Monday Night Raw delivered a memorable night on September 8, 2025, at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with major returns, shocking reunions, and gripping in-ring action that set the tone for the WWE autumn season. Highlighted by the unexpected appearance of AJ Lee and the reunion of The Usos, this episode raised anticipation for upcoming storylines and title pursuits.

AJ Lee’s Surprising Return Ignites Raw

One of the biggest surprises of the evening was the live return of AJ Lee, marking her first WWE Raw appearance in years. The former Divas Champion made a significant impact during a star-studded segment that included CM Punk, Seth Rollins, and Becky Lynch. According to sources close to WWE, AJ’s return is part of a broader creative push to integrate legacy stars with current roster talents, aiming to boost ratings and deepen storylines as the company builds toward its major pay-per-view events[1][2].

In her segment, AJ Lee delivered a passionate promo that reminded fans of her signature blend of charisma and intensity, immediately reigniting fan interest. Wrestling insiders from Fightful and Ringside News noted that AJ’s return was kept tightly under wraps, making the moment feel organic rather than forced[1][4].

AJ Styles vs. El Grande Americano: Phenomenal Showdown

The in-ring action opened strongly with “The Phenomenal” AJ Styles facing off against El Grande Americano. Styles showcased his trademark agility and technical prowess while the underdog Americano demonstrated impressive resilience. AJ ultimately secured the victory with a flawless Styles Clash, reasserting his status as a top-tier competitor on Raw[1][2].

Commentators Michael Cole and Corey Graves praised both athletes for their efforts, highlighting the match as a perfect blend of storytelling and athleticism that set a high bar for the evening[2].

The Usos Reunite and Address Their Future

After several months apart due to storyline developments and injuries, The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) reunited live on Raw, much to the delight of the crowd in Milwaukee. The twin brothers cut a powerful promo alongside The Vision, teasing renewed ambitions within WWE’s tag team division.

Sources inside WWE reveal that the reunion is aimed at revitalizing Raw’s tag team scene ahead of the upcoming SmackDown-focused pay-per-view, where The Usos are expected to be major players[3][5]. The segment was emotionally charged, with the duo reflecting on their legacy and promising to prove why they remain one of the most dominant duos in WWE history.

Lyra Valkyria vs. Raquel Rodriguez: Strong Women’s Division Showdown

In another highly anticipated bout, Lyra Valkyria squared off with Raquel Rodriguez, accompanied to the ring by Roxanne Perez. Both women brought intensity and physicality, showcasing the depth of the Raw Women’s division. Despite Valkyria’s technical advantage, Rodriguez’s power proved decisive as she earned a hard-fought victory[1][2].

This match further solidified Raquel Rodriguez’s push as a future Raw Women’s Champion contender, while Valkyria’s performance was praised for signaling a bright future in the division.

Major Contract Signing and Future Implications

One of the evening’s pivotal moments was a contract signing segment that hinted at major storyline shakes in the coming weeks. Details remain under wraps, but insiders suggest that the signing involves a top WWE superstar committing to a long-term deal, ensuring their presence in key upcoming events and potentially leading to a title chase[3].

Backstage reports from Wrestling Headlines and ITR Wrestling indicate that this announcement is part of WWE’s strategy to ramp up momentum for the fall season, positioning main-event stars for high-stakes rivalries[2][3].

Additional Raw Highlights and Crowd Interaction

• CM Punk made a brief but impactful appearance alongside AJ Lee, teasing a possible alliance that could shift Raw’s power dynamics[2].
• The Vision’s involvement in The Usos’ segment hints at fresh angles on the tag division storyline[3].
• Alicia Taylor’s ring announcing brought energetic engagement with the passionate Milwaukee crowd[2].

Backstage Perspective and Insider Commentary

According to a WWE insider speaking to Fightful, “AJ Lee’s return was a well-calculated move by WWE creative to bridge the past and present. The reaction from fans was electric, and management is thrilled at the possibilities this unlocks going forward.”

Another source close to Cody Rhodes shared that the company aims to build multi-generational fan interest by blending established stars with the rising talents showcased throughout Raw 9/8/25’s card.

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This edition of Raw marked a new chapter as WWE invests in legacy star returns and the elevation of current stars. Fans can expect the momentum from Milwaukee to carry into the coming weeks, keeping audiences engaged and storylines unpredictable. For continued coverage, follow the latest from WWE.com, Fightful’s post-show podcasts, and trusted wrestling news outlets.