WWE Now – Raw Recap: “I’m picking you because I hate you!” Roman Reigns vs. CM Punk at WrestleMania

Podcast: WWE Now (WWE x Fanatics Podcasts)
Hosts: Sam Roberts & Megan Morant
Date: February 3, 2026

Episode Overview

The WWE Now crew delivers an electrifying recap of Monday Night Raw, the first on the road to WrestleMania 42 and the debut Raw Recap in the podcast’s new era. In a jam-packed episode, Sam and Megan break down the buzzing Roman Reigns vs. CM Punk confrontation, dissect the deep history and venom between the two icons, and cover all the chaos swirling around the Raw roster—including Braun Breakker’s rampage, the continuing Vision drama, title feuds, and rising new stars like Javon Evans. With notable returns, big title defenses, and fresh WrestleMania hype, it’s a must-listen for any WWE fan.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Roman Reigns vs. CM Punk: The Showdown is On

• [01:54 – 14:21]
• Sam and Megan open with the moment everyone is buzzing about: Roman Reigns storming into Raw and publicly making his WrestleMania choice.
  • Roman’s entrance, style, and presence immediately stood out. (“Fired up, Roman Reigns pops out... wearing that Carhartt jacket... just oozing the chain.” – Sam, 01:55)
  • The Philadelphia crowd reaction is highlighted as the polar opposite to Reigns’ 2015 Royal Rumble reception.
• The tension builds as “Cult of Personality” hits and CM Punk enters to face Reigns, not in his signature Hokas but Nikes, sporting an old-school tee.
• Sam and Megan detail the profound, decade-long history between Punk and Reigns:
  • Punk’s role in the Shield’s WWE debut.
  • Philosophically opposed worldviews and career journeys.
  • The ghosts of Punk’s WWE past—and how Reigns never forgets a slight or a stare.
• Notable Quotes:
  • “Are we looking at two guys... literally the best in the world, and two people that got there through two completely different philosophies on how this whole thing is done.” – Sam, 04:00
  • Megan observes Punk’s intensity and crowd connection: “He really is the best in the world.” (06:01)
  • “You’ve been here the whole time because you took a ten-year vacation.” – Roman’s jab recited by Sam, 09:03
  • “Roman goes, ‘That doesn't mean you get a pass because Roman doesn't forget anything.’” – Sam, 09:20
• Roman calls out the real reason Punk is back: “Roman Reigns is the reason, according to Roman Reigns, that CM Punk had a company to come back to.” (10:21)
• The defining moment:
  • “You are the biggest star, but that's not why I'm picking you. ... I'm picking you because I hate you. And I’ve always hated you.” – Roman (quoted by Sam, 13:37)
• Both hosts agree: WWE storytelling is about to be at its best, and the real-life animosity is peaking.

2. The Messy Road to WrestleMania: Drew McIntyre, Heyman, and the Division

• [11:19 – 29:51]
• Drew McIntyre’s role as the perennial wild card/foil is discussed, with teases about his brewing response.
  • “It's going to be a Messy Road to WrestleMania... This is getting uncomfortable because this is getting too real.” – Sam, 11:36
• Discussion pivots to Paul Heyman’s stressful night, Braun Breakker’s destruction of the announce area, and the Vision’s unraveling.
  • “When Logan Paul, Austin Theory, and Bronson Reed are the voices of reason, you have passed the point of no return.” – Sam, 20:09
  • Adam Pearce’s antagonism escalates, “I'm gonna let you keep your job even after your piss poor performance in the Royal Rumble behind all 15 guys.” (21:28)
  • The FAFO (F– Around, Find Out) scoreboard between Pearce and Heyman is tracked—currently 2:0 in Pearce’s favor.
• The Vision faction’s cracks are further exposed in the Penta/Bronson Reed match, emphasizing Adam Pearce's vendetta and Heyman’s loss of control.
  • “It pays right now to be at war with Division, which is not a spot that anybody was in not too long ago.” – Sam, 28:23

3. Spotlight Interview: Javon Evans – From NXT to Royal Rumble Survivor

• [31:08 – 44:13]
• Rising star Javon Evans calls in, still riding the high after standout performances in Riyadh and Philadelphia.
  • Discusses the whirlwind jump from NXT to Royal Rumble and what it means to share the ring with childhood idols (Brock Lesnar, Randy Orton).
    • “I remember, like, hitting the ground and I was like, yo, this hurts. It’s painful, but it’s fire, though.” – Javon, 35:27
  • Reveals his mindset as a performer: perfection isn’t always possible, but moments are made in the process.
  • Sets an ambitious goal: to become the youngest World Heavyweight Champion, beating Randy Orton’s record.
    • “I got more than two years. So let's grind for that goal. Straight like that.” – Javon, 43:21
• Sam and Megan marvel at Evans’s humility, work ethic, and reverence for wrestling.

4. Obafemi Destroys the War Raiders—A New Monster Emerges

• [48:01 – 49:53]
• The hosts gush over Obafemi’s sheer power and dominance in single-handedly decimating the War Raiders despite being a free agent.
  • “Obafemi was lifting these 300 pound men in the air like they were nothing. I've never seen anything like that before.” – Sam, 48:22
• Both agree: Oba is WWE’s next force of nature and any brand will be lucky to sign him.

5. Gunther’s Rampage: Career Killer Strikes Again

• [51:44 – 56:53]
• The recurring “Gunther retires legends” motif reaches new heights as he impersonates AJ Styles’ entrance, only to taunt the crowd and then destroy Dragon Lee.
  • “Gunther comes out loving every bit of it... It says, career killer on the Tron.” – Sam, 54:46
  • “Gunther just... locks on that sleeper hold... Dragon Lee’s body just goes... and then he just drops him.” – Sam, 56:02
• Megan’s genuine upset at Gunther’s antics adds emotional resonance to the recap.

6. Dominik Mysterio Returns—Liv Morgan's Victory & Judgment Day Drama

• [57:54 – 63:32]
• Dominik Mysterio—sporting a new look—returns alongside Liv Morgan, fresh off her Royal Rumble win.
  • “He had the glasses on. That mullet is the longest, most conditioned flowing mullet. ... Dom, you bad boy.” – Sam, 58:57
• Judgment Day’s “energy vibration” is discussed: Liv’s big moment, Raquel’s resentment after being eliminated, and the shifting Women’s Title scene.
  • “I mean, this wasn't like Charlotte Flair, Alexa Bliss, accidental elimination.” – Megan, 63:12
• Stephanie Vácaire retains in a wild Philly street fight, but Liv stands tall with the title, teasing a SmackDown confrontation with Jade Cargill.

7. Bellas Back, Tag Division Hypes, and Next Week Previews

• [64:35 – 66:43]
• The return of the Bella Twins, more NXT call-ups, and advancing Raw feuds round out the episode.
• Next week promises Maxine Dupri vs. Natalya and the start of Elimination Chamber qualifiers.

Memorable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

• Sam Roberts (on CM Punk vs. Roman Reigns):
  “You are the biggest star, but that's not why I'm picking you. ... I'm picking you because I hate you. And I’ve always hated you.”
  [13:37]

• Megan Morant (on Punk’s intensity):
  “He really is the best in the world.”
  [06:01]

• Sam Roberts (on Obafemi’s feat):
  “Obafemi was lifting these 300 pound men in the air like they were nothing.”
  [48:22]

• Javon Evans (on wrestling Brock Lesnar):
  “I just took a German suplex and the F5 from Brock Lesnar, bro. ... It's painful, but it's fire, though.”
  [38:43]

• Sam Roberts (on Vision drama):
  “When Logan Paul, Austin Theory, and Bronson Reed are the voices of reason, you have passed the point of no return.”
  [20:09]

• Megan Morant (on Gunther’s villainy):
  “I just... I hate having this conversation... I don’t want Gunther in the ring with anybody because... he’s going to retire him.”
  [57:09]

Important Segment Timestamps

• Roman Reigns confronts CM Punk: [01:54 – 14:21]
• Pearce vs. Heyman and the Vision saga: [19:21 – 29:51]
• Javon Evans Interview: [31:08 – 44:13]
• Obafemi’s war on War Raiders: [48:01 – 49:53]
• Gunther’s AJ Styles/Dragon Lee segment: [51:44 – 56:53]
• Dominik & Liv Morgan/Judgment Day drama: [57:54 – 63:32]
• Show-ending preview and Bellas hype: [64:35 – 66:43]

Tone and Closing Thoughts

Authentic, irreverent, and passionate, Sam and Megan’s banter weaves together backstage insight with fan-level excitement—sometimes serious, sometimes utterly hilarious, but always genuinely invested. The hosts uphold a blend of respect for the in-ring craft and audacity for wrestling’s larger-than-life drama, making every Raw Recap a dynamic experience.

For fans who missed the episode:
This podcast breaks down every major storyline—especially the simmering animosity and historical depth fueling Reigns vs. Punk at WrestleMania—alongside all the chaos, new stars, and attitude shifts that will shape the months ahead. Recaps, reactions, and wrestler interviews deliver the perfect primer for the wild road to WrestleMania.

Quick Reference

• Top Story: Roman Reigns chooses CM Punk for WrestleMania main event—out of pure, long-simmering hatred.
• Other Highlights:
  • Adam Pearce antagonizes Heyman & Vision
  • Obafemi’s Raw arrival
  • Gunther retires another legend
  • Javon Evans’ breakout story
  • Dominik Mysterio and Liv Morgan stir Judgment Day
  • Stephanie Vácaire & Liv’s title drama
  • Bellas and new talent get spotlight
  • Elimination Chamber qualifiers up next

Tune in next week as the Road to WrestleMania gets even messier!