The pre-Thanksgiving edition of WWE Raw, which aired on November 24, 2025, was a mixed bag of emotions. The show boasted some impressive moments but also had its fair share of underwhelming segments. Let’s dive into the best and worst of Monday Night Raw.
3 Things We Loved
1. A Surprising Return
The night’s opening segment saw Cody Rhodes walking out to a thunderous ovation, and it was clear that the crowd was hungry for his return to action. Rhodes was back, and he didn’t waste any time getting straight into the thick of things. He cut a scathing promo, aimed at Seth Rollins, which set the tone for the rest of the evening.
According to sources close to Cody Rhodes, his return was not just about getting back on the mic or stepping back into the ring. Rhodes had been working tirelessly behind the scenes to get his character right and to ensure that his return would be more than just a shock value moment. It paid off, as the crowd’s reaction was electric.
2. A Thrilling Main Event
The main event of the evening saw Roman Reigns, the Bloodline, and The Usos take on Braun Strowman, The Miz, and Cesaro in a massive 6-man tag team match. This bout was a highlight of the night, with all six competitors giving it their all and putting on a show for the capacity crowd. The match was fast-paced, intense, and had more than its fair share of near-falls.
In a post-match interview, Roman Reigns was asked about his thoughts on the match and the return of Cody Rhodes. Reigns stated, “Cody Rhodes thinks he’s back, but he’s got a long way to go. He may have the crowd behind him, but when it comes down to it, he’s still just a man. And on Monday Night Raw, men get hurt.”
3. A Surprising Turn of Events
One of the most surprising moments of the night came when Finn Balor challenged AJ Styles for the Intercontinental Championship. Balor, who had been on a hot streak as of late, caught Styles off guard and managed to secure the pin. This has set up a potential showdown between the two for the championship at a future event.
3 Things We Hated
1. Underwhelming Segment
The segment featuring The New Day was a letdown. The trio’s usual chemistry and energy were missing, and the segment itself felt like an afterthought. The lack of a clear direction or purpose made it feel like a waste of time.
Sources close to the creative team have revealed that The New Day had been working on some new material, but it didn’t quite come together as planned. This may have contributed to the underwhelming segment.
2. Lack of Progression
One of the biggest issues with Monday Night Raw is the lack of progression for many of its characters. This was particularly evident in the bout between Sheamus and Riddle. While both competitors put on a good show, the match itself was nothing more than a rehashing of old material.
In a backstage interview, a WWE insider stated, “We’ve been working hard to get the roster on the right path, but sometimes it feels like we’re just spinning our wheels. We need to find ways to take the characters and storylines to the next level, or else we risk losing the audience’s interest.”
3. A Poor Booking Decision
The decision to have Becky Lynch job out to Shayna Baszler in their bout was a poor one. Lynch is one of the top female competitors in the WWE, and having her job out to Baszler did nothing to enhance the latter’s character. This has left many questioning the creative direction of the women’s division.
According to sources close to the women’s division, this decision was made in an effort to set up a future showdown between the two. However, it’s hard to see how this will benefit the division as a whole.
In conclusion, Monday Night Raw had its fair share of highs and lows. While Cody Rhodes’ return was a highlight, the underwhelming segment featuring The New Day and the poor booking decision regarding Becky Lynch’s loss to Shayna Baszler were major letdowns. As WWE continues to navigate the ever-changing landscape of professional wrestling, it’s essential that they focus on providing the best possible product for their audience.
The pre-Thanksgiving edition of Monday Night Raw may not have been the best show, but there’s always room for improvement. With the holidays just around the corner, WWE will be looking to capitalize on the momentum built up over the past few weeks. Can they do it? Only time will tell.