Browsing: Roman

Roman Reigns has hinted at a huge new role in WWE.

For years, The OTC has been the top star in the promotion. Since his days in the Shield faction, Reigns was looked upon as the future face of the company and was provided with ample opportunities. Although he was initially booed by fans and disregarded as the top babyface, Reigns’ resurgence came with The Tribal Chief gimmick that saw him align with Wiseman, Paul Heyman. Since then, Roman Reigns has not looked back and is universally accepted as one of the greatest ever to have laced on a pair of wrestling boots.

Now, it seems, Reigns is eager to pass on his wealth of knowledge as Tribal Chief and take on the role of the Wiseman.

Roman Reigns Hinted At A Wiseman Role In WWE

Over the last few weeks, Reigns has taken a keen interest in Jey Uso and has vowed to unleash the full potential in the star. He has also hinted at how Uso needed to listen to him and filter out any outside noise to remain at the top of WWE. In this regard, he even disallowed Jimmy from intervening.

Speaking on The Pat McAfee Show, Reigns further commented on his former Wiseman, Paul Heyman, and hinted that he may be up for taking on a similar role.

He taught me so much. I sat under his learning tree. I caught shade for a long time, so anything he’s teaching these other guys, you know [he’s repeating]. He’s long-winded, so he’ll keep on telling his stories, and he’ll come back to them. I have like a sponge absorbed so much from the former Wiseman that I think he’s gone dumb now. I have become the master.”

“The Wiseman taught me so much and anything that he’s teaching these other guys I already know..

I think he’s gone dumb now and I’ve become the master” ~ @WWERomanReigns#PMSLivepic.twitter.com/6ClBSJ6rVf

— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) October 8, 2025

Roman Reigns did not shy away from stating that over the years, he would absorb all and every information from The Oracle and has now become the master. It will be interesting to note how much Reigns has taken an interest in training Jey Uso, and that he believes he is the master. The OTC could be hinting at gearing up for a new role as the Wiseman and imparting the knowledge to The Usos.

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Paul Heyman has hit back at Braun Strowman after the former WWE Superstar brought up his past with Roman Reigns. During the October 6, episode of WWE Raw, Heyman claimed that Roman Reigns has never been attacked so badly that he needed to be stretchered out, until he collided with Bronson Reed.

This earned a response from Strowman, who refuted Heyman’s claim. Comparing Heyman to DC Comics character Oswald Cobblepot, aka The Penguin, Braun pointed out that an attack from him once resulted in Reigns needing to be stretchered.

Now, Heyman has responded. Defending his failing to recall Strowman’s attack on Reigns, the WWE Hall of Famer teased that he, like many others, failed to remember Braun was even alive.

“Dear Mr. Strowman,

Your post was brought to my attention.

I have nothing negative to say about you, nor to you sir.

In fact, I am actually relieved and indeed celebratory to lean you’re still alive, something most of us didn’t realize and even fewer cared about.

With Love and Respect, Paul Heyman.”

Strowman was released from WWE earlier this year, his second time being cut from the promotion within a four-year window. Strowman’s second run with WWE saw him return in September 2022 though he never held gold during his comeback.

Strowman and Reigns battled in 2017 and 2018, and briefly in 2020 over the Universal Championship. Now, Strowman’s future rests outside WWE and it remains to be seen what’s next for the Monster Among Men.

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Bleacher Report catches you up on the latest news from the WWE Universe.

Hardy Boyz Become Dual Tag Team Champions

The Hardy Boyz made pro wrestling history on Tuesday night in their title vs. title match against DarkState at NXT vs. TNA ShowDown.

In the opening match of the show, which featured four matches pitting NXT and TNA wrestlers against each other, Matt and Jeff Hardy put their TNA World Tag Team Championships on the line against DarkState and the NXT tag team titles.

Thanks to a Jeff Hardy Swanton Bomb, the Hardy Boyz beat DarkState to retain the TNA tag titles and win the NXT Tag Team Championships, becoming the first team to ever hold those two titles simultaneously.

It is yet another feather in the cap of the Hardys, who were already widely considered to be among the best tag teams of all time.

Now, Matt and Jeff can add the distinction of being NXT tag team champs to a résumé that includes eight WWE tag team titles, four TNA tag team titles and one ROH tag team title.

On top of that, the Hardy Boyz will now carry the TNA and NXT tag straps into Bound for Glory on Sunday where they are set to face Team 3D, also known as the Dudley Boyz, in a tables match.

As part of the recent invasion angle, both TNA and NXT acquitted themselves well during Tuesday’s dual-branded show.

NXT got a pair of victories with Ethan Page beating Mustafa Ali and the NXT women’s team coming out on top in a Survivor Series elimination match, while the Hardys won for TNA, as did the men’s Survivor Series team.

All of that should make for a highly unpredictable Bound for Glory pay-per-view on Sunday, as championships from both TNA and NXT will both be on the line with wrestlers from both promotions featured heavily on the card.

Reported Survivor Series, Royal Rumble Plans for Reigns

Roman Reigns recently made his return to WWE programming, and some plans are reportedly already in place for him over the next few months.

According to Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Radio (h/t Randall Ortman of Cageside Seats), current plans call for Reigns to compete in a WarGames match at Survivor Series next month and to be part of the men’s Royal Rumble match at Royal Rumble in January.

Meltzer also speculated that WWE could be saving a World Heavyweight Championship singles match between Reigns and Seth Rollins for WrestleMania 42.

At Crown Jewel on Saturday, Reigns will face Bronson Reed in an Australian Street Fight. It will be a rematch of their meeting at Clash in Paris, which saw Reigns win before Reed and Bron Breakker viciously attacked him.

Given that Reigns is embroiled in a rivalry with The Vision, it would undoubtedly make sense for a Reigns-led team to face a Rollins-led team in a WarGames match at Survivor Series.

It promises to be a star-studded affair as well since Cody Rhodes and CM Punk have also been having their issues with Rollins.

Should Reigns shift his focus toward the Rumble coming out of Survivor Series and compete in the Rumble match, there is a distinct possibility that he could win it to set up a title match against Rollins at WrestleMania.

After all, Reigns has only one Royal Rumble win to his credit, and given that he is one of the top stars in WWE history, having him win another at some point feels like the right move.

Woods Reportedly Signs New WWE Contract

One of the greatest tag team wrestlers in WWE history is reportedly sticking around for the foreseeable future.

According to Fightful Select (h/t Ortman), Xavier Woods has signed a new contract with WWE, ending negotiations that “came down to the wire.”

Woods seemed to confirm the news on X, writing, “You’re gonna see my sexy face for a while longer even though you don’t deserve it.”

The 39-year-old Woods has been with WWE since 2010, and he has been part of the iconic New Day tag team since 2014.

As part of New Day with Kofi Kingston and formerly Big E, Woods is a 12-time WWE tag team champion and one-time NXT champion.

He also won the King of the Ring tournament in 2021, which remains Woods’ biggest individual accomplishment to date.

Late last year, Woods and Kingston turned their backs on Big E, making New Day a heel act for the first time since the early part of its existence.

Xavier and Kofi parlayed that into more championship success, beating The War Raiders for the World Tag Team Championships at WrestleMania 41 before dropping them to The Judgment Day a couple of months later.

Recently, Woods and Kingston have been working with Grayson Waller, thus adding to the villainous nature of New Day.

On top of his in-ring work, Woods continues to be the face of the hugely popular and successful UpUpDownDown gaming YouTube channel, which only adds to the value Woods brings to WWE.

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Roman Reigns is scheduled for a huge matchup at WWE Survivor Series 2025.

Reigns returned last week on WWE RAW, confronting Reed and Breakker. This week, WWE confirmed that he will compete against Bronson Reed at WWE Crown Jewel in Perth.

Following his match at WWE Crown Jewel, recent reports indicate that WWE plans to have the Reigns compete at WWE Survivor Series in a WarGames match in San Diego. On Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer noted that a potential singles match between Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins is not expected soon.

He said WWE seems to be building toward a match between them, possibly at WWE WrestleMania 42. “Thereâ€s no Roman Reigns/Seth Rollins match before, at the earliest, January, and I doubt January because theyâ€ll both be in the Royal Rumble. I think itâ€s probably WrestleMania, just as a guess.â€

Meltzer confirmed that Roman Reigns is set for WWE Survivor Series 2025 “Heâ€s [Reigns] definitely doing the San Diego show, but heâ€s not in a singles match in San Diego. Heâ€s in the WarGames…you know, unless they change.†[H/T: 411mania]

Mondayâ€s episode of RAW kicked off with Reigns and Reed confronting each other in the ring. After some trash talk to each other, Paul Heyman suggested the pair should face off in an Australian Street Fight. Reigns accepted the stipulation, then said Heyman and Reed were acting like “a couple of bitches.â€

WWE Crown Jewel is set to take place on October 11, 2025, from the RAC Arena in Perth, Western Australia, Australia. The card is as follows:

• WWE Crown Jewel Championship: Cody Rhodes (SmackDownâ€s Undisputed WWE Champion) vs. Seth Rollins (Rawâ€s World Heavyweight Champion)
• WWE Womenâ€s Crown Jewel Championship: Stephanie Vaquer (Rawâ€s Womenâ€s World Champion) vs. Tiffany Stratton (SmackDownâ€s WWE Womenâ€s Champion)
• John Cena vs. AJ Styles
• Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY vs. The Kabuki Warriors
• Australian Street Fight: Roman Reigns vs. Bronson Re

Read More: CM Punk References AEW Star During WWE RAW Promo

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WWE Raw Highlights: On October 6, a highly anticipated episode of WWEâ€s Monday Night Raw took place at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. This episode of WWE Raw featured multiple segments and matches, which led the current storylines to WWEâ€s upcoming Premium Live Event, Crown Jewel. This premium live event will take place at the RAC Arena in Perth, Western Australia, Australia on this Sunday, October 12, 2025. This event will stream at a special time all over the world. In India, this event will stream live on Netflix on October 12 at 5:30 PM IST.

This episode of WWE Raw featured many great matches, including a surprisingly well-wrestled match from Maxxine Dupri against Becky Lynch. We also saw CM Punk return on this show. This show also featured a 6-man tag team match between the Judgement Day and the team of AJ Styles, Penta El Zero Miedo, and Dragon Lee.

WWE Raw Highlights: Roman Reigns opens the Show

Roman Reigns started the show, and as he was starting to talk, he was interrupted by Paul Heyman and Bronson Reed. Paul Heyman said there is only one man that Roman fears, and his name is Bronson Reed, as he is the only person who made him leave the arena on a stretcher. After that, Reigns called out Reed, saying, Let’s fight now, to which Heyman replied that Reed will face Roman, but not tonight; instead, they will have an Australian Street Fight match at Crown Jewel. Reigns accepted the challenge and said, “They walked in like some tough guys, but they are leaving like a couple of b*tchesâ€. This angered Bronson Reed, and he entered the ring, which led to a full-blown brawl between Reigns and Reed.Â

WWE Raw Highlights: Maxxine Dupri vs Becky Lynch

In this episode of WWE Raw, we saw Maxxine Dupri and Becky Lynch face each other in a non-title match. The match went on for 20+ minutes and was one of the best matches of Maxxine Dupriâ€s career. This match received multiple “this is Awesome†chants from the audience, and at the end of the match, in a very shocking twist, Maxxine Dupri defeated Becky Lynch via count-out.

WWE Raw Highlights: OG Bloodlineâ€s backstage segment

As Roman Reigns was walking backstage, Jimmy and Jey Uso confronted Reigns and said that they are going his have his back. Reigns replied, saying that he doesn’t need any help; the only thing he wants that Jey should focus on his opportunity. After that, as Jey left, this segment ended with Roman saying to Jimmy that he knows everything and asked him the question of why is him advising Jey is an issue for him.Â

WWE Raw Highlights: Lyra Valkyria vs Roxanne Perez

Lyra Valkyria faced Roxanne Perez in a singles match in this episode of WWE Raw. The match went on for 15+ minutes, and at the end of the match, Perez delivered a pop-rox to Valkyria, and with that, she secured the victory via pinfall.

WWE Raw Highlights: CM Punk returns

CM Punk returned to WWE Raw after weeks and for the first time since beating Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch with his wife in a mixed tag team match at WrestlePalooza. He thanked everybody saying that, he is thankful for the warm welcome for his wife. After Punk shifted his focus and talked about Seth Rollins, he said he is the first in line for Seth Rollinsâ€s World Heavyweight Championship.

As Punk was talking, he was interrupted by LA Knight. Knight said he deserves a shot at the World Heavyweight Champion a lot more than Punk does. After that, they were interrupted by Jey Uso, and as he came out to the ring, Jey said he never got his rematch for his World Heavyweight Championship, and he is the next in line. As Knight was talking about how Jey should just be a tag team wrestler, Jey Uso attacked LA Knight, and after that, CM Punk came face-to-face wth Jey Uso, he said, “I love Jey Uso, but I don’t like little Roman.†Jimmy Uso tried to separate Jey Uso and CM Punk, but Punk punched Jey Uso, and after that, Jimmy delivered a Super Kick to Punk to save his brother. This entire segment set up a tag team match between the team of Punk and Knight vs The Usos in the main event of this episode of WWE Raw.

WWE Raw Highlights: Kairi Sane vs Iyo Sky

In a 15+ minutes match, Iyo Sky faced Kairi Sane in a one-on-one match. Sane defeated Sky with the help of Asuka, and after the match, Asuka and Kairi Sane attacked Iyo Sky.

WWE Raw Highlights: The Judgement Day vs AJ Styles, Penta, and Dragon Lee

AJ Styles, Penta, and Dragon Lee defeated the Judgement Day. After winning the match, AJ Styles delivered a promo on his upcoming match against John Cena at Crown Jewel. Styles said this match does not need a story, and both Cena and he will give everything they have to fight each other for the last time.

WWE Raw Highlights: CM Punk and LA Knight vs The Usos

In a 20+ minute match, CM Punk and LA Knight defeated the Usos. At the end of the match, CM Punk delivered GTS to Jey Uso, and Knight tagged himself and pinned Jey Uso. After the match, we saw a long stare down between Knight and Punk, teasing a potential match at Crown Jewel.

FAQs

Q. Has Crown Jewel ever taken place outside of Saudi Arabia?

A. WWEâ€s premium live event, Crown Jewel, will take place in Australia this year for the first time since its inception in 2028.

Q. Is Roman Reigns going to wrestle at Crown Jewel?

A. Roman will face Bronson Reed in an Australian Street Fight match at the 2025 Crown Jewel.

Q. What does OTC mean?

A. OTC means the Original/Only Tribal Chief; this is used by Roman, as he described himself as the only Tribal Chief.

Q. How can I watch WWEâ€s Crown Jewel live in India?
A. WWEâ€s Crown Jewel will air at a special time in India; it will stream at 5:30 PM IST on October 12, and fans can watch this event live on Netflix.

Q. Does WWE own UFC?

A. WWE does not own UFC; both these companies are owned by the same company called TKO.

Get the Latest WWE News at IceCric.News and Follow for Live Updates – Facebook &  Instagram.

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SPOTLIGHTED PODCAST ALERT (YOUR ARTICLE BEGINS A FEW INCHES DOWN)…

WWE RAW REPORT
OCTOBER 6, 2025
DALLAS, TEX. AT AMERICAN AIRLINES ARENA
AIRED LIVE ON NETFLIX (WORLDWIDE)
REPORT BY WADE KELLER, PWTORCH EDITOR

Commentators: Joe Tessitore, Wade Barrett

Ring Announcer: Alicia Taylor

Attendance: WrestleTix reports today that 10,719 tickets were distributed so far; arena set up for 11,433. The arena has a capacity of 21,000 spectators when configured for concerts.

JOIN US LIVE ON YOUTUBE TONIGHT FOR THE VIDEO-FORMAT OF OUR LIVE POST-SHOWS…

PWTorch editor Wade Keller is joined by PWTorch contributor Chris Maitland to review WWE Raw LIVE tonight right after the show ends. Join us and let us know your thoughts on Raw during the show.

Email our post-show at wadekellerpodcast@gmail.com with your comments and questions about Raw. Weâ€ll read your emails live during the post-show.

VIP MEMBER EXCLUSIVE VIDEO CALLER CODE: CLICK HERE

Click that link during the post-show to enter the waiting room as “live video caller†(or just audio if you turn off your cam, which is fine). This is a private link, so donâ€t share. Itâ€s just for VIP members at this time.

If you canâ€t join us live on YouTube, stream the show on demand later at YouTube or listen or stream later on a podcast app. Subscribe to all of our free podcasts by searching “wade keller†and “pwtorch†in your podcast app of choice including Spotify and Apple Podcasts and most other iOS and Android apps.

LIVE ON YOUTUBE RIGHT AFTER WWE RAW TONIGHT: LIVE ON YOUTUBE RIGHT AFTER WWE RAW TONIGHT: CLICK HERE TO WATCH

[HOUR ONE]

-After “Then, Now, Forever, Together” narrated by Paul Levesque, Joe Tessitore introduced the show as they showed an aerial view of Dallas, Tex. A drone camera flew over the crowd.

-A video recap aired of Roman Reigns coming out after last week’s Raw main event.

-Roman Reigns made his ring entrance. He absorbed cheers and chants of his name. “Dallas, Texas, acknowledge me!” he said. Fans cheered. Paul Heyman and Bronson Reed walked out. Reigns asked Heyman if he was out there to stare at him or did he have something to say. “I don’t know who’s been wise-manning you since you broke my heart about public speaking, but you’ve ruined the entire schtick. Let me show you how it’s done.” Heyman said, “Dallas, Texas, acknowledge your Tribal Thief!” Reed smiled and raised his arm.

Heyman said Reigns left on a stretcher and was out for a month because of them, and that is the worst result of any beating he took in his career. Reigns said his father, Sika, was never stretchered out. He said his uncle was never stretchered out, either. He got-wide eyed with euphoria as he told Reigns he got him stretchered out due to his hands.

Reigns said Reed didn’t know his father, but Heyman did. He called Heyman “dumbass.” He asked Heyman what his dad would have said. Reigns said his dad would have said, “Fight ’em now.” Reigns suggested they fight now. Heyman told Reed it’s a trap and he should do this on his schedule. Reigns said he knows what Heyman is saying because he’s been there. He said his words aren’t wise. He said he’s a coward. Reigns said he’s levels above Reed. He said he’ll wrestle him whenever and wherever he wants. He said he’ll always be his Tribal Chief. Fans chanted “OTC!”

Heyman said his comments were nearly as impress as if they came from a wiseman. He challenged Reigns to face Reed at Crown Jewel on Saturday in an Australian Street Fight. Heyman built it up. Reigns said, “I accept.” Heyman smiled and said, “Good night, everybody.”

Reigns said they walked in like some tough guys, “but they seem to be walking out like a couple of bitches.” Reed didn’t like that. He marched to the ring and went after Reigns. Reed threw him to the floor. Heyman watched up close. Reigns caught Reed with a Superman Punch at ringside. As he cleared the announce desk, security intervened. Reigns broke free and punched away at Reed who was in the time keeper’s area. Reigns hit another Superman Punch. Fans chanted, “OTC!” Reed yelled at ringside as Reigns stood on the ropes and saluted toward the crowd.

(Keller’s Analysis: Good solid build for a newly announced match at Crown Jewel. Reed has been devastating enough to seem like a worthy opponent for Reigns. They didn’t specify what an Australian Street Fight is, though.)

-They showed C.M. Punk arriving backstage. Then they showed Lyra Valkyria. Then Iyo Sky, who looked sullen. Tessitore and Barrett commented on last week’s angle with Sky and Kairi Sane and Asuka.

-Backstage, Asuka demanded Adam Pearce to give her a match with Iyo and Kairi tonight. Pearce said he would see if they had room in the show (interesting!) and, after Asuka yelled at him, said, “I need a drink.” He walked away. Kairi walked up to a smiling Asuka, who said they’re going to teach Iyo respect at Crown Jewel, but tonight she’ll face her one-on-one. Kairi said she didn’t want to fight Iyo one-on-one vecause she still wants to bring her back into her family. Asuka went into a rage and slapped her. Kairi cried. Asuka told her, “You better win.” She then left a sobbing Kairi. She yelled for her seconds later.

-Becky Lynch made her ring entrance. [c]

-Tessitore plugged Crown Jewel on Saturday.

-A clip aired from last week of Maxinne Durpi and Becky getting into a spat last week to set up this match.

(1) MAXXINE DUPRI vs. BECKY LYNCH

The bell rang 26 minutes into the hour. Maxxine pushed Becky into the corner seconds into the match. Tessitore said it was important for Maxxine to assert herself early. Becky fought back. Maxxine avoided a charge into the corner and then landed a Thesz Press. There were a couple whips into the turnbuckle here that were as bad as you’ll see as they were way too far and required obvious volunteer running buy the person being whipped. Maxxine dropkicked Becky’s leg. It seemed she aimed for higher. Becky bailed out to ringside. Maxxine flipped onto Becky and then played to the crowd. Becky took over and T-Bone suplexed Maxxine into the security barricade. They cut to a break at 3:00. [c]

Back from the break, Tessitore said Maxxine has been improving week after week. He said she was standing her ground in this match. She landed three flying clotheslines and then a running knee to the side Becky’s head. “The best we’ve seen of her!” said Tessitore. Maxxine landed a fisherman suplex and then kipped up. Tessitore said, “She can sense it; she’s a different competitor tonight.” She lowered her strap and applied an anklelock. Becky broke free and then punched away at Maxxine in the corner. Barrett said Becky can find another level when she really needs it. Maxxine powerbombed Becky out of the corner and scored a two count. Barrett said she got that from power move from Otis.

When Maxxine climbed to the top rope, Becky got up and knocked her off balance. She then landed a superplex for a two count. She followed up with a Disarm Her. They exchanged leverage two count. Maxxine landed a spinning wheel kick for a near fall that popped the crowd as Tessitore hit a crescendo of excitement.

Maxxine leaped off the top rope with a crossbody press, but Becky rolled through and scored a two count. Maxxine put her legs on the middle rope for added leverage to score another near fall. Becky then went on the attack with a kick to the head. Maxxine dropped to the floor. Becky rammed her into the announce desk. Fans chanted, “This is awesome!” at 12:00.

Becky bashed Maxxine with a giant energy drink bottle at ringside. Becky broke the count and argued with the ref before going after Maxxine at ringside again, ramming her into the announce desk. She stood on the desk and played to the crowd as Maxxine rolled back into the ring. The ref then counted out Becky. Fans cheered.

WINNER: Maxxine Dupri via countout in 14:00.

(Keller’s Analysis: Maxxine is likable in her eager underdog in-over-her-head role, but she’s also way too good at looking in over her head in the ring. There were times the life just seemed to be leaving Barrett as he tried to cover for the sloppiness he was describing. All that said, the crowd reacted to the underdog story and seemed to eat up Becky being humiliate with a countout loss that came as a result of her down hubris.)

-Backstage, the Usos approached Roman backstage. Jimmy asked if he just heard Heyman and Reed bury his dad and uncle. Jey looked away. He told Reigns that at Crown Jewel, he’s got him. Reigns said he doesn’t want help, “especially from you.” Reigns told Jey he already told him to own the rooms he walks into and focus on his interests. Reigns then asked Jey who is out at the top of the hour. Jey said it was Punk. Reigns said, “Not you, huh?” Jey left. Reigns told Jimmy, “You know I see and hear everything. What is his problem with taking advice from me?” Jimmy took a deep breath, but didn’t say anyything.

-Bayley jumped at Lyra Valkyria and let out a “Wooo!” She was over-the-top elated and said Lyra vs. Perez “is a future WrestleMania main event.” She said she wanted to be out there for her. Lyra said she could use all the help she can get, so “what the hell, yes.” Bayley said they should do the handshake, but they fumbled it a bit and then headed to the ring together.

(2) LYRA VALKYRIA (w/Bayley) vs. ROXANNE PEREZ (w/Raquel Rodriguez)

The bell rang 50 minutes into the hour. Tessitore excitedly said they had breaking news – the Iyo vs. Kairi match was officially scheduled for later. Barrett said they had never wrestled under the WWE banner one-on-one, but might have in Japan, so he said this is “like a first time-ever match-up.” They cut to a break at 2:00. [c]

Rodriguez distracted the ref as Lyra was standing on the second rope. For no logical reason, Lyra didn’t execute her planned move on Perez. Perez got up and set up a move, but Bayley held onto Lyra to prevent it. Lyra then landed a moonsault for a two count. Rodriguez kicked Bayley at ringside as Bayley was calling for Night Wing. Lyra hten kicked Rodriguez. Perez leaped through the ropes and DDT’d Lyra on the floor. Back in the ring, she landed Pop Rocks for the win.

WINNER: Perez in 8:00.

[HOUR TWO]

-They went to Tessitore and Barrett at ringside who announced that next Monday, Raw would start at 8 a.m. ET. He added, “You can press start and watch anytime you want,” he said.

-A video package aired on the history of John Cena and A.J. Styles, starting with their first match back in 2016. The narrator Jackie Redmond said until then, they had been on different paths, with Cena as the face of WWE and Styles as the face of TNA. He said fans were about to find out the answer to “a decades-old question” of what would happen if they faced each other. Clips aired of their match from Summerslam 2016, which Styles won. Then they battled at the 2017 Royal Rumble to regain his WWE Title. “With animosity dissolved and respect earned, (they) went their separate ways – until now.” Then the showed Cena on social media saying the fans want it, so he’s up for it – another match against Styles. The narrator said both men were nearing the twilight of their careers, so fans wanted to see them wrestle again in what will be the last chapter of their story. “Two generational talents, one final showdown,” said the narrator.

(Keller’s Analysis: That did a good job making the match feel historically significant. The vintage footage was fun to see.)

-Redmond interviewed Styles backstage. She asked how he was preparing for the match. Dominik Mysterio, Finn Balor, and J.D. McDonagh walked in. Dom said he couldn’t even beat him, so what makes him think he can beat Cena. (So Dom is saying he’s inferior to Cena?) Balor said he’s making a huge mistake. Styles said that sounds like a threat. He offered to have a three-on-three match tonight. He said he has someone in mind to join him and Dragon Lee. Styles left. McDonagh felt their plan backfired. Balor wondered who his partner would be. Dom expressed confidence.

-They showed Punk backstage. [c]

-Styles pitched Penta to join him and Dragon Lee. Penta said he was listening to their offer. Suddenly, there were loud noises to the side. The camera turned where Bayley and Lyra were attacking Raquel. They threw her into the wall. Perez ran out to even the odds. Officials pulled them apart. Pearce yelled.

-Tessitore said he worried for Pearce’s health. He shifted to some plugs and then acknowledge John Crimber and Hudson Bolton, pro bull riders in the front row. They showed Rocker Steiner, the World Champion Bareback Rider. Then they showed some Dallas Cowboy cheerleaders. Barrett welcomed them to come back anytime in any city.

-Punk made his entrance. He asked if it was great to be alive in Dallas, Texas or what. He said they are loud. He asked if they miss him. He sang a Texas song and the crowd joined in. He thanked them for welcoming A.J. Lee back to WWE. Fans chanted “A.J. Lee!” He said they are right around the corner from Crown Jewel where Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins will wrestle. He said he hasn’t been around for two weeks because he promised Cody he’d stay out of his business. He said it’s “title vs. title” and then corrected that neither title is on the line. He said he and his wife have been celebrating beating Seth and Becky at WrestlePalooza. He said he began the year beating Seth on Raw on Netflix, and he wants to end the year doing the same. He pointed at a fan sign who said Punk deserves to get the WWE Title back. He said the better word than “deserve” is “earned.” He said he’ll get his World Title back. L.A. Knight’s music interrupted.

Knight strode out. He entered the ring and said, “Let me talk to ya!” He told Punk to look into his eyes. He asked what he sees. Punk said, “Someone who interrupted me.” Knight said what he sees is a man who is a big force who walked through the doors and blew the doors off the place, but still hasn’t gotten what he has earned and deserves, “which is my reigns as the World Heavyweight Champion.”

Knight said Punk said some truths, but there were some omissions. Knight said Punk is known for the pipe bomb, but lately he has been more about being a husband. Punk asked if that is a bad thing. Knight it’s a beautiful thing, actually. “However, as good of a husband you seem to be, you are a trash champion,” he said. He said Punk had five minutes as champion, and then Seth pinned him. He said Seth pinned him at Clash in Paris. He asked if he knows the shoulders Seth has never pinned. Punk said, “I imagine it’s someone who has never, ever been World Champion, right?” The crowd ohhh’d that.

Knight said that’s a cute line, but he’s never been pinned by Punk. He said he’s a two-time winner, although one of them was due to a DQ that Punk caused. He said he was the last one to pin Seth and he’ll be the one to end his reign. Jey Uso’s music kicked in and Jey walked out.

Jey said, “I’m the one.” He said he’s the one who never got a rematch and is up next for a rematch against the World Champion. He and Knight faced off. Knight said Jey had his time and it went. Knight said Punk thinks it’s his time and Jey thinks it’s his time, but it’s his time. He told Jey he won’t ever be Roman Reigns. He said it’s fine if he carves his own path, but that might be best focusing on tag teams. He said that didn’t go well for him last week. He said he should “stop sucking at” it. Jimmy didn’t like that and walked out. Jey then superkicked Knight as Jimmy entered the ring. Barrett said that was too much trash-talking for Jimmy.

Punk told the Usos he assumes they’re cool and didn’t mean to interrupt him. He told Jey he should get in line behind him. He said he likes Jey, but he doesn’t like “little Roman.” Jey got in Punk’s face. Jimmy stepped between them.Jey tried to superkick Punk, but Jim,my blocked it. Punk then pushed Jimmy aside and swung and hit Jey. Punk yelled to Jey, “You stay out of by business!” Jimmy kicked Punk and then moved over to help Jey stand.

-A vignette aired with Iyo Sky saying Asuka isn’t family any more, but she thinks Kairi is. She said Asuka will find out at Crown Jewel that Asuka isn’t ready for Iyo.

(3) IYO SKY vs. KAIRI SANE

Iyo made her ring entrance. Kairi was in the ring. Sky charged past Kairi and dove at Asuka at ringside. Kairi pulled her off of her. Asuka stood and ordered Kairi to go on the attack. Kairi entered the ring. The bell rang 34 minutes into the hour. Barrett talked about the “almost maternal” relationship between Asuka and Kairi & Sky based on Japanese culture. Sky landed a springboard flip onto Asuka at ringside. They cut to an early break. [c]

Kairi hesitated before landing a top rope Insane Elbow. She then went for it, but Sky lifted her boots. Iyo then landed a running meteora into the corner. Asuka distracted Sky. Sky bashed her on the ring apron. Kairi then leveraged Sky’s shoulders down and Asuka pulled on her arms for extra leverage to help.

WINNER: Kairi in 9:00.

-Tessitore announced Knight & Punk vs. The Usos was booked for the main event tonight.

-A video package aired on the history of Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins.

-Backstage, with Heyman sitting in the background, Becky was pacing in front of Seth about how fans don’t deserve her. She said she needs time to reevaluate everything if this is how they treat her. “They don’t deserve me,” she fumed. She said they need better referees. When she left, Seth said, “Paul, we should talk. I have to win this Saturday.” Heyman said he is going to win. “What if I don’t?” Seth said. Heyman said he will. Seth asked what happens if he loses. Heyman said if he loses to Cody, he will lose the locker room and the faith of Bron Breakker and Reed “that your vision is the one that leads us into the future.” He said he will throw away everything they have built since WrestleMania and that the entire Netflix era has been built around him and he will “become nothing in history than a de facto wanna be secondary champion.” He told him to do himself a favor and “don’t lose.” He turned to leave. Seth grabbed him. He said he noticed he left someone out of the equation. “Yourself,” he said. “So tell me, what happens if I lose.” Heyman said he’s his secret weapon. He said he is 3-0 against him. Seth said he asked him a straight question and he wants a straight answer. Heyman said if he loses to Cody, “at some point I have to ask myself why, why I picked you. I have to ask myself why I picked you over Roman Reigns.” Seth and Heyman glared at each other. Heyman left.

(Keller’s Analysis: Intriguing!)

-Jey yelled at Jimmy backstage in front of Reigns. He said they got them a tag match. Jey stormed off. Jimmy told Reigns that he is messing with Jey’s mind and thinking a certain way. He said they’re not like him. Reigns said he knows Jimmy isn’t hearing him right now, but he should listen to him. He said when Jey won the World Title, “he became more like me and less like you.” He told Jimmy if he really wants to help Jey, he needs to just get out of his way.

-Penta made his ring entrance.  [c]

[HOUR THREE]

-The end of Styles’s ring entrance aired. As he was about to talk, the Judgment Day interrupted with their ring entrance. They cut to another break.

(4) A.J. STYLES & PENTA & DRAGON LEE vs. FINN BALOR & DOMINIK MYSTERIO & J.D. MCDONAGH

The bell rang 3 minutes into the hour as Tessitore plugged the NXT show tomorrow night. Fans sang “Dirty Dom.” Penta kicked McDonaugh out of the ring early. DCragon lee head scissored Dom out of the ring. Penta then leaped into Balor at ringside. He followed with a leap onto McDonaugh. Dragon Lee then dove onto Dom. They cut to a very early break as Lee and Styles strutted alongside Penta. [c]

Lee scored a near fall on Dom with a small package at 7:00. Dom threw Lee into his corner. The Judgment Day did rapid-fire tags and isolated Lee and then struck a pose as they cut to another break. [c]

Dom was in control after the break. He got scared, though, when Rusev marched out. He grabbed his belts from ringside and tried to flee. Penta, though, superkicked Rusev. Barrett said he was apparently aiming for Dom. Styles then gave McDonagh a Styles Clash in the ring for the win.

WINNERS: Styles & Lee & Penta in 13:00.

-Afterward, Styles stood on the announce desk. He said his match at Crown Jewel against Cena is a match that doesn’t need a story because “it writes itself.” He said they will leave it all in the ring “and it will kick ass.” Tessitore said it’ll be awesome. He said the WWE fans wanted it and they’re going to get it.

-Tessitore and Barrett hyped the Crown Jewel match.

-Punk approached Knight backstage and said neither of them want this match. Knight said that’s right, but they have to do it. “The only thing I ask of you is don’t get pinned,” Knight said.

-The Usos ring entrance took place. [c]

(5) C.M. PUNK & L.A. KNIGHT vs. THE USOS

Knight’s ring entrance took place. Then Punk’s. Punk and Knight went right after the Usos and the ref called for the bell 25 minutes into the hour. Knight took Jey down and aggressively tagged Punk in. Punk did the same a minute later. Tessitore said this is Knight’s 40th televised match of 2025. “No one has had more,” he said. Jey yanked Knight to the floor and whipped him into the ringside steps. [c]

Punk got a hot tag at 7:00. He landed a top rope elbow on Jimmy and then signaled for Go To Sleep. He lifted Jimmy, but Jimmy slipped free, kicked Punk, and tagged in Jey. Jey landed a top rope splash. Knight broke up the cover. Jimmy shoved Knight into Jey. Knight gave Jimmy a BFT. Jimmy superkicked Knight. Punk rolled up Jey for a two count. Jey speared Punk. Jey knocked Knight off the ring apron. Punk gave Jey a GTS. Knight tagged himself in and got the three count. Knight rolled out of the ring as Punk soaked up Knight stealing the glory.

WINNERS: Knight & Punk in 10:00.

JOIN US LIVE ON YOUTUBE TONIGHT FOR THE VIDEO-FORMAT OF OUR LIVE POST-SHOWS…

PWTorch editor Wade Keller is joined by PWTorch contributor Chris Maitland to review WWE Raw LIVE tonight right after the show ends. Join us and let us know your thoughts on Raw during the show.

Email our post-show at wadekellerpodcast@gmail.com with your comments and questions about Raw. Weâ€ll read your emails live during the post-show.

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A new, violent stipulation has been added to the highly personal grudge match between Roman Reigns and “Big” Bronson Reed for this Saturday’s WWE Crown Jewel. On the October 6 episode of Monday Night Raw, it was announced that the two powerhouse superstars will now face each in an Australian Street Fight. The announcement was made during an opening segment that saw the two rivals come face-to-face for the first time since their encounter at Clash in Paris, and it ended with a wild brawl that had to be broken up by security.

The show kicked off with Roman Reigns addressing the WWE Universe, but he was quickly interrupted by Bronson Reed and his advocate, Paul Heyman. Heyman taunted Reigns, reminding him that after their match at Clash in Paris, Reigns was stretchered out of the arena for the first time in his career. Reed then took the microphone and invoked the names of Reigns’s legendary father, Sika, and his uncles, questioning how they would feel about his moment of vulnerability.

The personal insults enraged “The Tribal Chief,” who challenged Reed to a fight right then and there. Paul Heyman stepped in and declared that the match would happen on Reed’s terms, in his home country of Australia, and that it would be an Australian Street Fight. Reigns immediately accepted the challenge, leading to a brawl between the two men that spilled all over the ringside area before officials could separate them.

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Welcome to Wrestling Inc.’s live coverage for “WWE Raw” on October 6, 2025, coming to you live from the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas!

CM Punk and Roman Reigns are both set to appear on tonight’s show with something on their minds to share as their respective issues with reigning World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins appear not to be stopping anytime soon. While this will mark Punk’s first appearance on “Raw” since himself and AJ Lee defeated Rollins and Women’s Intercontinental Champion Becky Lynch at WWE Wrestlepalooza on September 20, Reigns made his return during last Monday’s show when he helped his cousins Jey Uso and Jimmy Uso score a victory over Rollins’ Vision stablemates Bronson Reed and Bron Breakker.

Speaking of Lynch, she will be competing in a match of her own tonight as she collides with Maxxine Durpi of Alpha Academy in a non-title match. This will mark the second time ever that the two have met in singles competition, with Lynch previously retaining her Women’s Intercontinental Championship against Dupri on the August 11 episode of “Raw.

Although her relationship with Bayley continues to remain precarious with Bayley’s recent unpredictable behaviour, Lyra Valkyria will have to refocus her sights tonight as she goes head-to-head with Roxanne Perez of Judgment Day. Valkyria currently holds a win over Perez from the September 15 episode of “Raw”, but a loss to Perez’s stablemate Raquel Rodriguez on September 8.

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WWE Crown Jewel is less than a week away and already boasts a stacked card. However, there is always room for more high-stakes bouts, given the number of storylines currently unfolding across WWE programming. The latest addition features the recently returned Roman Reigns.

The Tribal Chief made his shocking comeback on the September 29 episode of RAW, where he saved The Usos from a brutal beatdown at the hands of Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed. Given Reigns†ongoing rivalry with The Vision, many fans believed his return was setting up a major match for the upcoming Premium Live Event. Those speculations were confirmed when Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer reported that Reigns will indeed settle his score with Reed in Perth.

According to the report, WWEâ€s internal lineup sheet for Crown Jewel listed Roman Reigns vs. Bronson Reed as the final match to be added to the card.

WWE Crown Jewel Full Match Card

The Premium Live Event, which was once exclusive to Saudi Arabia, will, for the first time, take place in Australia. Besides the newly confirmed Reigns vs. Reed showdown, the card features several marquee matches that will conclude deeply personal rivalries involving some of WWEâ€s biggest stars.

Rhea Ripley will team up with IYO SKY to face the Kabuki Warriors (Asuka and Kairi Sane). What began as a one-on-one feud between Asuka and Ripley escalated into a tag team clash after the Kabuki Warriors turned on SKY, making this an emotionally charged bout.

John Cena set up the match that fans have been demanding since he announced his retirement tour. The Cenation Leader will face AJ Styles in what promises to be a show-stealing encounter. As Styles himself put it, he gets to do something he loves: “beat up John Cena.â€

“In the three matches we’ve had…how many of those have you won?”

A mic drop from @CodyRhodes 😮â€ðŸ’¨ pic.twitter.com/YXaTb7aZ8a

— WWE (@WWE) September 29, 2025

Additionally, two major bouts are set to headline the event for the men’s and women’s WWE Crown Jewel Championships. On the womenâ€s side, Stephanie Vaquer will challenge Tiffany Stratton for the title, while the menâ€s division will see Seth Rollins and Cody Rhodes battle to determine who truly stands as the face of WWE.

With a card full of personal grudges, championship stakes, and a returning Tribal Chief, Crown Jewel is shaping up to be one of the most must-see events of 2025.

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In the end, the Red Sox werenâ€t good enough.

There were, along the way, illusions to the contrary. Take, for instance, a scintillating performance from ace Garrett Crochet in the AL wild-card opener that put Boston in the driver’s seat. Still, it proved to be false hope. The Red Sox faltered late in a goose-bumping Game 2 before being absolutely dominated by rookie hurler Cam Schlittler in an all-deciding Game 3.

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Why exactly Bostonâ€s topsy-turvy 2025 season ended early can be chalk-talked into oblivion. A series of unfortunate, late-season injuries to star rookie Roman Anthony and No. 2 starter Lucas Giolito undoubtedly played a role in the teamâ€s downfall. So did a string of critical mistakes in Game 2 that tipped the scales toward the Yankees, namely a failed bunt attempt by Ceddanne Rafaela, a botched diving catch by Jarren Duran and an overly passive baserunning decision by third-base coach Kyle Hudson on what would’ve been the go-ahead run. And sure, maybe manager Alex Cora left rookie southpaw Connelly Early out to dry a little too long in Game 3.

But overanalyzing such minutiae is a waste of time.

The 2025 Red Sox were simply not capable of winning a World Series. They didnâ€t have the arms, they didnâ€t have the bats, and they didn’t have the gloves. The roster, all along, was too flawed to overcome. Against the Yankees, the Sox were effectively rolling out a lineup of Alex Bregman, Trevor Story, a defensive specialist in Rafaela, a solid catcher in Carlos Narváez and five platoon players. Crucially, nobody in the lineup except for Story instilled anything resembling fear in the hearts and minds of Yankees pitchers.

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I wonder if Rafael Devers watched the wild-card series.

[Get more Red Sox news: Boston team feed]

And while the rotation showed admirably in the wild-card round, it was unavoidably obvious that even with Giolitoâ€s unexpected absence, the staff was an arm or two short. That void on the roster shines a spotlight on the clubâ€s underwhelming trade deadline. Yes, the teamâ€s premier acquisition, starter Dustin May, spent the series on the IL, but he was far from the game-changing, needle-moving force that might have swung the thing in Bostonâ€s favor.

So where do the Red Sox go from here? Are there encouraging conclusions to draw from this most tumultuous season? Or are the Sox paper tigers in a division that remains an unforgiving jungle?

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Letâ€s start with the good.

Garrett Crochet proved to be a foundational piece to build a team around. (Photo by Maddie Malhotra/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images)

(Maddie Malhotra/Boston Red Sox via Getty Images)

Anthonyâ€s emergence was the most important development of Bostonâ€s season. Anybody, fan or professional ball-knower, who saw the 21-year-old in person this year knows that he is a difference-making hitter. Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow, who has earned criticism for some of his maneuvers since taking over in the fall of 2023, deserves kudos for signing the powerful outfielder to a long-term deal. Anthony will make a ton of All-Star Games and serve as the centerpiece of Bostonâ€s lineup for years to come.

The arrivals and successes of a pair of young southpaws, Early and the mustached Payton Tolle, also provide reason for optimism. Both hurlers should compete for rotation spots next season, evidence that Bostonâ€s pitching development apparatus has taken a nice step forward. Storyâ€s offensive bounce-back, even though heâ€s under contract through only 2027, makes the near-term outlook rosier than it might have been. Bregman was a great fit as well, despite the seven-week quad injury that derailed his season.

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But there are reasons for concern as well.

Kristian Campbell made the big-league club out of camp and showed flashes at the plate in April before falling off a cliff in May. He was demoted on June 20 and never reappeared in the bigs. Campbell is currently a defensive liability without a real position, which gives him a shorter leash to find consistency with the bat. Getting him back on track is crucial. The same is true for fellow big-name prospect Marcelo Mayer, whose 2025 ended early due to a wrist injury. Mayerâ€s inability to hit left-handed pitching is a real worry spot, as is his inability to stay on the field. He needs a healthy 2026 to get back on track.

Bostonâ€s offensive position-player group still resembles a puzzle with no edge pieces. The Red Sox probably need to trade one of their two lefty-hitting outfielders, but both Wilyer Abreu and Jarren Duran took massive steps back this season, hurting their trade value. Players such as Nick Sogard, Nate Eaton and David Hamilton were helpful at times but are not impactful enough to form the backbone of a World Series contender. Masataka Yoshida finished the year hot but isn’t a particularly valuable player as a DH with no power who struggles against same-sided pitching.

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Oh, and Bregman is a sure bet to activate his opt-out and retest free agency. Even if the Sox re-sign him, the lineup feels at least two bats short.

And while the club has more financial flexibility after dealing away the Devers contract, there is legitimate skepticism that Breslow and the ownership will be aggressive enough in free agency to add the necessary pieces. That dynamic, plus the disappointing seasons from Campbell, Mayer, Duran, Abreu and Yoshida, calls into question whether this core is talented enough to compete for a championship.

Thatâ€s unfortunate, given just how magnificent of a win the Crochet trade and extension have proven to be. The southpaw is an aceâ€s ace, the type of pitcher strong enough to carry the hopes and expectations of a city as demanding as Boston. But as weâ€ve seen with Paul Skenes in Pittsburgh and Tarik Skubal in Detroit, one Cy Young cannot singlehandedly win a title.

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As such, Bostonâ€s front office needs to be more proactive in taking advantage of this window. Simply employing an arm such as Crochet makes the Red Sox a force to be reckoned with, but itâ€s reasonable to doubt that they will make other necessary moves on the margins, as their half-measure approach at this yearâ€s deadline showcased.

Thereâ€s an enticing foundation here, but whether the building gets built remains an open question.

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