The November 3, 2025 episode of WWE Raw delivered a spectacular showcase of tag team wrestling excellence as AJ Styles and Dragon Lee successfully defended their WWE World Tag Team Championships in a brutally hard-fought, chaotic match against Finn Bálor and JD McDonagh. The match, held at the Rio Rancho Events Center in New Mexico, reaffirmed WWE’s commitment to presenting top-tier tag team action that keeps fans on the edge of their seats.
High Stakes and Intense Action in the Main Event
AJ Styles and Dragon Lee entered the match as reigning champions, defending their titles against two of the most dynamic wrestlers on the roster Finn Bálor, the former NXT and Universal Champion, and JD McDonagh, an emerging powerhouse with a blend of technical skill and raw aggression. The contest was a rollercoaster of near falls, high-risk maneuvers, and rapid momentum shifts that underscored the depth of talent within WWE’s tag team division.
The bout reached its climax when AJ Styles executed his signature Styles Clash on JD McDonagh for the pinfall victory. Prior to that decisive moment, the competitors showcased a brutal display of endurance and teamwork, with Dragon Lee pulling off a remarkable save by flying over McDonagh, denying a near-fall and keeping their championship hopes alive. This spot was a highlight that epitomized the chaotic energy of the entire match[1][2][7].
Support from Unexpected Allies and Chaotic Surroundings
Adding to the dramatic tension, Sheamus, another top WWE superstar, made the difference by fighting off Dominik Mysterio’s interference towards the end of the match. His intervention ensured that Styles and Lee maintained control, preventing a title-changing upset[4]. The involvement of other WWE stars in the fray is becoming a hallmark of Raw’s unpredictable and action-packed storytelling.
Sources close to WWE reveal that backstage, the creative team has been thrilled with the tag division’s evolution this year, aiming to elevate the stature of the titles and the performers involved. “The energy and in-ring quality from AJ and Lee’s partnership have raised the bar,” said a WWE insider. “They bring veteran savvy and innovative offense which pushes their opponents to deliver incredible matches every time. This recent win solidifies their status as one of the best teams today”[4].
CM Punk’s Champion’s Return Sets the Tone for a New Era
The episode was also marked by the electrifying return of CM Punk to Raw as the newly crowned World Heavyweight Champion. Punk’s appearance set an intense and celebratory tone for the night. In a passionate promo, he acknowledged his supporters and hinted at future clashes, naming several top superstars including AJ Styles, Finn Bálor, and JD McDonagh himself, thereby indirectly raising the stakes for everyone involved in the title scene[5].
CM Punk’s words resonated with the crowd at the Rio Rancho Events Center, reaffirming that his presence injects fresh vigor into WWE’s landscape. The champion’s message about “earned vs. deserved” champions added emotional weight to the night’s contests and storylines, including the fiercely competitive tag team championship match[5].
What This Means for WWE’s Tag Team Division
AJ Styles and Dragon Lee’s retention of the World Tag Team titles underscores WWE’s ongoing dedication to spotlighting their tag team division amid a cluttered main-event scene. Styles, a seasoned veteran and former WWE Champion, linked with Dragon Lee, an internationally acclaimed luchador known for his agility and technical prowess, creates an exciting dynamic that appeals to both long-time fans and new audiences alike.
Their chemistry and in-ring storytelling have been lauded by fans and critics. This match against Bálor and McDonagh has been described as “a masterclass in tag team wrestling,” balancing high-flying offense with grit and resilience[1][2]. WWE appears poised to continue expanding this division’s prominence with further high-profile matches in the near future.
Looking Ahead: Potential Feuds and Rematches
With the titles still around their waists, AJ Styles and Dragon Lee look set to remain top targets moving forward. Finn Bálor and JD McDonagh, despite the loss, showcased undeniable chemistry and skill that could foreseeably spark a rematch. The involvement of Sheamus against interference hints at possible alliances and tensions that could develop into fresh storylines.
As one WWE insider put it, “The division is heating up more than ever. Expect rivalries to deepen, and these two teams will likely cross paths again before long. The crowd is hungry for more of these hard-hitting, unpredictable tag bouts”[4].
Conclusion
The November 3rd edition of WWE Raw successfully blended high drama, explosive action, and compelling storytelling, with AJ Styles and Dragon Lee solidifying their reign as World Tag Team Champions. Their chaotic and thrilling victory over Finn Bálor and JD McDonagh was a clear highlight of the night, imbued with perfect timing, star power, and unforgettable moments.
Combined with CM Punk’s commanding return and Sheamus’s crucial intervention, this episode laid a strong foundation for an exciting WWE landscape moving forward. Fans can expect continued excellence from this tag team division, with Styles and Lee currently leading the charge as the gold standard of WWE tag team wrestling.