By Jason Powell, ProWrestling.net Editor (@prowrestlingnet)
WWE Raw (Episode 1,743)
San Diego, California, at Pechanga Arena
Streamed live on October 19, 2026, on Netflix
[Hour One] Joe Tessitore opened Raw and set up a video package that recapped last week’s 946 vs. Solo Sikoa, Jimmy Uso, and Jey Uso six-man tag match, along with Carmelo Hayes joining the 946… Wade Barrett joined Tessitore on commentary…
World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns arrived in an SUV backstage. WWE Champion Sami Zayn exited another vehicle and was on the phone. Zayn smiled and nodded as he walked past Reigns, who shook his head while looking annoyed…
WWE Champion Sami Zayn made his entrance to boos while ring announcer Alicia Taylor introduced him. Zayn said there were a lot of haters in the house. He asked how many fans came to ride or die with The Last Real Good Guy, which led to more boos.
World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns made his entrance. Reigns said he might be the only person in the building to say that it was good to see Zayn. Sami hugged Reigns, who hugged him back. Zayn said he wanted to text Reigns, but he waited to tell him in person that he was right about so many things he said as the Tribal Chief, particularly about the title being a burden. Reigns said Zayn was listening.
Reigns told the crowd to acknowledge him. Reigns wondered if Zayn was there out of greed or to serve The Bloodline. Zayn said they are family and that doesn’t go away, but he assumed that Reigns would understand that he has his own table.
Reigns said Zayn holds a title, whereas he titles the title. Zayn took offense. Reigns said Zayn’s title hasn’t meant shit since WrestleMania 40, and declared that the World Heavyweight Championship is the title now. Zayn said his title is one in a billion because out of all the people on the planet, he holds the WWE Championship.
Zayn said he was disappointed. He said Reigns wasn’t sweating their match, and he should know what kind of a threat he is. Reigns said he knows exactly who Zayn is. Roman said that with Sami’s track record, he might not even hold the WWE Championship by the time the champion vs. champion match takes place at Crown Jewel. Reigns exited the ring.
Penta made his entrance holding the Money in the Bank briefcase while Reigns was still at ringside and Zayn was inside the ring. Once Penta got to ringside, he held up his briefcase while looking at Reigns. Penta entered the ring and looked at Zayn before playing to the crowd. Zayn left the ring. The broadcast team hyped Penta’s match with Bron Breakker for after the first commercial break… [C]
Powell’s POV: It was fun to revisit the relationship between Roman and Sami after all this time. I didn’t expect the hug, but it was logical that Zayn could relate to some of Roman’s past comments now that Zayn’s character knows what it’s like to be a world champion. They didn’t sell me on Reigns vs. Zayn feeling like a big deal, so hopefully there’s more to come. On a side note, WrestleTix listed the venue as being set up for 10,342, with 10,288 tickets distributed. The listed capacity is 16,100. The last time WWE ran the venue, 10,982 tickets were distributed for the January 17, 2025, Smackdown.
