UPDATE (July 8, 2025): WWE Raw drew its lowest numbers for last week’s episode (06/30). The show scored 2.5 million views globally for the week per Netflix data (Down 4% from the prior week) with 4.6 million hours viewed (Down 12%). The views and hours viewed were both the lowest yet. The show ranked number three for the week in the United States on Netflix (even with the prior week) and number five globally (Down from number four).
The WWE Raw June 30, 2025 episode was broadcast live from the PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This marked the fallout from the Night of Champions PLE and set the stage for the upcoming Saturday Night’s Main Event and Evolution 2 shows. With a special early start time of 6:00 pm EST on Netflix, the episode featured significant matches, promos, and storyline developments that advanced key rivalries and introduced new dynamics.
The Judgement Day’s Finn Balor and JD McDonagh challenged The New Day for the World Tag Team Titles in an explosive encounter. The match showcased the high-energy action with The New Day pulling out all the stops to retain their titles. A standout moment came when JD McDonagh executed a tremendous Spanish Fly on Xavier Woods. He used Kofi Kingston as leverage, nearly ending The New Day’s reign. Ultimately, Balor sealed their victory with a Coup de Grace on Woods, capturing the titles for The Judgement Day.
The title change was unexpected, as some felt The New Day’s heel run had not been fully explored. The Judgement Day’s victory was bolstered by their new member, Roxanne Perez. This signals a shift in the faction’s dynamics, particularly with Liv Morgan sidelined due to her shoulder injury. This could set up future defenses against teams like The War Raiders or even a rematch with The New Day. Internal tensions within The Judgement Day may create some friction, especially between Dominik Mysterio and Raquel Rodriguez.
In this hard-hitting singles match, Rusev faced Sheamus in their first one-on-one encounter in over 11 years. It reignited a feud sparked by Rusev’s return. The match saw both wrestlers deliver a brutal physical performance. Rusev emerged victorious, solidifying his resurgence as a dominant force.
Rusev’s win positions him as a top contender on WWE Raw. It should potentially lead to a bigger push towards SummerSlam or a title opportunity. Sheamus may seek redemption by drawing other wrestlers into this feud or just escalating this into a multi-match series.
Bayley and Lyra Valkyria clashed in a number one contender’s match for Becky Lynch’s Women’s Intercontinental Championship. The intense bout ended in a draw when both wrestlers’ shoulders were pinned simultaneously during pinning attempts. This led to a post-match brawl that spilled into the crowd.
The draws set up an inevitable triple threat match at Evolution 2 involving Bayley, Lyra Valkyria, and Becky Lynch. Both challengers have personal issues with Becky Lynch. The brawl suggests the escalating tension, which may lead to further confrontations on WWE Raw. This also keeps the Women’s Intercontinental Championship storyline prominent, with Becky potentially facing increased pressure as champion.
The main event saw Sami Zayn and PENTA team up for the first time to face Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed following their interference in the WWE Night of Champions main event. Zayn paid homage to ECW legend Sabu with a scintillating moonsault to the outside. Despite Zayn’s impressive suplex on Reed, Bron secured the win with a match-ending spear on Sami. Post-match, Breakker and Reed attempted a beatdown, but Jey Uso intervened to save Zayn and PENTA.
The loss highlights Zayn and PENTA’s underdog status against Seth Rollins’ faction. Jey Uso’s save strengthens his alliance with Zayn and PENTA. This could potentially lead to forming a trio to counter Seth’s group. Therefore, this could lead to a trios match at Saturday Night’s Main Event on July 12 or even SummerSlam. This match also showcased Breakker’s dominance.
Rhea Riple opened the show, addressing her victory over Raquel Rodriguez at WWE Night of Champions PLE and her future plans. WWE Women’s Champion, IYO SKY, interrupted, announcing that Raw GM Adam Pearce allowed her to choose her Evolution 2 opponent. IYO selected Rhea, citing her as the best challenger. Ripley accepted, warning IYO that she would stop at nothing to reclaim the championship.
This promo established a marquee match for Evolution 2, pitting two top-tier competitors against each other. Rhea’s determination and IYO’s confidence as a babyface champion set up a high-stakes encounter that could headline the all-women’s PLE. The mutual respect adds depth, but Rhea’s warning hints at a potential heel turn or taking an aggressive approach.
World Heavyweight Champion GUNTHER addressed his upcoming championship defense against Goldberg at Saturday Night’s Main Event. He dismissed Goldberg as a “one-trick pony” and vowed to embarrass him. Seth Rollins interrupted to gloat about his Money in the Bank briefcase. CM Punk followed Rollins and attacked him. LA Knight then joined the fray. He brawled with Seth into the concession area.
The WWE Raw segment’s chaotic nature felt disjointed to some fans, including me. Rollins’ feud with Punk and LA Knight’s involvement seem unrelated to GUNTHER’s storyline with Goldberg. WWE Creative was trying to shove too much together to have a BIG segment. They confirmed Seth Rollins vs LA Knight for Saturday Night’s Main Event. They also wanted to keep the Punk rivalry with Rollins alive. GUNTHER’s promo strengthened his heel persona, but his booking alongside these intersecting stories may dilute his focus unless WWE streamlines the narrative.
WWE Raw GM Adam Pearce and WWE SmackDown GM Nick Aldis announced a women’s Battle Royal for Evolution 2, with the winner earning a title shot at WWE Clash in Paris. Backstage, American Made’s Ivy Nile expressed her intent to enter, only for a mysterious figure resembling El Grande Americano (possibly Ludwig Kaiser, not Chad Gable) to appear, shocking the group.
The Battle Royal announcement elevates Evolution 2’s card, giving multiple women a chance to shine. The El Grande Americano twist suggests a new storyline, potentially involving Ludwig Kaiser unmasking or a faction shake-up within American Made. This could affect their trajectory toward SummerSlam.
Intercontinental Champion Dominik Mysterio cited a doctor’s note and warned AJ Styles he was not cleared to compete. Mysterio said that Styles would lose his title shot if he attacked. Styles mocked Mysterio. AJ promised to take Dom’s title once he’s cleared.
This WWE Raw segment keeps the Mysterio/Styles feud simmering. Mysterio’s heel tactics are delaying their inevitable match. It also highlights Mysterio’s role in The Judgement Day, which could tie into the faction’s internal tensions.
In the Judgement Day clubhouse segment, Raquel Rodriguez expressed reluctance to replace the injured Liv Morgan so quickly. Finn Balor and JD McDonagh voted to add Roxanne Perez as a new member. Dominik Mysterio hesitantly agreed after wanting to call Liv Morgan before voting. Rodriguez reluctantly consented, making Roxanne an official member and the new Women’s Tag Team Champion alongside Raquel.
Roxanne’s addition reshapes The Judgement Day, potentially creating friction with Morgan upon her return. It also positions Perez as a main roster star, with her championship status elevating her profile. The group’s dynamic could lead to betrayals or power struggles. This could impact their title reign and future storylines.
CM Punk and LA Knight’s ongoing rivalry surfaced in a brief confrontation about Knight’s attack on Seth Rollins after GUNTHER’s promo. This helped to tie the feuds together.
This WWE Raw segment sets up a Seth Rollins vs LA Knight match at Saturday Night’s Main Event while keeping Punk’s feud with Rollins active. Punk’s involvement could lead to a cash-in attempt by Seth Rollins at SummerSlam.
Karrion Kross attacked Sami Zayn backstage, adding another layer to Zayn’s challenges following his WWE Night of Champions’ win over Kross.
This attack suggests Kross is not done with Zayn, potentially leading to a rematch or a larger feud involving Zayn’s allies (Jey Use or PENTA).
The episode heavily focused on the aftermath of WWE Night of Champions PLE, where Rhea Ripley defeated Raquel Rodriguez, Sami Zayn went 3-0 in Saudi Arabia PLEs, and the main event saw interference from Breakker and Reed. These events drove the night’s key storylines, with Ripley’s momentum, Zayn’s resilience, and Rollins’ faction shaping WWE Raw’s direction.
The announcement of Rhea Ripley vs IYO SKY, the Battle Royal, and the Bayley/Lyra Valkyria/Becky Lynch triple threat setup make Evolution 2 a pivotal event. The focus on women’s matches and titles underscores WWE’s commitment to the women’s PLE.
The Judgement Day’s restructuring with Roxanne Perez and the potential unrest with Raquel Rodriguez and Dominik Mysterio could lead to a split or new alliances. SImilarly Seth Rollins’ group faces opposition from Sami Zayn, Jey Uso, and CM Punk, setting up potential multi-man matches or faction warfare.
The Pittsburgh crowd was engaged, particularly for the tag title match and Rusev vs Sheamus. It enhanced the show’s atmosphere. The early 6:00 pm EST start time and Netflix streaming allowed for a global audience, with no censorship issues, which may influence future WWE Raw presentations.
Fans and analysts praised the Rusev vs Sheamus match for its intensity and the RIpley/SKY promo for its clarity and hype-building. The tag title match was lauded for its action, despite some confusion over The New Day’s quick loss.
The GUNTHER/Rollins/Punk/Knight segment was criticized for feeling random and convoluted, with too many unrelated storylines converging. The New Day’s title loss also left many confused, given their heel turn’s potential.
Posts on X highlighted excitement for the tag title match, Bayley vs Lyra Valkyria, and Evolution 2 developments @bodyslamNet recapping the show positively. However, some expressed mixed feelings about the chaotic multi-man promo.
The June 30, 2025 episode of WWE Raw delivered high-stakes matches and promos that advanced major storylines towards Evolution 2, Saturday Night’s Main Event, and SummerSlam. The Judgement Day’s title win, Rusev’s resurgence, and the setup for Rhea vs IYO were highlights. Bayley vs Lyra draw and Zayn/PENTA’s main event loss deepened ongoing feuds. Segments like the GUNTHER promo and Roxanne’s addition to the Judgement Day introduced new wrinkles, even though to some it felt cluttered. These developments will likely shape WWE Raw’s landscape, with faction tensions, pursuits, and personal rivalries driving the narrative forward.
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