Monday Night RAW in Detroit delivered a mix of heartfelt tributes, high-octane wrestling action, and surprising backstage moments, making July 28, 2025, a memorable night for WWE fans worldwide. The Little Caesars Arena played host to an emotionally charged episode that honored the legendary Hulk Hogan, delivered impactful in-ring performances, and sparked massive social media buzz around the rising star Melo. Here’s an inside look at the biggest backstage news and showside highlights from WWE RAW.

Jey Uso’s Unexpected F-Bomb Sparks Backstage Buzz

A highlight that quickly caught attention both inside and outside the arena was a moment when Jey Uso dropped a big-time F-bomb live on RAW. Sources close to WWE revealed that this was an unplanned slip, which surprised the production team given WWE’s family-friendly broadcasting standards. According to insiders speaking to Fightful, Jey was heated in a promo segment and emphasized his point emphatically, resulting in the profanity. WWE officials opted to keep the moment airing, acknowledging the raw emotions involved in storylines heading into SummerSlam 2025.

High-Profile Guests Fill the House in Detroit

Adding star power beyond WWE’s own talent roster, UFC fighter Jamahal Hill was seen backstage during RAW, impressing many with his physical stature and connection to the sports world. Also ringside was NFL standout Jahmyr Gibbs, star running back for the Detroit Lions, pictured with his girlfriend enjoying the show up close. Sources say WWE is cultivating partnerships with major sports figures to broaden their audience reach, leveraging cross-promotional opportunities around marquee events like SummerSlam.

#WeWantMelo Trends Worldwide Before and During Raw

Social media lit up with the hashtag #WeWantMelo, trending globally prior to RAW going live and continuing to surge throughout the evening. “Melo,” a promising WWE emerging superstar, has ignited fan excitement due to his in-ring charisma and recent standout performances on NXT and RAW. Fans flooded Twitter and other platforms demanding a bigger push and prominent storylines for the young talent.

WWE.com and several podcasts covering WWE news have reported that company officials are closely monitoring fan reactions, with potential plans to elevate Melo’s role rapidly. “The buzz around Melo is real, and the company’s aware of it,” a WWE insider told Wrestling Headlines. “We could see some major developments for him at SummerSlam.”

Emotional Ten-Bell Salute Honors Hulk Hogan

One of the most poignant moments of the evening was WWE’s moving tribute to the late Hulk Hogan, who passed away earlier this year at age 72. As the show opened, the arena was filled with an overwhelming sense of respect and nostalgia. A large photo of Hogan was displayed prominently on the titantron, accompanied by WWE Superstars assembling on stage for a somber moment.

Triple H delivered heartfelt remarks, calling Hogan “a global icon whose impact transcended wrestling,” recalling their personal encounters and Hogan’s influence on the industry. Legendary business partner Eric Bischoff and Hogan’s son Nick Hogan, who attended with his wife, were also part of the tribute.

The highlight was a solemn ten-bell salute that resonated across the packed arena and among viewers at home, followed by a tribute video showcasing iconic moments from Hogan’s career. Fans chanted “Hogan” loudly throughout, with several dressed as the wrestling legend, underscoring his lasting legacy.

Key Match Results and Fan Reactions

Besides the backstage drama and tributes, the show delivered several notable matches that set the stage for SummerSlam.

• AJ Styles teamed up with the Kabuki Warriors (Asuka and Kairi Sane) to defeat The Judgment Day faction, including WWE Intercontinental Champion “Dirty” Dominik Mysterio and Women’s Tag Team Champions Roxanne Perez and Raquel Rodriguez, in a thrilling six-person mixed tag match.

• Veteran powerhouse Sheamus defeated the rising star Grayson Waller, continuing his winning streak and momentum heading into the SummerSlam weekend.

Backstage sources suggest WWE is positioning several top stars to collide at SummerSlam, with escalating tensions reported between Gunther and CM Punk, as well as potential storyline developments involving Roman Reigns, who made a surprise appearance at RAW’s conclusion.

WWE’s Public Relations Moves and Fan Engagement Strategy

WWE’s strategy to blend nostalgia with fresh talent was on full display, balancing tributes to legends like Hogan while hyping new faces like Melo. The presence of non-wrestling celebrities such as Jamahal Hill and Jahmyr Gibbs indicates an ongoing effort to bridge WWE’s entertainment factor with mainstream sports and pop culture audiences.

Social media engagement teams amplified #WeWantMelo, clearly an organic fan-driven campaign, but WWE is reportedly surveying this momentum for possible on-screen consequences. Analysts predict an opportunistic push for Melo that could disrupt the mid-card landscape post-SummerSlam.

Final Thoughts and What’s Next

Sources close to WWE confirm that plans are already underway to capitalize on the intense fan interest generated by this week’s RAW. With SummerSlam fast approaching, storylines involving Jey Uso, Melo, Roman Reigns, and others are expected to intensify. Meanwhile, tributes like the ten-bell salute to Hulk Hogan remind fans and wrestlers alike of the deep roots and lore that continue to shape WWE’s present and future.

As reported by Wrestling Headlines and corroborated by Fightful and WWE.com, this episode of RAW was a potent mix of emotion, surprise, and high-stakes build-up to WWE’s biggest summer event.

Stay tuned as we continue to cover all the developments leading into SummerSlam 2025.

Sources: WWE.com, Fightful Wrestling, Wrestling Headlines, Wrestleview.com, insider reports and social media updates.