Let's dive into the world of WWE's Raw and explore some of the key moments and storylines that unfolded during the show's journey to Night of Champions. Personally, I find it fascinating how WWE builds these narratives, and tonight's episode certainly had its fair share of intriguing developments.
The Bloodline's Expansion:
One of the most notable moments was the official welcoming of Jacob Fatu into The Bloodline. Roman Reigns, the leader of this dominant faction, recognized the need to unite against whispers from the locker room. The inclusion of Fatu, known as The Samoan Werewolf, adds an intriguing dynamic. What makes this particularly fascinating is the power dynamic within The Bloodline. Reigns' facial expressions during Fatu's attack on comedian Eric Andre were golden, showcasing his manipulative nature. He understands the value of having an unstoppable force like Fatu on his side, and this expansion could have significant implications for the future of WWE.
Queen of the Ring Tournament:
The Queen of the Ring semifinal match between Iyo Sky and Raquel Rodriguez was an interesting showcase. While Rodriguez has improved immensely, it was clear that Sky was destined for victory. Iyo Sky, known as The Genius of the Sky, is arguably the best wrestler in the world, and her presence elevates the women's division. Her seamless style and ability to make her opponents look great are remarkable. This win sets her up for a potential title hunt, and I can't wait to see how her journey unfolds.
Chad Gable's Return:
Chad Gable made a triumphant return to the ring, overcoming Rusev and the interference of Ethan Page. Gable's ability to come from behind and secure a submission win with his signature ankle lock was impressive. The post-match save by Rey Mysterio and Dragon Lee adds an intriguing layer to the storyline, suggesting a growing appreciation for Gable within the luchador community. This match, though hampered by a commercial break, showcased Gable's talent and potential.
The Bloodline vs. LA Knight:
LA Knight's crusade against The Bloodline continued, and this time, it was Jimmy and Jey Uso who faced off against the hometown hero. The arrival of Jacob Fatu, who put Knight down with the Tongan Deathgrip, added fuel to the fire. This segment highlighted the potential power struggle within The Bloodline. Fatu's comments about the Usos' way being 'ass' and his assertion that he does things the 'OTC way' insinuate a possible shift in power dynamics. It will be intriguing to see how this plays out and if Fatu can indeed usurp power from the twins.
Charlotte Flair vs. Roxanne Perez:
What should have been a dream match between Charlotte Flair and Roxanne Perez turned out to be a thrown-together encounter. Despite the lackluster creative, the match delivered. Perez held her own against Flair, and the injured hand storyline added an extra layer of intrigue. This match had the potential to create long-term storyline impact, especially with the tension building within The Judgment Day.
Je'Von Evans vs. Austin Theory:
After turning down Logan Paul's offer to join The Vision, Je'Von Evans challenged Austin Theory to a match. The interference of Bron Breakker and the subsequent save by The Street Profits set up a tag team title match for next week in London. While the match itself was solid, it lacked the impact needed to advance the storyline. The return of Angelo Dawkins feels a bit abrupt, especially after the alliance between Montez Ford and Seth Rollins was established. The announcement of a steel cage match between Rollins and Breakker for Night of Champions has potential, but WWE will need to deliver on the promise of a great match.
King of the Ring Semifinal:
Oba Femi dominated AAA Mega champion Dominik Mysterio in the main event, with JD McDonagh's interference adding to the drama. Femi's victory sets him up for a potential showdown with Brock Lesnar, as teased during the show. While the match was good, it raises questions about Mysterio's future direction. He was one of the most over Superstars in 2025, but now he feels like an afterthought. The absence of Liv Morgan, despite her relationship with Mysterio, is puzzling and could impact their star power.
In conclusion, WWE's Raw delivered some intriguing moments and set the stage for future storylines. The expansion of The Bloodline, the rise of Iyo Sky, and the potential power struggle within The Bloodline are all fascinating developments. WWE has a knack for building suspense, and I'm excited to see how these storylines unfold as we head towards Night of Champions.