‘WWE Raw’ Review (Nov 17th 2025)
Welcome to our review of this past Monday’s episode of WWE Raw, right here on Nerdly! Let’s see what went down on this week’s show…
Match #1: John Cena, Rey Mysterio & Sheamus def. Dominik Mysterio, Finn Bálor & JD McDonagh
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
After a Fifteen Knuckle Shuffle on all three of their opponents, Rey Mysterio treated Finn Bálor and JD McDonagh to a double 619. This paved the way for Sheamus to blast Bálor with the Brogue Kick. The Greatest of All Time then hit McDonagh with the Attitude Adjustment for the historic Six-Man Tag Team Match victory.
My Score: 3.5 out of 5
Match #2: Last Time is Now Tournament Match – Solo Sikoa def. Dolph Ziggler
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
Solo Sikoa moved one step closer to becoming John Cena’s final opponent, hitting a vicious Soman Spike out of nowhere on a returning Dolph Ziggler for the Last Time is Now Tournament First Round victory.
My Score: 2.5 out of 5
Match #3: Women’s Intercontinental Championship – Maxxine Dupri def. Becky Lynch
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
When Becky Lynch looked ready to untie the turnbuckle, AJ Lee emerged and provided a distraction that allowed Maxxine Dupri to hit the High Cross Body and capture the Women’s Intercontinental Championship from The Man.
My Score: 3 out of 5
Match #4: Last Time is Now Tournament Match – Gunther def. Je’Von Evans
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
Gunther moved one step closer to becoming John Cena’s final opponent, making a very game Je’Von Evans tap out to the Sleeper Hold in an explosive Last Time is Now Tournament Match.
My Score: 3.5 out of 5
Final Verdict: 3/5
This week’s Raw delivered a solid—if uneven—three hours that mixed genuine standout moments with stretches of predictable build. The night opened strong with John Cena’s emotional farewell message from Madison Square Garden, only for him to be pulled straight into a surprise trios match alongside Rey Mysterio and Sheamus against The Judgment Day. It was a fun nostalgia-charged opener, even if the finish felt more about moments than meaning. The “Last Time Is Now” tournament bouts added needed competitive energy. Gunther bulldozing Je’Von Evans and Solo Sikoa grinding past Dolph Ziggler both landed well, giving the show a backbone of wrestling quality. The biggest shock of the night came when Maxxine Dupri captured the Women’s Intercontinental Title thanks to a perfectly timed AJ Lee return. A buzzy, crowd-pleasing twist. Where the show faltered was in its WarGames build, which still feels more obligatory than inspired.
