Reviews

The John Report: WWE Raw Deal 11/17/25 Review

By John Canton • Published Nov 17, 2025 22:20 EST
WWE Raw November 17

It’s WWE Raw featuring John Cena’s final time on Raw, and it’s from Madison Square Garden.

The big hype for this episode is that it’s John Cena’s final time on WWE Monday Night Raw since he’s retiring as an active wrestler this year. Last week on Raw, Cena won the Intercontinental Title from Dominik Mysterio, so we’ll see how they follow up on that. There’s also Survivor Series on November 29th, with some big names rumored for this week’s Raw. It feels like a big one. I’m excited about it. Wrestletix reports they expect over 18,000 in attendance for Raw, so it’s a huge crowd. Considering how high WWE ticket prices have gotten, they paid a lot of money to be there, so I hope they have a great time.

This is the Raw Deal for episode #1695 of Monday Night Raw. It’s taking place at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport. Let’s get to it.

They showed some superstar walking of Becky Lynch, Cody Rhodes, Paul Heyman with The Vision’s Bron Breakker, Bronson Reed & Logan Paul, and they were joined by Drew McIntyre as well. Solo Sikoa was shown with Talla Tonga, and welcome back Gunther.

A video package aired showing John Cena beating Dominik Mysterio for the Intercontinental Title on Raw last week. It was Cena’s first time winning the IC Title, and now he’s a Grand Slam Champion in WWE. I enjoyed it a lot last week.

Let’s Hear from John Cena

It was a packed house in MSG as the Intercontinental Champion made his entrance with the fans singing his song. Cena said there are people everywhere. Cena had a New York Yankees-style farewell shirt. Cena told Stew, the camera guy, it’s time to go to work, and Cena ran to the ring. Huge ovation! The fans were going crazy.

There were loud “Cena” chants, and like I said earlier, this building was packed. It was so damn loud in that building. You could tell Cena was loving it. Alicia Taylor did the special introduction, saying he’s the greatest of all time, the never-seen 17, celebrating with each and every one of you tonight for his last Monday Night Raw in the world-famous Madison Square Garden in New York City, one final time…the last real champion…John Cena, and he held up the Intercontinental Championship above his head. More “Cena” chants from the crowd.

The fans were chanting “Thank You Cena” before John could say a word. Cena said he welcomes that enthusiasm. Cena said that New York City makes or breaks careers, and at the end of his career, he sees people as far as the eye can see. Cena thanked New York City. Cena asked if they were ready to start. Cena said that the “Champ is here” like he’s done many times in his career. Loud “Cena” chants again.

Cena said that MSG has let him step on the stage in these hallowed halls for 23 years. Cena said tonight is the last night that they can talk together. There were some boos. Cena said in MSG and on Monday Night Raw. Cena said it’s a very important for him and he wants to take a second…but here comes Dom Mysterio with the interruption again.

Dominik Mysterio made his entrance as the AAA Mega Champion and he was booed heavily as he walked down to the ring. Wade Barrett claimed that Dom is the person that the fans came to see.

The fans booed loudly before Dom could say a word. Dom said nobody wants to hear what Cena has to say. Dom said that last week, Cena was handed a title shot just like he’s been handed everything else. Dom claims he has fought for everything he has. Dom said wants a rematch for his Intercontinental Championship. Cena said that Dom came to the right building and said if you think Cena will back down on his last Raw, you’re wrong. Cena asked New York City what do they think? The fans cheered for that idea. Dom said no. Dom said we already did it Cena’s way. Dom said that he had management and his hometown on his side. Dom said now they will do it Dom’s way. The fans chanted, “Shut the f**k up” so the censors muted and Cena said they’re saying, “Choco fun cup.” Dom said he wants it at Survivor Series in hometown. Cena said no problem, he accepts.

Cena said he told the world that he will have a match tonight on his last Monday Night Raw. Cena said he sees an opponent right in the middle of the ring. Cena said for tonight let’s forget about the IC Title and focus on the fans. Cena told tonight if he’s got the guts, he’ll face Cena tonight and try to make history. Cena asked if you feel lucky, punk.

The Judgment Day’s Finn Balor and JD McDonagh (in ring gear) interrupted to support their buddy Dominik. Cena tossed his hat and shirt off to get ready for a fight.

Dom said that Cena won’t get his final match on Raw, but he’ll get his ass beat. The trio of Dom, Finn and JD attacked Cena with punches and kicks. Sheamus made the save due to his issues with Balor and JD, but the numbers were too much for Cena and Sheamus. Rey Mysterio joined the party and the fans were going crazy as Rey went into the ring. That led to Cena, Sheamus and Rey cleaning house, so the three babyfaces stood tall in the ring.

John Cena said that Dom brought a team, and it looks like he wants to fight. Cena said that right now, they will do a 6-man tag team between The Judgment Day and Sheamus, Rey Mysterio and John Cena. A referee ran out to the ring to start the match.

Analysis: There was a lot going on there and I thought it was very entertaining. It felt like Cena was going to speak more about how great it is to be in MSG, but instead there was the interruption. I like the tag team match idea. They also set up the big Survivor Series match, so that’s a cool thing too.

I forgot to mention it was Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett on commentary. Alicia Taylor was the ring announcer.

John Cena, Sheamus & Rey Mysterio vs. The Judgment Day – Dominik Mysterio, Finn Balor & JD McDonagh

They went on a break as the match continued. J-Day tried to run away, but Cena, Rey and Sheamus brought them back to ringside. Sheamus hit a rolling senton on Dom. Sheamus did a Swing like his buddy Cesaro/Claudio. JD pulled the top rope down while Balor distracted the referee, so Sheamus was out of the ring. JD got the tag and kicked Sheamus.

It was J-Day in control as Balor stomped on Sheamus against the turnbuckle. Balor choked Sheamus across the bottom rope while JD hit a leg drop on Sheamus. Dom hit a senton splash onto Sheamus. JD hit a slingshot moonsault on Sheamus. JD hit a jawbreaker on Sheamus to remain on offense. After Balor tagged in, Sheamus hit a double clothesline. Rey tagged in with a seated Senton and a hurricanrana on Balor. Rey hit a hurricanrana on JD, a dropkick to Balor and Rey set up for a 619, but Dom tripped up his father. Rey kicked Dom on the floor. Balor hit an elbow to knock Rey down. Balor sent Rey under the bottom rope, so Rey went sliding out to the floor. They went on another break for some fans as the action continued. As Dom worked over Rey, the fans chanted, “Who’s Your Daddy?” so Dom hit the Three Amigos suplexes on his father Rey and the last one was like a brainbuster. Balor grabbed a chinlock on Rey.

The match continued with Balor punching Sheamus off the apron to the floor. Rey tried to fight out of the heel corner, and he did it by sending Balor into the turnbuckle while JD was on the top rope, so JD was crotched. Cena finally got the hot tag and MSG exploded. Cena hit two shoulder tackles on JD and the belly-to-back suplex. Cena hit the Five Knuckle Shuffle on JD. Cena went for the Attitude Adjustment, but JD landed on his feet and JD hit a headbutt. Sheamus hit a knee on JD, Balor with a Slingblade on Sheamus, Rey hit a seated senton and Dom superkicked his father. The three J-Day guys hit top rope moves with JD’s moonsault, Balor’s Coup de Grace and Dom’s Frog Splash, but Rey and Sheamus made the save for a two count. Great nearfall. Rey tripped up Dom into the ropes, but JD and Finn saved Dom. Sheamus, Cena and Rey got a hold of their three opponents leading to 10 Beats of the Bodhran times three, so that drew a big reaction. Cena, Sheamus and Rey all hit slams on their opponents. Sheamus moved Cena to the middle and the three faces all hit the Five Knuckles Shuffle. Rey dropkicked Finn and JD into the ropes, hit a double 619, Sheamus hit a Brogue Kick on Balor, and Cena hit an Attitude Adjustment on JD for the pinfall win after 15 minutes.

Winners by pinfall: John Cena, Sheamus & Rey Mysterio

Analysis: ***1/2 That was a lot of fun, and I was enjoying it as much as the crowd. The babyface team was doing eachother’s moves, much to the delight of the fans and it was very entertaining to watch. I could complain about there being too many guys in the ring for too long, but it’s one of those special kinds of matches, and I didn’t mind it. It was a fun tag team match.

John Cena celebrated with his pals Sheamus and Rey Mysterio. They were amazed at how many fans were packed into the building. They posed for the fans. Cena spoke into the camera saying, “Monday Night Raw, that’s all she wrote. I love you. Thank you.” Cena signed off.

Analysis: Thank you, John Cena. Incredible run on Raw.

They showed a clip from SmackDown when Drew McIntyre aligned with Bron Breakker, Bronson Reed and Logan Paul to join their Survivor Series team.

Raw GM Adam Pearce was backstage talking to SmackDown GM Nick Aldis, who was frustrated about the Drew McIntyre situation since Drew is suspended. Paul Heyman walked in saying that what he did was within the rules and regulations. Heyman said he had great respect for both. Heyman said if you think your fourth pick of Drew McIntyre pissed you off, wait until you see what he has in store for you next. Heyman handed Pearce a folder of sorts. Heyman left and Pearce/Aldis weren’t thrilled about it.

Analysis: Brock Lesnar is the likely choice, so we’ll see that later on.

Stephanie Vaquer was up next as the Women’s World Champion was shown walking backstage.

They showed Jackie Redmond at ringside talking to comedian Andrew Schulz. This was during a break for some fans. Andrew hyped up the crowd and he had NY Giants running back Cam Skattebo, who got a big pop from the crowd. Andrew trashed Dominik Mysterio, so Dom approached him and Dom trashed New York City. Dom shoved Schulz down. Skattebo got up in his face, and there were some other New York Giants around. The Judgment Day’s Dominik Mysterio, Finn Balor and JD McDonagh exchanged some punches and some shoving. The J-Day guys left.

Analysis: Cheap heat. I don’t think it’s going to lead to any kind of match, though.

They showed comedian Eric Andre at ringside, singer Ashley Cooke, some Philadelphia Eagles, including Cooper Dejean, and some New York Giants, including Cam Skattebo, who is unfortunately out for the year. Comedian Andrew Schulz was there. They recapped the part during the break that some fans may not have seen with J-Day interacting with Schulz and the athletes.

Interview with Stephanie Vaquer…or not

Jackie Redmond was in the ring for an interview, but first she cued up a replay of last week when Nikki Bella turned heel on Women’s World Champion Stephanie Vaquer.

Stephanie Vaquer made her entrance as the Women’s World Champion. Nikki Bella attacked Stephanie by the entrance. Nikki said that she didn’t come back to be a sidekick. Nikki said she came back to take back what’s hers, which is this division. Nikki told Vaquer that she’ll be giving Nikki a match for the Women’s World Championship. Nikki told Stephanie Vaquer she’ll bow down to the woman who changed this entire industry…Nikki Bella. Nikki put the title on Vaquer and left.

Analysis: A cheap attack to put over Nikki Bella as a heel. I don’t know how Nikki Bella “changed this entire industry” in any way, but heels tend to lie. Since Nikki has come back, she has lost nearly every match she’s had, though, so I think it’s important to book her stronger. Anyway, Nikki should have to win matches to get a title shot instead of doing a heel attack. However, she may not have to win those matches because it seems like the match is coming soon.

A video aired showing Charlotte Flair not wanting to team with Rhea Ripley at Survivor Series.

Bayley and Lyra Valkyria walked up to Asuka and Kairi Sane aka The Kabuki Warriors, who are the Women’s Tag Team Champions. Asuka wanted Bayley to be on their Survivor Series WarGames team. Bayley said she can’t forget them attacking her two years ago, and Bayley said no. Asuka and Sane left, but Sane did a “You can’t see me” hand gesture for fun. Lyra was proud of Bayley, then Bayley called her an idiot, and they left.

Solo Sikoa, with Talla Tonga, made his entrance for a match in The Last Time Is Now tournament.

They went on a break for some fans, so the WrestleMania 42 commercial aired to promote tickets on sale. They showed some signs of the night in the crowd to kill some time.

The mystery opponent for Solo Sikoa is…Dolph Ziggler making his return after two years away from WWE. Dolph left WWE about two years ago, he’s working for TNA as Nic Nemeth (his real name) and he got a huge pop using the Dolph Ziggler name. The fans were happy to see Ziggler back in a WWE ring.

Analysis: It was reported earlier in the day that Dolph Ziggler would be in this spot, so it wasn’t a total surprise, but it’s still a great choice for a spot like this. In my two decades of reviewing WWE, I have reviewed MANY Ziggler matches, so it’s good to see him back for one more.

Last Time Is Now Tournament First Round Match: Solo Sikoa (w/Talla Tonga) vs. Dolph Ziggler

Solo hit a shoulder tackle early on. Ziggler came back with a dropkick, neckbreaker and elbow drop. They left the ring where Ziggler sent Solo into the commentary table a few times. Ziggler went up top and hit a top rope elbow drop for just a one count. They went to break and I’ll take a break too.

The match continued with Solo taking control. Solo hit a Samoan Drop for a two count. Solo charged, Ziggler moved and Solo hit the turnbuckle. Ziggler hit a spike DDT and a Fameasser for a two count. Ziggler charged for Zig Zag, Solo held onto the ropes and Solo came back with the Spinning Solo slam for a two count. Solo went for a Samoan Spike, but Ziggler avoided it and got a rollup. Ziggler sent Solo into the turnbuckle and hit a Zig Zag for one…two…no. The fans thought that was it and I thought it was it too. Ziggler set up for a superkick, Solo blocked it and Ziggler hit a short superkick. Ziggler went for Zig Zag, Solo held onto the rope sand Solo hit the Samoan Spike for the pinfall win. Ziggler sold that Samoan Spike as well as anybody. It went about 10 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Solo Sikoa

Analysis: *** I thought that maybe there would be an “upset” of sorts with Dolph Ziggler winning after the Zig Zag, but it didn’t happen. They don’t want to put a non-WWE superstar over a guy under contract most likely, even though I think it would have been cool to see Ziggler pick up a win in a match like this. Anyway, Solo moves on. No surprise, really.

A video package aired about the awesome 21-year-old Je’Von Evans from NXT, who will be making his MSG debut this week.

Alexa Bliss was shown walking backstage in her “We’re Not Friends” shirt for a promo.

The New Day was interviewed by Byron Saxton in the back part of the arena. They complained about wanting a shot at the World Tag Team Titles. Grayson Waller wore an Indiana Pacers to mock the New York Knicks choking. Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods did their usual complaining and Woods ended with his, “Thank God for the New Day” line. This was during a break for some fans.

They showed rapper Lil Yachty at ringside, UFC fighter Aljamain Sterling, actor Lin-Manuel Miranda, who I only know from Curb Your Enthusiasm, and WWE Hall of Famer Stephanie McMahon and Elyse Dudzinski from Steph’s podcast.

Let’s Hear from Alexa Bliss

Alexa Bliss was in the ring as the Women’s WarGames graphic was shown. Bliss has Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky on her team. Bliss said Charlotte Flair ignored her texts and calls, but she saw Charlotte’s Instagram showing she was all around New York City all weekend. Bliss spoke into the camera saying people told her to ignore Charlote Flair, but she knows the person that Flair can be. Bliss wondered why Flair cared about people liking her. Bliss said that she has Flair’s back since day one. The fans were chanting, “WHAT” at her and Bliss responded to it by continuing her promo. Bliss said she has gone to hell and back for Flair, but here’s the interruption.

Analysis: Stop doing the “What” chant, fans. It’s been over 20 years. Let the talent talk, especially if it’s a babyface like Bliss.

The heel team of Asuka, Kairi Sane, Nia Jax and Lash Legend walked out to the ring together. Asuka spoke in Japanese and Jax said, “Yeah, what she said.” That’s funny. Jax ripped on Bliss for being a loser and being all alone. The four heels surrounded Bliss, but here comes the save.

Rhea Ripley (with facemask) and Iyo Sky ran down to the ring to support Bliss, so it was 3 faces against 4 heels. The fight was on. Jax and Lash were able to isolate Bliss in the ring. Jax headbutted Bliss. Lash smashed Bliss with a punch.

Charlotte Flair ran out to the ring with a kendo stick in her hand. Flair hit Jax and Lash with the kendo stick. Flair hit Jax and Lash so much that they bumped out of the ring. Ripley and Sky were in control against Asuka and Sane on the floor. Flair picked up her friend Bliss. They played Flair’s music as Sky hugged Ripley, and Flair laughed. The announcers discussed if that meant Flair was part of the Ripley/Sky/Bliss team, but they didn’t know.

Analysis: It is obvious that Charlotte Flair will be on the babyface team, and it’s just part of a story to build it up to show that Flair is a good person who actually thinks of Bliss as a friend. They could do 4-on-4 WarGames, but the graphics shown made it look like it’s 5-on-5, which is better.

It’s official for Survivor Series on November 29:

* Women’s World Championship: Stephanie Vaquer vs. Nikki Bella

* Intercontinental Championship: John Cena vs. Dominik Mysterio

Plus, the two WarGames matches that we know about.

There was a clip of John Cena’s interview with Tom Rinaldi that will be released soon. Cena talked about seeking approval from the WWE fans during his career. Cena spoke about how they were great learning experiences.

Becky Lynch made her entrance as the Women’s World Champion. They went on a break for some fans. After killing a bit of time, Maxxine Dupri made her entrance as the challenger.

Women’s Intercontinental Championship: Becky Lynch vs. Maxxine Dupri

The bell rang, Lynch was arguing with referee Jessika Carr and Dupri hit a boot to the face for two. Dupri went to the top rope, so Lynch slammed her down. Lynch put her boot to Dupri’s throat. Lynch hit a move where she rammed Dupri’s left arm onto Lynch’s knee. They went on a break for some fans as the action continued. Lynch punched Dupri on the floor and sent her into the barricade. There’s Dupri’s fiancé Anthony Luke watching at ringside. If you watched WWE LFG then you know him. Lynch sent Dupri into the ring post. The fans chanted, “F**k you Becky” so that was getting muted. Dupri went for a pump kick, Lynch avoided it and Lynch hit a knee to the back for two. They exchanged punches in the ring.

Dupri started the comeback with a couple of clotheslines, along with a spin kick. Dupri splashed Lynch against the turnbuckle, along with a suplex. Dupri hit a leg drop to the back of the head for two. Lynch stomped on Dupri’s elbow and hit a reverse DDT for a two count. Dupri was punching Lynch, but Lynch came back with a Powerbomb. Lynch applied an armbar on the left arm, but Dupri bridged out of it. Lynch went for a slam, but Dupri countered it and got a sunset flip for two. Dupri applied the Ankle Lock, Lynch nearly tapped and Dupri applied a heel hook on the feet. Lynch tried to pin Dupri and Dupri kicked out at two. Lynch kicked the left arm. Lynch hit a Manhandle Slam near the ropes, so Dupri put her left foot on the bottom rope for a two count. Lynch got in the face of referee Jessika Carr, so Lynch put her hand on Carr, who told Lynch to not touch her again. Lynch tossed Dupri out of the ring and Lynch told Carr to count. Lynch took the top turnbuckle pad off. AJ Lee is back and the fans were going crazy as Lee skipped down to the ring. We haven’t seen Lee in two months since Wrestlepalooza. Lynch was distracted by that, so Dupri jumped off the top and hit a cross body block on Lynch for the pinfall win! Maxxine Dupri is the NEW Women’s Intercontinental Champion! It went about 10 minutes.

Winner by pinfall AND NEW Women’s Intercontinental Champion: Maxxine Dupri

Analysis: ***1/4 It was a good match that didn’t go as long as some of their previous matches and I didn’t rate it as highly, but it was still enjoyable with a result that the fans loved with Dupri winning her first title. Lee cost Lynch the match with the distraction, so Lynch has an excuse to explain why she lost. The whole point of this midcard women’s title is to put it on rising stars, so having a megastar like Lynch putting over Dupri feels like a big deal. Meanwhile, Lynch didn’t need to hold the title for a lot longer, so it made sense to do the title change here.

Maxxine Dupri was ecstatic and she hugged AJ Lee in the aisle. Dupri was handed the Women’s Intercontinental Championship and pyro went off behind her.

Analysis: I’m happy for Dupri working hard and improving a lot as a wrestler. As for Lynch and Lee, they make sense as the final teammates in the Women’s WarGames match.

The team of Roxanne Perez and Raquel Rodriguez were interviewed by Byron Saxton in the back part of the arena. Raquel complained about being robbed of the Women’s World Title last week. Perez said that she beat Nikki Bella two times in a row yet Nikki gets a title shot. This was during a break for some fans.

Je’Von Evans made his entrance for his MSG debut match. This kid has a very bright future.

They showed former NFL star Brandon Marshall at ringside, actor Chuck Zito, and comedian Gabriel Iglesias, who is at WWE shows a lot.

Last Time Is Now Tournament First Round Match: Gunther vs. Je’Von Evans

Welcome back Gunther after three months off. There were some “Walter” chants from the fans referring to Gunther’s past name. Gunther tried to taunt Evans early on, but Evans fought back with a chop. Gunther tried a rollup, Gunther held onto the ropes and Gunther kicked Evans in the mouth. That looked great. The match went to a break for some fans as Gunther remained in control with a body slam. Gunther stomped on Evans. Gunther went for an abdominal stretch, but Evans countered it into a stretch of his own, until Gunther hit a hiptoss.

They exchanged chops. Evans kicked Gunther and hit a dropkick. When Evans went for another move, Gunther caught him and applied a Boston Crab submission, but Evans got out of it. Evans hit a backbreaker across the knee. Gunther smashed Evans with a forearm to the back. Evans hit a forearm smash, along with strikes and a superkick. Evans bounced off the ropes going for a hurricanrana, then Gunther caught him and Evans still hit a hurricanrana. Evans hit an arm drag, along with a spinning kick to the head. Gunther was on the floor, so Evans tried a suicide dive, but Gunther caught him and Gunther smashed Evans back first into the ring apron. The show went to a break for some fans and I’ll take a break too as Gunther dominated for a few more minutes.

The match returned after Evans hit a superkick and Gunther hit a dropkick. Gunther wanted a Powerbomb, but Gunther was able to counter it with a sunset flip. Evans tried some chops, so Gunther nailed him with a hard chop. Evans hit a kick to the head, Evans went off the ropes and Gunther hit a massive boot to the head. Gunther tried a move and Evans turned it into a Cutter to counter. Evans knocked Gunther out of the ring, followed by Evans hitting an incredible leap over the top onto Gunther on the floor. They were back in the ring as Evans went up top and hit a cross body block in the ring. Evans jumped off the top with a Superfly Splash about halfway across the ring for a two count. Evans jumped off the top, Gunther was back up and elbowed Evans in the back. Gunther hit a sleeper into a release German Suplex. Gunther hit a Powerbomb for two, which is a finisher for Gunther sometimes. Gunther applied the sleeper on Evans on the mat, Evans tried to fight it, but Evans tapped out to give Gunther the win. It went about 15 minutes.

Winner by submission: Gunther

Analysis: ***3/4 That was a lot of fun. I missed Gunther and Evans is amazing for a guy who is just 21 years old. I didn’t think Evans was going to win and I doubt most people watching this did, but Evans put up a hell of a fight, while Gunther had a tremendous match as usual. Gunther is the favorite to win the Last Time Is Now tournament, and I think they are going to stick with the plan to have him make it to the finals of the tournament. I hope the people who don’t know much about Je’Von Evans will start following him in NXT because the dude is so talented. I think he’ll be on the main roster within a year or less, too.

Maxxine Dupri was backstage with AJ Lee, as Jackie Redmond showed up for an interview. Dupri said that this moment means all the hard work has finally paid off. Dupri said she beat one of the best of all time and she proved she finally belongs there. Lee said all she did was put Becky in her place. Otis and Akira Tozawa showed up to celebrate with Dupri. Lee was asked if she would stick around. Lee said that Lynch lights a fire under her that she thought she didn’t have anymore, but she said, who knows? Rhea Ripley asked AJ Lee if she had a second to chat and Lee said sure.

Analysis: There’s the Rhea Ripley-AJ Lee interaction to put Lee on the babyface team at Survivor Series: WarGames. As I said earlier, that will set up Becky Lynch for the heel team. I like it.

The WrestleMania 42 commercial aired and it featured CM Punk talking about how he’s been here before. Punk said he’s the only one at this table who is the best in the world. WrestleMania 42 tickets are on sale.

Next week on Raw:

* Last Time Is Now Tournament Quarterfinals: Gunther vs. Carmelo Hayes or Bronson Reed

* Last Time Is Now Tournament Quarterfinals: Solo Sikoa vs. Finn Balor or Penta

* Men’s WarGames Advantage Match

The Vision’s Bron Breakker, Bronson Reed, Logan Paul, and Paul Heyman made their entrance. They went on a break for some fans. Drew McIntyre made his entrance to join Paul Heyman’s team in the ring.

Men’s WarGames Face Off

Paul Heyman introduced his Survivor Series: WarGames team of Drew McIntyre, Logan Paul, Bron Breakker, and Bronson Reed. Heyman talked about walking past teams to the WarGames like Samoan Swat Team & Freebirds, the Dangerous Alliance and The Bloodline into WarGames, but this is the greatest team ever assembled.

The World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk interrupted without his title. Punk had his fists taped up to show he was ready to fight. The Usos duo of Jey & Jimmy Uso made their entrance from the crowd and MSG was Yeeting along with them. Cody Rhodes was up next as the WWE Champion without his title. It was track suit Cody looking ready to fight while the fans sang his “Kingdom” song.

The babyface team of Punk, Cody and The Usos went after the four heels in the ring. Jimmy superkicked Reed out of the ring. The fans were chanting “OTC” for Roman Reigns, but he wasn’t there yet. Drew fought with Cody on the floor. Logan fought with Punk in the ring while Jey and Bron fought on he floor. Punk hit a running knee on Logan.

Brock Lesnar’s music hit as The Beast Incarnate made his way down to the ring looking massive as usual. Lesnar had a big smile on his face as Punk waited for him in the ring. Lesnar caught Punk and hit two overhead suplexes on Punk. The other guys were out of the ring. Cody faced off with Lesnar to rekindle that rivalry from two years ago. Lesnar hit two German Suplexes on Cody and the second one had a rough landing on his upper back/neck. Lesnar was alone in the ring. The credits were shown on the screen, but we knew there was more left.

Roman Reigns’ music hit as the “OTC” Reigns made his slow walk down to the ring to confront Lesnar. Reigns went into the ring to stare at Lesnar. After Lesnar charged, Reigns avoided it and Reigns hit a Superman Punch to knock Lesnar out of the ring. Security guys showed up to try to separate Reigns and Lesnar. Reed went into the ring and hit Reigns with a forearm to the back. Reigns hit an elbow drop on Reigns. Reed hit another elbow on Reigns. Reed went up top, but Reigns was back up and hit a Superman Punch on Reed to knock him down. The NYPD showed up at ringside, or at least wrestlers dressed as cops. Reigns hit a Spear on Reed into the barricade. The show ended there.

It wasn’t mentioned on the show, but the Men’s WarGames Match will look like this: CM Punk, Cody Rhodes, Jey Uso, Jimmy Uso & Roman Reigns vs. Bron Breakker, Bronson Reed, Logan Paul, Drew McIntyre & Brock Lesnar (w/Paul Heyman)

Analysis: I think most of us watching knew that Lesnar and Reigns would be involved, so it was just a matter of bringing them out there. I’m a bit surprised that the babyface team didn’t do a promo at all. I’m not saying they needed, but I feel like it would have fired up the crowd if they did. Good segment overall with a lot of star power. A few more minutes of brawling would have made it even better. However, I get wanting to save the big stuff for WarGames itself. I look forward to WarGames because it’s a match full of stars, and I think it will be outstanding to watch.

This week’s Raw had a runtime of 2 hours and 25 minutes on Netflix.

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I’ll add my final thoughts later in the evening. Come back after about 11:30 p.m. ET or so.