SPOTLIGHTED PODCAST ALERT (YOUR ARTICLE BEGINS A FEW INCHES DOWN)...
WWE RAW RESULTS
AUGUST 17, 2026
BUFFALO, NY AT KEYBANK CENTER
STREAMED LIVE ON NETFLIX
REPORT BY ROBERT TOMACHICK, PWTORCH CONTRIBUTOR
Commentators: Michael Cole, Corey Graves
Ring Announcer: Alicia Taylor
[HOUR ONE]
-Tonight’s episode of Monday Night Raw opened with a full recap of last week’s Bloodline developments, spotlighting the tense exchange between Jey Uso and Solo Sikoa, the backstage confrontation with Jacob Fatu, and the eventual outcome of Jey’s match with Solo.
-Raw then shifted outside the arena, where Chad Gable was shown signing autographs for fans. Sol Ruca and Oba Femi were also seen arriving as the broadcast transitioned back inside.
Michael Cole officially welcomed viewers as the camera swept across the Norfolk crowd. Stephanie Vaquer’s music hit, and highlights from last week’s confrontation involving Becky Lynch, Vaquer, and The Judgment Day’s Liv Morgan played as Stephanie made her way to the ring.
-Stephanie said she wasn’t out there to talk—she was there to reclaim her title. She demanded Liv Morgan come to the ring. Liv answered, flanked by The Judgment Day. Liv dismissed every former Women’s Champion, bragging that she beat Stephanie at WrestleMania and knocked her out for months.
Stephanie fired back, calling Liv a coward and daring her to step into the ring. The Judgment Day surrounded Stephanie, but she struck first—attacking Liv and briefly clearing the ring. The numbers advantage caught up quickly, and The Judgment Day regained control. Becky Lynch’s music hit, and she sprinted down to save Stephanie. Becky and Stephanie immediately argued over who deserved the next title shot. Liv managed to grab Becky’s ankle, dragging her outside and throwing her into the ring post. The segment ended with The Judgment Day standing tall over Stephanie.
-Backstage, Jimmy and Jey Uso left their locker room and walked the hallway with Solo Sikoa. They paused as they passed LA Knight. Knight stared down Solo, but no words were exchanged. [c]
-During the commercial break, Cole noted that Dominik Mysterio came out to complain about being left out of the number one contender’s tournament. Je’Von Evans interrupted to call out Big Cass, but JD McDonagh stepped in and issued Evans a challenge instead.
(1) JE’VON EVANS vs. JD MCDONAGH
The match opened with some shoving and slaps before Evans quickly took control. Dominik Mysterio interfered just as Evans prepared to dive over the ropes, giving JD an opening to escape. Je’Von chased McDonagh to the outside and knocked him over the barricade. Evans then sprinted around the ring and launched himself over the barricade to crash onto JD. When Evans later leapt from the top turnbuckle, he appeared to tweak his left knee. [c/pip]
JD remained in control after the commercial break as the crowd loudly rallied behind Evans. Je’Von fired back with the Red Dot and followed with a flying clothesline for a two count. A missed OG Cutter allowed JD to hit a headbutt and a brainbuster, but Evans kicked out at two. The crowd kept chanting that Dominik sucked. Je’Von recovered and landed the OG Cutter for the win.
Big Cass stormed out and attacked Evans immediately after the match. Cole noted it was the third straight week Cass targeted him. Evans grabbed a microphone and taunted Cass into returning to the ring. As Cass tried to climb inside, Evans cracked him with a big right hand. Evans then flew between the ropes and crashed onto Cass. He tried to continue the attack, but Dominik interfered, throwing Evans into the ring post. Cass rag‑dolled Je’Von around ringside and finished the assault with a big boot.
WINNER: Evans in 10:00.
(Robert’s Recap: Kind of disappointed they didn’t show the events that led to the match, but I won’t complain about a match between Evans and McDonagh. The match was entertaining, as you’d expect from these two. Ideally this leads to Evans getting pulled deeper into issues with The Judgment Day, though it looks like Je’Von will be tied up with Big Cass for now.)
-Highlights from AAA this past Saturday aired, showing the number one contender’s tournament match between La Parka and Psycho Clown.
-A video package introduced El Fiscal and Rey Fenix to the audience. Rey Fenix then made his entrance for his match against El Fiscal. [c]
-Cole plugged Sunday Night’s Main Event, scheduled for September 6 at 8e/5p in Atlanta, Georgia.
-Rey Mysterio was shown in the locker room preparing for his match against Chad Gable.
(2) EL FISCAL vs. REY FENIX – Opening Round match for World Title shot against Roman at Raw Mexico City
Cole noted that this was El Fiscal’s WWE debut, while Corey Graves added background on him—highlighting that he is the son of legendary luchador Abismo Negro. The match opened with the quick, explosive tempo you’d expect from a classic luchador bout. Fenix gained early momentum after landing a springboard crossbody to the outside. [c]
El Fiscal showcased his power with a military press and a spinning discus lariat. Fenix answered with a springboard moonsault for a close two count. El Fiscal attempted The Martinete—a move Corey pointed out is banned in Mexico—before Fenix countered and hit a Mexican Muscle Buster to secure the win.
WINNER: Fenix in 9:00 to advance to the semi-finals
(Robert’s Recap: The crowd really came alive for Rey Fenix toward the end, and the match delivered. I always welcome something different on Raw, and this definitely qualified. Still, the WWE audience needs time to build a connection with these new faces. Dropping them in for a single match isn’t enough to establish that bond.)
-Cathy Kelley interviewed Stephanie Vaquer backstage and announced that Stephanie will face Roxanne Perez next week—her first match since WrestleMania. Becky Lynch interrupted, immediately irritating Vaquer. Stephanie told Becky she didn’t need her help and warned her not to become a problem. Becky fired back, saying that as long as Stephanie is chasing the championship, she’ll be Stephanie’s biggest problem.
-A vignette aired for Lyra Valkyria, who said she didn’t feel appreciated after becoming the first Women’s Intercontinental Champion.
-Sol Ruca made her entrance for her match against Lyra. [c]
(3) SOL RUCA vs. LYRA VALKYRIA
Both women exchanged headlock submissions early as Cole and Corey highlighted Lyra’s technical wrestling ability. Ruca connected with a dropkick that knocked Lyra out of the ring. Sol used the ring post to launch into a moonsault onto Valkyria. Ruca then jumped into the ropes, but Lyra kicked them out from under her, causing Sol to spring backward and crash onto her back. [c]
ARTICLE CONTINUED BELOW…
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[HOUR TWO]
Lyra came off the top turnbuckle but was caught mid‑air by Sol’s knee. Ruca picked up the pace, hitting a flurry of offense. A crisp German suplex sent Lyra to the outside. Ruca attempted a backflip over the ropes, but Lyra countered with a neckbreaker across the top rope. Valkyria went for the pin, but Sol kicked out, visibly frustrating Lyra. A failed Night Wing gave Sol the opening she needed, and she hit the Sol Snatcher for the win.
WINNER: Sol Ruca in 11:00
(Robert’s Recap: Great stuff from Lyra and Sol in this match. The pacing was smooth, and Lyra was always exactly where Sol needed her to be. This was one of Sol’s better outings, and Lyra deserves a lot of credit for that. It’s a testament to Lyra’s in‑ring skill. I’d absolutely welcome a rematch between these two.)
-Cole plugged LJN toys.
-Backstage, Jey, Jimmy, and Jacob Fatu discussed bringing Solo Sikoa to the OTC. [c]
-Cathy Kelley interviewed The Vision. Logan Paul said they run the place and anyone who steps up will get smashed down. Maxxine Dupri trash‑talked Alpha Academy. Theory mentioned going after Oba Femi next. Cathy asked Bron Breakker if he had anything to say to Oba. Bron replied that he’d say it to Oba’s face, then walked through Gorilla and headed to the ring.
Bron entered the ring and called out Oba. He told Femi that if he wanted to be the future of WWE, he’d have to take it from Bron directly. Instead of Oba, Paul Heyman came out. Heyman stepped into the ring and said everyone wants to know who the future of WWE is. Bron demanded Heyman answer the question. Before Heyman could respond, Oba Femi made his entrance.
-Oba said everyone already knows who the future of WWE is. He told Bron that if he didn’t like it, he should do something about it. As Bron moved toward him, Heyman stopped him, warning that if Bron attacked Femi now, Heyman would disassociate from him. Heyman said a match of this magnitude deserved a main event on a big stage. He announced that the match was already set for Sunday Night’s Main Event.
-A vignette aired highlighting Dragon Lee and El Hijo de Dr. Wagner Jr.
Dragon Lee made his entrance to the ring. [c]
-Chad Gable was shown backstage preparing for his match against Rey Mysterio.
(4) EL HIJO DEL DR. WAGNER JR. vs. REY FENIX – Opening Round match for World Title shot against Roman at Raw Mexico City
Chants for Dr. Wagner broke out as the match began. The opening minutes were measured as both men felt each other out, but once the pace quickened, it clearly favored Dragon Lee. Corey Graves highlighted Dr. Wagner’s accomplishments as the two traded momentum. A Death Valley Driver from Wagner produced the first pin attempt of the match, but Lee kicked out at two. Dragon built momentum before running into a big boot from Wagner, who earned another two count. [c]
A German suplex and a tornado DDT from Lee sent Wagner to the outside. Lee followed by soaring over the top rope and crashing onto Dr. Wagner. Massive chops from both luchadores woke up the crowd. Wagner landed a pump kick for yet another two count. Lee responded with a stomp to Wagner’s chest for his own near fall. Wagner showed off his strength by catching Lee on the apron and throwing him back into the ring. Wagner went for the Wagner Driver, but Lee countered into Operation Dragon to secure the win.
WINNER: Dragon Lee in 11:00 to advance to the semi-finals.
(Robert’s Recap: A great match from both competitors. Dr. Wagner showed he might be a talent who could realistically make the jump from AAA to WWE. His power, size, and speed are qualities we don’t often see on Raw. It was strange seeing all the AAA talent lose in the tournament—La Parka being the lone exception, and even he faced another AAA wrestler. It would’ve been nice to see Dr. Wagner advance, even if he lost in the next round. As it stands, the tournament made AAA feel like a lesser promotion.)
-Rey Mysterio came out for his match against Chad Gable. [c]
(5) CHAD GABLE vs. REY MYSTERIO – Intercontinental Title match
The match opened with a showcase of speed as both men ran the ropes and flipped over each other. Rey paid tribute to Eddie Guerrero with a shimmy on the top turnbuckle. Gable took control with a German suplex, but once the action spilled to the outside, Rey regained momentum. [c/pip]
Gable caught Rey attempting to jump over the ropes and hit a fisherman suplex for a two count. He slowed the pace with a front facelock to maintain control. Rey responded with a perfect springboard moonsault that left both men down on the outside. Gable fired back with a cliffhanger DDT and a flying headbutt for another near fall. A tornado DDT swung momentum back to Rey and earned him a two count as the crowd grew louder. Gable hit an Angle Slam for yet another two count.
[HOUR THREE]
An Angle Slam from the top rope nearly put Rey away, but he kicked out at two. Gable locked in the Ankle Lock, but Rey countered by shoving him into the ropes. Rey went for the 619, but Gable caught him and transitioned into another Ankle Lock. Rey fired back with consecutive 619s. Mysterio went for the splash, but Gable got his knees up and immediately applied a third Ankle Lock. Rey rolled Gable into a pin attempt, but Gable reversed the roll‑through into a pin of his own to score the win.
WINNER: Gable in 13:00.
(Robert’s Recap: Great match! The crowd really came alive at the end and wanted to see Rey win. Honestly, I wish he did. The crowd was hot and would’ve exploded if he managed to pin Gable. Rey showed he still has plenty left in the tank, so maybe another run with a belt isn’t out of the question. As for Gable, pairing him with Rey doesn’t help his babyface momentum. The crowd wants to like him, but they’re not choosing him over Rey. If WWE can get a hot heel lined up for Chad, then the audience can fully embrace him as a babyface.)
-A black SUV pulled up backstage where Jacob Fatu was waiting. Roman Reigns stepped out, and the two made their way toward the ring. [c]
-Roman stood in the ring with Jacob and received a loud acknowledgment from the Buffalo crowd. He said there was a receipt he needed to cash and called Solo Sikoa out. Solo came out with The Usos, who mocked him during his walk to the ring. Roman didn’t look pleased. He opened by saying that just looking at Solo pisses off The Tribal Chief. Roman referenced their Tribal Combat match from months ago as the crowd erupted in chants for Solo.
Roman asked Solo why he thinks all of this is a joke. He ripped Solo’s glasses off, threw them to the mat, and stomped on them. The Usos superkicked Solo as Jacob locked in the Tongan Death Grip. Roman called off the attack so he could address the crowd. He declared himself the Tribal Chief and named The Usos as captains. Roman was handed black ula falas for Jimmy and Jey. Jacob looked disappointed.
LA Knight’s music hit. Knight marched to the ring as Jacob stood in the corner. Knight discarded The Usos and stared down Roman. Fatu attacked Knight and tried to lock in the Tongan Death Grip, but Roman stopped him. Reigns then hit Knight with a Superman Punch. The Usos held Knight in place as Roman ordered Solo to finish him. Solo apologized to Knight before hitting Roman with the Samoan Spike.
Chaos broke out. Solo threw Jey out of the ring. Knight hit Jimmy with a BFT. Knight and Fatu came face‑to‑face. Roman tried another Superman Punch, but Knight reversed it into a BFT. Knight and Solo left the ring as Jacob sat in the corner, watching everything unfold.
FINAL THOUGHTS: A nearly perfect episode of Monday Night Raw, with every segment and match serving a clear purpose. The quality of the show made the two and a half hours fly by. Stephanie, Becky, and Liv continue to prove they’re money in the Women’s Championship picture—three women who are over with the crowd in completely different ways. Je’Von Evans fighting back against Big Cass should finally kick that rivalry into gear. And while Bron and Oba didn’t get physical, we now have a date for their first—hopefully not only—meeting.
Lyra vs. Sol delivered what might have been the match of the night. The Bloodline drama keeps rolling, and impressively, it still doesn’t feel old or stale. LA Knight appears to be getting the main‑event push fans have been waiting for. The weakest part of the show was the number one contender matches, but even those weren’t bad. No Seth, Punk, or Owens, yet Raw still delivered a strong outing.
One lingering issue: The lack of women’s competitors on Raw lately. There are women in NXT who are ready for a call‑up, and the division could benefit from fresh faces. Hopefully the next few weeks bring some new additions.
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