WWE Raw ignites WrestleMania 42 feuds with arrests and shocking betrayals
This week's WWE Raw delivered high-energy action and escalating tensions ahead of WrestleMania 42. Arrests, title defences, and shocking betrayals set the stage for April's mega-event. The show earned a B grade, with critics noting stronger storytelling but room to build the main event further.
The night began with Seth Rollins being led away in handcuffs after a heated confrontation with Paul Heyman. Police surrounded the former world champion following the altercation, marking a dramatic start to the broadcast.
In the ring, Je'Von Evans secured a clean victory over Grayson Waller, finishing him off with an OG Cutter for the pin. Meanwhile, Oba Femi continued his dominance by defeating Brock Lesnar for the second time. Femi escaped an F5 attempt before dropping Lesnar with a clothesline to the outside.
The women's division saw key developments as well. Bayley and Lyra Valkyria overcame The Kabuki Warriors, earning a future shot at the women's tag team titles against Nia Jax and Lash Legend. AJ Lee also made waves by offering Becky Lynch a WrestleMania opportunity for the newly introduced women's intercontinental championship.
Penta retained his intercontinental title against Dominik Mysterio, though the win came with controversy. Finn Bálor's interference distracted Mysterio, allowing Penta to capitalise.
The main event angle intensified when CM Punk goaded Roman Reigns and The Usos. The Usos turned on Punk, powerbombing him through the commentary desk on Reigns' orders. This followed months of rising tension, starting at the Royal Rumble in January 2026, where Punk cost Reigns a title opportunity. The Usos had initially backed Reigns in Bloodline attacks on Punk but defected at February's Elimination Chamber, siding with Punk and setting up a multi-man tag match for WrestleMania.
Raw's latest episode advanced multiple WrestleMania storylines, from title opportunities to explosive rivalries. The Usos' shifting loyalties and Punk's defiance have set the stage for a chaotic showdown in April. With key matches now in place, the road to WrestleMania 42 grows more intense by the week.
