The John Report: WWE Raw Deal 04/28/25 Review
It’s WWE Raw featuring words from Seth Rollins, Bron Breakker & Paul Heyman, plus Rhea Ripley facing Roxanne Perez, and more.
I thought last week’s Raw After WrestleMania was an excellent show. The main event ending with Rollins, Breakker & Heyman together as a new faction is an awesome trio and I’m interested to see if they grow from there. The WWE Backlash PLE is coming up quickly on May 10th, so it will be interesting to see what matches take place on that show.
Raw After WrestleMania also featured Becky Lynch turning heel on Lyra Valkyria and the WWE return of Rusev.
This is the Raw Deal for episode #1666 of Monday Night Raw. It’s taking place at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Nevada. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport. Let’s get to it.
The SmackDown GM Nick Aldis was shown since he’s filling in for Raw GM Adam Pearce this week. They showed some pre-show walking of Rhea Ripley, Roxanne Perez, Ivy Nile with her American Made allies, Stephanie Vaquer and Logan Paul.
The Raw commentary team of Michael Cole and Pat McAfee were shown on camera welcoming us to the show. They mentioned that Gunther was indefinitely suspended due to his actions against McAfee and Cole last week. McAfee will address the situation later in the show. Gunther asked for some time off from WWE after working a lot in the last couple of years, so that’s why they did the angle. Alicia Taylor is the ring announcer.
A video package aired that showed the main event of Raw last week, which featured Bron Breakker joining Seth Rollins and Paul Heyman to form a new alliance. They beat up Roman Reigns and CM Punk to end the show.
Let’s Hear from Seth Rollins, Bron Breakker & Paul Heyman
The trio of Seth Rollins, Bron Breakker and Paul Heyman made their entrance for a promo. They walked out to Seth’s song. Seth was wearing a long jacket with a unique design. Bron was in dress clothes. The fans sang Seth’s song even after the music stopped.
Rollins did his “Monday Night Rollins” opening bit introducing himself to us. Rollins bragged that he was the winner of the main event at WrestleMania. Rollins said he knows it’s difficult for some of you who want to chant for CM Punk and it took a while for a few chants to start. Rollins mentioned that he knows some fans want to put their fingers in the air for Roman Reigns, which led to “OTC” chants for the Original Tribal Chief. Rollins said that this trio is the future of our industry. Rollins said that the future runs through him with Paul Heyman and Bron Breakker.
Sami Zayn’s music hit, and the fans sang along to his song on the way to the ring. Rollins welcomed back his friend Zayn back to Raw. Zayn said he saw the main event of WrestleMania. Zayn said they’d been friends for a long time, so Zayn was there to tell Rollins that this was a load of crap. Zayn talked about Reigns and Punk so much, yet what they have in common is Paul Heyman, who is with Rollins now, so how is he different? Rollins didn’t like Zayn comparing him to Reigns and Punk. Zayn said he was starting to see that maybe Rollins was just jealous and maybe Rollins wanted to be in the position that they were in. Rollins said that this is the vision for the future. Zayn said what a coincidence that the vision for the future involves Rollins front and center. Rollins said he’s the best man for the job. Zayn said it’s hypocritical of Rollins. Rollins said that this is not The Bloodline. Zayn said how it is different since you’ve got the Wise Man and you’ve got the little dog over there. Zayn warned Bron if he kept staring at Zayn like that, then he’d get his face kicked in.
Rollins wondered what Zayn was talking about here. Rollins said that this is the vision for the future. Rollins told Zayn that you are either with them or you become a target. Rollins claimed he didn’t want Zayn to be a target. Rollins said he loved Zayn, and he didn’t want Zayn to be a target for them. Rollins claimed that Heyman can get Zayn moved off of Raw. Rollins told Zayn that he’s not going to buy into what they are selling, so he’s making an offer. Rollins told Zayn to think about it and they need an answer by the end of the night. Bron stared at Zayn, so Heyman got Bron to back away and that was it as Seth’s group left.
Analysis: There is still no official name for Seth’s group, but I like them a lot as a trio. Rollins offering Zayn a move to Smackdown sounds like a move that a friend would do. However, we know Rollins is likely going to be more of a heel moving forward, so you have to question how sincere Rollins is with his offer. Zayn being against the group makes sense and he made a lot of good points about Rollins doing what Punk and Reigns have done already with Heyman as an ally. Anyway, I’m interested in seeing how this goes in the future.
A Highlight of the Night replay aired of the great Iyo Sky-Stephanie Vaquer last week on Raw. The match ended when Roxanne Perez and Giulia interrupted. Rhea Ripley made the save.
Rhea Ripley made her entrance for her match. They went to a break for some fans as Ripley continued her entrance. Roxanne Perez made her entrance during the break part as well.
Rhea Ripley vs. Roxanne Perez
It was mentioned by Cole that Perez is still from NXT, but there have been reports that Perez is on the main roster now. The crafty heel Perez did a chop block, Ripley grabbed Perez, and Perez slapped Ripley in the face. Ripley came back with a boot to the head. Perez got an arm drag. Ripley kicked Perez away, but Perez came back with a sweep kick to the leg. Perez dropkicked Ripley out of the ring. Perez dove onto Ripley, who caught Perez and Ripley slammed Perez into the barricade. Ripley sent Perez face first onto the barricade. Ripley punched Perez while on the apron, but Perez came back with a trip. Perez rammed Ripley’s left leg into the ring post. Ripley blocked a move by Perez and hit a clothesline. Perez jumped onto Ripley, who caught her and Ripley hit a vertical suplex. Ripley dropkicked Perez out of the ring. They went to break for some fans as the action continued. Perez took control with a cross body block onto Ripley on the floor. Perez stepped on Ripley’s left leg against the ropes. Perez did a knee drop onto Ripley’s left leg. Perez hit a dropkick while Ripley was against the ropes.
Perez remained on offense as she hit a springboard moonsault for two. Perez wrenched on Ripley’s left leg, Ripley kicked Perez off her and Ripley hit a roundhouse kick to the head. Ripley hit Perz with two clotheslines, a kick to the ribs and Ripley hit a Razor’s Edge. Ripley hit a running kick for two. Ripley sold the left leg injury as she made the pin. Giulia made her way down to ringside, so Ripley was distracted by her and Perez got an inside cradle for two. Perez did a hurricanrana to spike Ripley into the mat. Perez did a handspring knee drop for two. Ripley hit a knee smash to the face. Ripley grabbed Giulia at ringside, Perez tried a rollup and Ripley hit a headbutt. Ripley went for Riptide, but Giulia went into the ring and hit a chop block to Ripley’s left leg. That led to the DQ. It went 11 minutes.
Winner by disqualification: Rhea Ripley
Analysis: ***1/2 This was really well done, and I enjoyed it before the DQ ending. They have been booking a lot of DQ finishes of late. I get not wanting either woman to lose, but DQ endings can be overdone, too. Ripley did a great job of selling the left leg injury throughout the match. Ripley has the rep for being a powerhouse and she is, but she also does a tremendous job of selling in a realistic way. Perez is terrific, which isn’t a surprise to me since I’ve covered her entire WWE career so far.
After the match, Perez and Giulia beat up Ripley. The Women’s World Champion Iyo Sky made the save for Ripley. Sky got some offense in, but Ripley and Giulia managed to trip up Sky while she was going for a springboard attack. Ripley went back into the ring, so Perez & Giulia left.
Analysis: That sets up a tag team match with Ripley & Sky against Perez & Giulia.
The Judgment Day was shown in their clubhouse. Finn Balor walked up to JD McDonagh, wondering why he didn’t tell Balor about JD coming back. JD said that he talked about it with Dominik Mysterio and they never got around to telling Finn. Liv Morgan interrupted, and they told Finn that JD & Finn are teaming against the War Raiders. Finn was happy with that, but he wanted to be informed about things in the future.
Logan Paul was shown walking backstage for a promo up next.
Jackie Redmond interviewed the A-Town Down Under duo of Austin Theory & Grayson Waller in the upper deck. Theory said they are bound to be Tag Team Champions. Waller trashed Kansas City by mentioning Philadelphia beat Kansas City in the Super Bowl. Waller claimed they had a marquee match next week. Waller said he’s in singles action next week. Theory wasn’t thrilled about it. That interview was during the break.
A graphic said that 124,693 members of the WWE Universe attended WrestleMania. It noted that people from 50 states and 68 different countries were represented.
Let’s Hear from Logan Paul
Logan Paul was in the ring bragging about how he beat AJ Styles at WrestleMania. Paul trashed the people of Kansas City for being so stupid. Paul said a true champion doesn’t look like your current World Champion, Jey Uso. Paul claimed he’s done everything there is to do in this industry (heels lie) except win a World Title. Paul mentioned Jey Uso, so here he comes.
The World Heavyweight Champion Jey Uso made his entrance with his title. Jey made his entrance from the regular entrance rather than from the crowd. Jey gave his Yeet glasses to a kid in the front row who beat cancer. That’s cool and a great moment for that kid.
Jey got into the ring saying that he worked so hard for 15 years and he’s not going to lose to some Youtuber. Jey said that when Gunther beat up his twin, it lit a fire inside of Jey that is never going out. Jey said that this title is not given, it’s earned and if you want it, come take it…Yeet.
Paul said that he’s done more in four years than Jey has done in 15 years, and you all know it’s true. Paul said that he was going to take that title from Jey. Paul claimed that Jey is going to crash out, screw up and lose that title in less time than you held the Intercontinental Championship. Paul told him to enjoy it, so Jey nailed Paul with a superkick to put Paul down. Jey’s music played to end it. Jey hugged the kid at ringside.
Analysis: That was a good segment to set up a new rivalry. Logan Paul beat AJ Styles at WrestleMania, so you can say he deserves a title opportunity. I thought Jey Uso did a nice job of responding to Paul. Jey is as confident as ever after his WrestleMania win and he should be. This Jey-Paul match is likely to be for Backlash, following that segment.
The New Day made their entrance as the World Tag Team Champions to watch the next match. The Judgment Day made their entrance for tag team action.
The War Raiders – Erik & Ivar vs. The Judgment Day – Finn Balor & JD McDonagh (w/Carlito)
The New Day’s Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods were on commentary for this match. Ivar gave JD a back body drop. Erik hit an overhead suplex on Balor and a running dropkick on JD. Ivar splashed Balor and Erik hit a forearm. Erik hit a leg-slapping knee on JD. The New Day taunted the Raiders. Erik & Ivar each hit body slams. Erik slammed Ivar onto JD. Ivar went for a running cross body block, but JD moved and Ivar went crashing into the LED board ring apron. They went to a break for some fans and I’ll take a break too.
The J-Day guys were in control of Erik until Erik found a way to break free. Ivar tagged in with a sit down on Balor and Ivar hit a spinning kick to knock JD down. Ivar hit a running splash on Balor against the turnbuckle. Ivar went up top going for the Doomsault, but Balor avoided it and Ivar hit the mat. JD jumped off Ivar’s back and punched Erik off the apron. JD hit a springboard second rope moonsault onto Ivar. Woods said that they want the title back to not defend them. Back in the ring, JD hit a moonsault on Ivar and Erik made the save. Erik got the tag while Ivar hit a handspring back elbow. Ivar and Erik tossed the two J-Day guys into eachother. New Day was taunting the Raiders at ringside. Ivar threw Balor into New Day and Ivar hit a running splash onto all of them. Erik punched Carlito down on the apron. JD got a rollup for two. JD did a jawbreaker with his giant head. JD went up top, but Penta was there and Penta shoved JD off the top rope. Carlito was talking to the referee and it backfired. Ivar tagged in for the War Machine double team lariat/suplex on JD for the pinfall win. It went about 11 minutes.
Winners by pinfall: The War Raiders – Erik & Ivar
Analysis: ***1/4 It was a good tag team match with Penta getting some payback against The Judgment Day. That win by The War Raiders should set them up for a title rematch against The New Day soon. It was nice to see JD McDonagh back in action after missing a few months of action. Poor JD was the one to take the pin too, but he was also the one that screwed Penta in Penta’s match against Dominik, so it was payback.
Sami Zayn was in the locker room talking to Otis. Paul Heyman sat down, so Otis left. Paul said he was thinking about what Zayn said in the ring about The Bloodline while pointing out that they are OG Bloodline. Paul said he respected what Zayn did when he broke away from The Bloodline, and maybe one day, Zayn will respect what Paul did to The Bloodline. Heyman talked about Rollins being the future and Bron is the dog at the gate. Heyman said that Bron wants a match with Zayn, and they can’t refuse Bron’s request. Heyman noted that Bron is the key to their plans. Heyman said if Zayn accepts a trade to Smackdown this Friday, then Zayn gets a pass. Heyman noted that Rollins would do a favor. Heyman told Zayn that if he goes to SmackDown, then he’ll face the winner of the match between John Cena and Randy Orton for a shot at the Undisputed WWE Title. Heyman told Zayn to think about his future. Heyman said that you can live with the future or you can die with the past. Heyman left, and Bron Breakker was standing by, so Heyman tapped him on the shoulder.
Analysis: That was an interesting discussion. Zayn can fight back against Rollins, or he can take a sweet deal to go to Smackdown and get a WWE Title match. It keeps viewers tuned in to see what might happen.
Becky Lynch is up next to explain her heelish actions last week.
A video aired about Becky Lynch turning on Lyra Valkyria last week. This was during a break for some fans.
They showed ESPN’s MLB insider Jeff Passan at ringside. Ryan Blaney was at ringside, and he’s a NASCAR driver. At least I know who Passan is, so 1 out of 2 for me.
Let’s Hear from Becky Lynch
Becky Lynch made her entrance for her heel promo explanation. They introduced her as “The Man” Becky Lynch. Lynch said that she had reviewed the footage and found the culprit who attacked Bayley backstage. Lynch said that she did it. The fans booed her. Lynch told the fans not to think she’s the bad guy. Lynch discussed Bayley’s repeated attacks on her since 2019, but Bayley never apologized. Lynch said Bayley complains about not getting more opportunities, and Lynch noted that Bayley got to see a bigger star at WrestleMania.
Lynch mentioned Lyra Valkyria saying that the friend of her enemy is her enemy. Lynch said that Lyra is in this industry because of her. Lynch didn’t like that Lyra was cozying up with the woman that Lynch was fighting for six years. Lynch wanted Lyra to “ditch that bitch,” and as Lynch kept on going, Lyra Valkyria made her entrance.
Lyra Valkyria appeared with the Women’s Intercontinental Title around her waist. Lyra talked about how women in the locker room warned Lyra about Lynch. Lyra said she didn’t buy it when Bayley said that Lynch would step on your throat. Lyra said she was too caught up in the hopes that she had for Lynch. Lyra said she finally sees it now because she knows what Lynch is. Lyra has some shoes that add about six inches of height. Lyra got into the ring, so Lynch bailed to the floor. Lyra reminded Lynch that Lyra beat Lynch to win the NXT Women’s Title. Lynch said she only fights when it matters and it does not matter in Kansas City. Lyra challenged Lynch to a match at Backlash and Lyra said she’ll put her title on the line. Lynch accepted. Lyra said that she is no longer interested in being the next Becky Lynch. Lyra said that she’s going to be a better person and she knows she is a better wrestler than Lynch is.
Lynch ranted some more, so Lyra kicked Lynch onto the floor. Lyra went after Lynch with punches in the ring and Lynch managed to get out of the ring. Lynch went to the back while Lyra celebrated at ringside. Lyra was celebrating by the entrance area, so Lynch hit Lyra in the back to knock Lyra down. Lynch left at that point.
Analysis: That was an entertaining promo from Lynch. Becky is a great babyface, but I enjoy her heel work even more. Lynch was speaking the truth about Bayley because they had a long rivalry from when Bayley was a heel, so at least Lynch is speaking the truth about that. It makes sense to do that match at Backlash with Lyra’s Women’s IC Title on the line.
Penta spoke to Smackdown GM Nick Aldis in the backstage area. Aldis put Penta in a match against JD McDonagh for next week. Aldis left. Chad Gable approached with Ivy Nile. Chad mocked Penta for losing at WrestleMania. Gable said Penta losing wasn’t his favorite part of WrestleMania, it was watching Rey Fenix losing to El Grande Americano. Penta responded with a kick, saying it was for his brother Fenix. Penta said Cero Miedo (No fear) to Gable.
Chad Gable and Ivy Nile made their entrance for Nile’s match. Gable was wearing an El Grande Americano shirt. Gable did a promo that aired during the break. Gable said that El Grande Americano was his new favorite wrestler. Gable talked about Nile beating Stephanie Vaquer in this match.
A video aired about WWE’s work with Make-A-Wish for World Wish Month.
Rusev was featured in a video package saying once upon a time, he had it all, like the gold, the fame, and the tank at WrestleMania. Rusev said he lost it all, but he has redeemed himself, and he has fixed himself. Rusev said he’ll use his hands and jacked body for good. Rusev said that your lack of suffering ends now. Rusev said he would hunt you, forgive you, and fix you as he fixed himself.
Analysis: I expect Rusev to pick up a lot of wins in his WWE return. He needs to be booked strong, and I think he will be.
Stephanie Vaquer vs. Ivy Nile (w/Chad Gable)
This is not for Vaquer’s NXT Women’s Title. It’s the second week in a row where Vaquer is in action on Raw. Nile hit a shoulder tackle and then Vaquer hit a shoulder tackle. Nile hit a hurricanrana. Vaquer managed to get a rollup for a two count. Vaquer hit a suplex. Vaquer tried her knee smash, but Nile slipped out of it and went for a submission. Vaquer hit the Devil’s Kiss knee-smashing routine while Nile hit the mat ten times during the move. They went on a break, and I’ll take a break, too.
It was Vaquer in control with Vaquer hitting the Devil’s Kiss knee smash ten times. Vaquer hit a Meteora double knee attack for two because Gable put Nile’s foot on the bottom rope. Vaquer got in Gable’s face on the floor, so Nile gave Vaquer a German Suplex on the floor. Back in the ring, Nile delivered a kick and a bridging German Suplex for two. Nile went to the turnbuckle, and Vaquer followed her there, hitting headbutts. Vaquer hit a superplex from the middle turnbuckle for a two count. The fans chanted, “This is awesome” for them. Vaquer and Nile exchanged strikes, Vaquer kicked Nile in the ribs and Nile came back with a spinning sidewalk slam for two. Nile went for a running kick, Vaquer avoided it and Vaquer did a dragon screw leg whip off the turnbuckle. Vaquer hit the SVB backbreaker for the pinfall win after about 10 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Stephanie Vaquer
Analysis: ***1/4 A dominant win by Stephanie Vaquer, as you would expect since she’s the NXT Women’s Champion. Nile has improved a lot, and she got plenty of offense in the match, but I didn’t think Nile had a chance here. Vaquer is becoming a bigger star every week, even though she’s not a regular Raw wrestler.
AJ Styles was backstage talking to Nick Aldis in the GM’s office. Aldis said he has a long list of potential opponents for Styles. The trio of Dominik Mysterio, Liv Morgan claimed she is going to take some time off to film a Hollywood movie. Nick said that he checked the paperwork, and it’s all cleared. Dominik Mysterio, the Intercontinental Champion, asked for time off. Aldis told him that’s denied because Dominik has to appear more as a champion. Dominik made a joke about Styles checking into a retirement home. Styles threatened Dom, so Aldis calmed them down and Dom left. Styles suggested a match with Dominik and Aldis seemed to agree with it.
Analysis: It makes sense to do Dominik against Styles, so that’s cool with me. Congrats to Liv on the major movie role. I hope she crushes it.
Sami Zayn was backstage when Karrion Kross walked up to him. Kross said that Zayn has a big decision to make, and hopefully, Zayn will make the correct one. Zayn said nothing. Kross left.
It’s official for WWE Backlash: Lyra Valkyria defends the Women’s Intercontinental Title against Becky Lynch.
Ludwig Kaiser was interviewed by Cathy Kelley in the upper deck of the arena. Kaiser did his usual promo about not getting opportunities. Kaiser claimed he was the greatest German export since Mercedes Benz. This was during a break.
A replay was shown of Gunther beating up Pat McAfee and Michael Cole on Raw last week. Gunther choked out McAfee on the floor. Gunther is suspended indefinitely.
Pat McAfee Addresses WWE Fans
Pat McAfee stood on the commentary table to suck up to the fans by mentioning the Kansas City Chiefs. Pat said a lot of people have forgotten who he is. Pat said that he had forgotten who in the hell he was. Pat claimed he was still that dog who was born in Pittsburgh and he was not handed a lot in this life. Pat talked about being blessed with great friends, he was a bum and now he’s known all around the country. Pat said he’s not better-looking than most folks. Pat said when he’s six feet in the dirt, he wants people to say that he’s a hard worker who works his ass for his friends, his family and his community. Pat said he wants people to say he was emphatic because he gave millions of dollars to his community, homeless shelters and many others. Pat said he wants to be remembered as a guy who left the world a better place.
Pat talked about how he said he hoped they say he was a “loyal motherf**ker” and said that you’re either with him or against him. Pat said that there’s been a guy that has been with him since he met him, the greatest of all time – Michael Cole. There was a “Michael Cole” chant. Pat said that he’ll be loyal to Cole until he’s in the soil. Pat said when that Austrian Asshole put his hands on Cole, he had to do what he had to do to protect his boy Cole. Pat said he has people telling him he shouldn’t do that to Gunther, Pat said “F**k that.” Pat called out SmackDown’s version of Adam Pearce to come out here, so here comes Nick Aldis.
Nick Aldis said he knows Adam Pearce likes to let chaos take charge. Aldis said he does things differently. Aldis told Pat to keep it professional. Pat said that he didn’t like that Adam Pearce suspended Gunther. Pat said he wants Aldis to lift Gunther’s ban and Pat wants to fight Gunther as soon as possible. Aldis responded to that with a no. Aldis said that he couldn’t take that risk. Aldis said he had an alternative, saying that they could lift the suspension on Gunther in a sanctioned contest in a WWE ring. Aldis proposed a match between McAfee and Gunther one-on-one at Backlash. Pat: “Me and Gunther, one on one, St. Louis…Backlash…deal.” Pat’s music played to end it.
Analysis: Based on what happened last week, it makes sense to do Gunther against McAfee at Backlash. I thought he did a great job with his promo in terms of speaking with conviction and confidence throughout the interview.
A video aired about the John Cena/Randy Orton rivalry. They showed their first WWE Title match at SummerSlam 2007. Cena won with the AA (FU at that point) for the pinfall win to retain the title.
Sami Zayn was shown backstage thinking about what had been discussed throughout the show. Jey Uso went up to Zayn to check on him. Zayn said he had big decisions. Jey said whatever Zayn decides to do, Jey told Zayn to do what’s best for him. Jey said he loved him, they hugged, and Zayn said that’s what he needed to hear. Zayn left. As Jey walked away, Logan Paul cheapshotted Jey with a punch to the jaw.
Analysis: The dreaded cheap attack by Logan Paul to continue that issue.
Iyo Sky, the Women’s World Champion, was interviewed by Jackie Redmond backstage. Sky will be on NXT on Tuesday night. Sky said she helped Rhea Ripley because Ripley helped Sky last week. Ripley walked up to Sky, saying she didn’t need her help, and Sky said, “It looked like you did.” True. Ripley said they are even now.
Seth Rollins made his entrance for a promo.
Next week on Raw:
* Rusev vs. Otis
* Penta vs. JD McDonagh
Let’s Hear from Seth Rollins Again…And Sami Zayn
Seth Rollins said he would like Sami Zayn to come out here so they can talk this out. Sami Zayn was still in his street clothes.
Rollins said he didn’t want to see anything bad happen to Zayn. Rollins said he gets it that Zayn doesn’t like Bron or Heyman. Rollins said that he has 20 years of friendship with Zayn. Rollins said that Zayn celebrated with Jey Uso because they are friends and Rollins thought Zayn would give him the same respect. Rollins said that Seth with Bron & Heyman is what he believes is the best vision of the future in WWE. Rollins said that there is nobody better to lead them into the future than him. Rollins said that Zayn’s not believing in him hurts. Rollins said that Zayn knows that you can probably name less than five true friends in this business. Rollins told Zayn he was one of those true friends. Rollins said when his baby girl was born, Zayn was one of the first people who Rollins called, and Zayn had just become a new father. Rollins told Zayn that he would be forever grateful to Zayn for the advice he gave him. Rollins told Zayn to take the pass. Rollins said if you stay on Raw and you don’t believe in Rollins, then bad things are going to happen to you. Rollins told Zayn he loves him, so he doesn’t want bad things to happen. Rollins told Zayn to take the out.
Zayn said if he hurts Rollins’ feelings as a friend, then he is sorry. Zayn said that they are very good friends and their kids play together. Zayn said that outside the ring, that is absolutely true. Zayn said when it comes to what Rollins says in the ring, Zayn thinks he is playing games. Zayn discussed how the one thing that has eluded him throughout his career – a WWE Championship or a World Championship. Zayn said that Rollins was dangling that in front of him. Zayn asked Rollins if he had known him to run away. Zayn said that he would not stand there while his friend threatened him. Zayn said he can live with being a target, but he can’t live with being extorted and blackballed. Zayn said he would not be threatened. Zayn said he would win a WWE Championship and he’ll be a World Championship. Zayn discussed how he would do it not because of favors, but because he had done it the right way. Zayn told Rollins he respected him and loved him, but this is Zayn telling Rollins to go to hell.
Analysis: It took two hours for Sami Zayn to decide to say no. I think we all expected that decision from Zayn since he’s an honorable man who didn’t want to take a deal that would lead to a move to SmackDown and a WWE Title opportunity. Zayn wants to earn the World Title shot, and I hope it happens someday.
Bron Breakker made his entrance with Paul Heyman by his side. Bron was in his wrestling gear. Bron made a slow entrance around the ring to start the match while the show was on a break for some people. When the break ended, the match began.
Sami Zayn vs. Bron Breakker (w/Seth Rollins & Paul Heyman)
Zayn was wrestling in black pants and sneakers, which isn’t much different from his regular wrestling gear. Bron worked over Zayn with punches. Zayn kicked Bron in the chest, followed by Zayn hitting a double axhandle. Bron caught Zayn and hit an overhead suplex. Bron hit a back elbow to knock Zayn down. Zayn tried a leapfrog, but Bron caught him and hit a powerslam. Zayn did a leapfrog followed by a clothesline. Zayn tossed Bron over the top to the floor. Bron pulled Zayn’s leg by the apron and pulled Zayn to the floor. Bron jumped off the apron with a clothesline onto the commentary table, which sent Bron and Zayn over the commentary table to the floor. They went to a break for some fans as the match continued. Bron worked over Zayn with knees and punches. Bron hit a German Suplex for a two count. Bron ran the ropes and hit a jumping clothesline.
The match continued with Zayn and Bron battling by the turnbuckle, which led to Zayn hitting a sunset flip Powerbomb on Bron for two. Zayn hit an impressive Tornado DDT for two. Zayn went to the turnbuckle again, but Bron was there with a jump up Frankensteiner. Bron charged with a Spear attempt, but Zayn caught him with a kick. Zayn then hit an Exploder Suplex into the turnbuckle. Zayn charged at Bron, but Bron was back up and Bron hit a huge Spear. Rollins was emotionless as he nodded his head at Zayn. Bron ran the ropes and hit another Spear. The fans were barking. Rollins told Zayn that there was still time to take the deal that Heyman had set up for him. Zayn told Rollins to go to hell. Bron ran the ropes again and hit a third Spear. Zayn rolled out of the ring by Seth’s feet. The referee, Chad Patton, called for EMTs, who were likely independent wrestlers, and WWE Producer Jamie Noble was also present. Rollins did a throat slash to Bron, so Bron ran around the ring and Bron hit a running Spear on Zayn on the floor. Bron screamed. The fans were chanting for Bron to do it one more time. Bron tossed Zayn into the ring. Referee Chad Patton called for the bell. It went 12 minutes.
Winner due to referee stoppage: Bron Breakker
Analysis: ***1/4 It’s a rare referee stoppage finish because Breakker didn’t try to pin Zayn because Breakker preferred to beat him up. Rollins kept telling Breakker to do more until the referee had to step in to put an end to it. I like Breaker in this role, taking orders from Rollins and becoming a more vicious heel as a result. Zayn sold so well, got some offense, and nearly won, but this was all about putting over Seth’s new group.
There were referees and WWE Officials in the ring. Rollins told Bron that there are people who deserve their respect, empathy and protection. Rollins said that Zayn made his bed and now he’s gotta sleep in it. Rollins hit The Stomp on Zayn. The fans sang Seth’s song even though it wasn’t playing. Rollins stood tall with Heyman and Breakker while Zayn was down on the mat. That’s how the show ended.
Analysis: It was the second week in a row where this trio of Rollins, Breakker and Heyman looked dominant to end the show. I think that’s something we will see often in the weeks and months ahead. Enjoy another break, Sami.
This week’s Raw had a runtime of 2 hours, 31 minutes.
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Three Stars of the Show
- Seth Rollins, Bron Breakker & Paul Heyman
- Sami Zayn
- Rhea Ripley/Roxanne Perez
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The Scoreboard
7.5 out of 10
Last week: 8.5
2025 Average: 7.52
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Final Thoughts on WWE Raw
I liked most of Raw this week. I wouldn’t say it was as good as last week’s incredible show, but it was entertaining most of the way. The Rollins/Breakker/Heyman group (they need a name) was featured a lot to open the show and in the last 30 minutes. Sami Zayn tried to stand up to them, and he was destroyed for it.
They did a nice job of setting up matches for Backlash based on angles from last week that were continued this week, such as Lynch/Valkyria and Gunther/McAfee. They also started the Jey Uso/Logan Paul rivalry that should lead to a Backlash match.
The next WWE PLE is Backlash on May 10th in St. Louis. Here’s the lineup so far:
* Undisputed WWE Championship: John Cena vs. Randy Orton
* Women’s Intercontinental Championship: Lyra Valkyria vs. Becky Lynch
* Gunther vs. Pat McAfee
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Thanks for reading. Please check out my reviews of every WWE PPV ever listed in order. Go Toronto Blue Jays and Toronto Maple Leafs. My contact info is below.
John Canton
Email mrjohncanton@gmail.com
Twitter/X @johnreport