The John Report: WWE Raw Deal 09/29/25 Review

It’s WWE Raw featuring The Usos against The Vision’s Bron Breakker & Bronson Reed, Dominik Mysterio taking on Rusev, Bayley facing Raquel Rodriguez, and more.

This is the third week in a row with a 7 p.m. ET start time for Raw, which I like because I want to watch Monday Night Football after Raw, so it makes my life easier.

I also wrote a feature article offering WWE some advice, providing five simple ideas to improve the quality of WWE Premium Live Events. I think these realistic changes would make WWE PLEs more enjoyable to watch.

This is the Raw Deal for episode #1688 of Monday Night Raw. It’s taking place at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, North Carolina. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport. Let’s get to it.

They showed some pre-show superstar walking of The Usos, The Judgment Day, El Grande Americano with friends, and Rusev.

The commentary team of Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett welcomed us to Raw. Alicia Taylor was the ring announcer.

There was a video package about last week’s Raw of Rhea Ripley beating Asuka in the main event. Asuka sprayed the dreaded blue mist on Ripley, and Asuka got Kairi Sane to join her in attacking Iyo Sky as well.

Let’s Hear from Rhea Ripley

Rhea Ripley made her entrance to a huge ovation as usual. Ripley said that she always knew it would come to this, but she was hoping they could just settle it in the ring. Ripley said that what Asuka and Kairi Sane did to Iyo Sky crossed the line. Ripley mentioned that the Kabuki Warriors called Sky her family. Ripley said that she wanted to settle it in the ring, so she called the Kabuki Warriors to come and get her.

Iyo Sky made her entrance, looking sad to join her buddy Ripley in the ring. Sky said it breaks her heart to say this, but Ripley is right about Asuka and Kairi. Sky said that they are her family and she still loves them.

Asuka and Kairi Sane appeared in a video. Asuka said she taught Sky everything she knows. Asuka said that Sane acts like Ripley is her family now, but Asuka made Sky who she is. Asuka claimed that she helped make Sky a champion. Asuka gave Sky a chance to apologize to Asuka, and Asuka claimed that Sky could be her student again. Sane said that they can be a family again. Asuka said for Ripley, it’s too late.

Ripley responded, saying that Asuka can go to hell. Ripley said that Sky has to trust her. Ripley told Sky there’s no way she can go back to them, not after what they’ve done. Sky was sad. Sky told Ripley she was sorry and that she needed time. Sky left the ring.

The Kabuki Warriors duo of Asuka and Kairi Sane attacked Rhea Ripley from behind and stomped on her against the turnbuckle. Sky went back into the ring and threw Asuka down. Sane tried to reason with Sky. When Sky faced Asuka, that led to Asuka spraying the dreaded blue/green mist in Sky’s face. Ripley went after Asuka, but Sane saved Asuka. Ripley tried to slam Sane, and Asuka went for a roundhouse kick that didn’t touch Ripley, but she sold it anyway. Asuka and Sane each hit backhands to Ripley’s face. Asuka held Ripley on the mat, and Sane hit an Insane Elbow off the top on Ripley. Referees and WWE Officials finally went into the ring to stop it. They were trying to help Sky, who was selling the mist in the face.

Analysis: It should set up a tag team match for Crown Jewel, which makes sense since Ripley was always going to be in a big match in her home country of Australia. Asuka fully went heel, Sane has gone along with her actions, Ripley is fighting against it, and Sky was hesitant to fight it, but now Sky realizes she has to fight back. It’s not the most compelling story or anything like that, but it’s good enough, and it furthers the story in a relatable way for the audience. In terms of execution, they all did a nice job here.

The aftermath of the Kabuki Warriors was shown as Iyo Sky and Rhea Ripley were getting helped out by the WWE officials. This was during a break for some fans. Ripley helped her friend Sky to the back.

Rusev made his entrance as the challenger for the Intercontinental Title.

Dominik Mysterio made his entrance as the Intercontinental Champion and the AAA Mega Champion, joined by the World Tag Team Champions Finn Balor & JD McDonagh. Finn and JD went to the back as Dom got into the ring. Dom didn’t seem too thrilled about that. Alicia Taylor did the championship introductions.

WWE Intercontinental Championship: Dominik Mysterio vs. Rusev

It’s a heel-heel match, but plenty of fans were cheering for Dominik. There was a “Greatest Mysterio of All Time” sign in the crowd. Dom tried opening with strikes, but Rusev hit a forearm and a fallaway slam. Rusev suplexed Dom two times in a row. Rusev charged, Dom pulled down the top rope, and Rusev bumped to the floor. Dom tried to dive onto Rusev, but Rusev caught him and Rusev hit a fallaway slam on the commentary table. They went to break for some fans, and I’ll take a break too. Rusev took control for a few minutes.

Rusev had Dom grounded, then Dom hit a jawbreaker and a hurricanrana. Dom hit a corner splash. Rusev charged, Dom got out of the way, hit a necksnap across the top rope and Dom hit a senton splash for just a one count. Dom tripped Rusev into the ropes. Rusev nailed Dom with a clothesline, leading to a flip bump by Dom and the fans booed. Dom bailed to the floor, so Rusev left the ring and Dom slammed Rusev into the steel steps. Dom hit a 619 to the ribs, along with a dropkick and a 619 against the ropes. Dom went up top and jumped off with a Frog Splash, but Rusev moved out of the way. Rusev hit a Machka Kick for a two count. Good nearfall. Rusev went for the Accolade, but Dom slipped out of it and left the ring. Dom grabbed his two titles and tried to leave, but Rusev put Dom back into the ring. When Rusev grabbed the AAA Mega Title, the referee saw Dom hit Rusev with the IC Title and Dom tried to act like Rusev did it. The referee Eddie Orengo saw it. They went up against the turnbuckle where Dom hit a mule kick low blow (the referee never saw it) and Dominik did a ROLLUP OF DEATH~! with tights for the pinfall win. It went 10 minutes. The fans popped for Dom getting the three count.

Winner by pinfall: Dominik Mysterio

Analysis: ***1/4 That was a very entertaining title defense with Dominik Mysterio cheating to win. Rusev dominated most of the match, but Dom found a way to win and the fans loved him for it. Even though Dom is a heel, the fans love the kind of character that he is, so it’s almost like he’s a face at this point. I thought Rusev winning was a possibility, but I certainly don’t mind Dom holding the IC Title because he’s very entertaining as a champion who looks like he could lose at any time.

LA Knight was shown arguing with Raw GM Adam Pearce earlier in the day. Knight wanted a World Heavyweight Title shot. The New Day walked into tell Pearce they wanted a World Tag Team Title shot. Knight and New Day argued. Knight said he wants Rollins for a World Title match and Knight wanted to face Kofi tonight. Pearce approved it, so Kofi didn’t like that.

The Cody Rhodes bus was shown because he’s on Raw tonight.

The Judgment Day’s Finn Balor & JD McDonagh were interviewed by Byron Saxton in the back part of the arena. Balor and JD said that they were proud of Dominik’s win. Balor said that Dom assured them that he would win by himself. Saxton asked when Finn & JD will defend the World Tag Team Titles. Balor said until somebody can beat them, they are the champions.

Analysis: Balor didn’t really respond to the question. The World Tag Team Titles are rarely defended, which is disappointing.

Cody Rhodes-Seth Rollins Video Package

A video package aired about WWE Champion Cody Rhodes and World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins called “Part 1 – Enemies.” Cody said he left WWE because he had to. Seth credited Cody for leaving and it has to be commended. Seth spoke about how he put the company on his back and carried it into a golden age. Seth said that his reward was he was begging for a match at WrestleMania 38. Cody said that night was a revelation. Cody said he got to see if he could measure up with the best that WWE and the world had to offer. Cody said he walked away knowing he could write his story. They showed when Cody beat Seth at Backlash by holding the tights. Next up was Hell in a Cell when Cody won with a torn pectoral muscle, which he called the most painful night of his career. Cody said somehow, he found respect. Rollins said he found respect too. They spoke about the respect they had for eachother after that. Cody called it a defining victory in his career and Rollins said that Cody a defining rival in his career. Rollins said what happened next was so tragic.

Analysis: Awesome video. Two of the best in the world and their history runs deep. Having both guys talk about the rivalry was a nice touch to give their perspective on their history together.

Bayley walked up to Lyra Valkyria backstage. Bayley was wearing a Lyra shirt. Bayley said that Lyra helped her win last week and Lyra complained about how crazy it was last week. Bayley said she knows Lyra wants to keep her distance, but Bayley doesn’t know if she can do it without Lyra. Valkyria told Bayley she can’t give Lyra any more second chances and Bayley is on her own. Lyra left, while Bayley was sad about it.

Bayley made her entrance for singles action. They went to break for some fans and Bayley greeted some fans around ringside, along with a hug for Barrett. The entrance of Raquel Rodriguez with Roxanne Perez was next.

A graphic was shown announcing that Zuffa Boxing is launching in January 2026 with Dana White and the rich Saudi guy Turki in the photo. It’s part of the TKO Group family.

Bayley vs. Raquel Rodriguez (w/Roxanne Perez)

Raquel was in control early with a running shoulder tackle on Bayley. Bayley managed to trap Raquel against the turnbuckle and hit some punches. Bayley hit a jawbreaker. Raquel tossed Bayley across the ring. Raquel slammed Bayley into the top turnbuckle. Raquel sent Bayley hard into the turnbuckle. Bayley hit a neckbreaker by the ropes along with a suicide dive into the barricade. Bayley kicked Raquel by the ring apron. Bayley went for a hurricanrana, Raquel caught her and Raquel swung Bayley into the barricade. Raquel was in control as the show went to a break for some fans. Raquel hit a spinning body slam for a two count. Raquel choked Bayley across the bottom rope. Bayley got a rollup for two. Raquel knocked Bayley down again with a shoulder tackle. Raquel grabbed a chinlock.

Bayley was able to get some offense going as she hit an elbow drop off the top onto Raquel’s back. Bayley went up top and hit a version of a Swanton Bomb for a two count. Bayley went for a move off the ropes, but Raquel caught her and Raquel hit a fallaway slam. Raquel hit a corkscrew elbow drop off the turnbuckle for two. They did a spot by the ropes where Bayley was able to break free and hit a Stunner-like move. Raquel hit a clothesline for two. Bayley applied the Figure Four Leglock since they are in Flair Country in North Carolina, so Perez raked Bayley’s eyes and the referee was looking at Raquel. Raquel hit a boot to the face. Raquel hit the Tejana Bomb for the pinfall win after about 10 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Raquel Rodriguez

Analysis: *** A solid match to put over Raquel thanks to the assist from Perez, which was a predictable way for it to end. It’s another women’s tag team feud where there might be a heel turn coming, but it didn’t happen for Bayley yet. Instead, the story was that Bayley lost because she didn’t have anybody watching her back and Raquel capitalized to win.

After the match, Raquel and Perez attacked Bayley, so Lyra Valkyria went down to the ring and hit jumping kicks on both heels. Raquel saved Perez, and Raquel hit a lefty clothesline on Lyra. Perez hit a cartwheel knee drop on Lyra. Bayley had crazy eyes, and she hit a running knee on Raquel. Bayley hit a belly-to-back suplex, and she clotheslined Raquel out of the ring. After the match, an excited Bayley helped Lyra up and told her she did a good job. Bayley called her an idiot, like she did in her heel days.

Analysis: The Bayley story continues with her Jekyll & Hyde-like behavior.

The Usos spoke backstage. Jimmy mentioned Jey didn’t help him last week. Jey said helping LA Knight doesn’t get them anywhere. Jey wondered why Jimmy helped him. Jimmy said that he helps people because that’s what he does. Jey told Jimmy not to help because no one gives a damn. Jey said he got the win over Knight, and if he did more of that, he’d be World Heavyweight Champ by now, which Jimmy doesn’t get. Ouch. Jey told Jimmy to forget about LA Knight because they’ll handle these Bronnies. Jey told Jimmy he loved him, and they shook hands.

Analysis: There is Jey Uso showing off his big ego again because he mentioned being a World Champion while taking a shot at Jimmy for not understanding what that is about.

Iyo Sky was shown getting medical attention for the mist in her face. Kairi Sane walked up to Sky, telling her to apologize to Asuka. Sky told Sane to leave her alone. Sane handed Sky a photo of Asuka, Sane and Sky in happier times.

LA Knight made his entrance for singles action. The New Day’s Kofi Kingston entered with Xavier Woods. This was during a break for some fans.

LA Knight vs. Kofi Kingston (w/Xavier Woods)

There was a suplex attempt by Kofi, but Knight hit a neckbreaker. Knight hit an elbow. Kofi applied an armbar on the left arm. Knight hit a clothesline. Kofi sent Knight throat-first across the top rope. Knight gave Kofi a back body drop out of the ring. Knight sent Kofi into the barricade repeatedly. That looks better than when he does it on the commentary table. Knight elbowed Kofi and scared Woods on the floor, which allowed Kofi to kick Knight. Kofi sent Knight into the ring post. Kofi hit a splash onto Knight’s back on the floor. They went to a break for some fans and I’ll take a break with Kofi in control.

Knight tried to get some momentum going with punches, but Kofi tripped up Knight to stop that. Kofi jumped off the top with a chop to the head for two. It looked like Kofi was dazed a bit, but then Knight continued the attack with a jumping neckbreaker. Knight clotheslined Woods on the apron. Kofi got a rollup with the feet on the ropes for two. Kofi hit two boots to the head. Kofi jumped off the top, Knight avoided a Trouble in Paradise kick and Knight hit a BFT (Blount Force Trauma) on Kofi for the win. It went about 10 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: LA Knight

Analysis: ***1/4 A good match to give LA Knight some momentum as a singles wrestler who is hoping for a World Heavyweight Title match, so it made sense for Knight to get the win. Kofi got plenty of offense, but it was all about making Knight look strong. I liked how the finish was done with the BFT done suddenly.

A clip was shown from SmackDown when Randy Orton saved Cody Rhodes against The Vision’s Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed. Cody and Randy stood tall in the ring.

Maxxine Dupri was shown walking backstage with Akira Tozawa, who said he was proud of her. Becky Lynch insulted Dupri for being nothing. Dupri mentioned people think of Lynch as the greatest women’s wrestler of all time. Dupri said that everybody says it except AJ Lee, so Tozawa said “AJ Lee” and laughed. Lynch punched Tozawa. Dupri said that this has nothing to do with Tozawa, so leave him alone. Lynch punched Dupri until WWE Officials showed up to break it up.

Becky Lynch walked up to her husband Seth Rollins, who asked if she felt better. Lynch said she does. Lynch asked Seth if he wanted her to go out there with him and Rollins said he had to do this on his own. Rollins walked toward the ring.

Dominik Mysterio, the Intercontinental Champion and the AAA Mega Champion, was interviewed by Byron Saxton in the back part of the arena. Dom bragged about being the best. Penta interrupted to say that he was going to see him soon, so it was Penta’s way of saying he was coming for him. Dom said he’s already beaten him five times and left.

Let’s Hear from Seth Rollins…and Cody Rhodes

The World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins made his entrance as the fans sang his song. Rollins was all alone for this promo. The fans were singing for a long time, and then they did a “CM Punk” chant. There was also an “OTC” chant for Roman Reigns. They also did a “Cody, Cody Rhodes” chant.

Rollins said that Cody had three wins and Rollins had three losses. Rollins said it doesn’t matter. Rollins said that those matches were in the past. Rollins said they were men trying to reach the top, and now they are two men at the very top – the WWE Champion and World Heavyweight Champion. Rollins said that the winner of that match may decide the next 10-20 years of the future of this industry. Rollins said what he doesn’t understand is some people actually want Rhodes to win. Rollins shouted about how some people believe that Cody should lead this company. Rollins wondered if those people have lost their mind. Rollins claimed that he was the one to lead the industry into the future. Rollins said he stayed here, he brought this company into this golden age, he’s taken Breakker & Reed under his wing and will guide them to the top. Rollins said he’s gotten rid of cancer’s like CM Punk and Roman Reigns, yet you people chant for Cody…and it led to Cody’s entrance.

Cody Rhodes made his entrance as the Undisputed WWE Champion, so of course the fans sang along with his theme song. Cody was in a suit as usual. There was no pyro during the entrance as Cody made his way down to the ring.