Monday Night Raw from July 28, 2025, was a historic and heartfelt episode, dedicated in large part to honoring the legendary WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan, who passed away recently at age 71. The night also delivered sharp promos, intense matches, and some intriguing behind-the-scenes developments, particularly involving CM Punk’s recent vicious promo. Here is a detailed look at the key moments and insider information from the show, along with what’s happening backstage according to WWE sources and industry insiders.

Hulk Hogan’s Legacy Honored on WWE Raw

The episode began with an emotional atmosphere as WWE paid tribute to Hulk Hogan, a towering figure who was instrumental in transforming wrestling into a global cultural phenomenon. At the outset of the show, a solemn 10-bell salute was observed in the memory of Terry Bollea, famously known as Hulk Hogan[1][4].

Nick Hogan, Hulk’s son, appeared live from Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, visibly holding back tears as he stood alongside WWE talent and executives on stage. Nick was supported by his wife, Tana Lea, creating a poignant family moment that resonated deeply with fans and wrestlers alike[1]. WWE chief content officer and Hall of Famer Triple H delivered an emotional tribute, emphasizing the indelible impact Hogan had on the industry:

“He captivated millions of people and inspired them around the globe. We would not be standing here right now — all of us together — if it was not for him.”[1][2]

WWE also played a comprehensive tribute video featuring iconic Hogan moments and testimonials, underscoring the profound influence Hogan had on generations of wrestling fans and superstars[3]. The lasting sentiment was clear: Hogan’s era laid the groundwork for today’s WWE and the global wrestling industry.

The Show’s “Whatcha Gonna Do?” Theme: A Nod to Hogan’s Catchphrase

The entire episode carried the spirit of Hogan’s famous catchphrase, “Whatcha gonna do when Hulkamania runs wild on you?” The show’s title and many visual elements were designed as a tribute that connected past and present WWE stories with the legacy of the Hulkster[4]. This creative decision was confirmed by backstage sources who shared with Wrestling Headlines that the production team intentionally crafted segments around this theme to celebrate Hogan’s life and career.

Inside CM Punk’s Vicious Promo: Who Helped Craft It?

Another highlight of the night was CM Punk’s cutting promo, which has attracted significant buzz for its brutal sharpness and intensity. According to Fightful and insiders close to the creative process, Punk did not craft this promo alone. Several backstage writers and producers collaborated with him to hammer out the tone and phrasing, ensuring maximum impact on air.

Sources close to Cody Rhodes and the WWE creative team revealed that Punk’s promo was the result of a tight-knit group working overnight to perfect the script, blending Punk’s natural mic skills with carefully engineered storytelling strategies. This teamwork indicates WWE’s commitment to showcasing Punk’s promo abilities while aligning with broader narrative goals for Raw’s upcoming story arcs.

More Backstage News: Producers and Writers Behind the July 28 Broadcast

Wrestling Headlines also shared the list of key producers and writers responsible for Raw’s segments on July 28. The episode’s smooth execution and theming stemmed from the efforts of veteran producers who balanced tribute moments with ongoing feuds and storyline developments.

Among the credited producers were those known for working closely with top talent like Seth Rollins, Becky Lynch, and Rhea Ripley. Their involvement suggests WWE’s intent to build momentum on several fronts while respectfully honoring Hogan.

Fan and Wrestler Reactions to the Tribute

The reaction to the tribute segment was overwhelmingly positive. Social media erupted with tributes from wrestlers past and present, many sharing personal moments or stories about Hogan. Veteran stars praised WWE for the respectful and heartfelt way they celebrated the late icon, noting that the episode struck the right emotional chords.

Additionally, fans tuned in at record numbers for the show, indicating that the tribute drew significant viewership thanks to Hogan’s towering legacy and the promotional buzz around Punk’s promo and other key matches.

What’s Next for WWE After This Emotional Episode?

With Hulk Hogan’s legacy freshly honored and CM Punk’s promo setting a new tone of intensity, WWE is poised to take Raw in a compelling direction over the coming weeks. According to WWE.com and insiders, plans are underway to integrate Punk more deeply into high-profile feuds, potentially leading to major pay-per-view matches in the fall.

Meanwhile, WWE executives are reportedly exploring ways to incorporate Hulk Hogan’s influence into upcoming storylines and merchandise, maintaining his presence as a lasting symbol of the industry’s golden era.

Backstage Quote:
“Monday’s show was about more than just one night — it was a moment to reconnect with wrestling’s roots through Hulk’s legacy while laying the groundwork for fresh and edgy storytelling. CM Punk’s promo really set the bar high, and you could see the creative team rallying to support him like never before,” shared a WWE insider familiar with the show’s production.

Because of the recent passing of one of wrestling’s greatest icons and the fresh energy from top stars like CM Punk, Monday Night Raw’s July 28 edition will be remembered as a landmark episode balancing respect for history with excitement for WWE’s future.

This episode demonstrated WWE’s ability to honor its legends while evolving its storytelling, ensuring that fans both old and new remain deeply invested in the world of professional wrestling.