Monday Night RAW, broadcast live from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, delivered notable moments, headlined by AJ Lee’s first appearance on RAW in over a decade. The episode prominently featured storyline developments and matches set for the upcoming WWE Wrestlepalooza event, less than two weeks away. Central to the episode was the rising intrigue around Jey Uso heel turn progress, which added fresh tension to WWE RAW’s ongoing narratives.
AJ Lee captivated the audience with a promo that gave insight into her decade-long absence from wrestling, highlighting her focus on mental health during that period and explaining her reasons for returning. The emotional exchange between Lee and Becky Lynch, who demanded her Intercontinental Championship back, showcased the sharp storytelling skills of both women. The tension between them, paired with Lynch’s energetic delivery, emphasized why they are regarded among the best female talkers in the industry.
The intensity escalated further when Seth Rollins, the World Heavyweight Champion and Lynch’s husband, intervened to reclaim what was rightfully Lynch’s. AJ Lee resisted Rollins’s attempts to control the situation, prompting CM Punk to launch a surprise attack on Rollins. Although Rollins managed to escape, the confrontation culminated in AJ Lee officially challenging Rollins and Punk to a mixed tag team match at Wrestlepalooza, promising one of the most anticipated microphone battles in recent wrestling history.
Stephanie Vaquer’s Absence Complicates Women’s World Championship Build-Up
Originally planned as a contract signing segment between Stephanie Vaquer and Iyo Sky for the vacant Women’s World Championship, the event was disrupted when Vaquer failed to appear for unclear reasons. This absence left fans waiting to see the two competitors interact ahead of their upcoming match, which Adam Pearce had already declared official prior to the show.
The purpose of contract signings in WWE storylines often serves to heighten tension and confirm matches, but the logic behind such ceremonies remains ambiguous when the bout has already been announced. With Pearce having “made official” the contest earlier, the necessity of the signing was questionable at best, especially since the title is vacant and there is no heel champion to avoid the challenge.
Adding to the confusion, neither Vaquer nor Sky are fluent in English, raising concerns about how the segment would have been effectively communicated. Vaquer’s career momentum has stalled markedly since earning her title shot at WWE Evolution in July, and her current lack of prominence in WWE programming has frustrated fans who believed in her potential as a rising star. This derailment undermines an important new chapter for the women’s division heading into Wrestlepalooza.
Jey Uso’s Troubling Actions Signal a Shift in Character
Jey Uso’s recent backstage tension with Roman Reigns and The Usos’ stable, The OTC, is unfolding into a complex narrative where his loyalty and mental state appear increasingly compromised. Despite the return of his twin brother Jimmy and their scheduled reunion match against Bronson Reed and Bron Breakker at Wrestlepalooza, Jey seems to be distancing himself from his allies, venting frustration through reckless aggression.
A recent episode saw Jey inexplicably attack LA Knight, spearing him after Knight had aided Jimmy, despite no apparent provocation. This unprovoked act of violence raises urgent questions about Uso’s mindset, his true motivations, and whether Roman Reigns’ influence is exacerbating the turmoil.
Earlier, Reigns instructed Jey to prioritize the World Heavyweight Championship over his friends, especially warning against interference related to CM Punk‘s ongoing conflict with Seth Rollins. Jey’s growing unpredictability and hostility, however, provide him with renewed narrative depth and mystery that had previously been lacking. Since winning the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania, Jey has been criticized for one-dimensional promos and an overly cartoonish character. Now, his evolving persona injects meaningful drama into RAW.
The wrestling world watches closely with pressing questions:
What is happening to Jey Uso?
Why is he behaving this way?
Did Roman Reigns intend to manipulate Jey Uso once again?
Can Jimmy Uso bring Jey back to his senses?
Is this a prelude to a more menacing heel turn?
Monday Night RAW’s Repetitive Ending Frustrates Viewers
Despite bursts of storyline intrigue, many fans are growing increasingly frustrated with the way Monday Night RAW consistently closes, often featuring The Vision’s predictable victories or defeats followed by attacks on the show’s leading babyfaces. While last night introduced the Jey Uso and LA Knight confrontation, the angle’s potential remains uncertain unless further developments clarify its direction.
LA Knight’s position on RAW continues to disappoint his supporters, as he regularly suffers losses, albeit rarely clean falls. His recurring role as the fall guy in storylines involving WWE’s biggest stars undermines any anticipation of him ascending to World Heavyweight Champion status anytime soon. This stagnation contributes to the overall sentiment of conflict and dissatisfaction permeating current WWE programming.
The Rising Stakes as Wrestlepalooza Approaches
With Wrestlepalooza just days away, RAW’s latest developments—including AJ Lee’s dynamic return, the unresolved Women’s World Championship storyline, and Jey Uso’s spiraling behavior—set the stage for heightened drama that could redefine WWE’s narrative landscape. AJ Lee’s upcoming mixed tag match promises compelling in-ring storytelling, while Stephanie Vaquer’s absence leaves the Women’s title scene shrouded in uncertainty.
Jey Uso’s heel turn progress represents a critical turning point, providing RAW with a fresh edge amid its typically formulaic conventions. The way WWE advances these storylines now will influence viewer engagement and determine whether RAW can sustain long-term momentum heading into summer events.
