The John Report: WWE Raw Deal 07/14/25 Review
It’s WWE Raw featuring a five-man Gauntlet Match with CM Punk, Bron Breakker, Penta, LA Knight, and Jey Uso, plus the new Women’s World Champion Naomi, and more.
The busy summer of WWE shows continues with tonight’s Raw. The main roster had Saturday Night’s Main Event as Gunther beat Goldberg in Goldberg’s final match, while Seth Rollins hurt his knee, and some questioned the validity of that. There was also the excellent Evolution PLE featuring the women’s division that absolutely crushed. I thought it was one of the better WWE PLEs of the year. We are now officially on the road to SummerSlam in less than three weeks on August 2 & 3.
This is the Raw Deal for episode #1677 of Monday Night Raw. It’s taking place at the Legacy Arena at The BJCC in Birmingham, Alabama. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport. Let’s get to it.
There was a video package showing highlights of Evolution and Saturday Night’s Main Event, with both shows taking place in Atlanta. The crowds were great, especially for Evolution.
It was pre-show walking time featuring Gunther, Jey Uso, CM Punk drinking a coffee, Bron Breakker with Bronson Reed & Paul Heyman, but no Seth Rollins.
The commentary team was Michael Cole and Corey Graves. Alicia Taylor was the ring announcer.
Let’s Hear from Naomi…Rhea Ripley…and Iyo Sky
Proceed with caution to start the show because here comes the new Women’s World Champion, Naomi. She went into the ring with her caution tape outfit and the Women’s World Title around the waist. There were fans chanting, “You deserve it.” Naomi shut those chants down.
Naomi said that you weren’t feeling the glow, but you’re feeling her now. Naomi said that you thought that she would cash in Money in the Bank on Tiffany Stratton, but Naomi warned all of you that you didn’t know her next move until she made it. That’s why Naomi is standing here as the new Women’s World Champion. Naomi said she was so done with that foolishness on SmackDown. Naomi told Bianca Belair that she didn’t betray her, she outgrew Bianca. Naomi said that Bianca and Jade didn’t want Naomi to succeed. They wanted her as a partner, a friend, a third wheel and a flunky as long as it was convenient for them. Naomi: “Who got the upper hand now, bitches!” Naomi said that Jade may have got the win at Evolution, but she made history. Naomi strongly advised the women in the locker room to proceed with caution.
Analysis: I enjoy heel Naomi a lot. It’s not like she was bad as a babyface. It’s just that she is way more interesting in a heel role. You can tell how much she loves it too.
Rhea Ripley made her entrance, and she got a huge ovation from the fans. Ripley joined Naomi in the ring. Ripley said she’s not cautious, she’s reckless and she is pissed. Ripley said her goals were to finally beat Iyo Sky and win back the Women’s World Championship. Ripley congratulated Naomi because she made it onto Ripley’s list.
The former Women’s World Champion Iyo Sky made her entrance. Cole called her perhaps the best wrestler in the world. Iyo is an outstanding performer, that’s for sure. The fans chanted “Iyo” when Sky went into the ring. Sky said with respect to Ripley, she had to get in line. Sky said she walked into Revolution as the Women’s World Champion, so she’s going to get back her title from Naomi.
Naomi responded by saying she didn’t know what Sky said (the fans laughed), but you can get your entitled asses all the way to the back of the line.
Raw GM Adam Pearce interrupted, saying that what he has to say pertains to all three of them. Pearce congratulated Naomi and welcomed her to Raw. Pearce praised Naomi for the best moment of her professional life. Pearce told Sky and Ripley that their match at Evolution was absolute magic. Pearce said it’s the very first two-night SummerSlam in WWE history in less than three weeks. Pearce said it has to be bigger. Pearce said at SummerSlam, it will be Iyo Sky vs. Rhea Ripley vs. Naomi for the Women’s World Championship. The three women stared at eachother while the fans cheered.
Analysis: It was pretty obvious where that was going when Ripley and Sky confronted Naomi. That will be a great match at SummerSlam. At WrestleMania, Ripley and Sky were in a triple threat with Bianca Belair, which was an amazing match, so it’s triple threat time again. I’ll probably pick Naomi to retain at SummerSlam.
The Judgment Day was shown in the clubhouse with all of their titles. Dominik Mysterio said he was worried about AJ Styles stalking him. Raquel Rodriguez and Roxanne Perez celebrated their title win. They were happy. Balor suggested that Dominik Mysterio escort Raquel and Roxanne to ringside. Balor said that they have to do everything in their power to keep the titles for when Liv returns. Balor looked at the Liv picture behind him and said, “For Liv.”
The Kabuki Warriors duo of Asuka and Kairi Sane entered for tag team action. They took a break for some fans. The championship team of Raquel Rodriguez and Roxanne Perez made their entrance, joined by Dominik Mysterio.
The Judgment Day – Raquel Rodriguez & Roxanne Perez (w/Dominik Mysterio) vs. Kabuki Warriors – Asuka & Kairi Sane
This was not a title match. Raquel hit Sane with a shoulder tackle. Asuka tagged in, jumped on Raquel’s back and Perez tagged in, leading to a side Russian legsweep for two. Asuka worked over Perez with repeated kicks to the nose. Asuka hit a bulldog and Sane hit a running dropkick on Perez for two. Sane worked over Perez with chops. Sane hit a running clothesline on Perez by the turnbuckle. Perez stomped on Sane. Raquel tagged in, Sane applied an armbar and Asuka put Perez in an armbar too. Raquel powered out of it and slammed Sane onto Asuka. Raquel sent Sane into the top rope. They went on a break for some fans, and I’ll take a break too, as J-Day dominated for the three minutes.
Raquel picked up Sane for a move, but Sane hit a jawbreaker to break free. Sane hit an enziguri kick on Perez, who had tagged in. Asuka tagged in and hit a hip attack to knock Raquel to the floor. Asuka hit a spin kick on Perez and a superkick on Raquel. Asuka hit a knee to the face of Perez and Asuka hit a running knee on Perez for two. Sane tagged in with a punch off the top for two because Raquel made the save. Asuka sent Raquel out of the ring. Sane tagged in and hit an Insane Elbow while Asuka held Perez and it only got a two count because Dominik was distracting the referee. Raquel broke up the pin. Asuka shoved Raquel into the ring post. Asuka was back in for her team with a missile dropkick on Perez. Asuka hit Perez with a backhand, along with kicks, and a German Suplex. Dominik was on the apron again, so Asuka hit him with a backhand to the head. Raquel did a ROLLUP OF DEATH~! on Asuka and Raquel put her foot on Perez’s back for leverage. The referee didn’t see the cheating. It went about 10 minutes.
Winners by pinfall: Raquel Rodriguez & Roxanne Perez
Analysis: *** I thought it was a pretty good match. Asuka and Sane are so technically sound, Perez is very talented, and Raquel knows how to use her power game. Dominik’s involvement was a big factor, so it gives the Kabuki Warriors something to complain about while the champions found a way to win. That finish was done at Saturday Night’s Main Event when Solo Sikoa beat Jimmy Uso thanks to Tala Tonga putting his foot on Solo’s butt for leverage. It’s weird to see WWE repeat a finish like that. Anyway, it’s smart to have Raquel & Roxanne win to give them credibility as a team.
Paul Heyman was backstage with Bronson Reed and Bron Breakker, while Jackie Redmond asked Heyman about Seth Rollins’ injury status. Heyman said he doesn’t have any info. Heyman said that Rollins has until next June to cash in Money in the Bank. Heyman said tonight, Bron Breakker runs the Gauntlet, goes through everybody in his way, he emerges as the number one contender and goes on to SummerSlam to defeat Gunther at SummerSlam. Heyman said that Bron is going to be the next World Heavyweight Champion. Bron stared into the camera without saying a word.
Analysis: No update on Seth Rollins. Good promo by Heyman putting over Breakker.
LA Knight was interviewed by Byron Saxton in the upper deck part of the arena. This was during the break for some fans. Knight said he came out with the W against Seth Rollins on Saturday. Knight wished Rollins a speedy recovery so he could come back and let Knight hurt him the right way. Knight said if you’re talking about the World Heavyweight Champion, then you gotta be talking about Knight. LA admitted he is not 100%, but he’s going to run the Gauntlet and take his chance to walk out as the number one contender for the World Title at SummerSlam. Knight said everybody will know whose game it is with everybody saying LA Knight…yeah.
A clip aired from the American Century Championship golf tournament where George Kittle of the NFL’s San Francisco 49ers hit a superkick on The Miz. That was the best thing anybody did on the 49ers in the last year. Go LA Rams.
Lyra Valkyria was interviewed by Jackie Redmond about her 2/3 Falls Match against Bayley for a shot at the Women’s Intercontinental Title at SummerSlam. Lyra said that this match will put the Bayley talk to bed, and then it will be about her and Becky as it should be. Bayley interrupted, saying whoever loses tonight, they go to the back of the line. Bayley said she needs this. Bayley said maybe what’s best is for Lyra to stay the hell out of her way.
2/3 Falls Match: Bayley vs. Lyra Valkyria
The winner gets a shot at the Women’s Intercontinental Title held by Becky Lynch. Lyra was in control early on with a hiptoss and some head tapping. Bayley slapped Lyra in the head and got a ROLLUP OF DEATH~! for the pinfall.
Bayley leads 1-0
Bayley hit Lyra with a forearm. Lyra hooked the arms and got a pin attempt for two. Bayley sent Lyra into the turnbuckle and stomped on Lyra as the action during the break came to an end. Bayley and Lyra exchanged forearms, but Lyra came back with an enziguri kick. Lyra hit some strikes to the body, along with a spin kick to the head. Lyra jumped over Bayley and hit a dropkick. Lyra hit a DDT and rolled through into a Fisherman’s Suplex for two. Bayley got back into it with a hard whip into the turnbuckle. Lyra was selling it as if she was in a lot of pain. Bayley hit an elbow to the back and covered for two. Bayley sent Lyra into the turnbuckle again. Lyra kicked Bayley out of the ring to the floor. Lyra hit a dropkick to knock Bayley down on the floor. Bayley picked up Lyra on the apron and hit a belly-to-back suplex on the apron. Bayley hit a spinning sidewalk slam for a two count. Bayley went for a cradle, but Lyra countered and hooked the legs while sitting on top for a three count.
The match is tied 1-1
Bayley hit a running knee to the face for a two count. They went on a break for some fans as the action continued. Bayley hit an elbow smash to knock Lyra down. Bayley went for a running kick by the turnbuckle, but Lyra caught the leg and sent Bayley’s leg into the ring post. Lyra stomped on both knees. Lyra did a dragon screw leg whip to wrench on the left knee. They returned from the break for some fans and Lyra remained in control with another dragon screw leg whip. Bayley got some going as she sent Lyra into the middle rope. Lyra rolled up Bayley, but Bayley rolled through and hit a knee to the head. Lyra elbowed Bayley in the head a few times. Lyra went up top, she jumped off, Bayley caught her and hit Bayley to Belly for two because it’s not Bayley’s finisher anymore. The fans were chanting, “This is awesome” for them. Bayley went up top, Lyra punched her in the leg to knock her down. Bayley was on the top rope and Lyra slammed her down. Lyra hit a gutwrench Powerbomb that Cole called Nightwing, but it wasn’t Nightwing. It got a two count. They battled on the apron where Bayley went for a suplex, but Lyra blocked it and Lyra punched the left knee. Lyra hit a Fisherman’s Suplex on the apron, so Bayley bumped to the floor. Bayley was back in the ring and kicked Lyra to the floor. Bayley got a cradle for two. Lyra did a jackknife pin for two. Lyra avoided a charging attack and punched Bayley. Bayley kicked Lyra off the apron to the floor. Lyra caught a Bayley dropkick attempt, but Bayley kicked Lyra down. Bayley hit a sunset flip into the steel steps. Bayley went up top and Bayley hit an elbow drop to the bad back for a two count. Bayley applied a Crossface submission without hooking the arm. Bayley pushed herself off the ropes, Lyra picked up Bayley onto the shoulders and Lyra hit Nightwing on Bayley for the pinfall win after 20 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Lyra Valkyria (2-1)
Analysis: ***3/4 That was a great match, just like they had one night earlier at Evolution with Lynch. They really brought the intensity after the first two falls, and the drama picked up as they went on. Bayley came close to winning a few times, but Lyra managed to power up and found a way to win. I thought Bayley was going to win, but instead, we’re going to get Lyra going after the Women’s IC Title again. I’m not mad about it. I just think it’s happened a few times already, so they could have gone with somebody else. It’s not a complaint. I just feel like the Lynch feud with Vaquer was done, and now it keeps going.
The win means that Lyra Valkyria will challenge Becky Lynch for the Women’s Intercontinental Title at SummerSlam.
Becky Lynch made her entrance with the Women’s IC Title and had a staredown with Lyra Valkyria. They argued while Lynch held up her title.
Highlights of the women’s battle royal at Evolution were shown. Stephanie Vaquer got the in to earn a Women’s World Title shot at Clash in Paris on August 31.
Stephanie Vaquer was interviewed by Jackie Redmond. Vaquer said she came to WWE to be a champion. Chelsea Green interrupted with Secret Hervice by her side. Green trashed Vaquer, who wanted to fight her, but Green said she’s facing a WWE Hall of Famer. Green said for now you can look, but you can’t touch.
The WWE Hall of Famer Nikki Bella made her entrance for what will be her first Raw match in seven years. Chelsea Green made her entrance. This was during the break for some fans.
This Friday on SmackDown: WWE Champion John Cena and Cody Rhodes are on the show.
Karrion Kross had a video message saying your favorite bad guys are here to save the day. Kross said that Sami Zayn was hurt. Scarlett said that Zayn was a liar. Kross mentioned Zayn falls flat on his face, and now he’s hurt. Kross said he gave Zayn an ultimatum that he didn’t like, so now he’s folded. Kross wanted Zayn to stay home until he’s ready to say the words that Kross told the truth.
Analysis: Enjoy the break, Sami. I like that they have a feud for Kross, and I expect it to intensify when Zayn returns.
Nikki Bella vs. Chelsea Green (w/Piper Niven & Alba Fyre)
Green hit Nikki with a slap to the face. Nikki came back with a slap to the face of her own. Nikki hit a suplex. Green left the ring. Nikki hit Green with an elbow, but Green kicked Nikki’s foot and Green hit a Backstabber. Green sent Nikki into the barricade at ringside. Green sent Nikki face first into the match with a move like a flatliner. Green applied a chinlock, Nikki broke free and Nikki hit a knee to the jaw. Nikki hit two clotheslines, a whip into the turnbuckle and another clothesline. Nikki hit a spinning kick off the turnbuckle for a two count. Green hit a neckbreaker for two. Nikki countered a move and hit a Bella Buster sending Green face first into the mat. Nikki sent Fyre into the ring post and Nikki knocked Niven off the apron to the floor. Nikki picked up Green on her shoulders, it was not a smooth lift, so Green tried to fight it and Nikki hit the Rack Attack 2.0 for the pinfall. It went about 6 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Nikki Bella
Analysis: ** Easy win for Nikki Bella in her first Raw match in seven years. Green gets wins sometimes, but in this instance, it seemed obvious that Nikki would win. That Rack Attack 2.0 didn’t look smooth, so I’m not sure what happened there, but they managed to get through it.
After the match, Niven went into the ring and ran over Nikki to knock her down. Fyre hit a superkick on Nikki. Niven hit a Black Hole Slam on Nikki. Stephanie Vaquer made the save as she kicked Fyre in the aisle. Vaquer dropkicked Niven out of the ring. Vaquer held up Fyre and hit her with double knees. Vaquer picked up Nikki, and they celebrated. The fans cheered.
Analysis: That should set up a tag team match with Nikki teaming up with Vaquer against Chelsea’s group.
The New Day were backstage with Grayson Waller, talking to Adam Pearce. They had two toupees on a plate for Pearce. Pearce said that they aren’t going to be given a title rematch, but they can earn a rematch.
Adam Pearce walked away, where he saw The Judgment Day looking like they were trying to leave. Dominik Mysterio claimed to Pearce that he’s not actually cleared. Pearce said that Dominik will be re-evaluated next week, and if he’s cleared, then Dom will defend the Intercontinental Title against AJ Styles at SummerSlam. The fans cheered. AJ Styles was in the background praying to God and AJ pointed at Dominik to show that he was looking at him.
Penta was getting ready backstage, and he saw Gunther looking at him. Gunther was up next.
American Made’s The Creed Brothers and Ivy Nile were interviewed by Byron Saxton in the upper deck part of the arena. This was during a break. Saxton mentioned El Grande Americano (Ludwig Kaiser) beating Dragon Lee last week. They said that they were there to talk about American Made. Julius said they are better than everybody else. Ivy said everybody is on notice and she mentioned Stephanie Vaquer. They left.
Rusev was interviewed by Jackie Redmond backstage. Rusev talked about how superior he was to Sheamus. That led to Sheamus interrupting. Sheamus said that he talked to Pearce and he agreed that Rusev is a cheater. Sheamus said that they are going to have a rematch. Rusev didn’t seem thrilled about it. Sheamus said “banger after banger” and Rusev said he came here to go after gold, no gingers.
Analysis: I am all for a Rusev-Sheamus rematch. Their last match was excellent.
There was a rundown of SummerSlam matches on August 2 & 3.
* WWE Championship: John Cena (c) vs. Cody Rhodes
* Women’s World Championship: Naomi (c) vs. Iyo Sky vs. Rhea Ripley
* Women’s Intercontinental Championship: Becky Lynch (c) vs. Lyra Valkyria
* WWE Women’s Championship: Tiffany Stratton (c) vs. Jade Cargill
* Randy Orton & Jelly Roll vs. Drew McIntyre & Logan Paul
They showed highlights about how the Orton/Jelly vs. Drew/Logan match was set up at Saturday Night’s Main Event. Jelly Roll saved Orton from Logan, so then Drew hit a Claymore Kick on Jelly. That led to Orton and Jelly making the challenge.
Jelly Roll is a guest host on Jimmy Kimmel Live on Wednesday. Randy Orton is a guest that night.
Let’s Hear from Gunther
The World Heavyweight Champion Gunther made his entrance for a promo. When Gunther got into the ring, he said he was in a great mood. Gunther said that at Saturday Night’s Main Event, he retired Bill Goldberg, which led to “Goldberg” chants. Gunther told the fans that Goldberg is not there. Gunther said he held every promise that he made before the match because he bullied him, pushed him around, blew him up and choked him out. Gunther said he ended the myth that is Bill Goldberg. Gunther asked: “Who is next?” Gunther said don’t worry because we’ll have an answer soon. Gunther said he’ll watch in a suite as five of the best superstars compete for his amusement and find out who is the challenger for The Ring General at SummerSlam. Gunther said he didn’t care who the winner was.
Analysis: It was a confident Gunther as usual, as he should be. I don’t know if this Gunther title reign will be that long, but he is as credible as gets as a World Champion.
Bron Breakker made his entrance to start the Gauntlet Match, and he had Paul Heyman (carrying the Money in the Bank briefcase) by his side. Heyman shook hands with Gunther.
Heyman wanted to address the crowd, but Gunther interrupted and said he wasn’t interested in what Heyman had to say. Gunther tried to leave, but Bron stood in his way. Heyman told Gunther that Bron will become the number one contender and beat Bron for the World Heavyweight Championship. Heyman said that he saw how Gunther beat Goldberg, but you haven’t Speared until you have been Speared by Bron Breakker. Heyman said that Bron is the Next Big Thing, he’s the Big Dog and this is Bron’s yard. Heyman said that he’s not just a contender, he’s a Steiner. Heyman said Bron is going to break the glass ceiling and beat Gunther at SummerSlam. Heyman said that there will be a new World Heavyweight Champion at SummerSlam, a long-term World Heavyweight Champion, and his name is Bron Breakker. That’s when Bron stepped aside and Gunther left the ring.
Analysis: Good speech by Heyman as usual. Heyman referred to Bron as the next big thing, which is what WWE called Brock Lesnar in 2002 and then the Big Dog, which is what WWE called Roman Reigns early in his career. Interesting how they did that for Breakker here. I think Bron is certainly a main eventer long term in WWE. It’s just a matter of time.
Penta made his entrance as the second man in the Gauntlet Match. This was during a break for some fans. The fans popped huge for Penta. They love the guy.
World Heavyweight Title #1 Contender’s Gauntlet Match
Match #1: Bron Breakker (w/Paul Heyman) vs. Penta
I missed a few minutes of this. Bron hit a running clothesline. Penta came back with a dive over the top onto Bron on the floor. Bron worked over Penta with punches. Penta avoided Bron’s strikes and Penta hit a running superkick for two. They left the ring where Bron sent Penta into the barricade. The match returned for some fans and Bron sent Penta into the steel steps. Bron gave Penta a press slam onto the steel steps. Heyman was smiling. Back in the ring, Bron was in control with a suplex and Bron did some push-ups after. Penta punched Bron in the ribs and did a necksnap across the top rope. Bron came back with an overhead suplex for two. Penta tried to fight back, but Bron tossed him overhead with two more suplexes. Bron charged, Penta kicked him and Penta hit a Slingblade. Penta did a handstand dropkick by the turnbuckle. Penta jumped on the back and hit a Backstabber for two. Gunther was watching from a skybox. Pent hit a superkick. Penta went for a springboard attack, but Bron was ready and Bron hit a Spear! Bron covered Penta for the win after about 9 minutes.
Winner: Bron Breakker
Match #2: Bron Breakker (w/Paul Heyman) vs. LA Knight
Knight worked over Bron with punches, followed by a clothesline. Knight countered a move and hit a neckbreaker. Knight kicked the arm and Bron avoided a charge, so Knight was sent out of the ring. Knight grabbed Bron’s left arm and rammed it into the ring post a few times. Bron tried a lift, but he didn’t have any power, so Knight managed to hit a clothesline out of the ring. Knight kicked Bron while they were on the floor. Knight rammed Bron’s head into the commentary table hood. Bron grabbed Knight and sent him ribs first into the commentary table. Bron sent Knight ribs-first into the table again. Bron tripped up Knight on the middle turnbuckle. They went to a break for some fans, and I’ll take a break too.
Bron was dominant against Knight as Bron put his knee onto Knight’s back. Knight came back with punches, but Bron hit another knee to the ribs. Knight hit a top rope elbow drop for a two count. Knight went for BFT, Bron pushed him off and Knight caught Bron in a sitout Powerbomb for two. Knight went for BFT, Bron raked the eyes and got out of it. Bron hit a gutbuster with two knees to the ribs. Bron hit a Spear on Knight for the pinfall win. That sequence went about 11 minutes.
Winner: Bron Breakker
Analysis: I was a bit surprised by Knight losing there. I understand wanting to give Bron some wins, but I thought Bron would lose there.
Jey Uso was the fourth man in the match. That means CM Punk is last.
Match #3: Bron Breakker (w/Paul Heyman) vs. Jey Uso
Jey punched Bron a few times in the ring, and Jey knocked Bron out of the ring. Jey hit a suicide dive onto Bron on the floor. They went on a break for some fans, and Jey called for his music to play, so he did some Yeeting with the fans. Jey did more Yeeting with the fans since they wanted an encore. Jey worked over Bron with punches and that led to a two count. Bron sent Jey hard into the turnbuckle, so Bron took control.
Bron set up Jey on the top turnbuckle. Jey knocked Bron down and Jey hit a cross body block off the top for two. Jey hit a running hip attack, along with an enziguri kick to the head. Jey hit a running hip attack against the turnbuckle for two. Jey went to the ropes, but Bron managed to run the ropes and hit a Frankensteiner for a two count. Bron has been in the ring for nearly 30 minutes and he hit that Frankensteiner perfectly for a two count. Bron ran the ropes, Jey hit a superkick and a second superkick. Jey ran the ropes and hit a Spear for two because Bron got his right shoulder up. The fans thought that was it. Jey went up top and Bronson Reed pulled Jey’s arm. Cole said there were no disqualifications. Bron ran the ropes and hit a Spear on Jey for the pinfall win.
Winner: Bron Breakker
It was CM Punk time as the final leg in the Gauntlet Match. Heyman gave Bron some water. The fans popped huge for Punk as usual.
Match #4: Bron Breakker (w/Paul Heyman) vs. CM Punk
CM Punk was aggressive early with a clothesline and a bulldog. They went on a break at that point for some fans. Punk chopped Born and tackled him into the steel steps. Punk jumped off the top with a double axhandle. Punk went up top and hit a double axhandle again. Punk worked over Bron with forearms. Bron left the ring for a breather, so Punk ran at Bron and hit him with a running forearm.
The match continued with Punk hitting a Russian legsweep for a two count. Punk held onto Bron’s arm and sent him hard into the turnbuckle. Punk hit an inverted atomic drop. Punk jumped off the top, but Bron caught him and Bron hit an overhead suplex. Bron hit a running knee on Punk while he was against the turnbuckle. Bron spoke into the camera held by Stu and said he didn’t think it was clobbering time. Bron gave Punk a catapult into the bottom rope. It was over 35 minutes for Bron in this match. Bron hit an overhead suplex. Bron hit a suplex. Punk tried a lift, Bron got out of that and Bron hit a backbreaker for two. Punk hit Bron with a boot to the face. Punk sat on the top rope, and Bron hit a Frankensteiner, but Punk hit a sunset flip for a two count. Good nearfall. Bron picked up Punk, who hit Bron with a roundhouse kick to the head. Punk and Bron exchanged punches, followed by Punk hitting a jumping leg lariat. Punk hit a neckbreaker. Punk hit the running knee and a clothesline. Punk went up top, Reed went after him, and Punk kicked Reed down. Punk went up top and hit an elbow drop on Bron for two. Punk applied the Anaconda Vice on the left arm. Reed went into the ring and hit an elbow drop on Punk. Jey Uso ran down to the ring to fight Reed with a superkick out of the ring. Jey hit a suicide dive on Reed on the floor. Bron charged, Punk kicked him and Punk hit the GTS for the pinfall win. It went 11 minutes. The entire match went 42 minutes.
Winner: CM Punk
Analysis: ***1/2 That’s my rating for the entire Gauntlet Match with four falls. Jey Uso coming back out there to save CM Punk worked as a finish since Jey got attacked by Reed in his fall, so it made sense for Jey to get revenge. Impressive by Bron Breakker for over 40 minutes. Breakker dominated the match, but after 42 minutes, he fell to CM Punk, who was the obvious winner of the match.
The win means that CM Punk will challenge Gunther for the World Heavyweight Title at SummerSlam.
Analysis: Title change at SummerSlam? I think it’s a strong possibility.
CM Punk celebrated on the turnbuckle while staring at Gunther in the skybox. Gunther held up the World Title. Reed went back into the ring and splashed Punk. Reed punched Punk a few times, but Jey was there to punch Reed a few times. Bron was back up and hit Jey with a Spear. Reed held Punk, so Bron ran the ropes and hit a Spear. The fans were chanting “OTC” for Roman Reigns. They knew.
Welcome back to the OTC, Roman Reigns! He is back after three months. His music played, and the fans exploded as Reigns wore a shirt that said “OTC1” on it. Reigns went into the ring and hit a Superman Punch on Reed. Reigns tripped up Bron and punched him a few times. Reigns hit a Samoan Drop on Reed. Reigns hit a Superman Punch on Breakker. Reigns hit a Spear on Reed. The fans were going crazy.
Roman Reigns picked up cousin Jey Uso, and they shook hands. Reigns stared across the ring at Punk, who got back up to his feet on his own. The fans were singing, “Roman, Roman Reigns” for him. Reigns looked at Heyman and his guys in the aisle. Punk hugged Jey in the ring. Reigns and Punk spoke from a distance. That was the end of the show.
Analysis: It’s good to see Roman Reigns back after three months away. I think the plan was probably for Reigns to face Seth Rollins at SummerSlam, but with Seth out due to an injury, I can see it being Reigns and Jey against Breakker and Reed. They could also just do Reigns against Breakker. I liked how this was done, and the fans loved seeing Roman back in action.
The OTC is BACK! ☝️ pic.twitter.com/AmbKTWdYQo
— WWE (@WWE) July 15, 2025
This week’s Raw had a runtime of 2 hours and 35 minutes on Netflix.
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Three Stars of the Show
- Bron Breakker
- Lyra Valkyria and Bayley
- CM Punk
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The Scoreboard
7.75 out of 10
Last week: 7.5
2025 Average: 7.54
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Final Thoughts on WWE Raw
I enjoyed the show. Welcome back, Roman Reigns, after three months off. Bron Breakker delivered an outstanding performance in the main event, as he was involved in the Gauntlet Match for over 40 minutes. That can be so tiring, I’m sure, but he handled it well, and I liked the match. With Seth Rollins likely out for SummerSlam, they can probably go with Roman against Bron, or Roman & Jey Uso against Bron & Bronson Reed. There could be room for Jey against Reed in a singles match, too.
CM Punk winning to face Gunther for the World Heavyweight Title at SummerSlam was what I figured would happen. I like that. It’s a fresh matchup for SummerSlam. It’s also good to see Punk earn it instead of just naming him for a title match like they did when he was against John Cena at Night of Champions. I also think Punk might beat Gunther for the title.
The women’s division was featured heavily, especially with the Lyra Valkyria-Bayley match going 20 minutes. That was fun to watch, with Lyra finding a way to win. I’m sure the Naomi-Sky-Ripley match at SummerSlam will be great. Raquel & Roxanne continue their momentum as a team. The Nikki Bella-Chelsea Green match wasn’t great by any means, but I don’t mind seeing Stephanie Vaquer save Nikki, and that can set up a tag team match. I think SummerSlam is shaping up nicely, with several big matches now set up.
The next WWE PLE is SummerSlam from MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on August 2 & 3. Here’s the lineup so far.
* WWE Championship: John Cena (c) vs. Cody Rhodes
* Women’s World Championship: Naomi (c) vs. Iyo Sky vs. Rhea Ripley
* World Heavyweight Championship: Gunther (c) vs. CM Punk
* Randy Orton & Jelly Roll vs. Drew McIntyre & Logan Paul
* WWE Women’s Championship: Tiffany Stratton (c) vs. Jade Cargill
* Women’s Intercontinental Championship: Becky Lynch (c) vs. Lyra Valkyria
You can watch SummerSlam on Saturday, August 2, and Sunday, August 3, streaming live at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.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
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Twitter/X @johnreport