April 13, 2026
Sacramento, CA – Golden 1 Center
Commentary: Michael Cole and Corey Graves
Results via Mike Tedesco of WrestleView.com
Quick Match Results
- Lyra Valkyria defeated Charlotte Flair via Roll-up (pinfall)
- Six-Man Tag Team match – The Usos & LA Knight defeated The MFTs via BFT (pinfall)
- Kairi Sane defeated IYO SKY via Roll-up (pinfall)
- Je’Von Evans & Dragon Lee defeated JD McDonagh & Rusev via Styles Clash (pinfall)
Video: Roman Reigns
The OTC does not LIE 😤@WWERomanReigns pic.twitter.com/Ugn7PsHabw
— WWE (@WWE) April 14, 2026
Video: Roman Reigns is shown sitting down in a room. When he won the Royal Rumble, he told CM Punk to enjoy the relevancy he had left. Punk did what he thought he’d do: he lied. The WWE Universe lived through it all. Punk exposed himself as a hypocrite. Reigns showcases clips of Punk saying things and then doing the exact opposite. Punk claims he was treated like a dog, but then he held the title for 434 days. Punk also takes TKO checks and apologizes to Saudi Arabia to make his money while crapping on the company.
Reigns says he likes Pat McAfee, but never in the world has a punter ran his mouth to him. Nobody believes in CM Punk. It’s not 2012 anymore. The Tribal Chief doesn’t lie. In the main event, he’ll give Phil the opportunity to tell the truth… or Reigns will.
Backstage: CM Punk
World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk is shown sitting backstage after watching that video.
Pre-show Arrivals
Women’s World Champion Stephanie Vaquer is in the building. Charlotte Flair arrived with Alexa Bliss. Flair will face Lyra Valkyria. Gunther is shown arriving to the Golden 1 Center.
Video: Brock Lesnar, Oba Femi
Video:Last Monday on Raw, Brock Lesnar and Oba Femi got into a massive brawl during their WrestleMania Contract Signing.
In-Ring: Adam Pearce, Triple H, Paul Heyman, Brock Lesnar
Brock Lesnar has SIGNED the contract!! 🔥@HeymanHustle | @BrockLesnar pic.twitter.com/gFsNJ70OIk
— WWE (@WWE) April 14, 2026
WWE Chief Content Officer and Hall of Famer, Paul “Triple H” Levesque, is in the ring with Raw General Manager Adam Pearce. Pearce welcomes everyone to Monday Night Raw. In an effort to make sure that this match actually makes it to WrestleMania, Pearce has decided that Oba Femi and Brock Lesnar will sign this contract separately.
“Ladies and gentlemen…”
WWE Hall of Famer Paul Heyman marches out to the stage to boos from the crowd. Heyman introduces himself and says Pearce is right for once in his life. They should sign separately. This is WrestleMania Fight Week because no one should get close to “The Beast” Brock Lesnar.
Brock Lesnar’s music hits to a big reaction. The Beast Incarnate comes out and looks focused. Lesnar and Heyman head down to the ring. Lesnar will fight Oba Femi on WrestleMania Sunday in a match that will be broadcast on ESPN. Lesnar takes the contract from Pearce, signs it, tips his cap to him, and poses in the ring to a big ovation. Heyman says history has been made. There may as well be a Nigerian death warrant with one man’s name written on it. An “Oba” chant picks up. Heyman says he’s glad…
Lesnar rips the microphone away from Heyman and says the crowd won’t even know Femi’s name after this weekend. Heyman says this Sunday, on the real Main Event of WrestleMania, he has a prediction, not a spoiler. There is going to be a winner and a loser. This Sunday, at WrestleMania, the loser’s name is Oba Femi. Heyman says he’s going balls deep into the rumors that the Ruler can handle the Beast. The winner will be the greatest combat sports athlete in history, “The Conqueror” Brock Lesnar! Lesnar and Heyman walk off.
Video: IShowSpeed, LA Knight, The Vision, The Usos
Replay: Last Monday on Raw, Logan Paul shoved iShowSpeed into LA Knight. iShowSpeed then got put into a WrestleMania match, teaming with Logan Paul and Austin Theory against the Usos and LA Knight.
Video: IShowSpeed, The Vision
Speed has been training hard and is READY for #WrestleMania!! @ishowspeedsui | @LoganPaul | @_Theory1 pic.twitter.com/KptSSOT81S
— WWE (@WWE) April 14, 2026
iShowSpeed is standing near a practice WWE ring when World Tag Team Champions Logan Paul and Austin Theory walk up to him. They tell him it doesn’t matter that iShowSpeed isn’t a wrestler. They’ve got to lock in and get this right. iShowSpeed gets in the ring to start training. They show Speed practicing lock-ups and crossbody blocks on crash pads. Speed locks a trainee in a Boston Crab and gets him to submit. Speed is looking confident after the session.
The 6-Man Tag Team Match will kick off WrestleMania Saturday, which will be shown on ESPN2.
Video: WrestleMania 42 Set Construction
Video: The WrestleMania set is under construction at Allegiant Stadium.
Charlotte Flair vs. Lyra Valkyria
.@itsBayleyWWE trips up Charlotte and @Real_Valkyria picks up the WIN! 🫢#WrestleMania Saturday can’t come soon enough! pic.twitter.com/YuWqs6f0l2
— WWE (@WWE) April 14, 2026
Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss make their way to the ring. Flair will battle Lyra Valkyria next …
The bell rings, and they take a few moments before locking up. Valkyria hits a headlock takeover, but Flair fights up and grabs the leg. Valkyria kicks her away and hits another headlock takeover. Flair grapevines the head, but Valkyria does a handstand and walks on her hands to get out. Flair kips up and shows her up. Flair hits a waistlock takeover and sizes her up. Flair sidesteps Valkyria and follows her into the ropes for a shoulder tackle. Flair taunts Bayley before stepping on Valkyria. Valkyria pops up to her feet and gets in Flair’s face, shoving her face a few times. Flair chops her back. Valkyria ducks a chop and hits a running crossbody block before connecting with a spinning heel kick for a two-count.
Flair reverses a whip, but Valkyria backflips over her. Flair sidesteps an avalanche, but Valkyria boots her back. Flair responds with a kick to the head before having a whip to the corner reversed. Flair rolls up the turnbuckles and lands on the apron. Valkyria knocks her to the floor and hits a Wrecking Ball Dropkick. Valkyria gets the crowd going and tries for a plancha, but she lands on her feet when Flair moves. Flair then boots Valkyria down.
Back from the break, Flair steps on Valkyria and heads to the top rope. Valkyria grabs her, but Flair kicks her down. Valkyria rips her off the ropes, climbs the ropes, and hits a flying leg drop for a near fall. Valkyria climbs to the middle rope for a moonsault, but Flair gets the knees up. Flair goes for a Figure Four Leglock, but Valkyria counters with an inside cradle for a two-count. Valkyria rocks her with an enzuigiri, but Flair responds with a kick to the face. Flair positions Valkyria and heads to the top rope. Flair hits a moonsault for a near fall.
The crowd is getting into this match. Flair hits the ropes for a Natural Selection, but Valkyria counters with a crucifix pin for a two-count. Valkyria sidesteps a big boot and strikes away at the Queen. Flair responds with a chop and talks some trash. Valkyria blocks a kick and hits a fisherman’s suplex for a two-count. Valkyria soon puts Flair on her shoulders, but Flair slides off and throws her out of the ring into Bayley! Flair quickly goes to the floor to put Valkyria in the ring. Flair ducks an enzuigiri and does an O’Connor Roll. 1… 2… Bayley pulls Flair’s foot out. Valkyria rolls Flair up for the win!
Winner: Lyra Valkyria via Pinfall.
Flair and Alexa Bliss get into a shoving match with Valkyria and Bayley. The referee keeps them separated, and there is no further incident.
Backstage: LA Knight, The Usos, Solo Sikoa, The MFTs
PLEASE make this match official @ScrapDaddyAP 🙏 pic.twitter.com/HfynTgOkCD
— WWE (@WWE) April 14, 2026
LA Knight and The Usos are talking when The MFTs of SmackDown walk up. Solo Sikoa says their family is a mess. His older brothers are hanging out with a clown. Knight tells any three of them can meet them in the ring tonight, so they can warm up for WrestleMania. Knight walks off, leaving the Usos looking at their younger brother, Sikoa. The Usos then walk off.
Backstage: Stephanie Vaquer
Women’s World Champion Stephanie Vaquer is walking backstage. We’ll hear from her next.
Video: Hulk Hogan Documentary Teaser
Hulk Hogan: Real American is coming to Netflix on Wednesday, April 22.
Video: A clip from the Hulk Hogan documentary.
In-Ring: Stephanie Vaquer, Liv Morgan
Liv Morgan from out of nowhere ATTACKS Stephanie Vaquer! 😱
— WWE (@WWE) April 14, 2026
These two are ready for a FIGHT! @YaOnlyLivvOnce | @Steph_Vaquer pic.twitter.com/L5wO6lyeOO
Women’s World Champion Stephanie Vaquer makes her way to the ring.
Replay: Last Monday on Raw, Vaquer viciously attacked Liv Morgan backstage, knocking her into Roxanne Perez and putting her through a television screen.
Cathy Kelley is in the ring to interview Vaquer, but Liv Morgan attacks Vaquer from behind! Kelley is also knocked over. Morgan punches away at Vaquer before WWE officials run down to separate them. Vaquer is pulled out of the ring. Morgan screams for Vaquer to get in the ring and fight her. Morgan says she knew Vaquer’s mother was trash, but she didn’t know she raised a little bitch.
Vaquer shouts that she’s not waiting until WrestleMania. Vaquer charges the ring and takes Morgan down. WWE officials pull them apart. Vaquer breaks free and hits Morgan with a stiff forearm. Morgan is pulled away, looking insane as she’s held back. Morgan screams that Vaquer is done for. Cathy Kelley is helped away by WWE officials.
Stephanie Vaquer will defend the Women’s World Championship against Liv Morgan on WrestleMania Saturday.
Video: Rhea Ripley, B-Fab, Michin, Jade Cargill, IYO SKY
Replay:Last Friday on SmackDown, Rhea Ripley took out B-Fab and Michin. Later that night, WWE Women’s Champion Jade Cargill pinned IYO SKY. Cargill and Ripley then went face-to-face.
Backstage: IYO SKY, Kabuki Warriors
.@WWEAsuka continues to control @KAIRI_official 😟
— WWE (@WWE) April 14, 2026
Is there anything @Iyo_SkyWWE can do? pic.twitter.com/fuaysWgS3K
Jackie Redmond is backstage with IYO SKY. Is there anything she wants to say about facing Jade Cargill? Sky says she lost, but she was fighting for her friend. On WrestleMania Sunday, no one will root for Rhea Ripley more than her. Asuka and Kairi Sane walk up to her. Asuka says Sky was the Women’s World Champion at WrestleMania last year. This year, she’s Rhea Ripley’s sidekick. Sky says she is tired of how Asuka is treating her and Sane. Asuka says Sane is fine and will face Sky tonight. Sane looks shocked and then steels herself to look at Sky. Sane is then pulled away.
Six-Man Tag Team Match
The Usos (Jimmy & Jey Uso) & LA Knight vs. The MFTs (Tonga Loa, JC Mateo, & Solo Sikoa)
Now THAT is how to build momentum for #WrestleMania! 🫡@RealLAKnight and @WWEUsos pick up the WIN! pic.twitter.com/hqfLXH8pgD
— WWE (@WWE) April 14, 2026
The Usos are fired up and make their entrance. They’ll team with LA Knight to battle the MFTs next.
The clip of Logan Paul shoving iShowSpeed into LA Knight last week has been viewed 428 million times, the most-viewed social highlight in the history of Raw, NXT, or SmackDown.
Jimmy Uso starts against J.C. Mateo and kicks him. Jey Uso tags in and takes it to Mateo before, knocking him out of the ring. Jey then hits a WILD dive to the floor!
Back from the break, Sikoa is applying a nervehold to Jey. Jey fights up and punches out. Jey knocks the other MFTs off the apron and hits the ropes, but Sikoa hits a back elbow. Sikoa punches Jimmy Uso to the floor before taunting LA Knight. Jey fires back with a rebound enzuigiri.
LA Knight and Tonga Loa tag in. Knight takes Mateo down and hits Loa with a back suplex. Knight sends Mateo to the floor. Loa scoops Knight up, but Knight counters with a reverse DDT. Knight rolls up to his feet and goes to the second rope. Knight leaps to the top rope and hits a diving elbow drop. 1… 2… Mateo breaks it up. Jimmy superkicks Mateo. Sikoa hits Jimmy with a Samoan Spike. Jey pulls the top rope down to get Sikoa out of the ring. Jey goes for a suicide dive, but Sikoa picks him out of mid-air and slams him onto the commentary table.
Tama Tonga comes to the ringside, and Sikoa is furious, wondering where he was. In the ring, Knight hits Loa with Blunt Force Trauma for the win.
Winner: The Usos & LA Knight via Pinfall.
Ringside: Michael Cole
Michael Cole announces that Cathy Kelley is going to be ok.
Video: Pat McAfee, Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton, Jelly Roll
Video: Pat McAfee and Randy Orton took out Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes and Jelly Roll this past Friday on SmackDown.
In-Ring: Gunther, Seth Rollins
Things between Gunther and Seth Rollins have become VERY PERSONAL! 🤯@Gunther_AUT | @WWERollins pic.twitter.com/SFroQcE2ej
— WWE (@WWE) April 14, 2026
“The Ring General” Gunther makes his way to the ring. We’ll hear from “The Career Killer” next.
Gunther is in the ring and laughing. Seth Rollins immediately charges the ring and tackles Gunther. Rollins punches away at Gunther. Gunther escapes the ring. For two weeks, Gunther has attacked him from behind. That was a receipt. At WrestleMania, Rollins will finish the job. If what Gunther said is true, that this is a personal issue and not him trying to kiss up to Paul Heyman, Rollins wants to know why Gunther wants to face him at WrestleMania.
Gunther shouts and goes to the ringside area before grabbing a microphone and getting in the ring. Gunther gets in Rollins’ face. Gunther says he is solving Heyman’s issue, but he’s doing it with a smile on his face because Rollins is pissing him off. Rollins has strutted around for years thinking he’s the best in this ring, but he’s not. Gunther is. When Gunther was champion, instead of seeking out the best competition, Rollins became a useful idiot to Heyman. At WrestleMania, Gunther will prove that Rollins can’t lace his boots. Rollins attacks him, but Gunther knees him in the midsection. Gunther goes for a Powerbomb, but Rollins gets out and kicks him out of the ring. Gunther leans against the steel steps and avoids a Stomp onto the steps from Rollins. Gunther retreats through the crowd. Rollins gets in the ring and poses.
At WrestleMania Saturday, Seth Rollins will battle Gunther.
Video: Club WWE Reveal Announcement
Now THAT is how to build momentum for #WrestleMania! 🫡@RealLAKnight and @WWEUsos pick up the WIN! pic.twitter.com/hqfLXH8pgD
— WWE (@WWE) April 14, 2026
Video: Club WWE is coming.
Video: Demon Balor
Video: The Demon is coming to WrestleMania. The Demon will face “Dirty” Dominik Mysterio on WrestleMania Sunday.
Backstage: Adam Pearce, Dominik Mysterio
Have a great Monday @DomMysterio35, The Demon awaits at #WrestleMania 🩸@ScrapDaddyAP | @FinnBalor pic.twitter.com/JmOUbfeTsG
— WWE (@WWE) April 14, 2026
AAA Mega Champion “Dirty” Dominik Mysterio is with Raw General Manager Adam Pearce. Mysterio is complaining that his deadbeat father is getting a chance at the Intercontinental Championship. As for the Demon, he was told by Finn Bálor that he was dead. Mysterio wants the match canceled. Pearce declines and says Rey Mysterio earned his spot. As for Dominik, he needs to look in the mirror and get ready.
IYO SKY vs. Kairi Sane
OH NO 😠
— WWE (@WWE) April 14, 2026
Off the assist from @WWEAsuka, @KAIRI_official defeats IYO SKY! pic.twitter.com/Tnvy5Ddj2E
IYO SKY heads to the ring. She’ll face Kairi Sane next.
Sane hits a Lou Thesz Press and punches Sky. They roll around the mat brawling before Sane stomps her. Sane sends her to the corner and hits a running shoulder thrust. Sane hits a running forearm in the corner before going to the top rope for a flying forearm for a two-count. Sane stomps Sky and pushes her down. Sane hits a snapmare and applies a rear chin lock. Sky eventually fights out and lands on her feet to counter a head-scissor takeover. Sky takes Sane down and dropkicks her out of the ring. Sky sets up for an Asai Moonsault, but Sane pulls her down. Sane sends her into the barricade, but Sky kicks her back. Sky stands on the barricade and hits a nasty moonsault block, with her shins hitting Sane in the head.
Back from the break, Sky is making a comeback. Sky hits a back fist and hits some Shotei uppercuts. Sky kicks Sane in the face. Sane reverses a whip, but Sky goes to the apron and kicks Sane in the face. Sky goes to the top rope for a missile dropkick. Sky kips up and gets the crowd going. Sky hits a Bullet Train Attack and steps on Sane before going to the top rope. Sane shoves her to the apron, but Sky forearms her in the jaw. Sky pulls her up for a superplex to the floor, but Sane fights it. Sane headbutts Sky and has her hanging over the ringside area. Sky knocks Sane back. Asuka gets on the apron and slings Sky’s head into the ring post!
Rhea Ripley heads to the ring! Ripley headbutts Asuka and goes for a Riptide on the floor, but WWE Women’s Champion Jade Cargill attacks her from behind! Sky CRUSHES Cargill with a suicide dive and gets in Asuka’s face. Sane grabs Sky, but she misses a backfist. Sky goes to the top rope, but Asuka sweeps her feet. Sane rolls Sky up for the win.
Winner: Kairi Sane via Pinfall.
Video: AJ Lee, Becky Lynch
Women's Intercontinental Champion @TheAJMendez and @BeckyLynchWWE are on a COLLISION COURSE! 👊
— WWE (@WWE) April 14, 2026
📍: #WrestleMania pic.twitter.com/mmbEKxrqI0
Video: WWE Women’s Intercontinental Champion AJ Lee vs. Becky Lynch on WrestleMania Saturday.
Backstage: Oba Femi
Oba Femi is shown walking backstage.
Video: Triple H, Stephanie McMahon
Paul “Triple H” Levesque will be on his wife’s podcast to interview her ahead of her Hall of Fame induction.
In-Ring: Adam Pearce, Triple H, Oba Femi, Paul Heyman
“I have always been THE ONE” 👑@Obaofwwe is READY for Brock Lesnar! pic.twitter.com/Gm5oysf0ZS
— WWE (@WWE) April 14, 2026
WWE Chief Content Officer and Hall of Famer, Paul “Triple H” Levesque, is back in the ring with Raw General Manager Adam Pearce. Pearce says they have one signature on the contract. It’s time for another. Pearce introduces “The Ruler” Oba Femi.
“The Ruler” Oba Femi struts down to the ring to a big ovation. Femi gets in the ring, takes the contract, and signs it before giving it back to Pearce.
Levesque points to the stage. Paul Heyman is standing there looking incredulous. Heyman says he’s been in this industry his entire life. He’s never seen someone come across to the audience as the biggest star in the industry as fast as Oba Femi. Being in the industry, he knows where he’s safe and where he’s not. Femi is a violent man, so he’ll stay on the stage. That’s what Heyman likes most about Femi. Femi is the most violent person to come into WWE since… Brock Lesnar. Femi is the fastest-rising star to the top since Brock Lesnar. He’s the most impressive athlete, fighter, and combat-athlete since Brock Lesnar. The crowd LOUDLY chants “Oba.” Heyman says the crowd is starting to piss him off. The problem is that it ends on Sunday. Everything Femi built will come crashing down in Suplex City and with an F5. It comes crashing down when Oba Femi is conquered by Brock Lesnar.
The crowd continues to chant for Oba Femi. Heyman says there is no shame in the loss. Femi is in the true Main Event of WrestleMania. When he’s conquered, and he will be conquered, Heyman promises that as Femi rebuilds his career, his door will always be open to Oba Femi.
Femi says it’s taken everything in him not to come down the ramp and beat Heyman pillar to post. It’s deeper than that. The physical pain and scars will heal. A “beat his ass” chant picks up. Femi says the emotional wounds when his Beast loses at WrestleMania will last forever. As far as his door opportunity, Heyman can close it. Femi already has his door to WrestleMania. Two months ago, Heyman and his Beast issued an Open Challenge to anyone who dared to step up. Why would they care? There are 25 years of history that say Brock Lesnar can’t be beat. Femi has a four-week history that shows he can.
It’s never been personal. It’s business, but not business as usual. This is different. Femi and Heyman can feel it. The people can feel it. It’s time to put an end to the Beast. Heyman has been there the whole way. Heyman has been Lesnar’s friend and advocate. He’s been a good mouthpiece, but he’s never been an honest one. If Heyman were honest, he’d introduce himself and admit his client is afraid of Oba Femi because he is the Ruler, the Destroyer, and the Bringer of War. He’s a mountain that cannot be conquered. Femi will slay the Beast. Femi has always been the one. Everyone knows it. At WrestleMania, Heyman will know it, too.
Video: Liv Morgan
Video: Liv Morgan’s new music video for her song “Trouble” plays.
Je’Von Evans & Dragon Lee vs. JD McDonagh & Rusev
These 6 men are ready to tear the house DOWN at #WrestleMania in a LADDER MATCH! 🪜
— WWE (@WWE) April 14, 2026
Who will walk out as Intercontinental Champion? pic.twitter.com/ws7jhz8gIg
Je’Von Evans heads to the ring. He’ll team with Dragon Lee to face Rusev and JD McDonagh.
JD McDonagh knocks Je’Von Evans off the apron before attacking Dragon Lee. Lee fights back and puts him in the corner. McDonagh turns him around and stomps him down. McDonagh turns him inside out with a clothesline and kicks Evans off the apron. McDonagh hits a snap suplex on Lee for a two-count. Rusev tags in and hits a gutwrench suplex before hitting a vertical suplex. Rusev continues to attack before McDonagh tags in. McDonagh hits a SCARY high-angle back suplex on Lee before tagging Rusev back in. Rusev stomps Lee and grabs him. Lee fights back, but Rusev knees him and goes for a powerbomb. Lee gets out with a hurricanrana.
Je’Von Evans tags in and leaps over Rusev before knocking McDonagh off the apron. Evans hits Rusev with a flying knee to the face before hitting McDonagh with a suicide dive. Evans kicks Rusev back and hits a springboard flying clothesline. Evans backflips to send McDonagh out of the ring as he charged him. Evans pulls the top rope down to get Rusev out of the ring. Rusev blocks a dive and punches Evans back. McDonagh pulls Lee off the apron and hits an Asai Moonsault. Evans then rocks him with a forearm to the face. Evans runs around the ringside and dives at Rusev, but Rusev catches him and hits a fallaway slam over the commentary table.
Back from the break, Lee leaps over the top rope to hit McDonagh with a hurricanrana off the apron into Rusev! Lee gets McDonagh in the ring and hits a snap dragon suplex, followed by a superkick. Lee hits the ropes, but McDonagh hits a standing Spanish Fly! 1… 2… Evans breaks it up. Evans hits Rusev with a Red Dot, followed by a dive over the top rope. Lee flips through a clothesline and rolls McDonagh up before hitting a Styles Clash for the win!
Winner: Je’Von Evans & Dragon Lee via Pinfall.
Rusev shoves Evans into Lee and hits Evans with a fallaway slam. Rusev then hits Lee with a swinging slam before going for the Accolade. Rey Mysterio runs down for the save. The WWE Hall of Famer punches away at Rusev. Rusev shoves him off, but Mysterio dropkicks him into position. Rusev clotheslines Mysterio as he tries for a 619. WWE Intercontinental Champion Penta runs down and attacks Rusev. Penta goes for a springboard, but Rusev hits a Matchka Kick out of mid-air! Evans attacks Rusev and goes for an OG Cutter, but Rusev counters with a Sambo suplex. Rusev then kicks McDonagh, Mysterio, and Penta down with Matchka Kicks! Lee gets a Matchka Kick and bends him back with an Accolade!
WrestleMania 42 Cards Rundowns
The commentators go over the events of WrestleMania Week. They then showcase the card for WrestleMania Saturday, followed by the card for WrestleMania Sunday. John Cena will host WrestleMania.
Backstage: Adam Pearce, Danhausen
You can't see @DanhausenAD! 👋@ScrapDaddyAP pic.twitter.com/ie6LDlBDkw
— WWE (@WWE) April 14, 2026
Raw General Manager Adam Pearce is on the phone when Danhausen comes up. Danhausen wants to meet John Cena, but Pearce doesn’t have time for him. He’s lucky he didn’t get cursed for ignoring Danhausen.
In-Ring: Roman Reigns, CM Punk
"I hate you because I envy you" 😲 @CMPunk pic.twitter.com/nEEXckxKk4
— WWE (@WWE) April 14, 2026
“The OTC” Roman Reigns makes his way to the ring to a HUGE pop. He’ll confront World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk next.
Roman Reigns completes his entrance and listens to an “OTC” chant. Reigns takes his time before saying, “Sacramento… acknowledge me!”
World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk quickly interrupts. Reigns sneers as he looks to the stage, but CM Punk makes his way to the ring through the crowd. Punk takes a LONG time coming through the crowd and stands on the commentary table, looking right at Reigns. The crowd is buzzing and chanting Punk’s name. Punk says after watching the cold open, which amounts to a political smear campaign put together by Reigns, Punk is here to tell the truth. The people of Sacramento will be his witnesses. Reigns can be the judge, jury, and executioner. Punk tells Reigns to tell him when he’s telling lies.
Punk starts heading to the ring, but Reigns warns him that if he gets in the ring, they won’t need the mics. Punk still heads up the ring steps, but he stays on the apron. Punk says the truth is he hates Reigns because he envies him. This is all he ever wanted. This is the only dream he has had in his heart since he was a little kid. Punk envies the fact that it was handed to Reigns. Punk hates that Reigns was champion for 1,316 days because, after some self-reflection, he hates that he knows how hard Reigns worked his ass off to be that great. In the history books, when they talk about legacy, they won’t ask how. They’ll ask, “How many?” Punk hates the number of times Reigns has main-evented WrestleMania. Punk tells him to tell him when he’s telling lies. Has he lied? Reigns says nothing.
Punk hates that he feels this way. Punk says Sika was a great man and wrestler. He’s a champion and a Hall of Famer. Punk loves and respects the old timers. Punk hates the fact that he invoked Reigns’ father’s name in vain, and he sincerely apologizes to Reigns. Punk gets in the ring and steps up to Reigns. Punk hates that there’s more than one royal family in professional wrestling, and he hates that he envies the fact that he wasn’t born into a dynasty. Punk doesn’t know what it’s like to have that kind of family. CM Punk was born in the backyards and alleyways of Chicago. Punk was a misfit who had to find his family. Punk found his family in the streets of Sacramento. He found his family in every VFW or Knights of Columbus, bowling alleys, and abandoned churches. Punk found his people on the indies and conquered there. Then he went to Japan, England, and Puerto Rico. He wasn’t handed anything or born on third base with a silver spoon. Punk busted his ass, made pro wrestling his home, and made them his family. Punk hates the fact that he feels this way. Punk hates that he has to share anything with Reigns, let alone his first singles match headlining WrestleMania. Punk tells Reigns to tell him when he’s telling lies. Reigns says nothing.
On April 19, Punk has gold on his shoes and around his waist. Late Sunday night, after the desert sun has set, the dry air will get cold. Steam will rise from Punk’s bloody face, but he’ll have gold over his head. The ring announcer will say he’s still the World Heavyweight Champion with Las Vegas chanting his name. Punk tells him to tell him when he’s telling lies.
Reigns says that’s probably the truest stuff he’s ever heard Punk say… up until the end. Reigns says he hates Punk as well. He’s hated Punk for a long time. The main reason is because of Punk’s relationship with the people. Reigns hopes that when the day comes when he leaves, the people will miss him as much as they missed Punk. He hopes they chant for him for ten years straight. Punk has made a great connection with the fan base. No one can take that away from him. On Sunday, that’s Punk’s truth, but it’s not reality. The time is up. Reigns gave him two months to hold the relevancy, but he did nothing with it. On Sunday, it’s over. On Sunday, it’s “AND NEW.” This nostalgia act is done. On Sunday, they’ll fix the mess Punk started. On Sunday, they’ll put this place back on top. On Sunday, the Tribal Chief will take over, and Punk, along with the whole world, will acknowledge him.

Tony Khan on Chris Jericho’s AEW Return, The Young Bucks & Kenny Omega’s Contributions as AEW EVPs, His $6.9 Billion Bid for WWE in 2023, Why He’s Changed His Approach In Not Taking Shots At WWE, & His Meeting with Shane McMahon in 2024
WWE: IShowSpeed on Him Competing at WrestleMania 42, CM Punk on He Doesn’t Think He Would Have Returned To WWE Had He Main Evented WrestleMania Before He Left, Shawn Michaels on Use of Superkicks in Pro Wrestling & His Wrestling Legacy Associated With It
Triple H on WWE Physiques Being “Variety Makes Everything Better”, Not Being Real Clear Moment When He Took Over WWE Creative, Not Having Any “Malice” Towards Cody Rhodes for Throne Smash Moment in AEW, & His Talk with AJ Styles About Styles’ In-Ring Retirement




