WWE Raw 4/27/2026: 3 Things We Hated & 3 Things We Loved

The April 27, 2026, episode of WWE Raw was a night of high drama, unexpected twists, and standout performances that left fans buzzing. From the official announcement of a blockbuster match at Backlash to the in-ring debut of a rising star, the show had no shortage of talking points. As always, not every moment landed perfectly—but the hits far outweighed the misses.

For those who missed the action, the episode was packed with storylines that will shape the future of WWE. Roman Reigns, the undisputed Universal Champion, took center stage alongside Jacob Fatu, setting the stage for a potential showdown that could redefine the Bloodline saga. Meanwhile, new faces like Joe Hendry made their presence felt, while veterans like Asuka and IYO SKY delivered championship-caliber performances. Below, we break down three moments we loved and three we could have done without—all verified against primary sources from the episode.

3 Things We Hated

1. The IYO SKY vs. Lyra Valkyria Title Match Ending

The Women’s World Championship match between IYO SKY and Lyra Valkyria was one of the most anticipated segments of the night. The two competitors delivered a fast-paced, high-flying contest that had the crowd invested from the opening bell. However, the finish left much to be desired. Asuka, SKY’s ally in Damage CTRL, interfered in the match, costing Valkyria the victory and handing SKY the win via disqualification. While interference is a common trope in wrestling, the execution here felt rushed and unsatisfying for a title match of this magnitude.

According to POST Wrestling’s recap, the decision to have Asuka interfere was likely a way to escalate the rivalry between Damage CTRL and Valkyria’s faction. However, the lack of a clean finish undermined the stakes of the match. Fans had been anticipating a decisive outcome, and the abrupt disqualification left many feeling shortchanged. Title matches, especially on a platform like Raw, should feel like must-see events, and this one fell just short of that mark.

2. The Seth Rollins vs. Bron Breakker Promo Falling Flat

Seth Rollins and Bron Breakker have been building toward a potential feud for weeks, and their face-off on Raw was supposed to be a highlight of the show. Rollins, the former WWE Champion, called out Breakker, teasing a clash that could elevate the latter into the main-event scene. Unfortunately, the promo between the two failed to ignite the crowd. Rollins’ delivery felt uncharacteristically flat, and Breakker’s responses lacked the fire needed to sell the rivalry as a must-watch.

PWTorch’s recap noted that the segment suffered from a lack of clear direction. Rollins, known for his mic skills, seemed to be going through the motions, while Breakker, a rising star, didn’t have the opportunity to shine. Promos are a cornerstone of WWE storytelling, and when they miss the mark, it can deflate the momentum of an entire feud. This was a missed opportunity to build excitement for a future match between two of the company’s top talents.

3. The Underutilization of Roxanne Perez and Raquel Rodriguez

Roxanne Perez and Raquel Rodriguez are two of the most talented performers on the Raw roster, yet their tag team match against Bayley and Lyra Valkyria felt like an afterthought. The match itself was solid, with both teams delivering crisp in-ring action, but the segment was given little time to breathe. The crowd was hot for the action, but the match was cut short, and the competitors were denied the chance to fully showcase their skills.

According to Sports Illustrated’s recap, the match was overshadowed by the night’s bigger storylines, including the Backlash announcement. However, given the talent involved, this segment deserved more time and focus. WWE has a habit of rushing through tag team matches, and this was another example of a missed opportunity to highlight the depth of its women’s division.

3 Things We Loved

1. The Jacob Fatu vs. Roman Reigns Backlash Match Announcement

the biggest moment of the night was the official announcement of Jacob Fatu vs. Roman Reigns for Backlash. The two superstars have been circling each other for months, and their confrontation on Raw was electric. Reigns, the undisputed Universal Champion, addressed the WWE Universe and acknowledged Fatu’s challenge, setting the stage for what could be one of the most anticipated matches in recent memory.

Fatu, a member of the legendary Anoa’i family and a rising star in WWE, has been on a tear in recent months. His in-ring style, which blends power and agility, makes him a perfect foil for Reigns. According to POST Wrestling, the segment was a masterclass in storytelling. Reigns’ promo was dripping with arrogance, while Fatu’s intensity spoke volumes without him needing to say a word. This match has the potential to be a show-stealer at Backlash, and the build so far has been nothing short of compelling.

2. Joe Hendry’s In-Ring Debut

One of the most exciting moments of the night was the in-ring debut of Joe Hendry. The Scottish superstar, known for his charisma and technical prowess, made an immediate impact with a high-energy performance. Hendry faced off against a local competitor in a squash match, but his performance was anything but one-sided. He showcased his signature moves, including the Standing Ovation, and left the crowd wanting more.

Sports Illustrated’s recap highlighted Hendry’s debut as one of the night’s bright spots. His promo, in which he introduced himself to the WWE Universe, was confident and engaging. Hendry has the potential to be a major player in WWE, and his debut was a promising start to what could be a long and successful run on Raw.

3. Femi Abodunrin’s Dominant Performance

Femi Abodunrin, known simply as Femi, continued his impressive run on Raw with another dominant performance. The Nigerian powerhouse has been on a tear in recent weeks, and his match against a local competitor was no exception. Femi’s combination of strength and agility makes him a standout performer, and his ability to connect with the crowd has made him a fan favorite.

According to PWTorch’s recap, Femi’s segment was one of the most entertaining of the night. His in-ring work was crisp, and his post-match promo was filled with confidence. Femi has quickly become one of the most exciting prospects in WWE, and his continued success on Raw is a testament to his talent and work ethic.

What’s Next for WWE?

With Backlash just around the corner, the focus now shifts to the build for Jacob Fatu vs. Roman Reigns. This match has the potential to be a career-defining moment for Fatu and a historic chapter in Reigns’ already legendary run as Universal Champion. Fans will be keeping an eye on Joe Hendry and Femi as they continue to make their mark on Raw.

The next episode of WWE Raw is scheduled for May 4, 2026, and promises to deliver more high-stakes action as the road to Backlash continues. Be sure to tune in to see how these storylines develop and which new rivalries emerge.

Final Thoughts

The April 27, 2026, episode of WWE Raw was a mixed bag of highs and lows. While some segments fell flat, the night was saved by standout performances from Jacob Fatu, Joe Hendry, and Femi Abodunrin. The announcement of Fatu vs. Reigns at Backlash was the clear highlight, and fans are already counting down the days until the pay-per-view.

As always, WWE delivered a show that was equal parts entertaining and frustrating. The key now is to build on the positives and address the missteps as the company continues to navigate its post-WrestleMania landscape. For now, the focus remains on Backlash, and if the rest of the build is as strong as Monday night’s episode, it could be a pay-per-view to remember.

What did you think of the April 27 episode of WWE Raw? Which moments stood out to you? Share your thoughts in the comments below and don’t forget to follow World Today Journal’s Sports section for more wrestling coverage and analysis.