The John Report: WWE Raw Deal 05/26/25 Review
It’s WWE Raw featuring a Seth Rollins-Sami Zayn-Finn Balor Money in the Bank qualifier, The New Day facing The War Raiders and Creed Brothers, and more.
The Saturday Night’s Main Event special took place two days ago, with Jey Uso beating Logan Paul in the main event. John Cena got involved in that match, but Cody Rhodes made the save. All of that was done to set up Cena & Paul against Cody & Jey at Money in the Bank in less than two weeks on June 7th. More MITB qualifiers are coming tonight on Raw.
We also saw the Seth Rollins, Bron Breakker and Paul Heyman alliance grow at SNME because a returning Bronson Reed has joined the group. Perhaps we’ll find out a group name soon. Thanks to Reed, the team of Rollins and Breakker beat Sami Zayn and CM Punk in tag team action.
This is the Raw Deal for episode #1670 of Monday Night Raw. It’s taking place at the Yuengling Center in Tampa, Florida. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport. Let’s get to it.
There was a video package showing Saturday Night’s Main Event highlights.
There was pre-show walking shown of Jey Uso, Lyra Valkyria, Sami Zayn taking photos with fans, and Finn Balor with JD McDonagh.
Let’s Hear from Seth Rollins, Paul Heyman, Bron Breakker & Bronson Reed
Seth Rollins walked out with Paul Heyman, Bronson Reed and Bron Breakker. Reed and Breakker were in all black with black sunglasses.
Paul Heyman spoke about how Bron Breakker was a terminator who is going to main event many WrestleManias in the future. Heyman said that’s a spoiler. There were “CM Punk” chants. Heyman informed the fans that Punk was not there. When talking about “Big” Bronson Reed, Heyman said that WWE would never put him in the ring with top tier talent because they were afraid of him. Heyman said that the top talent was afraid of him. Heyman said that they felt like he was too reckless – a violent man in a PG era. Heyman said Reed had the initiative. Heyman said that led to Reed targeting Seth Rollins last summer. Heyman said that in one night, Reed put a beating on Rollins worse than Roman Reigns or CM Punk could have done to Rollins in their entire careers. Heyman kept emphasizing what Reed did in one night. Heyman wanted fans to acknowledge the sacrifice that Rollins was willing to make for the betterment of the business. Heyman said that Seth was the most generous man he’d met in his entire life. Heyman said it’s a visionary, an architect, and the future of this entire industry. Heyman told the fans to acknowledge Seth Rollins. The fans were chanting “OTC” and “We Want Roman” for Roman Reigns.
Seth Rollins was loudly booed as he stated that this is his vision, and this is the way forward. Rollins said that they would do this through total control, total dominance, and complete power. The fans chanted, “You sold out,” which doesn’t make much sense, so Rollins asked who he had sold out to. Rollins said he hasn’t changed. Rollins said he did what he would do at WrestleMania and he did it. Heyman clapped for that. The fans were chanting “F**k you Rollins” so it was getting muted and I think they turned the crowd volume down. Rollins said that less than five minutes ago, you were singing his song. Rollins said now you want to chant profanity at him and question his integrity. Rollins said you morons don’t know what is good for you, but you act like Seth is the bad guy and he doesn’t deserve the power. Rollins said he’s the only person capable of leading this company into the future and yielding that power. Rollins said he’d be World Heavyweight Champion if it wasn’t for Sami Zayn and CM Punk. Rollins said Punk found out what happens when you underestimate him. Rollins said that Zayn will find that out later tonight. Rollins said he found something even more powerful than championships – the Money in the Bank briefcase. Rollins said he’ll qualify for Money in the Bank, win the Money in the Bank contract and cash in whenever and however and cash in on whoever he wants. Rollins said nobody can stop him. Rollins said that is total domination and total power, and Rollins ended it by saying his nicknames.
Analysis: It was the same sort of heel promo we have heard from Seth Rollins a few times, except now they have Bronson Reed as an ally. There wasn’t much of an explanation about Rollins working with Reed after their feud last year, but I think the point was that Rollins respected Reed because of how Reed stepped up last year to attack Rollins and make a name for himself. Perhaps a comment or two from Reed would have helped, but I understand that they want Rollins to be the leader of the group, with Heyman talking sometimes. There’s still no group name. Keep waiting, I guess.
The commentary team of Michael Cole and Pat McAfee wee on camera welcoming us to the show. They did a rundown of what’s coming up.
Penta entered for the first match and he got a nice ovation. They went to a break for some fans. There were more entrances after that.
Men’s Money in the Bank Qualifying Match: Penta vs. Dragon Lee vs. Chad Gable
The first fall wins. No countouts and no disqualifications in this match. El Hijo Del Vikingo of AAA was at ringside watching the match. Vikingo is against Gable at Worlds Collide on June 7.
Lee was in control early on with a jumping kick on Penta. Lee kicked Gable into the turnbuckle. Lee hit a running kick on Penta. Gable hit an overhead suplex on Penta. Gable hit a German Suplex on Penta. Gable did a bridging Northern Lights Suplex on Lee for two. Penta kicked Gable and hit a neckbreaker. Penta kicked Lee in the face against the turnbuckle. Penta hit a neckbreaker on Gable. Penta picked up Lee and Gable simultaneously. Penta dropped Gable on his face. I don’t know what he was going for there, but it looked painful. Penta hit a somersault dive over the top onto both opponents on the floor. They went on a break for some fans. Gable hit a dragon screw leg whip on Penta and he tied Penta’s mask to the bottom rope. Gable did a dragon screw leg whip to Lee and tied him to the bottom rope. Gable stomped on both opponents while both men were able to free themselves. Gable hit Lee with an elbow smash. Gable chopped Penta a few times.
The match continued with Gable sending Penta into the commentary table. Vikingo argued with Gable at ringside. Gable was punching Penta, so then Dragon Lee dove onto Penta with a suicide dive. Gable punched Vikingo in the head a few times. Lee was back in the ring with a reverse rana on Penta. Lee hit a sitout Powerbomb on Gable for a two count. That was a rough landing for Gable’s neck, so the referee checked on him. Gable was back up to hit a German Suplex on both opponents at the same time. Gable went up top and hit a moonsault on Penta for two. Lee charged at Gable, who suplexed Lee into the turnbuckle. Vikingo tripped up Gable because of what Gable did and there are no disqualifications. Lee hit a double foot stomp on Gable. Penta hit a Mexican Destroyer on Lee. Gable was bleeding from the forehead. Penta hit the Penta Driver on Gable for the pinfall win after about 9 minutes.
Penta has advanced to the Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match.
Winner by pinfall: Penta
Analysis: ***1/4 A good match that was fast-paced. Gable took a beating in the match with hard bumps on his neck and head and then getting busted open, I think, when Vikingo kicked him in the head. That suicide dive that Lee did was great. Penta getting the win was expected since he is pushed more than the others in this match.
The Judgment Day was shown in their clubhouse when Roxanne Perez walked in with chicken nuggets for Dominik. Liv Morgan walked in saying, “Conichiwa, bitches” and Perez claimed Dominik’s shoulder looked sore, so she touched it. Liv walked in, saying that Raquel Rodriguez had kept her updated. Liv said she’s going to talk to Adam Pearce about being in a Money in the Bank qualifying match. Liv and Raquel left.
Analysis: Welcome back, Liv. She missed four weeks of Raw while filming a movie in Japan. I hope she had a good time. Anyway, the idea is Liv is not happy that Roxanne Perez was flirting with Dominik.
Akira Tozawa was shown getting ready with Maxxine Dupri. Natalya wished Tozawa good luck and left.
Michael Cole and Pat McAfee spoke on camera, saying that over 700,000 Americans have given their lives for our freedom. Cole and Pat said thank you.
A video aired paying tribute to the military for Memorial Day in the US. Cody Rhodes narrated the video.
The entrances of Akira Tozawa and Rusev were shown during the break for some fans.
Rusev vs. Akira Tozawa (w/Maxxine Dupri)
Tozawa hit some strikes and even hit a missile dropkick, but Rusev hit a clothesline. Rusev hit a superkick. Rusev applied The Accolade submission and Tozawa tapped out. It was under one minute.
Winner by submission: Rusev
Analysis: Squash city.
After the match, Rusev applied the Accolade and pulled back on the mat. Rusev wouldn’t let go, so Sheamus went down to the ring to confront his old friend. The fans popped and chanted “Sheamus” for the Irishman. Rusev backed away and walked out of the ring. Sheamus and Rusev had a staredown.
Analysis: This is a tease for a Sheamus-Rusev match that should be very physical when it happens. That sounds good to me. Sheamus was in the role of a babyface locker room leader here, which is a good role to have.
They had comedians Bert Kreischer and Tom Segura backstage talking to Cathy Kelly. Tom mentioned they had Cody Rhodes on their podcast, had a great time and Bert told him to come to a show. Segura said that he had a show on Netflix called Bad Thoughts. Bert called for Tom to see him, so Tom saw The War Raiders. Bert said it’s like they found their brothers. Bert was getting purple in the face. They slapped shirtless Bert in the chest.
Analysis: I like Bert and Tom. Good comedians. I haven’t seen Tom’s Netflix show, but I have seen their comedy special. Their podcast is solid too.
The New Day made their entrance for their title defense. The other entrances for The Creed Brothers and The War Raiders took place during the break for some fans.
Sami Zayn talked to Jey Uso backstage. Jey told Zayn they needed to pick their battles. Jey said if you want to stop them, then go win that Money in the Bank qualifying match and win that briefcase. Jey said if anything gets messy out there, you know Jey has Sami’s back. They did their handshake to end it.
World Tag Team Championships: The New Day – Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods vs. The Creed Brothers – Julius & Brutus Creed vs. The War Raiders – Erik & Ivar
This is The New Day’s first title defense since they won the title at WrestleMania over a month ago. Two guys are legal in the match and the other four guys have to be on the apron.
Erik and Ivar dominated both teams early on and tossed Kofi over the top onto three guys on the floor. Erik gave Ivar a body slam onto four wrestlers on the floor. Julius hit a dropkick to send Ivar from the turnbuckle to the floor. New Day and Creeds worked together to send Erik into the barricade. They also threw Erik into the steel steps. The New Day and Creeds posed together in the ring. The action continued during the break for some fans as Kofi sent Erik into the ring and kicked him in the ribs. Brutus hit a splash on Erik against the turnbuckle. Julius hit a sliding clothesline on Erik. Brutus hit a body slam on Erik. Kofi and Woods made quick tags as they worked over Erik. Woods clotheslined Erik to remain in control.
The action continued as Woods hit a double foot stomp to the back of Erik’s head. Erik managed to fight back with an elbow smash on Woods. Ivar tagged in with a back body drop, a boot, a sidewalk slam and Ivar hit another sidewalk slam. Ivar hit a cross body and a sit down on Julius. Ivar sent all four opponents out of the ring. Ivar went up top, but Kofi was there to kick him down. Erik knocked Kofi down. Brutus attacked Erik with punches, but Erik punched Brutus down. Julius went up top and gave Erik a superplex and Woods hit an elbow drop off the top. Ivar jumped off the top with a Frog Splash on Woods for two, but the pin was broken up. The fans chanted, “This is awesome” for them. All six guys were in the ring so Ivar hit a double back elbow to knock both Creeds down. Ivar hit a spin kick on Woods. Julius tagged himself in and Woods slammed Erik face first into the mat. Kofi and Brutus sent Ivar out of the ring. Brutus hit a springboard Brutus Ball on Erik on the floor. Ivar caught Kofi and slammed Kofi into the apron LED boards. Ivar hit a cross body block on Kofi. Julius hit a running knee on Ivar on the top rope. Woods capitalized to hold Julius down for the three count. It went about 11 minutes.
Winners by pinfall: The New Day – Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods
Analysis: ***1/4 A good match that told the story of The New Day working with The Creed Brothers throughout the match until Xavier Woods realized he could win the match, so he pinned Julius Creed for the win. I liked the story because the War Raiders had to fight back the entire time, and they nearly won, but they couldn’t quite get it done. I expected The New Day to retain here.
Liv Morgan was backstage, walking with Raquel Rodriguez. They went up to Iyo Sky and Kairi Sane to mock them. Morgan said she was going to win Money in the Bank and cash in the briefcase on Iyo Sky. Sane didn’t like what Morgan said, so Sane said let’s have a match tonight. Morgan agreed.
Jey Uso made his entrance as the World Heavyweight Champion. Jey did some Yeeting with the fans. A little girl got to stand behind Jey to do some Yeeting, so that kid was really happy. They went to a break for some fans as Jey continued his entrance. Jey continued his entrance for a few more minutes.
Let’s Hear from Jey Uso and Gunther
The World Heavyweight Champion Jey Uso did a promo about how busy he’s been. Jey mentioned that at Money in the Bank, he’s teaming with Cody Rhodes against John Cena and Logan Paul. There was an interruption from Gunther.
Gunther made his way down to the ring with Jey. The fans chanted “You Tapped Out” at Gunther. Gunther said that congratulations are due because of 15 years of The Usos in WWE. Gunther talked about how Jey had great qualities for a human being because he’s there for his friends, but those are terrible qualities for a great champion. Gunther said that Jey didn’t know better because, unlike Gunther, this position doesn’t come naturally to him. Gunther said he was able to be champion for a year because the only person he cares about is himself. Gunther said that Jey doesn’t have the intellect to be a great champion. Gunther said he was going to choke him out, take his World Heavyweight Title, and put it back where it belongs, around his waist.
Jey said he’s done with everybody saying his days as champ are numbered. Jey said he does have friends and family, so he fights for them, and they fight for him. Jey said if you want to judge him, then go ahead. Jey said that what Gunther is fighting for is less than what Jey is fighting for. Jey said that he knows what Gunther is all about and he’ll see him in two weeks. Jey claimed he was fighting for the fans support because in Phoenix, he’s going to make Gunther tap out again…four lettters….one word….Yeet.
Analysis: They have exchanged promos many times this year, so it was more of the same. Gunther thinks he is the best champion, and Jey doesn’t have what it takes to be a champion, so Gunther is going to win the title back. Good luck with that. I’ll take Jey to retain.
The Cody Rhodes “What Do You Wanna Talk About?” podcast is back on WWE’s YouTube channel and other places. Cody’s guest on Wednesday is his wife, Brandi Rhodes.
Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez made their entrance as the Women’s Tag Team Champions. This was during the break for some fans.
Kairi Sane vs. Liv Morgan (w/Raquel Rodriguez)
There was a hair pull by Liv for a takedown. Liv stomped on Sane against the turnbuckle. Sane fought back with punches and chops. Sane went for a move off the top, Liv avoided her and Sane did a headscissors across the ring. Sane hit a sliding forearm to knock Liv to the apron. Sane went for a kick, Liv avoided it and Sane kicked the ring post. Liv hit a Powerbomb off the apron to the floor. They went to a break for some fans and I’ll take a break too.
Liv was in control for a few minutes, but Sane came back with a Spear to knock Liv down. Sane hit a basement Blockbuster. Sane hit a running forearm on Liv against the turnbuckle. Sane jumped off the top and hit a forearm to knock Liv down for a two count. Liv went for a jumping kick, but Sane avoided it, and Sane then applied a submission, pulling back on Liv’s legs. Sane nailed Liv with a forearm to the jaw. Liv got her two feet up to knock Sane down. Liv jumped off the turnbuckle with a Codebreaker for a two count. Liv went for Oblivion, but Sane held onto the ropes. Sane hit a running forearm for a two count. Liv got a sunset flip for two. Liv hit a Backstabber. They went for a spot where Sane had Liv upside down, they lost their balance and Sane got a pin attempt. They did the spot again and it was like an Alabama Slam by Sane. Raquel distracted the referee, so Roxanne Perez shoved Sane off the top rope. Raquel yeleld at Perz. Liv went for Oblivion, Sane avoided it and Sane rolled up Liv for the pinfall win after about 11 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Kairi Sane
Analysis: **3/4 There were some sloppy moments in the match where they messed up some spots. Sane escaping with the win is cool because she is so talented and should get some wins. The story was that Perez tried to help Morgan win, but Raquel wasn’t happy about it and Sane managed to get the win over Morgan.
Rhea Ripley spoke in a video about how Money in the Bank is her first Ladder Match, and she’ll do anything she can to win. Ripley said that she would cement herself at the top of the women’s division. Ripley advised the champions to hold their titles tightly because nobody is safe from Mami in the Bank.
Analysis: I think Rhea Ripley winning MITB is a strong possibility.
Lyra Valkyria was shown walking backstage for some promo time up next.
Chad Gable was with his American Made group. Chad wasn’t happy about The Creeds losing to The New Day and being told what to do by The New Day. Gable wanted Ivy Nile to help The Creeds train. El Hijo Del Vikingo went up to Gable to warn him about their Worlds Collide match. After Vikingo left, AJ Styles showed up to deck Gable with a punch, and Styles warned Gable.
Vic Joseph of NXT was shown in the building talking about recent events while also helping NXT on Tuesday. This was during a break for some fans.
The Judgment Day was in their clubhouse. Roxanne Perez was backstage with them. Liv Morgan told Raquel Rodriguez that she’s the veteran, so she should have known better. Morgan left.
Let’s Hear from Lyra Valkyria
Lyra Valkyria, the Women’s Intercontinental Champion, spoke about how Becky Lynch talked herself into a rematch at Money in the Bank. Lyra said she’s beaten her twice. Lyra said she didn’t care what her opponents said about her because once Lyra beat them, she felt like the ultimate winner. Lyra said Becky Lynch talked like she won their match at Backlash even though Lyra won. Lyra said that Lynch was like a rat on a piece of cheese, and Lyra couldn’t let her keep doing it. Lyra said Lynch got in her fiancee’s face and tried to break Lyra’s arm, so Lyra said now it’s personal. Lyra said she’s going to hurt her and break her ego, so if that means bashing her head in, then Lyra will do it.
Becky Lynch made her entrance and said that Lyra cost Lynch the opportunity. Lynch said that she won the night because she went home with her husband and Lyra went to the hospital. Lyra said her hot husband is the best thing about Lynch. Good for Seth, I guess. Lynch said that she’s the best thing that happened to Lyra. Lyra said that people are talking about her because she beat Lynch. Lynch said that if Lyra can beat her, then Lynch will never challenge for that title ever again. Lyra said that’s no problem for her. Lyra claimed she beat Lynch the last time with her eyes closed. Lynch said when Lyra took the NXT Women’s Title from her, Lynch graciously raised Lyra’s hand. Lynch said when she wins at Money in the Bank, Lyra has to look Lynch in the eye and raise Lynch’s hand. Lyra said she’s never had an issue raising the hand of a woman better than her, but that’s never been Lynch yet. That was it.
Analysis: It was a solid promo exchange. Lyra has gained a lot of confidence since beating Lynch, and I think Lyra has done a nice job of expressing more confidence in her promos. I think Lynch might win the title.
Sami Zayn was walking backstage when Karrion Kross spoke to him. Scarlett was with Kross. Kross said that Zayn could have gone to Smackdown to get a title shot, but instead, he has to try to do it his way. Kross said that Zayn knows he can never win the World title. Zayn said he’ll deal with him later.
There was a rundown of Worlds Collide and Money in the Bank matches.
Seth Rollins made his entrance with WWE Hall of Famer Paul Heyman. The fans sang Seth’s song. Seth’s music played during the break as well. Finn Balor made his entrance for the main event.
Sami Zayn made his entrance for this triple threat match with the Money in the Bank briefcases above the ring.
Men’s Money in the Bank Qualifying Match: Sami Zayn vs. Finn Balor vs. Seth Rollins (w/Paul Heyman)
There is a lot of experience and success in this match. Balor worked over both guys with chops and punches. Balor hit Rollins and Balor with a reverse DDT and regular DDT for two counts. They went to a break for some fans as the action continued. Balor stomped on both men repeatedly to keep them down. Rollins did a back rake on Balor and Rollins worked over Zayn with punches to the body. Balor gave Rollins a side Russian legsweep for two.
Zayn got some offense going with a suplex. Zayn worked over Rollins with the ten punch combo, and Zayn even added more punches. Zayn knocked Balor down and tossed Rollins out of the ring. Zayn hit a springboard moonsault onto Rollins and Balor on the floor. Rollins got back into it with a Falcon Arrow slam on Zayn for two. Balor went up top, Zayn stopped him there, and Zayn hit a superplex off the top rope. Rollins capitalized by jumping off the top with a Frog Splash Zayn. All three guys were down selling injuries. There were some moves exchanged and Rollins dropped Zayn with a kick for a two count.
The trio of Rollins, Balor and Zayn were all exchanging punches. Rollins and Balor tried to work together as they put Zayn on the top turnbuckle. Zayn knocked both guys down with punches. Zayn jumped off the top, he hit a back body drop on Rollins. Balor hit a Slingblade on Zayn for two because Rollins made the save. Balor rolled up Rollins and Rollins rolled through, leading to Rollins getting a Pedigree for two. Zayn did a crucifix pin on Rollins for two. Rollins hit a Pedigree on Zayn for just a two count. Rollins teased The Stomp on Zayn, but Zayn avoided it, and Zayn connected with the Blue Thunder Bomb for two. It’s the nearfall move, but the fans still react to it. Zayn gave Rollins an Exploder Suplex into the turnbuckle. Balor was back into it with a Slingblade and a dropkick that sent both opponents into the corner. Balor went for Coup de Grace, Zayn avoided it, Rollins hit The Stomp on Balor, and Zayn hit the Helluva Kick on Rollins. Zayn tried to cover, but Bron Breakker pulled him out of the ring at two. Jey Uso showed up to fight with Breakker and Bronson Reed at ringside. Jey hit superkicks on Bron and Reed. Bron hit a Spear on Jey and Reed splashed Zayn against the ring post. Dominik Mysterio slid a chair into the ring and it wasn’t near Balor, so Rollins was able to use it by hitting The Stomp on Balor on the chair for the pinfall win. It lasted about 18 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Seth Rollins
Analysis: ***1/2 It was a very good main event by three talented guys. The issues with The Judgment Day continued since Dominik slid the chair in, it didn’t help Finn Balor at all, so instead it was Rollins picking up the big win. I liked how close Zayn got to winning, but I didn’t expect a victory here since Rollins is in the match. Rollins was my pick to win here and my pick to win at Money in the Bank.
Seth Rollins has qualified for Money in the Bank with Penta, LA Knight, Solo Sikoa and two more wrestlers.
After the match, CM Punk’s music hit. Seth Rollins told Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed to meet Punk in the aisle. Punk went in the ring behind Rollins and gave him a GTS. Punk bailed into the crowd and up the aisle while Breakker and Reed went back into the ring to check on Rollins. Punk celebrated in the crowd. That was the end of the show.
Analysis: Paul Heyman lied earlier when he said CM Punk wasn’t there. Guess what? Heels lie. I’m not sure if Punk will have a role on the Money in the Bank card this year, but if not, then his feud with Rollins is still sizzling hot.
This week’s Raw had a runtime of 2 hours and 26 minutes on Netflix.
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Three Stars of the Show
- Seth Rollins
- Sami Zayn/Finn Balor
- Penta
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The Scoreboard
7.25 out of 10
Last week: 7.5
2025 Average: 7.52
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Final Thoughts on WWE Raw
I’ll be brief because I’ve watched and written about way too much wrestling in the last four days. It was a typical good Raw that was around what I rate it most weeks. Good ending with a lot of people involved and I liked how it was booked.
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Thanks for reading. Please check out my reviews of every WWE PPV ever listed in order. Go Toronto Blue Jays. My contact info is below.
John Canton
Email mrjohncanton@gmail.com
Twitter/X @johnreport