WWE Raw is turning up the heat as it barrels toward Wrestlepalooza 2025, with Monday night’s episode from the MassMutual Center in Springfield, Massachusetts, serving as the final stop before the premium live event. With an early 7 PM ET start time, the September 15 show is packed to the brim—featuring the return of A.J. Lee, a star-studded lineup, and a series of showdowns that have fans buzzing about what’s next for the red brand.
Let’s dive into the five most electrifying storylines and matches that are shaping the road to Wrestlepalooza, and why this Raw might just be one for the ages.
Jey Uso’s Dark Side Emerges
Last week’s Raw ended in chaos, and the aftershocks are still being felt. Jey Uso, who has been riding a wave of popularity since breaking away from The Bloodline, shocked everyone by spearing L.A. Knight after what seemed like a united front against Bronson Reed and Bron Breakker. The moment left Jimmy Uso visibly concerned and the WWE Universe asking: Has Jey finally embraced his dark side?
“With Jey attacking Knight the way he did combined with Jimmy telling him he was beginning to sound more like Roman Reigns earlier in the show, there’s now the question of whether or not he’s going to turn heel,” noted PWTorch. The tension between Jey and Knight has added a new layer to their ongoing rivalry with The Vision, making this storyline one of the most unpredictable on the card.
Whether this is a full-blown heel turn or simply Jey doing what he thinks is right, as Roman once advised, remains to be seen. Either way, fans are eager to see what’s next for the Uso brothers and L.A. Knight as the drama continues to unfold.
Final Face-Off: A.J. Lee and Becky Lynch Set the Stage
After a decade away, A.J. Lee made her triumphant return to WWE television, first on Smackdown and now on Raw. Her comeback isn’t just a nostalgia act—it’s a seismic shift in the women’s division. Lee cut a passionate promo about her mental health struggles during her absence, only to be interrupted by Women’s Intercontinental Champion Becky Lynch. Sparks flew as the two got into a heated confrontation, which quickly escalated when their respective partners, CM Punk and Seth Rollins, joined the fray.
According to PWTorch, “A.J. & Punk challenged Becky & Rollins to a mixed tag match at Wrestlepalooza, and Rollins accepted after a tense standoff.” This upcoming clash at Wrestlepalooza is now official and has all the makings of a main event, with personal vendettas and championship implications on the line.
Lee’s return has injected fresh energy into Raw, and her willingness to be vulnerable about her journey has resonated with fans. The anticipation for this mixed tag match is sky-high, and Monday’s Raw promises a final, fiery face-off before the big event.
AJ Styles Gets His Revenge
Veteran superstar AJ Styles has been on a mission after being robbed of the Intercontinental Championship by Dominik Mysterio, thanks to interference from El Grande Americano. Last week, Styles was livid, claiming, “there’s clearly someone in the back who doesn’t want him here.” That frustration boiled over into this week’s episode, where Styles faced Americano one-on-one.
The match was a showcase of Styles’ creativity and resilience. After a chaotic sequence involving outside interference, Styles reversed a Sunset Flip into a Styles Clash for the win. “Fun match that delivered the right outcome, especially considering how Americano cost Styles the IC Title last week,” wrote PWTorch. With this victory, Styles is positioned to challenge Dominik once again, and the feud is far from over.
With his contract reportedly expiring soon and the ten-year anniversary of his WWE debut approaching, Styles’ future is a hot topic. Will this storyline carry him into a career-defining moment at Royal Rumble? Only time will tell, but for now, Styles is back in the hunt for gold.
Women’s Division: Asuka’s Heel Persona and Valkyria’s Redemption
Asuka’s transformation into a full-fledged heel has been one of the most compelling developments in the women’s division. This week, she clashed with Nikki Bella after a tense backstage exchange. Asuka taunted Nikki, saying she would “beat the respect out of her,” and delivered on that promise by making Nikki tap out to the Asuka Lock. “The backstage interaction she had with Nikki followed by this match really showed how great Asuka is doing with her new heel persona,” PWTorch observed.
Meanwhile, Lyra Valkyria, fresh off a loss to Raquel Rodriguez, is gunning for revenge against Roxanne Perez. Last week, Perez cost Lyra her match, setting up a grudge bout for this episode. Lyra’s feud with Judgment Day is heating up, and with Bayley’s return looming, the women’s division is brimming with intrigue and new rivalries.
Other Feuds and Surprises
The men’s tag division isn’t short on drama either. L.A. Knight’s ongoing issues with Bronson Reed and Bron Breakker have spilled over into multiple segments, culminating in a wild main event last week and a brutal post-match beatdown. The Usos, Knight, Breakker, and Reed are all set to collide at Wrestlepalooza, but the personal animosity between Knight and Jey Uso might just steal the spotlight.
Elsewhere, the undercard saw Penta and Rusev lock horns in a match that ended with Rusev’s Machka Kick, prolonging Penta’s feud with New Day and Grayson Waller. While it may have been too soon to give away this match, the chemistry between Penta and Rusev suggests there’s plenty more story to tell.
John Cena’s Return and the Road to Wrestlepalooza
Adding even more star power, John Cena is confirmed to appear on this week’s Raw in Springfield. With Wrestlepalooza just days away and a blockbuster card that includes Cena vs. Brock Lesnar, the stakes have never been higher. The go-home show is expected to set the tone for the premium live event, with last-minute twists and confrontations all but guaranteed.
The September 15 episode of Raw is a must-see for any wrestling fan. With top names like Cena, Rollins, Punk, Ripley, and Uso all in the mix, every segment feels like it could tip the balance heading into Wrestlepalooza. The storylines are converging, the rivalries are peaking, and the WWE Universe is on the edge of its seat.
As the final bell approaches in Springfield, all eyes are on the superstars to see who will seize momentum heading into Wrestlepalooza. Surprises are almost certain, and with so many combustible elements in play, anything can happen on the road to Indianapolis.
