Reviews

The John Report: WWE Raw Deal 06/09/25 Review

By John Canton • Published Jun 09, 2025 23:11 EDT
WWE Raw Deal June 9

It’s WWE Raw featuring Jey Uso defending the World Title against Gunther, John Cena in the building, Ron Killings is too, and a whole lot more.

The WWE Money in the Bank PLE took place on Saturday night in Los Angeles (go Rams), with Seth Rollins and Naomi as the MITB briefcase winners. We also saw Cody Rhodes and Jey Uso defeat John Cena and Logan Paul in the main event, thanks to the return of R-Truth, now going by the name Ron Killings. I nailed my predictions on the advertised matches going 4-for-4, and congrats also to Becky Lynch as the new Women’s Intercontinental Champion.

Regarding the return of Ron Killings/R-Truth, I don’t think the “contract not renewed” story was a work. I think WWE legitimately cut him because they saw he was probably making good money, he barely wrestles, won two matches in the last 12 months (zero wins this year), and probably thought they should cut him. What happened was that they didn’t realize how beloved he was by his peers and fans, so Nick Khan personally reached out to him on Friday to finalize a new deal. He’ll use the name Ron Killings and be more serious, hopefully, which is fine with me. At 53 years old, I doubt Ron will wrestle for much longer, but I hope he has a fun year or two, or however long he has left as a wrestler.

This is the Raw Deal for episode #1672 of Monday Night Raw. It’s taking place at the PHX Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport. Let’s get to it.

There was some pre-show walking shown of Becky Lynch, Nikki Bella, Gunther leaving his bus, and Jey Uso with his son. Michael Cole said there were 14,361 fans in the sold out arena.

A video package aired showing highlights from WWE-AAA Worlds Collide and Money in the Bank. Both shows were in Los Angeles. I rated Worlds Collide higher, but I liked both shows. We are spoiled by a lot of great wrestling in this era, my friends.

The Raw commentary was Michael Cole and Wade Barrett because Pat McAfee was off this week. Alicia Taylor was the ring announcer.

Let’s Hear from John Cena

The Undisputed WWE Champion John Cena made his entrance wearing some Phoenix Suns-like purple on his “Last Time is Now” shirt. There was a lot of booing and the fans chanted “Let’s Go Cena/Cena sucks” when the music stopped. Cena pointed at ring announcer Alicia Taylor, who did a special introduction about how Cena was gracing Phoenix with his presence one last time and he is the Last Real Champion.

John Cena said you teach him something every single time you open your mouths. Cena said that you taught him that truth is a lie because you opened your mouth, wasting your energy, saving a sideshow whose greatest achievement is pretending to be Cena. The fans chanted “We Want Truth” at that point. Cena asked the fans if they thought that accomplished anything. Cena called them “spineless keyboard warriors” and “ignorant armchair activists” who have no real power to change anything. Cena said that Truth is a gimmick that you will spit out and a year from now, you will not care anything about. Cena said that you will never use him to benefit one of your pity parties ever again. Cena shouted that it was his farewell tour and he had limited time. Cena said it was 36 dates, then it was down to 27 on the Raw after WrestleMania, so he counted down the dates, and the number on the screen said 19 dates left. Cena said we are halfway done, so don’t waste your voice and send him the class clown. Cena wanted them to use their voice and send him competition. Cena said that everyone you have cheered for, from R-Truth to Cody Rhodes to Randy Orton, Cena has shut their mouth and beaten their best.

CM Punk made his entrance to confront John Cena with Punk wearing a Ramones sweater. Punk got a big ovation as he made his way down to the ring to stand face to face with his former rival John Cena.

Punk said he wants Cena to be comfortable because he has a lot of things to get off his chest. Punk said it’s ironic that Cena is strapped up, saying he’s going to ruin wrestling and ruin the establishment that made him. Punk said he’s the punk who is now defending the establishment. Punk said that he’s not standing for TKO, he’s not here to defend the billionaires, and Punk said he’s there to defend the people. Punk said that the people picked him in 2011 to be the Voice of the Voiceless. Punk said that Cody is the best they have, and Cena beat him because he took cheap shots. Punk said he’s not there to kiss The Final Boss’ ass like Cena and Punk said the people are his boss. Punk said it’s his job to give the fans what they want. Punk said that if you want the truth then they’re going to get Ron Killings. Punk said they are all spokes on the wheel and he said Cena is a spoke on the wheel too. Punk said that it starts with Punk taking that title off his shoulder. Punk said that at Elimination Chamber, Rollins stomped Punk and Cena put Punk in an STF. Punk said that the last thing he heard was Cena saying, “I’m sorry.” Punk said that Cena knew then and he knows now that what he’s doing is not right. Punk told Cena that he knew what he was doing was wrong. The fans chanted “You sold out” at Cena. Punk said that when he takes the title off Cena, Punk wants Cena to apologize to these people for the man that he has become. Punk said that title corrupted Cena, and Punk knows because it did it to him in 2012. Punk said that holding that title wasn’t his goal when he came back because he hated the man that he became when he held that title. Punk said he knew that he had to become a monster to stop the monster. Punk said to guys like Cena and Seth Rollins, that means power and control, but to Punk, it’s something that belongs to the people. Punk said by his count after tonight, Cena has 18 dates left. Punk said he’ll leave it up to Cena to pick whatever date he wants to defend that title against CM Punk. Punk mentioned the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees and then suggested they have a match tonight.

Cena hyped it up, saying it was the best in the world against the greatest of all time for the Undisputed WWE Championship. Cena said, “Let’s do it.” The fans cheered that. Cena said not tonight, which drew boos, of course. Cena told Punk he’s going to follow Cena to Saudi Arabia at Night of Champions. Cena asked Punk what he thought. Punk said, “You’re on” to Cena.

Analysis: A lot of us have been waiting for the CM Punk-John Cena promo exchange, and now we got it. I liked it a lot. Punk said a lot of things that made sense as the guy that the people love and even though Punk isn’t there to defend WWE, but he’s there for the fans. The problem I have with this is that CM Punk lost at WrestleMania, he lost his Money in the Bank qualifying match, he lost the tag team match at Saturday Night’s Main Event, so why is he deserving of a WWE Title match? I’m not questioning Punk, the performer, because I’m a big fan. I’m just saying that they should have built up Punk by giving him some significant wins to earn the title shot. I know Punk is a great all-time wrestler, but let’s have him win some big matches to earn a title match. Just saying that Punk could have used some wins to earn the spot more. Anyway, it should be a fun match at Night of Champions.

Seth Rollins appeared with Paul Heyman, Bronson Reed, and Bron Breakker. Rollins had the Money in the Bank briefcase and held it up to taunt Cena and Punk in the ring.

Chad Gable made his entrance for a match with The Creed Brothers as the American Made group. Gable did a promo during the break. I had to step away for a few minutes.

AJ Styles vs. Chad Gable (w/Brutus Creed & Julius Creed)

Gable had his right elbow taped up and had kinesio tape on his left shoulder. Cole did his usual bit about Gable being El Grande Americano while Barrett said it’s not true. Styles dropkicked Gable out of the ring. Styles was distracted by the Creeds, Gable tripped up Styles and Gable hit an overhead belly-to-belly suplex on the floor. They went to a break for some fans as the action continued. Gable was in control for a few minutes as The Creeds hit some cheap shots on Styles as well. Styles managed to tackle Gable into the barricade. Back in the ring, Gable hit a Northern Lights Suplex for two. Gable grabbed an armbar.

The match continued with Styles hitting a spinning slam into a Powerbomb for two. Gable caught Styles and hit him with a German Suplex that put Styles on his head/neck. Ouch. Gable went up top and hit a headbutt for a two count. The replay on the German Suplex showed that Styles did manage to turn at the final moment. Styles got a hold of Gable off the ropes and Styles hit a Powerbomb. Julius pulled Gable out of the ring, so Styles hit a knee to Julius and Styles hit a forearm on Brutus on the floor. Styles punched Gable. Styles went for the Phenomenal Forearm, but Gable pulled Styles off the top rope and applied an Ankle Lock. Styles managed to counter Gable by kicking him into the turnbuckle. Styles went for a Calf Crusher, Gable slipped out of that and Styles hit a Styles Clash for the pinfall win after about 8 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: AJ Styles

Analysis: ***1/4 It was a pretty good match that wasn’t that long, but they got enough time, and it was entertaining for the time given. Styles winning was good to see since he loses too often. Gable tried to win thanks to his friends on the floor, but Styles kept fighting back and avoiding their interference. The Styles Clash that Styles hit on Gable was a quick win, but it was effective as usual.

Roxanne Perez spoke with Liv Morgan, who said she plans to advance in the tournament and go on to defeat Iyo Sky for the Women’s World Championship. Perez suggested they work together for The Judgment Day. Liv suggested that Perez just get out of her way. Perez said may the best woman win and they shook hands.

Liv Morgan made her entrance for the Fatal 4-Way match in the Queen of the Ring tournament. They went on a break for some fans. The entrances of Roxanne Perez and Kairi Sane were next.

Rhea Ripley made her entrance, and she got a huge ovation as usual. The reaction for Ripley is always loud.

Queen of the Ring Tournament First Round: Liv Morgan vs. Roxanne Perez vs. Kairi Sane vs. Rhea Ripley

There are no countouts and no disqualifications. The first fall wins.

Ripley got a hold of Liv, Perez hit Ripley in the back and Sane hit a jumping punch on Perez. Sane did a double headscissors takedown on Perez and Liv. Sane dropkicked Perez and Liv. Ripley hit Sane with a knee and a running dropkick. Sane hit a jumping neckbreaker on Ripley for two. Ripley hit Sane with a boot and Ripley sent Perez over the top to the floor. Liv and Sane hit running attacks on Ripley. Liv hit a running knee on Sane. Perez saved Liv and Ripley punched Perez down. Ripley went for a Riptide on Liv, but Perez hit a chop block on Ripley to save Liv. Liv hit a Codebreaker double knee attack and Perez hit a legsweep on Ripley. Sane jumped off the top, Perez and Liv caught her, so Liv and Perez tossed Sane over the top onto Ripley on the floor. They went to a break for some fans as the action continued. Sane and Liv sent Ripley and Sane into the barricade. Liv sent Ripley into the commentary table and Perez sent Ripley into the apron. Liv and Perez kept on double-teaming Ripley with strikes. Liv and Perez hit running attacks on Ripley against the turnbuckle. Morgan hit a running dropkick on Ripley. Morgan slammed Ripley’s head into the mat. Perez sent Sane into Ripley to knock Ripley down. Perez and Liv sent Ripley shoulder-first into the ring post. Sane tossed Perez out of the ring.

Sane was in control of Liv with a running clothesline for two because Perez made the save. Ripley was back in with a dropkick. Liv kicked Ripley and hit a springboard Codebreaker for two because Sane broke up the pin. Sane hit an Alabama Slam on Perez. Liv went to the ropes to knock Sane down off the top rope. They did a spot off the turnbuckle where Ripley hit a double Powerbomb on Perez and Liv. Sane jumped off the top with a forearm on Ripley for two. The four women were all down in the ring. Ripley and Sane exchanged forearms. Sane kicked Ripley in the back, followed by Sane hitting a neckbreaker for two because Liv and Perez broke up the pin. Liv and Perez sent Ripley into the turnbuckle. Perez hit a superkick on Ripley and a superkick on Sane. Liv hit a Backstabber on Sane. Ripley was back up with clotheslines, a dropkick on Perez, and a German Suplex on Liv. Ripley hit a fallaway slam on Perez. Sane jumped off the top, Ripley avoided it and Ripley hit a boot to the head. Ripley headbutted Sane. Liv went for Oblivion, but Ripley blocked it, and Ripley hit a Riptide for two because Raquel Rodriguez broke up the pin attempt. Raquel and Ripley exchanged punches, so Sane jumped off the top with an Isane Elbow on Raquel and Ripley. Sane went up top and got an Insane Elbow on Liv. Perez went into the ring and got a jackknife pin on Sane for the pinfall win after 13 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Roxanne Perez

Analysis: ***1/2 It was a great match that had a lot of action and nearfalls throughout the match. That was a classic “steal the pin” finish where Sane hit her finishing move with the Insane Elbow, but Roxanne Perez snuck back into the ring at the right moment and got the jackknife pin on Sane for the win. Rhea Ripley had the match won with the Riptide, but Liv’s buddy Raquel cost Ripley the match. I thought Ripley would win, but I certainly don’t mind Perez, as I’ve covered her WWE career since her NXT days, and I’m happy for her to continue picking up wins.

A video package aired about the WWE-AAA Worlds Collide event. It drew the biggest live audience on WWE’s YouTube channel.

Becky Lynch was shown walking backstage while Grayson Waller and Austin Theory arguing in the background.

There was a video package about the Jey Uso-Gunther match still to come. This was during the break for some fans.

They showed John McKeever and Steve Gerben at ringside. They are the creators of the show Tires. Watch Season 2 on Netflix.

A video aired about WWE Hall of Famer Nikki Bella, who is my favorite Bella Twin. I’m glad she’s back.

Nikki Bella was backstage talking to Natalya and Maxxine Dupri. They hugged. Nikki walked down the hall to introduce herself to Women’s World Title Iyo Sky, who Nikki said was a great champion. Sky said thank you and said that Nikki paved the way for them. Nikki appreciated that and left.

Let’s Hear from Becky Lynch

Becky Lynch made her entrance as the new Women’s Intercontinental Championship. The fans booed her. Lynch said there’s no “you deserve it” for her and it’s rare for her to do something for the first time. Lynch bragged about all of her career accomplishments. Lynch said that this title should be about opportunities, and the greatest opportunity this title afforded was that Lynch won it. Lynch said it’s the greatest prize in wrestling because Lynch is the champion. Lynch said she should have been celebrating with her hot husband and beautiful child, but Lyra Valkyria ruined everything. Lynch said that Lyra raised Lynch’s hand so aggressively that Lynch thought she dislocated her shoulder. Lynch said she wanted Lyra to put the title around Lynch’s waist, but Lyra went crazy and tried to kill her. Lynch wanted Lyra to apologize and raise her hand right.

Lyra Valkyria made her entrance as the former Women’s IC Champion and she had an angry look on her face. That led to Bayley showing up behind Lynch and Bayley knocked Lynch down with forearms to the back. Bayley mounted Lynch and Bayley punched Lynch a few times. Lynch tried to leave, Lyra put Lynch back in the ring, and Bayley wanted a Roseplant, but Lynch managed to get out of the ring. Lynch ran away.

Analysis: It was a solid heel promo from Becky Lynch being over the top and cocky as usual. Welcome back to Bayley. I missed her. It was a logical spot to bring her back since Lynch took her out at WrestleMania about six weeks ago.

Let’s Hear from Ron Killings aka R-Truth

Ron Killings, aka R-Truth, showed up at the commentary table and stood on the table. There were “Truth” chants. Ron told the fans not to let anybody tell you that you don’t matter. Ron said that they heard, they listened, they felt, and they understood. Ron said that he was back because of the fans. There were “Truth” chants. Ron said that you brought R-Truth back. Truth said he’s back, but he’s back for himself too. Ron said that not only did you bring Truth back, but you got him. Ron said that we all love R-Truth, he loves R-Truth too, but he can be too funny and too nice. Ron said he’s not like that. Ron said that he feels different, he feels alive, and for any of you who think he’s some sideshow act or a gimmick, he had scissors, and he cut his dreadlocks. Truth cut his dreadlocks, leaving him with a very short haircut. The fans chanted “holy s**t” for that. Ron picked up his hair, saying that the truth had set him free. Ron said he is Ron Killings, he is the Truth, the whole Truth and nothing but the Truth. Ron said to put some respect on his name. The fans cheered as Ron left through the crowd.

Analysis: Good promo from Ron Killings. I didn’t expect that impromptu haircut from Ron, but it was the start of a new era for him, so he decided to change his look. I like how the fans chanted “holy s**t” for that. That response made me laugh. Anyway, I like this serious side of Ron Killings, who can always revert to Truth comedy, but let’s see how he does as a more serious wrestler.

Dominik Mysterio was backstage talking to Finn Balor and JD McDonagh. Balor mentioned that Dom was in the King of the Ring tournament instead of him, and Balor said he didn’t mind it. JD said that they’ll be going after the Tag Team Titles. Roxanne Perez walked up to them, Finn said that Roxanne did a good job, JD congratulated Roxanne and Dominik did too. Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez walked into the picture. Liv confronted Perez, who said Perez helped Liv throughout the match, and Liv was like yeah, I guess that’s what you did. Liv and Raquel left. Balor said maybe Dom should talk to Liv, but Dom had a match up next. Balor laughed at the chaos.

Analysis: Chaos with The Judgment Day as usual.

Penta made his entrance for a four-way match in the King of the Ring tournament. They went to a break for some fans and also showed the entrance of Intercontinental Champion Dominik Mysterio.

A video aired about Mr. Iguana, who was in a tag team match at Worlds Collide. It was only about 30 seconds.

Seth Rollins was in his dressing room with Bron Breakker, Bronson Reed and Paul Heyman. Rollins said whether we take those championships by victory or heist, absolute power will be theirs. Bron Breakker barked and left for his match.

King of the Ring Tournament First Round: Sami Zayn vs. Dominik Mysterio vs. Penta vs. Bron Breakker (w/Paul Heyman)

There are no countouts and no disqualifications. The first fall wins.

Bron was aggressive with a belly-to-belly suplex across the ring. Bron caught Penta and hit a front slam. Bron hit a running lariat on Dominik. They went on a break for some fans, and I’ll take a break, too.

The match continued with Bron hitting a belly-to-belly side slam on Penta. Bron beat up Zayn with punches. Bron tossed Dominik across the ring. Zayn got back up with strikes on Bron, so the three guys worked together to knock Bron down with punches. Dominik got a rollup on Penta. Penta hit a running kick and a handstand dropkick for two. Zayn jumped onto Penta and hit a Tornado DDT for two because Dom broke up the pin. Bron tackled Zayn and pounded Zayn with punches. Bron worked over Zayn with knees to the ribs. Zayn came back with punches, Bron sent Zayn to the apron and Zayn sent Bron over the top to the floor. Zayn hit a top rope moonsault onto Bron on the floor. Penta jumped off the top of the ring post and hit Zayn with a forearm. Dominik hit a suicide dive DDT on Penta on the floor. Bron jumped off the apron and hit a clothesline on Dominik on the commentary table. That was great as they went on a break for some fans. Bron beat up Dominik with some punches. Penta battled Zayn on the top rope. Zayn managed to counter Penta and Zayn hit a sunset flip Powerbomb off the top for a two count.

Bron had Zayn set up on the turnbuckle, which led to Zayn punching Bron down. Dom went after Zayn, so Penta grabbed Dom and hit a running Powerbomb. Bron jumped to the top and hit a Frankensteiner on Zayn. All four guys were down around the ring. The fans chanted, “This is awesome” for them. Penta worked over Bron with forearms, but Bron hit a jumping knee smash. Penta hit a superkick, Bron caught Penta and Penta hit a DDT. Dom sent Penta out of the ring and Dom covered Bron for a two count. It was like what Perez did earlier. Dom blocked a Blue Thunder Bomb on Zayn, which led to Dom hitting two suplexes. Zayn came back with the Blue Thunder Bomb for a two count as usual for that move. Penta stopped Zayn’s charge with a superkick. Penta hit a Sacrifice, pulling back on the arm, and Penta tried for a move, but Dominik tried to steal the pin and didn’t have Penta pinned. Penta came back with a Slingblade on Dominik. Penta hit a Mexican Destroyer on Dom for just a two count because Bron made the save, and Dom kicked out. Bron ran around the ring and hit a Spear on Penta on the floor. LA Knight showed up out of nowhere and hit a BFT on Bron on the floor! Back in the ring, Zayn hit Dominik with an Exploder Suplex into the turnbuckle. Zayn hit the Helluva Kick for the pinfall win! Awesome finish. It lasted 18 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Sami Zayn

Analysis: **** That was an awesome match. There was a four-way match at Worlds Collide that was terrific, and this was similar in terms of match quality. That match had more high-flying action, but this was still very entertaining. LA Knight was attacked by Seth Rollins and his friends on Smackdown, so Knight got payback by attacking Bron Breakker and costing Bron this match. That was really well done because it made sense in the storyline, and then Zayn was able to capitalize by finishing off Dominik for the win. Bron looked like a badass throughout the match and he only lost because of Knight getting involved so that protected Bron by not having him get pinned. Zayn pinning Dom could also set up Zayn for an IC Title match down the road as well.

Sami Zayn has moved on to the Semifinals of the King of the Ring tournament.

Analysis: I want Zayn to win the tournament. I think Zayn winning the tournament and trying to become a World Champion for the first time is an awesome story. I’d like to see it happen for Zayn.

AJ Styles was interviewed by Cathy Kelley. Styles talked about The Judgment Day running their mouth. Styles said if you’re going to disrespect AJ Styles, he’ll punch you in the mouth. Styles said that you can ask Gable, but on second thought, Styles can tell them himself.

The New Day was talking to Grayson Waller, who was frustrated about something, and Waller left. Cathy tried to ask The New Day about when they would defend their titles again. The New Day were interviewed by Cathy Kelley. Kofi Kingston said that he has too much respect to just defend the titles against anybody. Kofi said that you should be thankful to have champions like them who elevate the titles. Xavier Woods told everybody to Thank God for The New Day.

Nikki Bella was shown walking backstage for a promo up next.

Sami Zayn was shown walking backstage, where Karrion Kross was there to congratulate him. This was during the break. Kross said that Zayn took Karrion’s message to heart. Kross said that Zayn seized the moment by using LA Knight to get ahead. Kross said that is the real Sami Zayn and a future World Champion. Kross said that’s a manipulator. Zayn said he won the match because he’s good enough and he’s good enough to win the World Championship. Zayn told Kross to stay out of his business and said he was capable of handling Kross. After Zayn left, Kross scoffed at him and laughed.

A video aired about WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas next year on April 18 and 19, 2026.

There was a video promoting the return of Asuka. She is back in action next week in the Queen of the Ring tournament.

Next week on Raw:

* Queen of the Ring Tournament First Round: Asuka vs. Ivy Nile vs. Raquel Rodriguez vs. Stephanie Vaquer

* King of the Ring Tournament First Round: Sheamus vs. Rusev vs. Bronson Reed vs. ???

Let’s Hear from Nikki Bella

The WWE Hall of Famer Nikki Bella got a big ovation for her entrance. Nikki said that it feels so good to be back home. Nikki thanked the WWE Universe and the Bella Army. Nikki said she was there to talk about how next month, WWE is holding the all-women Premium Live Event in Atlanta called Evolution. Nikki said she main evented the first one and it’s so incredible to see how far the women’s division has come. Nikki mentioned talents like Rhea Ripley, Bianca Belair, and Iyo Sky. Nikki mentioned newer stars like Roxanne Perez, Stephanie Vaquer (she botched that last name) and Giulia. Nikki said that she can speak for women of the past about how proud they are.

Liv Morgan interrupted with her Women’s Tag Team Title around her waist. Liv got in Nikki’s face to rant about how great Liv had been in her career. Liv said that she would have beaten Nikki during her career. Liv said that Nikki didn’t mention that Nikki is jealous of her because she has things that Nikki doesn’t have. Liv said she has respect, a championship and she has a man. The fans had a strong reaction to that one. Nikki said she got it because Liv lost tonight and she’s angry. Nikki said speaking of your man, Nikk is trying to figure out who he belongs to – Liv or Roxanne Perez? Nikki wondered if Liv could congratulate Roxanne for taking her title shot and her man. Liv said that Nikki could say whatever she wanted because Liv was still a champion while Nikki was a reality show diva. Nikki stepped back into the ring and Liv hit Oblivion to put Nikki down.

Analysis: It was a solid segment to get some heat on Liv Morgan attacking Nikki Bella. I don’t think people expected Liv to interrupt that promo, but it worked. My guess is that this will lead to Brie Bella also coming back so that The Bella Twins can take the Women’s Tag Team Titles from Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez. That would make sense to me because The Bellas have never been Women’s Tag Team Champions before since the titles didn’t exist when they were active. There were some good lines by both women in the promo exchange.

It’s official for WWE Night of Champions on June 28th: John Cena will defend the Undisputed WWE Championship against CM Punk.

Analysis: Title change? I say no. I’m not sure who will take the title from Cena, but I feel it’s coming later in the year.

There were clips shown of Jey Uso taking a beating over the last couple of days on SmackDown and at Money in the Bank, so the story is he’s hurt going into this match.

Jey Uso made his entrance as the World Heavyweight Champion, with his son joining Jey for his entrance. The fans joined Jey with the Yeeting in the crowd, as Jey made his way down to the ring. When Jey finally got to the ring, the ring announcer Alicia Taylor did the in-ring championship introductions.

World Heavyweight Championship: Jey Uso vs. Gunther

Jey trapped Gunther in a sleeper early on, but Gunther managed to send Jey into the turnbuckle. Jey for a superkick, so Gunther bailed and left the ring. They went to a break as Gunther regrouped on the floor. Gunther went to the apron, but then he went down to the floor again. Gunther trapped Jey against the turnbuckle and Gunther hit an elbow to the head. Gunther sent Jay face first into the turnbuckle. Jey worked over Gunther with punches to knock Gunther down. Jey chopped Gunther and knocked him down. Gunther was back up and punched Jey.

The match continued as Jey knocked Gunther down and Jey hit a cross body block off the top rope. Jey was selling a rib injury, so Gunther smiled when he saw that. Gunther kicked Jey in the ribs a few times. Gunther pulled off Jey’s shirt and Jey had his ribs taped. Gunther gave Jey a backbreaker across the knee. Gunther took off the protective tape that was on Jey’s waist. Gunther hit Jey with a knee and kick to the ribs. Gunther sent Jey into the turnbuckle. Gunther charged, Jey avoided him and Jey went for a sleeper. Gunther got out of that and Jey hit a belly-to-black suplex. Gunther caught Jey with a sleeper and Jey sent Gunther out of the ring. Jey went for a suicide dive, but Gunther hit him with a forearm, and Jey sent Gunther into the ring post. Gunther came back with a German Suplex on the floor. They battled during the break for some fans with Gunther in control for most of it.

They battled over a suplex and Jey hit a vertical suplex. Gunther and Jey exchanged forearms while the fans chanted “Yeet” for Jey. Jey punched Gunther and hit a spinning kick, but Gunther got his left hand up. Jey charged for a hip attack, Gunther moved and Jey hit the turnbuckle. Gunther applied a sleeper, Jey countered that and Jey pulled Gunther over the top to the floor. Jey hit a suicide dive onto Gunther on the floor. They were on the floor where Gunther got a hold of Jey and sent Jey into the barricade. Gunther slammed Jey onto the top of the barricade. Gunther jumped off the top and Jey got his knees up to block a splash attempt. Jey hit a Spear. Jey went up top and hit an Uso Splash for two. Good nearfall. Gunther slowly got back up to his feet, Jey charged and Gunther decked Jey with a lariat. Gunther went for a Powerbomb, but Jey countered it into a pin for two. Jey hit a superkick and went for a Sleeper, but Gunther turned it into a backbreaker onto the knee to continue the attack on Jey’s back/ribs. Gunther hit Jey with a Powerbomb for two. When Jey slowly got back up, Gunther hit a running Spear of his own for a two count. Gunther decked Jey with a hard clothesline. Gunther hit Jey with a clothesline that wasn’t enough to knock him down, Jey shoved him. Gunther went for a sleeper, Jey sent Gunther into the turnbuckle. Jey hit a superkick and a Spear. Jey went up top and went for an Uso Splash, but Gunther moved out of the way, so Jey hit the mat. Jey was selling the rib injury. Gunther applied the Sleeper hold, so Jey did his best to fight back. Gunther took down Jey to the mat. When Jey got back to his feet, Gunther took down Jey in the sleeper again. Jey turned it into a Sleeper of his own again, but Gunther flipped over to his knees and elbowed Jey a few times. Gunther came back with another sleeper on the mat while Gunther’s legs were wrapped around Jey’s body. Gunther had Jey worn down on the mat and Gunther held onto the sleeper on the mat. Jey was passing out, so the referee Chad Patton called the match as Jey passed out. It went about 22 minutes.

Winner by submission AND NEW World Heavyweight Champion: GUNTHER

Analysis: ***3/4 A rare World Heavyweight Title change in a TV match rather than a PLE match. This was a case of Gunther wearing him down, while the story was that Jey was beaten up at Money in the Bank and in previous shows, whereas Gunther was rested, which led to Gunther getting the decisive win. That battle over the sleeper went on for a long time, and I must admit I was losing interest in it somewhat. However, they made it more dramatic by having Gunther continue to pursue the Sleeper, and that was enough for Gunther to secure the win. I feel bad for Jey having a title reign that lasted less than two months, but that’s just the way it is. We know Triple H loves booking Gunther as a champion, so here we go again.

Gunther celebrated as the new World Heavyweight Champion. They showed replays of the key spots in the match. Jey Uso’s title reign is over at 52 days.

Gunther held up the World Heavyweight Championship above his head again. Jey Uso’s son was at ringside supporting his dad. Gunther continued to celebrate with the World Heavyweight Title as pyro went off in the background. That was the end of the show.

Analysis: It feels like the long-term plan is going to be something like Sami Zayn winning King of the Ring, beating Gunther for the World Heavyweight Title at SummerSlam, and that’s when Seth Rollins cashes in Money in the Bank to take the title off Zayn, who will only be champion for a few minutes. Either that or Rollins cashes in right after Zayn, and Zayn never holds it. That would then lead to Zayn trying to get back the title from Rollins, so perhaps it builds to WrestleMania next year. I’m just throwing that idea out there. Cody Rhodes is also in the King of the Ring tournament, so maybe he will win the WWE Title from John Cena at SummerSlam and lose it via MITB cash-in. That’s another option. I think either idea is possible.

This week’s Raw had a runtime of 2 hours, 40 minutes on Netflix.

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Three Stars of the Show

  1. Sami Zayn
  2. Gunther
  3. Ron Killings

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The Scoreboard

8.5 out of 10

Last week: 7.25

2025 Average: 7.55

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Final Thoughts on WWE Raw

This felt like the best WWE Raw episode of the year. There were great matches throughout the night, there were strong promos, and it was newsworthy with Gunther winning the World Title, along with the John Cena/CM Punk interaction leading to the match announcement. As I wrote in the review, I would have liked to see CM Punk get some bigger wins in the build up to this match challenge, but that didn’t happen and he’s still getting a WWE Title match.

The match quality was excellent throughout the show. Both of the 4-way matches were great. I thought the booking of the men’s match was terrific, with Bron Breakker looking dominant until LA Knight surprisingly took him out, which led to Sami Zayn’s win. Roxanne Perez had a crafty win by pinning Kairi Sane after Sane hit her Insane Elbow. That one had interference as well since Raquel Rodriguez cost Rhea Ripley the match. The Gunther-Jey Uso match was a bit slower-paced, but it told the story of Gunther wearing Jey down and picking up the win to be World Champion again. The “worst” match was Styles-Gable, and it was still very good for a match that was under ten minutes.

I also enjoyed the Ron Killings promo a lot. The haircut surprised me, but I think it’s a sign of Ron being a more serious person now, rather than the comedic R-Truth character. I think it will work for him. Excellent show.

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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