The WWE RAW episode just before Crown Jewel delivered a mix of strong moments and disappointments that left fans frustrated and eager for answers. On this night, Roman Reigns fueled tension backstage while several key storylines took unexpected directions, setting the stage for the upcoming pay-per-view. This WWE RAW Crown Jewel Preview explores what succeeded and faltered during the show, highlighting the impact on major characters and the ongoing narratives.
Roman Reigns Manipulates Jey Uso Amidst Growing Family Rift
Roman Reigns opened the episode by addressing the audience before confronting Bronson Reed in a tense face-off leading to an Australian Street Fight scheduled at Crown Jewel. Following the match announcement, Reigns was seen with his cousins Jimmy and Jey Uso backstage, where a heated exchange occurred after Jimmy criticized Reigns’ leadership. Roman continues to position himself as a calculating figure, quietly crafting Jey as the new Tribal Chief while relegating Jimmy to the outskirts of power. This manipulation and gaslighting within the family echoes Reigns’ earlier Tribal Chief saga, adding layers to their complicated dynamic.
“I’m not like you. Jey is NOTHING like you.” Jimmy Uso kept it real with Roman Reigns. 😲 @WWEUsos @WWERomanReigns
This growing tension between Roman and Jimmy hints at a potential singles confrontation between Roman and Jey, which could profoundly affect WWE’s top storyline heading into Crown Jewel.
CM Punk’s Recycled Rivalries Draw Criticism
After weeks away, CM Punk returned to WWE RAW with clear ambitions of earning a shot at the World Heavyweight Championship. His intentions, however, were quickly thwarted by LA Knight’s cunning interference followed by an ambush from The Usos, leaving Punk vulnerable and sidelined. While fans desire to see Punk ascend to the title, the repetitive nature of his current feuds with LA Knight and The Usos diminished excitement. A fresh opponent, such as Rusev, could have injected new energy into Punk’s storyline, but instead, the writers opted for recycled rivalries that feel uninspired and forced.
.@RealLAKnight pulled a fast one on @CMPunk, and Punk can’t believe it! 😅
This sequence of events highlighted a missed opportunity to rejuvenate Punk’s narrative while Crown Jewel approaches, underscoring booking decisions that fail to capitalize on Punk’s star potential.
Maxxine Dupri’s Victory Over Becky Lynch Signals A Surprising Shift
Becky Lynch, firmly established as a villainous figure, surprisingly handed Maxxine Dupri a win via countout in what was Dupri’s first singles victory on WWE RAW in over two years. Despite her heel persona, Lynch demonstrated veteran professionalism, supporting the rookie through a competitive match and enabling Dupri to shine in front of the crowd. The audience’s organic support for Dupri as a hero grew stronger as Lynch played her antagonistic role with convincing malice.
This upset not only highlights Dupri’s long-awaited momentum but could also serve as a catalyst for her rise in WWE’s women’s division if handled carefully moving forward.
The Neglected State of WWE’s Tag Team Division Frustrates Fans
Despite featuring standout talent like AJ Styles and Dragon Lee in a six-man tag match, WWE RAW continued to sideline its tag team division, failing to present meaningful World Tag Team Championship action. Crucial teams such as The New Day and War Raiders were absent, and the tag titles themselves felt forgotten. The match offered exciting in-ring action but did little to advance the tag scene or build toward a compelling feud for the belts.
For many in the WWE Universe, the prolonged disregard of the tag division diminishes its significance, risking fan disengagement from this once vibrant category of competition as Crown Jewel nears.
Intense Strain Between Paul Heyman and Seth Rollins Adds High Stakes Drama
The backstage atmosphere was tense within The Vision faction, especially visible in the deteriorating relationship between Paul Heyman and Seth Rollins. While Bronson Reed operated independently and Bron Breakker was missing from action, Rollins appeared distant, even ignoring Becky Lynch, his real-life spouse and storyline ally. The friction peaked when Rollins questioned his path after a warning from Heyman regarding his match with Cody Rhodes at Crown Jewel.
“If you lose…I have to ask myself why I picked you over Roman Reigns.” Paul Heyman’s harsh ultimatum to Seth Rollins underscored the gravity of the upcoming match.
Heyman’s threatening statement amplified the suspense around Rollins’s loyalty and future, signaling potential fallout that could redefine alliances and rivalries. This segment stood out as a major highlight of the night, generating a palpable sense of urgency and conflict.
Final Thoughts: Building Momentum and Missed Chances Before Crown Jewel
WWE RAW’s final episode before Crown Jewel delivered moments of tension and intrigue but also revealed glaring weaknesses in booking strategy. Roman Reigns’ manipulation of the Uso family and the escalating discord between Seth Rollins and Paul Heyman create compelling storylines poised to impact the pay-per-view significantly. In contrast, CM Punk’s stagnant feuds and the neglected tag division point to missed opportunities that may disappoint viewers.
As fans look ahead, the outcomes at Crown Jewel could hinge on these contrasting narratives, determining whether WWE can capitalize on rising drama or falls prey to repetitive storytelling and sidelined talent. The show’s mixed signals leave the wrestling community both anxious and impatient for the events yet to unfold.
"I'm not like you. Jey is NOTHING like you."
Jimmy Uso kept it real with Roman Reigns. 😲@WWEUsos @WWERomanReigns pic.twitter.com/6YVc86R4oM
— WWE (@WWE) October 7, 2025
.@RealLAKnight pulled a fast one on @CMPunk, and Punk can't believe it! 😅 pic.twitter.com/TUTl3HOulW
— WWE (@WWE) October 7, 2025
"If you lose…I have to ask myself why I picked you over Roman Reigns."@HeymanHustle let @WWERollins know that EVERYTHING is on the line at Crown Jewel… 👀 pic.twitter.com/TjGTxnYrTC
— WWE (@WWE) October 7, 2025
