Reviews

The John Report: WWE Raw Deal 11/03/25 Review

By John Canton • Published Nov 03, 2025 23:11 EST
WWE Raw Deal November 3

It’s WWE Raw featuring new World Champion CM Punk, some big team matches, and more.

This week’s Raw is following Saturday Night’s Main Event, which saw CM Punk beat Jey Uso to win the World Heavyweight Title. Next up on the WWE calendar in terms of major shows is Survivor Series on November 29th.

Today is also one day before my birthday on November 4. It would be a happier birthday if my Toronto Blue Jays beat the Los Angeles Dodgers in the MLB World Series, but that didn’t happen. Congrats to the Dodgers for the repeat title by winning a thrilling 7-game series. I love the LA Rams as my NFL team, so I don’t harbor any hate toward LA. I’m still happy in life, so I thank you for the love and support. I appreciate you, TJR readers. Thank you.

This is the Raw Deal for episode #1693 of Monday Night Raw. It’s taking place at the Rio Rancho Event Center in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport. Let’s get to it.

A video package aired about Saturday Night’s Main Event, which showed CM Punk beating Jey Uso to win the World Heavyweight Title.

CM Punk’s Championship Celebration

CM Punk was shown walking backstage with the World Heavyweight Title on his shoulder. They showed Punk walking through the backstage area for a show opening promo.

The fans greeted CM Punk with cheers as he proudly showed off the World Heavyweight Championship. Punk is now a 7-time WWE World Heavyweight Champion. Punk soaked up the cheers of the crowd and did a lap in the ring while proudly holding the title above his head.

Analysis: CM Punk looks very happy and I’m happy for him. Punk is one of my favorite wrestlers of the last 25 years. I think he’s performing at a high level. I’m glad he’s World Champion again.

CM Punk started off talking about how great it was to be a champ on a Monday night in New Mexico. Punk said he needed to thank a litany of people who helped get him here, and fans chanted, “You deserve it” for him. Punk said there will be people he forgets, but number one with a bullet he wanted to thank his wife AJ Lee. Punk said that she’s with him in the bad times so they can enjoy the good times. Punk thanked the fans, saying some call it the WWE Universe, but he calls them CM Punk fans. Punk thanked the fans and told them they deserve it. Punk thanked his SNME opponent Jey Uso, which led to Yeeting from the fans. Punk said Jey is truly main event…yet. Punk said he hopes they can still be friends, but he knows sometimes things get in the way of that. Punk said two years ago when he came back, he said he came here to make money and win championships, so now he has that.

Punk said at SummerSlam that he only held onto the World Title for three minutes, so this time he’ll hold the title for much longer. Punk said there’s no “snake in the grass” Seth Rollins with Money in the Bank to take it from him. Punk spun the World Title around his head like Rollins. Punk said he’ll put Seth back on the couch if he messes with him.

Punk knows that if he’s not the Best in the World on any given day then he may lose this title. Punk said he hears The Vision’s Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed saying they are coming for his gold. Punk mentioned Breakker, Reed and Paul Heyman as three guys he wants to punch in the face. Punk said that he wants to test himself against the best wrestlers in WWE. Punk mentioned AJ Styles saying he deserves a title shot, he said Dominik Mysterio has two titles and he wants to punch him in the face. Punk talked about the locker room of killers by mentioning JD McDonagh and Finn Balor, while adding that he’s not hiding from anybody. Punk mentioned Sheamus saying that if you want a banger then Punk is your huckleberry. Punk mentioned John Cena saying if he wants to be an 18-time World Champion, then if you want some, come get some. Punk said anybody who has earned it and deserved it, then get in line because the champ is here! Hey yo…it’s Logan Paul.

Analysis: A strong promo from CM Punk, as usual. He is one of the best talkers in WWE and is more entertaining than most babyface talkers.

Logan Paul made his entrance for his first appearance in over two months. Punk shouted, “No” as Paul made his entrance. Punk said he wants to be famous, but he wants nothing to do with Paul’s famous-for-nothing ass. The fans booed Paul. Punk said that blue is a great color, so Paul should go to SmackDown and challenge Ilja Dragunov for the US Title.

Logan said that Punk said anyone and Paul trashed the fans for being broke. Paul said he’s been in the ring with Roman Reigns, John Cena and he’s beaten AJ Styles at WrestleMania. Paul said if anybody has earned a title shot, then everybody knows that it’s him. It was Paul Heyman interruption time.

Analysis: The heat on Logan Paul is strong. The fans hate the guy.

Paul Heyman made his entrance, joined by Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed. They walked toward the ring as Heyman mentioned Punk talking about a king without a crown. Heyman trashed Paul. Heyman said that the front of the line belongs to Bronson Reed and Bron Breakker. Heyman said that Logan is not close to the front of the line. Paul referenced Punk has only been champion for 2 days, which his 432 days less than when “they” were the champion. That was in 2012-13. Heyman told Punk it was his move. Heyman told Logan to get to stepping now, but Logan didn’t move.

Logan said if you snooze, you lose. Logan said he was there first. Logan said if you wanted the spot, you should have hustled.

Bron spoke about how Heyman bought everybody two weeks to live because Heyman told them to be patient until a new champion was crowned. Bron said Punk had his moment, but the dog isn’t waiting anymore. Bron said he’s coming for what belongs to him. Bron trashed Logan for being a dumbass YouTuber who thinks he’s tough. Bron threatened to whip both of them like a dog if they don’t get out of his ring. Punk told Logan you either fight with him or get out of his ring. Logan left. Bron shoved Logan on his ass.

CM Punk was attacked by Bron and Reed in the ring. They pounded on Punk with punches and kicks. Logan watched the fight for a bit, but then Logan went into the ring to try to fight. Bron and Reed beat up Paul while Punk left the ring. Bron gave Logan an overhead suplex. Reed went up top and hit a Tsunami on Logan. Punk brought a steel chair in the ring, Bron ran away and Punk hit Reed, who bumped to the floor. Heyman got his guys to retreat.

Analysis: I thought this would lead to a situation where Logan Paul would be against CM Punk at Survivor Series, but I don’t know if it’s going in that direction. Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed showing up wasn’t a surprise because they are top heels on Raw. It was just a matter of time for The Vision to get in Punk’s face after Punk won the World Heavyweight Title. It will be interesting to see how they do the story involving the World Title and who might step up to challenge Punk first. I also hope they don’t try turning Logan Paul face because he tried helping Punk. Paul needs to stay in a heel role because he’s very good at it.

They showed some superstar walking of The Kabuki Warriors’ Asuka & Kairi Sane, and AJ Styles & Dragon Lee.

It was Joe Tessitore on commentary with Wade Barrett. Alicia Taylor was the ring announcer.

The Women’s World Champion Stephanie Vaquer and WWE Hall of Famer Nikki Bella entered for tag team action. They went on a break for some fans. Their opponents, Roxanne Perez and Raquel Rodriguez, made their entrance.

Stephanie Vaquer & Nikki Bella vs. The Judgment Day – Roxanne Perez & Raquel Rodriguez

They showed a replay of Perez beating Nikki last week. Raquel attacked Nikki, so Vaquer made the save, and that set up this match.

Nikki was in control with an armbar early on. Nikki did a monkey flip to send Perez across the ring. Raquel tagged in to send Nikki crashing into the turnbuckle. After Nikki broke free, Vaquer tagged in and Raquel knocked her down with a shoulder tackle. Vaquer superkicked Raquel and then hit a suplex on Perez. Vaquer kicked Raquel again and Nikki jumped off the turnbuckle with a kick. Vaquer hit a belly-to-back suplex on Perez. Raquel pulled Perez out of the ring, so Vaquer and Nikki hit cross body blocks off the apron onto their opponents on the floor. They went on a break for some fans. Nikki hit a dropkick on Perez. Nikki caught Perez and hit a backbreaker. Raquel distracted Nikki, so Perez sent Nikki into the ring post. Raquel punched Nikki and put her into the ring as the heels took control.

Perez hit a moonsault on Nikki for a two count. After Nikki nearly broke free, Raquel tagged in and Nikki kicked her away. Nikki kicked herself off the turnbuckle, leading to a Tornado DDT. Vaquer got the hot tag with a rollup on Raquel for two. Vaquer headbutted Raquel, along with a forearm. Vaquer hit a dragon screw leg whip on Raquel’s knee. Vaquer connected with a running Meteora double knee attack on Raquel. Vaquer was on the apron where she headbutted Raquel. Vaquer jumped off the top with a cross body block for two. Raquel clotheslined Vaquer in the back. Perez was back in with a running uppercut to Vaquer’s back. Vaquer was back up with a belly-to-back suplex. Vaquer hit the Devil’s Kiss knee smashing ten times into the mat and the fans were going crazy for it. Nikki was back in with a Rack Attack 2.0 on Perez for two because Raquel made the save. Vaquer jumped onto Raquel, who caught her and Vaquer sent Raquel out of the ring. Raquel slammed Vaquer onto the ring apron. Nikki countered Perez and sat on top for two. Raquel punched Nikki without the referee seeing it. Perez hit Pop Rox on Nikki for the pinfall win after 13 minutes.

Winners by pinfall: The Judgment Day – Roxanne Perez & Raquel Rodriguez

Analysis: ***1/4 A pretty good tag team match with the J-Day heels finding a way to win yet again. Raquel hit a cheap shot punch on Nikki at the referee didn’t see, so that set up Perez for the finish. Nikki keeps losing matches, which I feel bad for her, but it’s also the right booking to have the veteran lose to the younger talent. They also don’t want to have Vaquer losing in a match like this, so that’s why Nikki got beat. I thought Raquel would get the win here because she had a staredown with Vaquer last week, so I figured Raquel would be the next title challenger. However, it’s not clear yet that they are going in that direction.

A video aired of John Cena announcing a 16-man tournament will decide who he will face in his last match on December 13th at Saturday Night’s Main Event. The same video aired at SNME last Saturday.

There was a tumbler backstage as Raw GM Adam Pearce picked out the plastic balls that had names in them. The draw is tonight.

CM Punk was walking backstage with the World Heavyweight Title. Jey Uso approached him. Jey talked about what happened to Punk out there. Jey said that they aren’t going to stop coming after his ass. Jey told Punk he wanted to help him. Jey said they can handle this Vision problem tonight. Punk said he’d go get his gear on.

Analysis: There was no Jey Uso for CM Punk earlier, but here he is to help and support Punk. It looks like that set up a tag team match.

Penta made his entrance for singles action. They went on a break for some fans. The WrestleMania 42 commercial was shown. El Grande Americano made his entrance with Rayo and Bravo.

El Grande Americano (w/Rayo & Bravo) vs. Penta

Penta hit a running hurricanrana and a backbreaker. Grande got a hold of Penta and slammed him face first into the mat. Grande worked over Penta with kicks. Penta fought back with a superkick while Grande was against the turnbuckle. Penta hit a suplex for a two count. Grande hit an enziguri kick to the head. Penta went to the apron and hit a kick. Penta tried a Mexican Destroyer, but Grande hit a back drop to get out of that. Grande hit a running dropkick to knock Penta off the apron to the floor. They went on a break for some fans, and I’ll take a break there too.

Grande was in control during the break, but Penta made the comeback with a kick, along with the corner handstand kick for two. Penta went to the turnbuckle, where Grande kicked him in the head. Grande hit a rolling senton style takedown. Grande went up top, Penta kicked him, and Grande was upside down, so Penta hit a superkick. Penta slapped Grande and Grande came back with a punch. Penta avoided a suplex and jumped off the ropes with a Tornado DDT. Penta hit a somersault dive over the top onto Grande on the floor. Bravo tripped up Penta on the apron, the referee saw that and Bravo (Tyler Bate) was ejected from ringside. Rayo (Pete Dunne) handed Grande the metal plate, so Grande put the metal under his mask. Penta avoided Grande and hit a Backstabber. Rayo grabbed Penta, so the referee Jessika Carr ejected him from ringside too. Penta jumped onto Rayo on the floor. Grande charged, but Penta superkicked him in the head. Penta jumped off the turnbuckle with a Mexican Destroyer for the pinfall win after 10 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Penta

Analysis: *** A win for Penta after losing the IC Title triple threat match at SNME. El Grande Americano isn’t being pushed, so it was just a guy for Penta to beat. The fans love Penta and the Mexican Destroyer is an outstanding finisher that looks devastating.

After the match, Rayo and Bravo tried to attack Penta, but it didn’t work. Penta broke free and slid out of the ring.

The Kabuki Warriors duo of Asuka and Kairi Sane spoke in Japanese while the translations appeared on the screen. They bragged about attacking Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss last week. Asuka said they haven’t forgotten about Bayley, and last week they let Bayley walk away. Sane said Bayley should be thankful to Asuka. Asuka said they’ll do whatever it takes to prove they’re the best team in WWE.

Rusev was interviewed by Byron Saxton in an interview that was during the break for some fans. Rusev said that his destiny has been rerouted. Saxton mentioned Rusev could be part of the tournament to be John Cena’s last opponent. Rusev said it’s clear to him that he must revisit his past before he becomes his future. Rusev said he must avenge the greatest defeat of his career in order to achieve the greatest victory. Rusev said wherever this journey takes him, whoever he has to destroy along the way – Rusev will have his day.

Analysis: I liked that promo. Rusev is doing a good job as this serious character.

A WWE Fact of the Night was shown saying that Dominik Mysterio has defended the Intercontinental Title nine times.

Let’s Hear from Dominik Mysterio

The Intercontinental and AAA Mega Champion Dominik Mysterio went to the ring for a promo. There were boos, but also cheers for Dirty Dom. Dominik claimed he was the greatest Intercontinental Champion and the greatest AAA Mega Champion of all time. Dominik said he was the greatest luchador of all time, and there’s no man on this planet that can stop him.

The WWE Hall of Famer Rey Mysterio made his entrance to confront his son. Wade said that Rey has been medically cleared after being injured prior to WrestleMania 41, so it’s been about seven months. Big pop for Rey.

Rey got in the ring with Dom and the fans chanted, “Holy shit” for it. Rey said that Dom looks surprised. Rey said he didn’t care if Dom says he’s the best. Rey said he draws the line when Dom claims he’s the king of the luchadores. The fans chanted, “Dirty, Dirty Dom” and some were booing too. Rey said that every time you say that you insult their family, the name and their blood. Rey mentioned El Santo, Blue Demon, Eddie Guerrero (and that led to huge “Eddie” chants), and Rey asked Dom if he thinks you are better than them. Dom told Rey to keep his father’s name out of his mouth. That was funny. Dom said he’s better than all of them. Dom said there’s one luchador he knows he is better than and that’s Rey. Rey said he didn’t care if Dom disrespected him. Rey said he won’t let Dom disrespect lucha libre. Rey took off his jacket, looking like he wanted to fight.

Dom said that Rey is jealous and is already stealing Dom’s mustache. The fans chanted, “Whoop his ass.” Dom said that Rey is trying to cash in because Dom made the Mysterio name relevant. Dom said he’s already surpassed everything that Rey has done. Dom wondered if he had to kick Rey’s ass again. Dom told his father, Rey, to get out of his ring. Rey said he’ll leave, but before he leaves, he wants Dom to understand three things. Rey said that as long as Rey is around, Dom will never be king of the luchadores.

Rey said that as long as he is around, this will never be Dom’s ring. Rey said that as long as he is around, Dom will never be the greatest Mysterio. Dom tried a punch, so Rey fought back with punches. Dom kicked his dad in the ribs. Rey did a headscissors to send Dom into the ropes, and Rey hit a 619 on his own son. Rey went up top and Dom bailed to the floor with his titles.

Analysis: I enjoyed that a lot. Rey Mysterio has been out for so long and the fans popped huge for him as they should. They can obviously do a Dom-Rey match for the IC Title. I know there is a rumor of Dominik Mysterio against John Cena at Survivor Series, which would be fine if that happens. Perhaps John Cena can get involved in the story after Dom beats Rey and does a cheap attack after the match, which leads to Cena helping Rey. I think that’s a way to set it up, but obviously, there are a lot of ways to get there. I’m glad Rey is back in action because he’s missed far too much time with injury, and I want him to be healthy for a final run as a wrestler.

They showed Adam Pearce picking names for the John Cena final match tournament.

Bayley and Lyra Valkyria spoke backstage about their match. Bayley said that seeing Asuka and Kairi Sane in the ring was in their hand. Lyra wondered why. Bayley said they had to focus on this match. Bayley said that Lyra can count on her. They had a unique handshake to show they are ready.

Let’s Hear from Becky Lynch

Becky Lynch, the Women’s Intercontinental Title, showed up at ringside and did a promo on the commentary table. Lynch complained about her hot husband being injured at home, then The Vision has ruined everything, she’s been dealing with a crooked referee and Adam Pearce sent her home to cool her down. Lynch said that the only thing cool to come out of New Mexico is a show about how much meth they do. Breaking Bad! Good reference. Lynch said that Maxxine Dupri won’t shut up about how she thinks she belongs with Lynch, but she didn’t belong in the ring with her. Lynch did her usual promo about being the greatest women’s wrestler of all time. Lynch said she’s a lifelong student of the game. Lynch told Dupri she can take all the time she wants and it won’t make a difference. Lynch said one wrong move and it will be the last move of Dupri’s career. Lynch ended it by saying, “Welcome to the big time.” Lynch left.

Analysis: A quick promo by Becky Lynch to fire off about how angry she is. I think she is doing a great job as the heel Women’s IC Champion. I also appreciated the Breaking Bad reference. That is one of my favorite TV shows ever, and I think it’s one of the best ever.

As Becky Lynch left ringside, Asuka and Kairi Sane made their entrance. They had a staredown with Lynch, who walked to the back.

Analysis: We know there’s a Women’s WarGames match at Survivor Series, so could they be part of the heel team in that match? We don’t know yet, but it’s a possibility.

Bayley & Lyra Valkyria vs. Kabuki Warriors – Asuka & Kairi Sane

Lyra did a sweep kick and a dropkick on Asuka. Bayley tagged in against Sane, who hit a headscissors to knock Bayley down. Sane was sent to the apron, and she went up top and hit a clothesline on Bayley. Asuka yelled at Sane to stay in the ring as Bayley hit a belly-to-back suplex. Lyra was back in the ring with a suplex. Asuka made the tag, but Lyra connected with a cross body block on both opponents. Lyra went for a dropkick, but the Kabuki Warriors avoided it. Asuka kicked Lyra and hit a German Suplex on the floor. They went on a break for some fans, as I’ll take a break too, with the Kabuki Warriors in control.

The match continued with Lyra as the face in peril, but then Lyra hit a sitout Powerbomb on Sane and Bayley got the tag. Bayley worked over Asuka with clotheslines, along with punches. Bayley hit the neckbreaker off the ropes and the running knee smash. Bayley jumped off the middle turnbuckle with an elbow drop to the back for two. Sane made a blind tag and hit Bayley with a forearm on the floor. Bayley countered Sane and hit Bayley to Belly for two. Bayley jumped off the turnbuckle with an armdrag and a sunset flip into the corner. Lyra tagged in with a leg drop off the top for two. Lyra battled Sane by the turnbuckle, Asuka did a distraction and Sane hit a double foot stomp on Lyra for a two count because Bayley made the save. Lyra caught leaping Sane and hit a backbreaker. Bayley tagged back in with an elbow drop for two because Asuka broke up the pin. Lyra kicked Asuka to knock her down on the floor. Sane rolled up Bayley for two. Lyra got the tag, Asuka pulled her down to the floor and Sane punched Bayley out of the ring. The Kabuki women went for a double team move, but Bayley stopped that. Asuka shoved Lyra into Bayley on the apron and Bayley bumped to the floor. Asuka caught a leaping Lyra and applied an Asuka Lock, so Lyra tapped out. It went about 15 minutes.

Winners by submission: Kabuki Warriors – Asuka & Kairi Sane

Analysis: ***1/2 It was a great match with the Kabuki Warriors continuing their winning ways by working well as a team. The key spot was when Bayley was on the apron, so Asuka shoved Lyra into Bayley, and Bayley was unable to make the save when Lyra needed it. That spot can also push the story that Bayley has problems with Lyra, but that wasn’t really pushed after the match. Anyway, the ladies did a great job here. They worked well together.

After the match, Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss went into the ring as the Women’s Tag Team Champions. Asuka and Sane ran away to avoid a confrontation.

Analysis: There should be a Women’s Tag Team Title match soon (we found out later it’s next week). I can see the Kabuki Warriors winning the titles in the near future, even though I enjoy Flair and Bliss as a team. We know Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky will be back soon, too.

A clip aired from last week when JD McDonagh beat Sheamus, thanks to Finn Balor’s cheap attack on Sheamus.

The Judgment Day was shown in their locker room. Raquel Rodriguez and Roxanne Perez informed Finn Balor and JD McDonagh that Raquel gets a Women’s World Title shot next week on Raw. Dominik Mysterio walked in to complain about Rey Mysterio getting involved in his business. Dom wondered where they were. Finn said if they were invited, then they would have helped him, but Dom wanted to have his celebration by himself. Finn gave Dom the shillelagh and told him to keep it safe. Finn and JD left. Roxanne suggested that Dom go out there to support Balor and JD in their match, so he agreed.

The World Tag Team Title match was next as AJ Styles & Dragon Lee made their entrance as the champions, making their first title defense. They went on a break for some fans.

There was a plug for Natalya’s new autobiography book that is out now. I’m glad they are promoting, but it’s a shame she is rarely on WWE TV these days.

WWE World Tag Team Championships: AJ Styles & Dragon Lee vs. The Judgment Day – Finn Balor & JD McDonagh

The J-Day guys attacked as soon as the bell rang and knocked Styles off the apron. Lee had to fight off both guys for a few minutes. Lee hit an impressive leap over the top, followed by a hurricanrana on Lee on the apron. Balor worked over Lee with a dropkick. Balor grabbed a chinlock. Lee countered a Balor move and hit a sitout Powerbomb. Styles got the tag and unloaded on Balor with clotheslines, along with a forearm smash. Styles gave JD a back body drop. Styles slammed Balor onto his knee. Styles did a slingshot attack over the top onto both J-Day guys. They went on a break for some fans as the action continued. Styles jumped at Balor, who moved, and Styles/Balor hit a double clothesline to knock eachother down. Dominik went down to ringside with his two titles, along with the shillelagh that they stole from Sheamus. Balor worked over Styles with stomps while Dom put the shillelagh down at ringside. JD tripped up Styles and hit a spinning splash on him. Styles hit a Pele Kick on JD and both guys were down.

The match continued with Lee getting the tag against Balor and he hit some kicks to the body. Lee hit a dropkick by the turnbuckle. Balor came back with a Slingblade and a dropkick. Lee avoided a top rope attack, which led to a rollup for two. Balor countered Lee with an elbow drop reverse DDT. Styles tagged in against JD and Styles hit a sliding kick to knock Dom down. Styles got a rollup. Dom went on the apron, and JD held Styles, so Balor jumped off the top with a Coup de Grace, but Styles moved, so Balor hit JD with the move. Styles sent Balor into Dom on the apron. Styles punched JD and hit a Phenomenal Forearm for two because Balor broke up the pin. Balor gave Dom some advice. Dom tried to hit Styles with his title, but there’s Sheamus to knock down Dom with a forearm. Balor hit Styles with the shillelagh and JD covered for two because Lee broke up the pin. Sheamus sent Dom into the barricade and Sheamus hit a knee on Dom. Lee hit a hurricanrana on Balor out of the ring. Lee hit a somersault dive over the top onto Balor on the floor. JD went for a move, Styles caught him and Styles hit a Styles Clash on JD for the pinfall win after about 11 minutes.

Winners by pinfall: AJ Styles & Dragon Lee

Analysis: ***3/4 It was a great match, like the last time they wrestled. These guys know how to pick up the pace and have an exciting match. I expected the champions to retain since they just won the titles a few weeks ago, so this was Finn & JD’s last title shot for a while, since they lost the rematch. Sheamus getting involved made sense, and it neutralized Dom, so that allowed Styles and Cena to get the win. This is the kind of exciting match that all WWE TV shows need, especially SmackDown, which just isn’t as interesting as Raw. The pacing of this was fantastic.

Stephanie Vaquer was walking backstage with the Women’s World Title. Nikki Bella approached her and said she was sorry for the loss. Nikki said now Vaquer has to defend the title against Raquel. Vaquer said don’t worry about it because she’s ready. Nikki said she thought she could hang with these ladies, but they are crushing it and Nikki wonders why she is here. Vaquer told Nikki to believe in herself more. Vaquer said that Nikki paved the way for this division and they hugged. Nikki said you have no idea how much she needed to hear that. Nikki told Stephanie she’ll be there to cheer her on.

Analysis: It was a necessary segment to have Nikki Bella admit that she’s losing a lot and maybe she can’t hang with the current roster. Stephanie Vaquer was a good friend to say what she said in response.

There was another version of the WrestleMania 42 commercial, and this time, Roman Reigns spoke. Reigns said that if you check the tape, when he’s in the game, the table acknowledges him. Reigns said WrestleMania Vegas is your Tribal Chief’s game.

Jey Uso was shown getting ready when Paul Heyman approached him. Heyman said Jey was his favorite member of The Bloodline because he kept everybody guessing. Heyman wondered why Jey would team with CM Punk. Jey said that Punk fought him one-on-one and they respect eachother. Heyman said he asked The Brons not to get involved, but now it’s all-out war with the entire roster. Heyman said that if someone isn’t conforming to The Vision, they get their asses handed to them every week as soon as they get in the door. Heyman said he sees that Jey has a vision of his own, and he liked it. Heyman wished Jey good luck.

The Women’s Tag team Champions Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss were interviewed by Byron Saxton, who said that the champs will face The Kabuki Warriors next week on Raw. This was during the break for some fans. Bliss said if they want the titles, then they have to fight for them. Flair said that Asuka’s ego is out of control. Flair said that Asuka wasn’t the only one to build this division. Bliss said they never back down from a challenge. They had an awkward exchange to end it, to show that there’s still some awkwardness.

Adam Pearce said the names were drawn at random. The first two matches in the John Cena Last Time Is Now Tournament are set for next week’s Raw. More matches will be announced on SmackDown.

* Rusev vs. Damian Priest

* Shinsuke Nakamura.

Next week on Raw in Boston:

* John Cena returns

* Last Time Is Now Tournament First Round Matches as mentioned above.

* WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship: Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss vs. Kabuki Warriors – Asuka & Kairi Sane

* Women’s World Championship: Stephanie Vaquer vs. Raquel Rodriguez

Analysis: That’s a very strong lineup for next week. I like it.

Jey Uso made his entrance as the show went on a break. The rest of Jey’s entrance was shown with the fans Yeeting along with Jey on his way to the ring. It took a few minutes as usual.

CM Punk made his entrance as the World Heavyweight Champion, and he was cheered heavily as usual. The fans sang along with “Cult of Personality” and Punk let us know “It’s Clobberin’ Time” as usual.

The Vision’s Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed made their entrance wearing spiked leather jackets, which makes them look even tougher as a team. The WWE Hall of Famer Paul Heyman was with them. The show was at the 2.5-hour mark at this point, which is when Raw usually ends, so it’s a bit longer this week.

CM Punk & Jey Uso vs. The Vision – Bron Breakker & Bronson Reed (w/Paul Heyman)

Punk and Jey worked together early on to hit a double suplex on Bron, along with a double clothesline. Reed went into the ring, so Punk hit him with a knee, and Jey superkicked Reed out of the ring. Jey hit a dive over the top onto the heels while Punk held down the top rope for the assist. They went on a break for some fans as Jey worked over Bron with punches. Punk gave Bron a Russian legsweep into a lateral press for two. Punk clotheslined Bron to knock him down. The heels took control after Reed knocked down Punk when the referee was distracted. Bron worked over Punk with punches.

The Vision was in control as Bron hit an overhead suplex on Punk. Reed went on Bron’s back for a double team splash on Punk. Reed hit a running elbow to knock Punk down. Bron hit Punk with shoulder tackles, along with a running knee smash. Bron hit Jey with another knee attack. Bron went for a knee strike again, but Punk avoided it and Bron bumped to the floor. Reed got the tag and hit an elbow drop on Punk. Reed launched Punk into the air and Bron hit a double knee smash like a Shatter Machine for a two count because Jey made the save. Punk avoided a slam by Bron and hit a neckbreaker. Jey got the hot tag against Reed, which led to a punch combo and a spinning kick to the head. Jey hit another jumping kick on Reed. Jey hit the running hip attack against the turnbuckle. Reed went for a move, Jey avoided it and Jey hit a Spear for two because Bron barely made the save. Punk hit a top rope clothesline on Bron. Punk did a slingshot dive onto Bron on the floor. Jey sent Reed out of the ring and hit a suicide dive on the floor. Punk went over to Reed, who tackled Punk and punched him. Jey went after Reed with punches. Bron tackled Jey and punched him a few times. The referee was counting, so it was a double countout after 9 minutes.

Match Result: Double Countout

Analysis: **3/4 I am not surprised by the non-finish. I thought if there was a finish, then maybe Jey would get pinned again, but that would be bad for him since he lost at SNME two days earlier. This was more about the angle after the match.

After the match, Jey sent Bron into the steel steps. Punk and Jey attacked Reed on the floor. They set him up on the commentary table. Jey was celebrating like an idiot, so Bron hit Jey with a Spear on the floor. Reed hit Punk with a forearm to the back. There was nobody trying to break this up. Reed held Jey in the ring, so Bron ran the ropes and hit a Spear. Reed went up top and hit a Tsunami on Jey. Punk went back in with a steel chair, so The Vision left the ring at that point. Bron and Reed got chairs of their own. Logan Paul went into the ring to stand beside Punk. Paul took the brass knuckles out of his pocket, and he punched CM Punk with the brass knuckles! The fans booed that. Paul took off his brass knuckles and handed them to Heyman. The fans chanted, “F**k you, Logan.” The swear word was being muted. Heyman was happy with Paul handing him the brass knuckles. That was the end of the show.

Analysis: There’s a lot to digest there. From an execution standpoint, I thought it was very well done. They played it up as a big deal when Paul decked Punk with the brass knuckle punch. I don’t think most people thought that Logan Paul would be a babyface just because of the first segment of the show, so having him attack Punk with the brass knuckles is fitting for Paul’s character. It also shows he’s on the same side as The Vision, which sets things up for WarGames because Logan Paul can be on their team, along with two more guys. WarGames hasn’t even been mentioned at this point, but we know it’s coming. Just to make it clear, I don’t think Logan Paul is joining The Vision long-term, but I could be wrong. I think Paul is joining The Vision for the WarGames match.

This week’s Raw had a runtime of 2 hours and 45 minutes on Netflix.

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Three Stars of the Show

  1. CM Punk
  2. AJ Styles & Dragon Lee
  3. Asuka & Kairi Sane

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The Scoreboard

7.5 out of 10

Last week: 8

2025 Average: 7.53

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Final Thoughts on WWE Raw

It was the usual entertaining episode of Raw, which is a consistently good show. CM Punk did a good job with his opening promo, Logan Paul was a surprising interruption and that set up what happened later. Logan Paul looked like he was an ally of Punk early in the show, but in the end, Paul punched Punk with the dreaded bass knuckles. Paul looks to be aligned with The Vision for now. I think it’s just for the WarGames match at Survivor Series, although it wasn’t made clear at the end of the show. Good way to end the show.

I don’t know why WWE felt the need to do four tag team matches on a card with five matches. It felt like too many tag team matches with similar spots in those matches. The AJ Styles & Dragon Lee match with Finn Balor & JD McDonagh felt like the best match just like when they faced off before. I also liked The Kabuki Warriors against Bayley & Lyra Valkyria a lot. That Rey Mysterio-Dominik Mysterio promo was also very well done. It sets them up for a match, which will feel like a big deal when it happens. John Cena’s back next week too, so maybe that sets up his match with Dom if that’s still the plan.

There is still nothing set for Survivor Series. I know they have time since the show is on November 29th, but I think it’s important to at least mention WarGames. Start promoting it.

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Thanks for reading. Please check out my reviews of every WWE PPV ever listed in order. Go Los Angeles Rams, Toronto Raptors and Toronto Maple Leafs. My contact info is below.

John Canton

Email [email protected]

Twitter/X @johnreport