Monday Night RAW returns to the UK this week with a highly anticipated spotlight match between Rhea Ripley and Roxanne Perez, promising an intense showdown ahead of the upcoming WWE Clash In Paris event. The August 25 edition of RAW will air live from the bp pulse LIVE arena in Birmingham, England, starting unusually early at 3 PM ET, streaming exclusively on Netflix.
Rhea Ripley vs. Roxanne Perez: The Spotlight Match
In what many insiders expect to be the marquee match of the night, WWE Women’s World Champion Rhea Ripley will face off against Roxanne Perez, an emerging star with a rapidly growing fanbase. This match is being framed as a critical test for both women in the lead-up to Fall’s biggest pay-per-views.
According to a WWE insider familiar with the booking plans, the company views this bout as pivotal for bolstering RAW’s women’s division momentum, especially on international soil. “Rhea and Roxanne have undeniable chemistry and contrasting styles which should make for compelling television. The Birmingham crowd is going to be electric,” the source told Ringside News.
Ripley, known for her ruthless power and dominant presence, will have to counter Perez’s agility and technical proficiency. Both superstars are coming off recent high-profile performances, raising expectations for a match that could steal the show.
Other Key Matches and Segments Confirmed for RAW
Besides the Ripley-Perez match, WWE has confirmed several notable segments for the Birmingham RAW:
Roman Reigns will kick off the show—Continuing a storyline that has become more intense in recent weeks, The Tribal Chief is set to address ongoing tensions, including his personal rivalry with Bronson Reed.
Penta vs. Kofi Kingston—An exciting clash between two fan favorites. Penta’s high-flying lucha libre style meets Kofi’s unparalleled athleticism, providing a diversity of in-ring action.
Nikki Bella to call out Becky Lynch—This segment is anticipated to escalate their brewing feud, likely setting the stage for future confrontations or matches.
This lineup has generated buzz as WWE ramps up storylines leading into the Clash In Paris pay-per-view. With ticket distribution nearing full capacity, the event is shaping up as one of the more memorable RAW broadcasts of the summer[1][2][3][5].
Roman Reigns Sets the Tone for RAW
Roman Reigns is scheduled to open the show with a high-stakes promo. His feud with Bronson Reed has become heated, fueled by Reed’s repeated theft of Reigns’ signature “Shoe-La-Fala” sneakers, a storyline that’s added a unique and personal twist. The segment is expected to set the tone for the night and build anticipation for their showdown at Clash In Paris.
An insider shared, “Reigns is laser-focused on making a statement in front of the UK crowd. This isn’t just about the sneakers—he wants to remind everyone why he’s still the Head of the Table.” This opening moment underscores WWE’s strategy to blend intense rivalries and entertainment to engage both live and streaming audiences[2][5].
The Growing Impact of Netflix Streaming on WWE RAW
WWE RAW airing live on Netflix marks a significant evolution in the company’s broadcast strategy. By starting the show earlier at 3 PM ET and broadcasting globally, WWE aims to capitalize on both the large UK audience and the expanding international subscriber base.
This move aligns with WWE’s broader push to integrate streaming platforms more closely into its programming, leveraging Netflix’s vast reach to draw new fans. Fans and critics alike are watching closely to see if this strategy increases viewership and fan engagement in key international markets.
The Road to Clash in Paris Heats Up
Monday’s RAW in Birmingham serves as the final major stop before the Clash In Paris pay-per-view, and several storylines from RAW will directly feed into the big event.
Roman Reigns vs. Bronson Reed is positioned as a personal grudge match with real stakes.
The upcoming World Heavyweight Championship Fatal 4-Way, featuring Seth Rollins defending against CM Punk, LA Knight, and Jey Uso, remains a focal point with alliances tested and rivalries intensifying[5].
WWE is using RAW to keep momentum high and build intrigue for these marquee matches.
What Fans Can Expect from the Birmingham Audience
The bp pulse LIVE arena’s configuration for RAW caps attendance just shy of 12,000 spectators—most of whom have been eager to see WWE return to the UK live circuit. Promoters expect a vocal and passionate crowd, which often elevates in-ring performances and segment intensity.
Veteran talent and newcomers alike are expected to feed off this energy. One backstage source noted, “The UK fans are hardcore, and WWE superstars always bring their A-game there. This crowd will be a perfect backdrop for some iconic moments on RAW.”[2][3]
Final Thoughts
This August 25 edition of WWE RAW promises a jam-packed show featuring some of the biggest names in the company set against the backdrop of an enthusiastic Birmingham crowd. The Rhea Ripley vs. Roxanne Perez match, Roman Reigns’ opening segment, and Nikki Bella’s call-out are just a few highlights that make this RAW essential viewing for WWE fans worldwide.
With the show airing live on Netflix earlier in the day, WWE continues to innovate in how it delivers its product, making it more accessible across multiple time zones. As WWE builds towards Clash in Paris, this episode of RAW will set the stage for what should be a dramatic and action-filled Fall season.