Monday Night Raw delivered a jam-packed two-and-a-half-hour show from Milwaukee’s Fiserv Forum on September 8, 2025, headlined by major storyline developments, surprising returns, and intense Wrestlepalooza match announcements. While the episode generated buzz, fans and critics were divided on several segments. Here’s a detailed look at 3 things we loved and 3 things we hated about WWE Raw on 9/8/25.

3 Things We Loved on WWE Raw 9/8/25

1. AJ Lee’s Triumphant and Manipulative Return

AJ Lee’s highly anticipated return was a central moment on Raw, instantly reigniting the fiery dynamic with Becky Lynch and Seth Rollins. Her presence added instant intrigue as she coldly interrupted Rollins and Lynch, manipulating the ongoing tensions between them. According to Fightful, Lee’s return “raised the energy” and was a key highlight that set up fresh Wrestlepalooza storylines involving the top stars[2]. Sources close to WWE insiders indicate that Lee’s involvement is expected to deeply impact title picture narratives heading into the PPV.

2. Big Bronson Reed’s Powerful Win Over LA Knight

In a brutal backstage and in-ring confrontation that spilled over throughout the night, “Big” Bronson Reed dominated LA Knight in a physical contest where Reed not only won clean but also showcased his strength and ring psychology. WWE.com highlighted Reed’s Jagged Edge finisher and his resilience as key factors in the victory[4]. This win solidifies Reed as a major player in Raw’s power hierarchy and increases anticipation for his Wrestlepalooza clash.

3. Asuka vs. Nikki Bella – A Hard-Hitting, Competitive Match

One of the best matches of the evening involved WWE Hall of Famer Nikki Bella facing off against The Empress of Tomorrow, Asuka. This bout delivered solid competitive action with Nikki putting forth arguably her best performance since her return, pushing Asuka to her limits. The match culminated with Asuka locking in her signature Asuka Lock submission to secure the victory[2][4]. The quality of this contest was praised on wrestling podcasts like The Hoots Podcast, emphasizing that veterans like Bella provide depth and credibility to the women’s division.

3 Things We Hated on WWE Raw 9/8/25

1. Overbooked New Day vs. Penta Match

Despite being an exciting setup for Wrestlepalooza, the match between Penta and Rusev suffered from excessive interference from The New Day and Grayson Waller, which detracted from the in-ring storytelling. As reported on WWE.com, this ended in a 4-on-1 scenario that felt more chaotic than competitive[4]. Fans expressed frustration that Penta didn’t get a clean showcase, diminishing what could have been a better underdog moment.

2. Jey Uso’s Abrupt Character Shift and Departure

One of the more puzzling backstage moments involved Jey Uso suddenly deciding to leave the arena during a tense backstage exchange with his brother Jimmy. The shift in Jey’s loyalty and attitude seemed rushed and confusing, particularly with his comments sounding more like Roman Reigns’ usual tone[1][3]. A WWE insider suggested to sources that this storyline pivot was meant to create mystery but ultimately came across as inconsistent character writing that didn’t land well on live TV.

3. Sloppy Execution in Certain Segments

Several parts of the show, including parts of the Raquel Rodriguez vs. Lyra Valkyria match and some backstage promos, were marred by sloppy execution and pacing problems. Wrestling Headlines noted moments where timing and transitions felt awkward, which kept the show’s flow from reaching its full potential[1][3]. While the overall production value was high, these smaller issues impacted viewer engagement.

Additional Highlights and Backstage Insights

• Rusev’s Return and Victory: Rusev made a strong impression by beating Penta after capitalizing on distractions, reaffirming his status as a formidable heel. The Machka Kick finishing move was executed perfectly, earning significant crowd reaction[2][4].

• Faction Tensions Build: The ongoing faction warfare involving The Usos, The Vision (Seth Rollins, Bron Breakker, Bronson Reed), and LA Knight escalated further. After the main event, The Vision viciously attacked Knight, only for The Usos to intervene — which resulted in Jey Uso turning on Knight with a spear[4].

• Bayley’s Vignette: A haunting vignette aired showing Bayley struggling with her guilt over a previous storyline involving Lyra Valkyria. This sets up a potential redemption arc for Bayley, layered with emotional complexity[2].

According to a WWE insider, “WWE is deeply invested in building long-term narratives for Wrestlepalooza, and the September 8 Raw was about setting the stage — even if some parts felt rushed or uneven.” This strategy aims to maintain intrigue while layering character motivations.

Final Thoughts

Monday Night Raw on September 8, 2025, delivered memorable returns, fierce competition, and important Wrestlepalooza build-ups. While fans loved AJ Lee’s intriguing return, Bronson Reed’s dominant performance, and the women’s match excellence, frustrations persist around certain overbooked matches, character inconsistencies like Jey Uso’s sudden departure, and segment pacing.

With Wrestlepalooza just weeks away, WWE Raw remains a must-watch show, balancing intense storytelling with occasional flaws that keep fans passionately debating every week.

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