WWE RAW RESULTS (3/2): White’s report on Roman Reigns and CM Punk, Dom vs. Penta, Gunther vs. Dragon Lee, AJ Lee celebration, and Pearce addresses Rollins’ return

by Joshua White, PWTORCH Contributor


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WWE RAW RESULTS
FEBRUARY 23, 2026
INDIANAPOLIS, IND. AT GAINBRIDGE FIELDHOUSE
STREAMED LIVE ON NETFLIX

Commentators: Michael Cole, Corey Graves

Ring Announcer: Alicia Taylor

Reporters: Byron Saxton, Cathy Kelley

Attendance: WrestleTix reported as of earlier today that 8,479 tickets were distributed so far; arena set up for 9,197. The arena has a capacity of 18,274 spectators when configured for concerts.


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[HOUR ONE]

They showed AJ Lee beating Becky for the Intercontinental Title. CM Punk successfully defended his title against Finn Balor. They highlighted the debut of Danhausen, sure to pump in cheers for the replay. The most time was devoted to the men’s chamber match, which included Logan Paul eliminating three participants, the return of Seth Rollins, Drew McIntyre interfering, and Randy Orton hitting Cody with an RKO to get the win.

-They cut to the live skyline on Indianapolis as Michael Cole introduced Monday Night Raw. AJ Lee and CM Punk entered together holding their titles. The Judgment Day arrived without Finn Balor. Gunther came through the parking lot to boos. No video of him entering, but a graphic pumping up Roman’s return showed.

-In the arena, Paul Heyman was stepping into the ring with Logan Paul and Austin Theory. Heyman introduced himself, Theory, and “the most famous personality” Paul. Heyman said someone is supposed to welcome the people to Raw from Indianapolis. Heyman said they’re here to talk about Seth “Freakin’” Rollins, who Heyman referred to as the single biggest thief in the history…of something, the crowd interrupted singing Seth’s song, much to Heyman’s chagrin. He said he hates that song and Seth Rollins, for stealing credit for co-founding The Vision and The Shield. Heyman said his problem with Rollins is that he stole the Elimination Chamber, thus stealing the main event of WrestleMania from Logan Paul. Heyman said that the next time Rollins is in the ring, they will stomp his ass out. That, for the record, is neither a prediction or a spoiler, but a personal guarantee from The Vision.

Austin Theory looked angry before taking a microphone to propose his theory. Theory said he and Seth go way back, and the crowd cut him off with a loud “you suck” chant. Logan grabbed the microphone to call Rollins a scumbag before bragging about eliminating three people from the chamber match. Logan said the rest of the show is not happening until Rollins comes out to answer.

Instead, Adam Pearce marched out with security and said he gets it. Pearce blamed The Vision for attacking Jey Uso on SmackDown. Heyman said they didn’t do anything to Jey, but he pleads guilty to what they will do to Seth Rollins. Pearce said Rollins isn’t medically clear to compete.

A masked men leapt over the barricade but was quickly chased out of the arena. A second masked men came towards the ring but was chased through the crowd by Logan Paul. A third one appeared and Theory chased him through the crowd as well, leaving Heyman alone in the ring. And then a fourth masked man walked down the aisle. Heyman pleaded with the fourth masked man as a fifth one appeared from behind him, holding a steel chair. The fifth man removed his mask to reveal himself as Seth Rollins before smacking Heyman over the back with the chair. Heyman got to his hands and knees, and Seth hit him with The Stomp. Cole said it was Heyman who got his ass stomped out. Seth stood over Heyman as the crowd sang his song. Rollins left through the crowd as medics came down to check on Paul Heyman and they went to the first commercial break. [c]

-They returned from commercial replaying Seth delivering a chair shot and stomp to Heyman. Thet showed Heyman, blood on his face, being helped up the aisle.

-They cut to Heyman in an ambulance. Logan and Theory yelled at the EMTs to help Heyman. As Logan went to get the car, a black SUV rolled up and Theory ran over to it. Not sure who he was expecting, but Jey Uso stepped out of the SUV and attacked him, tossed him into the ambulance then over some cargo. Jey walked up to the driver, who turned out to be LA Knight. Knight said he’ll take form there, and yelled back “don’t worry, boys, he’ll get the help he needs.” The Ambulance sped off with Heyman in the back.

(1) GUNTHER vs. DRAGON LEE

-Gunther was slowly making his entrance, and Dragon Lee suddenly assaulted him from behind. They fought into the ring and Dragon Lee knocked Gunther out of the ring and went after him at ringside. Lee charged but Gunther countered it with a backdrop that sent Lee sailing over the barricade into the timekeeper’s area as they went to commercial. [c]

They returned to the show 24 minutes into the hour, with the match having begun in earnest. They showed the difference in their video game stats, with Dragon Lee a 73 to Gunther’s 91. Gunther stomped and chopped and Lee’s back. Lee fought back with a. series of strikes but hit the ropes and ran into a big boot.

Gunther telegraphed a backdrop and Lee met him with a kick. Lee hit a series of chops but charged into a big clothesline. Gunther went for the pin, but Lee kicked out at two. Gunther pulled at Lee’s mask, but didn’t seem to be trying to take it off. Gunther set up for a powerbomb, but Lee countered it into a hurricanrana into a pin for a two count.

Lee tried to capitalize in his brief momentum, but Gunther chopped him down. Lee dodged a big boot in the corner and hit Gunther with four consecutive dropkicks, eventually knocking Gunther out of the ring. Lee hit the ropes and went for a suicide dive, but Gunther caught him and blasted him with a chop. Lee crumpled to the floor as they went to another break. [c]

Back from break, Lee hit Gunther with a few open hand chops. Lee flipped out of a power attempt. Gunther looked for a sleeper, but Lee landed a flipping roundhouse to his head instead. Lee hit a running dropkick on Gunther in the corner. Lee went for Operation Dragon, but Gunther scooped him out and slammed Lee down. Gunther made the cover, but Lee kicked out at two.

Gunther nailed Lee with a powerbomb. Gunther didn’t go for the pin, instead lifted Lee back up and delivered a second powerbomb. Gunther went for the pin, but pulled Lee up at the count of two. Gunther tossed Lee to ringside and powerbombed lee onto the apron. Gunther then powerbombed Lee onto the commentary desk. Lee bounced off and to the floor as Gunther rolled into the ring and waited on the ten count.

However, at the count of eight, Gunther rolled out to break the count. Gunther went for another powerbomb, but Lee rolled over the top and hit Gunther with a sunset flip powerbomb. Gunther landed hard and Lee made it to the ring. As Gunther tried to get in the ring, Lee hit him with a dropkick. Lee followed with a suicide dive that knocked Gunther back onto the commentary table.

The crowd chanted “this is awesome” as Lee hit Gunther with the Operation Dragon on the outside. Lee rolled into the ring and waited for the ten count, but Gunther rolled in just before the count of ten. Lee hit a running clothesline and then set up for Operation Dragon again. Gunther countered it into a sleeper hold, ripped off Lee’s mask, and dropped down, hooking in his legs. Lee tapped out quickly.

WINNER: Gunther in 13:00

-Backstage, Asuka was yelling Kairi, blaming her for the loss in the chamber. Kairi cried, claiming that Asuka said she did good last week. Asuka yelled and shoved Kairi before walking off. AJ Lee walked up and asked if she was good. Kairi stared off as AJ waved her hand in her face. Eventually, Asuka yelled and Kairi went as AJ shook her head. [c]

-Back from commercial, AJ Lee made her way to the ring. She took a microphone, claiming she doesn’t know how they ended up there. She said she came back to snatch Becky’s hair from her head and ended up snatching her title. AJ said she wasn’t sure if she could still go. The crowd chanted a mix of “you deserve it” and “you still got it.” AJ told the crowd that they made her believe she could fight the best. AJ said Becky is the best, but she proved to herself that she’s still championship material. AJ said that, with Becky behind her, WrestleMania is ahead of her, but she’s going to be a fighting champion. She called out the entire locker room, asking them all to show what they got, ‘cause she’s defending the IC title next time she’s in the ring.

-Earlier in the day, as Penta walked backstage, The Original El Grande Americano showed up to congratulate him on his Intercontinental title shot and said he’s first in line. Penta said “zero miedo” and walked off before the rest of the Americanos showed up. The Original claimed to be the only Americano before the other Grande Americano, in all black, said they’ll find out on the 14th. The Original challenged either Rayo of Bravo to a match.

– The music for The Original Americano played to bring out the man from The Gulf of America. They revealed that he would be facing Rayo Americano as they went to commercial. [c]

-They returned from commercial to a video of Liv Morgan backstage addressing Stephanie Vaquer. She told Stephanie that she doesn’t know her, but she’s right about Liv being privileged. Liv said she’s a star and doesn’t dwell on her past. Liv said she’s a little bit of herself in Vaquer. She’s talented, works hard, and is a great champion. Liv said she’ll give her the privilege of facing the greatest Royal Rumble winner of all time.

(2) THE ORIGINAL EL GRANDE AMERICANO vs. RAYO AMERICANO (w/ Bravo Americano & Grande Americano)

Raya, having entered during commercial and/or Liv’s promo, was in the ring and the bell rang to start the match 57 minutes into the first hour. Original took down Rayo with a drop toe hold. Original applied a magistral cradle for a two count and then took Rayo down with a headscissor. Rayo rolled to ringside to talk with the other Americanos.

Bravo hopped on the apron and danced seductively, allowing Rayo to take Original down and drop a knee on his arm. Rayo maintained wrist control and delivered a few chops. Original chopped back and took Rayo down with a big hip toss. Original hit Bravo with a canonball to the outside.

Original mockingly danced towards Bravo. The other Grande Americano got in the original Americano’s face, allowing Rayo to roll into the ring and hit Original with a plancha to the outside. [c]

[HOUR TWO]

Back from commercial, Original and Rayo traded forearms, with Original getting the better of the exchange before landing a pair of overhead belly-to-belly suplexes. Original hit a side Russian leg sweep followed by a flipping kick. Original executed a sort of inverted Olympic Slam and climbed to the top rope.

Original went for a moonsault, but Rayo got his feet up. Original adjusted and applied an ankle lock until Rayo made his way to the ropes. Original went back to the top rope, where Rayo met him and took him down before hitting a running meteora in the corner. Rayo climbed up to the top rope, but Original got to his feet and brought Rayo down with an overhead belly-to-belly superplex.

Original attempted to unmask Rayo, but Bravo ran interference. Original hit Bravo, but while the referee was distracted, the impostor Americano hit the Original with a headbutt from the apron. Rayo climbed to the top rope and connected with a diving headbutt. Rayo made the cover, but Original kicked out at two.

Rayo tried to unmask original, but the impostor interrupted. Original tried to unmask the impostor but was saved by Bravo. Back in the ring, The Original Grande Americano hit Rayo with a rolling “chaotic” German suplex into a pin for the win.

WINNER: The Original Grande Americano in 11:00

-They threw to a video of Penta calling of Dom. He spoke in Spanish with subtitles before telling Dom that no one will save him and he will make history by becoming the new Intercontinental champion. He signed off with a “zero miedo,” which the subtitles revealed means “no fear.” [c]

-They returned from commercial backstage with Liv suggesting to Raquel she challenge AJ for the IC title for a match WrestleMania. Finn entered to talk with J.D. and Dom. Finn said he’s disappointed but at peace with the result. Dom asked for everyone’s helped with his title match. Finn told Dom he had to do it on his own. Dom played it off, saying he just wants them out there celebrating as a family after his victory.

-They showed a clip of Royce Keys talking on Stephanie McMahon’s podcast.

-They showed a replay of Oba Femi destroying The Miz on Smackdown.

-Rusev suddenly appeared at ringside with a microphone. He said he’s “tired of listening about Oba.” He said he’s tired of waiting and he knows Oba is here. Rusev to told him to come out right now. Rusev he’s standing on the table until he shows up. Oba’s music immediately started to play. Oba strutted to the ring as the crowd chanted “Oba!” Oba entered the ring and stared at Rusev standing on the announce desk.

Oba told Rusev to come in the ring and make something happen. Rusev smiled, hopped off the desk, walked up the ring stairs, and stepped into the ring. They stared each other down briefly before trading right hands. Femi got the upper hand and knocked Rusev into the corner where he delivered an uppercut. Femi went for a chokeslam, but Rusev escaped and delivered a pair of roundhouses. Rusev hit the ropes but ran into a spinebuster. Femi clotheslined Rusev over the top rope to the floor. Rusev screamed in anger and left.

-Bayley was backstage with Lyra complaining about their situation. Lyra said she doesn’t want Bayley to miss WrestleMania again and suggested to challenge AJ Lee for the IC title. Bayley invited Lyra to come with her and ask for the match. As they arrived at the door the Pearce’s office, Kairi emerged. They stared each other down before Bayley and Lyra entered.

-Back at the ring, they showed the famous people in the front row, some podcast guys and a player for Indiana University.

Jimmy Uso made his entrance looking for retribution on The Vision. [c]

(3) JIMMY USO vs. AUSTIN THEORY

The bell rang to start the match 27 minutes into the second hour. Jimmy went at Theory with a series of chops and then a shotgun dropkick from the second rope. Theory came back with a hard left hand. Theory pummeled Jimmy into the ropes until the ref pulled him off.

Jimmy fire back with a. clothesline that sent Theory over the top rope. Jimmy nailed Theory with a suicide dive to the outside and slammed him into the commentary table and the steel stairs. Jimmy landed a superkick and then rolled in to break the count. Jimmy cleared the table, allowing Theory to attack him from behind. Jimmy ducked theory and hit another superkick that laid Theory out on the desk.

Jimmy climbed to the rope looking for the big splash through the announce desk, but Logan Paul slid into the ring. Jimmy hit Logan with a crossbody from the top rope. Theory slid in and continued to fight with Jimmy until Logan attacked Jimmy from behind, triggering a disqualification.

WINNER: Jimmy Uso by DQ in 3:00

After the match, as Logan and Theory beat on Jimmy, Jey Uso’s music played. As Logan and They stared at the entrance, Jey slid in slid a crutch and blasted Logan. Jimmy and Jey hit Theory with the One and Done.

-Pearce was backstage on his cell phone before Danhausen snuck up on him. Danhausen had a list of “demandhausens”, including a blimp, Hall of Fame announcement, and other ridiculous items. The Judgment Day walked through, and Pearce distracted Danhausen by introducing him to Dom, J.D., and Finn. Dom told him that’s the closest he’ll get to a title. Danhausen pointed at Dom and told him he’s cursed. Dom laughed it off and Danhausen disappeared. [c]

-Rhea Ripley was introduced as the winner of the chamber match and entered to her music. She stopped to talk with Kathy Kelly on the ramp with her emotional support Iyo. Kathy asked how she feels about facing Jade Cargill. Rhea said it’s been a whirlwind of emotion, having lost their tag team titles. Rhea said Iyo has been her opponent, tag partner, and best friend. They got typically handsy while Rhea thanked Iyo for standing with her. Iyo said Rhea did the same for her. She said Rhea showed everyone why “Mami is always on top.” Iyo said she’d be fine on raw, telling Rhea to go handle her business and win the title at WrestleMania. Rhea looked into the camera and said, she’ll see Jade face-to-face on SmackDown and will leave WrestleMania as the new women’s champion.

(4) DOMINIK MYSTERIO (w/Finn Balor & J.D. McDonagh vs. PENTA – Intercontinental Championship match

Penta’s music played and he made his way to the ring, tapping hands with anybody and everybody along the way. Dom made his entrance flanked by J.D. and Finn. They did full ring announcements, and the match started 46 minutes into the second hour.

Dom landed a thrust kick and Penta came right back with a hurricanrana. Dom rolled to the floor to catch his breath. Penta hit the ropes, but Dom slid in and landed another thrust kick. Penta rolled out of the ring, and Dom thought about a dive, but Penta caught him with a kick in the ropes. Penta hit Dom with a dropkick and Dom rolled out of the ring again. This time Penta caught him with the tope con hiro to the outside as they went to commercial. [c]

Back from break, Dom missed a flipping senton over the top rope. Penta hit a kick to the leg followed by a kind of reverse slingblade. Penta landed a kick to the back of the head and went for the pin, but Dom kicked out at two. Dom sidestepped a boot from Penta and drilled him with the Mullet-o-matic. That’s a take of Edge’s Edge-o-matic, the sitout rear mat slam  I googled to confirm and found out that it’s also a name-brand sex toy). Dom set up for the three amigos, landed the first two, but Penta countered the third one with a snap suplex.

Penta an into a boot in the corner, but hit Dom with a kick as he jumped onto the top rope. Dom booted Penta on the apron and then hit DDT that drove Penta into the apron. Dom rolled Penta into the ring and made the cover, but Penta kicked out at two. They traded right hands in the center of the ring until Dom went for a backdrop that Penta countered with a boot.

Penta jumped to the apron, but Dom caught him with a right hand that knocked Penta to the floor. Dom leapt from the middle rope into a crossbody on Penta at ringside. As Penta pulled himself to his feet, Dom got a running start and hit Penta with a. crossbody that sent both men over the barricade into the timekeeper’s area. [c]

As they came back from commercial, Penta hit a flying crossbody from the top rope. Penta landed a huricanrana followed by a kick in the corner into the turnbuckle-stand dropkick. Penta went for the pin, but Dom kicked out at two. Penta set Dom up in the turnbuckle and delivered a kick to his trapped face. Penta executed his over-the-top backstabber and went for the cover, but Dom kicked out again.

Penta charged Dom looking for Mexican Destroyer, but Dom countered it into a tilt-a-whirl Michinoku driver. Dom dropkicked Penta into the ropes, in 619 position. Dom connected with the 619 and climbed to the top rope. Dom came off the top rope for the frog splash, but Penta got his feet up to block it. Penta transitioned into the arm snap he calls The Sacrifice. Penta followed up with the Penta Driver into the pin, but Dom barely kicked out at two for a believably nearfall.

[HOUR THREE]

Penta stomped on Dom and chopped him in the corner. Penta whipped Dom across the ring and hit a shoulder to the midsection. Penta tried it again, but this time Dom rolled out of the way and Penta’s shoulder hit the ringpost. As the ref checked on Penta, Dom told J.D. to get the bell hammer. J.D. complied, but Finn stopped him and said that Dom wanted to do it himself.

Penta whipped out Finn and J.D. with a dive to the outside. Back in the ring, Dom hit a drope toe hold, dropping Penta into 619 position again. Dom went for the 619, but Penta ducked out of the way and immediately drilled Dom with the Mexican Destroyer. Penta made the cover and got the victory.

WINNER: Penta to win the Intercontinental Championship in 18:00

Penta celebrated with the title sat hey showed replays from the match.

-Cole threw to a video from after the chamber, of Nick Aldis and Drew McIntrye arguing. On the post show, Aldis announced that Drew would defend the title against Cody on SmackDown. Drew got in Aldis’ face and the argued.

-Back in the arena, Roman Reigns’ music hit. Reign walked onto the stage and held his hand up as the pyro went off and they went to commercial. [c]

They returned from commercial as Roman finally made it to the ring. Roman paced with the microphone as his music faded and a loud “OTC” chant started. Roman address Indianapolis, and they cheerfully acknowledged him as he asked.

CM Punk’s music interrupted before he could add anything. Punk stepped onto the stage with a smirk as the crowd sang along to “Cult of Personality.” Punk climbed into the ring and they stared each other down.

Punk asked Roman why he looks upset. Punk said he’s giving him what he wants, he’s acknowledging him. Punk hoped Roman had something to say, not wanting to waste one of his dates on something that could’ve been a tweet. Roman questioned if his tweet hurt Punk’s feeling. Punk countered that the tweet didn’t hurt him, and was accurate, ‘cause he’s tired. He said he’s glad for the bags under his eyes ‘cause he has to carry Roman to WrestleMania.

Punk stopped to ask if it’s a good night to be alive in Indianapolis. Punk played up the Indianapolis history as the place The Shield, the people he picked debuted. Roman clarified that Punk never picked him. Punk said he’s already won, and he’s in Roman’s head if he hates him. Punk said he’s under his skin, and he can see right through him.

Roman said he’s right, he does hate Punk. Roman addressed Phil, and said he’d be indifferent to him if he didn’t have the title. Roman said they brought Punk back to entertain 30 year-old virgins and to sell some merchandise. Roman said they didn’t bring him back to be champion, it’s above his pay grade, because he’s a liar. Roman said he’s not CM Punk, he’s just “a punk-ass bitch.” Roman said the first thing they’re going to do when he wins the title, he’s gonna put Punk on a John Cena retirement tour. Roman said they’d then send to NXT to train the next generation before they come to the main roster to get smashed by The Tribal Chief.

Punk questioned who “we” was, telling Roman he was all alone. Punk reminded Roman that he took away his wise man. Punk told Roman he can’t get things done when he’s by himself. Punk said he doesn’t care if Roman hates him, but he won’t be disrespected. Punk scoffed at Roman retiring him. Punk said he’s going bury Roman, next to his father. Punk’s music and played and he left as Roman stared him down, seething and they went off the air.

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