WWE Raw Results & Winners (March 16, 2026): CM Punk drops Roman Reigns after fiery exchange; Oba Femi accepts Brock Lesnar's open challenge & more
(Courtesy : WWE.com)
Becky Lynch ambushes AJ Lee; Danhausen curses Grayson Waller & more!
The March 16 episode of Monday Night Raw emanated from the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. Along with Brock Lesnar, the show also featured an appearance from Roman Reigns, following the controversial segment, where CM Punk vowed to bury him next to his father.
The Red brand‘s show also featured an Intercontinental title showdown, along with multiple singles showdowns. Dominik Mysterio, along with the Judgment Day, also made an appearance on the show after kicking Finn Balor out of the faction last week.
Get to know everything that happened this Monday, as we have the complete summary, highlights, results, and winners’ list for the 3/16 episode of WWE Raw.
WWE Raw Summary and Highlights
Brock Lesnar confronts Seth Rollins & Oba Femi answers the challenge
As the show kicked off, a sea of masked men once again appeared ringside, and one masked man stepped inside, revealing himself to be Seth Rollins. Rollins stated that he created the Vision, and he would be the one to kill the Vision. Seth sent a stern warning to anyone who stood next to Paul Heyman and said they could consider themselves marked for death.
The Visionary then detailed how satisfactory it was to stomp Paul Heyman’s head on the mat. Rollins turned around to witness a dejected and bruised-eyed Paul Heyman appear near the entrance ramp. Rollins asked if Heyman thought he was smarter than him.
Rollins asked if Heyman had anything to say as he held a mic in his hand. Rollins stated that letting Heyman into his inner circle was the worst mistake he had ever made, and he would make Heyman pay every day he remained in the business; he would cut him off like the cancer he was.
Heyman picked up the mic, stating that he wasn’t going to come out there, but he would not have missed it. Heyman asked if he had interrupted Rollins’ little promo and FAFO. Since Rollins messed around, he would mess around with him – FAFO, FAFO, F…5.
Brock Lesnar then appeared and handed his hat to Heyman as the masked men surrounded Rollins inside the ring. Brock smirked and circled the ring as he began dismantling the masked men outside. German suplexes were delivered to everyone as he scared the rest off and continued attacking anyone who stood in his way before stepping into the ring as the remaining masked men attempted to attack him.
Another German suplex and an F5 followed, along with more suplexes as Lesnar cleared the ring to face off with Seth Rollins. The lights then went out as Oba Femi appeared. Femi stepped into the ring as Lesnar prepared himself for a brawl. Rollins watched the scene from the corner.
Lesnar sized up Femi as Rollins stepped forward. Lesnar confronted Rollins, who exited the ring, and Oba picked up Lesnar and slammed him down with a Fall from Grace. Femi then pointed toward the WrestleMania sign, and commentary discussed whether Femi had accepted Lesnar’s open challenge for WrestleMania.
Grade: A+
Indights & Backstage Moments:
- Looks like Bron Breakker might be clear for WrestleMania as WWE went ahead with Lesnar vs Oba, while teasing Rollins vs Brock, another backup for Mania if Bron doesn’t return in time.
- WWE later in the show made the match official between Lesnar and Femi.
“Original” El Grande Americano vs ‘Real’ El Grande Americano
In the first match of the show, “Original” El Grande Americano took on ‘Real’ El Grande Americano, with Rayo and Bravo by Real Americano’s side. Both Rayo and Bravo interfered in the match multiple times, and when Original Americano targeted Rayo, Bravo sneaked the steel plate into Real Americano’s mask.
The OG came in with a flying headbutt but crashed onto the steel plate in Real El Grande’s mask. The latter rolled him up for the three-count, picking up the win.
Winner: ‘Real’ El Grande Americano
Grade: C+
Match Insights & Backstage Moments:
- We got a backstage shot of a BMW arriving at the arena, and Roman Reigns pulled out of the car. Jimmy Uso and Jey Uso appeared as Reigns stated that they had done the right thing, adding that running their mouths would cause consequences. Reigns then spoke to his family on camera, saying they should take offense at what CM Punk had said about their uncle, but clarified that they could have him after WrestleMania, as until Mania, Punk is his.
- In a video promo, Liv Morgan revealed that everything had been part of her plan since the moment she joined The Judgment Day. Morgan explained that she had only kept Finn Balor around out of respect for his connection to Dominik Mysterio. She admitted that she couldn’t deny how satisfying it had been to watch him fall apart, mocking him as a washed-up loser. Morgan then shifted focus to praise the remaining members of Judgment Day.
- Backstage, Jey Uso and Jimmy Uso were with Roman Reigns as they talked about CM Punk. Reigns spoke about how his father had been on the road when he was younger and said that the whole world could call him a part-timer, but as long as his wife and children understand that he is a full-time father, that’s his legacy and his biggest flex. Jey said that Punk still owed them an apology, and Jimmy agreed, but Reigns responded that he didn’t need an apology. Instead, he said he would get one for them and asked what the worst that could happen was, CM Punk beating him? The three laughed it off as Roman walked away.
- “The whole world can call me a part-timer. I don’t care. As long as my wife and children understand that I’m a full-time father, that’s my legacy right there. That’s the biggest flex any superstar could ever say.” Roman said about everyone calling him a part-timer.
AJ Lee (c) vs Bayley – Women’s Intercontinental title match
For the first time since capturing the Women’s Intercontinental title, AJ Lee defended it against the winner of the gauntlet match last week, Bayley. Lee retained the title after locking in the Black Widow submission, forcing Bayley to tap out. The two veterans embraced each other after the match as Lee celebrated the win near the entrance ramp.
Becky Lynch rushed in, ambushing Lee and slamming her into the LED board and barricade, before stomping her as security and officials rushed in. Becky then grabbed the IC title and charged in, striking AJ Lee with it. She then showed it off to the crowd before tossing it back at AJ.
Winner & Still: AJ Lee
Grade: B-
Match Insights & Backstage Moments:
- Lee’s first match on Raw since March 2015, 11 years ago, and her first title defense since Survivor Series 2014.
- Lee and Bayley competed inside the squared circle for the second time in their career. The first meeting was back in NXT in 2013.
- Backstage, JD McDonagh complained to Adam Pearce about giving away Dominik Mysterio’s IC title rematch, but Pearce explained that Mysterio wasn’t medically cleared to compete. Penta then walked past and thanked Pearce for the match.
Penta (c) vs Dragon Lee – Intercontinental title match
Penta cut a promo about how he wants to be a fighting Champion, before sending a warning to whoever accepts the challenge. Dragon Lee came out to answer the challenge and battle Penta for the Intercontinental title. The luchadors put on an instant classic with Penta surviving the onslaught and hitting the Mexican Destroyer to pin Lee and retain the title in his second defense.
Winner & Still: Penta
Grade: B+
Match Insights & Backstage Moments:
- This was Penta’s second title defense after his win over ‘Real’ El Grande Americano last week.
- WWE did not mention Lee’s feud with Gunther, which ended in Gunther unmasking Lee and putting him to sleep. This was Lee’s first appearance since the loss.
- Backstage, Austin Theory and Logan Paul approached Paul Heyman. Theory stated that while Brock Lesnar would deal with Oba Femi, they planned to take care of Seth Rollins. Heyman stated that it would be the worst thing they could do, explaining that Rollins’ actions were a calculated move. He reminded them that Rollins had attacked and beaten him, a 60-year-old man, without facing consequences, and what they really needed was leverage. Heyman outlined the plan: they should take the tag titles from The Usos, which would then allow him to secure opportunities for them at singles titles. He stressed that it didn’t matter whether they had to fight in the streets or in sanctioned singles matches; this was the path forward. Theory, overeager, rushed off to speak with Adam Pearce, while Logan lingered, asserting that the tag titles were practically theirs and that they also planned to deal with LA Knight.
Maxxine Dupri vs Nattie
After knocking out Maxxine Dupri in their first encounter, Nattie battled Durpi for the second time on the show and survived the early onslaught. Nattie bagged another win over Dupri, after locking in the Sharshooter, forcing Dupri to tap out and accept defeat.
Winner: Nattie via submission
Grade: C-
Match Insights & Backstage Moments:
- With the win, Nattie is now 2-0 against Maxxine Dupri.
- Post-match, Nattie got into the camera ringside and said that the Dungeon is alive.
Randy Orton’s interview
Michael Cole greeted Randy Orton, who was on the phone, speaking to someone, and asked Cole to wait as he was on the phone. Orton talked on the phone, saying it was time (for the turn), adding that he appreciated them doing this and he would see them soon. He hung up the phone and announced that although he had agreed to do an interview on Raw, he had changed his mind.
There would be no interview, but he declared that he would leave with this: everyone had been asking questions since last Friday, and he had spoken with someone sharp enough to make him realize who he was and why he did what he did to Cody Rhodes. Orton stated that he was a Killer and noted that wrestling had more than one Royal Family.
Grade: B+
Insights & Backstage Moments:
- WWE announced that Randy Orton will appear live on this Friday’s SmackDown. Cole noted that Orton will have much more to say on the Blue brand.
- Backstage, Je’Von Evans checked on Dragon Lee when Kofi Kingston arrived. Kofi continued to convince Evans to join him, but Evans declined the offer. Grayson Waller appeared and said that he doesn’t see what Kofi sees in Je’Von, and Kingston said a lot of people tell him and Woods that about Grayson. Danhausen then appeared, pitching himself to replace Woods in the New Day. Kofi turned down the offer, leading Danhausen to put a curse on him, but Kofi pulled Waller in front.
Stephanie Vaquer vs Raquel Rodriguez – Non-title match
Before her title defense against Liv Morgan, Stephanie Vaquer battled Morgan’s stablemate Raquel Rodriguez in a non-title match. Liv continued to taunt Vaquer throughout the match, and when it seemed tough for Rodriguez, she jumped on the apron to distract Vaquer as Raquel capitalized with a big boot.
Iyo Sky then appeared, confronting Liv Morgan, who ran away and tried to attack Iyo when Rodriguez came in, sending Iyo crashing over the announce desk. Vaquer took out Raquel and dumped Liv into the timekeeper’s area. Back in the ring, Rodriguez mounted a comeback and went for the Tahana Bomb, but Vaquer rolled her up to get the three count and secure the win.
Winner: Stephanie Vaquer
Grade: B
Match Insights & Backstage Moments:
- No clue why Iyo Sky came out to help Vaquer, other than the two being babyfaces, and did zero damage before being taken out.
- Backstage, Bayley and Lyra Valkyria regroup after Bayley’s loss. The Kabuki Warriors appeared, and Asuka scolded Bayley for costing her a shot at defeating AJ Lee, something Asuka claimed she would have accomplished had she won last week, and she said she would never forget it. Kairi Sane spoke in Japanese, prompting Asuka to strike her with her fan while warning Bayley and Lyra that they weren’t ready for her. Bayley translated for Lyra, explaining that the Kabuki Warriors were targeting the tag titles. Valkyria suggested that maybe they should go after them, and the two went to go speak with Adam Pearce.
Roman Reigns responds to CM Punk
Roman Reigns hyped up the San Antonio crowd, asking them to acknowledge him as the arena erupted in “OTC” chants. Roman said he knew the noise could be heard backstage and that everyone knew whose show it was, as he was in the beginning, the middle, and the end of it.
He mocked CM Punk a little, noting that Punk seemed confused, calling it “his show.” Roman then called out Punk so they could handle some business. Punk appeared, taking his time, greeting the crowd ringside while Roman looked impatient, yawning. Punk got on the apron, said something to Roman, and then celebrated with the crowd before finally entering the ring. Roman welcomed him, saying, “Welcome to my Main Event.”
Punk pointed out that Roman kept using his government name, Phil, as if it were an insult, noting that his friends and family called him that. He added that Roman could call him Titty Tiaki or whatever his real name was, but he didn’t obsess over it or read his Wikipedia page.
He then insisted he would certainly not call him Joe, because it would be disrespectful to be a real Samoan (Samoan Joe) whom he loves very, very much. Roman asked him to call him Joe, saying he would then remind Punk who his Tribal Chief was.
Punk then asked if Roman was sending all the Samoans after him. Roman clarified that he hadn’t sent anyone; he had merely given permission for them to do (whatever they deem fit). Punk responded that they would only high-five him while hyping the crowd to show whose show it was.
Punk added that he was surprised Roman hadn’t swung at him yet, and regarding WrestleMania, he claimed he had already won as he was in Reigns’ head. Roman countered, saying he wanted Punk to think that, but the truth was, he was on everyone’s mind. He mocked Punk for claiming he was in the main event, noting that Phil hadn’t main-evented anything, not even a live event in Europe, let alone a Mania main event.
Roman asked Punk to say something as the crowd chanted, and Punk explained that while he did that last week, Roman sent his cousins, and he hadn’t wanted Jimmy and Jey caught in the crosshairs. He said they had handled the family business, and he deserved what he got last week, “right message but wrong messenger,” and asked who the real Tribal Chief was.
Reigns mocked the crowd’s reaction, calling it garbage. He labeled Punk redundant and told him to figure out what a top-dollar player did, even advising him to ask his wife. Roman tried to leave, but Punk blocked his path. As Roman exited the ring, Punk stepped in front, insisting it was his ring and he would decide when Roman could leave.
Punk directed Roman’s attention to the WrestleMania sign, declaring it would be the last time Roman main-evented, promising to GTS him and split his ego in two, and beat him at the “Grandest Stage of Them All.” Roman snapped, saying enough was enough, calling Punk delusional.
He admitted Punk was great on the mic and in the mental game, but claimed Punk could do nothing to the Tribal Chief, as when the talking was done, he couldn’t match him in speed, strength, or skill in the ring. Roman called Punk embarrassing and old, which triggered Punk.
Punk dropped Roman with a right hand, but Reigns started laughing, taunting him. Security rushed in just in time to diffuse the situation. GM Adam Pearce calmed Punk and escorted him out of the ring, while Roman basked in the glory, remarking that Punk could run his mouth but couldn’t, “you say one thing and the slops.”
Grade: A
Insights & Backstage Moments:
- Roman turned up the heat this time around, playing his own mind games, riling Punk up to throw the first shot in this feud, and it worked.
- Before the show ended, Roman noted that Punk can run his mouth, but can’t take it, “you say one thing and the slops,” continuing to play mind games and get into Punk’s head.
- Backstage before the segment, LA Knight caught up with the Usos, recalling last week and tonight, noting that the Vision had mentioned all three of their names, which he didn’t like, and that they each had business with the Vision. He also couldn’t help noticing how close they had gotten with Roman Reigns. The Usos told him it was family business and advised him to mind his own. LA rejected that notion, saying he understood the importance of family business and respected them, but warned that if the old Bloodline returned, they wouldn’t be on the same page. He offered a fist bump, Big Jim returned it, but Jey chose not to.
WWE Raw 3/16 Results
- Brock Lesnar confronted Seth Rollins
- Oba Femi attacked Brock Lesnar, accepting the open challenge
- ‘Real’ El Grande Americano pinned “Original” El Grande Americano
- AJ Lee (c) defeated Bayley – Women’s Intercontinental title match
- Penta (c) pinned Dragon Lee – Intercontinental title match
- Nattie defeated Maxxine Dupri via submission
- Stephanie Vaquer pinned Raquel Rodriguez – Non-title match
- CM Punk dropped Roman Reigns after another intense promo battle
Who won in the main event of WWE Raw tonight?
Stephanie Vaquer pinned Raquel Rodriguez to win the final match of tonight’s Raw.
Did WWE announce any new matches for WrestleMania 42?
Yes, Oba Femi attacked Brock Lesnar and accepted the open challenge. WWE later made the match official for WrestleMania.
When and where will WrestleMania 42 take place?
The 42nd edition of WrestleMania will take place as a two-night event on April 18 and 19 at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada.
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Abhijit Singh is a budding sports journalist with over three years of experience in the field, and a photographer capturing stories through his lens since 2018. With a background in philosophy and political science, he brings a thoughtful, analytical edge to his reporting where every word is guided by curiosity and intent. Whether he's capturing the emotion of a moment or unpacking the deeper narratives within the game, Abhijit’s work is rooted in insight and passion. When he’s not covering sports, he’s often exploring new ideas through reading, traveling or just procrastinating.