Reviews

The John Report: WWE Raw Deal 06/23/25 Review

By John Canton • Published Jun 23, 2025 23:10 EDT
WWE Raw Deal June 23 Review

It’s WWE Raw featuring huge King & Queen of the Ring semifinal matches as Cody Rhodes faces Jey Uso, and Jade Cargill battles Roxanne Perez.

This is the final Raw before WWE Night of Champions on Saturday. The King and Queen of the Ring semifinal matches will take place on this show, leading to the finals at NOC. Randy Orton awaits in the King of the Ring tournament final, while Asuka is in the Queen of the Ring tournament final match.

Best wishes go out to WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion Liv Morgan, who suffered a shoulder injury last week on Raw. It was a basic bump where she landed on her forearms, and it led to a right shoulder injury. The injury will require surgery. Those types of shoulder surgeries can put somebody on the shelf for about six months or so, which means we may not see Liv in action until next year.

This is the Raw Deal for episode #1674 of Monday Night Raw. It’s taking place at the Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport. Let’s get to it.

There was some pre-show walking shown of Jey Uso, Cody Rhodes, Roxanne Perez with Finn Balor, Jade Cargill, Becky Lynch and Bayley.

They had a cool drone shot flying in from the crowd to show the entrance of Seth Rollins with his friends Bron Breakker, Bronson Reed and the “Wise Man” Paul Heyman, who was holding Seth’s Money in the Bank briefcase.

The commentary team was Michael Cole and Corey Graves. Pat McAfee was off again this week. Alicia Taylor was the ring announcer.

Let’s Hear from Seth Rollins, Bron Breakker, Bronson Reed & Paul Heyman

A replay was shown from SmackDown last week when Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed beat up LA Knight with a Spear and multiple Tsunami splashes. They said LA Knight was out indefinitely with whatever random injuries they came up with. The fans were singing Seth’s song even after the music stopped. Breakker was dressed in his wrestling gear.

Rollins did his usual introduction welcoming us to Raw while going over his nicknames. Rollins asked the fans what do you want? Rollins mentioned the fans chant for CM Punk and the OTC, but then they also sing his song and bark for Breakker. Rollins said that the fans have no idea what you want, so Rollins doesn’t care what you want, which drew boos. Rollins said you need people like him to tell you what is good for you.

Rollins claimed that the things you think you want are because of him. Rollins said that Roman Reigns exists because of him. Rollins mentioned that CM Punk claims he came back to WWE because the fans chanted for him, but Rollins said the company wanted to cash in on how much Seth hates Punk. Rollins mentioned there was no second coming of Cody Rhodes unless Rollins was there to put him on the map. Rollins said he was the first World Heavyweight Champion and the first NXT Champion. Rollins said those things exist because he built them in his image. Rollins said that he’s the creator, he’s the prime mover, he’s the past, he’s the present and this is the future of this company. Rollins said between him and the “Oracle” Heyman, they know a thing or two about a revolution. Rollins said that every revolution deals with opposition and he’ll deal with it, until they force they force his hand, which is what happened to LA Knight…yeah. Rollins said that Knight stuck his nose in their business, so he got Tsunami after Tsunami for his troubles. Rollins said that in a few minutes’ time, his dog Bron Breakker has the opportunity to be a thorn in Penta’s side.

Rollins said there are a lot of people who think they can exist at the top, champions like John Cena or Gunther, or their challengers like CM Punk and Goldberg. Rollins mentioned people left in King of the Ring like Cody Rhodes, Jey Uso and Randy Orton. Rollins said what they fail to understand is they are running a race for second place. Rollins said that this Money in the Bank briefcase is the finish line, it’s the endgame and it has and always will be Seth “Freakin” Rollins.

Analysis: I was hoping we would finally get a name for this group after two months, but there was none of that yet. It was the typical Seth Rollins promo about how they run things in WWE that we hear all the time from Rollins. The execution of the promo was fine, but if you missed it you really didn’t miss anything.

Penta made his entrance for singles action.

Bron Breakker (w/Paul Heyman) vs. Penta

The match started while the show was during a break for some fans. Bron left the ring to get some advice from Heyman and the show returned for all fans. Bron worked over Penta with punches. Penta hit a hurricanrana and jumping kick. Penta hit a springboard cross body block, along with a jumping kick to the head. Penta connected with a handstand kick against the turnbuckle. Bron got some offense going with an overhead suplex across the ring. Bron hit a suplex on Penta, followed by a Bron backbreaker for two. Bron ran the ropes and hit a clothesline. Penta tried to fight back with punches, so Bron punched him and sent Penta to the apron. Penta came back with a leap over the top rope that sent Bron across the ring with a hurricanrana. Penta hit a superkick, Bron didn’t sell that and Penta sent Bron out of the ring. Penta sent Bron into the ring post. Penta ran the ropes and hit a tope con hilo dive over the top onto Bron on the floor. They went to a break for some fans as the action continued. Penta hit a forearm to the jaw, along with a jumping kick to the side of the head. Penta worked over Bron with punches, until Bron tripped up Penta. They battled by the turnbuckle where Bron suplexed Penta across the top of the ring post. Good power shown by Bron and a nice bump by Penta there. Bron sent Penta into the commentary table and Bron jumped off the apron and hit a clothesline on Penta on the commentary table.

The match continued with the wrestlers back in the ring where Bron stomped on Penta a few times. Bron picked up Penta into a press slam into Bron’s knees to the ribs for a two count. Penta was able to get some offense going with a Fisherman’s Suplex for two. Penta charged, Bron blocked a Mexican Destroyer and Penta hit a knee to the face. Bron did a roll through into a high knee on the top rope and Bron hit a Frankensteiner off the top for a two count. Bron ran the ropes, Penta stopped that with a superkick and Penta hit a DDT to counter a slam attempt. Penta hit a Mexican Destroyer for a two count. Penta has won matches with that move, so it was a very good nearfall. Penta kicked Bron in the ribs. Penta went for a springboard attack, but Bron connected with a Spear out of nowhere! Wow. That was amazing. Bron covered for the pinfall win after about 15 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Bron Breakker

Analysis: ***1/2 I thought it was a great match. That finish was incredible because it didn’t look like a Spear was coming there, but Bron lunged perfectly and finished off Penta with a devastating Spear for the pinfall win. That was an impressive way to end the match. These guys have been involved in matches for a few months now, so you can tell they’ve developed chemistry in their matches.

After the match, Seth Rollins told Penta this is his one warning and he told Penta to stay out of his way.

There was a replay of the Liv Morgan shoulder injury from last week. Liv’s elbow hit the mat and it severely injured her shoulder. She will be out for several months.

AJ Styles was in the locker room talking to Raw GM Adam Pearce, who said that Dominik Mysterio is injured and it’s a legitimate injury. Pearce told Styles their match is off for Night of Champions. Styles was frustrated, but Pearce told Styles that he would be next in line for a match when Dom is cleared. Styles understood and left.

Analysis: That sucks because I was looking forward to the Dom-AJ match.

The New Day walked in as the World Tag Team Champions. Adam Pearce informed them that they will face Finn Balor & JD McDonagh for the titles next week on Raw. The New Day wasn’t happy. Grayson Waller was with The New Day and he complained about how Pearce treated them.

Next Monday’s Raw has a 6 p.m. ET start time on Netflix. That’s because they are taping SmackDown right after it, but they didn’t say that was the reason. It’s because SmackDown is on July 4th that week, so WWE wants to give the talent that week off for the US Independence Day holiday.

A video aired about the Gunther-Goldberg rivalry leading up to their Saturday Night’s Main Event match. This was during the break for some fans.

Goldberg Interview

There was a sitdown interview with Bill Goldberg talking to Michael Cole earlier in the day. Cole mentioned Goldberg’s revenge against Gunther will come on July 12th at Saturday Night’s Main Event. Goldberg said he took his family to a WWE event as a fan, trying to relax, with no stress, and have fun. Goldberg said he stepped into a verbal assault from Gunther. Goldberg said that the lack of respect from Gunther was astonishing. Goldberg didn’t like how Gunther embarrassed him in front of his wife, his son, his fans and his adopted hometown of Atlanta. Goldberg said there was no way he’d let Gunther get away with that. Goldberg admitted he didn’t know when or where he would get revenge because nobody would ever get to talk to him like that. Goldberg said he thought it was quite serendipitous for Gunther to put himself in the spot for Goldberg’s retirement match. Goldberg said as long as he’s leaving and as long as he can step foot in that ring, he’ll beat him at Saturday Night’s Main Event. Goldberg said he’ll beat the f**k out of Gunther at Saturday Night’s Main Event.

After the interview, Cole said he asked Goldberg if it was his last match and Goldberg said it was. Goldberg also said it would be an interesting dilemma if he won the title.

Analysis: It was a solid interview with Goldberg, showing intensity as usual. I’d rather see Goldberg in a sitdown interview rather than doing a promo in the ring because his promos in the ring are bad sometimes. I don’t expect Goldberg to beat Gunther, but some fans might think it could happen.

The Judgment Day clubhouse was shown with Dominik Mysterio saying he missed Liv Morgan. Raquel Rodriguez said she missed Liv too. Finn Balor said they all missed Liv, but they know Liv and they aren’t going to sulk about it. Finn fired up everybody, talking about winning future matches. Raquel yelled at Balor for saying she was complaining. Balor told Raquel that they need her as the enforcer. Balor said that the enforcer they know would make Rhea Ripley pay for what he did last week. Perez assured Dominik that everything is going to be okay. Dominik wished Perez good luck and she said thanks.

Jade Cargill made her entrance for singles action. They went to break as she posed in the ring for fans. Roxanne Perez made her entrance as well.

Lyra Valkyria was backstage talking to Bayley and she wished Bayley good luck. Bayley said that when she beats Lynch tonight, Lyra is first in line. Lyra wanted to make sure they’re cool, and Bayley said they are cool.

Queen of the Ring Tournament Semifinals: Jade Cargill vs. Roxanne Perez

The story early on was about Perez running away from Jade, but Jade managed to catch Perez and hit a slam. Perez tried a headscissors that failed because Jade hit a backbreaker. Jade tossed Perez across the ring, which led to Jade doing five push-ups in the ring. Jade chased Perez on the floor and hit an elbow to the jaw. Jade put Perez on her shoulders, then up the steel steps and Perez tripped up Jade on the steps. Perez dropkicked Jade’s right leg against the steps. They went on a break for some fans as Perez took over for a few minutes.

Perez hit two running uppercuts. Jade caught Perez to stop another uppercut, but Perez came back with a chop block to Jade’s leg. Perez hit a running uppercut to the back of the leg and Perez hit a springboard moonsault for two. Perez wrenched on Jade’s left leg. Perez went for a sleeper, but Jade backed Perez into the turnbuckle. Perez jumped off the ropes, Jade caught her and Jade hit a fallaway slam. Jade did a kip up while selling the left leg injury. Jade hit a boot to the face, followed by a spinebuster. Jade licked the side of Perez’s head and hit a Chokeslam for two. Jade kicked Perez in the face, followed by a Jaded attempt, but Perez rolled through and hit a bridging pin for two. Jade went for a kick, Perez avoided it and Perez hit a spinning kick. Perez spun around Jade’s body for a slam into the match. Perez hit a handspring double knee attack to the head for a two count. Perez went for Pop Rox, Jade avoided it and Jade hit a pump kick that barely connected. Jade hit a Powerbomb. Jade hit Jaded after that and sat on top for the pinfall win after about 10 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Jade Cargill

Analysis: *** It was a solid match to put over Jade in a big way. I didn’t expect Perez to win, but I’m glad that Perez got plenty of offense in the match. There are still some moments in Jade’s matches where she doesn’t do things smoothly, although I think Jade is getting better. Perez is incredibly talented and has shown significant improvement over the last four years, since I’ve been reviewing her matches on NXT and the main roster. Perez’s time will come, but this was about putting over Jade.

Jade Cargill celebrated by the Queen of the Ring crown that was by the entrance area. Asuka made her entrance to confront Jade since they are facing off for the Queen of the Ring at Night of Champions.

Analysis: My lean right now is for Jade Cargill to win. I think she’ll win the WWE Women’s Title at SummerSlam, and Naomi cashes in Money in the Bank to take the title from Jade. That’s my feeling at this point.

The announcers mentioned again that Raw has a special start time of 6 p.m. ET next week. As I mentioned earlier, it’s because they are taping SmackDown right after it and airing that show on July 4th.

A video aired to hype up the Cody Rhodes-Jey Uso match in the main event.

Dominik Mysterio, the Intercontinental Champion, was supposed to be interviewed by Jackie Redmond in the upper deck part of the arena. This was during a break for some fans. Dominik said he missed Liv Morgan and his ribs aren’t 100%. Dominik was booed a lot, so he barely said anything.

Highlights from Fanatics Fest, held this past Saturday in New York City, were shown. A lot of athletes and celebrities did WWE-style entrances.

Sheamus talked to Natalya, Maxxine Dupri and Akira Tozawa backstage. Sheamus told Natalya and Dupri that they have what it takes to be Women’s Tag Team Champions. Natalya said thank you. Tozawa said something to Sheamus, who realized Rusev was there. Rusev and Sheamus talked trash with Rusev saying he does his damage in the ring like a God and Sheamus is backstage like a snake. Sheamus said that Rusev was embarrassing the League of Nations. That’s what he remembers. Sheamus said it’s time to put up or shut up. Rusev said he’s going to make new memories.

Analysis: That should lead to Sheamus facing Rusev in a match at some point soon. I’m all for Natalya and Maxxine teaming up, but they have barely wrestled as a team so I’m not sure why there’s such a wait for it.

Let’s Hear from Gunther

The World Heavyweight Champion Gunther went into the ring for a promo. Gunther said that last week was supposed to be his celebration for regaining the World Heavyweight Title. However, he was interrupted by Goldberg, who looked at Gunther in the eye and told Gunther that he was next. Gunther said that usually means a Jackhammer and looking up at the lights. Gunther spoke about how Goldberg was the most destructive man in his generation, but it’s not 1999 anymore, it’s 2025. Gunther said he’s the best professional wrestler in this company and the World Title around his waist proves it. Gunther heard Goldberg’s intense words earlier, but nothing he says can change Gunther’s opinion of him. Gunther said Goldberg is still a 58-year-old one trick pony that can’t lace Gunther’s boots. Gunther said he’ll officially apologize to Goldberg’s wife and son for everything that Gunther will do to the man who used to be Goldberg. Gunther said he’s unlike anybody that Goldberg has been in the ring with. Gunther said he’s embarrassed him before and he’ll embarrass him again. Gunther said he’ll make sure that the legacy and the myth of Bill Goldberg dies. Gunther left.

Analysis: Simple enough. Gunther had a lot of intensity just like Goldberg did. A strong promo from the champion Gunther. I thought when Gunther mentioned Goldberg’s family that it might lead to Goldberg showing up, but there was no sign of him here. I hope Gunther wins over Goldberg.

Becky Lynch, the Women’s Intercontinental Champion, was interviewed by Jackie Redmond. Lynch claimed she saw Bayley and Lyra Valkyria conspiring against her, and Lynch stormed off angrily.

Sami Zayn was interviewed by Jackie Redmond, who asked Zayn about how he’s processing his loss against Randy Orton. Karrion Kross and Scarlett interrupted. Kross said he was not trying to get under Zayn’s nerves. Kross said that he told Zayn what would happen because Zayn lost to Orton. Kross told Zayn that he would never be a World Champion. Zayn said, “Okay…okay.” Zayn punched Kross in the jaw. Zayn said he is talking to Kross. Zayn said he talked to Adam Pearce and their match is official…tick tock. Scarlett laughed and a smiling Kross said, “Got him.”

Analysis: The mind games of Karrion Kross continue and he gets his match with Sami Zayn, which is fine with me because Kross doesn’t get put in matches very often. They have built up that one pretty well.

Bayley made her entrance. They went to a break after that, so Bayley went around the ring to greet some fans.

Women’s Intercontinental Championship: Becky Lynch vs. Bayley

It was Bayley’s first match since April 14, so she’s had two months off. Lynch got a cheap shot after a break in the turnbuckle, which led to Bayley working over Lynch with several punches. Bayley hit a forearm to the jaw, a sliding elbow and Lynch avoided a clothesline. Lynch hit a shoulder to the ribs, but Bayley came back with a neckbreaker by the ropes. Bayley jumped off the steel steps and hit an elbow drop to Lynch’s back. Back in the ring, Lynch tried an armbar, but Bayley hit a headbutt to knock her down. Bayley went to the turnbuckle, so Lynch pulled on Bayley’s arm against the top rope to knock Bayley down to the floor. The show went to a break for some fans as Lynch rammed Bayley’s right arm against the hood of the commentary table. Lynch hit a forearm smash. Bayley got a rollup for two. Lynch connected with a clothesline for two. Bayley got an inside cradle for two, and Lynch came back with a dropkick for two. Lynch applied an armbar followed by a hair pull takedown. Lynch and Bayley did a double cross body block to knock eachother down.

Bayley got some momentum going with a belly-to-back suplex and a running knee attack. Bayley hit a spinning sidewalk slam for a two count. Lynch avoided a move, Bayley went for an armbar and Lynch hit a belly to back suplex. Bayley hit the Bayley to Belly slam that used to be her finisher, and that led to a two count. Lynch avoided a charging Bayley, but Bayley sent Lynch into the turnbuckle. Bayley hit a sunset flip to send Lynch into the turnbuckle and that got a two count. Lynch hit Bayley with a superplex off the top rope. Lynch went for an armbar, but Bayley got out of it. Bayley sat on top for two. Bayley turned Lynch over for a Half Crab submission, so Lynch crawled to the ropes to break the hold. Bayley charged at Lynch, who got a boot up to stop the attack. Lynch and Bayley exchanged strikes and Bayley hit the Manhandle Slam that Lynch loves to use, so Lynch rolled out of the ring to the floor. Bayley left the ring, which led to Lynch tossing Bayley over the top of the commentary table. Lynch put the announcer chairs and two steel chairs on Bayley to keep her down. Lynch went back into the ring, so Lyra Valkyria showed up to free Bayley and Lynch punched Lyra. Lyra nearly punched Lynch, but Lyra stopped herself. Bayley moved Lyra out of the way and Lynch hit a dropkick on Bayley on the floor. Bayley tossed Lynch over the commentary table. Bayley sent Lynch into the ring post. Bayley threw Lynch into the barricade and Bayley put Lynch back in the ring. Lyra went into the ring to punch Lynch and the referee called for the DQ. It went 13 minutes.

Winner by disqualification: Becky Lynch

Analysis: ***1/4 A pretty good match between two veteran wrestlers who know eachother well. The fans weren’t into the match the whole way, but they got louder as it went on. I expected a screwy finish with Lyra getting involved because it will likely set up a triple threat match between them. Bayley and Lynch did a nice job of doing counter wrestling moves throughout the match to show they are familiar with eachother.

After the match, Lyra kicked Lynch to knock her down on the floor. Bayley pulled Lyra back and yelled at her for costing Bayley the match. Lyra tried to explain she was helping Bayley, but it didn’t work. Bayley argued with Lyra while Lynch was smiling in the aisle.

Analysis: I assume this is going to lead to Lynch vs. Bayley vs. Valkyria at Evolution with the Women’s IC Title on the line. It certainly feels like a triple-threat style storyline.

A video aired about JD McDonagh since he’s teaming up with Finn Balor against The New Day next week.

Chad Gable spoke to Ivy Nile backstage while advising her to take out Stephanie Vaquer. Gable saw Penta in the distance, so Gable approached Penta. Gable said that it was his pleasure watching Bron Breakker beat Penta. Gable threatened to pull Penta’s mask off his face, so Gable tried a strike, Penta avoided it and Penta hit The Sacrifice pulling back on the left arm of Gable. Ludwig Kaiser was watching in the background while officials checked on Gable.

Analysis: That likely sets up a Penta match against Gable.

Raquel Rodriguez Calls Out Rhea Ripley

There was a replay shown of Rhea Ripley costing Raquel Rodriguez her Queen of the Ring match last week. It was payback for Raquel costing Ripley in the tournament. Raquel Rodriguez called out Rhea Ripley for a fight right now.

Rhea Ripley made her entrance and the fans exploded in cheers for her. Ripley and Raquel got into a fight in the ring as Raquel hit an elbow to knock Ripley down. Ripley kicked Raquel out of the ring. They battled on the floor where Raquel tackled Ripley against the turnbuckle. Raquel tossed Ripley over the barricade at ringside. Raquel put a table in the ring. Ripley jumped off the top with a forearm smash. Ripley sent Raquel into the steel steps. Ripley set up a table in the ring. Ripley teased a Riptide through a table, but Roxanne Perez saved Raquel. Ripley sent Perez into the turnbuckle. Raquel caught Ripley and gave her a Tejana Bomb through the table. Raquel stood tall while Perez smiled about it. Raquel helped Perez back to her feet.

Analysis: It’s one of those things where referees and officials break up some fights quickly, but in this case, they fought for a few minutes without anybody trying to stop it. This will most likely lead to Raquel and Perez taking over as the Women’s World Tag Team Champions since Liv Morgan is out. Ripley and Raquel had a great rivalry in NXT a few years ago that saw them have some very physical matches. I believe Ripley and Raquel are best friends too, so I’m sure they’ll have fun doing a rivalry.

Images of the NHL’s Florida Panthers were shown, featuring a WWE-style Stanley Cup belt. My Toronto Maple Leafs blew a 2-0 series lead to the Panthers. Of course they did. I wanted the Edmonton Oilers to win the Stanley Cup. Just saying.

Cody Rhodes was shown walking backstage for the main event up next.

Asuka was interviewed by Cathy Kelley in the locker room. This was during a break for some fans. Iyo Sky interrupted as the Women’s World Champion. Asuka said she’d see her at SummerSlam and Sky said she’ll be ready.

It was announced that singer Jelly Roll will appear on the July 11th edition of SmackDown in Nashville.

Raw GM Adam Pearce was in his office when Rhea Ripley approached, saying that she wants to face Raquel Rodriguez in a Street Fight. I think Pearce said it would be at Night of Champions. Ripley said it’s official, and Pearce said he couldn’t have said it better himself.

A video package aired about the John Cena-CM Punk rivalry leading to their Night of Champions match. They included some of Cena’s great lines from SmackDown last week.

There was a rundown of the Night of Champions lineup for Saturday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

  • Undisputed WWE Championship: John Cena (c) vs. CM Punk
  • United States Championship: Jacob Fatu (c) vs. Solo Sikoa
  • Sami Zayn vs. Karrion Kross
  • Queen of the Ring Tournament Finals: Asuka vs. Jade Cargill
  • King of the Ring Tournament Finals: Randy Orton vs. Winner of Cody Rhodes-Jey Uso
  • Street Fight: Rhea Ripley vs. Raquel Rodriguez

Analysis: Several titles won’t be on the line at Night of Champions, but they added more non-title matches to it.

The former World Heavyweight Champion Jey Uso made his entrance by entering from the top of the arena with the fans Yeeting along with him. This took a few minutes as usual. After Jey completed his entrance, the fans chanted “one more time” and Jey did some more Yeeting with the fans.

Cody Rhodes made his entrance as the former WWE Champion. The fans gave Cody a loud reaction and sang his song on his way to the ring.

King of the Ring Semifinals: Cody Rhodes vs. Jey Uso

Cody and Jey shook hands to start the match. Cody and Jey did quick trips to eachother, but they each kicked out two counts. Jey did an arm drag, so Cody hit his own arm drag in response. Cody went for Cross Rhodes, Jey avoided that and Jey wanted a superkick, but Cody ducked that to avoid it. They took a break for some fans as the action continued. They battled over an armbar, Cody elbowed Jey in the head, and then Jey came back with a hard whip into the turnbuckle. Cody chopped Jey in the chest. Jey hit an uppercut. Jey charged, Cody moved and Jey hit the turnbuckle. Jey worked over Cody with punches to the head. Jey went for the hip attack, but Cody moved and Jey hit the turnbuckle. Cody applied the Figure Four Leglock.

Jey got out of the submission and hit a jumping side kick. Jey hit an uppercut, but Cody hit the duck down punch. Jey hit a Samoan Drop for two. Jey hit a running hip attack on Cody against the turnbuckle. Jey jumped off the top with an Uso Splash, but Cody used his knees to block. Cody applied the Kimura Lock submission on the left arm, but Jey got out of it. Jey applied a Sleeper hold, Cody collapsed to a knee and Cody got out of it by dumping Jey over the top to the floor. Cody got back up to his feet, ran the ropes and Jey blocked a suicide dive with a punch to the jaw. Jey went up top, Cody went after him with a punch and the fans were chanting “this is awesome’ for them. Jey headbutted Cody down, but Cody jumped up to the top rope and Cody hit a superplex. There was no pin attempt since they were both down selling. That led to another break in the show as the action continued.

They were exchanging punches. Cody went for a punch combo leading to an elbow, but Jey stopped that with punches. Cody wanted a powerslam, Jey avoided it and Jey hit a powerslam. Jey teased a Cross Rhodes, but Cody powered out of that and Cody hit a Cody Cutter for two. The fans chanted, “This is awesome” again. Cody went for a Disaster Kick, Jey avoided it and Jey hit a Spear for two. Jey went for a Spear, but Cody kicked him and Cody hit a Super Cody Cutter off the top rope for a two count. Cody set up Cross Rhodes, Jey got out of it and Jey hit Cross Rhodes for two. Great nearfall there. Cody was on his knees, so Jey hit him with a superkick. Jey hit another superkick. Jey bounced off the ropes and hit a Spear. Jey went up top, Cody got back up and Cody hit a Cutter off the top. Great move. Cody hit Cross Rhodes for the pinfall win after 19 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Cody Rhodes

Analysis: **** That was an outstanding match that was like a PLE main event match. Jey brought it and Cody found a way to win as I expected for this match. They did a lot of big moves, many nearfalls that were believable and it looked like either man could get the win. After Jey Uso hit a few big moves, Cody was able to get back up and Cody hit that incredible Cutter off the top for the win. It was a spectacular move to show that Cody had something left and he was able to finish off Jey after that. I know Jey Uso has his critics for his matches, but I thought Jey did a nice job in this match, just like he has done in his Gunther matches. Cody is one of the best in WWE, so it’s no surprise that he had an excellent match as usual.

The win by Cody Rhodes means he will face Randy Orton in the King of the Ring Finals at WWE Night of Champions on Saturday, June 28th.

Cody Rhodes celebrated the win. Cody shook hands with Jey Uso and hugged him. Jey raised Cody’s hand, and they hugged again. They posed for the fans some more. That was the end of the show.

Analysis: My lean right now is for Cody Rhodes to win King of the Ring and then go on to face John Cena for the WWE Title at SummerSlam. I would have no problem with Orton beating Rhodes at Night of Champions, but I think it’s more likely that Cody will win to set up the WrestleMania rematch at SummerSlam.

This week’s Raw had a runtime of 2 hours, 33 minutes on Netflix.

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Three Stars of the Show

  1. Cody Rhodes
  2. Bron Breakker
  3. Jey Uso, Jade Cargill, Penta

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The Scoreboard

7.5 out of 10

Last week: 7.25

2025 Average: 7.54

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Final Thoughts on WWE Raw

I liked the show because of the match quality. The main event between Cody Rhodes and Jey Uso got a lot of time, felt like a PLE level match and I think the right guy won with Cody getting the win. The Bron Breakker-Penta match was a lot of fun. I loved that finish. Jade Cargill’s win over Roxanne Perez was solid and that’s a result that didn’t surprise me. The Becky Lynch-Bayley DQ finish with Lyra Valkyria getting involved makes it seem like they’ll be having a triple threat match soon.

In terms of promos, I thought they weren’t as interesting this week. The Seth Rollins promo is what we get every week and the group still doesn’t have a name after two months. Gunther’s promo was probably the best of the bunch as he warned Goldberg about what was going to happen to him. I liked the Goldberg sitdown interview because it’s better than watching a Goldberg promo.

There were changes made to Night of Champions with Sami Zayn-Karrion Kross added, while Rhea Ripley-Raquel Rodriguez in a Street Fight will also take place. The Dominik Mysterio-AJ Styles match was removed due to Dom dealing with an injury. It’s a solid card, but it only has two title matches out of six matches, although the King and Queen of the Ring winners get crowns, not titles. Close enough, I guess.

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: Randy Orton vs. Cody Rhodes
  • Queen of the Ring Tournament Finals: Asuka vs. Jade Cargill
  • United States Championship: Jacob Fatu (c) vs. Solo Sikoa
  • Street Fight: Rhea Ripley vs. Raquel Rodriguez
  • Sami Zayn vs. Karrion Kross

You can watch WWE Night of Champions when it streams live from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Saturday, June 28, at 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT on Peacock in the United States and on Netflix everywhere else.

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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