LAS VEGAS — Now that WrestleMania 41 has come to a close, it’s time to deal with the fallout.

The ‘new year’ in WWE is already underway less than 24 hours after its signature event ended as Raw serves as the starting point for the next season in wrestling. The show after the two-day event has become so popular, it’s commonly referred to as the Raw After WrestleMania.

Plenty of things that were discussed or dealt with as WrestleMania weekend comes to a close in the Sin City. After capturing the Undisputed WWE Championship in the main event, John Cena revealed his plans for the final year, and an old rival awaits him. Plus, after the shocking finish in night one, when Paul Heyman turned on CM Punk and Roman Reigns by helping Seth Rollins win, all three stars met. And it wasn’t all, as someone else has joined the heated rivalry.

Roman Reigns appears

That wasn’t all. The Tribal Chief comes out to confront Rollins and Heyman. Reigns hits a spear on Rollins before landing a Superman punch on Heyman. He’s about to spear Heyman until someone in a sweater emerges and spears Reigns. It turns out to be Bron Breakker, who then spears CM Punk and aligns himself with Rollins in a stunning moment.

Breakker then runs around the ring and spears Reigns through the barricade. Rollins then delivered a stomp to Punk and Reigns to end the show.

Analysis: There’s more than one Paul Heyman guy. The shocker of the night is Breakker is also in with Rollins, forming a powerful duo as the two try to take over WWE. Reigns and Punk are clearly outnumbered, a tag team match at Backlash is likely coming between all of the parties involved.

CM Punk, Seth Rollins fight

Rollins only got a few words in before CM Punk emerged and the two immediately fought. After he put Rollins down, Punk turned around and grabbed Heyman. However, Rollins got him off and delivered a curb stomp to Punk.

‘We’re going to conclude the weekend of WrestleMania 41,’ Heyman said. ‘There is a new reigning, defending, undisputed No. 1 top star in this entire industry. Ladies and gentlemen, Seth ‘Freakin’ Rollins.’

Seth Rollins, Paul Heyman make first appearance since shocking WrestleMania moment

‘I took the Wiseman from Roman Reigns. I stole CM Punk’s best friend. I am the winner of the main event of WrestleMania,’ Rollins said.

Watch: Seth Rollins makes entrance with Paul Heyman

Intercontinental Championship match: Dominik Mysterio (c) vs. Penta

The now crowd favorite Mysterio faced his first title defense in Penta, and both stars were each getting praise as they started the match. Mysterio even tied Penta’s mask to the ropes as he celebrated more.

There were plenty shifts of momentum as The Judgment Day members Finn Balor and Carlito watched ringside. After taking a Mexican Destroyer, Mysterio went out of the ring and Balor went to check on him. When he did, Penta launched himself into Balor to hit Mysterio.

Mysterio got back in the ring and Penta set up for the win, but JD McDonagh returned to shove Penta as the referee wasn’t looking. It set Mysterio up to get the 619 and frog splash on Penta to retain his title.

Analysis: Maybe things are alright in The Judgment Day. McDonagh makes his first appearance since January and he was warmly embraced by the rest of his stablemates as they celebrated. However, Balor looked a little shocked, as if his plan to take the title away from Mysterio won’t be easy. The division is happening at some point, but it will be more complex with The Judgment Day now back at full strength.

Gunther attacks Pat McAfee, Michael Cole

Upset from his loss to Jey Uso, Gunther came out demanding respect. Then he turned his attention to the commentary crew, which has long rooted for Uso. Gunther shoved Cole and McAfee and put Cole in a sleeper hold. However, McAfee came to the rescue to break it up.

Gunther wasn’t done though. He put McAfee in a sleeper hold as “The Pat McAfee Show” crew came from out of the crowd to try to help their leader. However, Gunther had a stronghold on McAfee and held on for several minutes as the commentator was knocked out.

Gunther eventually let go and he received heavy boos, and McAfee was able to get on his feet as he was taken to the locker room by the medical staff. Cole escorted McAfee as he tried to catch his breath.

Later, Cole scolded Raw general manager Adam Pearce for letting this happen. He went back out to the announcer’s table as he received praise. He now is joined by Joe Tessitore on commentary.

AJ Styles, Karrion Kross face off

After putting on one of the best promos in recent memory, Kross confronted Styles about the loss to Logan Paul at WrestleMania. With plenty of support now from WWE fans, Kross said Styles ruined his chance. Styles then told him to do something about it, which Cross responded with “maybe I will.”

Sami Zayn joins Jey Uso

After Uso expresses how glad he is to finally be the World Heavyweight Champion, his longtime friend Zami Zayn makes his first appearance since Elimination Chamber in February. Zayn and Uso embrace each other.

‘I am proud of you, and you deserve it,’ Zayn tells Uso.

Jimmy Uso then came out and they all did their handshake back from their days in The Bloodline as the celebration continued.

Jey Uso makes first entrance as World Heavyweight Champion

The new World Heavy-yeet champion has arrived. Uso and the crowd celebrate his biggest championship victory. As he made it to the ring, the fans gave him the ‘you deserve it’ chant.

Iyo Sky vs. Stephanie Vaquer

Fans were excited for the impromptu match between two of the most talented champions, and the bout began with some mind games from both sides. Understanding the talent each possessed, it went from an excited feeling from the two to the intensity getting raised.

Both stars went airborne outside of the ring, with Vaquer getting the first real advantage of the fight. Sky battled back as the two made it to the top turnbuckle before she launched Vaquer off. The Women’s World Champion finally had a rhythm and was rolling, including a perfect flying dropkick. She went for the Over the Moonsault to get the win, but it didn’t hit, allowing Vaquer to get back into control. Vaquer then hit her signature faceplate move, much to the crowd’s pleasure.

Sky recovered quickly enough to nearly get a rollup pin before each star traded blows, matching whatever the other did. The two met at the top turnbuckle once again and performed a spectacular move that took them both out.

The match was in its closing stages before Roxanne Perez came and pulled off a sneak attack on Sky. Shortly thereafter, Giulia came out. Perez and Giulia attacked the champions before Rhea Ripley emerged and had a stare down with Giulia. The tension was palpable before Giulia and Perez exited together. Ripley then picked up the Women’s World title and gave it back to Sky as a sign of respect.

Analysis: What a great performance put up by the champions. Once a match was announced, everyone knew it would be good and lived up to the expectation. It was smart to have interference happen in the match so neither star took a pin, therefore protecting them from losing some steam.

In the NXT side, Guilia and Perez seem to have formed a union and could be coming for Vaquer. Ripley came out and showed respect to Sky, symbolically ending her chance of going after the title. It’s an interesting moment because now we will have to wait and see where Ripley goes from here with no title shot coming soon.

Stephanie Vaquer makes unexpected appearance

The Women’s NXT Champion makes her way to congratulate Sky for her win before introducing herself to her.

‘I want to come out here to show you respect,’ Vaquer said.

She added she wants to fight the best of the best, and Sky accepted her challenge for a match at that moment. Raw general manager Adam Pearce came out and confirmed the match to happen.

Iyo Sky appears after epic WrestleMania 41 win

After winning arguably the best match of WrestleMania 41, the Women’s World Champion entered the ring to a rounding applause from the crowd.

‘Last night was the best night of my career,’ Sky said. ‘I am over the moon.’

Rusev returns

The first shocker of the night happens. Raw After WrestleMania is indeed Rusev day.

Rusev is back in WWE for the first time since 2020 after his departure from All Elite Wrestling. Rusev came out to excitement from the crowd as he prevented a World Tag Team Championship match from happening. He attacked Alpha Academy as the crowd chanted ‘Rusev Day.’

The New Day appear

The new World Tag Team Champions told people to get on their knees and respect them for getting gold back on their hands. They said no other tag team compares to them, and that’s when Alpha Academy came out. Maxxine Dupri mentioned Otis and Akira Tozawa had beaten them recently, so they deserved a shot.

After initially passing on it, Dupri asked if the champions were scared. Kingston rebuffed, and said to have the match now.

Chad Gable praises El Grande Americano

Gable said he ‘watched’ El Grande Americano at WrestleMania 41 and loved seeing him emerge victorious. He said the luchador isn’t at Raw, but he will be back soon.

WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship match: Lyra Valkyria and Becky Lynch (c) vs. Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez

Frustrated with the loss at WrestleMania, Morgan wasted zero time unleashing an attack on Lynch. Morgan went with a flurry of moves to get ahead, but a sneaky pin from Valkyria got her in the match and able to change the momentum. The Women’s Intercontinental Champion went to work on both Morgan and Rodriguez in and out of the ring.

As Valkyria was rolling, Rodriguez shoved her partner into their opponent to stop the roll. From there, the challengers went to work as Valkyria tried to get the tag. She was able to dropkick Rodriguez and tag Lynch in, and ‘The Man’ teed off on Morgan. Lynch was cruising toward a pin until Rodriguez stopped it from happening. The challengers then had their best opportunity when Morgan hit a powerbomb on Lynch and Rodriguez did a flying powerbomb on Valkyria. It looked to be enough, but Valkyria kicked out.

After Rodriguez and Lynch tried to help out their partners, Valkyria wasn’t looking when Morgan set her up for ObLIVion. She executed it and got the pin to get the titles back one day after losing them.

With the reign suddenly over, Lynch turned on Valkyria by attacking and berating her for losing the titles.She hit her with multiple Manhandle Slams in an act of pure aggression.

Analysis: Things escalated quickly. Lynch and Valkyrie’s reign doesn’t even last 24 hours as Morgan and Rodriguez win their titles back. It makes sense since the title win was done only to bring Lynch back, and now Morgan and Rodriguez can say they are four-time tag team champions.

But then the post-match attack happened. Lynch suddenly showed her dark side on someone that was her friend. Valkyria looked confused and sad before she fell victim to several punches. This likely leads to Lynch challenging Valkyria for the Women’s Intercontinental Championship soon.

Randy Orton hits an RKO on John Cena

We got another edition of a classic rivalry coming up.

After Cena told fans to take a picture of the last real champion in WWE, Randy Orton emerged to hit an RKO out of nowhere on the champion. He stood over Cena and held the Undisputed WWE Championship up.

Nothing else was said, but we know what’s next: it’ll be Cena vs. Orton for the title, and it’s likely to happy at Backlash in St. Louis, Orton’s hometown.

John Cena speaks

After getting an introduction from Mark Shunock, Cena takes the microphone with the words, ‘winners write history.’

The crowd cheers for Cena, but he dismisses it. He believes it’s not a good relationship since the crowd cheered during his downfall less than a week ago, so it’s not allowed to celebrate his championship victory.

‘You don’t mean anything to me,’ Cena said as the crowd chanted an expletive. ‘Your noise means nothing to me.’

Cena reminded the fans he had 36 dates during his farewell tour, and after tonight, there’s only 27 appearance left for him in 2025.

‘You say I cant’ wrestle? I don’t have to,’ Cena said. ‘When that hits zero, the professional wrestling timeline stops.’

Cena said he knows wrestling will continue after he leaves, but he will be going out with the actual WWE Championship. He will be the final champion and no one else will have it.

‘There is no one with strength, speed, wisdom or ruthless aggression of John Cena,’ he added.

John Cena kicks off show

The new Undisputed WWE Champion gets Raw going, making his entrance as the crowd goes crazy. Cena is wearing the title on his waist backward. He makes his way to the ring and raises the title in the air as the pyro goes off.

What time is WWE Raw After WrestleMania?

Raw After WrestleMania 41 is on Monday, April 21 at 8 p.m. ET (5 p.m. PT).

How to watch WWE Raw After WrestleMania

Date: Monday, April 21
Time: 8 p.m. ET (5 p.m. PT)
Stream: Netflix

Is Monday Night Raw on Peacock?

No, WWE Raw is exclusively on Netflix.

Where is WWE Raw After WrestleMania?

SmackDown will take place at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Raw After WrestleMania match card, scheduled events

After winning on WrestleMania 41 night two, Cena said he will be part of the show, unveiling his plan to ruin wrestling.

Matches include:

WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship match: Lyra Valkyria and Becky Lynch (c) vs. Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez.
Intercontinental Championship match: Dominik Mysterio (c) vs. Penta.

Also scheduled to appear are World Heavyweight Champion Jey Uso, Seth Rollins and Paul Heyman.

This will be updated when WWE announces the card.

How long is Monday Night Raw?

Monday Night Raw does not have a set time on Netflix. However, it typically runs from two and a half to three hours long.

WrestleMania 41 winners

Here’s a list of everyone that won at WrestleMania 41:

Jey Uso (Wins World Heavyweight Championship).
The New Day (Win World Tag Team Championship).
Jade Cargill.
Jacob Fatu (Wins United States Championship).
El Grande Americano.
Tiffany Stratton (Retains WWE Women’s Championship).
Seth Rollins.
Iyo Sky (Retains Women’s World Championship).
Drew McInytre.
Dominik Mysterio (Wins Intercontinental Championship).
Randy Orton.
Logan Paul.
Lyra Valkyria and Becky Lynch (Win Women’s Tag Team Championship).
John Cena (Wins Undisputed WWE Championship).

WrestleMania 41 night one results

The first night of WrestleMania ended with a stunning moment. See everything that happened, including highlights and analysis, from Saturday here.

WrestleMania 41 night two results

Incredible matches took place on WrestleMania night two, capped by the main event between Cena and Rhodes. See what transpired, from highlights to analysis, on Sunday here.

John Cena mastering farewell tour

After John Cena defeated Cody Rhodes in the main event of WrestleMania 41 to capture hisrecord 17th WWE Championship, he didn’t give an answer to any questions about the victory. Questions about The Rock or whether he’ll smile were met with ‘that seems like clickbait.’

So in the final question, a USA TODAY Sports reporter asked Cena about what was going through his head as he made WWE history, if he felt reminiscent of everything he’s accomplished over his storied career and what it’s like separating himself as the most decorated WWE star.

Simple enough right? Think again.

‘You know, that seems like a clickbait question,’ Cena told USA TODAY Sports. ‘I’m beginning to sense a pattern here that you guys are just looking for headlines.

‘Keep in mind you are now talking to the last real champion. Step your game up next time,’ he added.

It’s a response good enough to hurt the ego, but it’s a reminder that in his final act, Cena is still at the top of his game.  

Read more about Cena’s final WrestleManiahere.

Seth Rollins steals the show at WrestleMania again

Ahead of WrestleMania 41, Paul Heyman was asked by USA TODAY Sports who needed to win the triple threat match between Roman Reigns, CM Punk and Seth Rollins in the main event of night one. 

The WWE Hall of Famer said he could go in front of the Supreme Court and spend hours advocating why each star should win. It was easy – and it makes sense – for him to make a case for the two stars he’s represented in his career. He said it would be unfathomable for Reigns not to win, and he could say with 100% certainty Punk needed to be victorious.

And then there was Rollins. Even though he hadn’t been his advocate, Heyman said Rollins would need a victory ‘or everything falls apart.’

What is everything? We found out on WrestleMania 41 night one.

Read more about Rollins’ signature momenthere.

There’s a whole lot of buzz about running backs as the clock ticks toward the NFL Draft. And so many reasons for the hype.

Perhaps Jeanty – instead of unicorn Travis Hunter, projected No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward, Shedeur Sanders or QB-seeking edge rusher Abdul Carter – will ultimately prove to be the biggest prize of the draft that kicks off in Green Bay on Thursday night.

Maybe. Maybe not. That’s part of the intrigue. Mock drafts will soon get flushed down the toilet and in time the wisdom (or lack thereof) by decision-makers will be revealed.

Then there’s the Saquon Barkley factor. The New York Giants, who picked Barkley No. 2 overall in 2018, deemed him too expensive to keep over since-released quarterback Daniel Jones. Too bad. Barkley took his talents to the Philadelphia Eagles last season and with a Super Bowl trophy now in the mix, added quite a layer to the debate about running back value…while the G-men without him were bad enough to secure the third pick.

With Barkley’s fresh impact, it sure seems like a good time to be a stud running back.

What’s a running back worth? That’s still a riveting subplot for this draft, 30 years since the Cincinnati Bengals made Ki-Jana Carter the last running back taken No. 1 overall. Sure, quarterback is football’s most important position. Yet, as amplified each January on the road to the Super Bowl, impact running backs are so essential to the mission.

The value is embodied by examples such as Barkley, Derrick Henry, Bijan Robinson, Christian McCaffrey and Alvin Kamara.

And here’s something else to consider: While running backs increasingly take on a larger role in the passing game, the NFL just had a season with its fewest passing attempts per game (32.7) by teams since 2008. Meanwhile, although running quarterbacks account for some of this, the 119.8 rushing yards per game were second-most since 1989.

‘Let’s not kid ourselves,’ Atlanta Falcons coach Raheem Morris said during the recent NFL league meetings. “I can’t believe we’re talking about the devaluation at the position and all those things.’

‘I think the position’s become more dynamic,’ Buffalo Bills GM Brandon Beane said during the NFL scouting combine, alluding to the mismatches that can be created. “For a while…the market maybe was suppressed. People were not looking at them as weapons.

“Some of the names you guys have talked about – Saquon, McCaffrey, Kamara, those guys – they can line up and play wide receiver, they can line up in the backfield. And so there is more value to those positions.”

NFL mock draft 2025: If Shedeur Sanders, QBs slide past Steelers, then what?

Beane, whose offseason has included stalled contract talks with his 2022 second-round pick, running back James Cook, said someone asked about his philosophy for drafting a running back in the first round.

“I’m like, ‘I probably wouldn’t draft a running back that is three yards-and-a-cloud-of-dust,’ but if it’s a weapon like some of these guys we’re talking about, heck yeah I would,’ Beane said.

The 2023 draft, with two first-round running backs, illustrated that point. The Falcons took Robinson eighth overall, and in two seasons he produced 3,350 yards from scrimmage and 23 touchdowns. Four picks after Robinson’s selection, the Detroit Lions drafted Jahmyr Gibbs, which generated much second-guessing of GM Brad Holmes’ pick. Holmes knew better. Gibbs tied for the NFL lead with 16 rushing TDs in 2024 and in teaming with David Montgomery for a 1-2 punch, was the league’s fifth-leading rusher with 1,412 yards. In two seasons, he’s tallied 3,190 yards from scrimmage and 31 TDs. Now that’s some value.

Will that recent history serve as a harbinger for this year’s draft? After Jeanty, the next-highest rated running back is North Carolina’s Omarion Hampton, hailed for his complete package of skills. There are also high marks for a pair of Ohio State runners, Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson, Iowa’s Kaleb Johnson, and so on.

Yet here’s the rub: While there’s no shortage of teams that could be tied to using first-round picks on running backs – the Las Vegas Raiders (picking sixth overall), the Chicago Bears (10th), the Dallas Cowboys (12th) and Denver Broncos (20th) among them – there’s still the reason that more than two running backs have been taken in the first round just three times in the past 15 drafts. Last year, none went in the first round and just one running back was picked in the first two rounds. The consensus all-rookie running back from 2024, Tampa Bay’s Bucky Irving, was a fourth-round pick.

Other positions, such as edge rusher or offensive tackle, still represent much more of a premium. So, even though there are 10 running backs listed on USA Today’s Big Board of the top 101 draft prospects, it’s a stretch to expect this will be the Year of the Running Back.

If the crop is so deep, teams may lean toward so-called premium positions earlier in the draft while figuring they can fill running back needs later. We’ll see. The laws of supply and demand are in play, too, right along with the projected shorter life span for running backs.

Then again, Todd McShay, the longtime draft analyst, contends, ‘Talent trumps trends.’

McShay, who analyzes the draft for The Ringer and Spotify, told USA Today Sports’ Chris Bumbaca that he considers this draft setting up as a “perfect storm” for impact running backs because the deep crop aligns with a resurgence at the position.

“This class is just flat-out loaded with talent,” McShay said. “In 25 years of doing this, I haven’t seen this much high-end talent.”

The 30 running backs drafted in 2017 were the most this century. McShay noted of a crop that included McCaffrey and Leonard Fournette. He expects this year’s haul might top that.

‘The amount of talent and guys that can contribute and do different things at varying levels that we’ll see come off the board into the fifth round,’ McShay said, ‘but through the first four rounds especially, is going to be remarkable.’

Yet exactly when the big run on running backs occurs – Opening Night or Day 2? – will say a whole lot about whether much has changed in the NFL when it comes to the value of that position that teams can’t afford to be without.

Follow Jarrett Bell on social media: @JarrettBell

College football is in a perfectly fine and reasonable state. Why do you ask?

A day after former Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava committed to UCLA, transfer Joey Aguilar — who transferred to the Bruins from Appalachian State in ‘The Portal: Winter Edition’ — is reportedly signing with the Vols, per ESPN’s Chris Low.

Per On3’s Pete Nakos, Tennessee reached out to recruit Aguilar to Knoxville, and an agreement was quickly reached to add Aguilar to a quarterback room that includes Jake Merklinger and George MacIntyre.

It was, indeed, a quick turnaround for Aguilar. It was reported Monday morning he was hitting the transfer portal after Iamaleava was added to an already outrageously crowded UCLA QB room. Now, he will enter an ostensibly more competitive situation at Tennessee after not seeing the field with the Bruins.

Joey Aguilar stats

Aguilar played two seasons at Appalachian State, completing 511 of 850 passes (60.1%) for 6,760 yards, 56 touchdowns and 24 interceptions. Aguilar threw an FBS-leading 14 interceptions in 2024.

2023 stats (with Appalachian State): 293 for 460, 3,757 yards, 33 TDs, 10 interceptions
2024 stats (with Appalachian State): 218 for 390, 3,003 yards, 23 TDs, 14 interceptions

Tennessee QB depth chart

Tennessee’s depth chart at quarterback includes two scholarship quarterbacks: Merklinger, a redshirt freshman, and MacIntyre, a freshman.

Aguilar immediately becomes the most experienced QB in the room, and if the post-2023 iteration of him were heading to Tennessee he might be considered a frontrunner to be a starter. However, a turnover-prone 2024 that saw an FBS-leading 14 interceptions means he’ll compete. But he has to prove he can protect the ball.

Jake Merklinger (Redshirt freshman)
George MacIntyre (Freshman)
Joey Aguilar (Senior)

Right as one member of the Iamaleava family left the transfer portal, another has entered — with both brothers set for the same destination.

Arkansas quarterback Madden Iamaleava, the younger brother of Tennessee-turned-UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava, plans to enter the transfer portal, according to a report Monday from CBS Sports.

Madden Iamaleava has informed the Arkansas coaching staff that he plans to join his older brother at UCLA, according to a report from ESPN’s Chris Low.

Madden Iamaleava was an early enrollee with the Razorbacks who just completed spring practice with the program ahead of what would have been his freshman season. The younger Iamaleava brother was a four-star recruit in the 2025 class, according to 247Sports’ composite rankings. The 6-foot-3, 191-pound passer was the No. 22 quarterback and No. 271 overall player in his class. 

He committed to and signed with Arkansas last December before enrolling in January. He had committed to UCLA last May before decommitting in December.

As a high school junior, Madden Iamaleava threw for more than 3,600 yards, along with 43 touchdowns and just four interceptions. He was declared ineligible for what would have been his senior year of high school football after transferring from Warren High School in California to Long Beach Polytechnic.

Madden Iamaleava’s move came just one day after his older brother announced his commitment to UCLA after a contentious and high-profile split with Tennessee, where he was the starting quarterback last season for a Vols team that made the College Football Playoff.

Nico Iamaleava’s abrupt and unexpected exit came after he missed a spring practice while he was reportedly in negotiations with the program over his name, image and likeness deal. Iamaleava, who had been slated to make $2.2 million in the last year of a four-year contract he signed with a Tennessee NIL collective his senior year of high school, was reportedly seeking $4 million.

Madden Iamaleava’s anticipated cross-country move caps off a busy 36 hours for the UCLA quarterback room. On Monday, shortly after Nico Iamaleava’s commitment to UCLA, Joey Aguilar, an Appalachian State transfer who signed with the Bruins in December, entered the portal. By the end of the day, he had found a new home, with ESPN reporting he plans to sign with Tennessee, completing a quarterback trade few, if any, could have seen coming two weeks earlier.

Phillip Danault scored his second goal of the game with 41.1 seconds remaining in regulation to give the host Los Angeles Kings a wild 6-5 victory over the Edmonton Oilers in their Stanley Cup playoff opener Monday night.

Andrei Kuzmenko and Adrian Kempe both collected one goal and two assists while Quinton Byfield and Kevin Fiala both registered one goal and one assist for the Kings in Game 1 of their Western Conference first-round series.

Goaltender Darcy Kuemper made 20 saves for the Kings, who held a 4-0 lead late in the second period and 5-2 edge in the third before the Oilers charged back, necessitating Danault’s heroics.

Moments after the Oilers tied the clash, Danault joined a rush up ice and slightly fanned on a shot from the slot. However, the puck went up and over Oilers goalie Stuart Skinner for the winner.

Connor McDavid scored once in a four-point game for Edmonton, while Corey Perry and Leon Draisaitl each notched one goal and one assist. Mattias Janmark and Zach Hyman added a goal apiece, Evan Bouchard collected three assists, and Skinner stopped 24 shots.

Game 2 of the best-of-seven series will be Wednesday in Los Angeles. It is the fourth consecutive year the clubs have met in the first round of the playoffs.

The Kings staked a four-goal edge thanks to first-period goals by Kuzmenko (on a power play) and Byfield, then late-second-period tallies by Kempe and Danault.

However, the Oilers refused to go away quietly. Draisaitl put the visitors on the board with six seconds remaining in the second period, his 18th goal in 19 playoff games against the Kings, and the Janmark tallied 2:19 into the third period.

Fiala’s five-on-three power-play goal at 4:59 of the final frame restored Los Angeles’ three-goal edge and appeared to seal the game. However, Perry chipped a shot home from in tight at 7:43, Hyman made it a one-goal game at 17:56, and McDavid tied the clash with 88 seconds remaining in regulation.

Kings vs. Oilers Game 1 highlights

After the fourth or fifth question about the Luka Doncic trade Monday, Dallas Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison revealed he had hoped to be done talking about it by now.

That was the impetus for meeting off-camera with a small group of Dallas-based reporters last week, he said. Chalk it up to another miscalculation by the embattled former Nike executive turned NBA decision maker.

Harrison’s end-of-season news conference turned into another inquiry focused on the fallout from his decision to deal the franchise’s popular star last February in exchange for Anthony Davis and Max Christie. He was asked directly why he shouldn’t be fired, defended the rationale behind the trade, promised a championship contender next season and then eventually admitted he underestimated the backlash trading Doncic would generate, particularly within the Mavericks’ fan base.

‘I did know that Luka was important to the fan base. I didn’t quite know it to what level,’ Harrison said. ‘But really, the way we looked at it, is if you’re putting a team on the floor that’s Kyrie (Irving), Klay (Thompson), P.J. (Washington), Anthony Davis and (Dereck) Lively, we feel that’s a championship caliber team, and we would’ve been winning at a high level and that would have quieted some of the outrage. And so unfortunately we weren’t able to do that, so it just continued to go on and on.’

Nico Harrison addresses job security

Harrison said his relationship with Mavericks owner Patrick Dumont has improved since the trade because the two speak more frequently now. He pushed back against any questions that alluded to whether Dumont or anyone else in the franchise’s front office asked or forced him to trade Doncic. He said coach Jason Kidd only learned of the deal at the ’11th hour.’

‘We’re kind of linked together to this, so it’s made us have a lot more conversations,’ Harrison said about Dumont. ‘He came out and supported me publicly. I don’t take that lightly and now I have to deliver on that.’

Harrison acknowledged hearing Mavericks fans chant ‘Fire Nico,’ on several occasions since the trade, but ‘my job is to make decisions that are in the best interest of this organization and I got to stand by the decision,’ he said. ‘Some of them are going to be unpopular and this was clearly one that’s unpopular.’ He declined to discuss specifically why he didn’t believe Doncic could be part of a championship contender in Dallas, but returned to a familiar refrain since the trade about the importance of defense in winning a title.

Harrison, in defending his tenure running the team, indicated once more he’s not willing to concede the trade everyone wants to criticize him for will be remembered as one of the worst deals in NBA history.

‘I think I’ve done a really good job here and I don’t think I can be judged by the injuries this year, Harrison said. ‘You have to judge from totality, from beginning to end … The leadership that we have is really elite, and you’ll see when our team comes back next year that we’ll be competing for a championship.’

Nico Harrison comments on Dirk Nowitzki, Mavericks fan friction

The immediate aftermath of the Doncic trade did not go in the franchise’s favor. Dallas missed the 2025 playoffs after losing in the NBA play-in tournament to the Memphis Grizzlies and saw Davis miss 18 regular-season games after aggravating an adductor injury in his Mavericks’ debut. The Mavericks fans, meanwhile, held protests once Doncic was traded and the team offered refunds to some fans who canceled their tickets in the wake of the move.

The trade also reportedly caused friction between the Mavericks and franchise legend Dirk Nowitzki, who maintains a close relationship with Doncic after the two were teammates during Doncic’s rookie season.

‘It’s important to say he’s the single-most important figure to the franchise, so that’s extremely important,’ Harrison said, without going into further detail when asked about any distance between the organization and Nowitzki. ‘I believe winning will help repair the relationship with the fans and that’s what we plan to do next year.’

The wait is nearly over, NFL draft week now upon us.

The Titans will officially go on the clock as the league’s 90th “Player Selection Meeting” opens Thursday evening in Green Bay, Wisconsin. And while there is little mystery regarding what Tennessee will do at the top of the board, total chaos could ensue thereafter in a draft that may not necessarily be long on elite talent but could feature plenty of intrigue – and that could mean ample maneuvering and surprises as Round 1 unfolds.

Though sufficient time remains for teams, veterans and incoming prospects to infuse further drama into the process, here is USA TODAY Sports’ latest first-round projection for the 2025 NFL draft (which received zero input from ‘artificial’ intelligence):

1. Tennessee Titans – QB Cam Ward, Miami (Fla.)

The AFC South’s cellar dwellers the past two seasons remain devoid of an answer behind center, opting not to pursue a proven veteran this offseason while retaining the No. 1 pick despite originally seeming open to dealing it – meaning all signs are pointing Ward toward Nashville. A dynamic thrower – Ward has a Division I record 158 TD passes spread over five college seasons and three schools – and highly respected leader, the 2024 All-American and ACC Player of the Year will need to leverage all of his estimable abilities on and off the field to turn around a franchise that needs him to stop its free fall.

2. Cleveland Browns – CB/WR Travis Hunter, Colorado

This seems to be shaping up as the ideal marriage between team and player, GM Andrew Berry saying last week that the 2024 Heisman Trophy winner is a ‘unicorn’ while invoking the two-way abilities of baseball superstar Shohei Ohtani. And while Berry appears quite open to allowing Hunter to fulfill his dream of playing offense and defense in the NFL – as he did so well while dominating college football – he said the Browns view his ‘first home as a receiver,’ which also seems to be what Hunter desires after exclusively running routes at the Buffs’ recent showcase and spotlighting himself at the position that’s likely to pay better at the pro level – though he quite obviously has the unique abilities to could carve out a signature paycheck down the road.

3. New York Giants – OLB/DE Abdul Carter, Penn State

He’s regarded in some quarters as this draft’s most talented player, though some (minor?) concerns about his health – shoulder, foot – probably didn’t do the 2024 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year any favors during the pre-draft process. Still, Carter seems way too intriguing to pass up at the expense of a quarterback prospect who would only merit a selection this high based on the position. With an FBS-leading 23½ tackles for losses last season, Carter would force his way into a pass rush rotation that already includes two-time Pro Bowler Brian Burns and 2022 first-rounder Kayvon Thibodeaux.

4. New England Patriots – OT Will Campbell, LSU

Missing out on Hunter and Carter might be something of a worst-case scenario for the Pats, who could even be tempted to trade out of this spot. But no reason to overthink the obvious mandate to better support second-year QB Drake Maye, and taking this consensus All-American – despite Campbell’s suboptimal left tackle arm length – to safeguard Maye’s blind side, so frequently exposed in 2024, seems like the best course of action given the alternatives.

5. Jacksonville Jaguars – RB Ashton Jeanty, Boise State

Rookie GM James Gladstone, 34, has kept the Jags’ direction fairly cloaked. And while there’s been speculation he could target a player in the trenches, Jeanty might be the answer based on rare blue-chip stock and transcendent abilities that might best support the health and development of franchise QB Trevor Lawrence. Jeanty, the 2024 Heisman runner-up, rushed for 2,601 yards – 28 shy of breaking Barry Sanders’ single-season NCAA record – and would definitely be an upgrade from Travis Etienne. Gladstone, who spent nine seasons with the Rams, saw first-hand how RB Todd Gurley – he entered the NFL with medical concerns Jeanty doesn’t have – helped carry a team with a young passer (Jared Goff) all the way to a Super Bowl.

6. Las Vegas Raiders – OT Armand Membou, Missouri

Could they still go running back – much of HC Pete Carroll’s success in Seattle came courtesy of bruising Marshawn Lynch – with Jeanty gone here? Certainly, given there doesn’t appear to be a precipitous drop-off to UNC’s Omarion Hampton. But the cold truth is that this roster has numerous needs, no matter how quickly Carroll, rookie GM John Spytek and minority owner Tom Brady might covet a quick turnaround – and let’s not forget the gap that has formed between the Silver and Black and the remainder of the AFC West. Membou (6-4, 332) could slot into his familiar right tackle post, providing a nice bookend to LT Kolton Miller, and solve one position for the next decade – while putting this squad in a better position to run the ball regardless of who’s carrying it.

7. New York Jets – TE Tyler Warren, Penn State

Newly signed QB Justin Fields could use a talented right tackle but also badly needs a weapon aside from WR Garrett Wilson. Why not get both with Warren, a gifted and versatile receiver who also utilizes his 6-6, 256-pound frame as an effective blocker. But Warren’s real impact should come with the ball in his hands, and rookie HC Aaron Glen saw what TE Sam LaPorta did for Detroit’s offense in recent seasons.

8. Carolina Panthers – LB Jalon Walker, Georgia

GM Dan Morgan has already identified him as a fit for this team’s 3-4 base defense. Carolina obviously needs another difference maker there, and Walker could effectively plug a gap at edge rusher but maybe also as an off-ball linebacker – perhaps both if he were to be deployed by coordinator Ejiro Evero in the optimal situationally dependent scenarios. But considering Jadeveon Clowney, 32, is the only player on this roster who generated more than a dozen pressures in 2024 – and just 22 – Walker’s ability to get to quarterbacks might be his most-needed attribute here. Size (6-1, 243) is not among his selling points.

9. New Orleans Saints – DT Mason Graham, Michigan

He’s one of the draft’s cleaner prospects and seems to have a very high floor, it not necessarily a vaulted ceiling. Yet the 2024 All-American’s value – even for a team that suddenly appears to have a very pressing need at quarterback in light of Derek Carr’s injured shoulder (or whatever’s bothering him) – could make Graham way too good to bypass, especially given DL Cam Jordan’s age (36 when the season starts) and Bryan Bresee’s struggles since being taken in the first round two years ago.

10. Chicago Bears – OT Kelvin Banks Jr., Texas

Several directions they could go as they continue to reload and retool around second-year QB Caleb Williams, who might really benefit from a dominant runner like Jeanty. But what about a dominant left tackle such as Banks, the 2024 Outland Trophy winner, who was nearly airtight for the Longhorns? And when you consider the 49ers, who pick next, need a left tackle of the future plus the fact that Chicago incumbent Braxton Jones is entering a contract year after breaking his ankle in December …

11. San Francisco 49ers – DT Walter Nolen, Mississippi

A team that’s been such a near-perennial Super Bowl contender the last half-dozen seasons suddenly finds itself full of holes – perhaps none more glaring than at defensive tackle on a line once predicated on depth and talent. And the best way to complement DE Nick Bosa might be to add a disruptive interior force like Nolen, who can cause even more havoc inside given the attention the 2022 Defensive Player of the Year commands off the edge.

12. Dallas Cowboys – WR Matthew Golden, Texas

As good a player as CeeDee Lamb is, the wideout depth in Big D is woefully unproven beyond him. Golden glittered at the combine, his 4.29 40 the fastest among offensive players – and it not only makes him lethal but would open up the field further for Lamb. Golden led the SEC with nine TD grabs in 2024 after transferring from Houston. He’s not the biggest guy (5-11, 191), but his burst and ability to come up big in the clutch – watch the Longhorns’ CFP defeat of Arizona State – could make him the best of this year’s receivers not named Travis Hunter.

13. Miami Dolphins – CB Will Johnson, Michigan

He probably doesn’t last this long if he’s in the 2024 draft on the heels of the Wolverines’ national championship. Johnson has prototypical size (6-2, 194) and ball skills for the position, swiping nine passes (two of them pick-sixes) during three seasons at Michigan and might perfectly address what appears to be a potential opening given the divorce the Fins are telegraphing with Jalen Ramsey.

14. Indianapolis Colts – TE Colston Loveland, Michigan

How best to prop up an offense with quarterback issues? How about by procuring a swift, 6-6, 248-pound tight end who averaged nearly 15 yards per catch during his first two years in Ann Arbor when J.J. McCarthy was throwing to him.

15. Atlanta Falcons – OLB/DE Mike Green, Marshall

Maybe you’d heard no ATL defender has managed a double-digit sack season since 2016? The unit showed improvement in 2024, but Grady Jarrett and Matthew Judon won’t be coming back. Green (6-3, 251), the Sun Belt’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2024, led the country with 17 sacks and, per the analytics website Pro Football Focus, had 32 hurries.

16. Arizona Cardinals – LB Jihaad Campbell, Alabama

Is he an edge rusher? Is he an off-ball backer? Does it matter given how few answers the Cards appear to have at those positions aside from recently signed OLB Josh Sweat? A first-team All-SEC standout in 2024, Campbell is recovering from recent shoulder surgery.

17. Cincinnati Bengals – DB Jahdae Barron, Texas

It doesn’t appear as if DE Trey Hendrickson is going anywhere, so the Stripes can probably focus on other areas of their eminently leaky defense to address. Barron would be a nifty addition to a unit that surrendered 30 TD passes last season given the 2024 Jim Thorpe Award winner’s ability to flex between outside corner, the slot and safety – all seeming problem spots in Cincy.

18. Seattle Seahawks – G Tyler Booker, Alabama

This nasty road grader could provide the perfect shot of attitude and talent into an offense that needs both on its long-beleaguered line. Booker (6-5, 321) seems like the type of guy second-year HC Mike Macdonald is looking for given his desire for a more physical football team that can capably run the ball.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – S Malaki Starks, Georgia

A team that saw its secondary decimated by injuries in 2024 might be wise to select a baller and perennial All-American who can help in so many capacities – think Derwin James or Brian Branch.

20. Denver Broncos – RB Omarion Hampton, North Carolina

They somehow ranked 16th in rushing offense last season even though their top gainer was now-departed RB Javonte Williams, who had just 513 yards. Hampton could provide next-level production after rushing for 15 TDs and at least 1,500 yards each of the past two seasons for the Tar Heels to go along with 67 total catches. Big (6-0, 221) and fast (4.4 speed), Hampton is also durable and used to carrying a heavy load if asked.

21. Pittsburgh Steelers – DL Derrick Harmon, Oregon

22. Los Angeles Chargers – DE Shemar Stewart, Texas A&M

His talent suggests top-five pick, particularly after he tested just about off the charts at the scouting combine – 4.59 40-yard dash and 40-inch vertical leap at 6-5, 267 pounds. His production (4½ sacks total in three seasons with the Aggies) suggests Day 3 pick. But dig a bit deeper and you’ll find Stewart had 33 hurries in 2024 and was a hellacious run defender. He also plays relentlessly, which HC Jim Harbaugh will appreciate, and should nicely bolster a defensive front which lost OLB Joey Bosa this offseason and probably won’t have OLB Khalil Mack for much longer.

23. Green Bay Packers – CB Trey Amos, Mississippi

The Alabama transfer has nice size (6-1, 195), only allowed a 54.5 QB rating when targeted in 2024 and would provide a nice fallback if the Pack move on from veteran CB Jaire Alexander. Amos could handle wide duties with newly signed CB Nate Hobbs able to man the slot.

24. Saints [PROJECTED TRADE with Minnesota Vikings] – QB Shedeur Sanders, Colorado

The Vikes badly need more draft capital, and New Orleans badly needs a QB1 and can surrender one of its extra third-rounders in this scenario to make the jump from the 40th spot in Round 2 to get Sanders. The Big 12’s reigning Offensive Player of the Year and most accurate passer – by the numbers – in FBS history should plug smoothly into rookie HC Kellen Moore’s offense, one that has solid playmakers elsewhere (WRs Chris Olave and Brandin Cooks and RB Alvin Kamara).

25. Houston Texans – OL Grey Zabel, North Dakota State

The 6-6, 312-pound Senior Bowl standout can play every position on the offensive line – so the Texans can just pick his best spot after taking a sledgehammer to theirs this offseason.

26. Los Angeles Rams – CB Benjamin Morrison, Notre Dame

He picked off nine passes during his first two seasons with the Irish before a hip injury sidelined him in 2024. Now healthy – Morrison will work out Monday for NFL teams – his ball skills, smarts and size (6 feet, 193 pounds) could reaffirm him as a Round 1 prospect, and certainly one who would fit well on a young Rams defense that could use help at corner.

27. Baltimore Ravens – S Nick Emmanwori, South Carolina

Imagine pairing this physical specimen with All-Pro Kyle Hamilton, who was teamed with Smurf-y Ar’Darius Washington (5-8, 180) for much of 2024. Emmanwori, an All-American in 2024, has size (6-3, 220) comparable to Hamilton’s – yet his metrics suggest the Gamecocks star is a more explosive athlete. After running a 4.38 40 and posting a vertical jump of 43 inches, he was one of the combine’s 2025 stars. And given that speed, maybe not a surprise he returned half of his four picks last season for TDs.

28. Browns [PROJECTED TRADE with Detroit Lions] – QB Jaxson Dart, Mississippi

Cleveland climbs five spots to secure a long-term replacement for Deshaun Watson, whose pathetic tenure with the club is effectively over. Rumored to be in play for veteran Kirk Cousins, the Browns instead get Dart, something of a younger version of “KFC” but a more athletic one. An all-SEC selection last season after leading the conference in passing yards (4,279) and efficiency, Dart might still need a bit of time to get acclimated to the NFL, so it surely wouldn’t hurt that he can marinate here behind Joe Flacco and/or Kenny Pickett as long as necessary.

29. Washington Commanders – WR Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona

He’s become something of a polarizing prospect in recent months given questions about his speed and, perhaps, commitment to the game. But there’s no denying his size (6-4, 219) or production (174 grabs for more than 2,700 yards since 2023). And QB Jayden Daniels could use another weapon, especially with WRs Deebo Samuel and Noah Brown only signed for the 2025 season.

30. Bears [PROJECTED TRADE with Buffalo Bills] – RB TreVeyon Henderson, Ohio State

Caleb Williams and new HC Ben Johnson, who ran Detroit’s offense so well for three seasons, get their version of Lions RB Jahmyr Gibbs. Henderson would pair nicely with D’Andre Swift and could be a real weapon as a change-of-pace back or on passing downs, especially given his reliability as a pass protector.

31. Kansas City Chiefs – OT Josh Simmons, Ohio State

How much longer can they continue winging it at left tackle before QB Patrick Mahomes really gets frustrated – or worse? Simmons, a large (6-5, 317) and very strong man, likely would have been a top-10 selection had he not suffered a torn patellar tendon last season. He seems on track to be ready for the upcoming season but should easily be worth the wait if not – and that could mean productive time for recently signed OT Jaylon Moore to prove he can hold down a spot on the left or right side of K.C.’s evolving O-line.

32. Philadelphia Eagles – DE Mykel Williams, Georgia

It’s not really an NFL draft unless the reigning champions enlist a defender from Georgia. Williams could be a phenomenal value at this spot and a very nice backfill for departed Sweat – even if he’s in a rotational role early, as he was in Athens. Williams’ numbers for the Bulldogs (14 sacks and 57 hurries in three seasons) are actually unusually good given the depth of that defense and how rarely it had to be on the field.

All NFL news on and off the field. Sign up for USA TODAY’s 4th and Monday newsletter.

The Seattle Kraken fired coach Dan Bylsma on Monday after one season behind the bench.

“After a thorough review of the season and our expectations for next year and beyond, we’ve made the difficult decision to move in a different direction behind the bench,’ general manager Ron Francis said in a statement. ‘Dan is a great person and a respected coach. He played an important role in the development of many of our young prospects and was a big part of our early success in Coachella Valley.”

Francis will address the media on Tuesday.

Seattle’s KING 5 reported that Jessica Campbell, the NHL’s first female full-time assistant coach, will be retained. The television station also said Jason Botterill will be promoted to general manager and Francis will become team president.

Bylsma was hired in May 2024 after two seasons with the Kraken’s American Hockey League affiliate. He replaced the Kraken’s inaugural coach, Dave Hakstol, after the team dropped from 100 points and the franchise’s first playoff berth in 2022-23 to 81 points and out of the playoffs.

But Seattle fell to 76 points this season and dropped to seventh place in the Pacific Division despite adding Chandler Stephenson and Brandon Montour in the offseason.

The Kraken had to deal with lengthy injuries to captain Jordan Eberle and defenseman Vince Dunn. They gave up 29 more goals to finish ninth from the bottom of the league in defense.

Bylsma, 54, went 35-41-6 in his lone season in Seattle. It was his first NHL head coaching job since 2017. He won a Stanley Cup with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2009 and had 355 regular-season wins with the Penguins, Buffalo Sabres and Kraken.

Bylsma is the third NHL coach to be fired since the regular season ended, joining the New York Rangers’ Peter Laviolette and the Anaheim Ducks’ Greg Cronin.

The Vancouver Canucks said Monday they didn’t pick up the team option on Rick Tocchet’s contract but have offered him a new deal and hope he stays.

‘We’ve gone a long way from where coaches have been compensated with the Canucks for years − forever actually − and we’re hoping that he takes that contract,’ team president Jim Rutherford said.

There were five coaching changes during the regular season: Boston Bruins, St. Louis Blues, Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings and Philadelphia Flyers.

(This story has been updated to add new information.)

Pro Football Hall of Famer and media personality Shannon Sharpe is facing a lawsuit, accused of sexual assault and battery, and engaging in the intentional infliction of emotional distress.

The lawsuit was filed Sunday in Clark County, Nevada, and obtained by USA TODAY Sports. The plaintiff, listed under the alias ‘Jane Doe,’ said she was in a relationship with Sharpe for nearly two years, and it began as a ‘rocky consensual relationship.’

The woman, who is seeking $50 million in damages, said she met Sharpe at a Los Angeles gym in 2023 when she was 19 and alleges in the lawsuit that Sharpe, who is currently 56 years old, sexually assaulted her twice, once in October 2024 and again in January 2025.

In a statement released Monday, Sharpe’s attorney Lanny J. Davis called the lawsuit ‘a blatant and cynical attempt to shake down Mr. Sharpe for millions of dollars. It is filled with lies, distortions, and misrepresentations – and it will not succeed.’

The woman says Sharpe became violent over the course of the relationship, threatened to kill her during one incident, and recorded their sexual encounters without her consent.

‘Sharpe flew into fits of anger when Plaintiff noted his infidelity to their relationship, or called him out about his extraneous activities,’ the lawsuit said. ‘What had once been manipulation, control and intimidation now became something far more dangerous and sinister. Sharpe even figured out how to get into Doe’s apartment complex without her permission.’

‘Sharpe made it clear that what Doe wanted was of no moment, that Sharpe would get what he wanted, when he wanted it. In October 2024, Shannon Sharpe violently sexually assaulted’ the plaintiff on two separate occasions in Las Vegas, ignoring her requests to stop, the lawsuit says.

‘Jane Doe’ is represented by attorneys Tony Buzbee and Micah Nash. Buzbee was part of the legal team that won settlements against Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson after more than two dozen massage therapists accused him of sexual misconduct.

Davis’ statement included several explicit text messages allegedly sent from Doe to Sharpe in order to ‘set the record straight.’

‘Mr. Sharpe categorically denies all allegations of coercion or misconduct — especially the gross lie of ‘rape’ — and will not submit to what he sees as an egregious attempt at blackmail,’ Davis said in the statement. ‘He stands firmly by the truth and is prepared to fight these false claims vigorously in court. He looks forward to vindication through due process and a judgment based on facts and the law.’

Sharpe, a three-time Super Bowl-winning tight end, has his own successful podcast, ‘Club Shay Shay,’ and makes regular appearances on ESPN’s First Take. It was reported last week that Sharpe is eyeing a new podcast deal in excess of $100 million.

(This story was updated to include new information.)