WWE Raw 10/27/25: Punk vs Uso Face-off, Flair/Bliss Retain & Nikki Bella vs Roxanne Perez Steals the Show

Monday night’s episode of WWE Raw (October 27 2025, Anaheim) delivered a mix of storyline-fuel, strong in-ring competition and a few frustrations that fans and critics alike noted. From the build to the world heavyweight title match between CM Punk and Jey Uso to the women’s tag team title defence by Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss, Raw carried big moments — but also left some fans asking “why?”

Key Moments & Matches

Punk vs Uso: The Build Begins

The show opened with Jey Uso laying out his ambition to claim the vacant World Heavyweight Championship. CM Punk interrupted and reminded everyone that their friendship won’t stop him from taking what he wants. The segment was heavy on tension but light on resolution—-a clear “go-home” setup for their title match this weekend.

Women’s Tag Team Title Match: Flair & Bliss Retain

Flair and Bliss defended their Women’s Tag Team Championships against Bayley & Lyra Valkyria. The champions retained after a firm performance, but the post-match attack by The Kabuki Warriors reminded the audience the division is still bubbling.

Nikki Bella vs Roxanne Perez: Surprise Result

Nikki Bella picked up a significant win over Roxanne Perez, pinning Perez after her signature “Pop Rox” move. The match surprised many, both for the result and for Perez’s positioning in the storyline pipeline.

Other Notes & Supporting Matches

• JD McDonagh defeated Sheamus via pinfall with interference from Finn Balor.
• Bron Breakker picked up a pin over LA Knight, as part of his progression in the roster.
• Some fans and critics noted the show felt slower than expected: long segments, fewer big movement matches, and an emphasis on setting up upcoming events rather than delivering immediate fireworks.
  

What Worked — & What Didn’t

What Worked:

• The face-to-face between Punk and Uso felt important, setting stakes for their looming title match.
• The Flair & Bliss retention solidified their position atop the women’s tag division and gave some clarity.
• Nikki Bella’s win brought nostalgia and a fresh twist, drawing attention to her and Perez.

What Didn’t Work:

• Despite the main event build, little actual physical confrontation took place between Punk and Uso. Some felt it dragged rather than elevated.
• The match pacing overall was criticized for being sluggish in places; some segments felt like filler.
• A few storyline teases lacked payoff, making the night feel more transitional than thrilling.

Why This Episode Matters in the Bigger Picture

With the upcoming Saturday Night’s Main Event title match between Punk and Uso, this Raw was clearly designed as the penultimate step. It also reflects WWE’s focus on building layered storylines rather than only match-to-match action. While that can be effective, it risks short-term viewer engagement if the build isn’t balanced with compelling in-ring content.

For the women’s division, the match results show WWE’s investment in creating depth — giving newer stars (like Valkyria and Perez) meaningful spots while relying on established names (Flair, Bliss, Bella) to anchor the narrative.

Final Take

Monday’s Raw provided the groundwork for what’s ahead, offering high stakes and promising angles. While it might not have delivered instant blockbuster matches, it made clear where things are heading: Punk vs Uso for the world title, Nikki Bella’s return in the spotlight, and the women’s tag scene heating up. If WWE leans into these arcs with strong execution, the next few weeks could deliver some very rewarding pay-offs.