By Jason Powell, ProWrestling.net Editor (@prowrestlingnet)
WWE Raw (Episode 1,695)
New York, New York, at Madison Square Garden
Streamed live November 17, 2025, on Netflix
[Hour One] Joe Tessitore welcomed viewers to the show and said it felt “so right for a history-making night.” He narrated backstage/arrival shots of Women’s Intercontinental Champion Becky Lynch, WWE Champion Cody Rhodes, the Survivor Series team of Bron Breakker, Bronson Reed, Drew McIntyre, and Logan Paul with Paul Heyman, Solo Sikoa and Talla Tonga, and Gunther… A video package recapped John Cena beating Dominik Mysterio to win the Intercontinental Championship on last week’s show…
Powell’s POV: Roughly 90 minutes before showtime, WrestleTix.com listed the venue as being set up for 18,134, and only 24 tickets had yet to be distributed. Cena’s final MSG appearance is a sellout.
Intercontinental Champion John Cena made his entrance to a huge pop. Cena stood on the small entrance set and pointed to fans behind him. He showed off his merchandise and said, “Let’s go to work, Stu.” Cena ran to the ring while being introduced by ring announcer Alicia Taylor.
The fans chanted, “Thank you, Cena,” and then his name. Taylor introduced him as the greatest of all time. She said it was his final appearance on WWE Raw at Madison Square Garden, and introduced him as the last real champion. Another round of “Thank you, Cena” chants broke out.
Cena said he appreciated the enthusiasm. He said New York City makes and breaks careers, and then thanked the city. Cena asked the fans if they were ready to start, and then declared, “The Champ is here.” Cena said. He said it was the last time they could talk together at MSG and on Raw. He said it’s bittersweet for some and a very important moment for him.
AAA Mega Champion Dominik Mysterio’s entrance music interrupted Cena. Tessitore said Dom should know his place, and Wade Barrett checked in as the color commentator. Dom was booed once he was inside the ring and his music stopped playing. Dom said no one wanted to hear what Cena had to say.
Dom said Cena was handed a title shot, just like he’s been handed everything else. Dom said he’s had to work for everything he has. Dom said he wanted a rematch. Cena played to the live crowd about having the match on the spot. Dom got in Cena’s face and said no.
Dom said they already did things Cena’s way. Dom said Cena had his hometown and management on his side. A censored “shut the f— up” chant broke out. Cena told the Netflix viewers that the fans were chanting “Choco Fun Cups.” Dom said he wanted the match at Survivor Series.
Cena agreed to the Intercontinental Title match at Survivor Series, but he said he had promised that he would have a match at MSG. Cena said they could forget the title for the night. “Do you feel lucky, punk?” Cena asked.
Finn Balor and JD McDonagh made their entrance. Once they were in the ring, Dom told Cena that he wouldn’t get his final match on Raw, but he would get his ass beat. The Judgment Day trio attacked Cena and put the boots to him.
Sheamus ran out to help Cena, but he fell victim to the numbers advantage. Cena tried to fight, but he was put down again. Rey Mysterio made his entrance and went after Dom. Cena and Sheamus recovered and then helped Rey clear Dom, Balor, and McDonagh from the ring.
Cena said Dom had a team, and he has a team of his own. Cena called for a six-man tag match. A referee ran out and called for the bell to start the match, and then the show went to the first commercial break… [C]
Powell’s POV: I guess the good news is that this should be the last Cena match interrupted by a commercial break.
1. John Cena, Sheamus, and Rey Mysterio vs. Dominik Mysterio, Finn Balor, and JD McDonagh. Rey ran the ropes with Balor in position for a 619, but Dom stood on the floor and tripped him. Rey dropkicked Dom through the ropes. Balor took advantage of the distraction and tossed Rey to the floor. [C]
Rey was isolated until he made a hot tag to Cena, who worked over McDonagh. Cena set up for his finisher, but McDonagh slipped away and then dropped him with a headbutt. McDongh hit Cena with a top rope moonsault. Balor followed with a Coup de Grace. Dom hit a frog splash. McDonagh and Balor both covered Cena and the referee counted for reasons that only make sense to the referee, but Sheamus broke it up.
Rey set up Dom for a 619, but Dom’s teammates pulled him to the floor. Cena, Sheamus, and Rey pulled the heels onto the apron and hit them with simultaneous Ten Beats while the crowd counted along. Once they put the heels down, the babyfaces all hit Five Knuckle Shuffles. Dom rolled to the floor. Rey hit a double 619 on Balor and McDonagh. Sheamus hit Balor with a Brogue Kick. Cena hit McDonagh with an Attitude Adjustment and then pinned him.
John Cena, Sheamus, and Rey Mysterio defeated Dominik Mysterio, Finn Balor, and JD McDonagh in 14:45.
After the match, the babyfaces went to the stage and played to the fans who were seated behind the small entrance set. Cena said thank you over the camera mic and then they headed to the back…
Powell’s POV: I’m so sick and tired of WWE shoving Cena down our throats. Why not give Dom a win to put heat on him going into Survivor Series?!? Yes, I’m kidding. Of course, Cena got the feel-good win in his final Raw match. This was a crowd-pleaser. I am a little surprised they didn’t save this match for the main event because it would have closed the show on a high note, but we’ll see what they go with instead.
Footage from Smackdown aired of Drew McIntyre attacking Cody Rhodes and joining The Vision’s team for Survivor Series…
Backstage, Smackdown General Manager Nick Aldis vented to Raw General Manager Adam Pearce about that Smackdown segment. Paul Heyman entered the room and said that if his pick of Drew McIntyre pissed them off, wait until they see what he had in store for them. Heyman handed Pearce a contract folder and laughed as he exited the room. Pearce and Aldis were not pleased when they looked at the contract…
Women’s World Champion Stephanie Vaquer was shown walking backstage… [C]
Comedian Eric Andre, singer Ashley Cooke, Philadelphia Eagles players (including Cooper DeJean), and New York Giants players were shown in the crowd, including injured Giants running back Cam Skattebo. Andrew Schulz was seated next to the Giants players. Footage aired from during the commercial break of some pushing and shoving between the Giants players and the three Judgment Day members who were in the opening match…
Highlights aired from last week’s Raw of Nikki Bella turning on Stephanie Vaquer…
Jackie Redmond stood in the ring and introduced Women’s World Champion Stephanie Vaquer, who came out and held up her title belt on the stage. Nikki Bella ran out and attacked Vaquer. Nikki ran Vaquer into the LED screen. Nikki told Vaquer that she didn’t come back to WWE to watch from the sideline or to be her sidekick. Nikki thanked Vaquer for reminding her who she is. Nikki said Vaquer will give her a title shot and will bow down to her, the woman who changed the entire industry. “Comprende, mamacita?” Nikki asked before dropping the title belt on Vaquer…
Powell’s POV: Nikki’s mic work was flat, and it looked silly that Vaquer had to stay down and listen rather than fight back.
Footage aired from Smackdown of Charlotte Flair walking out on the women’s babyface Survivor Series team due to her issues with Rhea Ripley…
Backstage, Bayley and Lyra Valkyria were interrupted by WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions “The Kabuki Warriors” Asuka and Kairi Sane. Asuka wanted Bayley to be on her Survivor Series team. Bayley responded to Asuka’s laughing with her own maniacal laugh and then told her no. Asuka stormed off. Sane did the “you can’t see me” in Bayley’s face before running off when Asuka called. Valkyria told Bayley she was proud of her and went for a high five. “What are you five?” Bayley asked…
Solo Sikoa made his entrance with Talla Tonga for the first of the two tournament matches… [C] Tessitore ran through the WWE podcast schedule and said John Cena would be on Tuesday’s Raw Recap show…
“And his opponent…” Alicia Taylor said. After a few seconds of silence, the familiar sound of shitty entrance music played. Dolph Ziggler (Nic Nemeth) made his entrance wearing a “Wanted Man” jacket.
[Hour Two] 2. Solo Sikoa (w/Talla Tonga) vs. Dolph Ziggler in a The Last Time Is Now tournament opening round match. The match spilled over to ringside. Ziggler slammed Solo’s head on the broadcast desk. A “Let’s go, Ziggler,” chant broke out. Back in the ring, Ziggler hit a top rope elbow drop and went for the pin, but Solo kicked out at one. [C]
The broadcast team indicated that Solo had dominated the action during the break. Ziggler rolled up Solo for a two count. Ziggler dodged a charging Solo in the corner and then hit a Zigzag for good a near fall. Ziggler tuned up the band and went for a superkick, but Solo caught his foot. Once Solo released Ziggler’s foot, Ziggler superkicked him. Solo came right back with a Samoan Spike and scored the pin…
Solo Sikoa defeated Dolph Ziggler in 8:50 to advance to the quarterfinals of The Last Time Is Now tournament.
A Je’Von Evans video package aired, and then Barrett hyped Evans vs. Gunther for later in the show…
Alexa Bliss was shown walking backstage… [C]
Powell’s POV: Nic Nemeth would have won that match, but Dolph Ziggler’s entrance music pissed off Solo to the point that his rage made him unstoppable. Okay, putting my hatred of that f’n song aside, it was nice to see Ziggler back on WWE television, and the live crowd clearly agreed. On a side note, it was a nice touch to have a video package on Evans. It was brief and basic, but it’s better than nothing, as not every WWE fan follows the NXT brand.
Rapper Lil Yachty, UFC fighter Aljamain Sterling, actor Lin-Manuel Miranda, Stephanie McMahon, and Steph’s podcast co-host Elyse Dudzinski were shown in the crowd…
Alexa Bliss stood in the ring and told the crowd to let her tell them how her weekend was. She said Charlotte Flair ignored all of her messages, even though she saw Instagram videos of Flair in New York City. Bliss looked into the camera and addressed Flair. She said they could regain the WWE Women’s Tag Team Titles, but she had an issue with trust. Bliss said she got her ass kicked when Flair walked out on her because she doesn’t like Rhea Ripley. Bliss called Flair her best friend and said she’d gone through hell and back for her.
Asuka’s entrance music played, and she walked out with her Survivor Series teammates Kairi Sane, Nia Jax, and Lash Legend. Jax mocked Bliss for being alone and then said what was about to happen would be fun. The heels all surrounded Bliss while standing on the apron.
Rhea Ripley’s entrance music played. Ripley and Iyo Sky ran to the ring and joined Bliss. The heels had the numbers advantage as they entered the ring and got the better of the babyface trio. Jax and Legend put Bliss down in a corner of the ring.
Charlotte Flair ran out with a kendo stick and worked over Jax and Legend with it until she cleared them from the ring. Flair looked down at Bliss and helped her to her feet. A “She’s your best friend,” chant broke out. Flair and Bliss looked over at Ripley and Sky, who hugged. Barrett wondered if this was an indication that Flair would join the Survivor Series team…
Powell’s POV: I liked the angle on Friday that led to Flair declining to join the Survivor Series team due to her past issues with Rhea Ripley. It felt rushed to have her save Bliss and seemingly join the team tonight. I’m surprised they didn’t wait until go-home week.
The broadcast team hyped a men’s WarGames face-off between Cody Rhodes, CM Punk, Jey Uso, Jimmy Uso, and their opponents, Bron Breakker, Bronson Reed, Drew McIntyre, and Logan Paul. They also announced Stephanie Vaquer vs. Nikki Bella for the Women’s World Championship, and John Cena vs. Dominik Mysterio for the Intercontinental Championship for Survivor Series…
A clip of Tom Rinaldi’s interview with John Cena, who spoke about being in front of polarizing audiences. He said he’s happy they didn’t get lost in it because he needed to be authentic. He said he’s gone along with things in the past and they were great learning experiences…
Women’s Intercontinental Champion Becky Lynch made her entrance for her title match… [C] The broadcast team showed off the LJN action figures, and footage aired of Lynch kicking one off their desk during the break…
3. Becky Lynch vs. Maxxine Dupri for the Women’s Intercontinental Championship. Dupri’s entrance was not televised. Aicia Taylor delivered in-ring introductions. Lynch jawed in Dupri’s ear while Dupri was being introduced. Lynch took the title belt from the referee and held it up. The referee called for the bell. Lynch bickered with the referee and then turned into a big boot from Dupri, who covered her for a two count. Lynch regained offensive control and and Dupri was down at ringside. [C]
Lynch caught Dupri in an armbar. Dupri eventually escaped and then put Lynch in an ankle lock. Dupri wrapped her legs around Lynch’s legs while maintaining the hold. Lynch stood up and leaned back on Dupri, who had to release the hold to avoid being pinned. Lynch got a two count and then bickered with the referee. Lynch started to remove a turnbuckle pad.
AJ Lee’s entrance music played, and she skipped to ringside. A distracted Lynch turned, and then Dupri jumped off the top rope and hit her with a crossbody block and got the three count.
Maxxine Dupri defeated Becky Lynch in 9:55 to win the Women’s Intercontinental Championship.
Dupri rolled to the floor and celebrated with Lee, who stepped aside while the production team got a shot of Dupri holding up her title belt while pyro shot off on the stage. Lynch continued to act shocked in the ring… [C]
Powell’s POV: A fun payoff to this underdog story. Lynch’s character got her comeuppance without being damaged. This was Lee’s first appearance since she and CM Punk beat Lynch and Seth Rollins at Wrestlepalooza in September.
Former NFL wide receiver Brandon Marshall was shown in the crowd holding John Cena and Logan Paul LJN action figures. Actor Chuck Zito and comedian Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias were also shown in the crowd…
Gunther made his entrance… [C]
4. Gunther vs. Je’Von Evans in a The Last Time Is Now tournament opening round match. Evans’ entrance was not televised. Evans dropkicked Gunther, who then picked up Evans and set him on the ring apron. Gunther smirked as he patted Evans on the head. Evans responded by slapping Gunther. Evans chopped Gunther, who tossed him into a corner. Evans dodged Gunther’s chops, but Gunther put him down with a big boot to the face and then ripped Evans’ t-shirt off. [C]
The overhead big screen and the iconic MSG ceiling were shown coming out of the break. Gunther put Evans in a sleeper, but Evans escaped and then hit Gunther with a spinning kick. Gunther rolled to the floor. Evans went for a suicide dive, but Gunther caught him and then ran him into the side of the ring. [C]
[Hour Three] Gunther went for a suplex, but Evans countered with a cutter that sent Gunther to the floor. Evans dove over the top rope onto Gunther on the floor. Evans went up top and hit a crossbody block. Evans went to the top rope in the opposite corner and hit a frog splash for a near fall. A “this is awesome” chant broke out.
Gunther suplexed Evans and then powerbombed him, but Evans kicked out of the pin attempt that followed. Gunther threw elbows at Evans’ head and then put him in a sleeper. Evans came inches from reaching the ropes, but Gunther pulled him back to the middle of the ring and forced him to submit…
Gunther defeated Je’Von Evans in 15:00 to advance to the quarterfinals of The Last Time Is Now tournament.
Powell’s POV: This match looked good on paper and delivered. Evans is likely staying on the NXT roster, but this could end up being a long term rivalry once Evans makes his way to the main roster.
Maxxine Dupri and AJ Lee were talking backstage. Jackie Redmond approached them and congratulated Dupri on winning the championship. Dupri said the hard work paid off. Dupri said she feels like she finally belongs, and credited Lee, who said she just put a bully in her place. Otis and Akira Tozawa showed up and celebrated with Dupri as they all exited the picture.
Redmond asked Lee if she was going to be sticking around. “I’m hoping the answer is yes,” Redmond said. Lee said she came back to help out her husband, but Becky Lynch lit a fire in her that she forgot she had. “So who knows,” Lee said. Rhea Ripley approached Lee and asked if she had a second to talk…
The WrestleMania 42 commercial aired…
A graphic listed Gunther vs. the winner of Carmelo Hayes vs. Bronson Reed, and Solo Sikoa vs. the winner of Penta vs. Finn Balor in quarterfinal tournament matches on next week’s Raw. A men’s WarGames advantage match was also announced for next week’s show.
Bron Breakker, Bronson Reed, Logan Paul, and Paul Heyman made their entrance. Taylor introduced them as The Vision… [C]
Powell’s POV: So does that mean Paul is officially a member of The Vision? The eight wrestlers currently advertised for the men’s WarGames match were shown in the graphic for the advantage match, but it was not specified whether they would have an eight-man tag match to determine the WarGames advantage.
Drew McIntyre was in the ring with the Vision coming out of the break. Heyman introduced himself and his team. Heyman said he’d walked the Samoan Swat Team, the Freebirds, the Dangerous Alliance, and The Bloodline to the ring for WarGames matches. Heyman said the team in the ring was “the greatest assembly of talent ever put together for the WarGames.”
CM Punk’s entrance theme played. The World Heavyweight Champion walked out with his hands and wrists taped for a fight. Once Punk got to ringside, he pointed at his wrist. Jey Uso’s entrance music played, and then Jey and Jimmy entered through the crowd. Cody Rhodes made the final entrance, and then a fight broke out in the ring. The babyfaces got the better of the fight. Punk was left standing tall in the ring, signaling for the GTS while Paul was down.
Brock Lesnar’s entrance theme played, and then he headed to the ring. Lesnar stood on the apron and smirked. Punk went after Lesnar, who hit Punk with a pair of German suplexes. Cody returned to the ring and threw punches at Lesnar, who then hit him with two German suplexes and cleared him from the ring. An “OTC” chant broke out.
Roman Reigns made his entrance and joined Lesnar inside the ring. After a long staredown, Lesnar backed into the ropes and then swung at Reigns, who ducked it and knocked Lesnar out of the ring with a Superman Punch. Security entered the ring to keep Reigns calm. Reed attacked Reigns from behind. Reed went up top for his finisher, but Reigns recovered and knocked Reed off the ropes with a Superman Punch.
Reigns went to the floor, but the “NYPD” blocked his path. Punk choked Paul with a kendo stick. Reigns ran around some of the cops and speared Reed and two cops through the barricade and into the timekeepers’ area to close the show…
Powell’s POV: The show-closing angle felt like it was just getting good when the show ended. But they obviously made two big additions to the WarGames match with Lesnar joining the heels, and Reigns on the babyface team. Well, assuming Roman’s character is out of jail before then.
Overall, this was a strong show with Cena’s final Raw appearance as a wrestler, the Women’s Intercontinental Title change, Dolph Ziggler’s return for the tournament match, the Gunther vs. Evans match, and a few big names returning to set up their involvement at Survivor Series. I will have more to say about it during my weekly same-night audio review of Raw, which will be available exclusively for Dot Net Members (including our Patreon patrons). Let me know what you thought of Raw by grading it below.
This is an interesting Raw for me. It will determine how much attention I give to WWE through the rest of 2025. Even though I’m a Giants fan – hold the laughter please – I am a huge NFL fan and if WWE is flat, then I will be all in on football until the Royal Rumble. We shall see. I’m hoping for a good show and some momentum to ride for a while.
I’m a big Giants fan too. Skatt is a madman! Loved that bit of business. As for the show, I’m sorry but Cena’s last match ever at Madison Square Garden and ever on Raw being what kind of equates to a throwaway six man tag was underwhelming.
Cam Skattetteboo needs to calm down and stop being annoying.
I am so sorry Jason that you have to hear that entrance music again!
” the familiar sound of shitty entrance music played. ”
Jason, you never disappoint
Yep, keeps beating a dead horse with his dislike for certain things and this one is definitely no different.
Comment all in good fun this time.
It’s amazing that my very first thought was, “Jason’s going to kill John Cena for bringing Ziggler’s music back.”
Watching Cam Skattebo get physical burned me up! Yeah, wasn’t a lot but he just had ankle surgery. If I were the Giants’ organization there’s no way I would have approved that.
Totally agree. My guess is got more physical than they were told it would.
The return of your Ziggler music rant did not disappoint.
If there was a poll for best match on this Raw it would be Powell vs Ziggler’s Shitty Entrance Music™
It would have gotten six stars in the Tokyo Dome.
A+ show. Best RAW of the year and much better than almost any PLE SNME of 2025. When they try, no one can touch WWE
As soon as I heard Ziggler’s music I thought of you Jason lol. I thought it was a good solid Raw at Madison Square Garden. Closing segment delivered!