One of the most highly anticipated segments involves addressing the shocking conclusion of SummerSlam Night 2, where Brock Lesnar made an unexpected return after Cody Rhodes defeated John Cena in a brutal Street Fight for the Undisputed WWE Championship. Lesnar’s sudden assault on Cena with the devastating F-5 left fans stunned and has instantly injected fresh intensity into the WWE landscape. Sources close to WWE confirm there was zero prior indication within the company about Lesnar’s comeback, making his return one of the most closely guarded secrets in recent memory. According to Fightful’s Sean Ross Sapp, even writers and producers were kept in the dark about Lesnar’s involvement until the moment it happened live, underscoring the surprise element[3].
Tonight’s WWE Raw is expected to address this explosive development extensively. Wrestling observers anticipate Brock Lesnar cutting a promo or confronting Cody Rhodes after his monumental championship win. Rumors circulating backstage suggest WWE officials, including Executive Producer Triple H, may be using Lesnar’s comeback to rekindle classic rivalries and amplify the build toward future marquee events like Clash In Paris at the end of August[4].
In addition to the Brock Lesnar saga, Adam Pearce confirmed several other matches and segments that will continue the post-SummerSlam momentum. Among the slated matches is Rusev vs. Sheamus, an intriguing pairing that could reestablish both competitors as prominent forces on Raw. Alongside this, former champions and top stars like Gunther, who lost the World Heavyweight Championship on Night 1 of SummerSlam, and Rhea Ripley, who unsuccessfully challenged for the WWE Women’s World Championship, will be returning to the Raw roster, each presumably aiming to rebuild and deepen their respective title pursuits[2].
Moreover, notable tag team action will feature Jey Uso and Dominik Mysterio, though detailed storylines about their ongoing struggles and alliances have yet to be fully revealed. As the WWE Universe digests the massive fallout from Seth Rollins’ recent Money in the Bank cash-in to claim the World Heavyweight Championship, tonight’s Raw is also expected to shed light on where this new dynamic will head next in relation to the larger WWE championship hierarchy[2][4].
Post-SummerSlam, John Cena remains a central figure in the narrative. Despite losing to Cody Rhodes in the championship match, Cena received a prolonged standing ovation from a crowd of over 65,000 fans at MetLife Stadium, showcasing the enduring respect and admiration he commands. After the event, Cena took a poignant moment to salute the fans from the entrance stage, further cementing his babyface status and suggesting potential new story arcs or, at minimum, a symbolic passing of the torch in the Undisputed WWE Championship scene[1]. WWE insiders speculate Cena’s angle might pivot toward a redemption storyline or a renewed rivalry with Brock Lesnar following the latter’s post-match ambush[1][3].
This episode of WWE Raw in Brooklyn is also crucial as it represents the transition from SummerSlam stories to the build-up for Clash In Paris, scheduled for August 31. Analysts and insiders suggest WWE has laid foundational threads tonight that will lead to fresh narratives in the run-up to that major international event. With Triple H reportedly involved creatively behind the scenes, fans can expect a mix of legacy angles, such as Lesnar vs. Cena, and new challengers elevated through competitive matches and storyline promos[4].
In conclusion, tonight’s WWE Raw promises to be a pivotal episode loaded with high stakes and star power. From Brock Lesnar’s jaw-dropping return and upcoming confrontation with Cody Rhodes and John Cena, to intense singles matches and the looming Championship reshuffles, the post-SummerSlam Raw is set to deliver thrilling wrestling action and captivating storytelling. As always, fans can catch the live broadcast from the Barclays Center, streaming worldwide with coverage on WWE.com and WWE Network platforms[2].
According to sources close to WWE, this Raw will mark a critical turning point for the company’s direction, blending nostalgia with fresh energy and setting the tone for the closing quarter of WWE’s 2025 calendar year. Staying tuned to tonight’s broadcast is essential for any wrestling fan eager to follow the evolving landscape of WWE Superstars and championship pursuits.
Article references sources including WWE.com, Fightful Select, Wrestling Headlines, Sports Illustrated Fannation, and Times of India Sports.