New York: Five days before Survivor Series: War Games takes over Petco Park in San Diego, WWE Raw rolled onto Netflix with a stacked go-home episode designed to build intensity and intrigue ahead of the premium live event.
From Roman Reigns’ return promo to high-stakes tournament matches, heated confrontations, and a chaotic main-event brawl, Raw set the tone for a blockbuster Saturday.
Here’s a complete recap and analysis of everything that went down on the November 24 episode of WWE Raw.
Roman Reigns Returns, Tension With Cody Rhodes & CM Punk Sparks War Games Drama
Last Time in Action: Roman Reigns vs. Bronson Reed — lost at Crown Jewel (Oct 11)
Roman Reigns opened the show addressing his return and his involvement in this year’s War Games. But the moment quickly escalated when Cody Rhodes interrupted to question the Tribal Chief’s motives.
Reigns took a subtle jab back:
“I’ve been in this war. You’re just now joining.”
CM Punk arrived next and made it clear that he runs Mondays, not Rhodes. Reigns ended the segment planting seeds of future conflict, teasing that a world title may soon be back on his shoulder—without specifying which one.
Grade: B
Key Takeaways
WWE seems to be setting up a major storyline coming out of Survivor Series.
Tension between Rhodes, Punk, and Reigns adds unpredictability to the babyface War Games team.
Reigns’ tease about championship gold may foreshadow his next big feud heading into WrestleMania season.
Gunther vs Carmelo Hayes – Tournament Quarterfinal Thriller
Gunther beat Je’Von Evans (Nov 17)
Hayes beat Bronson Reed (Nov 21)
Carmelo Hayes came into the match riding momentum, and his aggressive start forced Gunther to shift gears early. A punishing chop halted Hayes’ offense as the Ring General took control heading into the break.
Hayes rallied with a tornado DDT after escaping a powerbomb, but after a frantic closing stretch, Gunther countered a Drive By, applied a sleeper, and transitioned into a powerbomb to secure the win.
Result: Gunther def. Hayes
Grade: B
Key Takeaways
Gunther continues to outperform nearly everyone on the roster.
Hayes looked strong in defeat, further elevating his credibility.
The Usos later volunteered to represent their team in the main event after mocking their opponents’ lack of unity.
Dominik Mysterio Sends Final Message to John Cena, Rey Mysterio Makes Save
Dominik Mysterio hit the ring to hype his Intercontinental Championship match against John Cena at Survivor Series, only to reveal that Cena was not in the building.
A Cena impersonator interrupted to comedic effect, but Dominik dismantled him quickly.
Rey Mysterio stormed out to rescue the impersonator and send his son retreating.
Grade: C-
Key Takeaways
Tribute to Cena’s 2003 Kurt Angle parody, but execution fell flat.
Rey’s thunderous pop shows his enduring star power.
Dominik backing away hints at future Judgment Day tensions.
Rey Mysterio vs JD McDonagh – Veteran Outsmarts Judgment Day
A renewed rivalry resumed as Rey Mysterio took on JD McDonagh in singles action.
McDonagh controlled much of the match, even hitting a Spanish Fly, but a late miscommunication with Finn Bálor allowed Rey to hit the 619 and a springboard splash for the win.
Result: Rey Mysterio def. JD McDonagh
Grade: C
Key Takeaways
Too short for maximum impact due to commercial timing.
Dominik’s absence from the finish may fuel internal Judgment Day friction.
Rey continues gaining momentum heading into Survivor Series.
Women’s War Games Teams Collide in Heated In-Ring Showdown
Becky Lynch, Nia Jax, Lash Legend, Asuka, and Kairi Sane kicked off the women’s War Games hype. Lynch ranted about last week’s loss before calling out AJ Lee.
Rhea Ripley interrupted, followed by Iyo Sky, Charlotte Flair, Alexa Bliss, and eventually Lee herself.
AJ vowed she’s not the same hot-headed fighter from years ago, but Ripley smashed Jax to spark a massive brawl. The babyfaces cleared the ring before Sky topped it off with a moonsault onto the heels—excluding a stunned Lynch.
Grade: B
Key Takeaways
Becky Lynch was the standout mic performer of the night.
With babyfaces standing tall, WWE may be signaling a potential heel victory at Survivor Series.
The segment successfully raised anticipation for Saturday’s Women’s War Games.
Solo Sikoa Advances After Penta Suffers In-Match Injury
Solo Sikoa vs Penta – Tournament Quarterfinal
Penta started strong with a guardrail headscissors but injured his shoulder on impact. After medics checked on him during the break, Alicia Taylor announced that Penta could not continue.
Result: Solo Sikoa wins via doctor stoppage
Grade: Incomplete
Key Takeaways
Unfortunate and abrupt ending to what could have been a show-stealing match.
The anticipated Gunther vs Penta rematch will have to wait.
Main Event: War Games Advantage Match – The Usos vs Drew McIntyre & Logan Paul
With the War Games advantage on the line, The Usos battled Drew McIntyre and Logan Paul.
McIntyre and Paul controlled the middle stretch until Jimmy Uso’s hot tag sparked a comeback. A splash nearly sealed it, but McIntyre broke up the pin. Ringside chaos erupted as Rhodes, Punk, Bron Breakker, and Bronson Reed got involved.
Paul capitalized with a quick roll-up on Jimmy for the win.
Roman Reigns appeared afterward, unleashing Superman Punches on the opposition before the final all-out brawl—capped off by Brock Lesnar making a chaotic, slip-filled entrance to join the melee.
Result: McIntyre & Logan Paul def. The Usos
Grade: C
Key Takeaways
Functional, storyline-driven match that kept everyone protected.
Lesnar’s slip—followed by laughter—became the moment fans will remember.
Sets the stage for a high-voltage War Games clash.
Overall Show Review
WWE packed Raw with every major Survivor Series storyline, but the episode still fell short of last week’s electric Madison Square Garden show.
Strong promos, solid matches, and meaningful build—but not the same spark.
Final Grade: C
