WWE RAW Live Updates, Results, & Reactions

Although there were previous reports that Rip Fowler (f.k.a. Zack Gibson) and James Drake were granted their releases from WWE NXT, that is apparently not what actually went down. Dyad, the team once known as the Grizzled Young Veterans, announced on Twitter that their release requests have been denied. It appears they still intend to leave the company when their contracts expire, which they mention is on October 2023.

Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.

As of today, WWE has denied my request for my release.

I want to thank you all for your support throughout my career, I'll never take that for granted.

My contract with WWE expires on 14th October 2023.

I'm excited to share our next chapter, once we are free agents.

— James Drake (@JamesDrake_GYV) April 25, 2023

Today WWE have denied our release, which was requested on April 3rd.

On 15th Oct '23 we will be free agents again.

I personally want to thank all of our fans for your continued support, it means a lot to both of us especially during times like these! We'll see you on the 16th!

— Rip Fowler (@RipFowlerWWE) April 25, 2023

Today has been filled with major news stories, including the reveal of a brand new major championship in WWE. Paul “Triple H” Levesque appeared on the red brand tonight and unveiled the World Heavyweight Title, a rendition of the “big gold” belt from WCW. The first-ever WWE World Champion will be crowned at the WWE Night of Champions on May 27, 2023.

When WWE posted a photo of the stunning new title, people tweeted out responses regarding who they want as the first man to hold the belt. Some examples include stars like The Miz, Karrion Kross, LA Knight, and Seth Rollins.

Who do you think should be the first man to claim the new belt?

BEHOLD the agenda pic.twitter.com/TGQckJzZcJ

— Krosstown 👇 (@Zeketowndown) April 25, 2023

Nice idea but little ugly rather this one! #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/Vcl4u0NyKQ

— Michael 🎅 (@Collingwoodmag) April 25, 2023

Hear me out pic.twitter.com/x9QdAAPIJW

— Sal (@salsince98) April 25, 2023

👀 pic.twitter.com/Ym7XPRXY3n

— Trisha Takanawa (@TheRicoSuave_) April 25, 2023

pic.twitter.com/LPkfdYIQcI

— Alex 🏴‍☠️ (@GreatRajsel) April 25, 2023

@FinnBalor will be the first world heavyweight champion!
Like he was the first Universal champ!#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/JrjDBV9tXs

— Michael 🎅 (@Collingwoodmag) April 25, 2023

Make it happen pic.twitter.com/7GmgFNfp46

— Just Talk Wrestling (@JustTalkWrestle) April 25, 2023

OMOS for the first champion!!! pic.twitter.com/025aynT2S4

— Xylot Themes (@XylotThemes) April 25, 2023

What an episode of WWE Raw! Not only did we get news that a brand new World Heavyweight Champion will be crowned at the Night of Champions premium live event, but a HUGE match was also added to Backlash on May 6th. Bad Bunny, who was originally supposed to serve as the host of the show, has switched up his role for the night to get payback for what The Judgment Day did to him during the attack weeks ago on Raw.

Bunny revealed to Priest that he’ll battle him one-on-one in a street fight in Puerto Rico (though, one can assume there will be some run-ins by The Judgment Day and the LWO). An updated card for the PLE can be seen below:

• Brock Lesnar vs. Cody Rhodes
• Jimmy Uso, Jey Uso, & Solo Sikoa vs. Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn, & Matt Riddle
• SmackDown Women’s Championship: Rhea Ripley (c) vs. Zelina Vega
• United States Championship: Austin Theory (c) vs. Bobby Lashley vs. Bronson Reed
• Seth Rollins vs. Omos
• RAW Women’s Championship: Bianca Belair (c) vs. Iyo Sky
• Bad Bunny vs. Damian Priest (Street Fight)

We come back from the commercial with Damian maintaining control over Rey, having him locked in a submission hold. Rey tries to fight back but it’s futile–Priest throws Rey into the corner and gives him a full-speed splash. He attempts another attack in the corner, but his shoulder goes into the ring post instead. Priest tumbles out of the ring where he’s met with an asai moonsault. Damian goes back in and eats a seated senton and a springboard crossbody for a two count.

On the apron, Rey kicks Damian in the head and sets him up for the 619. Instead, he eats a superkick to the face for a close two. The crowd boos Priest as he sets Rey up for a crucifix bomb. It’s avoided! Rey comes off the ropes with a moonsault but he’s caught and eats a flatliner. Priest is frustrated, so he climbs out of the ring and grabs a steel chair. Rey kicks him off the ring apron with a shotgun dropkick. They wrestle over who will get the chair first, but Damian puts him a choke for the South of Heaven chokeslam. Rey reverses and hits a 619! He climbs to the top rope for the finishing splash but Damian grabs a steel chair and tosses it in Rey’s face for the DQ! Rey technically wins, but Priest isn’t done.

Priest uses the South of Heaven chokeslam on Rey and then sets him up to go through the announce table. Bad Bunny is here!!! And he’s got a kendo stick this time! Priest stands in the center of the ring, ready for Bunny. Priest tells him to hold up, but Bunny starts swinging for the fences over and over. Bunny wacks Priest with the kendo stick in the leg, causing him to collapse. Priest runs through the side of the arena and goes up to the stage of the arena.

Bunny grabs a mic and tells Damian he’s fighting him in Puerto Rico! May 6, Backlash, it’s Priest vs. Bad Bunny in a street fight! Priest is absolutely infuriated!

Mysterio knows that he needs to use his quickness, so he shuffles out kicks and strikes. Damian hits one boot and Rey is struggling to get off the ground as he’s stomped. Damian throws a punch and throws Rey into the ropes. Rey reverses with a slide through the legs and a kick to Priest’s head. Damian catches Rey in a fireman’s carry and drops him onto the knee for a gutbuster.

Rey gets the advantage with a top rope maneuver, but Damian shuts him back down with hard forearms. He tosses Rey gut-first out of the ring, colliding with force into the ground as we go to our final commercial break!

Bad Bunny is shown arriving at the arena. That’s followed up with Rey Mysterio’s entrance as we head to another break.

Backstage, we see Riddle trying to talk strategy with Kevin Owens. Sami walks up, and KO is so relieved because he’s been stuck with Riddle all evening. Zayn says it wasn’t a great night for him because he was talking to The Bloodline and it didn’t go well. Owens is baffled why Sami even still talks to them when it’s too late to save anyone in The Bloodline. Owens says The Usos deserve what’s coming to them if they made their grave. Riddle says he knows exactly what Zayn is going through right now, which Zayn asks how that’s possible.

Riddle remembers that every week, people kept assuring him that Randy Orton would eventually RKO him, but he had faith and Randy changed. Just like that, Zayn can keep the faith and know his friends will come out on the better side. Zayn thanks him as Riddle walks off.

MVP comes behind Omos and praises Seth for how his career is outstanding. He says he’s “absolutely brilliant,” minus his fashion sense. It’s MVP’s responsibility to book the biggest match possible for his client, which is why they jumped at the opportunity when it came. MVP encourages Seth to stop thinking so far ahead into the future because he likely isn’t going to have a great future after Backlash is over.

Omos and Rollins come face to face as the crowd starts singing Rollins’ theme song. Seth thanks MVP and then says Omos is the tallest person he’s ever met in his life. He says that “The Nigerian Giant” is once in a generation because he was born that way. Rollins says he’s once in a generation because he has made himself that way! He says he’s going to do the same thing he always does at Backlash — make someone else famous. This time, though, he’ll stomp Omos’ head into the mat and all they’ll hear is the crowd singing his song.

Rollins leaves with his statement made!

It’s time to hear from “The Visionary!” As noted, an unexpected matchup of Rollins vs. Omos is scheduled for Backlash on May 6.

Seth welcomes Chicago to Monday Night Rollins! He gets a warm welcome, and Seth asks how the crowd is feeling about his upcoming match against Omos at Backlash on May 6. But, now, Seth is much more interested in the World Heavyweight Championship that was announced earlier tonight. The crowd chants, “You deserve it!” in unison. Rollins asks if they’re just saying that stuff because he’s a Bears fan.

Rollins says that truth be told, after tonight’s nice speech about Roman Reigns from Triple H, he wants to point out that Roman has still never technically defeated him. He says that this World Title is an opportunity for the roster to keep fighting. It’s more about politics and part-timers – it’s a title that represents a true, fighting titleholder. Seth tells the crowd that they should put their money on him, but here comes Omos!

Gotta love some Seth Rollins! The crowd sings along to Seth’s theme song as we head into another commercial break.

We come back and see that Cody is trying to fight back, getting some leverage with flying forearms, an uppercut, and a snap powerslam to get Balor off his feet. A disaster kick secures him only a close two count! Rhodes goes for Crossrhodes but it turns into several reversals between the two men. Balor with a slingblade, but as he runs in for the shotgun dropkick, Rhodes delivers a superkick.

Off the ropes, Rhodes hits the Cody cutter! But it’s still only a two count right now–he can’t put Balor away that easy! Balor nurses his neck as Rhodes pulls him to his feet. Finn turns a powerbomb attempt into a double foot stomp on the ground. He then hits the shotgun dropkick, but as Balor attempts the coupe de grace, Cody moves. Rhodes misses the Crossrhodes once, but he still gets the pedigree on Balor. With an emphatic taunt to send a message to Brock Lesnar, Cody hits the crossrhodes for the win. Cody did it!

We return with Cody making his entrance. The bell sounds, and these two top stars lock up. Finn gets a wrist lock on Cody, but Rhodes tries to twist out of it. He shoots Finn’s leg and backs him into the corner turnbuckles to break the hold. They meet back in the center of the ring, where Finn kicks Cody and puts him in a headlock. Rhodes returns with a headlock takeover to ground Balor for a moment. Finn makes it to his feet, but Cody puts him in a fireman’s carry and delivers a gutbuster.

Cody throws out his dad’s signature punches, but Finn tries to get out of the ring. Cody snags him on the apron a delivers a vertical suplex that drops him on his face. Cody gets a two-count and then turns it into a seated gutwrench. Finn avoids an attempt at a crossbody from Cody, forcing him into the ropes with force. That looked pretty intense! Finn sneaks to the outside of the ring and shoves Cody into the announce table. Rhodes nurses his rubs as Finn poses next to the World Heavyweight Title at ringside.

Jimmy tells Sami that he needs to stop playing mind games with his brother. Zayn says he’s just been telling him the truth all this time. Jimmy says he needs to keep his mind on the fact that he and Kevin Owens have had a rollercoaster relationship their entire time in WWE. He says that as soon as KO and Sami lose, they’ll betray each other again.

Coming out next is Finn Balor. It’s Balor vs. Rhodes after the break!

We return from the break with Ali’s entrance. They hype up the fact that he’s from Chicago and he gets a decent reception for it. The bell rings and they immediately go into some quick chain wrestling. Ali avoids Gable for a moment and taunts, but Gable comes back with a belly to belly suplex and some chops. Gable misses Ali in the corner and eats a kick to the face. Chad comes back by catching him in a brutal-looking dragon suplex, but it’s not long until Ali comes back. He comes off the top rope but is avoided, and it’s then that Ali hits a victory roll on Gable for the 3 count!

Ali wins it in his hometown!

Austin Theory tells the crowd welcome to Austin Theory live – the experience everyone wants. He says that maybe they don’t want it, but Bronson Reed and Bobby Lashley want it. Theory claims he’s the greatest U.S. Champion of all time but he’s not being properly respected because he didn’t get to pick his opponents for this triple threat.

Theory says that the new World Heavyweight Title should be his because he’s the only person who has truly earned it. But instead of being awarded the title as he believes he should, he’s stuck in a match where he doesn’t have to be involved in the outcome. He says he’s the greatest of all time because he beat John Cena at WrestleMania, and when the crowd says he tapped out, Theory says they actually tapped out because they’re in the audience and he’s succeeding.

Lashley makes an entrance! He comes down to the ring and says he has no problems with Theory other than the fact that he’s holding his belt. Lashely says Theory isn’t the greatest Champion ever because he doesn’t step up like he should. Bobby says he’s battled him and knows how tough he is, but maybe Theory doesn’t know what he’s lacking. Why isn’t he at the very top? Is it because he’s lazy or is he scared? Theory asks him if this triple threat match is Lashley’s idea. Bobby says it was indeed him, but Theory claps back by asking where his WrestleMania match was if he’s so good at asking for matches. Bobby says he should knock his teeth down his throat, but that’s when Theory tries for a sneak attack.

They struggle on the outside of the ring until Bronson Reed appears out of nowhere. Lashley and Reed battle until Theory runs over and interferes on behalf of Reed. They team up on Bobby and splash him into the ring post as he’s trapped. Theory then rolled him back in the ring and hit the A-Town Down to really silence the former WWE Champion. Of course, Bronson will be on his own Backlash, and he reflects that tonight. He hits his signature splash off the top rope and crushes Theory as the crowd gasps.

We go to a backstage segment that happened between Boogs and Elias today. Chad Gable joins them, telling Boogs that some superstar are eligible to be drafted night 1 and everyone else is drafted on night 2. If you go to a different brand than your teammate, your tag team officially splits. Gable says he will go where Otis goes because he’s his #1 guy, but that’s when Maxxine Dupri argues that Otis is his. Mustafa Ali shows up and encourages them all to think more positively, and mentions that he’s going to defeat Gable in a match this evening.

Bad Bunny is shown on his way to the arena!

We see a replay of last week’s Raw when Bronson Reed interrupted the U.S. championship match and destroyed both Austin Theory and Bobby Lashley. Coming up next, Theory will address the triple threat match he has at Backlash against Bobby Lashley and Bronson Reed.

We come back from the break with Dakota Kai maintaining dominance over Liv Morgan. She sets her up in Damage CTRL’s corner and hits a running pump kick. They trade tags consecutively, allowing Bayley and Iyo also to deliver running attacks in the corner on Liv. They get a close pinfall, but it doesn’t work, so Iyo puts Morgan in a headlock. Iyo pulls Liv’s hair down and forearms Raquel off the ring apron. Dakota tags in but Liv actually reverses their attack and inches towards the corner. Right before she tags in The EST, Bianca is pulled off the apron and pushed into the ring post by Iyo. Liv comes back with a backstabber, then tagging in Raquel.

Bayley is tagged in at the same time, but she just eats clotheslines, a fall away slam, and a twisting senton splash for another close two count broken up by Kai. Raquel just dumps Dakota out of the ring, and then Raquel, Liv, and Bianca trade tags. Raquel tosses Liv into Damage CTRL on the outside, but Iyo comes in and takes out Raquel. Bianca and Iyo battle it out, with Bayley eventually coming in and eating a KOD for the loss. Iyo looks baffled at how the ending unfolded.

The bell rings and we’re off! Iyo and Belair start this run, with Belair overpowering and handspringing over Sky. Iyo comes back with reversals and some handsprings of her own. Belair off the ropes with a kick, inspiring Iyo to bring in Dakota. Belair hits a vertical suplex and bring in Raquel. Rodriguez Irish whips her into the corner and tags in Liv. They work together for tandem attacks, including one where they did leg scissors into shoulder tackles in the corner. Very cool! Liv climbs atop Raquel and splashes down on Dakota for a two.

Kai escapes out of the ring, forcing Morgan to come after her. She is met with Iyo dropkicking her in the face, though. We’re off to another break!

We see another video hyping up Bronson Reed. He says that no one can measure up to him, even though they might try.

Backstage, we see Jimmy talking strategy with Jey and Solo. He makes a joke teasing Jey, but he doesn’t respond. Jimmy asks him what’s up; Jey responds by saying that he’s worried about what happens if they lose this match this weekend. He mentions he was talking to Sami, which sends Jimmy into a rage. He tells him to stay away from Zayn because he’s just trying to play mind games. Jey emphasizes that he’s just concerned about losing this huge match, which Jimmy pushes back at before leaving.

Bianca Belair comes out and her surprise partners are Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez!

We see a replay of what happened between Bad Bunny and Judgment Day a few weeks ago. Backstage, Cathy Kelly attempts to speak with Damien Priest. She asks how Priest feels knowing that Bunny is back in WWE tonight in Chicago. Priest says it’s a big deal for sure, but he has found success in WWE only because Priest has had his back. Priest says he doesn’t interfere in Bunny’s music world, so why is he doing it in wrestling.

Dom adds that Damian can also take care of Rey, his “deadbeat dad.” Priest says that the whole world will see what he does to Rey tonight, so Bunny can witness what will happen if he keeps meddling. Damage CTRL vs. Bianca Belair and two mystery partners is next!

Triple H comes out to a thunderous ovation. He grabs the microphone with a smirk on his face, and he says that as a WWE superstar, he had the incredible privilege of competing at the highest level to compete for audiences. He talks about defending the WWE Championship in such epic moments like at WrestleMania 22. Hunter says that he has the privilege of ensuring that WWE will always prosper in the future.

He mentions Roman Reigns. He says that The Tribal Chief is coming up on 1,000 days as the Undisputed WWE Universal Title, which is astounding in this modern era. Over the years, Hunter has only met a few people who could ever stand toe-to-toe with someone like Roman. He says that Roman is smart and has put himself in a position where he doesn’t have to defend the belt as often as he should. Hunter says that the fans deserve more than that. When Roman Reigns is drafted to his designated show with the WWE Universal Championship and will be exclusive to that show.

The other brand, however, there will be a new Champion crowned. A new World Heavyweight championship! It’s a redesigned Big Gold belt! The classic title is back with a new design. The crowd loves! Triple H says this will be a champion you will be proud of, and this will be a person that will defend the title anywhere, any place, and any time all over the world.

Thoughts on the new WWE World Heavyweight Champion? #WWERaw pic.twitter.com/pBiHdOOcbi

— Rasslin’ (@rasslin) April 25, 2023

Big news is coming after the next commercial!

With the WWE draft beginning this Friday, we should keep in mind that this may be the last time either of these teams are able to compete together.

Street Profits came down to the ring first, followed by Cedric & Shelton during the commercial break. It’s going to be Montez and Shelton getting things started, but Benjamin immediately hits a cheap knee to Dawkins on the apron. Ford is ticked off, exploding back, but he gets caught in a powerbomb by Shelton. Cedric comes in behind him and hits a michinoku driver for a two count. He stay on him and tags in Benjamin, but Ford sticks a step-up enziguri and tags in Dawkins.

Cedric comes in at the same time and eats a couple of clotheslines, followed by a rolling elbow and a rolling clothesline in the corner. He hits a sliencer but Shelton breaks it up at the last second. He eats a kick from Ford and a hard right from Dawkins to take him out of the equation. Dawkins with a spinebuster, setting up Ford for an INSANE frog splash, per usual for an athlete like Ford.

Cathy Kelly introduces Stratus for a backstage interview. She’s asked why Trish thinks Becky might not be coming to Raw lately. Trish says that Becky isn’t feeling so good (she appears to be lying); she says Becky thinks the pressure of being on top of the women’s division is too much as a mother. Trish says she can do it all while Becky can’t, being a prime example of what a top women’s star should be.

Shelton Benjamin & Cedric Alexander vs. The Street Profits is on the way after the break!

We come back and see Jey backstage on the phone, saying they got the “W” tonight. Sami Zayn is standing there to confront Jey. Sami tells Jey that he isn’t here to fight, and the fact that they are dedicating everything to Roman Reigns is weird because this is such a significant match. Why not for you? Sami asks what Jey thinks would actually happen now that Jey has put so much pressure on this match. What if he loses it with Roman’s name attached to it.

Jey asks why Sami cares. Zayn responds that he cares and he feels bad, but Jey doesn’t like that. He says to mind his own business. Sami made his choice about The Bloodline, and Jey made his choice too.

Kevin Patrick brings up the situation between Trish Stratus and Becky Lynch, leading us to a replay of Trish’s promo last week. (It was amazing!!)

Jey Uso grabs the mic and says that the longest reigning tag team champs had one bad night at WrestleMania. It was only one! They let down Roman Reigns and The Bloodline, but then Jimmy says that this Friday, everything changes. When they win the Undisputed Tag Team Titles back on SmackDown, it will be all for Roman Reigns.

We go to the backstage area where we see Bianca Belair. Cathy Kelly asks her what she thinks about the Iyo Sky match that was announced for Backlash. Bayley shows up and says she can stay ready but the Raw Women’s Title is coming home with them. Bayley says nobody is like Iyo Sky. She’s traveled all over the world and is ready to win the belt.

Damage CTRL has the idea for a six-woman tag team match tonight, which Belair is down for. She’ll find two partners and meet them in the ring tonight, but the tension between the members of Damage CTRL is still teased.

Back from the break, Solo is in control, beating down Wilde and clutching his collar bone with a vice grip. WIlder with a tornado DDT off the second rope, grounding both men as they inch to their respective corners. Escobar and Jimmy are in, with Santos beating him down and hitting multiple spinning elbows. Solo distracts Santos for a moment, allowing him to hit a superkick and some additional shots. Santos back in control, hitting a enziguri from the apron followed by a crossbody for a close two count.

Santos is hit with an enziguri from Jimmy, but Del Toro tags in. He takes out with Jimmy with a phoenix splash but Jey runs in and breaks it up. Santos and Jey start battling on the outside of the ring, followed by Solo. They take each other out, leaving only Del Toro and Jimmy in the ring. Cruz sets Jimmy up for the coast to coast but Solo hits him in mid-air with the Samoan spike. The Usos hit the 1D and this one is over, folks. The Bloodline is unstoppable!

We come back from the break and watch The LWO make their entrance. It’s going to be Jey Uso and Wilde start things out, with Jey getting a wrist lock in. It just opens him up for several lucha libre reversals, including a head scissors. Jey backs him up into the corner and The Usos beat down Wilde in the corner. Solo is tagged in and The Usos push Wilde right into an elbow from Solo.

LWO regains the advantage and toss The Bloodline out of the ring, followed by diving attacks to the outside to wipe out Solo, Jimmy, and Jey as we go to another break.

We see a rundown of the show for tonight. We’ve got Bad Bunny’s return, as well as Damian Priest vs. Rey Mysterio in singles action. We also know that Triple H will make a major announcement that will “rock the foundation of WWE.”

The Usos are on their way down to the ring as we go to the commercial. Next up is The Usos & Solo Sikoa vs. LWO’s Santos Escobar, Joaquin Wilde, and Cruz del Toro.

Finn says that we’ve all got our scars, but he saw what happened at WrestleMania with Roman Reigns and how he got screwed. Finn says what is important is why he got screwed and it was because he didn’t have enough people watching his back. Balor explains that the night he chose Brock as his partner, he chose wrong. “The Prince” says that Rhodes is all beaten and bruised, and his match against Brock Lesnar is something he can’t make it on his own.

Rhodes says he has mutual respect for Balor, but his only focus right now is Brock. Balor responds by saying that everyone knows it in the crowd and at home that Rhodes with The Judgment Day would be unstoppable. He lists the accomplishments of each member of The Judgment Day to emphasize how dominant their group has been. Even though he made a mistake at WrestleMania, Balor says it can be different if Judgment Day has their back this time.

Rhodes clarifies that he was being invited into The Judgment Day. Cody says he truly appreciates it but he respectfully will not join The Judgment Day and he declines the offer. Balor says that is a real pity because you’re either with the group or you’re against them. Balor says Cody better watch his back because someday, he’ll knock the bleach out of his hair.

Cody says that because of what happened with Brock a few weeks ago, he wasn’t cleared to compete medically. But tonight, before the show, he was cleared to wrestle, so he wants to send a message to Brock by having a singles match against Finn tonight. It appears it is going to happen!

Cody Rhodes gets a spectacular ovation from the audience. He grabs the microphone and asks Chicago what they wanna talk about, and first mentions the WWE draft. He says he might end up on SmackDown or stay where he’s at. They could talk about his upcoming match against Brock Lesnar, where he has to face “The Beast Incarnate” at Backlash. They play photos of Brock Lesnar’s attack on Rhodes as he describes how painful the experience was.

Cody removes his clothes and shows off his surgery scar from when he had a torn pec. He says it’s praised by a lot of people, but he’s still never watched it. Rhodes encourages Brock to find another spot to leave a scar because Lesnar clearly hasn’t learned what the first one should have taught everyone how tough he is. What he remembers from that night is how the crowd carried him through to the finish line in that Hell in a Cell match. Rhodes says that if he never gets another chance, he just wants the Chicago fans to know how much he appreciates them.

Finn Balor is coming out!

Let’s go! Time to watch some pro wrestling! It’s the final WWE Raw before the WWE Draft begins!

Kevin Patrick invites us to the show, and immediately, Cody Rhodes comes out!

We’re less than 10 minutes away from a new episode of WWE Raw, and heading into the show, a major match has been added to the card for the May 6 Backlash premium live event. After Iyo Sky earned a #1 contender’s spot by defeating Michin and Piper Niven, it was unclear when she would officially get her title match. We now know it will take place in Puerto Rico, as “The EST” will defend the Raw Women’s Title against Iyo Sky at Backlash.

You can see the developing Backlash card below:

• Brock Lesnar vs. Cody Rhodes
• Jimmy Uso, Jey Uso, & Solo Sikoa vs. Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn, & Matt Riddle
• SmackDown Women’s Championship: Rhea Ripley (c) vs. Zelina Vega
•  United States Championship: Austin Theory (c) vs. Bobby Lashley vs. Bronson Reed
• Seth Rollins vs. Omos
• RAW Women’s Championship: Bianca Belair (c) vs. Iyo Sky

#WWERaw Women's Champion @BiancaBelairWWE will put her title on the line against @Iyo_SkyWWE at #WWEBacklash, live from Puerto Rico! pic.twitter.com/Jy5cJAiEqg

— WWE (@WWE) April 24, 2023

We’re just minutes away from a new episode of WWE Raw but the talk of the town is AEW Superstar CM Punk. Punk showed up at the Allstate Arena in Chicago before the show and reportedly spoke with several of the superstars, including some he’s had tumultuous relationships in the past with, like Triple H and The Miz.

A new report from PWInsider gave some new details about what happened between Punk and The Miz when they came face-to-face. Apparently, good guy Punk showed up and the two “cleared the air.” In general, the other talent that saw Punk greeted him warmly because they had rarely seen him since his departure in 2014.

You can read more about this story here.

As we prepare for a new episode of Raw just minutes away, let’s take a look at what action All Elite Wrestling has on their premier show, Dynamite. This Wednesday, there will be two Championship matches and the finals of the Four Pillars Tournament when Darby Allin battles Sammy Guevara one-on-one.

You can see the current card for AEW Dynamite below:

• AEW International Championship: Orange Cassidy (c) vs. Bandido
• TBS Championship: Jade Cargill (c) vs. Taya Valkyrie (Taya cannot use the Road to Valhalla finisher)
• We’ll hear from Wardlow & Arn Anderson
• We will hear from Tony Khan
• The Butcher & The Blade vs. Kenny Omega & Konosuke Takeshita
• AEW World Tag Team Champion Dax Harwood vs. Jeff Jarrett
• Finals of the Four Pillars Tournament: Darby Allin vs. Sammy Guevara (Winner advances to a World Championship match against MJF at AEW Double or Nothing)

A massive #AEWDynamite is set for THIS WEDNESDAY, LIVE from Sunrise, FL at 8pm ET/7pm CT on @TBSNetwork! pic.twitter.com/yxsSFQINV8

— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) April 24, 2023

The wrestling world is abuzz with the shocking news that CM Punk appeared backstage before tonight’s WWE Raw at the Allstate Arena in Chicago, Illinois before eventually being asked to leave. As the reactions continue flooding in online, one WWE superstar appears frustrated about the fact that so much attention is being pulled away from all of the superstars who are in town to put on a show for the WWE Universe.

NXT’s Dijak took to his Twitter account and clarified where everyone’s focus should be right now.

You know who else is backstage at #WWERaw ? A bunch of hardworking talent who bust their ass every week for your entertainment. Enjoy the show, sounds like a HUGE one.

You know who else is backstage at #WWERaw? A bunch of hardworking talent who bust their ass every week for your entertainment. Enjoy the show, sounds like a HUGE one.

— DIJAK (@DijakWWE) April 24, 2023

This wild story about CM Punk continues to develop! A new report from Fightful Select has shed some more light on the situation, adding that Punk was seen speaking to The Miz, who he had issues with on social media in the past, while visiting The Allstate Arena in Chicago. It’s believed he also spoke with Paul “Triple H” Levesque.

It’s also noted that “numerous wrestlers” believet what went down with Punk was ultimately a publicity stunt. This might lure more fans to check out All Elite Wrestling, his home promotion, as they prepare to bring Punk back into the fold, according to recent reports. Furthermore, a lot of people inside of AEW were shocked when discovering Punk was interacting with WWE at all.

It’s unverified footage, but a video has also made its way to social media that appears to be CM Punk speaking with what appears to be Tamina as fans call out to him.

‼️ Video Footage of CM Punk outside of #WWERAW talking to WWE Star Tamina‼️ pic.twitter.com/oMdzeIFXR7

— NoSmokeSport (@NoSmokeSport) April 24, 2023

An exclusive video has hit WWE’s Twitter page this afternoon that further explores the budding relationship between Elias and Rick Boogs. Appearing in backstage segments together in recent weeks, the duo is warming up to the idea of trying out tag team wrestling as each others’ partners.

According to Elias, Boogs isn’t someone he expected to be attached to like he is now, and their differing personalities sometimes make communication challenging.

When I would think about my future and look down the timeline of my career, I certainly would never have factored in anyone like Rick Boogs. I try to tell him, ‘To be a top WWE Superstar, you’ve got to have a cool head and all times. I’ve got to tell you, I’ve never seen a kid with this much raw energy before; it’s almost too much at times.”

As for Boogs, he’s got his sights set on getting a catch phrase the WWE universe wants to say along with him, similar to “Walk with Elias.”

So, Elias told me, if I really crack down and focus, then someday, I could have my own catch phrase just like him. And I tell him, I said, ‘Listen, man, I want people to be boog-ing out when they see us together! Like, yeah!”

Elias remains confident that their relationship can grow stronger from here, but only if Boogs can reel in some energy and focus on winning.

EXCLUSIVE: @IAmEliasWWE thinks that if @rickboogswwe had some focus, he and Boogs could be a special tag team.#WWERaw pic.twitter.com/CZ8K1lZXYZ

— WWE (@WWE) April 24, 2023

You read that headline right, folks. Reports are beginning to emerge from both PWInsider and Dave Meltzer of The Wrestling Observer that the polarizing CM Punk was backstage at tonight’s Monday Night Raw. The show is taking place at the Allstate Center in Chicago, Illinois, the hometown of “The Second City Saint.” Punk, currently signed to AEW and rumored to be returning to weekly television beginning in June, departed from WWE in 2014.

Several sources say Punk was visiting Paul Levesque but was eventually asked to leave, likely because he’s contracted to another company.

You can read more about this story here.

As we anticipate what this new episode of Raw will bring us, news regarding what exactly might happen continues to unfold. But even those plans might not make it to the show’s final script. A report from PWInsider indicates that Vince McMahon is remotely influencing tonight’s script and making major changes to what was originally planned.

This also occurred at the Raw after WrestleMania on April 3, 2023. Vince was making changes well into the live show, even scrapping a Seth Rollins promo when Rollins was already in the ring prepared to speak.

You can read more about this story here.

We’ve got Damian Priest vs. Rey Mysterio and the return of Bad Bunny on the books for tonight’s Raw, but there are also reports of a “major announcement” coming from WWE chief content officer. Speculation is growing online about what the news might be. We’ve already got the WWE draft starting this Friday and Backlash coming up on May 6, so some of the WWE Universe is thinking it might be a new major championship being introduced into the fold.

As Roman Reigns nears 1000 days as Undisputed WWE Universal Champion, it might be time they give him one definitive belt and create a new piece of hardware for the top stars to compete for on Raw.

You can read more of this story here.

🚨 🚨 🚨

In addition to @sanbenito's return to the red brand, @ByronSaxton and @AliWWE deliver the news that @TripleH will be on #WWERaw with a HUGE announcement in front of a completely SOLD OUT Chicago crowd 👀

📺 8/7c on @USANetwork pic.twitter.com/NFONKv6SNn

— WWE (@WWE) April 24, 2023

We’re just hours away from a new episode of the red brand, but this week, we’ve only received a handful of information regarding what will happen on the show. As mentioned before, Bad Bunny will return to WWE after being smashed through a table a few weeks ago by The Judgment Day’s Damian Priest.  One can assume he will confront The Judgment Day with the LWO, led by Rey Mysterio, close behind him.

We also know for sure that Rey and Damian will go one-on-one tonight. Judgment Day has definitely experienced resistance by the LWO, but when it comes to victories, Judgment Day has been on a roll throughout this rivalry. Will Rey get a much-needed win tonight?

Stay tuned as more info regarding tonight’s show should emerge soon.

WWE Hall of Famer @reymysterio will go one-on-one with #TheJudgmentDay's @ArcherOfInfamy TONIGHT on #WWERaw!

Can Mysterio pull out the win for #LWO, or will #TheJudgmentDay keep their hot streak going?

📺 8/7c on @USANetwork pic.twitter.com/DBRa8RLN0u

— WWE (@WWE) April 24, 2023

Good evening, ladies and gentlemen! We’re back with another edition of Monday Night Raw ahead of us, featuring the return of multi-time-grammy-award-winning-artist Bad Bunny. As we prepare for the upcoming WWE Draft and subsequent Backlash premium live event, it will be more crucial than ever for WWE stars to stand out amongst their peers.

We also broke an exclusive story earlier today regarding the future of Nick Aldis. The former TNA World Champion has officially signed a contract and is back with the company, though it’s obviously been dubbed Impact Wrestling since his last stint. Aldis recently returned to television and immediately began a feud with the current Impact World Champion, Steve Maclin.

An unfortunate story regarding Eric Bischoff was in the news today, as well. While battling an unexpected health issue, Bischoff “almost died twice,” reminding us all how precious life can be. Thankfully, Bischoff says he is feeling fine after the ordeal.