WWE Raw delivered a thrilling night of action from San Antonio, Texas. Oba Femi made a massive impact by accepting Brock Lesnar’s open challenge for WrestleMania, setting the stage for a colossal showdown. Meanwhile, AJ Lee successfully defended her Women’s Intercontinental Championship against Bayley in a hard-fought match. Additionally, Roman Reigns addressed CM Punk’s controversial remarks, intensifying their rivalry.
Seth Rollins continued his vendetta against Paul Heyman, resulting in a chaotic segment with Brock Lesnar. The Judgment Day’s internal turmoil was highlighted by Liv Morgan’s scathing promo against former member Finn Bálor, promising a new era for the faction.
- El Grande Americano def. “Original” El Grande Americano (Singles Match — pinfall with loaded mask)
- AJ Lee def. Bayley to retain the Women’s Intercontinental Championship (Singles Match — submission with Black Widow)
Show Rundown
Seth Rollins Opens Raw
Monday Night Raw kicked off with Seth Rollins, who dramatically revealed himself from a group of masked men. Rollins delivered a fiery promo, declaring war on the Vision, specifically targeting Paul Heyman. Rollins berated Heyman for his betrayal and promised relentless retribution. The segment escalated as a disheveled Heyman appeared, taunting Rollins with the presence of Brock Lesnar.
Brock Lesnar stormed the ring, dismantling Rollins’ masked entourage with brutal efficiency. Just as it seemed Rollins might face Lesnar directly, the lights dimmed, and Oba Femi made his emphatic entrance. Femi, a towering presence, confronted Lesnar and laid him out with a devastating Fall From Grace, signaling his intention to challenge Lesnar at WrestleMania.
El Grande Americano vs. “Original” El Grande Americano
The comedic yet intense rivalry between El Grande Americano and “Original” El Grande Americano continued with a match that blended high-flying antics and strategic interference. Original started strong with a rolling Liger kick and a series of suplexes, but the numbers game played a crucial role.
As the match progressed, Los Americanos provided distractions that allowed Americano to gain control. The finish came when Bravo Americano placed a steel plate in Americano’s mask, leading to a controversial win after Original knocked himself out with a diving headbutt.
Parking Garage Confrontation
Backstage, Roman Reigns arrived at the Frost Bank Center, greeted by his cousins, The Usos. Reigns addressed CM Punk’s inflammatory comments about his family, vowing to handle Punk personally at WrestleMania. The segment underscored the personal stakes in the Reigns-Punk rivalry, with Reigns asserting his dominance over the Bloodline narrative.
Women’s Intercontinental Championship: AJ Lee vs. Bayley
AJ Lee returned to in-ring action on Raw, defending her Women’s Intercontinental Championship against Bayley. The match was a technical showcase, with both competitors exchanging holds and counters. Lee’s agility was on full display as she executed a standing Sliced Bread and a Shining Wizard.
Bayley, however, was no pushover, responding with a Bayley-to-Belly and targeting Lee’s back. The match reached its climax when Lee trapped Bayley in the Black Widow submission, forcing Bayley to tap out. Lee celebrated her successful title defense, but her victory lap was cut short by a post-match attack from Becky Lynch, reigniting their fierce rivalry.
Liv Morgan’s Judgment Day Promo
Liv Morgan delivered a scathing promo against Finn Bálor, officially severing his ties with Judgment Day. Morgan declared Bálor washed up and revealed her long-term strategy of usurping control within the faction. She positioned herself as a future Women’s World Champion and promised a dominant era for Judgment Day, now free from Bálor’s influence.
Standout Performer
Oba Femi emerged as the standout performer of the night, making an indelible impact by confronting Brock Lesnar. Femi’s decisive attack on Lesnar not only showcased his physical prowess but also established him as a formidable contender heading into WrestleMania. Femi’s presence and execution of the Fall From Grace left a lasting impression, setting the stage for a potentially career-defining match.
Analysis
This episode of Raw effectively advanced multiple storylines heading into WrestleMania. The confrontation between Seth Rollins and Brock Lesnar was a masterclass in building tension, with Oba Femi’s involvement adding an unexpected yet exciting twist. Femi’s challenge to Lesnar injects fresh energy into the buildup, offering a new dynamic to the anticipated showdown.
AJ Lee’s title defense against Bayley was a solid wrestling contest, reaffirming Lee’s status as a resilient champion. The post-match ambush by Becky Lynch sets the stage for a high-stakes rematch, potentially culminating in a WrestleMania clash. Lynch’s aggression and relentless pursuit of Lee’s title create a compelling narrative.
Liv Morgan’s promo was another highlight, as she articulated her vision for Judgment Day’s future. Her confidence and assertiveness in declaring a new era for the faction suggest a promising trajectory for Judgment Day’s storylines. The promo effectively positioned Morgan as a top contender in the women’s division.
Overall, Raw maintained a steady pace, balancing in-ring action with storyline development. The focus on building towards WrestleMania was evident, with key rivalries receiving significant attention and advancement.
What Happens Next
With Oba Femi now set to face Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania, the coming weeks will be crucial in establishing Femi’s credibility as a legitimate threat to Lesnar’s dominance. Expect more confrontations and physical clashes as the event draws nearer.
AJ Lee and Becky Lynch’s rivalry appears poised for another chapter, likely culminating in a high-profile match at WrestleMania. The stakes are high, with Lee’s title reign and Lynch’s quest for redemption at the forefront.
The Judgment Day’s transformation under Liv Morgan’s leadership will be a storyline to watch. With Morgan targeting the Women’s World Championship, her journey towards the title will likely involve strategic alliances and rivalries, potentially leading to a multi-faceted storyline at WrestleMania.
