Danhausen mentioned Booty O’s, and they reminded him that Booty O’s were from ten years ago. They declined. 

Danhausen didn’t appreciate being turned down, so he put his curse. He was about to point at Kingston, but Kingston quickly dodged behind Waller, so Waller wound up cursed. Danhausen vanished. 

(Evans, by the way, has not wrestled since Elimination Chamber last month. That’s if you exclude one Main Event match against Dragon Lee. Incidentally, they hinted at Evans and Lee becoming a team.)

********

Non-title match: Women’s World Champion Stephanie Vaquer vs. Raquel Rodriguez (w/ Liv Morgan) 

Vaquer went on offence, but distracted herself by peering at Morgan, who was just standing there. That allowed Rodriguez to grab her and lawn-dart her into the ring post. Vaquer fought back after a break and hit Devil’s Kiss. 

Morgan leaped onto the apron, so Iyo Sky ran out to her music to chase away Morgan. Sky’s help went for naught as Rodriguez tackled her over the announce table. (That was all for Sky tonight.) Vaquer dove off the apron to wipe out Rodriguez before chucking Morgan into the timekeeper’s area. 

Back in the ring, Rodriguez went for a Tejana Bomb, but Vaquer countered into a cradle for the pinfall win. 

Match result: Stephanie Vaquer defeated Raquel Rodriguez (10:10)

I would have liked to see a more decisive win from Vaquer here. Rodriguez has improved a lot, and they clearly want to protect her, but that wasn’t necessary here against the world champion. 

********

Bayley loudly complained to Lyra Valkyria backstage, so Valkyria loudly told her to stop yelling at her. Valkyria said she wanted to see Bayley get to WrestleMania more than anything, and that they would do it together. They were approached by Asuka and Kairi Sane. Asuka blamed them for costing her a shot at the IC title, and she would never forget. She left. 

(Theory checked on Dupri in the background of this segment.) 

********

Official for WrestleMania: Oba Femi vs. Brock Lesnar. 

Next week on Raw in Boston: 

  • Brock Lesnar appears 
  • The Usos vs. Austin Theory & Logan Paul 

(I don’t think they said if next week’s match would be for the tag titles or not.) 

********

LA Knight approached Jimmy and Jey backstage. Knight asked about them getting cozy with Roman Reigns again. Jimmy said it was family business. Jey told him to mind his business. 

Knight said no. He could appreciate family business, but he could not appreciate the Bloodline coming back. The three of them were on the same page regarding the Vision, but he could not be on the same page if that meant the return of the Bloodline. Knight bumped fists with Jimmy, but Jey did not return the favour. 

******** 

Roman Reigns and CM Punk main event segment

Reigns told San Antonio to acknowledge him. They did. They chanted “OTC,” and Reigns said “they” could hear that backstage. They (Punk) knew whose show this was. Reigns was in the beginning, the middle, and the end. Reigns said the fans should forgive Phil for getting confused and thinking this was his show. 

Reigns invited Phil to the ring. Punk entered. Reigns greeted him by saying, “Welcome to my ring. Welcome to my main event.” 

Punk said Reigns kept using his government name like it was meant to be an insult. His friends and family were allowed to Phil. Maybe Punk would call Reigns ‘Titty Tiaki’ or whatever his real name was, but Punk didn’t obsess over him or read his Wikipedia page. Punk certainly wouldn’t call him “Joe” because that would be insulting to a real Samoan, whom he loved very much. Reigns suggested he call Joe, who would remind him who his Tribal Chief was. 

Punk heard Reigns earlier say he was sending all the Samoans after him. Reigns said he was only telling them to do what they gotta do. Punk said the only thing they would do is high-five him. Just like everyone in San Antonio was. Punk said it felt great to be alive on a Monday Night in San Antonio, and the fans chanted his name, but they followed soon after by signing Reigns’ name. 

Punk was surprised that Reigns hadn’t taken a swing at him yet. Reigns said he wasn’t surprised to hear that, because he was on everyone’s mind all the time. They were in the main event, but the truth was, Punk on his own hasn’t main evented anything all year, not even the European tour. 

Punk said he called for Reigns last week, but he was too chickenshit to show up, so he sent his cousins instead. Punk was a habitual line stepper, which is why the fans loved him, and Reigns didn’t. Jimmy and Jey handled their business last week. Punk admitted he deserved it. It was the right message, but the wrong messenger. Punk wondered who the real Tribal Chief was. 

Reigns wasn’t impressed and asked the fans if this (Punk’s promo) was really what they cheer for. Reigns has heard these Tribal Chief accusations for five years. Reigns called Punk trite and redundant. He mentioned Punk calling him a part-timer, but Reigns advised him to talk to the real top players about that, including his wife. Reigns told him to stop wasting his time until he came up with something that actually fazed him. 

Reigns went to leave the ring, but Punk blocked him. Reigns tried to go around him, so Punk left the ring to cut him off. Punk said it was his show, and it wasn’t time to go yet. Punk said WrestleMania would be Reigns’ last main event. Punk would hoist him up over his beautiful head of hair, bring him crashing back down to earth, drop him on his knee and split his ego in two on the grandest stage of them all. 

Reigns called him delusional. Punk was great on the mic and at the mental games, but he couldn’t faze him. Reigns was the most successful superstar Punk has ever faced. When the talking was done, Punk couldn’t do the walking. Punk wasn’t stronger than him or faster than him. The title around Punk’s waist was an embarrassment. Punk was a try-hard who made the rest of them look terrible, “because at the end of the day, you’re old.” 

That was enough to set off Punk, who dropped Reigns with a right hand. Officials ran down to settle down Punk, as Reigns looked up and laughed at him. They got Punk out of the ring as the show ended. 

(As mentioned above, this wasn’t terribly interesting. Not all of these segments need to be home runs, but they kind of do when they insist on main-eventing the show with it. Reigns went on about Punk being trite and redundant, but Reigns himself repeatedly said the same stuff about being the real reason they were in the main event, and used the trite “your wife” remark.) 

********** 

[The show was dedicated to the memory of Davey Coates.] 

Oba Femi isn’t the only good option for a Brock Lesnar WrestleMania 42 opponent | Opinion

Posted on by Rosanne Raphael

Last month, Brock Lesnar issued an open challenge for WWE WrestleMania 42 with rumors running rampant afterward that Oba Femi will be the man to step up.

On tonight’s WWE Raw, it’s possible that we will finally learn who will answer the challenge as Lesnar is scheduled to appear.

Femi exploded onto the main roster scene at the Royal Rumble, not only marking his debut at the event but also entering at number one. He eliminated five men before his run came to an end at the hands of Lesnar who eliminated him.

But what if Femi isn’t the pick if WWE doesn’t want to defeat either he or Lesnar right now?

Given that, here’s a few other names to consider, some longer shots than others.

Gunther

As of late, the former WWE World Heavyweight Champion has built his reputation and in-ring performance on being the “career killer.” After adding Goldberg, John Cena and AJ Styles to that list, it would be natural for him to target Lesnar next — another bold statement feat on his wrestling resume and one that would continue to solidify him as a ruthless heel in 2026. 

They have never battled each other in singles competition despite it being teased nearly three years ago. Coincidentally, it was at the 2023 Royal Rumble where the two briefly collided in an intense exchange. Both Gunther and Lesnar have openly expressed interest in the blockbuster clash which has yet to come to fruition, but could at WrestleMania or perhaps SummerSlam if Lesnar does indeed retire in his native state of Minnesota.

Royce Keys 

Keys was a dominant force in AEW for nearly six years as Powerhouse Hobbs before moving to WWE. He also made his WWE debut at the Royal Rumble this year. However, he has not made any appearances since then and has yet to make an impact. If Lesnar walks into WrestleMania 42 without knowing his opponent is, Keys could be an interesting one to answer the challenge.

Such a high-profile match could help sustain Keys’ momentum and establish him among the fanbase. Despite a potential loss in this once in a lifetime match against Lesnar, it could possibly be remembered as a career-defining moment and reveal his potential as a top star going forward. 

Talla Tonga

The nearly seven foot giant has proven to be a formidable weapon for The MFTs on SmackDown. Towering over the other WWE stars, Tonga uses his size and agility with brutal strikes in the ring.

A potential match between he and Lesnar at WrestleMania 42 would be the ultimate battle of strength and supremacy. Both men possess overwhelming athleticism and power aligning with their physique which could set the stage for a first time ever encounter. 

Tonga made his WWE debut at Night of Champions later year to assist Solo Sikoa in his United States Title match against Jacob Fatu. It not only established Tonga’s powerful presence but also an immense challenge for future heavyweights and anyone who dared oppose The MFTs. 

Omos

While it would not be a full-fledged match, WWE could use the opportunity and capitalize on Omos’ return for WrestleMania. 

Omos and Lesnar already share a history with their WrestleMania 39 showdown. The wrestling giant’s last televised match in WWE was in 2024 but since then, he has been somewhat active in dark matches in NXT and appearances in both Pro Wrestling NOAH and AAA.

His potential return at WrestleMania 42 to challenge a former rival could bode well in his re-establishment as a dominant force on the roster, even if it lasts for a few minutes.

Bron Breakker

Breakker’s meteoric rise to stardom on the main roster within a couple of years in addition to being dubbed ‘the next big thing’ would have made him the perfect rival for Lesnar. However, the uncertainty surrounding his hernia surgery recovery puts him at a disadvantage for being out of in-ring action for most of the first half of 2026. 

In spite of reports on Lesnar’s WWE retirement some time this year, a bout between the two at some point is a must. It’s unlikely for WrestleMania, but would be a surprise if it happened.

Final Thoughts 

Gunther would be an ideal fit to face Lesnar at WrestleMania 42. If he destroys Lesnar at WrestleMania, he could be further positioned as the prime heel in 2026, possibly joining the ranks of Roman Reigns as one of the defining villains of the decade. 

As of this writing, Gunther has no feuds on his radar. And to avoid a failed boost that built momentum over the past few years, the opportunity should be seized by WWE to check off a blockbuster feud against Lesnar. Regardless of whoever would walk away with the win, the bout would leave a lasting impact and could leach to a rematch.

While Femi’s rising popularity is not to be forgotten, a push too soon for a WrestleMania clash combined with a premature loss on a stage of such grand magnitude could impact his ever-growing momentum. 

Perhaps we’ll see what happens tonight.

Oba Femi addresses possible Brock Lesnar WWE match

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Oba Femi is confident that a match between him and Brock Lesnar will happen at some point soon.

Ever since it was announced that Lesnar would be holding an open challenge at WrestleMania 42, there have been fans calling for Femi to be his opponent. The former NXT Champion spoke to TV Insider about Lesnar and said it would be “really cool” to face off against him.

“What a run for him. He had two separate runs, and they’ve both been fantastic. It would be really cool to face him,” Femi said. “I know the fans have been asking for that match. It’s going to happen one day soon. What a run he has had the UFC champion, multiple time WWE champion, Royal Rumble winner, dominance. What a way to cap it off by facing ‘The Ruler.'”

Femi and Lesnar did have a face-off in the 2026 Royal Rumble, which Femi described as being a teaser to see how fans would react.

The identity of Lesnar’s WrestleMania opponent has not been announced yet. On the road to WrestleMania, Lesnar has been confirmed for five upcoming episodes of Raw. The most recent of those is in San Antonio on March 16.

A match between Femi and Rusev is going down on tonight’s Raw. In the interview with TV Insider, Femi was asked how he’s been adjusting since being called up from NXT to the main roster.

“There is a lot more traveling on the main roster. A way bigger audience and platform,” he said. “I’m glad that everything I was able to do over at NXT happened. I was able to translate to the main roster effortlessly, seamlessly. The crowd has been behind me. They know my schtick. They know what I do. ‘The Ruler’ is here to stay on the main roster.”