Tag: Roman Reigns

WWE Raw notes: Jacob Fatu & Roman Reigns, Sol Ruca, Oba Femi’s open challenge

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Notes from Monday’s Raw.

The Oba Femi open challenge began on Monday, with Akira Tozawa seemingly coming out to challenge The Ruler. However, it quickly became apparent that it was in fact Otis challenging Femi. Despite the bigger challenge, Femi quickly dispatched Otis, finishing off the former Tag Team Champion with the fall from grace in minutes, winning his first open challenge match.

There were also two contract signings on Raw. First was Sol Ruca, who came out and was about to sign her contract when she was interrupted by Becky Lynch, who ignored Ruca and complained to Adam Pearce. Ruca cut her off and the two exchanged words. Lynch eventually went for a cheap shot but smacked Pearce instead. As Pearce left, Ruca laid out a distracted Lynch with a sol snatcher, setting up a future program between the two.

Roman Reigns and Jacob Fatu met in the main event. The two exchanged words before Reigns made it simple for Fatu: this was all his, this was his ring. They are the same blood, but Fatu is beneath him. That got Fatu upset, who immediately went on the attack with the Tongan death grip. Reigns fought him off and went for the Superman punch but Fatu latched it on again, eventually sending Reigns through the table in the ring.

Raw ended with officials checking on Reigns as Fatu left the ring.

WWE Raw live results: Backlash go-home show

Posted on by Steve Khan

Date: May 4, 2026
Location: CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE 

The Big Takeaway —

Jacob Fatu laid out Roman Reigns again ahead of their world title match on Saturday. 

Oba Femi beat Otis, Ethan Page pinned Penta, and Sol Ruca is headed for a feud with Becky Lynch. 

**********

Show Recap — 

Oba Femi, Chad Gable Americano and the Creed Brothers (under their new masks), Sol Ruca, Je’Von Evans and Penta were shown arriving. The live crowd seems hot so far, as basically everyone got a big reaction, as did the graphic for tonight’s contract signing. 

Roman Reigns arrived and was on a mission. He quickly made his way to Gorilla position as Adam Pearce tried to tell him something. Reigns wasn’t listening, but Pearce finally stopped him to tell him that Jacob Fatu wasn’t there. 

Reigns turned around to find Seth Rollins, who told Reigns that he was in his way. Rollins made his way out through the stage instead, but was attacked from behind by Bron Breakker. 

Breakker press-slammed Rollins onto the edge of the barricade and was swarmed by officials to stop. Breakker shoved aside some security guards and continued his attack. 

Officials briefly stopped Breakker from doing more, but he sprinted by them and speared Rollins in the ring. (This was a better-looking Bron spear than we’ve seen lately.) Fans booed, barked and chanted, “One more time,” as Breakker walked off. 

********

Judgment Day met backstage. Liv Morgan said Stephanie Vaquer was injured, so they didn’t have to worry about her anymore. Morgan watches the show, it turns out, and she asked Roxanne Perez why Finn Bálor was in the clubhouse last week, and why she didn’t mention it. 

Perez said she didn’t mention it because she was clear to Bálor when she told him to leave and not come back. Perez was loyal to Judgment Day. 

Morgan said she knew that, but wanted Perez to promise that she wouldn’t keep any secrets from her. Perez did promise, but she was clearly just playing along. 

Finn Bálor vs. JD McDonagh (w/ AAA Mega Champion Dominik Mysterio)

Michael Cole wondered why McDonagh would align himself with Judgment Day over Bálor and questioned his loyalty. Corey Graves said loyalty doesn’t pay the bills. Indeed, it doesn’t. 

McDonagh worked over Bálor’s leg, but when Bálor mounted a comeback, he was tripped by Dom while referee Jessika Carr wasn’t watching, and McDonagh regained control. Perez marched out to ringside as they went to break. Bálor began his comeback after the break as Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez made their way to ringside, too. 

Bálor hit a back body drop, double foot stomp, and slingblade. Bálor knocked Dom off the apron, which allowed McDonagh to apply a cradle for two. McDonagh followed with a Spanish Fly for two. Bálor took a nasty landing on the Spanish Fly, landing high on his neck/upper back. 

With Carr distracted again, Dom tripped Bálor off the apron. Carr finally tossed Dom from ringside (but not the other three Judgment Day members). McDonagh went for a moonsault, but Bálor got his knees up and applied a cradle for a nearfall. 

Morgan distracted Carr next, while simultaneously tossing a hammer to Perez. With Carr still distracted, Perez nailed Bálor with the hammer (showing her loyalty to Judgment Day), and McDonagh followed with a headbutt for the pinfall win. 

Match result: JD McDonagh defeated Finn Bálor (11:44) 

I assumed they were having a rematch so they could outdo the six-minute match they had two weeks ago, but that was a stupid assumption. This match was all about the insane amount of interference to set up McDonagh getting a win. They’re now even at one win apiece. 

********

Jackie Redmond found Rollins backstage and asked if he would be ok for Backlash. Rollins said the show was in five days, so he would be fine. He told Breakker last week that if he took chances, he better be able to finish the job, but he (Rollins) wasn’t dead yet. 

El Grande Americano (Ludwig Kaiser) and his buddies were interviewed during commercials. El Grande said the Original doesn’t know what he signed up for because he doesn’t actually speak Spanish. In Mexico, El Grande might not be allowed to touch him, but here, he can do whatever he wants. (There’s a six-man tag match tonight.) 

There was a video package of Jacob Fatu using the Tongan Death Grip on Reigns last week, and the announcers tried to put over the hold as lethal. 

********

The Vision met backstage. There was some silly comedy with Breakker and Austin Theory, imitating Rollins by holding their noses and suggesting Rollins sounded like a duck. (I didn’t mind Breakker’s impression last week, but this was extra dumb.) Paul Heyman entered and asked if Rollins was still breathing. Breakker, somewhat sheepishly, said yes. 

Logan Paul said Joe Hendry wouldn’t be breathing when he got his hands on him. Paul desperately wanted a match against Hendry to put him in the hospital permanently. Heyman said no. Heyman didn’t want Paul to end up in jail, especially after what Breakker had already done tonight. Instead, Hendry would wrestle Theory. 

Intercontinental Champion Penta & Je’Von Evans vs. Rusev & Ethan Page

Early in the match, Evans wiped out Rusev with a dive before Penta gave Page a Penta Driver for a nearfall. A Rusev distraction allowed the heels to take control over Penta during a break. 

Penta did a springboard move to knock Rusev off the apron, but collapsed and struggled to make a tag despite doing a springboard seconds earlier (the springboard actually got him relatively close to Evans, so he had to drop back a bit to create more space). The extra time allowed Rusev to knock Evans off the apron. 

Evans did wind up getting the hot tag moments later, hitting Page with a jawbreaker and German suplex before wiping out Rusev with a dive again. Evans followed with a springboard clothesline for two. Page fought back briefly, but Evans nailed a Red Dot kick. Penta tagged in and hit a tornado DDT, but Rusev broke up the cover. 

Evans hit Rusev with a dive for the third time, and Rusev wound up on top of the announce table. The crowd loudly cheered as Evans went to the top, but Page shoved him off. 

Penta knocked Page outside the ring, but as Penta went for a dive off the apron, Page yanked the apron skirt to trip him. Page distracted the referee while Rusev slammed Penta onto the announce table, and Page followed with a fisherman’s suplex variation for the pinfall win. (Page’s usual finisher was countered twice earlier in the match). 

— Rusev was happy they won, and he celebrated with Page in the ring. This might have been the first time Rusev has smiled (on camera) since returning to WWE. 

Match result: Ethan Page & Rusev defeated Penta & Je’Von Evans (10:42)

A pretty good match, thanks in large part to Evans, and the crowd was into it. He felt like a breath of fresh air here. Page looked good, too, and he fits in well here. 

******* 

Sol Ruca contract signing

There was a video package for Sol Ruca before Adam Pearce introduced her to the ring. He put this over as a big moment for an NXT call-up. 

Ruca entered, and Pearce handed her the contract. Instead of just signing it, she said, “It is going to feel so damn good when I sign this and officially be a part of Monday Night Raw.” A bit of an odd thing to say, unless you know you’re about to be interrupted. 

Becky Lynch entered. She got in Pearce’s face while completely ignoring Ruca. Lynch said this was meant to be her time in the ring. She had a monumental WrestleMania win and had to fight “Iyo Jannetty” last week in an unscheduled match. She won that match despite Pearce’s meddling. 

Lynch rambled until Ruca cut her off. Ruca told Lynch that not everything was about her. Lynch thought that was funny, because “everything is about me.” 

Ruca said she knew all about Lynch’s accomplishments but didn’t realize she was exactly what people said: a rude, big-headed bitch. 

Lynch asked Ruca, “Who are you?” and Ruca responded, “I’m Sol Ruca, and if you ever interrupt me again, not only will I kick your ass, I’ll snatch your soul.” (That got a big pop.) Ruca signed the contract. 

Lynch tried a cheap shot, but Ruca dodged it, and Lynch hit Pearce by mistake. Pearce screamed at Lynch before leaving the ring. 

Lynch had her head in her hands because she couldn’t believe what she did. Because she wasn’t paying attention, it allowed Ruca to fly in and hit her with the Sol Snatcher. Unfortunately, Ruca slipped on the rope, and it took her extra time to hit the move. Ruca blew a kiss to Lynch and posed for the crowd.

(The crowd was into this, and they liked Sol Ruca, but because of the slip, they did not pop for the Sol Snatcher. In her Raw debut two weeks ago, she hit the move but failed to beat Morgan with it because Morgan rolled out of the ring. It’s not a big deal, but not a great start for her finisher.) 

*******

Redmond asked Jimmy and Jey Uso for comment on tonight’s contract signing. Jimmy said they loved Fatu, but he needed to understand how Reigns handled business. Jey wasn’t worried about how this would affect their relationship with Fatu. Jey warned him that he’s swimming in deep water now. The line has been drawn, and Fatu would find out who he was messing with at Backlash. “Good luck, little cousin.” 

********

Joe Hendry sang a song during a break, which bled into the live broadcast. He encouraged Pearce to fire Logan Paul again. An angry Paul marched out and said TKO couldn’t fire him because that would be bad business.

Joe Hendry vs. Austin Theory (w/ Logan Paul)

Theory took control thanks to a Paul distraction, Hendry made a comeback, did his pose, and Paul decked him from behind for the DQ. 

— Paul and Theory beat up Hendry until Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins ran out to make the save. Breakker broke up the party by taking out the Street Profits with suplexes. 

Breakker set up Dawkins for a spear, but Rollins attacked Breakker from behind. Rollins fired up and set up Breakker for a curb stomp. As he did, Ford sprinted towards Rollins, leaped right over him and over the ring post to wipe out the heels with a crazy flip dive. 

However, Ford’s dive distracted Rollins, and Breakker laid him out with a spear. 

The crowd was really into all of this. (I laughed at Rollins getting speared because Ford flew over his head moments prior.) 

Match result: Joe Hendry defeated Austin Theory via disqualification (3:17) 

********

Redmond interviewed Judgment Day backstage. Morgan wanted them to have all the gold. Rodriguez called out the tag champions, Brie Bella and Paige, and invited them to Raw. 

Bayley and Lyra Valkyria interrupted. Bayley said she saw them use the hammer earlier and told Judgment Day that she and Valkyria wouldn’t be that easy to get rid of. Morgan and Judgment Day brushed this off like nothing and left. 

*******

Oba Femi entered for the first Oba Femi open challenge. Akira Tozawa seemingly answered the call, entering with Otis and Maxxine Dupri. Tozawa, a trained professional wrestler, cowardly walked away in fear upon facing off with Femi in the ring. Tozawa called Otis into the ring instead. 

Oba Femi vs. Otis (w/ Maxxine Dupri & Akira Tozawa) 

This was awesome. 

Femi and Otis traded shoulder tackles, but neither man went down or even budged. They traded tackles again before Femi hit an awesome running uppercut. Femi hoisted Otis up and chucked him across the ring. 

Femi realized he may not be able to get Otis up for his powerbomb in the traditional manner, so he hoisted Otis onto the middle rope for leverage, got underneath, lifted him up and walked toward the middle of the ring to hit the Fall From Grace powerbomb for the pinfall win. The crowd ate this up.

Match result: Oba Femi defeated Otis (1:48) 

******* 

Backstage, a frustrated Rollins told a referee that he didn’t need his help. Rollins bumped into the Street Profits and Hendry. Rollins sarcastically thanked Ford for getting him speared again. 

Ford said nobody trusted Rollins after everything he did with the Vision. Rollins said he didn’t even trust himself sometimes, but they were in the same fight against the Vision, and sometimes those fights needed to come together. Rollins told Ford to stay out of his way, and Rollins would stay out of his. 

(So, he implied they should fight together, but in his next sentence, he said the opposite.) 

********

Ethan Page (now wearing a suit) cut a commercial break promo. He’s gunning for the IC title. 

IYO SKY and Asuka sit-down segment 

This was a pre-taped segment with Sky and Asuka seated across from one another. 

Sky told Asuka that she’s avoided this fight for years. Asuka was her mentor. She looked up to her and loved her. Despite everything Asuka has done to her, Sky still respected her. She never wanted this fight or for it to come to this. But Asuka has changed. The Asuka she looked up to was no longer here, so now, Sky had to fight her. 

Asuka said Sky was being disrespectful. Asuka wondered who Sky even was and called Sky her biggest disappointment. Asuka was done with Sky and would cut her out of her life for good. 

Sky responded, “I am ready for Asuka.” Asuka didn’t like that, so she sprayed mist in Sky’s face. Pearce scrambled into the ring to check on Sky, who screamed like she had just been poisoned. 

********

Redmond interviewed the Original Americano and Los Americanos Hermanos (the Creed Brothers), who were all booed when shown on camera (despite being babyfaces, I think). Original Americano said he sought out their help because they took after his friend, Chad Gable. 

Six-man tag team match: El Grande Americano, Bravo Americano & Rayo Americano vs. The Original Americano, Bruto Creedo & Julio Creedo 

After a break, everyone traded moves, and all the masked men did all their usual spots. The Creed Brothers took out El Grande and Rayo while Gable hit Bravo with a diving headbutt for the pinfall win. 

Even the announcers were having trouble keeping up with who was who, and I can’t blame them. 

Match result: El Grande Americano, Bravo Americano & Rayo Americano defeated The Original Americano, Bruto Creedo & Julio Creedo (8:34) 

********

Backlash card: 

  • John Cena appears with “history-making news” 
  • Seth Rollins vs. Bron Breakker 
  • Trick Williams (c) vs. Sami Zayn for the United States Championship 
  • The Miz & Kit Wilson vs. Danhausen & a mystery partner 
  • IYO SKY vs. Asuka 
  • Roman Reigns (c) vs. Jacob Fatu for the World Heavyweight Championship 

********

Roman Reigns and Jacob Fatu contract signing 

Pearce hosted the contract signing between Reigns and Fatu. Reigns entered to a big reaction. Pearce wanted them to sign the contract. Reigns told Omaha to acknowledge him first. They did. 

Reigns told Fatu that the fans’ reaction wasn’t just love, but the sound of respect. That respect wasn’t just from hanging out. While Fatu was grinding for twelve years, Reigns was in WWE for over twelve years. 

Reigns held the door open for Solo Sikoa. If Sikoa brought Fatu in, then Reigns was really responsible for Fatu coming in, and he would be damned if there was not respect to be had for him. 

There had to be respect, a code, an honour system among their family. There had to be a code of conduct. Fatu disrespected him with the Tongan Death Grip, something you only pull out in desperate times, like when you were at the bar at 3 am surrounded eight-to-one. You don’t do that to your own. You don’t do that to your Tribal Chief. 

Fatu scoffed upon hearing Tribal Chief. Fatu admitted he was desperate. It did feel like it was him against the world, back against the wall. He had no other choice but to take out Reigns, take the title, and take everything that came with it. 

Fatu was ready to put a chokehold on this game and squeeze every dollar out of it, the same way this company did to their family for decades. When he said ‘all gas, no brakes’, it meant no slowing down and no going back to where he came from. Fatu was desperate. He would do anything for his own household, even if that meant going through his own blood. 

Reigns scoffed at that remark. He signed the contract before continuing. Reigns said Fatu was worried about his household, but Reigns grinded here for over a decade for multiple households. Fatu worried about his 7 kids, but Reigns worried about the 170 kids that filled this family. Fatu worried about his kids’ education, but Reigns worried about higher education for all of them. 

Reigns reiterated what he said a long time ago: This was all his. This was his ring. They were the same blood in their family, but in this ring, Fatu was beneath him. 

Fatu lost it and tried the Death Grip, but Reigns fought him off. Fatu went for the hold again, but Reigns countered it again. Reigns went for a Superman punch, but Fatu caught him in the grip. 

Reigns no longer had a counter and held onto Pearce for leverage as Pearce desperately tried to get Fatu to stop. Fatu instead slammed Reigns onto the announce table. 

Fatu signed the contract, and a portion of the crowd chanted his name. Officials checked on Reigns as Fatu left the ring.

Why Roman Reigns was pulled from June WWE dates

Posted on by Bryan Rose

There’s a simple reason why Roman Reigns isn’t booked for June WWE events.

People online noticed on Saturday that Reigns was no longer advertised for upcoming Raw dates, some of which took place internationally. In Sunday’s Daily Update, Dave Meltzer noted that Reigns was removed from those dates because he is not scheduled to be on WWE’s next PLE, Crown Jewel, which takes place in Saudi Arabia on June 27, Night of Champions.

“Regarding Roman Reigns being pulled from June TV dates that were announced, the reason we were told is that he’s not going to be on the Saudi Arabia PPV and thus there was no reason to do the TV’s building that show,” he wrote. “If he loses the title next week, of course that would be a change and there will be more to the story. If he retains, that’s probably all it is. But Reigns is no longer scheduled for any television in June. “

The next World Heavyweight title match

Reigns is scheduled to defend the World Heavyweight title against Jacob Fatu at Backlash, which takes place this coming Saturday in Tampa, Florida. He and Fatu will sign their contract on Raw, the final show before the PLE.

Roman Reigns no longer advertised for June episodes of WWE Raw

Posted on by Bryan Rose

An apparent change has been made to Roman Reigns’ schedule.

On Saturday, it was noted online that on WWE’s website, the current World Heavyweight Champion was no longer advertised for episodes of WWE Raw that will take place in June. Some of these are overseas dates, though one will take place in Maryland. This includes:

  • June 1 in Turin, Italy
  • June 8 in Paris, France
  • June 15 in Baltimore, Maryland
  • June 22 in London, England

Reigns is still advertised for all episodes of Raw this month. He is set to appear on Monday’s show in Omaha, Nebraska to meet Jacob Fatu face-to-face ahead of their match at Backlash this Saturday in Tampa.

Roman Reigns is here for the summer

After winning the World Heavyweight Championship from CM Punk in the main event of the second night of WrestleMania 42, Reigns seemed to indicate he would be around full time, at least through this summer.

“All this part-time c**p? We’re gonna fix that. Y’all better make some room, because you’re gonna see my a** all Summer!,” he proclaimed at the time.

Air conditioning issues at WWE Raw caused comfort issues for fans

Posted on by Rosanne Raphael

Many fans in attendance at this past Monday’s WWE Raw at the Sames Auto Arena in Laredo, Texas, complained about the excessive heat in the arena due to issues with air conditioning.

KGNS News reported that District 5 council member Ruben Gutierrez, a representative from the area, revealed that the arena lost power around 2 pm local time prior to the event. It was restored a few hours later but with preparations during the course of the day, cool air leaked out, leaving fans stuck in a stuffy arena.

The inability for the air conditioning to catch up, in addition to the pyrotechnics in the arena, made it an uncomfortable experience for the nearly 8,000 fans in attendance. 

“By 4 p.m., of course, WWE is setting up stuff there, fire going on inside there, fireworks going on to make sure stuff is working, heating up the place. Once the doors opened up at 5:30, the doors are open again, letting over 8,000 people in there. The AC is just going out, going out, going out, and the AC just could not recoup fast enough with 8,000 people in there, pyrotechnics going on inside the arena,” stated Gutierrez. 

The Laredo Fire Department confirmed they received no calls from the arena and reported no illnesses or injuries related to the heat.

Daily Update: Marc Izard, Roman Reigns, Roxanne Perez

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Daily Update

Latest News

Latest Audio

Latest YouTube Video

This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter

  • What did people think of WrestleMania, the strengths and weaknesses of both shows
  • Brock Lesnar
  • Reigns vs. Punk
  • The machinations behind the scenes and in front of the camera of Rhodes vs. Orton
  • Ari Emanuel, Mark Shapiro and who has the final say and when it’s used
  • Injuries
  • Pat McAfee and Jelly roll
  • The overdoing commercials
  • All the business notes for the week
  • TV ratings
  • Netflix ratings
  • Full coverage of both shows
  • Coverage of other major shows over Mania week
  • The Ali Act, Nick Khan, Oscar de la Hoya and the arguments before the senate
  • Court filings on what percentage of revenue goes to talent in WWE
  • Why the idea of a second major MMA group is very difficult even if Ronda Rousey’s fight does big numbers
  • Mark Shapiro’s deposition contradicts claims on Vince McMahon regarding the UFC and WWE merger
  • Life and times of Van Hammer
  • Weekly wrestling odds looked at
  • The most detailed look at the TV ratings for pro wrestling shows this past week with demos, segment notes and comparisons with a year ago
  • CMLL tournament of champions final
  • How much business is up in CMLL
  • CMLL vs. MLW show next week
  • Stardom has its biggest show of the year this week
  • Major promotion parent company taking out sizeable loans
  • Kenta Kobashi shares the ring with Hiroshi Tanahashi
  • Maple Leaf Wrestling TV
  • Who had the most top matches so far this year
  • Alberto is wrestling again but not in the promotion that was to be built around him as they’ve washed their hands of him
  • Lots of injury updates
  • Double or Nothing notes
  • UFC signs new overseas deal
  • Mark Hunt arrested for domestic violence
  • WWE headed to Saudi Arabia
  • Security issues at MGM Grand for Mania week
  • How much the top TKO executives earned
  • How much Peacock has lost
  • Ric Flair speaks
  • New NXT star whose uncle was part of one of the most famous heavy metal bands

This Week’s Back Issue

FIRST TIME SUBSCRIBERS GET 50% OFF YOUR FIRST MONTH

Tuesday Update

Roxanne Perez
Roxanne Perez (Image credit: WWE)

 WWE

AEW & Other Wrestling

  • Progress Wrestling and RevPro offered condolences to the family of Marc Izard, a wrestling fan who passed away in Las Vegas during WrestleMania 42 weekend.
  • Izard’s family has launched a GoFundMe to cover costs getting him back home to the UK as well as funeral expenses.
  • Outsports covered Kidd Bandit’s final match, which took place at Effy’s Big Gay Brunch during WrestleMania weekend.
  • GCW is returning to Indianapolis on June 20.
  • Fancy Ryan Clancy shared an injury update: “Day 6 Post Surgery. PT Day 1 completed. The Fancy Man is ahead of schedule. Grueling pain, but all worth it for the vision of getting back in the ring.”
  • Mr. Elegance is in action on this week’s TNA Xplosion.
  • Alex Abrahantes on his WrestleMania weekend: “Had a blast making my return to the indies at @GCWrestling_ last week during Mania Week! It reminded me that the hunt never ends. I’ve decided I need to continue the quest to find the pro wrestlers and luchadores with the most amount of HYPE. That being said, I’ll be accepting select indie bookings… while I still can. Let’s work. [email protected]”

WOR: Hogan and wrestling history, RAW report, TKO Town Hall

Posted on by Bryan Alvarez

Wrestling Observer Radio with Bryan Alvarez and Dave Meltzer is back with tons to talk about including updates on the WWE shareholder lawsuit and the townhall meeting where TKO extended Hunter’s contract, the upcoming AEW schedule, the RAW report with Backlash less than two weeks away, the history of wrestling and Hulk Hogan’s place in it, and more! A fun show as always so check it out~!

Timestamps:
Start: Wrestling fan who went missing during WrestleMania 42 weekend found dead, Puck article on WWE shareholder lawsuit
15:51: Triple H’s creative contract with WWE extended, more on town hall
23:18: AEW’s television schedule for May, Dave argues why wrestling would not have died without Hulk Hogan
41:16: More on WWE WrestleMania 42 Netflix numbers, WWE Raw recap, lineups for the week

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First three matches announced for WWE Backlash

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Three matches are now set for Backlash.

The main event segment of Monday’s Raw saw Roman Reigns come out and ask Jacob Fatu for his decision, hoping for Fatu to unite the family instead of trying to divide it. Fatu said he didn’t need a week, a day, an hour: he needed the title. Fatu said that he grinded for everything he did and never heard from Reigns or The Usos and it was Solo who contacted him and brought him to WWE. 

As Reigns started with his reply, Fatu grew irate and attacked the tribal chief, applying the Tongan death grip. Once he was done Fatu started to leave, but Reigns recovered enough to tell his relative that he’ll see him at Backlash on May 9 in Tampa.

In addition, IYO SKY will face Asuka. SKY challenged Becky Lynch for the Women’s Intercontinental title, but Asuka’s interference cost her the match. Later in a promo, Asuka said she wasn’t done with SKY, saying all she did was try and teach her former student but now nothing would stop her from destroying SKY. But she would teach her pupil one final lesson at Backlash: she is not and never will be ready for Asuka.

The opening segment of the show saw Seth Rollins come out and blame Bron Breakker for his loss at WrestleMania against Gunther. Breakker came out and the two exchanged words, with Rollins telling Breakker he “wasn’t ready.” Breakker said he was on his way to becoming a main eventer without Rollins and told the former World Champion that he was the very best at being number two.

Rollins issued the challenge for Backlash and left, but not before hurling one final insult, telling “Steiner” that he wasn’t even number two in his family.

WWE Backlash (May 9):

  • World Champion Roman Reigns defends against Jacob Fatu
  • Seth Rollins vs. Bron Breakker
  • IYO SKY vs. Asuka

WWE Raw live results: Roman Reigns answers Jacob Fatu

Posted on by Steve Khan

Date: April 27, 2026
Location: Sames Auto Arena in Laredo, TX 

The Big Takeaway —

Roman Reigns accepted Jacob Fatu’s world title challenge for Backlash after Fatu laid him out in the main event segment. Fatu made it clear he would be seeing Reigns again next week (on the final Raw before Backlash). 

Iyo Sky lost to Becky Lynch in an impromptu Women’s Intercontinental title match thanks to interference by Asuka. Sky and Asuka will wrestle at Backlash. 

Kairi Sane was not mentioned by name on the show, but was written off with a few passing references. There were chants for Sane when Asuka attacked Sky after her match.

**********

Show Recap — 

They’ve adjusted the signature video that starts every show. Brock Lesnar is now in the “Forever” portion, while Oba Femi has been added to the “Now” portion. 

Roman Reigns & The Usos opening pre-taped promo 

I would call this a cold open, but it was preceded by a video package of last week’s events. This was similar to a few weeks ago when Raw started with a Roman Reigns pre-taped video instead of the usual in-ring segment. (Although we still got one of those.)

Reigns sat down with Jimmy and Jey Uso. He said the past was the past, and that’s where he would leave it, because they were blood and they were the only ones he could trust. He wanted their thoughts because he wasn’t sure where Jacob Fatu was coming from. 

Reigns told everyone that they had two years to climb the mountain (after he lost the title), but after all that time, it was Reigns himself who climbed the mountain and won the title—but now Fatu was trying to take it from him. 

Jimmy understood where Fatu was coming from. He understood Fatu wanting to upgrade his household, but it shouldn’t come at Reigns’ expense. Jey said Fatu was dangerous. He dismantled the MFTs one by one on SmackDown. They left Fatu on his own for a reason. If Fatu beat Reigns, he would take everything. Jey said this couldn’t all be about respect—there had to be consequences. 

Reigns said Jey was right. They weren’t giving out charity. Reigns said he would sit on this and address it later tonight. 

The three men put their hands together, and Reigns called them the first family. 

********

Seth Rollins and Bron Breakker segment 

Rollins entered to a strong reaction wearing an all-black suit. He said it was Bron Breakker’s fault that he was not currently the world champion and why he lost to Gunther at WrestleMania. Rollins took credit for Breakker having nine staples in the back of his head and called him out. 

Breakker entered with Paul Heyman. Rollins said he gave Breakker the world on a silver platter, but Breakker repaid him by taking everything away from him. Breakker was the reason Rollins had to forfeit the title, the reason he didn’t main-event WrestleMania, and the reason he lost at the show. Rollins asked Breakker how it benefited him at all. 

Breakker asked Rollins what he gave to him and Bronson Reed. It was the two of them putting out Rollins’ fires week after week and fighting his battles. Breakker and Reed had to sit in the background as Rollins started Raw every week by repeating the same thing over and over. Breakker held his nose and did a nasally impression of Rollins’ usual opening promo (which he, in fact, started this promo with). Breakker said he never needed Rollins—he only needed Heyman. 

Rollins laughed at this. Rollins said he was the world champion two years ago and wanted to fight the best in the world. He called Shawn Michaels so he could fight his best in NXT, and Michaels named Breakker. Rollins was on board. Last year, Heyman asked Rollins to take Breakker under his wing. Rollins was on board with that, too, because under his tutelage, he knew Breakker could be the biggest star in the industry. 

Rollins has seen athletes of all disciplines come in over the years, but Breakker was the most unique. He had everything to be the next big star in the industry. Everything except the most important thing. Rollins pointed at his head. 

Rollins knew what it was like being a 28-year-old young cat coming into the company, thinking the business owed him something. He knew what it was like to bet on himself and make decisions people wouldn’t be happy with. The difference between them was that Breakker tried, while Rollins succeeded. 

Rollins took chances that got him WrestleMania main events, while Breakker took chances and wound up with Austin Theory, Logan Paul, dinners on a private jet and happy endings from Heyman. Rollins told Breakker he wasn’t ready. 

Breakker said he was well on his way to becoming a main eventer with or without Rollins. He said Rollins’ body and mind couldn’t handle it anymore, and his shoulder couldn’t handle the weight of the strap. 

Breakker admitted he came up short in his world title match (against CM Punk), but he could sleep at night knowing he lost to the best in the world rather than to someone who self-proclaimed it. Breakker knew Rollins was a future WWE Hall of Famer. But he was also the very best in the world at being number two. 

Rollins responded, “That was pretty good, baby Steiner.” Rollins wondered if Breakker came up with that on his own or if he called Big Poppa Pump for his hookup. Rollins challenged Breakker to a match at Backlash to prove he was ready. Rollins told Breakker Steiner (that’s what he called him) that he wasn’t even number two in his own family.

(The show was 21 minutes old by the time this was done. They laid out their issues well enough—after weeks of physically assaulting each other—but Rollins’ promo in particular probably could have been cut in half. I know Reigns likes to start and end the shows, hence why his promo went first, but they should spread out these long talking segments.) 

********

Wrestlers were shown arriving, but Stephanie Vaquer’s introduction was interrupted when she was attacked by Raquel Rodriguez. Roxanne Perez appeared on screen to a big pop (she’s from this town), but the crowd went quiet when she crushed Vaquer with an equipment box. Liv Morgan told Vaquer, “Now this is over because this is my championship.” 

Intercontinental Championship: Penta (c) vs. Rusev 

The opening match started 29 minutes into the show. It went seven and a half minutes, and three of those were during a break. 

As Penta set up for a springboard move, Rusev was about to kick him out of the air with a Machka Kick, but Penta knew it was coming and held onto the rope a second longer to avoid it. Rusev whiffed on the kick, and Penta caught him in a schoolboy for the pinfall win. 

— Rusev was annoyed, so he attacked Penta after the match. Ethan Page, who watched the match from ringside, tried to join Rusev, but Rusev wasn’t interested. After Penta fought back, Page decked him from behind. Rusev and Page put the boots to Penta until Je’Von Evans ran out to make the save. 

Match result: Penta defeated Rusev to retain the Intercontinental Championship (7:31) 

********

There was a commercial for the Hulk Hogan Netflix documentary. This aired during the actual broadcast, not during the Netflix ad break. 

El Grande Americano cut a promo about his upcoming mask vs. mask match. In order to prepare, he wanted to challenge the biggest lucha libre star around here, so he challenged Rey Mysterio to a match tonight. The crowd cheered. 

During the break, they re-aired the Danhausen/Miz segment from SmackDown. (They aired more of this later.)

********

Becky Lynch promo 

Lynch said she finally got rid of AJ Lee and ended her horrible title reign. She put gold around the waist of somebody who deserved it and became the first person to win four different titles at WrestleMania. She’s the first three-time Women’s IC champion and has won more Mania matches than any woman in history. She claimed she was coming for Undertaker’s win record next. (This got no reaction.) 

All of that was wonderful, but what happened after the match was more important. She saw a sea of over 50,000 fans at Mania with her daughter sitting in the front row. She took her daughter up the ramp and to the back. She realized she needed to show her what a real champion was. It wasn’t about the five-star hotels or private jets or fancy tour buses, even though she indulged in all of that. It wasn’t about going to the biggest cities—it was about showing up in run-down towns like Loredo and showing up for all the common folk. 

She knew the fans wanted her to be a fighting champion and not just against a nostalgia act or an underdog. She knew they wanted something new, shiny and exciting, so she issued an open challenge. 

Iyo Sky entered, and the crowd chanted her name. Sky accepted. Lynch laughed. She said she wanted something new, shiny and exciting, and Sky was none of those things. She thought maybe Sky was accepting on Rhea Ripley’s behalf. She wanted to fight Shawn Michaels, not Marty Jannetty. After Lynch said Sky was holding Ripley back, Sky smacked her in the face. 

Lynch was about to bail, but Adam Pearce sauntered out to make the title match official. 

********

Women’s Intercontinental Championship match: Becky Lynch (c) vs. IYO SKY 

There was a passing reference to Kairi Sane during this match, though they never said her name. Michael Cole mentioned Sky and Ripley beating the Kabuki Warriors last week, and that Asuka was still pissed about it. Corey Graves said Asuka was so upset that we wouldn’t be seeing her former pupil for a long time.

Lynch blindsided Sky before the match began. Sky fought her off and tossed her around ringside, and the match began once they reentered the ring. They actually got to wrestle for a good six minutes or so before this went to break. Lynch got some offence, but Sky got the better of her and hit a powerbomb outside the ring. 

They traded submission attempts during a break until the fight spilled back outside, where Sky hit a high cross off the barricade. After the break, Lynch hit a superplex and floated over into a DDT for two. Sky countered a Man-handle, hit a great-looking superkick, and a butterfly backbreaker for two. 

Sky hit a tornado DDT and went for a moonsault, but Lynch got her feet up and hit a Man-handle Slam for a nearfall. Sky followed later with an Asai moonsault. 

As the ref (not Jessika Carr) checked on Lynch, Asuka ran down and tripped Sky off the rope. The ref had to play dumb and pretend she couldn’t see Asuka standing nearby with Sky suddenly down. 

Lynch took advantage and hit the Man-handle Slam for the pinfall win. Lynch retains. 

— Asuka attacked Sky after the match. Asuka put her in the Asuka Lock, and Sky tapped out. The crowd chanted, “We want Kairi,” as Asuka stood tall. 

Match result: Becky Lynch defeated IYO SKY to retain the Women’s Intercontinental Championship (13:22) 

This was a really good match until the finish. It was refreshing to see Lynch finally wrestle someone other than Maxxine Dupri or AJ Lee in a singles match (for the first time since August 2025). The crowd was really into Sky, who suffered her fourth straight singles loss.

********

Chad Gable Americano approached Rey Mysterio backstage. Gable asked whether he would have to watch his back when he faced El Grande Americano in their mask vs. mask match. Mysterio said no. All he wanted was for the two of them to respect lucha libre. Mysterio said something in Spanish, and Gable pretended to understand. Mysterio shook his head. 

El Grande and his two buddies showed up. El Grande spoke to Mysterio in Spanish, but Gable told him to mind his business. They yelled at each other until Mysterio cut them off and said he wasn’t choosing sides. El Grande said he’d see Mysterio in the ring, and Mysterio was ready. 

********

Byron Saxton tried interviewing the Usos, but they were cut off by LA Knight. He asked if they were sitting at the table again, with Reigns at the head of the table. Knight reminded Jey that he was world champion on his own. Jimmy had the potential to be the champion, too, but he couldn’t do that under Reigns. 

The Usos told him this was family business. Knight told them that the power they had under the Bloodline eventually corrupts, and then it would be his business. 

********

Joe Hendry concert 

Hendry said he had a big decision to make and wanted to explain it via song. He sang a song announcing that he signed with Raw. In the song’s final verse, he said he respected the OTC and wanted to fire Logan Paul. He got the crowd to sing along to “fire Logan Paul,” until Paul interrupted. 

Paul marched out with Theory and was red-hot. He called himself unfireable. Theory and Paul bragged about being champions. Hendry said he saw their match on ESPN and called them primetime losers. 

Theory shoved the microphone into Hendry’s chest, so Hendry decked him with a clothesline and tackled Paul into the corner. The Vision swarmed him, though, until Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford ran out to make the save. 

After The Street Profits cleared Paul and Theory from the ring, Hendry wiped them out with a leaping dive. Hendry’s music hit, and he posed with Dawkins and Ford. 

(Singing a song proclaiming your admiration for Roman Reigns and hatred of Logan Paul is definitely one way to get yourself endeared to a new audience. Maybe he can shoot the t-shirt gun next week.) 

********

Backstage, Grayson Waller complained to Pearce about giving everyone else opportunities. Pearce tried to warn him that Oba Femi was standing behind him, but Waller didn’t get it. Waller said Femi was overrated and only beat Lesnar at the end of his career. Waller turned around to see Femi, who told Peare to make a match. Pearce made it official. (Our third impromptu match.) 

*******

The Street Profits officially welcomed Hendry to Raw. Before he left, Ford told Hendry to switch his blue shirt now that he was on Raw. 

Rollins approached Dawkins and Ford. He was about to thank them for their help last week, but they cut him off. They said Rollins thought everything was about him, like he was something special, and they walked off. 

(I enjoyed Ford and Dawkins telling off Rollins.) 

*******

The mask match between El Grande Americano and the Original El Grande is taking place in AAA on May 30th.  

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

There was a funny moment on commentary when Cole said he couldn’t wait to see what this guy looked like without his mask. Graves told him to go watch some old WCW before quickly realizing he meant El Grande, not Rey. (Graves knew what he meant.) 

After a break, Rey fought back and hit a tilt-a-whirl DDT. The ref was distracted as Rey tried to get rid of Bravo on one side of the ring, as Rayo tried placing the metal plate inside El Grande’s mask on the other. Rey gave Rayo a 619 for his trouble. 

The plate wound up in the ring, and El Grande tried to grab it for himself, but Gable Americano showed up and took it away. Rey shoved El Grande into Gable before giving El Grande a 619 and a springboard splash for the pinfall win. 

— Gable and El Grande brawled after the match until officials broke it up. 

Match result: Rey Mysterio defeated El Grande Americano (8:36)

******** 

Announced for Backlash so far: 

  • Seth Rollins vs. Bron Breakker 
  • IYO SKY vs. Asuka 

Asuka promo 

Asuka said she wasn’t done with Sky yet. She was still Sky’s senpai. All she tried to do was help Sky, but she only disappointed her. Sky was ungrateful, selfish, and her biggest failure. Sky failed Asuka and failed her family. 

Asuka said, “And now, we’re both alone, because I didn’t want another IYO.” (Another reference to Sane without saying her name.) Asuka said Sky killed her family, and now nothing would stop Asuka from destroying her. She would teach Sky one final lesson: that she would never be ready for Asuka. 

*******

Oba Femi vs. Grayson Waller 

Femi slammed Waller before hitting a running uppercut and a Fall From Grace powerbomb for the pinfall win. 

— After the match, Femi said the top champions were all tied up, and the United States Champion wasn’t accepting open challenges. Instead, Femi issued an open challenge to face him. He offered everyone a chance to step up, but warned that anyone who did so would be punished by the ruler. 

The crowd was into Femi as usual. 

Match result: Oba Femi defeated Grayson Waller (1:04)

********

Liv Morgan spoke to Roxanne Perez backstage. Morgan wanted to finish the conversation they were having before WrestleMania when Vaquer bashed their heads together. (So they had no opportunity to chat in the last three weeks outside of this show.) 

Morgan knew it must have been tough for Perez to watch everything that went down with Finn Bálor, because she knew they were close. But Morgan said they were a family, and Bálor put himself before the family. Morgan would never do that, so she would be in Perez’s corner tonight. 

Morgan asked Perez if she trusted her. Perez nodded her head, but told Morgan to go ahead without her. 

After Morgan left, Bálor slipped into the room unnoticed somehow and warned Perez that she couldn’t trust anyone in Judgment Day. Perez wondered if she could trust Bálor. She told him to leave before he got hurt. He wished her luck and left. 

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

Perez was a huge fan favourite in front of her hometown crowd, and the crowd booed whenever the babyfaces went on offence against her. Cole said she had about 30 friends and family in the crowd. 

Perez and Valkyria got hot tags after a break, but it was the babyface Valkyria who ran wild to the chorus of boos. Perez fought back and gave Bayley a Russian leg sweep as Rodriguez simultaneously hit a big boot, but Valkyria broke up the cover. 

Perez knocked Valkyria off the apron and set up Bayley for Pop Rox, but Bayley countered and hit Bayley-to-belly for two after Rodriguez broke up the cover. Valkyria tackled Rodriguez out of the ring. 

Morgan leaped on the apron, so Bayley went after her. Bayley grabbed Morgan by the hair, but Morgan jumped down to the floor to break it up, and Bayley bounced off the rope as a result. The ref didn’t call a DQ, but this was basically Bayley’s own fault. 

The distraction allowed Perez to hit a shining wizard and Pop Rox for the pinfall win to a big pop from the crowd. 

Match result: Roxanne Perez & Raquel Rodriguez defeated Bayley & Lyra Valkyria (9:20)

The match itself was just ok, but it was nice to see Perez get a big ovation and a win in her hometown in her return to the ring. 

******** 

There was a quick Sol Ruca video package. She signs her Raw contract next week. 

Main event segment 

Roman Reigns entered to a very big reaction. He said it’s been a while since he’s been in Texas, and if you couldn’t tell by watching at home, they loved him here. Everyone cheered. 

Reigns said they created this world title belt in spite of him. They made it to try to take away from his shine, but it didn’t work. There was an old saying, and it was true: the title didn’t make the man, the man made the title. That’s exactly what he did. He put the title in the main event and on night two of WrestleMania. He made the title relevant, and now, you could finally be proud of it. Now, you could finally choose to acknowledge this title. Reigns told Loredo to acknowledge him. They did. 

Jacob Fatu entered. Reigns said he gave Fatu a week to think it over and hoped he had made the right choice. Reigns hoped that Fatu would choose to unite their family and not divide. 

Fatu said he didn’t need a week, a day, or an hour to think about it. Fatu knew exactly what he wanted when he came out last week. He didn’t hesitate when he said he needed that title. 

Fatu said Reigns must be stuck in his WWE main event bubble. Reigns didn’t grind like him. Twelve years of hard work and suffering, not knowing what the next meal was going to be. While Reigns was running the Bloodline, Fatu was broke, foaming out the mouth, grinding on the front line, trying to figure out if he would get here or not. 

It wasn’t how you started, but how you finish, and it got him standing out here now in front of Reigns’ ass. When he got started in WWE, Reigns, Jimmy, and Jey didn’t call him. Solo Sikoa did. Sikoa gave him a chance. 

Reigns cut him off. Reigns said Fatu was either confused or dumber than he thought. Sikoa couldn’t even get a coffee delivered to the building if he wanted to. Reigns was the one who ran the place. 

Reigns admitted he got a little distracted because things did get hectic around here, but he did sign off on Fatu. But now Fatu was sounding like a confused fool. Fatu didn’t deserve it and hasn’t earned it. Allowing Fatu to compete against him was nepotism, and he couldn’t allow that. 

Before Reigns could continue, Fatu aggressively grabbed him by the jaw and wouldn’t let go until Reigns bonked him with the mic. Fatu put him in the Tongan Death Grip and headbutted him until he fell to the mat. Fatu warned Reigns that he would take everything from him. 

Fatu held the title before dropping it on Reigns. There was a smattering of boos for Fatu as he walked off. 

Reigns, still down on the mat, grabbed the mic and said he would see Fatu at Backlash. Before the show ended, Fatu told Reigns off-mic that he’d see his punk-ass next week.

(This was another strong segment following last week’s setup. Fatu comes across as completely different from everyone else on the show and as a title challenger. It’s tricky because he’s an easy guy to root for, but going against Reigns seems to automatically make him a heel to this audience right now. He doesn’t seem to be going full-fledged heel, he’s just out of his mind with the title within his grasp, so we’ll see how they handle it.) 

WWE RAW segments announced for tonight (04/27/2026)

Posted on by Jake Skudder

WWE RAW will be heading to the Sames Auto Arena in Laredo, Texas tonight as the WrestleMania fallout continues and we start heading towards Backlash. A number of segments have already been confirmed for the show, including Roman Reigns giving Jacob Fatu his answer to the title challenge he made last week.

WWE RAW Preview 04/27/2026

Here are all of the segments confirmed for this week’s episode of WWE RAW:

  • Joe Hendry will make his official Raw debut.
  • Roman Reigns will confront Jacob Fatu after Fatu challenged him for the World Heavyweight Championship.
  • The new Women’s Intercontinental Champion, Becky Lynch, will return.
  • CM Punk, Becky Lynch, Liv Morgan, Stephanie Vaquer, Rhea Ripley, and Logan Paul are scheduled to appear.
  • Seth Rollins will be starting the show
  • Bayley & Lyra Valkyria vs. Raquel Rodriguez & Roxanne Perez

What time does WWE RAW start tonight?

RAW airs Monday nights at 8/7c on Netflix in the US. UK viewers can catch it live at 1am Tuesday morning, also on Netflix.

Where is WWE RAW being held tonight?

Tonight’s show comes from the Sames Auto Arena in Laredo, Texas.

How can I watch WWE RAW?

RAW streams exclusively on Netflix worldwide, having moved off cable in January 2025. You’ll need an active Netflix subscription to watch live or on demand.

Is Becky Lynch defending her title tonight?

No defence has been confirmed. Lynch is scheduled to appear in her first RAW since winning the Women’s Intercontinental Championship, but the segment is being billed as a return rather than a title match.

WWE considered alternate result for Roman Reigns vs. CM Punk at WrestleMania | Exclusive

Posted on by Ian Carey

Dave Meltzer addressed the main event of WrestleMania 42 night two in the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

Meltzer wrote that WWE had considered a different finish for the match that would have seen CM Punk defeat Roman Reigns to retain the World Heavyweight Championship. This would have led to a rematch at Backlash where Reigns would win the title.

Meltzer wrote:

“It was possible and apparently talked about that Punk could beat Reigns and then lose the title at Backlash, so they’d be ‘even’ when it was over but Reigns would end up as champion, as a way to protect Punk’s position. But the decision in the end was for Reigns to win here.”

As for the match itself, Meltzer awarded it a five-star rating. It was Punk’s fourth time receiving a five-star rating. His previous five-star matches came in 2024 against Drew McIntyre in Hell in a Cell, in 2011 against John Cena at Money in the Bank, and against Samoa Joe in Ring of Honor in 2004.

As for Reigns, this marks his first five-star match, although he has also had four matches rated four and three-quarter stars.

Meltzer wrote of the match:

“Reigns’ win over Punk was clean, and among the best matches in WrestleMania history. They went 33:56, ending when Punk had Lesnar on his back for a second GTS, and then collapsed and Reigns then pinned hi with a spear. The storyline played into the interviews, where the match was long and grueling, and Punk got old and collapsed in the deep waters.”

The full edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter is available here for subscribers.

Former WWE referee addresses DQ oversight in WrestleMania 42 main event

Posted on by Rosanne Raphael

Retired WWE referee Mike Chioda responded to a tweet questioning Roman Reigns using steel steps as a weapon in the WrestleMania 42 main event.

There was no stipulation set for CM Punk and Reigns’ World Heavyweight Championship match at WrestleMania Sunday. It was a singles match which meant a winner would be declared via pinfall, submission, countout or disqualification. Chioda stated it was a certain disqualification and questioned why referee Rod Zapata did not call it out.

“Yes it sure is a DQ. Don’t know why the referee didn’t protect himself while goin over it in rehearsals.”

Reigns weaponized the steel steps on Punk who was hanging upside down from the ropes. Zapata stood up to Reigns immediately after it happened but it did not bear any repercussions on the match’s outcome. However, during the bout Michael Cole exclaimed that given the stature of the WrestleMania 42 main event it is granted a leeway.

Reigns ended up winning the match to become the new World Champion. Following the error in the match, there is no confirmation on whether it will impact his future as titleholder.

On the Raw after Mania, Reigns celebrated his win with The Usos by his side, and laid out an invitation for a Bloodline reunion. They were interrupted by Jacob Fatu who cited his intention to challenge for the World Heavyweight Championship at Backlash Tampa in May. Fatu didn’t just want what Reigns had but needed it. Reigns did not give a conclusive answer to the challenge but stated that he will give Fatu a week to ponder on his request.

Punk also appeared on Raw earlier discussing the loss and his mindset to overcome it. Cody Rhodes walked out and Punk suggested potentially going after for the Undisputed WWE Championship but did not give any specification on when.

Jacob Fatu shares what Roman Reigns told him backstage before WWE WrestleMania 42

Posted on by Rosanne Raphael

Roman Reigns met Jacob Fatu backstage at WWE WrestleMania 42 and encouraged him to stay grounded before his Unsanctioned Match against Drew McIntyre. 

Speaking with Daniel Cormier, Fatu revealed he got emotional ahead of his WrestleMania match with Drew McIntyre. Backstage, Reigns approached him and offered reassurance, encouraging Fatu to calm his nerves, enjoy the moment and take it all in. Fatu also expressed gratitude for his 2-0 streak at WrestleMania within his two-year WWE tenure. 

“Nah, but yesterday was, it was emotional. It didn’t hit me until I actually was getting ready to walk out. I’m so nervous. I seen a couple cats on the way. I seen my big Uce, I seen the Tribal Chief Roman Reigns yesterday. Right before I walked out. He still calls me Jake, Jakester, Jakey, you know what I mean? So he had to (tell me), you know, ‘hey, man, calm down. Enjoy the moment,’ you know? Something that my wife always tells me, but Roman was like, ‘just take it all in,’ and before I went out, man, being ready, having my gear on and locked in, just thinking about all the tough times, all the struggle, everything to bring me to this moment right here. I mean, come on, I’m very blessed to be in WWE for two years and be 2-0 at WrestleMania right out the gate.”

Fatu had high praise for his WrestleMania 42 opponent, acknowledging the impact he had on their match and buildup. 

“Drew McIntyre ain’t no regular guy. He’s a beast. So, it might sound weird, but shout out to Drew”

“No, he’s not (a normal dude). I mean we got to think about what he’s been doing. I feel like this would have never happened, it would have never had got to where it went if it wasn’t for Drew McIntyre.” 

Fatu defeated McIntyre on Night One of the Premium Live Event last weekend. On the Raw after Mania, Fatu challenged Reigns for the World Heavyweight Championship at Backlash. He claimed that it was not a want but a need to have everything Reigns does. 

Reigns outlined the responsibilities that go hand-in-hand with being World Champion. He did not give Fatu a definitive response but instead gave him a week to think it over. As the show came to a close, Reigns was heard telling Jimmy Uso to talk some sense into Fatu.

Roman Reigns has plenty of challengers post-WWE WrestleMania 42  | Opinion

Posted on by Rosanne Raphael

Roman Reigns did what he set out to do at WWE WrestleMania 42 Sunday — to both beat CM Punk in his first ever Mania main event and take away his World Heavyweight Championship in the process.

Following the win, there is plenty of talk on who could be next for Reigns including WWE’s interest in pitting him against Gunther after his big win on Saturday over Seth Rollins.

Two years after a dominant 1316-day reign as Universal Champion, the WWE roster has undergone an shakeup with new names and new challengers since that run.

While Jacob Fatu appears to be up first, here’s a few other contenders who could challenge Reigns for the title this year.

Oba Femi

In the WrestleMania post-show, Femi called out the new champion fresh off his own win over former Reigns rival Brock Lesnar. When Reigns made his appearance on the panel later, fans started chanting for Femi and ‘Oba’s gonna kill you’ (in addition to an anti-TKO chant). Reigns acknowledged them, claiming that Femi did a big thing at WrestleMania 42 with his performance but he had already accomplished that multiple times. 

After checking Lesnar off from his list of dominated opponents, it seems inevitable that he will challenge Reigns for the title at some point. However, WWE needs to let the feud develop gradually as a rushed match between the two, especially a premature title match, could do more harm than good.

Seth Rollins

When The Vision turned on Rollins in October, he was forced to relinquish the very title Reigns just won. Since Rollins never actually lost the title in a match, it’s a natural that he gets his shot back at some point. But, that opportunity might take a while especially after Bron Breakker’s return at WrestleMania where he cost Rollins his match against Gunther. 

Even if Rollins challenges Reigns for the title later in the year, their long and complex history ensures plenty of unfinished business. The last time they stood opposite each other in the ring in a singles match was at the Royal Rumble in 2022 and at WrestleMania 40, Rollins sided with Cody Rhodes to take on Reigns and The Rock. 

A key takeaway from their last singles match is that Rollins defeated Reigns via DQ. Rollins’ mind games – making his entrance to The Shield’s theme song, wearing the disbanded group’s signature gear and taunting their gesture of bumping fists during the bout led to Reigns snapping.

LA Knight

Knight was one of the many stars who stood up to Reigns in 2023 and challenged him for the then-Universal Title, squaring off at Crown Jewel that year.

In the buildup of their feud, Knight was unfazed by Reigns’ status with one memorable instance being Knight interrupting Reigns’ entrance for their contract signing. 

Since then, Knight has received mixed reactions from the WWE fans. While some still root for him to get his main event spotlight, a few remain hesitant on whether he should be there.

The possibility of Knight facing off against Reigns again this year carries major implications. He made it clear to Gunther on Monday’s Raw that is where he is looking.

Bron Breakker

In the aftermath of WrestleMania last year, Rollins’ new alliance with Paul Heyman led to The Vision’s origin. They were joined by Bron Breakker and a couple of months later, Bronson Reed joined the fold. 

By July 2025, during the budding rivalry between Jey Uso and Reigns against Rollins, Breakker and Reed, Reigns warned them about confiding in Rollins which Breakker took issue with and called him the “old dog” in the yard, mocking his relevancy dating back five years ago. At SummerSlam last year, Uso and Reigns defeated The Vision.

Breakker has already announced his thirst for winning a World title. Challenging Reigns for the title would capitalize on his momentum and give him a chance to prove himself against an established, dominant competitor. Win or lose, Breakker squaring off against Reigns would signal him as a top tier talent on the WWE roster. He just needs to get past Rollins first.

Jacob Fatu challenges Roman Reigns to title match at WWE Backlash

Posted on by Josh Nason

Jacob Fatu didn’t waste any time in calling his shot, challenging new champion Roman Reigns to a World Heavyweight title match for next month’s WWE Backlash.

Reigns came out to close Monday’s Raw after WrestleMania, flanked by The Usos. Reigns discussed the issues the three had with people like CM Punk and rapper/podcast Cam’Ron calling them out, but that’s not happening anymore with Reigns as champion.

Enter Fatu, fresh off his WrestleMania 42 Saturday win over Drew McIntyre in their unsanctioned match. He said he doesn’t just want what Reigns has, but he needs it. That was why he was challenging Reigns for the title at Backlash.

Reigns didn’t commit to the match, but gave Fatu a week to think about what he was doing, questioning whether he was ready for everything that comes with being the World champion. He and The Usos then departed, leaving the show on a bit of a cliffhanger.

While not official, it would appear Fatu has now moved over to Raw after being solely a SmackDown wrestler where he was a former United States Champion and Tag Team Champion. His only Raw match came in a dark match street fight against Cody Rhodes in October 2024.

The two men were on opposite ends of The Bloodline implosion from late-2024 but have never had a singles match. Reigns defeated CM Punk on WrestleMania 42 Sunday for the World Heavyweight title.

Backlash takes place on May 9 from Tampa, Florida.