Following his return to WWE last week, Roman Reigns faced off against Paul Heyman during this week’s show, where Heyman attempted to persuade Reigns to ally with him once more. Reigns decisively rejected the proposal. The confrontation escalated when Bron Breakker interrupted, sparking a brawl involving Reigns and Breakker.
Outnumbered at first, Reigns soon found support from his cousin Jey Uso, turning the tide of the confrontation. This intense exchange set the stage for a significant storyline heading into Summerslam, where Jey Uso and Reigns are positioned for a vital tag team match.
Gunther Challenges C.M. Punk Ahead of Summerslam Title Bout
In the weeks leading to Summerslam, tensions between World Heavyweight Champion Gunther and challenger C.M. Punk have been heating up. C.M. Punk secured his title shot by winning a Gauntlet match that featured interference from Bronson Reed, aiding Bron Breakker. Jey Uso’s intervention ensured Punk and Breakker were the final competitors, with Punk ultimately prevailing by delivering a GTS to Breakker.
This week’s episode featured Punk opening with a confident promo, claiming he’d give it his all and labeling himself the best in the world. Gunther interrupted, asserting that true superiority comes from winning championships and that he would physically dominate Punk. Despite Gunther’s confident stance, Punk remained silent after the challenge.
The segment lacked the dynamic back-and-forth expected from such a high-profile feud, feeling underwhelming given the stakes. The limited buildup time to Summerslam has put pressure on WWE to amplify interest rapidly for this championship clash.
Women’s Tag Team Turmoil Builds Through Lyra Valkyria and Bayley’s Rivalry
Lyra Valkyria earned a shot at Becky Lynch’s Women’s Intercontinental Championship last week by defeating Bayley in a Two out of Three Falls match. This week, Bayley and Lyra challenged Women’s Tag Team Champions Raquel Rodriguez and Roxanne Perez after Bayley secured the match without Lyra’s knowledge. Before the match, a tense exchange unfolded when Lyra negotiated a no-disqualification and no-count-out stipulation, warning she would never challenge for the title again if she lost under those terms. The handshake turned into a brawl after Lyra executed a Man Slam on Becky.
During the match, instances of discord between Bayley and Lyra were evident, impacting their teamwork. After Lyra climbed to the apron, Becky Lynch interfered by pulling her off and throwing her into the stairs. Consequently, Bayley was left isolated in the ring and was defeated by a Tejana Bomb delivered by Raquel.
This ongoing storyline has been one of the most compelling on the show, with Bayley’s betrayal hinting at an imminent heel turn. The feud between Becky and Lyra, fueled by Bayley’s actions, promises further developments, potentially involving Bayley as a significant factor in future matches.
Sami Zayn and Karrion Kross Continue Hostile Rivalry Ahead of Summerslam
The months-long feud between Sami Zayn and Karrion Kross intensified as Sami returned this week to face Kross in a rematch following his win at Night of Champions. The bout was physically demanding, with Sami suffering repeated attacks to his ribs from Kross and assistance from Scarlett, who interfered multiple times using a steel pipe. Despite Sami’s resilience and high-risk moves, Kross secured the victory after hitting Sami with the pipe aided by Scarlett’s distraction.
This is Kross’s first singles victory on television in a significant period, demonstrating the payoff of the storyline. With both competitors now holding a win apiece, their rivalry is expected to culminate in a decisive encounter at Summerslam, spotlighting a sustained and evolving narrative between the two.
Iyo Sky and Stephanie Vaquer’s Ongoing Feud Ends in Controversy
Iyo Sky and Stephanie Vaquer faced off once again, continuing their unresolved rivalry. Their match ended in disqualification when Chelsea Green attacked Vaquer from behind while the fight escalated with interference by the Secret Hervice stable. Following the match, Naomi, the new Women’s World Champion, attacked Iyo, which led to Rhea Ripley intervening to fend off their attackers, culminating in a tense standoff among Iyo, Vaquer, and Rhea in the ring.
This segment reinforced the strength of the women’s division on Raw, with multiple storylines interweaving. The match’s unresolved finish indicates more confrontations ahead, possibly including a Summerslam singles match between Vaquer and Green, and a potential alliance between Iyo, Vaquer, and Ripley against the Secret Hervice.
Roman Reigns and Jey Uso Clash with Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed in Tag Team Conflict
Building upon recent events, Roman Reigns returned to counter the alliance between Seth Rollins, Paul Heyman, Bron Breakker, and Bronson Reed. Heyman attempted to recruit Reigns to lead a new faction following Seth Rollins’s injury, but Reigns dismissed the overture, criticizing Heyman’s change in loyalties. Breakker claimed the top position Reigns once held, challenging him directly, which quickly escalated into physical confrontation.
The conflict intensified as Breakker and Reed teamed up to overpower Reigns until Jey Uso arrived, evening the odds. The cousins simultaneously delivered Spear attacks to Breakker and Reed, standing tall together at the end of the segment.
This interaction effectively foreshadows their impending tag team match at Summerslam, highlighting the familial bond between Reigns and Uso and positioning Breakker and Reed as formidable adversaries. This feud promises to be a focal point of the event, offering substantial star power and compelling narrative tension.
Sheamus and Rusev Trade Victories in Renewed Rivalry
After Rusev claimed victory over Sheamus three weeks ago by exploiting an exposed turnbuckle, the two faced off in a rematch this week. The bout featured high-impact maneuvers, with Sheamus ultimately winning by countering Rusev’s tactics and landing a decisive Brogue Kick. Both competitors displayed strong performances, setting the stage for a decisive third match to resolve the feud.
The concluding match is anticipated to be a highlight encounter, though it may be scheduled after Summerslam, possibly at Clash in Paris, to maximize the rivalry’s development and significance.
Triple Threat Contest Revives Raw’s Tag Team Scene
The New Day competed against the Creed Brothers and the L.W.O. team of Joaquin Wilde and Cruz Del Toro for a Number One Contender’s spot to the Tag Team Championship. The match included several dramatic moments, such as interference from El Grande Americano leading to the Creed Brothers’ distraction. Wilde capitalized on the chaos by rolling up Xavier Woods to win, earning his team a future title opportunity.
This contest injected energy into Raw’s tag division, with the L.W.O. emerging as the standout team. Their anticipated matchup against champions Finn Balor and J.D. McDonagh could produce a highly engaging title defense, though it is expected to take place post-Summerslam to better position the tag division.
Dominik Mysterio and A.J. Styles’ Anticipated Summerslam Match Develops with Unique Storytelling
Prior to their scheduled Intercontinental Championship match at Summerslam, Dominik Mysterio underwent a medical clearance process this week amid ongoing tensions with A.J. Styles. Styles adopted multiple disguises throughout the show, including a valet driver and an EMT, seeking to torment Dominik. Following a ringside attack and a confrontation outside the doctor’s office, Dominik confirmed his medical clearance and declared readiness for Summerslam.
The extended build allowed for creative storytelling and character work, illustrating that even near the end of his career, Styles remains a compelling performer capable of elevating his rival and their shared storyline. This match is expected to be a significant feature of Summerslam’s card.
The Path Forward for Summerslam’s Key Matchups
As Summerslam approaches, several rivalries are converging to form a compelling event lineup, most notably the Jey Uso Summerslam tag team match with Roman Reigns facing Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed. This encounter promises to blend star power, family dynamics, and emerging talent, creating high stakes and anticipation.
Other matches, such as Gunther versus C.M. Punk and the evolving women’s title picture, underscore the ongoing narrative depth within WWE. The event‘s storylines reflect intense competition and rivalries reaching their peak, setting the stage for a major summer showdown that could redefine character trajectories and divisional hierarchies.
