The John Report: WWE Raw Deal 08/11/25 Review
It’s WWE Raw featuring CM Punk addressing his enemies, Sami Zayn in action against Rusev, Becky Lynch facing Maxxine Dupri, and more.
Last week’s WWE Monday Night Raw ended with Seth Rollins and his group, The Vision, laying out their rivals CM Punk, LA Knight, and Roman Reigns to end the show. Reigns is scheduled to be there this week, but he will be back next week and the week after to set up a match at Clash in Paris on August 31st. I’m glad that Reigns will be part of that show.
The Women’s World Championship was supposed to be on the line this week with Naomi defending the gold against Iyo Sky, but Naomi is not cleared to compete, so WWE cancelled the match a few hours before the show.
This is the Raw Deal for episode #1681 of Monday Night Raw. It’s taking place at Centre Videotron in Quebec City, Quebec. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport. Let’s get to it.
The opening video package showed highlights of last week’s Raw featuring Seth Rollins and The Vision dealing with their many adversaries, LA Knight, CM Punk, and Roman Reigns. The Rollins-Knight World Heavyweight Title match ended as a DQ when Punk attacked Rollins, and that led to Seth’s group dominating to end the show.
The Raw commentary team of Michael Cole and Corey Graves welcomed us to the show. Cole mentioned Naomi is not medically cleared to compete, so her match with Iyo Sky is off.
Analysis: As of this writing, I don’t know what’s up with Naomi, but I hope she’s okay because she’s fantastic and having the best run of her career. Sometimes wrestlers get minor injuries and need a few weeks off to recover. I hope we see her back in the ring soon.
Let’s Hear from CM Punk…and LA Knight
It was a loud crowd in Quebec City, Quebec, in my home country of Canada, as they cheered for CM Punk for the show opening promo in the Slim Jim-sponsored ring. The fans kept cheering even after Punk’s music stopped.
CM Punk said that the fans make it hard for him to be angry because he should be the World Heavyweight Champion, and he should be here as the champion, but he’s not. Punk said he’s a little bit angry about it. Punk said that he had a Seth Rollins problem. Punk said that Rollins can’t see what is right in front of his face because he’s trying to be like Punk and he’s failing miserably. Punk talked about how, for the first time in 12 years, he became champion in this company. More “CM Punk” chants after that. Punk said he appreciates the cheers and the chants, but he can’t help but feel like he let you down because he isn’t the champion right now. Punk said if you thought before he was obsessed with becoming champion, he’s more possessed to regain that title. Punk said that he doesn’t hate the game because he’s cashed in on a few people in his time, but he hates the player – Seth Rollins. Punk said he’s following in Punk’s footsteps, and he pretended to be injured to cash in when the time is right. Punk said he’ll take the title back from Rollins. Punk said Rollins didn’t have to pretend to be injured because Punk will break his legs.
Analysis: Good promo from CM Punk as usual, showing a lot of confidence and calling out his biggest rival, Seth Rollins.
LA Knight interrupted the promo since Punk caused the DQ in the Rollins-Knight match last week. Knight extended his hand, and Punk shook it.
LA Knight said that Punk was robbed at SummerSlam because he became champion once more. Knight told Punk that he deserved to have his rematch absolutely. Punk: “Yeah.” Knight: “Yeah.” Knight said that last week, he had his match with Rollins for the World Heavyweight Title, and Punk attacked Rollins, so Knight was disqualified. Knight said he understood it, but it was the wrong place and the wrong time. Knight told Punk they don’t have a problem and he’d like to keep it that way. Knight told Punk if he needs to get Rollins, then whip his ass, but do it on your own time and do it after the bell rings. Knight said that Punk should get his rematch after Knight gets his rematch.
Punk said he sees Knight’s perspective, and Punk said that Knight should thank Punk for saving Knight from getting his head stomped into the cement. Punk told Knight to thank Punk. Punk said that he’s the number one contender and told Knight he can get to the back of the line. Knight said Punk’s been a World Heavyweight Champio,n and Knight said he hasn’t been there yet, so he’s overdue. Knight told Punk he isn’t on Knight’s level. Knight said he’ll do Punk two favors. Knight said he’ll forget about last week as long as Punk doesn’t step over the line. Knight said favor two is that he’ll give Punk a title defense after Knight wins the World Heavyweight Title. Punk said he didn’t want a problem with Knight because they had problems with Seth Rollins. Punk said he was the best in the world…and here comes Paul Heyman.
Paul Heyman walked out with Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed (with two pairs of Roman Reigns’ shoes) for a promo by the entrance area. Heyman insulted the French language. Heyman told Knight not to get into the favor business with Punk. Heyman said if you trade favors with that man, it will cost you everything in life. Heyman whined about Punk, so Punk said somebody is getting punched in the face and wanted them to come to the ring.
Heyman told Punk that it was one hell of an idea. Heyman said it will be CM Punk and LA Knight against “The Future of WrestleMania” Bron Breakker and the “Shoe-la-fala” and “Tribal Thief” Bronson Reed. Heyman said that the challenge is for tonight. Punk said if you want a fight, then they accept. Knight said you don’t talk for him, but they accept. Heyman said deal. Bron tried to go to the ring, but Reed stopped Bron. Bron said that Punk is 47 and Knight is 40 and they’re about 100, so what are they gonna do to him? Steiner math in effect. That was mildly funny.
Analysis: A show opening promo to set up a tag team match later in the show. They literally did the same thing on SmackDown last week. It’s not very creative because we have seen it happen dozens (maybe hundreds) of times over the last 30+ years. I get why it happens because you can’t book singles matches all the time, but it just feels repetitive when we saw it on SmackDown. Anyway, the fans like the pairing of CM Punk and LA Knight, who clearly respect eachother, but they also have legit claims for having the next shot at Seth Rollins and the World Heavyweight Title.
The Judgment Day was shown in their locker room. Finn Balor spoke to Raquel Rodriguez & Roxanne Perez and wondered what was going on with the Women’s World Title. Dominik Mysterio walked in with El Grande Americano, so the others wondered what he was doing there. Finn Balor talked to Dominik Mysterio in private (in front of the camera) saying the others didn’t want Grande in the room. Dominik said that he’s using Grande to his advantage to help him win the AAA Grand Title at TripleMania this weekend. Balor liked that. Dom left with Grande. Balor suggested Raquel & Roxanne go talk to Raw GM Adam Pearce, so the girls left.
AJ Styles made his entrance. That led to a break for some fans. Dragon Lee was next to join Styles for this tag team match.
Dominik Mysterio & El Grande Americano vs. AJ Styles & Dragon Lee
The AAA Mega Championship is on the line this Saturday at TripleMania as El Hijo Del Vikingo defends the gold against Dominik Mysterio, El Grande Americano and Dragon Lee. Corey Graves and WWE Hall of Famer John Bradshaw Layfield are the announcers for TripleMania.
Lee dove onto Grande (Ludwig Kaiser), and Styles worked over Dominik to start the match. Styles sent Dom into the turnbuckle, followed by punches. There were some fans singing “Dirty, Dirty Dom” for the IC Champion. Styles hit a backbreaker. Lee hit a double axhandle to the arm of Dom. Grande sent Lee into the corner, followed by a hard chop. Lee was on the apron when he kicked him in the face. Lee jumped off the top with a cross body block on Grande for two. Dom went into the ring, but Lee caught him and hit a Powerbomb. They took a break for some fans. The heels took control as Grande hit a back body drop on Styles. Dominik was back in, he stopped a sunset flip and punched Styles several times.
Styles got some momentum going with a kick, followed by a Pele Kick. Lee tagged in against Grande with a hurricanrana and a clothesline. Grande tried a pin, but Lee hit a double foot stomp to the chest. Lee jumped over the top and kicked Grande. Lee hit a running elbow to knock Grande down. Lee punched Dom on the apron, so Grande hit a jumping kick to knock Lee down. Dom sent Lee into the steel steps. Dominik put a mask on and grabbed a chinlock. Dominik hit a running dropkick on Lee against the turnbuckle. They took a break for some fans as the action continued. There were more “Dirty, Dirty Dom” chants even though they also booed him during the match. Grande tagged in to kick Lee, Dom (without a mask) cheap-shotted Styles, and Styles wanted to attack, but Dom ran away. Grande ripped some of Lee’s mask. Grande worked over Lee with punches while fans chanted “Ludwig Kaiser” at Grande, but it wasn’t that many fans chanting it.
Grande teased a move on the top rope, Lee tripped him, and Lee hit a double foot stomp to the chest. Dominik tripped up Styles on the apron, so Styles tackled Dominik over the barricade and they took out the camera guy. Lee suplexed Grande. Styles made the tag and worked over Grande with strikes, along with a sliding forearm. Styles hit a leaping clothesline and a slam onto the knee for a two count because Dom broke up the pin. Lee superkicked Dom. Lee did a monkey flip on Dom into a Styles Clash by Styles. Lee went up top, but Grande shoved Lee off the top to the floor. Styles dropped Grande (who was legal) with a reverse DDT for two. Styles went for a move on Grande, who bailed to the apron and Grande hit a neckbreaker on the apron. Grande tried to put a metal plate on his mask, but Styles kicked Grande down. Dominik grabbed the metal plate and put it in his mask. Grande kicked out of a pin attempt, Dominik headbutted Styles (while wearing a mask that had the metal piece in it) and Grande did the ROLLUP OF DEATH~! on Styles for the pinfall win. It went about 17 minutes.
Winners by pinfall: Dominik Mysterio & El Grande Americano
Analysis: ***1/2 It was a long match with a cheap ending since the heel side cheated for the win. It makes sense to put over Dom and Grande since they are in the AAA Grand Title match this weekend. Lee is in it too, but you might as well put over the team with two guys in the match. I like how crafty that finish was with Dominik and Grande working well together as a team. That was booked the right way. I want to see Styles against Dom again, too.
Sami Zayn was shown talking to Raw GM Adam Pearce in the GM’s office earlier in the day. Zayn said he wanted a shot at the World Heavyweight Title in the future. Pearce said he can’t make any promises, but Pearce wished Zayn good luck in his match tonight. Sheamus walked in and said he couldn’t have a repeat of what he did to Rusev last week. Zayn told Sheamus not to get involved in his match tonight. Sheamus said you have his word, but after the match is over, the Bulgarian Bastard belongs to Sheamus.
Sami Zayn got a huge ovation in his home province of Quebec. Zayn was also on SmackDown last week, and he got a big win over Solo Sikoa. The fans love the guy, especially in Quebec. They went to break as the fans sang along and cheered for Zayn. Rusev’s entrance was also shown.
Iyo Sky was backstage with Raw GM Adam Pearce when Roxanne Perez and Raquel Rodriguez showed up. Perez mocked Sky for not getting a title match tonight. Sky said she wants to fight, and Pearce said you go, so it’s Sky against Perez.
Sami Zayn vs. Rusev
Rusev punched and kicked Zayn a few times. Rusev worked over Zayn with shoulder tackles to the ribs. Zayn came back with punches to the head. Rusev hit a high elbow to knock Zayn down. Zayn sent Rusev out to the floor. Zayn hit a springboard moonsault onto a standing Rusev on the floor. The fans were going crazy for Zayn while chanting his name. Back in the ring, Zayn charged and Rusev hit a spinning slam. They went to break for some fans as Rusev worked over Zayn for a few minutes.
The match continued with Zayn making the comeback by hitting a Tornado DDT off the ropes. The fans were going wild for Zayn. Zayn charged, but Rusev hit a superkick for a two count. Rusev went for The Accolade submission, but Zayn elbowed out of it and Zayn rolled up Rusev for two. Rusev grabbed the top rope to block an Exploder Suplex. Rusev punched Zayn a few times. Rusev sent Zayn to the apron, so Rusev hit the forearms to the chest like Sheamus loves to do. The fans booed that a lot as Graves called it the Ten Beats of the Bulgarian. Zayn gave Rusev an Exploder Suplex into the turnbuckle. Zayn wanted to attack, but the MFTs pulled Zayn out of the ring. Solo Sikoa was there with JC Mateo, Tonga Loa and Talla Tonga. Talla hit a running boot to Zayn’s face. The match went about 9 minutes.
Winner by disqualification: Sami Zayn
Analysis: **3/4 It was a solid match for the time given. It wasn’t about winning the match. It was more about pushing the story of Solo Sikoa and the MFTs getting revenge on Zayn because Zayn beat Solo on SmackDown last week. I assume they will put Zayn against Solo for the US Title at Clash in Paris unless they opt to do it on television instead.
Sheamus showed up at ringside and hit a running knee smash on Rusev. There were security guys and officials. Sheamus hit an indie wrestler, aka a security guy. Sheamus and Rusev went fighting into the crowd. They were throwing punches and heavy forearms. Sami Zayn was shown at ringside selling the attack.
Analysis: That should lead to a Sheamus-Rusev showdown with a stipulation. I’d like them to get a PLE match.
Sami Zayn was helped to his feet as the show went to a break for some fans. Zayn was selling the attack as the fans cheered for him and chanted his name. The announcers discussed the chaos.
Solo Sikoa and the MFTs were shown leaving the building while security guys made sure they left. The referee, Danilo Anfibio, told Pearce that Rusev and Sheamus have been separated. The New Day and Grayson Waller complained about Penta to Pearce, so Pearce put Woods into a match with Penta next week. Woods said “Tick tock” at the end, so that’s a Karrion Kross reference. I didn’t notice it live.
Bronson Reed was featured in a video package saying that he became a big star by attacking Seth Rollins, and he earned Seth’s respect, and Seth invited him into The Vision. Reed bragged about taking out Roman Reigns. Reed said he’s going to keep adding to his collection until Reigns acknowledges his Tribal Thief.
Analysis: I assume that’s going to lead to Roman Reigns against Bronson Reed at Clash in Paris. It’s better to do that instead of another tag team match for Reigns. Since Reed hit Reigns with the Tsunami three times last week, it makes sense to have Reigns target Reed when Reigns is back next week.
Iyo Sky was backstage, where Asuka and Kairi Sane suggested they could be in Sky’s corner tonight. Sky said that she’ll beat Roxanne and claimed she didn’t need their help because Sky has got it. Sky made her entrance after that.
Roxanne Perez (w/Raquel Rodriguez) vs. Iyo Sky
Perez was in control for the first couple of minutes with some basic holds like headlocks and armbars. Sky got out of a Perez move, leading to a headstand and a palm strike to the head. Perez got a hair pull takedown. Perez did a cartwheel, followed by a slap to the face. Perez did a headscissors, so Sky landed on her feet and Sky slapped Perez in the face. Sky hit an impressive backflip, followed by a dropkick. Sky nailed a suicide dive on Perez on Raquel on the floor because Perez moved. Perez sent Sky into the steel steps. They went on a break for some fans, and so will I, as Perez was in control for a few minutes.
It was still Perez in control as she hit a forearm to the back while Perez was against the ropes. Perez hit a double jump moonsault for a two count. Perez hit a running splash against the turnbuckle. Perez jumped off the turnbuckle, and Sky hit a dropkick, which drew a big pop, and it looked great. Sky hit uppercuts, along with another dropkick. Sky went up top and hit a missile dropkick. The fans came alive as Sky was getting fired up. Sky hit the Bullet Train knee attack for a two count. Sky went up top, so Perez went to the apron. Perez pulled Sky down so Sky’s ribs hit the top rope. Perez hit a hurricanrana off the top. Perez hit a cartwheel into a knee smash to the head for a two count. Sky countered Perez, leading to a kick to the face. Sky charged, Perez moved and Sky hit the turnbuckle. Perez pulled the apron, the referee fixed it, and Perez did an eye gouge. Perez hit a Shining wizard knee for a two count. The fans chanted, “This is awesome” for the ladies. Perez spun around, and slammed Sky into the mat. Perez applied a Crossface submission on Sky, who rolled out of it. Sky hit a double underhook backbreaker for a two count. Perez was on the floor, so Sky hit a springboard moonsault onto both women on the floor. Sky went up top and went for Over The Moonsault, but Perez got her knees up to block. Raquel went on the apron, Perez went up top and Asuka and Kairi Sane showed up to hold Perez. Sky went to attack, Perez avoided it, Perez shoved Sky into Asuka & Sane to knock them down. Perez got the ROLLUP OF DEATH~! (with tights) on Sky for the win. It went 15 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Roxanne Perez
Analysis: ***1/2 That was a very good match between two talented women who worked well together. Perez had a lot of control throughout the match, so I thought Sky would come back to win, but Sky lost because of Asuka and Sane screwing up. The ROLLUP OF DEATH~! wins for the second time in the show. It’s a deadly move after all.
Jey Uso was interviewed backstage by Jackie Redmond. Jey said that he was away last week to handle some family business. Jey talked about getting revenge on Seth Rollins and The Bronsons. LA Knight told Jey that he has to go to the back of the line. Jey welcomed Knight to Raw….yeet. Jey left, and Knight stared at him.
The Becky Lynch-Maxxine Dupri match was next.
A clip from WWE Unreal was shown, featuring Bianca Belair discussing her career.
Penta was interviewed by Byron Saxton in the private box area. Penta trash-talked Xavier Woods, saying that he’s not better than Penta, and even Xavier’s stupid hat looks better on Penta.
Iyo Sky was backstage with Asuka and Kairi Sane. Sky said that you didn’t help her because she lost. Asuka was mad about it, so Asuka shoved Sky and left. Sane didn’t know what to say and ended up leaving while looking frustrated.
Women’s Intercontinental Championship: Becky Lynch vs. Maxxine Dupri (w/Natalya & Akira Tozawa)
Lynch worked over Dupri with some kicks. Lynch hit a Bexploder Suplex across the ring. Lynch hit another Bexploder across the ring, and a third one right after that. Lynch went for a Manhandle Slam and Dupri countered it into a Stunner. Dupri blocked a kick and Dupri applied an Ankle Lock, but Lynch got out of it. Dupri hit a clothesline. Lynch bailed to the floor, so Dupri hit a baseball slide dropkick. Dupri jumped off the turnbuckle with a cross body block for two. Dupri hit a spin kick. Dupri got a rollup, Lynch got a rollup of her own, and Dupri got another rollup for two. Lynch applied the Disarmher submission move for a tapout win. It went about five minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Becky Lynch
Analysis: *3/4 Easy win for Lynch. Dupri put up a fight, and she has improved a lot, so good for her putting in the work to get better. Lynch’s win was the right result.
After the match, Becky Lynch taunted Maxxine Dupri. Natalya checked on Dupri, so Lynch did a cheap shot to knock Natalya down.
Analysis: That should set up Lynch against Natalya, which I will like a lot.
Seth Rollins, the World Heavyweight Champion, was backstage with The Vision. Rollins recapped the situation tonight. Rollins said he had no problem at all. Rollins told the boys to stack some bodies and Rollins said he’s out of here.
CM Punk was shown walking backstage for the main event up next.
Grayson Waller introduced The New Day’s Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods. Kofi told the fans they aren’t the real Canada since they are French Canada. Kofi said that Penta must be stopped. Woods said he’s going to beat Penta and mentioned his hat last week cost him $12,000. The fans were chanting something loudly.
Bayley was shown sitting down and talking about how she’s been doing this for 13 years. Bayley said she feels nothing. Bayley talked about how she realized she was a role model before she called herself that. Bayley said now she’s by herself, and she feels everything up to right now has gotten her nowhere. Bayley talked about how she can’t think of the last time she felt proud of herself in the last year, and it’s her fault. Bayley closed her eyes and an audio sound played saying “Ding dong, hello” from her heel days.
Analysis: The Bayley heel turn is coming soon. I hope so. She’s better in that role. The way it ended with the “ding dong hello” bit makes it seem like she’ll revert to her heel ways.
Lyra Valkyria was interviewed by Jackie Redmond. Lyra said it had nothing to do with her. Lyra said that Bayley is the reason why Lyra can’t challenge for the Women’s IC Title. Lyra said she didn’t know what was going on with her, but it’s not her fault. Lyra said Bayley is on her own.
Stephanie Vaquer walked up to Iyo Sky and said you’re not the only one who was promised a title shot. Vaquer left.
Rhea Ripley talked to Iyo Sky backstage. Ripley wondered if Sky could trust Asuka and Kairi Sane. Sky said she didn’t appreciate it. Sky told Ripley to stay out of it.
This Friday on SmackDown: Drew McIntyre addresses his attack of Cody Rhodes.
CM Punk & LA Knight vs. Bron Breakker & Bronson Reed (w/Paul Heyman)
The heel side was in control early on. Knight took control, Punk got the tag, and Punk clotheslined Bron out of the ring. Punk clotheslined Reed twice, Knight tried to clothesline Reed out, so then Punk and Knight worked together to double clothesline Reed over the top rope to the floor. Nice spot to pop the crowd as they went to a break for some fans. Punk worked over Bron with punches and Knight punched Bron to knock him down. Knight held Bron, so Punk tagged in and hit a double axhandle to the arm. Punk elbowed Bron, but then Reed clotheslined Punk to knock him down.
Bron was in control of Punk with a backbreaker. Bron did some push-ups after that. Bron applied a chinlock, so Punk hit a jawbreaker to break free. Reed knocked down Punk with a forearm to the back. Punk hit a jawbreaker on Reed as well. Reed charged, Punk moved and Reed hit the turnbuckle. Knight tagged in as the crowd went nuts with “Yeah” chanting for every strike and punch by Knight. Knight hit a leaping clothesline for two, along with a neckbreaker. Knight hit a reverse DDT for two. Knight clotheslined Bron on the apron. This allowed Reed to get back up and splashed Knight against the turnbuckle. Bron jumped off the apron and clotheslined Knight over the commentary table. That’s always a great move. They went to break for some fans as the heels remained in control of Knight for a few minutes.
There was a double clothesline spot that knocked Bron and Knight down. Bron prevented a tag by hitting an overhead suplex across the ring. Reed tagged in, leading to an elbow smash on Knight. Knight went for a sunset flip, Reed was too big, and then Reed tried a splash, but Knight moved. Reed prevented Knight from tagging out and hit a senton splash. Bron tagged in and hit a top rope bulldog like the Steiner Brothers (Bron’s dad and uncle) for a two count because Punk made the save. Knight finally made the tag, Punk got the hot tag and hit a kick on Bron, along with a jumping side kick. Punk suplexed Bron. Punk hit a running knee two times in a row, along with a clothesline. Punk went up top, Knight punched Reed, and Knight kicked Reed over the commentary table. Punk went up top and hit a top rope elbow drop. Punk signalled for the TGTS, but there was Seth Rollins to attack Punk from behind. It’s a DQ finish after 16 minutes.
Winners by disqualification: CM Punk & LA Knight
Analysis: *** A long match with a cheap ending. It followed the classic tag team formula with Punk isolated at first, then it was Knight, and then, after the hot tag, that’s where the match fell apart. I think Triple H relies on booking tag team DQ finishes way too often. I would cut back on it because it’s tiresome.
Seth Rollins and The Vision beat up Punk and Knight. Jey Uso showed up for the save. Jey hit Bron in the ribs with a steel chair, along with a chair to the back. Rollins avoided an attack from Jey with the chair. Rollins bailed to the floor. Jey punched Reed several times, along with a chair to the back that knocked Reed out of the ring.
Raw GM Adam Pearce walked out, saying that Rollins is a master manipulator and a liar. Pearce says he sees all of this as an opportunity. Pearce said that Rollins earned an opportunity to defend the World Title at Clash in Paris against Jey Uso, LA Knight, and CM Punk. Punk wasn’t happy. Pearce said it’s a Fatal 4-Way and it’s official.
Analysis: I doubt Seth Rollins loses at Clash in Paris. It’s a way to stack the odds against Rollins, but it would be ridiculous to end his title reign already. I didn’t think Reigns would be in the match either. They are clearly setting him up to face Bronson Reed. Save the Reigns-Rollins World Title showdown for somewhere down the line. Who eats the pin at Clash in Paris? Jey or Knight. Not Punk.
LA Knight and CM Punk argued in the ring, so they shoved eachother. Punk and Knight exchanged punches. Jey tried to get involved, and Knight knocked him down with an elbow. Bron went into the ring and hit a Spear on Jey. The Vision trio beat up Punk, Jey, and Knight, who were thrown out of the ring by Rollins. Bron ran around the ring and hit a Spear on Knight. Reed hit a Death Valley Driver on Jey. Reed went up top and hit a Tsunami splash on Jey. Knight was put back into the ring, so Rollins hit The Stomp on Knight. Rollins hit The Stomp on Jey as well. Rollins told Punk that as long as he breathes, Punk will never get the World Title. Rollins hit The Stomp on Punk as well. Rollins held up the World Heavyweight Title. The Vision stood tall in the middle of the ring to end the show.
Analysis: It’s another week with The Vision standing tall to end the show. We see it often, and now we get to see it for the second week in a row. Roman Reigns is back next week, so I assume we’ll see him get he advantage for the babyfaces. My guess is that this kind of finish will upset fans who think it’s boring to see the same thing happen again. And I don’t think those upset fans are wrong either.
This week’s Raw had a runtime of 2 hours and 30 minutes on Netflix.
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Three Stars of the Show
- CM Punk and LA Knight
- Roxanne Perez, Iyo Sky
- Dominik Mysterio and El Grande Americano
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The Scoreboard
7 out of 10
Last week: 7.25
2025 Average: 7.52
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Final Thoughts on WWE Raw
I think the show was good in terms of match quality, but the booking was frustrating. It felt like lazy booking throughout the episode. The opening segment was the classic promo interruption to set up a tag team match in the main event. They literally did the same thing on SmackDown three days ago. The SmackDown main event also finished in a DQ, just like this show’s main event did.
There were five matches on the show, and two of them ended in disqualifications. There were two other matches where heels won with the dreaded ROLLUP OF DEATH~! that is so deadly. The fifth match was Becky Lynch winning a short match over Maxxine Dupri, which really didn’t mean much at all, but at least it was clean.
Lastly, the final segment was yet another heel beat down with Seth Rollins’ group, The Vision, standing tall just like last week. Next week will probably see Roman Reigns come back and help the babyfaces, which is fine. It just felt like the episode was lacking in terms of creativity. There’s still a lot of good action to like.
The next WWE PLE is Clash in Paris on Sunday, August 31st. Here’s the lineup so far.
* World Heavyweight Championship: Seth Rollins (c) vs. CM Punk vs. LA Knight vs. Jey Uso
* John Cena vs. Logan Paul
* Women’s World Championship: Naomi (c) vs. Stephanie Vaquer
You can watch WWE Clash in Paris, streaming live on Sunday, Aug. 31, at 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT exclusively on Peacock in the United States and on Netflix internationally.
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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