WWE Raw Recap: Hulk Hogan Tribute, Drew McIntyre’s UK Saga, and More – July 28, 2025
On July 28, 2025, WWE Raw delivered a night of emotion, controversy, and high-impact storytelling. The show opened with a heartfelt tribute to the late Hulk Hogan—a moment that reverberated throughout the arena and across the wrestling landscape—before moving into storylines that set the stage for SummerSlam 2025. This comprehensive recap covers every key moment, from the tribute and Drew McIntyre’s unexpected travel issues in the UK to match-by-match results, explosive promos, and an analytical breakdown of what worked and what missed the mark.
Tribute to Hulk Hogan
The show’s opening segment paid homage to one of professional wrestling’s most recognizable icons. On the night of the broadcast at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan, WWE dedicated the opening moments to the legacy of Hulk Hogan, who passed away on July 24, 2025, at 71.
The tribute began with a traditional 10-bell salute—a ritual steeped in respect within the wrestling community—accompanied by a stirring video montage that chronicled Hogan’s storied career. Highlighting the hallmark match at WrestleMania III against Andre the Giant and moments that defined Hogan’s larger-than-life persona, the video celebrated not only his in-ring achievements but also his role in propelling professional wrestling into the mainstream. Hogan’s son, Nick Hogan, along with longtime friends and industry veterans such as Eric Bischoff, were seen honoring the legend in a visibly emotional tribute (TMZ; PWMania). The respectful tone set a powerful stage for what proved to be an unforgettable night.
Drew McIntyre Stuck in the UK
In an off-ring twist, WWE superstar Drew McIntyre encountered real-life complications that impacted his schedule leading up to SummerSlam 2025. McIntyre found himself stranded in the United Kingdom after a passport mix-up prevented him from boarding his flight back to the United States. As a dual citizen holding both a UK and a US passport, he encountered issues when airline officials required the US passport for re-entry, despite him presenting alternative documentation of his US citizenship (SEScoops; 411Mania).
WWE quickly confirmed that McIntyre’s predicament was not scripted but an unfortunate real-life situation. The company expressed its frustration while working diligently to resolve the issue, though uncertainty still surrounds his appearance at the upcoming SummerSlam event. The travel delay has forced WWE to adapt its storyline plans, especially affecting a scheduled tag team match where McIntyre was to partner with Logan Paul against Randy Orton and Jelly Roll (Cageside Seats).
Match Results and Key Moments
WWE Raw’s match card was packed with high-energy bouts, surprising twists, and moments that deepened ongoing rivalries. Below is a detailed match-by-match breakdown:
AJ Styles & The Kabuki Warriors vs. Dominik Mysterio, Raquel Rodriguez & Roxanne Perez
This tag team match delivered fast-paced action and superb in-ring chemistry.
• Winner: AJ Styles & The Kabuki Warriors
• Key Moment: AJ Styles executed a decisive pin on Dominik Mysterio after The Kabuki Warriors orchestrated a seamless distraction. This victory not only garnered momentum for Styles but also set up intriguing possibilities for future feuds as SummerSlam nears. (WWE.com)
Sheamus vs. Grayson Waller
A skillful yet contentious bout saw veteran Sheamus emerge victorious against the brash Grayson Waller.
• Winner: Sheamus
• Notable Incident: Immediately following the match, Rusev launched an unforeseen post-match attack on Sheamus with his signature shillelagh, intensifying the emerging feud and leaving fans questioning the boundaries of interference in the match’s narrative. (The Ring Report)
Women’s Segment: Lyra Valkyria vs. Becky Lynch
A heated backstage confrontation set the stage for an imminent Women’s Intercontinental Championship match.
• Highlight: Lyra Valkyria’s aggressive use of a kendo stick against Becky Lynch vividly punctuated her promise to outsmart the former champion at SummerSlam. The segment, though brief, generated significant buzz among fans, who rallied behind both competitors’ established personas. (WWE.com)
Eight-Woman Tag Team Match
A chaotic yet entertaining contest showcased the depth and talent of the WWE women’s division.
• Teams: Rhea Ripley, Iyo Sky, Stephanie Vaquer, and Nikki Bella vs. Naomi, Chelsea Green, Alba Fyre, and Piper Niven
• Winners: Ripley, Sky, Vaquer, and Bella
• Key Moment: Rhea Ripley’s signature Riptide move on Piper Niven, followed by a crucial pin secured by Stephanie Vaquer, provided the finishing touch in an action-packed match that delighted the live audience. (Forbes)
World Tag Team Championship Match
In a title match with intense drama, the reigning duo defended their championships amidst mounting chaos.
• Match: Finn Bálor & JD McDonagh (c) vs. Joaquin Wilde & Cruz Del Toro
• Outcome: Bálor and McDonagh retained the titles thanks to timely interference from El Grande Americano—a move that, while controversial, underscored the unpredictable nature of WWE’s tag team division. (eWrestling)
Jey Uso vs. Bronson Reed
In a match marked by escalating tension, Jey Uso’s bout with Bronson Reed ended in disqualification.
• Result: Jey Uso was declared the victor via disqualification after interference from Bron Breakker.
• Aftermath: The ensuing chaos saw Bron Breakker and Reed launch a brutal assault on Jey Uso and Roman Reigns, further heightening the stakes and setting a dark tone for their anticipated tag team encounter at SummerSlam. (WWE.com)
Gunther and CM Punk Confrontation
Not all of the night’s highlights came in the form of matches. A heated in-ring confrontation between Gunther and CM Punk served as a powerful build for their World Heavyweight Championship match at SummerSlam.
• Key Point: The promo featured Gunther asserting his dominance while CM Punk, with his trademark fervor, reasserted his claim as “The Best in the World.”
• Audience Reaction: The crowd was divided between cheers for Punk’s impassioned delivery and boos for Gunther’s apparent arrogance, making the segment one of the evening’s most polarizing moments. (Cageside Seats)
Major Promos and Storyline Advancements
With matches underway and rivalries intensifying, several key promos furthered current narratives and set the tone for the future:
Paul Heyman and Jey Uso
Paul Heyman took center stage to address deep-rooted family tensions. He criticized Jey Uso’s decisions and lambasted the family hierarchy involving Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa. In response, Jey Uso passionately defended his family honor and denounced Heyman’s manipulative interference in what he called a “family betrayal.” This exchange not only deepened the internal conflicts but also foreshadowed forthcoming battles at SummerSlam. (WWE.com)
Gunther vs. CM Punk
In a face-off that reverberated with intensity, Gunther and CM Punk traded verbal barbs about legacy, championship status, and personal pride. Gunther insisted that his previous victories left no room for debate, while Punk emphasized that his continued reign as champion was a matter of necessity. Their performances in the ring served as a precursor to their highly anticipated SummerSlam showdown, further electrifying the audience. (eWrestling)
Lyra Valkyria and Becky Lynch
In addition to their physical altercation, the confrontation between Valkyria and Lynch was accentuated by sharp, concise promos. Valkyria declared her intent to outsmart the seasoned Lynch, while Lynch’s subtle counterattacks reinforced her reputation for resilience and craftiness—paving the way for a riveting title match on the SummerSlam card. (The Ring Report)
Backstage with Bronson Reed, Bron Breakker, and Heyman
In a pre-recorded backstage segment, Heyman conspired with Bronson Reed and Bron Breakker, declaring the duo’s intent to “take over WWE.” Reed’s promise to dismantle their opponents and Breakker’s bold assertions underlined the dominance they intend to exert as they head towards their tag team match at SummerSlam. (eWrestling)
The Good, Bad, and Downright Ugly
A closer look at the night reveals not just great matches but also moments of controversy and creative missteps:
The Good
• The emotional Hulk Hogan tribute resonated deeply among fans, reinforcing WWE’s storied legacy while paying respect to an icon of the sport.
• The confrontation between Gunther and CM Punk succeeded in ramping up anticipation for their championship match, blending charisma with hard-hitting dialogue.
• Dynamic tag team work from AJ Styles and The Kabuki Warriors, paired with the energetic performance in the eight-woman tag match, showcased WWE’s commitment to delivering diverse matchups.
The Bad
• Several matches suffered from overbooking. Jey Uso’s bout with Bronson Reed ended with disqualification via interference—a move that, while advancing the storyline, left some critics disappointed by the match’s muddled finish.
• Sheamus vs. Grayson Waller was viewed as lackluster, with post-match interference by Rusev detracting from the bout’s overall quality.
Sources: Cageside Seats; The Ring Report
The Ugly
• The use of weapons in the segment featuring Lyra Valkyria’s attack on Becky Lynch prompted criticism from some fans who argued that such repetitive tactics diminished the in-ring storytelling.
• The violent beatdown of Roman Reigns and Jey Uso by Bronson Reed and Bron Breakker, while effective in heightening the drama, was seen as overly brutal and left some supporters of the babyfaces feeling that their champions were portrayed as vulnerable.
Sources: Bleacher Report
Conclusion
WWE Raw on July 28, 2025, proved to be a multifaceted spectacle—melding emotional tributes, real-life complications, and intense in-ring action with dramatic promos that set the stage for a blockbuster SummerSlam. While the tribute to Hulk Hogan honored a legacy that transcends wrestling, the unfolding storylines, especially Drew McIntyre’s travel predicament and the escalating tensions between key rivals, illustrate how reality and scripted drama increasingly intertwine. As the event builds up to SummerSlam, fans are left with anticipation for resolutions to these escalating feuds and the promise of even greater confrontations in the weeks ahead.
