WWE Raw Results, Recap, and Grades – Netflix Era Debut

WWE Raw’s premiere under its new Netflix partnership delivered a night full of intense action, dramatic returns, and shocking moments. The debut show marked the beginning of a new era for WWE programming, with fan-favorites like Roman Reigns and CM Punk putting on show-stealing performances. Here’s a rundown of the night’s most important moments, along with grades for each match.

Roman Reigns vs. Solo Sikoa (Tribal Combat)

Result: Roman Reigns def. Solo Sikoa via Pinfall
Grade: A-

The night kicked off with a highly anticipated Tribal Combat match between Roman Reigns and his cousin, Solo Sikoa. The ula fala, a symbolic family heirloom, was on the line, and the match lived up to the chaos one would expect from such high stakes. With no disqualifications, Reigns and Sikoa unleashed a brutal battle using tables, chairs, and even the commentary desk to punish one another.

The action escalated as multiple members of The Bloodline, including Tanga Loa and Jacob Fatu, interfered, making it seem like Sikoa might steal a victory. However, Jimmy Uso and Sami Zayn came to Reigns’ rescue, evening the odds and allowing him to land a pair of spears on Sikoa for the win. In a poignant post-match moment, The Rock made his presence felt, giving Reigns the ula fala before sharing a heartfelt hug and handshake.

The match was overbooked, but in the best way possible—full of twists and turns that kept fans on the edge of their seats. The chaotic nature, combined with the hot crowd, made it an unforgettable start to WWE’s new Netflix era.

CM Punk vs. Seth Rollins

Result: CM Punk def. Seth Rollins via Pinfall
Grade: B+

The main event of the evening saw CM Punk square off against Seth Rollins, continuing the rivalry that has been building since Punk’s return at Survivor Series. The match quickly descended into a brawl, with both men trading brutal strikes and high-impact moves rather than following a traditional wrestling format.

The two stars fought through the crowd and onto the commentary desk, with Rollins hitting his own version of Punk’s GTS and trying to put him away with his signature Pedigree. The action was fast-paced and rough, with the referee struggling to maintain control as both men disregarded traditional wrestling tactics.

In the end, Punk managed to hit Rollins with two GTS finishers, securing the victory. The brawl-heavy style of the match may not appeal to everyone, but for fans who appreciate the raw, unrelenting physicality, this was a thrilling contest that capped off a memorable night.

John Cena Farewell Tour Announcement

John Cena also made an appearance during the show, taking time to announce his farewell tour. He spoke candidly about his career and the challenges of achieving a 17th world championship. Cena expressed that it would take a miracle for him to win another title but promised to give it everything he had. He announced he would be entering the Royal Rumble, making it clear he intends to go out on his own terms, even if winning another championship seems unlikely.

Additional Highlights of the Night in WWE

The Rock Promotes Netflix: The Rock opened the show with a segment where he promoted WWE’s new partnership with Netflix. He referenced shows like Squid Game and praised Netflix management while also giving a shout-out to his cousin, Roman Reigns, and complimenting Cody Rhodes for carrying WWE during a challenging time.
The Overall Atmosphere: The night had an undeniable sense of grandeur, as WWE shifted its focus toward its Netflix audience. From the high-stakes matches to the surprise appearances, the show had a bigger-than-life feel. With The Rock’s presence, Cena’s farewell announcement, and the intense bouts, it was clear that WWE was pulling out all the stops for its Netflix debut.

Final Thoughts:

WWE Raw’s first night on Netflix was a success, blending dramatic storylines with action-packed matches and moments that felt like historic milestones. From Roman Reigns’ victory in the Tribal Combat match to CM Punk and Seth Rollins’ gritty brawl, the show showcased some of WWE’s most exciting and unpredictable moments in recent memory.

Best Match of the Night: Roman Reigns vs. Solo Sikoa (A-)
Most Intense Moment: CM Punk’s double GTS to Seth Rollins to close the show.
Biggest Surprise: The Rock presenting the ula fala to Roman Reigns and the heartfelt embrace between the two.

The show set a high bar for WWE’s future on Netflix, and it will be exciting to see how the company continues to evolve within this new chapter.

WWE Raw Results, Recap, and Grades – Netflix Era Debut 2025