Tag: Roman Reigns

WWE’s in no rush to make new top-level stars, and that’s a problem | Opinion

Posted on by Bryan Rose

WWE right now reminds me a lot of when Bob Backlund returned to the company in 1992.

The company continually pushed that the former WWE Champion, 43, was a grizzled veteran and was nearing the end of his career. Heel announcers like Jerry Lawler and Bobby Heenan would constantly berate him for being over the hill. Even when he turned heel and had his memorable run with Bret Hart, a lot of the emphasis was on him being a former world champion ten years prior, a relic from the past angry at the “new generation” of WWE talent.

How much have things changed since 1992? I present to you a chart showing every top male WWE star, and a few that you could argue are just slightly under top level status:

WrestlerAge
Roman Reigns41
CM Punk47
Brock Lesnar48
Seth Rollins40
Cody Rhodes40
Gunther38
LA Knight43
Damian Priest43
Randy Orton46
Drew McIntyre41
Jey Uso40

The average age here is 42.45. In other words, today’s WWE main event scene features a whole bunch of Bob Backlunds.

I can’t remember a time where every big star just feels so…old. Not in terms of in-ring, as everyone listed above is good to great. No one embarrasses themselves, and the top matches are usually good. But on the flipside, I’ve seen Brock Lesnar do the same thing for 14 years. I’ve seen Randy Orton on top. I’ve seen Seth Rollins, CM Punk, and Roman Reigns headline big events for well over a decade now. Key point here? I’ve seen it.

The way WWE structures itself right now makes it hard for anyone over 30 to truly break out and become top level stars. Many wrestlers get featured, some get to headline, but it seems like WWE is far more interested in creating a system where people have to “earn” their spots. They can “get the rub” by getting laid out by The Undertaker. They can be in the same ring as The Rock and get berated, but the chances of a young star getting what is most important — a decisive win over an established star — often feels remote at times. 

To their credit, WWE has been pushing hard the likes of Trick Williams, Oba Femi, and Bron Breakker over the last few months. But even then, they aren’t at the very top. Femi defeated Lesnar at WrestleMania in a quick, convincing match, only to lose just as quickly one month later at Clash in Italy. Breakker got a decisive victory over Rollins at Backlash, but then lost to him this past Monday on Raw. Granted, both were protected on those losses, and one loss isn’t a huge deal in the grand scheme of things. But you know what protects them even more? Winning. All the time. 

All of this is illustrated more as WWE begins to plant the seeds for SummerSlam. After Roman Reigns defeated Jacob Fatu for the second time at Clash in Italy, he locked eyes with Solo Sikoa, hinting a future feud between the two after spending much of 2024 at each other’s throats. Meanwhile it’s been rumored that Rollins could emerge as the winner of the King of the Ring tournament, setting him up for a match against Reigns. I don’t think I really care too much about revisiting their feud again. The Shield broke up twelve years ago. Can we move on?

One can argue that WWE is doing so well right now they don’t need to change anything. And WWE has such a giant advantage over every other wrestling promotion in the world, there’s no real rush to do anything. But eventually, the wrestlers listed above are going to age out, and the best time to start pushing in a new era of wrestlers is now, while the company is hot. Otherwise, by the time new stars are made, they’re already in their 30s, and soon the cycle will repeat itself. WWE needs to be more pragmatic about who can be a top star before it eventually comes back to haunt them.

Seth Rollins calls Roman Reigns’ World Heavyweight Championship claims ‘complete bullsh*t’

Posted on by Rosanne Raphael

Seth Rollins did not hold back when discussing Roman Reigns’ claims about elevating the status of the World Heavyweight Championship. 

In an interview with Big Nick Turturro on Delivering Happiness Rollins hyped his unfinished rivalry with Reigns and his shortened World Heavyweight Championship reign.  

“So, now Roman Reigns is walking around with my title, right? Talking about how he made the title relevant, which is bullsh*t. I’ll just say it. It’s complete bullsh*t. He knows it. I know it. Everybody else knows it. He sounds like an idiot when he says it.” 

He also discussed the formula that worked and currently works with top WWE stars 

“I think one of the things that’s really underrated in top talent and you kind of look at it through the history is there’s a level, there’s an intelligence that exists. There’s an understanding of people and how to read people, how to read a room, and how to kind of manipulate that reaction and that  feeling.”

“You look at guys from all different eras and they have it and they may not be traditionally the smartest guys in the world, like, you know, math scientists type things, right? Like Dusty Roads was incredible at it, the American Dream. You look at Ric Flair, you look at Bruno Sammartino, you look at Stone Cold Steve Austin, you look at The Rock, you look at all these generations, Triple H, these guys, John Cena, myself, Roman Reigns, the common denominator, aside from the desire for greatness, there’s a hunger to be at a level above other people, right? There’s an intelligence. There’s a knowhow with a way to get people to do what you want them to do.”

“And I don’t mean that in a negative manipulative way. I’m not trying to trick you or anything like that, but I understand what you want and what you don’t want and how to make those things work in conjunction with each other in the context of a story. And I think that’s the big thing that really, I think separates kind of that upper level from like the elite.”

Rollins was forced to vacate the World Title in October 2025 due to a shoulder injury that required surgery. He was the inaugural winner of the championship when it was re-introduced in 2023, and has had two reigns with it. 

Following his injury, CM Punk won the championship in his absence at SNME in November. At WrestleMania, Reigns defeated him for the title at the Night 2 main event. 

Following his injury, CM Punk won the championship in his absence at SNME in November. At WrestleMania, Reigns defeated Punk for the title in the Night Two main event. 

Nick Khan claims WWE WrestleMania 40 plans ‘never changed’

Posted on by Joseph Currier

According to Nick Khan, the way things ended up at WWE WrestleMania 40 were always how they were supposed to go.

The 2024 edition of WrestleMania saw Cody Rhodes defeat Roman Reigns to finish his story and become Undisputed WWE Champion. But the build to the match took a turn when Rhodes briefly gave up that main event spot to Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Fans did not respond well to the move, and the match once again became Reigns vs. Rhodes. A tag team bout was also made for night one of WrestleMania 40 with Reigns & The Rock taking on Rhodes & Seth Rollins.

WWE produced its own “Behind the Curtain” documentary on how fan backlash led them to pivot back to Reigns vs. Rhodes. But Khan, speaking at SBJ On Stage, claimed plans “never changed” and the situation went the way WWE wanted it to go.

“By the way, the plan was always how it ended up in Philly two years ago. Sometimes — it’s a pre-determined outcome in wrestling. You want to throw the fans off, you want to let things bake, and then, boom, it ends up the way that we wanted it to end up. It never changed,” the WWE president said. “That was just online rumors and gossip that we were changing — it never changed. We convinced Dwayne Johnson to come back. He’s on our board of directors. It was a tag team match. He’s about the same age I am, so two years ago let’s say he was 50, he was obviously in phenomenal shape, he did everything that we asked of him and then some. But that was always the result we were looking for.”

Khan’s appearance at SBJ On Stage took place in April prior to WrestleMania 42 but was not uploaded until this week.

Nick Khan on not listening to social media criticism —

At the SBJ event, Khan reiterated that WWE listens to ratings, revenue, and relevancy and does not respond to social media criticism. He views X/Twitter as a vocal minority and has not used the platform in regards to WWE.

“People are allowed to complain, but we don’t adjust our business based on complaints,” he said. “We adjust our business based on ratings, revenue, relevancy.

WWE’s reported plans for Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 43

Posted on by Rosanne Raphael

WWE’s plans for Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 43 and his rival has reportedly been discussed and a backup idea has allegedly been thrown around.

While it is not confirmed or official, Self Made Pro reported that WWE is planning a feud between Reigns and Oba Femi for WrestleMania 43 in Saudi Arabia. It has been reported that WWE is considering either Seth Rollins or Femi as Reigns’ opponent at SummerSlam, with the other potentially being saved for a WrestleMania 43 showdown. There is no confirmation on the matter. These are possible scenarios being discussed if The Rock is unable to make an appearance for WrestleMania.

In 2024, a blockbuster feud between The Rock and Reigns was teased. However, it stirred an uproar when Rock’s return was presented as poised to overtake Cody Rhodes’ WrestleMania main event spot despite winning the Royal Rumble and earning his opportunity by right. That evolved into a tag team match for Night 1 at WrestleMania that year with Rhodes teaming up with Seth Rollins against Reigns and Rock.

The Rock’s last WWE appearance was at Elimination Chamber 2025 where he was the mastermind in John Cena’s heel turn. He also played a key role in ambushing Rhodes, catching him off guard in a surprise attack in spite of showcasing a truce between the two earlier in the year.

Meanwhile, a feud between Reigns and Femi was imminently teased shortly after his World Title win at WrestleMania 42. Femi challenged him to a match and fans began chanting for Femi during Reigns’ post-show appearance. The champion addressed their cheers while putting Femi and other aspiring challengers on notice.

At Clash in Italy on May 31, Reigns defeated Jacob Fatu in a Tribal Combat match for the World Heavyweight Championship. And this forced Fatu to officially ‘acknowledge him as the Tribal Chief’ on the Raw that followed. Rhodes put his Undisputed WWE Championship on the line against Gunther at the Premium Live Event.

Later, backstage, Reigns and Rhodes had a staredown potentially teasing a match for Night of Champions on June 27 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Jey Uso had to intervene when fan wouldn’t let go of Roman Reigns (VIDEO)

Posted on by Jake Skudder

Jey Uso had to get involved when a fan took it a little too far with Roman Reigns during the WWE Clash in Italy 2026 event this past weekend.

Reigns was interacting with fans after his match against Jacob Fatu at the PLE when a fan grabbed his hand from the crowd. The fan then would not let go, even when Reigns tried to walk away, and Uso had to step in and slap the fan’s hand off the World Heavyweight Champion.

WWE Fan Incidents

The interaction only lasted a few seconds, but Uso stepping in and swatting away the fan is getting him a lot of respect from fans reacting to the video online.

There have also recently been issues with fans “stalking” performers at hotels and generally not knowing what the boundaries are between a quick moment and, quite frankly, taking the piss.

Wrestlers having to get involved when fans take it too far is seemingly ramping up even more in recent months. TMZ Sports recently had footage of a fan filming CM Punk’s wife AJ Lee and Bayley as they hugged and said goodbye to each other at the hotel after WrestleMania this year. Punk knocked the man’s phone to the ground after Bayley clearly asked the fan to move away. Punk was visibly angry, but the incident did not escalate any further.

Granted, an incident at an actual show is slightly different, but with these interactions becoming more and more commonplace it likely won’t be long before something goes horribly wrong.

You can check out the moment with Roman via the X post below:

Roman Reigns issues statement for LA Knight and others following WWE Clash in Italy

Posted on by Rosanne Raphael

Roman Reigns is aware of the WWE environment following his Clash in Italy win over Jacob Fatu, and had a message for the roster post the Premium Live Event. 

Following his Tribal Combat match win, Reigns was asked about his next move. He acknowledged the chatter in the air about potential challengers in LA Knight and Royce Keys among others. And proceeded to trash talk the roster with The Bloodline regaining supremacy again. 

“I don’t think it really matters what it means for me. What’s it mean for everybody else? I can hear the chattering – LA Knight, Royce Keys, and this goes for any of you chumps back there. You want to run your mouth about The Tribal Chief, you want to run your mouth about my family, you’re terrified about this Bloodline ain’t you? You already seen what’s happening behind me. I’m been the general, I’m been had an army. I’m trying to do it the right way. I’m trying to shine a light on my legacy in a positive manner but you’ll are forcing my hand. Keep on trying me. I’ll run it all forever.”  

Knight was one of the many eager challengers who stepped up to face Reigns during his lengthy Universal Title reign. They squared off at Crown Jewel 2023. It was during this time, main roster audiences started advocating for his push to win the Money in the Bank and the World Heavyweight Championship. However, in the last three years, Knight has ended up on the fringe of the main event scene.

Knight is aware of his positioning in the company and has addressed the frustrations. He has been involved in key storylines over the past few years and has been barely inches away from high-profile wins on multiple occasions. His last match was a six-man tag team bout with The Usos against The Vision at WrestleMania 42. Since then, Knight has yet to enter a marquee program. 

Cody Rhodes & Roman Reigns have staredown following WWE Clash in Italy

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Cody Rhodes & Roman Reigns are teasing following Clash in Italy.

After the show went off the air, WWE on social media posted a video of the two having a brief staredown. Rhodes nodded during their interaction before quickly walking past the World Heavyweight Champion.

Reigns took a shot at Rhodes after Clash in Italy

Reigns retained his title on Sunday, defeating Jacob Fatu in a Tribal Combat match. But after the match, he had pointed words for the WWE Champion, making it clear who he felt was at the very top of WWE.

“Now they know who the head of the table is, who the capitan of the ship is…QB1? F*** that noise. It’s the Tribal Chief,” Reigns declared as he made his exit.

Later in the post-show, Rhodes gave his response.

“I think it’s a unique position for me to be in, for me to say something negative or for him to say something negative about me, and for the simple fact that he doesn’t have two wins over me, I don’t have two wins over him. He beat me once, and I beat his a** once. So, I don’t know. Add him to the list,” he said. “We said Gunther can get a rematch whenever he wants it, come and get it. Easy to find, hard to beat, that goes for Roman Reigns as well.”

Rhodes was also successful Sunday in Turin. In the opening match, he defeated Gunther, albeit in a controversial way, as the referee counted three despite Gunther managing to get his foot on the ropes.

Roman Reigns vs. Jacob Fatu result at WWE Clash in Italy 2026

Posted on by Ian Carey

Roman Reigns is still the Tribal Chief and still the World Heavyweight Champion.

Reigns defeated Jacob Fatu in a tribal combat match on Sunday at WWE Clash in Italy. The finish saw him spear his cousin through a table set up in the corner before hitting another spear and getting the three-count to retain.

As a result of his loss, Fatu must now acknowledge Reigns as the Tribal Chief on Monday’s edition of WWE Raw, which will also take place in Turin, Italy.

After the bout, Jimmy and Jey Uso came to the ring, and Jey put the Ula Fala on Reigns. As Reigns and The Usos were leaving the ringside area, they spotted Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, and Talla Tonga at ringside. Reigns turned to The Usos and said he had something for them as well.

After Fatu got out of the ring, he glanced over briefly at the MFTs before following behind The Usos and Reigns toward the stage.

WWE stars who need a win at Clash in Italy | Opinion 

Posted on by Rosanne Raphael

Sunday’s WWE Clash in Italy features several rematches against talent with some stars seeking to either gain momentum or shift momentum in their favor. With championship implications and ongoing storylines, the PLE presents a crucial opportunity for stars to re-establish themselves. 

Here’s a few talents who need to win at WWE Clash in Italy.

Sol Ruca

Ruca won their non-title SNME bout via disqualification last weekend as an awkward landing after the Sol Snatcher forced the stoppage. 

Ruca and Lynch had their first encounter on the May 4 edition of Raw. Ruca was in the middle of signing her contract, officially transitioning to the main roster. Lynch intervened to confront Adam Pearce for her impromptu match against IYO SKY the previous week. 

Despite the mixed reactions, Lynch levels up and boosts her opponents. While it seems like the Women’s Intercontinental Title is struggling to brand its own identity, Ruca’s win could help define it with exciting matches and feuds. 

Oba Femi

Femi already showed his physicality and worth against Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 42. Another win against him would help cement him as WWE’s next powerhouse attraction. He has developed the momentum, but a second win over someone of Lesnar’s stature would solidify his credibility as a main event force.

It would also avoid predictable squash matches which were taking place as a part of Femi’s open challenges after WrestleMania. Apart from a rivalry with Roman Reigns, which was teased in the Mania post show and Gunther’s interest in a possible feud, the pool of believable opponents is limited. 

Femi needs to gain a victory over Lesnar again at Clash in Italy so he can strut on to better opportunities and most likely the World Heavyweight Championship. 

Jade Cargill

The formulaic attraction of Cargill’s limited title defenses during her initial World title reign made it difficult to sustain her character development. It often came across as WWE protecting her to ensure her dominant position. However, it fell flat. 

Rhea Ripley has strong connections to ongoing storylines. The tension with Charlotte Flair stemming from their history is teasing another singles feud down the line. Jacy Jayne confronting the champion on the April 24 edition of SmackDown demonstrated why WWE may be keen on keeping her in the center of the women’s division. 

Without the championship, Cargill could focus on fresh feuds against top notch opponents before a likely future as a two-time WWE Women’s Champion. 

Gunther

Gunther has already been presented as a physically dominant World Heavyweight Champion. If he defeats Cody Rhodes for the WWE Championship Sunday, that would be the final step in establishing himself as the company’s ultimate in-ring force.

Rhodes is in his third reign as champion. Initially, he was backed by fans worldwide to end Roman Reigns’ record-breaking Universal Title reign and take over the reins of the new era in WWE. However, over time, his monotonous tone and persona has become predictable. 

With a heel like Gunther taking the WWE Title from Rhodes, it would give him some time off from the constant spotlight and refresh his character direction. Meanwhile, it would be a change of pace with Gunther’s brutal, methodical style of wrestling in the WWE Championship picture. 

Roman Reigns

The Tribal Combat match is built to feel like it’s Roman Reigns’ domain. Reigns’ presence is still central to WWE. While this reign may feel a lot like his last one, a loss this soon would risk undercutting the aura WWE has rebuilt for him since his return to full-time competition.

Jacob Fatu’s determination is set in the right place — to take everything Reigns has for himself. However, that might get the best of him and detour him from seeing the bigger picture, blinding him with the right motive and method to get the victory over Reigns. He has proven it multiple times that his anger and quest has been the main influence to determine his next move. 

At the same time, it would enable WWE to carefully plot who could take over the leadership reins from him instead of a rushed takeover by Fatu.

WWE Clash in Italy main event potentially in jeopardy

Posted on by Joseph Currier

The Clash in Italy main event might be in jeopardy after Jacob Fatu suffered an injury at a WWE European tour house show.

Earlier today, word was going around that Fatu was seen limping after facing Solo Sikoa at a Thursday WWE live event in Liverpool, England. PWInsider now reports that Fatu did legitimately get hurt — and WWE is concerned that he might not be cleared in time for Clash in Italy. Fatu is scheduled to face World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns in a Tribal Combat match at Sunday’s PLE.

PWInsider writes that WWE “is mulling over alternative plans” in the event that it needs to pivot away from Fatu taking on Reigns. It’s not known what those alternative plans are.

Cory Hays of False Finish adds that, while WWE is looking into possible pivots, the assumption is that Fatu will be fine for Sunday. False Finish notes that Fatu’s injury is said to be a back injury.

Reigns vs. Fatu is advertised as the main event of the show, with the Undisputed WWE Championship match between Cody Rhodes and Gunther set to open the action during the hour one ESPN simulcast.

The start time for Clash in Italy is 2 p.m. Eastern. Five matches are announced for the PLE:

WWE Clash in Italy (Sunday, May 31) —

  • Tribal Combat: World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns defends against Jacob Fatu
  • Women’s Intercontinental Champion Becky Lynch defends against Sol Ruca
  • Oba Femi vs. Brock Lesnar
  • WWE Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley defends against Jade Cargill
  • Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes defends against Gunther

Jacob Fatu reportedly injured ahead of WWE Clash in Italy

Posted on by Rosanne Raphael

Jacob Fatu might be injured heading into WWE Clash in Italy this weekend. 

According to PWInsider Fatu was spotted limping after his WWE live event match against Solo Sikoa in Liverpool last night. There is no confirmation on the legitimacy and seriousness of the injury. 

Fatu is scheduled to face Roman Reigns on May 31 for the World Heavyweight Championship in a highly anticipated rematch. 

Despite coming up short at Backlash earlier this month, Fatu remains obsessed on claiming everything Reigns has and the Bloodline legacy for his own. However, the stakes have been raised with their match now officially taking place under Tribal Combat rules. 

Jacob Fatu talks preparation and mindset heading into WWE Clash in Italy 

Posted on by Rosanne Raphael

Jacob Fatu detailed his mindset heading into his WWE Clash in Italy match against Roman Reigns. 

In an interview with ESPN to hype his Clash in Italy bout, Fatu detailed the intricacies of a Tribal Combat, and what it means to his family, especially with their bloodline so deeply rooted in the feud. 

“Well, see, this is the thing about Tribal Combat you can’t really prepare for a sticky situation like this. When it comes to our bloodline, when it comes to our culture, when it comes to our family, we are the only ones that are able to go and we’re the only ones that’s able to go within the tribal combat and do what we and and and do what we do at such a high level, at such a great stake right now at Clash of Italy, especially going there for the first time.” 

Fatu also spoke on the opportunity for many firsts in his WWE run. More so going up against Roman Reign in WWE’s first Italy PLE is an honor. 

“If we could just pull the current back just a little bit besides everything else, it’s an honor and I wouldn’t have it no other way. You know, since I’ve been here in WWE, it’s been a lot of first times that I’ve been a part of everything. So for us to go for the very first time PLE in Italy against one of the greatest of all time, Roman Reigns, man, it doesn’t get no better at Clash in Italy. Cannot wait for it.”

The feud ignited on the Raw after Mania when Fatu challenged Reigns for the World Heavyweight Championship at Backlash. However, unhappy with the result, Fatu vowed to get a rematch and complete his quest to take over what Reigns has achieved in his WWE career. 

The rivalry escalated into a Tribal Combat match leaving no escape from disqualifications and weaponizing anything against opponents. Additionally, on Raw this week, a contract signing between the two culminated in a heated exchange. 

Roman Reigns shares moment with fans after WWE Raw went off air 

Posted on by Rosanne Raphael

Roman Reigns shared a moment with fans on his birthday after WWE Raw went off air. 

In footage posted by fans on social media, the crowd chanted ‘Happy Birthday’ to Reigns who expressed gratitude and appreciated their support. 

“Well, Colombus, you really know how to make your Tribal Chief feel special. You know it’s tough being in the WWE because it’s a family business. It’s hard to transition when you’re fighting with your family, so I just want to be grateful and have gratitude for all of you.”

“This ain’t bull**it. This is the real deal. Before I get out of here, man, it’s hard to describe this life. It’s hard to explain, and I just try to pray and be thankful every single day, man. This is the best. I hope everyone back there can feel the way I feel these days, but I feel like a lottery winner.”

“And like anybody that’s doing well, there’s a lot of hard work, but at the end of the day, it doesn’t happen without y’all. So whether it’s my birthday, whether it’s a Monday, a Wednesday, a Sunday, it doesn’t matter. It’s a blessed day. I just want to say thank you, everybody. Please get home safe.” 

In the concluding moments on Raw, Reigns and Jacob Fatu signed the contract for their World Heavyweight Championship match at Clash in Italy. He warned Fatu that only one can be the Head of the Table after their Tribal Combat this weekend. 

New stipulation added to Tribal Combat match at WWE Clash in Italy

Posted on by Bryan Rose

A new stipulation is set if Jacob Fatu can’t win at Clash in Italy.

During Raw, Roman Reigns and Adam Pearce were discussing the contract both Reigns and Fatu were set to sign in the main event segment of the show. Reigns said that while he had to accept the Tribal Combat match at Clash in Italy, he wanted a new stipulation to the contract: if Fatu were to lose, he would have to “serve” Roman.

In the final segment, Fatu came out and immediately started to get rid of the table and chairs around him. Reigns came out as the two had a staredown with security preventing them from going any further. Reigns dismissed everyone, saying that with the contract signed, Fatu wouldn’t go after him. He reiterated the new stipulation for Sunday in Italy, telling Fatu that he would eventually learn to love the Tribal Chief.

Fatu agreed to the terms, saying that Reigns took them to new places, but it was time for a change, and if he couldn’t dog-walk him, he’d still at least have a job. But if he won, everyone, including Reigns, would learn how to acknowledge him.

Reigns won last month, but Fatu’s rampage continued

Reigns was victorious over Fatu at Backlash, defeating him to retain the World Heavyweight title. But Fatu immediately went on the attack after the match, and in the weeks following Backlash continued to lay out Reigns and the Usos. After the trio were successful in laying out Fatu last week, he issued the Tribal Combat challenge for Clash in Italy.

WWE Raw live results: Tribal Combat contract signing

Posted on by Steve Khan

Date: May 25, 2026
Location: Schottenstein Center in Columbus, OH 

The Big Takeaway —

Raw featured another contract signing, a fun Intercontinental title match, and a nonsensical show-long storyline involving Austin Theory, Seth Rollins, and The Street Profits. 

On a personal note: this report will be my final time covering a WWE show. See more below. 

**********

Show Recap —

Paul Heyman paced around the ring, awaiting his cue to start the show as the announcers plugged Oba Femi vs. Brock Lesnar at Clash in Italy. 

Heyman said he was there to hype a match that didn’t need to be hyped. (His speech was interrupted by chants of “Oba.”) He called this rematch the biggest in professional wrestling history, and he cut to the video screen for a pre-taped Lesnar promo. 

Lesnar congratulated Femi on his WrestleMania victory, but said that win was going to cost him. Lesnar has had his ass beat before, but nothing quite like that. It was so bad that Lesnar was done (and left his gloves in the ring). However, it wouldn’t end like that for him. Lesnar asked, “Brock Lesnar can take an ass-whooping, but can you?” He said Femi would get his ass kicked by a humbled, retired beast, and he would rule over Femi. 

Heyman said the good news was that everyone would get to see history, but the bad news was that Femi had awakened the beast. 

Femi entered and cornered Heyman. Femi said he might have awoken Lesnar, but “what do you think four F5s has awoken in Oba Femi?” Heyman was panicking, so Femi assured him he was safe. Femi wanted Heyman alive to see him retire Lesnar a second time. Heyman liked to say it was only business, but four F5s seemed pretty personal to him. 

Femi pulled out the contract and signed it on Heyman’s chest. He told Heyman to deliver a message: “Last time, I was fighting to beat him. This time, I’m fighting to kill him.” (The crowd liked Femi, but that line only got a modest reaction from them.) 

********

Roman Reigns was shown arriving earlier. It’s his birthday, so a stagehand tried handing him a mystery gift, but he chucked it aside. Jacob Fatu, Rey Mysterio (announced as the new GM of AAA), and Judgment Day also arrived. 

Intercontinental Championship match: Penta (c) vs. Je’Von Evans

Evans immediately went for a cutter, but Penta blocked it. Evans hit a hurricanrana instead, then landed on his feet after Penta tried a hurricanrana of his own. After a quick exchange of counters and a face-off, Evans joined Penta in doing his little dance. 

However, Evans nailed an unsuspecting Penta with a dropkick before hitting a leaping dive. Evans tried a springboard move back in the ring, but Penta superkicked him out of the air. Moments later, with Penta back outside the ring, Evans went for a suicide dive, but Penta used his momentum to toss him into the edge of the announce table. 

Evans fought back during a break by driving Penta over the barricade before hitting a springboard clothesline back into the ring. As Michael Cole noted, Evans was no longer smiling. He traded chops with Penta, but instead of going for another chop, Evans hit a sudden knee strike and a cutter for a nearfall. Penta responded with a backstabber for two. 

With Penta hunched over on the apron, Evans leaped over the ropes and hit a cutter onto the edge of the ring for a two count. Penta blocked another springboard move and hit a Penta driver for a nearfall. 

Penta went to the top, but Evans leaped to the top rope and hit an avalanche hurricanrana. Evans went for an OG Cutter, but Penta nailed him with a mid-air superkick. Penta went for a destroyer, but Evans countered with a knee strike. 

Evans went for the OG Cutter again, but Penta caught him with a mid-air backstabber, followed by a Canadian Destroyer for the pinfall win. 

— Penta raised Evans’ hand post-match, but a frustrated Evans pulled his hand away and left the ring. Penta celebrated with his belt. 

Match result: Penta defeated Je’Von Evans to retain the Intercontinental Championship (11:31)

An excellent TV match. Evans is ready to be a singles champion. 

******** 

Austin Theory gets a new tag team partner 

Austin Theory approached Heyman backstage. Theory was ready to hand over his tag title belt to Heyman, who wasn’t sure why. Theory said Logan Paul was hurt, so he wasn’t sure what to do with it. Heyman said Logan knew that this business wasn’t ballet. 

Heyman also put it in every contract that “The Vision” would be the ones defending the tag titles, without specifying who. Heyman said Theory could defend the titles with Bron Breakker. Heyman explained further until Theory gave him a big hug and thanked him. 

Heyman told Theory, “I did this for you because I believe in you. Because I wanted this for you.” (Probably some reality to that line.) Theory wanted to take out anyone involved in taking out Logan. Heyman was on board. 

(It’s pro wrestling logic, but it’s silly that Heyman can simply put “The Vision” in the contract, and Adam Pearce wouldn’t make him specify which members make up the team.) 

********

Joe Hendry was in the ring, I guess for a concert. He sang his Fire Logan Paul song again until Theory attacked him from behind with a steel chair. Theory hit Hendry repeatedly in the back with the chair. Theory was about to leave, but turned around to hit Hendry’s “head” against the steel post (it was done safely). Officials checked on Hendry. 

Backstage, Seth Rollins approached Angelo Dawkins. Rollins said he knew what it felt like to get screwed over by the Vision (as the Street Profits did at SNME). But they had an opportunity with Logan gone. The Vision was the weakest they’ve ever been, but they were also the most dangerous. (What?) Rollins said she’s never seen that side of Theory, and they should put the Vision out for good. 

Montez Ford approached and was not having this. Ford wasn’t interested in Rollins’ redemption story. Rollins said if he were around for their match, the Street Profits would be tag champs right now. They didn’t have to be friends when this was over; they just needed to work together to get rid of the Vision.  

Rollins knew why Ford didn’t trust him, but he was also the only one between them who was a multi-time world champion and a WrestleMania main-eventer. Ford said he never stabbed his brother in the back. Ford wanted a match against Rollins tonight, and Rollins accepted. Dawkins was annoyed. 

********

There was a video package for the El Grande Americano vs. Original El Grande Americano, Mask vs. Mask match in AAA on Saturday. 

Penta approached Evans backstage. Evans apologized for being unprofessional earlier. He called Penta a great champion, but let him know he’d be seeing him again soon. They bumped fists. 

Rey Mysterio approached Penta and congratulated him on his success. Penta congratulated him on his position in AAA, too. Penta wanted to be a fighting champion, and there was no one he would rather face than Mysterio. Rey liked the sounds of that. Penta left to go talk to Pearce. 

******** 

Raquel Rodriguez & Roxanne Perez (w/ Women’s World Champion Liv Morgan & AAA Mega Champion Dominik Mysterio) vs. Lyra Valkyria & Bayley

Bayley made a hot tag following a break, hitting Perez with a back suplex and sunset flip powerbomb into the corner. Valkyria tagged in and teamed with Bayley to hit Perez with a combo neckbreaker. 

They awkwardly made their way to the side of the ring so they could be in position for Morgan to put Perez’s leg on the bottom rope. However, the ref saw this and tossed her from ringside. Morgan protested, so Bayley attacked her. Rodriguez clotheslined Bayley, and Valkyria wiped out Rodriguez. Perez tried to use the distraction by applying a schoolboy, but Valkyria kicked out. Morgan finally left ringside. 

Bayley tagged in and went to the top rope, but Dom distracted the ref, so Rodriguez shoved Bayley off the top. Perez hit Bayley with Pop Rox, and Valkyria was supposed to break up the cover, but she was late, so Bayley kicked out of Perez’s finisher. 

Rodriguez tried powerbombing Valkyria out of the ring, but Valkyria used a leg scissors to wipe them both over the top rope. 

Dom leaped on the apron to distract the ref so Perez could use his AAA title as a weapon, but she got in a tug-of-war with Bayley. Bayley knocked Perez backward, and Perez knocked Dom off the apron by accidentally hitting him with the belt. Bayley rolled up Perez for the pinfall win. 

Match result: Bayley & Lyra Valkyria defeated Roxanne Perez & Raquel Rodriguez (10:50)

A mess of a match. Awkward-looking spots with tons of interference and distractions. Rodriguez and Valkyria, in particular, were off in this match, and the overbooked spots didn’t help. 

********

Roman Reigns met with Pearce backstage. Pearce didn’t think Jacob Fatu should be employed by WWE. Reigns understood, but he had to show the power and stroke that they (the Bloodline) had. 

Reigns didn’t actually want to go back to his old ways and didn’t realize Fatu knew he had the ace to pull by challenging him to Tribal Combat. But Fatu knew Reigns had no choice but to accept as Tribal Chief. Reigns said there had to be consequences in the contract. If Fatu lost, he had to serve Reigns. But if Fatu won, he wished Pearce luck, because they were all screwed. 

******* 

There was a Memorial Day video narrated by Cody Rhodes. 

LA Knight promo

LA Knight entered. He said it’s been a while since he’s felt this. It’s been since WrestleMania since he stood in the ring in front of everyone. He wished everyone a happy Memorial Day and thanked all of their service members. 

Knight put the Vision in his rear-view mirror at WrestleMania and stood with Jimmy and Jey Uso, but the Usos have been doing things a bit differently lately. Next week on Raw, the King and Queen of the Ring tournaments begin, and he was throwing his name in the hat. That meant he would be earning a title shot and was coming for Roman Reigns, who was the most corrupt champion he’s ever seen. 

Jimmy Uso interrupted. He said he fought side-by-side with Knight against the Vision at Mania. Knight said that was true, but now Jimmy was with Reigns, fighting three-on-one. It rubbed Knight the wrong way, and he was one of the Bloodline’s past victims. 

Jimmy understood because a lot of people had a problem with the Bloodline. They made things ugly for everyone for years. They did what they had to do, but it wasn’t like that anymore. Jimmy invited Knight to enter KOTR because if he won, he’d have a fair shot at Reigns. 

Knight heard the word “fair” and asked if Jimmy was being honest with him, or if he was even being honest with himself. Knight saw Jimmy playing third-fiddle to Reigns, behind Jey, and didn’t want to see him become Reigns’ errand boy again. 

Jimmy said Knight was lucky the Yeetman wasn’t there, because if he was, they wouldn’t be talking. Knight said that proved his point. The two of them would attack him two-on-one, and maybe Reigns would join them, just like they did to Fatu. 

Jimmy said their family business had nothing to do with Knight, so he should tread carefully, or he would become their business. 

Knight said Jimmy was the one he liked. He was ok with Jey. But he didn’t like Reigns then, and he didn’t like him now. Reigns always needed somebody’s help. If the family business became his business, he would make sure they went out of business. Knight told Jimmy to deliver that message to Reigns. 

********

Ethan Page interrupted a conversation between Pearce and Rey. Page didn’t like that Rey was trying to get an IC title match. Rusev jumped in next, wanting to know what was going on. Page said Pearce and Rey were conspiring against Rusev. Rusev believed him, so he wasn’t happy to hear this. Rey was more than happy to fight Rusev to earn an IC title match. Pearce made it official. 

******** 

90 minutes into Raw, we’ve had two matches amounting to about 22 minutes. 

Seth Rollins vs. Montez Ford

After a break, Rollins hit a superplex into a falcon arrow for two. They traded counters until Rollins hit a Pedigree for two. With Ford down, Rollins tried to talk sense into him and convince Ford that he’s changed. Ford slapped him, so Rollins hit consecutive buckle bombs. 

Rollins went for a third buckle bomb, but Ford countered and drove him out of the ring. Ford hit a running flip dive over the corner to the outside, followed by a frog splash in the ring for two. 

Ford went for a 450 splash, but Rollins dodged it and hit a curb stomp. Rollins was exhausted, but fell into a cover for the pinfall win. 

— After the match, Dawkins scampered out to the stage where Theory attacked him with a steel chair. Theory continued the attack until officials ran out. Pearce called him sick. 

Match result: Seth Rollins defeated Montez Ford (12:35)

This match was fine, but a step down from what you might expect. Unlike the Evans’ match earlier, it didn’t feel like Ford deserved a better fate here, but that seemed to be the point. 

********

Backstage, Ford was steaming and wanted an update from Pearce on Dawkins. Rollins joined in and wanted an update, too. Ford finally agreed with Rollins that there were bigger things going on and bigger fish to fry. His brother was down, and he needed them. Rollins and Ford nodded at each other before Ford went into the trainer’s room to check on Dawkins. 

Rollins told Pearce he wanted Breakker and wanted the match as soon as possible.

(Breakker wasn’t on the show tonight, and Paul is out with an injury, so it’s odd that they’re having so much trouble against one guy with a steel chair.) 

********

Clash in Italy (airing 2 pm ET/11 am PT): 

  • Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Gunther for the WWE Championship 
  • Rhea Ripley (c) vs. Jade Cargill for the WWE Women’s Championship 
  • Oba Femi vs. Brock Lesnar 
  • Roman Reigns (c) vs. Jacob Fatu in Tribal Combat for the World Heavyweight Championship 
  • Becky Lynch (c) vs. Sol Ruca for the Women’s Intercontinental Championship 

********

Becky Lynch interview 

Cathy Kelley interviewed Lynch backstage. Kelley said Sol Ruca was sidelined with injuries tonight, and it seemed like Lynch had the advantage for their upcoming match. 

Lynch said some people got punched in the face and became the face of the industry, while others got punched in the face and got a wake-up call that they were in over their heads. Ruca was totally outmatched. 

Some people might be impressed with her tricks and flips, but she hasn’t picked up a single pinfall victory since her debut. Ruca’s name was written in sand, but the tide was coming in. Lynch’s name was etched in stone and would be around forever. There was a difference between striving for greatness and standing across from it. Lynch welcomed her to the big time. 

******** 

Ethan Page joined commentary for this match. 

Rey Mysterio vs. Rusev

They played cat-and-mouse until Rey set up for a 619, but Rusev popped off the middle rope and clobbered him with a back elbow. Rusev was in control, but Rey came back after a break with a low seated senton and Lionsault for two. Rey tried a springboard move, but Rusev caught him and hit a spinning side slam, followed by a Machka Kick for two. 

Rusev tried chucking Rey through the ropes, but Rey countered by hitting a 619 to the gut. Rey went for a regular 619, but Rusev caught him. Rusev went for the Accolade, but Rey quickly slipped out and applied a schoolboy for the pinfall win. Page was displeased. 

Rey is now the number one contender for the IC title, setting up a potential match against Penta. 

— Rusev attacked Rey after the match, so Dragon Lee ran out to make the save. Page ran into the ring, but Dragon Lee fought him off and used a hurricanrana to drive him into Rusev. Dragon Lee wiped out Page with a flip dive while Rey hit Rusev with a 619. Dragon Lee hit Rusev with Operation Dragon and posed tall with Rey. 

Match result: Rey Mysterio defeated Rusev (9:27) 

********

An irate Pearce told Theory he’d had enough and kicked him out of the building. Theory said it wasn’t enough after what happened to the rest of the Vision. Pearce told him again that he was done for the night. Heyman settled things down and walked Theory out of the building. 

They walked past Alpha Academy as they left. Otis and Akira Tozawa weren’t impressed. Maxxine Dupri told them to cut Theory some slack. She said she’d catch up with them later, and she left. 

(Seriously, what’s stopping Ford and Rollins from ambushing Theory right now?)

******** 

Next week on Raw (airing at 2 pm ET/11 am PT): 

  • King and Queen of the Ring tournaments begin 

As Knight referenced earlier, the tournament winners earn title shots. 

********

Roman Reigns and Jacob Fatu contract signing 

This was the second contract signing with these two men in the past four weeks. 

Jacob Fatu entered first, and security filled the aisleway. Fatu signed the contract, then he chucked the leather chairs and table out of the ring at the security guards. Security swarmed into the ring, but Pearce settled them all down. 

Roman Reigns entered. He signed the contract. Reigns told Pearce and security to leave them. Pearce thought it might be smart for security to remain. Reigns said Fatu made a blood oath. He can’t touch him until Italy. Reigns told them to leave now, so they did. 

Reigns told Columbus to acknowledge him. They did. Reigns told Fatu this could have been simple. After Reigns beat him, Fatu could have acknowledged him, and they could have moved on to the next mission. 

Fatu said hell no. Fatu wasn’t like everyone else. Reigns was indeed the reason their family was living the life that they were, that their family was living on top of the mountain. Reigns elevated the family and took them to the promised land. But he could only take them so far. It was time for a change. It was time for another destination. 

Fatu smiled and asked Reigns whether he lived by the Bloodline’s code at Backlash, or if he bent the rules just to beat him. Fatu knew Reigns did what he had to do in that match, but in Tribal Combat, anything goes. Fatu would dog-walk Reigns’ bitch-ass. When Fatu took over all of this, everyone would face the consequences. 

Reigns said he was a man of his word. If Fatu won, he would be head of the table. Fatu would lead, and Reigns would follow. But if Fatu couldn’t dog-walk him, Reigns would walk him like a dog. Reigns would domesticate him. Fatu would serve him, learn from him, and, in time, Fatu would love his Tribal Chief. 

Fatu was on board with that. This was a win for him. Even if Reigns won, Fatu still had a job. Nothing changed there. But when Fatu won, everyone—including Reigns—would learn how to acknowledge him. 

They shook hands and touched foreheads to make it official.

*************** 

I won’t go into it too in-depth here, but as mentioned above, this will be my final time covering WWE. I’ve been watching WWF/WWE basically my entire life. The quality of the product has been much worse than it is now many times over the past three-plus decades, but it’s become increasingly difficult to follow this company as a whole for a long list of reasons. 

I’ve already stopped buying merchandise and attending shows. But continuing to cover the shows doesn’t feel worth the time and mental fatigue, especially with a full year of programming ahead culminating in a WrestleMania show that, as it stands now, represents much of what’s wrong with the company. There’s more to it than that, but I’ll leave it there. 

I’m (probably) not disappearing entirely from this website, for those wondering. This also isn’t me encouraging anyone to stop watching WWE. Like what you like. But I’m done with it.