The John Report: WWE Raw Deal 09/01/25 Review
It’s WWE Raw featuring Dominik Mysterio defending the Intercontinental Title against AJ Styles, an update on the vacant Women’s World Title, and more.
This week, Raw has an early start time, so it’s available at 2 p.m. ET on Netflix for me, and worldwide on Netflix in most countries. For the second night in a row, WWE is in Paris for Raw, just like they were for Clash in Paris on Sunday night. I liked Clash in Paris, even though it was predictable in terms of match results. The last three matches in particular stood out and were a big part of why Clash was one of the better WWE PLE’s this year.
The next WWE PLE is Wrestlepalooza, scheduled for September 20th in Indianapolis, so there are fewer than three weeks until the show takes place.
This is the Raw Deal for episode #1684 of Monday Night Raw. It’s taking place at the Paris La Défense Arena in Paris, France. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport. Let’s get to it.
It was another huge crowd in Paris for Raw. There was a pyro display to start the show.
A video package aired to recap WWE Clash in Paris.
CM Punk was shown backstage waiting by a door for Seth Rollins. Raw GM Adam Pearce told him to come inside, but Punk was insistent on staying there, so Pearce let him.
They showed some superstars walking earlier in the day like AJ Styles, Asuka with Kairi Sane, and Penta.
Let’s Hear from Jey Uso
Jey Uso made his entrance and this massive arena crowd with 30,000 fans were going crazy for Jey by Yeeting with him. It took a few minutes for Jey to make his way down to the ring because it’s such a big building. The raucous crowd was very loud in their support for Jey, as you would expect. After the music stopped, the crowd wanted to hear it one more time, but Jey said that they aren’t running it back.
Jey said that he should be there as the World Heavyweight Champion, but instead, he’s without a title and he has tape on his ribs. Jey wondered if he didn’t help Roman Reigns, and whether he would be better off? Jey talked about how he’s loyal to his family. Jey said that Reigns is laid up in a hospital. Jey said that all he hears in his head is Reigns telling him to smash them all. Jey called out The Vision, led by Seth Rollins.
LA Knight made his entrance and he had a bit of a limp to sell the main event match from Clash in Paris. Knight got into the ring, saying that he believed in himself, he believed he would win, and he believed he would be World Heavyweight Champion. Knight said he stands here right now as a loser. Knight said that Jey lost that match, and we all lost the match because Seth Rollins is still the World Heavyweight Champion. Knight said that people may say that Jey lives in his cousin’s shadow, but Knight doesn’t know about that. Knight added that he knows Seth lives in his wife’s shadow. Knight mentioned he hit a BFT and Jey broke up the pin attempt. Knight complained about Jey’s involvement costing him the match. Knight said he can get Jey up to speed damn quick. Jey wanted Knight to talk to him. Knight tried to respond, but there was an interruption.
The Visions’ Bronson Reed and Bron Breakker arrived at the entrance for the interruption. Knight trashed them for being stupid.
Bron mentioned he had enough brain cells to beat Knight because he’s done it twice already. Bron said that Paul Heyman is in a hospital because Roman Reigns put him there. The fans chanted ‘OTC” for Reigns, so Jey held his finger in the air for the Tribal Chief. Bron said that Heyman not being there means nobody is there to hold them back. The fans chanted “Roman, Roman Reigns” so Bron mentioned Reigns is in the hospital because they put him there. Bron said that there are a couple of dogs off the leash because Heyman is not there to stop them. Bron said that they’re going to put them next to Reigns in the hospital.
Bronson Reed bragged about how they beat up Roman Reigns. The fans did a chant with swearing, so it got muted. Reed said their vision doesn’t include Roman Reigns, nor does it include Jey or Knight. Reed said that they are next. Bron suggested a tag team match. Reed wondered if maybe they didn’t have the balls to face them.
LA Knight said that he is banged up, and he knows Jey Uso is banged up. Knight said that if this greasy warthog and cross-eyed half-wit want to fight, then they can do this…yeah. Jey did a “Yeet” to end it.
Analysis: It’s the classic Raw opening segment where a promo leads to a match later in the show. We have seen Bron and Bronson together against multiple babyfaces in the past, including Jey and Roman Reigns, but now it’s a way to involve LA Knight in the story. We get these kinds of tags all the time, although I don’t mind them.
The Raw commentary team this week was Michael Cole and Wade Barrett, who is filling in for Corey Graves since Wade has been in France for SmackDown and Clash in Paris. The French commentary team was at ringside. Cole said that Raw will be live on Netflix in France starting in January.
Asuka and Kairi Sane aka the Kabuki Warriors were shown walking backstage. Iyo Sky said she was sorry about upsetting them regarding Rhea Ripley. Asuka told Sky they’ll take care of The Judgment Day. Sky wondered if they needed help, but Asuka said no. Asuka left, Sane tried to talk to Sky, but Asuka said it was time to go.
The Judgment Day’s Roxanne Perez and Roxanne Perez entered for tag team action.
There was a break for some fans. The announcers plugged a European tour in early 2026 for some live TV shows, along with live events. The Kabuki Warriors entrance was also shown.
Kabuki Warriors – Asuka & Kairi Sane vs. The Judgment Day – Raquel Rodriguez & Roxanne Perez
There wasn’t much going on early with Asuka and Perez, so Raquel tagged in. Sane tagged in, leading to the Warriors hitting Raquel with some kicks. Sane kicked Raquel’s arm and Sane was on Raquel’s shoulders, leading to a hurricanrana. Perez tagged in, so Sane tripped her up. Sane hit a dragon screw leg whip and a bridging pin for two. Raquel was back in, so Sane hit her with strikes. That didn’t last long because the heels took over and Perez sent Sane into the barricade. They went to a break for some fans. It led to the heels remaining in control for a few minutes.
Perez hit Sane with an uppercut and Raquel tagged in with a clothesline. Sky fought her way out of the heel corner, which led to Asuka tagging in with a missile dropkick on Raquel. Raquel worked over Pere with a running splash and some more kicks. Asuka applied an armbar on Perez, but Raquel mad the save. Raquel clotheslined Asuka and Raquel illegally went into the ring with a handstand strike to Asuka. Raquel hit a slingshot suplex and Perez tagged in for a moonsault for two. Asuka sent Raquel and Sane out of the ring. Perez went for a pin, btu Asuka countered with an Asuka Lock. Asuka hit a hip attack on Raquel on the apron. Sane went up top and hit the Insane Elbow to knock Raquel down. Asuka went for a spinning heel kick, but Perez bumped too early and it looked bad. It looked like they wanted to do a cover spot with a rope kickout, but then they improved something else. Asuka applied the Asuka Lock on Perez, who tapped to give Asuka the win. It went about 10 minutes.
Winners by pinfall: Kabuki Warriors – Asuka & Kairi Sane
Analysis: *** A solid tag team match by two good teams. That spin kick spot at the end looked bad and I’m sure fans will be critical of them, but they were able to go with a finish that worked and maybe that was the one that was planned in the first place. The Judgment Day ladies aren’t winning much lately, but it’s still a quality win for the Kabuki Warriors.
Raw GM Adam Pearce was featured in a video talking about the vacant Women’s World Championship. Pearce said that the Evolution women’s battle royal winner Stephanie Vaquer will face Iyo Sky for the vacant Women’s World Title since Sky was owed a rematch.
Analysis: That’s fine with me. They don’t need to do a tournament to get a title shot. I think this was the right way to do it.
Finn Balor and JD McDonagh made their entrance as the World Tag Team Champions for Finn’s match. Balor’s opponent Dragon Lee made his entrance as well.
CM Punk was shown outside the arena waiting for the arrival of Seth Rollins.
Dragon Lee vs. Finn Balor (w/JD McDonagh)
It was Balor getting some offense early. Lee avoided a charging Balor and hit a hurricanrana, followed by a dropkick out of the ring. Lee hit a somersault over the top onto Balor on the floor. Lee got a lot of hang time on that. They went on a break for some fans. Balor was able to take control with a dropkick. Balor hit a Russian legsweep and the fans started doing a Balor song, so Finn and JD loved it. It was simply a “Finn Balor, la la la la” chant. Finn grabbed a headlock.
Lee hit Balor with some chops, Balor kicked Lee in the ribs, and Lee hit a German Suplex. Lee hit a superkick on Balor. Lee hit a sitout Powerbomb for two. Good nearfall. Balor and Lee countered eachother, which led to Balor hitting a reverse DDT for two. During the two counts, the fans chant “Simplement deux” which means it’s simply a two (“deux” in French) count. The fans were singing again. Lee went up top and hit a cross body block for a two count. Balor went to the turnbuckle, Lee kicked him and Lee jumped over the top, leading to a hurricanrana on JD onto the floor. Balor was upside down as he flipped Lee off the top rope and Balor hit the Coup de Grace double foot stomp on Lee for the pinfall win. It went about 10 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Finn Balor
Analysis: *** A good technical wrestling match with some big moves by both guys. I thought Lee might win since he beat JD in the past, but instead, it was a victory for Balor to give him some momentum. It was just a match without much of a story.
Iyo Sky walked backstage, where she was hugged by Nikki Bella. Nikki said she was happy for Sky getting a Women’s World Title match and Sky said she hopes Nikki gets another shot at the Women’s IC Title. Asuka and Kairi Sane showed up, so Nikki left. Asuka said they’ll help Sky with Stephanie Vaquer, but Sky said she didn’t need help. Asuka left and yelled at Kairi to come with her.
Analysis: Asuka continues to act heelish, so it’s only a matter of time until it happens.
The WWE podcasts were plugged. Kurt Angle is on the The Undertaker’s podcast this week and Bruce Prichard is on the Cody Rhodes podcast.
The New Day and Grayson Waller made their entrance for tag team action.
Kofi Kingston, Xavier Woods and Grayson Waller did a promo trashing their opponents. Woods said that this was the worst crowd. When fans chanted for Big E, Woods said he doesn’t come to work and Cole pointed out Big E went to work last night. Woods didn’t want them to chant “New Day sucks” at them, so of course the rans did. The fans chanted “Shut the f**k up” at them so the swear word was muted. Woods ended it by saying, “Thank God for The New Day” and that was it.
The Judgment Day’s Finn Balor and JD McDonagh were backstage while Dominik Mysterio was there, saying he was there in spirit. Dom said that they need to figure something out for his match. Adam Pearce said that Finn and JD are banned from ringside for Dom’s match. Dom complained, but Pearce said too bad and it’s official.
Penta and The War Raiders – Erik & Ivar vs. The New Day – Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods, and Grayson Waller
The babyface trio of Penta, Erik and Ivar all hit moves from the ring to the floor. Ivar hit a cannonball onto a few guys on the floor. Penta went onto the ring post and hit a cross body block onto the three heels. Penta and the Raiders danced in the ring together. They went to a break for some fans as Erik nailed Woods with an elbow smash to Woods’ head. After a referee distraction, Waller punched Erik and the heels took over with some quick tags and nearfalls.
Woods got the tag for his team and hit a double foot stomp to Erik’s back. Woods did a Flair strut, followed by a boot to the face for two. Woods punched Penta off the apron. Erik hit a knee smash on Woods. Ivar tagged in against “Big G” Waller, so Ivar hit a back body drop, sidewalk slam and a running cross body block. The fans chanted. Ivar sat down on Kofi’s chest, but then Waller avoided a charging attack, so Ivar hit the turnbuckle. Penta got the hot tag, he hit a Slingblade on Waller and a jumping DDT on Waller. Penta hit a jumping kick on Woods, along with a handstand dropkick to the ribs for two. Woods stopped Penta from doing more and Woods hit a jumping kick to the head. Waller made the tag and hit jumping a flatliner on Erik. Kofi tagged in with top rope Frog Splash to Erik’s back for two because Penta broke up the pin. Waller hit a knee on Penta, Ivar hit a spin kick on Waller and Woods hit a DDT on Ivar. Erik ate an elbow from Woods, but that led to Ivar tagging in and they missed up some spot that led to Ivar hitting a splash on Woods. Penta got the tag and hit a Mexican Destroyer on Woods for the pinfall win after about 8 minutes.
Winners by pinfall: The New Day – Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods, and Grayson Waller
Analysis: **3/4 It was a solid match, but it didn’t really feel that special at all. The heels got some offense, yet they didn’t come close to winning. I thought this story was going to lead to Penta needing help dealing with The New Day guys, yet instead it was a clean win and it appears this story is done for now. I thought they would bring Rey Fenix to Raw to reunite the Lucha Brothers. It doesn’t look like that now.
Rhea Ripley was interviewed by Cathy Kelley backstage. Ripley said she still has her eye on the Women’s World Title match between Stephanie Vaquer and Iyo Sky. Asuka and Kairi Sane interrupted. Asuka told Ripley to stop thinking about taking the Women’s World Title from her. Ripley and Asuka exchanged words, so Asuka said that she has been making history for ten years. Asuka said that nobody is ready for Asuka, even Ripley. Sane looked at Ripley, so Asuka yelled “Kairi” and Sane left.
Analysis: That should set up a Rhea Ripley-Asuka match, which should be great. That’s likely why Asuka won earlier to build her up for the Ripley match.
AJ Styles made his entrance, and the fans were going nuts for him. The fans were singing the song for him like they did at Backlash France last year. When they did it last year, Styles was a heel and now AJ is in a babyface, so he was encouraging it.
They went to a break for some fans watching at home, and the French crowd kept on singing for Styles. I looked it up, and the AJ Styles song is a traditional French party song sang in a soccer stadium or during a birthday, which goes like this: “You are truly, you are truly, you are truly phenomenal lalalalala.” They just kept on going for about five minutes.
Analysis: This crowd is amazing, and they love the “Phenomenal” song for Styles.
The show was back from the brea,k and they were still singing. Cole said they were the best WWE fans on the planet. They’ve had over 53,000 fans in attendance for Clash in Paris and Raw.
Raw GM Adam Pearce was backstage dealing with Roxanne Perez and Raquel Rodriguez. Pearce said if Iyo Sky wins, then Pearce will consider Roxanne facing her in the future. Lyra Valkyria walked in, so Raquel and Roxanne argued with her. Pearce told Roxanne and Raquel to leave. Pearce said he talked to Bayley, she said some weird things, and she’ll be back soon. Pyra was disappointed that’s all he had for her. Lyra wanted to face Raquel or Roxanne next week. Pearce said he can make that happen.
Analysis: That’s an easy way to make match for next week.
Dominik Mysterio made his entrance as the Intercontinental Champion. He was booed loudly by the fans. Ring announcer Alicia Taylor did the in-ring championship introductions. Dominik attacked Styles before the introductions finished.
Intercontinental Championship: Dominik Mysterio vs. AJ Styles
Dominik kicked Styles, then they ran the ropes and Styles hit a dropkick. Styles did a slingshot attack over the top rope, which led to Styles hitting Dom with a forearm on the floor. They went to a break. Dominik tried to leave the match, but Styles went after him and sent Dominik into the barricade. When Styles tried to get back into the ring, Dominik hit a neckbreaker while using the middle ropes to his advantage. Dominik sent Styles over the barricade at ringside. Dominik stomped on Styles against the turnbuckle and remained in control.
Styles set up Dominik on the turnbuckle, but Dominik was able to counter that and remain in control. Dominik was on the apron and jumped over the top onto Styles with a senton splash. Dominik kicked Styles a few times. Styles came back with strikes, along with a clothesline. Styles hit a sliding forearm. Styles hit a running clothesline against the turnbuckle and a slam onto the knee for a two count. Dominik avoided a forearm by Styles by the apron, which led to Dominik hitting an amazing hurricanrana off the apron to the floor. Dominik tried to jump onto Styles on the floor, but Styles caught him and gave Dom a Powerbomb onto the commentary table. They went to another break as the fans sang for Styles again. When they got into the ring, Styles set up Dominik on the top turnbuckle, but Dominik countered with a front suplex off the top. Dominik jumped off the top and Styles stuck his knee out, so it was like an atomic drop by Styles. They returned from the break at that point.
When Styles tried for a move by the turnbuckle, Dominik was able to stop that and Dominik jumped off the turnbuckle with a Tornado DDT. They were both down after that. Styles suplexed Dominik and hit a neckbreaker for a two count. Styles hit a gutbuster for two. Styles went for a move, but Dominik hit a sitout neckbreaker that Dom calls the Mulletomatic (like the Edgeomatic) and it got a two count. Styles suplexed Dominik so that he went back-first into the turnbuckle. Dominik hit a kick to the back of the head, and then Dominik sent Styles left-shoulder first into the ring post. Dominik hit a Michinoku Driver for a two count. Dominik hit the Three Amigos suplexes. Dominik went up top and hit a Frog Splash for a two count. Dominik went for a 619, but Styles caught him and hit a Styles Clash. When Styles went for a cover, Dom’s hand was under the bottom rope and Dom’s right foot was under the rope as well, so it was only a two count because the referee saw it. Styles hit a Bloody Sunday brainbuster. Dominik was distracting the referee, so El Grande Americano tripped up Styles on the apron. Grande used a metal piece to headbutt Styles in the ribs. The referee never saw it. Dominik went up top and hit a Frog Splash for the pinfall win after 17 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Dominik Mysterio
Analysis: ***3/4 I enjoyed the match and I thought there might be a title change, but instead it was a cheap win for Dominik thanks to El Grande Americano getting involved. Dominik and Styles have great chemistry together. They could have done this match weeks ago, but they wanted to wait until France because they knew the fans would be on fire for Styles, which is why I thought a title change was possible. Nope. We have seen Dominik talk to Americano in the past, and it ended up helping Dom in this match.
Dominik Mysterio celebrated the win and said he was the king of the luchadores.
A video package aired about Roman Reigns beating Bronson Reed at Clash in Paris. Reigns took out Paul Heyman with a Guillotine Choke after the match. However, Reigns was also attacked by Bron Breakker, who hit Reigns with a Spear on the commentary table. Reed and Breakker would go on to destroy Reigns with multiple attacks. Reigns was taken away on a stretcher, and the story was that he was in a hospital.
Analysis: It was a way to write out Roman Reigns since he is going to film the Street Fighter movie soon. Reigns will be back in October or maybe November.
The announcers were shown on camera with Cole saying that Heyman had a larynx contusion and Reigns had multiple broken ribs, so he’s out indefinitely.
LA Knight was interviewed by Jackie Redmond. Knight admitted he doesn’t know how to quit and he doesn’t know how to stop. Knight said that he can survive with Jey Uso or die apart. Jey Uso walked in and said that those guys got his cousin, so Jey has to get them. Jey told Knight to stay out of his way and they will have no problems. Jey wanted to say “Yeet” but Knight said it’s “Yeah.”
CM Punk was shown talking to Rhea Ripley backstage. Ripley said she didn’t think Seth Rollins was coming. Adam Pearce showed up, so Ripley left. Pearce said Seth Rollins is in the building, Punk wondered how, Pearce said he didn’t know how and Punk said he would go handle it. Punk left.
There was a video featuring The New Day talking about how the death of the WWE World Tag Team Titles because they aren’t being held by them. It was overly dramatic, of course. This was shown during a break.
Rusev was featured in a video talking about how he’s not a bully because he’s a beacon. Rusev said he’s an example of how it’s impossible to be good when you’re destined to be great. Rusev said he stuck that weapon down Sheamus’ throat, and he caved. Rusev said maybe they can be friends again now that Sheamus knows his place is beneath Rusev’s feet. Rusev said that devastating now that he is free.
Analysis: It was a big win for Rusev over Sheamus at Clash in Paris. I enjoyed the match a lot.
Let’s Hear from CM Punk
CM Punk made his entrance to a big ovation, and the fans sang Living Colour’s “Cult of Personality” song as Punk made his way into the ring.
Punk said that he’s been far too patient waiting for Seth Rollins. Punk said he’s waiting for Rollins to come out there and he’s hijacking the show until Rollins comes out there. Punk said that he’s going to be in this ring until Rollins faces him man to man.
The music of the World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins hit, but instead of Seth, it was the Women’s Intercontinental Champion Becky Lynch, who is Seth’s wife. Lynch sauntered down to the ring with a big smile on her face.
Lynch said that she’s not the man that he was looking for, but she is The Man that he has to deal with. There were “AJ Lee” chants. Lynch said that they were chanting for a dope that doesn’t work there. Punk said that this has nothing to do with her. Punk told her to call Seth and tell him to get his rotten ass out there.
Lynch said that Punk has trashed her husband, who is the father of her daughter and the greatest man that she has ever known. Punk said that Rollins is a coward. Lynch said that Rollins is everything that Punk will never be. Lynch said he’s hot, he’s jacked, and Punk said you’re delusional. Punk wanted Rollins to come out there so Punk can punch his teeth down his throat. Lynch said that people were chanting Punk’s name during her matches too and showing they didn’t care about her matches and her hard work. There was a “CM Punk” chant. Lynch told Punk he was the poster child for apathy. Lynch said that the people didn’t get her to the main event of WrestleMania because she got herself there. Lynch said that her and her husband got this business to where it is today. The fans chanted, “Shut the f**k up” so the censors were muting the swear word. Lynch said that her and Seth run this business and they are both champions. Lynch said her husband is a visionary, a revolutionary and he is Seth “Freakin” Rollins. Lynch bragged about being the greatest woman superstar ever. Lynch told Punk to get out of the way and wished him the best in his future endeavors. The fans chanted “AJ Lee” again and Lynch said she doesn’t work here. Lynch told Punk he doesn’t fit the vision.
Punk said that the vision is a bit blurry. Punk said that he understands the magnitude of him because he’s the best in the world. Punk said that it’s not just him saying because it’s the fans in Paris that are saying it and they chanted Punk’s name again. Punk said that they chant his name whether he works there or not, they chant his name when he’s in catering, they chant his name whether he’s champion or not. Punk mentioned all the towns he was just in and the fans were chanting his name. Punk said that Becky and her stupid husband weren’t at those shows. Punk said that Rollins hides behind his title, Paul Heyman, Bronson Reed, Bron Breakker and now he’s hiding behind his wife. Punk said that Lynch is more than just somebody’s wife. Punk said that Lynch is The Man and she married a bum. Punk called Rollins a paper champion and he needs to know that this between them will never be over.
Seth Rollins finally appeared with the World Heavyweight Title around his waist, but his music wasn’t playing. Seth was in the aisle by the entrance.
Rollins claimed that he was looking for Punk all night. Rollins wanted Punk to come over there to say it to Seth’s face. Punk tried to get out of the ring, but Lynch stood in front of him. When Punk got near the ropes, Rollins walked to the back. When Punk turned around, Lynch smacked Punk in the face numerous times. Lynch kept on smacking Punk in the face, but Punk wouldn’t hit her back. Lynch told Punk he was pathetic. Punk said that he’s going to make Seth Rollins regret ever cashing in on him and Lynch will regret putting her hands on him. Lynch said that she has Punk’s gross sweat on her. Lynch told Punk to leave. Lynch wanted the fans to sing, but they booed and Punk walked to the back. Lynch told Punk he’ll never be champion. Lynch told Punk to never come back.
Analysis: That took a while to get through, and I didn’t think there would be a long promo segment there, but it furthered the story. The fans in the arena know that AJ Lee is coming back and so do the fans at home, but we haven’t seen her return yet. Since Lynch hit Punk and Punk doesn’t want to hit a woman, it obviously sets the stage for Lee to come back because of how Lynch was disrespecting AJ’s husband Punk. The story is working very well, I think. I thought Lynch was great as an annoying heel in this segment.
This Friday on SmackDown: John Cena’s final appearance in Chicago.
Analysis: The build for the John Cena-Brock Lesnar match at Wrestlepalooza will begin there.
Jey Uso made his entrance by walking down the aisle rather than entering from the crowd. LA Knight also made his entrance. Bronson Reed and Bron Breakker made their entrance as well.
CM Punk was shown walking backstage, where Adam Pearce walked up to Punk and said that Rollins had left. Punk asked where is SmackDown on Friday? Pearce said that it’s in Chicago, home sweet home for Punk. Why? Punk said, “Tremendous” and left.
Analysis: That likely means a CM Punk appearance on SmackDown in Chicago, which is where he is from and lives with his wife, AJ Lee. That segment right there told the fans that Punk will be there.
LA Knight & Jey Uso vs. Bronson Reed & Bron Breakker
Jey and Knight worked together with some punches on Reed. Reed came back with a headbutt on Knight. Bron tagged in, but Knight was ready for him with a neckbreaker. Knight stomped on Bron, Jey tagged in and hit a running hip attack on Bron. The heels took over as Reed got a cheap shot. Bron worked over Jey by punching the injured ribs. Bron tossed Jey over the top to the floor. They went to a break for some fans as the Bron boys remained in control for a few minutes.
The match continued with Bron tackling Jey into the turnbuckle. Jey managed to break free and Knight hit a neckbreaker on Reed. Knight hit a top rope elbow on Reed. After a Bron distraction. Reed splashed Knight against the turnbuckle. It was Knight’s turn to be the face in peril as Bron and Reed worked over Knight with quick tags. Bron hit a suplex. Knight tried to break free, but Bron stopped that by hitting a German Suplex across the ring. Reed sent Knight into the turnbuckle, but Knight hit an elbow smash. Reed missed a senton when Knight moved, so Jey got the hot tag against Bron. Jey hit some clotheslines, along with punches and the fans chanted “YEET” for them. Jey hit a jumping kick to the head, followed by a running hip attack on Bron. Jey slipped out when Bron went for a slam, and Jey bounced off the ropes, leading to a Spear. Jey tried to clothesline Reed over the top to the floor, so Knight helped Jey and the babyfaces worked together to send Reed over the top to the floor. Jey hit a suicide dive onto Knight on the floor. Bron went after Knight, who was ready and hit a BFT. Jey went up top and hit an Uso Splash for two because Reed pulled Jey out of the ring. Knight hit a running kick on Reed on the floor. Reed sent Knight into the ring post. Back in the ring, Jey hit three superkicks on Reed, followed by a Spear. Jey went up top and hit an Uso Splash on Reed. Bron went back into the ring and he was legal with a Spear on Jey for the pinfall win after about 13 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Bronson Reed & Bron Breakker
Analysis: ***1/4 It was a good TV main event. This was one of those matches where it could have gone either way. I had lost track of the legal man, but it was definitely Bron because it was Reed breaking up the pin and then doing an attack after that. That also meant the referee should have been counting Bron out of the ring and that didn’t happen, so it was a bit of a flawed finish. With that said, they tried to do the surprise ending by having Bron hit the Spear and then reminding us that he was legal. Solid match.
After the match, Bron punched Jey several times while Reed hit a senton splash. Bron took Jey’s protective tape off the ribs. Knight punched Reed to stop a Tsunami attempt. Knight tried to save Jey, but Bron hit a Spear on Knight. Reed tossed Knight over the French commentary table. Bron ran the ropes quickly and hit a Spear on Jey. Reed went up top and hit a Tsunami on Jey.
Jimmy Uso made the save by running down to the ring with a steel chair. When Jimmy got into the ring, Reed and Bron left. Jimmy talked to Jey, who said that I need you and I can’t do it. Jimmy said he’s here for his brother. End of show.
Analysis: It’s time for The Usos to return as a tag team. I like that. They have been apart for a few years, other than Survivor Series last year when they reunited, and now they can perhaps go back to being a top tag team again. Jey’s singles run was fun. He can still do it, but seeing The Usos together again just feels right.
This week’s Raw had a runtime of 2 hours and 45 minutes on Netflix. That’s about 15 minutes longer than a usual episode.
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Three Stars of the Show
- Dominik Mysterio
- Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed
- AJ Styles
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The Scoreboard
7.75 out of 10
Last week: 7.5
2025 Average: 7.52
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Final Thoughts on WWE Raw
It was an enjoyable episode of Raw that benefitted from the incredible fans in Paris. They were a lively crowd that was full of energy all night long and they were definitely one of the best crowds in WWE. That made for a fun atmosphere most of the night.
The match quality was strong and I thought the Dominik/Styles match was the best, even with the cheap ending because it fits the story. The main event match was pretty good too, while Jimmy Uso saving Jey Uso gives fans the Usos reunion that many fans likely wanted to see.
That CM Punk-Becky Lynch segment furthered that story while the fans know AJ Lee is coming back, which is they chanted her name. SmackDown is in Chicago, Punk said that he’ll be there, so we’ll see if AJ shows up there, or maybe on next week’s Raw. Either way, I think a lot of fans will be happy to see her.
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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