WWE Raw results (5/5): Powell’s live review of Seth Rollins, Bron Breakker, and Paul Heyman’s message to fans, Women’s World Champion Iyo Sky vs. Roxanne Perez in a non-title match, Rusev vs. Otis, Penta vs. JD McDonagh

By Jason Powell, ProWrestling.net Editor (@prowrestlingnet)

WWE Raw (Episode 1,667)
Omaha, Nebraska at CHI Health Center
Streamed live May 5, 2025, on Netflix

[Hour One] Raw opened with a video package that recapped segments from last week involving Seth Rollins, Bron Breakker, and Paul Heyman, and their issues with Sami Zayn…

Michael Cole checked in on commentary and was joined by Pat McAfee. Cole narrated backstage shots of Women’s World Champion Iyo Sky, Roxanne Perez, “Alpha Academy” Otis, Maxxine Durpri, and Akira Tozawa, Rusev, and Gunther…

A group of fans were showing “yeeting.” The camera pulled back to show World Heavyweight Champion Jey Uso standing with the fans. Jey made his entrance through the crowd. Jey stopped and pumped his arms with a young fan before heading down the steps to the ring.

Cole listed the attendance as 11,558. The fans chanted “one more time.” Jey obliged by signaling for his music to play, and then he went to the middle rope and pumped his arms. Jey said he knew Logan Paul was in the building. “Where you at?” Jey asked about Paul. However, a different Paul said, “Ladies and gentlemen…”

Paul Heyman introduced himself as he walked to the ring. Heyman entered the ring and said he wanted to say something to Jey, who responded by saying that Heyman had a lot of balls for entering the ring after what he did to his family. Jey said he saw past Heyman since day one, and warned Roman Reigns and CM Punk about him.

Heyman said Jey should have warned him about Reigns and Punk. Heyman barked at the crowd to keep their boos to themselves. A “CM Punk” chant broke out as Heyman spoke about him. Heyman mocked the chants. Heyman said the fans chant Punk’s name because they don’t know what’s in his dark heart.

Heyman said Punk put him in a position that he knew would sabotage his relationship with Reigns. The fans responded with “OTC” chants. Heyman said he built The Bloodline for five years, and questioned if Reigns thought he was going to share all of his secrets with Punk. “Why would I do that?” asked Heyman.

Heyman said he found a stray dog on the Island of Relevency and turned him into the man who had a record setting title reign. Heyman said he wasn’t the one who lost the championship to Cody Rhodes. Heyman said he sent five years building up Reigns, and then when he lost the title he disappeared and left him in the hands of Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, and Tanga Loa.

Heyman said Reigns came back to get his Ula Fala back. He said Reigns couldn’t handle the fact that he wanted to help out his best friend. Heyman yelled about how he’s always labeled the scumbag. “I’m right!” Heyman yelled at Jey. “I’m right. And you blame me? Screw you. And screw each and every one of you for booing.” The crowd responded with “you suck” and “asshole” chants.

“Are you okay?” Jey asked Heyman. Jey asked what all of this had to do with him. Heyman said he owed Jey an apology. He said that had nothing to do with Jey, and he didn’t come out to talk about Reigns and Punk. Heyman said Jey won the title because he wanted the title, but the title is all about power and control. Heyman said Jey doesn’t understand how to wield that leverage.

Heyman said that while Jey wants to be champion, Seth Rollins has to be world champion. Heyman mentioned Bron Breakker and said that was just phase one of their plan, and phase two is the World Heavyweight Championship. Heyman said he was there to offer a favor. He said he would let Jey pick the night that he loses the World Heavyweight Championship.

Heyman said that Rollins officially challenged Jey to a title match. Heyman said Jey could pick the when and where because Rollins will fight him any time, any place. Heyman dropped the mic and was about to leave when Jey told him to hold up. Jey got in Heyman’s face and said it’s on tonight. Jey held up the title belt in Heyman’s face while the broadcast team questioned if it’s official. Heyman exited the ring…

Cole and McAfee spoke at their ringside desk. Cole said Heyman manipulated Jey into defending his title. Cole said they needed to see if Raw General Manager Adam Pearce would make the match official…

Cole recapped highlights of Penta’s issues with The Judgment Day. Penta made his entrance and was introduced by ring announcer Alicia Taylor. Cole said they were playing a new version of Penta’s entrance theme, which includes the great Adam Jones of Tool on guitar… [C]

Powell’s POV: The usual awesome mic work from Heyman, who showed good heel logic for ditching Reigns and Punk. Notice how the fans responded with the desired babyface and heel responses when Heyman spoke? If Rollins won’t ditch his entrance music, then Heyman will be the key to keeping fans turned against their faction.

Backstage, Heyman entered a locker room where Seth Rollins and Bron Breakker were waiting. Heyman told Rollins that Jey fell for it and wants to face him tonight, just as Rollins said he would. Rollins said he told Heyman so and then exited the room.

Heyman told Breakker that Reigns and Punk prepared for Rollins and yet they both lost to him at WrestleMania. Heyman said Jey Uso isn’t focused on Rollins, he’s focused on Paul, and hasn’t had any time to prepare for Rollins. Heyman said Rollins had prepared for Jey, and now they will be handed the keys to the kingdom when the referee hands the title to Rollins…

Cole announced that the Jey Uso vs. Seth Rollins match for the World Heavyweight Championship was made official by Adam Pearce…

1. Penta vs. JD McDonagh (w/Finn Balor, Carlito). McDonagh’s entrance was not televised. Penta dominated the action until he was distracted by Balor. McDonagh took advantage of the distraction with a Death Valley Driver. [C]

Penta dove from the top rope onto McDonagh and Carlito on the floor. Balor watched Penta throw McDonagh back inside the ring, and then pulled Penta off the apron. The referee spotted Balor’s interference and ejected him and Carlito from ringside.

Penta was up top when Chad Gable came out and messed with him while the referee was focused on the ejections. Penta shook off Gable and hit him with a flip dive. McDonagh hit Penta with Whiplash, but then Penta avoided a moonsault. Penta hit the Destroyer on McDonagh and then pinned him…

Penta defeated JD McDonagh in 10:55.

Powell’s POV: A nice win for Penta in that he fought off outside interference from three heels and still beat McDonagh to win the match.

Backstage, Grayson Waller spoke with Adam Pearce about how he wasn’t happy with his singles match opponent. Austin Theory showed up. Waller claimed he was telling Pearce that Theory should take his singles match. Pearce was rolling his eyes at Waller’s claim, but he agreed to the switch after Theory said he wanted the match. Theory asked Waller who his opponent would be. Waller told him that he thought it would be better if it was a surprise… [C]

Cole hyped WWE Money in the Bank and the Worlds Collide being held on June 7 in Los Angeles…

Former UFC fighter Anthony Smith was shown in the crowd… Theory and Waller were in the ring. Sheamus’s entrance music played, and he made his entrance. Cole wondered if Theory would ever wake up and realize that Waller is out for himself…

2. Sheamus vs. Austin Theory (w/Grayson Waller). Sheamus jumped from the top rope and hit Theory at ringside. Sheamus celebrated and then put his arm around a fan in the front row who also has red hair. Cute. [C]

Sheamus set up for Ten Beats, but Theory clotheslined him over the top rope. When Theory rolled into the ring, Sheamus drilled him with a knee strike that led to a two count. Theory avoided a charging Sheamus, who went through the ropes and into the ring post. Theory picked up a near fall.

Sheamus came back with White Noise. A “this is awesome” chant broke out. “Why did you do this to me?” Theory asked Waller, who claimed he didn’t know. Sheamus hit Theory with Ten Beats (and more), which got a big rise out of the crowd. Sheamus pointed at Waller and then hit Theory with a Brogue Kick before pinning him…

Sheamus beat Austin Theory in 9:35.

Powell’s POV: It was good to see Sheamus back in the ring for just the third time since the Royal Rumble (he worked a couple of house show matches with Bron Breakker in March, according to Cagematch.net). Waller played the weasel part to perfection. That was fun.

[Hour Two] Cole announced Dominik Mysterio vs. Penta for the Intercontinental Championship for Saturday’s WWE Backlash event…

Inside the Judgment Day clubhouse, JD McDonagh was upset and vented to Finn Balor, Carlito, Dominik Mysterio, and Raquel Rodriguez about Chad Gable got involved in his match. AJ Styles entered the room and told Dom that he’s coming for whoever wins the Intercontinental Title match at Backlash. Styles exited the room.

Dom told the others that being a champion was harder than he realized. He asked Balor if he would take care of Styles for him. Balor got upset and asked if his job was to take care of Dom’s messes. Balor flashed a smile and said of course he would do it…

Backstage, World Tag Team Champions “New Day” Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods spoke with Chad Gable. Kingston and Woods said it’s time that American Made gets some respect. Woods brought up the War Raiders wanting a shot at the tag titles. Woods said opportunities like that “need to come back to American Made.” Gable loved it.

Becky Lynch entered the picture and looked at all three men. They wished her good luck. Lynch walked past them while Cole hyped her coming out after the break… [C] Cole hyped SummerSlam for August 2-3…

Becky Lynch was in the ring coming out of the break. Lynch was upset with the fans and said they were treating her like she was the bad guy. “I’m the victim here,” Lynch said. She recalled fans crying tears of joy when she returned at WrestleMania. Lynch said nobody asked where Bayley was, and nobody cared because she’s garbage. She said people should be thankful when someone takes out the garbage.

Lynch said Women’s Intercontinental Champion Lyra Valkyria is less offensive than regular garbage, but she’s still garbage. Lynch said Valkyria wouldn’t have a career or even her fiancé if it wasn’t for her.

Valkyria walked onto the stage and said that Lynch is the queen of recycling because she’s been recycling the same moves and tired old act for years. Valkyria spoke as she walked toward the ring and said Lynch didn’t make her. Valkyria said Lynch went on holiday, and everyone got better.

Valkyria entered the ring and said that Lynch went on holiday, and she made history (Valkyria held up her title belt). Valkyria recalled Lynch saying that the championship needs her. Valkyria said that was rich given that she’s defended the title more than Lynch has shown up for work this year.

Lynch said it’s true that everyone had their best year while she was away, but that’s only because she wasn’t there to be compared to. Lynch said she’s the greatest to ever do it, and pointed to Sports Illustrated saying the same.

Valkyria ran through some of Lynch’s accomplishments and started to say that Lynch was the first Women’s Intercontinental Champion. “Wait, that one was me,” Valkyria said before holding up the title. She said it bothers Lynch that she was the first to win it and told her to get used to second place.

Valkyria blocked a cheap shot and then fought with Lynch. The duo ended up at ringside, where Valkyria threw Lynch into the barricade twice. A group of referees came out to pull the wrestlers apart. Lynch got the mic and yelled about disrespect. Valkyria broke free and returned ot the ring. Valkyria put Lynch down with her Nightwing finisher. Valkyria held up her title belt while standing over Lynch…

Powell’s POV: Did the roast comedians stick around to write some of those weak insult jabs? Putting those aside, the segment went well in terms of the fans backing Valkyria while Lynch was able to get good heat.

Cole hyped the World Heavyweight Championship match for later in the show… Roxanne Perez made her entrance… [C] Cole touted WWE Crown Jewel: Perth, and the host venue holding the go-home edition of Smackdown and the fallout edition of Raw… Iyo Sky made her entrance…

3. Women’s World Champion Iyo Sky vs. Roxanne Perez in a non-title match. Cole noted that Rhea Ripley was in Australia doing media for the shows in Perth. Sky hit Perez with an early suicide dive and then rolled her back inside the ring. Perez struck Sky’s leg when she tried to return to the ring and then targeted it going into a break. [C]

Sky sold a knee injury. She went up top and attempted her Over The Moonsault finisher, but Perez moved, and Sky sold knee pain when she landed on her feet. A short time later, Sky stuffed Pop Rox and then threw a kick, but Perez caught her leg and gave her a dragon screw leg whip. The wrestlers took turns rolling over the other’s pin attempts, and Sky eventually got the three count.

Women’s World Champion Iyo Sky defeated Roxanne Perez in 10:10 in a non-title match.

After the match, Perez offered a handshake to Sky, who accepted and seemed delighted. Perez left the ring. Giulia attacked Sky from behind. Perez laughed at ringside and then joined Giulia in working over Sky. Cole reminded viewers that Rhea Ripley was in Australia.

Powell’s POV: Where was Dakota Kai when Sky needed her? Oh, never mind. That disappointing talent cut aside, this was a quality match. I was actually hoping that Perez’s handshake was sincere and that the company was going to reboot her as a babyface, but I also wasn’t surprised that it was just a ruse.

A tale of the tape graphic was shown for the Rusev vs. Otis match… [C]

University of Nebraska football head coach Matt Rhule was shown in the crowd with a couple of his players. Cole spoke about how Rhule was turning around the program (Carolina Panthers’ fans had a good laugh)…

Rusev made his entrance while Alpha Academy was already inside the ring…

4. Rusev vs. Otis (w/Maxxine Dupri, Akira Tozawa). Rusev wore short boxing-style shorts. Rusev was in control early. Otis showed signs of life, but then Rusev hit him with a spin kick. [C] Otis was down on the floor coming out of the break. Rusev left the ring and then toyed with Otis by throwing light kicks at him.

Otis suplexed Rusev over the broadcast table. Otis shoved the stupid hydration station out of the way (Tozawa followed it). Otis worked over Rusev and ducked a kick that hit the ring post. Otis dropped Rusev with a spinning back fist. Back in the ring, Otis charged Rusev, who dropped him with a big kick. Rusev put Otis in The Accolade and got the submission win.

Rusev defeated Otis in 8:25.

After the match, Rusev ignored the referee as she tried to pull him off Otis. Rusev eventually released the hold. Tozawa entered the ring and wanted to fight Rusev, who opted to leave the ring instead. When Tozawa checked on Otis, Rusev returned and beat up both men. Rusev put Otis in The Accolade again. A group of referees and trainers ran out and eventually got Rusev to release the hold. Adam Pearce barked at Rusev about his actions… [C]

Powell’s POV: Otis was given enough offense to look credible during the match. The post-match attack is where Rusev looked like a badass.

Raw General Manager Adam Pearce stood in the ring and said he thought they could get the show back on track. Pearce had Pat McAfee join him in the ring. Pearce introduced Gunther, who made his entrance and joined them inside the ring. Pearce told both men to keep it professional.

Gunther spoke about being a professional. Some fans serenaded him with you tapped out” chants. McAfee pointed to Michael Cole and called him a walking, talking GOAT. McAfee said Cole has only missed three weeks in 28 years with WWE. McAfee said Cole has earned the right to have an opinion.

McAfee played to the Nebraska fans, the Nebraska football coach, and the two players. McAfee mentioned the baseball field in Nebraska that has hosted the College Baseball World Series since 1950.

[Hour Three] McAfee said he and Gunther grew up with the same dream of wanting to be in WWE. McAfee said they both spent hours and hours watching professional wrestling as children while thinking that it was what they were put on the planet to do.

McAfee said Gunther has been a champion for 80 percent of the time he’s been in WWE. McAfee said Gunther is jaded and it’s become a job to him. McAfee said he gets jacked up when he walks into arenas. He said Gunther got too comfortable. McAfee said Gunther will underestimate him on Saturday. McAfee said he would prove that this version of Gunther is soft.

Gunther asked McAfee if he enjoyed his daughter’s recent birthday. Gunther said McAfee just got him into the right mood for their match. Gunther said he would show up sharp, prepared, and more focused than ever before. Gunther promised McAfee his full and undivided attention.

“On Saturday, that bell is going to ring,” Gunther said. “I’m going to beat you up. I’m going to maul you. I’m going to grab you by the head and drive it into this mat. I’m going to choke you out until you drop like a wet towel.” Gunther said McAfee is untouchable due to his grace. Gunther said that on Saturday, only the grace of God will lift his arms off McAfee’s throat. Gunther shoved the mic into McAfee’s chest and then stormed out of the ring while Cole said reality may have just set in…

McAfee rejoined Cole, who was plugging John Cena’s appearance on Friday’s Smackdown in Dayton, Ohio. A graphic noted that the last Cena vs. Orton match was in 2017. A video package aired on the Cena vs. Orton rivalry…

Powell’s POV: Strong mic work from both men. That was a blast. I love the way McAfee showed confidence while explaining why he felt he would beat a jaded and distracted Gunther, only to have Gunther shoot that down by saying he’ll be more focused than ever.

Cole hyped the two-hour Backlash Countdown show starting at 4CT/5ET…

Jey Uso was shown walking backstage. It looked like Finn Balor was speaking with Roxanne Perez in the background…

Seth Rollins made his entrance with Bron Breakker and Paul Heyman… [C]

The following matches were announced for next week’s Raw in Louisville: AJ Styles vs. Finn Balor, “The War Raiders” Erik and Ivar vs. “American Made” Julius Creed and Brutus Creed, Iyo Sky and Rhea Ripley vs. Roxanne Perez and Giulia…

Jey Uso made his entrance via the stage…

5. Jey Uso vs. Seth Rollins (w/Paul Heyman, Bron Breakker) for the World Heavyweight Championship. Alicia Taylor delivered in-ring introductions for the championship match. Jey avoided an early Stomp. Jey set up for a superkick, but Rollins ducked out of the ring to avoid it. Rollins told Breakker that Jey is good and the champion for a reason. Rollins returned to the ring and got the better of Jey for a bit, but Jey came back and tossed him over the broadcast table. [C]

Jey ducked a couple of clothesline attempts and then both wrestlers collided while going for simultaneous crossbody blocks. They got up and traded punches. Jey put Rollins down with a Samoan Drop and then hit him with a hip attack in the corner before covering him for a near fall.

A short time later, Rollins leapt from the top rope into a superkick. A “this is awesome” chant broke out while both men were down momentarily. Rollins hit a Buckle Bomb and went for a top rope frog splash that Jey avoided. Jey ran the ropes and went for a spear, but Rollins hit him with a Pedigree on the way down for a near fall.

Rollins went for a Stomp, but Jey moved and put Rollins in a sleeper while Cole recalled Jey using the same move to win the title at WrestleMania 41. Rollins escaped the sleeper. Jey speared Rollins and covered him for a great near fall. Another round of “this is awesome” chants broke out.

Jey went up top. Rollins cut him off and went to the middle rope where both men fought for position. Jey knocked Rollins off the ropes. The referee checked on Rollins while Jey had to kick Breakker away. Rollins hit a superplex and a Falcon Arrow. Rollins followed up with a Stomp for another great near fall. Rollins and Breakker expressed disbelief. Rollins approached Breakker and whispered to him.

Sami Zayn’s entrance music played. Breakker walked toward the entrance aisle to wait for him. Zayn came from the crowd and jumped off the barricade onto Breakker. In the ring, Jey speared Rollins and hit him with a frog splash for another excellent near fall.

Zayn, who had his ribs wrapped, pounded on the mat in support of Jey. Breakker speared Zayn. Jey left the ring to check on Zayn. Breakker speared Jey while Heyman distracted the referee. Once Jey was back inside the ring, Rollins hit him with a Stomp and was about to pin him when he was distracted.

CM Punk’s entrance music played and he came out with a chair in his hand. Punk took out Breakker with the chair and then entered the ring with it. Punk tackled Rollins and then slammed the chair over his back while the referee could be seen waving off the match at ringside.

Seth Rollins defeated Jey Uso by apparent DQ in 19:25 in a World Heavyweight Championship match.

Punk worked over Rollins with the chair. Rollins exited the ring and stood with Breakker and Heyman in the entrance aisle while the executive producer credits were shown to end the show…

Powell’s POV: Wow, that was a blast. I’m not a fan of wrestlers kicking out of so many finishers during random television matches, but I’m fine with it happening during a big world championship match. I should have seen Punk’s return coming. It was a mild disappointment not to get a pinfall or submission finish, but I think it’s safe to say that they sold the masses on the eventual rematch with that outing.

Overall, this was an enjoyable show with some good hype for Backlash, a red hot main event, and a big return at the end. I will have a lot more to say about Raw during my weekly same night audio review for Dot Net Members (including our Patreon patrons), who are already listening to my Q&A Show from earlier today. Let me know what you thought of Raw by grading the show below.

Join me on Saturday for my live review of WWE Backlash.

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Readers Comments (12)

  1. Sooooo tired of the Jey Uso entrance.

    Is there a draft coming? Hopefully they freshen up the brands. Kind of stale. Maybe Solo comes to Raw and Jacob stays on SD.

    • I’m glad I’m not the only one. He’s an entrance. That’s it.

      • TheGreatestOne May 6, 2025 @ 7:17 am

        And crowds that love him, and top tier merch sales, and years of learning that the in ring shit is the part that doesn’t matter to 99.9% of actual wrestling fans.

        “Just an entrance” is better than any of the no talent indie hacks that dirtsheet fans want to see pushed.

  2. There is no value in the “Crown Jewel” name, and it makes zero sense outside of the Kingdom. I wish they would just drop it.

  3. Why old Roxanne has really been eating the losses recently, hasn’t she? She seems to be passed around the brands just to lose to whomever needs a win that week.

    • TheGreatestOne May 6, 2025 @ 7:18 am

      As she should. It’s not believable that she could win a fight against any adult sized woman.

      • She’s a terrific wrestler despite her size.

        • TheGreatestOne May 6, 2025 @ 11:37 am

          No charisma, no promo, and nothing she does looks remotely believable. It’s indie garbage 101, right down to her finisher.

      • LMAO…yet you had no comments about Rey beating guys who would destroy him in a “real” fight. Your ignorance knows no bounds, as well as your hypocrisy.

  4. Wait, wait, where’s all the “Dumb to give away a PPV match on free television” like ya’ll do when AEW puts on a match that you feel fits that description? OH sorry, I forgot, double standards and hypocrisy doesn’t allow for that type of thing here.

    • Yet another swing and a miss for Angry Mike. Did they give you a decisive finish? No. Was the match hot enough to leave viewers anxious to see a rematch? Yes. In fact, the match was entertaining enough that I came away more excited about seeing the eventual rematch than I was for this match when it was announced.

    • There are no comments regarding AEW anymore because almost no one watches their shows

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