WWE Raw Preview: CM Punk Returns, Sami Zayn vs. Rusev & Women’s Title Defense in Québec City on August 11

pranithkumarkanna@gmail.com|Modified on Aug 11, 2025, 01:24 GMT

The anticipation is building for this Monday Night Raw live from the Videotron Centre in Québec City, Québec, Canada, set to air August 11 at 8/7c on the WWE Network and Netflix. WWE Raw General Manager Adam Pearce recently confirmed key updates, solidifying what promises to be a memorable night of bold promos, intense rivalries, and high-stakes championship bouts[1].

Kicking off the show will be none other than CM Punk, who will deliver his first in-ring words since the shocking conclusion of SummerSlam 2025, where Seth Rollins cashed in his Money In The Bank briefcase moments after Punk’s championship victory, ending his reign just five minutes in[1][3]. According to sources close to WWE, this opening segment is expected to set the tone for an explosive night while furthering Punk’s storyline with Rollins.

Sami Zayn vs. Rusev: A Rivalry Rekindled

One of the featured matches confirmed by Pearce is the exciting clash between hometown hero Sami Zayn and Bulgarian Brute Rusev[1]. This marks their first singles bout in nearly a decade, with Zayn boasting a perfect 3-0 record over Rusev dating back to their earlier encounters[3]. Both men have evolved immensely in their skills and personas since then, making this a must-watch contest fueled by personal pride and momentum following a recent backstage skirmish that involved Sheamus as well. Fightful’s backstage reports emphasize the intensity in the locker room surrounding this bout, spotlighting Zayn’s motivated return to his home crowd paired against the imposing Rusev.

Women’s Division Spotlight: Becky Lynch and Naomi Defend Their Titles

In premier women’s division action, Becky Lynch will defend her Women’s Intercontinental Championship against Maxxine Dupri from Alpha Academy, who has Natalya in her corner[3]. After Lynch’s recent successful defense against Lyra Valkyrie at SummerSlam, this match promises to test Becky’s dominance against a hungry, rising star. Reportedly, backstage sources revealed that Lynch’s personal rivalry with Nikki Bella, who has publicly challenged her, is expected to intensify soon, adding stakes to her upcoming WWE appearances[3].

Additionally, Women’s World Champion Naomi will put her gold on the line versus former titleholder Iyo Sky[1][3]. This rematch is significant as it highlights Naomi’s reign and Iyo’s quest to reclaim her status at the top of the women’s roster. WWE insiders from recent podcasts have noted the competitive chemistry between the two, citing this bout as a possible match of the night. Fans can expect a fast-paced, technical showcase that highlights the strength of WWE’s women’s division.

Other Notable Superstars Confirmed for Québec Raw

Alongside the marquee matches, the roster for Raw in Québec continues to expand with appearances from several top-tier talent. Key names announced include “World Heavyweight Champion” Seth Rollins, who will likely respond to or further his storyline involving CM Punk[4]. Also confirmed are:

Bron Breakker & Bronson Reed (with Paul Heyman)
Intercontinental Champion Dominik Mysterio
The Kabuki Warriors (Asuka & Kairi Sane)
Rhea Ripley, Jey Uso, AJ Styles, The New Day (Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods)
Finn Balor & JD McDonagh, The War Raiders (Erik & Ivar)
And many more[4]

According to Fightful’s insiders, Paul Heyman’s presence with Breakker and Reed hints at potential story developments involving WWE’s top factions, possibly teasing feuds or alliances that could dominate Raw in the coming weeks.

What to Expect from WWE Raw in Québec City

This episode of Monday Night Raw carries the energy of a live international crowd in Québec, with local fan favorite Sami Zayn expected to energize the venue. The event not only advances key storylines germinating from SummerSlam fallout but also spotlights rising stars and champions defending their legacies.

WrestlingHeadlines.com will be providing live results and coverage throughout the night, ensuring fans don’t miss a moment of the action[1].

Backstage Insight

According to a WWE insider who spoke with Wrestling Headlines, “The company is pushing for a big homecoming feel for this Raw. Sami Zayn’s match against Rusev is not just a grudge match—it’s a testament to how far these talents have come. Plus, CM Punk’s opening segment is shaping up to be must-see TV, especially with how abruptly his championship reign ended at SummerSlam.”

Event Details

Date: Monday, August 11, 2025
Location: Videotron Centre, Québec City, Québec, Canada
Time: 8 PM ET / 7 PM CT
Broadcast: WWE Network (live), Netflix (live prime time)

Fans planning to attend or tune in can expect a mix of thrilling matches, poignant promos, and evolving storylines that showcase WWE’s dedication to sports entertainment excellence.

With CM Punk’s explosive return, Sami Zayn’s hometown bout, and two major women’s title defenses, the August 11 episode of WWE Raw in Québec City is shaping up to be a standout in this summer’s WWE calendar. Don’t miss it.

For ongoing updates, match results, and exclusive backstage insights, stay tuned to WrestlingHeadlines.com and other trusted WWE news outlets.

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