Last night on Monday Night RAW from Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio, WWE delivered a tightly structured, story-driven episode that pushed the Road to Elimination Chamber into full gear. Rather than relying on shock value, last night’s show focused on emotional pressure, character flaws, and long-term consequences.
From Becky Lynch being psychologically outmaneuvered by AJ Lee, to CM Punk daring management to book him against Finn Bálor in Chicago, to breakout performances by Ivy Nile, Lyra Valkyria, and Je’Von Evans, last night’s RAW blended strong in-ring action with layered storytelling.
By the time the show went off the air, WWE had finalized major Elimination Chamber matches, elevated multiple rising stars, and reinforced key character arcs heading toward WrestleMania 42.
Here Are The Full Results
- The Usos (c) def. Alpha Academy (WWE World Tag Team Championship)
- Rhea Ripley def. Ivy Nile & Lyra Valkyria (Women’s Elimination Chamber Qualifier)
- Maxxine Dupri vs. Nattie ended in Double Count-Out
- Je’Von Evans & “Original” El Grande Americano def. Los Americanos
- LA Knight def. Penta & Austin Theory (Men’s Elimination Chamber Qualifier)
Opening Segment: Becky Lynch, AJ Lee, and the Cost of Pride
Last night’s RAW opened with Becky Lynch attempting to frame herself as a disrespected champion. Her frustration, however, was immediately dismantled by AJ Lee, who calmly reminded Becky of her recent victories and lingering psychological advantage.
Rather than demanding a match, AJ baited Becky into proving herself. The champion, unwilling to appear intimidated, issued a challenge that management quickly made official.
Becky Lynch vs. AJ Lee for the Women’s Intercontinental Championship at Elimination Chamber was confirmed before the segment ended.
Significance
This was not a simple confrontation. It was AJ exposing Becky’s central flaw: her inability to ignore provocation. Becky did not book this match strategically—she booked it emotionally, creating a major vulnerability heading into Chicago.
Tag Titles Without Direction — What Was the Point of The Usos’ Reunion?
Early in the night, The Usos successfully defended the WWE World Tag Team Championships against Alpha Academy, but the larger issue surrounding this match extended far beyond the final result.
Despite Alpha Academy earning their title opportunity weeks ago, WWE provided virtually no meaningful television build to the championship bout. There were no sustained promos, no escalating confrontations, and no consistent emphasis on the importance of the titles. Instead, the match arrived on last night’s RAW feeling more obligatory than anticipated.
Multiple major recaps and live coverage noted that the story heading into the bout was minimal, with most of the creative focus in recent weeks placed on Royal Rumble fallout and Jey Uso’s singles trajectory rather than on tag team storytelling.
The Usos reunited, reclaimed the tag titles, and were positioned as a dominant brotherhood once again—yet WWE has still failed to treat the tag division as a true priority.
A Post-Match Promo That Undercut the Entire Division
Instead of celebrating their first major title defense, Jimmy Uso immediately shifted focus toward Jey’s singles ambitions and encouraged him to qualify for Elimination Chamber and pursue the World Heavyweight Championship.
Even after winning and defending the belts, The Usos were portrayed as viewing them as secondary.
Alpha Academy Looked Like the Better Investment
Otis and Akira Tozawa delivered:
- Sustained momentum
- Believable near-falls
- Strong crowd connection
- Clear urgency
Many viewers felt they were more invested in Alpha Academy’s hunger than in The Usos’ dominance.
Significance
This match exposed WWE’s continued struggle to treat tag wrestling as a true priority. Alpha Academy looked ready to carry the division. The Usos looked like stars passing through it.
Liv Morgan, Dominik Mysterio, and Stephanie Vaquer: Uncertainty as Power
Liv Morgan’s segment was built around leverage.
By refusing to immediately choose her WrestleMania opponent, Liv controlled the narrative. Stephanie Vaquer, unwilling to be treated as optional, escalated the exchange by slapping Dominik Mysterio.
This reframed the dynamic:
- Liv controls the timeline
- Vaquer defends her status
- Dominik absorbs the heat
Significance
WWE used physicality to elevate a decision-based storyline, ensuring Liv’s choice remains must-see television.
Women’s Elimination Chamber Qualifier: Ivy Nile and Lyra Valkyria Elevate the Division
Rhea Ripley qualified, but Ivy Nile and Lyra Valkyria carried the emotional and technical weight of the match.
Ivy Nile
- Power-based dominance
- Strong submission chains
- Physical realism
Lyra Valkyria
- Elite timing
- Late-match surge
- Near-steal credibility
Significance
Both women emerged more credible, strengthening the division’s depth.
Authority vs. The Vision: Control Slipping in Plain Sight
Adam Pearce’s warning to The Vision was not about enforcing rules—it was about acknowledging that his authority is fragile.
The segment foreshadowed chaos. The “no interference” directive existed only to be violated later.
Significance
WWE positioned The Vision as a faction losing control and Pearce as an official struggling to contain it, laying groundwork for future escalation.
Maxxine Dupri vs. Nattie: A Match That Turned Into a Statement
The Double Count-Out finish was deliberate.
Nattie turned the match into an assault, applying the Sharpshooter near the announce desk and prioritizing punishment over victory.
AJ Lee’s attempted rescue and Becky Lynch’s ambush layered emotional chaos onto physical violence.
Significance
Three arcs advanced simultaneously: Nattie’s brutality, Maxxine’s resilience, and Becky’s obsession with AJ.
Je’Von Evans and the OG Cutter: Manufacturing a Star Moment
Je’Von Evans’ tag match served one central purpose: spotlighting athletic identity.
His mid-air OG Cutter became the night’s most circulated clip, drawing comparisons to Randy Orton’s RKO on Evan Bourne.
Unlike Orton’s reactive counter, Evans’ version required launch, adjustment, and execution mid-flight.
Significance
This was a career clip. WWE is building Evans through moments, not promos, positioning him as a future highlight-driven star.
CM Punk vs. Finn Bálor: “Afterthought” Becomes Motivation
This was the emotional spine of the show.
Finn Bálor framed himself as an afterthought tired of waiting for opportunity. CM Punk framed himself as a champion who welcomes danger.
The confrontation escalated into a public negotiation, with Punk daring management to make the match official.
Significance
Chicago became the justification for recklessness. Bálor was reestablished as desperate and dangerous. Punk was reaffirmed as a fighting champion who believes risk defines legitimacy.
Main Event: Chaos, Sabotage, and a Verdict on The Vision
LA Knight vs. Penta vs. Austin Theory was designed to accomplish three goals:
- Produce a Chamber qualifier
- Further destabilize The Vision
- Advance the masked attacker storyline
The masked assailant’s attack on Theory sabotaged The Vision’s strategy and allowed Knight to capitalize.
Penta remained protected. Theory absorbed humiliation. Knight emerged empowered.
Significance
The finish confirmed that The Vision can no longer control outcomes, and that the masked attacker is now shaping major results.
Overall Narrative and Analytical Breakdown
1. Chicago as the Emotional Center
Nearly every major angle pointed toward Elimination Chamber.
2. Character-Driven Booking
Personal flaws dictated outcomes.
3. Rising Stars Elevated
Ivy, Lyra, and Evans gained equity.
4. Power Structures Crumbling
The Vision’s grip continues to weaken.
Everything Announced for Next Week’s RAW
- Bayley vs. Natalya vs. Asuka (Women’s Elimination Chamber Qualifier)
- Je’Von Evans vs Gunther vs “Dirty” Dominik Mysterio (Men’s Elimination Chamber Qualifier)
- AJ Lee will be LIVE
Current Elimination Chamber 2026 Card (As of Last Night)
Date: February 28, 2026
Location: Chicago, Illinois
- CM Punk (c) vs. Finn Bálor (World Heavyweight Championship)
- Becky Lynch (c) vs. AJ Lee (Women’s Intercontinental Championship)
- Women’s Elimination Chamber Match (Rhea Ripley qualified)
- Men’s Elimination Chamber Match (LA Knight qualified)
Final Verdict
Last night’s RAW was a disciplined, character-driven chapter in WWE’s WrestleMania 42 build.
With layered storytelling, rising-star moments, and emotionally grounded rivalries, WWE delivered a cohesive and meaningful episode that advanced both short-term stakes and long-term arcs.
This was RAW doing what it does best: making every major decision feel like it matters.
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