With WrestleMania 42 drawing closer, WWE Raw delivered a loaded episode filled with major returns, physical confrontations, title matches, and significant storyline developments. From Seth Rollins’ escalating war with Paul Heyman to a chaotic closing segment involving Roman Reigns and CM Punk, the road to WrestleMania continued to intensify in San Antonio.
Michael Cole and Corey Graves welcomed viewers to last night’s broadcast as Seth Rollins opened the show flanked by a group of masked men surrounding the ring. One of the figures entered the ring and revealed himself to be Rollins, immediately addressing his ongoing issues with what he called “The Vision.”
Rollins declared that his mission was to dismantle everyone associated with it, naming Austin Theory, Logan Paul, Paul Heyman, and even injured stars like Bronson Reed and Bron Breakker. His promo was soon interrupted by Heyman, who appeared on the entrance ramp.
Rollins taunted Heyman, mocking his slow walk and accusing him of betrayal. He admitted to making many mistakes in his career, but labelled trusting Heyman as his worst. Rollins vowed to ensure Heyman paid for it and warned that he would not stop until Heyman was out of the wrestling business entirely.
Heyman responded by saying he had not planned to come out but could not resist the moment. He calmly told Rollins that he was only responding in kind, claiming Rollins had started the conflict.
The segment quickly exploded into chaos as Brock Lesnar’s music hit. Lesnar made his way to the ring and immediately began dismantling Rollins’ masked entourage, taking them out one by one and delivering multiple F5s.
Before Lesnar could fully take control, Oba Femi made his way to the ring. Rollins wisely exited the ring as Femi confronted Lesnar and planted him with Fall From Grace. Femi then stood tall and pointed directly at the WrestleMania sign, making a clear statement about his intentions.
El Grande Americano (Ludwig Kaiser) vs. OG El Grander Americano (Chad Gable)
The first match of the night featured El Grande Americano, portrayed by Ludwig Kaiser, taking on OG El Grande Americano, played by Chad Gable.
The two engaged in a technical and physical contest, exchanging holds and strikes early on. Gable appeared to gain the upper hand with a belly-to-belly suplex that sent Kaiser crashing onto the outside competitors nearby.
As the match progressed, both men traded momentum, with Kaiser landing a Death Valley Driver for a near fall. Gable responded with a German suplex and looked poised for victory.
However, outside interference proved decisive. A piece of metal was secretly inserted into Kaiser’s mask, and when Gable attempted a diving headbutt from the top rope, he struck the reinforced mask. The impact stunned Gable, allowing Kaiser to quickly capitalise and secure the pinfall victory.
Winner: El Grande Americano (Ludwig Kaiser)
Following the match, a video from Liv Morgan aired backstage. Morgan revealed that she had planned to remove Finn Balor from Judgment Day from the moment she joined the faction, sending a clear and direct message to her former ally.
Another backstage segment showed Roman Reigns in his locker room alongside Jimmy and Jey Uso, hinting at the looming Bloodline involvement heading into WrestleMania.
WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship: AJ Lee (c) vs. Bayley
AJ Lee defended her Women’s Intercontinental Championship against Bayley in a competitive and technically sound match.
Lee utilised quick roll-ups early to frustrate Bayley, while Bayley focused on targeting Lee’s arm. Lee briefly took control with a crossbody and maintained pressure with a bridging submission during the break.
As the match continued, Bayley locked in a Half Boston Crab and followed up with a Bayley-to-Belly suplex for a near fall. Lee responded with a Shining Wizard and transitioned into the Black Widow submission.
Bayley attempted to fight out, even countering with a Sidewalk Slam, but Lee ultimately locked the hold in again. This time, Bayley had no escape and was forced to tap out.
Winner: AJ Lee
After the match, Becky Lynch stormed the ring and attacked Lee, unloading her frustration after losing the title. Lynch targeted Lee’s back and midsection, leaving the champion laid out.
WWE Intercontinental Championship: Penta (c) vs. Dragon Lee
Penta issued an open challenge for his Intercontinental Championship, which was answered by Dragon Lee.
The match was fast-paced from the outset, with Dragon Lee hitting an early dropkick and diving attack to the outside. Penta responded with his own high-impact offence, including a crossbody for a near fall.
As the match progressed, Dragon Lee hit a Styles Clash and came close to victory, but Penta kicked out. Dragon Lee continued the assault, even sending Penta crashing over the announce desk.
However, Penta turned the tide with a perfectly timed Mexican Destroyer to secure the win and retain his title.
Winner: Penta
After the match, Penta showed respect by helping Dragon Lee to his feet and raising his hand.
Backstage, Paul Heyman was shown speaking with Logan Paul and Austin Theory, stating that he intended to get them back into contention for the World Tag Team Championships.
Nattie vs. Maxxine Dupri
Nattie faced Maxxine Dupri in the next match, with Dupri showing improved confidence and offence early on.
Dupri landed a Fisherman’s suplex and a sit-out leg drop, nearly scoring an upset victory. However, Nattie regained control with a discus lariat and quickly transitioned into the Sharpshooter.
Dupri had no choice but to tap out, giving Nattie the win.
Winner: Nattie
In a backstage segment, Kofi Kingston attempted to recruit Je’Von Evans into The New Day. Evans declined the offer, leading to an unexpected interruption from Danhausen, who volunteered to replace him. Kingston rejected the idea and used Grayson Waller as a shield when Danhausen attempted to curse him.
Stephanie Vaquer vs. Raquel Rodriguez
Stephanie Vaquer faced Raquel Rodriguez in a match that quickly turned chaotic due to outside involvement.
Rodriguez used her strength advantage early, sending Vaquer into the ring post. Vaquer fought back with a meteora and began to build momentum.
Liv Morgan interfered from ringside, but Iyo Sky rushed down to even the odds. Rodriguez briefly neutralised Sky, but Vaquer capitalised by taking out Morgan and regaining control.
In the closing moments, Vaquer countered a Texana Bomb attempt and rolled Rodriguez up for the victory.
Winner: Stephanie Vaquer
Backstage, The Kabuki Warriors confronted Bayley and Lyra Valkyria, adding further tension to the women’s division. Austin Theory and Logan Paul were also seen continuing their discussions nearby.
Roman Reigns And CM Punk Close The Show
Roman Reigns made his way to the ring to close the show, demanding that San Antonio acknowledge him. He declared himself the beginning, middle, and end of WWE before calling out CM Punk.
Punk answered the call, and the two immediately engaged in a heated exchange. Reigns welcomed Punk to what he called “his” WrestleMania main event, while Punk fired back, warning Reigns about disrespect and claiming he had already gained the upper hand mentally.
Reigns dismissed Punk’s claims, stating that Punk had not main-evented anything recently and questioning his relevance. Punk responded by bringing up The Usos, accusing Reigns of hiding behind them.
The confrontation escalated as both men exchanged insults, with Reigns questioning Punk’s physical abilities and Punk promising to defeat him at WrestleMania.
The situation turned physical when Punk struck Reigns with a microphone. Officials, including Adam Pearce, quickly intervened to separate the two.
Punk was escorted backstage as Reigns remained in the ring, staring him down. The show closed with the tension unresolved, setting the stage for their impending clash at WrestleMania 42.
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