Location: Golden 1 Center, Sacramento, California Announcers: Michael Cole and Corey Graves
Roman Reigns Sends a Message to CM Punk
A recap of the contract-less contract signing from last week was shown.
Roman Reigns cut a promo on CM Punk. Roman said Punk should have enjoyed his time and enjoyed his relevance. Roman said when he won the Royal Rumble, all Punk did was lie and try to revise his own history. Roman said his fanbase lived through it all, and all Punk did was expose himself as a hypocrite. Roman said what he said was embarrassing.
Roman said he liked Pat, but that never has a punter run his mouth to him. Roman said nobody believes in Punk and that this isn’t 2012. He said the fans trust him. Roman said he will give Punk one more opportunity tonight. He told Punk to tell the truth, or he will.
Paul Levesque and Adam Pearce Open Raw
Paul Levesque and Adam Pearce were in the ring to find out what was going to happen before the Sunday opening match takes place.
Adam Pearce welcomed everyone to Raw. Pearce said that to make sure this match makes it to WrestleMania, Oba Femi and Brock Lesnar will sign the contract separately.
Paul Heyman came out. Heyman said Adam is correct that the signing will take place separately because no one has to get close to Brock Lesnar.
Brock Lesnar came out and did the Brock Bounce. Brock took the contract and signed it. Brock gave it back to Pearce and then he and Heyman shook Paul Levesque and Adam Pearce’s hands.
Heyman said it might as well be a Nigerian death warrant. Heyman said he is glad that…
Brock interrupted and said you won’t even know his name after this weekend.
Heyman said this Sunday, in the real main event of WrestleMania, here is something that is not a prediction, but a spoiler. Heyman said there will be a winner and there will be a loser. Heyman said the loser’s name is Oba Femi. Heyman said to go balls deep into the rumors that Brock can win this, Brock will be the winner of the match.
The Latest Adventures of IShowSpeed
A look at the latest adventures of IShowSpeed was shown. Speed was shown training with Logan Paul and Austin Theory.
Speed said he isn’t a wrestler. Logan said it doesn’t matter if he is a wrestler. Logan said he is a phenom and it is time to lock in. Austin said the Usos aren’t tag champs because of Speed. Austin said Speed punched LA Knight with the brass knucks and that everyone hates Speed but them.
The announcers confirmed that the six man tag match will be the first match on Saturday night.
Lyra Valkyria (with Bayley) defeated Charlotte Flair
Lyra Valkyria and Charlotte Flair locked up and Lyra hit a side headlock takedown. Lyra kicked Flair away when she went for a figure four leg lock. Lyra hit another side headlock takedown and Flair countered with a head scissors. Lyra did a handstand and walked on her hands to escape. Flair hit a waist lock and takedown, followed by a shoulder tackle, and Bayley had words with her at ringside. Lyra had words for Flair and pie faced her. Flair told her not to do it again, and Lyra did it. Flair missed a chop and Lyra hit a cross body and a spinning heel kick for a near fall. Lyra flipped over Flair on an Irish whip and hit a boot. Flair hit a kick. Lyra sent Flair into the ropes and Flair did the Flair Flip, but Lyra blocked the kick and connected with a leg sweep. Lyra hit a dropkick through the ropes. Lyra went for a pescado but Flair moved and Lyra landed on her feet. Flair hit a boot.
Flair sent Lyra back into the ring and sent her face first into the mat for a near fall. Flair locked in a figure four head scissors and rolled Lyra around the ring. Flair missed a boot and got caught in the ropes. Lyra rolled her up for a near fall. Lyra hit a dropkick and a Northern Lights suplex for a near fall. Lyra hit a back elbow and sent Flair to the apron. Flair hit a boot and Lyra went down. Flair went up top and hit a cross body. Flair hit chops and a walkover clothesline. Flair went up top for a moonsault but kicked Lyra away, and Lyra pulled Flair off the turnbuckles. Lyra hit a leg drop to the back of the neck for a near fall. Lyra went up top for a moonsault but Flair got the knees up. Lyra countered a figure four leg lock attempt with an inside cradle for a near fall.
Lyra hit an enzuigiri. Flair hit a boot to the head. Flair went up top and hit a moonsault for a near fall. Flair sent Lyra into Bayley on the floor. Flair sent Lyra back into the ring and went for an O’Connor Roll, but Bayley broke up the cover. Lyra got the three count.
After the match, Lyra, Bayley, Charlotte, and Alexa Bliss all pushed each other in the ring.
Backstage: The Usos, LA Knight, and Solo Sikoa
The Usos and LA Knight were in the back when they were met by Solo Sikoa and his friends.
Solo said he has a lot to deal with. Solo said Tama isn’t here tonight. Solo said the Usos make the family look bad on Raw hanging out with LA Knight.
Jimmy Uso said there is a problem.
LA Knight suggested they have a six man tag match tonight.
Penta Warns His WrestleMania Opponents
Penta came out and said hello to the people of Sacramento. He asked how everyone was doing, but they were not loud enough for him. Penta said on Sunday there will be danger. There will be pain. He said he knows pain and he will bring pain to anyone who faces him. Penta said this is not just a match, this is a war.
Liv Morgan Attacks Stephanie Vaquer
Stephanie Vaquer made her way to the ring. Cathy Kelley mentioned how things have become personal before Liv Morgan hit Vaquer from behind and started punching her. Vaquer punched back and officials came out to pull them apart.
Liv told Vaquer to go right now. Liv said she knew that Vaquer’s mother was trash, but she didn’t know she raised a “little b–ch.”
Vaquer said why wait until WrestleMania.
Vaquer returned to the ring and they threw more punches. They were separated, but Vaquer got away first and attacked Liv. Cathy Kelley was helped to the back.
Backstage: Iyo Sky, Asuka, and Kairi Sane
A recap of what Rhea Ripley did last week on SmackDown was shown.
Jackie Redmond was with Iyo Sky and asked if she had anything to say. Iyo said she lost, but she does not mind wrestling for her friend. Iyo said no one will root for Rhea more than her.
Asuka and Kairi Sane showed up and Asuka reminded Iyo that she came into WrestleMania last year as champion and now she is Rhea’s side kick. Iyo told Kairi she doesn’t have to listen to Asuka. Asuka said Kairi will prove herself against Iyo. Asuka said Kairi is a good girl and led her away like a good pet.
Jey Uso, Jimmy Uso, and LA Knight defeated Solo Sikoa, Tanga Loa, and JC Mateo
JC Mateo and Jimmy Uso started things off. Jimmy floated over and hit a thrust kick and a punch on JC. Jey Uso tagged in and hit a forearm into the corner. Jey clotheslined JC over the rope and hit a plancha. Jey punched JC and sent him back into the ring. Tanga Loa distracted the referee and Talla Tonga clotheslined Jey. JC hit a forearm and tagged in Loa. Loa hit kicks and punches and choked Jey. Solo Sikoa tagged in and choked Jey in the ropes. Talla hit a punch. Solo hit punches and a running hip into the corner before locking in a nerve hold. Jey fought back with punches, but Solo hit a back elbow and punched Jimmy off the apron. Solo blocked a kick, but Jey connected with a dragon whip.
LA Knight and Loa tagged in and Knight hit a belly-to-back suplex on Loa and clotheslined JC over the top rope. Knight hit a neck breaker on Loa and went to the turnbuckles for the Catchphrase elbow drop and connected. Jimmy hit a super kick on JC. Solo hit a spike on Jimmy. Jey sent Solo over the top rope, but Solo caught Jey on a suicide dive and put Jey on the announce table.
Tama Tonga showed up and Solo wanted to know where he was.
Back in the ring, Knight hit BFT on Loa for the three count.
After the match, Talla Tonga looked at Tama Tonga. Michael Cole mentioned that Cathy Kelley will be okay.
Recap: Pat McAfee on SmackDown
A look back at what Pat McAfee said on SmackDown was shown.
Seth Rollins Ambushes Gunther and Demands a Reason
Gunther made his way to the ring. Seth Rollins hit a double leg takedown and punched Gunther, sending him to the floor.
Seth said two weeks in a row, Gunther jumped him. Seth said that is a receipt and at WrestleMania he finishes the job. Seth said if this is personal to Gunther and not about kissing Paul Heyman’s ass, be a man and walk back to this ring and tell him why he wants to fight him at WrestleMania.
Gunther walked to the ring and took a microphone. Gunther got in Seth’s face and said he is solving Heyman’s problem because Seth is pissing him off. Gunther said for years, Seth has strutted around here like he is the best in the ring. Gunther said he is not, Gunther is. Gunther said if Seth is honest with himself, he never wanted to find out. Gunther said instead of seeking out the highest competition, Seth was a useful idiot for Paul Heyman. Gunther said it is personal to expose that Seth Rollins can’t lace his boots.
Gunther pushed Seth and Seth punched Gunther. Gunther hit a knee and went for a power bomb, but Seth escaped. Seth hit a boot to send Gunther to the floor. Seth tried for Black Out on the ring steps but missed.
Backstage: Dominik Mysterio and Adam Pearce
Dominik Mysterio talked to Adam Pearce about giving his dad a shot at his title and now he has to face the Demon. Dominik said Finn Balor said the Demon was dead. Dominik said the contract was to face Finn, so the match has to be canceled.
Pearce said Rey Mysterio deserves to be in the match. Pearce told Dominik to stare at the person looking back at him in the mirror. Pearce said Rey is getting what he deserves and Dominik is getting what he deserves by facing the Demon.
Kairi Sane (with Asuka) defeated Iyo Sky
Kairi Sane hit a Thesz Press and punches. Iyo Sky hit punches and Sane hit punches and a kick. Sane hit an Irish whip and a flying shoulder into the corner. Sane went up top and hit a forearm off the turnbuckles for a near fall. Sane hit an axe kick, a kick to the midsection, and a snap mare into a sleeper. Sane hit a kick and Iyo countered with a hip toss, but Sane wanted more. Iyo hit a handspring when Sane went for a head scissors. Iyo landed on her feet on a back drop and followed with a leg sweep and dropkick to send Sane to the floor. Iyo went for an Asai moonsault, but Sane stopped her and pulled her to the apron.
Iyo hit a thrust kick on Sane and went to the ringside barrier for a moonsault. Iyo sent Sane back into the ring, but Sane rolled back to the floor. Asuka and Iyo played tug of war with Sane, and Asuka pushed Sane into Iyo. Sane sent Iyo into the ring steps. Sane hit forearms to the back for a near fall, followed by a slam and an elbow drop for a near fall. Sane locked in a single leg crab, and Iyo got to the ropes to force a break. Asuka punched Iyo while the referee dealt with Sane, and Sane got a near fall. Iyo countered with a sunset flip for a near fall. Sane ran into a boot from Iyo. Iyo hit a back fist and Shotei. Sane hit an Irish whip and Iyo went to the apron and kicked Sane. Iyo went up top and hit a missile dropkick.
Iyo set for the running double knee strike in the corner and connected. Iyo went up top, but Sane knocked Iyo off the turnbuckles. Iyo hit a forearm and Sane went to the apron. Iyo went to the turnbuckles and pulled Sane up for a superplex. Sane hit a headbutt and Iyo got caught in the turnbuckles. Iyo hit a punch to stop Sane. Asuka ran Iyo’s head into the ring post while the referee was dealing with Sane.
Rhea Ripley’s music played and she headbutted Asuka before setting up for Riptide, until Jade Cargill hit Rhea from behind. Iyo hit a suicide dive on Jade. Asuka said something to Iyo, and Iyo kicked her from the apron and went up top, but Asuka dropped Iyo on the turnbuckles. Sane hit a rollup for the three count.
Recap: Women’s Intercontinental Title Match
A look at the Women’s Intercontinental Title match was shown.
Backstage: Oba Femi Heads to the Ring
Oba Femi was shown walking through the back heading to the ring to sign his WrestleMania contract.
Danhausen Shoots T-Shirts Into the Crowd
Danhausen came out to shoot t-shirts to the crowd.
Oba Femi Signs His WrestleMania Contract and Paul Heyman Guarantees Brock Lesnar Wins
Paul Levesque and Adam Pearce made their way to the ring for part two of take two of the contract signing. Pearce said it was time for the second signature to make this official.
Oba Femi signed the contract and gave it back to Pearce. Oba was handed a microphone and Triple H pointed up the aisle to show Oba that Paul Heyman was there.
Heyman said he has never seen someone come across to the audience as the biggest star as fast as Oba Femi. Heyman said he knows where he is safe and where he is not, and since Oba is a violent man, he will stay up on the ramp. Heyman said Oba is the most violent person to come into WWE since Brock Lesnar. Heyman said Oba is the fastest rising star to the top since Brock Lesnar. Heyman said Oba is the most impressive athlete, fighter, and combat athlete.
Heyman said on Sunday it comes to an end and comes crashing down in Suplex City. Heyman said it comes crashing down with an F5 when Oba is conquered by Brock Lesnar. Heyman said there is no shame in this loss because Oba is in the real main event of WrestleMania. Heyman said when Oba is conquered and needs to rebuild his career, his door will always be open to him.
Oba said it is taking everything for him not to come down the aisle and take Heyman from pillar to post. Oba said if he beats Heyman up, the physical scars will heal, but the emotional scars from beating Brock Lesnar will last forever. Oba said the only door he needs is already open, the door to WrestleMania. Oba said Heyman and Brock made an open challenge to anyone who dared to step up, and asked why Heyman should worry because of Brock’s inability to be beaten. Oba said he has four weeks to show that he can.
Oba said it has never been personal, but this time the business is different and everyone can feel it. Oba said it is time to put an end to the Beast, and Heyman has been there the whole time. Oba said Heyman has been a good mouthpiece but never an honest one. Oba said if Heyman were honest, he would say that his client is scared of Oba Femi. Oba said he will win at WrestleMania and slay the beast. Oba said he is the one and he has always been the one.
Oba said he is the one and he knows it. Oba said they know it. Oba said at WrestleMania, Heyman will know it too.
Je’Von Evans Heads to the Ring for His Match
Je’Von Evans made his way to the ring for his match.
Dragon Lee and Je’Von Evans defeated Rusev and JD McDonagh
JD McDonagh attacked Dragon Lee and sent Je’Von Evans to the floor. JD hit kicks on Lee and a short arm clothesline, followed by a suplex and a float over for a near fall. JD sent Lee into the turnbuckles and Rusev tagged in. Rusev hit a few suplexes and an elbow drop, then a kick to the back. JD tagged in and Rusev punched Lee. JD hit a belly-to-back suplex. Rusev tagged in and kicked Lee. Lee hit punches but Rusev hit a knee. Lee blocked a power bomb and countered into a rana.
Evans tagged in and leaped over Rusev to punch JD. Evans hit a flying boot and a suicide dive on JD. Evans punched and kicked Rusev from the apron and hit a springboard clothesline. Evans flipped to avoid JD and dropped down to send Rusev to the floor. Evans kicked Rusev, but Rusev hit punches. JD pulled Lee off the apron and sent him into the apron before hitting an Asai Moonsault on Lee.
Evans kicked JD on the floor. Evans went for a cross body, but Rusev caught him and hit a fallaway slam over the announce table. Rusev hot shotted Evans on the announce table and returned to the ring to break the count. JD tagged in and suplexed Evans back into the ring. JD hit a drop toe hold and leg drop for a near fall before locking in a reverse chin lock. JD hit a hard Irish whip and Rusev tagged in and punched and kicked Evans. Rusev put Evans on the turnbuckles, and Evans tried to fight back to the mat. Rusev set for a superplex, but Evans hit a headbutt to send Rusev to the mat. Evans hit a frog splash but could not capitalize due to the distance and impact.
Lee tagged in and hit the over the top rope rana to the floor on JD. They returned to the ring and Lee hit a Dragon suplex and a jumping kick. JD hit a Spanish Fly for a near fall. Evans hit a rebound round kick on Rusev and a plancha over a moving JD and onto Rusev. Lee went for a sunset flip for a near fall, but turned it into a Styles Clash for the three count.
After the match, Rusev hit a fallaway slam on Lee followed by a uranage. Rusev set for the Accolade, but Rey Mysterio’s music played and he came to the ring and sent Rusev into the ropes. Rusev hit a clothesline to counter the 619. Penta’s music played and he kicked Rusev and chopped him. Penta hit a springboard move into a thrust kick. Rusev caught Evans off the turnbuckles for a uranage. Rusev hit a thrust kick on JD, Rey, and Penta. Rusev hit one on Lee and stomped on his back before applying the Accolade and leaning back.
Backstage: Danhausen Looks For John Cena
Danhausen was with Adam Pearce and said he wanted to talk to John Cena. Danhausen said he hoped he could see John. Pearce said he had to call the person back, but Danhausen had already left the room.
Roman Reigns and CM Punk Come Face to Face in the Go-Home Main Event Segment
Roman Reigns made his way to the ring. Roman looked around and wanted some acknowledgment. After Roman’s promo was done, CM Punk’s music played and Punk made his way to the ring through the crowd.
Punk said after watching that smear campaign in the cold open, he is here to tell the truth. Punk said the crowd can be the jury and executioner. Punk told them to let him know when he is telling lies.
Roman told Punk that if he gets in the ring, they won’t need these microphones.
Punk said the truth is that he hates Roman. Punk said he hates Roman because he envies him. Punk said this is all he ever wanted and the only dream he had in his heart since he was a little kid. Punk said he envies the fact that it was handed to Roman. Punk said he hates that Roman was champion for 1,316 days because after some self reflection, he knows how hard Roman worked his ass off. Punk said in the history books when they talk about legacy, they will not ask how, but how many. Punk said he hates how many times Roman has main evented WrestleMania. Punk asked Roman if he was lying.
Punk said he hates that he feels this way. Punk said Sika was a great man, a great wrestler, a champion, and a hall of famer. Punk said he loves and respects the old timers. Punk said he hates that he invoked Roman’s father’s name in vain and he apologized.
Punk entered the ring and walked up to Roman.
Punk said he hates that there is more than one royal family in wrestling. Punk said he hates that he envies that he wasn’t born into a dynasty. Punk said he doesn’t know what it is like to have that family. Punk said he was born in the backyards and alleys in Chicago. Punk said he found his family in the streets of Sacramento. Punk said he found them in the locker room of every VFW, bowling alley, and abandoned church. Punk said he found his family on the indies. Punk said he went to Japan, England, and Puerto Rico. Punk said he wasn’t born on third base. Punk said he busted his ass and made pro wrestling his home.
Punk said he hates that he feels this way and that he has to share anything with Roman, especially his first singles match headlining WrestleMania. Punk said on Sunday, he will have gold on his shoes, around his waist, and late Sunday night when the dry air gets cold and steam rises off his blood caked face, he will have gold above his head as he is announced the champion.
Roman said that is probably the truest stuff Punk has said, until the end. Roman said he hates Punk too and has hated him for a long time. Roman said the main reason is because of Punk’s relationship with the fans. Roman said he hopes that when he leaves, they miss him as much as they miss Punk. Roman said he hopes they chant for him for ten years. Roman said Punk has the connection with the fans and no one can take that from him.
Roman said the reality is that the time is up. Roman said Punk was given two months to hold this relevancy. Roman said it won’t be “and still” on Sunday, it will be “and new.” Roman said this little nostalgia act is done. Roman said they fix this mess that Punk started and make this place at the top worth every dollar. Roman said he goes back on top and the world will acknowledge him.
Raw went off the air as the go-home for WrestleMania 42 wrapped with Punk and Roman face to face one last time before their World Heavyweight Championship match on Sunday night.
What’s next: WWE SmackDown goes down this Friday, April 17, from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas with the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal set as the go-home edition before WrestleMania 42. WrestleMania 42 takes place Saturday April 18 and Sunday April 19 from Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on ESPN, with CM Punk defending the World Heavyweight Championship against Roman Reigns in the Night 2 main event.
