The RAW Report Slam!
THE ONLY BLVD WHERE THERE’S TRIBAL COMBAT!
The Schottenstein Center on the OSU campus in Columbus, Ohio, is hosting this week on Memorial Day 2026. So, let’s get on the BLVD with the RAW Slam Report for May 25th.
It’s Memorial Day 2026! We honor and mourn all military personnel who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. Meanwhile, we are live in Columbus, Ohio, at the Schottenstein Center on the OSU campus. So, without further ado, let’s get on the BLVD with The RAW Report Slam for May 25th.
We begin with the typical “Then, Now, Forever, Together” intro. Michael Cole is our play-by-play and Corey Graves is on color commentary. Cole talks about the WrestleMania rematch between Brock Lesnar and Oba Femi at “Clash in Italy” this Sunday, May 31st, as Paul Heyman is in the ring to kick things off.
After introducing himself, he first welcomes everyone to Monday Night RAW. Second, he’s here to hype us on a match that needs no hype (but he’s going to anyways). Big “Oma” chant from the crowd, so he tells the WWE universe when he has a microphone to shut up. This Sunday, the biggest rematch in all of professional wrestling, when Femi is conquered by “Br-r-rawk L-l-lesnar!”.
A pre-recorded video narrated by Lesnar regarding their WM bout is shown. Lesnar said when he got beat so badly that that’s it, he’s done. But it’s not gonna end that way. Lesnar can take an ass whoopin’. But he asks Femi, ”Can you?” Replays of last week’s RAW where Lesnar returned from retirement to beat up Femi was shown. Lesnar is a humble, retired beast, and will conquer Femi.
Back live, Heyman says this Sunday the good news is history will play out in real time. The bad news is “Femi has awakened the Beast!” (he screams three times).
Suddenly, the lights go out and here comes Oba Femi! Heyman is shaking, looking like he’s going to have a heart attack. Femi asks Heyman what he thinks four F-5’s have awoken in him. Heyman pleads with Femi, but Femi tells Heyman he’s not going to hurt him. He needs him alive and well to tell the tale of Lesnar. To fast forward to the end of the story where he will retire Lesnar for the second time. Femi says four F-5’s seems very personal to him. As he takes out the contract and signs it on Heyman’s chest, he says this is the final chapter. He asks Heyman to deliver this message. Last time, he was fighting to beat Lesnar. This time, he’s fighting to kill him.
ANALYSIS: This seriously hypes up their WrestleMania Pre-show rematch. Intensely and perfectly delivered by Oba Femi as Brock Lesnar obviously wasn’t there, only via pre-recorded promo. I still think Lesnar might get the win in typical WWE fashion, setting up a final showdown between them. Hopefully just before SummerSlam where the “Bore General” Gunther was rumored to be the one that was supposed to retire him.
We get a brief recap of SNME last Saturday. Then the earlier entrances of Roman Reigns (happy 41st birthday, Roman!), Jacob Fatu, Rey Mysterio (congrats, new AAA GM!), and The Judgment Day.
“Zero Miedo” by Def Rebel plays for our first match of the night as Penta makes his entrance to defend his Intercontinental title against Je’Von Evans. After a commercial break, we come back in the middle of Evans’ entrance as Def Rebel’s “Who Want It” plays.
Intercontinental Championship: Penta (c) vs. Je’Von Evans:
We first get the introductions by “Amazing Hair” Alicia Taylor and we’re under way. Eventually, Penta counters the O.G. Cutter by Evans and finishes him off with the Mexican Destroyer for the three count.
WINNER AND STILL IC CHAMPION: PENTA (12 minutes)
ANALYSIS: ***¾ by TJR
This was apparently an incredible wrestling match by both superstars that got everyone hyped for the rest of the show.
Afte the match, Penta picked up Evans and tried to raise his hand. But Evans was frustrated about his loss and jerked it away, walking out.
Next, Michael Cole told us that Logan Paul suffered a torn triceps at SNME and will be out multiple months. Replays of the spot where Dawkins flew over the ropes to Paul on the outside, crashing into him. Typically, this injury, with rehab, could last anywhere from 6-9 months. Get well soon, Logan.
We then cut to the Vision’s locker room where Heyman is going over a “Clash in Italy” contract. Austin Theory came up to him with his World Tag Team Title wondering if he should just give it to Heyman. Heyman explains that in every contract he put “The Vision” as defending the tag team titles. So Heyman says Theory will be teaming with Bron Breakker now. Theory glomps Heyman with a big hug, thanking him. Heyman says he believes in Theory and wanted this for him. Theory says everyone involved in hurting Logan Paul, he’ll take them out. Heyman tells Theory he knows what he must do tonight. And to whom.
ANALYSIS: Paul Heyman is at it again with throwing his stroke around. Breakker teaming with theory now should be interesting, even though Breakker might have a few of his own one-on-one issues to take care of now that he’s back.
After a commercial break, Joe Hendry was in the ring leading the audience in singing “Can We Fire Logan Paul?” As he sets his guitar down to lead the audience acapella, Theory shows up behind him and nails Hendry with multiple chair shots. As Theory was leaving with the chair, he suddenly turns around as Hendry’s head was near the steel ring post and apparently hits Hendry’s head on the ring post with the chair. Several officials show up to check on Hendry and send Theory to the back.
ANALYSIS: Look out, everyone. Austin Theory is commin’ to get ya.
Angelo Dawkins was shown walking backstage when Seth Rollins approached him. Rollins says he stayed out of their business at SNME and he knows what it’s like to be screwed over by the Vision. With Logan Paul gone, they can come together and put an end to the Vision for good. Montez Ford shows up and tells Dawkins nothing good happens around Rollins. Rollins said nothing good happens when he’s not around, otherwise the two of them would be Tag Team Champions now. They don’t have to like each other or be friends. All they have to do is work together to get rid of the Vision. Rollins hypes up and tells them only one of them has ever main evented WrestleMania and is a multi-time world champ. And it isn’t Ford (it’s Rollins). Ford says there’s one more thing he’s never done is stab his brother in the back. Ford says they both think they’re the best, so he challenges Rollins to a match. They both leave with Dawkins left all alone.
ANALYSIS: That should be an interesting match. Whose side will Angelo Dawkins be on? Stay tuned and find out!
Back to Michael Cole, he announces next Monday’s RAW is in Turin, Italy. 2pm on the east coast, 11am on the west coast. Corey Graves talked about AAA Noche de Los Grandes this Saturday Night in Monterrey, Mexico. The Mask vs Mask match. A video about the seriousness of the match aired, narrated by Rey Mysterio.
ANALYSIS: El Grande Americano vs OG El Grande Americano, mask vs mask. I think that is what hypes up the entire AAA show. Should be really exciting.
Je’Von Evans is shown walking backstage and runs into Penta. Evans apologizes, saying he was frustrated and unprofessional. Penta says everything is okay. Evan=s says he’s going to see Penta for his title again very soon.
Suddenly in comes Rey Mysterio. He congratulates Penta, then Penta congratulates Rey on becoming the AAA General Manager. They speak Spanish together, Penta telling Rey there’s no better person for the job. But he wants to be a fighting champion. And there’s no one he’d rather face than Rey Mysterio. Penta is going to go talk to Adam Pearce because that match would be legendary.
ANALYSIS: Cole said sign me up. But show me where to sign first. Penta vs Hall of Famer Rey Mysterio would be a top star match. No disrespect, Evans.
The Judgment Day are now making their way to the ring for their tag team match. Cole said they were in a mood after losing their tag team championship match last Monday.
After a commercial break, Bayley and Lyra Valkyria are already finishing their entrance as we’re shown Raquel Rodriguez & Roxanne Perez beating up the champions after their loss. Bayley and Valkyria made the save, which leads us to this match tonight.
Bayley & Lyra Valkyria vs. The Judgment Day – Raquel Rodriguez & Roxanne Perez (w/Liv Morgan & Dominik Mysterio):
The finish occurred when Dominik distracted the referee and tossed his AAA Mega Title into the ring. Baley and Perez fought over the title, so Bayley let go and Perez accidentally hit “Dirty” Dom with it to knock him off the apron. Bayley rolled up Perez with the “ROLLUP OF DEATH~!” for the win.
Winners by pinfall: Bayley & Lyra Valkyria (10 minutes)
ANALYSIS: *** by TJR
Reportedly a solid match. This time, the numbers game ended up hurting the Judgment Day for once. Could elevate Bayley and Valkyria sometime soon.
We now get a video recap from last Monday of what’s happening with Roman Reigns and Jacob Fatu, with the Usos included, that lead to Tribal Combat.
Back live in Reigns’ locker room, Adam Pearce explains that Fatu shouldn’t still be here today. Reigns says he gets it. He doesn’t want to go back to his old ways. But he didn’t know Fatu knew about Tribal Combat, and that Reigns had to accept as the Tribal Chief. But Reigns says, in that contract, there must be consequences. If Fatu loses, he serves Reigns or he’s out. But if he beats Reigns, then good luck because they’re all screwed.
ANALYSIS: Nice way of explaining Tribal Combat by using stipulations. We’ll see what happens at the “Tribal Combat” contract signing later tonight.
We see LA Knight (YEAH!) walking to the ring as we go to another commercial break.
Back from commercial LA knight is out headed straight to the ring. He starts by saying it’s been a minute since he felt this, it’s been since WrestleMania 42. He wishes everyone a happy Memorial Day. Knight said he put The Vision in his rearview mirror and The Usos were standing beside him, but lately the Usos have been doing things a little bit differently. It got him thinking. Next week on RAW the King and Queen of the Ring tournaments begin, and he’s throwing his name in the hat. What that means is he’s got a shot at wearing that KotR crown, and he’s aiming for Reigns’ world heavyweight title. Knight called Reigns the most corrupt champion he’s ever seen. Knight says Reigns is trying to stir up the Bloodline of old, just a little bit different than the Jimmy and Jey he knew.
Out comes Jimmy Uso into the ring. He says he’s got a lot of respect for Knight because he fought side by side with him at WrestleMania against the Vision. Knight says Jimmy fighting side by side with Reigns it’s suddenly 3 on 1 and it rubs him a little bit the wrong way. Jimmy said that the whole locker room has issues with The Bloodline and it got ugly. Jimmy says it isn’t like that anymore. It’s cool to go after the KotR, and if Knight wins then he has a fair shot at the OTC.
Knight asks Jimmy if he’s being honest, moreover, being honest with himself. Knight talks about attacking Fatu last week. That Jimmy is coming out here as a messenger. Not even as a second fiddle to Reigns, but a third fiddle. And the last thing Knight wants is for Jimmy to become Reigns’ errand boy again. Knight said to learn a lesson from the past.
Jimmy said this is a warning shot. He’s lucky the “YEET” man isn’t here, otherwise they wouldn’t be talking. Knight said it would be 2-on-1, even 3-on-1, just like what happened with Fatu. Jimmy yelled that’s family business. He tells Knight is he keeps disrespecting the OTC, their family becomes Knight’s business. Knight says Jimmy is the one he likes. Even Jey is okay. Knight didn’t like Reigns then and not now. Reigns can’t get the job done on his own. Reigns needed Heyman, the Usos. Knight warns that if the family business becomes his business, he’ll make sure the family goes out of business.
ANALYSIS: A nice promo from both superstars showing their frustrations with each other. And the first mention of the King and Queen of the Ring tourney. Do I think LA Knight will go all the way for the crown? Maybe, maybe not. This promo may set up Knight being screwed by the new Bloodline or Jimmy Uso. But it really hypes things up and possibly starts a storyline.
Now backstage, RAW GM Adam Pearce is congratulating AAA GM Rey Mysterio. As they start to talk about a potential match with Penta, Ethan Page interrupts demanding his rematch. Pearce said rematches have to be earned. In walked Rusev. Page stirs the pot, explaining to Rusev that the two GM’s are conspiring against Rusev to make Mysterio jump in front of the line for the IC championship. Mysterio says if he has to earn it, let’s go. Pearce said it’s official. Rusev said something, and Pearce had no idea what that means.
ANALYSIS: Mid-carder vs GM… Let’s go! Rey Mysterio will likely get the win because that would make a dynamite match with Penta.
Burn it down! Here comes Seth “Freakin”Rollins with everyone signing his theme song. He comes down the ramp as we go to another commercial break.
Back from break, Montez Ford is already in the ring just before the bell. Cole mentions that Dawkins is not here at ringside.
Seth “Freakin” Rollins vs Montez Ford:
The finish came when Ford went up top and went for a 450 Splash, but Rollins moved out of the way. Rollins hit The Stomp and put one hand on Ford’s waist to cover (Rollins was selling fatigue as this was an awesome match) and that was enough to win.
WINNER: Seth “Freakin” Rollins (13 minutes)
ANALYSIS: *** ¾ by TJR
This was considered a great match. Even got a “This is awesome!” chant from the crowd. Shows just how good Montez Ford is as a singles star, and how good Seth Rollins can make people look.
After the match, Angelo Dawkins came out, being chased and beaten by Austin Theory and a chair. After a few chair shots to the back, Dawkins was flat on the ground when Theory gave him a headshot on the steel ramp. Pearce and officials all came out as Ford watched on from the ring.
ANALYSIS: As Cole said, “A switch flipped in Theory tonight.” Theory’s new aggression and his chair continue. I can see Theory being booked in a singles match or two with the guys he’s attacking.
After a commercial, we’re reminded of the previous match and the aftermath of Theory. Back live, Ford and Rollins spoke in front of Pearce just outside the DOCTOR/TRAINER room. Ford says Rollins was right, they have bigger fish to fry. Ford goes to check on his partner as Rollins tells Pearce this has to end. Rollins wants to cut off the head of the snake, so he wants Bron Breakker ASAP. Pearce left to go speak to Heyman.
ANALYSIS: The match we’ve been waiting for! It could possibly happen as soon as Clash in Italy. If the match happens right away, I don’t expect Rollins to get a win with all the dastardly antics Theory and Heyman have up their sleeves. It will likely lead to a longer feud.
The announcers run down the current card for Clash in Italy. The first two matches will air exclusively on ESPN:
- Undisputed WWE Championship: Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Gunther
- WWE Women’s Championship: Rhea Ripley (c) vs. Jade Cargill
- Oba Femi vs. Brock Lesnar, part 2
- Tribal Combat Match for the World Heavyweight Championship: Roman Reigns (c) vs. Jacob Fatu
- Women’s Intercontinental Championship: Becky Lynch (c) vs. Sol Ruca
We the go to Kathy Kelly who is with the women’s IC champion Becky Lynch. Her opponent, Sol Ruca, is sidelined with an undisclosed injury she sustained at SNME. Lynch says Ruca realized she was totally outmatched. Some might be impressed with her tricks and flips. Ruca’s name is written in the sand, but Lynch’s name is etched in stone. It’ll be around forever, just like her title reign. She hopes Ruca can come to Italy. There’s a difference between striving for greatness, and standing across from it. Welcome… to the big time.
ANALYSIS: Intense promo by The Man as one would expect. If Sol Ruca is, in fact, cleared to compete, I expect Lynch to become the cocky heel and for it to backfire on her, giving Ruca a well-deserved IC title run.
Booyaka, booyaka, 6-1-9! Here comes the new AAA GM and full-time active Hall of Famer Rey Mysterio for the number one contender to the men’s IC championship. Commercial.
Back from ‘mercial, Rusev begins his entrance. All-Ego Ethan Page has a headset on commentary.
Rey Mysterio vs Rusev:
Finisher: When Rey hit a 619 kick to the ribs, then a 619 attempt in the ring, but Rusev blocked it. Rey countered the Accolade submission with a “ROLLUP OF DEATH~!” That’s the second time tonight!
WINNER: Rey Mysterio (9 minutes)
ANALYSIS: *** by TJR
Another fairly solid match by both superstars. I figured Rey-Rey would win. Even though he was about to be given the IC title shot it’s nice to see them earn it.
After the match, Rusev continues a beatdown on Mysterio until Dragon Lee comes out for the save. Page runs into the ring to even the odds, but Lee sends Page into Rusev. Lee hits a German Suplex and a kick to get rid of Page. Lee avoids a move by Rusev as Rusev gets sent into the middle rope. Lee leaps over Rusev onto Page outside the ring. Mysterio 6-1-9’s Rusev and Lee hits an Operation Dragon to clear the ring. The two luchadores celebrated in the ring together.
ANALYSIS: Do I sense a tag team match forming? Time will tell.
Backstage, Pearce is speaking with Theory as Heyman looms in the background. Pearce tells Theory enough, his night is over and find the door. Theory asks if it was enough what happened to Logan Paul, to Bronson Reed, to Bron Breakker (in reverse order)? Pearce again says Theory is done for the night. Heyman interrupts and agrees Theory was out of line and he will handle it. They walk by a cameo from the Alpha Academy on their way out.
ANALYSIS: Again, pushing the intensity Heyman brought out of Theory. First Bron, then Bronson, now Logan? Must suck to be cursed by the Vision. Where’s Danhausen when you need him? Also, Nice cameos by Maxxine Duppri, Otis, and Tozawa. Kinda surprised these guys are still employed but they’re enjoyable.
A video aired about what happened last week with the whole Brock Lesnar vs Oba Femi 2 match. Then they talk about the King and Queen of the Ring tourneys beginning next week on RAW. When we come back live, Adam Pearce is in the red-carpet ring for the contract signing. Jacob Fatu is out first. He runs into the security around the ring as we go to our last ‘mercial.
We’re back as the “Samoan Werewolf” is in the ring talking to the camera. Pearce says it takes two signatures for Tribal Combat and hands him the contract, which Fatu signs saying he’s tappin’ in all that. Then he starts clearing the ring, sending the chairs out at the security and then the table. Security rushes the ring when Reigns’ music starts as he walks down to the ring wearing the World Heavyweight Championship (no Tribal Chief lei?). Pearce hands him the contract which Reigns signs. Reigns tells Pearce to leave, saying Fatu signed the contract which means a blood oath that Fatu can’t touch him until Italy. Pearce says to have it your way, Uce, and everyone exits, leaving Reigns and Fatu in the ring.
Reigns asks for Columbus to acknowledge him. He tells Fatu that’s all he had to do. Fatu says hell no. He’s not like everybody else. But he’ll keep it 100. Reigns is the reason why The Bloodline is living the life they have and why their family is on top of the mountain. Fatu said Reigns took the family to the promised land, but he can only take them so far. Fatu said it’s time for a change, and it’s time for another destination. Fatu asks that Reigns talks about living the code of the Bloodline, but at Backlash, did Reigns live by the code? Or did he bend the rules so Reigns could pin him? Fatu said that Reigns did what he had to do by any means necessary. Fatu shouted that anything goes in Tribal Combat. And just like at Backlash, at Clash in Italy, he’s about to dog walk Reigns’ [BLEEPIN’] ass! Fatu says everybody is going to have consequences.
Reigns talks about consequences. If Fatu wins, then Fatu becomes the head of the table. Reigns said if Fatu can’t dog walk him, then Reigns will walk him like a dog. If Fatu can’t beat Reigns, Fatu will serve him. And, in time, Fatu will love his Tribal Chief.
Fatu says it looks like a win-win for him. If he can’t dog walk Reigns, it looks like he’s still got a job. But not if, but when, he dog walks Reigns, everybody, especially Reigns, will learn how to acknowledge him. Fatu says something in Samoan as he extends out his hand.
As the end credits roll, Reigns took Fatu’s hand, they touched heads together, then they let go. Fade to black.
ANALYSIS: Wow. A perfect promo to set up a huge main event in Italy this weekend. Reigns is always one of the best with them, while Fatu is good with being an intense talker. Far as the match: It’s all about control, it’s about power. And, most importantly, it’s about family. And the consequences that will happen to that family depending on who beats whom at Clash in Italy. I think it’s pretty obvious Reigns will win. But I don’t think this will be the end. Far from it.
Once again, WWE Clash in Italy takes place this Sunday, May 31st, at 2pm ET/11am PT on the ESPN App with an ESPN Unlimited plan in the United States and Netflix internationally. Here’s the card:
- Tribal Combat Match for the World Heavyweight Championship: Roman Reigns (c) vs. Jacob Fatu
- Undisputed WWE Championship: Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Gunther
- WWE Women’s Championship: Rhea Ripley (c) vs. Jade Cargill
- Oba Femi vs. Brock Lesnar
- Women’s Intercontinental Championship: Becky Lynch (c) vs. Sol Ruca
Likely Saturday I’ll be posting the Friday Night SmackDown Report Slam. Till then, see y’all down the BLVD!
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