WWE Raw aired from the Performance Center in Orlando, Florida on May 25, 2020, showcasing several pivotal moments in the lead-up to the Backlash event. The show began with a Memorial Day video, setting a solemn tone before the excitement unfolded live on the USA Network. Wrestlers and announcers Tom Phillips, Byron Saxton, and Samoa Joe welcomed a specially arranged audience composed of socially distanced and tested NXT trainees to enhance the atmosphere safely.
One of the early highlights was the promotion of the Women’s Triple Threat match featuring Charlotte Flair, Nia Jax, and Natalya, setting the stage for a fierce contender showdown for the Raw Women’s Championship. Kevin Owens hosted The KO Show, where he introduced Asuka, the reigning Raw Women’s Champion, to discuss the upcoming battle and add intrigue to the competition among the women.
Women’s Triple Threat Match Showcase and Rivalries Build
Kevin Owens’s interaction with Asuka added depth to the segment, highlighting Asuka’s connection with former champion Kairi Sane as they celebrated her recent title win. Despite this, Charlotte Flair entered with a provocative challenge, dismissing Asuka’s reign by reminding her she never defeated her directly and urging her to “manage her expectations.” Natalya then appeared, apologizing for past frustrations and expressing determination to compete fiercely, although Charlotte’s dismissive attitude provoked tension.
Nia Jax completed the trio, declaring her ambition to claim the Raw Women’s Title and vowing to punish Asuka harshly at Backlash. This instigated a chaotic brawl involving all four women, marked by physical exchanges and provocation, culminating in Asuka delivering a spinning elbow to Jax that intensified the feud ahead of their title rematch.
Apollo Crews’ U.S. Title Victory Over Andrade
In a highly competitive U.S. Championship match, Apollo Crews faced Andrade in a bout marked by strategic offense and moments of backstage intrigue. Throughout the match, Andrade’s partner Zelina Vega played a distracting role while Crews demonstrated resilience despite Andrade’s aggressive attacks. The match also featured Angel Garza observing keenly from backstage, hinting at future rivalries.
Crews overcame significant challenges, including leg attacks from Andrade, and executed a standing shooting star press to secure the pinfall after nine minutes, capturing his first U.S. Title. Post-match, Crews expressed pride in overcoming naysayers who doubted his potential. Meanwhile, a visible frustration from Andrade backstage reinforced the narrative of rising tension.
Early Challenges and Backstage Conflicts
Several backstage segments underscored the emotional and professional stakes for Raw’s talent. Apollo Crews displayed positive confidence ahead of his title match, while Seth Rollins was seen contemplating a Rey Mysterio mask, foreshadowing their intense rivalry. Rollins acknowledged Rey for helping him overcome a previous dark period, describing Rey’s willingness to sacrifice himself to advance their story.
Additionally, backstage interaction between MVP and Lana revealed underlying tensions, with Lana demanding a serious conversation, suggesting the personal dynamics among the roster remained as volatile as the in-ring action. Natalya’s interview segment showed the strain of balancing personal challenges with professional focus ahead of her own big match.
The MVP Lounge Simmers with Tension Between Drew McIntyre and MVP
The second hour opened with MVP hosting his lounge segment, greeted by the Performance Center trainees. Drew McIntyre’s unexpected entrance injected confrontation, as the history between him and MVP surfaced vividly. Both acknowledged past betrayals and ambitions, especially regarding Bobby Lashley’s upcoming title shot at Backlash.
MVP promised retribution against Drew but conceded a cautious approach by reserving the main confrontation for Backlash. This backstage narrative deepened the personal stakes among the warriors, with Drew emphasizing his determination to hold on to his WWE Championship after an arduous career journey. The arrival of Lashley heightened tension further, sparking a brief but charged altercation.
Angel Garza vs. Kevin Owens: A Match Marked by Controversy
The bout between Angel Garza and Kevin Owens was intense but marred by pre-match tampering, as Garza attacked Owens from behind. Despite Owens fighting valiantly, his injured leg hampered his performance, allowing Garza to capitalize with his finishing move, Wing Clipper, securing victory in just four minutes. The win marked a significant boost for Garza’s momentum, though fans and commentators noted the tainted circumstances of the result.
The standing ovation from the NXT trainees at the Performance Center reflected growing enthusiasm for Garza, signaling the possibility of his ascension within the WWE hierarchy. Meanwhile, Kevin Owens’s character narrative showed signs of persistence despite setbacks, maintaining his role as a key figure in Raw storylines.
The IIconics Challenge Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross
The tag team rivalry between the IIconics and Alexa Bliss with Nikki Cross intensified during an unscripted segment in the arena. Peyton Royce and Billie Kay expressed remorse for recent missteps but reinforced their unity and ambition by reminiscing about past successes, including their tag team title win at WrestleMania. Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross responded with sharp words highlighting their individual hardships and mutual support in becoming champions.
The confrontation escalated into a physical altercation, with the IIconics launching an aggressive assault, including a spinning wheel kick to Nikki Cross and a double side slam on Bliss and Cross. The IIconics then taunted the crowd by displaying the tag team championship belts, signaling their intent to reclaim and dominate the division.
Seth Rollins Mentors Austin Theory and Murphy with Dark Warnings
Seth Rollins, rallying his disciples Austin Theory and Murphy, emphasized inspiration and mentorship as key themes for the evening. Later in the night, their tag team match against Humberto Carrillo and Aleister Black showcased teamwork and chaos, punctuated by controversial tactics. The heel team secured victory despite escaping early, demonstrating their ruthlessness.
Following the match, Rollins issued chilling threats aimed at Black and Carrillo, invoking the brutal attack on Rey Mysterio as a warning of what awaits those who defy the “Monday Night Messiah.” Seth’s ominous demeanor and control spotlighted his dominance over the Raw roster’s narrative and set an unsettling tone for the future encounters leading to Backlash.
High Anticipation Surrounds Edge vs. Randy Orton Rematch
Edge, seen backstage reflecting on his imminent clash with Randy Orton, conveyed a complex mixture of gratitude, doubt, and determination ahead of what is widely regarded as one of WWE’s most significant matches. He acknowledged Orton’s extensive wrestling activity during Edge’s prior retirement and expressed the inner struggle of proving his capabilities once more.
Despite uncertainty, Edge committed to giving his all, stating,
“It’s all a man can do,”
underlining the emotional and physical stakes at play. Commentators amplified this narrative by hyping the upcoming match as potentially “The Greatest Wrestling Match Ever,” building anticipation for the highly awaited pay-per-view in two weeks.
Backstage and Ringside Interactions Fuel Storylines and Future Showdowns
Segments featuring MVP, Lashley, and Lana revealed growing friction, with Lana visibly frustrated at recent violence and MVP pushing the agenda of sending a message to Drew McIntyre. Meanwhile, the Street Profits and Viking Raiders entertained the audience with a lighthearted golf outing video, contrasting their playful camaraderie with the underlying challenges posed by rival factions.
MVP’s disdain for the Street Profits’ antics led to a challenge for a tag team match alongside Lashley, amplifying competitive tensions within the roster and foreshadowing future confrontations in the tag division.
Charlotte, Nia Jax, and Natalya Clash in No. 1 Contenders Match
The No. 1 contendership bout for the WWE Women’s Title delivered intense action with Charlotte Flair, Nia Jax, and Natalya vying for victory. Asuka’s presence at ringside added to the drama surrounding the competing women. The match featured brutal moves, including a powerbomb through the announce table executed by Natalya and heavy exchanges signifying the wrestlers’ commitment to the upcoming Backlash clash.
The turning point came when Jax secured the win with a Samoan Drop, advancing to face Asuka at Backlash. The victory marked a critical step in Jax’s path toward championship ambition and set the stage for an eagerly awaited rematch promising a high level of physicality and intensity.
Tag Team Action and Post-Match Brawl Highlight the Evening
In tag team competition, the Street Profits took on the duo of Bobby Lashley and MVP in a gritty and physical twelve-minute bout. Lashley’s dominance and MVP’s calculated offense combined to secure the win over the crowd favorites. The match’s conclusion triggered a dramatic brawl as Drew McIntyre stormed the ring to attack Lashley, escalating tensions regarding the WWE Championship and promising an explosive Backlash showdown.
The fight ultimately required intervention from security and Performance Center trainees but underscored the fiercely competitive atmosphere pervading Raw’s roster. This volatile climax leaves fans anticipating intense confrontations and storyline developments in the weeks to come.
Legacy, Ambition, and Future Prospects on WWE Raw
Throughout the broadcast, themes of legacy, sacrifice, and ambition underscored individual and faction storylines. Seth Rollins’s dominance with cold threats and leadership over Theory and Murphy framed much of the show’s narrative, intertwining personal vendettas and broader championship aspirations. Meanwhile, rising stars like Apollo Crews and Angel Garza acquired momentum, signaling WWE’s intention to build fresh rivalries.
The buildup to Backlash is marked by a mixture of physical confrontations, emotional storytelling, and clear paths for championship contention, with several matches promising to deliver as the Raw roster continues to evolve its complex layers of rivalries and alliances. Viewer anticipation remains high for the next installment of WWE programming, as the consequences of Raw’s high-stakes showdowns are expected to reverberate for weeks.
