The recent WWE Raw episode featured a highly anticipated match between Seth Rollins and Cody Rhodes, yet the bout failed to engage the audience, casting doubt on the value of the event. Fans watched the Champion vs. Champion contest unfold on Raw without any championship stakes, leading to frustration over its apparent lack of significance.
Opening Segment Falls Flat Despite Effort
<pThe show began with Seth Rollins and Cody Rhodes exchanging words ahead of their upcoming Crown Jewel match. Although the interaction and mic work between the two were adequate, the match’s meaningless nature drained any real impact from the segment. Rollins’s gesture of shooing off Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed, who appeared ready to ambush Rhodes, added some intrigue, but it felt hollow given the absence of any championship implications. The clash also failed to provide a proper follow-up to their previous encounters at WrestlePalooza. Notably, expected appearances by CM Punk and AJ Lee were missing, leaving a palpable void.
Energetic Six-Man Tag Delivers Excitement
In contrast, the chaotic six-man tag match featuring The New Day, Waller, War Raiders, and Penta proved to be a highlight. The no-disqualification stipulation allowed for creative spots and intense action, with each competitor contributing strongly. Although the ongoing feud between New Day and Penta remains one-sided, with Penta undefeated, the storyline continues emphasizing attempts to get the Mexican Destroyer banned. Many fans hope this rivalry concludes soon so Penta can move on to fresh challenges.
Bayley and Roxanne Perez Continue a Compelling Rivalry
The episode also showcased an engaging bout between Bayley and Roxanne Perez that successfully furthered the evolving narrative involving Bayley’s split personality. The “hugger” version of Bayley remained oblivious to the angry persona’s recent outburst toward Lyra Valkyria from the previous week, setting up the emotional tension in the ring. Both Bayley and Perez delivered strong performances, and Raquel Rodriguez’s involvement added an extra layer to the conflict. Post-match, angry Bayley shoved Valkyria despite Valkyria’s victory, intensifying this multifaceted story.
The Jey Uso Conflict Develops Through Intense Matches
The match between Night and Uso continued the deepening storyline involving Jey Uso’s descent into darkness and family turmoil. Jey’s pre-match interactions with his brother and Cody Rhodes hinted at his complex mindset. During the match against LA Knight, Jey cunningly exploited interference from The Vision to secure his win. Afterward, when Breakker and Reed threatened him, Jey deliberately withheld assistance, forcing his brother Jimmy Uso to intervene. This unfolding drama leaves viewers eager to see where the conflict will head next.
Asuka vs. Rhea Ripley Enhances Ongoing Storylines
The main event between Asuka and Rhea Ripley benefited from careful story-building throughout the show. Several backstage segments involving The Kabuki Warriors, Iyo Sky, and Ripley established the stakes. WWE chose to delay a direct challenge to Stephanie Vaquer’s newly crowned Women’s Champion, instead extending Ripley’s presence as a top contender on Raw. The match itself was competitive and intense, living up to expectations. The post-match involvement of mist, Sky, and Kairi Sane hinted at an upcoming clash between The Kabuki Warriors and Sky with Ripley, while Sane’s loyalties remain uncertain, adding suspense to the narrative.
Overall, the event highlighted strong performances in several matches but left many fans disappointed by the lack of meaningful stakes in the Seth Rollins versus Cody Rhodes confrontation. The episode’s storytelling offered several intriguing plotlines, especially surrounding Jey Uso’s darker turn and the women’s division alliances, signaling significant developments in the coming weeks.
“The mic work from Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins was perfectly fine. The idea that Rollins would wave off Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed to stop them from potentially jumping Rhodes as he left the ring was interesting.” ?misses specialist
“This was a fun, chaotic six man tag which fit well into the no disqualification stipulation. Everyone performed well here. There were several memorable spots throughout.” ?misses specialist
“She and Roxanne Perez put on a good match with Raquel Rodriguez also getting involved. The aftermath with Valkyria getting shoved by angry Bayley after the match despite her winning was an interesting next step in the story.” ?misses specialist
“The Jey Uso saga continues. It was cool to see him interacting before this match with both his brother and Cody Rhodes. He continues to descend into darkness.” ?misses specialist
“It isn’t surprising that Ripley and Asuka would have a very good main event against each other. The post-match angle with the mist, Sky and Kairi Sane all being involved worked well.” ?misses specialist
