All articles tagged with #raw
Brock Lesnar made a surprise return on the May 18, 2026 edition of RAW by attacking Oba Femi during his open challenge, delivering multiple F5s. In a backstage segment, Paul Heyman claimed Lesnar was retired but then offered a contract for the biggest rematch in history at Clash in Italy, setting up what could be a blockbuster feud.
On WWE Raw May 18, Adam Pearce moved to fire Jacob Fatu, but Fatu interrupted to challenge Roman Reigns. After a confrontation with The Usos and The OTC, Reigns approved pausing the firing as Fatu issued a Tribal Combat challenge, reportedly for Clash in Italy on May 31. With the Bloodline vs. Fatu brewing, his job status remains in limbo for now and a major main event potential against Reigns is teased.
Ringside News reveals the May 18, 2026 WWE RAW lineup, including a kickoff by Jacob Fatu, Brie Bella and Paige defending the Women’s Tag Team Championships against Judgment Day, a Tornado Tag Team Match featuring OG El Grande Americano and Los Americanos, Finn Balor vs. JD McDonagh in a Street Fight, Oba Femi’s open challenge, and Seth Rollins vs. Austin Theory listed as the main event, with last-minute changes always possible.
A new report clarifies Asuka’s WWE status amid exit rumors: after her Backlash loss to IYO Sky and an emotional RAW moment, initial reports varied from retirement to potential talent cuts. While some outlets speculated on a mystery or semi-retirement, PWInsider said she wasn’t confirmed for cuts. On Fightful’s RAW post-show, Sean Ross Sapp confirmed Asuka is taking extended time away to handle a family matter, is not part of any cuts, and she signed a multi-year deal with WWE in 2024; she’ll be spending time in Japan, with WWE intending to keep her with the company long-term.
Asuka is taking time off WWE to handle personal matters in Japan, not due to roster cuts or pay reductions. Fightful’s Sean Ross Sapp says WWE respected her need for time away, and the decision is personal with an extended stay back in Japan not yet defined.
PWInsider Elite reports Asuka is expected to remain aligned with WWE and is in Knoxville ahead of Monday Night Raw, though an on-air appearance isn’t guaranteed. Rumors of her returning to Japan for a family matter remain unconfirmed, and her Backlash loss to Iyo Sky has drawn tributes from WWE stars as the company contemplates her status and future appearances.
Footage from the May 11 RAW in Knoxville shows Roman Reigns being checked by WWE medical staff after a brutal table attack by Jacob Fatu, with Reigns appearing to favor his left arm as he exits the arena. The clip has fans debating whether the injury is real or part of a larger storyline as WWE positions Reigns for upcoming events like Saturday Night’s Main Event.
After losing to Iyo Sky at Backlash, Asuka appeared on Raw in Nashville to hand over her spot to Sky, telling her she’d become the one and expressing pride; Sky replied with a goodbye as Asuka left with her travel bag. WWE later stated her future is up in the air, leaving her status unresolved for now.
After losing to IYO SKY at WWE Backlash, Asuka hugged Sky and then appeared backstage on Raw, with commentator Michael Cole saying her future is “up in the air.” Reports say she’ll take time off not tied to recent cuts—with rumors of a return to Japan for a family matter—though no retirement or exact return date has been confirmed. She signed a long-term WWE extension in 2024, but the specifics and timing of any comeback remain unclear.
WWE RAW on May 11, 2026 is previewed as a loaded show with Roman Reigns arriving and The Vision promos, plus notable matches such as The Street Profits and Joe Hendry vs The Vision, Dominik Mysterio defending the AAA Mega Championship against Original El Grande Americano, and IYO SKY vs Sol Ruca, along with multiple backstage segments (including Adam Pearce disrupting Oba Femi’s open challenge) and potential interferences, all subject to last-minute changes per Fightful Select.
Fightful Select reports Asuka is set for WWE Raw in Knoxville but will take planned time off, not connected to recent cuts. There were unconfirmed rumors she might return to Japan for a family matter, though sources say she’s backstage in Knoxville and expected to remain with WWE. She signed a long-term WWE contract in 2024, and while backstage and creative teams expressed uncertainty earlier, most indications suggest Asuka will continue with WWE beyond Backlash, though questions about whether her Backlash match was her final linger.
After WWE Backlash 2026, seven potential changes are teased for WWE Raw: Ethan Page becomes the No. 1 contender for Penta’s Intercontinental Championship; Sol Ruca and IYO SKY vie for the next shot at Becky Lynch’s WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship; a John Cena Classic tournament is being positioned; Asuka's in-ring career may be winding down; Seth Rollins aligns with Street Profits and Joe Hendry against The Vision; Bron Breakker eyes a World Heavyweight Championship title shot; and Jacob Fatu must acknowledge Roman Reigns as Tribal Chief on Raw.
Former TNA/NXT star Joe Hendry makes his Raw debut with a concert, publicly asks GM Adam Pearce to fire Logan Paul, is attacked by The Vision but saved by The Street Profits as the babyfaces stand tall to close the segment.
Oba Femi is set for an unadvertised match on tonight's WWE RAW in Laredo, Texas, with no opponent announced, while Roman Reigns will address Jacob Fatu's challenge and other segments include Seth Rollins kicking off, Becky Lynch appearance post-WrestleMania 42, and matches like Penta vs. Rusev and Bayley & Lyra Valkyria vs. Roxanne Perez & Raquel Rodriguez, hinting at more surprises ahead of Backlash.
On Raw from Laredo ahead of Backlash, WWE teases two WrestleMania-caliber main events: Cody Rhodes vs. CM Punk, which could headline SummerSlam later in the year, and Roman Reigns vs. Jacob Fatu as The Bloodline faces a new challenger. The show also features Joe Hendry’s Raw debut as a live act, Bayley & Lyra Valkyria vs. Roxanne Perez & Raquel Rodriguez, Intercontinental Champion Penta vs. Rusev, Seth Rollins’ opening segment, Becky Lynch’s return, and a slew of roster-driven subplots shaping Backlash.