WWE
THE RAW REPORT SLAM for 07/06/2026
THE RAW REPORT SLAM for July 6th from the Allstate Arena in Chicago, IL
The RAW Report
SLAM!
THE ONLY BLVD THAT HELPS YOU CELEBRATE BY BLOWIN’ STUFF UP
Happy post-4th of July everybody! Hope everyone had a great weekend celebrating in the States. The July 6th edition of RAW comes to us from the Allstate Arena in Chicago, IL. Adam Pearce, the RAW GM and now acting SmackDown GM, said on SmackDown last week this would be a supershow with both RAW and SmackDown superstars appearing. On tap for tonight, the current Undisputed WWE Champion Sami Zayn may have a short title reign when he has to put up his newly won gold on the line against the former champ and new #1 contender Cody Rhodes. The Street Profits of Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford defend their RAW World Tag Team Titles against the previous champs Bron Breakker & Austin Theory of The Vision. Women’s Intercontinental Champion Sol Ruca is set to put her title on the line against The Judgment Day’s Raquel Rodriguez. Oba Femi will appear and discuss his Hell in a Cell Match against Brock Lesnar at SummerSlam. And, a week after his epic confrontation with Roman Reigns who accepted his challenge for a World Heavyweight Championship Match at SummerSlam, Seth “Freakin” Rollins will kick off Raw tonight.
We’ve got a supershow to look forward to and more – so let’s get to the SLAM and see what’s in store!
PS: Previously, I noted that there was no mention on TV at all regarding CM Punk showing up at Chicago’s Allstate Arena tonight, even though Allstate Arena’s official events page had him locally advertised at the time. As of today, the page removed his image and now has Seth Rollins in the front instead of Punk. What does this mean? Did creative forget Punk was supposed to be a surprise? Was Punk only advertised locally to sell last-minute tickets? Is RAW going to get hijacked with “CM Punk” chants? Card is subject to change…
We start the show with a video recap of the main event finish at Night of Champions, where Sami Zayn won the Undisputed WWE Championship title. Then a video of last SmackDown of their main event where former champ Cody Rhodes defeated Jey Uso to become the #1 contender.
We get some superstars arriving at the arena including Oba Femi, The Judgment Day, The Street Profits, and Sami Zayn. As Zayn arrives in a convertible, he bumps into Cody Rhodes. Zayn said he had Rhodes thinks he’s going to jump right back in as the Golden Boy and take his spot once again. That there’s no way Zayn can hold onto the Championship. Zayn says it’s not happening. He’s walking out of Chicago still the WWE Champ. Rhodes said he came to say good luck and see you out there. But since Zayn already told him what he’s thinking and what’s going to happen, Rhodes says he’s right. Zayn says we’ll see about that and walked off.
When suddenly, Gunther attacked Rhodes from behind and powerbombs him through a table. Officials tried to back off Gunther until Zayn comes back in. Gunther confronted Zayn and said you’re welcome. Rhodes isn’t his problem anymore. Gunther said Zayn is a disgrace and a fluke of a champ. He’s going to come for the title, and when he does… Gunther then slammed Zayn’s car door on Rhodes’ head who was crawling on the ground. As Gunther left it looked like Rhodes was bleeding from his left ear as he’s attended to.
ANALYSIS: This was an interesting way to start the show with Gunther creating some controversy regarding the main event. It could be questionable now if Rhodes may be able to compete, even though he’s the #1 contender. If not, this could be an opportunity for someone else to appear and take his place. Hmm… Where is tonight’s show taking place again? (painfully obvious foreshadowing if you hear the chants from the crowd once we go live in the arena)
We now jump live to our commentators in the arena, Michael Cole and Corey Graves. Cole wondered what just happened. Graves said it was one of the most detestable attacks and Gunther was out of his mind. He asked what this meant for the main event. Meanwhile, “Burn It Down!” hit and our ring announcer, “Amazing Hair” Alicia Taylor, welcomed Seth “Freakin” Rollins as he came out to the ring with the crowd singing his song. Cole mentioned there are over 12,000 in Chicago tonight.
Seth welcomed us to Monday Night Rollins. He said he is a visionary, a revolutionary, he is Seth… “Freakin Rollins!” Rollins said he loved this building. That cued the inevitably loud “CM Punk!” chants. Rollins just rolled with it and told the crowd to get it out of their system. He said, to be honest, he couldn’t care less about that guy. That got cheap heat from the Chicago crowd. Rollins said he’s just not his business at the moment. His business is the World Heavyweight Championship, getting back the title he never lost at SummerSlam, beating the OTC and continuing to own Roman Reigns. That gets “OTC!” chants. Rollins said that Reigns wasn’t there tonight. He said Reigns either didn’t think anyone did anything for him to be there, or the check wasn’t big enough. Rollins said from day one, Reigns has been the Chosen One and is not held accountable. He explained that back in The Shield, they debuted as a trio. But it became abundantly clear Reigns was the Chosen One. He was the guy on the marquees, the big star, he main evented all the WrestleMania’s. It didn’t matter if Reigns couldn’t cut a promo or wrestle his way out of a wet paper bag (ouch). And that didn’t sit right with Rollins. Rollins looked around the front row and found a kid that’s nine years old, then another little boy who says he’s five. Rollins said he was that boy. All he ever wanted to do all his life was to walk down the ramp, hold a microphone, get inside the ring, even main event WrestleMania’s. Rollins wanted to be the biggest star in the industry. Those were his dreams, and to watch them be handed to someone else, that broke something in him. When he broke up The Shield, it was to try to catch up to Reigns. When he cashed in at WrestleMania taking Reigns’ main event (the heist of the century) that was to stay close to Reigns. Rollins said it sounds petty, but he believed if he put in the hard work, sacrificed, and believed in himself, he could achieve those dreams. He believed Reigns and him were running the same race, but he was wrong. A couple of years back, Reigns said something about him that changed everything. Reigns worked 10-times less than he did and made 10-times more. Rollins said that for him it was never about the money. The reward was the work. The hustle, the grind. The ability to make something of yourself. Rollins said Reigns has to beat him at SummerSlam because he needs to justify what he’s been trying to prove to himself for 15 years, that he’s not a fraud. But Rollins needs to beat Reigns just as much. That through work, sacrifice, and dreams, you can still achieve greatness.
ANALYSIS: That was a rather long promo by Rollins but still interesting to hear. I remember when Rollins turned on The Shield with the infamous chair shot to the back by order of Triple H. Rollins has been mostly playing a cocky heel during the last decade because that’s what he did best. But there were a few transitions where he was the face. It was nice for him to talk about hard work and explain his dreams like someone trying to be likeable face, while Reigns got shoved down the fans’ throats as someone who got handed everything and we were forced to like before he turned heel-mode. Still a long, interesting historical depiction by Rollins.
Cue LA Knight who comes down to the ring (it took him that whole Rollins 10-minute promo to hit his music?). Rollins and Knight stare down. Knight wanted to “Lemme talk to ya!” He said that last week, Reigns and Rollins came down and bored everyone with the same old trash. He said “Yippy-skippy”. Knight said it was a great cheat code to come out and talk about how great each other was, and all of a sudden Rollins gets a title shot. Knight remembers a time when you had to win matches and tournaments to get your opportunity at a title. He said Rollins lost in the first round of the KotR tournament, even though he admitted he did, too. The difference is he’s not making a claim to the WHC just for nostalgia’s sake. Knight yammers on mocking Reigns and Rollins about calling each other brothers, getting the same haircuts and beards, and calling each other the greatest of all time. He asked greatest at what? The crowd chanted for Knight. Knight said he hasn’t been here for as long as Rollins and Rollins has had so many World Title shots. He talks about a few years ago when business was really starting to pick up. It wasn’t Rollins, it wasn’t Reigns. He gives credit to Rhodes. But coming storming through, a force like no one’s ever seen, everywhere you went you heard everybody saying… “LA Knight! YEAH~!” Knight said he was making his rise, but what happened was he got cut off by Reigns and The Bloodline. Then, a little later, he gets cut off again by Rollins and The Vision. Now here they are, trying to stuff Knight back down to the bottom, but they can’t do it. He tells Rollins they’re the greatest generation of one thing: being the two biggest vomits in this business. Knight told Rollins he’s great at manipulating numbers to hold guys like him down. But Knight said Rollins can’t stop him, he won’t stop him, and he will rise because he must. Cheers from the crowd as he got more “LA Knight!” chants.
Rollins asked if he’s done. Rollins tells Knight he doesn’t like him, but he respects him. Knight is a shining example of everything he just described: hard work, grind, and hustle. Rollins believed Knight’s time would come. But Rollins can’t worry about him because he needs to get back his title he never lost. And once he gets back that title, if Knight wants to step to him once more, he will be the first person he puts into the dirt.
Rollins left with that as Knight was still in the ring jawing off at him. But Jimmy Uso came up from behind Knight and superkicked him. Jimmy told Knight to keep his family’s name out of his mouth.
ANALYSIS: That was a great electric promo by Knight who’s been stuck in mid-carder limbo trying to make his way up to get better opportunities. The crowd was all behind him. Knight is still dealing with being in between The Bloodline and Solo Sikoa, so we don’t know just yet if he’s still a face or going to join Sikoa as a heel. His continued issues with the Usos could make it so there’s a tag team match coming.
Now backstage, we see RAW GM Adam Pearce with Gunther, flanked by several officials, as they walked towards the exit. Pearce said Gunther was here for a meeting with former GM Nick Aldis, not to kick Rhodes’ head in, so the meeting is off. Aldis appeared and him and Gunther both freak out. The officials force Gunther out the exit while he tells Aldis he’s a failed wrestler. Pearce asked Aldis if he’s trying to get on permanent leave. Aldis said he’s trying to protect SmackDown after Pearce poached the main event. Pearce told him the industry is bigger than his ego, which is why they’re in this mess. Pearce told Aldis not to tell him how to run both shows. Aldis said he’s not doing a great job, Mr Both Shows, because Rhodes has been attacked and that’s on him.
ANALYSIS: Not sure what Aldis is doing there as he’s still supposed to be on administrative leave and Pearce is running both shows. Maybe he’s here to help.
The Street Profits made their entrance as the World Tag Team Champions as the first match of the evening is up next. After the break.
Now backstage, Jackie Redmond is with The Vision of Bron Breakker and Austin Theory with Logan Paul in the background w/ arm brace. Redmond asks them if they’re feeling any pressure about this title opportunity. When se see Paul Heyman standing to their right. He shoos Redmond away, and Heyman said to Breakker he didn’t even take out Rollins. And Theory didn’t even take out Joe Hendry. Heyman tells them to come back with something worthy of your wise man or don’t come back at all. The Vision makes their way to the ring.
ANALYSIS: Interesting that Heyman called himself a wise man instead of an Oracle as he was in The Vision. Heyman has been teasing being pulled from the group as he’s been focusing on being an advocate for Brock Lesnar. I think it could happen, even if The Vision became the champs. They don’t need him anymore. Heck, even Lesnar’s individual promos have gotten better over time. That’s how strong a talker and as a teacher Heyman is. Give him to someone else now.
WWE World Tag Team Championships: The Street Profits – Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins vs The Vision – Bron Breakker & Austin Theory (w/ Logan Paul):
Ford and Breakker started things off, and right at the bell Breakker used his power to go after him and throw Ford into his opponent’s corner for some double-team action. Theory tagged in after some Shouldertackles by Breakker and hits a Backbreaker before Breakker hit a Standing Moonsault, but Theory only gets a two-count. Theory tossed Ford into the turnbuckle, but Ford put on the brakes and went up and over a charging Theory as he did a few flips in the middle of the ring. Ford then Dropkicked Theory into his own corner. Tag by Dawkins as Ford sent Theory into Dawkins for a Shouldertackle but only got a one-count cover. Dawkins hit the ropes, Leapfrog by Theory, but then he eats an elbow by Dawkins for another one-count. Theory with Shouldertackles in his corner as Breakker tags in with punches. Breakker threw Dawkins to the ropes, but he telegraphed as Dawkins kicked him and gave him a Standing Dropkick. Dawkins and Breakker swung each other around trying to throw the other to the ropes, with Breakker finally managing to do so. Dawkins hung onto the top ro and kicked Breakker, but Theory tried a cheap shot as the ref was checking on Breakker. Dawkins ducked and hit Theory with a right. Dawkins threw Breakker to the ropes as Breakker built up incredible speed back and forth until a powerful Clothesline connected by Breakker. The crowd chanted with woofs (Rick Steiner barks) as we took a break.
We’re back just as Dawkins got the hot tag and Ford went to the top with an elbow on Theory as Breakker was legal. Ford hit a few Clotheslines as Breakker missed one of his own. Kicks to the gut and head of Breakker, but he caught Ford’s third attempt as Ford gave Breakker a Step-Up Enzuigiri which sent him to the corner. Ford charged, but Breakker tossed him up and over to the apron. Another kick by Ford to the temple of Breakker. Ford goes to the top with a Cross-Body Lateral Press for a two-count. Breakker bounced Ford off the ropes and to the air as he hit a Pop Up Powerslam. Breakker tagged Theory back in as Theory leapt through the middle ropes for a move, but Ford dodged It and hit a knee to the head. Tag made as Dawkins is now legal. Dawkins places Theory on his shoulders as Ford hit a Blockbuster off the top rope. Ford covered, but Breakker jumped in and just broke it up. All four men in the ring now. Ford sent up and over to the outside by Breakker. Dawkins with a splash and a kick to Breakker. But Theory got up and hit Dawkins with a left hand. Theory tried for a Neck-Breaker, but Dawkins countered with a Neck-Breaker of his own on Theory.
In comes Logan Paul with the brass knuckles. The ref caught him and brought over someone to get rid of them, but as the ref was distracted, he took out another pair of knuckles as Breakker put them on. But Dawkins punched Breakker into the corner and out of the ring as the knuckles goes flying. Ford got a running start and did a Somersault Dive over the steel post onto Breakker. Paul is still keeping the ref busy as Dawkins sees the knuckles and puts them on. But before he can use them, Maxxine Dupri showed up behind Dawkins with a low blow. Breakker goes for the cover and the three-count to win the tag titles back.
WINNERS and NEW World Tag Team Champions: The Vision – Austin Theory and Bron Breakker (10 minutes)
ANALYSIS: *** ¼
And there’s Maxxine Dupri’s heel turn. Overall, it was a pretty good match highlighted with lots of flying action by Ford of the Street Profits and power from Breakker of The Vision. The last few minutes were pretty chaotic with Paul mesmerizing the ref into ignoring everything in the ring. But at least we now have Dupri as a definitive heel joining The Vision.
After The Vision started up the ramp with their newly won titles, Theory and Dupri smiled at each other before Dupri leaped into Theory’s arms and planted a big smooch on his lips. Breakker and Paul appear shocked. As they reached the top of the ramp pyros went off as they showed off their titles.
ANALYSIS: Pyros for a heel team? Well, I guess Heyman did give them an ultimatum. Maxxine Dupri (real name Sydney Zmrzel) got married to fellow WWE NXT wrestler Kam Hendrix (real name Anthony Luke) last New Year’s Eve. Hey, it’s only storyline television. And aligning Dupri with The Vision as a heel manager of some sort would be perfect for her.
Backstage in a medical area, Rhodes was getting a concussion check done by a WWE medical doctor. Pearce walked in and the doctor said he couldn’t sign off on Rhodes wrestling tonight until he got some scans. Rhodes said he was fine. Pearce said his hands were tied. He told the doctor to take Rhodes to an ambulance to get the scans done.
ANALYSIS: Well, there goes the main event for tonight. Or does it? Cody can save his #1 contender’s match for later, but as for tonight we need a replacement.
Elsewhere backstage, Intercontinental Champ Sol Ruca is warming up for her title defense against Raquel Rodriguez later tonight.
After the break, we’re shown a replay of Heyman’s ultimatum to The Vision. Now backstage again, Breakker and Theory are carrying their newly won titles as Paul yells how proud he is of them while Dupri and Theory walk together. They ran into Heyman. Heyman said that’s only the first step. Then he said at least someone got something accomplished. Theory thanked Heyman. But Heyman pointed to Dupri and said he was talking to her. They get into a car and leave without Heyman. Just as the car drove off, Akira Tozawa and Otis came out looking confused.
ANALYSIS: Heyman continues to tease dissention. I wouldn’t mind if Heyman left at all, now that they have Dupri. This gives her a great continuation of her story. Far as Tozawa and Otis, their storyline can move onward as well. Wondering why Dupri did what she did, and Chad Gable’s apology which Dupri was the one preventing them from forgiving him. Maybe Tozawa and Otis can be a tag team again and go after The Vision’s titles now.
We’re now shown a video of last week’s ambush on IYO SKY by Liv Morgan’s The Judgment Day group.
Rodriguez and The Judgment Day were backstage. Morgan fired up Rodriguez, saying they took out SKY, McDonagh and Mysterio sent a message to Danhausen. And tonight, they’ll do everything in their power to make sure she leaves Chicago the new Women’s IC Champ. Rodriguez said she would rip that tile off of Ruca’s waist. She leaves all fired up.
Back live in the arena, “Taking It All” hits and the Women’s IC Champ Sol Ruca made her way out to the ring. Let’s break.
Once we’re back, we’re reminded about a Men’s Intercontinental Championship #1 Contender’s Gauntlet Match next week on RAW. Dragon Lee, Chad Gable, Joe Hendry, Je’Von Evans, Dominik Mysterio, Ethan Page and Rusev. Seven superstars that will run the gauntlet one by one, the last one remaining will challenge Penta at SummerSlam for the IC Championship.
ANALYSIS: Gable was born and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where SummerSlam takes place. It would be great if he were to win the Gauntlet #1 Contender’s Match and go on to SummerSlam to win his first ever main roster singles Championship.
Backstage again, Redmond is now with the IC Champ, Penta. Penta said he knows names like Joe Hendry and mentions others, but Rusev and Ethan Page come up and mention their names. Page mentions one name they won’t mention is Rey Mysterio after getting crushed. Dragon Lee came in and said to watch what you say about Mysterio. Rusev said you better start learning English. Now Gable showed up and asked if there’s a problem. Page said they’ll go get a tag match with Gable and Lee tonight.
ANALYSIS: More luchador, technical, and powerhouse action. Now in tag team form. Wonder how many more ways they can mix this up. Lee has an unfortunate loss record against these two, so we’ll see what happens.
Back live, Rodriguez had already done her entrance. The official referee is Jessika Carr.
Women’s Intercontinental Championship: Sol Ruca vs. Raquel Rodriguez:
Both women lock up, Rodriguez showing off her power by pushing Ruca to the corner for a clean break. They lock up again in the ropes, and Rodriguez gave a clean break, only to follow it up with a swing which Ruca dodged. Ruca grabbed Rodriguez and attempted to Springboard off the corner, but it looked like she slipped because she landed on her knees. Rodriguez got ahold of her arm and twisted her down to the mat. Rodriguez held Ruca’s arms to the mat with her hands as Ruca kept getting her arms up, only getting one-counts. Ruca finally got a bridge kickout and lept up on Rodriguez’s shoulders. Ruca tried to roll Rodriguez up but she got out and went to the corner. Ruca charged and Rodriguez grabbed her, setting her on the top and pushing her off. But Ruca hung onto Rodriguez with her legs, sat up, and punched he. Rodriguez charged and got kicked. Ruca leaped to the inside bottom rope but slipped again. Rodriguez grabbed her and threw her face-first onto the top turnbuckle. Rodriguez backed up in the corner and gave multiple elbows to Ruca before breaking. Rodriguez picks her up again, but this time Ruca got out of it and drove her shoulder-first into the corner. Rodriguez charged at Ruca by the ropes, but Ruca pulled the top rope down to send Rodriguez to the outside, who almost got caught in the ropes.
Ruca went for a Moonsault on the outside, but Rodriguez moved. Ruca landed on her feet and charged Rodriguez, who lifted Ruca up on the apron. Ruca’s kick was caught and Rodriguez tried to throw her off balance, but she did a cartwheel. Ruca charged again on the apron and finally landed a kick. Springboard Corkscrew by Ruca onto Rodriguez. Ruca threw Rodriguez back into the ring and went for a pin for only two. Ruca dodged a Clothesline while she ran for the ropes and tried to leap off the bottom rope. She got caught for a Chokeslam by Rodriguez. Ruca reversed it but got nailed with a Clothesline by Rodriguez but only got a one-count cover. They show that nasty Clothesline again as we go to break.
Back from break, Ruca is hung up on the top corner trying to fight out of it. Rodriguez charged and got rolled up in the corner by Ruca but got out of it. Ruca dodges another Clothesline, hit the ropes and landed a Springboard Cross Body for a two. The two women now got up together. Rodriguez tried to punch Ruca but she kept blocking and landing punches, kicks, and uppercuts. Ruca gets thrown to the ropes, but she hit a Shouldertackle on Rodriguez. Another Shouldertackle. Ruca now followed Rodriguez into the corner, but Rodriguez moved. Ruca went to the second turnbuckle and hit a Missile Dropkick. Ruca with a Shining Wizard on Rodriguez for a close call. Ruca went up top for a splash but crashed and burned. Roxanne Perez came out to ringside as Rodriguez booted Ruca down for a close call. Roxanne Perez came out as Rodriguez went for a move, but Ruca countered it to a Hurricanrana into the corner. Perez went to the apron to distract the ref as Ruca was going for the Soul Snatcher. But Morgan appeared and knocked Ruca off of the corner. Rodriguez grabbed Ruca and hit a Sidewalk Slam for a two-and-three-quarters.
The Judgment Day is all on the ring apron when SKY’s music hit. SKY launched herself off the barricade onto Perez. Morgan tried to Clothesline SKY, but she ducked and hit Morgan with a Superkick (she missed the first, so it took two). SKY got on the apron and taunted Rodriguez. SKY then hit a Moonsault on the Judgment Day members on the floor. Ruca ran up behind Rodriguez and nailed the Soul Snatcher for the win.
WINNER: Sol Ruca (11 minutes)
ANALYSIS: ***
Overall, it was an okay match. This just felt like an average match, not like a Championship match. Rodriguez controlled a lot of it as the powerhouse heel with Ruca doing a nice job of selling and then making her comebacks. But it looked like they had a few glitches, or botches, with some moves here and there like they were trying so hard to find their chemistry. The numbers game at the end was a bit confusing but it’s nice that SKY came for the save to keep up her storyline with Morgan’s Women’s World Championship match.
We got a video package recapping the story behind Lesnar vs Femi III Hell in a Cell at SummerSlam that was set up on RAW last week.
Then, Heyman is seen backstage walking towards the ring for a Heyman promo as we cut to commercial.
Back from break, Heyman said he serves as the advocate to the greatest combat fighter in history… “Br-r-rawk L-l-lesnar~!” He came out to talk about Femi. “Oba!” chants. Heyman said he got kicked in his little Femis. That’s nothing compared to Hell in a Cell. Femi had compelled and motivated Lesnar and had made the biggest mistake of his life by accepting Lesnar’s challenge. Lesnar will destroy Femi. Mic drop.
“Hands Of Fate” and out comes Femi to chants from the crowd. They showed split screen, as usual, of fans strutting with Femi. Femi said he came out so Heyman won’t be so lonely because Heyman loves to talk. Femi said he was there to give him a face to talk to. Heyman said that Femi learned last week, “if you talk s***, then you get hit.” Heyman claimed he was valuable in preventing people from making bad mistakes. He gives Femi credit that at WrestleMania, he proved that Lesnar is beatable. Then, in Italy, Lesnar proved Femi is beatable. Now comes the trilogy match. Heyman said there’s no one that fights in a UFC cage like Lesnar. Lesnar destroyed The Undertaker twice in HiaC. Heyman called the cell, the Brock-tagon. Lesnar is the beast Femi cannot beat, the mountain he cannot climb. Only one man will leave HiaC with his reputation intact that he is the unbeatable superstar in WWE. Heyman said it will be… (chant it with us)… “Br-r-rawk L-l-lesnar~!” And the beatable one will be Femi. Mic drop #2.
“Oba!” chants. Femi said Heyman’s client showed up last week. After weeks and weeks of calling him out, calling him names to no avail, he finally shows up. That tells Femi that everything he said got under his skin. Femi said Heyman is here to do his damage control. Telling him about how great Lesnar is and writing checks he can’t cash. Femi said Heyman had been reduced from advocate to just a mouth. None of the men Heyman mentioned are Femi. Femi said Heyman is scared once again. Everyone knows when their time has come. He told Heyman this is the end, the final chapter, when the book closes. This is Femi vs Lesnar in HiaC. Femi will beat him at SummerSlam in Minneapolis. In front of his family, his wife, his children. Femi said he learned a valuable lesson. You have to walk through hell to get to heaven. Femi says to Heyman to tell his client; he’ll see him in hell.
ANALYSIS: Another strong and intense promo by Femi. He’s done them before while in NXT, so it’s not surprising. And typical Heyman promo putting over his client Lesnar, but this time in Femi’s face.
I think Femi should definitely beat Lesnar in their third match inside HiaC, as Lesnar will likely be leaving again after SummerSlam. Give them longer than 10 minutes as that type of match deserves plenty of time to beat on each other longer than just a squash match. Let the two monsters beat on each other and they’ll put on something to remember.
Now we’re backstage yet again with Redmond Interviewing the Undisputed WWE Champion Sami Zayn, who’s taping himself up for his match. Redmond says she has confirmed Rhodes is no longer able to compete tonight. (Cue insanely loud CM Punk chants. It’s hard to hear the interview now.) Sayn said Rhodes and him have had their differences, but he’s the Last Real Good Guy. He didn’t wish ill on Rhodes or anybody. He said it just wasn’t meant to be.
In walked RAW GM Pearce. He reminded Zayn they’re in Chicago, and he promised them a Championship match. He told Zayn to be prepared to defend his title in the main event tonight because it is official.
ANALYSIS: The fans have finally picked up on the angle. Temporarily take out Rhodes from the title defense and replace him with… cue the insanely loud chants.
Back live in the arena, the commentators are still debating who Zayn will defend his WWE Championship title against. Out comes Chad Gable for tag team action, after the ‘mercial.
We’re back with Dragon Lee now in the ring. “All Ego” Ethan Page’s music hits, then Rusev’s creepy intro.
Chad Gable & Dragon Lee vs Ethan Page & Rusev:
Page and Rusev attack the moment they enter the ring. After some separation, It’s Lee and Rusev the legal men starting things off, with Lee in the heel’s corner being double-teamed. Lee tries to make a comeback, but they continue to dominate him by repeatedly tagging in and out. Lee was thrown into Page’s corner, but he hit a dropkick on Page. Rusev tried to charge but Lee rolled out of the way as Rusev ate the corner turnbuckle. Lee with the hot tag to Gable. Gabe went for the Three Amigo Suplexes, but only got two before Rusev hit him with elbows. Rusev hit the ropes, but Gable gave him a Back Bodydrop. Page comes in for a Back Bodydrop. Rusev tried to kick Gable, but Gable caught him and put Rusev in the Ankle Lock. Page tried to make the save, but Gable gave Page another Back Bodydrop. Lee is back up so Gabe threw his partner into Page who is kicked into the corner. Lee charged, but Rusev pulled Page out of the ring. Lee bounced off the ropes as Gable launched him over the top rope with a Top Rope Suicide Dive onto the heels outside. Let’s take a break after that, shall we?
Now back, we see the action is back in the ring and it’s all been Rusev and Page. Rusev and Gable are the legal men. Several vicious Clotheslines by Rusev. Rusev threw Gable into his corner and charged, but Gable gave him a boot, then he gave Page a punch. Gable tried to crawl under Rusev’s legs while Rusev was growling and screaming. Rusev threw Gable back into his corner, but Gable tried to launch himself to his own corner. Rusev caught him, and Gable is an arm’s length from making the hot tag. But Gable slipped out and gave Rusev a DDT. Tag to Page… and hot tag to Lee as the crowd came alive! Lee kicked Rusev on the outside, then kicked Page. Page charged, but Lee rolled out of the way. Kick by Lee onto Page in the corner, then tripped him up. Another kick to Rusev knocking him down on the outside again. Lee with a flying kick to Page as he comes back into the ring. Tornado DDT to Page. Lee hung Page up on the top corner. Double Foot Stomp and Lee went for the pin, but Rusev came back in and clubbed Lee to interrupt the count. Rusev dragged a lifeless Page to his corner and tagged in. He woke up Page and they attempted a Double Suplex on Lee, but Gable was right behind them to save Lee and land him on his feet. Gable delivered a right to Rusev, then a Fireman’s Carry Slam (Angle Slam) to Page. Machka Kick to Gable by Rusev. Lee rolled up Rusev, but Rusev was too big for him and his momentum made Rusev do a 360-degree roll. Lee hit a Superkick on Rusev. Lee went up top and lept off, but Rusev was waiting for him with a Uranage Slam and a Machka Kick. Rusev locks in the Accolade submission. Lee submits.
WINNERS: Ethan Page & Rusev (9 minutes)
ANALYSIS: ** ¾
Another typical loss for Lee. Whenever they have these tag team matches, he’s usually the one who takes the fall. Not a bad match. Dominant showing by the grumbling brute Rusev, the cocky Page, the high-flying Lee, and the technical prowess of Gable. It’s just pretty much the same. If there’s any sort of storyline going on here, they need to hurry it up.
After the match, Rusev refused to let go of the Accolade on Lee. Gable went into the ring to try to Suplex Rusev, but Page punched Gable down. Rusev applied the Accolade to Gable as Page punched him and talked smack. Somebody said his name, because here comes Joe Hendry for the save. Hendry unloaded with strikes on Rusev and Page. Hendry sent Rusev out of the ring and Hendry hit a fallaway slam on Page. Rusev was back in with a Machka Kick. Page hit the Ego Plex on Hendry. Rusev applied the Accolade to Hendry, while Page talked smack. Officials went into the ring to stop Rusev.
Jimmy Uso was shown leaving the building when Redmond tried to interview him. Jimmy claimed he was going to step up for The Bloodline, and he was going to SmackDown to get Solo Sikoa. Knight was in the background, looking like he was going to confront Jimmy, but Jacob Fatu showed up to knock down Knight with a forearm. Jacob and Jimmy left.
RAW GM Pearce was on the phone saying this is the third time he’s called tonight, and he hoped the person on the other end would call him back. Cole said he’s still trying to find Zayn a challenger for the WWE title. Break.
A video package aired about Bayley talking about how Lyra Valkyria once waited at a toy shop for hours to meet Bayley. And she made time for her. And that’s where her respect and trust in her truly began. Bayley said she watched this girl who was a fan become the first ever Women’s IC Champion. Then become her best friend and stand beside her at WrestleMania. Bayley said that Lyra brought out the best version of Bayley every single week. She constantly reminded Bayley of who she was. Bayley claimed she never questioned Lyra. Bayley wondered why they couldn’t have an honest conversation. Bayley said she wants to meet her face-to-face next week.
RAW GM Pearce was on his phone texting somebody when former SmackDown GM Aldis walked up behind him. Pearce grumbled what he wanted. Aldis said it’s a funny way of saying thank you, because he completed a call and secured a replacement to face Zayn in the main event. Aldis said that superstar is in the building, so all that’s left for Aldis to say is you’re welcome. Aldis left as the fans were loudly chanting “CM Punk!” again, but fortunately they cut it off.
Sami Zayn was shown walking backstage for his Undisputed WWE Championship match up next. Let’s break for a bit to cool the fans down.
Now it’s time to watch a video about The Judgment Day’s JD McDonagh & Dominik Mysterio regarding McDonagh’s match with Danhausen at Saturday Night’s Main Event. They told Danhausen he saw what happened to his lab. Just wait to see what happens to Danhausen at SNME. McDonagh said he didn’t care who Danhausen’s friend is. McDonagh isn’t coming for their money. He’s coming to smash him up. Dominik wanted Danhausen to give them their money back and uncurse McDonagh. Dominik wanted Danhausen to do what’s right, or The Judgment Day will make Danhausen’s like a living hell.
Back live in the arena, “Worlds Apart” hits and the Undisputed WWE Champion Sami Zayn came down the ramp. Graves is complaining that he’s defending the title blindly against who knows. Cole said he needed to defend his title against all comers. Zayn laid the title down across the ring and waited as the crowd started another loud “CM Punk!” chant that rang throughout the arena.
When suddenly, we’re shown a shot of the back garage door of the arena. It opens, and it’s…
… CM PUNK!
The crowd has just blown the roof off of the Allstate Arena! Punk walks through the backstage area to the Gorilla position. As Punk comes through the curtain everyone is singing along to “Cult of Personality”. We get a shot of Zayn who looks upset. Punk makes his way to the ring, soaking up the crowd as this is his first match since he lost the World Heavyweight Championship to Roman Reigns in the main event at WrestleMania 42 Night 2.
Undisputed WWE Championship: Sami Zayn vs CM Punk:
Chad Patton is the veteran referee. The crowd was still singing Punk’s song and chanting his name. After the bell rang, Punk took off his new t-shirt (made immediately available at wweshop dot com) and handed it to a young fan in the front row.
They locked up in the middle of the ring, with Zayn putting Punk in a headlock and into the ropes. Zayn bounced Punk off the ropes and Punk knocked down Zayn. Zayn got right back up as they circled each other again. They rolled around the ropes, so the ref called for a clean break. Zayn with a cheap chop to Punk. They locked up again and Punk gave a chop of his own in the corner. HE takes Zayn down to the mat and chopped him on the back of his neck. Zayn got back up and shoved Punk into the corner before he gave him multiple Shouldertackles. Zayn to the middle turnbuckle and tried to get the crowd to count his punches to Punk’s head, but they were booing. Punk grabs Zayn for an Inverted Atomic Drop. Now Punk has Zayn in the corner while Punk is on top punching Zayn while the crowd counts. But at nine, Zayn ducked and punched Punk off to the apron. Zayn hangs Punk on the top rope. Zayn tried to run to the ropes for a dive, but Punk grabbed his leg and pulled him to the outside. Punk hit Zayn’s head on the apron before Punk got back in the ring, hit the ropes, and a Suicide Dive through the middle ropes on Zayn. It’s commercial time.
Back live, Zayn is in control over Punk in the middle of the ring with elbow strikes. Punk tried to punch back, but Zayn hit a knee to the face. Zayn nailed Punk’s head on the top turnbuckle. Zayn gets to the middle rope and hits a Diving Axehandle for a two-count. He immediately put Punk in a Headlock. Punk rallied the crowd as he got up with Zayn on his shoulders for a GTS, but Zan elbowed Punk to get out of it. Two Clotheslines by Punk. Punk threw Zayn across the ropes and hit a Heel Kick. Punk now charged at Zayn in the corner and hit a Running Knee. Punk tried to follow up with a Bulldog, but Zayn tossed him aside. Zayn missed a Clothesline and Punk hit a Spinning Neckbreaker for a two-count. Punk calls for the GTS. Zayn slipped out and went for a Blue Thunder Bomb, but Punk countered with back elbows. Punk with a Standing Switch Headlock and a Clothesline on Zayn and a cover for two-and-a-half. Punk went to the top turnbuckle, but Zayn punched him in the midsection. Both men on the top rope as Zayn gave Punk a Superplex. Both are down as we go to another mid-match break.
Back from break, both men are just now getting back up. Back and forth punches as they get up. Punk started to get the better of Zayn, but Zayn kicked Punk and tried to throw him into the ropes. Punk reversed it into another GTS attempt, Zayn reversed that into another move, Punk turned it around and hit a Roundhouse Kick as Zayn went to the corner. Step-Up Knee into the corner by Punk on Zaynas Punk plays to the loud Chicago crowd. Punk went for a Bulldog, but Zayn turned it into a Blue Thunderbomb for a close call. Zayn pulled Punk to his feet and trash talked in his face and tried to deliver a Suplex into the turnbuckle, but Punk fought out with elbows and knees. Step-Up Knee in the corner by Punk and finally hit a Bulldog. Punk climbed to the top with an Elbowdrop and covered for another close call. But as Punk looked desperate, he got Zayn right into the Anaconda Vice submission in the middle of the ring. After a bit Zami used his legs to counter out of it. Punk immediately tried to get a Sharpshooter submission, but Zayn stopped it with kicks. Zayn approached Punk, Punk went for a GTS, Zami rolled through and went for the same pin attempt he beat Rhodes with previously, but it was just for a close call.
Zayn looks upset as the crowd chants their hometown hero again. Back-and-forth punches again as they get back to their feet. Zayn missed a punch and Punk set Zayn up again for the GTS but again he slipped out… and hit a GTS of his own on Punk! Zayn covers but only gets two-and-three-quarters. Punk is in the corner as Zayn calls for the Helluva Kick. Punk caught a charging Zayn and hit Zayn’s Exploder Suplex into the corner. Now Zayn in the corner as Punk charged for a Helluva Kick, but Zayn caught Punk and hit a GTS followed by a Blue Thunderbomb for another close call. Zayn argued with the ref as the crowd chants. Zayn removed his wrist tape as he trash-talked Punk and slapped him around yelling, “I’m the champion now! I’m the champion now! Do you understand that? Do you understand that?!” Punk started to come back with lefts and rights. Irish Whip into the corner by Punk and the Running Knee. As Punk ran to the opposite corner Zayn tried for a Helluva Kick, but Punk moved. Punk ran to the corner, charged and hit a Helluva Kick of his own on Zayn. Up went Zayn for the GTS, Punk finally nailed it and covered for the 1… 2… 3! The Chicago crowd in the Allstate Arena exploded as Punk became an eight-time World Champion!
WINNER and NEW Undisputed WWE Champion: CM Punk (22 minutes)
ANALYSIS: **** ¼
That was an absolutely insane match with two generational veterans, even though they pretended Zayn didn’t know Punk was coming, who worked incredible together. They only fought once before on the February 3, 2025 edition of RAW. But even that was considered a classic. Zayn fought and put his whole heart and soul into this match and left it all in the ring as he should. That alone should prove he deserved the title in the first place. Punk came back after 2 ½ months of being away and showed absolutely no ring-rust whatsoever. The one thing that surprised me a little is that Zayn stayed as The Last Good Guy throughout the match. I was sort of expecting him to cheat a little if Punk started to win. Especially if that’s where he’s headed next as a full-on heel. But maybe they have something else for him in store after only being the Champ for only 9 days.
We don’t get many matches like this on TV. This should be considered a weekly televised match-of-the-year contender. In case you missed the finish, here it is on WWE’s official X page. Fair warning, if you’re wearing headphones you might want to turn them down a tad:
Punk celebrated with the Undisputed WWE Championship in the ring as pyros went off at the entrance ramp. Sami Zayn was shown seated against the ring apron looking distraught about the loss. Punk blew a kiss to the camera, circa 2011, and went through the crowd with his title and celebrated with his hometown fans as the credits rolled and the show ended.
ANALYSIS: FYI: this is the exact same city (Chicago), in the exact same arena (Allstate Arena), just a week from the exact date 15 years ago (July 17th, 2011), when Punk won his first WWE Championship. That was after his infamous pipe-bomb incident and beating John Cena at the Money in the Bank PPV. He blew Vince a kiss, kissing the WWE goodbye as he took the title through the crowd (next to his then best friend, Colt Cabana) and went home with it. Seemed only fitting he did a similar thing here.
What does the future hold for CM Punk? Rhodes still has his #1 contender’s match. So, obviously, this sets up Rhodes vs Punk at SummerSlam for the title, which has been rumored to be the direction they have wanted to go for some time.
What about Sami Zayn? Although I’m not too happy with Zayn only getting the title for just 9 days, I’m okay with Punk having it. The fan reaction to Zayn being the champ should’ve proved to the WWE he can be a near top draw. Maybe he can chase the title for a bit and get a rematch. I expect he might snap and go full heel mode, becoming the Last Real Bad Guy. There are still lots of things he can do.
And that’s the SLAM, folks! What a show! Next week, July 13th, RAW will be at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, TX. Here’s what’s on tap thus far:
- Brock Lesnar returns (yay)
- World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns is back (again)
- Intercontinental Championship #1 Contender’s Gauntlet Match: Chad Gable, Dominik Mysterio, Dragon Lee, Ethan Page, Je’Von Evans, Joe Hendry, and Rusev
- Iyo Sky vs. Roxanne Perez
So stay safe, don’t forget everything’s bigger in Texas (including WWE ticket prices), and see y’all along the BLVD!