On March 9, 2026, WWE Raw will feature a high-stakes match centered on Oba Femi facing off against Rusev as part of a personal rivalry, highlighting a growing tension within the roster. The focus on this bout underlines WWE’s push to spotlight Oba Femi as a major force, amid buzz about his potential role leading into WrestleMania.
Though the storyline between Oba Femi and Rusev lacks deep complexity, recent weeks have seen them clashing frequently, fueled by Rusev’s unease over Femi’s rise as a new powerhouse. Rusev, once dominant and feared as the U.S. Champion during 2014-2015, now finds himself challenged by the prospect of being eclipsed.
Many fans speculate that Oba Femi could become Brock Lesnar’s opponent at WrestleMania. A victory against Rusev would solidify Femi’s credibility and momentum ahead of a potential match with Lesnar. Conversely, if LA Knight is chosen as Lesnar’s challenger, Femi’s win would likely position him for the Andre the Giant Battle Royal, traditionally held on the final Raw before WrestleMania.
Regardless of who faces Lesnar, Oba Femi is widely expected to prevail over Rusev, cementing his status as a dominant competitor on Raw.
Gauntlet Match to Determine AJ Lee’s Next Title Challenger
The March 9 episode of Raw will also feature a demanding seven-woman gauntlet match to decide who will challenge AJ Lee for the InterContinental Title. This match includes Iyo Sky, Raquel Rodriguez, Bayley, Asuka, Lyra Valkyria, Kairi Sane, and Ivy Nile, each battling for an opportunity at AJ Lee’s championship.
AJ Lee, fresh off multiple victories against Becky Lynch—including taking the InterContinental Title from her—has declared she is done facing Lynch for now. Although Becky retains a rematch clause, AJ Lee is focusing on proving herself a fighting champion as WrestleMania approaches. She plans to defend the title in new matchups, particularly eyeing a showdown with the winner of this gauntlet.
While some might see this gauntlet as rushed, its exclusion of Becky Lynch, Maxxine Dupri, and Natalya ties into a broader WrestleMania narrative. The winner will face AJ Lee on Raw in a key title defense before the championship is expected to change hands at WrestleMania during a fatal four-way match including Natalya, Becky, and Maxxine.
Among the participants, Iyo Sky appears most poised to capture the gauntlet win and challenge AJ Lee, especially since her tag team partner, Rhea Ripley, is currently engaged on SmackDown with WWE Champion Jade Cargill after winning the Elimination Chamber.
Additional WWE Raw Developments Ahead of WrestleMania
This week’s Raw is shaping the rest of the WrestleMania card, with certain matches still up in the air. The Usos and Vision are being built toward a tag team title match, while rumors swirl around LA Knight potentially facing Brock Lesnar. Meanwhile, Seth Rollins is set for a return to continue his storyline against Vision, and Bron Breakker’s anticipated return may lead to a clash with Rollins before WrestleMania.
Intercontinental Champion Penta, who captured the title last week, will also make his first defense on this episode, adding to the intrigue around the championship scene. Additionally, the Judgment Day faction’s internal rivalry between Dominik Mysterio and Finn Balor remains an ongoing subplot, further enriching the show’s narrative layers.
Why This Episode Matters for WWE’s Road to WrestleMania
The March 9 episode of WWE Raw represents a crucial moment in shaping storylines and momentum as WrestleMania nears. Oba Femi’s expected victory over Rusev not only reinforces his emergence as a top contender but could determine whether he challenges Brock Lesnar or targets a battle royal opportunity.
The gauntlet match for AJ Lee’s title challengers fosters fresh rivalries and sets the stage for a dream match on Raw, reinforcing AJ Lee’s role as a fighting champion and setting up future developments heading into the biggest event of the year. Meanwhile, other ongoing feuds and returns during the show will influence WWE’s evolving landscape in key ways.
Fans keenly await how these outcomes will impact the WrestleMania card, making this Raw episode essential viewing for those tracking the path toward the grand spectacle.
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