On July 25, 2005, WWE Raw aired live from Cleveland, Ohio, delivering a night filled with surprising outcomes and intense promos that energized the WWE universe. The episode featured key moments like Shawn Michaels openly challenging Hulk Hogan, John Cena’s shocking loss to Carlito, and several other high-stakes matches that reshaped the WWE landscape. This report highlights these pivotal moments and sets the stage for the upcoming Summerslam event, with the WWE Raw July 2005 Highlights drawing significant attention for their impact and drama.
Opening Match Surprises: Eugene Upsets Kurt Angle
The show immediately set an unexpected tone when Kurt Angle stepped into the ring to address a new challenge. After dismissing a “liar” he defeated twice previously, Angle confronted Cleveland’s local challenger with Christy Hemme by his side. Hemme introduced Eugene, known for his underdog persona, who caused a stir by donning a Cleveland Browns jersey and clashing with Angle before their scheduled match.
In a brief but remarkable contest lasting three minutes, Eugene stunned the audience by breaking free from Angle’s anklelock in the closing seconds and avoiding defeat. Jim Ross excitedly called out,
“Eugene wins, Eugene wins, Eugene wins!”
—Jim Ross, Commentator. The victory was celebrated backstage, marking the conclusion of Angle’s challenge for the night and announcing next week’s “Eugene Challenge,” signaling a fresh storyline to watch.
Backstage Tensions and Tag Team Fun
Backstage segments added layers to WWE’s ongoing narratives, starting with John Cena’s encounter with Eric Bischoff. Bischoff openly disparaged Cena and the hip-hop community he favored, calling them
“nothing but wannabe thug…scum, slime.”
—Eric Bischoff, WWE Executive. Cena responded by silently exiting the room, leaving Bischoff frustrated and setting the tone for their continuing rivalry.
Meanwhile, the tag team division saw an unusual match featuring The Heart Throbs paired with their mini versions, The Pocket Rocket, against Viscera and a miniature version dubbed Cloacas. Despite the lighthearted nature, Viscera and Cloacas dominated to secure their win in a short but entertaining bout that demonstrated WWE’s playful side amidst the rising intensity elsewhere on the card.
Remembering a Legend: Tribute to Lord Alfred Hayes
The broadcast honored the late Lord Alfred Hayes, acknowledging his contribution to WWE’s history with a heartfelt video montage. Commentators reminisced about Hayes’ role alongside icons like Vince McMahon and Andre The Giant, highlighting the respect and affection the WWE community continues to hold for him.
Backstage Interviews and Musical Performances Energize Raw
Shelton Benjamin demanded an Intercontinental Championship opportunity but was instead booked to face both Gene Snitsky and Chris Masters, intensifying the competition. Maria interviewed Chris Jericho, who promoted the upcoming Battle of the Bands event with his band Fozzy. Jericho teased fans by mentioning the bias within the audience and insisting he was the “true bad, bad man.”
Later, John Cena took to the stage to perform “I’m a Bad Man” live, displaying confidence and stage presence. When Jericho declined his turn, citing fan bias and promising to perform at Summerslam, Cena performed a second song before the segment cut away. These musical moments provided a unique entertainment contrast to the wrestling action, enhancing the show’s dynamic feel.
Shawn Michaels Confronts Hulk Hogan with a Bold Challenge
Perhaps the most intense moment of the evening was Shawn Michaels stepping into the ring to deliver a fiery promo directed at Hulk Hogan. Michaels declared his ambition to be the greatest performer ever and criticized Hogan for relying on his past reputation rather than proving himself nightly. Addressing fans and backstage officials alike, Michaels taunted,
“After all you’ve given him, what’s the best he can give you?”
—Shawn Michaels, WWE Superstar.
Michaels mocked Hogan’s signature gestures and declared himself the genuine “Show Stopper,” challenging Hogan directly ahead of their anticipated Summerslam encounter. He provocatively stated,
“You said you wanted the old HBK. Well, guess what? You got him.”
—Shawn Michaels, WWE Superstar. This promo heightened the stakes for Summerslam and showcased Michaels’ confident, rebellious persona, positioning him as a major threat to Hogan’s legacy.
Hard-Hitting Matches: Masters & Snitsky vs. Shelton Benjamin
In the ring, Chris Masters and Gene Snitsky teamed up against Shelton Benjamin in a physically demanding contest. Benjamin started strong with impressive moves outside the ring, but the villains turned the tide with coordinated attacks, culminating in Masters applying the Master Lock. The match ended controversially as Masters was disqualified for holding the lock too long, leading to Big Show’s dramatic rescue of Benjamin and a clearing of the ring, injecting chaos and anticipation for future encounters.
Divas Compete in a Hot Dog Eating Contest
A lighter moment featured the ongoing diva competition with one contestant eliminated and the remaining participants engaging in a fun hot dog eating contest. Two divas faced off in a timed eat-off to determine the winner, adding variety and levity to the episode’s intense tone.
Edge and Kane’s Gritty Stretcher Match Delivers Brutal Action
The evening’s major gimmick match featured Edge, accompanied by Lita, against Kane in a stretcher match filled with aggressive, high-impact maneuvers. Kane dominated early but lost momentum following Edge’s effective use of ring steps and a spear. The match escalated with chairs, kendo sticks, and dramatic stretcher confrontations involving Lita and Kane, culminating in Edge carrying Kane on a stretcher up the rampway to secure the victory after 14 minutes and 45 seconds.
Tensions boiled over post-match as Kane attacked both Lita and Edge, threatening serious injury and even assaulting paramedics attempting to intervene. His chilling question to Lita,
“Have you ever taken a ride on the highway to hell?”
—Kane, WWE Superstar, underscored the dark and menacing atmosphere. The violent conclusion was interrupted by Matt Hardy’s sudden appearance attacking Edge and forcing security action, leaving the segment on a volatile note.
Tribute to Hulk Hogan Highlights
Following intense bouts, the show aired a tribute video celebrating Hulk Hogan’s influence across wrestling and popular culture. Featuring voices like Arnold Schwarzenegger, Bob Costas, Eric Bischoff, and WWE legends such as Ric Flair and Triple H, the segment underscored Hogan’s lasting impact. Triple H remarked,
“I don’t care who comes and goes, there will never be another Hulk Hogan.”
—Triple H, WWE Superstar, reinforcing Hogan’s legacy ahead of the looming confrontation with Shawn Michaels.
John Cena’s WWE Championship Match Ends in Stunning Defeat
The night’s biggest surprise came when John Cena faced Carlito with Chris Jericho serving as the special guest referee. Cena appeared cautious under Jericho’s watchful eye, and Carlito quickly took control, using a chair which Jericho disarmed. Jericho’s impartiality was questioned as the match progressed, with Carlito applying a chinlock and systematically wearing down Cena. Cena rallied with signature moves, including the “You Can’t See Me” taunt and Five Knuckle Shuffle, but was blindsided when Jericho kicked him between the legs, followed by a series of Jericho-facilitated finishers for Carlito.
Carlito scored the pin at 8 minutes and 10 seconds, claiming a major upset. Jericho’s motives remained unclear, casting doubt over his intentions as he glanced at Cena’s title belt after the match. The unusual referee role and outcome set up complex storylines leading toward Summerslam and future rivalry dynamics in WWE.
A Night Marked by Drama and Shifting Power Dynamics
The July 25, 2005 episode of WWE Raw delivered a mix of unexpected victories, heated promos, and intense physical contests that shifted the momentum heading into Summerslam. Shawn Michaels’ bold public challenge to Hulk Hogan injected fresh energy into their feud, while John Cena’s defeat to Carlito signaled potential upheaval in the WWE Championship landscape. Backstage tensions, tributes to wrestling legends, and unconventional entertainment, such as musical performances, created a vivid tapestry of WWE action and drama.
As WWE fans digest these developments, the stage is set for a compelling Summerslam event where long-standing rivalries will reach critical turning points. With unpredictable outcomes and strong character narratives emerging from this episode, the WWE Raw July 2005 Highlights remain essential viewing for followers anticipating the next phase in WWE’s evolving saga.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is WWE Raw kid friendly?
A. ComicBook.com noted in 2023 that WWE’s weekly programs maintain a TV-PG rating. They aim to make their content suitable for all ages, not just children. However, Ian Carey from Wrestling Observer Newsletter commented that…
