WWE Raw Recap: Key Highlights, Shocking Returns, and Road to Backlash 2025
The May 5, 2025 episode of WWE Raw delivered on spectacle, surprise, and stories as the show barreled toward this year’s anticipated Backlash premium live event. From title matches to shocking returns and heated confrontations, Monday Night Raw continued to prove why it remains the flagship show for sports entertainment fans.
Main Event Drama: Jey Uso vs. Seth Rollins
The headline match saw World Heavyweight Champion Jey Uso defend his title against a determined Seth Rollins. It was the first time in seven months the prestigious championship was on the line on WWE Raw. The match itself was a showcase of grit, athleticism, and unpredictability. The Omaha crowd roared for Uso, echoing his continued popularity. Paul Heyman, always the master manipulator, tried to tip the scales for Rollins, but interference from Bron Breakker and the dramatic arrival of CM Punk turned the main event on its head. Punk’s attack on Rollins denied him the title, leaving the WWE Universe buzzing. For a detailed play-by-play of this wild title match, check out the official WWE Raw May 5, 2025 results.
Rivalries Intensify Ahead of Backlash
Beyond the championship clash, WWE Raw featured several heated segments and high-stakes matches. Becky Lynch and Lyra Valkyria’s in-ring confrontation set the stage for their Women’s Intercontinental Championship bout at Backlash. Both women traded harsh words before breaking out into a wild brawl. The intense back-and-forth shows that WWE is heavily investing in its women’s division, with Valkyria outshining Lynch in that final show of strength. Read a full breakdown, live grades, and backstage insights from Bleacher Report’s WWE Raw recap.
Elsewhere, Sheamus made a dramatic return, demolishing Austin Theory and seeding more tension in the tag division. Penta and JD McDonagh also put on a clinic, with Penta overcoming faction interference for a decisive victory. The Judgment Day’s continued struggles hint at possible future shake-ups in WWE Raw’s roster.
Notable Moments and Surprises
Fans were treated to the surprise re-emergence of Rusev, who showcased his power against Otis and continued to punish Akira Tozawa after the bell. The segment cemented Rusev as a major force on the red brand once again. Meanwhile, Pat McAfee and Gunther’s face-to-face ratcheted up the tension before their Backlash grudge match.
The women’s division also shined, with Roxanne Perez and Iyo Sky delivering a standout match. Perez impressed, nearly taking down the Women’s World Champion, before being blindsided in a post-match beatdown. Giulia’s continued presence has added new intrigue to the women’s championship picture.
Storylines and What’s Next
With Backlash days away, WWE Raw is firing on all cylinders. The main event rivalries—Jey Uso vs. Seth Rollins, Becky Lynch vs. Lyra Valkyria, and the steady rise of Rusev—offer plenty for fans to anticipate. Expect Punk, Zayn, Rollins, and Uso to keep the excitement high in coming weeks. For a more in-depth analysis of all the storylines and predictions as we head into Backlash, read Yahoo Sports’ WWE Raw results and highlights.
Conclusion: Why WWE Raw Remains Must-See
This week’s episode captured everything fans love about WWE Raw: surprise, skilled wrestling, and meaningful storytelling. With championships up for grabs and so many moving parts building to Backlash, now is the perfect time to tune in. Don’t miss the fallout in next week’s edition—who will stand tall as new champions, and what rivalries will explode next?