On the August 18, 2025, episode of WWE RAW from Philadelphia’s Wells Fargo Center, fans witnessed a rollercoaster of emotions, crowned by Women’s World Champion Naomi’s surprising decision to vacate her title due to medical reasons. From intense in-ring action to backstage drama, the night delivered moments that both thrilled and frustrated the WWE Universe. Here’s an in-depth look at three things we loved and three things we hated from this pivotal RAW.

3 Things We Loved on WWE RAW 8/18/2025

1. Naomi’s Emotional Title Vacancy Announcement

Perhaps the most impactful moment of the night was Naomi’s heartfelt address to the WWE Universe, where she announced she would relinquish the Women’s World Championship owing to ongoing medical issues. Her sincerity and vulnerability resonated deeply with fans and fellow Superstars alike. Sources close to WWE revealed that Naomi’s condition forced this difficult decision, which was handled with respect by RAW’s backstage community and management teams, reflecting WWE’s commitment to athlete health and safety[1][3].

2. Jey Uso’s Gritty Win Over Bron Breakker

In one of the show’s main events, Jey Uso pulled off a hard-fought victory against rising star Bron Breakker, culminating in a high-risk Uso Splash through a table. This match was a showcase of Jey’s veteran savvy against Breakker’s brute strength and resilience. The crowd in Philadelphia was electric, fully behind Jey’s tenacity. The involvement of Roman Reigns — who spearheaded Breakker mid-match — and dramatic interference elevated the stakes, setting the stage for their Clash in Paris showdown[1][3][5].

3. Iyo Sky vs. Raquel Rodriguez: A Match That Delivered

Women’s Division action was further highlighted by an intense bout between Iyo Sky and Raquel Rodriguez. Their bout lasted over 11 minutes and featured athleticism, reversals, and a suspenseful finish with Sky hitting an Over The Moonsault for the win. The match developed intriguing narrative threads, including post-match chaos where Perez attacked Sky and an emphatic save by Rhea Ripley, teasing future tag team conflicts. This well-crafted segment underscored the depth and evolving storytelling within the RAW women’s division[5][3].

3 Things We Hated on WWE RAW 8/18/2025

1. Overbooked Chaos During Seth Rollins vs. CM Punk Storyline

WWE’s handling of the heated rivalry involving Seth Rollins, CM Punk, LA Knight, and others often devolved into a cascade of interference and overbooking. The Fatal 4-Way setup for the World Heavyweight Championship at Clash in Paris was marred by too many run-ins during the episode, diluting the individual storylines and frustrating fans who wanted clearer one-on-one action. According to Fightful sources, some backstage members expressed concern that this booking style risked overshadowing the talent’s in-ring work[1][3].

2. Becky Lynch and Nikki Bella’s Physical Altercation

While the return of Nikki Bella was initially exciting, the physical confrontation between her and Becky Lynch felt abrupt and lacked build-up, detracting from Becky’s momentum as the Women’s Intercontinental Champion. The segment came off as a throwback cameo rather than a meaningful storyline progression. Wrestling insiders note that Bella’s involvement seems short-term, suggesting missed opportunities to integrate her more organically into the roster[2][5].

3. Confusing Faction Tension: Damage CTRL’s Backstage Fallout

Backstage segments revolving around Asuka, Kairi Sane, Iyo Sky, and Rhea Ripley highlighted fractures within Damage CTRL but left fans scratching their heads. The shouting match and Sky walking off in frustration came across as underdeveloped, lacking clear direction or payoff. This fuzzy creative approach risks weakening one of the strongest women’s factions in the company. According to WWE.com interviews, the faction is slated for more focus in upcoming weeks, but this episode’s execution was uneven[4].

Additional Highlights & Backstage Insights

• The episode opened under the electric energy of Paul Heyman hyping the legendary status of those present, including Seth Rollins, Bron Breakker, and Roman Reigns, setting a competitive tone for the night[2].

• Penta El Zero M finished strong with a high-impact victory over Xavier Woods, defying the raucous “E-A-G-L-E-S” chants from the crowd and showcasing his resilience despite injuries[1][4].

• Fightful’s backstage reports confirm that the decision for Naomi’s title vacancy was reached after medical consultations this week, with plans underway for a tournament or multi-woman match to crown her successor on upcoming RAW episodes[3].

What’s Next After This RAW?

With Naomi stepping down, the Women’s World Title picture is wide open heading into WWE Clash in Paris. The ongoing faction tensions, rising male and female stars, and the World Heavyweight Title Fatal 4-Way all signal a hot autumn for WWE programming.

According to a WWE insider, the 8/18 RAW served to “reset and realign” narratives with a view toward elevating new contenders, while still celebrating veteran presence. This balance will be crucial for WWE to sustain fan interest and create memorable pay-per-view moments through year-end[3].

This episode of WWE RAW delivered memorable highs and regrettable lows, but its blend of action, drama, and unexpected news makes it a must-watch for any wrestling fan closely following the evolving WWE landscape.