WWE Monday Night Raw Highlights – June 23, 2025

Location: Nationwide Arena, Columbus, Ohio
Broadcast: Live on Netflix at 8 PM ET
Commentary: Michael Cole and Corey Graves

The June 23, 2025, episode of WWE Monday Night Raw, airing live from the Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio, was a pivotal show on the road to WWE Night of Champions. With the King and Queen of the Ring Tournaments nearing their climax and major championship rivalries heating up, the night delivered high-octane matches, dramatic promos, and shocking moments that set the stage for the upcoming premium live event. Below is a detailed, step-by-step recap of the matches and key segments, capturing the athleticism, drama, and storytelling that define WWE Raw.

The show kicked off with the arena lights dimming and Seth “Freakin” Rollins’ theme blaring through the speakers. The Visionary, flanked by Bron Breakker, Bronson Reed, and the ever-scheming Paul Heyman, strutted to the ring with purpose. Rollins, dressed in a flamboyant red suit, grabbed a microphone and addressed the Columbus crowd, who were torn between cheers for his charisma and boos for his recent heelish antics. He declared himself the “endgame” of WWE, dismissing rivals like CM Punk and Roman Reigns as “second-place contenders.” The promo was laced with intensity, as Rollins called out the fans for their fickle support, referencing their cheers for his song despite rooting for his enemies.

Paul Heyman, ever the master manipulator, hyped Rollins as the undisputed top star in wrestling, while Breakker and Reed stood menacingly behind him, reinforcing their alliance’s dominance. The segment set a chaotic tone for the night, with Rollins promising to reshape Raw in his image. As the crowd chanted “Cody! Cody!” for the American Nightmare, Rollins smirked, teasing his role in the upcoming King of the Ring Tournament. This opening salvo transitioned seamlessly into the first match, as Rollins’ words echoed in the arena.

Background: Bron Breakker, the powerhouse protégé of Seth Rollins, faced off against the high-flying luchador Penta El Zero Miedo in a rematch from their recent encounters. This match was a continuation of their rivalry, with Breakker aiming to assert his dominance and Penta looking to dazzle the WWE Universe with his signature offense. The bout was a showcase of contrasting styles—Breakker’s raw power versus Penta’s acrobatic flair.

1. Entrances: Penta’s eerie entrance, complete with his signature glove toss and “Cero Miedo” taunt, electrified the crowd. Breakker, accompanied by Paul Heyman, stormed to the ring with intensity, his eyes locked on Penta as if sizing up prey.
2. Early Action: The bell rang, and Penta immediately went on the offensive, using his speed to evade Breakker’s grappling attempts. He unleashed a flurry of kicks, including a lightning-fast superkick that staggered Breakker. Penta followed with a springboard crossbody, but Breakker caught him mid-air, showcasing his freakish strength, and slammed him to the mat with a thunderous powerslam.
3. Penta’s Comeback: Penta rallied with his signature second-turnbuckle handstand dropkick, sending Breakker crashing into the corner. The crowd erupted as Penta scaled the ropes for a Tope Con Hilo, aiming to dive onto Breakker outside the ring. However, Breakker countered, catching Penta mid-dive and hurling him into the barricade with a vicious spinebuster.
4. Breakker’s Dominance: Back in the ring, Breakker took control, berating Penta with trash talk while delivering punishing stomps. He hoisted Penta for a delayed vertical suplex, holding him aloft for nearly 20 seconds before dropping him hard. Breakker taunted the crowd, feeding off their boos, and set up for his signature Spear.
5. Penta’s Resilience: Penta dodged the Spear, sending Breakker crashing into the ring post. Seizing the moment, Penta hit a Mexican Destroyer, flipping Breakker onto his head for a near-fall that had the crowd on its feet. Penta attempted another Tope Con Hilo, this time connecting and sending Breakker sprawling across the announce table.
6. The Finish: As Penta climbed the ropes for a high-risk move, Breakker recovered, sprinting up the turnbuckles to meet him. In a brutal display, Breakker executed a superplex from the top rope, shaking the ring. Sensing victory, Breakker charged with a Spear, but Penta countered with a dropkick. However, Breakker’s relentless aggression prevailed—he caught Penta’s next move, a springboard moonsault, and transitioned into a powerslam. Breakker then delivered a final, devastating Spear, pinning Penta for the three-count.

Result: Bron Breakker def. Penta El Zero Miedo via pinfall.
Post-Match: Breakker stood over Penta, raising his arms in victory as Heyman applauded from ringside. The commentators noted Breakker’s message on behalf of Rollins, emphasizing the alliance’s goal to dominate Raw. Penta, despite the loss, earned respect for his high-flying performance, setting up potential future rematches.

Background: Jade Cargill, the powerhouse sensation, faced Roxanne Perez, the agile and cunning Prodigy, in a Queen of the Ring Tournament semifinal match. The winner would advance to face the winner of the Becky Lynch vs. Bayley match in the final at Night of Champions. Perez aimed to outsmart Cargill’s strength with speed, while Cargill looked to overpower her smaller opponent.

1. Entrances: Cargill’s entrance was a spectacle, with pyrotechnics and a confident strut that radiated star power. Perez, undeterred, entered with focus, her NXT background fueling her underdog spirit as she waved to the crowd.
2. Early Action: Perez used her agility to stay out of Cargill’s grasp, ducking under clotheslines and landing quick dropkicks to Cargill’s legs. Perez targeted Cargill’s knee, attempting to ground the powerhouse early. She executed a hurricanrana, sending Cargill tumbling to the corner, but Cargill shrugged it off and caught Perez with a stiff clothesline.
3. Cargill’s Power Game: Cargill took control, tossing Perez across the ring with a fallaway slam. She followed with a gorilla press, holding Perez high before dropping her face-first onto the mat. The crowd gasped as Cargill flexed, showcasing her dominance. She attempted a chokeslam, but Perez slipped out, targeting Cargill’s leg again with a chop block.
4. Perez’s Strategy: Perez’s game plan shone through as she trapped Cargill’s leg between the steel steps and the ring post, slamming it repeatedly to weaken her base. Perez climbed the ropes for a high crossbody, but Cargill caught her mid-air, transitioning into a backbreaker for a near-fall. Perez’s resilience kept her in the fight, as she countered with a tornado DDT, nearly securing a pin.
5. The Turning Point: Perez attempted Pop Rox, her signature finisher, but Cargill powered out, catching Perez in mid-air for a chokeslam that shook the ring. Perez kicked out at two, frustrating Cargill. The Prodigy fought back with a series of forearm strikes and a springboard moonsault, but Cargill’s strength was too much—she countered Pop Rox into a powerbomb.
6. The Finish: With Perez dazed, Cargill hoisted her for Jaded, her signature spinning sit-out powerbomb. Perez tried to counter with a roll-up, but Cargill kicked out and immediately hit Jaded, planting Perez for the three-count. The arena roared as Cargill advanced to the Queen of the Ring final.

Result: Jade Cargill def. Roxanne Perez via pinfall to advance to the Queen of the Ring Tournament final.
Post-Match: Cargill celebrated with a confident pose, while Perez, visibly disappointed, received a respectful ovation for her effort. The commentators hyped Cargill’s path to Night of Champions, noting her unstoppable momentum.

Before the Women’s Intercontinental Championship match, a heated promo segment unfolded. Women’s Intercontinental Champion Lyra Valkyria took to the ring, declaring that Becky Lynch was no longer “The Man” and that she had surpassed her. Lynch, incensed, stormed out, wearing gear originally intended for WrestleMania 41—a subtle jab at her rival Bayley, who had cost her a spot on that card. The two exchanged barbs, with Lynch promising to reclaim her dominance and Valkyria asserting her reign as champion. The segment ended with a tense stare-down, setting up their inevitable clash.

Background: This championship match was steeped in personal animosity. Bayley, returning from an injury caused by Lynch at WrestleMania, sought revenge and the Women’s Intercontinental Championship. Lynch, wearing gear meant for WrestleMania 41, aimed to solidify her reign. The match was a clash of two of WWE’s top female stars, with Bayley’s resilience pitted against Lynch’s technical prowess.

1. Entrances: Bayley’s entrance was emotional, with the crowd chanting her name as she returned from injury. Lynch, the defending champion, entered with a scowl, her focus razor-sharp as she eyed Bayley.
2. Early Action: The match began with a technical exchange, as Lynch locked in a side headlock, grounding Bayley. Bayley countered with a wrist lock, transitioning into a snap suplex. The two traded holds, showcasing their mat-based skills, until Bayley landed a running knee strike, sending Lynch to the outside.
3. Bayley’s Aggression: Bayley, fueled by revenge, pursued Lynch outside, slamming her into the barricade. She followed with a diving elbow drop from the apron, but Lynch caught her with a kick to the midsection. Back in the ring, Lynch targeted Bayley’s previously injured arm, wrenching it with an armbar and stomping it into the mat.
4. Bayley’s Comeback: Despite her compromised arm, Bayley fought back with left-handed forearm strikes, a clever nod to her injury. She hit a Bayley-to-Belly suplex, but Lynch kicked out at two. Bayley climbed the ropes for a diving elbow, but Lynch rolled out of the way, countering with a Bex-ploder suplex for a near-fall.
5. Dramatic Near-Falls: The match intensified as Lynch locked in the Dis-arm-her, wrenching Bayley’s injured arm. Bayley reached the ropes, breaking the hold, and countered with a Rose Plant attempt. Lynch escaped, hitting a Manhandle Slam, but Bayley kicked out, stunning the crowd. The two exchanged roll-ups, each getting two-counts in a frenetic sequence.
6. The Finish: As Bayley set up for another Rose Plant, Lyra Valkyria appeared at ringside, distracting Lynch. Bayley capitalized, hitting a Bayley-to-Belly followed by a top-rope Rose Plant. However, the referee was distracted by Valkyria, and the pinfall was delayed. This allowed Lynch to recover, but the match’s conclusion isn’t detailed in the sources. Given the context, it’s likely Valkyria’s interference led to a controversial finish, possibly a disqualification or no-contest, as she broke up the match.

Result: Match likely ended in a no-contest due to Lyra Valkyria’s interference.
Post-Match: Bayley and Lynch brawled post-match, with Valkyria watching smugly from the ramp. The segment set up a potential triple-threat match at Night of Champions, with the Women’s Intercontinental Championship on the line.

Background: The main event featured two fan-favorites, Cody Rhodes and Jey Uso, battling for a spot in the King of the Ring Tournament final against Randy Orton at Night of Champions. This match was a showcase of their friendship and rivalry, with both men delivering a premium live event-worthy performance. The stakes were high, as the winner would earn a chance to become King of the Ring and potentially challenge for a championship.

1. Entrances: Jey Uso entered to a roaring ovation, his “Yeet!” chant echoing through the arena as he danced down the ramp. Cody Rhodes, the American Nightmare, followed with his iconic “Kingdom” theme, the crowd singing along as he raised his arms, pyrotechnics exploding behind him.
2. Early Action: The match began with a respectful handshake, but the intensity quickly escalated. Rhodes and Uso traded strikes, with Uso landing a series of superkicks to stun Rhodes. Rhodes responded with a dropkick and a snap powerslam, asserting his technical prowess. The two exchanged holds, with Rhodes locking in a Figure-Four that targeted Uso’s knees, drawing a wince from the former champion.
3. Uso’s Momentum: Uso broke free, hitting a diving crossbody for a near-fall. He followed with a sleeper hold, slowing the pace and wearing Rhodes down. Rhodes powered out, but Uso caught him with a superkick and an Uso Splash attempt. Rhodes rolled out of the way, countering with a superplex from the top rope that left both men sprawled on the mat.
4. High-Octane Sequence: The match reached a fever pitch as Rhodes missed a Disaster Kick, allowing Uso to hit a Spear for a dramatic two-count. Uso climbed the ropes for another Uso Splash, but Rhodes got his knees up, halting Uso’s momentum. Rhodes capitalized with a Cody Cutter, but Uso kicked out, keeping the crowd on edge.
5. Dramatic Near-Falls: Rhodes attempted Cross Rhodes, but Uso countered with his own version of Cross Rhodes, a nod to their shared history, for a near-fall that had the arena buzzing. The two traded superkicks and lariats, each man refusing to stay down. Rhodes hit a second Cody Cutter, this time from the top rope, in a breathtaking display of athleticism.
6. The Finish: In the climactic moment, Rhodes dodged another Spear, catching Uso with a super Cody Cutter from the top rope. He followed with Cross Rhodes, hooking the leg for the three-count. The crowd erupted as Rhodes secured his spot in the King of the Ring final, while Uso showed respect with a post-match handshake.

Result: Cody Rhodes def. Jey Uso via pinfall to advance to the King of the Ring Tournament final.
Post-Match: Rhodes and Uso embraced, with Uso raising Rhodes’ hand in a show of respect. The commentators hyped Rhodes’ upcoming match against Randy Orton, noting the personal history between the two. Seth Rollins appeared on the ramp, clapping sarcastically, hinting at his involvement in the tournament’s outcome.

1. Raquel Rodriguez and Rhea Ripley Brawl: A chaotic ringside brawl broke out when Raquel Rodriguez called out Rhea Ripley. The two women, embroiled in a heated rivalry, fought around the announce table, with Ripley attempting to put Rodriguez through it. Roxanne Perez’s interference halted Ripley’s momentum, and Rodriguez delivered a Tejada Bomb through the table, leaving Ripley down. This segment set up a potential tables match at Saturday Night’s Main Event.
2. Gunther’s Promo: The Ring General delivered a fiery promo, addressing his upcoming match against Bill Goldberg at Night of Champions. Gunther vowed to end Goldberg’s legacy, calling him a “one-trick pony” who couldn’t lace his boots. The crowd’s surprising cheers for Gunther added intrigue to his heel persona, hinting at a shift in fan perception.
3. Backstage Drama: Karrion Kross taunted Sami Zayn after his recent loss, only to receive a right hand from Zayn. This brief altercation suggested a brewing feud, potentially leading to a match at Night of Champions.
   

The June 23, 2025, episode of Raw was a masterclass in balancing in-ring action with storyline progression. The Bron Breakker vs. Penta match showcased the next generation of WWE talent, with Breakker’s dominance reinforcing his alliance with Seth Rollins. Jade Cargill’s victory over Roxanne Perez solidified her as a top contender in the women’s division, while the Becky Lynch vs. Bayley match, disrupted by Lyra Valkyria, added layers to the Women’s Intercontinental Championship picture. The main event between Cody Rhodes and Jey Uso was the highlight, delivering a match that felt worthy of a premium live event and setting up a highly anticipated final against Randy Orton.

The promos, particularly from Seth Rollins and Gunther, elevated the show’s intensity, while the brawl between Rhea Ripley and Raquel Rodriguez promised a brutal showdown. With Night of Champions on the horizon, this episode of Raw successfully built momentum, leaving fans eager for the next chapter in these rivalries.