by The WWE RAW 28 April 2025 episode, live from the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri, delivered a night of intense action, shocking alliances, and dramatic confrontations. With Nick Aldis stepping in for Adam Pearce as general manager, the show set the stage for major developments heading into Backlash.
From Seth Rollins’ bold vision for WWE’s future to Sami Zayn’s defiance, here’s a complete recap of the night’s matches, segments, and surprises.
Match Results
1. Rhea Ripley vs. Roxanne Perez
Result: Rhea Ripley wins by disqualification after Giulia’s interference.
Highlights: Perez targeted Ripley’s leg with chop blocks and a suicide dive, but Ripley fought back with a Razor’s Edge. Giulia’s chop block led to the DQ, followed by a post-match beatdown by Perez and Giulia. IYO SKY made the save, setting up potential tag team action.
2. Judgment Day (Finn Balor & JD McDonagh) vs. War Raiders (Erik & Ivar)
Result: War Raiders win by pinfall with War Machine on JD McDonagh.
Highlights: War Raiders dominated with double-team moves, including a freight train crossbody. New Day’s commentary distractions and Carlito’s interference weren’t enough, as Penta’s shove from the top rope set up the War Raiders’ victory.
3. Ivy Nile vs. Stephanie Vaquer
Result: Stephanie Vaquer wins by pinfall with SBB.
Highlights: Nile showcased her power with a surfboard and German suplex, but Vaquer’s technical prowess shone through with multiple Devil’s Kiss attempts. Chad Gable’s interference helped Vaquer secure the win with a dragon screw and SBB.
4. Bron Breakker vs. Sami Zayn
Result: Bron Breakker wins by referee stoppage.
Highlights: Breakker overwhelmed Zayn with belly-to-belly suplexes and spears, while Zayn countered with a tornado DDT and corner exploder. After a third spear sent Zayn to the floor, medics were called, and a fourth spear post-match, followed by Rollins’ Stomp, left Zayn decimated.
Segment Highlights
1. Seth Rollins, Bron Breakker, and Paul Heyman’s Vision
Recap: The show opened with Rollins, flanked by Heyman and Breakker, declaring himself the future of WWE. Sami Zayn confronted Rollins, calling him a hypocrite and comparing his new alliance to the Bloodline. Rollins offered Zayn a way out via a trade to SmackDown, threatening consequences if he refused. The tension culminated in Zayn rejecting the offer, leading to a brutal beatdown by Breakker and Rollins.
2. Logan Paul vs. Jey Uso Confrontation
Recap: Logan Paul mocked Jey Uso’s title reign, vowing to take the championship. Uso fired back, referencing GUNTHER’s attack on his twin, Jimmy, and challenged Paul to earn the title. The segment ended with Uso dropping Paul with a superkick, escalating their feud.
3. Becky Lynch’s Heel Turn
Recap: Becky Lynch admitted to attacking Bayley, preventing her WrestleMania match, and mocked her for not being a bigger star. Lyra Valkyria called out Lynch’s “illusion,” challenging her to a title match at Backlash. Lynch bailed but later ambushed Valkyria, solidifying her heel persona.
4. Pat McAfee vs. GUNTHER Feud
Recap: Michael Cole revealed GUNTHER’s indefinite suspension for last week’s confrontation. McAfee, defending Cole, demanded the suspension be lifted for a match at Backlash. Nick Aldis agreed, booking McAfee vs. GUNTHER, setting up a high-stakes clash.
5. Judgment Day Drama
Recap: Finn Balor was frustrated with JD McDonagh and Liv Morgan for not communicating about their tag team match. Carlito’s title aspirations added tension, hinting at cracks within the faction.
6. Paul Heyman’s Manipulation
Recap: Heyman tried to sway Zayn with a SmackDown trade and a WWE Championship opportunity, but Zayn’s refusal led to Breakker’s vicious attack, with Heyman and Rollins orchestrating the chaos.
7. Penta’s Fire
Recap: After Chad Gable mocked Penta and Fenix’s WrestleMania losses, Penta laid out Gable with an enzuigiri, signaling a fiery comeback for the Lucha Brothers.
What’s Next?
- Backlash Build-Up: The McAfee vs. GUNTHER and Lynch vs. Valkyria matches are confirmed for Backlash, with potential for Ripley and IYO SKY to face Giulia and Perez in a tag team bout. Zayn’s condition after Breakker’s attack raises questions about his role moving forward.
- Rollins’ New Bloodline: Rollins, Breakker, and Heyman’s alliance is gaining momentum, but Zayn’s defiance could inspire others to challenge their vision. Will Jey Uso or other babyfaces step up?
- Judgment Day’s Future: Internal miscommunications and Carlito’s ambitions suggest the faction may fracture, especially with Penta targeting McDonagh next week.
- Logan Paul’s Title Chase: Paul’s feud with Jey Uso is heating up, with a potential title match looming. Can Uso fend off the brash YouTuber?
- Rusev’s Return: The hype reel for Rusev’s comeback promises a destructive new chapter. Who will he target first?
FAQs
Q: Where did the WWE RAW 28 April 2025 episode take place?
A: The episode was held at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri.
Q: Why was Nick Aldis the general manager for this episode?
A: Nick Aldis filled in for Adam Pearce, who was absent for the night.
Q: What happened to Sami Zayn at the end of the show?
A: Sami Zayn was brutally attacked by Bron Breakker with multiple spears, followed by Seth Rollins’ Stomp, leading to a referee stoppage and medical attention.
Q: Who is Pat McAfee facing at Backlash?
A: Pat McAfee will face GUNTHER in a sanctioned match at Backlash after challenging his suspension.
Q: Did Becky Lynch confirm her attack on Bayley?
A: Yes, Becky Lynch admitted to attacking Bayley, preventing her from competing at WrestleMania, and mocked her for it.
Q: What matches are confirmed for next week’s RAW?
A: Penta vs. JD McDonagh was announced for next week’s episode.
Q: What is Rusev’s new persona based on his hype reel?
A: Rusev described himself as a “tempest” who will “hunt, forgive, and fix” his opponents, using his strength for good after finding redemption in Bulgaria.
