Have you ever wondered if the biggest show on the road can handle a total shutdown caused by significant weather events? The flagship show of the WWE fans, Monday Night Raw, is facing an uphill battle today as it prepares to emanate from the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia.
Reports from Bryan Alvarez of the Wrestling Observer indicate that significant weather delays are currently affecting the production side of the broadcast. These issues have come out as a major obstacle for the crew as they attempt to set up the elaborate stage and lighting for tonight’s episode.
According to data from FlightAware, the local Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport has seen a staggering number of interruptions. There have been 210 cancellations and 31 delays reported so far today.
This follows a Sunday that saw 133 cancellations and over 1,000 delays in the region. These travel complications have already led to one confirmed absence for the broadcast team.
Backstage interviewer Jackie Redmond took to social media to let the audience know that she would not be able to make it to the arena in time for the show. She noted that she simply could not get there as planned.
“I won’t be on #WWERAW tonight, for those who have asked. Can’t get there in time. But I WILL be in LA for Artemi Panarin’s debut with the LA Kings on @NHL_On_TNT Wednesday!” Redmond wrote in a tweet shared earlier today.
While Redmond is expected to be back for the Elimination Chamber event this weekend, the production team is working against the clock. The weather has complicated the logistics of flying in talent from other brands.
This was a core part of the original plan for the evening. Tonight’s episode is scheduled to be headlined by a highly respected tribute to AJ Styles.
The Phenomenal One officially retired from the ring at the Royal Rumble last month. He lost a career-threatening match to GUNTHER in Riyadh.
The Ring General has since been dubbed the Career Killer. This title come out after he ended the illustrious runs of both Styles and John Cena in consecutive months.
Despite the weather, WWE officials had intended to fly in several SmackDown talents. They wanted to pay their respects to the Georgia native in his home state.
Brock Lesnar is also scheduled to make his first appearance on television since the Royal Rumble. The Beast was unceremoniously eliminated from the Rumble match by the rising powerhouse Oba Femi.
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Many WWE fans are eager to see how he responds to that loss. Lesnar has not been seen since his elimination in Saudi Arabia. His return comes at a critical time as the company moves toward WrestleMania 42. His presence in Atlanta is expected to set the stage for a major match in Las Vegas.
Another major segment involves the 2026 Women’s Royal Rumble winner, Liv Morgan. She is expected to make a final decision regarding her opponent for the Showcase of the Immortals.
Morgan must choose between challenging the WWE Women’s Champion Jade Cargill or the Women’s World Champion Stephanie Vaquer. Both champions have shown significant dominance in recent months.
This makes the choice a difficult one for the popular babyface. The show will also feature the final qualifying matches for the Elimination Chamber Premium Live Event. On the women’s side, Raquel Rodriguez will battle IYO SKY and Kairi Sane. They are fighting for the final spot in the chamber.
The winner of that match will join a high-profile field. This includes Rhea Ripley, Tiffany Stratton, Kiana James, Asuka, and Alexa Bliss. The stakes are incredibly high for all involved. The winner of the chamber match earns a title shot at WrestleMania 42.
The men’s division will see a similar struggle tonight. Bronson Reed, Jey Uso, and the Original El Grande Americano face off in a triple threat match. They are competing for the last remaining spot in the Men’s Elimination Chamber match. That match is scheduled for Chicago this Saturday.
The current field for that match includes Randy Orton, LA Knight, Cody Rhodes, Je’Von Evans, and Trick Williams. These athletes are all vying for the opportunity to challenge for the Undisputed WWE Championship.
Finally, the card includes a singles match between Nattie and Maxxine Dupri. This match follows a double count-out that occurred between the two performers two weeks ago.
They are expected to finally settle their differences in the ring. As the production team continues to fight through the weather issues, officials remain hopeful.
They want the tribute to AJ Styles to proceed as planned. The Phenomenal One is one of the most respected figures in the history of the business.
The Atlanta crowd is expected to give him a babyface welcome. The tribute comes as Styles prepares to transition into a backstage role with the company.
While his in-ring days have ended, his influence remains. His impact on the current generation of talent is a key part of the WWE landscape.
Reports from Fightful Select suggest that even more surprises could be in store for the Atlanta crowd. Creative has been working on backup plans in case certain talents cannot arrive.
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