WWE Raw kicked off the final stretch toward Crown Jewel 2025 with a thrilling live broadcast from the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. Airing on Netflix, the October 6 episode set the tone for the upcoming pay-per-view by featuring Roman Reigns opening the show, the much-anticipated return of CM Punk, and intense women’s division clashes including Becky Lynch vs. Maxxine Dupri and Lyra Valkyria facing Roxanne Perez.
Roman Reigns Commands the Opening Segment
The evening began with Universal Champion Roman Reigns taking center stage to assert his dominance heading into Crown Jewel in Perth, Australia. Known as “The Tribal Chief,” Reigns showcased his commanding presence in a promo that emphasized his continued reign at the top of the WWE hierarchy. His message was clear: no challenger entering Crown Jewel would walk out on top.
Sources close to WWE reveal that management sees Reigns as the linchpin of the company’s global appeal, especially with Crown Jewel being an international marquee event. “Roman’s role is pivotal – he drives ticket sales and viewership around the world and WWE is strategically using him to cement their position before the big event,” a WWE insider shared.
CM Punk’s Explosive Return Steals the Spotlight
One of the most exhilarating moments of the night was the surprise return of CM Punk, who interrupted the momentum with his charismatic and unpredictable energy. Punk’s return marks a significant moment as WWE builds toward Crown Jewel, potentially signaling fresh narrative angles and rivalries.
Punk’s appearance generated a massive reaction from the Dallas crowd, underscoring his star power and the excitement his return injected into WWE Raw. Observers speculate that Punk’s return might lead to a high-stakes confrontation with Roman Reigns or another top-tier star, adding substantial intrigue for fans tuning in.
According to insiders, Punk’s surprise comeback wasn’t fully leaked beforehand, allowing for a genuine shock factor. “Punk’s return was treated like a well-kept secret backstage. He’s back on Raw, and WWE has big plans for him in the fall,” a backstage source indicated.
Becky Lynch vs. Maxxine Dupri: A Heated Rivalry Intensifies
Becky Lynch continued to establish herself as a dominant force on Raw by facing Maxxine Dupri in a hard-fought match that highlighted the fiery rivalry between the women’s intercontinental champion and Dupri, who has been aggressively pursuing Lynch’s throne. Following a backstage beatdown last week, Lynch made sure to respond emphatically in the ring.
Lynch’s veteran savvy and tenacity carried her to a hard-earned victory, but Dupri’s resilience kept the bout competitive and showcased her rising potential in the women’s division. This feud is clearly heating up and is expected to play a major role going into the Crown Jewel event.
Lyra Valkyria vs. Roxanne Perez: Renewed Fierce Competition
In another notable women’s bout, Lyra Valkyria and Roxanne Perez reignited their competitive rivalry, putting on an athletic and technical showcase for the Dallas crowd. Both wrestlers brought their best, with high-impact moves and near falls keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
While the match did not conclude stable storytelling, it solidified both Valkyria and Perez as key players in the women’s division, with backstage sources suggesting potential rematches or tag team alignments for future events.
Other Highlights and Backstage Buzz
- The show featured several backstage promos and segments that furthered key storylines, enhancing the anticipation for Crown Jewel.
- WWE continues its experimental move of airing Raw live on Netflix, which has contributed to wider accessibility and a spike in international viewership.
- Rumors around a surprise appearance or title changes at Crown Jewel are swirling, adding an element of unpredictability to the brand’s biggest international event of 2025.
One WWE producer noted, “The energy in Dallas was electric — everyone knows Crown Jewel is the next big moment, and Raw did an excellent job elevating storylines and giving fans memorable moments.”
Looking Ahead to WWE Crown Jewel 2025
As WWE Raw wraps up its final push in the “Lone Star State,” the company gears up for a star-studded Crown Jewel event in Perth on October 12. With Roman Reigns set to defend his championship, CM Punk back in the fold, and the women’s divisions intensifying, this premium live event promises some of the most compelling matchups of the year.
Fans and analysts alike are watching closely to see how the storylines from Raw on October 6 will unfold on the international stage. The WWE universe is poised for a historic showcase as the road to Crown Jewel enters its final and most exciting phase.
Stay tuned to WWE Raw and Netflix for more updates and full coverage leading into Crown Jewel 2025.