WWE Raw on August 18, 2025, delivered a night of shocking twists, intense in-ring action, and emotional moments, headlined by Naomi vacating the Women’s World Championship. While some segments fell flat, others thrilled the Philadelphia crowd and set the stage for headline matches at Clash in Paris. Here’s a detailed look at the 3 things we loved and 3 things we hated about this pivotal episode, with insight from backstage sources and reports from WWE.com, Wrestleview, and Fightful.

3 Things We Loved

1. Naomi’s Emotional Women’s Title Vacate and Character Moment
The night’s biggest shocker came early when Women’s World Champion Naomi appeared backstage and announced she was relinquishing her title due to undisclosed personal reasons[2][4]. Sources close to WWE revealed backstage that this was a mutual decision between Naomi and WWE creative, aiming to prolong her career while keeping the division vibrant with a new champion to emerge. Naomi’s emotional farewell struck a chord with fans and provided a rare, heartfelt moment on Raw. It also opens a fresh storyline path, potentially ramping up competition for the vacant crown in the coming weeks.

2. Jey Uso’s Hard-Fought Victory Over Bron Breakker
Jey Uso’s big win against Bron Breakker was a clear highlight. The match was physical and dramatic, culminating in Uso hitting his signature Uso Splash through a table to secure victory[1][2]. Roman Reigns’ surprise return to aid Jey during the match further electrified the audience and set up a compelling rivalry angle with “Big” Bronson Reed ahead of Clash in Paris[2][5]. WWE General Manager Adam Pearce’s booking of Seth Rollins’ World Heavyweight Championship Fatal 4-Way match featuring Jey, Punk, and LA Knight for the pay-per-view added valuable stakes[1].

3. Iyo Sky’s Resilient Win Over Raquel Rodriguez
Iyo Sky vs. Raquel Rodriguez delivered a gripping contest that stood out for its storytelling and in-ring work[4]. Sky overcame repeated attacks, including a post-match assault from Rodriguez and a Perez superkick, showing her toughness. Rhea Ripley’s timely interference saved Sky, hinting at renewed alliances and future tag team intrigue. This match energized the women’s division while planting seeds for upcoming story arcs.

3 Things We Hated

1. Confusing Faction Tensions and Missed Opportunities
Backstage friction was evident when Asuka and Kairi Sane argued with Iyo Sky for not standing by former Damage CTRL teammates during Ripley’s rescue[3][4]. While faction conflicts can boost storytelling, this segment felt rushed and poorly explained, leaving fans confused about the exact nature of the split. WWE needs to clarify these dynamics to avoid diluting the women’s division narratives.

2. Over-Reliance on Interference and Outside Help
Several matches and segments leaned heavily on outside interference or managers rather than pure wrestling, reducing the in-ring drama’s authenticity. Notable examples include Seth Rollins and CM Punk’s joint attacks on LA Knight and Bronson Reed[2][4], as well as the post-match AAA Mega Champion El Hijo del Vikingo ambush on Dominik Mysterio[5]. These scenes interrupted momentum and felt repetitive just days before a major event, risking fan burnout.

3. Underwhelming Tag Team Showcase
World Tag Team Champions Finn Bálor and JD McDonagh’s defense against Mr. Iguana and Dragon Lee felt lackluster despite technical skill[5]. While introducing Mr. Iguana on Raw was a good attempt to freshen the tag division, the match lacked heat and storytelling, making it forgettable. WWE could have used this platform better to boost new or emerging teams heading into the fall season.

Additional Noteworthy Moments

• Becky Lynch retained the Women’s Intercontinental Championship against Natalya despite Natalya’s apparent hand injury, showcasing Lynch’s dominance and championship reign consistency[4][5].

• The Vision continued to be an ominous force on Raw, with ongoing interference involving Seth Rollins, LA Knight, and CM Punk, building tension heading into Clash in Paris[1][2].

Backstage Insights

According to a WWE insider speaking to Fightful, Naomi’s title vacation was a respectful, planned move to allow her to focus on rehab and personal life without dropping momentum, rather than a storyline injury angle. The company reportedly sees her as a long-term pillar and wants to delicately manage her absence while spotlighting other women’s division stars[2]. Similarly, sources indicate that Jey Uso’s victory was designed to re-establish him as a top contender and to create a family rivalry storyline involving Roman Reigns and Bronson Reed[1].

SEO Keywords: WWE Raw 8/18/25, Naomi vacates Women’s Title, Jey Uso vs. Bron Breakker, Iyo Sky vs Raquel Rodriguez, Seth Rollins CM Punk LA Knight, Clash in Paris build-up, WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship, WWE tag team division 2025

This episode of WWE Raw was a rollercoaster of emotions and action. Despite some narrative missteps and underwhelming matches, the major developments, especially Naomi’s exit as champion and Jey Uso’s resurgence, make it a must-watch for fans as the road to Clash in Paris intensifies. Stay tuned for continuing coverage and analysis as WWE builds toward its next big pay-per-view event.