Rio Rancho, New Mexico – November 3, 2025
WWE Raw delivered a night of championship drama, high-flying action, and the long-awaited coronation of CM Punk as the new World Heavyweight Champion. The Rio Rancho Events Center was electric as fans welcomed the return of one of wrestling’s most polarizing figures, while the World Tag Team Championship was on the line in a match that could shape the landscape of Raw’s tag division for months to come.
CM Punk Addresses the WWE Universe
The night began with a moment fans had been waiting for since last week’s explosive main event, where CM Punk defeated Jey Uso to claim the vacant World Heavyweight Championship. As the arena lights dimmed, the unmistakable sound of “Cult of Personality” echoed through the venue, and Punk emerged with the gold draped over his shoulder.
Punk took his time soaking in the boos and cheers, acknowledging the divided crowd before launching into a passionate promo. “I didn’t come back for the spotlight, I didn’t come back for the accolades,” Punk declared. “I came back because this company needed someone to tell the truth. And tonight, the truth is that I am your champion.”
He went on to address the critics, the doubters, and the legacy of the title, vowing to defend it against anyone who dared challenge him. “This isn’t about me,” Punk said. “This is about what this championship means to the people who watch this show every week. And I promise you, I will not let it down.”
According to a WWE insider, Punk’s return as champion is being treated as a pivotal moment in the company’s new era. “CM Punk is being positioned as the face of Raw moving forward,” the source revealed. “His promos, his matches, his presence—it’s all about re-establishing credibility and drawing in both longtime fans and new viewers.”
AJ Styles & Dragon Lee Defend World Tag Titles
The main event of the night saw AJ Styles and Dragon Lee put their World Tag Team Championship on the line against The Judgment Day’s Finn Bálor and JD McDonagh. The match was a showcase of technical mastery and high-flying innovation, with Styles and Lee trading control with Bálor and McDonagh in a back-and-forth battle that had the crowd on their feet.
Styles and Lee opened strong, using their speed and chemistry to keep The Judgment Day off balance. Bálor and McDonagh responded with their signature power and precision, targeting Lee’s arm and isolating him from Styles. The turning point came when Lee hit a breathtaking springboard moonsault onto McDonagh, allowing Styles to hit the Phenomenal Forearm for the win.
After the match, Styles and Lee celebrated with the titles, but The Judgment Day didn’t leave quietly. Bálor cut a promo, vowing to get another shot at the gold. “This isn’t over,” Bálor said. “We’ll be back, and next time, we’ll take what’s ours.”
Stephanie Vaquer & Nikki Bella Team Up
In a surprise pairing, Women’s World Champion Stephanie Vaquer teamed up with returning legend Nikki Bella to take on Roxanne Perez and Raquel Rodriguez. The match was a mix of veteran savvy and youthful energy, with Vaquer and Bella using their experience to outmaneuver Perez and Rodriguez.
Vaquer was dominant throughout, hitting her signature moves and showing why she’s considered one of the best in the world. Bella, meanwhile, looked sharp in her return, hitting a Bella Buster on Perez to secure the victory. After the match, Vaquer and Bella shared a moment in the ring, with Bella passing the torch to the new generation.
Bayley & Lyra Valkyria Face The Kabuki Warriors
Bayley and Lyra Valkyria took on The Kabuki Warriors (Asuka and Kairi Sane) in a match that was as much about storytelling as it was about in-ring action. Bayley and Valkyria showed great chemistry, with Valkyria’s high-flying style complementing Bayley’s technical prowess.
The Kabuki Warriors brought their usual intensity, but Bayley and Valkyria managed to outlast them, with Bayley hitting the Rose Plant on Sane for the win. After the match, Bayley cut a promo, calling out Iyo Sky and hinting at a future showdown for the Women’s World Championship.
Penta vs. El Grande Americano
Penta faced off against El Grande Americano in a match that was more about spectacle than substance. Penta’s high-risk offense was on full display, but Americano held his own, using his size and power to counter Penta’s moves. In the end, Penta hit the Black Arrow for the win, but Americano earned respect from the crowd for his performance.
Survivor Series WarGames Poster Revealed
The night also saw the official reveal of the Survivor Series WarGames poster, with the event set to take place in San Diego. The poster featured a dramatic image of the WarGames structure, with the tagline “The Ultimate Showdown” emblazoned across the top. WWE is expected to announce the teams and matches in the coming weeks.
Final Thoughts
WWE Raw on November 3, 2025, was a night of new beginnings and old rivalries. CM Punk’s return as champion marks a new chapter for the company, while the World Tag Team Championship match solidified Styles and Lee as the top team on Raw. With Survivor Series on the horizon and the Women’s Division heating up, the road to WrestleMania is already shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory.
According to a WWE insider, “CM Punk’s return is just the beginning. The company is planning a major push for the World Heavyweight Championship, and we can expect to see some big names step up to challenge him in the coming weeks.”