Welcome to Wrestling Inc.’s coverage of WWE Raw from the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas! The night featured a packed lineup, including Drew McIntyre facing Seth Rollins, Bayley battling Nia Jax, and other key matchups and developments.
McIntyre vs. Rollins: Tensions Escalate
Drew McIntyre squared off with Seth Rollins in a highly anticipated match, marking their first encounter since WrestleMania 40. The rivalry intensified with both men and CM Punk facing off in a verbal confrontation, all declaring their intention to win the 2025 Men’s Royal Rumble.
After an intense bout, which saw both competitors exchange devastating moves, Seth Rollins managed to pin McIntyre after a roll-up, marking a dramatic turn of events. McIntyre, visibly furious, continued his attack on Rollins post-match, only for Sami Zayn to intervene. In a shocking twist, Zayn accidentally landed a Helluva Kick on Rollins, leaving fans in suspense about the next chapter in this rivalry.
Bayley vs. Nia Jax: Explosive Showdown
In her first televised Raw match after transferring from SmackDown, Bayley faced off against Nia Jax, who had previously defeated her for the WWE Women’s Championship. The match saw high-intensity action with Jax dominating early on, but Bayley fought back, delivering an An-Nia-Lator followed by a top-rope elbow drop. Despite Bayley’s best efforts, Jax proved too powerful and secured the win with her signature Samoan Drop and An-Nia-Lator.
After the match, Rhea Ripley made her presence known, confronting Jax and demanding a match at Saturday Night’s Main Event.
Rey Mysterio and New Day in Action
Rey Mysterio faced Kofi Kingston in a high-energy match that saw multiple near-falls and interference from Xavier Woods. After a back-and-forth contest, Rey ultimately pinned Kingston following a 619 and splash combo. However, the post-match actions were chaotic, with Woods and Kingston attacking Rey until Joaquin Wilde and Cruz Del Toro made the save.
Penta vs. Pete Dunne: Battle of the Strong Styles
Penta and Pete Dunne engaged in a brutal contest, with both men showing off their hard-hitting styles. Penta picked up the win after a fierce exchange of strikes and submission attempts, closing the match with a Penta Driver.
Women’s Tag Team Action: Damage CTRL vs. Pure Fusion Collective
In a fast-paced tag team encounter, IYO SKY and Dakota Kai of Damage CTRL faced off against members of the Pure Fusion Collective. After a flurry of action and near-falls, SKY landed an Over The Moonsault for the win, securing another victory for Damage CTRL.
CM Punk Talks Royal Rumble
CM Punk took a moment to address the crowd and discuss his entry into the 2025 Men’s Royal Rumble. Reflecting on his career, Punk expressed his desire to win the Rumble and claim the World Championship, making it clear that he intends to make an impact.
The Most Unforgettable WWE Scandals
WWE’s storied history has been plagued with various controversies that have left lasting marks on both the promotion and its key figures. Here’s a look at some of the most unforgettable scandals in WWE history:
Vince McMahon’s Alleged Sexual Misconduct
The most recent scandal surrounds Vince McMahon, who faced numerous sexual misconduct allegations over the years. A recent investigation revealed that McMahon paid nearly $19.6 million in hush money from 2006 to 2022. These revelations led to McMahon temporarily stepping down from his CEO role in 2022, though he returned after WWE’s merger with TKO Group.
CM Punk’s Departure and Legal Battle
CM Punk’s 2014 exit from WWE sparked one of the most controversial stories in pro wrestling history. Punk’s public grievances during his departure and the subsequent defamation lawsuit filed by WWE doctor Chris Amann made headlines. Punk and his former friend Colt Cabana’s legal battle continued for years, culminating in a settlement. Punk’s return to WWE in 2023, after a nearly decade-long hiatus, added another layer to his tumultuous career.
Owen Hart’s Tragic Death
Owen Hart’s tragic death in 1999 during the Over the Edge pay-per-view marked one of the darkest moments in WWE history. Hart fell 78 feet while performing a stunt as part of his Blue Blazer gimmick, ultimately resulting in his untimely death. WWE’s decision to continue with the event despite the accident has been widely criticized.
The Steroid Trial: McMahon vs. The U.S. Government
In the early ’90s, Vince McMahon was charged with distributing steroids to WWE talent. Despite a high-profile trial, McMahon was acquitted, though the incident led to the eventual creation of WWE’s Wellness Policy in 2008 to address the ongoing issues of drug use within the promotion.
The Plane Ride from Hell
The infamous 2002 “Plane Ride from Hell” was a tumultuous flight from England to the U.S. involving multiple wrestlers, heavy drinking, and various scandals. The most notorious incident involved Ric Flair, who was accused of sexual harassment by flight attendants. WWE later settled out of court with the women involved.
The Montreal Screwjob
One of the most infamous moments in wrestling history, the Montreal Screwjob, occurred at Survivor Series 1997. Vince McMahon orchestrated a controversial finish in which Bret Hart was betrayed during his match with Shawn Michaels, leading to McMahon’s notorious claim that “Bret screwed Bret.” This event led to Hart’s departure from WWE and remains one of the most talked-about scandals in wrestling.
These scandals, both in the ring and behind the scenes, have shaped WWE’s legacy and continue to resonate within the industry. Despite these controversies, WWE remains a dominant force in sports entertainment, constantly evolving and pushing forward in the world of professional wrestling.