The John Report: WWE Raw Deal 06/16/25 Review
It’s WWE Raw featuring the final King and Queen of the Ring first-round matches, new World Champion Gunther speaks, and more.
I wrote last week that I thought it was the best episode of Raw this year, thanks to some great matches and the advancement of several stories. I hope the positive momentum continues as we head toward the Night of Champions on June 28th.
On a personal note, I’ve had an emotional few weeks with a seriously ill family member who likely only has days left. I’m glad I have pro wrestling in my life to think about other things for a few hours. I’m also grateful to you, dear reader, for supporting me and this website. Thank you so much.
This is the Raw Deal for episode #1673 of Monday Night Raw. It’s taking place at the Resch Center in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport. Let’s get to it.
There was some pre-show walking shown of World Heavyweight Champion Gunther, Bayley, Stephanie Vaquer and Jey Uso.
It was Michael Cole and Corey Graves on commentary. Pat McAfee was off this week. The Cole/Graves team has a lot of experience together. The ring announcer was Alicia Taylor.
Let’s Hear from Liv Morgan with Dominik Mysterio
Liv Morgan made her entrance as one half of the Women’s Tag Team Champions with the Intercontinental Champion Dominik Mysterio by her side. There was a replay of Liv beating up Nikki Bella last week after the two women exchanged trash talk.
Liv welcomed us to the show and the fans booed. Dominik said that this was all about Liv. Liv said that this is her division and when you talk about her division, you should talk about her. Liv claimed that Nikki Bella was at home all beat up watching Liv. Liv mocked Iyo Sky for saying that Nikki paved the way for them. Liv bragged about being a record-breaking four-time Women’s Tag Team Champion, so she’s the greatest Women’s Tag Team Champion of all time. Liv said she’s demanding respect just like she’s demanding the rematch that she never got for the Women’s World Championship that she never got.
Iyo Sky interrupted as the Women’s World Champion and there were “Iyo” chants when she got into the ring. Sky told Liv to do everyone a favor and shut her mouth. Sky said that all Liv does is show whine and disrespect. Sky said that Liv disrespected Nikki Bell and Sky. Sky said if you want to fight her, then fight her. Liv said that she only wanted to fight for the title and claimed she beat Sky more than anybody in this division. Sky said you have to earn the title and you can’t steal it like you stole Dirty Dom. That led to Dominik, who wears his wedding ring, telling Sky to give Liv what she wants. Liv claimed she would take the title right now. Sky said you could have it, so Sky tossed it to Liv and Sky hit a dropkick. Sky kicked Liv out of the ring and also kicked Dominik out of the ring. Sky celebrated while the crowd cheered for her.
Analysis: It was okay. I wouldn’t call it the most riveting promo segment, with Liv saying she wants Sky to give her the title, and then Liv actually fell for it, like a dumb heel. It seems like they’ll be building up Liv to earn a title shot, but I doubt Liv takes the title from Sky.
They did the entrances for the women’s four-way Queen of the Ring tournament match. Stephanie Vaquer was up first. They went to a break as Chad Gable did a promo to put over his American Made ally Ivy Nile. Chad took some cheap shots at Green Bay while claiming that Nile would win Queen of the Ring and bring the title home to American Made where it belongs.
Raquel Rodriguez was shown backstage getting ready as one-half of the Women’s Tag Team Champion. Liv Morgan told Raquel to go out there and win. A clip was shown of Raquel Rodriguez costing Rhea Ripley her match last week and Roxanne Perez stole the pin.
The returning four-time Women’s Champion Asuka was the last woman to enter for what is her first match in over a year due to a serious knee injury. Welcome back to Asuka. It was great to hear her classic theme song. She has been missed. Fun fact: I was in the crowd in NXT in October 2015 for one of her first WWE matches. True story.
Queen of the Ring First Round: Raquel Rodriguez vs. Stephanie Vaquer vs. Asuka vs. Ivy Nile
There are no countouts and no disqualifications in a four-way match. The winner faces Alexa Bliss in the semifinals on SmackDown.
Asuka had a big knee brace on her left leg since she is coming back from injury. Asuka and Vaquer superkicked Raquel at the same time. The fans chanted “Welcome back” to Asuka. Raquel picked up Asuka and gave her a Powerbomb into the other two opponents. They went to a break for some fans as the action continued. Raquel worked over Vaquer with elbow smashes. Raquel gave Nile a fallaway slam across the ring and Raquel did a fallaway slam to Vaquer too. Nile did a chop block to knock Raquel down. Asuka hit a roundhouse kick on Raquel to send her out of the ring. Nile clotheslined Asuka down by the turnbuckle. Vaquer worked over Nile with knees and a chinlock.
Vaquer was in control of Nile with a suplex and Vaquer hit Eat Defeat on Raquel to send her into the turnbuckle. Vaquer hit a double knee attack on Raquel and Vaquer did a dragon screw leg whip on the right knee of Asuka, so not the surgically repaired knee. Vaquer hit a belly-to-back suplex. Vaquer hit the Devil’s Kiss knees on Nile for about three slams, but Raquel stopped it with a kick and that got a lot of heat. Vaquer set up Raquel for the knee smash, but Raquel got back up to her feet. Raquel kicked Asuka down. Vaquer gave Raquel the Devil’s Kiss ten times on the apron and Raquel did a good job of slapping the mat ten times to make noise. Vaquer hit a springboard cross body block on Raquel. Asuka went for the Asuka Lock on Vaquer, but Nile broke that up with a jumping kick. Asuka hit a running hip attack to knock Raquel off the apron to the floor. Nile hit a German Suplex on Asuka for two. They went to another break during this match. Nile managed to clear the other women from the ring until Vaquer rolled back in to headbutt Nile. Vaquer sent Nile into the turnbuckle a few times. Nile knocked down Vaquer with a clothesline and Vaquer left the ring. Asuka kicked Nile, who managed to overpower Asuka with shoulder tackles.
The match returned with Raquel back into it with Vaquer and Nile on her shoulders, so Asuka dropkicked the two top women and the three women bumped in the ring. Asuka worked over her three opponents with kicks. Asuka slapped Raquel a few times along with kicks to the body and a Codebreaker knee attack. Asuka hit a spin kick to the ribs and Asuka kicked Nile too. Asuka hit Nile with a knee to the head for two because Vaquer made the save. Asuka and Vaquer battled in the ring while the other two women were on the floor. Asuka hit a running elbow and Vaquer hit a running knee on Asuka in response. Vaquer hit a suplex on Asuka. Vaquer dropkicked Asuka and Vaquer hit a double underhook knee strike for two because Nile made the save. Nile hit a spinning side slam on Asuka for two because Vaquer broke up the pin. Vaquer hit a jawbreaker and a kick to the face of Nile. Raquel hit Vaquer with a boot to the face. The fans chanted “This is awesome” as Raquel hit a Texana Bomb on Vaquer for two because Rhea Ripley pulled Raquel out of the ring. Ripley gave Raquel a Riptide on the floor. Ripley sent Raquel into the ring, and Asuka hit a running hip attack that Cole said Asuka was calling the Empress Impact. Asuka covered Raquel for the pinfall win after 16 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Asuka
Analysis: ***1/2 I thought it was a very good match. This was a tough match to call between Asuka and Vaquer. I would have been happy with either woman winning. I don’t think anybody watching this thought Ivy Nile had a shot to win, so it’s not a surprise that she failed to win. With that said, Nile had a strong performance with a lot of offense in the match. It’s also predictable that Rhea Ripley showed up to cost Raquel since Raquel cost Ripley last week. That set up the finish with Asuka hitting the hip attack on Raquel for the win. I’m happy to see Asuka back in the ring and picking up the win.
The win by Asuka means she’ll face Alexa Bliss in the Queen of the Ring semifinals this Friday on SmackDown. They are former Women’s Tag Team Champions together.
Asuka was interviewed by Cathy Kelley in the ring. Asuka said that the fire didn’t die and she said it’s still alive. Asuka said she was going to be the Queen of the Ring. Asuka ended it with her catchphrase: “No one is ready for Asuka.” The fans cheered.
A video package aired about last week’s Raw with Gunther beating Jey Uso to regain the World Heavyweight Title.
The World Tag Team Champions The New Day’s Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods did a promo for the crowd. Kofi said that they would be defending their titles, but Woods said not here. They blasted the Green Bay fans for toilet paper and wearing cheese on their heads. They said War Raiders, Alpha Academy, Judgment Day, A-Town Down, New Catch Republic were unworthy. Kofi bragged about bringing titles to Titletown.
Analysis: What I got out of that promo is that the SmackDown tag team division is WAY better than Raw right now. The teams on SmackDown are a lot better and booked better for the most part.
The Judgment Day’s clubhouse was shown with Roxanne Perez hanging out with them. Liv Morgan walked up to Raquel Rodriguez to do something, but Raquel had an ice pack and said she was not cleared to do more. JD McDonagh had a match with AJ Styles, so Dominik said Finn Balor should stay in the back since Finn failed to beat Styles. Finn told Dominik to support JD at ringside. Finn told Raquel she’s doing great. Finn told Roxanne he had an idea and to come with him.
Let’s Hear from Gunther
The World Heavyweight Champion Gunther made his entrance wearing all black dress clothes, and he got into the ring. The fans booed the champion a lot. Gunther said he was man enough to admit that at WrestleMania, Jey Uso was the better man for one night, but for every other single night he is untouchable. Gunther said he heard all the rumors about what’s next for him and fans chanted “Goldberg” so Gunther said that guy learned his lesson. Gunther said Seth Rollins holds the Money in the Bank contract and Gunther has what he wants. Gunther looked into the camera, saying since he’s a target, he Is standing right here for Seth Rollins, so don’t waste more time…and here comes Goldberg.
The WWE Hall of Famer Bill Goldberg made his entrance with the fans chanting his name. Goldberg got into the ring with Gunther and the fans cheered.
Goldberg congratulated Gunther to say how proud he was of him. Goldberg said before he goes, Gunther started something with his family several months ago, and Goldberg said he’ll end it in Atlanta, Georgia. Goldberg said on July 12th at Saturday Night’s Main Event, “You’re mine because you’re next.” Gunther left the ring as Goldberg’s music played to end it. The fans cheered.
Analysis: This is something that has been reported on for several months now for what will be Goldberg’s likely retirement in his hometown of Atlanta. There was also a report that Gunther won the World Heavyweight Title back from Jey Uso partly because WWE wanted Goldberg’s final match to be for the World Heavyweight Title. I expect Gunther to win, and I don’t mind that they are doing it if Goldberg really wants a retirement match. Good for him. With that said, I’d rather not have Goldberg get a title match. It sets a bad precedent to give a World Title match just like that, while others in the company have to win multiple matches to earn a title shot in the King and Queen of the Ring tournament. Just saying.
GUNTHER?! You're NEXT! 💥💥💥
SATURDAY NIGHT'S MAIN EVENT
JULY 12
📍 ATLANTA
🎟️ https://t.co/lJG6zeQnfSpic.twitter.com/J4hr0yMmg9— WWE (@WWE) June 17, 2025
The commentary team of Cole and Graves talked about what was coming up on the show for a few minutes while some of the fans were on a break.
It’s official: Gunther will defend the World Heavyweight Title against Goldberg at Saturday Night’s Main Event on July 12th.
AJ Styles vs. JD McDonagh (w/Dominik Mysterio)
JD ran over Styles with a shoulder tackle, but Styles got a trip, leading to a headlock. Styles got a sunset flip for two and they exchanged pin attempts. JD tackled Styles against the turnbuckle, followed by a boot to the throat. Styles tripped up JD leading to a Calf Crusher attempt, but JD got his hand on the bottom rope. Dominik got in AJ’s face to taunt him, so Styles ran around the ring to chase Styles, which led to JD tackling Styles into the barricade at ringside. That led to a break for some fans as JD took control with a sitout Powerbomb for two. JD continued his attack for a few minutes.
It was JD in control as he stood on Styles’ hair and pulled on AJ’s arms. Styles got back into it with kicks, a clothesline and a running forearm. Styles hit a jumping clothesline and a slam onto the knee that Graves called an Ushigoroshi. Mauro Ranallo used to say it, so Cole said he hadn’t heard it in years and Graves said it was a deep cut. JD hit a headbutt and a brainbuster for a two count. They were on the top rope as Styles worked over JD with punches, and Styles knocked down JD with a headbutt. Dominik was on the apron, Styles went after him and JD tried to take advantage, but Styles was ready for it. Styles hit a Styles Clash for the pinfall win after about 10 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: AJ Styles
Analysis: *** It was a good match, with Styles getting the win as expected. JD got offense for several minutes until Styles managed to make the comeback and hit the Styles Clash for the win. That result wasn’t a surprise because it was a way to build up Styles for a future IC Title match.
Post match, Dominik Mysterio tried to attack, but Styles was ready with a Pele Kick. Styles knocked down Dom with a forearm. Styles wanted more, but Finn Balor showed up to pull Dominik out of the ring. Styles posed with the Intercontinental Title in the ring. The three J-Day guys tried to attack Styles, but Styles slipped out of the ring and kept on holding the title.
Analysis: This should lead to Dominik defending the IC Title against Styles at Night of Champions.
Sheamus was shown getting ready while Natalya, Maxxine Dupri and Akira Tozawa showed up to talk to him. Sheamus asked how Otis was doing and Dupri said he’ll be back soon. They wanted Sheamus to beat Rusev, and Tozawa was fired up about Sheamus beating Rusev, so Sheamus shook his hand.
Bayley was shown walking backstage while Grayson Waller and Austin Theory argued. The New Day guys were standing beside Waller as that was happening. Bayley kept on walking.
A video aired showing highlights of the Seth Rollins group causing problems on SmackDown two weeks ago. It was Rollins, Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed beating up Penta and Andrade. This was during the break for some fans.
Penta was interviewed by Cathy Kelley in the upper deck part of the arena, and this was during the break for some fans. Penta said no matter who it is and how many of them there are, it didn’t matter Penta. Penta said he fears no one. Penta said one by one, he’ll destroy them, referring to Seth Rollin’s book. Penta said Cero Miedo (No Fear) to end it.
They showed Evan Williams of the NFL’s Green Bay Packers at ringside with the WWE GB Packers title.
Let’s Hear from Bayley…and Becky Lynch
Bayley made her entrance for a promo after returning last week, following a two-month absence. Bayley missed that time because of an attack by Becky Lynch. Happy 36th birthday to Bayley yesterday.
Bayley told the fans that she missed them a lot. Bayley said you don’t know what you have until it’s gone. Bayley talked about how she knows what it feels like to be in this ring and she doesn’t take it for granted when the fans sing her song. Bayley said that this is what she was born to do. Bayley talked about how this is what’s most important to her and it’s what she pours her heart into every single night. Bayley said two months ago that she was robbed of a WrestleMania match and a chance to pursue the Women’s Tag Team Titles, a division that holds a special significance for her. Bayley said she doesn’t do this just for the big moments. Bayley said she does it for nights like tonight and for fans like you. Bayley mentioned Becky Lynch saying if you think taking out Bayley for WrestleMania broke her, then Becky is long. Bayley said it healed her and it made her stronger. Bayley claimed that she was climbing the ladder and she’s going to knock down Lynch while taking away everything that Lynch took from her. Bayley told Lynch to get her ass down here.
Analysis: It was a solid promo from Bayley. I think Bayley is better as a heel at this point in her career, but she’s still easy to like as a face.
Becky Lynch walked out to the ring with the Women’s Intercontinental Title along with a Chicago Bears jacket. Becky’s husband, Seth Rollins, is a huge Chicago Bears fan, so Becky wore it to get heat. The fans chanted, “Bears still suck,” at Lynch, who said that they beat the Packers last time.
Lynch said that the two of them were never supposed to be at the top of this business. Lynch said that Bayley accepted being second fiddle while Lynch does not accept it. Lynch said that Bayley would rather have a group of friends than her legacy and Lynch said she wants her legacy. Bayley said that she’s a future Hall of Famer and she doesn’t mind bringing along the locker room with her. Lynch said that the fans didn’t care when Becky Lynch wasn’t there at WrestleMania because they cheered Lynch. Bayley said that Lynch is so concerned by what the fans think. Bayley said that Lynch couldn’t take it, so she had to take out Lyra Valkyria as well. Bayley wondered if Lynch remembered what it was like to fight for a title shot. Lynch wondered if Bayley remembered what gold feels like. Bayley wanted Lynch to remind her what gold feels like. Lynch said if you want a match, you can have a match, but not for her title. Lynch said see you in Columbus. Lynch slapped Bayley, so Bayley nailed Lynch with a forearm and Lynch bailed from the ring. Cole said that Bayley made a lot of sense since Lynch is delusional and losing confidence.
Analysis: I liked the promo exchange by two of the top women in WWE history. Lynch is an entertaining cocky heel, while Bayley is likable as a babyface who wants to do things the right way. This will likely lead to a Women’s IC Title match at Evolution next month, but they’ll have a match before. I see the rivalry going to Evolution because it makes sense for that show.
Jey Uso was interviewed by Cathy Kelley backstage. Jey said it’s still 1-1 against Gunther, so they will run it back someday. Jey said if he has to win the King of the Ring tournament to get back his championship, then say less. Jey did a “Yeet” to end it.
Rusev was shown getting ready for the main event.
Kairi Sane made her entrance for singles action. Liv Morgan’s entrance was also shown during the break for some fans.
AJ Styles was shown backstage with SmackDown GM Nick Aldis filling in for Raw GM this week. Styles handed Aldis the Intercontinental Title. Aldis said that Styles can win the Intercontinental Title from Dominik Mysterio at Night of Champions. Styles was happy about that and left.
Bayley approached Nick Aldis backstage, who said that Lynch took away a title shot from Bayley in the past so Nick will give Bayley a title match. Nick announced that next week on Raw, it’s Bayley against Becky Lynch for the Women’s Intercontinental Title.
Bayley walked ahead and saw Lyra Valkyria. Bayley said she was sorry for not responding to her over the last two months, but Bayley wasn’t really herself or responding to a lot of people. Lyra said if Bayley wins the title, then Lyra will do what’s best for her.
Kairi Sane vs. Liv Morgan
They did a spot early on where Sane tripped up Morgan to start the match and Morgan’s right arm hit the mat. Morgan grabbed her right shoulder and rolled out of the ring. There was a replay of what happened as the announcers talked about it. They went on a break for some fans. It was announced that Liv Morgan could no longer continue the match.
Winner due to injury: Kairi Sane
Analysis: I’m not going to rate this, obviously. It’s a reminder that this is a physical competition, and people can get hurt from even the most basic things sometimes. I feel bad for Liv, and I hope she’s okay.
The announcers recapped what happened, with Graves saying it wasn’t a high-risk spot. Graves said that this is standard for any wrestler trying to protect herself, but unfortunately, Liv got hurt. Liv was shown getting helped to the back. Best of luck to Liv with that shoulder injury.
Analysis: It sucks for a lot of reasons, and I’m a fan of Liv, who has been awesome in the last few years. I’m assuming Liv will miss some time, so it could lead to Raquel and her having to relinquish the Women’s Tag Team Titles. It also means the Nikki Bella comeback will likely take a different path since she was going to be with Brie Bella against Liv and Raquel, but that’s likely off due to this injury.
A video package aired about the John Cena-CM Punk match that will take place at Night of Champions for Cena’s WWE Title. As I pointed out last week, Punk hasn’t won his last five televised matches, so it’s a weird way to set up a title match, but obviously, Punk can talk well. I enjoyed Punk’s promo on SmackDown. The graphic was shown for Cena-Punk at Night of Champions.
This Friday on SmackDown: John Cena will face Ron Killings (R-Truth) in a non-title match.
The announcers discussed Liv Morgan’s injury with Michael Cole stating that Liv Morgan suffered a dislocated right shoulder. Once again, we wish Liv all the best as she recovers from that injury.
Sami Zayn was interviewed by Cathy Kelley. Zayn will face Randy Orton in the Ring semifinals on SmackDown. Zayn said that the opportunity is here. Zayn claimed this time felt different. Karrion Kross interrupted, saying there was nothing different about this. Kross said Zayn will face Randy Orton on SmackDown and Zayn will lose while Orton will go on to become a 15-time World Champion. Kross told Zayn he’ll stay at zero. Zayn told Kross that he’s a coward who stays in the shadows and talks in riddles. Zayn said that maybe Kross can’t back up what he says. Zayn said that he has the courage to pick himself up after a loss and he knows Kross can’t say the same. Zayn said that after he’s done with King of the Ring, he’ll go to Adam Pearce and the two of them will have this match once and for all. Kross said it’s about time. Kross left.
Analysis: I agree with Kross saying, “It’s about time,” because he is one of the most poorly used guys on the roster since he barely gets to wrestle. Good job by Zayn responding to Kross by calling him a coward. I liked that exchange. It wouldn’t shock me if Kross costs Zayn in his match against Orton on SmackDown.
It was main event time with Jey Uso finding some young fans in the crowd and doing the “Yeet” gesture with them. Jey’s entrance continued during the break as the fans did the “Yeet” arm swinging for about five minutes in a row.
Next week on Raw in Columbus, Ohio:
* Women’s Intercontinental Championship: Becky Lynch vs. Bayley
* Queen of the Ring Semifinals: Jade Cargill vs. Roxanne Perez
* King of the Ring Semifinals: Cody Rhodes vs. winner of the Fatal 4-Way main event.
The entrances were shown by Rusev, Sheamus, and “Big” Bronson Reed, who was joined by Paul Heyman. Heyman had Seth Rollins’ Money in the Bank briefcase with him.
King of the Ring First Round: Rusev vs. Sheamus vs. “Big” Bronson Reed (w/Paul Heyman) vs. Jey Uso
There are no countouts and no disqualifications in a four-way match. The winner faces Cody Rhodes in the semifinals next week on Raw.
Sheamus and Reed fought out of the ring and Reed sent Sheamus into the barricade on the floor. Jey had his ribs taped, so Rusev attacked Jey in the ribs. Rusev knocked down Jey with a forearm. Rusev sent Reed into the steel steps. Jey hit a suicide dive on Rusev on the floor. They went to break for some fans as Rusev fought with Reed on the floor. Rusev put the hood of the commentary table against the table, and Reed gave Rusev a slam through the hood of the table. It’s not like it is a thick table, but it still made a noise. Reed headbutted Sheamus. Back in the ring, Reed hit a splash on Jey for two. Reed worked over Jey with shoulder tackles.
Jey got some offense going with punches and a spinning kick on Reed. Jey superkicked Sheamus out of the ring. Jey hit Rusev with two superkicks to stagger Rusev, but Rusev came back with a clothesline. Sheamus rammed Reed into the ring post. Reed sent a charging Sheamus over the barricade. Reed celebrated, but Sheamus was back up with the ten beats to the chest, but then Sheamus ended up doing ten more, so he did 20 forearms. Jey left the ring and superkicked Sheamus. Reed charged at Jey, who moved and Reed hit the barricade. Jey charged, but Rusev was back up with running body attack to knock Jey down. Rusev and Sheamus had a showdown in the ring. They are longtime friends and they had a slugfest in the ring. Rusev ran the ropes, leading to a spin kick. Sheamus hit a boot to the face of a charging Rusev and Sheamus hit a powerslam. Sheamus and Rusev exchanged strikes, but Reed was back in there to knock Rusev down. Sheamus and Rusev did strikes again until Reed splashed Sheamus and Rusev against the turnbuckle. Reed caught Jey and hit the World’s Strongest Slam. Reed remained in control during the break for some fans as Reed hit a suplex on Rusev across the ring. Reed stepped on Jey’s injured ribs. Reed charged at Jey, who moved and Reed went shoulder first into the ring post. Sheamus kicked Rusev down. Sheamus went up top and jumped onto Reed with a clothesline on the floor. Rusev knocked down Sheamus with a forearm to the back. Rusev told the fans no table, so the fans booed.
Jey and Sheamus exchanged punches in the ring. Sheamus set up Jey against the ropes, but Jey fought back with punches. Jey hit a jumping kick, but Sheamus hit a backbreaker. Reed headbutted Sheamus in the chest to knock Sheamus down. Sheamus lifted up Reed and Sheamus hit White Noise on Reed for two. Good nearfall for a move that usually gets a two count. Rusev gave Sheamus a Chokeslam onto Reed. The fans chanted, “This is awesome!” for the entertaining match. The referee was talking to all the wrestles, likely giving time cues. Jey hit two superkicks. Rusev blocked a superkick and hit a roundhouse kick to the head. Rusev stomped on Jey’s back. Rusev applied the Accolade (Camel Clutch) on Jey, but Jey was fighting it. Sheamus hit a pump knee on Rusev and a pump knee on Reed. Rusev kicked Sheamus and Sheamus kicked Rusev with a Brogue Kick. Reed broke up the pin attempt with a splash. Reed jumped off the top with a Tsunami on Sheamus for two because Jey broke up the pin. Jey ran the ropes and hit a Spear on Reed. Jey Uso went up top, so Bron Breakker showed up and Bron shoved Jey down. Sami Zayn fought with Bron and Zayn sent Bron into the ring post. Zayn charged at Bron, who caught Zayn and Bron gave Zayn a press slam onto the commentary table. Penta was in the ring and he hit a somersault dive over the top onto Breakker on the floor. Reed gave Jey a Death Valley Driver in the ring. Reed went up top, but LA Knight was there to shove Reed down. Jey hit a superkick on Reed and Jey hit a Spear. Jey went up top and hit an Uso Splash on Reed’s back. Jey went up top again and Jey hit an Uso Splash on Reed again for the pinfall win. It went about 18 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Jey Uso
Analysis: ***1/2 That was a very entertaining match with a lot of star power and a lot of chaos around the ring because of all the interference in the match. Everybody had their moments to shine, with Rusev-Sheamus having fun exchanges that should set them up for a big match at some point. LA Knight cost Breakker last week and Reed this week, so Knight facing off against the Rollins group should happen soon. I like how it took Jey hitting two Uso Splashes on Reed to put him away. That puts over Reed as a guy who is tough to beat. I’m not surprised that Jey got the win, since he lost the World Title last week.
That win by Jey Uso will face Cody Rhodes in the King of the Ring semifinals next week on Raw.
After the match, Seth Rollins walked down to the ring wearing a suit. Rollins threw his jacket down and took off his tie. Cody Rhodes was also there and he ran down to the ring to confront Rollins. The fans sang Cody’s song as he faced off with Rollins in the ring. Rollins was seething mad and Rollins had a long staredown with Cody as the fans chanted “Holy S**t” for them. Rollins left the ring like the heel that he is. Heyman talked to Rollins on the floor while Bron and Reed were back up beside Rollins. The fans sang/chanted, “Cody, Cody Rhodes.”
Analysis: That was a nice staredown between Rhodes and Rollins, which was the best rivalry in WWE in 2022. I’m sure we’ll see that match again in the future, with Rollins as the heel and Rhodes as the face.
Cody Rhodes and Jey Uso had a staredown since they are facing off next week on Raw in the King of the Ring semifinals. Jey’s music played while the friends Cody and Jey shook hands.
Analysis: It’s a big match for next week. I’m picking Cody to win that.
This week’s Raw had a runtime of 2 hours, 26 minutes on Netflix.
===
Three Stars of the Show
- Jey Uso
- Asuka – Welcome back!
- AJ Styles
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The Scoreboard
7.25 out of 10
Last week: 8.5
2025 Average: 7.54
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Final Thoughts on WWE Raw
It was a pretty good Raw, but not at the level of last week’s great show. The two 4-way matches were entertaining and both of them had interference finishes because WWE loves booking those endings in 4-way matches. I’m glad Asuka won the women’s match in her return after more than a year away. Jey Uso winning sets him up against is good friend Cody Rhodes next week. I like that.
I thought the promos were a bit weaker this week. I’m not interested in any Goldberg match, but I get why it’s happening since it’s his retirement match. Good luck to Gunther working with him. The promo by Goldberg was okay.
Also, I want to send best wishes to Liv Morgan after she suffered a legit shoulder injury during an exchange with Kairi Sane. It was such a common spot with Liv just hitting her arm against the mat and she was legitimately hurt by it and they said it’s a dislocated shoulder. Best wishes to Liv with that injury.
The next WWE PLE is Night of Champions on June 28th. Here’s the lineup so far.
* Undisputed WWE Championship: John Cena (c) vs. CM Punk
* King of the Ring Tournament Finals
* Queen of the Ring Tournament Finals
* Intercontinental Championship: Dominik Mysterio (c) vs. AJ Styles
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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