WWE Raw live results: Wrestlepalooza fallout
Date: September 22, 2025
Location: Ford Center in Evansville, IN
The Big Takeaway —
Asuka and Rhea Ripley wrestled for the first time in almost three years, and the show’s closing angle saw Asuka turn heel on Iyo Sky. (See more below.)
Jey Uso beat LA Knight, and a heel turn may be around the corner for Jey, too. (It could be leading to something else, but the teases are increasingly less subtle.)
As expected, WWE Champion Cody Rhodes and World Champion Seth Rollins will wrestle at Crown Jewel, while Women’s World Champion Stephanie Vaquer will wrestle the winner of SmackDown’s triple threat title match between WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton, Jade Cargill and Nia Jax. While it ultimately doesn’t matter who the Crown Jewel Champion is, Rhodes and Rollins had a long talking segment to add some intrigue to their match.
**********
Show Recap —
A new signature video opens the show (as it did at Wrestlepalooza), and the clips focus on the company’s more recent history.
There was a Wrestlepalooza video recap, in which they also spliced in clips from wrestlers and personalities making the rounds on ESPN leading up to the show.
The Vision, Stephanie Vaquer (and her father), The New Day and Grayson Waller, Bayley, and LA Knight arrived at the arena. As Knight arrived, Rusev confronted Dominik Mysterio and shoved him into some equipment boxes.
Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett are tonight’s announcers. They announced that Cody Rhodes would face Seth Rollins for the Men’s Crown Jewel Championship in Perth, Australia.
Cody Rhodes kicks off Raw
Rhodes showed off his inaugural Crown Jewel championship ring and said he would love to win another.
Rollins and the Vision (minus Becky Lynch) interrupted. Rollins told his partners to remain in the aisle as he entered the ring alone. The crowd sang Rollins’ song before switching back to chants for Cody.
Rollins said he had Crown Jewel circled on his calendar since they both walked out of SummerSlam as champions. Two of the best in the world in their primes would go one-on-one, and may the best man win. At least it should be that simple, but it wasn’t. It was deeper than that and bigger than that.
Rollins knew what everyone (the fans, wrestlers, and “the internet”) thought about him, but he didn’t give a damn. The fans didn’t know what was good for them. (The fans chanted for CM Punk, and Rollins shut them down by saying Punk didn’t matter here because he didn’t have a championship.) Rollins wanted to know what Rhodes thought of him.
Rhodes said Rollins has recently made some questionable choices, including aligning with Paul Heyman. But Rollins also changed his life. Rollins changed his life because Rhodes wouldn’t have known what he was capable of if not for their Hell in a Cell match. Rollins changed his career by being his shield at WrestleMania and helping him bring the world title to the Rhodes family.
Rhodes knew it was pro wrestling 101 to run Rollins down right now to hype up their match, but Rhodes wanted to know what Rollins thought of himself. Rhodes said Rollins could be the absolute best in the business. But that version of Rollins wouldn’t be hiding behind the three Vision goons.
Rollins pointed out his wristwatch, the one Rhodes gifted him after WrestleMania 40. Rollins hadn’t worn it until tonight. Rollins wondered if that was a real gift or a token gesture because Rhodes was fantastic about saying all the ring things about him, but only when it suited Rhodes. Rhodes undermined everything Rollins stood for.
Rollins didn’t appreciate Rhodes going on interviews and saying he was the guy to take this business into the future. Rhodes called himself QB1, so Rollins wondered what that meant for him. Either Rhodes thought Rollins wasn’t good enough, or just not as good as him.
Rollins said the Vision weren’t goons, they were the future of the business, and he was the tip of the spear, not Rhodes. Rhodes could be the quarterback if he wanted to, but he would be Rollins’ quarterback. It didn’t matter what Rhodes thought, because they would get the answer at Crown Jewel. This wasn’t a two-man show. Rollins stated, “I’m the alpha.”
Rhodes reminded Rollins that they’ve had three matches, and they’ve all been one-on-one. Rhodes peered over at the Vision and asked if it would be the case again in Perth. Rhodes concluded with a question: “In the three matches that we’ve had, Seth Rollins, how many of those have you won?”
Rhodes left the ring, and the Vision cleared a path for him to leave.
********
Jimmy Uso met with Jey Uso backstage. (Jey had tape over stitches on his forehead.) Jimmy said their loss was trash because he knew they could beat the Brons. Jimmy went to Adam Pearce to request a rematch, only to learn that Jey was already busy tonight because he had asked for a match against Knight.
Jey was red-hot and said they would have won if not for Knight being the referee. Jey was also pissed about Jimmy tagging with Knight last week (and losing). Jimmy asked if he was being blamed for their loss. Jey settled down (realizing he didn’t want to upset Jimmy) and said no, but he planned on beating up Knight tonight.
********
Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods cut their usual ad-break promo.
No disqualification six-man tag match: The New Day & Grayson Waller vs. The War Raiders & Penta
Woods wore a gigantic black hat a few weeks ago, so all three heels had a hat this week. They put the hats on during the break, so the babyfaces stole the hats and posed with them. The heels attacked them from behind to gain the heat.
Kingston hit Penta with a diving leg drop off the top turnbuckle through a table outside the ring. The camera missed it because Woods blocked the cameraperson, so they immediately showed a replay. Erik brought both members of New Day by himself off the ropes, and Ivar went for a moonsault, but New Day dodged it.
Penta avoided going through a corner table and instead suplexed Kingston through it. Waller cracked a kendo stick over Penta’s back, but Penta fought him off and hit an avalanche Canadian Destroyer for the pinfall win.
Match result: Penta & The War Raiders defeated Grayson Waller & The New Day (10:15)
This was pretty fun for the time they had, and the crowd was super into it. They popped huge for Penta’s finish.
********
Dominik approached Judgment Day backstage. He wanted their help with Rusev, but Finn Bálor and JD McDonagh weren’t interested. Bálor wondered why El Grande Americano didn’t help Dom, but Dom said he was back in Mexico. Bálor claimed he was busy and began doing something on a tablet.
Roxanne Perez and Raquel Rodriguez talked McDonagh into helping Dom. McDonagh only agreed because it would be best for Judgment Day. McDonagh said he would speak with Peace, but Dom told him he already got McDonagh a match against Rusev. McDongh (and Bálor) weren’t thrilled to hear this, but Dom was sure pleased with himself.
********
Bayley met with Lyra Valkyria backstage. Bayley had selective memory, and Valkyria was surprised to learn that Bayley wasn’t mad at her after calling her an idiot last week. Bayley was all smiles and said she didn’t know what Valkyria was talking about. Bayley asked her to be at ringside for her match tonight. Valkyria wasn’t sure, but she eventually agreed. (Bayley wore Punk’s “AJ’s husband” jacket.)
********
During a break, Byron Saxton asked Heyman about seemingly being Brock Lesnar’s advocate again. Heyman ignored the question and instead said Rollins would beat Rhodes at Crown Jewel.
Heyman cut the promo on behalf of Rollins, but did so as if he was talking about Lesnar (using a lot of the lines he normally uses for Lesnar promos). Heyman said Rollins winning wasn’t a prediction or even a spoiler—it was a prophecy.
********
Stephanie Vaquer promo
Vaquer entered to a good reaction. Pearce congratulated her on winning the Women’s World Championship. Vaquer called this a dream come true. At times, it seemed impossible, but she worked hard for it and accomplished it. She beat one of the best in Iyo Sky and had her dad as inspiration. She pointed out her dad in the crowd.
Vaquer said this championship represented the motivation and support the fans gave her. They celebrated with her at Wrestlepalooza. She thanked them. Vaquer said her fire would keep making history, and nobody could stop her.
Pearce told Vaquer that Tiffany Stratton was defending her title against Jade Cargill and Nia Jax in a triple threat on SmackDown, and the winner would face Vaquer at Crown Jewel. Vaquer looked forward to being there.
Fireworks went off as Vaquer posed with her title belt.
— Nikki Bella and Rhea Ripley approached Vaquer backstage to congratulate her. Ripley gave her a friendly reminder that she was coming for the title.
Asuka (with Kairi Sane) confronted Vaquer. Asuka said Sky deserved to be champion, not Vaquer. Vaquer said she would fight Asuka any time she wanted. Vaquer left (with Bella).
Ripley was tired of Asuka. Asuka told her to stay away from Sky, or else. Ripley challenged her to a match tonight, and Asuka accepted. The crowd popped for that. (The match was made official later on.)
********
Bayley (w/Lyra Valkyria) vs. Roxanne Perez (w/Raquel Rodriguez)
Barrett noted that Perez was tied with Knight for most matches in WWE in 2025, and they spoke about how the experience was helping Perez get better and better. (Perhaps a lesson to be learned there.)
Bayley was in control and went to the middle rope, but she distracted herself by watching Rodriguez at ringside. Perez kicked her leg out of her leg and took control ahead of a break. Rodriguez also took a cheap shot at Bayley during a break.
Bayley fought back after a break, but Perez cut her off. Perez went for a suicide dive, but Bayley blocked it with a forearm. Perez fought her off and hit a Pop Rox outside the ring, and Bayley just barely beat the ten count.
Rodriguez booted Bayley as Perez distracted the referee, so Valkyria attacked Rodriguez and drove her into the ring post. Perez then wiped out Valkyria with a suicide dive.
This caused Bayley to snap into another personality, I guess, and she nailed Perez with a Bayley-to-belly, a running boot, and Rose Plant for the pinfall win.
(Tesstitore tried to convince us that this was a violent attack, but it was really just one wrestler hitting another wrestler with their big moves for the win.)
— Valkyria was pumped up for Bayley and gave her a hug. Bayley suddenly had no interest in Valkyria being there and shoved her down. Valkyria was shocked as Bayley screamed at her and told her to stay out of it.
The crowd was into Bayley during the match, but they booed her in the post-match (which was the idea).
Match result: Bayley defeated Roxanne Perez (10:46)
********
Jimmy congratulated Rhodes on his Wrestlepalooza win. Rhodes asked how Jey was doing. Jimmy said Jey was in his own head and wouldn’t listen to him. Jimmy asked Rhodes if he would talk to him, so Rhodes agreed.
Rhodes approached Jey after a break. Rhodes said Jimmy was worried about him. Jey said Big Jim was always tripping and told Rhodes not to worry. Rhodes said he knew what Jey felt like. There were highs and lows, wins and losses. People in their position isolate themselves, but Rhodes reminded Jey that he has his family, friends and fans. Rhodes told him, “We believe in you.”
Jey told him not to worry. “Imma find my way back to the top, Cody.” Rhodes left, and Jey stared at him as he did.
********
Rusev’s entrance happened during a break.
Rusev vs. JD McDonagh (w/Intercontinental Champion Dominik Mysterio)
Rusev was in complete control until McDonagh kicked the steel steps into his legs. McDonagh followed with an Asai moonsault ahead of a break. McDonagh continued to shine with a few spots after a break, including a moonsault for two.
McDonagh hit Rusev with multiple clotheslines, but couldn’t knock him down. Rusev nailed him with a body slam and Matcka Kick. Rusev applied the Accolade, and Dom hopped on the apron. Dom considered breaking it up, but was too afraid to get involved, so McDonagh taped out.
— Rusev wouldn’t let go of the hold after the match as Dom just stood there, so Bálor ran out and gave Rusev a reverse DDT (which got a modest pop). Before Rusev could get up, Judgment Day escaped while Bálor admonished Dom.
Match result: Rusev defeated JD McDonagh (10:12)
This match was between two heels, so the crowd wasn’t super into it, but they did get into McDonagh a bit thanks to his offence.
********
Sky approached Asuka and Sane backstage, but Asuka didn’t want advice from someone who lost. Asuka left. Sane was in agony over all of this, but told Sky that Asuka was the reason they were there, so they had to listen to her.
********
Jackie Redmond interviewed Knight. Redmond’s question was taking too long to get out, so Knight cut her off. Knight said Jey should be worried more about his own health. Knight was only checking on Jey’s well-being during the Wrestlepalooza match before he got speared through the table.
Knight wasn’t trying to hurt Jey before—but he would tonight. Jey might’ve brain’ed himself on Saturday, but if he hadn’t, Knight would do it for him with a BFT.
Jey Uso vs. LA Knight
Jey wore all black (with white sneakers) and did his full entrance. Knight did his entrance, but as he jumped down from the middle rope, Jey punched him before the match officially began. The ref called for the bell to begin.
Jey was all over Knight until Knight cut him off with a neckbreaker. Jey avoided a baseball slide and clotheslined Knight to regain control during a break. After the break, Knight scaled the ropes to bring Jey down with a superplex.
They traded strikes until Knight ducked one and hit a reverse DVD for two. Jey followed later with a suicide dive and superkick for two. Knight responded with a DDT and flying elbow drop for two.
Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed ran out, so Knight attacked them both before they could enter the ring. The referee just watched this all transpire.
Knight re-entered the ring but ran into an Uso spear. Jey followed with an Uso Splash for the pinfall win.
— Jimmy joined Jey on stage after the match. Jimmy thought they should help Knight because he was about to be attacked by the Brons. Jey didn’t care, so he left.
Jimmy grabbed a chair and sprinted to the ring. Jimmy invited the Brons into the ring, but Heyman talked them down, and they left.
Match result: Jey Uso defeated LA Knight (8:36)
This was good, although I hate these distraction finishes. The referee looked like an idiot, letting things just continue normally after the Brons got involved. The match itself went at a fast pace, with the crowd into it all the way, and it felt like a fight between two guys with building animosity.
********
Becky Lynch ranted backstage while Rollins was in deep thought as he looked at his wristwatch. Lynch ranted about Rhodes, the Usos, and the fans. Lynch said the fans were thieves trying to steal the things they built. Lynch wanted to make an example. She left. (Rollins didn’t say a word.)
********
Sky approached Ripley. Ripley, a grown adult, asked if they were allowed to be around each other. Sky wanted Ripley to cancel her match against Asuka. Ripley said she was sick of Asuka’s disrespect. Ripley hoped they could beat the respect into each other like she did with Sky. Sky said, “Fine.”
Before Sky could leave, Ripley told her to be careful around Asuka. Sky was offended by this comment. Sky said Asuka was family and was the reason she was there. Sky said she could trust Asuka, but didn’t know if she could trust Ripley. Sky left, and Ripley was upset.
********
Raw next week (7 pm ET/4 pm PT start time):
- Dominik Mysterio (c) vs. Rusev for the Intercontinental Championship
- Bayley vs. Raquel Rodriguez
- The Usos vs. Bron Breakker & Bronson Reed in a tornado tag match
********
There was a video package for Los Americanos, trying to make it seem like they were a deeply rooted part of lucha libre history. Of course, they used gross-looking AI for the video.
Maxxine Dupri asked Pearce for a match because she wanted to prove herself. Pearce told her to keep working until he finds someone.
AJ Styles and Dragon Lee approached Pearce next. Styles said the Americanos were pissing him off and admitted to being a petty man. Dragon Lee wanted them in a tag match next week. Pearce said he would talk to them. (So he knows who they are?) Styles told Pearce not to sign any more Americanos for a while.
********
Rhea Ripley vs. Asuka (w/Kairi Sane)
This was their first match since December 2022, and the announcers built this up as a PLE-level match. They went to commercial break a minute into it.
Asuka was in control while targeting the leg, but Ripley came back with clotheslines, a thrust kick, a dropkick, and a Northern Lights suplex for two. Asuka avoided a Razor’s Edge, dropkicked her leg, and hit a sliding kick for two. Ripley responded with a boot and cannonball off the apron, leading to a second break.
Ripley maintained control through a break and hit a superplex when they returned. They traded strikes until Asuka applied a jackknife cover for two. Ripley followed with a thrust kick, Razor’s Edge, and shining wizard for two. Asuka went for an armbar, but Ripley managed to escape.
Ripley missed a charge and collided with the turnbuckle, and Asuka followed with a kick to the head for two. (The crowd chanted for Ripley.) Asuka knocked Ripley out of the ring and bounced her head off the table. Asuka said something to Sane before getting back in the ring.
Ripley tried another kick, but Asuka caught her in a leg lock. Ripley tried getting to her feet, so Asuka nailed a German suplex. Asuka came off the top, but Ripley nailed her mid-air with a dropkick. (The crowd chanted, “This is awesome.”)
Asuka shouted orders to Sane, so she reluctantly jumped on the apron with her fist clenched. Sane went for a back fist, but Ripley blocked it. Asuka went for a running hip attack, but Ripley moved, and Asuka knocked Sane off the apron by mistake.
Ripley grabbed Asuka in a small package for the pinfall win.
— Asuka blew mist in Ripley’s face immediately after the match. Asuka commanded Sane to attack, so she did hesitantly. They attacked Ripley until Sky quickly ran out to make the save.
Sky settled Asuka down. Asuka was in tears, and they hugged. Asuka suddenly dropped Sky with a spinning back fist, and the crowd booed.
Asuka commanded Sane to attack Sky. Again, Sane didn’t want to, but she did. Asuka saw Ripley getting to her feet, so she knocked her down with a spinning heel kick. Asuka held Sky as Sane (still in anguish over all of this), hit an Insane Elbow.
The crowd booed as Asuka stood tall (while holding Sane), with Sky and Ripley laid out.
Match result: Rhea Ripley defeated Asuka (17:15)
This was excellent, although they relied yet again on an interference/distraction spot. Given the story being told, this was an appropriate spot for it, but it was hindered by the fact that they do this in 80% of TV matches.
The match and the post-match were great, and they have built well to Asuka finally turning heel. Asuka and Lynch have both turned heel before to their detriment, but this one felt more purposeful. Asuka has looked awesome since returning, and her inevitable match with Sky feels like a big one.