Comprehensive Rankings and In-Depth Reviews of Every Match

As WWE heads toward WrestleMania 42 and the Elimination Chamber 2026 pay-per-view, the company took its show to Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio on February 9th for Monday Night RAW. This episode featured a World Tag Team Championship match and an Elimination Chamber qualifying triple threat bout.

TheSportster assessed the entire card from the red brand’s February 9 show to rate the night’s best and worst contests along with everything else.

5. The Usos vs. Alpha Academy (World Tag Team Championship)
Overall rating: 5.75/10

In their first title defense since winning the belts, The Usos faced the fan-favorite Alpha Academy. The challengers delivered an impressive performance with Ortiz displaying strength and toughness, while Tozawa showcased speed and agility, helping energize the crowd. However, the match included several awkward moments, such as a botched backdrop and a missed superkick attempt. The Usos struggled to find their rhythm, often relying on repeated superkicks, and their victory came abruptly with little build-up or excitement.

4. Nattie vs. Maxine Dupri
Overall rating: 6/10

Weeks after Nattie’s heel turn and betrayal of Maxine Dupri, the former allies clashed on RAW. Nattie aggressively targeted Dupri early on, but Maxine countered with an ankle lock submission, forcing Nattie to fight back outside the ring. The match ended with Nattie relentlessly attacking Dupri until the referee stopped the contest. While the intensity and aggression felt right, the no-contest finish after just two minutes was disappointing and felt unfulfilling, suggesting that this would have been better served as a series of segments to build tension leading to a conclusive match.

3. Jevon Evans & The Great American vs. Los Americanos
Overall rating: 6.25/10

The ongoing feud between Jevon Evans and Los Americano continued, with Evans teaming alongside the returning “Original” El Grande Americano against Bravo and Rayo. The in-ring action was consistent, featuring standout high-flying moves from Evans and impressive suplexes and slams from Original Americano. Despite interference from the heel Americano, Evans’ skill helped secure the win, capped off by a flying headbutt finisher. This match primarily served to extend their rivalry for another week.

2. Rhea Ripley vs. Lyra Valkyria vs. Ivy Nile (Elimination Chamber Qualifier)
Overall rating: 6.25/10

The first half of this triple threat match paced well, with Ivy Nile coming off as strong and explosive and smooth technical exchanges between Ripley and Valkyria. However, the match faltered after a missed Doomsday Device move, leading to sloppy sequences and awkward group dynamics that disappointed the crowd. Rhea Ripley ultimately won by finishing Valkyria with a powerful knee strike followed by her Riptide finisher, earning her place in the Elimination Chamber.

1. LA Knight vs. Penta vs. Austin Theory (Elimination Chamber Qualifier)
Overall rating: 6.5/10

Monday Night RAW’s main event showed solid wrestling and technical skill but lacked enough energy, depth, or storytelling to elevate it fully. The crowd’s enthusiasm for LA Knight helped add excitement, with Theory staying consistent and Penta delivering crowd-pleasing offense. After interference by a mysterious masked assailant attacking Theory, Knight capitalized with his finisher – the BFT – to claim victory. Though the closing moments didn’t dramatically uplift the match, the passionate fan reaction left the segment ending on a high note.

Fan Take:
This RAW episode offered crucial setups for WrestleMania 42 and Elimination Chamber, balancing emerging storylines with solid matches. While not all bouts hit the mark, the event showcased WWE’s continued investment in dynamic characters and rivalries, which keeps fans engaged and sets the stage for memorable moments in the coming months.