Even Raw is bigger in Texas!

Roman Reigns returns to Raw in response to CM Punk doubling down on his insults, while Brock Lesnar returns to see if anyone accepts his challenge!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• El Grande Americano Original VS El Grande Americano; El Grande Americano wins.
• WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship: AJ Lee VS Bayley; AJ wins and retains the title.
• WWE Intercontinental Championship Open Challenge: PENTA VS Dragon Lee; Penta wins and retains the title.
• Maxxine Dupri VS Natalya; Nattie wins.
• Stephanie Vaquer VS Raquel Rodriguez w/ Liv Morgan; Vaquer wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

WWE mourns the loss of Davey Coates.

The masked men are here!

And one gets in the ring to reveal he is SETH ROLLINS! The fans fire up as The Visionary is now in San Antonio! “Let me make this perfectly clear! I created The Vision, and I will be the one to KILL the Vision! I don’t care if you’re on the shelf like Breakker and Reed, I don’t care if you’re a little peon hanger-on like Austin Theory or Logan Paul. If you stand next to Paul Heyman, consider yourself marked for death!” The fans cheer that, and Rollins says two weeks ago, he had the satisfaction of putting a steel chair in Paul Heyman’s back! He had the satisfaction of stomping Paul Heyman’s fat head right here on the mat!

The fans boo as now Paul Heyman walks out on stage, completely disheveled. Rollins turns to see Heyman, and he says, “Well, well, well. Look what the cat dragged in. Y’know, Paul, you think you’re smarter than me, don’t you?” The fans tell off Heyman, and Rollins says he doesn’t have to say it when the fans are saying it for him. C’mon, Paul, can’t you move faster than that? Does he have something to say? We see the mic in his hand. Was it worth it? Seth hopes it was worth it for Paul. Seth made mistakes, but letting Heyman in his inner circle was the worst one. Rollins will pay Heyman back for this betrayal every single day until Heyman is GONE from this business!

Heyman wipes a tear from his swollen eye, and he starts to speak, but the fans boo. Heyman says he wasn’t going to come out here, but he wouldn’t miss this for the world. Heyman asks if he interrupted Rollins’ precious little hate promo. It’s because Heyman is messing with Rollins. Rollins messed with him so Heyman will mess with him! The rule is F A F O! Or perhaps, F A, F5!! BROCK LESNAR IS HERE! The fans go nuts as The Beast storms down the ramp! The masked men step up to protect their leader, but Heyman simply takes Lesnar’s cowboy hat and leather vest. Lesnar then surveys the scene, stares Rollins down, then grins.

Lesnar storms up to CLOBBER the masked men one at a time! Then GERMAN SUPELX after GERMAN SUPLEX! And BELLY2BELLY! San Antonio is Suplex City already, and Lesnar’s roar scares off about half a dozen! Lesnar THROWS one guy into steps, another into barriers! Rollins grins as Lesnar finally steps in, and the remaining minions attack! Lesnar EXPLODES out! Then he kicks one, GERMAN SUPLEXES him away, then fireman’s carries the heftiest! F5!! The last guy runs up but into another kick! And a GERMAN SUPLEX! Now it’s just Lesnar and Rollins! The fans fire up as these two stare down.

But then the lights go down?! AND OBA FEMI IS HERE?! The fans hoot and cheer as The Ruler makes his way to the ring! Oba marches to the ring, and Rollins is very amused as Lesnar now has to keep his eyes on this physical specimen. Oba steps into the ring, his eyes locked on Lesnar. The two titans step up, and then Rollins steps closer. Lesnar backs Rollins down, but that leaves him open! FALL FROM GRACE!! The fans are thunderous as The Ruler just slayed The Beast! Oba points to the WrestleMania sign, HE is the one accepting the challenge! Will Oba prove that he is the true alpha male of our species?

El Grande Americano Original VS El Grande Americano w/ Los Americanos!

This feud hasn’t just escalated, it has gone international! These two battled it out in the AAA Rey de Reyes tournament, and Original was cheated out of it by El Grande Americano Nuevo! But who finally proves they are the better El Grande Americano?

The bell rings and Original ROLLING LIGER KICKS Nuevo down! The fans fire up as Original fires off hands, then CHOPS! CHOPS! And whips! Original BACKDROPS Nuevo, then he runs up, only to be put up top! Nuevo GAMAN- NO, Original blocks, and he catches the arm for a HANGING ARMBAR! The ref counts, Original lets go, and then he stares down Rayo y Bravo. But Nuevo WRECKS Original with a dropkick! Nuevo puts Original in the ring, then POSTS him! Original is now dangling out of the ring, and Nuevo runs to WRECK him with the dropkick! The fans are torn as Nuevo whips and scoops Original for the SLAM! Cover, TWO!

Original crawls but Nuevo runs corner to corner, and he UPPERCUTS! Nuevo goes to run but Original reels him in, BIG back suplex! The fans fire up while Original YANKS Nuevo’s leg! Then he DRAGON SCREWS the leg! Original stalks Nuevo to the apron, but Nuevo ROCKS him! Nuevo slingshots, but into the NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridging cover, TWO! The fans rally as Original and Nuevo fires hands! They CHOP, and CHOP, then fire forearms! The brawl is fast ‘n’ furious, then Nuevo ROLLING ELBOWS! But then Original clinches to BELLY2BELLY Nuevo out onto Rayo y Bravo! “AH GRACIAS~!” and Raw goes to break.

Raw returns and Nuevo fires CHOP after CHOP! Then he whips Original into the corner hard! Original staggers into the back suplex, but he lands out! Then he THROWS Nuevo! The fans rally with “OLE~ OLE OLE OLE~!” Both Grandes stand up, but Original fires off a strike fest! Then he blocks a kick, slips through, and RUSSIAN LEG SWEEPS! Original runs, and ROLLING LIGER KICKS again! Then he GERMAN SUPLEXES! Original holds on, and he GERMAN SUPLEXES again! Nuevo blocks the third, swings an elbow, but ends up in an EXPLODER! The fans are torn as Original runs in, but Nuevo puts him on the apron!

Original ducks the lariat to CANNONBALL onto Rayo! Then he hurries, dodges Nuevo, and ROLLING KICKS Bravo! Then he hooks Nuevo up, EL OLYMPIC SLAM! Cover, TWO! Nuevo survives but the fans fire up! Original stalks Nuevo, then waistlocks for- NO, Nuevo denies the Chaos Theory! PENALTY KCIK! Then he gets moving, but Original ROCKS him! Original runs up, Nuevo puts on him the top rope, then GAMANGIRIS! Then a KAISER ROLL! Cover, TWO!! Original survives and no one can believe it, least of all Nuevo! Nuevo aims as Original rises, then runs in, but into a CORNER BELLY2BELLY!

Original goes up, up, and MOONSAULTS but he blocks the boot! ANKLE LOCK!! Nuevo endures, reaches out, and makes it to the ROPEBREAK! Original holds until the ref counts 4. Bravo then reaches out, but Original RAMS Nuevo into him! CHAOS THEORY! Bridging cover, but Rayo distracts the ref! The fans boo but Original TOSSES Rayo into the ring! Then he LARIATS Rayo and himself up and out! But this lets Bravo sneak the panel into Nuevo’s mask! Original TOSSES Rayo, goes back to the ring, and he climbs the corner! DIVING HEADBUTT!! But the metal plate hits back!! Nuevo reaches out for the cover, AND WINS!

Winner: El Grande Americano, by pinfall

Los Americanos celebrate with their leader, and they’re about to have a fiesta in San Antonio! But will they keep it going all the way to WrestleMania?

Roman Reigns arrives backstage.

The Tribal Chief exits the car, and The Usos are there. They all share a smile, and Roman says that must’ve felt good last week. Punk deserved it. Roman agrees there. At the end of the day, when you run your mouth, there are consequences. In fact, to all of Roman’s family, to all of the Bloodline, they should all be upset about what Punk said about Roman’s father. But see, here’s the thing, there’s a before and after Mania. But on that weekend. CM Punk is Roman’s. YEET! The Usos shake hands with Roman, and Roman is locked in. What more will The OTC have to say about Punk’s unapologetic attitude?

Liv Morgan speaks.

As she rips up a Finn Balor shirt, she tells Finn a “little secret.” This was the plan since she joined Judgment Day! She thought Finn was in control? He was on borrowed time and he didn’t even know it. She only put up with Finn out of respect for his relationship with Dominik. But they’ve seen him. Liv’s been watching. She knows when Finn was scheming, when he was lying, and he thinks he’s manipulative but it has been a pleasure watching him fall from grace. He couldn’t hang with The Judgment Day anymore. he got soft! He is pathetic, a loser, washed up, and it made Liv sick calling him “family” every single week.

So what’d they do? They took a play right out of Finn’s book! Because if there’s one thing Finn did do well, it was what he taught them. After all, this is the Judgment Day’s way. They’re on to bigger and better things! JD McDonagh is finally free from Finn holding him down, and he will soar. And “Daddy Dom” is still AAA Mega Campeon and he will get the Intercontinental Championship back. And with The Prince gone, there’s a new queen on the throne. Raquel Rodriguez will take care of Stephanie Vaquer for Liv so that at WrestleMania, Liv will become the NEW Women’s World Champion!

Because the family she “hides” behind has Liv’s back. And without Finn, they’re better than ever. #WatchUs.

The Usos and Roman meet up in the private suite.

Jey can’t believe Roman didn’t get CM Punk, didn’t just drop him where he stood last time. C’mon, man! Roman says he can try to explain it, but- Jimmy says there’s a time and a place for all that. Jimmy hit Punk once, he’ll do it again. Punk says he’s got stuff on Roman but everything he’s throwing ain’t landing. The only thing Punk is saying is Roman part-timing this and part-timing that. Roman says, “Y’know how often I saw my dad as a kid? As a matter of fact, you guys get it. How much was your dad on the road when you were younger?” Jimmy admits, it was a lot. Exactly. But they paid their dues. Roman’s kids, their kids, it’ll be different.

The whole world could call Roman a part-timer, but as long as his wife and kids understand he’s a full-time father, that is where his legacy lives. That is the biggest flex any superstar could pull. Jimmy says that’s the truth right there. They fist bump, but Jey says who don’t get that is C M Punk! That fool still owes the apology! Jimmy understands that, too! Roman says he doesn’t even need the apology. But The Usos do. Roman will get that for the family. And what’s the worst that can happen? CM Punk beats him up? They all laugh that off. Roman heads out, but will Punk ACKNOWLEDGE HIM? Or will he continue to double down on what he says?

WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship: AJ Lee VS Bayley!

The Anti-Diva is ready to defend her title against one of the women who followed in the wake of that Women’s Revolution. Bayley is the Role Model now, but will she be able to overcome her role model? Or will AJ Lee prove she’s still got it?

Raw returns as Bayley makes her entrance. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who takes this title to WrestleMania!

The bell rings and the two circle. The fans rally up already as the two tie up. They’re in a deadlock, then they break. The fans cheer as the two reset and go again. They’re in another deadlock, Bayley powers AJ to the ropes, but stops as the ref counts. Bayley whips AJ to ropes, but AJ tilt-o-whirls through! Bayley stops the rest but AJ hits a leg scissor roll! Cover, TWO! AJ wheelbarrows, victory rolls, TWO! Bayley runs up, but AJ slips around to crucifix then sunset flip! TWO, but Bayley scoops! AJ slips free, but Bayley trips AJ! Bayley turns AJ around, steps over, and has the LA MAGISTROL! TWO and AJ gets moving!

AJ ducks ‘n’ dodges, then trips Bayley at the ropes! The fans rally up as AJ climbs, then CROSSBODIES! The fans fire up as things keep moving, and AJ SHOTGUNS Bayley out of the ring! Bayley is frustrated already, and she hears Michael Cole say as much. Bayley knows this is her last chance at Mania, Maggle! Bayley rushes in, but AJ gets her for an Oklahoma Roll! TWO, and AJ CLOBBERS Bayley! AJ steps over, hammerlocks, then BRIDGES the hold! Bayley endures, flails around, and claws at AJ’s leg. AJ turns things back around, but Bayley rolls and rolls. Bayley fires elbows, AJ holds on, and the fans duel.

Bayley stands, ELBOWS AJ down, and shakes out the arm. Bayley storms up on AJ to TOSS her to the apron! Then Bayley has AJ in the ropes, HOTSHOT STUNNER! Cover, TWO! AJ survives and bails out of the ring while Raw goes to break.

Raw returns as forearms fly back and forth! The fans rally, Bayley ROCKS AJ, then she suplexes! But AJ makes it a CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! AJ rises, but Bayley clinches! BAYLEY2- BULLDOG! AJ turns things around again but both women are down. The fans rally up while both women rise. AJ LARIATS Bayley, then ELBOWS her down! Then HEEL KICK! Cover, TWO!AJ gets Bayley up, ASAI DDT! Cover, TWO! Bayley survives and AJ is a bit frustrated. AJ goes to a corner, then runs up, SHINING- NO, Bayley rolls through to a HALF CRAB! The fans rally, but Bayley drags AJ to center! AJ turns over, BOOTS Bayley away, but Bayley KNEES AJ down! Cover, TWO!

Bayley tries another cover, TWO! Bayley is a bit stunned, but she hurries to haul AJ up. Bayley steps over, ROSE- NO, AJ rolls her up, TWO! Both women stand, Bayley clinches, but AJ slips free! Bayley ROCKS AJ first, then runs up, but into an ELBOW! AJ goes up, but Bayley blocks the boot! BAYLEY2BELLY!! Cover, TWO!! AJ survives and the fans fire up! Bayley is growing further frustrated, but the fans rally as she and AJ rise. They egg each other on, and Bayley SMACKS AJ! Bayley says she’s going to Mania! And she SLAPS AJ again! AJ SLAPS back! And then SMACKS Bayley off the mat! Bayley SMACKS AJ off the mat!

The fans fire up as the fists start flying! AJ SOBATS, then runs, to SHINING WIZARD! But Bayley is right up! AJ runs in again, tilt-o-whirls, BLACK WIDOW- NO! Bayley pops free, SIDEWALK SLAM! Then she drags AJ into the drop zone, and goes up the corner! The fans fire up for Bayley’s MACHO ELBOW FLOP! AJ avoids disaster, then hooks Bayley back up! BLACK WIDOW STRETCH!! Bayley flails, but she’s fading! AJ pulls the arm, BAYLEY TAPS! AJ WINS!

Winner: AJ Lee, by submission (still WWE Women’s Intercontinental Champion)

Bayley could not beat AJ Lee 13 years ago, and she still can’t beat her now. WrestleMania is still out of reach for Bayley, but AJ is heading to Vegas! Who will look to take the gold from her in just 34 days?

JD McDonagh argues with Adam Pearce.

The Irish Ace doesn’t think the Raw General Manager is being fair to Dominik Mysterio. Dom gets hurt on Saturday defending one title, and now Pearce gives away his rematch for the other? Pearce says he did no such thing. Dom is not medically cleared period, so- but wait, Penta steps in. And he tells JD in simple terms, “Cero Miedo!” And he thanks Pearce for this match tonight. But who is it even against?

Raw returns as BECKY ATTACKS AJ LEE!

The fans boo as The Man has come around to San Antonio, just to ambush the woman who took the title from her! Becky then whips AJ hard into the LED tron, and SMACKS her off the stage floor! The fans boo harder but Becky drags her up and throws her into railing! Becky mockingly tells AJ to say hi to her fans, then SMACKS her off railing! And KICKS her down! Refs rush out here but Becky says back off! Becky THROWS AJ into LED barriers! And then regular barriers! Becky stomps AJ, shouts at the fans to stay back, then stomps AJ more! Producers rush out here and Becky finally backs off, the damage being done.

Becky picks up the Women’s Intercontinental Championship, holds it close, but then runs to CLOBBER AJ with it!! The fans boo again as Becky holds it up over her head while she stands of AJ. Becky drops the belt on AJ, but will she make sure to get it back in Vegas?

WWE Intercontinental Championship Open Challenge: PENTA VS ???

While Finn Balor not helping Dominik caused the Judgment Day to exile him, it also gave the man with no fear his first championship in WWE! Now he has his first defense, but there’s no telling who he’s facing! Will it not matter when Penta has #CeroMiedo?

But first, Penta grabs the mic, and the fans cheer as he stands in the center of the ring, belt around his waist. Penta says last week, he told the world that he wants to be a fighting champion. The fans cheer that! Penta says he told Adam Pearce to pick anyone, no matter who it is, because Penta is always ready! That is because he is the champion of ALL his people! That means it is time to defend this title here in San Antonio, Texas! The fans cheer that, and Penta says whoever comes to the ring tonight, just listen: Be ready, because he is Penta, and he has CERO! MIEDO! The fans are fired up, but the lights go down! It’s DRAGON LEE!

The fans fire up as we’re going to get a true battle of lucha libre! But who proves they are truly championship material? We find out, after the break.

Raw returns as the bell rings and the two tie up. The fans rally as they go to ropes, end up in a corner, and the ref counts. Dragon backs off quickly and the fans rally again. Penta and Dragon reset, circle, and tie up. Dragon waistlocks, Penta switches, then Penta facelocks. Dragon rolls, covers, ONE! Penta sweeps to cover, ONE! Dragon sweeps to cover, ONE! Both men kip up and the fans fire up! Penta struts and the fans cheer. Dragon copies and the fans cheer again. Penta is surprised, and then the two tie up again. They go around, Dragon headlocks, but Penta powers up and out to headlock back.

Dragon powers up and out, drops down, then hurdles over. Dragon rolls back but Penta KICKS him down! The fans fire up, and Penta runs in, but into a BOOT! Dragon builds speed, ducks ‘n’ dodges, then RANAS! Penta tumbles, Dragon runs up at the corner, JUMP KICK! Leg sweep! Then COMBINACION DRAGON! The fans fire up as Dragon then backs up, goes corner to corner again, but Penta pops him up! SUPERKICK! Then GAMANGIRI! Dragon goes down, Penta runs up, and Penta handstands for the SWINGING DROPKICK! The fans fire up again, and Penta LARIATS Dragon up and out! Penta rallies the fans, builds speed, but Dragon DROPKICKS him first!

Penta bails out, Dragon builds speed, and Dragon FLIES! Down goes Penta at the ramp! Dragon puts Penta in, but Penta gets moving! Penta FLIES! Down goes Dragon at the ramp! The fans fire up while both men stir on the outside. Penta is up first, he puts Dragon in, then he climbs, CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Dragon survives and Penta is beside himself, but Raw goes back to break.

Raw returns again as both men are down from another collision, this time in the ring. Both men rise up and egg each other on. Dragon ROCKS Penta with a forearm, but Penta ROCKS Dragon back! The fans rally as the forearms go back and forth, harder and harder! Dragon CHOPS, then eggs Penta on. Penta CHOPS right back! Dragon BOOTS Penta, ROCKS him, then runs, but into a BOOT! Dragon V-TRIGGERS! Dragon runs but into a SUPERKICK! The fans fire up again while both men are down! Penta crawls to the corner, “This is Awesome!” Penta calls his shot, then runs up on Dragon, but Dragon SUPERKICKS back!

Dragon runs, slips through the lariat, and he reels Penta in! Sunset flip, but then Dragon drags Penta up! STYLES CLASH!! Cover, TWO!! Penta survives, Dragon is not quite phenomenal! Dragon is frustrated, but “This is Awesome!” as he aims from a corner. Dragon runs up, but Penta denies Operacion Dragon! He shoves Dragon, Dragon leaps, but into the half nelson! Pump handle and PENTA DRIVER! Cover, TWO!! Dragon survives and the fans fire up again! Dragon rolls to the outside, but Penta pursues. The fans rally up as Penta brings Dragon up, but Dragon fights the suplex! Dragon fires body shots, but Penta CLUBS him!

Penta aims for the corner, but Dragon blocks buckle bumps to fire body shots! Dragon then SMACKS Penta off buckles and KICKS him away! Penta sputters, Dragon slingshots, but into a GAMANGIRI! Dragon falls back to the apron, and the fans rally as Penta gets moving! Triangle jump, but into a SUPERKICK! Penta falls to the floor and tumbles into the desk! Dragon rises up, he builds speed, and he DIVES! Direct hit onto the desk!! The fans go nuts for that one! Dragon staggers around, gets Penta up from behind the desk, and they get into the ring. Dragon fires up, reels Penta in, OPERACION DRAGON!! Cover, TWO?!?!

The fans fire up as Penta survives! Dragon is beside himself, but this is what it is to fight for a championship! “This is Awesome!” as Dragon takes off his elbow pad! Dragon runs up to- NO, Penta dodges the Dragon Blade, comes back and DESTROYER!! Cover, Penta wins!

Winner: Penta, by pinfall (still WWE Intercontinental Champion)

Dragon brought the fire, but Penta keeps the gold! It showed the world what lucha libre truly means, and Penta shows Dragon respect by offering him a hand. Dragon accepts it and the fans cheer. Will these two look to run it back one day? Who will be next to challenge for the title in the meantime?

The Vision regroups with Paul Heyman in their private suite.

Austin Theory & Logan Paul check on The Oracle. Theory says Lesnar will do what he needs to do to Oba Femi. But as far as Rollins goes, he’s a dead man! They’ll handle that. Heyman says no, no, that’s the worst thing to do. Don’t they understand Rollins’ game plan? It is to divide and conquer! The art of distraction! Seth Rollins hit Heyman with that chair shot, stomped him into the mat, no remorse. Heyman is a 60-year-old man! No ramifications, no repercussions, no formal charges, not even a suspension! Nothing! Y’know why? Because The Vision has no more leverage, no more power, they are not in a position to negotiate.

They need titles. They need gold. They have to get Theory & Logan into contention for the Usos’ World Tag Team Championships. Once The Vision has those, then they can position for singles titles, they have leverage. But it doesn’t matter if you have to fight in the street, beat The Usos in singles matches, or whatever, the focus should be the Usos. Theory repeats that: Usos, tag titles, the Usos’ tag titles. They’ll apply that pressure! Theory is gonna go talk to Pearce now. Heyman says yes, that’s the vision. Logan says if they are to get the tag titles, consider it done. As of now, The Usos’ days are numbered. And then, for what he did to Heyman, they’ll get LA Knight, too.

Logan pats Heyman on his very sore back, then follows after Theory. Heyman thinks about it, and he says, “Yeah.” Will The Wiseman’s plan be able to turn the tide for The Vision? Or is Rollins already three steps ahead of them?

Maxxine Dupri VS Natalya!

The student was just moments away from surpassing her teacher, but that wasn’t what the teacher wanted. The Queen of Harts made sure the Dungeon Doll lost the title, then lost her way. But will Maxxine show her that there is no breaking this Alpha Babe? Or will Nattie devastate what Natalya worked to elevate?

Raw returns as Nattie makes her entrance. The bell rings, Nattie runs up to hit a takeover, but Maxxine throws her right off. Nattie trips Maxxine, rains down fists, then slips around to smother Maxxine. Maxxine kicks free, but Nattie SPINEBUSTERS! The fans boo but Nattie laughs as she talks Maxxine. Maxxine goes to ropes, Nattie gets in her face, but the ref counts. Nattie backs off, but then she stomps Maxxine, and she GUILLOTINE CATAPULTS! The fans boo but Nattie drags Maxxine up by her hair. Nattie puts Maxxine on the top rope, then in the Tree of Woe! Nattie stomps Maxxine, then goes out to bend her against the buckles!

The ref counts, Nattie stops, and Nattie says Maxxine didn’t beat Becky, The Dungeon beat Becky. Nattie stalks Maxxine, then wraps on with a REAR NAKED CHOKE! Maxxine endures, pries the scissors open, then rolls to get the ANKLE LOCK! Nattie endures, reaches out, then rolls to send Maxxine into ropes! Nattie o”Conner Rolls, Maxxine turns it around, TWO! REAR NAKED- NO, Maxxine rolls back to a cover, TWO! Nattie is up, Maxxine blocks the kick, then she steps over for the HEEL KICK! The fans fire up as Maxxine catches her breath. Maxxine LARIATS, LARIATS, then CLUBS Nattie. Maxxine runs to BOOT Nattie down!

The fans rally up while Nattie goes to the corner. Maxxine runs in, SPLASH! Then FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Maxxine kips up, the fans fire up, and the straps come down! Maxxine runs again, for the STEP-UP LEG DROP! Cover, TWO! Nattie survives and Maxxine is shocked. Maxxine runs up but Nattie dodges the boot! CHOP BLOCK to the other leg! Nattie then hauls Maxxine up with the Electric Chair! Maxxine fires hands, victory rolls, and has the ANKLE LOCK!! Nattie endures, rolls, and she BOOTS Maxxine away! Maxxine tumbles out, Nattie runs up, but Maxxine ROUNDHOUSES! Maxxine goes up, up, and CROSS- NO, Nattie dodges!

DISCUS LARIAT! The fans boo but Nattie has the legs! SHARPSHOOTER! Maxxine endures but Nattie sits deep on the hold! Maxxine scrambles, reaches out, but Nattie drags her back! Maxxine TAPS, Nattie wins!

Winner: Natalya, by submission

Maxxine tried, but Nattie says The Dungeon is alive! Will the Low Key Legend write a new chapter in her already storied career now that she’s unleashed this side?

Video call interview with Randy Orton.

Michael Cole thanks The Viper for taking this time out of his schedule, and Orton says hold on, he’s finishing a phone call. It was good seeing them, too. They were watching Friday? Well, of course, everyone was watching Friday. But yeah, it was time. Hey, Orton has Cole wanting to hound him, but Orton appreciates them doing this, he really does. See you soon, okay? Okay. Orton finishes the call, and he stops Cole before he gets started. Orton knows he said he’d do an interview for them on Raw, but… He’s changed his mind. No interview. But he will leave us with this: Ever since Friday, people have been asking him question after question.

Finally, Orton had a conversation with someone who actually had a brain. That person said something profound, something that made Orton think about his life and made him understand who he really is, and what he really is. They helped Orton understand why he did what he did to Cody on Friday. See, Orton is a killer. And Cole, wrestling has more than one royal family. Orton smirks using the line right from Cody’s song. But will Orton give us the rest of #WhyOrtonWhy this Friday as SmackDown is live from Raleigh, North Carolina?

Dragon Lee returns backstage.

Je’Von Evans jumps in from outta nowhere shouting, “Dayumn, Dragon~!” The Young OG then realizes, Dragon’s neck is sore, no touch. He apologizes, but no lie, Dragon and Penta was fire! Dragon says yeah, that’s how they do it, because they’re the future of WWE. Evans agrees with that, but then in steps Kofi Kingston. Uno momentum con Kofi’s amigo, por favor? Um, yeah, sure… Dragon and Evans fist bump and Dragon leaves this to Evans. Evans knows Kofi wants to talk more about last week, but- Kofi says hold on, he knows Evans wants title matches, to be the next face of WWE. Kofi’s a former world champion, so here’s some advice: It’s all about who you associate with.

There are people on this roster that can help you up, and there are others that will Dragon you down. Get it? Evans doesn’t like Kofi is taking shots at his friends, so here’s Evans’ answer: No. He’s good. They ain’t doing this. Kofi says c’mon, it’s a joke! You’ve seen Dragon’s track record. Evans leaves, Grayson Waller steps in and asks what Kofi even sees in that kid. Oh, Waller doesn’t see it? Well, a lot of people said the same about Waller. Kofi doesn’t say it, others say it. And then Danhausen appears! He spooks Kofi & Waller before saying if they’re looking for a new member of New Day to replace Xavier Woods, Danhausen can do it!

Danhausen swivels his hips as he says, “Very nice~! Very evil~!” Stop that! No! They’re not looking for a new member! Danhausen says no, it’s cool, instead of Booty O’s, it’ll be Cursed Crunch, with teeth shaped marshmallows. Waller says the cereal was ten years ago! So Danhausen isn’t joining New Day? No, he is not. They don’t want his weird voodoo, and they would like for him to lead. Well, three words before he goes: YOU! ARE! CURSED! Kofi moves Waller in the way! Aw man, c’mon! Danhausen swivels while he chants, “NEW! HAUSEN! NEW! HAUSEN!” Waller and Kofi argue, but then they look back, and Danhausen is gone!

Waller is mad, he throws off his shirt in case it has the bad mojo, but will that curse strike when they least expect it?

Stephanie Vaquer VS Raquel Rodriguez w/ Liv Morgan!

While La Primera’s war of words with her challenger continues, the WWE Women’s World Champion will gladly take on Liv’s best amiga if it means clearing the chessboard. Will Vaquer take down Big Mami Sexy in San Antonio? Or will there be a Texas-sized Texana Bomb with Stephanie’s name on it?

Raw returns and Raquel makes her entrance, Liv with her. Liv hypes Raquel the whole time, even as the bell rings. Raquel and Vaquer tie up, and Raquel powers Vaquer to the ropes. The ref counts, Raquel backs off, but then she RAMS Vaquer into the corner! And RAMS, and RAMS, and RAMS! The fans rally for Vaquer but Raquel whips her corner to corner. Vaquer goes up and over, but Raquel comes back to CLOBBER her! Liv applauds while Raquel drags Vaquer up. Raquel whips, Vaquer slips under then shoves Raquel. Vaquer tilt-o-whirls to roll Raquel up, TWO! Both women stand, and Vaquer ducks one lariat, but not the SOUTHPAW!

The fans are torn and Liv snaps her fingers in approval. Raquel clamps onto Vaquer with the top wristlock but Vaquer endures. Vaquer fights up, fires body shots, but Raquel THROWS them down! But Vaquer avoids the elbow drop! Vaquer scrape Raquel’s face, then drops the leg drop, brother! Cover, TWO! Raquel rises up, but Vaquer ducks ‘n’ dodges! But Raquel stops the rana! Only for Vaquer to pop up the top! And then she DROPKICKS Raquel up and out! Liv checks on Raquel but Vaquer stares her down. Vaquer goes to the apron, steps on Raquel against the apron, then GUILLOTINE KNEE DROPS!

The fans rally but Liv tells Vaquer to go away. Vaquer kicks at Raquel, but Raquel blocks! Raquel YANKS Vaquer from the apron, then LAWN DARTS her into the POST! Vaquer is down and Raquel smiles while Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again as Vaquer endures the top wristlock. Vaquer fights up, booty bumps free, then fires forearms! Vaquer jumps on for a SLEEPER! Raquel RAMS Vaquer into buckles, then fires back elbows! The ref counts, Raquel gets in the ref’s face, but Liv mocks Vaquer. Raquel drags Vaquer up but Vaquer HOTSHOTS her! Then GAMANGIRIS her! Raquel stumbles, Vaquer springboards, CROSSBODY! The fans fire up while Liv grows worried. Vaquer and Raquel rise as the fans rally up, and Vaquer blocks a shot to ROCK Raquel! And SOBAT! And HEADBUTT! Vaquer runs up, Raquel dodges, but Vaquer dodges!

Raquel is stuck, but Vaquer gets Raquel’s other leg, and DRAGON SCREWS! The fans fire up as Vaquer goes corner to corner, METEORA! Liv is upset but Vaquer snapmares Raquel. The fans fire up for the headscissors! But Raquel THRWOS Vaquer away first! Vaquer tilt-o-whirls, but Raquel stops that to suplex! The fans fire up for the stalling suplex, then SLAM! Raquel steps on Vaquer, goes up the corner, TWISTING VADER FLOPS! Vaquer has Raquel for the headscissors, DEVIL’S KISSES! AH, AH, AH, AH, AH, AH, AH, AH, AH, AH! YEEEEAH~! Liv is furious, she gets on the apron, but Vaquer runs her off.

Raquel runs up and BOOTS Vaquer down! The fans boo but Liv coaches her girl on. WAIT! IYO SKY is here! The Genius will not let Judgment Day cheat La Primera! She scares Liv off, but Raquel rushes out after her! Liv swings, Iyo dodges, but Raquel POUNCES Iyo up and over the desk! But Vaquer CROSSBODIES Raquel to the floor! And she SUPERKICKS Liv! Vaquer THROWS Liv into the timekeeper’s area! The fans fire up as Vaquer then follows Raquel to the ring. Vaquer climbs, CROSBODIES, but Raquel catches her! SWINGING POWERSLAM! Raquel fires up, drags Vaquer up, and TEXANA- NO, Vaquer slips down to sunset flip, with a bridge! VAQUER WINS!

Winner: Stephanie Vaquer, by pinfall

The Judgment Day is a mess, and La Primera stands tall again! Will this be how it goes at WrestleMania?

Bayley and Lyra Valkyria regroup backstage.

The Role Model is frustrated, but The Morrigan says that was amazing! Amazing!? Bayley lost! Which part was amazing? When AJ Lee kicked out the first time or the second time? Because Bayley couldn’t get the job done! Lyra says stop shouting at her! Does Bayley not think Lyra wants Bayley to go to WrestleMania? More than anything! But Bayley WILL get there! And do you know how Lyra knows? She’s gonna help her! And Lyra’s gonna get there, too! Well, okay then, sister. But in step The Kabuki Warriors. Asuka says how dare they mess up HER chance at becoming Intercontinental Champion! She could’ve beaten AJ Lee tonight, IF she won last week.

Asuka will never forget that Bayley & Lyra cost her the chance. Kairi Sane says there are still the tag titles, but Asuka has her shush up. She warns Bayley & Lyra, they will NOT be ready for Asuka. The Empress of Tomorrow storms off, the Pirate Princess tells them to stay away. And then Asuka shouts for Kairi. Kairi follows after, and Lyra wants to double check that one part, and Bayley says the Kabuki Warriors want the tag titles. Oh, there’s an idea. Let’s go talk to Pearce. Yeah, let’s go talk to Pearce! #BayLyra still has a path, but will they make it down this Road to WrestleMania?

Also, is Austin Theory talking to Maxxine Dupri in the background? Is The Vision starting to think outside the box in terms of recruiting?

The Usos walk the halls.

And they come across LA Knight. The Megastar tells them that after last week, The Vision had The Usos’ names in their mouths, they had Knight’s name in their mouths, and Knight didn’t like the sound of it. Knight knows that the Usos know that they’ve got business with The Vision going back a long time. But Knight can’t help but notice that The Usos and Roman are a little bit cozy. What’s up with that? Jimmy says on the real, this is family business, Uce. So just mind your own business, LA. Knight tells Main Event Jey & Big Jim that that’s a big NOPE. Family business he appreciates, he respects, but if The Bloodline of old comes back, Knight has to say something.

Knight loves the Usos, they’ve got this thing going on, they’re on the same page against The Vision. But when it comes to The Bloodline, they are not on the same page. Jimmy nods, and he fist bumps with Knight. Jey frowns, so Knight just says, “YEAH!” Knight heads out, but does he have a point? Can The Usos handle family business without having things go back to the way they were?

Roman Reigns heads to the ring!

Speaking of family business, The OTC, the ONLY Tribal Chief, walks out on stage. San Antonio cheers as he raises the one and gets his pyro. But will Roman get that apology from CM Punk? Or will he only get more insults? We find out, after the break.

Raw returns as Roman is in the ring and has the mic in his hand. The fans cheer “O T C! O T C!” and sing “Roman! Roman Reigns~!” Roman takes a moment to revel in it, and he says, “Oh, yessir, San Antoniooooo…! ACKNOWLEDGE ME!” The fans cheer, and Roman holds up the mic so the world can hear it. Roman continues by saying that he knows everyone hears that back there. He knows they understand whose show this is, because at the end of the day, Roman is in the beginning, he’s in the middle, and you already know who closes the show: The O T C! And you gotta forgive them, really. “Phil gets a little confused.”

Punk must’ve forgotten that they’re the main event, that this is Monday, and that this is his show. Phil, the water’s warm, come on out and let’s handle some business. The fans now chant for “C M PUNK! C M PUNK!” The music hits, here comes the Best in the World! The fans cheer and sing along with Cult of Personality, and Punk walks down the ramp. Punk high-fives fans as he goes, then he perches on the desk. The fans cheer Punk as he stands up, then he hops down to high-five more fans in the front row. Punk then finally joins Roman in the ring, mic in hand. The fans cheer Punk on as he stares down with Roman.

Roman says, “Welcome to my ring. Welcome to my main event.” The fans are torn on that, but Punk says, “Hmm, yeah, about that. You keep using my government name, like it’s supposed to be an insult. My friends and my family, they’re allowed to call me, ‘Phil.’ I would maybe try to insult you and call you Titty Tiaki or whatever your real name is. But I don’t obsess over your Wikipedia, and I’m certainly not going to call you, ‘Joe,’ because that would be insulting to a real Samoan who I love very, very much.” The fans cheer that line, but Roman says go call Joe and he’ll remind you on who your Tribal Chief is.

Punk double checks, Roman is sending all the Samoans after him? ALL of them? Roman says he wasn’t sending anyone. He just gave them permission to do whatever they gotta do. Uh, the only thing they’re gonna do is high-five Punk like everyone here in San Antonio did. Pardon him for a second, let’s see whose show this really is. “Is it great to be alive on a Monday night in San Antonio or what?!” The fans fire up for that! Punk says he’s a bit surprised Roman hasn’t taken a swing at him yet. Talking about the main event of Mania, Punk’s already won because he’s in Roman’s head. The fans sing for Roman again, and Roman smirks.

See, Roman would expect Punk to think like that, because as we can all hear, Roman’s on everyone’s mind. All the time! And Punk, he’ll just say anything, won’t he? Like how Punk got Roman into the main event, right? Phil hasn’t main-evented anything this year! Phil couldn’t even main event the live tour in Europe, let alone the main event of WrestleMania. Roman dares Punk to respond, the fans are calling for him. Punk says yeah, they’re calling for him tonight, like Punk was calling out Roman last week, except Roman’s too chicken s*it to to show up so he sent his cousins. The fans fire up for another line!

Punk says he is a gold-medal level habitual line-stepper! He will say and will do what he pleases to get the advantage, which is why the people love him and Roman doesn’t. Punk didn’t want the Usos caught in the crosshairs, but they came out and handled family business. And y’know what? Punk deserved what he got. Right message, wrong messengers. Who’s the real Tribal Chief? Roman laughs that off and says this is what the fans cheer for. Roman’s heard this garbage for FIVE YEARS! “Which one’s the real Tribal Chief?” C’mon with that garbage. Punk is trite, redundant, repeating the same s*it over and over and over.

“Oh, he’s not here! He’s a part-timer!” GOOD! Maybe Punk should figure out what top dollar players do, like his wife! Unless Punk has something that can actually faze Roman, don’t waste his time! Roman goes to leave, but Punk steps in his way. And then the other side! Roman pushes past Punk but Punk just steps out before him! Punk says his ring, his belt, HIS show! HE tells Roman when he can come and go. And right now ain’t the time! Roman gets back in the ring, and Punk says he can see it! He can feel it! He is in Roman’s head, under Roman’s skin. Take a look at the sign, because this is the last time Roman will main event one!

Punk will lift Roman up onto his shoulders, with all the “Punkamaniacs” shouting, “C M PUNK! C M PUNK!” Then Punk will hoist Roman above his beautiful head of hair, and send Roman back down to earth, crashing into his knee, splitting that ego into two, beating Roman on the Grandest Stage of Them All! Roman chuckles and the fans chant “O T C! O T C!” Roman says he didn’t wanna go here, because there is just so much rich history to tap into, but enough is enough. Punk is delusional. We all know Punk’s great on the mic, great with the mental games, but he can’t faze Roman. Roman is the most successful superstar Punk’s ran into. Roman IS the Tribal Chief!

Roman’s done everything under the sun, and when the talking is done, we all know Punk can’t do the walking. Because at the end of the day, this is the truth, Phil: You’re not faster than Roman, you’re not stronger than Roman, and you can’t do anything Roman does. You’re not better looking, you’re nothing! This version of Punk, with the title on his waist, it is embarrassing! Punk is a tryhard that has everyone looking terrible, because at the end of the day, Punk is old. Punk DECKS Roman! Punk dares Roman to see who has what now! Adam Pearce and producers rush out here, but Roman laughs it all off.

Roman dares Punk to keep going, but Punk backs down. Punk talks with Pearce, Pearce has him calm down, and Roman stands back up. The fans are torn, but Roman says Punk can run his mouth but he can’t take it. You say one thing and Punk snaps. The producers escort Punk to the back while Roman waves bye. Will things only escalate from here as WrestleMania draws near?

My Thoughts:

A great Raw as we’re still a month out from WrestleMania, and we got some great developments towards that Mania card. Rollins opening the show with his masked men was an interesting move, but it was great to see Heyman come out still all banged up from what happened. And at first, I was somewhat excited at the idea of Lesnar VS Rollins as a great adjustment to the Vision story. If Rollins can’t face Bron Breakker at Mania, why not face the big guy who basically paved the way for them as Heyman Guys? But then I was SUPER excited when Rollins pulled the swerve on Lesnar by having Oba Femi show up and shock the world by dominating Lesnar! Who knows who wins, but Oba VS Brock is going to be awesome.

Heyman sending Logan & Theory after Usos instead of Rollins is a pretty good move, because it does make sense the way Heyman explained it. Plus, there is business to settle there, so if the tag titles end up part of it, all the better. Good promos from Usos with Roman and with LA Knight, and yeah, Knight voices the concern of many (both in kayfabe and reality) that we’re just going to do Bloodline 2026. Hard to say at this point, with Jey getting surly again, but I suppose having Logan & Theory to focus on can help. And of course, great closing promo to build off of last week. Roman getting on Punk’s nerves was great, and Punk knocking Roman down was also a great way to turn the tables. Hard to say what other promos we could possibly get from here, but the tensions are building, there’s definitely an all out “pull apart” brawl on the menu.

Great Men’s Intercontinental Championship match from Penta VS Dragon Lee, especially as a surprise. Great win for Penta, and he can definitely start a parallel to the US Championship story on SmackDown, putting out Open Challenges every week until we hit WrestleMania. Great promo afterward for Dragon Lee and Evans, as well as New Day and Danhausen. Kofi using Waller as a shield from the curse was great stuff, can’t wait to see what happens there. As for Evans and Kofi, we’re definitely getting that match at some point, and it will be great stuff.

Grande VS Grande was great stuff, but of course Los Americanos interfered and helped Kaiser Grande cheat that win. I hope we get more from that, but they gotta think to ban Rayo & Bravo from ringside. Good match from Maxxine VS Nattie, but with what commentary said about how Nattie is framing this, it just made the Heel turn story even worse. They said Maxxine got lazy after winning the title? That’s how they’re kayfabing this? That’s lame. Very good promo from Liv to not just call out Vaquer but also talk trash on Finn. Liv saying this was her plan all along is a bit heavy on the retcon, too, because at some point, wasn’t Liv on the same page as Finn when it came to tearing down Damian Priest & Rhea Ripley? Well, with Roxanne Perez out, maybe this is their adjustment for that long play of Roxie breaking Liv and Dom up.

Great match from Vaquer VS Raquel, even with Liv getting involved. Iyo countering was a nice touch, as she and Vaquer worked together against Judgment Day before. Vaquer winning tonight was good, but I think that means Liv will get even with her next week. Great title match from AJ Lee and Bayley, and Bayley looked great in defeat. I do appreciate she didn’t think so afterward, she and Lyra had a good promo together as well as with The Kabuki Warriors. Perhaps we’re still going to get a big tag team match for Mania with challengers from Raw, challengers from SmackDown, maybe even a team from NXT, and then the champs, and that could be a lot of fun.

My Score: 8.8/10