Review of WWE Raw and Matchups for Saturday Night's Main Event XLIV

May 12, 2026, 18:38

Introduction

The May 11, 2026, episode of WWE Raw in Knoxville, Tennessee, acted as a bridge after the Backlash event, setting up new championship goals and personal rivalries.

Main Body

Regarding roster changes, Asuka officially ended her time with the brand by supporting IYO SKY as her successor, which was confirmed when SKY defeated Sol Ruca. Meanwhile, Oba Femi showed his determination; after General Manager Adam Pearce cancelled his open challenge, Femi decided to fight Angel and Berto in a handicap match to keep his momentum going. In the championship matches, Dominik Mysterio kept the AAA Mega Championship after defeating Original El Grande Americano, although the match included interference from Los Americanos and Hermanos Americanos. This move helps integrate AAA programming before the Triplemania event in September. Furthermore, the Street Profits earned a shot at the World Tag Team Championship for Saturday Night's Main Event XLIV by beating The Vision. While Seth Rollins helped them win, Montez Ford clearly rejected Rollins' attempt to make peace. The show ended with high tension during a ceremony for Jacob Fatu. Instead of following the rules to acknowledge Roman Reigns, Fatu attacked Jey Uso, Jimmy Uso, and Reigns. He finished the segment by throwing all three men through a barricade, which increased the intensity of the rivalry and may lead to a special rematch at Clash in Italy.

Conclusion

The event ended by confirming the main matches for Saturday Night's Main Event XLIV and highlighting the growing conflict between Jacob Fatu and the Bloodline members.

Learning

⚡ The Power of 'Connecting' Words

An A2 student usually writes short, choppy sentences: "Asuka left. IYO SKY won." To reach B2, you need to glue your ideas together. This article uses specific Connectors to create a professional flow.

🔗 The 'Bridge' words found in the text:

"Meanwhile" $\rightarrow$ $\to$ Used when two things happen at the same time.
- Example: Asuka was leaving the brand; meanwhile, Oba Femi was looking for a fight.
"Although" $\rightarrow$ $\to$ Used to show a contrast or a surprise.
- Example: Dominik won, although other wrestlers tried to stop him.
"Furthermore" $\rightarrow$ $\to$ A sophisticated way to say "also" or "and another thing."
- Example: The match was great. Furthermore, the Street Profits won a title shot.

🛠️ Level-Up Shift

A2 Style (Basic)	B2 Style (Advanced)
And	Furthermore / In addition
But	Although / However
Then	Meanwhile

Pro Tip: Stop starting every sentence with "And" or "But." If you want to describe a complicated situation—like a wrestling match or a business meeting—use "Although" to show the conflict and "Meanwhile" to describe the chaos happening in the background.

Vocabulary Learning

bridge (n.)

A structure that spans a gap, or a figurative connection between two things.

Example:The new policy served as a bridge between the old and new systems.

championship (n.)

A contest or competition to determine a champion.

Example:He won the championship after a hard‑fought match.

determination (n.)

The firmness of purpose or resolve to achieve something.

Example:Her determination helped her overcome the obstacles.

cancelled (v.)

To call off or discontinue an event or activity.

Example:The event was cancelled due to bad weather.

handicap (n.)

A disadvantage or a match where one competitor has an advantage.

Example:They played a handicap game where one player had a head start.

interference (n.)

Unwanted involvement or disruption in an activity.

Example:The referee was concerned about the interference from the crowd.

programming (n.)

The selection or arrangement of shows or content for broadcast.

Example:The network's programming includes dramas and comedies.

intensity (n.)

The quality of being intense; a high level of energy or emotion.

Example:The intensity of the debate kept everyone on edge.

rematch (n.)

A second match between the same opponents after an initial contest.

Example:They scheduled a rematch after the first game was inconclusive.

conflict (n.)

A serious disagreement or argument between parties.

Example:The conflict between the two teams escalated during the match.