On January 27, 2025, WWE Raw rocked it out of the ballpark with an exhilarating show from the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. With the Road to the Royal Rumble winding down, the show also included the arrival of Cody Rhodes, the in-ring debut of Women’s Tag Team Champions Bianca Belair and Naomi and a firebrand of a return by Seth Rollins to get the exciting evening started. Here are the key results and highlights:
Seth Rollins Kicks Off WWE Raw
Seth Rollins rode in on a car for WWE Monday Night Raw wearing an elaborate floral suit and giant pink glasses. Rollins hyped up the Royal Rumble, which he called his favorite time of year, as the crowd chanted his name. He mentioned his Netflix debut, and his loss to CM Punk and reflected on a rocky start to 2025.
Rollins said he’s taking the first step on a road to redemption at the Rumble, which he plans to win by eliminating top stars like John Cena, Roman Reigns and CM Punk. He teased a potential WrestleMania showdown with either Gunther or Cody Rhodes for a major title.
Gunther, Rollins, and Logan Paul Face Off
Gunther then arrived in the ring with his World Heavyweight Championship on his shoulder and questioned Seth Rollins being focused, stating that Rollins forgot what matters most in WWE. He reminded the Visionary that he defended his title against Jey Uso at SNME, and Rollins had been whining. The two-time grand slam champion replied, confident that Gunther’s title became prestigious because of his legacy. The bad blood boiled over until Logan Paul’s music hit, and he came out to loud boos from the arena.
Paul rejected both of them, stating that he was the real star of WWE RAW Netflix era and arrogantly declared for the Royal Rumble. Rollins responded with a laugh to Gunther, who baited him into hoping Logan won, then would embarrass him. But Rollins said the big man would be the one who’d be embarrassed. And with that, the Revolutionary dropped the mic and left, leaving Gunther and Logan Paul to face off as the Royal Rumble feud heated up.
The War Raiders retain vs. The Judgment Day
The War Raiders, Erik and Ivar, defended their WWE World Tag Team Championship against The Judgment Day’s Dominik Mysterio and Damian Priest. A bruising game played to the Raiders’ strengths, the mix of speed and strength that got them the ball and pushed aside opponents.
A decisive finish saw the champions hit their War Machine finisher on Dominik to retain the titles. The Judgment Day attempted to take advantage of their underhanded strategy, but the Raiders were unwilling to back down, delivering a message to the tag team division.
Winners: Still WWE World Tag Team Champions, The War Raiders
Rey Mysterio vs. Xavier Woods
Next on WWE RAW, Rey Mysterio faced Xavier Woods. Woods and Mysterio begin with some rapid-fire action, trading moves such as a springboard crossbody and a hurricanrana. Woods’s family is at ringside; they’re wearing “The New Day Sucks” t-shirts, incensing Woods. Things pick up as the luchador legend hits a sunset flip powerbomb, followed by a 619 from Rey.
The former World champion wins the match with a splash, as Woods looks on in disbelief as the LWO and Woods’ family celebrate the win.
Winner: Rey Mysterio
Bianca Belair and Naomi vs. Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez
Bianca Belair hits a tag team move early with Naomi. But Liv and Raquel are not defeated, and Raquel demonstrates why she’s such a powerful force. There’s a series of high-flying moves and near falls before Belair does a moonsault on Liv yet Dominik Mysterio distracts them. Raquel attacks Naomi and throws her back in, which allows Morgan to pin Naomi.
This sets the stage for a Women’s Tag Team match between the two team at Royal Rumble or on next episodes of WWE RAW. Jade Cargill can also make her return resuming her storyline with Belair and Naomi.
Winners: Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez
Drew McIntyre vs. Sami Zayn
The match starts and Zayn is on the receiving end of Drew’s powerful moves, including a spine buster and sit-down powerbomb. Zayn fights back, hitting a tornado DDT and Blue Thunder Bomb. But the Scottish Warrior steals the win with a controversial pin after using the ropes to get leverage on the Claymore attempt. McIntyre laughs and gets out of the ring as Zayn argues with the referee.
It seems like WWE creative team is loading Sami Zayn’s heel turn. All the developments from the last two weeks on WWE RAW hint at a heel turn for the former IC Champion.
Winner: Drew McIntyre
Paul Heyman Announces WWE 2K25 Cover Superstar
Paul Heyman made a big announcement of sorts, revealing Roman Reigns as the cover star of the upcoming WWE 2K25 video game. The acknowledgment further cemented Reigns’ legacy as the “Tribal Chief” and face of WWE. Heyman boasted about Reigns’ unparalleled dominance, reminding the audience of his historic championship reign.
The reaction to the announcement was divided, like that of The Tribal Chief, a divisive persona. The reveal of Reigns’ impact in and out of the ring has only increased excitement as WWE 2K25 approaches.
CM Punk’s Royal Rumble Declaration
In a shocking ending to WWE Raw, CM Punk was face-to-face with Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes, giving it a life-changing statement. He then declares his intent to win the Royal Rumble and face the American Nightmare for the gold on the grandest stage. The taut face-off kept the crowd abuzz as Punk’s classic mic game and Rhodes’ hard-nosed presence intensified the drama. The second part certainly adds to the intrigue of the Royal Rumble as most fans are eager to see if Punk is able to accomplish his ambitious WrestleMania plans.
This week’s episode of WWE RAW weaved in a tapestry woven with thrilling moments, from intense bouts to emotional storylines. The show had fans in a frenzy for what was coming next, with dastardly rivalries and unexpected alliances putting their stamp on WWE’s future events.
Vijay Suyal 
Reddaveni Saisneha