Last Friday on SmackDown, A.J. Lee resurfaced in WWE after a decade-long absence, returning to support her husband, C.M. Punk, and challenge Women’s Intercontinental Champion Becky Lynch. This surprise comeback generated significant buzz, which carried through to Monday’s episode of WWE RAW, marking A.J.’s first appearance on the show since March 2015. Her return ignited a heated confrontation with Becky Lynch, further escalating tensions among their respective partners and setting the stage for a headline match at Wrestlepalooza. Meanwhile, WWE RAW feud tracker updates reveal multiple storylines developing throughout the night, including A.J. Styles seeking vengeance against El Grande Americano, Nikki Bella clashing with Asuka, and L.A. Knight continuing his fierce rivalry with Bronson Reed.
A.J. Styles Battles El Grande Americano with High Stakes
The feud between A.J. Styles and El Grande Americano intensified following last week’s Intercontinental Championship match against Dominik Mysterio. Styles appeared to have secured victory with a Styles Clash, but Dominik’s foot on the rope prevented the pinfall. As the referee was distracted, El Grande Americano interfered by pulling Styles from the top rope and striking him with a metal headbutt hidden in his mask, allowing Dominik to retain his title with a Frog Splash.
This week on RAW, Styles faced off against Americano in a one-on-one match. Prior to the bout, Styles delivered an unaired promo expressing isolation and suspicion about backstage forces working against him. The match saw Styles gain the early upper hand, launching an ambush outside the ring, but Americano responded with a face-first slam into the turnbuckle. The encounter featured interference from an unknown figure in an Americano mask, who was neutralized by Dragon Lee executing a Hurricanrana. Styles ultimately countered a Sunset Flip attempt by Americano with a Styles Clash to secure the win.
This victory is meaningful, as it not only avenged the previous week’s ambush but also positioned Styles for another chance at Dominik’s Intercontinental Championship. Given the saga’s length and the repeated injustices Styles has endured, it would represent a missed opportunity if the storyline does not culminate with Styles finally capturing the title. The pre-match promo hinted at a deeper narrative, possibly connected to Styles’ advancing age and impending contract expiration, which could extend into a storyline culminating around the Royal Rumble.
Grade: B
Mixed Tag Team Match Solidified: C.M. Punk & A.J. Lee to Face Seth Rollins & Becky Lynch
The animosity between C.M. Punk and Seth Rollins reached a boiling point at Clash in Paris when Becky Lynch executed a low blow on Punk, facilitating Rollins retaining the World Heavyweight Championship. The following night, Becky confronted Punk on RAW, physically provoking him, which escalated tensions further. On SmackDown, Punk refrained from retaliating against Becky but referenced A.J. Lee as the one who would take action — which led to A.J.’s dramatic return and attack on Becky, culminating in celebration alongside Punk.
On RAW, A.J. made a powerful return appearance, wearing Becky’s Intercontinental Championship and delivering an emotional promo about her mental health challenges during her time away and her motivation to return after witnessing Becky’s aggression toward Punk. The segment rapidly intensified when Becky interrupted, disparaging A.J.’s claim to the title. A verbal showdown ensued before Rollins entered and proposed A.J. return the title only if Becky accepted a mixed tag team match featuring A.J. and Punk versus Becky and Rollins. Rollins accepted the challenge, ending the segment with A.J. throwing the title belt back in Becky’s direction.
This segment was highly anticipated and lived up to expectations, injecting fresh energy into the ongoing feuds involving these established power couples. A.J. Lee’s promo showcased her strengths on the microphone as well as vulnerability, addressing her struggles candidly after a prolonged absence. With the mixed tag match official for Wrestlepalooza, WWE fans have a marquee showdown to look forward to, arguably the top bout on a card that also includes John Cena versus Brock Lesnar. A.J.’s return opens multiple avenues for future rivalries, particularly within the women’s division, signaling an exciting period ahead on RAW.
Grade: A
Penta and Rusev Clash Amid Backstage Tensions
Following a recent victory where Penta, alongside the War Raiders, defeated the New Day and Grayson Waller, backstage tensions heightened as Penta and Rusev each requested title shots from Adam Pearce. Their confrontation turned hostile when Rusev insulted Penta, leading Pearce to sanction a singles match between them for the evening.
The match was action-packed, featuring high-impact maneuvers such as Penta’s acrobatic handstand kick and Mexican Destroyer. Though the New Day and Waller attempted to distract Penta, he neutralized their interference with a leap outside the ring. Despite his strong effort, Penta succumbed to Rusev’s Machka Kick for the victory.
While the contest itself was engaging, its placement feels like a continuation of Penta’s feud with the New Day and Waller rather than a serious start to his rivalry with Rusev. The feud between Penta and Rusev has strong potential, offering exciting future matches, but this initial encounter was used primarily to prolong an unrelated storyline. There is ample opportunity to develop their rivalry further without rushing into immediate rematches.
Grade: B-
Asuka Dominates Nikki Bella to Intensify Rivalries
In a backstage encounter, Asuka confronted Nikki Bella and Iyo Sky, demanding Nikki give respect and keep distance from Iyo. Nikki responded by affirming her respect despite disliking Asuka, only to be challenged by Asuka to a fight later that night. Kairi Sane attempted to smooth tensions, but Asuka insisted she leave.
The match featured aggressive exchanges, including simultaneous kicks that knocked both competitors down. Asuka delivered multiple powerful strikes and nearly finished Nikki, who countered an Asuka Lock attempt with an Alabama Slam for a near fall. Ultimately, Asuka prevailed by forcing Nikki to submit to the Asuka Lock.
This encounter further established Asuka’s effectiveness in her new heel role, gaining heat despite some crowd cheers. The match was designed to solidify Asuka’s momentum while heightening tensions with Iyo and Rhea Ripley, especially with Iyo’s upcoming title match against Stephanie Vaquer. Nikki’s recent losses suggest her role is shifting toward enhancement talent status amid a women’s division that has evolved significantly since her previous peak. Without changes such as a possible Bella Twins reunion with Brie, Nikki appears positioned to support current rising talent rather than be a division centerpiece.
Grade: B-
L.A. Knight and Bronson Reed Face Off, Escalating Usos Rivalry
The show opened with Jimmy and Jey Uso conducting an in-ring promo that was interrupted by Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed, who had recently attacked Jey after a loss with L.A. Knight. Jimmy announced a tag team match between the Usos and Breakker & Reed for Wrestlepalooza, met with refusal from Reed. Chaos ensued as Knight intervened, sparking brawls involving all four men.
The main event featured Knight versus Reed in a brutal contest that included Knight throwing Reed onto the timekeeper’s area and leaping off the announce table. Despite Knight’s aggressive offense, Reed secured victory using a Jagged Edge. Post-match attacks saw Breakker and Reed target Knight and the Usos, with Jimmy coming to Knight’s aid and Jey launching a surprising spear attack on Knight, shocking viewers and ending the show on a tense note.
The ongoing feud between Knight and Jey Uso has added new dimensions to the Usos’ storyline, making their interactions with Breakker and Reed more compelling. A potential Knight versus Jey match at Wrestlepalooza could provide refreshing unpredictability compared to a standard tag match. With Jimmy hinting at changes in Jey’s demeanor and the crowd’s mixed reactions, a heel turn for one of these performers is plausible, promising intriguing character developments moving forward.
Grade: B+
Raquel Rodriguez Edges Past Lyra Valkyria in Intense Match
In her first match since SummerSlam, Lyra Valkyria squared off against Raquel Rodriguez in a contest marked by physicality and resilience. Raquel dominated early, but Lyra showcased her ability by converting a Superplex attempt into a powerful Second-Rope Powerbomb for a near fall. A distraction from Roxanne Perez disrupted Lyra’s momentum, but she retaliated by dropkicking Perez off the apron.
Raquel ultimately secured victory with the Tajana Bomb after catching Lyra mid-top rope. This bout stood out as the best on the show in terms of in-ring performance, highlighting Raquel’s development in incorporating power moves and her ability to work effectively against smaller opponents like Lyra. Their ongoing conflict, now involving Roxanne Perez, hints at an expanding feud that could involve Bayley’s return, setting the stage for multiple intersecting storylines.
Grade: B+
