WWE RAW’s July 14, 2025, edition from Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Alabama, kicked off the intense road to SummerSlam with explosive moments and a star-studded lineup that kept fans on the edge of their seats. The night was marked by Roman Reigns’ electrifying return, Naomi’s confident title reign, and a gauntlet match that set the stage for a thrilling World Heavyweight Championship showdown.
The evening opened with Naomi, fresh off her historic win at WWE Evolution and Money in the Bank, proudly celebrating her new WWE Women’s World Championship. Naomi, born Trinity Fatu, who just two days prior became the first Black woman to win the Money in the Bank briefcase, was beaming with confidence. She addressed the crowd, gloating about her recent victories and staking her claim at the top of the women’s division.
Her moment was immediately challenged by IYO Sky and Rhea Ripley, both eager for a shot at Naomi’s title. However, Naomi made it clear that they’d have to wait their turn. To settle the brewing tension, General Manager Adam Pearce announced an electrifying triple-threat title match between Naomi, IYO Sky, and Rhea Ripley set for SummerSlam, promising a fierce battle for the championship.
In a fast-paced non-title tag team match, Asuka and Kairi Sane squared off against Roxanne Perez and Raquel Rodriguez. The contest was a showcase of agility and teamwork, but the tide turned when Dominik Mysterio attempted to interfere on behalf of Asuka and Sane. This misstep opened the door for Roxanne Perez to roll up Asuka for a surprise pinfall, securing the win for her team and adding another layer of intrigue to the women’s division heading into SummerSlam.
Meanwhile, the battle to become Becky Lynch’s No.1 contender for the WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship was decided in a grueling 2-out-of-3 falls match between Bayley and Lyra Valkyria. The match was a rollercoaster, with Bayley taking the first fall and Valkyria responding with the second. In a nail-biting climax, Bayley had Valkyria locked in the crossface, but Valkyria managed a dramatic escape and countered with her signature Night Wing finisher to claim the decisive third fall, earning her a shot at Becky Lynch’s title at SummerSlam.
Adding to the night’s excitement was the return of Nikki Bella to WWE RAW, her first singles match in nearly seven years. Facing Chelsea Green, Nikki Bella showed she still had the fire and skill that made her a fan favorite. The match concluded with Nikki delivering a thunderous Rack Attack 2.0 for the victory. After the match, The Secret Service attempted to ambush Nikki, but Stephanie Vaquer came to her rescue, signaling potential new alliances and rivalries.
The main event was the World Heavyweight Championship #1 Contender’s SummerSlam Gauntlet Match, which began with Paul Heyman endorsing Bron Breakker in front of reigning World Champion Gunther. The gauntlet saw a series of intense showdowns starting with Breakker taking on Penta. Breakker swiftly eliminated Penta with a powerful spear, setting the tone for the match.
LA Knight entered next and engaged in a fierce back-and-forth battle with Breakker, only to be taken down by another devastating spear. Jey Uso was the third competitor, putting up a valiant fight and nearly landing his Uso Splash when Bronson Reed interfered to help Breakker eliminate Uso. The final entrant was CM Punk, who faced off against Breakker in a high-stakes encounter. Despite Reed’s attempts to interfere again, Jey Uso neutralized him, allowing Punk to hit his signature GTS finisher and secure the victory, earning the coveted title shot at SummerSlam.
Just when it seemed the night was settling, Roman Reigns made a shocking return to the ring. He swiftly took out both Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed with a series of Superman punches and Spears, standing tall alongside Jey Uso and CM Punk as the show closed. Reigns’ dramatic comeback sent a clear message to the WWE roster and fans alike: the battle for supremacy at SummerSlam is far from over.
Adding to the storyline drama, Seth Rollins’ knee injury, sustained during Saturday Night’s main event, has cast doubt on his role at SummerSlam, raising questions about how the card will reshape in the coming weeks.
Naomi’s recent success has been a beacon of progress and representation in WWE. At the 2025 BET Awards, Naomi, alongside her husband Jimmy Uso, proudly showcased her Money in the Bank trophy, a momentous achievement as the first Black woman to win the briefcase. In an exclusive interview with REVOLT, Naomi expressed how validated she feels as a competitor and performer, reflecting on her 16-year journey that began shortly after WWE commentator and former champion Big E’s own groundbreaking win as the first Black man to claim Money in the Bank.
Naomi shared her thoughts on potential cash-in targets, revealing her eye is on Tiffany Stratton, who has been provoking her all year. She also hinted at aiming for the RAW Women’s World Championship held by IYO Sky, a title she has yet to claim. “Her time is up,” Naomi said of Stratton, “but honestly, I could cash in on anyone, and that’s got me thinking.”
Reflecting on the evolution of representation for Black women in WWE, Naomi acknowledged the strides made since the early 2000s, when talents like Alicia Fox, Jacqueline, and Jazz often went underappreciated. “The talent speaks for itself. The cream always rises, no matter how long it takes,” she said. “If you stay focused and earn it, I’m living proof that it’ll happen for you.”
Meanwhile, fans and critics alike have been weighing in on the matches from WWE Evolution 2, including the No Holds Barred bout between Jade Cargill and Naomi. Cageside Community has been collecting star ratings from viewers, with scores ranging broadly but many recognizing the match’s intensity and storytelling. This feedback adds another layer of fan engagement as the WWE landscape continues to evolve with dynamic rivalries and historic moments.
As SummerSlam approaches, the WWE universe is buzzing with anticipation. With Roman Reigns back in the mix, CM Punk poised for a title shot, and Naomi’s groundbreaking momentum, the stage is set for a spectacular showdown. The storylines are intertwining, the rivalries heating up, and the stakes higher than ever. Fans will undoubtedly be tuning in to see who rises, who falls, and who ultimately claims glory in one of WWE’s most electrifying events of the year.
