The John Report: WWE Raw Deal 05/12/25 Review

It’s WWE Raw featuring AJ Styles facing Finn Balor, Rhea Ripley teaming with Iyo Sky against Roxanne Perez & Giulia, words from CM Punk, and more.

The WWE Backlash PLE took place on Saturday. On the Raw side, Lyra Valkyria beat Becky Lynch to keep the Women’s IC Title, and Lynch beat up Lyra after, so that feud will probably continue. Dominik Mysterio had some help beating Penta to retain the IC Title, and Gunther beat Pat McAfee. That was it. There were only five matches on the show and three on the Raw side. Overall, I thought it was a good show but also the weakest of the four WWE PLEs this year.

There is a Saturday Night’s Main Event special on May 24th and then it’s onto Money in the Bank on June 7th. I always look forward to the MITB PLE every year. It’s usually one of the best shows of the year. WWE has already announced Jey Uso will defend the World Heavyweight Title against Logan Paul at Saturday Night’s Main Event in Tampa.

This is the Raw Deal for episode #1668 of Monday Night Raw. It’s taking place at the KFC Yum! Center in Louisville, Kentucky. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport. Let’s get to it.

A graphic was shown saying in Memory of Terrance Brunk “Sabu” 1964-2025, who passed away on Sunday. Rest in Peace, Sabu. He’s a legend who was a big influence on a lot of wrestlers and is beloved by fans due to his chaotic wrestling style. Sabu will be remembered forever.

A video package aired showing Raw highlights from last week when Seth Rollins challenged Jey Uso for the World Heavyweight Title. It ended without a decisive winner because CM Punk attacked Rollins.

Let’s Hear from CM Punk

CM Punk made his entrance to a big ovation. When he got on the apron, he pointed up at the sky like Sabu always did. Punk talked about how he is pissed off while mentioning a lot of things happening at WrestleMania and everything that came out of that. Punk spoke about how the person he’s most pissed off right now is himself. Punk said that this isn’t the first time Paul Heyman stabbed Punk in the back. Punk said it’s on him since he likes to trust his friends. Punk said he needed 13 staples after Heyman shoved a ladder into his head 12 years ago. Punk apologized to Jey Uso, who warned Punk about Heyman. Punk said that Heyman is a “fat, little snake.” Punk said he’s mad at that “Temu CM Punk” Seth Rollins as well. Punk said he knows how this ends. Punk said he can’t wait to get his hands around Heyman’s neck and squeeze him until his eyes pop.

Analysis: I liked that promo from CM Punk in which he admits that he blames himself for trusting Paul Heyman, which you should never do since Heyman has turned on many people over the years.

Paul Heyman showed up and stopped himself in the aisle. Punk told Heyman that whatever words he chooses, they will be his last. Heyman was joined by his buddies Seth Rollins and Bron Breakker while the fans sang Seth’s song.

Rollins, Heyman and Breakker stood in the aisle by the entrance area while Punk was in the ring. Rollins said just when he thinks Punk can’t get more selfish or egotistical, Punk finds a way to top himself. Rollins told Punk that Heyman was his best friend, yet Punk made Heyman’s life hell. Rollins said that Heyman believed in Punk when nobody else did. Rollins told Punk that he was scum, trash, and human excrement, and his belief was right. Rollins said that Punk is the reason why Rollins isn’t World Heavyweight Champion right now. Punk said Rollins will never be champion as long as Punk is on two feet. There were “CM Punk” chants.

Rollins wondered if Punk loved being on the wrong side of history. Rollins claimed that Punk loves to play the victim and wants to die a martyr. The fans were barking for Bron Breakker. Rollins said that could be arranged, and Rollins told Punk he hoped that Punk had prepared his last words.

Bron Breakker got into the ring, Punk tried punching him, but Bron overpowered Punk with punches. Punk kicked Bron and Punk attacked Seth punches, but Bron was back up to fight Punk with punches. Sami Zayn went into the ring to fight with Bron and Rollins. Bron got a hold of Zayn and suplexed Zayn across the ring. Rollins had a steel chair, but Jey Uso went into the ring, and he superkicked Rollins. Bron went after Jey to knock Jey down. Punk and Zayn went into the ring with steel chairs, so Rollins and Breakker bailed from the ring. The three babyfaces stood tall in the ring.

Analysis: It was a good opening segment to show that the babyface trio of CM Punk, Sami Zayn and Jey Uso were able to work together to fend off the heel group of Seth Rollins & Bron Breakker, with Paul Heyman. It makes me think that there will be a third wrestler in the Rollins, Breakker, Heyman group, but we don’t know who that is. I don’t know if they will have somebody join them, but I think Bronson Reed would be a perfect fit since he will probably be back soon. I’m just saying it would make sense if it were somebody like him, but they could go with other options.

Penta made his entrance for singles action. They went to a break for some fans. Penta was shown posing for the fans for a few minutes to fill time. Chad Gable’s entrance was also shown.

At this point, about 23 minutes into the show, Pat McAfee made his entrance and joined Michael Cole on commentary. Pat said that WWE Medical cleared him to do his job.

Analysis: I think this was a case of WWE wanting to give Pat a televised entrance because of his good performance at Backlash.

Chad Gable (w/Ivy Nile) vs. Penta

The story was El Grande Americano cost Penta at Backlash, so Penta gets to face Gable as revenge. Gable knocked down Penta with a forearm smash. Gable hit a belly-to-back suplex for two. Gable sent Penta hard into the turnbuckle. Gable tried to take Penta’s mask off, but Penta was able to stop that. Penta jumped off the top with an arm drag and a hurricanrana. Penta went for a slingshot attack over the top, but Gable knocked him down with a headbutt or maybe two forearms to the face. They were on a break for some fans, so Gable was in control of the action. Gable had Penta grounded with an armbar.

Penta got some offense going with a superkick while Gable was running the ropes. Penta kicked Gable, followed by the handstand kick against the turnbuckle for a two-count. Gable caught Penta going for a springboard move and Gable hit a bridging German Suplex for two. Gable went up top, jumped off the top and Penta hit a Codebreaker for a two count. Penta went for a Backstabber to Gable, but Gable held onto the ropes to knock Penta down. Gable hit a moonsault off the top for two. Gable with an Ankle Lock, Penta got out of it and Penta hit a superkick for two. Penta went for the Sacrifice arm pull move, but Gable broke free and applied an Ankle Lock. Penta countered it into a two count. Gable got a rollup for two. Gable hit a forearm smash to the throat. They were on the top rope, Penta knocked Gable down and Penta jumped off the top with a Mexican Destroyer for the pinfall win after 11 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Penta

Analysis: ***1/2 That was a great match that was very even most of the way with some great counter moves from both guys during the match. Penta doesn’t always win with the Mexican Destroyer, but I think doing it off the top rope as emphatically as he did it in this match is a fine way to end a match. Gable is so good in the ring, and Penta is the right kind of opponent for him. The story is that Chad Gable is struggling while El Grande Americano is thriving.

A promo aired featuring Roxanne Perez & Giulia. Perez talked about how this division isn’t safe anymore. Giulia said that they were there to take over. Perez said that they are there to go after the women at the top and make their own history. Perez said that they are the future of this industry and Giulia said that the future starts tonight.

There was a video package about the John Cena-Randy Orton match in the main event of Backlash. Cena beat Orton with a belt shot to retain the WWE Title. This aired during a break for some fans.

The Judgment Day clubhouse was shown. Dominik Mysterio said that Liv Morgan was doing great, and her movie filming in Japan was going great. Dom was confused because Liv said it was morning (in Japan) even though it’s night where he is, so the idea is that Dom doesn’t know time zones. Finn Balor talked to IC Champion Dominik, saying that everything didn’t go smoothly, but Dom is still the champion. JD McDonagh tried to teach Dominik about time zones.

A video package aired about Gunther’s win over Pat McAfee at Backlash.

The crowd chanted for Pat while Cole thanked Pat for what he did. Pat greeted the fans, and the fans cheered. Pat said that everything was sore, and he had bruises. Pat said Gunther popped a blood vessel in Pat’s eye. Pat said he respects Gunther and thinks that Gunther respects them more as well.

The World Tag Team Champions, The New Day’s Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods, entered to join commentary for the next match. The entrances of The War Raiders and The Creed Brothers made their entrance during the break for some fans.

A big tag team match was made official for WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event on May 24th: CM Punk & Sami Zayn vs. Seth Rollins & Bron Breakker.

CM Punk and Sami Zayn were shown talking in the locker room. Punk said that he has a hard time trusting people right now. Zayn said that he wasn’t sure about trusting Punk at WarGames but it worked out. Zayn said if they work together at Saturday Night’s Main Event, they could take them out. Punk and Zayn touched fists to show they were together.

Analysis: That’s a good tag team match for the SNME show. It could be a Raw main event, but I like it at SNME.

The War Raiders – Erik & Ivar vs. The Creed Brothers – Julius & Brutus Creed

The New Day was on commentary. The Raiders were in control early on with some power offense. Julius nailed Erik with a clothesline. Brutus tagged in with a double axhandle on Erik. Julius suplexed Erik while the fans chanted, “New Day sucks,” and Kofi said they were there to promote a match. Erik sent both Creeds to the floor. Julius punched Erik to stop a suicide dive, and Julius gave Erik a suplex on the floor. They went to a break for some fans as the action continued. The Creeds were in control of Erik for a few minutes.

Ivar got the tag with a running cross body block on Julius. Ivar did a senton splash on Julius and a spin kick on Brutus. Ivar hit a running seated splash on Julius against the turnbuckle. Ivar went up top, Julius met him there and Julius hit a superplex off the top. Brutus hit a moonsault off the top on Ivar for two. Ivar got back up with a spinning slam on Julius. Erik tagged in with an overhead suplex on Brutus and an overhead suplex on Julius across the ring, Ivar and Erik each hit strikes on Julius followed by Erik slamming Ivar into Julius for a two count. Julius decked Ivar, Erik nailed Ivar and Julius hit a jumping knee on Erik. Ivar went for a spinning kick on Brutus, but Brutus ducked it and hit an Angle Slam Ivar went for a back elbow on both Creeds, but the Creeds caught him and hit a double Powerbomb. Erik hit a running knee to break up a pin. Erik decked Brutus with a forearm to the jaw. Woods confronted Erik at ringside. Ivar went up top, the referee was looking at Woods and Kofi punched Ivar. Brutus punched Erik to knock him down. Julius put Ivar on his shoulders, and Brutus jumped off the top with a Brutus Ball to knock Ivar down, and Brutus covered Ivar for the win. It went about 10 minutes.

Winners by pinfall: The Creed Brothers – Julius & Brutus Creed

Analysis: *** It was a solid tag team match with all four guys working hard, but the crowd wasn’t into it that much. A few spots by the Raiders got good reactions at least. The story was that The New Day didn’t want to face The War Raiders again, so that’s why they cost the War Raiders the match. It could lead to The Creed Brothers getting a shot at The New Day.

Seth Rollins, Bron Breakker and Paul Heyman were shown in their locker room. Rollins said that they probably feel like they are winning this battle. Rollins said maybe they feel like Seth has underestimated them. Rollins assured Bron that they (Punk & Zayn) have no idea what Seth is capable of. Rollins told Bron he wanted him to do one more thing. Seth spoke in Bron’s ear, but we couldn’t hear it. Seth told Bron to have some fun.

Jey Uso was shown walking backstage. He was talking to Raw GM Adam Pearce and Jey was making his way towards the ring.

There was a McAfee Minute promo by Pat McAfee standing on the commentary. This was during a break for some fans. Pat talked to the fans and got them hyped up. Pat spoke about how he fought Gunther for his friend, Michael Cole. Pat put over Cole for being the greatest of all time and they are lucky to be able to do this.

Grayson Waller & Austin Theory were interviewed by Cathy Kelley in the upper deck of the arena. Theory said that he could beat Sheamus if he had time to prepare. Waller was about to tell Theory he could face Sheamus next week, but Theory talked to Adam Pearce so next week Waller will face Sheamus. That was during the break for some fans.

A clip was shown of Logan Paul punching Jey Uso after Raw last week. It was shown on WWE’s social media channels after the show.

At Saturday Night’s Main Event on May 24th, Jey Uso will defend the World Heavyweight Title against Logan Paul.

Let’s Hear from Jey Uso

Jey Uso, the World Heavyweight Champion, made his entrance in the crowd. Jey picked up a kid and did some Yeeting arm swinging with the kid. Cool moment for the little guy. Jey got to the ring after Yeeting with the crowd. When Jey stopped, the fans chanted “one more time” so Jey did the Yeeting again as his music played.

Jey talked about Logan Paul saying that Jey is not championship material and that Jey has a glass jaw. Jey said at Saturday Night’s Main Event, it’s the two of them. Jey said that after that Saturday night, he will still be your…and here comes Gunther.

The former World Heavyweight Champion Gunther made his way down to the ring to confront Jey, who beat Gunther at WrestleMania. The fans chanted “You tapped out” at Gunther.

Gunther said that the unimaginable came true – Jey Uso as the World Champion. Gunther said it was the first time since that moment. Jey said the moment when Jey made Gunther tap out. Gunther said he understands what it’s like being a champion because he has been a champion for 80% of the time he’s been in WWE. Gunther spoke about how he can feel this position is unnatural for Jey because Jey is not a natural champion. Gunther said that as Adam Pearce told Jey before he walked down here, the winner out of Jey and Logan will have the honor to hand the World Heavyweight Championship to its rightful owner – Gunther. Gunther said that one month from now, on June 9th in Phoenix, Arizona, he’ll challenge for the World Heavyweight Championship. Gunther wants it to be Jey so he can shut Jey and these fans up for good. Gunther said he wants to remind Jey where his place.

Jey fired up said that his place saying that he runs this place. Jey said that he will handle the YouTuber and then he’ll walk out as the World Champion just like he did at WrestleMania. Jey ended it with a “Yeet” and his music played. Gunther backed away at that point.

Analysis: Good job by Gunther talking about his upcoming rematch against Jey Uso. Jey didn’t say much in response, but I liked Jey’s confidence. It’s interesting that they would go with the World Heavyweight Title match on a Raw in Phoenix on June 9th instead of doing it at the Money in the Bank PLE, which is on June 7th.

Iyo Sky was featured in a video promo saying that Roxanne Perez & Giulia don’t deserve any respect. Sky said that nobody in this division can stop me and nobody will ever take this World Championship from her.

There was a tribute for Sabu as they showed photos of Sabu in action. Michael Cole and Pat McAfee talked over the images to speak about Sabu putting his life on the line to entertain us. They sent their condolences to his family and friends. The fans were chanting, “Thank You, Sabu.” Sabu was 60 years old when he passed away on Sunday.

Analysis: It wasn’t a fancy video package, but I think it was nice how they handled that and had the announcers speak about Sabu.

The War Raiders were talking to Raw GM Adam Pearce in his office. The New Day interrupted to mock the Raiders for wanting another match. Xavier Woods told them to get to the back of the line. Kofi said all the way to the back. Pearce said that The Creed Brothers get the title match. Since The New Day got involved, Pearce said that it’s going to be a triple threat match. This was during a break for some fans.

Analysis: The War Raiders lost a match and are still getting a title match. Weird booking. I know that it was a cheap loss, but I wouldn’t give a team a title match when they lost.

Jackie Redmond was about to interview Ludwig Kaiser and she talked about Kaiser hasn’t been featured on TV much lately. Before Kaiser could say a word, there was an attack in the distance and it was Bron Breakker standing over Jey Uso. Paul Heyman was behind Bron with a smile. The WWE Officials checked on Jey while Bron and Paul left. Sami Zayn and CM Punk showed up to check on Jey.

Analysis: A cheap attack to get more heat on the Rollins-Breakker-Heyman group. We didn’t actually see Bron touch Jey, but it was implied.

AJ Styles vs. Finn Balor (w/JD McDonagh & Carlito)

Styles hit a dropkick to knock Balor out of the ring. They went to break for some fans as Balor took over. Balor hit a low dropkick and a suplex to take control. Balor worked over Styles with punches.

Balor posed over Styles, so Styles came back with a boot to the face and a backbreaker. Styles hit a snap suplex for two. Styles hit a body slam followed by a jumping knee drop. Styles worked over Balor with chops, but Balor came back with a Stun Gun sending Styles across the top rope. Balor stomped on Styles a few times. Balor applied an abdominal stretch on Styles, who tried to fight out of it and Styles did a hiptoss. Styles hit a clothesline and a running forearm. Styles hit a jumping clothesline against the turnbuckle followed by Styles slamming Balor’s head/neck onto the knee for two. JD was on the apron to distract, so Balor got an inside cradle for two. Styles slipped out of a move and kicked Balor in the head. Balor ran the ropes, which led to a double clothesline to knock both guys down. That led to another break for some fans during this match. Styles went for a move, but Balor grabbed the right arm and applied an armbar, but Styles turned it into a pin for two. Balor trapped Styles against the ropes followed by punches to the ribs. Styles caught Balor and hit a reverse Powerbomb into the mat for two.

The match continued with Styles hitting a superplex off the top. It looked like a bit of a rough landing, but the referee checked on Balor and he was okay. They exchanged punches, Balor went for a jumping kick, but Styles blocked it and applied the Calf Crusher submission until Balor got his hand on the bottom rope to force the break. Balor countered a Styles move and Balor hit an elbow drop/reverse DDT. Balor charged, but Styles was ready for him with a clothesline. Balor hit a Slingblade. Balor hit a dropkick that sent Styles into the turnbuckle. Balor jumped up top with a Coup de Grace attempt, but Styles moved, and Balor hit the mat. Styles applied the Calf Crusher submission again. Styles picked up Balor and hit a Styles Clash for two. The fans chanted, “This is awesome” for them. Styles punched JD off the apron, Styles punched Balor and Styles hit a knee on JD on the floor. Balor hit his lifting 1918 slam that is like a reverse suplex. Penta showed up at ringside and jumped off the apron with a cross body block on Carlito. Penta hit a backbreaker on JD. Penta gave Carlito a Mexican Destroyer on the floor. Balor charged at Styles, who kicked Balor and Styles hit a Phenomenal Forearm for the pinfall win after 16 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: AJ Styles

Analysis: ***1/2 It was an outstanding match between two future Hall of Famers. They got a lot of time and it got better as they got more time. Styles hitting a Styles Clash only for a two count was a bit of a surprise, but Styles was still able to come back to get the win. Balor is a guy who fans want to see featured more often, yet here he is losing again. The Judgment Day tried to give Balor the win, but Penta’s presence was felt and Styles was able to win after that. Styles winning made sense since it sets him up for a match against Dominik Mysterio for the Intercontinental Title.

Becky Lynch was shown walking backstage for a promo up next. As Lynch walked backstage, Karrion Kross was in the background giving his t-shirt to The New Day.

Chad Gable and his American Made group (The Creed Brothers and Ivy Nile) did a promo by the entrance. Gable praised The Creed Brothers for winning earlier. Gable also praised El Grande Americano, who is the new WWE Speed Champion. Gable said he loved Americano, so Cole said it’s funny how Gable loves himself.

Let’s Hear from Becky Lynch

Becky Lynch made her entrance for a promo at the end of the second hour. Lynch sat on the turnbuckle, saying she wasn’t beaten on Saturday. Lynch said Lyra Valkyria was beaten on Saturday. Lynch said that one of them was taken to the hospital (her), one of them went to her bus, had a shower, a shot of tequila and basked in her brilliance (Becky). Lynch said after everything that Lyra did to her, Lynch said she made Lyra the best version of herself and the best match of Lyra’s career. Lynch said that Lyra has never mattered more in her entire life and it is not even close.

Lynch walked around the ring saying when the bell rang after the match, she didn’t hear defeat. Lynch said she was manipulated, not just by Lyra, but all of you. Lynch claimed she walked away for almost a year because you asked her to. Lynch said that the last time she won the World Championship, she heard the fans and saw your comments online, so she left. Lynch told us that she has always been about the fans because they helped her main event WrestleMania, and they were in this together. Lynch said that she won, but you couldn’t see yourself in her anymore because you don’t understand success. Lynch said when she was gone, she missed being in the ring, but she liked herself more. Lynch said that she didn’t have to listen to the fans’ lies. Lynch said that whatever you say she is, then yes, she is. Lynch said she is selfish, greedy, and cutthroat, and the fans chanted “WHAT” at her. Lynch said that the other girls will realize what it’s like to be held down by The Man. Lynch ended it there.

Analysis: It was a typical heel promo saying that the fans made Lynch this way. It’s not much different than John Cena’s heel promos blaming the fans for his heel turn. I assume we see Lynch against Valkyria again because of Lynch’s heel attack after losing to Valkyria.

Rusev was featured in a video package where he said that he didn’t want to do that to Otis last week. Rusev said that he can’t leave his brothers until they all wake up. Rusev spoke about how the people don’t care if you miss your family. Rusev talked about how the fans cheered Akira Tozawa, and Rusev put him down. Rusev said it would hurt him to hurt you, but he would rather see people fall at his hand than fall into the abyss.

Akira Tozawa was with Natalya and Maxxine Dupri talking to Raw GM Adam Pearce. Tozawa said he wanted a match with Pearce, but Pearce said that Tozawa wasn’t cleared. Pearce said that they could revisit this. Sheamus walked in, saying respect to Tozawa for standing up to Rusev. Sheamus said he wanted to keep it going. Sheamus suggested a match with Grayson Waller, and Pearce agreed. They shook hands.

Analysis: The Sheamus/Waller match was already mentioned for next week. Can the creative team do more for Natalya? She never gets to wrestle on this show and is barely involved in the show. I’d like to see her featured more.

Next week on Raw:

* Money in the Bank qualifying matches.

* AJ Styles & Penta vs. Finn Balor & JD McDonagh

* Sheamus vs. Grayson Waller

* Jey Uso vs. Bron Breakker – It is not for Jey’s World Heavyweight Title.

Giulia made her entrance for the main event, followed by tag team partner Roxanne Perez.

The entrance of Women’s World Champion Iyo Sky was next, and it was followed by Rhea Ripley. The pop for Ripley was very loud going into this main event match.

Rhea Ripley & Iyo Sky vs. Roxanne Perez & Giulia

The fans were chanting “We Want Mami” for Ripley as Perez worked over Sky with kicks. Perez hit a running uppercut on Sky. Giulia choked Sky cross the bottom rope and Perez kicked Sky. Ripley went into the ring and slammed Perez. Ripley dropkicked Perez out of the ring. Sky did some backflips and hit a dropkick. Perez puled Ripley off the apron to prevent a tag. Giulia hit a jawbreaker on Sky. Giulia jumped onto Ripley on the floor, so Perez dropkicked them to send Ripley into the ring post. Sky hit a suicide dive on Perez on the floor. Giulia hit a running kick to knock Sky down. The heel side of Perez and Giulia worked over Sky for a few minutes during a break for some fans.

Ripley got the tag after Sky broke fee and Ripley was on fire with clotheslines, a kick and a German Suplex. Ripley hit a Razor’s Edge followed by a basement dropkick for two. Perez kicked Ripley down, but Ripley was back up to send Perez into the turnbuckle. Perez punched Ripley a few times, along with a hurricanrana off the top rope for two. Giulia got the tag, Perez hit a superkick and Giulia hit a suplex. Perez was legal as she hit a springboard moonsault for two. Perez punched Ripley against the turnbuckle, but Ripley caught Perez and hit a slam out of the corner. Sky tagged in with an uppercut on Giulia. Sky went up top and hit a missile dropkick, as the crowd came alive. Ripley caught Perez, but Perez hit a DDT. Sky hit a basement dropkick on Perez. Giulia got an inside cradle for two. Sky countered Giulia and hit a stomp to the ribs. Sky went up top and hit Over The Moonsault for a two count because Perez saved her partner. Ripley picked up Sky, who kicked Giulia to knock her down. Ripley avoided Pop Rox by Perez and Sky hit a missile dropkick. Sky went to the apron, Ripley went for a move on the apron, but Giulia tripped up Ripley to stop that. Giulia hit a top rope butterfly suplex on Sky. Giulia hit a Michinoku Driver for two because Ripley made the save. Perez hit a dropkick on Ripley, and Ripley came back with a kick to the head. Giulia hit a knee on Ripley. Sky hit a backbreaker on Giulia. Ripley got the tag, Perez tried to jump onto Sky, but Sky moved and Perez hit a cross body block on Giulia. Sky kicked Perez in the head. Ripley headbutted Giulia and Ripley hit Riptide on Giulia for the pinfall win after 13 minutes.

Winners by pinfall: Rhea Ripley & Iyo Sky

Analysis: ***1/2 It was an exciting main event match, with Ripley and Sky working better as a team to get the win. Ripley getting the win didn’t surprise me since she is always booked strongly and this felt like the kind of match where the babyfaces were going to win. Perez and Giulia are technically very good and work well together as a team.

After the match, Ripley raised Sky’s hand and Ripley stared at Sky’s World Heavyweight Title. Ripley and Sky had a staredown as if Ripley was letting Sky know that Ripley wanted a title match. The show ended there.

Analysis: It makes sense to have Ripley win and do the staredown with Sky since it will probably be a World Title match soon. That’s cool with me since they work so well together.

This week’s Raw had a runtime of 2 hours, 29 minutes on Netflix.

====

Three Stars of the Show

1. Rhea Ripley & Iyo Sky
2. AJ Styles
3. Penta

===

The Scoreboard

7.75 out of 10

Last week: 7.75

2025 Average: 7.54

===

Final Thoughts on WWE Raw

It was a show with a lot of great in-ring action. I liked the women’s tag team main event, the Penta/Gable match was a lot of fun and Styles/Balor put on a great performance between two veterans. I thought they were all entertaining matches that are a reminder of what WWE can do nearly every week if they give matches time and book fewer cheap finishes.

There were also plenty of strong promos throughout the show. The CM Punk-Seth Rollins story continued, with others getting involved. Jey Uso also has to deal with Logan Paul, Gunther, and now Bron Breakker. There was also a tease for another wrestler joining the Rollins/Breakker group with Heyman, so it will be interesting to see who gets added. I think maybe a returning Bronson Reed could fit there

They have done a nice job of coming up with stories for many different people on Raw. I enjoyed this week’s show, and I thought it flowed smoothly.

===

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