It was a pretty packed blog post last time out in the series, so this time I have slimmed things down quantity wise, with only 1 Raw and SmackDown each before the PLE… BUT… that doesn’t mean any less of the drama and the action! After the shocking events on our last Raw (Cody Rhodes turning heel, being joined by Ricky Saints, and cashing in to become the NEW World Heavyweight Champion) and SmackDown (that ended with a face to face between The Final Boss and THE OTC), we go right in to the go-home shows before our trip to the French capital for our next Premium Live Event. So,… LETS FUCKING GOOOOOOOO!!!
WWE Monday Night Raw Report
Date: September, Week 2
Opening Segment: Ricky Saints, Cody Rhodes, & CM Punk
Ricky Saints made his way to the ring to kick off Raw, calling out the World Heavyweight Champion, Cody Rhodes. Rhodes joined Saints in the ring to a thunderous crowd reaction, with both men trading praise and laying down the framework for Raw’s main event scene.
Before things could settle, an extremely disgruntled CM Punk interrupted, storming to the ring to voice his frustration over missing out on a direct shot at Cody’s title. After a heated three-way confrontation, Cody and Ricky Saints dropped a high-stakes challenge: if CM Punk wants a World Heavyweight Championship rematch at Clash in Paris, he has to earn it by defeating Ricky Saints in tonight’s main event. Punk accepted without hesitation.
Match 1: Singles Match
AJ Styles vs. Aleister Black (w/ Zelina)
AJ Styles took on Aleister Black in a hard-hitting, fast-paced contest. Despite constant ringside distractions and involvement from Zelina, Styles maintained his composure and hit a Phenomenal Forearm out of nowhere to pick up a huge pinfall victory over Black.
- Winner: AJ Styles
Backstage: Raw GM Office
Backstage in the General Manager’s office, William Regal summoned Cody Rhodes and Ricky Saints. Regal expressed heavy displeasure with how Cody has been conducting business and taking authority into his own hands on the red brand. Regal firmly shut down any misconceptions about who runs the show, staring Cody dead in the eyes and reaffirming that HE is the ultimate authority on Raw, regardless of what anyone else thinks.
Match 2: Tag Team Match
Lyra Valkyria & Tatum Paxley vs. The Kabuki Warriors
Lyra Valkyria and Tatum Paxley put on an impressive display of teamwork to pick up a decisive victory over the veteran Kabuki Warriors.
- Winners: Lyra Valkyria & Tatum Paxley
Backstage: Roxanne Perez Interview
Backstage, Roxanne Perez delivered a sharp, confident interview, addressing the night’s high-stakes #1 Contender’s Fatal 5-Way match to determine who would challenge for her title, declaring that no matter who emerges victorious, the division still belongs to her.
In-Ring Segment: The Vision, LA Knight, Sami, Jey, & Oba Femi
The Vision made their grand entrance to address the Raw audience. As they boasted about their dominance, LA Knight, Sami Zayn, and Jey Uso hit the ring to cut them off.
Before a fight could break out, Paul Heyman grabbed a microphone and shut the fan favorites down, calling them boring and stating that The Vision has already “run the race” with all three of them and moved on to bigger things.
Just as Heyman finished speaking, the music of Oba Femi blared through the arena! Femi sprinted down the ramp, triggering a wild, multi-man brawl that tore apart the ringside area before security rushed out to break them apart!
Match 3: Singles Match
Tommaso Ciampa (w/ Kevin Owens) vs. Tyler Bate (w/ Pete Dunne)
In a physical showcase of top-tier technical wrestling, Tommaso Ciampa outlasted Tyler Bate, securing the pinfall after neutralising Bate’s trademark athleticism.
- Winner: Tommaso Ciampa
Backstage: Judgment Day Division
Backstage, Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez agreed to a formal truce, declaring in unison: “Let’s get the title BACK to the Judgment Day.”
Meanwhile, Dominik Mysterio was seen sitting in the corner looking visibly dejected and uncertain about his future. JD McDonagh stepped in to deliver an intense pep talk, trying to pull Dom back into the fight and remind him of who he is.
Backstage: Rhea Ripley Interview
Rhea Ripley delivered a brief, intense interview backstage, promising to obliterate the competition in tonight’s main event and reclaim her rightful spot at the top of the women’s division.
Match 4: Women’s World Title #1 Contender’s Fatal 5-Way
Rhea Ripley vs. Stephanie Vaquer vs. Liv Morgan vs. Raquel Rodriguez vs. IYO SKY
Absolute chaos reigned in this fast-paced 5-Way match. Chaos broke loose late as Liv and Raquel attempted to team up, but pure opportunism won out when IYO SKY wiped out the field with a spectacular Moonsault to pin Liv Morgan and secure the #1 Contendership!
- Winner and #1 Contender: IYO SKY
Post-Match: As IYO SKY celebrated her victory in the ring, Women’s World Champion Roxanne Perez strutted out onto the entrance ramp, raising her title belt high in the air to send a direct message to her new opponent for Clash in Paris.
In-Ring Segment: Becky Lynch, Izzi Dame, & Zaria
Becky Lynch entered the ring for an interview, but was quickly interrupted by Izzi Dame, who made her official Raw debut! Dame traded sharp verbal jabs with the veteran Lynch, holding her own in a heated promo battle.
As the tension peaked, power entrant Zaria made her shock Raw debut, charging the ring and launching a brutal beatdown on Becky Lynch! Izzi Dame made a quick, tactical exit to the ramp, leaving Zaria standing dominant over the fallen Lynch.
Backstage: CM Punk Interview
Backstage, CM Punk gave a focused interview right before the main event, promising that Ricky Saints was just an obstacle on his path to proving he is the rightful World Heavyweight Champion.
Main Event: Singles Match
CM Punk vs. Ricky Saints (w/ Cody Rhodes)
With a World Heavyweight Championship match at Clash in Paris hanging in the balance for CM Punk, both men delivered an absolute classic. Despite Cody Rhodes watching closely from ringside, Punk hit a Go To Sleep on Saints to score the pinfall!
- Winner: CM Punk
- Match Note: With this victory, CM Punk officially punches his ticket to challenge Cody Rhodes for the World Heavyweight Championship at Clash in Paris!
WWE SmackDown Report
Date: September, Week 2
Opening Segment: Roman Reigns & GM Ava
Roman Reigns marched down to the ring to a massive ovation and immediately demanded that The Rock come down to face him face-to-face.
Instead, SmackDown General Manager Ava emerged on the ramp. She informed “The Original Tribal Chief” that “The Final Boss” had not yet arrived at the arena. A furious Roman cut her off, declaring that he doesn’t care about executive schedules—he stated he would wait backstage all night if he had to, and the second The Rock steps foot in the building, Roman will be waiting for him. With that, a focused Reigns exited the ring and headed straight to the backstage area.
Match 1: Tag Team Match
The Hardy Boyz (Matt & Jeff Hardy) vs. Legado Del Fantasma (Angel & Berto)
The Hardy Boyz put on a classic high-flying performance to pick up a crowd-pleasing pinfall victory over Legado Del Fantasma.
- Winners: The Hardy Boyz
Post-Match: Before the Hardys could celebrate, Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa (accompanied by Talla Tonga) swarmed the ring and launched a vicious beatdown on Matt and Jeff! WWE Tag Team Champions The Lucha Bros sprinted down the ramp to even the odds, clearing the ring of the MFTs and saving the Hardys!
Backstage: Bianca Belair Interview
Backstage, Bianca Belair spoke out about her ongoing issues with Naomi and Jade Cargill, promising that no amount of interference will stop her payback.
Vignette: Dark State
A eerie, cinematic vignette aired across the titantron, highlighting the destruction unleashed by Dark State (Dion Lennox, Osiris Griffin, Cutler James, Saquon Shugars, and Jaida Parker) and warning SmackDown that their reign of chaos has only just begun.
Match 2: Singles Match
Blake Monroe vs. Alexa Bliss
Blake Monroe picked up a impressive victory over Alexa Bliss in a hard-hitting contest.
- Winner: Blake Monroe
Post-Match: Monroe began setting up for a post-match assault, but Charlotte Flair’s music hit! Flair sprinted down the ramp, causing Monroe to rapidly retreat through the crowd to avoid the wrath of “The Queen.”
Backstage: Fatal Influence & Jordynne Grace
Backstage, Jacy Jayne, Fallon Henley, and Lainey Reid of Fatal Influence were bragging about Jacy’s new Women’s US Championship when they were confronted by former champion Jordynne Grace. Grace demanded a rematch, leading Jacy Jayne to sneer and lay down a challenge: a 6-Woman Tag Match for next week—“…that’s IF Grace can even find anyone willing to team with her.”
Match 3: Singles Match
Solo Sikoa (w/ JC Matteo) vs. Finn Bálor
Following a tense backstage promo from Solo Sikoa promising to restore order to the MFTs, Solo took on Finn Bálor. Bálor weathered the storm of JC Matteo’s ringside presence, hitting a Coup de Grâce to pick up a massive victory over Solo!
- Winner: Finn Bálor
Backstage: GM Ava Makes a Blockbuster Announcement
Backstage, The Hardy Boyz and The Lucha Bros were sharing a moment of mutual respect following the night’s rescue. GM Ava walked into the scene and capitalized on the energy, officially announcing an 8-Man Tag Team Match for Clash in Paris: The Hardy Boyz & The Lucha Bros vs. The MFTs and Legado del Fantasma!
Match 4: United States Championship #1 Contender’s Gauntlet Match
United States Champion Joe Hendry joined the commentary team for this high-stakes gauntlet match to determine his challenger for France.
- Match 1: Carmelo Hayes def. Ethan Page via pinfall.
- Match 2: Carmelo Hayes def. Rusev via pinfall.
- Match 3: Carmelo Hayes def. Damian Priest in an absolute thriller to stay alive.
- Final Match: GUNTHER entered as the final participant. Despite an extraordinarily valiant effort by a exhausted Carmelo Hayes, GUNTHER locked in his brutal offense and secured the submission victory!
- Winner and NEW #1 Contender: GUNTHER
Post-Match: GUNTHER stood victorious over Hayes, locked eyes with Joe Hendry at the commentary table, grabbed a microphone, and declared that at Clash in Paris, he will bring the United States Championship BELT back to where it belongs… EUROPE!
Backstage: Trick Williams & Johnny Gargano
Backstage, Trick Williams was approached by Johnny Gargano. The two shared a respectful, highly competitive verbal exchange, culminating in both men agreeing to square off one-on-one on next week’s SmackDown!
Match 5: Singles Match
Bianca Belair vs. Naomi
Bianca Belair and Naomi tore into each other in a deeply personal bout. Just as Bianca was closing in on the win, Women’s Champion Jade Cargill sprinted to the ring and directly interfered, throwing the match out!
- Winner: Bianca Belair (via Disqualification)
Post-Match: A furious Bianca Belair got in Jade’s face and demanded a Women’s Championship match at Clash in Paris right then and there. Jade smirked and flatly said… “No.” However, Jade added a condition: she will give Bianca another title shot in Paris, but ONLY if Bianca can beat Naomi first… in a PARISIAN STREET FIGHT! Bianca immediately accepted.
Main Event Segment: Roman Reigns, Drew McIntyre, & Massive Brawl
Roman Reigns returned to the ring for the show’s closing segment, demanding that The Rock answer his callout immediately.
Suddenly, the Titantron cut to a horrific scene backstage: Jimmy Uso was laid out cold on the floor! Standing over him was Drew McIntyre!
McIntyre walked out onto the stage, mic in hand, cutting a blistering promo on Roman Reigns as “The Original Tribal Chief” stood seething in the ring. McIntyre laid down an explosive challenge for Clash in Paris: Roman Reigns vs. Drew McIntyre!
Roman accepted instantly, leading to McIntyre charging the ring! The two men erupted into a catastrophic, arena-wide pull-apart brawl as security and officials flooded the ring to close SmackDown in total chaos!
And now with the build-up quickly done, lets go to PARIS!
Roman Reigns vs. Drew McIntyre
The night kicked off in explosive fashion with two heavyweight titans going to war in a absolute blockbuster opener. From the opening bell, ending with a massive Spear from the OTC to claim a decisive victory.
Women’s World Championship — Roxanne Perez (c) vs. IYO SKY
In a masterclass of technical counter-wrestling and high-flying athleticism, Roxanne Perez defended her Women’s World Championship against ‘The Genius of the Sky,’ IYO SKY. IYO dominated early stretches with her signature rapid-fire maneuvers and a breathtaking springboard moonsault to the outside.
Perez showcased her relentless ring awareness, routinely targeting IYO’s arm to neutralize the Over-the-Moonsault. In a tense climax, IYO scaled the top turnbuckle for her finisher, but Roxanne cut her off at the pass, pulling her down into a lightning-fast Pop Rocks driver out of nowhere to secure the pinfall and retain her title.
United States Championship — Gunther vs. Joe Hendry (c)
What was expected to be a competitive title fight turned into pure destruction. Gunther systematically SQUASHED Joe Hendry to capture the United States Championship in dominant fashion. Before the crowd could even finish singing along to Hendry’s entrance, the Ring General overwhelmed the champion with a ferocious array of moves that left Hendry defenceless for the three-count.
(Note: In a shocking exclusive WWE social media clip released shortly after the match, Gunther was filmed disrespectfully throwing the United States Championship directly into a trash can backstage, declaring his disdain for the title.)
Parisian Street Fight — Bianca Belair vs. Naomi
The rivalry reached its boiling point in a chaotic Parisian Street Fight that utilized every inch of the ringside area and weapons galore. Eventually, the EST of WWE proved impossible to put away, and she would eventually earn a hard-fought triumph.
World Tag Team Championship — Kevin Owens & Tommaso Ciampa vs. Tyler Bate & Pete Dunne (c)
Tag team excellence was on full display as the veteran tandem of Kevin Owens and Tommaso Ciampa dethroned Tyler Bate and Pete Dunne to capture the World Tag Team Championship.
8-Man Tag Team Match — The Hardy Boyz & Lucha Bros vs. Legado del Fantasma & MFTs
High-flying chaos reigned supreme in this chaotic 8-man tag team feature. The legendary Hardy Boyz joined forces with Penta and Rey Fenix to take on Legado del Fantasma and the MFTs. High-risk aerial spots stole the show, culminating in simultaneous dives over the top rope by the Lucha Bros, setting up Matt and Jeff Hardy to hit a vintage Twist of Fate and Swanton Bomb combination for the crowd-pleasing victory.
World Heavyweight Championship — Cody Rhodes (c) (w/ Ricky Saints) vs. CM Punk
The main event saw CM Punk make a valiant, deeply emotional bid to reclaim the World Heavyweight Championship against Cody Rhodes, who walked to the ring accompanied by Ricky Saints. Punk brought everything in his arsenal, out-wrestling Cody in the early stages and repeatedly shutting down interference attempts from Saints at ringside.
As the match reached its frantic climax, the referee was knocked unconscious in an accidental collision. With the official down, Ricky Saints hit the ring to double-team the challenger. Showing incredible resilience, Punk fought off Saints, seized the World Heavyweight Title belt, and cracked Saints across the head to take him out of the equation.
However, as Punk turned around to focus back on the champion, Cody capitalized on the referee’s lack of vision with a desperate low blow. While Punk collapsed to his knees, Cody picked up the World Heavyweight Championship belt and smashed it directly across Punk’s head. With Punk completely laid out, Cody revived the referee, dragged himself over for the cover, and secured the pinfall.
Cody Rhodes stood victorious over a fallen CM Punk, hoisting the World Heavyweight Championship high in the air as the broadcast came to a close.
Cody stands tall to close the show, as his dark reign over Monday Night Raw continues…
Clash in Paris delivered pure, unfiltered drama. Cody Rhodes stands tall at the top of the mountain, but the controversial nature of his victory over CM Punk leaves a massive dark cloud over the World Heavyweight Championship. With Gunther literally throwing the US Title in the trash, new tag team champions crowned, and faction warfare exploding across both brands, the landscape of WWE has been completely rewritten.
What’s Next? The Road to Saturday Night’s Main Event! And we are officially heading into a massive 11-show blockbuster stretch!
Over the next few weeks, we will break down 5 action-packed editions of Monday Night Raw and 5 explosive episodes of Friday Night SmackDown as the fallouts, rivalries, and championship chases reach a boiling point. It all leads directly to a massive Saturday Night’s Main Event!
Will CM Punk get his vengeance on Cody Rhodes and Ricky Saints? How will WWE management react to Gunther’s disrespect toward the United States Championship? Can Bianca Belair leverage her Street Fight momentum into a Women’s Title shot against Jade Cargill? And who will step up to claim center stage as we march toward the next major turning point?
Stay tuned—the full 10-week TV rundown and complete Saturday Night’s Main Event card drop in the very next blog post!
Josh.