The John Report: WWE Raw Deal 06/29/26 Review

It’s WWE Monday Night Raw, featuring King Oba Femi, Queen Iyo Sky, Rey Mysterio facing Ethan Page, and more.

The WWE Night of Champions PLE took place this past Saturday with Oba Femi winning King of the Ring, Iyo Sky winning Queen of the Ring and Sami Zayn becoming WWE Champion. To follow up, WWE Raw is airing at 6 p.m. ET this week because SmackDown is being taped right after it. That’s because SmackDown airs on July 3rd, so by taping it a few days early, WWE can give talent and staff some time off for the July 4th Independence Day holiday in the United States on Saturday. That’s nice. I have watched and written about a ridiculous amount of wrestling in the last three days. It’s time for more of it now.

Last week’s Raw saw The Street Profits win the World Tag Team Titles. Next up for WWE is Saturday Night’s Main Event from NYC on July 18th, and then SummerSlam on August 1 & 2.

This is the Raw Deal for episode #1727 of Monday Night Raw, taking place at the Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport. Let’s get to it.

The show began with a video package recapping Night of Champions.

Let’s Hear from “King” Oba Femi

The music of the King of the Ring, Oba Femi, played in the arena and the fans exploded with “Oba” chants for The Ruler. Oba carried the King of the Ring crown in his left hand as he made his way towards the ring. The crowd loved him as usual. Even Green Shirt Guy looked excited at ringside.

Oba Femi said that is a reaction befitting a Ruler, but now you have to give him a reception befitting a King. Femi reminded us that he is the 2026 King of the Ring, so the fans cheered for that. Femi said he told Jey Uso that destiny was on his side, and Jey didn’t believe him until he stepped into the ring with Femi, so now he knows. Femi said that being King of the Ring means that a choice has to be made.

Brock Lesnar’s music hit, and the fans exploded as Brock Lesnar made his entrance, joined by his advocate, Paul Heyman. Lesnar marched down to the ring. Lesnar did his customary walk around the ring while Femi stared at him. When Lesnar got into the ring, he applauded Femi and smirked at him.

Lesnar said that your King of the Ring is Oba Femi. Lesnar said he hasn’t watched the show and everybody knows he doesn’t watch the show. Lesnar said he was King of the Ring a long time ago (2002). Lesnar said that since he doesn’t watch the show, he has to rely on Mr. Heyman, who tells Lesnar that Femi has a big decision to make. Lesnar said he has learned that Femi has called Lesnar a coward and a bitch. Lesnar said that Heyman said Femi cuts a great promo while Lesnar never could, so that’s why he has Heyman.

Lesnar said what they say is, “Talk shit, get hit.” Lesnar kicked Femi in the groin and Lesnar hit Femi with an F5. Femi was down while holding his groin to sell the cheap shot kick. Heyman told Lesnar that was a great promo. Lesnar walked to the back.

Femi said that this is exactly what you always do because you show up, you F5, and you leave. Femi said that Lesnar is in front of him and he’s still a bitch. Femi said they play cats and rats forever, or they can settle the score one-on-one at SummerSlam. Lesnar said he accepts. Lesnar said SummerSlam in Minneapolis inside Hell in a Cell. Femi liked that.

Analysis: I thought it was a great opening segment in part because it was totally unexpected since I didn’t know Lesnar was going to be there. The Femi-Lesnar rivalry has been outstanding this year, and now it’s going to lead to Hell in a Cell at SummerSlam, which is a huge match. There’s also the fact that Femi gets a WWE or World Title match, so they could have Femi do two matches at SummerSlam, or save the title match for another show. It could be a massive SummerSlam weekend for Femi, and I’m all for it. Pushing the man is the right thing to do.

The Raw commentary team of Michael Cole and Corey Graves welcomed us to the show. The ring announcer was Alicia Taylor.

They showed some superstars walking before the show, including Iyo Sky, Liv Morgan with The Judgment Day, The Street Profits with Joe Hendry, LA Knight, and Roman Reigns will be there.

A clip of R-Truth aired on The Undertaker’s podcast. This was during a break for some fans.

Ethan Page made his entrance for singles action.

They replayed Brock Lesnar confronting Oba Femi. They even replayed Lesnar saying “shit” and not censoring it.

Paul Heyman was backstage talking to Raw GM Adam Pearce. Heyman spoke about how good this is going to be, and it was just delivered to Pearce. Pearce said a little heads-up would have been nice. Heyman told Pearce to think about it. Austin Theory approached Paul Heyman to come out with him for his match. Theory said Heyman wasn’t answering his calls. Heyman said now you know he’s there and he left. Theory was left confused.

Adam Pearce approached Oba Femi to ask if he was sure he wanted Hell in a Cell at SummerSlam. Femi said the title opportunity will be there, but he needs this to end now. Pearce wanted him to be sure, and Femi said he was sure.

Analysis: There’s the counter to what I wrote above about Femi getting two matches at SummerSlam. It sounds like it might just be one match for Femi, and the WWE or World Title match could happen at another show in the future. That’s fine too.

Rey Mysterio vs. Ethan Page

The WWE Hall of Famer Rey hit a headscissors early on. Page sent Rey face first into the top turnbuckle. Page worked over Rey with shoulder tackles to the ribs. Rey hit a drop toe hold to send Page into the ropes. Rey hit an enziguri kick to the head. Rey went up top, so Page tripped him up to knock Rey upside down. Page tried to rip Rey’s mask, so Rey knocked him down from the turnbuckle. Page got back up and hit a backbreaker onto the top turnbuckle. Rey bounced to the floor. They went on a break for some fans, and I’ll take a break with Page in control for a few minutes.

It was Page in control with a counter move as he hit a sidewalk slam for a two count. Rey avoided a punch and sent a charging Page over the top to the floor. Rey slid under the bottom rope into a splash on Page on the floor. Rey hit a senton off the top and a springboard cross body block. Rey tried to go for a move off the ropes, but Page caught him and hit a sitout slam into the mat for two. Rey hit an enziguri kick to send Page into the ropes, but Page came back with a boot to the face. Page hit a powerslam for two. Page put Rey on his shoulders while on the turnbuckle, but Rey got out of that with elbows and a hurricanrana off the top. Rey tripped Page into the ropes, followed by a 619. Rey went up top and hit a Frog Splash for the pinfall win after 11 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Rey Mysterio

Analysis: ***1/4 A good match that was competitive the whole way. Page got plenty of offense, Rey made the comeback, and finished off Page for the clean win. I’d like to see Page get a win in a match like that, but I don’t mind Rey winning once in a while. I’m not sure where it’s going in terms of a story.

Dominik Mysterio and JD McDonagh went into Danhausen’s lab and Dominik stole something from the wall that appeared to be a gift from the New York Knicks. They laughed about it.

LA Knight was shown getting ready.

Joe Hendry was shown making his entrance for a concert in the ring. This was during a break for some fans.

The Street Profits Enjoy A Joe Hendry Concert

Joe Hendry introduced the World Tag Team Champions, The Street Profits – Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins. A clip aired of The Street Profits winning the titles last week.

Ford asked the crowd if he looked good in a suit. Ford said they are overwhelmed by the love shown to them over the last week. The fans chanted, “You deserve it” for them. Ford said that is why they have a few people to thank. Ford thanked the WWE Universe. Ford thanked the fans for supporting them for the past 10 years. Ford also thanked Seth “Freakin” Rollins, who he called the greatest of all time, so the fans sang Seth’s song. Dawkins said that thanks to Seth, they took care of The Vision, and they are looking at them in the rearview mirror. Ford thanked Joe Hendry too. Ford said it was like a beautiful song last week. Dawkins said it sounded just like this.

Hendry sang a song about how we have new tag team champions and he wanted everybody to make some noise for a celebration with all the boys. Hendry talked about how others in The Vision won’t be there and he trashed Austin Theory for being destroyed by John Cena on the microphone.

Austin Theory interrupted the song to say that The Street Profits stole his titles. Theory mentioned that he beat John Cena at WrestleMania. Theory said that next week, there will be a rematch for those World Tag Team Titles. Dawkins wondered if Bron Breakker would be healthy. Theory said that next week, “The Dog” Breakker will be off the leash. Theory trashed Hendry, saying he’ll destroy him in this ring tonight. Hendry said we could wait for later, or we could do this right here and right now. Cole asked: “Is this gonna happen?” Both guys were in their wrestling gear, so of course it is.

Analysis: Nice speech by The Street Profits, who remain a popular team even after a decade, as Ford said. It was a brief concert, which is a good way to get some heat for Theory.

Joe Hendry vs. Austin Theory

Theory attacked Hendry with a forearm to knock Hendry down. The match started during the break for some fans. Hendry hit a neckbreaker. Hendry worked over Theory with punches and a delayed vertical suplex. Theory came back with a clothesline to knock Hendry down.

It was Theory in control with punches, along with a chinlock. Hendry hit a jawbreaker to break free, followed by a DDT. Hendry knocked down Theory with an elbow. Hendry hit a fallaway slam across the ring. Hendry hit a discus clothesline (Cole called it a Hit Single) for a two count. Theory came back with a left hand punch to the jaw. Theory hit a suplex into the shoulder like a neckbreaker for a two count. Hendry and Theory exchanged strikes, leading to Hendry hitting a move that was like a Side Effect for the pinfall win. Cole called it the Standing Ovation, which was a different move in the past. It went about 7 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Joe Hendry

Analysis: **3/4 It was just a decent TV match. I think it’s just a case of WWE thinking that Joe Hendry needed a win and beating Austin Theory was a way to get that done. I’m not sure why Joe changed the Standing Ovation move, but apparently that’s the case.

Raquel Rodriguez was backstage talking to Raw GM Adam Pearce about an opportunity. Pearce said Raquel isn’t the only one looking for an opportunity and Pearce put her in a match with Maxxine Dupri. Pearce left. Liv Morgan and Roxanne Perez walked up to Raquel to complain about things. Raquel told Liv not to worry because Raquel has her back. Liv thanked her.

The Queen of the Ring, Iyo Sky, was walking backstage because she’s up next.

Ethan Page was interviewed by Cathy Kelley in the back part of the arena. This was during a break for some fans. Page said that his loss to Rey Mysterio was a minor setback. Page claimed you had to step on up-and-comers by keeping your place here, which is what Rey has done. Page complained he didn’t have time to prepare after having a match last week. Page said tonight was not his best. Page claimed he will be draped in gold.

Let’s Hear from “Queen” Iyo Sky

Iyo Sky walked out to the ring holding the Queen of the Ring crown. Sky said she’s grateful to come back to the US as The Queen. Sky spoke in Japanese a bit. Sky said she beat Liv Morgan this week and at SummerSlam, she’ll beat Liv Morgan again and she’ll be the Women’s World Champion again.

Liv Morgan made her entrance as the Women’s World Champion. Liv said she thought Sky was better than this. Liv told Sky she got lucky. Liv claimed she only lost because she got cursed by stupid Danhausen. Liv said at SummerSlam that things will be different because she doesn’t respect Sky. Liv claimed Sky pissed her off. Liv reminded her about Finn Balor getting turned on by her group and mentioned Stephanie Vaquer. Liv said she took everything from Rhea Ripley, and she hasn’t been the same since. Liv told Sky she will absolutely destroy her and remain the greatest Women’s World Champion of all-time. Liv said that until then, Sky is in for a whole lot of trouble.

Raquel Rodriguez and Roxanne Perez were on the apron, so Sky knocked them out of the ring. Raquel was on the apron, so Sky punched her. Sky got a hold of Liv and hit her with a German Suplex. Sky hit a roundhouse kick on Liv. Sky went up top, but Raqual knocked her down. Perez stomped on Sky’s left knee, which was trapped against the turnbuckle. Liv hit Oblivion after Raquel and Perez held Sky by the ropes. Nobody tried to help Sky as Liv applied the Half Crab submission, so Iyo tapped out. They finally sent some WWE Officials and referees to the ring to stop it.

Analysis: It was the numbers game, leading to The Judgment Day getting the advantage as usual. This happens often during Liv’s feuds, so it was more of the same. The babyfaces in WWE are often made to look like losers since they have to fight alone against three people. Anyway, Sky will probably keep selling that left knee injury over the next month.

A replay was shown of LA Knight beating Jimmy Uso thanks to an assist from Solo Sikoa, who attacked Jimmy, and Knight got the win. On SmackDown, Knight didn’t want Solo’s help, while Solo suggested they work together.

LA Knight made his entrance for singles action. That continued during the break for some fans.

Jimmy Uso (w/Jey Uso) vs. LA Knight

Jey Uso joined commentary. Knight left the ring and told Jey to stay in his seat. Jimmy hit a headbutt, followed by an armdrag. Knight sent Jimmy into the ropes, leading to a back elbow. Knight worked over Jimmy with stomps against the turnbuckle. Knight hit a running knee attack by the turnbuckle. Jimmy came back with an uppercut, a kick to the gut and another punch. Jimmy hit a spinning kick to the head. Jimmy hit the running hip attack on Knight against the turnbuckle. Jimmy jumped off the top with a cross body block for two. Jimmy clotheslined Knight over the top to the floor. Jimmy hit a suicide dive on Knight on the floor. They went on a break there as the match continued. Back in the ring, Jimmy went for a suplex, but Knight countered with a neckbreaker for two. Knight and Jimmy went to the floor, where Jimmy rammed Knight’s head into the commentary table. Knight blocked Jimmy and rammed Jimmy’s head into the commentary table several times. Back in the ring, Knight covered for a two count.

There was an exchange of strikes by Knight and Jimmy, who followed up with a Samoan Drop. Jimmy charged with a hip attack, but Knight moved, so Jimmy hit the turnbuckle. Knight hit a Russian legsweep and a jumping neckbreaker. Knight jumped off the top, but Jimmy avoided it and hit a superkick. Jimmy bounced off the ropes and hit a Spear for a two count. Jimmy went up top, Knight was knocked down and then Knight jumped up to the top. Knight hit a superplex for a two count. Jimmy left the ring, so Knight hit a running dropkick to knock Jimmy down. Knight teased throwing Jimmy into Jey, then Knight put Jimmy in the ring and Knight kicked Jey to knock him down. Some fans booed Knight for that. Back in the ring, Knight hit a reverse DDT on Jimmy. Knight jumped to the top and hit an elbow drop. Jey was on the apron, so Knight punched him down. Jimmy got the ROLLUP OF DEATH~! on Knight for the pinfall win after 12 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Jimmy Uso

Analysis: *** A rare Jimmy Uso singles match win thanks to Knight getting distracted by Jey Uso and the ROLLUP OF DEATH~! is so deadly. It was a solid match that also furthered the story of Knight being obsessed with The Bloodline guys.

After the match, Knight attacked Jimmy, so Jey went after Knight with punches. Solo Sikoa appeared from under the ring, I think, and he hit a Samoan Spike on Jimmy. Jey chased Solo away. Knight was back up and hit a BFT on Jey to put him down. Solo saluted Knight from a distance, while Knight looked unsure of what happened.

Analysis: It showed that Solo Sikoa and LA Knight were on the same page after Knight said that he didn’t want to work with Solo last week. I guess it could lead to Solo and Knight against The Usos in a match soon.

A clip was shown from the Night of Champions post-show when Gunther argued with SmackDown GM Nick Aldis. Gunther said that Aldis was jealous of Gunther because Aldis is a failed wrestler. They shoved eachother, and then they got separated by WWE Officials. Michael Cole said that Nick Aldis is on administrative leave due to what happened, so Adam Pearce will run Raw & SmackDown for now.

Analysis: That should lead to Gunther against Aldis at SummerSlam. I’m happy for Nick finally getting a WWE match.

Chad Gable was shown getting ready for his match. Penta approached him and showed respect.

Rey Mysterio was interviewed by Jackie Redmond in the back part of the arena. This was during the break for some fans. Rey said he stays ready and steps up for any challenge. Rey said that for tonight, Ethan Page will respect lucha libre. Jackie mentioned Rey competing at 11 SummerSlams, so how about 12? Rey said he wants to compete there. Rey said that not too long ago, he stepped into the ring with Penta and Penta was the better man, but he’s willing to do whatever it takes to get a shot at the Intercontinental Title. Rey said he loved Penta. Rey said he knows what it takes and he knows what to do in order to beat him. Rey said he could be wrong, but he’s willing to try if he gets that opportunity. Rey said he can’t give away his secrets, and Rey saluted the crowd.

The Usos approached Jacob Fatu backstage as they wondered where Fatu was. The Usos wondered where Fatu was. Fatu reminded them that he takes orders from The Tribal Chief, not them. Fatu said he’s going to SmackDown to deal with Solo Sikoa. Jey said he’ll go to SmackDown too and he’s going after the WWE Title. Fatu said he’ll see him there.

Analysis: SmackDown was taped after Raw this week, so it’s not like they had to go anywhere to get there. However, that’s not something WWE is going to say in its storylines.

A video aired about Lyra Valkyria talking about her heel turn on Bayley on Raw last week. Lyra said it takes two to lose a tag team match. Lyra said she let the anger get the better of her one time, yet everybody forgets she’s been the bigger person for a year. Lyra said she bit her tongue and carried the load because she wanted to bring Bayley to the top with her. Lyra said everybody knows she can do it by herself since she’s the first Women’s Intercontinental Champion. Lyra claimed she never wanted to hurt Bayley, but last week it felt good to close that gap just a bit.

Maxxine Dupri was shown walking backstage, where she saw Chad Gable getting ready. Dupri said she meant every word she said last week and said something about how she delivered it. Gable said you don’t owe him an apology, and he wished her good luck in her match tonight.

Raquel Rodriguez made her entrance for singles action. They went on a break for some fans there. There was an Undertaker podcast clip with Rey Mysterio as the guest.

Maxxine Dupri vs. Raquel Rodriguez

Dupri sent Raquel out of the ring with a headscissors. Raquel was able to take over in the ring with a slingshot suplex into a slam for two. Raquel worked over Dupri with elbows against the turnbuckle. The crowd wasn’t reacting to this match as Raquel applied a Torture Rack submission, but Dupri got out of it. Raquel decked Dupri with a lefty clothesline for two. Dupri countered a Raquel move into a DDT. Dupri hit a running clothesline two times and a spin kick that knocked Raquel down. Dupri hit a leg drop to the back of the neck for two. Dupri went for a kick, but Raquel caught her and hit a Tejana Bomb for the pinfall win after 4 minutes. It was mentioned by Cole that Raquel will get a shot at the Women’s Intercontinental Title held by Sol Ruca.

Winner by pinfall: Raquel Rodriguez

Analysis: *1/2 A dominant win by Raquel Rodriguez. The fans were quiet for this match because Maxxine Dupri hasn’t been featured much of late, so she barely got a reaction. Raquel going after the Women’s IC Title makes sense for her.

Danhausen went into the lab to realize that somebody ruined his lab and stole his Knicks gift. Liv Morgan went into the ring to warn Danhausen to make this right, or The Judgment Day will continue to make his life hell. Danhausen simply said okay to end it.

Analysis: Danhausen has storylines on SmackDown and Raw now. I wouldn’t say either one is that great, but I enjoy him for the most part.

Chad Gable made his entrance for singles action. They went on a break for some fans as Gable posed for the fans, along with clapping his hands over his head. JD McDonagh made his entrance to no reaction, and he had Dominik Mysterio with him wearing a New York Knicks jersey. The 0 jersey says “Danhausen” on the back.

Chad Gable vs. JD McDonagh (w/Dominik Mysterio)

Gable tripped up JD and did a cradle for a two count. Gable hit a back body drop and a hiptoss. Gable and JD exchanged pin attempts for two counts. Gable did a flipping kick and applied an Ankle Lock. Dominik helped JD get to the ropes to break free. Gable went after Dom on the floor, so JD sent Gable into the steel steps. JD slammed Gable’s knee onto the bottom half of the steel steps. They went on a break for some fans as JD was in control with an elbow drop. JD wrenched on Gable’s left knee. JD continued the attack with a drop toe hold and a leg drop to the back of the head.

It was Gable getting some offense after sending JD out of the ring. Back in the ring, Gable hit two German Suplexes. Gable hit another German Suplex and Gable did a moonsault bump to land on his stomach. That got a two count for Gable. Gable hit two running spin kick to the head. Gable charged at JD, who hit a standing Spanish Fly for two. Gable got a crucifix pin attempt for two. Gable hit a forearm. JD headbutted Gable and Gable fell on JD for a two count. JD hit a Powerbomb for two. JD hit a Brainbuster for another two count. Gable got a charging JD and hit a belly-to-belly overhead suplex into the turnbuckle. Gable applied the Ankle Lock on the left knee and the crowd came alive a bit. JD sent Gable to the apron. Dominik was on the apron, Gable was on the top turnbuckle and JD hit a Spanish Fly off the top and JD got a two count out of it. JD landed hard on his head/neck after doing that move. Danhausen arrived at ringside with a briefcase. Dominik chased Danhausen to the back. JD was distracted by that, so Gable went for a suplex, but JD countered it into a two count. Gable applied the Ankle Lock with a heel hook and JD tapped out to give Gable the win. It went about 11 minutes.

Winner by submission: Chad Gable

Analysis: ***1/4 It was very good for the time given, but the crowd wasn’t into it that much. There were certain parts of the match that got the crowd going. It just felt like the fans barely cared about this match. I understand it in the sense that JD rarely wins singles matches, but he’s a good worker, and the fans should be supporting Chad Gable a lot. Anyway, I’m glad Gable’s winning ways continued with another victory here.

After the match, Dominik Mysterio and JD McDonagh found the briefcase that was full of money. Dominik opened it, and something sprayed into their faces. Danhausen reappeared at ringside and grabbed the Danhausen Knicks jersey off Dominik’s back. When Danhausen went backstage, Raquel hit him with a forearm, and Raquel gave Dominik the Knicks jersey back.

Analysis: The riveting story continues.

Maxxine Dupri was icing her head when Austin Theory approached her to ask about what she said to Chad Gable. Dupri said it’s complicated. Theory said if you want to go back down the road, then maybe this ain’t working out. Theory left. Otis and Akira Tozawa checked on Dupri, who didn’t feel like talking and left.

It’s official for SummerSlam: Oba Femi vs. Brock Lesnar in a Hell in a Cell match.

Roman Reigns made his entrance as the World Heavyweight Champion, joined by Jacob Fatu. Roman continued his entrance during the break for some fans because it takes a while for him to get to the ring.

Let’s Hear from Roman Reigns

The World Heavyweight Champion “Original Tribal Chief” Roman Reigns was in the ring posing with his title, and cousin Jacob Fatu was behind him. The fans were singing “Roman, Roman Reigns” before Reigns said a word.

Roman Reigns told Atlantic City to acknowledge him, so they did and they chanted “OTC” for him. There was an interruption from Seth Rollins before Reigns could say anything else.

Seth “Freakin” Rollins made his entrance dressed in all black as the fans sang his song. Rollins had a long staredown with Reigns while the fans sang Seth’s song and chanted “OTC” for Reigns.

Rollins: “Hello, my brother.” Rollins said 14 years they’ve been tied together to when they started together in The Shield. Rollins said it felt very fitting that they were in this moment in Atlantic City. Rollins said that Reigns is in possession of a title that belongs to Rollins. Seth said it was time to collect.

Reigns said Rollins must be confused. Reigns told Rollins he’s at the back of the line. Reigns said that Rollins hasn’t done anything of late to earn a shot at the Tribal Chief.

Rollins said you can play that game with everybody else in the back, but when it comes to Reigns, Rollins is always at the front of the line. Rollins claimed that Reigns owes Rollins for what he’s done. Rollins said that he owns Reigns for everything he has become. Rollins said he owns Reigns in this ring and in his heart. Rollins mentioned that at WrestleMania 41, he pinned Reigns and took his Wiseman. Rollins said the year before, he sacrificed himself so that Cody Rhodes could beat Reigns. Rollins said for four years, Reigns beat everybody except him. Reigns said he took the WWE Title from Reigns in his first WrestleMania main event (WrestleMania 31). Rollins reminded Reigns of when he ended The Shield with a chair shot to the back. Rollins said that Reigns is that great, he has done it all, he’s won everything you can win, you’ve main evented everything and your WrestleMania record will never be broken. Rollins said there’s one thing you haven’t been able to do – beat Rollins. Rollins said he’ll give Reigns that opportunity. Rollins told Reigns this may be his last chance to do that. Rollins said they came in this company together, they came through the crowd, they took out the previous generation and they created the greatest generation in the history of this industry, and they did that together. Rollins said they are closer to the end than they are to the beginning. Rollins said there’s a new generation to try to take them out, and that’s why they need to do this. Rollins said that Reigns is a future Hall of Famer who can be inducted in his own show and Rollins may be there to induct him. Rollins tried to convince Reigns he needed to try to beat Rollins. Rollins asked, what do you say? For old times’ sake?

Roman Reigns said it’s been a long time since he heard any truth out of Seth Rollins mouth, little brother. Reigns said he needs to beat Rollins. Reigns said he needs his entire to see him beat Rollins, and at SummerSlam, that’s exactly what he’s going to do. Reigns: “I accept…brother.”

Roman Reigns held up the World Heavyweight Title above his head while Seth Rollins stared at him and the title. Reigns left with Fatu, while Rollins stood in the ring and stared at Reigns. When Reigns left the ring, he said that at SummerSlam they’ll close the door on The Shield…forever. End show.

Analysis: There’s a SummerSlam main event match (likely SummerSlam Sunday) with Roman Reigns defending the World Heavyweight Championship against Seth Rollins. I thought Seth absolutely crushed it with that promo. Rollins made so many good points to try to get under Roman’s skin and saying things that would motivate Reigns to want to accept the challenge that Rollins was making. It worked perfectly, and they used logic to set it up. I don’t see Reigns losing to Rollins at SummerSlam, but it should be an awesome match between two of the best of this generation and of any generation in WWE history.

This week’s Raw had a runtime of 2:34 on Netflix. Last week was 2:27.

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Three Stars of the Show

1. Seth Rollins
2. Brock Lesnar, Oba Femi
3. Chad Gable, Rey Mysterio

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The Scoreboard

7.25 out of 10

Last week: 7.5

2026 Average: 7.52

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Final Thoughts on WWE Raw

I thought it was a solid show that maybe was a bit below average from what we usually get. By that I mean the match quality was weaker. I enjoyed the Oba Femi-Brock Lesnar exchange to start the show. That was a very effective opening segment, and better than what we usually et. The Femi-Lesnar rivalry might be WWE Feud of the Year so far, so doing a Hell in a Cell Match is great.

The Roman Reigns-Seth Rollins main event segment gives us a big match for SummerSlam. Rollins was awesome during his part of the promo exchange, while all Reigns had to do was say he accepts. Well done.

It felt like a below average Raw in terms of match quality. The Rey Mysterio-Ethan Page match was very good, but some of he other matches just weren’t that interesting. The crowd was quiet for most of the last two matches. Anyway, all I’m saying is Raw usually has better matches, so it was a bit weaker this week than usual.

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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 [email protected]

Twitter/X @johnreport