The latest episode of WWE Raw in Tulsa, Oklahoma, set a dynamic stage for the upcoming Money in the Bank event, as Seth Rollins dominates WWE Raw storyline progression and heated rivalries boiled over. With mixings of friendships and betrayals, the night’s action saw champions and challengers collide at the BOK Center, with each bout carrying major implications for the future of Raw and its superstars.
Jey Uso entered the arena carrying both the pressure of being World Heavyweight Champion and the comfort of having Sami Zayn as his tag partner for the evening. The duo faced the imposing team of Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed, while Money in the Bank qualifying contests featured CM Punk and Liv Morgan aiming for their spots in the marquee ladder match. The commentary team was enlivened by Pat McAfee, who appeared in an Indiana Pacers jersey as a result of a bet with Michael Cole, drawing both attention and crowd reactions.
CM Punk Declares Intentions as Rivalries with Sami Zayn and John Cena Surface
The crowd was immediately energized when CM Punk made his entrance, referencing the Oklahoma City Thunder and igniting an “OKC” chant throughout the arena. He quickly reminded fans of his storied past in Money in the Bank, seeking to win a third briefcase and warning that victory would bring him face-to-face with the World Heavyweight Champion. Relationships were at the forefront, as Punk, calling Uso a friend, emphasized that title pursuits are all business—even hinting that a future match could put friendship aside.
“Is it great to be alive on a Monday night in Tulsa, Oklahoma or what?”
—CM Punk, Wrestler
“It’s time that CM Punk got some gold around his waist,”
—CM Punk, Wrestler
Sami Zayn confronted Punk, recognizing the clarity of his ambitions and acknowledging their shared goal of championship gold. Zayn argued Punk’s victory was crucial to keep the Money in the Bank contract away from Seth Rollins, creating a sense of urgency within the storyline. He voiced hopes for a high-stakes future showdown between the two if both succeed in their quests.
“I look forward to it, Sami,”
—CM Punk, Wrestler
Elsewhere backstage, Roxanne Perez offered Liv Morgan assistance in her upcoming match, which Morgan declined, setting up a tense dynamic with Iyo Sky and foreshadowing additional confrontations.
Liv Morgan Fights for Qualifying Opportunity Amidst Rising Competition
The women’s Money in the Bank qualifier pitted Liv Morgan against Ivy Nile and Stephanie Vaquer. Despite rumors regarding Triple H’s feelings about the MITB format, the bout layered suspense around who would advance. Ivy Nile delivered impressive double suplexes, but ultimately fell short as Stephanie Vaquer isolated her and secured the victory, moving forward to compete for the contract on Saturday.
Backstage, Paul Heyman sought to manipulate AJ Styles by encouraging him to pursue the Intercontinental Championship and disregarding Money in the Bank, a ploy meant to clear the path for Rollins. Styles was quick to reject Heyman’s overtures, hinting that he was well aware of the underlying strategy and refusing to be pushed aside.
“You try to push me out and I will push back,”
—AJ Styles, Wrestler
The Judgment Day and War Raiders Continue Tag Team Turmoil
The World Tag Team Champion New Day joined commentary as The Judgment Day, represented by Finn Balor and JD McDonagh, clashed with the War Raiders. Kofi Kingston captured the crowd‘s attention with comments on Ivar’s fresh tattoo, while in-ring, the Raiders demonstrated their power. Interference from Roxanne Perez distracted Ivar at a crucial moment, opening the door for Balor to land his signature Coup de Grace and secure the win. This outcome raised questions about Perez’s motives and her potential alliance with The Judgment Day.
Elsewhere, Becky Lynch expressed her frustration over Lyra Valkyria costing her previous opportunities since returning, challenging Valkyria’s readiness for her own chance at Money in the Bank. Meanwhile, a congratulatory exchange between Vaquer, Rhea Ripley, and Cathy Kelley stoked anticipation for future matchups.
Verbal Confrontations Ignite Tension Between Becky Lynch and Lyra Valkyria
Lyra Valkyria called Becky Lynch to the ring, demanding she repeat her earlier comments directly. Valkyria revealed anger and drive sparked by Lynch, while Lynch, for her part, insisted her intention was to uplift Lyra, not harm her. Refusing to immediately accept a challenge, Lynch attempted to leave, resulting in a ringside confrontation that required officials to separate the two, underlining the escalating personal stakes ahead of Money in the Bank.
Tag Match Chaos as Rollins Disrupts and Seth Rollins Dominates WWE Raw Storyline Progression
Jey Uso and Sami Zayn’s tag match against Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed was marked by high athleticism and crowd-pleasing sequences. The question lingered whether Breakker could be kept as a villain, given his popularity, and whether the tag partners could maintain unity under pressure. The match’s pivotal moment came when Seth Rollins intervened, causing disqualification with a signature stomp and intensifying his dominance heading into Money in the Bank. Punk arrived, wielding a chair to protect Zayn from further harm as Reed geared up for a punishing follow-up attack.
Rollins’ strategic presence was palpable, as he was overheard informing Breakker that Punk’s whereabouts were accounted for, hinting at future confrontations. The Judgment Day, too, saw internal tensions, with Balor assuring Liv Morgan that Roxanne Perez’s involvement was meant as support rather than part of a scheme. Dominik Mysterio attempted to mend fences for past actions, only for Balor to downplay any lingering issues, suggesting manipulations behind the scenes.
Kairi Sane Triumphs Over Raquel Rodriguez As Factions Maneuver for Control
Kairi Sane met Raquel Rodriguez in a bout defined by contrasting styles, with Sane aiming to control the tempo and Rodriguez relying on her power. As Liv Morgan prepared to interfere for Rodriguez, Iyo Sky intervened, balancing the odds. Ultimately, Sane secured victory with her Insane Elbow. Side storylines advanced as Finn Balor’s efforts to send Perez to assist Rodriguez were declined by Morgan—showing Balor’s growing influence over the women’s division narratives.
Meanwhile, Zayn received medical attention following Rollins’ attack when Karrion Kross approached to question Zayn’s motives, positioning him as a potential antagonist for future episodes. Kross planted seeds of self-doubt by labeling Zayn as a bad guy before walking away, setting up further psychological intrigue.
Gunther Challenges Jey Uso’s Strength of Character Before Their Rematch
Hype continued for next week’s highly anticipated Jey Uso-Gunther rematch, with a video package and a locker room interaction. The former Intercontinental Champion Gunther claimed that Uso’s admirable efforts would ultimately be undermined by his tendency to follow his heart instead of his head, likening their rivalry to classic showdowns between superheroes and their nemeses. This meeting underscored how personal motivations and strategies could determine the outcome in their upcoming rematch.
Main Event Delivers Shocking Outcome as El Grande Americano Advances
The Raw main event featured AJ Styles, El Grande Americano, and CM Punk competing for a coveted Money in the Bank slot. Tension was evident as earlier threats set the stage for expected interference. The crowd’s enthusiasm was matched by the unpredictable pace, with dueling chants echoing throughout the match. CM Punk landed his signature GTS on Americano, only for Breakker to interfere and deny him the win. Jey Uso and Sami Zayn rushed in to fight off the attackers, while Styles soared with a high-flying maneuver.
As Styles prepared his Phenomenal Forearm, El Grande Americano countered with a loaded mask headbutt, stunning the crowd and advancing to Money in the Bank in a surprise victory. The closing moments saw further chaos, as Rollins, Breakker, and Reed overpowered Zayn and Uso—with Rollins once more asserting dominance by orchestrating a vicious beatdown, including a series of spears and a Tsunami maneuver from Bronson Reed.
Shifting Power Dynamics and Future Expectations Set for Raw
The night ended with Seth Rollins standing tall, clearly dictating the direction of WWE Raw storyline progression and leaving Jey Uso and his allies battered and questioning their standing ahead of next week’s title rematch. As tensions among The Judgment Day, Becky Lynch and Lyra Valkyria, Rollins’ faction, and other competitors continue to escalate, the build toward Money in the Bank promises further unexpected alliances, betrayals, and championship confrontations. The evolving narratives on display not only heightened anticipation for the premium event but also showcased Seth Rollins’ growing influence and strategic dominance over Raw’s top contenders.
