The John Report: WWE Raw Deal 07/21/25 Review
It’s WWE Raw featuring words from Roman Reigns and CM Punk, a Women’s Tag Team Title match, Sami Zayn facing Karrion Kross, Rusev battling Sheamus, and more.
We are on the road to SummerSlam, which is less than two weeks away on August 2 and 3. A lot of big matches are already set, but there are big names that will be on the card, too. I like how the card looks so far. Last week’s Raw saw “The Tribal Chief” Roman Reigns make his triumphant return, so we’ll see how he factors into SummerSlam plans.
This is the Raw Deal for episode #1678 of Monday Night Raw. It’s taking place at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport. Let’s get to it.
The opening video package showed highlights from last week as Bron Breakker won three matches in the Gauntlet Match. CM Punk was the final match and Punk beat Breakker to earn a shot at Gunther’s World Heavyweight Title at SummerSlam. After the match, Roman Reigns made his return.
There was some pre-show walking shown of Sami Zayn, Becky Lynch, and The Judgment Day arriving in a car. Dominik Mysterio said he’d valet the car, but it was AJ Styles there as the valet. Styles said he hopes Dominik gets cleared today.
Let’s Hear from CM Punk…and Gunther
CM Punk made his entrance and got a loud ovation as usual. CM Punk got in the ring and held the microphone in the air as the fans chanted his name.
Punk said he was happy to be here. Punk talked about how his distractions are on the back burner, so he can focus on his goal of being the World Heavyweight Champion. Punk said he won the Gauntlet Match to earn a shot at Gunther’s World Title. Punk said that Gunther is one of the best in the world and he is looking forward to locking up with Gunther. Punk said he can’t promise a win, but he will promise you he’ll leave it all in the ring, he will not quit and he will give you everything he has. Punk mentioned Gunther is on his second run with the World Heavyweight Title. Punk said he only has two weeks to get ready for this beast, but Punk has been training for this his whole life and he is prepared because he is CM Punk. Punk said that he is not just any other challenger, Punk is the best in the world…and here comes Gunther.
The World Heavyweight Champion Gunther walked out dressed in black with the World Title around his waist.
Gunther had a staredown with Punk in the ring. The fans booed before Gunther even said a word. Gunther tried to talk again, but there were more boos and “You tapped out” chants. Gunther said he didn’t come out here to throw insults at Punk. Gunther pointed out some similarities because they’re not there to make friends, but to win championships. Gunther said that Punk has a massive ego and Gunther has a massive ego. Gunther told Punk that his massive ego is justified, but it’s not based on what they think because that’s worthless. Gunther said that the best in the world is the man who holds the World Heavyweight Championship. Gunther said that he’s focused on what happens after the bell rings and when it does, he’ll make Punk regret he ever stepped into the ring. Gunther said he’s going to push him around, then he’ll wake up and realize Punk will never be a World Heavyweight Champion (again) and he’ll never be the Best in the World. Gunther said that at least Punk will have the fans chanting for him for the rest of his life. Gunther left.
Analysis: I am a big fan of both guys and I look forward to their match at SummerSlam. I liked the confidence that Punk showed while Gunther did a nice job of being a cocky heel champion. I feel like the match needs a bit more, so maybe a wild brawl or something to show how intense both guys are would have helped this segment. I think the Punk-Gunther match sells itself in a lot of ways, so it’s not a massive complaint. I’m just saying we need to have more of a story instead of just that Punk won a match to earn a title shot against Gunther. It could be a lot more. That’s all I’m saying.
Stephanie Vaquer was interviewed by Byron Saxton, who asked about Chelsea Green and Secret Hervice. Naomi interrupted as the Women’s World Champion, saying that after she wins at SummerSlam, she’ll face Vaquer at Clash in Paris. Vaquer said if Naomi survives. Naomi said when Vaquer faced Iyo Sky in the past, Iyo was walking Vaquer like a dog and she wouldn’t let that slide. Naomi said she’d see her in Paris and left with an evil laugh.
Analysis: That was Naomi trying to push the buttons of Vaquer by referencing the great Vaquer/Sky match so that Vaquer can fight Sky, whom Naomi is facing at SummerSlam.
Rusev made his entrance for singles action. They went on a break for some fans. Sheamus made his entrance for the match.
The commentary team is Michael Cole and Corey Graves. I guess Pat McAfee isn’t coming back since he’s been gone since early June. Alicia Taylor was the ring announcer.
A replay was shown of three weeks ago when Rusev beat Sheamus in a very physical match. Now it’s time for the rematch.
Sheamus vs. Rusev
Sheamus went for a Brogue Kick, Rusev bailed after him and Sheamus met him on the floor. They went back into the ring, where Rusev kicked Sheamus while he was on the apron. Rusev hit a suplex, followed by another suplex. Sheamus hit a rolling senton and a knee drop. Rusev sent Sheamus into the turnbuckle, followed by a clothesline. Rusev hit Sheamus in the lower back, followed by a belly-to-back suplex. Rusev celebrated that, so Sheamus came back with a clothesline. Sheamus set up Rusev on the apron, Rusev did a necksnap across the top and Sheamus hit a knee smash to knock Rusev down. Sheamus went up top, slipped, then Sheamus went back up and jumped off the top with a clothesline. Sheamus looked at the camera as if to say that was close. Funny guy. Rusev got a hold of Sheamus and hit a fallaway slam on top of the announce table to the floor. They went to a break for some fans as the action continued with the referee counting Sheamus out of the ring. Sheamus barely got back in before the ten count. Rusev worked over Sheamus with some choking against the ropes.
The match continued as Sheamus hit multiple double axhandles and the Irish Curse backbreaker. Rusev hit a boot to the face, but Sheamus came back with a powerslam. There were “Let’s Go Sheamus” chants from the crowd. Sheamus set up Rusev on the apron, leading to the Ten Beats of the Bodhran forearms to the chest, and the fans chanted along for all of them. Sheamus set up for the Brogue Kick, but Rusev caught him and hit a Powerbomb for two. Rusev charged, but Sheamus was back up with a knee smash for two. Sheamus went up top, Rusev chopped him in the chest a few times and Sheamus punched Rusev to knock him down. Sheamus jumped off the top, Rusev avoided it and hit a superkick. Rusev applied the Accolade submission near the ropes, Sheamus was on his knees and Sheamus reached for the ropes, which he was able to get to force the break. The fans popped for that. Rusev stomped on Sheamus, so Sheamus told him to bring it. Rusev took off the light padding by the steel turnbuckle. Sheamus blocked it, and Sheamus sent Rusev into the exposed steel. Rusev got the shillelagh, Sheamus was ready, and Sheamus hit a Brogue Kick. The referee turned around from fixing the turnbuckle, and the referee counted the three to give Sheamus the win. It went about 15 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Sheamus
Analysis: ***1/2 It was a great match between two physical guys who know eachother well. A lot of the offense looks great because they are not taking it easy on eachother. You could hear how hard some of those shots were. Rusev tried to cheat again using the turnbuckle, but Sheamus was ready for it and found a way to win with the dreaded Brogue Kick. Since Sheamus got the win this time and Rusev got the win last time, so I assume the rivalry will continue.
El Grande Americano was interviewed by Byron Saxton, so Grande spoke in a foreign language. Dragon Lee got in Grande’s face, saying he disrespected luchadores. They got into a fight, but officials broke it up.
Analysis: We know El Grande Americano is Ludwig Kaiser now, so we’ll see wrestlers saying he was disrespectful and it will set up matches.
A clip aired from WWE Unreal, the new Netflix series, and we saw when Triple H put IShowSpeed in the Royal Rumble. WWE Unreal debuts on July 29th on Netflix.
The New Day made their entrance for triple threat tag team action. They had the entrances of their opponents in the LWO and The Creed Brothers during the break for some fans.
Bayley and Lyra Valkyria spoke backstage about their Women’s Tag Team Title match. Lyra wondered why Bayley wanted their tag team match tonight. Bayley said it’s because they didn’t get to team at WrestleMania, so they can do it now. Lyra mentioned beating Bayley’s ass last week and Bayley didn’t seem bothered by that. Bayley was excited about the match.
#1 Contenders Triple Threat Tag Team Match: The New Day – Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods vs. The Creed Brothers – Julius & Brutus Creed (w/Ivy Nile) vs. LWO – Joaquin Wilde & Cruz Del Toro (w/Dragon Lee)
There are three guys legal in the match and the first fall wins. Julius hit a boot to the face, a suplex and a double suplex to the New Day guys. Julius clotheslined Wilde for two. Cruz tagged in with a back elbow on Julius and a double team move that saw Wilde splash Julius. Kofi was back in with a superkick and he got two counts. Woods tagged in with a springboard DDT on Cruz. Woods hit a superkick on Julius. New Day tagged in for the Unicorn Stomp on Julius. Kofi hit a running basement dropkick on Julius. They went to break for some fans.
There was an enziguri kick by Cruz on Kofi and Cruz hit a Poison Rana on Brutus. Wilde tagged in with a superkick, forearm and a jumping DDT. Wilde hit another DDT and a reverse DDT on Kingston. Wilde did a spot pinning both New Day guys (one of them was legal) for a two count. Wilde hit a jumping neckbreaker. Wilde went up top, so Nile shoved him off and there’s no DQ’s in this match. Julius shoved Lee down on the floor, so Lee hit Julius with a superkick. Lee superkicked Brutus against the ropes. El Grande Americano showed up to beat up Lee with punches. Cruz jumped off the top with a corkscrew plancha onto the Creeds on the floor. Wilde sent Woods out of the ring and did a ROLLUP OF DEATH~! with a lean on Kofi for the pinfall win. It went about 10 minutes.
Winners by pinfall: LWO – Joaquin Wilde & Cruz Del Toro
Analysis: ***1/4 It was a good match with a result that made me happy because the LWO guys aren’t used that much, so getting a win like that is big for them. Wilde and Cruz are so talented in the ring. I’d like to see them get more opportunities. At least winning a match like this will give the LWO guys an opportunity at the World Tag Team Titles. I don’t see there being a title change. The New Day and Creeds also did well in the match. I liked how fast-paced it was, but there was some chaos and interference at the end that hurt the match a bit.
Iyo Sky was in the locker room talking to The Kabuki Warriors about how they are all going to be champions. Sky is already the Women’s World Champion, so they said she would hold onto the title. The Kabuki Warriors left. Stephanie Vaquer walked up to Iyo Sky to talk about their past match on Raw. Sky claimed she had Vaquer beat. Vaquer said that they don’t have to wait until Clash in Paris. Sky said why don’t we find out in Houston? The fans popped huge. Vaquer said she accepted.
Analysis: That was a loud crowd reaction. The fans love these international stars. I love to see it.
A video package aired showing highlights of the WrestleMania 41 Saturday main event when Paul Heyman turned on Roman Reigns and CM Punk to help Seth Rollins win the match. Rollins pinned Reigns after hitting The Stomp.
The TNA World Champion Trick Williams was interviewed in the suite area by Vic Joseph, who is NXT’s lead announcer. Trick said that he is not worried about doubters or the fans. Trick said he’s worried about this gold. Trick is going to confront The Undertaker on NXT, so Trick said he had no problem with Taker. Trick said that Taker’s LFG boys got in his way, and Trick told them to move. Trick said he might just knock Undertaker’s ass out tomorrow. Trick warned Undertaker, saying it might be his last ride.
Analysis: Putting The Undertaker on NXT to confront Trick may get more eyeballs on NXT, so that’s good for the brand.
Dominik Mysterio was talking to Adam Pearce backstage. Pearce told Dominik to go to medical so he could get cleared. Dominik was stalling, and there was AJ Styles dressed as a janitor to continue stalking Dominik. The New Day walked up to Styles, who told them to be careful and not slip. The New Day complained about how they are the greatest tag team of all time. Kofi and Woods realized that they needed an advantage. Grayson Waller said that Austin Theory is injured, so he’s a free agent. Waller said he can be Big G. Waller said he’ll get the car and see them in the parking lot. Woods and Kofi wondered what he was talking about.
Analysis: That’s Grayson Waller trying to be part of The New Day, but we don’t know if they’ll be receptive to it.
Let’s Hear from Becky Lynch
Becky Lynch made her entrance as the Women’s Intercontinental Champion. At SummerSlam, Lynch will defend the Women’s IC Title against Lyra Valkyria, the former champion.
Lynch said she should be in New York at the premiere for her movie Happy Gilmore 2, but instead, she’s in Houston, Texas. Lynch talked about how, at Evolution, she had the slickest victory of all time. Lynch said that she won and held everybody down, but at least she was honest about it. Lynch said that Lyra Valkyria is bogarting the opportunities for this title. Lynch wondered how greedy Lyra could be and asked who needed two titles? That led to her bragging about being Becky Two Belts in the past. Lynch claimed that Lyra is being purely selfish. Lynch called out Lyra.
Lyra Valkyria joined Becky Lynch in the ring. Lynch said that they are 1-1 in singles competition. Lynch brought out the best in her and made her a star. Lynch said that when Lyra loses at SummerSlam, Lyra can never challenge Lynch for this title ever again. Lyra accepted Lynch’s terms. Lyra said no countouts, no disqualifications and there must be a winner. Lynch responded: “Fine…fine.” Lyra said that she’ll see her at SummerSlam. Lynch said that Lyra will respect Lynch and respect this title, so Lynch told Lyra to shake her hand. Lynch tried an attack, Lyra was ready and Lyra hit a Manhandle Slam. Lyra held up the Women’s IC Title while Lynch was down on the floor.
Analysis: There’s a stipulation for the Lynch-Lyra match at SummerSlam. They have a few matches with stipulations at SummerSlam, which I don’t mind because it makes them stand out more.
Bayley made her entrance for the tag team match. The Judgment Day’s Raquel & Roxanne entered for their title match. The show went on a break for some fans. They did the introductions for the match.
Women’s Tag Team Championships: The Judgment Day – Raquel Rodriguez & Roxanne Perez (w/Dominik Mysterio) vs. Bayley & Lyra Valkyria
It was Perez starting for her team, but then Raquel made the tag and shoved Bayley down. Lyra was apprehensive about Bayley tagging her in aggressively. There were “Dirty Dom” chants. Lyra battled Raquel, then Bayley tagged herself in and Raquel suplexed both opponents. Raquel sent Bayley into the turnbuckle. Raquel hit a fallaway slam on Perez onto Bayley for a two count. Bayley broke free with a kick, so Lyra tagged in with kicks on Raquel. Lyra tripped up Raquel and hit an enziguri kick to the head. Raquel sent Lyra into the top rope and Perez wrenched on Lyra’s arm across the top rope. Raquel hit a clothesline on Lyra. They went to a break and the heels were in control for a few minutes.
Raquel hit a slingshot suplex off the ropes and Perez hit a springboard moonsault on Lyra for a two count. Raquel went for an elbow drop off the turnbuckle, but Lyra moved. Bayley got the hot tag against Perez and Bayley hit a belly-to-back suplex. The fans were booing Bayley, who hit Perez with a forearm. Bayley hit a double knee attack to Perez’s ribs. Bayley hit a sunset flip into the turnbuckle for a two count on Perez. Bayley went for a splash, Perez moved and Raquel hit a clothesline to knock Bayley down. Raquel hit another slingshot suplex and Perez went for the moonsault again, but Bayley got her knees up to block. Bayley hit a knee on Perez for two. Lyra got the tag and hit a leg drop to the back of Perez’s neck for a two count. Bayley sent Raquel into the ring post. Perez and Lyra battled by the turnbuckle, Lyra slipped underneath and Lyra hit a sitout Powerbomb. Bayley got the tag and hit an Elbow Drop off the top for two because Raquel made the save. Lyra hit a cross body block to take Raquel out. Dominik went on the apron to distract, Bayley looked at him and Perez got a rollup for two. Bayley hit a knee on Perez. Raquel accidentally kicked Dom after Lyra move. Raquel barely touched him, but Dom was selling it like it was a big kick. Lyra kicked Raquel on the floor. Bayley and Perez did a double hair pull takedown. The medical team checked on Dominik and it was AJ Styles. That was funny. Dominik ran away. Becky Lynch pulled Lyra off the apron and Lynch sent Lyra into the steel steps. Bayley never saw it. Bayley and Perez got pin attempts. Bayley hit Bayley to Belly on Perez, but Raquel made a blind tag. Raquel hit a Tejana Bomb on Bayley for the pinfall win. It went about 15 minutes.
Winners by pinfall: The Judgment Day – Raquel Rodriguez & Roxanne Perez
Analysis: ***1/4 It’s another tag team match with a chaotic finish due to people not in the match getting involved. That’s something Triple H loves to book as we see nearly every week. I get it in this case since it was Becky Lynch costing Lyra Valkyria the match. That will also upset Bayley, who will think that Lyra wasn’t there for her. Anyway, I expect Raquel & Perez to have a long title reign, possibly until Liv Morgan comes back.
Sami Zayn was interviewed backstage by Jackie Redmond, who asked if Zayn was sure he wanted to do this, given that he was supposed to be out indefinitely. Zayn said that this didn’t need to go on any longer. Zayn claimed he would have been in the Gauntlet Match last week, but Kross took it away from him. Zayn said they don’t need to wait another week because he is going to deal with this right now.
Sami Zayn made his entrance with his ribs taped. Singles action up next as the show went to a break for some fans. Karrion Kross made his entrance with his wife, Scarlett, and it’s one of the coolest entrances in WWE, going back to his NXT days.
There was a video about the night after WrestleMania when Bron Breakker joined Seth Rollins’ group and they beat up Roman Reigns (and CM Punk) that night. Bron gave Reigns a Spear through the barricade, which led to Reigns missing three months after that.
Dominik Mysterio was backstage talking to his buddies in The Judgment Day, Finn Balor and JD McDonagh. Adam Pearce showed up and said Dominik had to get checked out by medical now.
Karrion Kross (w/Scarlett) vs. Sami Zayn
Zayn hit a suplex. Kross came back with an elbow smash. Kross worked over Zayn with punches while the fans chanted “Let’s go Kross/Let’s Go Sami.” Kross whipped Zayn into the turnbuckle. Zayn worked over Kross with punches against the turnbuckle. Zayn clotheslined Kross over the top to the floor. Zayn hit the Arabian Press moonsault and a Sabu point tribute after that. Zayn sent Kross into the ring, so Scarlett kicked Zayn in the ribs. Zayn had the taped ribs, so he went down selling it. Kross took over as they went to break for some fans.
Kross worked over Zayn with elbows and a forearm smash to the head. Kross hit a Saito Suplex across the ring. Zayn jumped over Kross and hit a clothesline. Zayn hit a Tornado DDT for two. Kross tackled Zayn into the turnbuckle. They went o the turnbuckle where Kross tried a superplex, but Zayn fought back with punches. Zayn hit a Sunset Flip Bomb off the turnbuckle for a two count. Scarlett grabbed a steel pipe from under the ring and wanted to give it to Kross, but Zayn was back up. Zayn gave Kross an Exploder Suplex into the turnbuckle. Scarlett handed Kross the pipe while the referee looked at Zayn. Scarlett grabbed Zayn’s legs, the referee admonished her, and Kross hit Zayn in the ribs with the pipe. The referee never saw it. Kross was bleeding from the nose or mouth. Kross covered Zayn for the pinfall win. It went about 10 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Karrion Kross
Analysis: *** A cheap win thanks to a heavy dose of Scarlett interfering in the match. That’s the third match on the show so far where there was outside interference to determine a finish. It feels like a lot in one show. I’m happy that Kross got a meaningful win since he isn’t booked that strongly. Zayn can afford a loss like that. There will likely be more matches between them in the weeks ahead.
AJ Styles talked to Adam Pearce by the trainer’s room. A trainer said they had to finish some paperwork still. Dominik hit AJ in the back to knock him down and Dominik will defend the IC Title against Styles at SummerSlam.
Analysis: It’s finally official at SummerSlam with Dominik Mysterio defending the Intercontinental Title against AJ Styles. Title change? Maybe, but I doubt it. I’ll pick Dominik most likely.
The former Women’s World Champion Iyo Sky made her entrance and the fans cheered for her. They went on a break for some fans. Stephanie Vaquer made her entrance and she got a big ovation as well.
They showed rapper That Mexican OT, who I don’t know. They showed Mattress Mack as well. I know him at least. The fans popped for Mack too.
Iyo Sky vs. Stephanie Vaquer
It started with the women exchanging some basic holds on the mat. Vaquer went for a move, Sky blocked it and Vaquer rolled her up for two. Sky got a cradle for just a one count. Vaquer did a bridging pin on Sky for two. Sky went for a headscissors and then turned it into a rollup for two. Sky did a backflip, followed by a dropkick that sent Vaquer out of the ring. Sky hit a suicide dive onto Vaquer on the floor. Sky went for a springboard moonsault onto Vaquer on the floor, but Vaquer avoided it and hit a superkick on the floor. Vaquer hit a springboard cross body block onto Sky on the floor. Great move as they went to break for some fans. Vaquer sent Sky into the turnbuckle repeatedly. Vaquer hit a leg drop for two. Vaquer applied a chinlock, Sky got out of it and Sky did a back body drop
Vaquer was in control with double underhook move leading to double knees to the face. Sky applied a Crossface, but Vaquer got out of it. Sky gave Vaquer a headscissors into the mat. Sky hit a springboard moonsault on Vaquer on the floor. Vaquer jumped off the top and hit a missile dropkick. Sky flipped Vaquer over and hit a double foot stomp to the ribs. Sky went for a Bullet Train attack, Vaquer avoided it and Vaquer hit a German Suplex. Sky came back with a German Suplex of her own. Sky went for a Powerbomb on the apron, but Vaquer hit a knee to the throat. Vaquer gave Sky the Devil’s Kiss on the apron and then they rolled into the ring where it continued with Vaquer doing the Devil’s Kiss in the ring for a two count. The fans love that knee smashing move. Vaquer did a dragon screw leg whip out of the corner followed by double knees against the turnbuckle. Sky countered a move and hit a double underhook backbreaker onto the knee. The fans chanted “This is awesome” for them. Sky worked over Vaquer with punches and a kick to the head. Sky hit the Bullet Train double knees. Sky went up top, but Vaquer was up to trip Sky on the turnbuckle. Vaquer gave Sky a reverse superplex off the middle turnbuckle. That was an awesome move. The Secret Hervice duo of Piper Niven and Alba Fyre went to ringside. Vaquer knocked them off the apron. Chelsea Green went into the ring and hit Vaquer from behind. There’s the DQ. It went 15 minutes.
Winner by disqualification: Stephanie Vaquer
Analysis: ***1/2 They were on their way to a great match just like in April, but once again it ended too soon without a finish. It’s a case of WWE not wanting to have Sky or Vaquer lose a match, which I do understand. That’s the fourth straight match on this show with outside interference affecting a match.
The heels attacked Vaquer. Sky made the save with a missile dropkick. Sky and Vaquer dropkicked Niven out of the ring. Proceed with caution because Naomi was in the ring, and she shoved Sky into Vaquer, who bumped out of the ring. Secret Hervice beat up Vaquer on the floor. Rhea Ripley made the save by beating up Fyre and Niven on the floor. Ripley slammed Naomi face-first into the mat. Green was all alone, so Vaquer and Sky each hit kicks on her. Ripley hit a Riptide on Green. The fans loved that and popped huge for Ripley.
Analysis: Easy way to set up Rhea Ripley for the hero spot, leading to a huge ovation. It was booked well.
There was a rundown of the SummerSlam lineup on August 2 & 3.
* Women’s World Championship: Naomi (c) vs. Iyo Sky vs. Rhea Ripley
* World Heavyweight Championship: Gunther (c) vs. CM Punk
* United States Championship Steel Cage Match: Solo Sikoa (c) vs. Jacob Fatu
* WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships – Raquel Rodriguez & Roxanne Perez (c) vs. Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss
* Randy Orton & Jelly Roll vs. Drew McIntyre & Logan Paul
* Women’s Intercontinental Championship (No Countouts, No Disqualifications): Becky Lynch (c) vs. Lyra Valkyria
* Intercontinental Championship: Dominik Mysterio (c) vs. AJ Styles
* WWE Women’s Championship: Tiffany Stratton (c) vs. Jade Cargill
* WWE Championship Street Fight: John Cena (c) vs. Cody Rhodes
Analysis: That’s 9 matches at this point. I think they’ll probably have between 12 and 14 matches, so there will be more matches added to the card.
The Judgment Day was interviewed by Byron Saxton in the suite. This was during a break. Finn Balor talked about how it was a successful night since they are five superstars and five champions. Balor said tonight is dedicated to Liv Morgan. JD McDonagh told the LWO that we saw them celebrating, but until they beat The Judgment Day, they haven’t beaten anybody. Raquel Rodriguez said she hopes Charlotte and Alexa were watching because that will happen to them at SummerSlam. Dominik tried to speak, but Roxanne spoke up instead, saying that after SummerSlam, AJ Styles will be the one who needs a doctor.
Let’s Hear from Paul Heyman with Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed
The trio of WWE Hall of Famer Paul Heyman, Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed walked down to the ring. Reed had the Money in the Bank briefcase belonging to their absent pal Seth Rollins.
Heyman said that he was with the future of the industry, Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed. Heyman said before he comes out here, Paul has things to get off his chest. Here comes Roman!
Let’s Hear from Roman Reigns
Roman Reigns made his entrance wearing the “OTC1” shirt. The fans popped huge for The Tribal Chief as he made his slow walk down to the ring.
Heyman told Reigns he didn’t want to be disrespectful or rude. The fans booed that. They chanted “OTC” at Heyman, as Reigns smiled about that. Heyman said that he didn’t ever want to be where it seems like he would be disrespectful or rude, like somebody born in Texas. Heyman claimed that Seth Rollins is going to be out of action for a long, long time (heels lie). Heyman said there’s a leadership void, so they can put this back together. Heyman told Reigns that they are better together than they are apart. Heyman said Reigns will always be his family because Heyman loves the Tribal Chief.
Reigns: “H-Town! Acknowledge me!” The fans cheered. Heyman held up a finger in the air. Reigns said that a few years ago, he’d say those were wise words from a Wise Man, but you’re not a Wise Man anymore because you’re just a dumbass. Heyman held Bron back. Reigns told Bron that Heyman will take all the credit when Bron is the man around here. That’s what Heyman did to Reigns. Reigns said that Heyman wasn’t the one who created The Tribal Chief. Reigns said he’s The Tribal Chief because the fans still acknowledge him. That led to another “OTC” chant. Reigns said he was the greatest champion to ever step foot in this ring, and this man had a part in that. Reigns said he didn’t have a part in him keeping that title. Reigns said that The Usos did (“Yeet” chants from the fans), Solo did, and Sami even helped out. Reigns said that he lost that title after four years. Reigns said he went home to continue the future Bloodline.
Reigns said that the dumbass here (Heyman) thought The Bloodline was some wrestling group. Reigns said that you can’t create The Bloodline because that was God’s work. Reigns told Bron to back up…son. Reigns said what really bothered him was that Heyman used to be just a friend to the family and a business partner. Reigns told Heyman that he was part of the family, he was chosen family and what did you do? Reigns said that Heyman threw it all away. Reigns said that he threw it away for Seth Rollins, a best friend. Reigns told Heyman that he didn’t ruin The Bloodline because it was this dumbass, Heyman, who did it. Bron stepped in front of Heyman again. Heyman handed Bron the microphone.
Bron Breakker said that they don’t want Roman Reigns here anymore. Bron said that Roman is yesterday’s news, he’s The Old Dog, he was relevant five years ago and he’s taking up a spot in Bron’s ring. Bron said he knows Heyman won’t stab him in the back because Bron holds value in this place. Bron told Reigns he was worthless. Bron said he’s The Big Dog, The Top Dog, the future of WWE and the man around here now. Bron told Roman to do what he does best…turn around and leave.
Reigns said that he didn’t hear any of that trash that Bron said. Reigns tossed the microphone at Bron and Reigns hit a Superman Punch on Bron. Reigns went after Reed with punches, but then Reed pushed Reigns away and Bron hit Roman with a Spear. Reed set up for a Tsunami, so here comes Jey Uso to save his cousin Roman.
Jey Uso went into the ring and hit superkicks on Bron and Reed. Jey hit a jumping kick on Reed. Jey punched Bron to knock him down. Reigns was back in as Jey and Reigns each hit Spears on the heels to clear the ring. Jey’s song hit and picked up Roman.
Roman Reigns and Jey Uso stood tall in the ring as they stared at Bron Breakker, Paul Heyman and Bronson Reed in the aisle. That was the end of the show.
When it Reigns, it SPEARS! pic.twitter.com/SL1RrL3Skr
— WWE (@WWE) July 22, 2025
Analysis: That sets them up for a tag team match at SummerSlam. I thought it might be Roman against Bron and Jey against Reed, but a tag team match seems likely now. I enjoyed the Roman Reigns promo a lot. He trashed Heyman with some good lines, and the Bron Breakker response was pretty good too. I liked the segment overall.
This week’s Raw had a runtime of 2 hours and 43 minutes on Netflix.
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Three Stars of the Show
- Roman Reigns
- Sheamus
- Stephanie Vaquer/Iyo Sky
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The Scoreboard
7.5 out of 10
Last week: 7.75
2025 Average: 7.54
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Final Thoughts on WWE Raw
I enjoyed Raw this week. This was one of those shows that flowed well, and I thought it was a good mix of strong matches, along with some entertaining promos. With that said, four of the five matches had outside interference. It does feel repetitive when it happens that many times. I enjoyed the Sheamus-Rusev match a lot and Iyo Sky-Stephanie Vaquer was fun while it lasted.
The SummerSlam card is strong in terms of match quality, but some of the matches lack a clear storyline. I was hoping for more story progression on this show. For example, CM Punk and Gunther gave speeches about how great they are. That’s not much else to it. The story could be better. That’s all I’m saying.
Good main event segment with Roman Reigns talking to Paul Heyman, then Bron Breakker stepped up with Bronson Reed, and that brought out Jey Uso to save Roman. It sets up the obvious tag team match at SummerSlam. I thought it was an entertaining main event angle.
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 Street Fight: 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
* WWE Women’s Championship: Tiffany Stratton (c) vs. Jade Cargill
* Randy Orton & Jelly Roll vs. Drew McIntyre & Logan Paul
* Women’s Intercontinental Championship (No Countouts, No Disqualifications): Becky Lynch (c) vs. Lyra Valkyria
* WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships – Raquel Rodriguez & Roxanne Perez (c) vs. Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss
* United States Championship Steel Cage Match: Solo Sikoa (c) vs. Jacob Fatu
* Intercontinental Championship: Dominik Mysterio (c) vs. AJ Styles
You can watch SummerSlam on Saturday, August 2, and Sunday, August 3, streaming live 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