WWE Raw Preview 3/9/2026

WWE Raw airs live today at 8pm ET/5pm PT on Netflix from the Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, Washington.

  • WWE Intercontinental Championship: Penta (c) vs. Original El Grande Americano
  • Oba Femi vs. Rusev
  • Women’s Intercontinental Championship No. 1 Contenders Gauntlet Match: IYO SKY vs. Bayley vs. Lyra Valkyria vs. Ivy Nile vs. Asuka vs. Raquel Rodriguez
  • Danhausen to appear

Brie Bella Fires Back at Online Trolls as Thea Hail Speaks Out About Toxic Wrestling Fans

Online criticism has always been part of professional wrestling, but several WWE stars are making it clear that the level of hate—particularly aimed at women—has gone too far. Recently, both Brie Bella and NXT standout Thea Hail spoke openly about the harsh treatment they receive on social media and why they’re pushing back.

During a recent episode of the “Nikki & Brie” podcast, Brie Bella didn’t hold back when addressing the constant criticism directed at female wrestlers. According to Brie, she’s only interested in feedback from people who actually understand the business and the challenges women face in it.

Brie explained that she values opinions from people who have experienced the wrestling industry firsthand—especially those who understand what it’s like to work in a male-dominated environment. For critics who have never been in that position, she made it clear their opinions carry little weight.

She also called out the boldness many people show behind a keyboard, joking that social media gives “brave fingers” to people who wouldn’t say those things in person. Brie added that she’s not afraid to clap back at trolls who try to tear her down online, making it clear she’s more than willing to defend herself when needed.

Brie’s comments come shortly after NXT star Thea Hail shared her own emotional message about dealing with negativity from fans.

Taking to social media, the 22-year-old wrestler reminded followers just how young she is and how much she sacrificed to pursue her wrestling dream. Hail revealed that she moved away from home during high school to chase a career in professional wrestling—something many people wouldn’t have been willing to do.

Despite dedicating the last five years of her life to the business, Hail said it’s been difficult to constantly see negative comments about her as a person whenever she checks her social media feeds. She described the experience as exhausting, especially after working so hard to reach major moments in her career.

Hail emphasized that while she loves professional wrestling more than anything, the constant online criticism can be discouraging. She urged fans to remember that the performers they watch every week are still human beings behind the characters.

Before posting harsh comments, she asked people to take a moment and consider how they would feel if those same words were directed at them.

The recent comments from Brie Bella and Thea Hail highlight an ongoing conversation within the wrestling community about fan behavior and the impact of social media. While passionate fan reactions are nothing new in the industry, many performers are hoping for a shift toward more respectful interactions online.

As more wrestlers speak out, the message is becoming clear: support and criticism are both part of fandom—but personal attacks don’t have to be.

WWE Raw Preview 3/2/2026

Tonight’s episode of WWE Raw airs live at 8/7c on Netflix from the Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana.

  • Fallout from Elimination Chamber
  • WWE World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk will appear live
  • WWE Women’s Intercontinental Champion AJ Lee will appear live
  • Raw General Manager Adam Pearce to address Seth Rollins
  • WWE Intercontinental Championship Match: Dominik Mysterio defends against Penta
  • Gunther vs. Dragon Lee
  • Danhausen will probably appear

Report On Danhausen Following WWE Debut At Elimination Chamber

Danhausen has officially arrived in WWE.

After weeks of speculation surrounding the mysterious box at WWE Elimination Chamber, the contents were finally revealed in dramatic fashion. When WWE officials Adam Pearce and Nick Aldis opened the oversized prop during the premium live event, fans were greeted with a coffin tucked inside. Moments later, the lid swung open, dancers poured out, and Danhausen made his long-awaited WWE debut in signature “very nice, very evil” style.

Now, new backstage details suggest this wasn’t a one-off appearance.

According to BodySlam+, Danhausen has signed a multi-year contract with WWE, solidifying his place with the company for the foreseeable future. Interestingly, WWE reportedly had its sights set on bringing him in as early as July 2025. However, All Elite Wrestling exercised an extension on his previous contract, preventing him from entering free agency until 2026.

That delay didn’t stop WWE from making his eventual debut feel like a major spectacle. PWI Elite reports that the company went to significant lengths to keep Danhausen hidden prior to Elimination Chamber, particularly given the event’s location in Chicago — a city known for its passionate wrestling fanbase and tendency to sniff out surprises early. The secrecy paid off, as his reveal caught many in attendance off guard.

Staying true to his established persona, Danhausen emerged wearing his trademark face paint and cape, fully leaning into the eerie-yet-comedic presentation that made him a cult favorite. He even made his way to the commentary desk to interact with Michael Cole and Wade Barrett, adding another layer of unpredictability to the segment.

As for what’s next, Danhausen is reportedly scheduled to be backstage at tonight’s episode of Monday Night Raw at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Whether that means he’ll officially land on the Raw roster remains to be seen, but WWE clearly appears to have immediate plans in mind.

Danhausen’s final run under the AEW/ROH umbrella was largely quiet, with injuries and inconsistent booking limiting his on-screen presence. His last in-ring appearance came in February 2024, when he picked up a win over Brandon Cutler on ROH on HonorClub. Since then, fans have wondered when — and where — he would resurface.

Now, the answer is clear: WWE.

With a multi-year deal in place and a memorable debut already in the books, the “very nice, very evil” star has a fresh opportunity to reinvent himself on wrestling’s biggest stage. The only question left is how WWE plans to integrate one of the industry’s most unique characters into its current landscape.

AJ Styles Reveals He Nearly Retired in TNA Before WWE Run Changed Everything

AJ Styles’ in-ring career officially came to an end at the 2026 Royal Rumble, where “The Phenomenal One” fell to GUNTHER in a career-on-the-line showdown. The following night on WWE Raw, Styles received an emotional sendoff, capped off with confirmation that a WWE Hall of Fame induction is on the horizon.

But as it turns out, Styles once envisioned a very different ending to his story.

Speaking on Raw Recap: WWE Now, Styles admitted that there was a time when he fully expected to retire under the TNA banner — the company where he became a cornerstone star and helped build its identity during its formative years.

According to Styles, had TNA presented him with a comparable contract offer back in 2014, he likely never would have left.

He explained that he took pride in helping establish TNA as a legitimate wrestling promotion and had every intention of finishing his career there. However, circumstances changed. With TNA dealing with financial struggles at the time, Styles was reportedly asked to accept a significant pay cut — said to be around 60 percent. That proved to be the turning point.

Rather than re-sign under those terms, Styles bet on himself.

After departing TNA in early 2014, Styles revitalized his career on the global stage. He made high-profile stops in Ring of Honor and New Japan Pro-Wrestling, where he further cemented his legacy and expanded his international reputation. That momentum ultimately led to his surprise debut in WWE as an entrant in the 2016 Men’s Royal Rumble — a moment that instantly reshaped the industry landscape.

Over the next decade, Styles built a résumé that erased any doubt about his place in WWE history. He captured the United States Championship, Intercontinental Championship, Raw Tag Team Championship, and most notably, the WWE Championship — a reign that solidified him as one of the defining stars of his era.

His final chapter came full circle at the 2026 Royal Rumble. Putting his career on the line against GUNTHER, Styles was ultimately defeated after “The Ring General” forced him to pass out to a sleeper hold. It was a fittingly hard-fought end for a competitor known for his resilience and elite in-ring ability.

While Styles once pictured his retirement happening in TNA, fate had other plans. Instead, he closes his career as a future WWE Hall of Famer — a testament to a journey that took risks, crossed borders, and ultimately redefined what was possible for a wrestler who built his name outside the WWE system.

In hindsight, turning down that TNA offer may have been the most important decision of his career.

Xavier Woods Provides Injury Update After Stepping Away From WWE Action

Xavier Woods is staying positive despite dealing with a significant shoulder issue that has temporarily sidelined him from in-ring competition.

On the February 16 episode of WWE RAW, Kofi Kingston informed fans that his New Day partner would be stepping away from wrestling after battling a shoulder injury for roughly three months. Woods’ last match took place in a dark match ahead of the 2026 Royal Rumble, and he hasn’t competed since.

Now, Woods himself has shed more light on the situation.

Speaking on the No Contest Wrestling podcast, Woods revealed that the damage to his shoulder is more serious than initially believed. According to the former King of the Ring, doctors found multiple tears, describing his shoulder as having “gone through the meat grinder.”

At this point, the hope is that physical therapy will be enough to get him back to full strength. However, Woods acknowledged that surgery remains a possibility if rehab doesn’t resolve the issue.

Despite the uncertainty, Woods made it clear he’s approaching the situation with optimism. He said he’s staying positive about the recovery process and is prepared to undergo surgery if that’s what’s required to properly heal. In his view, everything happens for a reason, and he’s choosing to focus on the bigger picture rather than the setback itself.

For New Day fans, the news is obviously concerning. Woods has been a consistent presence on WWE television for years, whether competing in tag team action alongside Kingston or carving out his own singles opportunities. His absence will certainly be felt if recovery takes longer than expected.

As of now, there’s no official timeline for his return. The next few weeks will likely determine whether rehab is enough or if Woods will need to go under the knife.

We’ll continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more information becomes available.

Liv Morgan Opens Up About Spiritual Awakening: “I Think I Might Have Found God”

Liv Morgan is known for wearing her heart on her sleeve inside the ring, and now she’s doing the same outside of it.

During a recent appearance on the RAW Talk podcast, the Judgment Day member shared a deeply personal update about her life away from WWE cameras, revealing that she’s been on what she describes as a spiritual journey over the past five months — one that may have led her to rediscover faith.

When asked whether she considers herself religious, Morgan didn’t hesitate to explain that something has shifted in her life recently.

According to Morgan, a series of moments that felt bigger than coincidence sparked what she calls a “calling” to explore a relationship with God. While she acknowledged that it might sound cliché, she said the experiences felt meaningful enough to push her toward self-reflection and spiritual growth.

Morgan explained that religion wasn’t a major part of her upbringing. Though she attended church occasionally as a child, it never fully connected with her. As an adult, she says she lived somewhere in the middle — not fully believing, but not dismissing faith either.

Interestingly, despite her uncertainty over the years, Morgan revealed she has always made the sign of the cross before every match — even during times when she questioned whether God was real. In her words, that contradiction perfectly summed up her complicated relationship with faith.

Over the past few months, however, that uncertainty has evolved into something more concrete. Morgan described subtle but meaningful experiences that encouraged her to “lean in” spiritually. Since then, she says she’s felt an emotional shift that’s difficult to fully put into words.

The former Women’s Champion shared that she now feels a sense of unconditional love and reassurance that often brings her to tears. While she’s not currently reading the Bible cover-to-cover, she did start a daily devotional at the beginning of the year and has stuck with it consistently. She credits that practice with helping her stay grounded mentally and emotionally amid the pressures of WWE life.

Morgan also reflected on how her early perception of organized religion — which she felt was often framed around fear and obligation — may have shaped her hesitation toward faith. As an adult, she says she feels more empowered to define spirituality on her own terms, without pressure or rigid expectations.

Today, Morgan describes her faith as something that brings her trust and relief rather than fear. While she still deals with anxiety and the high-pressure environment that comes with being a WWE Superstar, she says she’s found comfort in believing that God “has her back,” allowing her to center herself and push through challenging moments.

As one of WWE’s most open and emotionally transparent performers, Morgan’s willingness to speak candidly about her personal evolution adds another layer to her ever-evolving story — both inside and outside the squared circle.

WWE Releases Emotional Post-Raw Celebration Footage Following AJ Styles Tribute Show & HOF Announcement

WWE has released exclusive behind-the-scenes footage from AJ Styles’ emotional farewell on Monday Night Raw, giving fans an extended look at the heartfelt celebration that followed the cameras going dark.

The closing segment of Raw was already heavy with emotion, as “The Phenomenal One” addressed the crowd and reflected on a career that spanned the globe. But once the broadcast ended, the real floodgates opened.

In the nearly five-minute video shared by WWE, Styles shared deeply personal moments with friends and rivals from every chapter of his journey — from TNA to New Japan Pro-Wrestling to WWE.

Several familiar faces from Styles’ TNA days joined him in the ring, including Frankie Kazarian, Drake Maverick (formerly Rockstar Spud), Bobby Roode, and Abyss. Maverick and Kazarian now work behind the scenes as WWE producers, but on this night, it was about celebrating their longtime friend. During an embrace with Roode, Styles jokingly told him, “You got me good, dude,” referencing the surprise announcement of Roode’s upcoming WWE Hall of Fame induction. Roode insisted he had no advance knowledge of the honor.

The tribute also featured a rare WWE appearance from Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows, who had been released from the company in February 2025. The duo, who teamed with Styles in both WWE and NJPW, stood alongside him once again. Other former Bullet Club members in attendance included Finn Bálor, Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, and Cody Rhodes — highlighting the massive influence Styles had across promotions. At one point, Bálor and Styles shared a classic “Too Sweet” gesture, bringing things full circle.

Among Styles’ WWE peers, the emotion was palpable. Cathy Kelley, Stephanie Vaquer, Michin, and Asuka were visibly moved during the sendoff. Earlier in the night, Cody Rhodes and Sami Zayn even lifted Styles onto their shoulders in a symbolic tribute to his impact on the business.

Styles’ final match came at the 2026 Royal Rumble, where GUNTHER — dubbed “The Career Killer” — forced him to pass out to a sleeper hold in a physically grueling contest. Prior to that, Styles revisited one of his most storied rivalries when he faced Shinsuke Nakamura at Saturday Night’s Main Event. In a poetic touch, Nakamura was seen capturing photos of Styles’ farewell on Raw, documenting the final chapter of a shared legacy that dates back to their NJPW days.

From TNA standout to global superstar, AJ Styles’ career has touched nearly every major corner of the wrestling world. WWE’s post-Raw footage makes one thing clear: his influence goes far beyond championship reigns and five-star matches.

For one night, the wrestling world — across generations and promotions — stood together to celebrate The Phenomenal One.

Bronson Reed Suffers Torn Bicep on Raw, WWE Confirms Indefinite Absence

WWE’s road to Elimination Chamber took an unexpected turn on Monday night.

During an Elimination Chamber qualifying match on WWE Raw featuring Jey Uso, Bronson Reed, and the returning Original El Grande Americano, Reed appeared to suffer an injury mid-match that ultimately changed the bout’s outcome — and potentially reshaped upcoming plans heading into WrestleMania 42.

According to WWE, Reed has torn his bicep and will be sidelined indefinitely.

Injury Alters Chamber Plans

The injury became apparent when Reed rolled out of the ring and began receiving attention from medical personnel. Cameras briefly caught him gesturing toward his arm, seemingly indicating the bicep area. Commentary also noted the concern as he failed to re-enter the match.

Later in the broadcast, Michael Cole confirmed that Reed had sustained a torn bicep and would be out indefinitely.

Behind the scenes, the injury reportedly caused a major pivot. WrestleVotes shared that Reed was originally scheduled to win the qualifier and secure a spot inside the Elimination Chamber this Saturday in Chicago. Instead, Jey Uso picked up the victory following Reed’s exit.

A torn bicep is no minor issue, often requiring surgery and a lengthy rehabilitation period — sometimes stretching several months depending on severity. That would likely sideline “Aus-Zilla” well beyond WrestleMania season.

A Rough Stretch for The Vision

Reed’s injury comes at a particularly unfortunate time for The Vision faction.

Bron Breakker is already out of action after undergoing surgery earlier this month for a serious hernia. Meanwhile, Seth Rollins — the group’s former leader — has been on the shelf since October and was stripped of the World Heavyweight Championship as a result of his injury.

With Reed now added to the list, The Vision’s in-ring presence heading toward WrestleMania 42 is down to Logan Paul and Austin Theory, alongside Paul Heyman as the group’s mouthpiece.

That creates another layer of intrigue given the ongoing storyline involving a masked attacker who has been targeting members of the faction. Rumors have pointed toward Rollins being behind the attacks, potentially setting up a high-profile WrestleMania clash with Breakker. But with Breakker still recovering and Reed now sidelined, creative plans may need to shift dramatically.

Whether Paul and Theory step into more prominent roles in that storyline remains to be seen.

What’s Next?

WWE has not provided a timetable for Reed’s return, only confirming that he will be out indefinitely. If surgery is required — as is often the case with a torn bicep — fans could be looking at an extended absence.

For now, Jey Uso moves on to the Elimination Chamber, while The Vision finds itself in a vulnerable position at a critical point on the road to WrestleMania.

As always in WWE, the show moves forward — but this injury is one that could have ripple effects far beyond a single match.

AJ Styles Gets Emotional Raw Farewell, Leaves Gloves In The Ring, Named As An Inductee For WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2026

Monday night’s episode of WWE Raw delivered an unforgettable send-off for one of the most influential performers of the modern era. AJ Styles closed the show in an emotional main event segment that not only celebrated his legendary career but also confirmed his place in WWE history — as the first announced inductee into the 2026 WWE Hall of Fame class.

A Night Built Around “The Phenomenal One”

Throughout the broadcast, WWE paid tribute to Styles with a series of video packages highlighting his journey from international standout to WWE Champion and locker room leader. Several WWE Superstars offered words of appreciation, reflecting on his impact inside and outside the ring.

The tribute extended beyond the current roster. In attendance were longtime friends and former allies from multiple chapters of Styles’ career. TNA legends Frankie Kazarian and Christopher Park — the latter appearing in his iconic Abyss persona — were present for the occasion. Former WWE and NJPW stars Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows, known collectively with Styles as The Good Brothers and members of Bullet Club and The OC, also showed up to support their longtime teammate. Even Omos, Styles’ former tag team partner, made a rare appearance for the celebration.

It was a gathering that underscored just how wide Styles’ influence stretches across the wrestling world.

An Emotional Goodbye

When Styles made his entrance for the final segment, the crowd immediately filled the arena with chants of “Thank you, AJ.” Clearly overwhelmed, Styles soaked in the moment before delivering a heartfelt promo that traced the arc of his career — from his early days to becoming one of WWE’s most respected performers.

In classic AJ fashion, he mixed humor with sincerity, joking that he would have worn a suit for the occasion, but the last time he did that he ended up fighting Cody Rhodes.

As the moment grew more emotional, Styles removed his jacket and laid it in the center of the ring. He followed by placing his signature gloves on the mat — a symbolic gesture long associated with retirement in pro wrestling. With his family watching from ringside, Styles offered one final “thank you” and “I love you” before the locker room emptied onto the stage. Paul “Triple H” Levesque joined the group in applauding Styles, creating a powerful scene of respect from peers and executives alike.

The Undertaker Delivers A Final Surprise

Just as it appeared the night was coming to a close, the familiar gong echoed through the arena. The lights went out, and when they came back up, The Undertaker emerged on his motorcycle.

In a fitting bit of theatrics, The Deadman asked Styles if he was really planning to leave his gear in the ring and simply walk away. He then revealed there was still “unfinished business” — announcing that AJ Styles will be the first inductee into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2026.

The surprise announcement brought fresh tears to Styles’ eyes as he embraced Undertaker. Moments later, his family joined him in the ring to celebrate the milestone, closing the show on a note of gratitude and legacy.

A Career Worthy of Immortality

Styles’ WWE run alone includes multiple world championships, show-stealing matches at WrestleMania, and leadership roles in groups like The OC. But his Hall of Fame nod also represents decades of influence across TNA, NJPW, and beyond — cementing him as one of the most well-traveled and respected performers of his generation.

Whether this marks the official end of his in-ring career remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: AJ Styles’ impact on the industry is undeniable.

And come 2026, “The Phenomenal One” will officially take his place among the immortals.