WWE RAW RESULTS (5/4): Keller’s report on Roman Reigns-Jacob Fatu contract singing, Oba Femi Open Challenge begins, Penta & Evans vs. Ethan & Rusev, Balor vs. McDonagh

By Wade Keller, PWTorch editor


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WWE RAW RESULTS
MAY 4, 2026
OMAHA, NEB. AT CHI HEALTH CENTER
STREAMED LIVE ON NETFLIX
REPORT BY WADE KELLER, PWTORCH EDITOR

Commentators:  Michael Cole, Corey Graves

Ring Announcer: Alicia Taylor

Attendance: WrestleTix reports today that 8,615 tickets were distributed so far; arena set up for 9,174. The arena has a capacity of 18,975 spectators when configured for concerts.


JOIN US LIVE ON YOUTUBE TONIGHT FOR THE VIDEO-FORMAT OF OUR LIVE POST-SHOW

PWTorch editor Wade Keller is joined by PWTorch’s Joshua White to review WWE Raw LIVE. Join us and let us know your thoughts on Raw during the show.

Email our post-show at wadekellerpodcast@gmail.com with your comments and questions about Raw. We’ll read your emails live during the post-show.

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[HOUR ONE]

-They opened with an aerial view of Omaha, Neb. as Michael Cole introduced the show. Then clips of wrestlers arriving including Oba Femi, Chad Gable and The Creed Brothers in masks, Sol Ruca, Je’Von Evans & Penta, and finally Roman Reigns. When Reigns got out of his SUV, Adam Pearce approached him. Reigns acted like Pearce was subhuman and recoiled at him. Reigns asked, “Where is he?” He moved into the Gorilla position. Pearce told Reigns that Jacob Fatu wasn’t there. Seth Rollins showed up and told Reigns he was in his way. Seth’s music began. Seth walked past Reigns and headed to the ring. Cole said, “Roman is in a mood tonight.”

-Seth made his entrance as fans sang his theme song. Bron Breakker attacked him from behind. After he was peeled off by officials, he speared Seth in the ring. Seth writhed in pain. Fans chanted, “One more time!”

(Keller’s Analysis: Again, this crowd chant shows WWE has completely lot touch with their fanbase, prioritizing “reactions” and “communal chants” over telling stories and framing characters as worthy of admiration or derision, and framing actions as either sportsmanlike or unsportsmanlike, and creating a culture where fans aren’t just attending and chanting for the sake of chanting, totally disconnected from anything being taken seriously.  Or… fans just like Breakker and dislike Seth since Breakker pretty effectively eviscerated him on the mic last week.)

-They went to Cole and Corey Graves on camera. Cole said he recorded an interview with Seth earlier that will air on the Backlash pre-show. He said Seth acknowledged he made his bed and now he has to lie in it.

-A clip aired of Roxanne Perez interacting with Finn Balor on Raw last week.

-Backstage, The Judgment Day was gathered. Perez told Liv Morgan that Balor is delusional. Liv asked Perez why Balor felt comfortable talking to her in the first place and why didn’t she tell her about the conversation because she had to find out about it on Netflix. Perez conceded she should have said something to her directly, but she assured Liv she is loyal to The Judgment Day. Liv said she believes in her and they can’t let anything to get in the middle of the family. She asked her to promise not to keep any secrets from The Judgment Day. Perez agreed. Liv made her say it out loud. Perez did. Liv was happy and giggled and left. Perez shot Liv a bit of a stern look.

-Balor’s ring entrance took place. [c]

(1) FINN BALOR vs. J.D. MCDONAGH (w/Dominik Mysterio)

The bell rang 14 minutes into the hour. Cole and Graves talked about the Judgment Day drama. Balor knocked McDonagh to ringside. When Balor ran the ropes to set up a dive, Dom tripped Balor. The ref didn’t see it. McDonagh then kneed Balor from behind, sending him crashing to ringside. Perez walked out to ringside. They cut to a break at 5;00. [c]

After the break, Liv and Raquel Rodriguez walked to ringside. Cole asked if Liv came out there primarily to keep an eye on Perez. Graves said it’s a family affair and Cole shouldn’t cast aspersions. When Balor climbed to the top rope, Dom knocked him off balance as Raquel distracted the ref on the other side of the ring. The ref kicked Dom out of ringside anyway. Liv and Dom protested. Graves made preposterous excuses for Dom.

Balor lifted his knees on a McDonagh moonsault and scored a two count. Balor landed a Sling Blade. Both were down and slow to get up. Liv stood on the ring apron. Balor yelled at her to get down. Balor landed a running dropkick. Perez used a hammer Liv gave her to hit Balor in the throat. McDonagh then headbutted Balor and landed on him and scored a three count.

WINNER: McDonagh in 12:00.

(Keller’s Analysis: This is one of those matches where the athleticism was good, but it was 80 percent about the ringside drama.)

-They went to Cole and Graves at ringside. They reacted to the previous match, then threw to a “sneak peak” of the Hulk Hogan four-part documentary on Netflix.

-Cathy Kelley interviewed Seth backstage. He was still selling the effects of the attack earlier. She asked if he’d be okay in five days at Backlash. He said he warned Breakker if he was going to take shot, he better finish him, but he said he isn’t dead yet. [c]

-Cole announced that the first hour Backlash on Saturday will be on ESPN2.

-A video package aired on the Roman-Fatu segment on Smackdown last Friday.

-They went to Cole and Graves at ringside. Cole talked about the Tongan Death Grip. Graves said the hold isn’t taught to wrestlers, but is passed down from one generation to another. Cole said it was made famous by Haku, the uncle of Jacob Fatu. Graves said it’s only supposed to be used in certain circumstances. Cole said the attack goes to the Adam’s Apple and cuts off breath and can cause someone to pass out.

-A sponsored highlight clip aired of Joe Hendry’s live performance debut on Raw last week and then Logan Paul freaking out about it.

-Backstage, Breakker was making fun of Seth’s nasal voice tone to Austin Theory and Logan Paul. Paul Heyman walked in and asked Breakker if Seth was still breathing. Logan said he wanted to destroy Joe Hendry and he would “hospitalize him permanently.” Heyman said he won’t be fighting Hendry. Logan said, “What?!” Heyman said Breakker almost got himself suspended and “Brock Lesnar retired on me.” (He said the R-word!) He said he couldn’t afford Logan getting arrested. He said instead Theory would face him. Theory assured Logan he’d put the pressure on him so just watch.

-Je’Von Evans and Penta made their ring entrances. [c]

(2) PENTA & JE’VON EVANS vs. RUSEV & ETHAN PAGE

As Rusev and Ethan entered the ring, a clip aired of Rusev telling Ethan earlier that if he let him down, he’d have to deal with him. The bell rang 45 minutes into the hour. Je’Von got oohs and ahhs. Penta landed a Penta Driver on Ethan for a near fall as they cut to a break at 2:00. [c/db]

Penta springboarded to knock Rusev off the ring apron, then leaped to tag in Evans, but Rusev yanked Evans off the ring apron before the tag was made. Ethan smiled. Penta avoided a charging Rusev. Ethan tagged in and charged at Penta, who was checking on Evans at ringside. Rusev charged at Evans at ringside, but Evans leapfrogged him. Rusev charged into the ringside steps. Ethan went for the Twisted Grin, but Penta blocked it.

Penta leaped and hot-tagged in Evans at 7:00. Evans leaped over the top rope onto Rusev. He then hit Ethan with a springboard clothesline. Evans leaped off the top rope with an OG Cutter attempt, but Ethan moved. Ethan then went for Twisted Grin, but again Evans countered. Evans landed a Pelé Kick and tagged in Penta who landed a tornado DDT. Rusev broke up the cover.

Evans leaped at Rusev at ringside, knocking him into the announce desk. Evans then climbed to the top turnbuckle. Ethan shoved him down. Ethan knocked Penta off balance on the ring apron. Rusev then slammed Penta on the announce table before quickly throwing him back into the ring. Ethan then gave Penta a suplex for the win. Rusev and Ethan celebrated together afterward, all smiles.

WINNER: Ethan & Rusev in 10:00.

-Cole plugged the new Club WWE waitlist. A commercial aired for it with Cena explaining exclusive early ticket access, dedicated Club WWE entrances at events, private parties, flash sales, and more.

-They showed Sol Ruca backstage. [c]

[HOUR TWO]

-Adam Pearce stood mid-ring and said when he was a coach at NXT, his favorite days was when a “sure-fire, can’t miss, blue-chip future Superstar saw their dreams come true” when they got to sign a contract for Raw or Smackdown. He said today is one of those days. A video package aired on Sol.

Sol made her ring entrance as Cole touted her. He said she has only been wrestling four years and is part of the NIL program after being a gymnast in Oregon. Graves said she has exhibited unbelievable aptitude in a short period of time. Pearce congratulated her and handed her the contract. She looked at it and smiled and absorbed the weight of the moment. She said it would feel so good when she signed that to become part of Raw. She was (shock!) interrupted by Becky Lynch. “Of course,” said Cole.

Lynch entered the ring. Pearce looked at her in dismay. Becky claimed she was told this would be her segment. Pearce asked who told her. She said someone very credible. As she went on, Ruca asked, “Are you done?” Becky turned to her and said she isn’t done. Ruca told her, “Not everything is about you.” Becky said this is her first day, but the sooner she learns this the better: “Everything is about me.”

Ruca said she knows everything she accomplished. She said she didn’t expect to find out when she met her that she is exactly what everyone says she is. Lynch listed compliments about herself. Ruca said, “No, big-headed bitch.” Ruca said the New York Times says it. Becky asked Pearce and the fans if they were going to let Ruca talk to her like that. Fans chanted “Ruca! Ruca!”

Ruca signed the contract. She told Becky if she ever interrupts her again, she won’t just kick her ass, she’ll snatch her soul. Becky took a swing and hit Pearce. He asked if she is out of her mind. Becky apologized. Pearce stormed away. Ruca then gave Becky a Soul Snatcher, although not before slipping on the middle rope first. She recovered nicely.

-They went to Graves and Cole at ringside. Graves broke into laughs as he tried to defend Becky. Cole then threw to clips of Solo Sikoa and Talla Tonga interacting with the Usos on Smackdown on Friday.

-Jackie Redmond interviewed the Usos about the Reigns-Fatu contract signing. Jimmy said they wouldn’t miss it. He said they have love for Jacob, but he has to understand how they handle business. She asked if they are conflicted given the loyalty to Roman. Jey said no, but they will be there to make sure nothing goes awry. Jey said Jacob has bitten off more than he can chew and the battle lines have been drawn, but he’ll find out at Backlash who he’s messing with.

-Joe Hendry made his entrance. Cole said he was singing Hendry’s song in the shower this morning. [c]

-Hendry sang a song in the ring antagonizing Logan, calling for him to be fired. Logan came out red-faced in a rage as Theory held him back.

(3) JOE HENDRY vs. AUSTIN THEORY (w/Logan Paul)

Theory charged into the ring. The bell rang 18 minutes into the hour. Theory went on the attack early. Cole wanted to know why Logan let a silly song get to him. Graves said it’s because he had thousands cheering for him to be fired. Fans chanted “Logan sucks!” Theory showboated too long, giving Hendry a chance to reverse Theory into a vertical suplex. He then landed a fallaway slam. Logan attacked him from behind. Cole said that “would throw the match out.” (How about it means Hendry will win by DQ?)

WINNER: Hendry via DQ in 3:00.

-Theory and Logan stomped away at Hendry. The Street Profits ran out and attacked Logan and Theory. Cole said the Profits have their eyes on the tag titles. Breakker entered the ring and overhead-tossed Montez Ford over the top rope and then suplexed Angelo Dawkins. Seth charged out and attacked Breakker. Ford flip-dove onto a crowd at ringside. Breakker then speared Seth in the ring. Breakker leaned down and told Seth, “You almost got me; it was close.” His music played.

-Redmond interviewed The Judgment Day backstage. Liv said the focus on The Judgment Day is getting all the gold and crushing anyone who gets in their way. Raquel said the “little nostalgia show” with Brie Bella and Paige was fun for one night. She called them to Raw. Bayley and Lyra Valkyria walked in and said they wouldn’t forget about what happened to them last week.

-They showed Oba walking backstage. [c]

(4) OBA FEMI vs. OTIS (w/Tozawa, Maxinne Dupri)

Oba made his entrance. Tozawa answered the challenge. Graves said, “This guy is out of his mind.” Cole said he wants to make a name for himself. After a staredown, Tozawa left and Otis entered the ring. The bell rang 34 minutes into the hour. Graves said a win here would change Otis’s career and life. Otis charged at Femi. Femi brushed him off and slammed him across the ring. “The Ruler is not human!” exclaimed Graves. Oba lifted Otis off the second rope and landed his signature sitout powerbomb for the win. Graves said that was 330 pounds that Femi just slammed through the center of Earth. Cole said he continues to impress.

WINNER: Femi in 2:00.

-The Profits and Hendry confronted Seth. Montez told Seth thanks to his past antics, nobody trusts him. Seth said he doesn’t trust himself. He said if they stay out of his way, he’ll stay out of theirs.

-They showed Reigns talking to Pearce in an animated way. Then they cut to Fatu’s arrival. [c]

-A pre-recorded segment aired with Iyo Sky talking to Asuka about their relationship. Iyo said she has the utmost respect for her despite all they’ve been through. Asuka accused Iyo of being disrespectful and said the Iyo she taught no longer sits before her. Iyo began to cry as Asuka asked if she understands how she feels. “I am done with Iyo Sky,” she said. “I am going to cut you out of my life for good.” After a pause, they leaned in. Asuka sprayed her mist in Iyo’s face. Pearce yelled for her Asuka to get out and frantically called for a doctor.

-Graves hyped Iyo vs. Asuka at Backlash. Cole said that situation has built for years and years. Cole then asked Graves for an explanation of what is going on in AAA and said now The Creeds are involved. A clip aired of the angle with The Creeds.

-Redmond interviewed the original Los Americanos (Chad Gable and The Creeds). Gable said the no-contact rule thankfully only applies in Mexico. He said The Creeds decided to help him out since they are close with a good friend of his, Chad Gable.

-Gable and The Creeds, under masks, made their entrance. [c]

(5) ORIGINAL EL GRANDE AMERICANO (Chad Gable & The Creeds) vs. EL GRANDE AMERICANO & BRAVO & RAYO

The bell rang 51 minutes into the hour. Cole said he considers them all imposters, impersonating luchadors. They cut to an early break. [c]

Eventually, Gable landed a top rope headbutt for the win.

WINNERS: Gable & The Creeds in 8:00.

-Cole mentioned Cena would have “history-making news” that he’d announce on Saturday at Backlash. Cole hyped the Backlash line-up. Graves wondered who would be crazy enough to team with Danhausen.

-Roman made his ring entrance. [c]

-Fatu’s ring entrance took place next. Cole said Fatu is “playing with house money” and “has nothing to lose.” Pearce told them to sign the contract. Fans sang “Roman, Roman Reigns!” Reigns stared at Fatu. Fatu stared back.

Reigns told Fatu that he knows how it works. He told Omaha to acknowledge him. Fans stood and cheered. Reigns said, “That’s not just love; that’s the sound of respect.” Reigns said he’s been there for over 12 years and he had the foot in the doorway holding the door open for Solo. He said he brought Solo in, so he demanded respect. An “OTC!” chant broke out. He said there has to be respect and code and some kind of honor system among their family. He said there has to be a system of conduct they can hang their hat on. He said the Tongan Death Grip should be saved for desperate measures, like being surrounded eight-on-one in a bar late at night. He said, “That’s when you do that. You don’t do that to family. You don’t do that to your Tribal Chief.”

Fatu said he’s got it all wrong and he doesn’t understand. He said he is desperate and it feels like it is him against the world and his back is against the wall. He said he had no other choice but to take him out and take the title and everything that comes with it. He said he’s going to put a chokehold on the game and squeeze out every dollar just as Roman’s been doing for decades. He said all gas, no brakes means moving forward and never going back to where he came from. He said he is desperate enough to do whatever it takes for his household even if it means going through his blood.

Reigns took issue with that and signed the contract. Reigns said he’s been grinding for over a decade working for over 170 kids that are part of his family, generation after generation of higher education. He said he’s the one who can do it as he has the “proof of concept.” He said WWE wants to do business with him.

He said this is his ring they are of the same blood, but Fatu is beneath him. Fatu snapped and went for the Tongan Death Grip. He threw a desk chair into Fatu. He lifted the title belt. Fatu then went for the Tongan Death Grip. Cole said it’ll be an absolute bloody civil war on Saturday. Fatu intercepted a Superman Punch with a Tongan Death Grip. Fatu slammed Reigns through the table in the ring. Graves said, “A desperate man is a dangerous man.” Fans chanted, “Fatu! Fatu!” He said he needs this for himself and his family and he is a dangerous obstacle for Reigns on Saturday.


JOIN US LIVE ON YOUTUBE TONIGHT FOR THE VIDEO-FORMAT OF OUR LIVE POST-SHOW

PWTorch editor Wade Keller is joined by PWTorch’s Joshua White to review WWE Raw LIVE. Join us and let us know your thoughts on Raw during the show.

Email our post-show at wadekellerpodcast@gmail.com with your comments and questions about Raw. We’ll read your emails live during the post-show.

VIDEO CALLER CODE: CLICK HERE

https://streamyard.com/7su59jngft

Click that link during the post-show to enter the waiting room as “live video caller” (or just audio if you turn off your cam, which is fine).

If you can’t join us live on YouTube, stream the show on demand later at YouTube or listen or stream later on a podcast app. Subscribe to all of our free podcasts by searching “wade keller” and “pwtorch” in your podcast app of choice including Spotify and Apple Podcasts and most other iOS and Android apps.

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