Raw recap & reactions (Aug. 25, 2025): The calm before the clash

“Stick You” is my favorite CNN song. Capone-N-Noreaga waxed poetic about vengeance and preventative measures so that vengeance isn’t even an option. That song played through my head during a 25-minute opening segment, and any proceeding moment featuring Roman Reigns, Jey Uso, CM Punk, LA Knight, Bronson Reed, Bron Breakker, Paul E. Heyman, and Seth Rollins. Roman and LA, tired of being hunted, decided to put on safari hats, load up the muskets, and make a few treks into the tall grass themselves for once.

It started with Roman’s continued evolution. He acknowledged (pun intended) he’s not the same guy anymore. He’s not the champion. He has no bloodline, and his wiseman now kisses up to someone else. Quick aside, but Roman’s response to the crowd booing Cody Rhodes after Roman mentioned him made me chuckle. But I digress.

This was a prelude to Roman calling out Bronson Reed for taking the only things he had left: his kicks.

It also showcased a more introspective Tribal Chief. As the segment with Bronson & Paul E. showed, he’s still cocky as hell, but he’s also more Man with No Name than Godfather.

The came after Bronson gave a very impassioned speech about the differences between his Samoan tribe and Roman’s. But that ultimately got us to Roman saying enough with the talk and just going for his.

Going for his. That’s the advice Roman gave to Jey later as the man used to having someone’s back was torn between having Punk and LA’s backs or focusing solely on the championship. It’s the same advice Roman adhered to when he attacked The Vision before Bron’s main event match with Los Angeles Knight.

Sticking to the “Stick You” framing, LA Knight got in on that too. Why not attack Bron before their match? The Vision would most definitely do it and these guys are sick of playing by rules that are getting them nowhere fast. I get it. I don’t always abide by it but I get it.

The match with Bron & LA was fine. And no, fine isn’t a pejorative. It did the job it needed which was showcase Bron more, heat up LA before his big match, and create more drama between the three guys facing Seth at Clash in Paris. Seth interfered but never touched LA. However, his distraction worked as it helped Bron get the W and leave LA in a bad situation as the double team started.

We got all three guys in the ring and they cleaned house. But then the drama started. They were focused on sticking it to The Vision but not blind enough to miss the opportunity in front of each of them.

Jey, usually the peacemaker, followed his cousin’s advice. He went for his. That Superkick to Punk’s chin put everyone on notice that he means business in Paris. It’s a nice character moment for Jey that builds on his past. I could do without Seth’s on the nose commentary as his opponents erupted into a fight, but he’s a big villain and monologuing is something big villains do.

There was a lot to enjoy on this Raw, even if it felt a bit rushed. Possibly because that opening segment went almost a half hour, which I’m sure set the rest of the show back a bit. I liked everything with Jey and Roman, while Bayley still has me intrigued. Becky is on fire and I hope she and Nikki have a match worthy of said fire. This was a well-done go-home show that sold the matches and added some layers to them.

What say you, Cage Siders?