WWE Raw Review: Hits & Misses From A Disappointing Road To SummerSlam

WWE Raw had one job this week: make fans excited for SummerSlam.

With one of WWE’s biggest events of the year right around the corner, this was the final chance to create some buzz, add some last-minute intrigue and give fans a reason to count down the days.

Unfortunately, Raw never really reached that level.

There were some enjoyable moments, a few impressive performances and some promising developments, but the episode often felt like it was simply checking boxes rather than building momentum. It wasn’t a bad show, but it didn’t have the energy you would expect from a major go-home episode.

Here are the hits and misses from WWE Raw.

✅ Hits

🔥 Oba Femi and Brock Lesnar feel like a true heavyweight showdown

The biggest positive from Raw was the continued build between Oba Femi and Brock Lesnar.

The visual alone works. You have two absolute physical freaks standing across from each other, and the match immediately feels like a fight rather than just another wrestling contest.

The biggest takeaway was how comfortable Oba Femi looked sharing the spotlight with Brock. WWE presented him as someone who belongs on the big stage, and that is a huge step for a young talent.

The segment could have used a little more intensity, but the foundation is there for a genuinely exciting match.

🔥 Je’Von Evans continues to impress

Je’Von Evans is becoming one of the easiest wrestlers on WWE television to get excited about.

His match with Rusev showcased everything that makes him special — incredible athleticism, great energy and the kind of charisma that makes fans want to see more.

Every appearance feels like another step forward, and WWE appears to be slowly building him into someone who could have a major future.

🔥 Raquel Rodriguez wins the Women’s Intercontinental Championship — but Sol Ruca shines

Raquel Rodriguez winning the Women’s Intercontinental Championship gives the division a fresh direction.

However, it was a little disappointing to see Sol Ruca lose the title so soon after Becky Lynch helped put her over as someone with a bright future.

That said, Ruca still looked impressive and showed why WWE is high on her. Her athleticism and unique style continue to make her stand out, and hopefully there are bigger things ahead.

🔥 Ethan Page gets a statement victory

Ethan Page defeating Rey Mysterio was a simple but effective piece of booking.

A victory over a legend instantly gives Page credibility, and this felt like an important step in establishing him as someone WWE wants fans to take seriously.

Sometimes the easiest way to build a wrestler is just giving them a big win — and this worked.

❌ Misses

👎 Raw didn’t make SummerSlam feel like a must-see event

This was the biggest issue with the show.

A go-home episode should leave fans thinking, “I cannot wait for this match.”

Instead, Raw mostly felt like a reminder that SummerSlam was coming rather than a show that made the event feel bigger.

The matches were promoted, the video packages were shown and the card was discussed, but there was no huge moment that made fans feel like they had to tune in.

The show did enough to maintain interest, but not enough to create excitement.

👎 Brock Lesnar and Oba Femi needed more impact

While the matchup itself feels exciting, the actual confrontation was a little underwhelming.

With Brock Lesnar involved, expectations are always high. Fans want that unforgettable moment — a huge staredown, a shocking attack or something that gets people talking.

Instead, it was a solid segment that never quite reached the next level.

When you have two wrestlers this physically imposing, “solid” feels like a missed opportunity.

👎 Joe Hendry and Danhausen completely missed the mark

This was easily the strangest segment of the night.

On paper, Joe Hendry and Danhausen should be an entertaining combination. Both have unique personalities and know how to connect with fans.

Unfortunately, the segment never found the right balance.

The comedy didn’t quite land, and the involvement of Judgment Day and Ryan Garcia made everything feel more chaotic than entertaining.

Sometimes wrestling’s weird moments become legendary. This one just left fans wondering what the plan was.

👎 Too much filler heading into SummerSlam

The biggest problem with Raw was that parts of the show felt like they were simply passing time until SummerSlam.

There were plenty of reminders about upcoming matches, but not enough moments that actually changed how fans viewed those matches.

A go-home show doesn’t need to be perfect, but it should leave viewers more excited than when they started.

Raw just didn’t quite get there.

Final Grade: C-

WWE Raw had some good moments, but overall it was a disappointing final stop before SummerSlam.

Oba Femi looked like a future star, Je’Von Evans continued to impress and Sol Ruca showed why she remains someone fans should keep an eye on.

However, the show’s biggest failure was simple: it didn’t make SummerSlam feel bigger.

Instead of creating must-see excitement, Raw felt like a routine episode with a big event waiting around the corner.

Not a disaster — but definitely a missed opportunity.

Final Grade: C-