Cody Rhodes vs. Seth Rollins Heat Up on WWE Raw as Asuka Betrays Iyo Sky

Opening Highlights and Backstage Chaos

The Ford Center in Evansville buzzed as WWE Raw kicked off with a rapid-fire montage of WrestlePalooza moments. The arena lights dimmed, and the arena filled with excited fans chanting as superstars made their way backstage. The Vision strutted in with his entourage, Stephanie Vaquer arrived with her dad in tow, and The New Day shared laughs before a sudden confrontation with Grayson Waller, who brandished kendo sticks like a pirate.

Meanwhile, Bayley strutted down the corridor, LA Knight flexed his muscles for the cameras, and a furious Rusev yelled at Dominik Mysterio, adding a layer of tension that felt ripe for a showdown later in the night.

Road to Crown Jewel: Rivalries, Title Talks, and a Shocking Betrayal

Cody Rhodes was the first to step into the ring, soaking up the crowd’s cheers and flashing the glittering Crown Jewel ring that will host his next big bout. Just as Rhodes was hyping his upcoming championship clash, Seth Rollins's entrance ripped through the arena. His theme, “Burn it Down,” blared, and he entered flanked by members of The Vision, creating a charged face‑to‑face standoff.

Rollins laid out his case: both he and Rhodes are champions—Undisputed and World Heavyweight—since SummerSlam, and their encounter in Perth will pit the two top dogs against each other. He reminded fans that this isn’t just about belts; it’s a personal vendetta that’s been simmering for weeks.

Backstage, the women’s division got a major boost when Stephanie Vaquer, the newly crowned Women’s World Champion and the first South American‑born titleholder, addressed the audience. She announced that at Crown Jewel she’ll meet the winner of Friday’s triple‑threat match featuring Tiffany Stratton, Jade Cargill, and Nia Jax. The crowd erupted, knowing Vaquer’s historic run could spark a new era for the women’s titles.

The night’s in‑ring action didn’t disappoint. Penta teamed with the War Raiders to crush Grayson Waller and The New Day in a high‑octane tag match, while Bayley overcame Roxanne Perez with a surprise assist from Lyra Valkyria, showcasing the depth of the women’s roster.

The main event pitted Rhea Ripley against Asuka, marking their first singles clash since late‑2022. The two veterans exchanged hard‑hitting moves, each trying to prove she still reigns supreme. Ripley’s power met Asuka’s agility, creating a battle that kept fans on the edge of their seats.

Just when the lights seemed to settle, Asuka delivered a startling betrayal. After a brutal finish that saw her splash green mist onto Ripley, Iyo Sky rushed the ring to stop the carnage. Instead of stepping back, Asuka unleashed a vicious back‑fist on Sky, signaling the end of their Kabuki Warriors partnership. She then urged Kairi Sane to join the assault, leaving the arena in stunned silence. This split could reshape the women’s tag landscape for months to come.

Other storylines continued to evolve. The Vision’s simmering feud with The Usos and LA Knight took another turn, while Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch kept the tension alive with CM Punk and AJ Lee, promising more explosive encounters leading up to Crown Jewel.

All told, the episode packed highlight reels, intense promos, and unforgettable moments that set the stage for the October showdown in Perth, Australia. Fans left the arena buzzing, eager to see how these rivalries will explode on the grand stage of Crown Jewel.