Monday Night RAW erupted at Legacy Arena as Roman Reigns, known as “The OTC” and “Tribal Chief,” made a thunderous return to the WWE ring. His comeback, after being sidelined since suffering an ambush by Bron Breakker following WrestleMania 41, reestablished his dominance and reshaped the narrative heading into this summer’s marquee pay-per-view, SummerSlam.
The evening kicked off in spectacular fashion with Naomi stepping into the ring. Though her segment was brief, it set the tone for a night defined by authority, confrontation, and momentum-building. The anticipation among fans was palpable as the stage was being set for intense rivalries and high-stakes matches .
The spotlight then shifted to a high-octane World Heavyweight Championship Gauntlet match. Five of RAW’s top stars—LA Knight, Jey Uso, Bron Breakker (accompanied by Paul Heyman), Penta, and CM Punk—battled in a grueling elimination sequence. Standout moments included Breakker spectacularly spearing Penta mid-air and eliminating Jey Uso. Ultimately, CM Punk, entering last, overcame interference by Bronson Reed and Breakker, sealing his victory with a signature “Go To Sleep” finisher. This triumph earned Punk a one-on-one championship match against Gunther at SummerSlam.
Gunther, the reigning World Heavyweight Champion, had opened the show by boasting about ending Goldberg’s storied career and proclaiming that only RAW’s elite would vie for a chance at him. His remarks injected an aura of menace and defined the gauntlet as a brutal test for those vying for the title shot.
Other matches on the card delivered non-stop action. In a fast-paced tag team showdown, Asuka and Kairi Sane squared off against Roxanne Perez and Raquel Rodriguez, showcasing thrilling agility and teamwork. Bayley edged out Lyra Valkyria in a competitive singles bout, while Nikki Bella marked a dramatic return to singles competition—her first since 2018—by defeating Chelsea Green in a spirited encounter.
The crescendo of the night came when Roman Reigns crashed the Gauntlet match aftermath. After Punk’s hard-fought win, Breakker and Bronson Reed launched an assault. As Punk and Jey Uso visibly struggled, Reigns made his entrance to a deafening ovation. He decimated Seth Rollins’ henchmen—squaring off with those who betrayed his legacy—and helped Punk and Uso to their feet.
Reigns’ return comes amid speculation over his potential SummerSlam opponent. Originally slated to challenge Seth Rollins, the match remains uncertain due to Rollins suffering a knee injury at last weekend’s Saturday Night’s Main Event. WWE sources indicate Rollins’ “Money in the Bank” contract runs through June 2026, suggesting a flexible time frame. Should Rollins remain sidelined, Bron Breakker is reportedly lining up as the next logical challenger.
Beyond paving the way for SummerSlam storylines, Reigns took to social media to issue a pointed warning to his rivals. His message underscored that he has not forgiven Breakker’s betrayal and is primed for retaliation.
By the time RAW went off the air, it was clear: Roman Reigns intended to reclaim his throne atop the RAW roster. The dramatic impact of his return closed out the show, underlining that the SummerSlam main event landscape has been irrevocably altered.
CM Punk, fresh off earning his title shot, now sets his sights on a showdown with Gunther at SummerSlam. His path from gauntlet victor to championship contender has captured the imagination of fans, signaling a high-stakes clash that could define his comeback run.
Meanwhile, the peripheral matches—from the tag team skirmish to Bayley’s upset over Lyra—maintained the show’s energetic flow. These undercard outcomes not only allowed newer stars to shine but also gave audiences a well-rounded RAW experience .
With SummerSlam just weeks away (August 2–3, 2025), Wednesday’s event has shifted into full throttle. The combination of Roman Reigns’ explosive return, CM Punk’s title shot, and upheavals due to potential injuries positions SummerSlam as a must-watch. Whether Reigns battles Seth Rollins or pivots to face Breakker in a tag team or singles matchup, the stakes have never been higher .
As the WWE Universe looks ahead, RAW’s July 14 episode will be remembered as a turning point—a revival of Reigns’ dominance and a launchpad for new rivalries. With bold story arcs taking shape, anticipation continues to mount for SummerSlam’s blockbuster showdowns.
