The Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, was absolutely buzzing on September 8, 2025, as WWE Monday Night Raw stormed Netflix with a night packed full of drama, surprises, and high-stakes confrontations. Fans tuning in at 8 p.m. EST were treated to a show that wasted no time throwing viewers into the thick of the action, with rivalries intensifying and alliances shifting faster than you could say "Wrestlepalooza."
The night kicked off with a fiery in-ring promo from The Usos, who wasted no time calling out Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed. Their message was loud and clear: they wanted a tag team showdown at Wrestlepalooza. Breakker and Reed responded in kind, but before fists could fly, LA Knight hit the scene, blindsiding the duo and helping The Usos take control of the ring. The tension was palpable, setting the stage for a collision course at the upcoming premium event. If fans thought that was intense, they were just getting started.
Backstage, the drama was just as thick. Adam Pearce delivered disappointing news to Iyo Sky, informing her that Stephanie Vaquer would not be present for their scheduled contract signing for the vacated WWE Women's World Championship. However, Pearce assured Sky—and the WWE Universe—that Vaquer would be ready for Wrestlepalooza. The absence left plenty of room for speculation, especially considering the growing cast of characters circling the title picture. Asuka and Kairi Sane, already bristling at Sky's recent friendship with Rhea Ripley, took their frustrations out on Nikki Bella, leading to a heated confrontation.
"Do we have a problem here?" Rhea Ripley asked, stepping up to back Nikki Bella in a backstage standoff with Asuka and Kairi Sane. That simple question sent a chill through the corridor, as Ripley's presence amped up the tension between the Kabuki Warriors and anyone standing in their way. It’s a rivalry that’s been simmering for weeks, especially with the Kabuki Warriors demanding Iyo Sky cut ties with Ripley. But as the night would prove, Ripley’s involvement with Sky—and now Bella—has only made the situation more combustible.
The action moved to the ring, where Lyra Valkyria finally got her wish to face Raquel Rodriguez. Valkyria fought valiantly, but Rodriguez proved too much, securing a pinfall victory. The loss was a setback for Valkyria, but the bigger story may have been Bayley's emotional vignette later in the night. Clearly torn over her recent actions, Bayley confessed to battling conflicting personalities and expressed regret over hurting Valkyria. The WWE Universe is left wondering which side of Bayley will show up next.
Elsewhere, the men's division was no less chaotic. AJ Styles squared off against El Grande Americano (Ludwig Kaiser), but the match quickly descended into chaos as Dragon Lee intervened to counter Pete Dunne's interference. Styles capitalized on the distraction, scoring a pinfall win. During a commercial break, Styles delivered a headline-grabbing promo, claiming, "Somebody doesn’t want me in this company." With The OC absent and questions swirling about his future, Styles seemed more isolated—and dangerous—than ever.
Backstage, Penta and Rusev both lobbied Adam Pearce for a shot at the Intercontinental Championship. Their argument escalated, prompting Pearce to book them in a match that night. Rusev emerged victorious, thanks in part to a light assist from The New Day. The win puts Rusev in a strong position, but the Intercontinental title picture remains as crowded as ever.
The women’s division continued to heat up as Asuka challenged Nikki Bella to a singles match, intent on teaching her some "respect." The Empress of Tomorrow delivered on her promise, forcing Bella to tap out in what was Bella’s first singles loss on Raw in a decade. After the match, Asuka gloated backstage, only to be confronted again by Ripley, who reminded her that Iyo Sky is the real threat in the women’s division. The animosity between Ripley, Asuka, and Sane is reaching a boiling point, and with Wrestlepalooza on the horizon, it’s anyone’s guess how many will be vying for the gold.
Perhaps the most emotional segment of the night came when AJ Lee returned to the WWE ring for the first time in over ten years. Draped in Becky Lynch’s Women’s Intercontinental Championship, Lee delivered a heartfelt promo about her journey through mental health challenges and her decision to return. "Every day is a fight. That fight is worth it, and you are worth it," Lee told the crowd. The segment quickly turned confrontational as Becky Lynch demanded the return of her championship. Lee refused, instead proposing a mixed tag team match at Wrestlepalooza. Seth Rollins, incensed by the situation, nearly came to blows with CM Punk, who made a surprise appearance. Ultimately, Rollins accepted the challenge, and Lee tossed the title back to Lynch. The stage is now set for a blockbuster mixed tag match at the biggest event of the year.
The night’s main event saw LA Knight go toe-to-toe with Bronson Reed, with Bron Breakker lurking at ringside. Despite a valiant effort, Knight fell victim to Reed’s power—and Breakker’s interference—losing by pinfall. The chaos didn’t end there. Jimmy Uso attempted to help Knight fend off a post-match assault but was quickly overwhelmed. Jey Uso, who earlier claimed he was leaving the arena, stormed back to join the fray, only to be beaten down as well. In a wild twist, LA Knight grabbed a steel chair and managed to drive off Breakker and Reed. But just when it seemed the dust had settled, Jey shocked everyone by spearing Knight, leaving the crowd stunned and Jimmy Uso looking on in disbelief.
With Wrestlepalooza looming, alliances are shifting and rivalries are reaching fever pitch. The contract signing for the Women's World Championship remains in limbo, AJ Lee’s return has thrown the women’s division into chaos, and The Usos’ family drama continues to unfold in unpredictable ways. If this episode of Raw was any indication, the road to Wrestlepalooza is going to be anything but smooth—and fans wouldn’t have it any other way.
