The John Report: WWE Raw Deal 08/25/25 Review
It’s WWE Raw featuring Roman Reigns kicking off the show, Rhea Ripley facing Roxanne Perez, LA Knight against Bron Breakker in the main event, and more.
This week’s Raw is an early start time in Birmingham, England, so it’s on at 3 p.m. ET for me on Netflix, and worldwide in most countries on Netflix too. I’m all for the early start times, although I’m a bit sick of wrestling after reviewing eight hours’ worth of shows (AEW and NXT) on Sunday, which is normally a day off for me.
Last week’s Raw saw Roman Reigns return to set up his Clash in Paris match with Bronson Reed, and Naomi announced she is pregnant, so her Women’s World Title is now vacated. Clash in Paris is this Sunday, August 31st, so there will likely be more matches added to the card.
This is the Raw Deal for episode #1683 of Monday Night Raw. It’s taking place at the bp pulse LIVE in Birmingham, United Kingdom. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport. Let’s get to it.
There was a replay of last week’s Raw when Jey Uso faced Bron Breakker in an Extreme Rules Match in the main event. After LA Knight went through a table and CM Punk fought with Seth Rollins out of the arena, Roman Reigns returned to save Jey Uso from The Vision and win the match.
The superstar entrances were shown of LA Knight, Rhea Ripley, and WWE Hall of Famer Nikki Bella.
It was a packed crowd in Birmingham, and the UK fans are always loud, as we know.
Let’s Hear from Roman Reigns
The “Original Tribal Chief,” Roman Reigns, made his entrance because he was advertised to open the show. The fans cheered loudly for the Tribal Chief and they also sang “Roman, Roman Reigns” for him. A lot of 1s in the air as usual.
The fans were chanting, “If you love Roman, stand up” and also kept on doing the “Roman Reigns” chants and “OTC” chants. It was 10 minutes into the show when Reigns told Birmingham to acknowledge him, so that led to more chanting. Reigns said it felt like old times because they are still loud as hell. Reigns spoke about how he has big plans for tonight, the rest of this year, and next year. Reigns said if he’s being real out here, he has to be honest with himself. Reigns said there’s something he must acknowledge about himself. Reigns talked about how it’s not like old times because he’s not the same guy that he used to be. The fans chanted, “Yes, you are” at him. Reigns said maybe he can be. Reigns said that Cody predicted it a year and a half ago, and some fans booed the mention of that name, which Reigns said was interesting. When Reigns mentioned The Vision, he said that they followed through on what Cody said. The fans chanted “F**k Seth Rollins” so the swear word was getting muted. Reigns said that’s how he felt for a long time. Reigns said he doesn’t have all the things he used to have. Reigns mentioned he doesn’t have a Bloodline, which led to “Yeet” chants. Reigns said he’s extremely proud of Jey. Reigns talked about how Jey won their tag team match, he has the rematch clause, and he should be fighting for the championship. Reigns said his time will come. Reigns said they took The Bloodline, the Wise Man, the titles, and the disrespect hasn’t stopped. Reigns said that they had to find something to take from him. Reigns mentioned Bronson Reed, but here’s an interruption.
The WWE Hall of Famer Paul Heyman walked out with Bronson Reed, aka the Shoe-la-Fala, who had two pairs of shoes around his neck. Reed had a Tribal Thief shirt. Heyman put over his friend “Big” Bronson Reed as the Tribal Thief. Heyman said it was five years ago this very week that Brock Lesnar’s advocate became Roman Reigns’ Wise Man. They chanted “Shut the F**k Up” at Paul, so more muting. Heyman said for five years, this duo created a Bloodline and they owned everything there was to own. It was more like four years, but I see what he’s saying. Heyman said they changed the industry together. Heyman said now Reigns is standing alone in the ring by himself. Heyman said he missed his Tribal Chief while claiming he loved him five years ago and loves Reigns now. Heyman said that’s why he disrespected him tonight. The fans chanted, “Roman, Roman Reigns” again, so Heyman sang “Bronson, Bronson Reed” but the fans booed that, and sang for Roman. Heyman blasted the fans for not being tough enough to live in Manchester or rich enough to live in London. Heyman said that Reigns needs tough love that Heyman gave to him. Heyman claimed he wasn’t man enough to beat that tough love into you, but Reed is.
Reigns: “Hey dumbass.” Reigns said that on Sunday in Paris, Heyman will kiss his ass because Reigns will whip Reed’s ass. That led to “OTC” chants.
Reed said that at Clash in Paris, it’s not about receipts, it’s about disrespect. Reed taught Reigns a history lesson, saying that Roman’s tribe from Samoa was civilized, but Reed claimed that he is the Samoan that Roman’s dad and uncle warned him about.
Reigns said if you’re Samoan, then that means Reed’s ass belongs to him. Reigns told Reed to bring his ass down there, return the shows, apologize to the people for wasting their time, and acknowledge Reigns while not disrespecting Reigns ever again. Reed said he’s going to force Reigns to acknowledge his Tribal Thief.
Reigns didn’t want to wait, so Reigns and Reed fought in the aisle. Reigns and Reed exchanged punches. Reed sent Reigns into the ring post. There were small security guys in the ring, so Reed beat them up, and Reed splashed Reigns against the turnbuckle. Reed tried to steal Roman’s sneakers again, but Reigns kicked him off. Reed hit a senton splash on the body. There were security guys and WWE Officials trying to stop Reed. Raw GM Adam Pearce was there too. Reigns was back up with a Superman Punch to knock Reed off the turnbuckle to the floor. Reigns rolled out of the ring and jumped off the steel steps onto Reed and some of those short security guys. The fans chanted for Reigns again. It took 26 minutes to get through that opening segment.
Analysis: It was a long opening segment. I’m assuming the fans chanting as much as they did made it go a bit longer than it was supposed to go because Reigns had to pause a lot. Anyway, I thought Reigns made his points well while teasing the idea that he’s going after a WWE or World Title in the future, but he didn’t specifically mention that. Anyway, it was an effective way to build up the Reigns-Reed match for Clash in Paris on Sunday.
They went on a break for some fans as we saw Reigns and Reed separated.
The commentary team of Michael Cole and Corey Graves welcomed us to the show. They did a rundown of what’s coming up. The ring announcer was Alicia Taylor.
The Judgment Day’s Finn Balor and JD McDonagh were walking backstage when Dominik Mysterio said something to El Grande Americano. Finn Balor asked Dom what that was about and Dom said that he’s got it all under control.
Dragon Lee vs. JD McDonagh (w/Finn Balor)
Lee was in control early with a dragon screw leg whip and a dropkick against the turnbuckle. JD tripped up Lee, then JD distracted the referee and Balor was about to get involved, so referee Jessika Carr ejected Balor from ringside. JD was on the floor with Finn, so Lee hit a somersault dive over the top onto JD on the floor. Lee went for a move off the top, but JD hit a dropkick to stop that. They took a break for some fans as JD took control for a few minutes, including a superplex.
JD and Lee exchanged strikes, which were open-hand palm strikes to the jaw. Lee hit a release German Suplex and a Reverse Rana. Lee charged, but JD countered him with a standing Spanish Fly for two. Lee hit a sitout Powerbomb where JD’s neck/head hit the mat hard. There were some technical problems because the audio was off and the video wasn’t full speed. Lee hit a double foot stomp off the top while JD was by the ropes, and JD got his foot on the ropes, so it was just a two count. Dominik Mysterio was at ringside, so AJ Styles was there to beat him up as the technical problems ended. Lee tossed an elbow pad to the crowd and hit an elbow smash. Lee hit the Operation Dragon slam on JD for the pinfall win after about 11 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Dragon Lee
Analysis: *** A good match that had some technical issues, but that is not the fault of the wrestlers. We didn’t even get to see what Dominik Mysterio did in the match, although we did see AJ Styles get him out of there to continue that rivalry. Lee is a talented guy who hasn’t had an interesting story on the main roster. JD is also very skilled, and I hope he’s okay after that brutal Powerbomb on his head.
LA Knight was interviewed by Jackie Redmond somewhere backstage. Jackie mentioned CM Punk accidentally putting Knight through a table last week. Knight wondered if it was an accident or if it was on purpose. Knight spoke about facing Bron Breakker later tonight while saying everybody will be saying LA Knight…yeah. Knight: “Woof woof, dummy.”
Penta made his entrance for singles action. During the break, Kofi Kingston was joined by Xavier Woods and Grayson Waller. Woods was wearing a neckbrace and a cane to sell a neck injury.
Analysis: Xavier Woods is not really hurt, but he’s overselling a neck injury after taking a Mexican Destroyer last week.
Rusev was featured in a video saying he was brought into this world to crush. Rusev claimed monsters trained him and then let go. Rusev said that when he came back, he decided he would hurt anybody he wanted to hurt. Rusev said that Sheamus has picked his own poison at Clash in Paris. Rusev said he realized it’s impossible to be good when you’re destined to be great.
Analysis: That Good Ol’ Fashioned Donnybrook Match at Clash in Paris between Sheamus and Rusev will be fun. I want Sheamus to win, but I think Rusev will.
The Judgment Day was backstage about how JD lost his match, and Raquel Rodriguez said that Liv Morgan wouldn’t want you arguing like this. Dominik Mysterio suggested that Finn Balor handle AJ Styles, so Finn said he’ll go talk to Pearce. Balor said he’ll handle this himself.
Kofi Kingston (w/Xavier Woods & Grayson Waller) vs. Penta
Grayson Waller had a petition to have the Mexican Destroyer banned since it “hurt” Woods. Graves signed the petition. Penta hit a hurricanrana on Kofi. Penta hit Kofi with two clotheslines. Kofi bailed to the apron. Kofi worked over Penta with punches. Penta got his feet up to block a Kofi splash and Penta clotheslined Kofi out of the ring. Kofi ran away when Penta teased a dive to the floor. The match continued during the break as Penta hit some chops to the chest. Kofi tripped up Penta and Kofi sent Penta into the barricade. Woods tried to get the fans to chant “Kofi, Kofi Kingston” but they sang “New Day sucks” instead. Kofi worked over Penta with an uppercut. Penta superkicked Kofi on the floor and then Kofi gave Penta a back body drop onto the commentary table. Penta got back into the ring and Kofi stomped on him.
The match continued with Penta hitting a Slingblade, some kicks and a handstand dropkick for two. Kofi managed to put Penta down, followed by the Boom Drop leg drop. Kofi charged, but Penta hit a superkick to the face. Penta jumped onto Kofi’s back leading to a Backstabber for two. Kofi hit a back body drop to counter the Mexican Destroyer. Kofi hit a Fameasser leg drop to the head for two. Penta set up Kofi on the top rope and hit a slap to the face. Penta went for a headscissors and then Penta hit a suplex. Penta hit a Penta Driver for a two count. Penta kicked Waller at ringside. Penta went up top and hit a somersault dive over the top onto Kofi and Woods on the floor. Penta was distracted by Penta, so Kofi tripped up Penta and Kofi hit the Trouble in Paradise kick for the pinfall win after 11 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Kofi Kingston
Analysis: ***1/4 A pretty good match between two talented veterans. Most people likely assumed that Penta would win here, but Kofi benefitted by a Waller distraction and that allowed Kofi to hit his classic finisher for the big win. I assume this is going to lead to Rey Fenix coming to Raw to join his brother Penta to set up a feud with The New Day. That’s what makes logical sense to me because otherwise I’m not sure where it’s going.
After the match, Kofi Kingston celebrated the win. Waller was carrying Woods to sell the bump that Woods took.
A clip was shown of Cody Rhodes on WWE Unreal. I enjoyed the documentary series.
There was a recap of last week when Rhea Ripley helped Iyo Sky last week. Sky had told Asuka and Kairi Sane not to help her, so Asuka was mad about it. Sky left angrily.
Rhea Ripley was stretching backstage when Iyo Sky showed up to talk. Sky thanked Rhea for having her back last week. Sky said that Kairi and Asuka are like family to her, so they’re not happy about Ripley helping her. Sky said they need to keep their distance for a while. Asuka was in the background with Kairi Sane. Ripley said she gets and she appreciates Sky. Ripley hugged Sky, so Asuka was angry in the background while Sane looked on without reacting.
Analysis: The friend drama continues. It’s right out of a 1990s drama TV show.
Raquel Rodriguez and Roxanne Perez were interrupted by Byron Saxton, who asked about Perez’s confidence level. This was during a break for some fans. Perez bragged about how she’s going to take care of Ripley and then bring the Women’s Tag Team Titles to The Judgment Day. Raquel Rodriguez said there are no issues in The Judgment Day and said they’re going to beat Rhea Ripley. Raquel said they had a match to dominate.
A video aired about last week’s Raw when Women’s World Champion Naomi and her husband Jimmy Uso announced that she is pregnant. Naomi had to forfeit the Women’s World Title and when she comes back, she’ll pick up where she left off. Naomi warned whoever has that title must, “Proceed with caution.”
Stephanie Vaquer was backstage with the Raw GM, Adam Pearce, who said Vaquer is the number one contender for the Women’s World Title. Pearce said that the title shot at Clash in Paris isn’t happening. Pearce said he’ll find her an opponent, but he is working on the details and he’ll let her know. Vaquer said she was looking forward to being in Paris, but she understood, and they shook hands.
Analysis: Stephanie Vaquer won the battle royal at Evolution and earned the World Title shot at Clash in Paris, but that is being delayed now. We’ll see where it goes.
Let’s Hear from Becky Lynch and Nikki Bella
Becky Lynch made her entrance as the Women’s Intercontinental Champion. There was a mixed response followed by some boos. Lynch said that this place was a big part of her journey. Lynch talked about how she had her WWE tryout in Birmingham, and it was a dump then, and it’s a dump now. That was funny. Lynch said that Nikki thinks that she can call Lynch out, but Lynch is not some loser or like a dog that will respond to some whistle.
The WWE Hall of Famer Nikki Bella said if Becky Lynch isn’t a dog, then why is she acting like a bitch? Nikki said she wanted Lynch to give her a title shot. Lynch called Bella a “broke neck Barbie” and Nikki reminded Lynch that she kicked Lynch’s ass last week.
Nikki bragged about blazing a trail and Lynch sarcastically said she didn’t care what Nikki did. Lynch said that she didn’t want to respect her, she wanted to replace her and Lynch has done a pretty good job. Nikki said that Lynch is scared of her, while saying that Lynch was really just Charlotte Flair’s little sidekick. Lynch said that she is no one’s sidekick and no one’s shadow. Lynch bragged about how she’s the greatest, while Nikki said we don’t care. Nikki said that the fans made Lynch relevant. Nikki claimed that so many people think that Lynch is desperate, and the fans agreed with that. Lynch yelled at the British for oppressing the Irish. Nikki wondered if “The Man” had lost her balls. Lynch claimed she had balls. Nikki said that she doesn’t have class. Nikki said that Lynch is also another C word – coward. Lynch said that’s worse than the other C word she thought Nikki would say. Lynch told Nikki she can have her mat at Paris at Clash in Paris since she’s not wrestling in Birmingham. Lynch said that the only good thing to come out of here was Ozzy Osbourne, but at least he lived in Los Angeles, which is a good city. Nikki said no matter how hard Lynch tries, her name will never be as big as Bella. Nikki grabbed the title and said that at Clash in Paris, you will hear that Nikki is the new Intercontinental Champion. Lynch tried to attack, but Nikki hit her with a forearm. They each went for finishers, Nikki escaped Lynch’s and then Lynch left after Nikki tried her finisher. Nikki stood tall in the ring.
Analysis: I thought the promos by both women were very well done. Each woman took some personal shots and made some valid points. It was obvious that it would lead to a Clash in Paris match, which I certainly don’t mind since that show needs some women’s matches on it. Nikki winning is a possibility, but I think I’ll probably pick Lynch to retain.
CM Punk was interviewed by Jackie Redmond, who mentioned what LA Knight said about him earlier. Punk said he wanted to get the guys on the same page against Seth Rollins and his group. Punk said he didn’t purposefully put Knight through a table, but he didn’t feel bad about it either. Punk said he’s obsessed with being champion again. Punk said he’ll beat Rollins, Knight, and Jey and he’ll paint his masterpiece in Paris with everybody saying…CM Punk.
Rhea Ripley made her entrance for singles action. Roxanne Perez made her entrance with Raquel Rodriguez during the break.
Sheamus was featured in a video saying that nobody asked for Rusev to come back to WWE. Sheamus said that their trilogy of matches and exchanges has awoken the fire and the world has remembered who the real Rusev is. Sheamus said that Rusev won back his respect, but don’t forget that Sheamus dragged it out of him. Sheamus yelled about how he made Rusev relevant again. Sheamus said from Bulgaria to France it’s banger after banger.
Analysis: That was well done by Sheamus as usual. I’m glad he’s in a PLE match.
Roxanne Perez (w/Raquel Rodriguez) vs. Rhea Ripley
Ripley connected wit ha running dropkick early on. Perez bailed to the floor, so Ripley attacked and Perez sent Ripley into the ring apron a few times. Ripley sent Perez back into the ring. Ripley picked up Perez and slammed her to the mat. Perez slipped out of the ring to avoid a Riptide attempt. Perez went for a suicide dive, Ripley caught her and Raquel got in Ripley’s face on the floor. Ripley punched Perez and stared at Raquel on the floor, so Perez hit a suicide dive onto Ripley on the floor. Perez wrenched the knee and drove Ripley’s knee into the mat. Ripley managed to send Perez into the ring post. Ripley got her foot caught against the turnbuckle, so Perez hit a knee drop onto the left knee. Perez hit a sliding forearm to the back, and a springboard moonsault for two. They went to a break for some fans as Perez continued the attack for a few minutes.
Ripley tried to fight back with clotheslines. Ripley tried a Razor’s Edge, but Raquel pulled Perez’s legs to save her. Perez came back with a hurricanrana. Perez did a handstand knee drop to the head for two. Perez slapped Ripley in the face, but Ripley came back with a headbutt and Razor’s Edge. Ripley hit a running kick for a two count. Ripley went for a kick on Perez, who moved and Ripley kicked Raquel down on the floor. Perez kicked Ripley in the leg. Perez got a rollup for two. Ripley headbutted Perez and Ripley hit Riptide for the pinfall win after about 10 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Rhea Ripley
Analysis: ***1/4 It was an entertaining match with Ripley selling for most of it and then hitting some big moves to get the win. Perez is very talented, she picks up wins sometimes, but it was time for Ripley to get a meaningful win on Raw. I liked the match.
After the match, Raquel Rodriguez attacked Rhea Ripley. Ripley tried to fight back with a kick, but Raquel and Perez were too much, so they double-teamed Ripley. Iyo Sky made the save with strikes on Raquel and Perez. Ripley was back up to headbutt Raquel, and Sky hit a missile dropkick on Raquel. Perez had already left the ring. Sky and Ripley celebrated together.
The Vision was backstage with the World Heavyweight Champion, Seth Rollins, telling Paul Heyman he knows what Bronson Reed is capable of. Rollins told Reed he’s going to destroy Roman Reigns at Clash in Paris and Rollins can’t wait to see it. Rollins told Bron Breakker that he’ll make sure LA Knight doesn’t make it to Paris. Rollins said that this is The Vision and it’s everything they have dreamed of. Rollins claimed they are on the verge of becoming so much more.
AJ Styles made his entrance for singles action in a match that should be too sweet. Finn Balor’s entrance was also shown without his friends in The Judgment Day group.
Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky were backstage, with Iyo saying she owed Ripley for last week. Ripley said you didn’t owe her anything. Ripley left. Asuka and Kairi Sane walked up to Sky to yell about Ripley getting involved in their business. Asuka told Sky to stop talking to her. Sky tried to reason with Asuka, but Asuka left. Sky told Sane to trust her, but Sane said she’s sorry and left. Cole said it’s getting weirder and weirder.
Analysis: Like I said earlier, it feels like a bit of a silly drama, but maybe there’s some long-term plan for them.
Finn Balor vs. AJ Styles
Balor hit Styles with some strikes to knock Styles out of the ring. Styles got back in there with strikes, along with a dropkick. Styles tossed Balor out of the ring, and Balor jumped over the top with a forearm on Balor on the floor. They were back in the ring where Styles hit Balor with chops. Styles hit a forearm. Styles went for more, but Balor tripped up Styles on the top rope. Balor hit a running dropkick to knock Styles off the apron to the floor. Balor was in control for a few minutes as they went to a break for some fans.
Styles came back with some strikes, along with a spinning backbreaker. Styles avoided a charging Balor, which led to Styles hitting a Pele Kick to the head. Styles hit a sliding forearm to the head. Styles hit a jumping clothesline and the Ushigoroshi slam onto knee to the back of the head for two. Balor sent Styles to the apron, Styles with a forearm and Balor avoided a springboard attack, leading to a Slingblade. Balor hit a running dropkick into the turnbuckle. Balor went for Coup de Grace off the top, but Styles avoided it. Styles countered a Balor and Styles hit a Styles Clash for the pinfall win after about 10 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: AJ Styles
Analysis: ***1/4 A competitive TV match between two talented veterans. Giving Styles the win made sense to set him up for an Intercontinental Title match, while Balor didn’t get any help from his friends since he told them to stay in the back. It would have been nice with more time, but they made the most of the time they were given.
Jey Uso talked to cousin Roman Reigns backstage about how he wants to be the World Heavyweight Champion. Reigns said that the last thing you should do is trust CM Punk. Reigns said that Jey has helped people for so long, he helped in this company, he helped Roman so much, and it’s about capturing these moments to lock in their legacy. Reigns told Jey to do what he’s gotta do. They shook hands.
Analysis: Nice pep talk by Reigns, telling Jey to think about himself and not everybody else.
The New Day and Grayson Waller were interviewed by Byron Saxton in a segment during the break for some fans. Kofi said he avenged Xavier Woods, and he made Penta pay for his sins. Waller was throwing confetti on The New Day guys. Woods claimed that the fans were disgusting for cheering when Penta hit him with the Mexican Destroyer. Kofi trashed the fans for being in Birmingham. Woods did his line about “Thank God for The New Day” to end it.
Next Monday’s Raw in Paris has a 2 p.m. ET start time. I like that.
Bayley was featured in a video saying she didn’t know what she needed. She heard voices about her Hugger days early on. Bayley’s inner voice reminded her of what success feels like while saying that they know what success feels like. The heel Bayley voice talked about how they were better off without the hugger Bayley. The two voices in Bayley’s head argued with eachother, so Bayley had to yell “STOP” to end it.
Analysis: It’s hard to describe this stuff, but it’s basically Bayley figuring out what to do in her career.
Lyra Valkyria was talking to Raw GM Adam Pearce, asking if he had checked on Bayley. Pearce said that when he hears something, he will let Lyra know.
Dominik Mysterio and The Judgment Day complained to Adam Pearce about AJ Styles. Dominik said that his issues with AJ Styles need to end. Pearce said next week, Raw in Paris, AJ Styles one-on-one against Dominik Mysterio for the Intercontinental Title. Finn was laughing in the background and Pearce said it was official.
Analysis: That’s a good match for Raw in Paris next week. I thought it might at Clash in Paris, but it’s fine to do it on Raw instead.
The announcers went over the Clash in Paris lineup:
* Roman Reigns vs. Bronson Reed
* Good Ol’ Fashioned Donnybrook Match: Sheamus vs. Rusev
* John Cena vs. Logan Paul
* Women’s Intercontinental Championship: Becky Lynch (c) vs. Nikki Bella
* World Heavyweight Championship: Seth Rollins (c) vs. CM Punk vs. LA Knight vs. Jey Uso
Analysis: It’s a fine card with five matches, but I hope they add another match or two.
Bron Breakker was backstage with Bronson Reed and Paul Heyman. Roman Reigns hit a Superman Punch on Breakker. Reigns also hit a Superman Punch on Reed. Reigns was taken away by security, and so was Reed. Pearce told Bron that he had a match.
LA Knight went after Bron Breakker backstage, and Knight punched Bron. They went out to the arena where Knight sent Bron into the big LED screens. Knight punched Bron repeatedly and they went down to the ringside. Knight sent Bron into the barricade at ringside. Knight sent Bron hard into the ring post. Bron managed to get some offense after a low blow. Bron went for the clothesline off the apron, but Knight was read,y and Bron hit the commentary table. Knight was ramming Bron’s head into the commentary table repeatedly. This was during the break for some fans. Knight clotheslined Bron on the floor.
Bron Breakker (w/Paul Heyman) vs. LA Knight
The match started Knight was working over Bron with kicks a running knee smash. Knight hit a running neckbreaker for a two count. Bron finally got some offense going with shoulder tackles to the ribs. Bron ran the ropes quickly and hit a lefty clothesline. Bron used his knee to choke Knight’s throat against the ropes. Bron gave Knight an overhead suplex across the ring. Bron hit a German Suplex. Knight hit some jab punches and a clothesline. Knight hit a Russian legsweep and a clothesline that sent Bron over the top to the floor. Knight hit a running kick to knock Bron down. Bron sent Knight face first into the commentary table. Bron sent Knight hard into the steel steps. They went on a break again for some fans as the action continued. Bron was in control of Knight for a few minutes.
The match continued with Bron in control with a headlock. Knight got a rollup for two. Knight went for a neckbreaker, but Bron held on to the ropes. Bron set up Knight on the turnbuckle, Knight shoved him down and Bron hit a Frankensteiner off the top for two. Bron charged, Knight kicked him in the ribs and Bron tried a slam, but Knight countered with a DDT. Bron and Knight exchanged punches, Knight ran the ropes and hit a running clothesline. Knight connected with a neckbreaker. Knight managed to counter Bron and hit a reverse DDT. Knight jumped off the top, Bron moved, and Bron hit a jumping clothesline. Knight hit a boot to the face for a two count. It was Knight’s turn to leap to the top rope and hit a superplex. Knight hit a top rope elbow drop, while the fans were fired up.
Seth Rollins made his entrance wearing the World Heavyweight Title and he went down to ringside. Knight chased Rollins around the ring, but Bron was ready with a Spear on the floor. The fans chanted “CM Punk” as Bron hit the ropes and hit a Spear on Knight for the pinfall win. It went about 16 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Bron Breakker
Analysis: ***1/2 I liked the match. Knight was intense the whole way, and Bron did a nice job selling for a lot of the match. The distraction from Rollins set up Bron for the win. Knight losing that close to Clash in Paris isn’t great for him, but at least it was because of the Rollins distraction.
After the match, Rollins and Bron stomped on Knight, so Jey Uso made his entrance with the fans singing along with his song and Yeeting for him. Jey tossed Bron out of the ring. Jey worked over Rollins with punches and a superkick. Bron went after Jey with punches, Rollins kicked Jey in the ribs and Rollins hit a Pedigree. There were “CM Punk” chants again and here he is.
CM Punk made his way down to ringside and Bron went after him with punches, but Punk managed to shove Bron into the ring post. The fans were singing Punk’s song even though the music stopped playing. Rollins and Punk exchanged punches in the ring. Punk knocked Rollins down and kicked Rollins in the legs. Bron got Rollins out of there. The fans chanted something at Rollins that led to muting again.
Punk picked up Jey and Knight shoved Punk. Rollins told Bron that they are doing it for them. Punk and Knight exchanged punches. Punk shoved Knight into Jey. Punk went for a GTS, Knight slipped out of that and Jey hit a superkick on Knight. Rollins was laughing about it. Punk was standing beside Jey, so Jey dropped Punk with a superkick, too. Jey did some Yeeting in the ring to end the show. Cole said that Jey took Roman Reigns’ advice. Jey did some Yeeting with the fans. That was the end of the show.
Analysis: It was a clever ending that shows that the babyfaces all have a common hatred for Seth Rollins, but they don’t get along with the World Title on the line. I expect Rollins to retain at Clash in Paris.
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/LA Knight
- Roman Reigns
- AJ Styles
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The Scoreboard
7.5 out of 10
Last week: 7.5
2025 Average: 7.52
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Final Thoughts on WWE Raw
I thought it was a good show with quality matches all night long. There really wasn’t a bad match, but none of them stood out that much either. Most of them were kept short, which prevented them from standing out more.
The promo segment with Roman Reigns was okay, but it also went on too long. The Becky Lynch-Nikki Bella promo exchange was entertaining and it made their Clash in Paris match official.
As far as the show ending angle goes, it did a nice job of pushing the story that Punk-Jey-Knight aren’t going to get along at Clash in Paris, which means it’s going to be an entertaining 4-way match for Seth’s World Title. Smart ending to the show.
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
* Roman Reigns vs. Bronson Reed
* Good Ol’ Fashioned Donnybrook Match: Sheamus vs. Rusev
* Women’s Intercontinental Championship: Becky Lynch (c) vs. Nikki Bella
You can watch WWE Clash in Paris, streaming live on Sunday, August 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 [email protected]
Twitter/X @johnreport