We kick things off with WWE’s signature opener: “Then. Now. Forever. Together.” A sweeping overhead view of Dallas, Texas, introduces the 27th edition of Monday Night Raw hosted in this city.
Arrivals and Surprises
Seth “Freakin” Rollins arrives in a bold outfit, while his opponent, Drew McIntyre, also makes his way to the arena. CM Punk, fresh off declaring for the Royal Rumble, is confirmed to be in the building. Later tonight, Penta faces Pete Dunne, promising an exciting bout.
Rhea Ripley’s arrival is marred by an ambush from Nia Jax, who viciously attacks the Women’s World Champion backstage. WWE officials and Raw GM Adam Pearce intervene to diffuse the situation. Meanwhile, commentators Michael Cole and Wade Barrett discuss the fallout, with Pat McAfee absent for the night.
Jey Uso and Gunther Trade Words
“Main Event” Jey Uso enters through the crowd, electrifying the American Airlines Arena. He prepares for his World Heavyweight Championship match against Gunther at Saturday Night’s Main Event. Uso passionately declares he’ll bring home the title, but Gunther counters with sharp words, doubting Uso’s abilities and dismissing him as a mascot. A brawl ensues, leaving the crowd chanting “YEET” as Uso gains the upper hand momentarily.
Jey Uso vs. Gunther (image via Getty)Backstage Tensions
The New Day confronts JBL backstage, enlisting his support for their issues with Rey Mysterio. However, tensions rise when JBL’s remarks strike a nerve. In the arena, Rey Mysterio battles Kofi Kingston, overcoming interference from Xavier Woods to secure a hard-fought victory. Post-match, The New Day attacks Mysterio, only to be chased off by members of LWO, further intensifying their feud.
Promos and Announcements
Bayley announces her official return to Raw and declares her entry into the 2025 Women’s Royal Rumble. A tense encounter with Nia Jax teases future conflicts. Sami Zayn later addresses the WWE Universe, reflecting on his journey and declaring his entry into the Royal Rumble. Zayn passionately states his desire for the World Championship, drawing cheers from the crowd.
Kevin Owens interrupts, offering heartfelt support while reminding Zayn of their shared history. Owens envisions them headlining WrestleMania for the WWE Championship. Zayn, visibly conflicted, remains silent as Owens departs.
Sheamus and Breakker’s Heated Exchange
Sheamus vows to claim the Intercontinental Championship from Bron Breakker, completing his career’s ultimate goal. Breakker interrupts, confidently dismissing Sheamus and issuing a warning. The confrontation escalates with a shove, setting the stage for their clash.
Key Highlights
- The rivalry between Jey Uso and Gunther heats up with a fiery promo and a physical altercation.
- The New Day’s heel turn deepens as they antagonize Rey Mysterio and the LWO.
- Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens deliver emotional promos, hinting at a potential WrestleMania showdown.
- Tensions between Sheamus and Bron Breakker promise a high-stakes Intercontinental Championship match.
Backstage Segment
Bayley is shown walking backstage, ready for her match. Nia Jax, her opponent, is also preparing for battle. Their clash is next.
-Commercial Break-
A tribute is displayed in memory of WWE Hall of Famer Bob Uecker (1934–2025).
Replay
Nia Jax’s earlier attack on Women’s World Champion Rhea Ripley as she arrived at the American Airlines Arena is revisited.
Roxanne Perez from NXT is shown in the audience.
Nia Jax vs. Bayley (image via Getty)Referee: Danilo Anfibio
The bell rings, and Bayley quickly evades Jax’s opening charge. Bayley attacks aggressively, cornering Jax with punches. Jax counters with a powerbomb attempt, but Bayley transitions into a DDT for a two-count. Bayley presses her advantage with punches, but Jax retaliates with a headbutt for a one-count.
Jax dominates with choking tactics, but Bayley dodges an elbow drop, countering with a back suplex for another near fall. Jax fights back, delivering a uranage. She heads to the ropes for an Annihilator but is thwarted by Bayley, who sends her crashing to the floor. Bayley executes a suicide dive and taunts Roxanne Perez at ringside. Perez attempts to retaliate but is stopped by security as Bayley mocks her.
-Commercial Break-
Returning from the break, Jax is targeting Bayley’s arm, which was injured during SmackDown. Bayley counters with a dive, landing a sunset flip bomb into the ring post that stuns Jax. Jax barely beats the referee’s ten-count. Bayley continues her assault, hitting a getting elbow drop and nearly securing victory multiple times.
Bayley tries for her Rose Plant finisher, but Jax counters with a shoulder-breaker and a crushing hip attack. Jax capitalizes on the momentum, hitting a Samoan Drop and senton splash before delivering her Annihilator for the win.
Winner by Pinfall: Nia Jax
Rhea Ripley storms the ring after the match, initiating a brawl with Jax. The fight spills outside, with Ripley hitting a cannonball dive off the announce table onto Jax and security officials. Ripley challenges Jax to a match at Saturday Night’s Main Event.
Replay
Damian Priest’s brutal Street Fight victory over Finn Bálor on Raw is highlighted, showcasing Priest’s balcony dive.
Judgment Day Clubhouse
Chad Gable requests help from Dominik Mysterio, who hands him instructions for lucha libre techniques. JD McDonagh, Liv Morgan, and Mysterio discuss their plans, teasing internal conflicts.
Video Segment
Women’s Intercontinental Champion Lyra Valkyria declares she’ll defend her title against anyone.
Coming up: Penta vs. Pete Dunne.
-Commercial Break-
A video tribute celebrates Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy.
Pete Dunne vs. Penta
Referee: Eddie Orengo
Dunne and Penta exchange strike early on, with Dunne targeting Penta’s fingers and arm. Penta retaliates with a Death Valley Driver and a Mexican Destroyer, forcing Dunne to recover outside.
Pete Dunne vs. Penta (image via Getty)-Commercial Break-
After the break, Dunne is on offense, but Penta counters with a powerbomb backbreaker and a Sacrifice arm-breaker. Penta finishes with a Penta Driver for the win.
Winner by Pinfall: Penta
Video Promo
Logan Paul declares his dominance and promises to become WWE’s greatest, announcing his Raw debut next Monday.
Arena Concourse
CM Punk interacts with fans before entering the arena for an interview with Jackie Redmond. Punk vows to win the Royal Rumble, mocking his competitors, including Roman Reigns and John Cena.
Backstage Segment
Drew McIntyre prepares for his match against Seth Rollins.
-Commercial Break-
Tag Team Match: Pure Fusion Collective vs. Damage CTRL
Referee: Daphanie LaShaunn
Damage CTRL triumphs in a fast-paced bout with IYO SKY pinning Shayna Baszler after an Over the Moonsault.
Main Event: Seth “Freakin” Rollins vs. Drew McIntyre
Referee: Rod Zapata
The match begins with a tense exchange of strikes and counters. Rollins takes control with aerial moves, but McIntyre fights back with his power. Both men endure grueling offenses, trading near falls.
-Commercial Break-
Returning, McIntyre and Rollins engage in a back-and-forth battle. McIntyre survives a crossface and counters with a Future surprise DDT, but Rollins kicks out. The intense action culminates with a cliffhanger as both wrestlers push their limits.