The John Report: WWE Raw Deal 09/22/25 Review

It’s WWE Raw featuring Cody Rhodes, Bayley in action against Roxanne Perez, a big 6-man tag, and more.

The first-ever WWE Wrestlepalooza took place this Saturday, and now we are on the road to Crown Jewel on October 11th in Australia.

This is the Raw Deal for episode #1687 of Monday Night Raw. It’s taking place at the Ford Center in Evansville, Indiana. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport. Let’s get to it.

There was a Wrestlepalooza video package to start the show.

They showed some superstar arrivals of The Vision with Becky Lynch, Stephanie Vaquer with her dad, The New Day with Grayson Waller, Bayley, and LA Knight. In the background, Rusev pushed Intercontinental Champion Dominik Mysterio against some equipment boxes as Knight kept on walking.

The Raw commentary team is Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett, which has experience together as the main SmackDown for most of this year. Lillian Garcia was the ring announcer this week, filling in for Alicia Taylor.

Let’s Hear from Cody Rhodes..and Seth Rollins

Cody Rhodes made his entrance in a suit as the Undisputed WWE Champion. Cody will face the World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins at Crown Jewel for the Crown Jewel Championship, which is a day title that doesn’t mean much, but WWE wants to try to tell you it means a lot.

Cody asked Evansville, what do you wanna talk about? Cody was wearing his Crown Jewel Championship ring on his right hand. Cody said he would love to add another ring. Cody mentioned the WWE Champion against the World Heavyweight Champion and here comes Seth Rollins.

Seth Rollins made his entrance as the World Heavyweight Champion, joined by The Vision’s Paul Heyman, Bronson Reed, and Bron Breakker. Rollins went into the ring alone while his allies stayed on the floor. The fans sang Seth’s song as usual.

Rollins told Cody that when they walked out of SummerSlam as champions, he had Crown Jewel circled on the calendar. Rollins said it’s champion against champion, and they are two of the best in the world in their prime, one-on-one – may the best man win. Rollins said it’s bigger than that and it’s deeper than that. Rollins said he knows what people think about him and he doesn’t give a damn. Rollins said that these people don’t know what’s good for them and they don’t have the right to make decisions. There were “CM Punk” chants. Rollins said it’s not about him because he doesn’t have a championship. Rollins said what he wants to know is what Cody thinks of him.

Cody says it’s complicated, and it shouldn’t be complicated. Cody said that in recent memory, you’ve made questionable choices and one of them is standing right here – hello Mr. Heyman. Cody told Seth that he had changed Cody’s life. Cody said that Rollins had the courage to stand across from an opponent he didn’t know and said that at Hell in a Cell, you helped Cody show his toughness. Cody talked about how Seth was his Shield at WrestleMania 40 when Cody became a WWE Champion for the first time. Cody said he had Seth’s wife on Cody’s podcast. Cody said that he wonders what Seth thinks of himself. Cody said that the Rollins at his best would not be hiding behind these goons here. Cody said that we know they have their match and they are both champions with a ring on the line, so Cody asked what can he do for Seth?

Seth said that before they talk about that ring, Seth wants to talk about this watch. It says “40” on it. Seth said it’s a watch that Cody gave him at WrestleMania and Seth hasn’t worn it since then until tonight. Seth wondered if this was a real gift or a token gesture. Seth said that Cody is fantastic at saying the right thing about Seth when it suits Cody because in your next breath, you undermine what Seth stands for. Seth said that Cody goes on interviews because Cody is the right person to lead this industry into the future. Seth said that Cody says he is the Quarterback (QB1) and there’s nobody better suited for the job. Seth said if you believe that, then what does it say about Seth? Seth said that it means Cody doesn’t think Seth is good enough and that Seth isn’t as good as Cody.

Seth said that The Vision is an idea of what the future of this industry looks like, and it runs through him. Seth said that he is the tip of that spear, not Cody. Seth said that Cody can be a quarterback, but then he would have to be Seth’s QB. Seth said if you don’t believe in that then it doesn’t matter because the truth will come out. Rollins said that he is the creator, this is not a two-man show, and Seth claimed he is the alpha.

Cody said that there are a lot of questions for him. Cody said that in the three matches they have had, they have all been 1-on-1, so at Crown Jewel, will be that be the case? Cody mentioned their three matches and asked Seth how many did he win? Cody put the microphone against Seth’s chest. I know the answer to that question – Cody was 3-0 against Seth in their 2023 PLE matches.

When Cody left the ring, Rollins waved for his guys to clear the path, so Cody slowly walked by and walked to the back.

Analysis: A long promo exchange to set the stage for Crown Jewel on October 11th, with Cody and Seth trying to prove who is the best in the world. It’s hard to sell people on Crown Jewel matches without a major title on the line. They were good promos, but does it really matter who wins a title that only matters for one day and then goes away until next year? I think that’s the issue with this Crown Jewel show. It’s tough to make people care about it. It should be an awesome Cody-Seth match as usual.

Jimmy Uso was shown walking backstage, where he saw his brother Jey Uso. Jimmy said their loss at Wrestlepalooza was frustrating, and he knows they can beat them. Jimmy found out Jey is facing LA Knight tonight, and he wondered if Jey thought it was a good idea. Jey said he made the match. Jey said he didn’t even have the time to wipe the blood off his Air Force shoes. Jey said they’d win if LA Knight were not the referee. Jey suggested that The Vision would have taken out LA last week if Jimmy hadn’t teamed with LA last week. Jimmy wondered if Jey was blaming him, and Jey said he wasn’t, but Jey was focused on tonight.

The New Day and Grayson Waller made their entrance for their 6-man tag team match. They did a promo. I had to step away, so no recap of that. I think we know how most New Day promos go.

No Disqualification Match: Penta and War Raiders – Erik & Ivar vs. The New Day – Kofi Kingston, Xavier Woods & Grayson Waller

It’s a No DQ tag team match where everything is allowed. Win by pinfall or submission.

There were some strikes early on, like Erik with a knee to Kofi and Waller using a kendo stick to hit Erik. Penta sent Waller out of the ring. Kofi hit a running body attack on Erik’s tag, but Ivar ran over both New Day guys with shoulder tackles. Penta hit a somersault dive over the top onto the New Day guys while Ivar splashed Waller into the LED boards. They went on a break for some fans as the action continued. The New Day guys were on offense with kendo sticks that they used to hurt the faces. The New Day trio put on some ridiculously large hats and jumped off the top rope, leading to kendo stick body attacks on their opponents. The New Day guys celebrated that, so the faces got back up and hit the heels with strikes. Penta and War Raiders put the hats on and did the Penta strut. New Day and Waller were back up to take control.

Penta sent Waller out of the ring with a back body drop. Penta hit a hurricanrana on Woods. Woods blocked a Penta kick on the apron and sent Penta into the mat. Woods held Penta on a table, Kofi went up top and hit a double leg drop that put Penta through the table. The live camera shot missed it, but they showed a replay quickly. Waller got a pin attempt on Penta for two, but Erik made the save. Erik hit Waller with a knee. Ivar went up top, Kofi kicked Erik. Ivar went up top, Kofi and Woods went after him and Erik headbutted Waller. Erik hit a double Powerbomb on the New Day guys. Waller clotheslined Erik over the top to the floor. Ivar went to the top rope and went for a moonsault, but Kofi and Woods moved out of the way. Kofi hit a running senton on Ivar’s back. Ivar caught Waller on the apron and hit a Powerbomb on the apron. Woods hit Ivar with a kendo stick. Erik caught a running Woods and hit a spinebuster on the apron. Kofi hit a splash onto Erik’s back and knocked him down on the floor. Penta faced off with Kofi in the ring, leading to Penta suplexing Kofi through a table that was against the turnbuckle. Waller hit Penta with a kendo stick to the back. Penta set up Waller on the top rope and Penta hit an Avalanche Mexican Destroyer for the pinfall win after about 11 minutes.

Winners by pinfall: Penta and War Raiders – Erik & Ivar

Analysis: ***1/2 Great match that was full of action. I’m all for those kinds of No DQ tags with all six guys working together on creative spots. Penta is incredible with the Mexican Destroyer, which is not an easy move to do in general, but he is able to pull it off from different spots. Penta, using the Mexican Destroyer from different spots, puts it over as a big move. This story might be done now, but I don’t know if it will be.

The Judgment Day was in their clubhouse. Dominik Mysterio, the Intercontinental Champion, spoke to Finn Balor about how Rusev was coming after him. Finn suggested getting El Grande Americano to help, but Dom said he was out of the country. Balor claimed he was busy looking at a tablet. Roxanne Perez asked JD McDonagh to help for The Judgment Day and JD reluctantly agreed. Dom said it was already booked for JD to face Rusev.

Bayley approached Lyra Valkyria backstage, and Bayley said it was so good to see Lyra last week. Bayley asked if Lyra would be in her corner. Lyra said that Bayley screamed at Lyra and called her an idiot. Lyra said they were supposed to keep their distance. Lyra said if it would really help Bayley and Bayley said she knows it would help her. Lyra said she’ll do it. They shook hands awkwardly. Stephanie Vaquer was shown walking backstage for a promo up next.

Paul Heyman was interviewed by Byron Saxton, talking about the Seth Rollins-Cody Rhodes match at Crown Jewel. This was during a break. Heyman said that Cody brags about being 3-0 against Rollins and said that streak comes to an end at Crown Jewel. Heyman said he’s a master of conquering the streak. Heyman said that Rollins will win at Crown Jewel.

Let’s Hear from Stephanie Vaquer

Raw GM Adam Pearce introduced the Women’s World Champion Stephanie Vaquer. Stephanie got a big ovation. Vaquer said this was the dream of her life, but she made it. Vaquer said she learned to be strong and to never give up because she had the best example from her hero – her dad. They showed her dad in the front row and the fans cheered. Vaquer said thanked the fans for celebrating with her and for crying for her. Vaquer said that nobody can stop her – the WWE Women’s World Champion. Pearce said that this Friday on SmackDown, Tiffany Stratton defends the WWE Women’s Championship against Jade Cargill and Nia Jax. The winner faces Vaquer for the Crown Jewel Championship at Crown Jewel. Vaquer said she’ll be there. There was a pyro display by the entrance as Vaquer held up the title.

Analysis: It was a short message from Vaquer, who is getting better at speaking English. She is working hard to get better at it, so kudos to her for that. It’s not easy when English is your second language, but I think we’ll continue seeing Stephanie make progress in the months ahead.

A quick video aired showing Brock Lesnar destroying John Cena at Wrestlepalooza. Lesnar won in under ten minutes.

Nikki Bella congratulated Stephanie Vaquer on her Women’s World Title win. Rhea Ripley walked up saying she’s still coming for he title. Asuka (with Kairi Sane) told Vaquer that Iyo deserves the title. Vaquer said she earned it and would face Asuka any time. Rhea Ripley got in Asuka’s face, they exchanged words, Ripley suggested a match and Asuka agreed. Asuka yelled at Kairi to leave.

Analysis: That’s a big match with Rhea Ripley facing Asuka later in the show.

Bayley made her entrance with Lyra Valkyria and Bayley was wearing an “I’m a Role Model” shirt. The Roxanne Perez entrance with Raquel Rodriguez was during the break.

Roxanne Perez (w/Raquel Rodriguez) vs. Bayley (w/Lyra Valkyria)

Bayley and Perez exchanged some holds for about a minute as Bayley tripped up Perez. Bayley hit a running clothesline on a seated Perez. They left the ring where Bayley punched Perez, but Perez came back with a tackle into the barricade. Back in the ring, Bayley hit a belly-to-back suplex. Perez hit Bayley with a boot to the head. They battled by the turnbuckle, Raque distracted and Perez kicked Bayley, so Bayley was upside down against the turnbuckle. Perez kicked Bayley in the left leg as the show went to break. I’ll take a break as Perez was in control for a few minutes.

Bayley was able to take control with an elbow on the top rope. Bayley went up top again, but Perez stopped that and Perez did a top rope hurricanrana. Perez did a cartwheel knee drop to the head for two. Perez went for Pop Rox, Bayley avoided it and Perez got a rollup for two. They went to the turnbuckle where Perez hit a Russian legsweep off the middle turnbuckle for a two count. Bayley left the ring, Perez charged and Bayley punched Perez. Perez kicked Bayley in the gut and Perez hit a Pop Rox on the floor. Bayley got back in the ring before the ten count. Perez distracted the referee, so Raquel hit Bayley with a boot to the head. Lyra fought with Raquel and Lyra shoved Raquel into the ring post. Perez hit a suicide dive on Lyra on the floor. Bayley was freaking out and talking to herself as she grabbed Perez by the hair. Bayley hit a Bayley to Belly, the running knee and Roseplant into the mat for the pinfall win after about 11 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Bayley

Analysis: ***1/4 A good technical wrestling match between two talented women. Bayley wrestled as her traditional babyface self for most of the match, but then she snapped a bit and dominated Perez after the match. Perez got plenty of offense in the match before Bayley found a way to put her away. It feels like Bayley is getting a push with this crazy woman gimmick.

After the match, Lyra hugged Bayley and Bayley shoved her down. Bayley mocked Lyra for a stupid outfit and told her to stay out of it. Lyra was shocked, asking, “What?” Bayley called her an idiot. Bayley left.

Analysis: It’s the Jekyll & Hyde gimmick for Bayley as Wade said on commentary. I think she should fully go heel again, but it may take a few weeks to get there.

Cody Rhodes was shown backstage with Jimmy Uso, who congratulated Cody on the win at Wrestlepalooza. Jimmy said that they didn’t win, but they are good. Cody asked how Jey was doing. Jimmy said that his brother Jey wasn’t listening to him, but maybe he’ll listen to Cody. Cody said he’ll talk to Jey, and left.

JD McDonagh, who is one half of the World Tag Team Champions with Finn Balor, made his entrance with Intercontinental Champion & AAA Grand Champion Dominik Mysterio. They went to a break for some fans. Rusev’s entrance was also shown, and I’m warming up to his music.

Jey Uso was in the locker room where Cody Rhodes showed up to chat. Jey said he’s good. Cody said he’s been there. Cody said he’s failed more than once on the biggest stage of them all. Jey kept staring at the WWE Title that Cody set down beside them. Cody said that “we” believe in you. Jey said he appreciated that and he’s going to find his way to the top. They shook hands and Cody left.

Rusev vs. JD McDonagh (w/Dominik Mysterio)

It’s a heel-heel match. Rusev worked over JD with punches, JD came back with a chops and Rusev hit a knee to the ribs. Rusev hit a suplex and told Dom he was coming for him. Rusev hit another suplex. Rusev went for another suplex, but JD landed on his feet and smacked Rusev in the chest. JD ran away after that, so Rusev chased JD into the ring. Rusev hit a back body drop on JD. Rusev sent JD out of the ring. Rusev sent JD into the barricade, but JD came back by kicking the steps into Rusev. JD shoved Rusev into the ring post. JD hit a springboard moonsault off the middle ropes onto a standing Rusev on the floor. They went to break for some fans as JD hit two chop blocks to the left knee. JD hit a knee drop onto Rusev’s left leg. JD kept attacking the left leg, but Rusev hit a gutwrench suplex. Rusev kicked JD in the back and grabbed a headlock.

The match continued with JD hitting a corkscrew plancha and a knee. Rusev tried a power move, but JD hit a DDT. JD hit a headbutt to knock Rusev down. JD went up top and hit a moonsault for two. JD tried to continue the attack and Rusev caught him for a spinning slam. Rusev hit the Machka Kick to knock JD down. Rusev applied the Accolade submission and JD tapped out to give Rusev the win. Dominik thought about interfering, but he was too scared. It went about 10 minutes.

Winner by submission: Rusev

Analysis: *** A solid TV match. It was a win for Rusev as expected, and it went longer than most people likely thought. It’s not easy to do a heel-heel match, but these guys got the crowd into it. The finish teases the idea that Dominik is scared of Rusev.

After the match, Finn Balor went into the ring and hit a reverse DDT on Rusev. Balor yelled at Dominik for not helping JD. Balor clotheslined Dominik out of the ring. Balor admonished Dominik saying if you’re out here then you’re supposed to help. Rusev celebrated in the ring.

Analysis: It continues the story that Dominik is a coward and not really a team guy. He’s a selfish heel who benefits from his friends, but doesn’t help them the same way that they help Dom.

Asuka was getting ready with Kairi Sane. Iyo Sky said you don’t have to do this. Asuka said she had to teach Rhea Ripley respect. Asuka said she didn’t need advice from somebody who lost. Sane said that Asuka is why they are here, so they must listen to Asuka.

LA Knight was interviewed by Jackie Redmond backstage. Knight spoke about his issues with Jey Uso and said he’ll handle him with a BFT…yeah.

Jey Uso made his entrance in the crowd, and the fans joined him for the Yeeting as usual. They went on a break for some fans, so Jey continued his entrance for a few more minutes.

LA Knight vs. Jey Uso

It’s Yeah vs. Yeet in a matchup of two guys who benefit from four letter words. Jey attacked Knight with punches before Knight removed his jacket. Knight came back with punches, and Jey hit an elbow smash. Jey punched Knight, along with a stomp to the chest. Jey missed a corner splash, so Knight hit a neckbreaker. Knight sent Jey out of the ring. Knight went for a running kick, but Jey avoided it and Jey hit a clothesline on the floor. They went to a break for some fans as the fans chanted for both guys. Knight sent Jey crashing into the commentary table. Jey came back with a hard whip into the barricade. Back in the ring, Jey stomped on Knight, but Knight slipped out of a suplex and hit a neckbreaker. Knight went for a running knee, Jey moved and Jey hit a jumping kick.

Jey hit a running hip attack on Knight. Jey went up top and Knight met him there with a superplex. Jey and Knight exchanged punches as the crowd chanted “Yeet” and “Yeah” accordingly. Knight picked up Jey on his shoulders and hit a Burning Hammer slam for a two count. Jey avoided a kick and got a rollup for two. Knight avoided a corner splash, but Jey avoided a neckbreaker. Jey hit a suicide dive into the barricade. Back in the ring, Jey hit a superkick for two. Knight hit a DDT. Knight flipped back to his feet and Knight jumped off the top rope with an elbow drop. Bron Breakker was at ringside, so Knight punched him and Knight sent Bronson Reed into the ring post. Knight kicked Bron to knock him down on the floor. Jey recovered and hit a Spear on Knight. Jey went up top and hit an Uso Splash for the pinfall win after 10 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Jey Uso

Analysis: ***1/4 A fast paced match form the moment the match began. Jey benefitted from Bron and Reed interfering even though they weren’t necessarily there to help Jey. I know there are some people thinking this story may lead to Jey Uso turning heel, so having The Vision help him fits that, but I don’t know if things are going in that direction with Jey.

After the match, Jimmy Uso told Jey they had to do something and help Knight, but Jey went to the back. Jimmy Uso grabbed a chair, so Bron and Reed backed away because Heyman made Bron leave.

Analysis: This will also further the story that Jey Uso is becoming more of a selfish guy even though he’s still a babyface.

Becky Lynch was in the locker room with Seth Rollins as Lynch ranted about various people and Rollis was looking at his watch. Lynch talked about how she’s the greatest women’s wrestler ever. Lynch said that everybody is trying to steal everything that they have done and everything they have built. Lynch said she’s going to make an example out of somebody. Lynch grabbed her Women’s IC Title while Rollins kept looking at his watch.

Rhea Ripley was shown getting ready. Iyo Sky walked up to her and Ripley said she was sorry Sky lost. Sky wanted Ripley to call off the match. Ripley said she had to have this match and maybe she’ll beat the respect into Asuka like they did to eachother. Ripley told Asuka to be careful around Asuka and Sky said that Asuka is like family. Sky said she wouldn’t be there without Asuka, so she can trust Asuka and Sky wondered if she can trust Ripley. Ripley said Sky missed her point.

The team of Penta and The War Raiders were interview by Byron Saxton in the upper deck. Erik and Ivar said that The New Day chose war, so when it comes to war, Erik and Ivar know all about war. Erik and Ivar spoke about going after the World Tag Team Titles. Penta said that everybody loves Penta and he told New Day that he is the most dangerous man in WWE. Penta said he was coming for Dominik Mysterio to become the Intercontinental Champion. Penta did his Cero Miedo (Zero Fear) line to end it.

A video aired about The Undertaker talking to Stephanie McMahon at Wrestlepalooza and Taker informed Stephanie that she’ll be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2026. Stephanie had no idea.

Analysis: Congratulations to Stephanie McMahon, who has had a very long career in WWE on camera and behind the scenes. It is very deserving, of course.

Next week on Raw:

* Intercontinental Championship: Dominik Mysterio vs. Rusev

* Bayley vs. Raquel Rodriguez

* Tornado Tag Team Match: The Usos vs. Bron Breakker & Bronson Reed

Analysis: Solid card. Rusev could definitely win the IC Title, but I think Dominik will cheaply find a way to retain.

A video aired about El Grande Americano saying that the Los Americanos family are legendary wrestlers. Many people believed they were gone forever, but they have been restored and rejuvenated. It kept on talking about their (fabricated) history.

Maxxine Dupri was backstage talking to Adam Pearce about how hard she is working. Pearce told Dupri to keep working hard and he’ll find the right opportunity for her.

AJ Styles and Dragon Lee told Adam Pearce they were sick of Los Americanos, so they wanted a match with two of them next week. Styles told Pearce not to sign any Americanos as least for a week or two.

Asuka was up first followed by Kairi Sane. Rhea Ripley got a huge pop as one of the biggest babyfaces in WWE.

Rhea Ripley vs. Asuka (w/Kairi Sane)

Ripley hit a German Suplex. Asuka avoided a move as Ripley went to the apron and Asuka hit a running hip attack to knock Ripley down ff the apron and onto the floor. They went to a break for some fans. When Ripley went back into the ring, Asuka hit a dropkick. Asuka sent Ripley out of the ring where Asuka held Ripley up, but Sane said she can’t do it while the referee was there. Ripley sent Asuka into the ring. Asuka lifted up Ripley and hit her with a knee to the jaw. Asuka grabbed a chinlock, and sent Ripley into the mat.

The match continued with Ripley trying to get into it, but Asuka hit a dragon screw leg whip to take Ripley down. Ripley was back up with clotheslines, a kick to the gut and a spinning slam to send Asuka into the mat. Ripley hit a running dropkick. Ripley hit a bridging suplex for a two count. Ripley went for a lifting move, but Asuka kicked the leg followed by Asuka hitting a kick to the face. Ripley managed to get some momentum going with a boot that knocked Asuka out of the ring. Ripley hit a somersault dive off the apron onto Asuka on the floor. They went to another break for some fans as the action continued. Ripley sent Asuka out of the ring, which led to Ripley chopping Asuka. Ripley jumped onto Asuka’s back a few times. Ripley put a body scissors around Asuka’s waist. Asuka turned it into an Ankle Lock.