During the latest WWE RAW episode leading up to WrestleMania 42 in Nevada, CM Punk provoked a fierce reaction from Roman Reigns’ family. Punk had crossed a sensitive line by vowing to “bury” Reigns next to his father, a comment that deeply upset members of The Bloodline faction. In response, The Usos confronted Punk, demanding an apology from the World Heavyweight Champion.
Instead of apologizing for his own remarks, Punk criticized Roman Reigns’ conduct over the past four years toward his family, the WWE audience, and the company. This provoked Jimmy and Jey Uso to physically intervene: Jey shoved Punk while Jimmy landed a right hand. Though it was not a full assault, the act symbolized their commitment to defending their leader and blood family ahead of the marquee WrestleMania event.
AJ Lee Set to Defend Her Title in Gauntlet Match
Meanwhile, Women’s Intercontinental Champion AJ Lee appeared on Monday Night RAW declaring her intent to remain an active and fighting champion. WWE responded by organizing a Gauntlet match, with Bayley becoming the number one contender for Lee’s title. Their rivalry has historical roots dating back nearly thirteen years, from when Bayley was rising through WWE’s developmental ranks as Lee reigned as Divas Champion on the main roster.
Their upcoming confrontation promises a compelling storyline as both competitors seek momentum entering WrestleMania 42.
Drew McIntyre’s Title Loss Brings Further Setbacks Ahead of WrestleMania
Drew McIntyre recently achieved a major milestone by defeating Cody Rhodes in a brutal Three Stages of Hell match in Germany to become the Undisputed WWE Champion. However, McIntyre’s fortunes declined after costing Rhodes two rematch opportunities. Rhodes eventually reclaimed the title prior to WrestleMania 42.
According to PWInsider, McIntyre will not receive another title rematch. Instead, he is slated to face Jacob Fatu in a singles bout during the event. The original plan reportedly involved a Hell in a Cell rematch between McIntyre and Rhodes, but WWE’s creative direction has shifted, leaving The Scottish Warrior with a different challenge.
Stone Cold Steve Austin Rumored to Return to WWE Programming
As WrestleMania approaches, WWE is expected to feature legendary personalities on its weekly shows. Reports from WrestleVotes on Fightful Select suggest that Stone Cold Steve Austin, the iconic Hall of Famer, might appear on the March 16 episode of Monday Night RAW. This date holds significance as Austin’s last appearance on RAW was six years ago on the same night, known as “3/16” in WWE lore.
Fans and WWE insiders alike are eagerly anticipating whether the Texas legend will make a surprise entrance to energize the road to WrestleMania 42.
Finn Balor Betrayed and Ousted from The Judgment Day
Finn Balor, who joined The Judgment Day faction in 2022 by betraying Edge, has recently seen his allegiance dissolve. After a heated conflict on RAW with Dominik Mysterio, sparked by Mysterio’s recent title loss, tensions surged. Mysterio shoved Balor directly in the ring, leading Balor to retaliate with a Pelé kick. However, The Judgment Day intervened when JD McDonagh appeared to protect Mysterio and attack Balor.
This marked the climax of the group’s dissent toward Balor, culminating in his expulsion from The Judgment Day just before WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas.
“This apology didn’t sit well with Jimmy and Jey. Main Event Jey shoved CM Punk, and Big Jim followed with a right hand to Punk and closed the segment. While it wasn’t a traditional beatdown, the two raised their hands to defend Roman Reigns and their family.”
?Sportskeeda Wrestling
The Broader Impact on WWE’s WrestleMania Storylines
The string of dramatic incidents highlights a landscape of escalating tensions within WWE’s top-tier storylines. CM Punk’s contentious stance toward The Bloodline faction represents a critical friction point, amplifying fan anticipation for what could be explosive confrontations at WrestleMania 42. This factional conflict underlines the fragility of allegiances in WWE’s evolving narratives.
Meanwhile, the shifts in title scenes, from AJ Lee’s defensive posture against Bayley to Drew McIntyre’s abrupt career pivot, illustrate WWE’s willingness to reinvent matchups leading into the biggest event of the year. The potential return of Stone Cold Steve Austin could provide a nostalgic boost and add star power to the buildup.
Finn Balor’s ousting from The Judgment Day faction also injects fresh intrigue, rearranging faction dynamics just before WrestleMania’s grand stage in Las Vegas. These developments ensure WrestleMania 42 will be marked by uncertainty, rivalries, and high-stakes drama as the WWE landscape enters a critical showdown phase.
THE JUDGMENT DAY TURNS ON FINN BALOR 😱
WHAT JUST HAPPENED! pic.twitter.com/zROkvUJQNr
— WWE (@WWE) March 10, 2026
