On March 9, 2026, at the Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, Washington, AJ Lee prepares for a tough test as she defends the WWE Raw Women’s Intercontinental Championship. Lee, who recently won the title from Becky Lynch at WWE Elimination Chamber on February 28, will find out her challenger after a fierce gauntlet match featuring top contenders taking place on WWE Raw.
Top Contenders Compete in Women’s IC Number One Contenders Gauntlet
IYO SKY, Bayley, Ivy Nile, Raquel Rodriguez from Judgment Day, Lyra Valkyria, and Asuka of The Kabuki Warriors will battle in the gauntlet to determine who faces AJ Lee at WrestleMania 42. During last Monday’s episode of Raw, Lee invited any women backstage willing to challenge for her championship, setting the stage for a competitive gauntlet that promises high stakes and intense action.
Men’s Intercontinental Championship Also On the Line Tonight
In addition to the women’s gauntlet, Penta, the current Intercontinental Champion, will defend his title against OG El Grande Americano. Penta claims the championship after defeating Dominik Mysterio last Monday, a victory influenced by the failed interference attempts from Judgment Day members Finn Balor and JD McDonagh. OG El Grande Americano’s ongoing encounters with El Grande Americano, Rayo Americano, and Bravo Americano add further intrigue to the matchup.
Oba Femi Makes WWE Raw Debut Against Rusev
Oba Femi, who has gained momentum with recent swift wins over Kit Wilson, The Miz, and Johnny Gargano on WWE SmackDown, will make his first appearance on Raw in a match against Rusev. A confrontation between the two occurred last Monday, resulting in a brief brawl where Femi left Rusev down with a clothesline, heightening the anticipation for their upcoming match.
Implications for WWE’s Upcoming Major Events
This evening’s events at the Climate Pledge Arena will shape the path leading to WrestleMania 42, especially with AJ Lee defending the WWE Raw Women’s Intercontinental Championship against a worthy contender. The outcomes of these matches will not only influence the championship scenes but also set up key rivalries that could develop in the coming weeks across both Raw and SmackDown rosters.
“AJ Lee welcomes any and all women in the back wanting a shot at her Women’s Intercontinental Championship.” ?Wrestling Inc. Coverage
“Penta dethroned Dominik Mysterio as Intercontinental Champion last Monday thanks to some failed interference from Dominik’s Judgment Day stablemate Finn Balor and JD McDonagh.” ?Wrestling Inc. Coverage
“Rusev called Femi out to the ring last Monday, leading to a brief verbal confrontation and a brawl between the two men that ended with Femi leaving Rusev laid out with a clothesline.” ?Wrestling Inc. Coverage
