Monday night’s WWE Raw from Quebec City delivered a compelling blend of in-ring action, storyline advancement, and surprising developments ahead of the Clash in Paris pay-per-view. Most notably, World Heavyweight Champion Seth “Freakin” Rollins was shockingly forced into a high-stakes title match against CM Punk, setting the table for one of SummerSlam’s most anticipated rematches. While the show offered moments of brilliance, it also generated debate among fans for some questionable booking decisions.

According to a WWE insider, the push towards Rollins vs. Punk at Clash in Paris is WWE’s attempt to inject fresh stakes into a rivalry that has captivated audiences over recent months[2][3]. Fightful sources further revealed backstage that Rollins’ involvement was an unplanned addition triggered by Punk’s relentless provocations on Raw, pushing Seth into a corner with no easy way out.

3 Things We Loved About Raw 8/11/25

1. The CM Punk and LA Knight Tag Team Turmoil
CM Punk continued his relentless assault on Seth Rollins and The Vision faction alongside LA Knight. Their tag match against Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed ended in disqualification after Seth Rollins unexpectedly attacked Punk late in the match[2]. This chaotic finish heightened the tensions and advanced the narrative effectively, making Raw more unpredictable and gripping.

2. Roxanne Perez’s Rising Momentum
In the women’s division, Roxanne Perez scored an impressive pinfall victory over Iyo Sky despite interference from the Kabuki Warriors (Asuka and Kairi Sane)[2]. This win not only pushed Roxanne’s credibility as a rising star but also deepened the ongoing drama within Damage CTRL, where Iyo Sky’s trust issues and Rhea Ripley’s backstage confrontation added layers to the faction’s fracture.

3. Becky Lynch’s Dominant Title Defense
Becky Lynch successfully retained the Women’s Intercontinental Championship by submitting Maxxine Dupri with the Disarm Her[2]. Lynch’s ruthless post-match cheap shot at Natalya underscored her ruthless heel persona, generating strong heat and anticipation for her next challenger.

3 Things We Hated About Raw 8/11/25

1. Naomi’s Last-Minute Withdrawal
The advertised Women’s World Championship match was scrapped on short notice after Naomi was declared medically unfit to compete[1][2]. This disappointment particularly stung fans eagerly awaiting a marquee title bout, leaving a gap in the card and diminishing the night’s momentum.

2. Questionable Use of Disqualifications
Raw saw multiple matches ending via disqualification, including Sami Zayn vs. Rusev and the CM Punk/LA Knight tag match[1][2]. While DQs can help protect wrestlers’ images and extend storylines, their overuse in a single show risked undermining match quality and viewer satisfaction.

3. Overbooked Women’s Division Segment
The interference-heavy women’s match between Roxanne Perez and Iyo Sky, compounded by backstage confrontations involving Rhea Ripley and Damage CTRL, felt cluttered and somewhat convoluted[2]. Fans and critics alike noted that the storyline could benefit from clearer direction to avoid diluting individual character developments.

Key Matches and Highlights

• Tag Team Action: Dominik Mysterio teamed with El Grande Americano to defeat AJ Styles and Dragon Lee, with a controversial finish involving a loaded mask assisting Mysterio’s pin[1][2].
• Singles Competition: Sami Zayn earned a disqualification win over Rusev amid escalating hostilities, with Sheamus intensifying his threats post-match[1][2].
• Main Event Fallout: The chaotic tag bout involving CM Punk, LA Knight, Bron Breakker, and Bronson Reed ended with Seth Rollins’ surprise attack on Punk, casting serious doubts on alliances and setting up fiery clashes ahead[2][3].

Backstage Buzz and Future Implications

Sources close to WWE.com and Fightful reported that the unexpected in-ring twists were aimed at building maximum intrigue for Clash in Paris on August 18, 2025. Seth Rollins’ forced inclusion in a match with Punk was not originally planned but was introduced after Punk escalated tensions with relentless taunts and attacks on Raw episodes[2]. Jey Uso’s interference and Roman Reigns’ absence due to injury also factor into the complex storyline brewing between WWE’s top factions.

Meanwhile, the women’s division seems poised for significant shakeups following Naomi’s injury and Iyo Sky’s distrust issues within Damage CTRL, suggesting fresh alliances and rivalries as SummerSlam approaches[2].

What Fans Are Saying

According to tweets and social media posts captured by WWE’s official X account, fan reactions to the episode were mixed. Many praised the electric atmosphere and explosive tag matches, but frustration lingered around the frequent disqualifications and the cancellation of marquee singles bouts. Podcast commentators on Hot Takes and Headlocks echoed this sentiment, appreciating the storytelling but calling for cleaner finishes and fewer last-minute changes[1][3].

In sum, WWE Raw on August 11, 2025, presented a blend of compelling drama, unexpected twists, and some booking missteps. With Seth Rollins now officially set for a Clash in Paris world title defense against the vengeful CM Punk, the Road to SummerSlam heats up considerably. Fans will be watching closely to see how these tensions evolve, especially within WWE’s women’s division, where intrigue and instability continue to rule.

Stay tuned for ongoing coverage and analysis as WWE prepares for what promises to be a thrilling Clash in Paris.