Tag: RAW

Michael Cole Comments On Asuka’s Uncertain WWE Future Following Emotional Raw Farewell

Questions continue to surround Asuka’s WWE status after an emotional segment aired on this week’s episode of Monday Night Raw.

The former Women’s Champion was already the subject of heavy speculation coming out of WWE Backlash, where she shared a heartfelt moment with IYO SKY after losing to “The Genius of the Sky.” The two embraced following the match, and social media activity from several WWE talents only added to rumors that Asuka may be stepping away from the company.

Reports that surfaced afterward painted an unclear picture regarding her future. One claimed the veteran star was “semi-retired,” while another noted that even people within WWE creative and the locker room reportedly aren’t certain about her current status.

Raw added more intrigue with a pre-taped backstage segment featuring SKY and Asuka. In the emotional exchange, Asuka told SKY she had been searching for someone worthy of carrying things forward and said she was happy it ended up being her longtime ally and rival.

She also told SKY how proud she was of her accomplishments. SKY responded by saying they would always be family no matter how many times they battle each other in the ring. She then said goodbye to “Asuka-san,” prompting Asuka to reply with “see you later” before the two hugged.

The segment ended with Asuka walking away with luggage in hand while SKY watched her leave.

During SKY’s later match against Sol Ruca, Michael Cole acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the situation on commentary, stating that Asuka’s “future is up in the air” and noting that she appeared to have said goodbye.

Asuka has been one of WWE’s most decorated women’s stars since signing with the company in 2016. Over the years, she captured multiple championships across NXT and the main roster while building a reputation as one of the most influential international stars in WWE history.

Despite reports that she signed a new WWE contract in 2024, there is still no official word on whether this is a temporary hiatus, a reduced schedule, or something more permanent. Speculation has also continued regarding whether the recent departure of longtime tag team partner Kairi Sane could be connected to the situation.

For now, WWE has not released an official statement regarding Asuka’s future.

WWE Raw Preview 5/11/2026

WWE Raw live today at 8/7c on Netflix from the Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center in Knoxville, Tennessee.

  • Fallout from Backlash
  • Street Profits & Joe Hendry vs. The Vision
  • Women’s Tag Team Champions Brie Bella & Paige respond to The Judgment Day
  • Jacob Fatu to take part in the Roman Reigns Acknowledgment Ceremony
  • Appearances by CM Punk and Seth Rollins
  • Oba Femi Open Challenge continues

WWE Raw Preview 5/4/2026

WWE raw live tonight at 8/7c on Netflix from the CHI Health Center in Omaha, Nebraska

  • Oba Femi open challenge
  • Je’Von Evans & Penta vs. Rusev & Ethan Page
  • Finn Balor vs. JD McDonagh
  • Roman Reigns and Jacob Fatu sign the contract for their World Heavyweight Title match at WWE Backlash
  • Asuka and IYO SKY face to face
  • Sol Ruca signs with Raw

WWE Raw Preview 4/27/2026

WWE Raw live tonight on Netflix from the Sames Auto Center in Laredo, TX, beginning at 8:00 pm ET/5:00 pm PT.

  • Seth Rollins will open the show
  • Penta vs. Rusev
  • Bayley & Lyra Valkyria vs. Raquel Rodriguez & Roxanne Perez
  • Roman Reigns will make his decision regarding Jacob Fatu’s World Title Match challenge for Backlash.
  • Joe Hendry making his Raw debut with a concert
  • WWE Women’s Intercontinental Champion Becky Lynch to appear

Sol Ruca Hints At NXT Exit Following Raw Debut

It looks like Sol Ruca may be closing the chapter on her NXT run after making waves on WWE’s main roster this week.

Ruca stepped onto Monday Night Raw for her first official match, squaring off against Liv Morgan in a competitive showing that quickly turned chaotic thanks to outside involvement from Zaria. While the match itself raised eyebrows, it was what followed that really got people talking about Ruca’s future.

Just days earlier, Ruca endured a brutal Last Woman Standing match at NXT Revenge, where she took a heavy fall off a raised platform and crashed through a table. The spot felt significant, and in hindsight, it may have served as a dramatic sendoff moment for her NXT tenure.

Fueling that speculation even more, Ruca took to Instagram shortly after her Raw appearance with a simple but telling message: “Thank you NXT, it’s been real.” The post included photos of her standing in front of her locker, a visual that many fans are interpreting as a farewell to the brand where she built her name.

Despite the strong hints, WWE has yet to make anything official. Ruca is still listed under the NXT roster on WWE.com, leaving just enough room for uncertainty. Still, between her Raw debut and her social media message, all signs are pointing toward a full-time move to the main roster.

If this really is the end of her NXT run, Ruca leaves behind a memorable stretch filled with standout athleticism and highlight-reel moments—and it looks like she’s ready to bring that same energy to a bigger stage.

NXT Stars Ethan Page & Joe Hendry Officially Moved to Raw as WWE Bolsters Post-WrestleMania Roster; Sol Ruca Note

The annual post-WrestleMania shake-up is already in motion, and this year’s wave of call-ups has officially brought two standout NXT names to Monday nights. Ethan Page and Joe Hendry are now confirmed members of the WWE Raw roster, signaling a fresh injection of talent into the red brand.

Ethan Page wasted no time making an impression. Appearing in a backstage segment alongside Raw General Manager Adam Pearce, Intercontinental Champion Penta, and Je’Von Evans, Page was formally introduced as Raw’s newest addition. The announcement quickly turned physical, as Page squared off with Evans in a match later in the night.

Thanks to a timely assist from Rusev, Page picked up the win—though the chaos didn’t end there. Rusev continued the assault on Evans after the bell, prompting Penta to intervene. However, Page re-entered the fray to tip the scales back in Rusev’s favor, leaving both men standing tall. With that, Page has immediately positioned himself in the middle of a heated Intercontinental Title scene that now includes Penta, Evans, and Rusev.

Joe Hendry’s arrival was handled a bit differently, but no less officially. While he didn’t appear live on the show, WWE aired a graphic promoting a “celebration concert” for next week’s Raw. Commentary confirmed that Hendry is now part of the Raw roster, fresh off his recent appearance in the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal on SmackDown. His full debut looks set to bring a unique flair to Monday nights.

Meanwhile, another NXT name teased a potential call-up. Sol Ruca made a surprise appearance to confront newly crowned Women’s World Champion Liv Morgan. The confrontation led to an impromptu match, where Morgan managed to escape with a win after interference from Zaria. While Ruca hasn’t officially been moved to the main roster, her involvement—and her ongoing rivalry with Zaria—suggests it may only be a matter of time.

With Page already mixing it up in a title picture and Hendry’s debut looming, WWE is clearly leaning into fresh talent to reshape Raw’s landscape in the post-WrestleMania season.

WWE Raw After Mania Preview 4/20/2026

WWE Raw After Mania live tonight at 8pm ET/ 5pm PT on Netflix from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

There is no information about tonight’s Raw or matches announced at the time of this posting. Below is what will and could be expected tonight.

  • Fallout from WrestleMania 42
  • Likely appearances from new WWE World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns, new Women’s World Champion Liv Morgan, new Women’s IC Champion Becky Lynch.
  • Seth Rollins will probably looking for payback on Bron Breakker
  • We may see the new WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Brie Bella and Paige (who made her WWE return at Mania 42)
  • We could see some main roster callups from NXT

WWE Raw Preview 4/13/2026

WWE Raw live today at 8pm ET/5pm PT on Netflix from the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California.

At the time of this writing, WWE is advertising the follow for today’s Raw, which is the go-home show for this Saturday’s WrestleMania 42.

Appearances by Roman Reigns, CM Punk, Seth Rollins, Gunther, Oba Femi and Brock Lesnar

Positive Backstage Update On Liv Morgan & Roxanne Perez Following RAW Incident Ahead Of WrestleMania 42

There’s some encouraging news coming out of WWE regarding Liv Morgan and Roxanne Perez after their scary-looking backstage incident on this week’s episode of Raw.

The moment in question saw Women’s World Champion Stephanie Vaquer launch a surprise attack on Morgan, blindsiding her and inadvertently sending her crashing into Perez during a backstage segment. The spot looked rough, and Morgan later shared a photo on social media showing a noticeable welt on her head, which only added to the concern among fans.

Initial reports indicated that both Morgan and Perez were placed in concussion protocol following the segment. However, the latest update suggests the situation isn’t as serious as first feared.

According to WrestleVotes Radio via Fightful Select, there’s growing optimism within WWE that both Morgan and Perez will be medically cleared in time for WrestleMania 42, set for April 18 and 19 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. That’s a key development, especially with Morgan currently slated for a major title opportunity.

The report also notes that Vaquer has not picked up any backstage heat over the incident, which suggests officials view it as an unfortunate in-ring (or in-segment) mishap rather than negligence.

As it stands, Perez isn’t advertised for a WrestleMania match, though her return to Raw is still fresh after undergoing surgery to remove a benign mass from her back earlier this year. Morgan, on the other hand, has a huge opportunity ahead of her, having won the 2026 Women’s Royal Rumble to earn a shot at Vaquer’s Women’s World Championship.

If Morgan is able to compete and capture the title at “The Grandest Stage of Them All,” it would mark her third world championship reign in WWE.

For now, all eyes are on WWE’s medical team as they monitor both stars heading into one of the biggest weekends of the year.

WWE Raw Preview 4/6/2026

WWE Raw live tonight on Netflix at 8:00 pm ET/5:00 pm PT from the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.

  • Seth Rollins to open the show
  • World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk to speak
  • Rhea Ripley & IYO SKY vs. B-Fab & Michin
  • Oba Femi and Brock Lesnar to appear
  • Finn Balor vs. JD McDonagh
  • LA Knight vs. Austin Theory