The John Report: WWE Raw Deal 09/15/25 Review
It’s WWE Raw featuring John Cena starting the show, CM Punk & AJ Lee having a face-off with Seth Rollins & Becky Lynch, and more.
The next WWE PLE is Wrestlepalooza, which is this Saturday, September 20th, in Indianapolis, and the card is very strong for it with five matches announced so far. It does feel Raw-heavy as a card, so it will be interesting to see if another SmackDown match gets added later in the week.
Congratulations to WWE Intercontinental Champion Dominik Mysterio on winning the AAA Grand Championship from El Hijo Del Vikingo at the WWE-AAA Worlds Collide: Las Vegas event last Friday. Dirty Dom got an assist from El Grande Americano to get the title. I posted the results of the show, but didn’t write a detailed TJR review because it was a busy weekend, and now I figure it would be too late for that. I enjoyed the show, and I’m glad that Dom won.
Tonight’s Raw has a 7 p.m. ET start time, and the next two weeks after are also at 7 p.m. ET rather than 8 p.m. The reason for the change is to try to counter NFL Monday Night Football on ESPN. Tonight is a special double header at 7 p.m. ET and 10 p.m. ET of NFL MNF, so WWE wants to try the 7 p.m. idea for a few weeks and see how it goes in terms of viewership numbers. I like it because I’m a diehard NFL fan who wants to watch the game, but for this year, I’m sticking with Raw live and going to the game after. I do have the game on another screen as I’m writing this review, too.
This is the Raw Deal for episode #1686 of Monday Night Raw. It’s taking place at the Massmutual Center in Springfield, Massachusetts. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport. Let’s get to it.
I missed the first couple of minutes, but when I joined, there was Jey Uso (supported by Jimmy Uso) arguing with LA Knight, and Raw GM Adam Pearce was there with guys to break it up.
It’s Joe Tessitore and Corey Graves on commentary for Raw this week.
Let’s Hear from John Cena
John Cena got a huge ovation as usual, and this time he was in the state he grew up in, so it is fairly close to home for him. The fans were going wild for Cena. Alicia Taylor did the special introduction for Cena that he gets everywhere he goes and it gave the fans another reason to cheer him. Cena faces Brock Lesnar at Wrestlepalooza this Saturday in Indianapolis.
Cena said there was a lot of noise and energy in Springfield. Cena said a lot of these young fans may not know this but Cena played football at Springfield College. Cena said he was an offensive lineman, so you never get your name in the paper, you get your ass kicked and come back the next day so they can kick your ass again. Cena said Springfield College prepared him for life in WWE. Cena said he had some family, teammates and friends there tonight. Cena said his niece Ashley couldn’t make it for her birthday, so he wished her a happy birthday. Cena said there’s no stage because they wanted to pack as many people as possible in here.
Cena said he held onto that introduction because it’s evolved into a chance for the fans to show their energy and for them to share a final moment. Cena said he needs that moment because he has a tall hill to climb.
Cena mentioned the “Last Real Champion” part of that. Cena said that at Wrestlepalooza, Brock Lesnar wants to end the Last Real Champion. Cena spoke about how Lesnar was damn near Lesnar. The aggressive crowd chanted, “F**k You, Lesnar” and Cena told Netflix they’re saying “Talk To Lesnar” so they’ll talk to him. Cena said that Lesnar makes a target out of him like he’s done so many times. Cena talked about how his matches with Lesnar are some of the toughest challenges he’s ever faced. Cena wondered why did he not say no? The fans chanted, “Whoop his ass” at Cena. Cena said if he said no it would be good for his health and he could use backstage politics to get out of it. Cena said that Lesnar would be the only person upset. Cena mentioned he only has about 6 appearances left. Cena said saying no is easy and safe. The fans chanted, “Thank You Cena.” John said that right there is why he says yes, because he is the Last Real Champion. Cena said he fights his audience in the ring in front of the most important audience in the world – everybody in the building tonight. Cena said that Last Real Champion leaves this place better than they found it. Cena said that the Last Real Champion operates in hustle, loyalty and respect. Cena said that you can understand it’s a chance to make magic, so you give all that you have. Cena: “Am I afraid of Brock Lesnar? Yes, I am.” Cena admitted he could fail. Cena said he won’t back down or give up. Cena said that they will take the fight to the beast because that is what they do.
Cena said that this Saturday at Wrestlepalooza, The Beast faces the Last Real Champion. Cena said it’s a final showdown between two generational cities. Cena said he’s taken Lesnar’s best for 20 years and like a sign in the crowd says, his jorts are stronger than Lesnar’s jeans. Cena ended it with, “You Want some, come get some!” The fans cheered as Cena’s music played to end it. They didn’t show Cena leaving the ring.
Analysis: It was a great promo from John Cena as usual. I write that every time. The man is so good on the microphone. The promo was the noble babyface promo about how he’s not a quitter even though it’s the smart thing to do. I thought that maybe there would be someone showing up to tell him that he had no chance to beat Lesnar, and Cena would lose to Brock like he’s done so many times, but there was none of that. I was a bit disappointed that they didn’t show Cena leaving the ring to soak in a long ovation, but that’s okay.
Jey Uso and LA Knight were arguing with Raw GM Adam Pearce, who tried to reason with them. Jey and Knight continued to argue. Pearce said he can’t have Wrestlepalooza go off the rails. Knight said he wants a piece of Bron Breakker or Bronson Reed. Pearce asked him who his partner is. Knight said he knows just the person – Jimmy Uso. Jey said no because that’s his brother. Knight told Pearce to make it happen.
Analysis: A tag team match for later in the show, which is a different pairing compared to what we’ve seen before.
Lyra Valkyria made her entrance for singles action. They went to a break for some fans. Roxanne Perez made her entrance for the first match of the night.
Roxanne Perez (w/Raquel Rodriguez) vs. Lyra Valkyria
Lyra and Perez exchanged some holds early on. Perez went for a bridging pin, but Lyra got out of it. Lyra got a rollup for two. Perez ran the ropes, held onto them and kicked Perez in the back. Lyra did a legsweep and a dropkick. Lyra was selling a back injury after an attack last week. When Lyra went to the ropes, Raquel tripped her up, and the referee, Jessika Carr, saw it, so Raquel got ejected from the ringside. Lyra sent Perez out of the ring and hit a running dropkick on Perez on the floor. Lyra slowly went up top, but Perez pulled the leg and the back of Lyra hit the mat hard. They went on a break for some fans, and I’ll take a break too. It was Perez in control for about three minutes.
They battled by the turnbuckle where Perez hit a hurricanrana off the top. Perez hit a cartwheel knee drop to the back of Lyra’s head for a two count. Perez applied a Crossface submission, but Lyra was able to counter her and hit a Nightwing sitout slam for the pinfall win after about nine minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Lyra Valkyria
Analysis: *** A competitive match with Lyra Valkyria, finding a way to get the win. They wrestled a lot in NXT and had better matches there, but this was fine for a TV match. A few more nearfalls for Perez would have helped, I think, although it was still okay for what it was.
After the match, Raquel Rodriguez attacked Lyra in the aisle. Raquel sent Lyra into the ring and hit her with a boot to the head. Roxanne Perez hit Pop Rox on Lyra. Bayley made the save, making her return after several weeks off. Bayley attacked Raquel and Perez with strikes. Bayley sent Raquel into the ring post. Bayley hit a running splash on Raquel, followed by a Bayley to Belly suplex. The fans were chanting “Bayley” for her return as Lyra shared the ring with her. Lyra was hesitant to get back up. Bayley was selling the internal struggle in her head and hugged Joe and Corey at ringside. Bayley hugged Alicia too. Bayley hugged referee Jessika Carr and some fans at ringside.
Analysis: Bayley is going through that internal conflict storyline, and at least for now, she’s in Hugger mode like the old Bayley. I still think Bayley is going to be a heel again, but it may take a few weeks for it to happen.
Stephanie Vaquer and Iyo Sky were with Raw GM Adam Pearce with the contract for their match at Wrestlepalooza. Vaquer said she respects Sky and may the best woman win. Sky said she respects Vaquer and Sky will win. They shook hands. Asuka got in Vaquer’s face and told her that she faces Kairi Sane tonight. Pearce had a confused look on his face. Vaquer was fine with it, so Pearce made it official.
Jimmy Uso was approached LA Knight, who said that he chose Jimmy to be his partner against Bronson Reed and Bron Breakker. Knight said Jimmy proved himself to Knight. Jimmy said he knows that Knight has to get his with The Vision, and Jimmy said that The Usos will handle things with The Vision. Jimmy told Knight to get somebody else.
The New Day and Grayson Waller made their entrance for Kofi Kingston’s match up next. They did a promo in the ring during the break for some fans. Grayson Waller claimed Adam Pearce hasn’t done anything about banning the Mexican Destroyer. Xavier Woods said he had open head surgery because of Penta and the Mexican Destroyer. Woods said that he came here to support his best friend. Kofi said that he is from this state, but the better part of this state. Kofi complained about Adam Pearce putting him in a match. Kofi said he’s a survivor, and Thank God to him, so Woods ended it with the, “Thank God for The New Day” bit.
Penta vs. Kofi Kingston (w/Xavier Woods & Grayson Waller)
Penta sent Kofi out of the ring quickly and Penta hit a somersault dive over the top onto Kofi. After Waller trash-talked Penta, there was a slap from Penta, and Kofi kicked Penta down on the floor. Kofi hit a Frog Splash onto Penta’s back on the floor. Good spot leading to a break for some fans. Kofi remained in control by sending Penta hard into the ring post. Kofi continued the attack by tying the mask to the ropes and he stomped on Penta. Kofi grabbed a chinlock.
The match continued with Penta running the ropes and hitting a hurricanrana. Penta superkicked Kofi against the turnbuckle. Penta did a handstand dropkick on Kofi against the turnbuckle and that got a two count. Penta chopped Kofi hard on the chest. Kofi came back with a kick, but a jump off the top missed. Woods mentioned Shelbyville at ringside, and Graves made some Simpsons references, which are always welcome. Penta and Kofi each connected with kicks. Penta hit an enziguri kick to the head. Woods tried to distract, Waller went into the ring and Penta superkicked him. Penta jumped off the ropes with a springboard Mexican Destroyer for the pinfall win after about 9 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Penta
Analysis: ***1/4 That was an incredible move by Penta to win the match. The Mexican Destroyer on its own is great, but doing it springboard style to win the match is really difficult to do, and it looked amazing. I thought there would be an attack by New Day after the match, so that it could lead to Rey Fenix coming to Penta’s aid, but there was no sign of that.
Jey Uso was shown talking to somebody on the phone. Jimmy Uso approached him, and Jey said don’t worry who was on the phone. Jey told Jimmy has to say no to Knight. Jey said only they matter. Jimmy said he did tell Knight that they can’t team up. Jimmy told Jey he can’t take orders from him like he is one of Jimmy’s kids. Jimmy told Jey to change his tone because the last time he checked, there ain’t no Ula Fala around his neck.
Analysis: Nice job by Jimmy Uso telling brother Jey that he’s not the boss around here. They are back on the same page, but there were still issues between them.
The Seth Rollins-Becky Lynch duo was shown walking backstage for promo time up next.
A video package aired during the break to update us on the AJ Lee-CM Punk and Becky Lynch-Seth Rollins story.
They showed a clip of Jey Uso throwing out the first pitch at the Boston Red Sox game on Sunday. It wasn’t a strike, but he got it there. Go Toronto Blue Jays, who are in first place in the American League. Just saying.
Jimmy Uso was shown walking backstage, where he told LA Knight that tonight he is in. Knight: “Yeah!”
Analysis: It’s a case of Jimmy Uso defying what his brother Jey Uso wants because Jimmy didn’t like Jey bossing him around.
Face-to-Face: Seth Rollins & Becky Lynch and CM Punk & AJ Lee
The World Heavyweight Champion, Seth Rollins, made his entrance, joined by his wife, the Women’s Intercontinental Champion, Becky Lynch. They were in black leather. It started with Seth’s music and turned into Lynch’s music. Seth did his usual bit, welcoming us to Raw, and then mentioning his nicknames. Rollins said he had the honor of introducing your Intercontinental Champion, and he complimented his wife a lot while going over her credentials, calling her Becky “Freaking” Lynch. Rollins told the fans to show some respect, so the fans booed and chanted “AJ Lee” at her. Lynch said whatever she has to say, she’ll say it to their face. Cue the babyface entrances.
AJ Lee made her entrance, joined by her husband CM Punk, and the fans popped huge for them. They walked out there to Lee’s music.
CM Punk introduced himself as AJ’s husband, which led to more cheers from the fans. Punk addressed Lynch, telling her that he didn’t need to talk behind her back. Punk called them “goofs” so there was a “Goofs” chant. Rollins told the fans they wouldn’t know Styles if it punched them in the face. Punk said that you brag about the greatest wrestling couple, but you can’t share the spotlight. Punk said we had to listen to two crappy songs, while he had no problem letting this lady light it up. Punk said that they share a brain cell and a wardrobe, unfortunately, but can they share the spotlight, or will Saturday be easy for them? Punk wondered if they would be happily married or if their egos would get in the way.
Rollins mentioned Punk talking about egos, saying that Punk is the most selfish human being that Rollins has ever met. The fans chanted, “Shut the f**k up” so there was some muting and Lynch yelled at the fans. Rollins said he would give CM Punk credit. Rollins told Punk that CM Punk is the best decision he has ever made in his personal life. The fans chanted, “No one likes you,” so Lynch said she likes him. Rollis said you can hate him all you want, but he’s still the World Heavyweight Champion. Punk: “For now.” Rollins said that, as far as business is concerned, Punk will regret inserting Lee into this.
Lee said that the mistake was yours. Lee claimed that she wouldn’t be here if Rollins hadn’t used his own wife as a human shield. Lynch said that nobody expected her to come back, and the fans didn’t expect her to come back after 10 years. Lynch said that she couldn’t believe it. Lynch said she can’t believe how irresponsible it is of CM Punk. Lynch said that Punk only cares about himself, Seth’s championship (Seth said Punk will never have it) and Punk cares about AJ Lee. Lynch mentioned the damage that was done to Lee’s neck and how is that feeling? Lynch said that Punk got in a blood feud with a man who took a bracelet (Drew McIntyre reference), so how will it feel when Lynch is pummeling Lee’s face in. Lynch did her usual bit about being the greatest female superstar of all time. Lynch said Lee is not an asset, and Lynch called Lee a liability.
Lee thanked Lynch for reading her book, and Lee said she didn’t read Lynch’s book. Lee admitted she didn’t know how her neck would hold up. Lee said it’s been ten years, so she doesn’t know what’s going to happen on Saturday. Lee mocked Lynch for having a constipated face when Lee returned. Lee mentioned she won two titles with this neck. Lee admitted she didn’t know what she would do next while admitting that she makes a rash decision and she’s a Puerto Rican from New Jersey, so sometimes she shanks a chick. The fans cheered. Lee told Rollins he can’t plan for something he can’t predict.
Rollins mocked Lee for thinking that he can’t handle her. Rollins said that maybe Rollins can’t read Lee, but he can read Punk like a book. Rollins wanted to tell her something that Lee doesn’t know about her husband. Rollins told Lee that Punk has a nasty habit of leaving when things let him down, so this Saturday, when Lynch rips Lee to shreds, you’d better hope to God that Punk doesn’t leave Lee too. Lee smacked Rollis hard in the face! The fans cheered. Rollins said he’d never put his hands on a lady, but he has someone who will. Lynch wasn’t ready to do that. Rollins told Lynch this is her fault and Lynch left the ring. Lynch told Rollis that he got them into this. Rollins shoved Punk in the face and Rollins ran around the ring. Lynch went into the ring and hit a Manhandle Slam on Lee! Lynch slapped Punk hard in the face. Lee slapped Punk in the face again. Rollis and Lynch kissed in the aisle while Punk checked on his wife, Lee, in the ring.
Analysis: I liked the segment a lot. Everybody made some good points. Punk talked about being more united with Lee by walking out to Lee’s theme song while Lynch and Rollins had each of their songs played. I liked Lynch making the point that Lee had a neck injury in the past, so that adds to the story. Rollins also mentioned Punk leaving things when he’s not happy is a good point, too. It was a crafty move by Rollins and Lynch to tease the idea that they weren’t on the same page, but it was a case of the heels outsmarting the babyfaces. I expect Punk and Lee to win at Wrestlepalooza, so having the heels get the advantage here was the right way to build to the match. The whole thing was well done.
A video package aired about the WWE-AAA Worlds Collide event. It ended with Dominik Mysterio winning the AAA Grand Championship.
Dominik Mysterio was interviewed by Byron Saxton, with Dom holding his two titles. Saxton tried to ask him about El Grande Americano, but Dom avoided that. Dom said he’s the Mega Intercontinental Champion…and there were loud noises in the distance.
The New Day were shown beating up Penta with chairs. The War Raiders showed up along with officials to stop the attack.
Analysis: What I mentioned earlier with Rey Fenix showing up to help Penta could still be a thing because of what just happened there.
El Grande Americano made his entrance to his “Ole” theme song. It’s Ludwig Kaiser in a mask. They went on a break for some fans as Dragon Lee also made his entrance.
Dragon Lee vs. El Grande Americano
Lee hit a running shotgun dropkick. The referee held Lee back, so Grande hit a jumping kick to the head. Lee came back with a running hurricanrana, along with a jumping kick to the chest. Grande had Lee on his shoulder and hit a Cutter for two. Grande ran the ropes, caught Lee on his shoulder, and hit a rolling senton for two. Grande hit a running kick on Lee. Grande chopped Lee hard in the chest. Lee kicked Grande in the head. Lee jumped over the top and hit hurricanrana on Grande on the floor. That’s always impressive when Lee does that. Lee hit a suicide dive onto Grande, who bumped onto the front of the top. That drew a “Holy Shit” chant as they went to a break for some fans. Grande dropkicked Lee from the ring onto the floor. Grande took control of the action during the break, which is usual for a heel during the break.
Grande was trying to remove the mask of Lee, so Lee came back with a German Suplex and a superkick. They exchanged chops. Grande chopped Lee a few times, but Lee flipped around and Lee hit a Liger Bomb for a two count. Grande tried a move off the top, but Lee tripped him. Lee hit a jumping kick, so Grande was upside down and Lee went to the top of the ring post for a double foot stomp that got a two count. Lee tried pulling Grande’s mask off, but the referee stopped that. Another Americano showed up with a jumping kick to the head. Grande went up top and hit a Blockbuster neckbreaker off the ropes for a two count. That was a good nearfall. AJ Styles went down to ringside, so the second Americano went to ringside and Styles chased the second Grande under the ring. Styles sent the second Americano over the barricade at ringside. A third Americano showed up and punched Styles, followed by a Tornado DDT. The third Americano distracted the referee, so the second Americano shoved Lee off the top. Grande applied a submission pulling back on the head/neck, and Lee tapped out. It went about 11 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: El Grande Americano
Analysis: ***1/2 Great TV match that was full of action. Dragon Lee is so talented and can really have awesome matches if he gets the time, like they did here. Grande (Kaiser) is also very talented in the ring, so they pulled off a very entertaining match. There was the interference that led to the cheap finish, but I don’t think it hurt the match because it continued the story of the mysterious Grande character.
After the match, Grande and the two Americans did a Spiderman-like pose with Grande.
Analysis: We continue to see multiple Americanos in different outfits, and they are getting a lot of heat for it. The second and third Americanos are Pete Dunne and Tyler Bate, who are both talented wrestlers.
Lyra Valkyria knocked on Bayley’s locker room door while we could hear Bayley talking to herself. Lyra asked Bayley who she was talking to? Bayley had no answer. Lyra thanked Bayley for helping her with Judgment Day. Bayley shouted at Lyra for going into her locker room because Bayley could have been changing or had a guest, and Bayley called Lyra an idiot. Bayley told Lyra to stay out of her locker room, and Bayley left angrily.
Analysis: Crazy Bayley continues to be a mystery. The heel turn is coming, most likely.
Stephanie Vaquer was approached by Rhea Ripley backstage. Reha said whether it’s Stephanie or Iyo that wins the title this weekend, Rhea said she’s coming for her so good luck. Vaquer said she’s ready.
Stephanie Vaquer made her entrance first, and they went to a break after that. Kairi Sane was up next, joined by Asuka.
Kairi Sane (w/Asuka) vs. Stephanie Vaquer
They exchanged holds early on, and then attempted dropkicks at the same time. When Shane shook hands with Vaquer, Asuka yelled at Sane about it. Sane did a headscissors off the ropes, along with a dropkick. Sane hit a running clothesline against the ropes. Sane went for a Powerbomb off the apron to the floor, but Vaquer hit a double knee stomp on Sane to stop that. Vaquer took advantage as the match went into a break. Vaquer was in control with headbutts, along with a suplex. Sane managed to get some offense going as the match returned.
Sane sent Vaquer into the turnbuckle, but Vaquer caught her and sent Sane into the turnbuckle. Vaquer hit a dropkick, followed by running knees against the turnbuckle. Vaquer went for a move, but Sane escaped and hit a forearm. Sane hit a double axhandle to knock Vaquer down. Vaquer came back with a kick, along with a neckbreaker. Sane hit a running forearm. Sane went up top, jumped off, Vaquer avoided that and Vaquer hit a DDT into a pin attempt. Vaquer teased her double knee attack, but Sane countered with a pin attempt. Vaquer lifted Sane and Sane spiked her with a DDT. Sane went up top, took too long and Vaquer hit her with a slap. Sane headbutted Vaquer to knock her upside down, so Sane hit a double foot stomp off the top for a two count. Vaquer countered Sane and got a rullup attempt. Sane hit two spinning back fists. Vaquer came back with a slap, kick and headbutt. Vaquer caught Sane’s leg, and did a dragon screw leg whip. Sane left the ring, so Vaquer went up top and jumped off with a cross body block onto Sane and Asuka. Back in the ring, Vaquer hit the Devil’s Kiss knee smashing routine ten times as Sane hit the mat with her hands to add some noise to it. Vaquer hit the SVB with a double knee smash to the face for the pinfall win. It went about 11 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Stephanie Vaquer
Analysis: ***1/2 I enjoyed that a lot. Vaquer is so good, and Sane certainly can keep up with her in a match like this. Vaquer used to do SVB onto the knee like a backbreaker, but this was more of a double knee attack. I liked this version better. Booking-wise, it made sense for Vaquer to win, she’s in the match with Iyo Sky at Wrestlepalooza, while Sane is not in a match at that show. These women hit hard and had a lot of chemistry. The WWE women’s division is kicking ass these days.
After the match, Asuka went into the ring with Vaquer and Iyo Sky ran out there to put a stop to it. Sky tried to calm Asuka down. The fans were chanting “Mami” for Rhea Ripley, but there was so sign of her. Asuka left with Sane. Sky and Vaquer shook hands in the ring.
Analysis: That’s going to be an awesome match between Vaquer and Sky at Wrestlepalooza. I think Vaquer will win.
The Vision’s Bronson Reed and Bron Breakker were featured in a backstage video. Reed talked about how they are the best tag team now. Reed talked about the destruction that Bron can cause. Reed said you’ll see what happens when the dog Bron is off the leash. Reed warned Jimmy and LA Knight about what’s going to happen. Bron said that we’ll beat you at your own game and The Vision doesn’t change for anybody.
El Grande Americano was interviewed by Byron Saxton, who asked how it felt to win earlier in the night. This was during a break for some fans. Grande said “stupido” a few times and said his name. Saxton asked who the two interviews are who helped Grande earlier. Grande had no answer and put his hand in Saxton’s face. Grande left.
Asuka was backstage with Kairi Sane and Iyo Sky yelling in Japanese. Sky said that she needs to do this by herself. Sky said on Saturday at Wrestlepalooza, she’s going to win on her own. Asuka said, “Fine” and Asuka ranted in Japanese. Asuka left, Sane stayed and Asuka yelled, “Kairi” as usual, so Sane left.
Analysis: The heel turn of Asuka is coming, so she’s in the same boat as Bayley as far as women who are set for heel turns.
There was a rundown of the WWE Wrestlepalooza lineup for Saturday, September 20th.
* John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar
* CM Punk & AJ Lee vs. Seth Rollins & Becky Lynch
* The Usos – Jimmy & Jey Uso vs. Bronson Reed & Bron Breakker
* For the Vacant Women’s World Championship: Stephanie Vaquer vs. Iyo Sky
* Undisputed WWE Championship: Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Drew McIntyre
This Friday on SmackDown: WWE Champion Cody Rhodes will be there.
Analysis: As of right now, the Cody-Drew match is the only SmackDown match on the show. Cena-Lesnar did interact on SmackDown, so maybe that counts as an SD match even though Cena is no longer appearing on SD. Anyway, I wouldn’t mind it if another match or two gets added.
The Judgment Day was backstage, celebrating Dom’s second title win with some champagne. Finn Balor said that maybe they should pump the brakes on the celebration. Balor said that Raquel and Roxanne had a tough night. Raquel said they’d take care of their problems. Balor didn’t like Dominik hanging out with El Grande Americano. JD McDonagh wanted to know what Grande expects in return. Dom said maybe Grande just wants Dom’s respect. Balor said when you play that King of the Luchadores card, don’t expect help from them. Balor and JD left. Rusev walked up to Dominik, introduced himself and said he’s the next Intercontinental Champion. Rusev left while Dom looked worried.
Analysis: I think Rusev’s prediction about being the next Intercontinental Champion could be true.
LA Knight made his entrance for the main event. They went on a break for some fans. Jimmy Uso’s entrance was next. Good job, Graves, with a Mayor Quimby reference in Springfield. I live for The Simpsons references. The Vision’s Bron boys also made their entrance.
The Vision – Bron Breakker & Bronson Reed vs. Jimmy Uso & LA Knight
It was Bron and Jimmy to start as Jimmy hit a jumping back elbow. Bron came back with a clothesline. Reed tagged in and kicked Jimmy, along with a headbutt. Jimmy hit a spinning kick to Reed’s head. Knight tagged in with some punches as the fans chanted “Yeah” for each punch. Knight tripped up Reed into the turnbuckle, followed by some stomps to the chest. Knight hit a running knee smash and Jimmy tagged in with the running hip attack. Knight and Jimmy hit a double clothesline to knock Bron out of the ring. They went on a break for some fans. The heels took control of Jimmy as the ace in peril.
The action continued with Jimmy trying to break free, but Reed slammed his head into the mat. Bron was back in with a belly-to-back suplex. Bron set up Jimmy on the top rope, but Jimmy shoved Bron down to stop that. Bron gave Jimmy an overhead suplex across the ring. Reed tagged in with a body slam, but Jimmy avoided the senton splash. Jimmy hit an uppercut along with a boot to the face. Jimmy went up top and hit a twisting cross-body block on Reed. Knight got the hot tag and unloaded on Bron with clotheslines, along with a neckbreaker. Bron hit a pump knee to knock Knight down. Reed went for a Powerbomb, Knight slipped out of it and Knight hit two running clotheslines. Reed caught Knight on his shoulders and Knight came back with a neckbreaker. Knight jumped up to the top rope and hit an elbow drop. Jimmy tagged in and hit an Uso Splash off the top on Reed for two because Bron broke up the pin. Knight clotheslined Bron out of the ring. Jimmy tossed Reed out of the ring, and Jimmy hit a suicide dive into the commentary table. Jimmy tried it again, but Reed stopped Jimmy with a forearm. Knight clotheslined Reed on the floor. Jimmy hit a superkick and a Spear on Reed. Jimmy went up top, but then he saw Bron hit a shoulder tackle on Knight on the floor. Reed grabbed Jimmy and hit a Jagged Edge slam off the shoulders for the pinfall win after 12 minutes.
Winners by pinfall: The Vision – Bron Breakker & Bronson Reed
Analysis: ***1/4 Good main event tag team match to put over The Vision going into their match at Wrestlepalooza. It was a classic tag team match with Jimmy as the face in peril, Knight got the hot tag, nearly got the win, and then the Vision boys found a way to work better as a team.
After the match, Reed held Jimmy, and Bron ran the ropes, leading to a Spear on Jimmy. Jey Uso made the save with a steel chair. Jey hit Bron twice with the chair to the body. Reed punched the chair and Jey came back with punches. Jey hit Reed in the gut with the chair. Jey hit Reed in the back with the chair, so Reed bumped to the floor.
Knight went into the ring and grabbed the steel chair. Jimmy turned around and Knight put the chair down. Jey said that they are good now. Knight looked Jimmy in the eye, they exchanged words and Knight shook Jey’s hand, so the fans cheered that. When Jey turned around, Knight kicked him in the gut, and Knight hit Blount Force Trauma (BFT) on Jey. Knight talked to Jey on the mat and Knight left the ring to end the show.
Analysis: That was payback for Jey Uso cheapshotting LA Knight after the match last week. It made sense for Knight to want to do that even though he did shake hands with Jey after the match.
This week’s Raw had a runtime of 2 hours and 38 minutes on Netflix.
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Three Stars of the Show
- Stephanie Vaquer
- LA Grande Americano
- Bronson Reed & Bron Breakker, and John Cena
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The Scoreboard
7.5 out of 10
Last week: 7
2025 Average: 7.51
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Final Thoughts on WWE Raw
I liked the show quite a bit. They had some great in-ring action throughout the show, with the Grande/Lee and Vaquer/Sane matches standing out the most to me. The main event tag team match was pretty good, too.
The Punk/AJ and Seth/Becky face off was very well done. They all had some good lines that fit their characters. It feels like they have a lot of stories going on for different people on the show, so that’s nice to see. Bayley and Asuka seem like they are on the brink of heel turns. The Knight-Jey relationship continues to have problems as babyfaces who can’t get along.
John Cena’s promo was strong, but I would have liked to see somebody interrupt. Get some cheap pops by having him hit some of his signature moves to make the crowd happy even more.
The next WWE PLE is Wrestlepalooza on September 20th. Here’s the lineup so far.
* John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar
* Undisputed WWE Championship: Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Drew McIntyre
* CM Punk & AJ Lee vs. Seth Rollins & Becky Lynch
* For the Vacant Women’s World Championship: Stephanie Vaquer vs. Iyo Sky
* The Usos – Jimmy & Jey Uso vs. Bronson Reed & Bron Breakker
You can watch Wrestlepalooza, streaming LIVE Saturday, September 20, at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT on ESPN in the United States and on Netflix everywhere else.
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Thanks for reading. Please check out my reviews of every WWE PPV ever listed in order. Go Toronto Blue Jays. My contact info is below.
John Canton
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Twitter/X @johnreport