Raquel Rodriguez retains her championship, and Jacob Fatu seeks revenge after brutal attack on The Usos
Category: Sports
WWE Raw, held on August 31, 2026, at Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio, was marked by intense action and dramatic moments, culminating in Penta's victory over Rey Fenix in the finals of the World Heavyweight Championship Number One Contenders Tournament. This match secured Penta a title shot against Roman Reigns on the September 14 episode of Raw, which will take place in Mexico City.
The evening began with a shocking backstage attack on The Usos by Royce Keys, Bronco Nima, and Lucien Price. The assailants brutally pulled the brothers from their car and smashed the windshield, leaving Jimmy and Jey Uso bloodied. Jacob Fatu intervened with a pipe, vowing to retaliate against the attackers, setting the tone for a night filled with tension and conflict.
The opening match of the night featured Raquel Rodriguez defending her Women’s Intercontinental Championship against Sol Ruca. Rodriguez had previously won the title from Ruca on July 27, and the bout was highly anticipated. The match showcased Ruca's athleticism as she executed a handspring backflip and a sunset bomb at ringside. As the action intensified, interference from Lyra Valkyria allowed Rodriguez to regain control. Valkyria distracted the referee, enabling Rodriguez to hit a Tejana Bomb on Ruca for the victory, successfully defending her title.
Following the match, Chad Gable made his entrance to address the crowd. He expressed gratitude to the fans and announced his upcoming title defense in Mexico City, emphasizing the importance of the Mexican audience in his career. Gable called out Dragon Lee, highlighting his respect for Lee's talent. This prompted Ethan Page to interrupt, asserting his desire for a title shot. In a twist, Gable arranged for Page and Lee to face off in a Number One Contenders Match, with the winner earning a shot at Gable’s Intercontinental Championship.
In the subsequent match, Dragon Lee triumphed over Ethan Page, executing Operation Dragon to secure his victory. This win positioned Lee as the new Number One Contender for Gable’s title, setting the stage for a highly anticipated matchup in Mexico City.
WWE Raw has been a platform for various storylines to converge, particularly the rising tensions within The Bloodline. The attack on The Usos added a layer of complexity to the narrative, with Jacob Fatu's involvement hinting at an impending confrontation with Royce Keys and his crew. The creative team has crafted a narrative that keeps viewers guessing about the loyalties and motivations of the characters involved.
Penta's victory over Rey Fenix in the tournament finals showcased their in-ring chemistry and established Penta as a formidable contender for the World Heavyweight Championship. The match featured high-stakes action, including a Penta Driver that sent Fenix crashing through the announce desk. The crowd's reaction underscored the significance of the moment, as both competitors pushed each other to their limits.
Roman Reigns, who is set to defend his title against Penta, made an appearance later in the show. He addressed the audience, emphasizing the burden of being the champion and the challenges posed by his challengers. Reigns' complex character continues to blur the lines between hero and villain, leaving fans divided in their support.
Looking ahead, the upcoming episode of Raw in Mexico City will likely be a landmark event, with Gable defending his Intercontinental Championship against Dragon Lee and Penta challenging Roman Reigns for the World Heavyweight Championship. These matches are expected to draw considerable attention, especially with the show's return to Mexico after a 15-year hiatus.
The fallout from the attack on The Usos will likely continue to develop, with Fatu seeking retribution against Royce Keys and his associates. This storyline has the potential to escalate into a larger narrative involving The Bloodline, as tensions rise and alliances are tested.
As WWE Raw continues to evolve, fans can expect more surprises and dramatic moments as the road to the Royal Rumble and WrestleMania approaches. The stakes are high, and with the addition of new contenders like Dragon Lee and Penta, the competition for championships will only intensify.
In a post-match interview, Penta expressed his determination to seize the opportunity against Reigns, stating, "This is my moment, and I will not let it slip away." The anticipation for their showdown in Mexico City is already building, promising an electrifying encounter that could redefine the current championship picture.