OMAHA, Nebraska — Five days to the much-anticipated 2025 Backlash premium live event, WWE roll enter CHI Health Center for an electrifying edition of Raw on Netflix. As fans gear up for the showdown, Becky Lynch prepare for her Women’s Intercontinental Championship clash against Lyra Valkyria, while World Heavyweight Champion Jey Uso face off with a fierce Logan Paul and an escalating rivalry between John Cena and Randy Orton.
The night kick off with Jey Uso seizing the spotlight, immediately calling out Logan Paul. Paul Heyman, always one to stir up drama, interrupted with a fiery promo justifying his actions against CM Punk and Roman Reigns. Heyman laid out the plan, revealing that Bron Breakker was just the first part, with Rollins eyeing the World Heavyweight Championship. Uso accepted the challenge posed by Rollins for later in the night, setting the stage for an explosive main event.
‘Dis segment shows Heyman at his best, delivering a passionate narrative that paints an intense picture of the rivalry ahead. ‘Di crowd’s support for Uso remains strong, hitting the roof as he criticized Heyman for seemingly betraying his own, a reference to Reigns’ past sacrifices. “You don’t know how to yield that power and control,” Heyman taunted back, striking a nerve with Uso.
JD McDonagh stepped into the ring against Penta, and despite multiple interference attempts from Finn Bálor and Carlito, McDonagh was unable to secure the win. Penta solidified his status by delivering a Mexican Destroyer for the victory, further complicating The Judgment Day’s plans while igniting what seems to be the end for Bálor in the group.
Following this intense match, chaos erupted as Austin Theory found himself tossed into a match against the returning Sheamus, courtesy of Grayson Waller. Although Theory tried to claim victory, Sheamus dominated, winning the match with a Brogue Kick. Theory and Waller’s partnership looks strained, with tensions flaring, as fans are left to wonder if Theory can reclaim his position as a fan favorite.
In a face-off ahead of Saturday’s Women’s Intercontinental Championship match, Lynch and Valkyria clashed verbally, showcasing their skills on the mic. “You’re the queen of recycling,” Valkyria jabbed, reminding everyone of her historic title reign. Their brawl, ending with Valkyria delivering the Nightwing, solidified her momentum heading into Saturday.
Roxanne Perez impressed again with a smartly wrestled match against Iyo Sky, focusing attacks on Sky’s leg but ultimately losing after a roll-up. Despite the loss, Perez’s performance continued to highlight her potential as a future star within WWE. The chaotic aftermath left her and Sky at odds with Giulia siding with the champion to create further rivalries.
Rusev made his long-awaited return, squashing Otis with ease. This dominant performance put Rusev back on the map, showcasing his strength and power. However, his post-match aggression raised eyebrows, with General Manager Adam Pearce stepping in to maintain order.
Gunther and Pat McAfee had their verbal sparring match as they approached their Backlash showdown. McAfee’s taunts ignited Gunther’s fury, promising a brutal face-off that fans can’t wait to see. “You don’t want it anymore,” McAfee roared, strengths being tested as Gunther spoke with chilling resolve to focus all his energy into defeating McAfee.
The closing segment saw Rollins face Uso in a heated main event where chaos ensued. With the appearance of Sami Zayn and a chair-wielding CM Punk, Rollins’ bid for the title ended in a disqualification. This capitulated the night as Punk, Uso, and Zayn foreshadow powerful stories unfolding in the coming weeks, leaving fans eager for what’s next.
The night heightened expectations for Backlash, with strong promotional showcases and memorable moments giving fans something to look forward to this Saturday. Despite some minor missteps, WWE’s creative vision seems to be on an upward trajectory.
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