During the AJ Styles Raw match against JD McDonagh on Monday, McDonagh delivered a high-energy performance that pushed Styles to his limits inside the ring. While McDonagh did not secure a victory, his impressive display—featuring a standout airborne leap—captivated the audience and marked a memorable episode for WWE fans.
Show-Stopping Moments in the Ring
The match unfolded with high drama, especially midway when Styles pursued Mysterio, who was assisting McDonagh outside the ring. While Dom nearly slipped away at the timekeeper’s area, Styles quickly closed the gap. In a jaw-dropping moment, McDonagh soared over the barricade, launching himself toward Styles and crashing into the former WWE Champion. This unexpected twist added excitement and energy just before Raw went to a commercial break, refreshing a spot that has become familiar over the years.
Battling intensely, both superstars exchanged momentum, culminating with Styles landing a definitive Styles Clash to take the hard-fought victory. Throughout the bout, the athleticism and daring stunts from both men drew strong reactions from fans in attendance and at home.
McDonagh Returns with Resilience
This showdown marked only the fifth match for JD McDonagh since he recovered from significant injuries suffered in January during a contest against the War Raiders. After a dangerous maneuver saw him collide with the announcer’s table and injure his back, immediate worries circulated regarding possible head or neck trauma. Instead, McDonagh was discovered to have sustained broken ribs and a punctured lung, yet he demonstrated remarkable toughness by completing the match.
“The thought of stopping didn’t even enter my mind,”
—McDonagh, WWE Superstar
Back in action post-WrestleMania 41, McDonagh returned to Monday Night Raw, where he played a pivotal role in Mysterio’s successful defense of the Intercontinental Title against Penta, signaling his readiness to rejoin the top level of competition.
Rising Tension within Judgment Day
Since his comeback, McDonagh has found himself entangled in complex dynamics inside Judgment Day. With Finn Bálor bringing former NXT Women’s Champion Roxanne Perez into the fold, unease has grown among Bálor, Mysterio, and Liv Morgan. Although Bálor takes subtle shots at his teammates, McDonagh has stayed neutral so far, watching the group’s shifting alliances play out from a distance.
As the situation inside the Judgment Day faction grows more complicated, fans and insiders alike are curious about where McDonagh’s loyalty will ultimately rest. His determination and showmanship, as evidenced during his battle with Styles, continue to raise his profile among the WWE Universe.
JD McDonagh’s resilience and dynamic style, showcased in his latest clash with AJ Styles, ensure he remains one of the most intriguing talents to watch as ongoing storylines develop in WWE.
