The road to Wrestlepalooza heated up in Milwaukee as WWE Monday Night Raw stormed into the Fiserv Forum on September 8, 2025, delivering a night packed with high-octane action, surprise returns, and plenty of jaw-dropping moments. With the first-ever Wrestlepalooza on ESPN looming later this month, Raw wasted no time ramping up the drama, featuring the much-anticipated return of AJ Lee after over a decade away, a contract signing for the Women’s World Championship, and a series of matches that left fans buzzing.
The energy inside Fiserv Forum was palpable from the moment the show kicked off. The Usos—Jimmy and Jey—opened the night, striding confidently through the crowd before addressing the fallout from last week’s attack on Jey by The Vision, led by Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed. The tension was thick as the legendary tag team exchanged heated words with the Brons, culminating in the announcement of a tag team showdown at Wrestlepalooza. But things didn’t stay verbal for long. LA Knight crashed the scene, launching an attack on Breakker and Reed, which quickly devolved into a chaotic melee. The Usos, never ones to back down from a fight, dove in to even the odds, igniting the crowd and setting the tone for a wild night.
The drama between the Usos and The Vision is more than just a battle for bragging rights—it's a collision of legacies and ambitions. Jey Uso, still reeling from last week's assault, made it clear that the Usos are out to reclaim their dominance on Raw. "We don’t gotta wait for Wrestlepalooza. We’ll get jiggy right now, yeet!" Jey declared, firing up the Milwaukee faithful. Bron Breakker, not to be outdone, taunted the Usos, claiming, "This is Raw, and the Vision runs Raw." With a tag team match now officially set for Wrestlepalooza, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Meanwhile, the return of AJ Lee electrified the arena. Making her first appearance on Raw in more than ten years, Lee walked out to a thunderous ovation, Becky Lynch’s Intercontinental Championship belt slung defiantly over her shoulder. Her promo was a masterclass in storytelling, as she opened up about her journey away from wrestling, her struggles with mental health, and her decision to return. "Ten years ago I retired. I was content, I hung up my Chuck Taylors and thought that was it. But every day is a fight, and if you’re going through the same thing, that fight is worth it and you are worth it," Lee told the crowd, drawing a massive "Therapy!" chant from the audience.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a WWE homecoming without some fireworks. Becky Lynch interrupted Lee, furious that her title was being held hostage. The two traded verbal barbs, with Lee teasing, "I wore it around the house, skipping, and then I slept in it and things got weird this morning." Lynch, never one to shy away from confrontation, shot back, "That’s my title, the one I’ve made the most important in the division." The war of words escalated until Lee issued a challenge: a mixed tag match at Wrestlepalooza—AJ Lee and CM Punk versus Becky Lynch and Seth Rollins. Rollins, playing the arrogant champion, tried to assert control, but Lee’s wit and Punk’s surprise appearance forced his hand. The match was set, and Lee returned the belt by tossing it at Lynch’s feet, leaving the crowd roaring with anticipation for the showdown in Indianapolis.
Elsewhere on the card, AJ Styles sought redemption against El Grande Americano after weeks of interference cost him his shot at the Intercontinental Championship. Styles wasted no time taking the fight outside the ring, launching Americano into barricades and delivering a punishing assault before the bell even rang. The match was a hard-fought affair, with interference from Americano’s ally and an assist from Dragon Lee, who evened the odds. Ultimately, Styles secured the win with a perfectly executed Styles Clash, shaking hands with Dragon Lee afterward in a show of mutual respect. Styles’ victory was a much-needed boost as he continues his pursuit of championship gold, and fans are left wondering if his rivalry with Dominic Mysterio and El Grande Americano is truly over.
The women’s division also took center stage with Lyra Valkyria clashing with Raquel Rodriguez. The two have a storied history from their NXT days, and that chemistry was on full display in Milwaukee. Valkyria’s agility and innovative offense kept Rodriguez on her toes, but a timely distraction from Roxanne Perez allowed Rodriguez to hit her signature one-armed powerbomb for the pinfall victory. The match drew “this is awesome” chants from the crowd, and with Judgment Day celebrating backstage, it’s clear that Rodriguez’s momentum is building as Wrestlepalooza approaches.
In another highlight, Rusev continued his hot streak, defeating Penta in a match marred by interference from New Day and Grayson Waller. The Bulgarian Brute’s power was on full display, and he capitalized on the chaos to deliver a Machka Kick that sealed the win. The ongoing feud between Rusev, Penta, and their respective allies promises more fireworks in the weeks ahead.
The night also featured a dream match between Nikki Bella and Asuka. The Hall of Famer and the Empress of Tomorrow delivered a physical contest, with Asuka ultimately forcing Bella to tap out to the Asuka Lock. The post-match celebration saw Asuka and Kairi Sane dancing around the ring, while Nikki Bella, ever the competitor, hinted that she’s not done with the Kabuki Warriors just yet.
LA Knight and Bronson Reed squared off in a bruising encounter, with outside interference and shifting alliances adding to the intrigue. The Usos’ involvement once again played a role, but the biggest twist came after the match, when Jey Uso speared LA Knight, signaling a possible heel turn and adding another layer to the already complex web of rivalries on Raw.
As the dust settled in Milwaukee, the path to Wrestlepalooza became clearer, but the questions and rivalries only intensified. With AJ Lee’s emotional return, the Usos’ ongoing war with The Vision, and championship aspirations fueling every segment, WWE Raw delivered a night that fans won’t soon forget. All eyes now turn to Indianapolis, where Wrestlepalooza promises to deliver the next chapter in these unfolding stories.
