On March 9, 2026, WWE Raw took place at the Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, Washington, delivering a night filled with intense competition and ongoing rivalries. The focus was on the much-anticipated Oba Femi vs Rusev matchup, as well as the continuation of Intercontinental Champion Penta’s title defense against The Original El Grande Americano, showcasing relentless contests and heated confrontations. The event set a tone of urgency and tension, highlighting the wrestlers’ determination to claim supremacy ahead of WrestleMania.
General Manager Addresses Seth Rollins’ Controversial Feud
Raw General Manager Adam Pearce opened the show with a direct call-out to Seth Rollins, confronting him about his recent actions involving a group of masked men known as The Vision. Pearce expressed concern over the dangerous tactics Rollins had employed, reminding him of the risks given his recent surgery. Despite the crowd’s support for Rollins, Pearce warned that the current situation could end badly if the Vision captures him.
The confrontation escalated as Logan Paul and Austin Theory made their presence felt by challenging Rollins and his masked allies. However, a surprise intervention came when Jey Uso and Jimmy Uso rushed to the ring, neutralizing Paul and Theory’s attack and supporting Rollins. The dynamic between these competitors added layers of tension and uncertainty to the show’s narrative.
“An ok start to the show. The prospect of Seth Rollins feuding with a Vision that has none of the members that kicked him out is kind of lame, but they need a #WrestleMania match. Unfortunately, he already faced Logan Paul a few years back, and there’s no interest in Theory.…” —Wrestleview.com (@wrestleview)
Rising Tensions Backstage with The Usos and CM Punk
Backstage, Jackie Redmond caught up with The Usos regarding recent provocations related to CM Punk and Roman Reigns’ family remarks. While Jey Uso declined to elaborate, Jimmy hinted that there could be more to say, hinting at unresolved tensions that may influence future matchups. These backstage moments underscored the ongoing animosity and complex dynamics among several top-tier competitors.
Women’s No. 1 Contender’s Gauntlet Highlights Fierce Competition
The gauntlet match to determine the No. 1 contender for AJ Lee’s Women’s Intercontinental Championship featured several prominent contenders, including Lyra Valkyria, IYO SKY, Asuka, Bayley, Ivy Nile, and Raquel Rodriguez. The early exchanges between Valkyria and IYO SKY set a fast pace, marked by a blend of technical maneuvers and high-impact strikes that engaged the Seattle crowd’s enthusiasm.
Valkyria demonstrated resilience with moves like a northern lights throw and a fisherman’s suplex while countering SKY’s powerful offense, including the Bullet Train Attack and Over the Moonsault. Ultimately, IYO SKY prevailed, eliminating Valkyria with a final high-flying move, advancing her further in the gauntlet.
Progression of Gauntlet Match: IYO SKY’s Battles and Interferences
Following Valkyria’s exit, IYO SKY faced Raquel Rodriguez in a match characterized by brutal exchanges, including a slingshot corkscrew elbow drop and a suicide dive from SKY. The rivalry intensified when Liv Morgan and Women’s World Champion Stephanie Vaquer interfered, distracting SKY and costing her the edge momentarily. Despite the disruption, SKY managed to eliminate Rodriguez with a crossbody cradle.
Rodriguez retaliated fiercely after her elimination, delivering a devastating Tejana Bomb to SKY on the apron, showcasing the escalating violence in the women’s division. However, the match took another twist when Ivy Nile entered and surprisingly covered SKY for the pinfall, resulting in SKY’s elimination and setting the stage for Nile’s face-off against Bayley.
Upcoming Clash Between Ivy Nile and Bayley Signals More Drama
As the gauntlet match continued, Bayley intervened to check on the recently eliminated IYO SKY, only to be ambushed by Ivy Nile. Nile’s surprise attack, which included bouncing Bayley off the ring steps, indicated the level of hostility and unpredictability present. This encounter promises heightened tension and fierce battles as contenders vie for a chance at championship gold.
Significance of the Night and Future Implications for WWE Raw
The March 9 WWE Raw broadcast reinforced the importance of the Oba Femi vs Rusev clash alongside Penta’s title defense, maintaining the momentum for upcoming marquee events like WrestleMania. General Manager Adam Pearce’s stern warnings to Seth Rollins and the ongoing conflicts involving notable stars such as The Usos, Logan Paul, and Austin Theory deepen the narrative complexity and viewer investment.
Meanwhile, the Women’s No. 1 Contender’s Gauntlet match highlighted the growing competitiveness and unpredictability of the women’s division, with interferences and rivalries shaping the outcome. As these storylines evolve, fans can expect continued intensity, unexpected twists, and significant matches in the weeks leading to WWE’s biggest annual event.
An ok start to the show. The prospect of Seth Rollins feuding with a Vision that has none of the members that kicked him out is kind of lame, but they need a #WrestleMania match. Unfortunately, he already faced Logan Paul a few years back, and there's no interest in Theory.…
— Wrestleview.com (@wrestleview) March 10, 2026
