By Jason Powell, ProWrestling.net Editor (@prowrestlingnet)
WWE Raw (Episode 1,678)
Houston, Texas, at Toyota Center
Streamed live July 21, 2025, on Netflix
[Hour One] Raw opened with a recap of CM Punk winning last week’s gauntlet match to earn a shot at the World Heavyweight Championship at SummerSlam, and the post-match return of Roman Reigns…
Michael Cole checked in while a shot aired SummerSlam host venue MetLife Stadium, and then a shot aired of the Houston skyline. Cole said there were nearly 13,000 in attendance. Cole narrated Backstage/arrival shots of Sami Zayn, Becky Lynch, and The Judgment Day.
Dominik Mysterio handed the keys to Judgment Day’s SUV to AJ Styles, who was dressed like a valet. Dom made a quick exit. Cole said we’d find out whether Dom will be cleared for SummerSlam at some point tonight…
CM Punk made his entrance while being introduced by ring announcer Alicia Taylor. Corey Graves checked in on color commentary, while Cole said the venue was sold out. Punk said his goals when he returned were to headline WrestleMania and become world champion.
Punk recalled winning last week’s gauntlet match. Punk said Gunther is one of the best wrestlers in the world. Punk said he couldn’t promise a win, but vowed that he would not quit and would give the fans everything he has.
Punk said he only has two weeks to prepare for Gunther. Punk said he’s not just any other wrestler or any other challenger. “I am the best in the world,” Punk said before he was interrupted by entrance music.
World Heavyweight Champion Gunther made his entrance. Gunther wiped his feet on the apron before joining Punk inside the ring. Punk and Gunther stared at one another. Gunther raised the mic to speak, then lowered it while the fans booed and chanted, “You tapped out.”
Gunther said he didn’t plan to insult Punk or create any drama. Gunther said they were both there not to make friends, but to make money and win championships. Gunther said Punk considers himself best in the world, just as he considers himself the best in the world.
Gunther said they both have big egos. Gunther said the difference is that his ego is justified. Gunther said it’s not based on what the fans think, it’s based on results. Gunther said the best in the world is the man who holds the World Heavyweight Championship.
Gunther said he would make Punk regret ever stepping foot in a professional wrestling ring. Gunther said he would maul Punk, choke him out, and drop him like a wet towel. Gunther said Punk would never be best in the world. Gunther said at least Punk will have the degenerate fans cheering for him for the rest of his life. Gunther dropped the mic and exited the ring while his entrance theme played…
Powell’s POV: A fairly ordinary babyface promo from Punk, who then stood and took it while Gunther got the last word. I was surprised that the segment ended with Gunther walking out, but we’ll see if there’s more to come tonight.
Byron Saxton interviewed Stephanie Vaquer in the backstage area and brought up Chelsea Green. Naomi quickly interrupted, causing Saxton to make his exit. Naomi said she and Vaquer would meet at Clash in Paris. Vaquer said that would only happen if Naomi survives SummerSlam. Naomi said she would, and then mocked Vaquer before making her exit…
Rusev made his entrance for a match against Sheamus heading into the first commercial break… [C] Sheamus was shown entering the ring coming out of the break, and highlights were shown of Rusev beating him three weeks earlier…
1. Sheamus vs. Rusev. Sheamus went for the Brogue Kick when the opening bell rang, but Rusev avoided it and headed to ringside. Sheamus followed and fought with Rusev on the floor. Sheamus ran Rusev into the barricade and then rolled him back inside the ring. Rusev caught Sheamus with a kick as he tried to return to the ring.
A short time later, Rusev clotheslined Sheamus over the top rope, but Sheamus hit him with two knee strikes that sent him to ringside. Sheamus went up top, but he stumbled and fell back to the mat and landed on his feet.
Sheamus went back up top and then clotheslined Rusev on the floor. “Are you not entertained?” Sheamus yelled. He looked into a camera on the floor and was playful about being relieved that he didn’t get hurt on the slipped rope spot. Rusev grabbed Sheamus and hit him with a fallaway slam on the broadcast table. [C]
Sheamus went for a Brogue Kick, but Rusev cut him off and powerbombed him, which led to a near fall. Rusev fired up and charged Sheamus, who caught him with a knee strike and covered him for a near fall of his own.
Rusev set up Sheamus for a superplex. Sheamus fought back and knocked Rusev off the ropes. Sheamus went for a clothesline from the top rope, but Rusev caught him with a kick and covered him for a two count.
Rusev put Sheamus in The Accolade. Sheamus inched toward the ropes. Rusev covered Sheamus’s face. Sheamus reached for the rope, but Rusev grabbed his arm. Sheamus used his other arm and was able to reach the bottom rope to break the hold. Rusev called him a stubborn mule and slapped the back of his head.
Rusev put the boots to Sheamus, who called for more. Rusev obliged. Rusev exposed the turnbuckle strut and tried to slam Sheamus’s head on it, but Sheamus stuffed it and then slammed Rusev’s head on the exposed strut. Rusev grabbed the shillelagh that Sheamus brought to the ring and tried to hit him with it while the referee was putting the cover over the strut, but Sheamus caught him with a Brogue Kick and got the three count…
Sheamus defeated Rusev in 14:50.
Powell’s POV: The fun hoss fight one would expect from these two, with a finish that played on the exposed turnbuckle strut spot that gave Rusev the win in their previous match. Will this be a best of seven series?
Backstage, El Grande Americano was interviewed by Saxton, who asked him about his goals in WWE. Americano spoke in Spanish until Dragon Lee showed up and called him a fake. Lee said Americano insulted him and luchadores everywhere. Americano pie-faced Lee, and then they fought until producers and referees pulled them apart…
A teaser aired for the WWE Unreal series that will premiere next Tuesday on Netflix. The footage showed Akira Tozawa being helped backstage, followed by Paul Levesque informing IShowSpeed that he would be in the Royal Rumble…
The Triple Threat tag team match for a shot at the World Tag Team Titles was hyped… [C]
Powell’s POV: The WWE Unreal series has been touted as the company pulling back the curtain, so it’s baffling that this preview featured in-character footage that the company has already shown.
Bayley was putting on her wrist tape when Lyra Valkyria showed up and asked her why she requested to team with her. Bayley said they didn’t get to do it at WrestleMania. Bayley said their recent issues were just water under the bridge…
2. “New Day” Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods vs. Julius Creed and Brutus Creed (w/Ivy Nile) vs. Joaquin Wilde and Cruz Del Toro (w/Dragon Lee) in a Triple Threat for a shot at the World Tag Team Titles. None of the entrances were televised. Kingston and Woods were in offensive control going into an early break. [C]
Wilde had a nice run of offense coming out of the break. He went up top with the intention of diving onto opponents at ringside, but Nile climbed on the apron and shoved him down. Lee checked on WIlde. Julius shoved Lee, who got the better of both Creeds.
El Grande Americano showed up and hit Lee. The Creeds barked at Americano. Del Toro went up top and executed a corkscrew dive onto the Creeds. Woods brought Wilde back inside the ring and then New Day set up for their finisher. Wilde dumped Creed to ringside and then rolled up Kingston for the three count.
Joaquin Wilde and Cruz Del Toro defeated “New Day” Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods, and Julius Creed and Brutus Creed in a Triple Threat in 9:25 to earn a shot at the World Tag Team Titles.
After the match, the LWO trio celebrated in the entrance aisle while Americano watched from the stage…
Powell’s POV: Wilde and Del Toro are a good team that has taken a lot of losses, so it’s nice to see them get a shot at the tag titles.
The broadcast team recapped Raquel Rodriguez and Roxanne Perez beating the Kabuki Warriors to retain the WWE Women’s Tag Team Titles with help from Dominik Mysterio…
Backstage, Iyo Sky spoke with Asuka and Kairi Sane. Sky said the Kabuki Warriors would become the tag team champions. Sane said Sky would regain the Women’s World Championship. Asuka wished Sky luck against “your friend” Rhea Ripley, which Sky was surprised by.
Stephanie Vaquer showed up after the Kabuki Warriors exited. Vaquer said that if Sky wins, they will meet at Clash in Paris, and they could find out who would have won their match in Las Vegas. Sky said she had her beat. Sky said they could find out in Houston by facing one another. Vaquer accepted the challenge…
[Hour Two] Footage aired of Seth Rollins beating Roman Reigns and CM Punk in a Triple Threat at WrestleMania with help from Paul Heyman… [C]
Backstage, Adam Pearce told Dominik Mysterio that he would go to medical with him. Dom tried to say he couldn’t do it because he had to help Raquel Rodriguez and Roxanne Perez. Pearce told Dom to quit stalling.
AJ Styles mopped the floor while wearing a janitor’s outfit after Pearce left. Dom told Styles that he wasn’t cleared. Styles said he would be. Dom walked away.
Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods entered the scene. Styles told them the floor was wet and then exited. Kingston and Woods complained about their loss and said they had to do something to restore order.
Grayson Waller showed up and told Kingston and Woods that A-Town Down. Waller referred to Theory as dead weight. Waller said if New Day is looking for an ace, he’s now a free agent. Kingston and Woods were confused, yet told Waller that they loved it…
Women’s Intercontinental Champion Becky Lynch made her entrance for an in-ring promo. She told the fans to put some appreciation on her name. She said she could be at the premiere of “my new movie,” Happy Gilmore 2, but instead she was in Houston. Lynch called out Lyra Valkyria.
Valkyria made her entrance and joined Lynch inside the ring. Lynch said their match trilogy would end at SummerSlam. She recalled saying she would never challenge for the title again if she lost the previous match to Valkyria, and then challenged Valkyria to accept the same stipulation as the challenger.
Valkyria accepted the terms, but she called for the match to have no time limits or disqualifications, saying there must be a winner. Lynch meekly agreed. Valkyria said she’d see Lynch at SummerSlam and then dropped the mic.
Lynch said Valkyria has disrespected her, but she would not let her disrespect the gravitas of the match. Lynch said she would be the bigger person again, and requested that Valkyria shake her hand. Valkyria was bout to oblige when Lynch lunged at her. Valkyria grabbed Lynch and put her down with her own Manhandle Slam finisher.
Bayley made her entrance for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Title match. Raquel Rodriguez and Roxanne Perez made their entrance with Dominik Mysterio. Cole mentioned Finn Balor tweeted a photo of Dom and Perez together as the Coldplay couple, and then wondered what Liv Morgan thought of it… [C]
3. Raquel Rodriguez and Roxanne Perez (w/Dominik Mysterio) vs. Lyra Valkyria and Bayley for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Titles. The match was joined in progress. There were some chants for “Dirty Dom.” Bayley tagged herself into the match. Valkyria was surprised, but then joined Bayley in trying to suplex Rodriguez, who reversed it and suplexed both challengers.
Perez tagged in. Rodriguez grabbed Perez and performed a fallaway slam that launched her at Bayley, which led to Perez getting a two count. Valkyria tagged in and hit an enzuigiri on Rodriguez. Valkyria was distracted by Bayley doing some over-the-top cheerleading for her in the corner. Rodriguez took advantage of the distraction. Perez clotheslined Valkyria over the top rope while the referee was distracted, and then Rodriguez put Valkyria down with a clothesline. [C]
Bayley hit Perez with a sunset flip bomb that actually went Perez crashing into Bayley’s feet in the corner. Bayley covered her for a two count. Perez distracted the referee while Rodriguez put Bayley down with a clothesline. Rodriguez tagged in and hit a slingshot suplex. Perez tagged in. Bayley came back and got a two count.
Valkyria tagged in and hit a top rope leg drop on Perez. Rodriguez pulled Bayley to the floor and fought with her while Valkyria got a two count on Perez. Bayley ran Rodriguez into the ring post. In the ring, Perez set Valkyria on the top turnbuckle in the challenger’s corner. Valkyria slipped under her and powerbombed her.
Bayley tagged in and hit a top rope elbow on Perez, but Rodriguez returned to break up the pin. Bayley launched a willing Valkyria into Rodriguez, and then they both rolled out of the ring. Bayley grabbed Perez, but releaed her when Dom hopped on the apron. Perez used the distraction to roll up Bayley for a two count.
Valkyria confronted Dom at ringisde. Rodriguez threw a big boot at Valkyria, who ducked, and the kick grazed Dom. Bayley took out Rodriguez with a kick from the ring. A medic came out to check on Dom. A second “medic” had the first medic step aside.
AJ Styles was the second medic and started to perform chest compressions on Dom, who shoved him away. Becky Lynch showed up at ringside, pulled Valkyria to the floor, and ran her into the steps. Bayley and Perez traded pin attempts. Rodriguez made a blind tag before Bayley hit a Bayley To Belly on Perez. Rodriguez put Bayley down with a Tejana Bomb and got the three count.
Raquel Rodriguez and Roxanne Perez defeated Lyra Valkyria and Bayley in 14:15 of television time to retain the WWE Women’s Tag Team Titles.
Powell’s POV: There was a lot happening during that match. I’m intrigued by Bayley acting overly positive despite her recent issues with Valkyria. I could have done without the referee being asked to play dumb to all of the repeated interference, and the big boot on Dom looked weak. Despite those flaws, I enjoyed the match.
Sami Zayn was interviewed by Jackie Redmond on the Gorilla Position set. Redmond said she was surprised to see Zayn, who had his ribs wrapped. Zayn admitted he probably could have used more time, but he wasn’t letting everything with Karrion Kross drag on. Zayn said Kross was getting in the way of his goals. He said he could have been in the gauntlet match last week, but Kross took away his opportunity. Zayn made his entrance… [C]
A highlight package recapped Bron Breakker spearing Roman Reigns in the ring and at ringside into the timekeepers’ area during a past Raw, and then being congratulated by Seth Rollins. Cole said Reigns would not forgive or forget, and plugged his appearance for later in the show…
Cole hyped the weekly WWE podcast lineup…
Dominik Mysterio was walking backstage looking flustered when Finn Balor and JD McDonagh stopped him and told him to calm down. Adam Pearce showed up and told Dom he could hand over the Intercontinental Title or immediately join him in medical. Balor told Dom to bring back some lollipops. Cole said Peace was done playing games on social media and put his foot down…
4. Sami Zayn vs. Karrion Kross (w/Scarlett). Kross’s entrance was not televised. There were dueling chants for the wrestlers, and the Kross chants were louder. Zayn hit an Arabian Press. Zayn sold his ribs and then pointed to the sky in Sabu style. Cole acknowledged that Zayn was paying homage but did not offer any specifics. Zayn rolled Kross back in the ring and was going to follow, but Scarlett kicked his injured ribs while the referee was focused on Kross. [C]
Kross executed a Saito Suplex and then talked smack. Zayn came back with a clothesline and followed up moments later with a tornado DDT for a two count. Kross targeted Zayn’s ribs and set him up for a superplex, but Zayn fought back and performed a sunset flip bomb for a near fall.
Scarlett pulled a pipe out from underneath the ring. She wanted to slip it to Kross, but she pulled it back when the referee turned around. Zayn hit Kross with an exploder suplex. Zayn sold his ribs and was examined by the referee, allowing Scarlett to hand Kross the pipe. Zayn set up for a Helluva Kick, but Scarlett grabbed his foot. as the referee was scolding Scarlett, Kross hit Zayn with the pipe and then pinned him…
Karrion Kross defeated Sami Zayn in 10:05.
Powell’s POV: It looked like Kross suffered a bloody nose when he took the exploder suplex. The referees are being asked to miss a lot tonight. I had less of an issue with it during this match because Zayn’s injury provided a good reason for the referee to focus on him. Yet while I like that Scarlett got more involved than usual because it adds a new wrinkle to Kross’s matches, it was silly that the referee didn’t disqualify her for grabbing Zayn’s leg to stop him from hitting his finisher.
Backstage, AJ Styles and Adam Pearce waited outside the trainer’s room door. The trainer exited the room and said he had more paperwork to complete. Dom hit Styles from behind with the Intercontinental Championship belt. Dom said he was medically cleared and would see Styles at SummerSlam…
Iyo Sky made her entrance for her match against Stephanie Vaquer… [C] A graphic noted that this was the 24th Raw episode from Houston, which has also hosted 15 premium live events…
Rapper That Mexican OT was shown in the crowd, as was a local legend Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale…
5. Iyo Sky vs. Stephanie Vaquer. Vaquer’s entrance was not televised. Cole congratulated NXT Women’s Champion Jacy Jayne for winning the TNA Knockouts Championship at TNA Slammiversary, which Cole said was an incredible show. He also noted that AJ Styles made his TNA return at the show.
[Hour Three] Sky and Vaquer traded rollup pin attempts that resulted in two counts. Sky dropkicked Vaquer, who rolled to the floor. Sky hit a suicide dive. Sky went for an Asai moonsault, but she had to roll through because Vaquer saw it coming. Vaquer kicked Sky and then hit a springboard crossbody block on the floor. [C]
Sky jumped off the top rope and landed flatfooted when Vaquer avoided her. Sky sold knee paid. Vaquer used a double underhook and swung Sky into her knees. Sky came back with a crossface, but Vaquer reached the ropes.
Sky sent Vaquer to the floor and then hit her with an Asai moonsault. Sky rolled Vaquer back inside the ring and then missile dropkicked her. Sky rolled Vaquer onto her back and double stomped her abdomen. Sky went for double knees in the corner, but Vaquer moved and put her down with a German suplex.
Vaquer charged Sky, who sidestepped her and then executed a German suplex of her own. Vaquer ended up on the apron. Sky went for a sunset bomb through the ropes, but Vaquer stuffed it. Vaquer performed the Devil’s Kiss on the apron, then rolled her inside the ring and continued with the Devil’s Kiss, which resulted in a two count.
Vaquer took Sky down with a dragon screw leg whip and then followed up with double knees in the corner. A “this is awesome” chant broke out. Sky came back with a backbreaker that the broadcast team said was similar to Vaquer’s SVB finisher.
The wrestlers traded strikes until Vaquer dropped to her knees. Sky kicked her and then hit double knees in the corner. Sky went up top for her finisher, but Vaquer tripped and joined her on the ropes. Vaquer hit a reverse suplex that planted Sky on her face. Both women stayed down while the crowd chanted “holy shit.”
Piper Niven and Alba Fyre walked out and climbed on the apron. Vaquer knocked them down. Chelsea Green entered the ring and hit Vaquer from behind to end the match.
Iyo Sky fought Stephanie Vaquer to a non-contest in 15:50.
After the match, Sky and Vaquer cleared the heels from the ring. They stood up and awkward jawed at the heels, who were at ringside, and then Naomi showed up and shoved Sky into Vaquer.
Rhea Ripley came out to a big pop and hit Niven with a big boot at ringside before headbutting Fyre. Ripley entered the ring and put Naomi down. Naomi rolled out of the ring. Sky and Vaquer took shots at Green, and then Ripley put Green down with a Riptide. Ripley stood with Sky and Vaquer while her music played…
Powell’s POV: A hot match. That’s two matches between Sky and Vaquer that ended in non-contests. There was no reason to expect a clean finish since they didn’t even announce this match before the show. I’m not sure when the first Sky vs. Vaquer premium live event match will take place, but I’m already looking forward to it.
The broadcast team ran through the SummerSlam lineup… Graves hyped Roman Reigns’ appearance for after the break… [C] Another teaser aired for WWE Unreal…
Paul Heyman, Bron Breakker, and Bronson Reed headed to the ring. Reed held the Money in the Bank briefcase. Heyman got a microphone and delivered his usual self-introduction. Heyman introduced Breakker and Reed as the future of the entire industry. Heyman said he had a lot to get off his chest “before he comes out.”
Roman Reigns’ entrance theme interrupted Heyman. Reigns made his entrance, which included pyro. Heyman had his men stand back while Reigns entered the ring. Heyman said he would never want to be disrespectful or rude. The fans booed. Heyman said they were off to a bad start with him. An “asshole” chant broke out.
Heyman tried to repeat his line, but the fans chanted OTC, which got a smirk out of Reigns. Heyman said he didn’t ever want to be where it seemed he was disrespectful and rude, like someone born in Texas. Breakker looked at the fans and laughed.
Heyman told Reigns that Seth Rollins would be out of action “for a long, long time.” Heyman said that opened up a leadership void on his side. Heyman said if Reigns thought about it, they could fix this and put things back together. “And look who and what comes along with me,” Heyman said regarding Breakker and Reed.
Heyman told Reigns that he knows they are far better together than apart. “You’ll always be my family, because I love you, my Tribal Chief,” Heyman said. The fans chanted, “You sold out” at Heyman before Reigns took the mic away from him.
Reigns told Heyman he’d have to put that on pause because there was one thing he forgot to do. Reigns played to the Houston crowd and got another loud “OTC” chant before he told the fans to acknowledge him, which drew more cheers. Heyman put his index finger in the air for more boos. Funny.
Reigns recalled Heyman wanting him to lead. Reigns said a few years ago, he would have considered those wise words from a wiseman. “You’re not a wiseman anymore, you’re a dumbass,” said Reigns. Breakker stepped forward, but Heyman stopped him.
Reigns told Breakker to sit under the learning tree. He said a few years from now, when Breakker is the man in WWE, Heyman would try to take all the credit. Reigns said he’s heard a lot of people take credit for creating the Tribal Chief, but it wasn’t Heyman. Reigns said the only reason he’s the Tribal Chief is because the fans still acknowledge him.
Reigns said Heyman had a part in his success, but not in keeping the title. Reigns said the Usos and Solo Sikoa did. “Sami even helped out,” said Reigns. “I knew he’d love that one.”
Reigns said he lost the title and went home to raise the future Bloodline. Reigns said Heyman couldn’t create The Bloodline because that was God’s work. Breakker stepped forward, and Heyman once again tried to calm him down. “I’m not going to say it again, back up, son,” Reigns told Breakker.
Reigns said it bothers him that Heyman was just a business partner, but he made him family. Reigns said Heyman threw it all away. Reigns said Heyman threw it away for someone he hadn’t talked to in a decade. Reigns told Heyman not to ever say he ruined The Bloodline. “I didn’t ruin The Bloodline, this dumbass did.”
Breakker stepped forward again, and this time Heyman slipped him the microphone. Breaker told Reigns to get it through his thick skull. “We don’t want you here anymore,” Breakker said. “You’re yesterday’s news. You’re the old dog. You were relevant five years ago; that was your prime.”
Breakker said he’s happy that Reigns didn’t accept Heyman’s offer. Breakker said he knows Heyman won’t stab him in the back because he holds value in WWE, whereas Reigns is just worthless. “I’m the big dog now,” said Breakker. “I’m the top dog now. I’m the future of WWE. I’m the man now. So do what you do best, Roman, turn around and leave.”
Reigns took a step back and said he had to be completely honest. “I didn’t hear any of that crap you just said,” Reigns said. Roman said he didn’t think Breakker’s mic was working. Reigns asked Breakker to say it again and then tossed him his mic.
Reigns hit Breakker with a Superman Punch while he was catching the mic. Reigns worked over Reed with punches until Reed shoved him into a spear from Breakker. Reed went to the apron to set up for a Tsunami, but he was interrupted by entrance music.
Jey Uso came out via the stage and threw superkicks at Breakker and Reed. Jey dropped Breakker with a series of punches. Reigns and Jey hit simultaneous spears that sent the heels to the floor. Jey’s music played as he helped Reigns to his feet. The executive producer credits were shown while the Reigns and Jey jawed from the ring with Breakker and Reed, who were down on the floor with Heyman as the show concluded…
Powell’s POV: The final segment was really good, even if no match was officially announced. I’d love to see Reigns vs. Breakker in a singles match, and they were the focus of the segment once the compelling Reigns and Heyman exchange concluded. But that’s twice now that Reigns and Jey have aligned against Breakker and Reed, so a tag team match at SummerSlam is a strong possibility. We’ll see if they announce whatever the match is online or do it on one of the television shows.
Overall, the show was carried by the final segment and the Vaquer vs. Sky match. It feels like the company still has a lot of work to do to push SummerSlam, yet there are only two Smackdown episodes and one Raw remaining. I will have more to say about Raw during my weekly same-night audio review for Dot Net Members (including our Patreon patrons). Let me know what you thought of the show by grading it below.
Kross is getting a lot face reactions lately. A few weeks ago during the commercial break (for lower tiers on Netflix), while he was being interviewed, there were loud “We want Kross!” chants, which he acknowledged.
Really surprised they are having Rusev lose already.
I’m not. WWE loves their 50-50 booking. It’s been a thing as long as I remember, no matter the regime.