Masked Assailant Returns Leading to Shocking Raw Main Event Conclusion

The WWE Raw main event featured LA Knight, Austin Theory, and Penta competing for a spot in the upcoming Elimination Chamber. It also furthered a story that has been circling since the Royal Rumble: who is the second masked man?

To set the stage, Michael Cole began Raw, confirming a report from earlier in the day regarding Bron Breakker. It seems the rising star suffered an unfortunate hernia injury, which in storyline is being attributed to the anger and stress Breakker has been experiencing as a result of Adam Pearce. Breakker drew No. 2 for the Rumble, something he blamed on Pearce, and ultimately was out of the match in mere seconds following an attack from a masked man before his entrance. In actuality, Breakker was likely working hurt, and his early Rumble exit could have provided a cover for his lingering injury. Either way, the story advanced, and on Monday, Heyman blamed Pearce for Breakker’s absence.

Pearce told Heyman what’s done is done, and he wants Breakker back as much as the Vision does. For now, though, the group needs to focus on the Elimination Chamber, and tonight, that meant backing Theory in his triple threat. Pearce warned Heyman not to get involved, so as one could expect, the Vision got involved.

Masked Man Crashes Elimination Chamber Qualifier on Raw

Knight, Penta, and Theory were well underway in a largely competitive bout when Bronson Reed and Logan Paul made their move. Knight had just taken out Theory with a DDT and top rope elbow when Paul ran down the ramp. Knight took out Paul, but then Reed took out Knight on the outside. He threw him back into the ring and hit the Tsunami, essentially serving him up to Theory on a silver platter. Theory hit a stomp on Knight as Adam Pearce and his security tried to clear the Vision from the ring area. Penta grabbed Theory’s leg, breaking up the pin before hitting him with a superkick.

Theory sent Penta into the announce desk, but that’s when the masked assailant returned through the crowd. The masked man on Raw, took out Theory with a kick, followed by a stomp, before rolling him into the ring for a waiting Knight. As Paul and Reed gave chase, the man disappeared through the crowd. The damage was already done, however, as Knight was able to take advantage and hit Theory with the BFT, securing his spot in the Elimination Chamber alongside Randy Orton, who qualified on Friday.

There had been a rumor that Grayson Waller is the man behind the mask, and that holds some merit, especially with the recent attack on his former tag team partner. However, the prevailing wisdom points to Seth Rollins being the masked man. Even if it is Waller playing the part now until Rollins is fully recovered, it seems likely the former Vision leader will be the final reveal. This would ultimately set up Rollins vs Breakker, assuming both are back and healthy for WrestleMania 42.