WWE Raw Heats Up Before WrestleMania 42 with 3 New Matches

The April 6th episode in Houston promises thrilling action as rivalries intensify ahead of the big event.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 7:37pm

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A dynamic, abstract painting in neon colors and expressive brushstrokes, capturing the intense energy and unpredictable nature of a WWE wrestling match.The electric atmosphere of WWE's pre-WrestleMania Raw event promises to ignite the Houston crowd with a night of high-octane action and unpredictable storylines.Houston Today

As WrestleMania 42 approaches, WWE Raw is ramping up the excitement with three newly announced matches for its April 6th episode in Houston. The card features a clash between Finn Balor and JD McDonagh from the Judgment Day faction, a tag team bout between Rhea Ripley/IYO SKY and B-Fab/Michin, and a showdown between rising stars Austin Theory and LA Knight. In addition to these marquee matchups, the show will also feature appearances by top superstars like Seth Rollins, Brock Lesnar, and WWE World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk.

Why it matters

These pre-WrestleMania episodes of WWE Raw are crucial for building anticipation and advancing ongoing storylines. The matches announced for April 6th not only showcase talented performers but also reflect the growing tensions within factions, the continued push of the women's division, and the emergence of new stars. Fans can expect high-octane action and potential twists and turns that will set the stage for the grandest event of the year, WrestleMania 42.

The details

The main event of the April 6th Raw will see Finn Balor and JD McDonagh, both members of the Judgment Day faction, square off in a highly anticipated singles match. This bout reflects the growing tensions within the group, as alliances begin to fracture. In the tag team division, Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY will face off against B-Fab and Michin, continuing to showcase the women's division's prominence. The third match pits rising stars Austin Theory against LA Knight, giving these superstars a chance to showcase their skills and gain momentum heading into WrestleMania.

  • The April 6th episode of WWE Raw will take place in Houston, Texas.
  • WrestleMania 42 is the grand spectacle that these pre-show events are building towards.

The players

Finn Balor

A member of the Judgment Day faction and a former WWE Universal Champion.

JD McDonagh

Also a member of the Judgment Day faction, and Balor's opponent in the singles match.

Rhea Ripley

One half of the tag team facing B-Fab and Michin, and a rising star in the women's division.

IYO SKY

Ripley's tag team partner, also a member of the women's division.

Austin Theory

A rising star in WWE who will face LA Knight in a singles match.

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What’s next

Fans will have to tune in to WWE Raw on April 6th to see how these matches unfold and what new storylines emerge as WrestleMania 42 approaches.

The takeaway

WWE is masterfully building anticipation for WrestleMania 42 through its pre-show events, strategically booking matches that advance ongoing narratives and showcase rising talent. The April 6th episode of Raw promises to be a must-watch event for wrestling fans eager to see how the road to the biggest event of the year continues to unfold.