Monday Night RAW delivered a thrilling post-Money in the Bank edition on June 9, 2025, at the PHX Arena in Phoenix, Arizona, packed with high drama, tournament action, and a shocking World Heavyweight Championship change. The event was headlined by the rematch between Jey Uso and Gunther, where the latter reclaimed the title in a hard-fought battle, while the opening rounds of the King and Queen of the Ring tournaments set the stage for future rivalries. Alongside these marquee moments, the night featured the return of Ron Killings, formerly known as R-Truth, a fiery promo exchange between John Cena and CM Punk, and the comeback of WWE Hall of Famer Nikki Bella, all contributing to a memorable evening of WWE action.
The show kicked off with Undisputed WWE Champion John Cena addressing the crowd with a mix of frustration and finality. Cena, now on his farewell tour with just 19 dates left, took aim at R-Truth, dismissing him as a gimmick and a sideshow act that fans would forget within a year. His remarks sparked a passionate response as CM Punk made a surprise entrance, igniting a heated exchange that reignited their storied rivalry. Punk challenged Cena to one last match for the Undisputed WWE Championship, a challenge Cena accepted under the condition that the bout take place at Night of Champions on June 28, 2025, in Saudi Arabia—a location Punk had never competed in before. The segment culminated with Seth Rollins emerging, brandishing his Money in the Bank briefcase as a looming threat to both competitors, setting up a tense triangle of championship contention.
In the opening match, AJ Styles secured a vital victory over Chad Gable, avenging a recent loss by executing a decisive Styles Clash pinfall. Despite interference attempts from Gable's allies, the Creed Brothers, Styles showcased his resilience and technical prowess, reinforcing his status as a top-tier competitor. This bout was a high-quality contest that maintained the momentum from last week's events while giving Styles a much-needed win.
The Queen of the Ring tournament kicked off with a Fatal Four-Way match featuring Rhea Ripley, Kairi Sane, Liv Morgan, and Roxanne Perez. The match was a showcase of talent and strategy, with Morgan and Perez initially reluctant allies amid underlying tensions, especially given Perez's perceived interest in Morgan's partner, Dominik Mysterio. The climax saw Sane deliver an In-Sane Elbow to Morgan, only for Perez to capitalize with a surprise roll-up pin on Sane, earning her advancement. The match also reignited the fierce rivalry between Ripley and Raquel Rodriguez, who brawled ringside, adding layers to the ongoing storylines within the women's division.
Becky Lynch, newly crowned Women's Intercontinental Champion, addressed the crowd with confidence and pride, highlighting her decorated career and the significance of her latest title. However, her celebration was cut short when the returning Bayley attacked her, reigniting a heated feud. Lynch's callout to Lyra Valkyria, who had attacked her post-Money in the Bank, was met with aggression from Bayley and Valkyria, forcing Lynch to retreat. This segment not only reintroduced Bayley with impact but also intensified the women's division's competitive atmosphere.
One of the night's most emotional moments came when Ron Killings, shedding his R-Truth persona, took to the announce table to deliver a heartfelt promo. He thanked fans for their support in bringing him back and announced a new chapter in his career by cutting off his signature braids and declaring, "I am Ron Killings. I am the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. Now put some respect on my name!" This transformation marked a shift from his comedic character to a more serious competitor, promising fresh narratives and renewed vigor for the 53-year-old veteran.
The King of the Ring tournament's opening round featured a brutal Fatal Four-Way match between Sami Zayn, Dominik Mysterio, Bron Breakker, and Penta. Breakker dominated early with explosive offense, but interference from LA Knight, seeking revenge for a previous attack, took Breakker out of contention. This opened the door for Zayn to deliver a Helluva Kick to Mysterio and secure the win. The match was a compelling blend of athleticism and storytelling, highlighting Zayn's role as a beloved babyface and setting up future confrontations within the tournament.
WWE Hall of Famer Nikki Bella made a notable return in her hometown of Phoenix to promote the upcoming Evolution event on July 13, 2025. Her promo celebrated the evolution of the women's division and acknowledged current stars, though she notably omitted Liv Morgan from her praise. This snub led to a heated verbal exchange between Bella and Morgan, culminating in Morgan delivering an ObLIVion to Bella. The segment effectively built anticipation for a high-profile match at Evolution, potentially involving the tag team titles held by Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez.
The night's main event was a highly anticipated rematch between World Heavyweight Champion Jey Uso and Gunther, revisiting their WrestleMania 41 encounter. Uso entered the match visibly hindered by heavily taped and injured ribs, a storyline element that Gunther exploited with targeted attacks to the midsection. The two engaged in a gripping contest filled with reversals, near-falls, and dramatic moments, including a battle of sleeper holds that paid homage to their WrestleMania clash. Ultimately, Gunther secured victory by applying a rear naked choke that rendered Uso unconscious, reclaiming the World Heavyweight Championship and ending Uso's first world title reign. The decision to switch the title back to Gunther sparked debate, given Uso's popularity and momentum as champion, but it underscored WWE's commitment to long-term storytelling and the complex dynamics of the roster.
Throughout the night, commentary by Michael Cole and Wade Barrett added depth and context, highlighting the physical toll on competitors and the strategic nuances of the matches. The PHX Arena crowd was electric, fully engaged in the unfolding drama and showcasing the passionate fanbase that continues to support WWE's evolving landscape.
As WWE builds toward Night of Champions and Evolution, the June 9 episode of RAW stands out as a pivotal moment. With the World Heavyweight Championship changing hands, the King and Queen of the Ring tournaments underway, and several high-stakes rivalries intensifying, fans are left eager to see how these narratives will unfold in the coming weeks. The blend of veteran presence, rising stars, and compelling storytelling promises an exciting summer for WWE enthusiasts.
