Date: June 2, 2025
Location: BOK Center in Tulsa, OK
The Big Takeaway —
Stephanie Vaquer and Chad Gable will work double duty on Saturday. Both wrestlers will compete at Worlds Collide, and both qualified for Money in the Bank with wins tonight. Vaquer beat Ivy Nile and Liv Morgan, while El Grande Americano/Gable beat AJ Styles and CM Punk. Vaquer’s first official night as a member of Raw was a successful one, as she came across like an emerging star.
There were chants for R-Truth throughout the night. I wouldn’t say the fans hijacked the show, because they were very much into the product being presented—they were just also upset about Truth.
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Show Recap —
After a replay of last week’s main event, Sami Zayn (still being called the ‘underdog from the underground’), Jey Uso, Seth Rollins and his crew were shown arriving.
They showed a replay of Michael Cole and Pat McAfee making a bet over the New York Knicks-Indiana Pacers series. The Pacers won, so Cole lost the bet, which meant he had to wear a tank top while calling Raw. The top he wore was a Pacers jersey. The Oklahoma crowd booed because, by pure happenstance, the Pacers will be playing the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Finals.
CM Punk and Sami Zayn segment
Punk entered and made a few references to the NBA Finals. He appreciated everyone’s basketball fandom, but asked the fans to watch Raw or SmackDown if it fell on the same day as the game.
Punk moved on to his Money in the Bank qualifier. He looked forward to winning MITB for the third time. It was the Summer of Punk, and it was time for him to be wearing gold again.
Two people were on top of the mountain, and one was his friend, Jey Uso. Punk wanted Jey to know that if they did fight for the title, it was not personal, only business.
Punk spoke next about John Cena. The tables have turned since Punk first got to WWE—Cena is now public enemy number one because he sold his soul to a “bald fraud goof.” (For a moment, I thought that meant Triple H, but he obviously meant The Rock.) Punk has always had Cena’s number. He called Cena a bitch and said it was time for him to become champion again.
Punk was done, but Sami Zayn entered. The crowd chanted for Zayn, and he appreciated it. Zayn was glad to hear Punk speak clearly about his goal of becoming world champion. Zayn had his own ambitions to become champion, but MITB was no longer his path thanks to Rollins’ crew.
Zayn wanted to emphasize the importance of this match and told Punk that tonight was a must-win. Zayn knew that Punk was probably thinking about Rollins’ crew, but he couldn’t be distracted by them. Zayn and Jey would take care of Bronson Reed and Bron Breakker tonight.
Zayn warned that if Rollins won the title, it would be all over because this place would turn into something they didn’t like. We needed Punk to win tonight. (The crowd chanted for Punk.)
Zayn wanted Punk to win, but also wanted him to know that if he did win the world title, they would be face-to-face in this ring again, and their conversation would be much different. Punk said he looked forward to it. They shook hands.
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Roxanne Perez offered to help Liv Morgan tonight, but Morgan told her to stay out of her business. Morgan bumped into Iyo Sky and, just like last week, warned Sky that she was coming for her title. Sky said that was not going to happen.
There was a Stephanie Vaquer video package where she spoke Spanish (with English subtitles) about her dream to be in WWE since she was ten years old. The package included pictures of her wrestling in Mexico. It made her look like a big star outside of anything she’s done in WWE.
They plugged Vaquer’s match at Worlds Collide this weekend as she entered.
Money in the Bank triple threat qualifier: Stephanie Vaquer vs. Ivy Nile vs. Women’s Tag Team Champion Liv Morgan
Vaquer didn’t waste any time doing her devil’s kiss move, first doing it to Morgan. Vaquer did it next to Nile, but Morgan broke it up with a dropkick. Morgan hit Vaquer with three amigos—hitting the final suplex on top of Nile. Some counters led to Nile hitting both women with a double German suplex.
There were multiple “We want Truth” chants during a break. (The crowd was into the match, but there were a few signs for R-Truth, which may have prompted the chants.)
After the break, Nile hit a tower of doom powerbomb for a two count. Morgan followed with a Codebreaker on both women off the ropes for a double two count. Morgan hit Vaquer with Oblivion, and Nile tried to steal the pin, but Morgan got back in and broke it up.
Nile shoved Morgan into the steel steps, and Vaquer hit Nile with SVB for the pinfall win.
This was good for the time they had, and the crowd was into it despite the chants for Truth (which happened to occur during the commercial break).
Match result: Stephanie Vaquer defeated Ivy Nile and Liv Morgan to qualify for Money in the Bank (10:18)
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Paul Heyman approached AJ Styles backstage and wished him a happy birthday. (Today is Styles’ 48th birthday.) Heyman spoke for a while, trying to convince Styles to focus on Dominik Mysterio and the Intercontinental Championship and leave MITB to Rollins.
Styles asked Heyman if he wasn’t exhausted, constantly chasing his next meal ticket. Styles did plan on going after Dom and the IC title (as well as MITB), but he didn’t respond well to threats, and knew that Heyman was threatening him. If they tried to push him out, he would push back. Styles knew Rollins’ plan, but everyone had a plan until they got punched in the mouth.
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Chad Gable cut a promo during the break. He said the Pacers would beat the Thunder, El Grande Americano would win tonight, and he (Gable) would beat Vikingo on Saturday.
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There was a Rusev video package. He didn’t appreciate that Sheamus was disappointed with him last week. Sheamus ran out to help a stranger, but they were friends, and Sheamus didn’t help him from falling into the abyss. Sheamus had a body of granite but a neck of sand, and Rusev had the one move (the Accolade) that could end him. Rusev warned Sheamus to stay out of his way or he would snap his neck.
Sheamus met with Akira Tozawa, Maxxine Dupri, and Natayla. He wanted them to keep their heads up because they heart, which not many people had in WWE. He thought Natalya and Dupri could win the tag titles. Natalya appreciated the words and put over Dupri.
Cathy Kelley interviewed Sheamus. He said he went way back with Rusev, who was a groomsman at his wedding. Rusev’s WWE career imploded because of his own bad decisions, and his career outside the company lasted about as long as Rusev Day. Sheamus called Rusev a bully, and Sheamus bullied bullies.
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They went to break again after the previous segment, so there was only one match in the first 54 minutes of the show. And this match went to break after a couple of minutes.
The War Raiders vs. Finn Bálor & JD McDonagh (without Carlito)
There were more chants for R-Truth as the match began.
The New Day joined commentary for this match, but they were quickly tossed to the back by the referee because she caught them about to interfere.
They had a normal match, and Judgment Day won thanks to Roxanne Perez. Ivar set up for a moonsault, but Perez distracted the referee. McDonagh yanked Ivar by his beard into the ring post, knocking him down. Bálor followed with a Coup de Grâce for the pinfall win.
Match result: Finn Bálor & JD McDonagh defeated The War Raiders (11:08)
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Becky Lynch promo
There was a Becky Lynch video promo. She said she’s only been back for six months, and Lyra Valkyria has cost her the tag titles and her chance at MITB. And yet, Valkyria accused her of taking away opportunities. Valkyria was an echo chamber for the ignorant who did not understand what greatness was and would never achieve it.
Valkyria has forgotten everything Lynch did for her. Valkyria was in a lose-lose situation at MITB. Even if Valkyria won, Lynch couldn’t face her again, but Lynch was the best thing to ever happen to her. Lynch would win, and Valkyria would raise her hand—the same hand that would hold her down.
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During a break, New Day advised Grayson Waller to drop Austin Theory, just like they dropped Big E, because he was deadweight holding him down.
American Made confronted New Day. They were pissed about New Day turning on them in their match last week. The Creeds thought New Day said that brothers stick together. Kofi Kingston said they misheard them, because he said ‘brothas’ stick together. Xavier Woods suggested American Made help them, but Julius said they were coming after the titles.
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Kelley interviewed Vaquer backstage. Vaquer said she felt great and continued to respond in Spanish, but was quickly interrupted by Rhea Ripley. They were cordial and shook hands. Ripley said she would see her on Saturday. (Both women got big crowd reactions when they appeared.)
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Lyra Valkyria and Becky Lynch segment
Valkyria called Lynch a coward for talking big backstage. Valkyria called her out to the ring, so Lynch entered. Lynch was about to speak, but Valkyria told her to shut up.
Valkyria called Lynch delusional and said her downfall needed to be studied. Lynch worked hard to get to the top, but only stayed there because she gave up being a good person. Valkyria realized she needed to get angry, and now she was. No one has hurt her the way Lynch has, and now Lynch has given her what she needed to beat her.
Valkyria planned on beating the crap out of Lynch to make sure she could never poison what it meant to be IC champion. (Valkyria got loud ‘What’ chants as she spoke.)
Lynch said Valkyria’s perspective was poisoned. Lynch knew Valkyria just wanted a reason to hate her. Valkyria wanted to replace Lynch, but nobody could do that. Lynch did not want to hurt Valkyria—she wanted to make her better. But that’s changed now, and Valkyria would have to raise her hand on Saturday.
Lynch stormed out of the ring, so Valkyria called her into the ring to have their match now. Lynch said she didn’t fight in Tulsa, so she would see her at MITB. Valkyria ran after Lynch and attacked her until officials stepped in.
Whatever they’re trying with Valkyria isn’t working.
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They announced a Tyrese Haliburton-WWE shirt available on Fanatics. The shirt features an animated Haliburton doing the choking gesture at MSG.
There was a Penta video package. Winning MITB was his destiny.
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Sami Zayn entered with Jey Uso, and the entrance got a typically big reaction. Zayn danced to Jey’s music when they hit the ring, which the crowd got a kick out of. (This was during a break, but it was nice seeing Zayn having fun because he’s been way too serious lately.)
Sami Zayn & World Heavyweight Champion Jey Uso vs. Bron Breakker & Bronson Reed (w/Paul Heyman)
They went to break 75 seconds in the match. The heels worked over Zayn until he hit Reed with a tornado DDT. Jey made the hot tag and ran wild on Bron until Bron hit him with a gutbuster. Bron went for a super spear, but Jey caught him with a superkick for a close nearfall.
Jey put Bron in a sleeper, but Reed broke it up with a senton. Zayn went after Reed and tried hitting both men with a dive, but they caught him. Jey then wiped everyone out with a suicide dive.
Seth Rollins then ran down and gave Jey a curb-stomp for the DQ.
— Bron placed Zayn on the announce table as Reed set up for a Tsunami off the top, but Punk attacked Bron from behind with a chair and chucked it in Reed’s face. Punk went after Rollins, but Rollins bailed. Bron was fuming over Punk, but Rollins settled him down and said they knew exactly where Punk would be later tonight.
Punk, Zayn and Jey stood tall in the ring as Punk’s music played.
The crowd was hot for all of this, despite the non-finish.
Match result: World Heavyweight Champion Jey Uso & Sami Zayn defeated Bron Breakker & Bronson Reed via disqualification (9:01)
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Morgan joined Judgment Day in the back. She told Bálor she knew what he was trying to do by bringing in Perez. Bálor played innocent and reminded her that she helped him and JD win tonight. Bálor knew Perez was coming on strong by giving Dom chicken nuggets, but said Morgan could trust Dom. Morgan said it wasn’t Dom she was worried about trusting.
Bálor said trust in Perez would come with time. He suggested Perez join them at ringside for Raquel Rodriguez’s match. Morgan said Bálor could babysit Perez and wanted her to stay out of it. Morgan left with Rodriguez.
Dom (wearing a Carlito t-shirt) apologized to Bálor for costing him the match last week, but Bálor smiled and said it was water under the bridge.
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Kairi Sane vs. Women’s Tag Team Champion Raquel Rodriguez (w/Liv Morgan)
The crowd chanted for Truth again during this match.
About five minutes in, Sane went to the top, but Morgan jumped on the apron to distract her. Iyo Sky ran out to her music to take out Morgan. Sane drove Rodriguez into the ring post and followed with an Insane Elbow for the pinfall win.
Match result: Kairi Sane defeated Raquel Rodriguez (6:01)
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Karrion Kross approached Zayn as a trainer was checking on him. Zayn wanted to know what his problem was.
Kross said Zayn was a liar. That was the problem. He lied to the fans and lied to himself. He could have been a world champion ten times over by now. Kross knew Zayn was capable of doing bad things because he was a bad guy, just like the rest of us. Zayn said he was wrong. Kross said he might be wrong, but he might be right, too.
(You may have read that Kross gets a big reaction every week when he appears. He does get a decent reaction, but it was only the night after WrestleMania that he got a significant one.)
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There was a Giulia video package during a break.
Kelley interviewed Perez during the break. Perez said Bálor knew she was already one of the most dangerous competitors on the roster at just 23 years old. She wasn’t just there to assist Judgment Day—she was there to take over the division, and she would start by winning MITB.
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They ran down the cards for Worlds Collide and Money in the Bank.
There was a video package for Jey Uso vs. Gunther for the world title on Raw next week.
Gunther sat down next to Jey in the locker room. Gunther said the world title was personal to him, so he appreciated the effort Jey put in to being a great champion. But because he refused to think with his head instead of his heart, Gunther would take it back. Jey was too selfless. He helped his friend Zayn tonight, but now he was less than 100%. He might help Punk tonight, too, if he needed it, and he was helping out Cody Rhodes on Saturday. None of that was the business of the world champion.
Gunther thanked him because he knew the moment he lost at Mania, he would avenge it. In one week, the party was over. Jey responded: “Three letters, one word: tap. See you next week, G.”
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Money in the Bank triple threat qualifier: CM Punk vs. AJ Styles vs. El Grande Americano
Punk wore pink and black gear. (He wore Bret Hart’s merchandise earlier.)
Punk and Styles told the referee to check El Grande Americano’s mask for a metal plate. As McAfee noted, he should be checking all three men.
Punk and Styles teamed up on Americano and tossed him from the ring. Styles dropped Punk with a dropkick, but Americano got right back in and dropped Styles with a running headbutt. Americano posed for the crowd, so Punk hit him with a running knee. The crowd cheered as Punk tried removing Americano’s mask, but Americano fought him off and hit a dive.
They went to break a couple of minutes into the match, and Americano held control throughout, mostly working over Punk’s leg.
Back from break, Styles gave Americano a back drop off the middle rope, and Punk followed with a diving elbow drop on Styles. Americano gave Punk a running headbutt before turning Styles around with a release German suplex. The crowd chanted, “He’s Chad Gable,” and “No, he’s not.”
Americano tried a flying crossbody, but Punk tried rolling through like John Cena, but Punk isn’t as strong as Cena and was also selling his leg, so it wasn’t exactly smooth. Punk did get him up on his shoulders, but Styles dropped both guys with a combo DDT/inverted DDT.
Americano put Punk in an ankle lock, but Punk rolled through, and Americano’s momentum sent him with a Styles’ Clash by AJ, but Punk broke up the cover. Chants for R-Truth were replaced by chants of “This is awesome.” Punk got Styles in a jackknife cover, but as Styles bridged out of it, Americano hit them both with a moonsault.
Punk hit Americano with a GTS, but Breakker pulled him out of the ring. (You could see it coming because of where Punk was positioned, and because the crowd was barking.)
Reed and Breakker beat up Punk until Jey and Zayn ran out to make the save. As everyone brawled, Styles wiped out everyone with a springboard dive. The crowd chanted “Holy sh*t,” which they tried desperately to censor.
Styles went for a Phenomenal forearm, but Americano caught him with a mid-air headbutt for the pinfall win. (Americano presumably loaded his mask during the earlier commotion, but the announcers called it like it was a normal headbutt. There was also no evidence that he loaded it.)
With the win, Gable will wrestle at Worlds Collide, and his alter ego will wrestle at MITB. Stephanie Vaquer will do the same.
— Rollins ran down to attack Punk. They brawled until Breakker speared Punk. Zayn attacked Breakker, but the heels swarmed him, and Rollins put him down with a stomp. Rollins stomped Punk, too. Jey superkicked Reed, but Breakker speared him and Rollins stomped him, too. Reed flattened Jey with consecutive Tsunamis.
Rollins’ heel group stood tall as the show ended.
The crowd was into all of this and was really into Punk all night.
Match result: El Grande Americano defeated AJ Styles and CM Punk to qualify for Money in the Bank (11:50)
