Roman Reigns, CM Punk, The Vision, all on Raw!

Not only is Roman Reigns back again, ready to help The Usos against The Vision, but CM Punk makes his own return to Monday Night Raw!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Becky Lynch VS Maxxine Dupri; Becky wins.
• Lyra Valkyria w/ Bayley VS Roxanne Perez w/ Raquel Rodriguez; Roxie wins.
• Kairi Sane w/ Asuka VS Iyo Sky; Kairi wins.
• Six Man Tag: Dominik Mysterio, Finn Balor & JD McDonagh VS AJ Styles, Dragon Lee & PENTA; Styles, Dragon & Penta win.
• The Usos VS CM Punk & LA Knight; Punk & Knight win.

PLAY BY PLAY

Roman Reigns is here!

Dallas, Texas is all fired up for The OTC, THE Tribal Chief, as he walks out on stage. They chant for “O T C! O T C! “as he raises his finger for the pyro. Roman then continues down the ramp, and takes a moment to take it all in before he walks up the steel steps to the apron. The fans raise the ones with Roman, then Roman gets his second round of pyro. Roman then grabs the mic, and he listens to the fans sing, “Roman, Roman Reigns~!” and chant “O T C! O T C!” Roman soaks it all in again before he says, “Dallas, Texas…! Acknowledge me!” The fans cheer that! But then Bronson Reed & Paul Heyman have to interrupt.

The fans boo as Auszilla steps out on stage, The Oracle right behind him, and of course Heyman has the mic. After a moment, Roman asks if they’re out here to just stare at him, or if they’re gonna say something. Heyman says, “I don’t know who’s been Wise Manning you since you broke my heart about public speaking. But you  ruined the entire shtick. Let me show you how it’s done. DALLAS, TEXAS!” The fans boo him, but Heyman says, “ACKNOWLEDGE your Tribal Thief!” Only Heyman and Bronson put up their ones. Heyman tells Roman, “Acknowledge the one man on the face of this planet that you fear in your heart, Big Bronson Reed!”

The fans boo more, but Heyman says Roman knows he fears Bronson, as well he should. Not once in Roman’s, well, forget just career, not once in his entire LIFE that Roman ever needed a stretcher! All those football games at Georgia Tech, all those Anoa’i Family barbeques that doubled as drunken Samoan battle royals in the backyard, and in his entire WWE career, not once did a man lay a beating on Roman to such a degree that he needed to be placed on a stretcher, be carried out of an arena, and be placed inside an ambulance to take him all the way to the hospital. The fans boo, but now Bronson asks for the mic.

Heyman hands the mic over, and fans boo as Bronson tells Roman, “Don’t worry about them, listen to me. Your father, Sika, 45 years in this business, never stretchered out. Your uncle, 45 years in this business, never stretchered out. How do you think they feel looking down on you, watching YOU get stretchered out by MY hands?” Bronson laughs, Roman scowls, but then Roman says, “It’s funny you bring up my father and my uncle. You didn’t know them. The dumbass next to you, he did. What do you think my dad would say right now, Paul? My dad would say, ‘Fight him now.’ So let’s do this NOW!”

Dallas is fired up, Bronson is ready to go, but Heyman advises otherwise. This is a trap, do this on your time, not Roman’s. Roman says he ran this play before. He’s been over there, heard what Heyman’s had to say. There is no wise words coming, just words of a coward. Heyman is saying not to do it, not to be on Tribal Chief time, not be on Tribal Chief terms. But let’s be real: Roman is levels above Bronson. It’ll be Roman’s time no matter the place, where they go, when you wanna do it, whatever way you wanna do it, because Roman will always be the Tribal Chief. Heyman now smiles as he advises a new plan.

The fans chant for “O T C! O T C!” but Heyman says, “My compliments, that was almost as brilliant as if it came from a Wise Man. You wanna know who, what, when, where, why? Roman Reigns VS Bronson Reed, this Saturday night, Perth, Australia, at Crown Jewel, in a match that Bronson Reed made famous. In a match that Bronson Reed has never been defeated in. In a match that Bronson Reed was so dominant in, that WWE recruited him from Australia to the main roster. This Saturday night at Crown Jewel, Roman Reigns, Bronson Reed, in an AUSTRALIA STREET FIGHT!” Roman smiles and says, “Too easy. I accept.”

The fans cheer and Heyman says, “Goodnight, everybody!” Roman says hold on, n ow. Dallas, they walked in like some tough guys. But they seem to be walking out like a couple of b*tches.” THAT gets Bronson! Bronson storms down the ramp, Roman is ready, and the brawl is on in the ring! The fans fire up as the hands fly, but then Bronson CLAWS the eyes! And he TOSSES Roman out! Bronson goes out the side, then storms in around the way, but into a SUPERMAN PUNCH! Bronson falls over barriers! Roman clears off the commentary desk! The fans fire up, but here comes security! They back Roman off, and producers even get in here.

The fans boo, but then Roman breaks free to throw hands on Bronson! Bronson hits back, the two are separates again, but only for a moment! SUPERMAN PUNCH! Bronson is down again and the fans cheer on “O T C! O T C!” Roman stands tall at the top of the corner, finger to the sky. Will Roman prove he is still the one then, now, and forever? Or will there be a Tsunami in Perth?

Asuka argues with Adam Pearce.

The Empress of Tomorrow wants the Raw General Manager to understand, MAKE the match! Pearce says if we’re talking that tag match, then yes, it is official, Rhea Ripley & Iyo Sky VS Kabuki Warriors. But are we talking about a match tonight? Yes! Asuka wants Kairi VS Iyo 1v1 TONIGHT! Well, he has to find space in the show, so he’ll talk with Iyo to see if she wants the match, then he’ll get back to her. Asuka says yeah, whatever, so long as he makes the match tonight! Pearce hurries off, and Kairi walks in. She asks what’s going on, and Asuka says that while they’re gonna teach Iyo and Rhea respect at Crown Jewel, tonight… Kairi will face Iyo!

Kairi begs Asuka-nee-san not to do this! She doesn’t wanna fight Iyo 1v1! Kairi is sure she can still fix their family! Asuka says it’s too late for that, fool! Asuka SLAPS Kairi!! Asuka says Iyo is no longer family, and the match is happening! You got that!? Kairi is in shock, but she accepts. Good girl, Kairi. Asuka says Kairi better win then. Asuka leaves, but then shouts for Kairi to follow anyway. What is going to happen to the poor unfortunate Pirate Princess now that she’s truly just a pawn in Asuka’s game?

Becky Lynch VS Maxxine Dupri!

The Man wants to vent her frustrations from losing to CM Punk & AJ Lee, so she went and gave “5’9″ of disappointment” this 1v1 match. No title on the line, but will this Alpha Babe further upset the WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship? Or will Maxxine still not be ready for The Big Time?

Raw returns, Maxxine makes her entrance, no Tozawa or Natalya with her. The bell rings, the two circle, and the two are in a deadlock. Becky pulls hair to put Maxxine in a corner, but Maxxine turns it around! Becky shoves Maxxine, and shoves, and shoves, but Maxxine shoves Becky back! The fans fire up for Maxxine as she shoves until the ref counts. Maxxine then dodges Becky, arm-drags her, and she has the armlock. Becky flails and slaps at Maxxine, pulls hair and drags Maxxine down. Becky waistlocks, Maxxine fights up, but Becky SLAMS her down! Becky facelocks, grinds the hold, but Maxxine fights up.

The fans duel, “Let’s Go, Becky!” “Becky Sucks!” Maxxine powers up and out, but then Becky RUNS her over! Becky says Maxxine is a loser, so is Dallas! She SLAPS Maxxine around, pie faces her, but Maxxine throws a hard shot! Becky is pissed, she runs up, but Maxxine dodges! Only for Becky to come back and CLOBBER her! Becky puts Maxxine in a corner, stomps a mudhole, but stops as the ref counts. Becky and the ref argue, then Becky soaks up the heat from the fans. Becky goes back to Maxxine, then whips her corner to corner. Becky runs up, but Maxxine dodges! Maxxine whips now, and Becky comes back, into a THESZ PRESS!

Maxxine rains down fast hands, the fans fire up, but Becky gets free, only for Maxxine to DROPKICK her low! Becky tumbles out of the ring, Maxxine goes to the apron, and she CANNONBALLS! The fans fire up with Maxxine and she brings Becky up. But Becky THROWS Maxxine into barriers! The ring count is climbing, but Becky clinches Maxxine for a BECKSPLODER into barriers! Maxxine writhes, Becky seethes, and Raw goes to break.

Raw returns as both women are down from another collision. Becky rises ifrst, but Maxxine counter punches! Becky ROCKS Maxxine, Maxxine ROCKS Becky, and repeat! The fans cheer Maxxine, they boo Becky, and repeat as the shots keep going! Bekcy fires a flurry, then UPPERCUTS and SOBATS! Becky soaks up the heat, then runs, but into a BOOT! The fans fire up as Maxxine LARIATS! And LARIATS! Maxxine roars, runs, and KNEES Becky in the head! Becky flounders to a corner, Maxxinen SPLASHES her, then FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Not quite perfect, but that kip up is so smooth! The straps come down as Maxxine hits another gear!

Maxxine runs up, but Becky blocks the leg lariat! Maxxine panics, but then she rolls to get an ANKLE LOCK! Becky flails, reaches out, and rolls to send Maxxine into buckles! Becky hobbles and scowls, and she KNEES Maxxine in the head as payback! Maxxine sputters, but Becky rains down fists and SLAPS! Becky climbs up while talking trash right in Maxxine’s face. Becky rains down fists, and she goes PAST TEN, only for Maxxine to carry Becky off the corner! SIT-OUT POWERBOMB! High stack, TWO!! Becky survives and the fans fire up again! Maxxine hurries to a corner, she hurries up top, but Becky trips her up first!

Becky climbs up to go after Maxxine, but Maxxine throws hands! Becky hits back, they brawl up top, and Maxxine HAMMERS away on Maxxine! The fans rally up again as Becky brings Maxxine up, SUPERPLEX! Cover, TWO! But into an ARMBAR! Maxxine clasps hands, she hurries to fight around, but Becky pries the fingers apart! Maxxine hurries to stack, TWO!! ANKLE LOCK!! Maxxine has Becky again! The fans fire up, Becky rolls Maxxine up, TWO! Clinch, MAN- NO! Maxxine slips free to GERMAN SUPLEX! Becky staggers up, into the LEG LARIAT!! Cover, TWO?!!? Maxxine is stunned, Dallas is going nuts, but Becky still lives!

Maxxine hurries up top, and CROSSBODIES! Cover, but Becky rolls it through! With tights! TWO!! Becky is pissed with the ref, but now Maxxine rolls her! FEET ONT HE ROPES!! TWO!!! Becky escapes as Maxxine tries to turn the tables! And then Becky BOOTS Maxxine for it! Becky DUMPS Maxxine out, then goes out to SMACK her off the desk! “This is Awesome!” as Becky drags Maxxine up to SMACK off the apron. Becky THROWS her into barriers! The ring count is climbing, but Becky THROWS Maxxine into barriers again! Becky refreshes the ring count, and tells the ref to watch herself, she’s Becky Lynch!

Becky goes out to fetch Maxxine, and SMACKS her off the steel steps! Then the Hydration Station! And then with the big prop bottle! The ring count is 5 of 10 again but Becky SMACKS Maxxine off the apron! Becky steps back inside, tells the ref to relax already, and then she intimidates the ref by getting in her face. The ref pushes Becky away, Jessica Karr ain’t one to play with. Becky just goes out to SMACK Maxxine off the desk again! Becky soaks up the heat from Dallas while standing on the desk. The count is 7 of 10! Maxxine rolls in, Becky is too busy talking trash! SHE GETS COUNTED OUT!

Winner: Maxxine Dupri, by count-out

The Man is shocked! She didn’t realize what was going on, and now she’s LOST! To Maxxine Dupri! Will Becky ever live this down?

Roman Reigns returns backstage.

And he finds The Usos. They dap it up, and Jimmy knows them fools ain’t talking about their family like that! Did Bronson really try to bury Uncle Afa & Uncle Sika like that?! At Crown Jewel- Jey says HE has Roman. Oh? Roman says he’s good, though, Uce. He don’t need help, and especially from Jey. They already talkeda bout this, right? Jey should be hyper focused on his real goal, the opportunities that he deserves. Matter of fact, who is talking at the top of the hour? CM Punk. Oh, not Jey, huh? Jey is already incensed and he heads out. Jimmy hangs around, and Roman hopes Jimmy knows he hears and sees everything, right?

So that said… What’s so wrong with Jey taking advice from Roman? Jimmy doesn’t say anything, and Roman heads out. Is #BigJim once again stuck in the middle of family drama?

Lyra Valkyria prepares backstage.

And then Bayley spooks her with her high energy! Bayley says Lyra VS Roxanne, a future WrestleMania match! She’d love to be ringside if that’s alright with Lyra. Lyra says yes, cool, but who… Er, how is Bayley feeling today? Great, excited! How about Lyra? Yes, excited, too, but it’s real fun how Bayley chose to ask this right now, right before the match. Raquel is gonna be out there, though, so what the hell? YES! Now, secret handshake! Wait, it was left then right? Um, they’ll work on it. Bayley spits on her hand and Lyra says that wasn’t part of it but okay. They shake hands, and Bayley tells Doug to hit the music!

The music indeed plays, but will The Role Model help The Morrigan get a fair fight out of The Judgment Day? Or will the Prodigy find a way to steal another one?

Lyra Valkyria w/ Bayley VS Roxanne Perez w/ Raquel Rodriguez!

Raw returns as The Judgment Day makes their entrance. The bell rings and the two step up. Roxie pie faces Lyra, but Lyra hits a headlock takeover! Roxie rolls Lyra. Lyra slips free, and they tie up again. Another headlock takeover from Lyra to Roxie, but Roxie headscissors. Lyra bridges, pops free, then SHOVES Roxie down! Lyra pie faces Roxie now, but Roxie SLAPS Lyra! Lyra snarls and windmills haymakers! Roxie slips around the back but Lyra RAMS her into a corner! And again, and again, and again! The ref has Lyra back off, but then Roxie BOOTS Lyra! The ref reprimands her now, but Roxie headlocks.

Lyra powers up and out, Roxie THROWS her down, and Roxie pie faces Lyra again. But Lyra trips Roxie up! Lyra facelocks, Roxie fights up, but Lyra hits a TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! Cover, TWO! Lyra clamps onto Roxie’s arm, Roxie fights up, and Roxie pulls hair! Lyra grinds the arm to fight back, but Roxie stands up. Roxie springboards to arm-drag, but Lyra holds on to drag Roxie down! The fans fire up but Roxie fights around. Raquel coaches Roxie, but Lyra whips Roxie. Roxie reverses, but Lyra cartwheels and LEG SWEEPS! Then basement DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Roxie stays in this but Lyra stays after her.

Lyra waistlocks, Roxie fights the lift, and Roxie kicks. Roxie slips under, shoves Lyra away, and then goes toa  corner. Lyra runs up, but into BOOTS! Lyra hobbles. Roxie goes up, FLYING KNEE to the arm! Roxie grins, then she kicks Lyra to the apron. Roxie goes to the other side, drags Lyra into the corner, and she bends the arm against the crossbar! The fans rally,  the ref reprimands, but Roxie STOMPS Lyra’s arm! Bayley winces, Lyra writhes in pain, and Roxie grins while Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Roxie has the CROSSFACE! Lyra rolls, Roxie shifts, and Lyra Alabama Lifts! Roxie flails as Lyra tries for the fireman’s carry now! Roxie slips free and CLUBS away on the bad arm! Roxie SOB- NO, Lyra blocks the sobat to then GERMAN SUPLEX! Both women are down and the fans fire up! Bayley rallies the fans with the “CLAP CLAP CLAP, WOO~!” Lyra and Roxie rise, and Lyra LARIATS! And LARIATS! And ELBOWS, KICKS, RAMS, then dodges! Lyra cartwheels, then NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridging, roll through, and FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover again, TWO!

Not quite perfect, but Lyra stays focused. Lyra scuffs Roxie, lifts her up for the fireman’s carry, but Roxie grabs the ropes. Lyra yanks her free, NIGHT- NO, Victory Roll! TWO, and Lyra has it! TWO and both women get up! LEG LARIAT! Lyra fires up and the fans are with her! Lyra drags Roxie to a drop zone, goes up a corner, but Raquel distracts! The fans boo, the ref reprimands, but Roxie CLUBS Lyra! Roxie climbs up, but Bayley anchors Lyra! The Super Russian Leg Sweep fails! Lyra MOONSAULTS! Cover, TWO! Roxie survives but Raquel BOOTS Bayley! The fans boo but Lyra WRECKS Raquel with a dropkick!

But now Roxie DIVES to TORNADO DDT to the floor! Roxie puts Lyra back in, then runs, POP ROX! Cover, Roxie wins!

Winner: Roxanne Perez, by pinfall

Just as The Role Model came through for The Morrigan, it was all turned right back around! Will nothing stop Judgment Day from having their way? As for Bayley, her frustration takes over, she tells Lyra they gotta pursue Roxie & Raquel to kick their asses! Lyra does follow, she is just as upset, but will they be able to get even before the night is over?

Backstage interview with AJ Styles.

Jackie Redmond is with the Phenomenal One, and she says his long, storied rivalry with John Cena is perhaps the best of all time. In fact, it was the WWE Universe that demanded this match, so how is Styles preparing for it? Styles says one thing you need to know about John Cena is- The Judgment Day interrupts. Dominik Mysterio has his two belts while Finn Balor & JD McDonagh have the World Tag Team Championships, and Dirty Dom asks “Uncle AJ” what makes him think he can beat John Cena when he couldn’t even beat Dom? Hell, Rusev couldn’t beat Dom, Dom is STILL the double champ while Styles has nothing.

Finn says a little birdy told him that Styles & Dragon Lee wanna challenge for the WWE World Tag Team Championships. Take this from an old friend: Styles is making a huge mistake. Oh, an old friend? Sounds like a threat. Though, easy to do when it’s three against one. But here’s an idea: Styles will get Dragon Lee, they’ll find a third man, and they’ll talk to Adam Pearce to make a Six Man Tag for tonight! Then we’ll see how tough The Judgment Day really is. Ain’t that right, old friend? Styles leaves and JD says he knew this was a bad idea. Who do you think he’ll get as a partner?

Dom says it doesn’t matter, Judgment Day will take care of business like always. Finn nods to that, and the boys are ready. But will all these champs look like chumps against The Phenomenal One, The Boy Wonder, and a wild card?

CM Punk heads to gorilla.

The Second City Saint walks past Pearce arguing with Rusev, and just chuckles as he continues on. What is Pearce going to do to appease an angry Bulgarian Brute? What is the Best in the World going to say about everything going on? We find out, after the break.

Penta is backstage.

And both Styles and Dragon Lee walk over. They say hey, and Styles brings up Penta wanting the Intercontinental Championship. Penta confirms, that’s the goal. Then how about this? Penta goes after Dom tonight with Styles & Lee! Lee says yeah, they can definitely do it. Penta says he’s all ears. WHOA, Bayley & Lyra get the jump on Roxie & Raquel! Roxie is sent into road cases, then they mug Raquel 2v1, to send into railing! They mug Raquel more, but Roxie is back up! Roxie and Bayley brawl, producers and refs rush in, and Pearce shouts for this to stop! He gets in there and tells the others to get these four OUTTA HERE!

Bayley & Lyra are dragged off one way, Raquel & Roxie the other. Pearce has his hands full with these explosive elements, but what can he do to squash the beef?

CM Punk heads to the ring!

Dallas sings along with Cult of Personality as Punk steps out on stage. Punk goes to the front row on the far side to high-five a young fan. Then he goes to the other side, high-fives a few more fans, and then yes, he lets us know, “IT’S CLOBBERIN’ TIME~!” Then Punk high-fives fans along the ramp and down to ringside. The fans chant for “C M PUNK! C M PUNK!” while he gets a mic. Punk says, “Is it great to be alive on a Monday night in Dallas, Texas or what?” The fans cheer, and Punk says they’re loud! And they like to sing, huh? Here’s one for ya, he always wanted to do this, and he hasn’t been here in a couple weeks, so please indulge him.

Punk kneels down and he sings, “The stars at night are big and bright,” CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP, “HERE IN THE HEART~ OF TEXAS~!” Okay, that’s all, goodnight. Kidding! Did they miss him? The fans cheer that they did, so Punk says he doesn’t wanna take up too much time, but he’s got some things to address. First and foremost: Thank you so much for that huge, warm welcome back to the WWE for AJ Lee. The fans cheer for “A J LEE! A J LEE!” Punk now brings up that we’re right around the corner from Crown Jewel in Perth this Saturday, where we’ll see Cody Rhodes VS Seth Rollins.

One of the reasons Punk hasn’t been here in two weeks is because he promised his friend, Cody, to keep his nose out of that business. This Crown Jewel Championship match, brand dominance, ego… As much as Punk is in it with Rollins, he won’t interfere in Cody’s business. The other reason Punk was gone is because he was celebrating with his wife because they defeated Seth Rollins & Becky Lynch at WrestlePalooza! The fans cheer that! Punk started the year beating by beating Seth Rollins on the inaugural Raw, back on January 6th. Punk vows to end this year beating Rollins on another episode of Raw on Netflix.

Punk points out a sign back there, “CM Punk deserves his World Heavyweight Championship back.” The fans cheer, Punk appreciates the passion, but “deserves” is the wrong word. “Earned” is the word! Every turn, when it is 1v1 straight up, Punk has Rollins’ number. Punk is better than Rollins, and everyone knows it! Punk vows to get the world title back just as he started this year: by beating Seth Rollins! Punk will become the NEW World Heavyweight Champion! But then LA KNIGHT shows up! The fans cheer and Punk looks like he should’ve known. The Mega Star goes right to the ring while the fans chant his name.

Punk steps to the ropes, he says this is his time, not Knight’s. Knight says hold on, he has something to say real quick. Knight gets his own mic, “LEMME TALK TO YA!” “YEAH!” Knight takes his sunglasses off, and he tells Punk, “Look in my eyes, what do you see?” Punk says, “Somebody who interrupted me.” Knight says that was good, catchy tune. But the man interrupting, the man standing here now, what you see is the man who is a big force who walked through the door, blew the door off this place, and has still NOT gotten what he deserves, what he has earned, and that is his reign as World Heavyweight Champion.

The fans are torn, but Knight thinks on it. Knight sys Punk said something Knight agrees with, but Knight wants to point out some omissions. Knight says Punk is the creator, the owner, and the man known for the “Pipebomb.” However, lately, Punk’s not known so much for that as he is being someone’s husband. That’s not a knock, not an insult. What Knight wants to say about that is, everyone out here wants and needs loves. Even the most jaded person out there wants to be loved, so for that, Knight commends Punk for cultivating that, it is a beautiful thing. However… As good of a husband as Punk seems to be, he is a trash champion.

The fans boo but Knight says no offense, but that was what? Five minutes? And then SummerSlam, Rollins pins Punk’s shoulders in the middle of the ring. Then there’s Clash in Paris. What happened? Rollins pinned Punk’s shoulders in the middle of the ring. Y’know whose shoulders Rollins has never, ever, ever never not not pinned? Punk is pretty sure it’s the same guy who’s never, ever never, not not been World Heavyweight Champion. The fans like that one, and even Knight has to smirk. Knight tells Punk that this is what he’s getting at: Punk has his cute line about Knight never been champion, but the counter is Knight’s never lost to Rollins.

So while Punk is a two-time loser, Knight is a two-time winner against Rollins. Albeit, one time was from a disqualification Punk caused… But Knight is the last man to pin Rollins, and he’ll damn sure be the next one! And then he will be THE World Heavyweight Champion! BUT THEN JEY SHOWS UP! Punk says this is what he was trying to avoid! The fans sing along with Day One Ish and they bounce along with the beat, “YEET! YEET! YEET!” Jey and his bright green “YEETIN’ AIN’T EASY” shirt go to the ring, grab a mic, and he tells the others, “Hey, hey, hey. I’ma stop you right there. Yeah. Cuz I’m finally thinking clear, Uce. My mind clear: I’m the one.

“I’m the one that never got my rematch for the World Heavyweight Championship.” “YEET!” “And I’m the one who’s up next for the World Heavyweight Championship! UH UH!” “YEET!” Knight and Punk look to each other, and then Knight asks, “What is this? Deja vu right now? I tell you what, we were in Paris, it was me, it was you (Punk), it was you (Jey), and you (Jey) always knocking my door, always complaining. My gawd, man! Yeah, you had the World Heavyweight Championship. You lost it! Your time came, it went. Here’s what I’m telling you. While you (Punk) stand there, thinking it’s your time… (Jey) You’re standing there thinking it’s your time…

“NAH NAH! It’s MY time! YEAH~! And what I’m telling you is you think you lost the title because you’re not quite Roman enough. That ain’t quite right, my man. I’ll tell you this: You’re not Roman Reigns, you’re not gonna be Roman Reigns, and as far as I’m concerned, that’s a good thing. That’s okay. You carve your own path. But where you carve your own path, your best shot right now, you might wanna focus on those tag titles. Though from what I saw last week, you might wanna stop sucking at being a tag team.” And then wait, here comes Jimmy! Knight says sorry for the shrapnel, but Jey keeps getting in the way, Knight’s gonna off that on switch!

Knight says when it comes to Punk- JEY SUPERKICKS KNIGHT! Jimmy steps into the ring while fans “YEET! YEET! YEET!” Punk says he assumes Jimmy is here because of Jey and Knight, not him. But Punk gets the passion, man. Jey wants to be world champion again, but that means getting behind line behind Punk. Though, Knight does have a point: Maybe Jey should focus on being a tag team. Because Punk loves Jey Uso. Punk doesn’t like “Lil’ Roman.” Punk drops the mic, Jey grabs at him, but Jimmy steps in now. The tension is rising, Jey cools off, but then he SUPER- NO, Jimmy stops Jey! Now the Usos argue!

Punk pushes Jimmy aside to DECK Jey! Jimmy is pissed now, so he SUPERKICKS Punk! The fans are all fired up as Jimmy helps Jey up, but Jimmy is still not happy it came to this. The Usos head out, will The Bloodline be back to their old ways sooner rather than later?

Iyo Sky speaks.

In English, she says, “Asuka, what’s happened between us isn’t Rhea’s fault, it’s yours. You broke my heart.” In Japanese, she continues, “I owed everything to you. Kairi and I are in the WWE because of you. We looked up to you like a big sister. I wanted to be just like you. But your jealousy and your disrespect changed everything. I always gave you credit for my career. You were one of the reasons I became champion. But you’re not the only reason I became a champion! I didn’t want to believe Rhea, but she was right. You only want what’s best for you. A real family member wouldn’t tell me who to be friends with. A real family member wouldn’t take credit for what I’ve done.

“We are not family anymore. But I’m starting to find out who is. And at Crown Jewel, you’ll find out that Asuka isn’t ready for Iyo.” The Genius is prepared mentally, but will she and Mami be ready physically to tear down the Kabuki Warriors?

Kairi Sane w/ Asuka VS Iyo Sky!

Well, speaking of being prepared mentally and physically, The Pirate Princess has been dragged along this entire time by the overbearing Empress of Tomorrow. Will she have no choice but to hurt her “sister?” Or will she continue to be the one that gets hurt?

Raw returns as Kairi makes her entrance, Asuka of course right behind her. The bell rings, Iyo runs up, and she DIVES onto Asuka! Iyo HAMMERS away on Asuka, Kairi hurries to fetch Iyo back into the ring, and fans chant, “Whoop Dat Trick!” in reference to Asuka! But Asuka tells Kairi to get in there and destroy Iyo! Kairi hurries back in, then she runs up on Iyo. Iyo ducks the uraken, blocks the lariat, then blocks a kick! Iyo spins Kairi, but Kairi stays back! She TACKLES Iyo, then HAMMERS away! Kairi bumps Iyo off buckles, then runs corner to corner. Iyo pops Kairi up and out to the apron, but Kairi RAMS Iyo back.

Kairi climbs up, up, and KABUKI- NO, Iyo gets out of the way. Things speed up, Iyo rolls over the dropdown, then Kairi dodges. Kairi goes up to RANA but Iyo handsprings through! The fans fire up as Iyo wags her finger. Kairi ducks a kick, shoves Iyo, then runs past her. Dropkicks cancel out, the two stand off, and the fans cheer. Asuka is upset, but Kairi and Iyo reset. Kairi hesitates, so Asuka shouts, “IKE! <GO!>” Kairi runs up, kicks low, then whips. Iyo ducks ‘n’ redirects Kairi, then handsprings! Kairi dodges, but Iyo SHOTGUNS her down! Kairi tumbles out, the fans fire up, and Iyo goes to the apron.

Iyo lines up as hot, ASAI MOONSAULT! Direct hit at the ramp and the fans fire up again! Asuka is further upset but Iyo stares her down as Raw goes to break.

Raw returns, Iyo has Iyo down, but Iyo fires forearms in return. Iyo fires body shots, but Kairi CLUBS her down. Kairi drags Iyo up, but Iyo RAMS Kairi into the corner. Iyo puts Kairi up top, then gets space so she can run up, only for Kairi to BOOT her! Kairi HANGING HEADSCISSORS! Asuka cheers, the fans are torn, and the ref counts. Kairi lets go at 4 and the fans bring out the fireflies. Kairi climbs up again, and she aims for a FLYING KABUKI FOREARM! Cover, TWO! Iyo is still in this and Asuka is upset again. Kairi keeps on Iyo with the ANKLE KCRAB! But Iyo rolls it back and pops free to DOUBLE STOMP!

The fans fire up while both women are down! Asuka rallies for Kairi but the fans cheer on Iyo. Iyo and Kairi rise, and Kairi swings! Iyo dodges to SHOTEI! And SHOTEI! And then she FLAPJACKS Kairi down! Kairi staggers up, takes a swing, but Iyo wrenches, kicks, and whips. Kairi reverses, Iyo goes up and out, then she ROCKS Kairi first! Iyo climbs up, the fans fire up, and Asuka shouts to Kairi! But it doesn’t matter, Iyo hits the MI SSILE DROPKICK! Iyo kips up and the fans go crazy for the crazy crazy taunt! Kairi is in a corner, Iyo gets the fans going more, and all aboard the SHIN- NO, Kairi dodges the double k nees!

Iyo hobbles, Kairi runs, but Iyo dodges! GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!! Kairi survives and Asuka panics, but Iyo drags Kairi up. Iyo underhooks, TIGER FACE- NO, Kairi lands out! SLIDING D! Cover, TWO! Iyo survives the turnaround but Kairi is right on her! Alabama Lift, ALABAMA SLAM! Iyo is in the drop zone, Kairi climbs up, and Asuka says this is the end! Kairi is reluctant, but she still aims and IN-SANE ELBOW into BOOTS! Iyo turns the tides again and Kairi is in a corner! SHINKANSEN! Iyo then puts Kairi in the drop zone, goes up, up, and- NO, Asuka gets on the apron! Iyo hops down to GAMANGIRI Asuka!

Iyo HAMMERS away on Asuka, but Kairi SLIDING D again! Japanese Leg Roll, and Asuka holds Kairi’s hands!! KAIRI WINS!

Winner: Kairi Sane, by pinfall

Asuka pulled the arms like she does the puppet strings, and now Asuka CLBOBERS Iyo! Asuka wants Kairi to add on, so Kairi URAKENS! Asuka then has the dragon sleeper! The fans chant for Rhea, but Rhea’s in Australia already for the press tour! Iyo is helpless for the IN-SANE DDT!! Asuka smiles as she hugs her Kairi, but will Kairi continue to do her bidding? Or can Rhea help Iyo get revenge this Saturday?

The Vision regroups backstage.

Seth Rollins continues to stare at the WrestleMania 40 watch while Becky Lynch paces, laughing as she borders on insanity. Maxxine? A win? Over Becky? The greatest woman’s wrestler of all time? Maxxine? A win?! That is the most crooked ref Becky’s seen in her entire life! First Indianapolis, and now Dallas! Becky laughs as her face turns redder, and she says how dare that ref count her out, as if Becky doesn’t know how to count! Becky says they don’t deserve her! She is not going to Perth now. She will go tell Pearce that she is NOT going to Perth, because she needs time to reevaluate. If this is how they’re going to treat her, they don’t deserve her!

Becky paces as she says until they get better refs, she’s not wrestling! Rollins then tells Heyman, “We should talk.” Heyman says, “Yessir.” Rollins says, “I have to win on Saturday.” Heyman says, “And you’re going to win this Saturday.” Rollins nods, then asks, “But what if I don’t?” “What if you don’t what?” “What if I don’t beat Cody Rhodes?” “But you will beat Cody Rhodes.” Rollins still asks what if he doesn’t. Heyman says it is an impossibility! But Rollins says Heyman is not hearing him: What if Rollins loses? What happens? Heyman frowns, but says if Rollins wants it straight…

If Rollins loses to Cody Rhodes, he loses the Raw locker room. He loses the faith of Bron & Bronson, and their faith that The Vision, Rollins’ vision, is what leads us into the future. Rollins throws away that they’ve built since WrestleMania, and the fact that the entire Netflix Era is built around Seth Freakin’ Rollins. Rollins becomes nothing more than a de facto wannabe secondary champion. So please, do yourself a favor, and don’t lose. Heyman goes to leave but Rollins grabs him by the arm. Rollins makes Heyman look at him, and brings up that he noticed Heyman left someone out of that equation there: Heyman himself.

So now, what happens to Heyman if Rollins loses. Heyman says he’s Rollins’ secret weapon. Cody is 3-0 against Rollins, that is a streak to be sure. Rollins tells Heyman to be serious. He asked Heyman a straight question, Heyman needs to give a straight answer. Heyman says if Rollins loses to Cody, at some point, Heyman has to ask himself, “Why? Why did I pick you?” Heyman has to ask himself why he picked Rollins over Roman Reigns. Now Heyman leaves, and Rollins has that much more motivation. Will this ensure Rollins finally and definitively defeats Cody Rhodes?

Roman and Jey regroup backstage.

Roman smiles as Jey goes on about the scrap with CM Punk. Jimmy walks over, Jey asks where he went. Why was he out there with Jey anyway? Jey was running the play, handling business, getting the World Heavyweight Championship, and now they’re in a tag match! Jimmy was out there protecting Punk! Is he trying to protect Punk? Jimmy better recognize which side he’s on tonight! Alright? Okay? Yeah, he’s on your side, Jey! Everyone knows that! But y’know what? Roman said he sees and hears everything? Well, so does Jimmy. And Jimmy sees what’s going on here. Roman is pulling strings, messing with Jey’s mind, making him think a certain way he doesn’t need to be thinking!

Jimmy wants Roman to accept this: Jimmy ain’t like Roman, and Jey is nothing like Roman. Roman nods and says, “I know you’re not hearing me right now, but you should listen to this. When your brother won that World Heavyweight Championship, he became more like me and less like you. And if you really wanna help your brother, sometimes, you just need to get out of his way.” Roman leaves, and Jimmy seethes. But can The Usos hold it together? Can #BigJim accept that his brother truly is #MainEventJey?

Six Man Tag: Dominik Mysterio, Finn Balor & JD McDonagh VS AJ Styles, Dragon Lee & PENTA!

Typical Dirty Dom, he ran his mouth and stuck his foot in it. But at the same time, he, the Prince and the Irish Ace are still golden this deep into the year. Will they prove it isn’t all just for show? Or will The Phenomenal One, The Boy Wonder, and the Man with Zero Fear all be holding golden tickets after tonight?

Raw returns, and Styles has a mic because he wants to talk about- Well, never mind, Judgment Day interrupt with their entrance. The trios sort out and the fans fire up as Styles starts against Finn. The two circle, feel things out, and tie up. Finn headlocks, he grinds Styles down, and the fans sing for “Dirty, Dirty Dom~!” Styles powers up, out,  drops down, hurdles over, and he DROPKICKS Finn down! JD jumps in, Styles dodges, and he feeds JD to Penta’s SUPERKICK! JD tumbles out of the ring hard, Dom runs up, but Styles ROCKS him! Then Styles helps Dragon get up to RANA Dom out! The fans fire up, and then Styles PLANCHAS onto Finn!

Penta PLANCHAS onto JD! Dragon flies out onto Dom! The fans fire up for all the aerial attacks as Styles and team regroup. And they do the Penta Swag! The fans cheer more, and join in with “CERO! MIEDO!” as Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Dragon tags Penta, then Penta tags Styles. Penta & Dragon whip JD to a corner, JUMP KICK, leg sweep, and Penta headstands while Dragon SUPERKICKS Finn down! DROPKICK for JD, then Styles adds the SLIDING FOREARM! Cover, TWO! JD toughs it out but Styles brings him around. Styles drags JD up, bumps him off buckles, and he tags Dragon back in. Dragon CHOPS JD, stalks him to the corner, then whips corner to corner. Dragon blocks a kick, puts it in the ropes, and DRAGON SCREWS the other leg! JD falls in a heap and the fans fire up! Dragon then runs corner to corner for the HYDRAULIC DROPKICK!

Dragon drags JD to a cover, TWO! JD is still in this but Dragon stomps him down. Dragon then goes up the corner, leaps, but JD DROPKICKS Dragon in return! Both men are down, JD crawls, hot tag to Dom! Dallas is thunderous as Dom fires off body shots! Dom whips, UPPERCUTS, and then covers Dragon, ONE!! Dom rains down fists, the fans cheer him on, and Dom flexes. Dom taunts Styles, stands Dragon up, then fires off body shots. Dom puts Dragon in a corner, whips corner to corner hard, then storms up on him. Dom drags Dragon up, gives some Latino Heat, and then snap suplexes! That’s Uno Amigo and Dom rises again.

Dom hits Dos Amigos! Then Dom brings Dragon up for more Latino Heat, and- CRADLE! TWO! Dom escapes, Dragon runs up, but Dom keeps him from his corner! Dom RAMS Dragon into a corner! Tag to JD, JD snapmares Dragon and tags Finn, slingshot STOMP! Tag back to Dom for the slingshot SENTON! Tag back to JD, ARABIAN PRESS SAULT! Cover, TWO! JD goes up so that Judgment Day can all soak up the heat. Dallas is a bit torn but Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Dom tunes out the taunts. Dom DECKS Styles with a sucker punch, then runs up on Dragon. Dragon slips through the lariat to LIGER BOMB! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Both men crawl, hot tags to JD and Penta! The fans fire up as Penta rallies on Judgment Day! RANA for JD! Then a mule kick and SLING-DOG for Dom! Penta then sees Finn coming! SOBAT! Victory roll with Dom to then LEAP and DOUBLE DDT Finn & JD! Dom scrambles away, but Styles is back! Styles tells Penta to watch out for JD, and Penta runs in! But into a STANDING SPANISH FLY!! Both men are down and the fans fire up!

Penta and JD crawl, the fans rally for Styles and Dom, and we get hot tags to Styles and Dom! The fans fire up again as Styles fires the Phenomenal Blitz on Dom! LARIAT! Dom flounders, Styles runs in, and Styles LARIATS! Then fireman’s carry, but Dom slips free! Styles switches, torture racks, and TOWER HACKER BOMBS!! High stack, JD breaks it! Dragon LARIATS JD up and out! Finn TOSSES Dragon! Penta TOSSES Finn! And Penta FLIES onto Finn! The fans fire up and Styles has Dom! Dom grabs ropes, the ref has Styles back off, and then Dom FLAPJACK HOTSHOTS Dom! Styles sputters, Dom runs up, DROPKICK!

Styles is on the ropes, Dom dials it up, but RUSEV IS HERE! Dom is afraid for his life so he tags out to JD and RUNS AWAY! But Rusev gets Dom first! But then Penta runs up! Dom ducks, the SUPERKICK hits Rusev! Penta isn’t bothered either way, but Dom is running away into the crowd! JD RAMS Styles, slingshots up and to sunset flip! But Styles rolls through, lift and tuck, STYLES CLASH!! Cover, Styles’ team wins!

Winners: AJ Styles, Dragon Lee & Penta, by pinfall

Now that was phenomenal! Styles doesn’t waste a moment, though, and grabs a mic! He hops onto the commentary desk and says, “Now that I’ve got a second to talk… This match at Crown Jewel between AJ Styles and John Cena… We don’t need a story, it writes itself. You got two men who will dance for the last time, and I will promise you this: We will leave it all in that ring! It will kick ass!” The fans cheer, and Styles salutes! Phenomenal AJ Styles, The GOAT that is John Cena, who proves they’re the best one last time?

LA Knight and CM Punk meet backstage.

Punk tells Knight, “You don’t want this match, I don’t want this match, this doesn’t get me closer to the title or Seth.” Knight says he gets that, they’ve both been here, and that’s fine. But they’re gonna do it cuz they gotta do it. So the only thing Knight asks of Punk is, “Don’t get pinned.” Punk sarcastically says, “Yeah.” Knight heads out first, but will either of them come out the winner? Or will they regret angering one of the best tag teams to ever do it?

The Usos VS CM Punk & LA Knight!

Raw returns as Jimmy & Jey are in the ring, the fans still bouncing in Dallas. Then Knight makes his entrance, almost immediately followed by CM Punk. The teams sort out and then it’s just a fight! The fans fire up as the hands fly, Punk after Jimmy and Knight after Jey! The fans fire up, Punk mocks the pop ‘n’ lock to UPPERCUT Jimmy! Punk stomps Jimmy out of the ring, Knight has Jey in a corner for stomps, and so Knight and Jey are starting. Knight whips Jey, Jey UPPERCUTS in return! Jey then storms up, but Knight JAWBREAKERS back! Knight puts Jey in the corner, stomps a mudhole, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” and he stops as the ref counts 4.

Knight goes corner to corner, then KNEES Jey down! A hard tag to Punk, and Punk storms into the ring. Punk brings Jey up to wrench and YANK the arm! And YANK! YANK! YANK! “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Punk then hard tags Knight back! Knight says okay, if that’s what they’re gonna do. Knight brings Jey up, wrenches the arm, but Jey ROCKS Knight! “YEET!” Tag to Jimmy, but Knight HIP TOSSES him down! “YEAH!” Knight brings Jimmy up, ROCKS him, “YEAH!” But then Jimmy CHOPS! Jimmy reels Knight in, suplexes, but Knight lands out to NECKBREAKER! Knight then hurries to whip, but Jimmy reverses.

Knight grabs ropes to stop himself, and he BOOTS Jimmy away, only for Jimmy to distract the ref and let Jey sucker punch Knight! Punk protests but that’s the savvy of the Usos. Jimmy tags Jey, Jey drags Knight out of the ring, and Jey ROCKS Knight! Knight staggers away, but Jey whips him hard into steel steps! Knight writhes, Punk protests more, but Raw goes to break.

Raw returns yet again, and Jey keeps Knight away from Punk. Jey THROWS Knight down, then huffs and puffs. Jey storms up and he tags Jimmy in. The Usos stand Knight up, Jey RAMS him, then Jimmy runs up to forearm SMASH! Jey shoves Knight down, the ref counts and Jey steps outside. Jimmy drags Knight back over, tags Jey back in, and then Jimmy scoops Knight. Jey goes up, the Usos hit the BACKBREAKER AX HANDLE COMBO! The fans cheer the Usos on, and Jey raises the one to the sky. Punk tries to rally fans for Knight, but Jey says he’ll smack Punk one. HIP ATTACK for Knight! Then he sees Knight go to another corner.

Jey runs up again, but Knight dodges! Hip attack hits buckles and Knight hits the JUMP NECKBREAKER! Both men are down, the fans fire up, and the two hot tag Punk and Jimmy! Punk rallies on #BigJim, LARIAT after LARIAT, and Jimmy checks his teeth. Punk whips to CALF KICK! Punk taunts Jimmy with his own necklace, then runs up to SHINING WIZARD! And short arm LARIAT! The fans fire up and Punk climbs a corner. Punk aims to “YEET” and MACHO ELBOW! Punk throws off his new Punk merch shirt, and he says night-night! Jimmy staggers up into the fireman’s carry! But Jimmy slips free!

Jimmy SUPERKICKS Punk down, tags Jey, and Jey’s right up top! USO SPLASH!! Cover, KNIGHT BREAKS IT! “YEAH!” Knight blocks a kick, kicks Jimmy, but Jimmy shoves Knight away, into Jey! Jey falls, Jimmy runs up, but into a B F T!! Jey SUPERKICKS Knight! But Punk rolls Jey! TWO, and Punk hurries, but Jey dodges! SPEAR!! Jey hurries to put Punk in place, then he climbs back up! But then Knight is back up, so Jey hops down to DECK him! Punk fireman’s carries! GO TO SLEEP!! Jey falls, Knight tags in! Knight snipes the cover, LA & CM win!

Winners: LA Knight & CM Punk, by pinfall

Punk is stunned, but a win is a win! As great as the Usos are, they weren’t 100% focused, and The Mega Star makes the most of it! Will Knight solidify his spot as THE #1 contender to the World Heavyweight Championship?

My Thoughts:

A great Raw here as the first go-home to Crown Jewel, SmackDown being the other. Great stuff in all the Vision and “Bloodline 2025” stories tonight, especially as they interplay both directly and indirectly. Roman had a very good opening promo with Heyman and Bronson, great news that we’re getting an Australian Street Fight, which is really just going to be a Street Fight in Australia. Other than when Chris Jericho brought items that related to the town/city, when has a “[Somewhere] Street Fight” been any different from just a generic one? But that aside, Roman and Bronson are going to do great stuff, and this could probably go either way.

Great drama and dysfunction dynamics with Roman and the Usos again, and a great promo from Punk, Knight, Jey and then the brawl that set up the main event. Granted, that’s another of the pet peeve I’ve got right now. They gotta come into a show with a main event already announced, it continues to make main roster look like they just have half the show booked. But hey, Punk & Knight VS Usos was a great main event, and Knight sniping the win was great stuff. Punk said he wants to finish the year facing Rollins, so he already kinda set himself up for facing Rollins for the title in December, probably the 29th, literally the last Raw of 2025.

Likewise, great stuff with Rollins, Heyman and Becky backstage. Great match of Becky VS Maxxine, and while Maxxine took a second to warm up, she looked amazing by the end. Plus, Becky getting cocky and losing to Maxxine by count out was a brilliant bit of work, and Becky losing her mind over it was good stuff. Heyman getting brutally honest with Rollins was great stuff, too, and it really should motivate Rollins for the match with Cody. Still hard to say how each of the Crown Jewel Championship matches will go, because I just don’t see Vaquer losing to Tiffany, yet Heyman really put it forward that Rollins can’t lose, either.

Another great week from the Bayley story, though she wasn’t quite as erratic as usual. Great match of Lyra VS Roxie, and as it looks right now, Bayley is figuring out how to use Ding Dong Bayley and Hugger Bayley in the right situations. Them brawling backstage was also great, and that’s clearly going to be a big tag match now. The only thing I can think of is Bayley’s rage getting the better of her and as she’s going “too far,” Lyra will need to pull her back and that gets Lyra hit. Judgment Day can win this match so that they can go on to the tag titles while we focus on Lyra and Bayley working through Bayley’s mental and emotional struggle.

Good stuff with the rest of Judgment Day, too. Dom, Finn & JD interrupting Styles wanting to talk about John Cena twice comes back to bite them because of Rusev for one, and then just great teamwork from Styles, Dragon & Penta. Great win for Styles’ team, and good, quick promo to hype Styles VS Cena, One Last Time. Styles might be right, because if Cena can bust out a lot for SummerSlam and Cody, and for Clash In Paris with Logan, Cena and Styles could put on one last instant classic here. Then there’s great stuff with how Dragon Lee is after the AAA Mega Championship and Penta is after the WWE Intercontinental Championship, Dom might have to choose which means more to him, while also running from Rusev just so he can live.

And great stuff with the Kabuki Warriors story tonight. Very good promo from Iyo, and really powerful emotional moment when Asuka SLAPPED Kairi. Kairi VS Iyo was great stuff, and with Asuka’s help, Kairi of course won. But given how Asuka is treating Kairi, I wouldn’t be surprised if the pivotal moment in the tag match is Kairi standing up for herself and ditching Asuka, allowing Iyo & Rhea to win. In the end, that probably depends on the plans for the Women’s World Championship and the tag titles, but it just makes sense story wise if Asuka gets her comeuppance here.

My Score: 8.8/10