Brock Lesnar Returns as Bayley Earns Title Shot on WWE Raw

Brock Lesnar WWE Raw
Brock Lesnar returns to WWE Raw without Paul Heyman. [Image Source: WP]
WWE

On the March 9, 2026 episode of WWE Raw, Bayley emerged victorious in the No. 1 contender’s gauntlet match, earning a chance to challenge AJ Lee for the WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship. The contest began with Lyra Valkyria facing Iyo Sky, with Sky advancing after defeating Valkyria. Following Sky’s victory, Raquel Rodriguez attacked her, setting the stage for Ivy Nile to pin Sky. Bayley eventually eliminated Nile and then Asuka to claim the top contender spot.

Bayley’s title match against AJ Lee is scheduled for the next edition of Monday Night Raw, taking place on March 16, 2026, at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas, marking a significant step in her championship pursuit.

“.@itsBayleyWWE WINS the Gauntlet Match and will face @TheAJMendez for the Women’s Intercontinental Title NEXT WEEK! 🔥 What a moment for Bayley and @Real_Valkyria!” — WWE

Brock Lesnar Set to Appear Without Paul Heyman

Brock Lesnar is also slated to appear on next week’s Raw as part of his limited schedule leading to WrestleMania. Notably absent will be his customary advocate, Paul Heyman, who was written off television after a recent attack by Seth Rollins. Lesnar’s presence without Heyman raises questions about how he will navigate an open challenge to finalize his WrestleMania opponent.

Roman Reigns Expected to Address Recent Conflicts

Roman Reigns will be attending the show live, though no specific match or segment has been announced for him. Fans anticipate that Reigns will respond to CM Punk’s recent remarks and their prior face-to-face encounter, adding further intensity to their ongoing storyline as WrestleMania approaches.

Unique Matchup: Original vs. Impersonator El Grande Americano

Another highlight announced for the upcoming episode is a one-on-one match between the original El Grande Americano, portrayed by Chad Gable, and a faux version represented by Ludwig Kaiser. This rivalry emerged after a literal switch at last week’s event, where the original was cursed by Danhausen and replaced for a title shot against Penta, resulting in the impostor’s unsuccessful attempt to win the Men’s Intercontinental Championship.

Preview of Next Week’s WWE Raw Matches and Appearances

The forthcoming episode of WWE Monday Night Raw will feature several key segments:

  1. Brock Lesnar’s return appearance without Paul Heyman
  2. Roman Reigns participating in an unscripted capacity
  3. The WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship match: AJ Lee defending against Bayley
  4. A confrontation between the original El Grande Americano and his counterfeit counterpart, Ludwig Kaiser

This lineup sets the stage for high-stakes encounters and storyline developments leading into WrestleMania. Fans will be closely watching how Lesnar’s open challenge unfolds in the absence of Heyman and how Bayley fares in her championship bid, alongside the ongoing tensions involving Reigns and CM Punk.

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Steven Monroe
Steven Monroe
Steven Monroe is a journalist at CynicalTimes.org, covering the fast-paced world of WWE. With two years of experience, he reports on match results, superstar rivalries, and behind-the-scenes developments across Raw, SmackDown, and NXT. Steven delivers timely, detailed coverage that keeps wrestling fans informed and engaged with the ever-evolving world of sports entertainment. His work combines accuracy, storytelling, and a deep understanding of professional wrestling culture.