Monday Night Raw
Date: August 25, 2008
Location: Wachovia Center, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania
Commentators: Michael Cole, Jerry Lawler

It’s been a minute since I’ve done one of these and the Raw archive being moved off Peacock didn’t help. I want to finish the gaps I have in the show’s history though and that includes a long stretch around this time. We’re coming up on Unforgiven and that means we need to fill in some spots in the Championship Scramble. Let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

Opening sequence.

CM Punk vs. John Bradshaw Layfield

Non-title. JBL grabs a headlock to start but misses the elbow, allowing Punk to fire off the kicks. A kick to the face gets two and Punk forearms away in the corner. An armdrag into an armbar has JBL down again and a big kick to the head has him on the floor. The suicide dive is kind of sent into the announcers’ table but Punk is fine enough to hit a high crossbody for two back inside. JBL kicks him outside without much trouble and we take a break.

Back with JBL working on a bearhug but Punk fights out and hits a tornado DDT for a delayed two. The bulldog out of the corner gives Punk two but the Clothesline From JBL gets the same. JBL goes for a chair in a not so bright move and of course has it taken away. Punk uses the distraction to hit a quick GTS for the pin.

Rating: C+. They were in a weird spot here as Punk needed the win but JBL is also on his way to the Scramble match. In theory he shouldn’t be taking falls, but it’s not like JBL has much int eh way of value in the first place after all those losses. The match was a decent enough brawl, but it’s nice to see Punk getting a clean(ish) win like this.

Here is Mike Adamle for a chat. He shows us a video from Summerslam, with Batista beating John Cena. This included some Batista Bombs, which have resulted in Cena needing surgery. That means he will be out of the Championship Scramble but a replacement will be announced by the end of the night. Why not just announce it now? Did we really need two Adamle appearances?

Kane talks about destroying Rey Mysterio and the pain makes him salivate. He loved hurting Mysterio and now people are wondering if Mysterio is alive or dead.

Primo Colon is with Mike Adamle and says he’s not like Carlito. Shawn Michaels comes in and says he wants Chris Jericho, who isn’t here yet. He ignores a question about how his wife is doing.

Kelly Kelly vs. Beth Phoenix

Non-title and Santino Marella is here with Phoenix. Kelly goes after her to start and is quickly sat on the top. That’s broken up and Kelly gets two off a quick rollup. Phoenix pulls her into a chinlock and cranks away but Kelly fights up. Marella pulls Phoenix away from a handspring elbow but the distraction lets Kelly get a rollup for the upset pin.

Post match Phoenix beats up Marella.

We look at a classic moment from 1989 with Bret Hart vs. Mr. Perfect. Sounds classic to me.

Primo Colon vs. Charlito

That would be Charlie Haas doing a Carlito impression, with commentary not hiding what is going on. Primo sends him into the corner and snaps off a middle rope headscissors. Charlito gets in a right hand and hammers away, setting up a chinlock. Primo fights up, strikes away, and hits a high crossbody for the win. This was as good as Charlie Haas doing a Carlito impression in a short match was going to be.

We recap Shawn Michaels vs. Chris Jericho, with Jericho accidentally hitting Michaels’ wife to make this mega personal. Jericho isn’t overly disturbed.

Here is Michaels, looking rather serious, for a chat. First off, his wife is hurt and he has been trying to tell himself that it was just an accident. Then they watched Raw and Jericho blamed Michaels. Why didn’t Michaels send in a letter of resignation? It’s because he has earned the right to come out here and thank the fans one last time.

That’s why he had his wife out here with him and she got punched in the face. Michaels isn’t going anywhere, but here is Jericho on the Titantron. He isn’t here because people are scared of what he might do if he was. Remember what happened the last time they were in the ring together? Jericho knows that Michaels is trying to goad him into the match but Michaels cuts him off, saying that it has to be a match.

Otherwise, Michaels would be thrown in jail. He’ll sign whatever Jericho wants to make this match happen because of what he can do. Jericho says try to use that bad eye or look at his bruised wife. Michaels says his wife is tougher than Jericho and that’s enough for the match to be on. They’re set for Unforgiven, with Michaels saying an eye for an eye. They sold the heck out of this and I want to see them fight. Nice job.

Ted DiBiase/Cody Rhodes vs. Jerry Lawler/Jim Duggan

Non-title, though Rhodes and DiBiase don’t have the titles after Cryme Tyme stole them last week. Lawler backs DiBiase against the ropes to start before cutting him off with a shot to the face. DiBiase takes him into the corner though and it’s off to Rhodes for a cross face chickenwing.

Back up and Rhodes slaps him in the face, which means the strap comes down immediately. Lawler slugs away and hits a jawbreaker to DiBiase, allowing the tag off to Duggan. House is quickly cleaned with a clothesline and swinging slam getting two on DiBiase. Everything breaks down and DiBiase grabs a Million Dollar Dream legsweep for the fast pin on Duggan.

Rating: C. This was pretty much the definition of “exactly what you were expecting” as Duggan and Lawler were the veterans who didn’t like how the loudmouthed rookies are acting. That means the old guys get in a few shots before falling short, which is how it should have gone. If nothing else, DiBiase and Rhodes need to deal with Cryme Tyme, who are likely waiting on them at Unforgiven.

Post match Rhodes grabs the mic and says it’s a crime to steal titles so here is Cryme Tyme to introduce themselves. They want a title shot at Unforgiven, with DiBiase not being happy but agreeing. DiBiase promises to show that the team is priceless, with Shad calling him a “silly white boy”.

Batista sends well wishes to John Cena, calling him one of the toughest opponents he has ever faced. Tonight he is facing a monster in Kane and it’s personal.

Intercontinental Title: Santino Marella vs. Kofi Kingston

Marella is defending. Kingston goes after the arm to start and hits the jumping back elbow for two. A monkey flip sends Marella into the corner for the right hands to the face but Kingston’s spinning high crossbody misses. Marella slaps on an abdominal stretch, which doesn’t last long as he’s right back with a middle rope shot to the head. The Boom Drop connects and Marella rolls outside but here is Beth Phoenix to cut him off. Kingston throws Marella back inside but Phoenix grabs the leg, sending Kingston’s head into Marella’s knee. This apparently knocks Kingston completely cold so Marella can retain.

Rating: C. That was quite the weak ending, with Kingston looking like he got knocked cold off a simple trip. If you didn’t notice him landing on Marella’s knee, Kingston now looks like one of the weakest stars in WWE today. This would have been better suited with a fluke rollup, but at least Phoenix and Marella have made after all those….minutes since they had a fight.

Post match Phoenix pins Marella into the corner and kisses him. Marella does the same to her, though she might not be as enthused.

Josh Matthews and Candice Michelle are at the Democratic National Convention in Denver. Go vote.

Mike Adamle picks Rey Mysterio to replace John Cena in the Championship Scramble. Wasn’t he possibly dead about an hour ago?

Unforgiven rundown.

Batista vs. Kane

They actually go to the mat to start, which is quite the bizarre visual. Batista fireman carries him down and works on an armbar as I’m almost wondering if this is a rib. The armbar is broken up so Batista tries a failed Batista Bomb attempt. A clothesline puts Kane on the floor and we take a break.

Back with Kane holding a chinlock, which feels a lot more his speed. Batista fights up and kicks him in the head but Kane dropkicks the leg out as this match is full of surprises. Some rapid fire elbows to the knee keep Batista down and Kane stomps him down in the corner. A big boot in the corner sets up more cranking on the leg but Batista goes back to the arm for a breather.

Kane shrugs that off and slams the bad knee into the mat before pulling on the leg again. Back up and Batista manages a heck of a clothesline and a powerslam but the knee gives out. Kane can’t hit a chokeslam but Batista can hit a spinebuster. That doesn’t do much as Kane wraps the leg around the post and hits it with a chair for the DQ.

Rating: C. So it’s personal and they do a technical match to start? That’s one of those things that does not make sense no matter how you slice it, though at least things did pick up a bit near the end. The leg and arm stuff made for a good enough match, but it’s not the kind of match that they should have been having given how we got here. These two can have a big brawl, but for some reason they just didn’t.

Post match Kane goes after the leg even more but Batista gets in a shot of his own. Batista takes the chair and unloads, doing the same thing to Kane’s leg in a nice touch. Both guys go down to end the show.

Overall Rating: C+. The Shawn vs. Jericho feud is absolutely carrying the show right now and that’s not a surprise. The rest of the important parts of the show is almost exclusively about the Championship Scramble and that’s not the easiest match to build towards. Throw in a pretty extended focus on Glamarella and this show was kind of all over the place. That being said, Shawn and Jericho are on another planet right now and that’s more than worth the look.

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

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Monday Night Raw
Date: June 2, 2025
Location: BOK Center, Tulsa, Oklahoma
Commentators: Michael Cole, Pat McAfee

It’s the last Raw before Money In The Bank and there are still some spots left to fill in the show’s namesake matches. At least one of those spots is going to be filled in this week and that should make for some interesting changes to Saturday. There are other things to cover before we get there though so let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

We open with a recap of Seth Rollins qualifying for Money In The Bank last week, with some shenanigans setting up this week’s tag match.

We run down tonight’s card.

Michael Cole has lost a bet to Pat McAfee over the NBA Playoffs so Cole will be doing this show in a tank top. It happens to be a Pacers tank top (as in the Oklahoma City Thunder’s opponent) so Cole is not exactly popular this week.

Here is CM Punk to get things going. After making some NBA Finals references (and saying that if they’re on, you should be watching Raw or Smackdown instead), Punk moves on to Money In The Bank, which he has won twice. He’s looking forward to doing it for the third time because it’s time for him to get some gold. There are two names on top of that mountain, with one of them being Jey Uso.

Punk considers him a friend and if Punk comes after Uso, it’s just business. The other name on top is John Cena and it’s a bit personal there. Punk has always had Cena’s number and he might come pick the bones a bit. It’s time for Punk to become champion one more time, so he’ll see us at Money In The Bank after he qualifies tonight. Cue Sami Zayn, with Punk saying he usually hates being interrupted but he loves that song.

Punk has said that he wants to be World Champion but that’s what Zayn wants too. It just won’t be through Money In The Bank, though it still could be for Punk. Tonight, Punk has to win because he needs to be there to stop Seth Rollins from winning. If Rollins wins, everything is over for them around here. However, if Punk winds up winning the title, Zayn will be coming for it, which Punk likes too. Everything seems to be serious but ok. Punk getting back into the title picture is interesting, as it almost has to happen sooner or later. That being said, Zayn finally winning the big one could be an incredible moment.

We look back at Raquel Rodriguez and Roxanne Perez arguing last week, resulting in Kairi Sane pinning Liv Morgan.

Perez offers Morgan help tonight but Morgan says the best way to help is to stay out. Rodriguez yells at Perez as Morgan leaves. Morgan runs into Iyo Sky and promises to use Money In The Bank to take the title back. Sky says that’s not gonna happen. Morgan: “Watch me.”

Video on Stephanie Vaquer, who is officially on Raw.

Money In The Bank Qualifying Match: Liv Morgan vs. Stephanie Vaquer, Ivy Nile

Vaquer starts fast and sends Nile into the corner, setting up the Devil’s Kiss to Morgan for a nice reaction. Nile gets the same treatment but Morgan breaks it up with a dropkick. Morgan hits some running shots in the corner until Nile cuts her off. Nile German suplexes both of them at once and we take a break.

Back with Vaquer dragon screw legwhipping Nile out of the corner for two with Morgan making another save. Vaquer and Morgan slug it out until Vaquer gets her into the corner as well. Nile is back up with a Tower Of Doom and gets to trade near falls with Vaquer. Morgan gets up top for a double Codebreaker and a double near fall, followed by Oblivion to Vaquer. Nile tries and fails to steal the pin and brawls to the floor with Morgan. With Morgan sent into the steps, Vaquer grabs the SVB (double underhook backbreaker) for the win at 10:17.

Rating: B-. It’s kind of remarkable to see what Vaquer has become in so little time. She signed with the company less than a year ago, has already won two titles in NXT and feels like she belongs on the main roster. It would not surprise me to see her as champion within the next few months and that is an amazing rise. As for the match, they did well at the end, as I thought they might actually have Nile steal the win, so points for a good head fake.

Paul Heyman comes in to wish AJ Styles a happy birthday and offers him some information. Dominik Mysterio is the Intercontinental Champion and that means the title needs someone better, like Styles. That’s what Styles should focus on while leaving Money In The Bank to Seth Rollins. Styles asks if Heyman is tired because he must have thought this was going to work. He’ll get back to the Intercontinental Title later, but for now, it’s time to win Money In The Bank.

Rusev tells Sheamus to not mess with him. Sheamus has a body of granite but a neck of sand. Now stay away or he’ll snap Sheamus’ neck. Can you snap sand?

Sheamus gives the Alpha Academy and Natalya a pep talk. As for Rusev, his time outside of WWE lasted about as long as Rusev Day while Sheamus has been putting on banger after banger. If Rusev wants to prove himself, just remember that Sheamus bullies bullies.

War Raiders vs. Judgment Day

New Day is on commentary. We get some WE WANT TRUTH chants (and not for the first time tonight) as Erik gets taken into the corner for some choking to start. Erik gets beaten up in another corner but avoids a charge, allowing Ivar to come in and clean house. A handspring kick to the face even sends McDonagh to the floor and into the announcers’ table. Ivar gets slammed onto McDonagh and New Day bails from the threat of a crash.

The threat of a retaliation earns New Day an ejection and we take a break. Back with Ivar still in trouble but giving McDonagh a Tour of the Islands. Erik comes back in to clean house, including the pop up headbutt for two on Balor. Back up and Balor drops Erik but misses the Coup de Grace. Ivar’s seated senton out of the corner sets up the Bronco Buster but cue Roxanne Perez for a distraction. McDonagh breaks up the Doomsault and the Coup de Grace finishes Ivar at 11:07.

Rating: C+. You know how I keep talking about how cold this division feels? Well this was the latest example of the same issues. There is just nothing here that makes me want to see what is coming for any of the teams and these segments are feeling more and more like filler every time. It’s just not clicking and no one in the division feels even remotely important. That needs to change, but I have no idea how that is going to happen.

Becky Lynch has only been back for six weeks and Lyra Valkyria has already cost her a bunch. That’s because she has already forgotten everything Lynch has done for her, both here and in NXT.

Stephanie Vaquer speaks some Spanish but Rhea Ripley comes in (oh the fans REALLY like this one). The cheers are so loud that I can’t hear what Ripley says as she shakes Vaquer’s hand.

Here is Lyra Valkyria for a chat but she wants Becky Lynch out here to say this to her face. Cue Lynch, with Valkyria talking about how Lynch’s mind has been poisoned to believe that Valkyria couldn’t be champion. Lynch, who is backing up against the ropes, talks about how Valkyria is really the one whose mind is poisoned for thinking she can be the replacement.

The only think that Valkyria needs to learn is how to raise Lynch’s hand after Lynch beats her. Lynch goes to leaves so Valkyria challenges her for right now…but it’s not happening in Tulsa. Valkyria charges up the ramp and the brawl is on with referees breaking it up. As usual, Valkyria is trying but it’s not quite clicking.

We look at the Indiana Pacers beating the New York Knicks.

Penta is ready to win Money In The Bank.

Sami Zayn/Jey Uso vs. Bron Breakker/Bronson Reed

Zayn has his own classes and you know he can get fired up for this kind of an entrance. Paul Heyman is here with the villains as Breakker drives Uso into the corner for some shoulders to the ribs to start. Breakker runs him over and we take a break. Back with Zayn fighting out of the corner but getting crushed right back into said corner. Breakker’s jumping knee puts Zayn down again but Zayn manages a DDT on Reed.

That’s enough for the tag back to Uso, who slugs away. Breakker’s fireman’s carry gutbuster gets two on Uso but the Super Spear is cut off with a superkick. Reed misses a splash on the apron and Breakker is sent outside, with Zayn’s slingshot dive being pulled out of the air. Uso dives onto all three of them though….and here is Seth Rollins to Stomp Uso for the DQ at 9:02.

Rating: B-. The action was good, but there was pretty much no way one of these four was taking a fall in this match at this point. They have too much going on at the moment and if they’re going to lose, it will be on a much bigger stage. For now though, Reed looked good in his new role as a monster for the heel stable and the whole thing continues to feel like it has a great deal of potential.

Post match the beatdown is on and Zayn is loaded onto the announcers’ table. CM Punk makes the save with a chair.

Liv Morgan isn’t happy with Finn Balor using Roxanne Perez to win but Balor says Morgan might be jealous. Balor insists there is no plan. Morgan trusts Dominik Mysterio but Balor wants her to trust him. With Morgan gone, Balor assures Mysterio that things are good.

Kairi Sane vs. Raquel Rodriguez

Liv Morgan is here with Rodriguez. Sane tries a waistlock to start and gets spun around without much trouble. A headscissors staggers Rodriguez again but she manages to swing a charging Sane into the apron. Morgan gets in a cheap shot and Rodriguez powers Sane into the corner back inside. Sane knocks her back and tries a high crossbody but gets pulled out of the air.

That’s reversed into a DDT (as we get a botched graphic saying that the Zayn/Uso tag match is still to come) and Sane is able to start the comeback. Sane strikes away in the corner and dropkicks the knee out, setting up a basement Blockbuster. Morgan gets on the apron for a distraction so here is Iyo Sky to cut her off. Rodriguez goes after Sane and gets kicked head first into the post. The Insane Elbow gives Sane the pin at 6:04.

Rating: C+. The match was pretty much just a reason for the interference and teasing Morgan vs. Sky. The good thing is that it did give Sane another pin after the unintentionally messed up return. That Insane Elbow is still great and makes Sane feel like she could beat anyone, though right now she’s just having random matches.

Sami Zayn is in the trainer’s room when Karrion Kross comes in. Kross doesn’t like what Zayn has been doing and Zayn asks what Kross wants from him. Kross says Zayn could be a ten time World Champion if he’ll just do the right thing and be evil. The reality is Zayn is just like him, but Zayn says Kross is wrong. Kross: “I may be wrong…..but I may be right too.”

Worlds Collide rundown.

Money In The Bank rundown.

Video on Gunther, who is getting his rematch against Jey Uso next week.

Gunther comes up to Uso in the back and talks about how Uso is trying to be a great champion. The problem is Uso refuses to think with his head instead of his heart, which is the wrong way to go. Next week, Gunther is getting the title back because he has known he would do this since the title loss at Wrestlemania. Next week, the party is over. Uso doesn’t take kindly to this and says he’ll see Gunther.

Money In The Bank Qualifying Match: AJ Styles vs. CM Punk vs. El Grande Americano

Americano gets double teamed to start and is quickly sent outside. Punk and Styles are cool with each other until Punk grabs a headlock. The drop down dropkick puts Punk down and might have taken out a tooth. Americano gets back in as Punk sends Styles into the corner a few times. Styles’ springboard is broken up and Americano flip dives onto Punk. Americano knocks Zayn over the announcers’ table and we take a break.

Back with Punk hitting the top rope elbow on Styles but Americano throws Punk down. American’s high crossbody is rolled through but Styles breaks up the GTS. Styles hits a double DDT for two each so Americano tries the ankle lock on both of them. That’s broken up and the Styles Clash hits Americano with Punk making the save.

The Styles Clash to Punk is countered into a failed GTS attempt but Americano moonsaults onto both of them for two on Styles. Another moonsault misses and the GTS hits Americano…with Bron Breakker pulling the referee out. Breakker and Bronson Reed beat him down but Jey Uso and Sami Zayn run in for the save. Styles hits a big springboard dive onto the pile but the Phenomenal Forearm hits the loaded headbutt to give American the pin at 11:48.

Rating: B. I wasn’t sure which way they were going here, but they are teasing the heck out of Rollins winning the briefcase again. That is far from guaranteed from happening, but the storm clouds seem to be forming around Raw. Americano is rolling in this spot, and they’re doing the smart thing by not having him out there every week to run out his welcome. On the other hand, Styles needs to get to the Intercontinental Title feud as soon as possible, as he is the most “and he’s here too” name in WWE right now.

Post match Punk goes after Breakker and Reed but Seth Rollins runs in and keeps up the beatdown. The villains wreck the heroes and Reed drops some Tsunamis to end the show.

Overall Rating: B-. Money In The Bank season is such a weird time for WWE as so much of the shows are built around getting to the ladder matches. Saturday will see all kinds of things reset at once, but it makes for some hyper focused shows and they can be a bit tedious. The good thing here is that the action was enough to carry the show, even if it feels like it was the end of the first part of a season.

Results
Stephanie Vaquer b. Liv Morgan and Ivy Nile – SVB to Nile
Judgment Day b. War Raiders – Coup de Grace to Ivar
Sami Zayn/Jey Uso b. Bronson Reed/Bron Breakker via DQ when Seth Rollins interfered
Kairi Sane b. Raquel Rodriguez – Insane Elbow
El Grande Americano b. CM Punk and AJ Styles – Loaded headbutt to Styles

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Hall/e/B00E6282W6

Monday Night Raw
Date: May 19, 2025
Location: Bon Secours Wellness Arena, Greenville, South Carolina
Commentators: Michael Cole, Pat McAfee

We’re officially in Money In The Bank season, but before we get to that show, we have this weekend’s Saturday Night’s Main Event. That show alone should be quite the presentation, with a fairly stacked card already coming together. Other than that though, we need to get ready for the Money In The Bank ladder matches with some qualifying matches taking place this week. Let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

We look at the actions of Seth Rollins/Bron Breakker/Paul Heyman from last week.

Here is Logan Paul to get things going. He gets right to the point by saying he’ll be the next World Heavyweight Champion by beating Jey Uso at Saturday Night’s Main Event. After the YEET chants get on Paul’s nerves, Paul goes on about how he has knocked Uso out a few times and is ready to do it again. Cue Gunther to interrupt and Paul knows this isn’t good. Gunther thinks that Paul’s statements make him sound confident and that is what drives them in life.

The people here should show Paul (who looks very nervous) more respect. Gunther talks about all of Paul’s successes and says he could learn from Paul. That works for Paul, who is willing to talk to Gunther anytime. Gunther can imagine the headlines if Paul becomes the World Heavyweight Champion and Paul says Gunther knows business. Gunther says this may be business to Paul, but to Gunther, this is personal.

Taking the title from Uso is personal for Gunther and just ask Pat McAfee what he does to non-wrestlers. At least McAfee showed some heart, but if Paul wins the title, Gunther will eat him alive. Gunther goes to leave but Paul talks trash about him, only to get superkicked by an invading Jey Uso. This was a promo about making Paul feel like a bigger threat to win the title, which was needed after the Gunther title shot was announced.

We look at Giulia and Roxanne Perez splitting up after last week’s loss.

Perez is officially signed to Raw (as Giulia is officially signed to Smackdown).

We look back at NBA stars Tyrese Haliburton and Jalen Brunson getting into it last June on Smackdown before they play in the NBA Playoffs this week.

Jey Uso runs into Paul Heyman, who wants to give Uso some facts. Everyone says that Heyman betrayed CM Punk and Roman Reigns, which means stabbing them in the back. The fact is that Bron Breakker is facing Uso in a non-title match tonight because it isn’t about the title. Instead, Breakker is out to slow Uso down so Seth Rollins can win the title soon.

Penta/AJ Styles vs. Judgment Day

Styles sends McDonagh into the corner to start but misses the drop down dropkick. Not that it matters as Styles knocks him into the corner for some chops from Penta. Cue Balor, who is taken down as well with the villains being sent outside. Penta and Styles hit stereo dives and we take a break (with a great slow motion replay of the dives).

Back with Penta in trouble and being sent up top. McDonagh gets knocked down but Balor is right there to cut off the tag attempt. Penta fights out of trouble and hits the reverse Sling Blade on Balor, allowing the tag back to Styles. The Calf Crusher goes on so McDonagh tries to make the save, only to frog splash Balor by mistake. The belly to back faceplant gives Styles two and he hits the moonsault DDT on the floor. Carlito gets in a posting to cut Styles off though and we take a break.

Back again with Styles fighting out of trouble and handing it off to Penta, with McDonagh coming in as well but stumbling on the ropes. Penta superkicks an upside down McDonagh in the corner but charges into a Spanish Fly. Balor Sling Blades Penta, who is back up with another superkick. Carlito’s distraction earns him a shot from Styles and a Canadian Destroyer off the steps plants McDonagh on the floor. Cue El Grande Americano though with a headbutt to the back of Penta’s head and the Coup de Grace finishes him off at 17:08.

Rating: B. This was a match that I wouldn’t have expected much from and it wound up being a heck of a showdown. That’s quite the success for a match that shouldn’t have been much on paper and it even keeps El Grande Americano vs. Penta going. Good stuff here and a very nice surprise.

Iyo Sky is ready for anyone to win Money In The Bank so here is Becky Lynch to remind Sky that Sky has never beaten her. Sky is ready anyway.

Seth Rollins interrupts Logan Paul, who is trying to get out of this place. Rollins says Jey Uso is going to get hurt tonight and that means Paul has a real chance on Saturday. If Paul gets past Uso and Gunther, Rollins will be waiting for him. Maybe they run it back from Wrestlemania two years ago with the title on the line. Think about it.

Money In The Bank Qualifying Match: Becky Lynch vs. Roxanne Perez vs. Natalya

Lynch tries to get the alliance going with Perez to start and then tries to throw her outside. It’s Lynch outside instead, leaving the other two inside. This time Lynch pulls Natalya outside for a ram into the barricade before coming back inside where Perez can get two off a rollup. Natalya suplexes Lynch for two but the Sharpshooter is countered into a Disarm-Her. Perez breaks that up but Natalya blocks the Manhandle Slam attempt. A basement superkick sends Perez outside, only for her to come back with a dive onto both of them.

We take a break and come back with Natalya discus lariating both of them but the double Sharpshooter doesn’t work. Everyone gets knocked down until Natalya and Lynch are back up to slug it out. Perez sunset flips Natalya to suplex Lynch at the same time, with Lynch having to jump back up for the save. Perez goes up but Natalya grabs a slingshot powerbomb to plant Lynch for two.

The Sharpshooter has Perez in trouble until Lynch makes the save. That earns Lynch a discus lariat and the double Sharpshooter sends Lynch and Perez to the ropes. The Manhandle Slam drops Perez but here is Lyra Valkyria to brawl with Lynch. A quick Pop Rox gives Perez the pin on Natalya at 14:35.

Rating: B. They got rolling here, even if Natalya was pretty clearly there to take the fall. The good thing is that while Natalya might be little more than a jobber to the stars, she can still do rather well in the ring. Putting her out there while Valkyria intercepted Lynch was a good way to go and I had fun with the match, despite Natalya’s obsession with the Sharpshooter.

Sami Zayn comes in to see Jey Uso, telling him to worry about Logan Paul. Zayn will deal with Seth Rollins and company and he has Uso’s back tonight if the numbers game comes up.

We look at John Cena beating Michael Cole on Raw in 2012. Cole: “Not quite as embarrassing as Heidenreich.”

Akira Tozawa gets to face Rusev next week. Chad Gable comes in to promise destruction and Tozawa (and Maxxine Dupri) leave. With them gone, Gable wants a Money In The Bank qualifying match for himself and Ivy Nile. New Day comes in (Pearce: “DOES ANYBODY KNOCK AROUND HERE???”) and isn’t thrilled with the Creed Brothers getting a title shot in a triple threat next week, also involving the War Raiders. Pearce throws them all out, with Xavier Woods saying it smells like a midlife crisis in here.

Sheamus vs. Grayson Waller

Austin Theory is here with Waller, who slaps Sheamus in the face to start. Sheamus works on the arm and it actually turns into a technical off on the mat. Back up and Sheamus goes with the power to send Waller flying a few times. Waller is sent outside but slides back in, where he hits a quick clothesline as we take a break. We come back with one heck of an AUSTIN THEORY chant going and Sheamus getting annoyed at Waller for hitting him in the chest. Sheamus pounds away (Theory winces) but gets caught in the rolling Downward Spiral for two.

Theory accidentally distracts Waller though and Sheamus hits a knee to the face. Sheamus grabs the Dublin Smile but a discus forearm puts him on the apron. For some reason Waller decides to try the ten forearms to the chest, which Sheamus reverses into…something that looked like White Noise onto the apron but was more Waller being dropped onto the rope. Waller tries to leave but Theory won’t let him, allowing Sheamus to hit the ten forearms. The Brogue Kick puts Waller away at 10:53.

Rating: C+. I wasn’t quite feeling this one, as the idea was that Waller didn’t want to do this but he wound up having a pretty competitive match against a monster like Sheamus. The good thing is that Theory seems to be taking a step towards having more of a personality, which could be interesting if he is given the chance. Theory has long since shown the talent to do something but it isn’t going to happen as he’s stuck with Waller.

Michael Cole and Pat McAfee make a bet on the NBA Eastern Conference Finals (if the Pacers win, Cole will call Raw in a tank top but if the Knicks win, McAfee will call Raw in a suit). They talk to Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton, who will be a playable character in WWE2K25. It’s a big rivalry with the Knicks and Haliburton is ready to go. Cole hypes up the Knicks (McAfee: “YOU BIASED PIECE OF TRASH!”) before Haliburton picks Jey Uso to beat Logan Paul. You can tell Haliburton is a big fan and the commentators being fans of the teams was a nice way to tie it together.

Saturday Night’s Main Event rundown.

Gunther is interrupted by Seth Rollins, who says it’s been awhile. Rollins thanks Gunther for doing things with his title, but Gunther says the reality is Rollins is not the long term game around here. Rollins says that if Gunther gets in the way, he’ll make himself a target. Gunther says he is eagerly awaiting it.

Money In The Bank Qualifying Match: Rhea Ripley vs. Zoey Stark vs. Kairi Sane

This is Sane’s first match in several months after a hand injury. Sane goes after Stark to start but gets caught with a nasty German suplex. Ripley gets sent into the ropes and Sane takes her down with a hurricanrana but Stark tries a missile dropkick…and may have blown her knee out. We pause for the doctor to check on Stark and the camera goes to the briefcases as we take a break.

Back with Stark gone and Ripley hitting a fall away slam on Sane. Ripley sends her flying again so the referee can talk to her a bit, likely as this is being called on the fly. Sane is back up to knock her into the corner for the running forearm and they slug it out from their knees. Ripley ducks a shot to the face and hits the headbutt, setting up Riptide for the pin at 9:25.

Rating: C+. There is a HUGE asterisk next to this one as it is pretty clear that Stark was there to take the fall but then got hurt. Ripley moving on is fine and it’s a shame to see Sane have to lose on her first night back, but the bigger story here is Stark. That looked absolutely terrible and hopefully Stark is able to come back WAY down the line.

Rusev is ready to destroy Akira Tozawa. Next week he will forgive Tozawa’s stupidity and forget his existence.

Finn Balor introduces Roxanne Perez as a potential member of the Judgment Day. She’s even got presents: chicken tenders for Dominik Mysterio and apples for Carlito! Raquel Rodriguez throws her out, saying Liv Morgan will not like this. Balor trying to appeal to Dominik’s sleaziest tendencies to get revenge on him is some brilliant stuff.

Here’s what’s coming next week.

Jey Uso vs. Bron Breakker

Non-title and Paul Heyman is here with Breakker. Some shoulders in the corner have Uso in early trouble but he’s right back to knock Breakker outside. The suicide dive connects and we take an early break. Back with Breakker running multiple ropes to hit a hard clothesline. Breakker powers him around and hits an overhead belly to belly, which doesn’t get all of the rotation. Uso fights up and knocks him into the corner for the running Umaga Attack and a near fall.

They fight out to the floor and Breakker hits the bulldog off the apron onto the announcers’ table. We take another break and come back with Uso fighting back, including a jumping enziguri. The pop up Samoan drop gets two but Uso gets caught on top, meaning it’s the super Frankensteiner for another near fall. A quick superkick gives Uso two so Breakker grabs a chair. Uso superkicks him down again but Heyman grabs Uso’s leg, allowing Seth Rollins to jump him from behind for the DQ at 14:58.

Rating: B-. As annoying as a DQ ending can be, they didn’t have a better option here with Breakker being an up and coming monster and Uso being the champion. Rollins has made it clear that this match is just about slowing Uso down anyway so it makes perfect sense for Rollins to jump him. These two have some chemistry together too so this worked well.

Post match the beatdown is on until Sami Zayn and CM Punk come in for the save. After the fans get done singing Cult Of Personality, the brawl is on. The fight heads into the crowd with Punk diving in with a double ax handle. The four of them go into the back…and Logan Paul knocks Uso out again to end the show.

Overall Rating: B. This show was all about setting up Saturday Night’s Main Event and that was pretty well done. Paul vs. Uso got a nice boost, but there was also quite a bit of looking forward to other stuff. Not only did they set up some Money In The Bank participants, but you can see some title matches either already being announced or teased for down the line. This was the big preview night and that worked very well. The action was good too, but this was all about setting things up for later and that has me intrigued.

Results
Judgment Day b. Penta/AJ Styles – Coup de Grace to Penta
Roxanne Perez b. Natalya and Becky Lynch – Pop Rox to Natalya
Sheamus b. Grayson Waller – Brogue Kick
Rhea Ripley b. Zoey Stark and Kairi Sane – Riptide to Sane
Jey Uso b. Bron Breakker when Seth Rollins interfered

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Hall/e/B00E6282W6

Monday Night Raw
Date: May 12, 2025
Location: KFC Yum Center, Louisville, Kentucky
Commentators: Michael Cole, Pat McAfee

We’re done with Backlash and only so much changed. The big story on Raw would be Gunther smashing though Pat McAfee, but we’re coming up on Saturday Night’s Main Event where Jey Uso will defend the World Title against Logan Paul. Other than that, CM Punk is back and the good guys are coming after Paul Heyman and company. Let’s get to it.

Here is Backlash if you need a recap.

We open with a recap of last week’s main event, with CM Punk saving Jey Uso and Sami Zayn from Bron Breakker and Seth Rollins.

Here is Punk for a chat. It’s great to be alive in Louisville and he sees this place as home. He’s ticked off at a lot of people, to the point where it’s easier to remember the ones he’s not mat at right now. The worst of them all though is himself, because he trusted Paul Heyman. People, including Jey Uso tried to warn him about Heyman and Punk thought it was ok.

We all know how this ends, because we’ve been here before. He’s going to get his hands around Heyman’s neck and then get the Temu CM Punk Seth Rollins. Cue Heyman (Punk: “Come on Penguin, where you at?”) to storm part of the way to the ring, with Punk wanting an explanation as Heyman’s last words. Cue Rollins and Bron Breakker (Punk: “You’re just a song kid, that’s all you are. At some point, the bell’s gotta ring.”), with Rollins saying Punk is the one who betrayed Heyman.

The reality is that Heyman believed in Punk but now Punk is the reason Rollins isn’t World Champion. Punk swears Rollins will never be champion as long as he’s on two feet, so Rollins says Punk always wants to be a martyr. That can be arranged, so Breakker comes into the ring. Rollins gets in as well but here are Sami Zayn and Jey Uso to make the save. Odds are this sets up a tag match, but there are a lot of different options to pick from and that is a good place to be.

We recap El Grande Americano interfering to cost Penta the Intercontinental Title at Backlash.

Pat McAfee joins commentary.

Penta vs. Chad Gable

Penta jumps him to start but gets knocked down as we hear about El Grande Americano touring Mexico at the moment. Gable goes for the mask, which fires Penta up enough for the comeback. Penta knocks him to the floor but a dive is knocked out of the air. Gable declares that LUCHA LIBRE SUCKS and we take a break.

Back with Penta hitting a superkick for a breather but Gable grabs a German suplex. The Swan Dive is countered into a Codebreaker (nice) for two and they’re both down. The Backstabber out of the corner is countered and Gable hits the moonsault. Back up and Penta cuts him off with a superkick but the Sacrifice is reversed into an ankle lock. That’s reversed into an exchange of rollups for two each until Penta gets taken up top. Gable spends too much time arguing though and gets knocked down for a middle rope Canadian Destroyer and the pin at 8:03.

Rating: B-. This is how you get someone back on track as Penta gets a nice win and that’s all he needs to do. He beat Gable without any major issues and while El Grande Americano is the real story, this helps set Penta up for the big showdown in a little while. Penta still feels like a player around here and that is a great sign for his future.

Dominik Mysterio kind of accuses Finn Balor of almost costing him the Intercontinental Title but everything is ok.

We look at Gunther vs. Pat McAfee from Backlash, with Gunther eventually overwhelming him. Gunther did show respect to McAfee after the match.

McAfee gets an ovation from the Raw crowd and Michael Cole thanks him. He’s banged up but knows he was in a huge fight.

Sami Zayn/CM Punk vs. Seth Rollins/Bron Breakker is set for Saturday Night’s Main Event.

Zayn and Punk are ready for the match, though Punk is worried about trusting anyone. Zayn understands that but says it was the same when Punk teamed with them at WarGames and that went well. Punk agrees and they’ll do this.

War Raiders vs. Creed Brothers

New Day is on commentary. Ivar starts fast on Brutus and the slam sends Ivar onto him. Julius comes in to help knock Erik into the corner for the double teaming. Erik fights out of the corner but Ivar is knocked off the apron so there’s no tag. Julius suplexes Erik on the floor for a crash (New Day approves) as we take a break.

Back with Ivar giving Julius the seated senton out of the corner, setting up a Bronco Buster. Ivar goes up but gets superplexed down into Brutus’ moonsault for two. It’s back to Erik to clean house, including driving Ivar into Julius in the corner. New Day gives the match some mocking applause before Brutus hits an Angle Slam on Ivar. A double belly to back gets two on Ivar with Erik making the save. The Doomsault is loaded up but Kingston breaks it up, allowing the Brutus Ball to finish Ivar at 10:19.

Rating: B-. Normally I would ask what in the world happened to the tag division but it’s an obvious answer: the same thing that has happened to it time after time. The titles do not feel important in the slightest and instead come off as just something that happens to be there. New Day is cold again and a rematch with the War Raiders isn’t going to reignite anything.

Seth Rollins talks to Bron Breakker and says Sami Zayn and CM Punk probably think they got one up on them out there. They have no idea what Rollins is capable of. He wants Breakker to do one more thing, which he whispers to Breakker. Rollins: “Have some fun.”

We look at Logan Paul attacking Jey Uso after last week’s show went off the air.

Paul says he wants the World Title.

Paul vs. Uso is set for Saturday Night’s Main Event.

Here is Uso, who does his full entrance, plus an encore. Uso knows that he has a big target on his big back so he’s going to get something off his big chest. He’s been hearing Logan Paul talking about how Uso has a glass jaw. Well at Saturday Night’s Main Event…and here’s Gunther to interrupt.

Gunther says they met at Wrestlemania and Uso reminds him of the tap out. With that out of the way, Gunther says he knows Uso is out of his element because he’s not a natural champion. That’s what Gunther is, and he’ll prove it on June 9, when he challenges the winner of Uso and Paul (which Uso already knew, thanks to Adam Pearce).

Gunther hopes that it’s Uso so he can remind Uso of his place. That makes Uso take his glasses off and go into a rant about how THIS is his place. He’s going to walk into June 9 as champion and walk out the same way. Uso can do the fired up response rather well, even if that’s quite the spoiler for Saturday Night’s Main Event (which granted, might not have had much doubt in the first place).

Iyo Sky is ready to teach Roxanne Perez and Giulia respect.

Commentary pays tribute to Sabu. That had to be done.

Ludwig Kaiser is in the back…but Bron Breakker has attacked Jey Uso.

Finn Balor vs. AJ Styles

Judgment Day (minus Dominik Mysterio) is here with Balor. Styles quickly takes him down to start and they pop up for some glaring. Balor can’t spin out of a wristlock but does pull him into a headlock as the early wrestling continues. Back up and the drop down dropkick sends Balor outside for a breather.

We take a break and come back with Balor hammering away in the corner but a snap suplex takes him down. Balor chops away and knocks Styles down again, allowing some jumping stomps. Styles fights out of an abdominal stretch and comes back with the sliding forearm. A superplex drops Balor and we take another break.

Back with Styles winning a slugout and grabbing the Calf Crusher. Balor makes the rope but the leg gives out again, meaning the Calf Crusher goes on again. That’s broken up so a not quite normal Styles Clash gets two. Carlito gets on the apron for a distraction so McDonagh can interfere. This doesn’t go well either but Balor is back up with 1916 for two. Cue Penta to take out Judgment Day, leaving Styles to hit the Phenomenal Forearm for the pin at 16:54.

Rating: B. Oh like this wasn’t going to be really good. These are two people who can work well with anyone and they know each other from their time in the ring over the years. They got time and had a reason to fight each other so they wound up having a heck of a match. Good stuff here, which should not be a surprise at all.

We look at Lyra Valkyria retaining the Women’s Intercontinental Title over Becky Lynch in an upset at Backlash.

Here is Lynch, sitting on the top rope, for a chat. She talks about Lyra Valkyria attacking her character in recent weeks and then gave her the match of her life. Now Valkyria matters more than she ever has before and it isn’t even close. After the bell rang after the match though, it was an alarm going off to tell her how much she has been manipulated. She walked away from the crowd for about a year because of the backlash from the people.

The people carried her into the main event of Wrestlemania because they were in this together. Then something happened though, because she became a success, while all of these people are failures. One of her friends asked if she missed doing this and she missed being in the ring, but she didn’t miss listening to the people lie to her. She didn’t have to live up to expectations so from now on, she is whatever the people say she is. Greedy? Angry? Sure! What everyone accuses her of being backstage is what she is going to be. This was the big heel turn explanation and Lynch sold the heck out of it.

Rusev is still ready to hurt people and fulfill his purpose.

Akira Tozawa wants Rusev but he’s too injured. Sheamus comes in to request, and receive, a match with Grayson Waller next week.

Roxanne Perez/Giulia vs. Rhea Ripley/Iyo Sky

Sky and Perez go straight to the slugout to start but Giulia comes in for some running shots in the corner. Perez gets in a cheap shot from the apron so Ripley comes in for quite the dropkick. That’s not enough for a tag though and Sky flips around, only to have Ripley pulled off the apron. Ripley chases Perez around the ring but has to catch a diving Giulia, allowing Perez to dropkick Ripley into the post. Sky hits a dive of her own and we take a break.

Back with Sky flying maring Perez away and making the diving tag off to Ripley to clean house. A toss Razor’s Edge into a basement dropkick gets two on Perez. They go up top where a super Razor’s Edge is countered into a super hurricanrana and Ripley is in trouble for a change. Giulia comes in for some shots of her own before it’s back to Perez for a rear naked choke. That’s broken up and it’s back to Sky for the missile dropkick.

A double stomp to Giulia sets up Over The Moonsault for two with Perez making the save. Everything breaks down and Ripley tosses Sky into Perez for a knockdown. Giulia trips Ripley on the apron and butterfly superplexes Sky. The northern lights bomb gives Giulia two with Ripley (not Perez Cole, even if they’re dressed alike) making the save. Perez high crossbodies Giulia by mistake and Riptide finishes at 14:02.

Rating: B-. This was the stacked tag main event and while it was good, I was a bit disappointed with the thing. They didn’t have any kind of big moment and the result more or less kills Giulia and Perez’s status. Sky vs. Ripley is the big singles match down the line, but this doesn’t leave much for the villains to do at the moment.

Post match the winners pose but Ripley looks at the title to end the show.

Overall Rating: B. This didn’t feel like a fallout show from Backlash, but that’s mainly because there wasn’t much fallout to cover. The big Raw match was Gunther beating up a commentator, along with the Women’s Intercontinental Title and the champion wasn’t even here. That doesn’t leave much to talk about so they focused on Saturday Night’s Main Event instead. I liked what we got here, and the upcoming special is feeling, well, special.

Results
Penta b. Chad Gable – Middle rope Canadian Destroyer
Creed Brothers b. War Raiders – Brutus Ball to Ivar
AJ Styles b. Finn Balor – Phenomenal Forearm
Rhea Ripley/Iyo Sky b. Roxanne Perez/Giulia – Riptide to Giulia

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Hall/e/B00E6282W6

Monday Night Raw
Date: May 5, 2025
Location: CHI Health Center, Omaha, Nebraska
Commentators: Michael Cole, Pat McAfee

It’s the last Raw before Backlash and that is quite the speedy turnaround from Wrestlemania. There are only a few matches set for the pay per view so there is a good chance to see something else added here. If nothing else, we’ll get to see what Seth Rollins and company have going on so let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

We open with a long recap of last week, with Bron Breakker wrecking Sami Zayn on Seth Rollins’ orders.

Here is Jey Uso, who comes through the crowd with some kids, which will always work. He gets right to the point by calling out Logan Paul but gets Paul Heyman instead. Heyman says he isn’t here to disrespect Uso but Uso talks about how Heyman has a lot of nerves to come out here after what Heyman did to his family. Heyman finds it interesting to hear that coming from Uso after what he did to Roman Reigns. Where was everyone to warn Heyman about what was going to happen to him?

Heyman blames CM Punk for the betrayal at Wrestlemania and, after complaining about the CM PUNK chants, talks about Punk putting him in a no win situation. That brings him to Reigns, who was still playing high school football when Heyman and Punk got together. What did Reigns think he was going to do? Sell his secrets to Punk? Heyman turned Reigns into the Tribal Chief and the two of them were the Undisputed WWE Champion for over 1000 days, but it was Reigns who lost the title.

Then Reigns left him with Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu and those Tongans! Reigns finally came back, but it wasn’t to avenge Heyman, but rather to get his ula fala back. Everyone wants to blame Heyman (who is SCREAMING this stuff) but this time, he is in the right and SCREW EVERYONE ELSE. Uso: “Are you ok?” He wants to know what this has to do with him, which sends Heyman into a speech about how Uso doesn’t understand what it means to be champion.

Uso does not know what power that title brings and Seth Rollins needs it. Stage one is what has happened so far, but stage two is taking that title (Uso looks…sad?). Uso gets to pick the date he loses the title, because Rollins is officially challenging him for the title. Heyman goes to leave but Uso calls him back. If it’s anyplace, anytime, we’ll do it tonight (Heyman’s eyes bug out at this). Good stuff here, with Heyman bringing the emotion and setting up the title shot while also making Uso feel like a big time fighting champion.

We look back at JD McDonagh’s return last week (with Michael Cole making a mistake and saying the War Raiders retained the Tag Team Titles).

Paul Heyman goes to see Seth Rollins and Bron Breakker, and says he can’t believe Jey Uso fell for it. Rollins says he told Heyman it would happen before leaving. Heyman explains Rollins’ recent efforts and how Uso isn’t ready for him tonight. When Rollins wins tonight, they get the keys to the kingdom.

Penta vs. JD McDonagh

Judgment Day is here too as McDonagh grabs an armdrag to start. Back up and Penta strikes away in the corner, including a kick to the leg. McDonagh chops his way out of trouble and they go to the apron, where Penta scores with a jumping enziguri. A Balor distraction lets McDonagh come back with a Death Valley Driver though and we take a break.

Back with McDonagh getting crotched against the post, setting up a dropkick to the head. Penta chops away and hits a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker for two before diving onto an interfering Carlito. Finn Balor gets in a shot but gets caught, meaning it’s a double ejection. Cue Chad Gable to crotch Penta on top, earning himself a big flip dive. McDonagh hits a jawbreaker but misses the moonsault, allowing Penta to grab the Canadian Destroyer for the pin at 10:54.

Rating: C+. They did a nice job here with making Penta look like a star. He got a win here and survived a few bits of interference to make it happen. That’s a fine way to go and hopefully they keep it going for the next few weeks, as Penta can become a bigger deal in a hurry. If nothing else, there is a good chance he’ll be challenging Dominik Mysterio for the Intercontinental Title sooner rather than later and that’s a good way for him to go.

Grayson Waller is pleading his case to Adam Pearce and offers the match to Austin Theory instead. Theory agrees and gets the match, but Waller won’t say who isn’t against.

Austin Theory vs. Sheamus

I had been wondering what happened to Sheamus. Theory, who does not seem happy with Grayson Waller, gets shoved into the corner to start, allowing Sheamus to fire off some uppercuts. A nice dropkick gives Theory a breather but Sheamus hits him in the face. Sheamus grabs a pair of Irish Curses and puts on the Cloverleaf, with Theory making the rope, right in front of a less than interested Waller.

Sheamus comes off the top with a shot to the head and we take a break. Back with Sheamus missing a charge into the post and getting caught with a Blockbuster for two. They go up top where Sheamus hits a super White Noise, followed by the ten forearms to the chest. The Brogue Kick finishes for Sheamus at 9:39.

Rating: C+. This was Sheamus doing what he does best, as he was out there beating Theory up until he finished him off. That’s something that has worked for him for a long time now and it’s nice to have him back. If nothing else, there is something fun about seeing Waller and Theory have issues but winding up staying together because they’re they only people who would have the other.

Penta is getting an Intercontinental Title shot at Backlash.

JD McDonagh isn’t happy with his loss but Dominik Mysterio isn’t interested. Cue AJ Styles to say this place isn’t hard to find, but he’s coming for the winner of the title match at Backlash. Styles leaves and Mysterio talks about everyone coming for the title. He suggests Finn Balor deal with Styles, but Balor isn’t pleased with the idea. Or he’s just kidding so it’s fine.

New Day comes up to Chad Gable and suggests a mutually beneficial agreement about dealing with the War Raiders. Becky Lynch comes up and New Day doesn’t like what happened to her last week.

Here is Lynch for a chat. She doesn’t like being told she sucks because she should be thanked for taking out the garbage. Then she took out the recycling, which is what Lyra Valkyria is. Valkyria is slightly better than garbage but still worthless. The reality is that Valkyria owes everything to her, so here is Valkyria to interrupt. Valkyria says Lynch is the queen of recycling as she has done the same things over and over. The reality is that Lynch went on holidays and everyone else got better, including Valkyria, who is now a champion.

Valkyria has had more title defenses than says Lynch has shown up to work this year. Lynch goes into a rant about being the best ever, even citing Sports Illustrated. Valkyria lists off Lynch’s accomplishments, but it doesn’t include being the first Women’s Intercontinental Champion. As long as Valkyria is here, Lynch better like second place. The brawl is on and security can’t break it up. Lynch gets away and rants about disrespect, only to get caught in Nightwing to leave her laying. Valkyria is trying here but it’s hard to imagine that she retains the title over a star like Lynch.

Roxanne Perez vs. Iyo Sky

Non-title. Sky flips away a few times to start and Perez doesn’t seem to know what to do. A dropkick sends Perez outside but she comes back in with a nice dropkick to the leg. Perez works on the leg but Sky is back up with a heck of a suicide dive and we take a break. Back with Sky winning an exchange of forearms and hitting a flapjack.

A kick to the head gives Sky two but the leg starts giving out. Sky is fine enough to hit a quick double stomp for two but Over The Moonsault misses. The leg is hurt again and a faceplant into a cartwheel knee to the neck gives Perez two. They go into a rather fast pinfall reversal sequence until Sky gets a rollup for the pin at 10:11.

Rating: B. The women’s division continues to feel stacked with talent and that was on display again here. Perez is starting to fit in around here and I could go for seeing what is next for her. At the same time, Sky is rapidly reaching the top level of the division (if she isn’t already there). Good match here, with that ending sequence being quite the back and forth.

We actually get a show of respect after the match but Giulia runs in to jump Sky. That has Perez beating Sky down as well, with commentary pointing out that Rhea Ripley is in Australia so there is no one to make a save.

Otis vs. Rusev

They collide to start and no one goes anywhere, but some running shots stagger Rusev. A jumping spinwheel kick drops Otis though and we take a break. Back with Otis dropping Rusev over the announcers’ table but Rusev is back up. A big kick hits the post though and Rusev is in more trouble. They get back in, where Rusev drops him again with a superkick, setting up the Accolade for the win at 6:27.

Rating: C+. Remember Rusev? Well he’s back, once again as a monster heel. That is something that could go somewhere but WWE is going to need to come up for something for him. Facing the Alpha Academy needs to be something short term, though I’m not sure who is next for him after that. For now though, nice return, with Rusev looking like a killer.

Post match Akira Tozawa comes after Rusev, earning both Tozawa and Otis another beating. Tozawa gets powerbombed onto Otis and another Accolade ensues.

Adam Pearce brings Pat McAfee into the ring to address the Gunther situation. Gunther comes out as well, wearing street clothes because McAfee isn’t that important to him. Gunther promises to keep this professional, unlike Michael Cole, but he does not appreciate the YOU TAPPED OUT chants. McAfee puts over Cole as a legend and since Gunther had to attack a 60 year old man, so he’ll give Gunther his opinion about him.

Hold on though as McAfee has to put over the city of Omaha for a good while before talking about how the two of them grew up watching all the wrestling they could. McAfee grew up as a huge wrestling fan, dreaming that he could one day get in the ring. For Gunther, it’s become a job after twenty years but for McAfee, it’s still the biggest thrill. On Saturday, McAfee is going to prove that this version of Gunther is soft.

After some staring, Gunther asks if McAfee enjoyed his daughter’s birthday last week. That must have been a special day, and now Backlash is going to be a special day for Gunther. It’s his first match since Wrestlemania and he is going to be more focused than ever before. Gunther promises to destroy him once and for all, but for tonight, he’s safe.

If they do this the right way, everything should be fine on Saturday, as McAfee can get in some shots, preferably with the big kick, before Gunther gets to crush him for good. McAfee is fired up about this, but his promos are going on rather long each time and that’s not helping as much as it could.

We look back at John Cena vs. Randy Orton in their I Quit match at Breaking Point.

Raw World Title: Seth Rollins vs. Jey Uso

Rollins, with Bron Breakker and Paul Heyman, is challenging. We get the Big Match Intros before Rollins takes him down with a crucifix for two. Rollins knocks him down again and it’s time to shove each other around a bit. Uso knocks him to the floor and Rollins needs a bit of a breather. Back in and Rollins gets in another knockdown, only to be sent outside as well. The big suicide dive connects for Uso and we take a break.

Back with Uso knocking him off the top but they both hit crossbodies. Uso wins a slugout and hits a Samoan drop, followed by a running Umaga Attack in the corner. Back up and Rollins knocks him to the floor for a dive, only to get superkicked out of the air for two back inside. They’re both down for the THIS IS AWESOME chants but Rollins is back up with the buckle bomb. The frog splash misses though and Rollins counters the spear into a Pedigree for two.

The Stomp misses and Uso gets a sleeper (how he won the title), which is broken rather quickly. Uso is back up with the spear for two so he goes up, only for a distraction to let Breakker get in a crotching. The superplex into the Falcon Arrow drops Uso and the Stomp (or most of one) gets two.

Cue Sami Zayn to go after Breakker, allowing Uso to hit a spear into the Superfly Splash for….two. Breakker spears Zayn down and Uso goes to check on him, allowing Breakker to hit a spear on Uso as well. Back in and a Stomp connects….but CM Punk is back. After taking Breakker out with a chair, Punk chairs Rollins down for the DQ at 19:30.

Rating: B. I wasn’t sure where this was going but they had a good match before they went to the right ending with Punk returning. I was worried they would have one of them take a fall here and that was a terrible idea. They did a nice job here, though I’m not sure how the numbers game is going to workout. Right now it’s Punk/Zayn/Uso vs. Rollins and Breakker, with Roman Reigns still to come back to uneven things even more. That opens up some interesting options and with Heyman talking, everything should go well.

Post match the beating stays on until the villains run to end the show.

Overall Rating: B. This show did a good job of making me want to see where things are going. You had a nice return with Sheamus, some solid action, and a big moment in the end with Punk coming back to get revenge. There are good things taking place on this show week to week, even if it feels far too early for another pay per view with Backlash. For now though, another strong show here, with pieces that make me want to come back next week, which is incredibly important.

Results
Penta b. JD McDonagh – Canadian Destroyer
Sheamus b. Austin Theory – Brogue Kick
Iyo Sky b. Roxanne Perez – Rollup
Rusev b. Otis – Accolade
Seth Rollins b. Jey Uso via DQ when CM Punk interfered

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Hall/e/B00E6282W6

Monday Night Raw
Date: April 28, 2025
Location: T-Mobile Center, Kansas City, Missouri
Commentators: Michael Cole, Pat McAfee

Now we’re in the weird part of the show, as Wrestlemania and the main fall out show are both over. That means it is time to start getting ready for everything else that matters, with the road to Backlash being less than two weeks away. That should make for an interesting show as we already have a main event set with John Cena set to defend against Randy Orton. Let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

Nick Aldis is in charge tonight with Adam Pearce gone for a week. That could be interesting.

Commentary talks about Gunther attacking Pat McAfee last week, earning himself a fine and a suspension. Later tonight, McAfee gets to comment on the situation.

We look back at Seth Rollins and Paul Heyman gloating last week, with Bron Breakker joining up with them in a move that has all of the potential.

Here are Rollins, Heyman and Breakker for a chat. Rollins hits his catchphrase and talks about how it must be difficult for those of you who still want to chant for CM Punk or Roman Reigns. The future of this company isn’t John Cena, Jey Uso or anyone else, because it is Rollins himself.

Cue Sami Zayn to interrupt and Rollins doesn’t seem overly thrilled. Rollins welcomes him back to the show (where he was last week) and Zayn says they have known each other for a long time. This is a bunch of nonsense though, because Rollins and Zayn spent a lot of time talking about Punk and Reigns. What was the one thing those two had in common? It’s the guy who is now standing behind Rollins, which doesn’t work for Rollins. Zayn thinks Rollins might have been jealous of Punk for all that time because he just wanted to be in Punk’s position.

Rollins says this is the future and this is NOT the Bloodline, but Zayn says he’s looking at the Wise Man and the dog. By the way, if Breakker keeps looking at him like that, he’ll get his face kicked in. Rollins says Zayn is going to need to get out of the way or get beaten down, but maybe they can pull some strings and get him off Raw without any problem. They’ll need an answer by the end of the night.

We look back at Iyo Sky vs. Stephanie Vaquer last week, with NXT’s Roxanne Perez and Giulia running in for the double beatdown. Rhea Ripley made the save.

Rhea Ripley vs. Roxanne Perez

They start slowly until Perez knocks her into the corner. Ripley gets a boot up but can’t get a Razor’s Edge. Instead Perez takes her down and starts in on the leg, even managing to kick her down. A dropkick sends Ripley to the floor but she’s fine enough to pull a suicide dive out of the air. Perez is right back up and wraps the leg around the post, only to have Ripley power out of a Russian legsweep back inside. A clothesline takes Perez down and we go to a break.

Back with Perez still working on the leg but Ripley fights up again. Now the toss Razor’s Edge connects and a running basement dropkick gives Ripley two (with the knee messing up the cover). Cue Giulia for a distraction, which allows Perez to try a failed Pop Rox. Instead Ripley knocks her down, setting up Riptide but Giulia runs in for the DQ at 11:48.

Rating: B-. This was a good showcase for Perez as WWE seems rather interested in showing what the NXT women can do on the main roster. That’s a good idea as the women are NXT’s strong suit and more than capable of hanging up here. It makes me wonder who is on their way up, though Perez is pretty much here already.

Post match the double beatdown is on but Iyo Sky runs in for the save.

The Judgment Day is happy to have JD McDonagh back. Finn Balor goes to talk to him but Liv Morgan says they need to get ready for their match. It’s time to get into the Tag Team Title picture so she’s gotten them a match with the War Raiders. Balor is happy, but would like to be more in the loop.

Here is Logan Paul for a chat. He beat AJ Styles at Wrestlemania but some people still aren’t satisfied. There are people who do not recognize greatness and greatness does not look like Jey Uso. Paul has done everything in WWE except win a World Title, so Uso’s days are numbered. Cue Uso to interrupt, saying he’ snot about to just hand the title over. The fire that was lit inside him when he saw Gunther beat up his brother is never going out. If Paul wants the title, come take it. Paul calls him stupid and gets dropped with a superkick as Uso leaves. There are far worse options for Uso’s first opponent.

War Raiders vs. Judgment Day

New Day is on commentary and do not like all of the attention being paid to McDonagh when Woods’ recovery from injury didn’t get much praise. Erik gets knocked into the corner to start but fights out with a dropkick. Ivar comes in for some heavy knees and Judgment Day is sent outside. Ivar crashed into the side of the ring and we take a break with Erik looking concerned.

We take a break and come back with Erik hitting a heck of a right hand to drop McDonagh. That’s enough for the tag off to Ivar, who sits on Balor in the corner. A spinning kick to the head drops McDonagh but Ivar misses the Doomsault. Instead McDonagh hits his own moonsault for two on Ivar, who is back up to drop both villains. They go to the floor where the Raiders are launched into each other and Ivar takes out New Day. Carlito’s distraction lets McDonagh hit a jawbreaker on Erik but here is Penta to shove McDonagh off the top. The War Machine finishes McDonagh at 10:35.

Rating: C+. I like the War Raiders and odds are they’re getting a title shot out of this, but egads this division feels ice cold right now. It’s coming off more like the tag divisions of old and that’s a terrible thing to see. Maybe things can pick up, but for now, it feels like the titles have a grand total of no value and that’s never how things should be going.

Paul Heyman interrupts Sami Zayn and Otis, with the latter leaving. Heyman talks to Zayn about bringing up the Bloodline but moves on to Seth Rollins. Whether it’s true or not, Rollins sees himself as the future of wrestling. Bron Breakker is not happy either and is demanding a match with Zayn tonight.

That has to be respected because Breakker is the key to their plans. If Zayn is willing to move to Smackdown this week, the GM’s have guaranteed Zayn a WWE Title shot against the winner of John Cena and Randy Orton (that gets Zayn’s attention real fast). Heyman: “You can live in the future or you can die with the past.” Heyman goes to leave and Breakker is waiting at the door, where he looks pleased. Now that’s a good way to go, as it gives this some stakes that we know matter to Zayn

Here is Becky Lynch for an explanation of her attack on Lyra Valkyria last week. She stepped in to help Valkyria after Bayley was attacked just before Wrestlemania….and yeah of course she did it. Lynch does not want to hear the fans yelling at her because Bayley has attacked her over and over since 2019. Bayley has forgotten what this business is supposed to be because she’s out here dancing to wrestlers’ music and wearing their shirts while crying about not being a bigger star. Well Bayley got to see what a bigger star looks like when Lynch walked down the ramp at Wrestlemania.

As for Valkyria, she wouldn’t be in this business if not for Lynch. While Lynch was gone though, Valkyria buddied up with Bayley while Lynch wanted her to “ditch that b****.” It’s too late though because Valkyria is already a loser, but cue Valkyria , looking near tears, to interrupt. Valkyria says a lot of women in the back warned her about Lynch (Lynch: “I’ll bet they did!”) with Bayley being the first. She didn’t believe it though because she had this dream of winning the Women’s Tag Team Titles with her fellow Irishwoman.

Maybe it took all of the Manhandle Slams to get it through her head but Lynch bails from the threat of a fight. Valkyria brings up beating Lynch for the NXT Women’s Title and issues the challenge for tonight. Lynch isn’t wanting to fight in Kansas City so Valkyria issues the challenge for Backlash, and she’ll even put the Women’s Intercontinental Title on the line. Lynch is in but Valkyria says she’s already on the way to being a better woman than Lynch. She’s already a better wrestler, which sends Lynch into a rant.

Valkyria dropkicks her through the ropes and the beating is on with Lynch bailing. Valkyria goes to pose on the stage but Lynch jumps her from behind. They hit all of the notes here but I’m just not quite buying it from Valkyria. I can’t imagine Lynch doesn’t win the title, or at least beat the daylights out of Valkyria at Backlash, but that’s going to be a heck of a step back for Valkyria.

Nick Aldis comes up to Penta and understands that he wants Judgment Day but we can’t have that kind of violence. However, Aldis has made a match between Penta and JD McDonagh for next week. That’s good for Penta, but Chad Gable interrupts to mock Penta for losing at Wrestlemania. That wasn’t even his favorite part of Wrestlemania though, because that was seeing Rey Fenix lose to El Grande Americano. Penta kicks him in the face and hits the catchphrase.

Video on Rusev, who is ready to hurt people after finding himself.

Stephanie Vaquer vs. Ivy Nile

Vaquer’s NXT Women’s Title isn’t on the line and Chad Gable is here with Nile. They to to the mat to start with Nile working on a front facelock but something like a European clutch gives Vaquer two. Back up and a spinning rollup gives Vaquer two more but the Devil’s Kiss is blocked. Vaquer shrugs that off and hits the Devil’s Kiss as we take a break.

Back with Vaquer hitting it again, followed by a running Meteora in the corner, with Gable putting the foot on the rope. Vaquer gets distracted, allowing Nile to suplex her down for two. Nile goes up but gets caught with some headbutts, setting up the superplex. The SVB (a butterfly backbreaker) is blocked and Nile plants her down for two more. A dragon screw out of the corner slows Nile down though and the SVB finishes for Vaquer at 9:32.

Rating: B-. They’re in a weird place with Vaquer, as she is already feeling like one of the best stars in all of the women’s division but she hasn’t been NXT Women’s Champion for very long. The problem is she’s a bigger star than pretty much anyone else in the NXT women’s division so I’m not sure how long she’ll be around there. She’s more than ready for the main roster, but dang I hope they don’t waste that momentum in NXT for much longer.

Nick Aldis meets with AJ Styles, who wants to get back in the ring. Cud Judgment Day to interrupt, with Liv Morgan saying she’ll need tome off to be in a Hollywood movie. Aldis agrees and says that’s been settled up, but doesn’t think the same of Dominik Mysterio’s request. When you’re a champion, you have to be here more often (as in a champion like….Morgan). Mysterio and Styles don’t think much of each other but the villains leave. Styles tells Aldis he has an idea, and Aldis seems to know it in advance.

Karrion Kross hopes Sami Zayn makes the right decision.

Michael Cole talks about last week when Gunther went after the commentary team. This led to a brawl between McAfee and Gunther, with Gunther choking him out. McAfee gets on the announcers’ table and sucks up to the fans a bit. He’s been on the commentary team for so long that he has forgotten who he was. McAfee is still the guy who born the son of a hard working truck driver but he wasn’t given much in this life. He went from an irrelevant bum to being known around the country.

There are a few things that he wants to be known for when he is gone, like being a hard worker. He wants to be seen as someone who gave back to various charities, but above all else, he wants to be remembered as a loyal mother******. You have to ride with those who ride for you and there is one man who has been with him since the day he got here. That man is Michael Cole so last week, McAfee had no choice but to help his friend.

Yeah he’s nuts to go after Gunther but if he dies, he dies. He wants “Smackdown’s version of Adam Pearce” to get out here so cue Nick Aldis, who wants to keep this professional. McAfee wants Gunther’s suspension lifted for the sake of a fight. Aldis says he can’t do that for a fight, but he can do it for the sake of a match. The match is made for Backlash. McAfee is annoying but he can still cut a good promo, which he did here.

We look back at the first John Cena vs. Randy Orton WWE Title match, which was all the way back at Summerslam 2007.

Jey Uso checks on Sami Zayn, and says he has his back no matter what decision he makes. Zayn leaves and Uso gets decked by Logan Paul.

Here is Seth Rollins for a chat. He wants Sami Zayn out here for his decision, so here is Zayn in person. Rollins gets that Zayn doesn’t like Breakker or Heyman, but Rollins and Zayn have known each other for twenty years. Last week, Rollins saw Zayn return and thought Zayn would show him the same respect.

Rollins believes that this is the way forward in WWE, but there is no one better to lead us into the future than Rollins himself. It hurts that Zayn doesn’t believe him but that is how the business works. Zayn is one of the few true friends Rollins has in wrestling. When Rollins became a father, Zayn was one of the first people he called because he had no idea what to do. Zayn gave him advice, and now Rollins is hoping Zayn will take the same advice.

Take whatever Heyman is offering him and go to Smackdown. Zayn says that everything Rollins has said about their friendship outside of the ring is true. Everything about what is going on in the ring though is Rollins playing games. He knows it’s a game because he has previously confided in Rollins that the one thing he wants more than anything is to be World Champion. When has Rollins ever known Zayn to run away? Zayn will not be threatened because he will become World Champion and he will do it the right way. That brings out Bron Breakker with Paul Heyman and we’re ready to go.

Bron Breakker vs. Sami Zayn

Heyman and Rollins are here with Breakker and Zayn is in street clothes. Breakker sends him flying with a suplex to start and rakes Zayn’s eyes over the top rope. An elbow to the face drops Zayn again and something like a powerslam gets two. Breakker takes him out tot he floor and hits the diving clothesline onto the announcers’ table.

We take a break and come back with Zayn hitting a sunset bomb. Zayn goes up but Breakker runs the corner for a super Frankensteiner. Breakker’s spear gets cut off with a shot to the face but the Super Spear knocks Zayn silly. Another Super Spear connects and Rollins tells Zayn to take the deal. Zayn tells Rollins where to go so it’s a third Super Spear. Medics come to check on Zayn so Rollins orders one more Super Spear, which is finally enough to stop the match at 12:32.

Rating: B-. Well if you want someone to take a heck of a beating and get all the sympathy in the world while making the new villain look like a monster, Zayn is the guy you call. That’s exactly what we had here, as Breakker wrecked Zayn and looked like a killer in the process. That’s what this needed to be and Breakker did his part about as perfectly as imaginable.

Post match the fans want one more spear but have to settle for a Stomp from Rollins instead. This was the next big beatdown as the team continues to knock off enemies.

Overall Rating: B. A lot of this show focused on the women and that was not a bad way to go. The two women’s matches and the Valkyria/Lynch segment worked, but the other big thing was that much better. The Zayn story was very good and they have a lot of options to pick from with the stories they are setting up. I liked what we got here well enough, but I’m more excited for where things are going and that is a good situation to have.

Results
Rhea Ripley b. Roxanne Perez via DQ when Giulia interfered
War Raiders b. Judgment Day – War Machine to McDonagh
Stephanie Vaquer b. Ivy Nile – SVB
Bron Breakker b. Sami Zayn via referee stoppage

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Hall/e/B00E6282W6

Monday Night Raw
Date: April 21, 2025
Location: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada
Commentators: Michael Cole, Pat McAfee

So we’re finally done with Wrestlemania and there are a lot of changes to cover. First of all, we have two new World Champions as Jey Uso and John Cena are the top stars in the company, having defeated Gunther and Cody Rhodes. Those are on top of a rather long list that I’m sure we’ll get to this week. Let’s get to it.

Here is Wrestlemania if you need a recap.

We open with a long recap of Wrestlemania Week in Las Vegas.

Here is John Cena to get things going, again with the black screen other than just his name. Hold on though as Cena does not like his ring introduction and hands the ring announcer a paper with the proper way to do it. Cena is the Unseen 17 and the greatest of all time, but he says that he doesn’t owe us an apology. On Friday, everyone bullied him but now that he has some gold, the people want to cheer him?

That is an unhealthy relationship and not the way you treat your wife or child. The people should give him an apology but we get a WE’RE NOT SORRY chant. Cena says the people are pathetic and mean nothing to him before soaking in some negative chants. Cena has taken all kinds of shots over the years and this isn’t going to be the crowd that breaks him. What matters is the 36 dates (which appears on the screen).

No matter what happens, Cena is on his way out and runs down the dates he’s already appeared this year. That brings us down to 27 dates (Cena: “Not matches! Appearances.”). The fans say he doesn’t wrestle but he doesn’t have to. All he has to do is show up and do this. When that countdown hits zero, the professional wrestling countdown stops cold. Now of course there will be another Raw and another champion, but the title of Bruno Sammartino, Steve Austin, Roman Reigns and everyone else is coming home with him.

All he has to do is keep playing us like the puppets we are because they lost their best chance to stop him last night with Cody Rhodes. The reality is there is no one in WWE with the strength, speed or RUTHLESS AGGRESSION of John Cena. However, Cena has a heart so he tells us to take out our cameras. Take your pictures because the last real champion is here. Then Randy Orton pops up and Cena turns around (Cena: “S***!”) for an RKO. With Backlash in St. Louis, that makes all the sense in the world. It was also an outstanding promo from Cena, who continues to flow so naturally as a heel that it’s almost unbelievable.

Women’s Tag Team Titles: Liv Morgan/Raquel Rodriguez vs. Becky Lynch/Lyra Valkyria

Lynch, who returned last night, and Valkyria, are defending. Lynch’s kicks to various parts of Morgan put her down and it’s already off to Valkyria to kick the villains down. Stereo dropkicks through the ropes have Morgan and Rodriguez down again and we take a break. Back with Lynch fighting back and blocking Oblivion. The Manhandle Slam gets two with Rodriguez coming in for the save.

Everyone goes up top and Morgan grabs a sunset bomb on Lynch. Rodriguez hits a super bomb for two on Valkyria, who gets up for the Nightwing to Rodriguez but Morgan makes the save. Lynch gets posted and Valkyria big boots Valkyria in the face for two more. Rodriguez tries to powerbomb Morgan onto Valkyria but only hits raised knees. Valkyria sends Rodriguez outside but knocks her into Lynch, with the distraction letting Morgan hit Oblivion for the pin and the titles at 11:54.

Rating: B. This turned into a heck of a back and forth match and I kind of like the rapid fire title changes. Lynch and Valkyria got their big moment last night with the surprise return, but they aren’t a regular team and this brings back some stability to the titles, with the long term champions holding them again. If also frees Valkyria from being a double champion, which didn’t need to happen.

Post match Rodriguez and Morgan leave and Lynch erupts on Valkyria, beating her down and screaming at her. Lynch teases leaving a few times but comes back for a few Manhandle Slams. That’s either going to make Lynch the second Intercontinental Champion or give Valkyria by far her biggest wins to date.

We look at Paul Heyman turning on Roman Reigns and CM Punk to join Seth Rollins on Saturday.

New Day is coming to the ring and get a nod of approval from Karrion Kross.

Here is New Day for a chat. They tell us to get down on our knees and thank God for them. They are the greatest team of all time and no one, dead or alive, can touch them. Cue the Alpha Academy, with Maxxine Dupri bringing up the Academy beating them in sixty seconds. The challenge is issued and decline, so Dupri dubs them the Minute Men. That’s enough to get the title match and here’s a referee.

Tag Team Titles: New Day vs. Alpha Academy

New Day is defending but the lights go dim and…..Rusev is back. New Day bails and Rusev wrecks the Academy with no trouble. No match. He had been rumored to come back and while I’m not sure how far he’ll go, it’s better than having him sit on the sidelines for the better part of ever.

Judgment Day celebrates their new titles when Finn Balor comes in to glare at Dominik Mysterio. Balor breaks into a smile and congratulates him but Carlito thinks he and Balor should get some titles of their own.

Here is Iyo Sky for a chat. Last night was the best night of her career because she beat the best in the world to prove that SHE is the best. Now no one will ever forget her because she is the Genius of the Sky and the Women’s World Champion. Cue Stephanie Vaquer (NXT Women’s Champion) to say that she wants to fight the best. The challenge is on for right now so Adam Pearce makes the match.

Iyo Sky vs. Stephanie Vaquer

Non-title. Feeling out process to start with neither being able to get very far. Sky blocks an O’Connor roll attempt and they stare at each other a bit, followed by Sky sending her outside. The big suicide dive connects but Vaquer gets in a dive off the barricade as we take a break. Back with Sky armdragging her off the top and nailing a missile dropkick. The Bullet Train gets two but Vaquer is right back up with a Meteora.

The SVB (a butterfly backbreaker) is blocked and Sky stomps her down for two. Instead Vaquer is back up with the Devil’s Kiss (figure four necklock with Vaquer sending her face first into the mat) to quite the reception. Back up and Sky snaps off a German suplex, only for Vaquer to hit one of her own. They’re both down and get a FIGHT FOREVER chant so they go up top, where Sky hits a super Spanish Fly. Sky gets up and here is Roxanne Perez to jump Sky for the DQ at 13:58.

Rating: B-. They were having a good match and thankfully went with the most logical ending. What mattered here was getting Vaquer a quick look on the main roster with a top talent and she more than lived up to the task. The ending keeps everything going and boosts up Perez vs. Vaquer for the title this week on NXT.

Post match Giulia (from NXT) runs in to go after Sky, with Perez beating on Vaquer. Cue Rhea Ripley for the save. Ripley stares down Giulia and the villains leave, with Ripley saying she’s coming for Sky’s title.

We look at Jey Uso’s rise up to the main event.

Here is Uso for his World heavyweight Championship celebration. After doing the YEET thing again, he says he is so grateful to finally have the title on his shoulder. He is ready to put in the work every week to keep it and asks for the catchphrase. Cue Sami Zayn to interrupt and give Jey a big hug. It was hard for him to miss Wrestlemania because just like Jey, he is a game day player and it’s hard to not be in the ring.

The thing is, he had to be the first one to stand in this ring and congratulate him on being the new champion. Every single person in this building knows that Jey deserves that and we are here to celebrate, so hit his music. The celebration is on and here is Jimmy Uso to join in with no issues. This was a nice moment and it was refreshing to not have another turn from these guys.

Last night, Logan Paul denied any knowledge of interference in his match. He’ll face anyone, anywhere, anytime.

AJ Styles says he’s ok with the loss last night and he’s ready to bounce back. Karrion Kross and Scarlett come in to yell about Styles being the best around here but now he’s legitimized Logan Paul. Styles does not want to be the old, evil version of himself before and tells Kross to go solve the problem himself. Kross: “Maybe I will.”

We come back from a break with Gunther yelling at commentary, getting on Cole for saying negative things about him. Gunther shoves McAfee and chokes Cole, earning a shot from McAfee. Agents and referees come in and Gunther chokes McAfee out while trying to hold back some other people (possibly people from McAfee’s show). Gunther is FINALLY dragged off and McAfee is revived but has to be helped out.

After a break, Cole and McAfee are going to the trainer’s room and Joe Tessitore has taken over commentary. Cole starts to go back to the ring but Adam Pearce tells him to take the rest of the night off. Cole says Gunther might have broken his nose but he isn’t going to let some bully not let him do his job. That gets a big reaction and Cole comes back to commentary to join Tessitore, with the fans cheering for Cole, which you do not hear very often.

Intercontinental Title: Penta vs. Dominik Mysterio

Mysterio, with Judgment Day, is defending and stomps Penta down in the corner to start. Penta fights up and hits a crossbody before knocking Mysterio down again. We take an early break and come back with Penta in control, including a running Canadian Destroyer. Mysterio rolls outside for a breather though and Finn Balor gives him a pep talk. Penta hurricanranas Balor into Mysterio but cue JD McDonagh to shove Penta off the top. The frog 619 and frog splash retain the title at 8:02.

Rating: C+. McDonagh being back is another boost for the team, but it feels like Balor’s days as part of the lineup are numbered. There is something interesting about the idea of Balor constantly acting like the leader but never being able to win anything or come up with a plan. That very well could be leading to a shift in power and that could be rather interesting.

We get an old school style newsreel on El Grande Americano’s win at Wrestlemania, including shots of the massive celebrations in the streets. He’s earned them.

Here are Seth Rollins and Paul Heyman for a chat. The fans want CM Punk or Roman Reigns but Rollins starts talking about how he is a visionary. He is also the winner of the main event of Wrestlemania…and here is Punk. The brawl is on but Punk turns his attention to Heyman, allowing Rollins to beat him down. Heyman says they are going to say this all the way until Wrestlemania XLII, but there is a new reigning, defending, undisputed top star in WWE and he is Seth Rollins.

Cue Reigns (Rollins throws Punk outside) to charge into the ring and hit the spear on Rollins. That leaves Heyman all alone though and Reigns drops him with a Superman Punch. The spear is loaded up…and BRON BREAKKER cuts Reigns off with a Super Spear. Breakker and Rollins have a staredown and Breakker drops Punk with a Super Spear.

Rollins hugs Breakker and tells him to take out Reigns again. Reigns fights back with a shot to the face but Breakker runs around the ring and hits a Super Spear through the barricade. Rollins Stomps Punk and poses with Heyman and Breakker as we now have two Paul Heyman Guys.

Oh that’s a very intriguing way to go as Breakker fits in perfectly as a Paul Heyman Guy and could easily be moved into a main event slot. I like this a lot and it has all kinds of potential. If nothing else, you can see the huge tag match at Backlash from here. Heck of a way to end the show with a big surprise and a smart one at that.

Overall Rating: B. This was a very wrestling lite show and as usual, that’s not the point of the post Wrestlemania Raw. This week was all about the fallout and the big moves going forward. We had returns, a big reveal in the end and several matches/feuds being teased for the near future. I liked this show a lot and it felt more like a traditional post Wrestlemania Raw, which is nice to see after something of an absence.

Results
Liv Morgan/Raquel Rodriguez b. Becky Lynch/Lyra Valkyria – Oblivion to Valkyria
Iyo Sky b. Stephanie Vaquer via DQ when Roxanne Perez interfered
Dominik Mysterio b. Penta – Frog splash

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Hall/e/B00E6282W6

Monday Night Raw
Date: April 14, 2025
Location: Golden 1 Center, Sacramento, California
Commentators: Michael Cole, Pat McAfee

It’s the last Raw before Wrestlemania and that means it is going to be a talking heavy show. The Wrestlemania cards are now officially set as we know what to expect from both nights. There is still the chance that something else could be added here, but odds are it’s going to be firming up what is already set. Let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

We look back at Jey Uso getting fired up for his match with Gunther at Wrestlemania, saying he is no longer afraid.

Here is a ticked off Gunther to talk to Michael Cole. Gunther does not want to hear about Jey and is ready to destroy him. Gunther actually says “screw” Jey and the people, because he is the greatest gift WWE has ever seen. He is the greatest World Heavyweight Champion of all time and he will not let Jey ruin that for him. Jey can have all the confidence he wants coming in to Wrestlemania but the reality is Jey cannot lace Gunther’s boots. Gunther promises to lay him out for a fourth time and then Gunther will get to call his mother and talk about his win. This was a FAR more unhinged Gunther as Jey is clearly getting to him.

We look at Bayley and Lyra Valkyria becoming the new #1 contenders to the Women’s Tag Team Titles.

Bianca Belair has been going through a lot lately but she is ready for Wrestlemania. She can’t deny that it is a triple threat and she is going to use everything she has been through to become the Women’s Champion again.

Bayley vs. Liv Morgan

Lyra Valkyria and Raquel Rodriguez are here too. Bayley doesn’t take kindly to a slap to the face to start so the chase is on, only for Morgan to take over on the way back in. That’s broken up and Bayley hits a Thesz press into a basement lariat. A missed jump over Morgan in the corner seems to bang up Bayley’s leg but she’s fine enough to come back with a clothesline.

Bayley sends her to the floor but a suicide dive is cut off with a forearm. The third Amigo on the floor is blocked though and Bayley goes knee first into the steps. Now the Third Amigo off the steps can connect and we take a break. Back with Bayley missing a charge into the buckle so Morgan hits a running enziguri for two. Bayley misses a running knee and gets rolled up but a second attempt connects, setting up the running sunset bomb into the corner.

They go to the apron (as matches are seemingly required to do these days) where Morgan hits a Codebreaker, followed by a dropkick off the apron for two back inside. Bayley comes back with something like a Stunner into the Bayley To Belly but Rodriguez puts the boot on the rope. Valkyria goes after Rodriguez, who gets taken out by Bayley. Oblivion is loaded up but Valkyria holds Bayley to the ropes, allowing her to get a rollup pin on Morgan at 12:53.

Rating: C+. This was the best way they had to get ready for the title match at Wrestlemania as Bayley and Valkyria went over pretty much the entire division on Smackdown. Morgan and Rodriguez are the closest thing we have to an established team in the division, so going with a singles match made sense. I could see a title change taking place, but Bayley and Valkyria are such a new team that it would be a stretch.

We look back at CM Punk getting Paul Heyman in his corner at Wrestlemania, plus Seth Rollins threatening Heyman and attacking Punk last week on Raw.

Rhea Ripley sees right through Bianca Belair’s lies and knows what she is here to do. The reality is that Ripley will stop at nothing to get back what she loves. Then she used a page out of Iyo Sky’s playbook to get back to the title match at Wrestlemania. She’s getting the title back.

Rey Mysterio vs. Julius Creed

The LWO and American Made are here too. Creed backs him into the corner to start but Mysterio is back up with a running headscissors. A hard clothesline takes Mysterio down though as this is somehow Creed’s first singles match on Raw. Mysterio dropkicks the knee out but it’s too early for a 619. Brutus Creed offers a distraction so Chad Gable can pull Mysterio off the top, only for Dragon Lee to cut Julius off. The referee has had it and ejects EVERYONE (well not Rey and Julius) and we take a break.

Back with Mysterio hurricanranaing Julius to the floor (but seemingly losing his grip and crashing out as well). Julius is back up and pulls Mysterio out of the air into a suplex, walking him up the steps because that is something a human can do. Back in and Mysterio hammers away in the corner before a spinning DDT gets two. A missed charge sends Julius to the floor so here is El Grande Americano, with Mysterio going for the mask. Julius’ shot from behind is cut off and it’s a 619 into the slingshot splash to give Mysterio the pin at 10:19.

Rating: B-. Good match here with Julius getting to showcase himself in a losing effort. Losing to Mysterio is hardly the worst thing in the world for anyone and this should be a nice way to set up the Mysterio vs. Americano match at Wrestlemania. There is a lot more juice to this whole feud and that makes me interested in where they go for the match.

Post match Americano comes in to take out Mysterio and drops Dragon Lee before the save can be made.

The War Raiders are ready to face New Day at Wrestlemania and promise war. If WWE still did Kickoff Show matches, this would be a perfect choice as it does not feel Wrestlemania worthy. Or do it tonight.

New Day is ready for war and last week is just a taste of what they are willing to do.

HHH Hall Of Fame video, looking at the Cell match with Undertaker.

AJ Styles vs. Karrion Kross

Scarlett is here with Kross, who is back to his old music and apparently got his tights made by the guy who makes Styles’ gear. That’s…odd. Kross yells at him to start and gets backed into the corner for his efforts. Styles charges into a boot and gets sent throat first into the middle rope. Scarlett even gets in some choking and Kross adds a suplex to send Styles flying. A hard whip into the corner drops Styles, who manages a dropkick out to the floor. Kross is fine enough to whip him into various things outside and we take a break.

Back with Kross getting two off a backbreaker, followed by a Death Valley Driver for the same. Kross: “Did you try to sandbag me?” Styles starts kicking at the leg and Kross goes down, but of course he’s just goldbricking (you have to be a special kind of moron to trust KARRION KROSS). Styles is fine enough to shrug it off and hit a sliding clothesline. The fireman’s carry onto the knee sets up the Phenomenal Forearm to pin Kross at 9:46.

Rating: C+. This was about as good as it was going to get as the Kross stuff has felt like little more than a side trip for Styles on the way to Wrestlemania. As has been the case earlier in the show, this was a fine way to boost a bigger star up to their match this weekend. That’s about all it needed to be and Styles looked fine enough, if you ignore him reaching Sting levels of stupid.

Post match here is Logan Paul to insult both Sacramento and Styles before promising to win at Wrestlemania. This involves a Paul highlight reel, which has Styles wanting to fight Paul right now. Kross gets back up to jump Styles, who lays him out, only to get caught with the big right hand. The Paulverizer leaves Styles laying.

Here is Jey Uso for a chat and the fans love him so much that we get his entrance a second time. Standing on the announcers’ table, Uso talks about how he heard Gunther sounding scared out here earlier tonight so he’s ready to take the title at Wrestlemania. Hit his music.

The Judgment Day jumps Bron Breakker.

Penta vs. Finn Balor

Penta wastes no time in diving onto Balor to start fast and they get inside for the opening bell. A high crossbody gives Penta two but it’s too early for the Sacrifice. Penta hits an enziguri into the corner and kicks him back out for two as the fans are rather pleased. Balor shrugs off a loud chop and hits a basement dropkick for two. The chinlock goes on before Balor stomps away and they head to the apron, where Penta is driven down hard.

We take a break and come back with Balor hitting a superplex for two, followed by the Fujiwara armbar. Penta fights up and starts the comeback, including the Backstabber out of the corner for two. A reverse Sling Blade drops Balor, who is right back with a regular version of his own. The Sacrifice cuts Balor off but the Penta Driver is countered into a rollup for two. Cue Judgment Day for a distraction and Balor hits another Sling Blade. Cue Bron Breakker (with Carlito crawling away to avoid another spear in a funny bit) to jump Balor for the DQ at 11:34.

Rating: B-. These two having a good match shouldn’t be a surprise and the ending is the right call as you don’t want either of them taking a fall before the title match. Penta losing via DQ is fine and it makes Breakker look like a monster who ran through Balor. Perfectly fine way to go here as everyone, including the interfering Dominik Mysterio, get involved.

Post match the big brawl is on, with Breakker spearing Judgment Day and Penta hitting a massive dive onto everyone.

Iyo Sky is tired of being disrespected by Rhea Ripley and Bianca Belair because she is still the champion.

Wrestlemania rundown.

CM Punk comes up to Paul Heyman, who is waiting on Roman Reigns. Punk asks what Heyman sees when he looks in Punk’s eyes. Heyman: “A cult of personality?” Punk means a real friend, but Reigns comes in and won’t talk to Heyman.

Here is Reigns, with a nervous looking Heyman, for the big closing segment. Reigns knows that the fans here would never betray him, but not everyone is like that. Someone would betray him, and how could Heyman do that? The fans let Heyman know that he f’d up but Reigns wants them to be louder. Reigns asks Heyman why he did what he did but Heyman says it was not a betrayal because he was just paying back a favor. Reigns doesn’t get that because someone paying back a favor should be done yourself. The reality is that Reigns would never ask for a favor, so why is he covering Heyman’s tab?

Cue Seth Rollins to interrupt, saying Reigns is finally starting to put the pieces together. It’s too little, too late though because Rollins has to end him at Wrestlemania. This is going to be the most important triple threat match in wrestling history because the winner will define the future of the industry (that’s a nice stretch). It can’t be Reigns, who only shows up when it’s convenient and it can’t be Punk, who walks out when things get tough or this business will die.

Rollins will sacrifice himself for what is best for business so it has to be him winning at Wrestlemania. The one thing that Reigns has not figured out is that a favor is a choice. Last week, he chose to not take Heyman out so now Heyman gets to decide if he will pay that favor back. Heyman has made a choice to be in Punk’s corner at Wrestlemania and Reigns needs to find out why Heyman picked Punk over him. Reigns: “Wise man. He’s right.”

Reigns says Heyman has made his choice and now Reigns is making his, and he decks Rollins. Heyman acknowledges Reigns and says that was great…but Reigns shoves him down. Cue Punk to brawl with Reigns and check on a distraught Heyman. Reigns is back in to go after Punk but Rollins gets in a chair (Cole: “Rollins with a Shield chair!”) to Reigns, followed by a Stomp each.

Rollins stares at a scared Heyman to end the show. This was a good way to tie things together and cast some doubt about where things are going at Wrestlemania. While there is a chance that Heyman pulls a swerve and sides with Rollins, I’m not sure I can see it happening. For now though, good closing segment to the main event, but dang Reigns vs. Punk still sounds more appealing, even with Rollins stepping up in recent weeks.

Overall Rating: C+. This show is always a tricky one as it’s not about adding anything new or taking any major steps forward but rather polishing up everything for Wrestlemania. That’s what it should be, though it doesn’t make for the most thrilling show. The last segment was good stuff and there were enough important parts throughout. This weekend is going to be the big deal and next week’s will be a huge Raw as usual, with this show being about setting the pieces up for those shows.

Results
Bayley b. Liv Morgan – Rollup
Rey Mysterio b. Julius Creed – Slingshot splash
AJ Styles b. Karrion Kross – Phenomenal Forearm
Finn Balor b. Penta via DQ when Bron Breakker interfered

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Hall/e/B00E6282W6

Monday Night Raw
Date: March 31, 2025
Location: 02 Arena, London, England
Commentators: Michael Cole, Pat McAfee, Wade Barrett

We’re wrapping up the European shows this week with one more show in London. They’re getting a big one here too, with John Cena and Cody Rhodes going face to face again, plus Rhea Ripley getting another shot at the Women’s Title. Gunther is also getting to face Jimmy Uso to get ready for Wrestlemania so let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

Here is John Cena to get things going but as he puts the mic to his mouth, cue Cody Rhodes to interrupt. Rhodes says we’ve seen Cena talk for two weeks now so let Rhodes do his job for him. Let’s see: Rhodes has a bit of a lisp, so some S words don’t come out right. Like STARDUST. That’s who Cena is facing in his final Wrestlemania match in the main event: STARDUST. What else? Oh yeah: Rhodes has an arm tattoo his neck and he created his own wrestling company.

Rhodes knew Cena would go with some of these things but Rhodes is dealing with the idea that Superman is really dead. The truth is that they used to ride together and Rhodes knows that Cena cared about the people. Cena finally responds, saying he’s not going to punch down to Rhodes’ level. Instead he’s going to bury Rhodes at Wrestlemania. Cena is always accused of burying talent, but the reality is he is talent but buries mediocrity. He isn’t going to call out Rhodes for things like a lisp because Rhodes is just a chauffeur.

Rhodes thinks he found the blueprints so he can run the kingdom. For years, Rhodes sat by Cena and learned from him, then he tried to do it himself. Now he relies on cheap gimmicks like having fans chant his name to get by. Rhodes is a pied piper, as he uses cheap tricks to get people to follow him. All we get is some big mixture of every TV show that Rhodes has ever watched from a kid who is still scared of public speaking.

Cena hates seeing a pathetic nepo baby carrying the title when he had his gimmick tattooed on his neck. Rhodes is nothing but a common fan, who can go buy the Fanatics toy title and be the People’s Champion (nice touch of Cena calling out Rhodes for doing the same thing as the Rock, who got Cena to turn). Rhodes says that the people chose him, just like one man chose Cena but we don’t talk about him anymore (the fans OOO at that one). The reality is that Cena has more dick in his promo than in his jorts and he hangs out with Zac Efron and wishes he was 16 anymore.

Sure Rhodes left for his own company, but Cena didn’t even clean up his room before he went Hollywood. There are two of them in this ring right now, and which one of them sold out to the Rock? Rhodes: “John, you are still my hero, but you’re also a piece of s***.” Cena says Rhodes’ mind is full of feces and not facts. He sold out because no one is worthy of following him.

After all these years, he still finds ways to make things great, including Rhodes. Cena: “I make empires for billionaires. All you’ve ever done is steal money from their kids.” Cena goes to leave, but Rhodes says that not once have the fans told him that he can’t wrestle. THAT touches a nerve with Cena, who gets back in and they go face to face. Cena teases leaving but tries a right hand, only to walk into Cross Rhodes. With Cena down, Rhodes tucks his tie in (nice touch) and points to the Wrestlemania.

Cena was starting to go over the top supervillain here but then he and Rhodes started throwing bombs at each other. What mattered here was Cena gave something more of a clear explanation for why he turned. That gives both of them something to prove, with Rhodes needing to show that he can beat one of the best of all time and Cena wanting to prove that he still has it. Heck of a segment here.

Video on Rhea Ripley vs. Iyo Sky.

New Day comes out for a match and Adam Pearce introduces their surprise opponents.

New Day vs. New Catch Republic

The team is back and Tyler Bate has cut off a lot of his hair, looking a lot more like he did when he made his WWE debut. Dunne easily takes Woods down so Bate can hit a Swanton, followed by a pair of dives to the floor as we take a break. Back with Dunne in trouble and Woods hitting a running dropkick in the ropes.

Kingston knocks Dunne down again but misses a charge, allowing the tag to Bate. A suplex sends Kingston out of the corner so Bate can do his airplane spin. The German suplex/rebound lariat combination gets two, as does Kingston’s SOS. Dunne is back up with a kick to Kingston but Bate’s springboard is broken up. The Daybreaker finishes Dunne at 8:52.

Rating: B-. It was nice to have the Republic getting back in the ring as they’re a good team and there will always be a place for a team like them. That being said, New Day needed the win as they have fallen pretty far since their nuclear heat after turning on Big E. Having them win the titles at Wrestlemania would be nice, but dang there would be something to having Big E. cost them the match.

Post match New Day says they want a title shot so here are the War Raiders to say come get it.

Jimmy and Jey Uso fire each other up for their matches with Gunther. Jey tells him to be careful.

Gunther vs. Jimmy Uso

Non-title. Gunther starts fast with the chops and they’re on the floor in a hurry. Back in and Jimmy sends him outside for a suicide dive but the Superfly Splash hits raised knees. Jimmy catches him on top for a superplex into the Superfly Splash for two as the hot start continues. They go outside again where Gunther drops him onto the apron, setting up that hard lariat. We take a break and come back with Gunther hitting his big dropkick. The powerbomb gets two, with Gunther pulling him up. The sleeper puts Jimmy out at 8:35.

Rating: C+. I was surprised and a bit disappointed by this one as Jimmy felt like he was going to be getting this big shot at Gunther and then it was barely a step above a squash. Gunther kicked out of the Superfly Splash and then just mauled him. That’s not the most thrilling match, but at least Gunther looked like a monster again.

Post match the beatdown is on but Jey Uso makes the save.

Post break Jey helps Jimmy out but Gunther runs back in and beats both of them down. Gunther isn’t done and zip ties Jey to the ropes, allowing him to beat Jimmy up even more. He taunts Jey and gets in a belt shot to knock Jimmy off the apron. Jimmy is busted open and Gunther rubs the blood on his own chest. Jey tries to pull Jimmy to him but Gunther pulls him back for elbows to the head and a sleeper. Gunther: “HELP YOUR BROTHER!” Agents and security finally come in for the save. This was awesome and some good, old school heeling from Gunther, who is going so far that Jey is going to want to get his revenge.

We recap the CM Punk/Roman Reigns/Seth Rollins contract signing for Wrestlemania, with the announcement that it’s closing the show, making Punk a Wrestlemania main eventer. Punk made it clear that is NOT the favor Paul Heyman owes him though.

Finn Balor is ready to bring gold back to the Judgment Day, but doesn’t seem pleased with Raquel Rodriguez for losing last week. Balor and most of the men leave but Carlito stays behind, only to be thrown out by the women.

Judgment Day vs. Bron Breakker/Penta

Penta gets knocked down to start but Breakker comes in to take over without much trouble. It’s already back to Penta for the slingshot dropkick in the corner to Balor, followed by a backbreaker to Mysterio. Breakker pulls the top rope down so Penta can hit a big running flip dive to the floor as we take an early break. Back with Penta hitting the Backstabber and handing it off to Breakker to clean house. The running clothesline hits Balor and a super Sling Blade takes out Mysterio. The Super Spear hits Penta by mistake though and Balor adds the Coup de Grace for the pin at 9:12.

Rating: C+. It seems that we’re getting ready for a big multi man match for the Intercontinental Title at Wrestlemania and Balor getting the pin here should getting him back into the title picture. It wouldn’t surprise me to see Dominik Mysterio added to the whole thing too, and having him steal the title would be great. Penta losing is a bit annoying, but it came after two finishers and miscommunication in a tag match so it’s hardly a terrible idea.

Chad Gable is still out with a medical issue, but he’ll be fine by next week for a match in his hometown. Adam Pearce says nothing is more important than his health, so next week, it’s El Grande Americano in action instead. Gable goes to leave and runs into the Alpha Academy, who he calls clowns and an idiot (Otis). Maxxine says she and Natalya have been talking and they want in the Women’s Tag Team Title picture. Oh dear.

Penta yells at Bron Breakker for the spear.

Here is AJ Styles to call out Logan Paul, who doesn’t leave him waiting long. Paul mocks the fans for not liking him, saying they’re on his time. As for Styles, Paul has had a change of heart. He’s a girl dad now, and he forgives Styles for what he did to him at Madison Square Garden. Styles has a daughter too, and forgives Paul for being the biggest douchebag ever in WWE. Paul can have all the money and fame that he wants, but the people care about what he can do in the ring.

The fans get on Paul for Prime being awful before the insults continue (with Styles kind of stumbling over his line about not letting your mouth write a check you a** can’t cash and Paul having to save it). Styles seems ready to fight but Paul teases a Wrestlemania match instead. Paul calls the fans poor and then tries a kick to the ribs, with the fight being on. They go outside but Paul gets in a low blow, setting up the Paulverizer to leave Styles laying. The Paulverizer looked great, but this feud isn’t clicking for me. It doesn’t help that it feels like the “these two have nothing else to do” feud.

Lyra Valkyria is happy with her title defense last week but now she wants to even the score with Bayley. She’ll do that next week in their title match.

Finn Balor says “he” won the tag match and wants an Intercontinental Title shot. With Balor gone, Liv Morgan says Dominik Mysterio shouldn’t be happy with this and is going to talk to Adam Pearce.

Raw Women’s Title: Iyo Sky vs. Rhea Ripley

Ripley is challenging and Bianca Belair is guest referee. After the big match intros, Ripley hammers away into the corner but Sky fights out in a hurry. They trade rollups for two each until Ripley takes over again and we take an early break. Back with Sky hitting a running dropkick, followed by a missile dropkick to put her on the floor. Sky’s suicide dive takes Ripley down again and they go back inside, where Ripley gets caught up top.

Sky tries a super poisonrana but Ripley blocks it, setting up a….I think super Samoan drop but Sky seems to get the better of it. Weird sequence. Anyway, Sky hits the Bullet Train and goes up, only to get headbutted out of the air for two. A toss Razor’s Edge sends Sky flying for two but Belair accidentally gets decked. Riptide connects but there is no referee, with the fans counting up to about thirteen.

Back in and Sky kicks out (over a minute after Riptide connected so it’s fine), leading to an argument between Ripley and Sky. Ripley hammers on Sky in the ropes but gets wrestled down, with Ripley hitting Belair in the face. Sky comes in off the top with a (accidental) missile dropkick to Belair, who calls the double DQ at 14:45.

Rating: B. This was a big time angle with a match included and that worked well. The double DQ is a way to avoid either of them taking a fall and should get us to what will likely be a triple threat title match at Wrestlemania. This one does have a story, though dang I could go for some more singles title matches for a change. Either way, good stuff here and they did it as they should have.

Post match the big three way brawl is on with Ripley getting to stand tall. Ripley adds a super Riptide to Belair to end the show.

Overall Rating: B. It’s always impressive when there can be so little wrestling (only four matches) and yet it felt like a show that did so much for Wrestlemania. You can see most of the card from here and some of the other matches are just waiting to be set. The Rhodes/Cena segment was great and made me want to see the match that much more. This was the moving day show for Wrestlemania and that is a great feeling in Wrestlemania season. It’s the kind of show they needed to do and the next two weeks should be similar.

Results
New Day b. New Catch Republic – Daybreaker to Dunne
Gunther b. Jimmy Uso – Sleeper
Judgment Day b. Penta/Bron Breakker – Coup de Grace to Penta
Rhea Ripley vs. Iyo Sky went to a double DQ when both attacked the referee

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Hall/e/B00E6282W6

Monday Night Raw
Date: March 24, 2025
Location: OVO Hydro, Glasgow, Scotland
Commentators: Pat McAfee, Michael Cole

We’re still in Europe with another show that is airing live in the afternoon in the United States. We are less than a month away from Wrestlemania and things should be getting interesting on the way there. John Cena and Cody Rhodes are both in the building again this week so let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

Here is John Cena to get things going (note the different color shirt from last week as he keeps up the merchandise shilling) and he immediately notes the JOHN CENA SUCKS chants. Cena talks about how the people have a spotlight on them now and no one is safe because he can rip any of them to shreds. Last week, he put a clueless kid on blast and his face was everywhere. Even WWE posted it and the people loved it!

Cena has listened to their lies and noise for twenty five years but he spent that time paying attention rather than being mean. The fans tell him to shut the f*** up, which Cena says is making it this much easier. Cena has been studying, questioning, prodding and rewarding the fans for playing along with their childish nursery rhymes. The reality is they know nothing about him but he knows everything about them. They have been nothing more than an experiment. Pick any moment from his career and you’ll see what he learned from them.

Cena lists off things that he’s done over the years and what he learned from it, right down to knowing how to get them to say WHAT when he speaks in rhythmic tones. Cena brings up the biggest thing of all with the spinner belt, which got a reaction when he turned the prized possession into a toy. That was their biggest mistake, because it showed the lack of respect.

Now Cena is going to ruin wrestling for every fan, every wrestler and for everyone. Cena is going to win his 17th World Title at Wrestlemania and create another toy title so he can retire as champion. He’s going to ruin your traditions and there is nothing you can do to stop him.

Cue Cody Rhodes to interrupt and, eventually, asks what Cena said. Rhodes made a mistake last week talking about old Cena because this is clearly the real, sincere Cena. That makes him the most dangerous Cena, who made his biggest mistake by saying these things while Rhodes was in the building. Rhodes has fought so hard to hold the title once and now Cena is willing to destroy wrestling to get it again. Rhodes lays the title down and opens his shirt, saying Cena can try to take it right now.

Cena goes to leave but Rhodes calls him back…and Cena leaves again. Rhodes says he can’t let Cena do this again, because he needs Cena to see him. Cena’s psychotic need to be the champion does not outweigh the people’s need to have it. This week, Cena is walking away empty handed and that’s how he’s going to walk away at Wrestlemania, and from WWE.

I’m not sure about Cena’s entire career being a big con, but it’s certainly an explanation. They’ve set up the story and the stakes here and that’s what they needed to do. Cena’s promos have been rather good, if nothing else because you can imagine how long he has wanted to do something like this.

We recap the recent issues with the Judgment Day and Bron Breakker, with Dominik Mysterio thinking Penta should join the team. Finn Balor isn’t happy, with Penta facing Breakker for the Intercontinental Title tonight.

Usos vs. A-Town Down Under

Jimmy is Jey’s surprise partner as the team is back together after over a year and a half apart. Jey knocks Waller around to start and it’s quickly off to Jimmy for a double elbow, followed by a double elbow. The villains are sent to the floor for the big dive from Jimmy. Back in and Jimmy knocks Waller down in the corner as the fans seem rather happy to have the Usos back together.

Theory comes in off a blind tag though and drops Jimmy as we take a break. Back with Jimmy fighting out of trouble and handing it back to Jey to clean house. Waller comes back in off a blind tag though and a double forearm gets two on Jey. The middle rope elbow misses and the Alley Uce plants Waller. The spear and 1D finish Theory at 9:28.

Rating: C+. That’s kind of a weird way to go for Jey, as he’s chasing the World Title but gets the tag reunion here. Maybe we get Gunther vs. Jimmy on the way to Wrestlemania and I’ve heard worse ideas, but this was kind of a random reunion. Granted it was a good one, as having the Usos together is way better than having them fighting.

Post match the Usos pose but here is Gunther to take Jimmy out. Jey fights back but slips on the spear attempt and gets beaten down. Jimmy grabs a chair to clear the ring.

The Judgment Day gets ready for tonight’s Women’s Intercontinental Title match, which makes Carlito want the men’s version.

We get a video on El Grande Americano, the greatest luchador of all time. He dominated Mexico and then disappeared without a trace.

The LWO thinks it’s Chad Gable, but Gable comes in to say that was El Grande Americano. Gable is officially medically out tonight (he has a doctor’s note) but suggests that El Grand Americano faces Dragon Lee tonight instead. Works for Lee, so Adam Pearce makes the match.

Women’s Intercontinental Title: Lyra Valkyria vs. Raquel Rodriguez

Rodriguez, with Liv Morgan, is challenging. Valkyria can’t get a sunset flip to start and has to avoid a bit stomp. Instead, she sends Rodriguez outside but a dropkick through the ropes is blocked. They go outside where Rodriguez is sent over the announcers’ table, only to plant Valkyria back inside.

We take a break and come back with Rodriguez hitting a slingshot Jackhammer for two but the spinning Vader Bomb misses. Valkyria hits a top rope ax kick for two, only to get planted again. Now the spinning Vader Bomb connects for two, which has Rodriguez confused. Valkyria reverses a suplex into a DDT but Morgan puts the foot on the ropes. Back up and the Tejana Bomb is reversed into a victory roll to retain the title at 9:24.

Rating: C+. Nice match here as Valkyria gets a win to continue boosting up her title reign. That’s what she has been needing since she became champion in the first place and this was a more interesting match than anything she did with Zoey Stark. Valkyria vs. Morgan down the line could be a good way to go, but I’m not sure what is going to happen with the title at Wrestlemania.

Post match Morgan runs in to go after Morgan but Bayley makes the save. Respect is shown.

Pat McAfee has bought a kilt and shows it off to the crowd.

Video on Rhea Ripley vs. Bianca Belair vs. Iyo Sky, despite contracts still not working like that.

We look at the Rock vs. HHH ladder match at Summerslam 1998 for HHH’s Hall Of Fame induction.

Jimmy Uso doesn’t think Jey Uso can beat Gunther. The Jey that Jimmy knows, the right hand man and Main Event Jey Uso? That’s the one Jimmy needs because he can beat Gunther. Jimmy goes off to challenge Gunther for next week. Works for Gunther.

Here is Adam Pearce to address the Women’s Title situation. Iyo Sky comes out to say she doesn’t care about contracts but Pearce needs her to hear him out. Cue Bianca Belair to interrupt, saying Rhea Ripley isn’t getting into the title match at Wrestlemania. Cue Ripley to say she doesn’t care about Wrestlemania or who she has to go through to get her title back. Belair says Ripley can face her after Wrestlemania but Pearce makes Sky vs. Ripley next week, with the winner facing Belair at Wrestlemania. The three way fight is on and Belair stands tall. The triple threat should be good, as they’re making it feel like anyone can win.

Dominik Mysterio pitches Penta joining the Judgment Day and says think about it.

Video on the War Raiders.

New Day wants a Tag Team Title shot at Wrestlemania. Adam Pearce tells them to get out but Bianca Belair comes in to say she wants to know her Wrestlemania opponent. Pearce makes her guest referee next week. Belair: “I don’t know how to referee!” Pearce: “WELL YOU HAVE A WEEK TO FIGURE IT OUT!”

Dragon Lee vs. El Grande Americano

Americano is billed from The Gulf Of America to really rub it in. They go to the mat to start with Americano working on an armbar and then armdragging Lee into the corner. Americano: “GRACIAS!” A hurricanrana and running headbutt get two on Lee and Americano sends him outside. We take a break and come back with Lee kneeing him out to the apron, setting up the top rope double stomp. Back in and Americano sends him hard into the corner with a toss for two but Lee fights up. Lee goes to the corner but gets his mask pulled off. The ankle lock makes Lee tap at 8:55.

Rating: B. They started going here and it was a good fight with the two of them both working hard. The Grande Americano stuff is fun and could lead to some funny moments down the line. If nothing else, it is nice to see…uh…whoever is under that mask winning some matches. He’s good at this wrestling thing and looked good in his debut here.

We look at the Roman Reigns/Seth Rollins/CM Punk brawl on Smackdown, which seemed to set up a Wrestlemania three way. The match is officially made.

Here is Punk for a chat. Punk talks about how rough things have been in recent days, including his uncertainty and his Road To Wrestlemania. Apparently he has a match at Wrestlemania, but what he wants, he isn’t getting. Or is he? What he wanted to do was to win the Royal Rumble or the Elimination Chamber, but things stay the same: he works with children.

Seth Rollins is the definition of a child as he screwed Punk at the Elimination Chamber. For two people, it’s clearly personal but to him, it’s just business. The other people have to go, because the shadow Punk casts on Roman Reigns (Punk does the one finger) overshadows everything Reigns has done. The reality is that Reigns’ wise man isn’t just his own. We’re going to have a three way contract signing in London on Smackdown.

The fans aren’t happy because they want it here, but Punk gets the issue. He wants to see the contract and see if it’s just another match or something that gets him closer to where he wants to go. Neither of the other two have ever beaten him without the other’s help, because they can’t do it. Punk brought them into this business and he can’t wait to take them out. Punk vs. Reigns still feels like a bigger match, but Rollins has to be on the card somewhere and this is about the only thing he can do right now.

Logan Paul sends in a video, saying he’s going to call out AJ Styles next week.

Here’s what’s coming next week.

Bron Breakker is ready to take Penta out and doesn’t care what is going on with Judgment Day.

Intercontinental Title: Penta vs. Bron Breakker

Breakker is defending. Penta’s headlock is cut off without much effort and Breakker hits a hard clothesline. Something like a hurricanrana sends Breakker to the apron, where he knees a diving Penta out of the air. Breakker hits the apron clothesline over the announcers’ table as the Judgment Day comes out to watch.

We take a break and come back with Penta hitting a superkick but Breakker knees him again. Another superkick drops Breakker though and they get a double breather. The reverse Sling Blade sends Breakker to the floor and Penta hits a jumping Backstabber for two back inside. A gorilla press gutbuster gets two on Penta, who knocks Breakker outside again for a big dive. Back in and the Canadian Destroyer gives Penta two more but the Penta Driver is broken up. A super Frankensteiner pulls Penta down…and Judgment Day comes in to jump Breakker for the DQ at 11:26.

Rating: B. The ending felt designed to help boost up a big multi-man title match at Wrestlemania and that’s not the worst idea. The other thing though is that they kept Penta from taking a pin. I’m not sure I can imagine Penta taking the title at Wrestlemania, or anytime soon, but what matters the most here is that he didn’t take a clean loss. That’s the kind of thing that can hurt him going forward and it was nice to see him survive here.

Post match Finn Balor comes in for the beatdown and, after thinking about attacking his friends, chairs Breakker down. Mysterio hands Penta a chair but he throws it back at Mysterio for a superkick. Balor chairs Penta and Breakker down and Judgment Day stands tall to end the show.

Overall Rating: B. Solid show this week as it felt rather quick and easy while also setting up/advancing things for Wrestlemania. We’re firmly in the area now where Wrestlemania is all that matters and now we are starting to see where things are going. That’s going to include a lot of talking and hyping up the matches, but there was good wrestling going on here too. Nice show here, and now we are getting to see the start of the last push towards the biggest show of the year.

Results
Usos b. A-Town Down Under – 1D to Theory
Lyra Valkyria b. Raquel Rodriguez – Victory roll
El Grande Americano b. Dragon Lee – Ankle lock
Bron Breakker b. Penta when Judgment Day interfered

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