Morning Daily News Update: February 24, 2026 – Roman Reigns’ To Return On WWE Raw Next Week
By Conor Renshaw on 24 February 2026
Morning, all!
We made it through another Monday! And now it’s time for our Tuesday Morning Daily News Update!
We’ve also got a bunch of new stuff on the blog:
Rock Star Gary has a review of NWA World Championship Wrestling from May 4, 1985
Jabroniville posted a new Joshi Spotlight for GAEA Japan from September 2001
LScisco uploaded a new WTWWW for WWF Action Zone from October 30, 1994
Kat has the review of last night’s epiode off Monday Night Raw
Roman Reigns’ Return Date Revealed on WWE RAW
CM Punk opened this week’s Raw with an emotional tribute to AJ Styles before shifting focus to recent tensions involving Finn Balor and Roman Reigns. Calling himself a fighting champion in the mould of legends such as Terry Funk and Shawn Michaels, Punk dismissed “what if” scenarios and confirmed that Reigns will return to Raw in Indianapolis next week. Rather than waiting for WrestleMania 42, Punk hinted he may confront Reigns immediately, asking, “What if I don’t wait until WrestleMania and I punch him in his stupid face next week on Monday?” Reigns, who has been on a limited schedule due to film projects and a lighter workload, is now set for a key appearance as WrestleMania approaches.
Paul Heyman Issues Open Challenge For Brock Lesnar At WrestleMania
Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman appeared on the February 23, 2026, episode of Raw to address Lesnar’s WrestleMania status, with Heyman issuing an open challenge to the entire locker room. After reminding fans that Lesnar ended The Undertaker’s undefeated streak and now owns the true “main event” spotlight, Heyman claimed there is no one on the roster “man enough” to face Lesnar on the grandest stage. He declared that whoever steps up will simply be “conquered by Brock” and insisted no one has the courage to accept. Heyman also confirmed Lesnar will appear on five consecutive episodes of Raw starting March 16, inviting anyone seeking “victimization” to confront him before WrestleMania.
WWE and 2K have officially revealed the full roster for WWE 2K26, confirming more than 400 playable Superstars and Legends in one of the largest line-ups in series history. The game features a mix of current WWE talent, NXT stars, and Hall of Fame names, including icons such as Steve Austin, The Rock, The Undertaker, Shawn Michaels, Trish Stratus, and Goldberg, alongside active roster names like Roman Reigns, Cody Rhodes, CM Punk, Rhea Ripley, and Gunther. The release also includes alternate personas, special DLC characters through the Ringside Pass, and a wide range of non-combatants such as managers, referees, and commentators, making WWE 2K26 one of the most expansive entries the franchise has delivered.
Xavier Woods talks shoulder injury and return timeline
Xavier Woods has been sidelined since January with a shoulder injury, but says he is hopeful of returning soon. Speaking at WWE 2K26 Creator Fest, Woods admitted his shoulder still struggles with lifting, but expects that a few weeks of physical therapy could get him back in action. His last televised match was on the January 26 episode of Raw, with a dark match appearance following at the Royal Rumble on January 31. On February 16, Kofi Kingston and Grayson Waller confirmed Woods had been dealing with the injury for months and would be taking time off, though he briefly appeared on Raw to voice frustration over the AJ Styles tribute.