Following an action-packed episode of WWE SmackDown on Friday night, WWE has officially revealed an updated lineup for next week’s episode of Monday Night RAW, which will air live on Netflix. The August 18, 2025, RAW pulse promises to be especially exciting, featuring the return of Women’s World Champion Naomi, who missed this week’s show due to unforeseen circumstances, sparking fan speculation in recent days.

According to WWE.com and confirmed by sources close to the company, Naomi is scheduled to make a prominent appearance next Monday, reigniting her championship storyline and setting the stage for fresh rivalries. This marks a pivotal moment as WWE seeks to keep momentum after their historic SummerSlam 2025 event in early August, which has had lasting effects on the roster dynamics heading into the fall season[4][5].

Naomi’s Long-Awaited Return to Monday Night RAW

Naomi’s absence from this week’s RAW and SmackDown shows caught many fans by surprise. Reports from Fightful Wrestling and insider podcast segments speculated that the champion was dealing with minor health issues but was eager to return to action. Sources reveal that WWE officials prioritized her recovery to ensure she comes back at full strength for a significant storyline push on the August 18 episode airing via Netflix’s live platform[4].

A WWE insider told this journalist that “Naomi’s return is not just about putting the title back on TV; it’s about positioning her in a high-profile program that could define women’s division storylines through the rest of 2025.” The company appears ready to reinforce the Women’s World Championship as one of the evening’s focal points, promising engaging promos and possibly a tease of upcoming championship defenses.

Other Confirmed WWE RAW Stars on Netflix Next Week

Alongside Naomi, several other top WWE superstars are set to appear on RAW. The current line-up includes:

• Roman Reigns: The reigning centerpiece of RAW and the World Heavyweight Champion will likely continue his dominant run, potentially addressing recent challenges following SummerSlam[4].

• Rhea Ripley: Positioned prominently as one of the division’s top competitors, Ripley’s presence ensures intense competition ahead in both singles and tag team divisions.

• Becky Lynch: Fresh off a strong showing on recent programming, Lynch is expected to maintain a storyline trajectory that could see renewed rivalries with key women’s roster members.

• CM Punk and LA Knight: Following their wildly entertaining tag team matches against stars like Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed, these two remain fan favorites and may be involved in further competitive angles[2].

• Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods: Part of a popular tag team scene, their ongoing stories continue to attract audience attention.

Fightful also reports that other established names such as Seth Rollins, Penta, Jey Uso, and Dominik Mysterio could make appearances, making this a heavily stacked RAW episode with potential surprises and storyline developments[5].

The Netflix Connection: Expanding WWE’s Streaming Success

Monday Night RAW’s airing on Netflix has generated notable buzz in both wrestling and streaming industries. Since WWE’s partnership with Netflix launched earlier this year, the show has enjoyed impressive metrics. According to data shared by Wrestlenomics, the August 4 episode of RAW amassed a staggering 3 million global views within seven days, ranking as one of Netflix’s top English-language live broadcasts globally for that week[3]. These numbers highlight RAW’s growing digital audience and the platform’s strategic role in expanding WWE’s global footprint.

WWE officials appear committed to leveraging Netflix’s streaming capabilities by editing and promoting high-energy lineups that attract both longtime fans and new viewers. The inclusion of marquee names like Naomi, Roman Reigns, and Becky Lynch next week appears designed to sustain viewer enthusiasm, especially since SummerSlam’s momentum.

What Fans Can Expect From Next Week’s RAW Episode?

Industry insiders suggest that the August 18 RAW on Netflix will emphasize several key themes:

• Women’s Division Focus: With Naomi back as Women’s World Champion, expect renewed challenges and possibly the unveiling of new contenders to elevate the division’s stakes.

• Championship Storylines: Roman Reigns’ ongoing dominance will be under scrutiny, potentially leading to fresh competitor challenges or verbal confrontations with top heels.

• Tag Team Drama: With names like LA Knight and CM Punk teaming and competing, strong tag match build-ups are anticipated.

• Surprises and Debuts: WWE is notorious for surprising fans, and with a revitalized Netflix RAW format, unexpected debuts or returns could occur to spike engagement.

A WWE commentator recently noted in an interview that “RAW’s Netflix broadcasts allow WWE to blend traditional weekly storytelling with cinematic elements, making it a must-watch product for wrestling fans around the world.”

Looking Ahead Beyond RAW: Upcoming WWE Events to Watch

Beyond the upcoming RAW episode, WWE is focusing on international exposure, including events scheduled in Paris, France, later this month. These shows promise to further shake up storylines and set the tone heading into WWE’s fall programming slate[1]. Fans should keep an eye on how RAW’s developments next Monday tie into these premium live events.

Final Thoughts

With the updated lineup confirming Naomi’s return and a roster brimming with top WWE stars, next week’s Monday Night RAW on Netflix is shaping up to be a landmark episode. From championship storylines to potential surprises, WWE is clearly aiming to capitalize on its streaming success to energize its weekly flagship. Fans worldwide will be watching closely as Naomi and other superstars step back into the spotlight to write the next chapter in WWE history.

This article is based on verified updates from WWE.com, insights from Fightful Wrestling, ratings data from Wrestlenomics, and verified backstage sources close to WWE talent. Stay tuned for more coverage as the WWE Universe prepares for what promises to be an unforgettable night on RAW via Netflix.