WWE Raw: July 7th Recap

The July 7, 2025, episode of WWE Raw was broadcast live from the Amica Mutual Pavilion in Providence, Rhode Island. It served as the go-home show for both Saturday Night’s Main Event on July 12 and Evolution 2 on July 13. The runtime of 2 hours and 32 minutes was aired on Netflix. The episode delivered a mix of intense matches, fiery promos, and storyline advancements. This show set the stage for the weekend’s premium live events (PLEs).

Kairi Sane pinned Roxanne Perez after countering Perez’s Pop Rox for a quick victory. After the match, Raquel Rodriguez and Roxanne attacked Kairi. Asuka emerged to aid her fellow Kabuki Warrior. It forced the champions to retreat. This reunion of the Kabuki Warriors (Asuka and Kairi Sane) signals their intent to challenge for the Women’s Tag Team Championships at Evolution 2.

The match advanced the feud between Perez/Rodriguez and the Kabuki Warriors. Perez was seeking vengeance for Liv Morgan’s shoulder injury, which she blames on Kairi. The Kabuki Warriors’ reunion sets them up as contenders in the fatal four-way tag team title match at Evolution 2 against Perez and Rodriguez, Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair, and Sol Ruca and Zaria.

Bron Breakker defeated Zayn after Karrion Kross launched a pre-match sneak attack. This left Zayn vulnerable. Breakker capitalized with three devastating Spears for the win. This match furthered the ongoing rivalry between Sami and Bron, intensified by Kross’s interference. It ties into the larger narrative involving Seth Rollins’ faction (Rollins, Breakker, Bronson Reed, and Paul Heyman), who have been targeting Zayn, Jey Uso, and Penta. The beatdown sets up potential retaliation at Saturday Night’s Main Event.

Bronson Reed intentionally threw a chair at Jey Uso, causing a disqualification. Post-match, Reed continued his assault with back-to-back Tsunamis. The disqualification and brutal attack highlight Reed’s aggression. Jey Uso’s resilience positions him as a key babyface opposing the faction. He could potentially lead to a multi-man match in the future.

El Grande Americano secured the win after slipping a metal insert into his mask and delivering a headbutt to Dragon Lee. The use of a foreign object underscores El Grande Americano’s heel tactics. It possibly sets up a feud with Dragon Lee or other members of the LWO (Latino World Order). This match adds depth to the midcard.

Seth Rollins won via a low blow (unseen by the referee) followed by a Curb Stomp. Post-match, LA Knight ambushed Rollins with a Blunt Force Trauma, escaping through the crowd as Breakker and Reed rushed to Rollins’ aid. The main event built hype for Rollins vs. LA Knight at Saturday Night’s Main Event. The sneaky tactics by Rollins, combined with Knight’s surprise attack, intensify their rivalry. This also intersects with CM Punk’s ongoing issues with Rollins. The presence of Breakker, Reed, and Paul Heyman reinforces the faction’s dominance.

Women’s Intercontinental Champion Becky Lynch appeared to discuss her upcoming title defense against Bayley and Lyra Valkyria at Evolution 2. The segment was interrupted by Lyra. She ended up attacking both Becky and Bayley. The confrontation solidified the heated three-way feud. Lyra emerged as a chaotic force. The brawl underscores the personal stakes, as both Bayley and Lyra have grudges against Becky, stemming from past encounters (e.g., Lynch’s attack on Bayley at WrestleMania 41 and Lyra’s title aspirations). This sets up a high-stakes triple threat match at Evolution 2 on July 13th.

Seth Rollins, accompanied by Heyman, Breakker, and Reed, opened the show with a promo. Breakker took the mic before Seth could start speaking. He declared his vision as a main event star for the next two decades. Then he trashed Sami’s appearance and relevance. Rollins hyped his “Monday Night Rollins” persona and his upcoming match with LA Knight. Heyman emphasized the faction’s dominance, proclaiming, “The empire strikes first” against Zayn, Uso, and PENTA. This promo section reinforced the heel faction’s unity and their mission to dismantle fan-favorite babyfaces. Breakker’s focus on Sami Zayn sets up their ongoing feud. Fans can see Rollins’ confidence build anticipation for his clash with LA Knight.

Nikki Bella announced her return to in-ring action. She confirmed her participation in Evolution 2’s Battle Royal. This segment generated significant buzz. It hinted at a potential Bella Twins reunion or a singles push for Nikki. Her return adds star power to Evolution 2 and opens possibilities for feuds with current champions. It also ties into the broader women’s division narrative, with veterans like Trish Stratus involved.

Despite his upcoming retirement match against World Heavyweight Champion Gunther at Saturday Night’s Main Event, Goldberg was not advertised for this episode. It drew attention from the fans. No promo or segment directly addressed this. Gunther’s absence from promos suggests their final face-off may occur at the PLE itself. The lack of Goldberg on the go-home show is unusual. The storyline remains centered on Goldberg seeking revenge for Gunther’s humiliation of him at WWE Bad Blood 2024.

The three-way rivalry has reached a boiling point. Becky Lynch is defending her title against Bayley and Lyra Valkyria at Evolution 2. The feud began when Valkyria attacked Lynch during her title defense against Bayley on June 30th. It led to a disqualification. A number one contender’s match between Bayley and Lyra ended in a double pin. This episode, Lyra’s attack on both women cements her as a wildcard. The triple threat at Evolution 2 is poised to be a technical and emotional showcase. Look out for Lyra’s unpredictability adding to the intrigue.

Roxanne Perez and Raquel Rodriguez, the current Women’s Tag Team Champions, face a fatal four-way challenge at Evolution 2 against Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair, the Kabuki Warriors (Asuka and Kairi Sane), and Sol Ruca and Zaria. The Kabuki Warriors’ reunion and Perez’s vendetta against Sane (for injuring Liv Morgan) drive this narrative. The fatal four-way match promises high-energy action, with the Kabuki Warriors as likely fan favorites to dethrone Perez and Rodriguez. Also, I can’t wait to see Zaria step into the PLE ring with some future Hall of Famers to see what she has.

Seth Rollins, backed by Paul Heyman, Bron Breakker, and Bronson Reed, is asserting dominance on Raw. They have been targeting Sami Zayn, Jey Uso, and PENTA. LA Knight’s feud with Rollins intensifies ahead of their Saturday Night’s Main Event clash.

Goldberg’s quest for revenge against Gunther for humiliating him at WWE Bad Blood 2024 culminates in his retirement match at Saturday Night’s Main Event. The lack of a face-to-face in this episode builds mystery around their final confrontation. The absence of both stars on this go-home show suggests a dramatic final encounter at the PLE.

Nikki Bella’s announcement for the Evolution 2 Battle Royal adds a major name to the women’s division. Her return could lead to a Bella Twins reunion or a singles push, potentially intersecting with Liv Morgan’s storyline once she recovers. The Battle Royal at Evolution 2 will feature a mix of veterans and new stars.

The WWE Raw July 7th episode effectively built anticipation for Saturday Night’s Main Event and Evolution 2. The matches delivered key moments, such as the Kabuki Warriors’ reunion and Rollins’ faction asserting dominance. Promos like Lynch’s and Rollins’ group set the stage for emotional and personal conflicts. Storylines centered on the women’s division (Intercontinental and Tag Team titles) and Rollins’ faction were the strongest. Goldberg’s absence was a notable but strategic choice to heighten PLE intrigue. Characters like Lynch, Valkyria, Rollins, and Knight stood out as central figures, with emerging stars like Perez and Breakker adding depth.