WWE’s Raw after WrestleMania show has often been considered the most unpredictable night of the year. In 2026, that much held true as the post-WrestleMania show featured both men’s world champions, the new women’s world champion in action, two NXT call-ups (with another being promoted for next week), the departure of a Raw stalwart, possible confirmation of a legend’s retirement, teases of two upcoming title matches, and more.
Needless to say, the show was loaded from start to finish and did its job to set up new storylines and continue some ongoing feuds on the road to Backlash in May. Here are five standout moments from the Raw after WrestleMania 42.
Top Moments from Raw after WrestleMania 42
5. Rhea Ripley says goodbye for now to Monday Night Raw
When Rhea Ripley defeated Jade Cargill to win the WWE Women’s Championship on Sunday night, it seemed she was on borrowed time with Monday night Raw. Sure enough, that was confirmed on the Raw after WrestleMania.
Ripley was able to get a fitting send-off, however, in the form of one final Rhiyo tag team match against the Kabuki Warriors. Asuka continued her manipulations before the match, suggesting that Iyo Sky’s alliance with Ripley has only benefited Ripley. Had Sky stayed with the Kabuki Warriors, however, Asuka would have had her back. But Sky chose to betray her family and her senpai to side with Ripley, who is now champion, while Sky is nothing. Asuka and Kairi Sane promised to beat Sky and Ripley, but that turned out to be the best laid plans. In the end, some miscommunication between Sane and Asuka, compared to perfect tag team work by Rhiyo, made all the difference. Sky got the pin after an Over-the-Moonsault on Sane, leading to Asuka berating her charge in Japanese. Meanwhile, Sky and Ripley celebrated their final tag team match, at least for a while.
Later in the night, Ripley and Sky said their goodbyes as Ripley told Sky to take care of herself and Sky told Ripley to go be a great champion on SmackDown. Since joining the main roster in 2021, Ripley has primarily been a Raw superstar. This will mark the first time in her career that she will call the blue brand home. Ripley on SmackDown opens up the possibility for some fresh match-ups along with the chance to renew some iconic rivalries (here’s looking at you, Charlotte Flair.)
