WWE Raw Review (June 2, 2025)
CM Punk kicked off the segment to a thunderous ovation, with loud chants echoing his name throughout the arena. Punk soaked it in before reminding the crowd that it’s summertime — and that means it’s Money in the Bank season. To earn a cheap pop, he name-dropped the OKC Thunder, prompting a loud “OKC” chant, while Pat McAfee countered by backing his Indiana Pacers.
Punk proudly recalled that he’s a two-time Money in the Bank winner — and successfully cashed in both times. Now, he’s aiming for a historic third, declaring this the “Summer of Punk” and saying it’s time to wear gold once again. He told his friend Jey Uso that his intentions aren’t personal — just business. But when it comes to John Cena, the second name atop the mountain, things are personal. Punk called Cena “public enemy number one” for selling out to “a bald goof,” and reminded everyone he’s always had Cena’s number. “I’m coming to pick the bones, you little bitch,” Punk said sharply. His focus: becoming champion one more time.
Sami Zayn Joins the Conversation
Sami Zayn interrupted to a warm crowd reaction, with fans singing along to his theme — Punk even joined in. Some chants of “We Want Truth” could be heard, but they were faint. Punk didn’t mind Zayn’s interruption and even complimented his theme.
Zayn took a serious tone, saying this was the first time he’d heard Punk speak so clearly about chasing the World Title again. Zayn admitted he once had the same goal — but the path of Money in the Bank had been blocked for him thanks to the likes of Rollins, Breakker, Reed, and Heyman. He told Punk that he has to win tonight. That the stakes have never been higher.
Zayn insisted Punk ignore Reed and Breakker — he and Jey Uso would handle them. Punk pledged his support. But Zayn warned him: Seth Rollins is thinking about him. Punk responded with confidence, claiming Rollins has never beaten him (though fans might recall WrestleMania 41 said otherwise).
Zayn made it clear — if Rollins wins the briefcase, it’s game over. Things will spiral into something they both won’t like. That’s why Zayn — and the fans — need Punk to win. And if Punk does win, and becomes champion, Zayn said they’ll have a very different kind of conversation in the ring down the line. Punk agreed and said he looked forward to it. The two men shook hands in a show of mutual respect.
Analysis: This was a compelling segment that effectively highlighted the stakes. Sami Zayn delivered a passionate, motivational speech that reinforced the importance of Punk winning Money in the Bank — not just for himself, but to stop Seth Rollins from regaining power.
Backstage, Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez were in conversation when NXT star Roxanne Perez approached, offering her support. Liv quickly shut her down, making it clear she didn’t need any help. With that, she headed off toward her match.
On her way, Liv ran into Women’s World Champion Iyo Sky. Wasting no time, Liv took a verbal jab, saying Kairi Sane got lucky last week. She then declared her intentions to win the Money in the Bank contract — and promised to cash it in on Iyo. The champion didn’t flinch, calmly replying, “That’s not going to happen.”
Liv Morgan then made her entrance for the Women’s Money in the Bank qualifying match. After a commercial break, her opponent Ivy Nile made her entrance.
Stephanie Vaquer Makes Her Raw Debut
Stephanie Vaquer made her entrance for her first match as an official member of the Raw roster. Her move to Monday nights was confirmed last Friday, just three days after she dropped the NXT Women’s Championship.
Women’s Money in the Bank Qualifier: Liv Morgan vs. Ivy Nile vs. Stephanie Vaquer
Stephanie Vaquer made an immediate impact, landing a headbutt and crossbody on both opponents. Liv Morgan responded with a kick to Nile, but Vaquer countered by hitting a belly-to-back suplex. She followed up with her signature Devil’s Kiss knee strike on Morgan, earning a big reaction from the crowd.
Vaquer maintained control with another belly-to-back suplex on Nile, setting up for a second Devil’s Kiss, but Liv cut her off with a sharp dropkick. Morgan then delivered a pair of suplexes to Vaquer and a third that sent Vaquer crashing onto Nile. She followed that up with running splashes to both women in the corners.
Vaquer regained momentum with a Meteora double knee attack, but Nile stunned the crowd with a double German suplex on both opponents. As the match continued through a commercial break, chants of “We Want Truth” echoed through the arena. Vaquer attempted a 619, but Morgan blocked it.
Nile locked in a kneebar on Vaquer, only for Liv to break it up with a backstabber to Nile. Morgan delivered two more suplexes to Vaquer, but was then caught in a double delayed vertical suplex by Vaquer and Nile. Another “We Want Truth” chant broke out before Vaquer nearly stole the win with a roll-up on Nile for a close two-count.
The action rolled on as Stephanie Vaquer delivered a Meteora to Liv Morgan and followed it up with a dragon screw leg whip on Ivy Nile. Vaquer and Morgan traded stiff strikes until Vaquer landed a sharp jumping kick to the side of Liv’s head. She climbed the turnbuckle to pursue Morgan, but Nile intervened, leading to a Tower of Doom spot — a combination suplex/powerbomb out of the corner. Nile covered Vaquer but only got a two-count.
Nile and Vaquer then traded rapid pin attempts, each scoring near-falls. Liv re-entered the fray with a top-rope double Codebreaker, earning two counts on both opponents. Morgan attempted the Oblivion, but Nile countered. Vaquer capitalised with a kick that sent Nile crashing to the outside. Liv hit another Codebreaker on Vaquer, followed by a successful Oblivion.
Just as Morgan went for the pin, Nile slid back in and nearly stole the win, but Liv broke it up. Nile then tossed Morgan into the steel steps outside. Back in the ring, Vaquer caught Nile off guard and nailed the SVB finisher for the decisive pinfall.
Winner (via pinfall): Stephanie Vaquer
Analysis: The match featured some strong spots throughout, and Ivy Nile impressed by picking up a few near-falls — more than I initially expected from her. Liv Morgan also had several close calls and looked like a real threat at times. In the end, Stephanie Vaquer getting the win felt like the expected outcome. Overall, the match was well-paced and delivered solid action. 7.5/10
AJ Styles Confronted by Paul Heyman Backstage
AJ Styles was shown backstage preparing for his upcoming match when Paul Heyman, the “Wise Man,” approached him. Styles immediately rejected a handshake, keeping his guard up. Heyman casually wished him a happy birthday before shifting gears, suggesting that the Intercontinental Championship deserves a “phenomenal” champion like Styles.
Heyman then brought up Money in the Bank, hinting at its complexities and distractions. He advised Styles to stay focused on the Intercontinental Title and leave the Money in the Bank chaos to Seth Rollins. Styles wasn’t buying it. He questioned whether Heyman was finally getting tired of chasing after his “meal ticket.”
Styles told Heyman he’s focused on reclaiming the IC Title and dealing with Dirty Dom, but made it clear — he doesn’t respond well to manipulation. He saw through Heyman’s words and called them what they were: a threat. Styles warned that if anyone tries to push him aside, he’ll push back harder.
Before walking away, Styles told Heyman to let Rollins know he’s well aware of the game being played — and reminded him, “Everybody’s got a plan until they get punched in the mouth.” He slapped Heyman on the back and exited.
Analysis: This was vintage Paul Heyman — stirring the pot and trying to sow seeds of division. Styles, however, wasn’t having it and made sure Heyman knew he’s not someone to be manipulated.
Rusev Sends a Warning to Sheamus; Sheamus Fires Back
In a pre-taped video package, Rusev reflected on his fractured friendship with Sheamus. He said that when he needed Sheamus in the past, the Celtic Warrior wasn’t there for him. Rusev praised Sheamus’ physical toughness, calling his body “granite” — but said he had a “neck of sand.” Despite the tension, Rusev acknowledged Sheamus as a true legend, before ominously stating it would be his honour to take him off the battlefield. His message was clear: Sheamus better step aside.
Meanwhile backstage, Sheamus was shown in a lighter moment chatting with Akira Tozawa, Natalya, and Maxxine Dupri. He praised them for showing real heart, and Natalya noted she’d been impressed with Dupri’s recent progress. Sheamus encouraged Tozawa, shaking his hand before the two parted ways.
Moments later, Cathy Kelley interviewed Sheamus. He admitted that Rusev had once been a close friend — someone who even attended his wedding. But now, he said, someone needs to keep Rusev in check before he crosses the line. Looking directly into the camera, Sheamus delivered a powerful statement: “I bully bullies.”
Analysis: This segment did a great job setting the stage for a Sheamus vs. Rusev showdown. With real emotion and history behind it, this match has the potential to be an absolute banger.
The War Raiders (Erik & Ivar) vs. The Judgment Day (Finn Balor & JD McDonagh)
Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods of The New Day joined commentary, proudly displaying their World Tag Team Championships as the match got underway.
Judgment Day started strong, with Finn Balor and JD McDonagh using quick tags to isolate Erik. However, JD missed a splash in the corner, allowing Erik to tag in Ivar, who came in with a burst of power — delivering a back body drop and sidewalk slam. Ivar knocked Balor off the apron and then launched JD over the top rope. On the outside, Ivar slammed Balor onto JD and followed that by body-slamming Erik onto JD for good measure.
Things took a comedic turn when Ivar teased throwing JD at The New Day, causing Xavier Woods to fall out of his chair. Although The New Day hadn’t interfered, their involvement was enough for referee Jessika Carr to eject them from ringside for attempting to get involved. A commercial break followed with Judgment Day regaining control and isolating Ivar.
Back from the break, Balor and JD kept the pressure on Ivar with rapid tags and a series of strikes. JD landed several kicks, but Ivar powered through and responded with a spinning sidewalk slam. Erik re-entered the match with hard-hitting offense: punches, suplexes, and a pop-up headbutt on Balor. He followed it with a running knee strike that earned a two-count.
Momentum swung back and forth. Balor landed a reverse DDT on Ivar for two, JD hit a moonsault on Erik after knocking him off the apron, and Balor dropkicked Ivar into the turnbuckle. Balor went for the Coup de Grace, but Ivar dodged it and delivered a senton splash. He then hit a spin kick on JD and a running splash on Balor.
Ivar climbed the ropes to finish the job, but Roxanne Perez appeared at ringside and caused a distraction. That gave JD the opening to send Ivar face-first into the ring post. Balor took advantage, hitting the Coup de Grace to secure the pinfall win after roughly 10 minutes of action.
Winners via pinfall: The Judgment Day (Finn Balor & JD McDonagh)
Analysis: A solid tag match with a chaotic finish. The Judgment Day picked up the win thanks to interference from Roxanne Perez, playing into the ongoing storyline of her potential alliance with the group. Balor’s call for help clearly paid off here. Meanwhile, The War Raiders continue to lose steam following their WrestleMania title loss, struggling to regain momentum in recent weeks. 7/10
Stephanie Vaquer Backstage Interview Interrupted by Rhea Ripley
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviewed Stephanie Vaquer following her big win. Kelley accidentally said Vaquer was heading to WrestleMania, but quickly corrected herself, clarifying that she meant Money in the Bank. Vaquer smiled and said she was thrilled to be competing at the event.
Just then, Rhea Ripley walked into frame, prompting Kelley to step aside. Ripley wished Vaquer good luck at Money in the Bank and extended her hand. Vaquer shook it, marking a moment of mutual respect between the two.
We Hear from Lyra Valkyria and Becky Lynch
Women’s Intercontinental Champion Lyra Valkyria took to the ring and called out Becky Lynch, wanting to speak her mind face-to-face. Moments later, “The Man” made her entrance to a strong reaction from the crowd.
Lyra admitted she’s changed since their feud began, saying she had to tap into her anger to evolve. She didn’t hold back, telling Lynch that no one had ever hurt her the way Becky did. Lyra reminded her that she’s already beaten Lynch twice and vowed to do it again at Money in the Bank — only this time, she plans to beat the crap out of her and make sure Becky never taints the meaning of being Women’s Intercontinental Champion.
Lynch, in typical icy confidence, responded by saying she believes Lyra simply wanted an excuse to hate her. According to Becky, Lyra doesn’t want to face her — she wants to replace her. But Becky made it clear: no one can replace “The Man.” She insisted she never intended to hurt Lyra, only to make her stronger. And in a final jab, Becky said what will truly hurt is when she has to raise Lyra’s hand after their match.
As Lynch turned to leave, Lyra smirked and called her out on her “big words,” telling Tulsa they deserved a little preview. Lynch dismissed the idea, saying she doesn’t fight in Tulsa — she’ll see Lyra in Los Angeles at Money in the Bank. That didn’t stop Lyra from charging up the aisle. The two brawled briefly, exchanging punches before referees rushed in to break it up.
Analysis:
Lyra showed solid fire here and is clearly growing more comfortable in this spotlight. Becky’s presence continues to elevate this rivalry, and while her promos follow familiar heel patterns — accusing Lyra of wanting to be her — the dynamic works. The brief physicality was a good tease ahead of what should be a heated match in LA.
Jey Uso & Sami Zayn vs. Bron Breakker & Bronson Reed (w/ Paul Heyman)
The crowd was buzzing as World Heavyweight Champion Jey Uso and Sami Zayn made their entrance from the back of the arena. Jey’s signature “Yeet” routine with the fans took its time, drawing huge cheers and continuing through a commercial break for some viewers.
Once the bell rang, the early moments saw the dominant duo of Breakker and Reed isolating Jey and wearing him down. After absorbing some punishment, Jey fought back with a jawbreaker and tagged in Zayn. Sami unloaded with punches on Breakker in the corner, but when he leapt toward him, Breakker caught him mid-air and planted him with a powerslam for a near-fall.
Reed tagged back in and lit up Zayn’s chest with a thunderous chop. Jey re-entered the match and fired up the crowd with a flurry of punches to Breakker. He sent Bron to the apron and rocked him with a jumping enzuigiri, but when Jey tried to follow up, Breakker dodged and landed a running double knee for a two-count.
Jey countered the momentum with a superkick and locked in a sleeper hold on Breakker, only for Reed to break it up. Zayn attacked Reed, but was crushed with a corner splash. Zayn recovered and managed to send Breakker out of the ring. He attempted a high-risk crossbody onto both opponents, but they caught him — until Jey followed up with a suicide dive that took out all three men.
Just as momentum seemed to shift, Seth Rollins stormed down and hit The Stomp on Jey, causing a disqualification after roughly 10 minutes.
Winners via Disqualification: Jey Uso & Sami Zayn
Analysis:
The match was shaping up to be solid until Seth Rollins interfered, costing Jey and Sami the win. The DQ finish made sense, protecting Breakker and Reed from a loss while continuing the brewing chaos surrounding Rollins. 7/10
After the match, Rollins ordered his allies to continue the beatdown on Zayn. Reed teased a top-rope splash through the announce table, but before he could deliver, CM Punk ran in wielding a steel chair. Punk swung wildly, connecting with Reed and even throwing the chair at him. Rollins quickly bailed from the ring, shouting to Breakker that they know exactly where Punk will be later tonight — implying plans for another ambush.
Analysis:
This tease adds more intrigue to Punk’s later match and sets up potential interference from Rollins and company.
Inside the Judgment Day clubhouse, Liv Morgan was visibly frustrated and confronted Finn Balor about Roxanne Perez interfering earlier. Balor brushed it off as nothing, but Morgan wasn’t convinced. She made it clear that she didn’t want Perez anywhere near ringside during Raquel Rodriguez’s upcoming match.
Once Raquel and Liv exited, Dominik Mysterio had a word with Balor about last week’s misstep. Balor reassured Dom, saying it was “water under the bridge.”
Raquel Rodriguez (w/ Liv Morgan) vs. Kairi Sane
This match took place during the commercial break for some viewers, so the early moments were missed. When coverage resumed, Kairi Sane was in control, targeting Raquel’s leg with a dropkick and connecting with a Blockbuster followed by a running forearm.
Liv Morgan tried to get involved by stepping onto the apron, drawing Sane’s attention. Just then, Women’s World Champion Iyo Sky made her entrance to stop Morgan’s interference. Raquel tried to reach for Sky, but Sane capitalized with a well-placed kick that sent Raquel into the ring post. Sane then climbed to the top and delivered a picture-perfect Insane Elbow for the win.
Winner via Pinfall: Kairi Sane
Analysis:
A significant win for Kairi Sane, aided by Iyo Sky’s timely support. The post-match setup hints at a future tag team clash between Sane & Sky and the duo of Morgan & Rodriguez. 6.5/10
Gunther Warns Jey Uso
In the locker room, Jey Uso came face-to-face with Intercontinental Champion Gunther. The “Ring General” told Jey that while he respects his desire to be a great champion, his biggest flaw is leading with emotion instead of strategy. Gunther noted that Jey isn’t at 100% just a week before their title match and questioned why he’s competing in a tag match so close to their clash — especially if it’s just to help Cody Rhodes.
Gunther said it’s only making his job easier and promised that in one week, “the party is over.” Jey responded with a simple, pointed “Tap,” before walking off.
Analysis:
Gunther delivered some sharp, logical points here, highlighting Jey’s emotional decisions and sold the title match on Raw next week really well.
Main Event: Men’s Money in the Bank Qualifier
CM Punk vs. AJ Styles vs. El Grande Americano
Entrances took place during the break for some viewers, with AJ Styles and El Grande Americano entering first. CM Punk received a thunderous reaction as he made his entrance after the commercial.
On commentary, Michael Cole insisted El Grande Americano was clearly Chad Gable, while Pat McAfee continued to deny it, playing up the comedic back-and-forth. Early on, Styles attempted a springboard clothesline, but Grande cut him off. Punk tried to unmask Grande but was stopped. Grande hit a dive off the apron onto Punk, then threw Styles across the commentary table.
Inside the ring, Punk and Grande exchanged strikes before Grande focused on Punk’s left knee, landing a dragon screw and multiple knee drops. Grande knocked Styles off the apron and tried to suplex Punk from the top rope, but Punk fought back.
Styles returned with a huge belly-to-back suplex on Grande from the apron to the mat, followed by Punk delivering an elbow drop. A spinning neckbreaker by Punk on Grande kept the pace high, but Grande came back with an impressive German Suplex on Styles, who sold it with a moonsault-like bump.
Fans chanted “He’s Chad Gable / No He’s Not” as the mystery man climbed the ropes. Punk caught him mid-air, and Styles took advantage with a combo DDT — hitting a reverse DDT on Punk and a front DDT on Grande for a pair of two-counts. The “We Want Truth” chants returned once again.
Grande applied the Ankle Lock on Styles, who eventually escaped. Punk went for the GTS, but Grande reversed into an Ankle Lock on him. Punk rolled through, setting up a Styles Clash from AJ on Grande — broken up by Punk. Punk then landed a neckbreaker on Styles, but Grande broke that pin too.
Punk placed Grande on the top rope, only for Styles to interrupt. He tried for the Styles Clash, but Punk countered with a jackknife pin attempt. Grande hit a top-rope moonsault on Styles, then went for another, but Punk rolled out of the way and hit the GTS. Just as Punk went for the pin, Bron Breakker pulled him out of the ring to break it up.
Moments later, Bronson Reed appeared at ringside. Zayn and Jey ran down to even the odds, sparking a chaotic brawl. Styles appeared to tweak his knee during the melee but recovered to hit a springboard crossbody onto the pile of bodies outside.
Back in the ring, Styles went for the Phenomenal Forearm, but Grande countered with a headbutt mid-air and pinned him for the surprise victory after 14 minutes.
Winner via pinfall: El Grande Americano
Analysis:
A thrilling triple threat match filled with pace, creativity, and drama. El Grande Americano picked up another big win — and that headbutt continues to be a game-changer. 8.5/10
Post-Match Chaos: Seth’s Dominance Continues
After the match, El Grande Americano left quietly through the crowd. Meanwhile, Seth Rollins charged to ringside to brawl with CM Punk. Punk was moments away from landing a GTS when Bron Breakker intervened with a devastating Spear.
Sami Zayn joined the fight but was quickly overwhelmed. Rollins’ group stood tall again as Reed crushed Zayn with a Tsunami, and then followed up with two brutal Tsunamis on Jey Uso.
Rollins finished the assault with The Stomp on both Punk and Zayn before posing confidently alongside his allies in the ring to close the show.
Analysis:
A strong finish to the show, with Rollins and company reasserting their dominance. After being forced to retreat last week, this beatdown restores their threat level. It also hints that Punk and/or Zayn may return the favour by costing Rollins at Money in the Bank or a returning OTC — which could be how he’s denied the briefcase.
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