WWE Raw May 05 Results, Winners, Grades, and Analysis

WWE Monday Night Raw returns from the CHI Health Center in Omaha, Nebraska, gearing up for the upcoming Backlash premium live event this weekend in St. Louis. The show features The Paul Heyman Guys delivering an important message, while Becky Lynch confronts Intercontinental Champion Lyra Valkyria ahead of their match. Additionally, Rusev makes his in-ring return against Otis, Women’s Champion Iyo Sky battles Roxanne Perez in a non-title match, and Penta faces JD McDonagh. Catch WWE Raw May 05 Results, Winners, Grades, and Analysis.

Jey Uso and Paul Heyman Opens WWE Raw

Jey Uso makes a striking entrance through the crowd, signaling his return to the spotlight. After a long time away from the mic, he seizes the moment to address Logan Paul, who he knows is in attendance. Uso expresses his determination to confront Paul directly, calling him out to stand on business. This sets the stage for a heated exchange, as Jey is clearly ready to defend his family and his honor against any disrespect.

In response, Paul Heyman walks in, introducing himself with a confident demeanor. He states that he is not there to disrespect the World Heavyweight Champion but has important matters to discuss with Jey Uso. However, Jey quickly turns the conversation personal, accusing Heyman of stepping into the ring after hurting his family. Paul tries to shift the focus away from Roman Reigns and CM Punk, but Jey insists that he has warned both of them about Heyman’s true nature, calling him a betrayer. This sets off a back-and-forth where tensions rise as both men defend their positions.

Heyman then reflects on his complicated relationship with CM Punk, suggesting that the fans chanting Punk’s name do not understand the full story. He shares a story about his past dreams with Roman Reigns, emphasizing the bond they had long before Roman became a star in the wrestling world. Paul expresses frustration over being placed in an impossible situation by Punk and highlights the sacrifices he made for the Bloodline. His emotional appeal reveals his loyalty to Reigns while also hinting at the turmoil within their alliance and the strains that have emerged due to recent events.

As the confrontation escalates, Paul transitions the conversation toward the World Heavyweight Championship. He challenges Jey Uso, claiming he lacks the understanding of what it takes to be a champion. Heyman states that the title is about power and control, which Jey must learn to navigate. He offers Jey a chance to face Seth Rollins for the title, allowing him to choose the time and place for the match. With adrenaline running high, Jey boldly accepts the challenge for tonight in Omaha, setting the stage for an exciting clash that could change the dynamics of the championship landscape.

Grade A

Analysis

Raw opened with an outstanding promo segment. Both exchanged verbal shots at each other. Paul Heyman is a pro when teasing people and also manipulating things. He reminds Jey about the Rollins power who beat Punk and Reigns at WWE WrestleMania 41 on Saturday. However, Jey does not have any fear and ready to fight which is a good sign for his championship reign.

Backstage

After the commercial break, Paul Heyman enters the locker room where Seth Rollins and Bron Breakker are present. He excitedly tells them that Jey Uso fell for their plan, and he cannot believe it. Seth Rollins takes a moment to gloat, saying he loves to say, “I told you so.” He briefly leaves while Paul turns to Bron and expresses his excitement, asking if he understands the situation. Bron replies that he thinks he does.

Paul explains that both Roman Reigns and CM Punk prepared for Seth Rollins but lost at WrestleMania. He emphasizes that Jey Uso has no chance against Seth tonight. Paul calls Rollins a sniper, claiming he has Jey in his sights. The match is crucial, as it could lead to Rollins receiving the world title. Commentary confirms that Adam Pearce has officially made the match between Seth Rollins and Jey Uso.

JD McDonagh vs Penta

The match begins with Cero Miedo, where McDonagh takes an early advantage by delivering a low kick, which is legal. He follows this up with a headlock takeover, but Penta counters with head scissors. After some quick exchanges, such as a back elbow and a drop toehold, Penta tries to gain control. He narrowly evades a dropkick but gets rolled up for a close two-count. Penta then showcases his agility with a standing moonsault, leading to another near fall, before hitting an elbow drop. However, Zero retaliates with powerful overhand chops and leg kicks, even taking out McDonagh’s leg.

As the action continues, McDonagh executes a Death Valley Driver, and they head to a commercial break. When they return, Penta finds himself hung in the tree of woe. He manages to sit up just in time to avoid a dropkick, launching into a slingshot double stomp. With big right hands, he ducks and weaves, landing a Sling Blade for another nearfall. Despite more chops and a quebradora, McDonagh survives and gets sent crashing to the floor. Penta then performs a plancha from the top rope, taking out both JD and Carlito.

The match intensifies with Finn Balor attempting to interfere, but referee Eddie Orengo catches him and ejects both Balor and Carlito from ringside. Penta climbs to the top, but Chad Gable suddenly appears for a cheapshot. Zero retaliates by diving on Gable before returning to the ring. JD attempts a jawbreaker and climbs up for a high-risk move, but Penta rolls away just in time. He connects with a stunning flip piledriver, securing the victory by pinfall.

Winner: Penta

Grade B

Analysis

It was a fun match between two future prospects. However, it is Judgment Day’s story that will develop this feud. Finn Balor teased everyone to keep their business to themselves, which is not what one faction of people does. Penta and Dom will definitely have a great match. Will Dom’s title reign be long?

Backstage

Backstage, Grayson Waller chats with Adam Pearce when Austin Theory approaches. Waller pretends to advocate for a match for Theory, and Pearce reluctantly agrees before leaving. Austin asks Waller who his opponent is, but Waller keeps it a secret, leading to another commercial break.

Austin Theory vs Sheamus

Sheamus starts the match strong, tossing Austin Theory aside with ease. Theory responds with a front kick and follows up with left hands, but the Celtic Warrior quickly retaliates with powerful uppercuts in the corner. After a whip across the ring, Theory manages to blast Sheamus with a dropkick. Sheamus attempts to lock in the Cloverleaf, but Theory fights back with desperate punches and escapes to the floor. In a show of agility, Sheamus dives out with a lariat, leaving the audience hyped as they head to a commercial break.

When the match resumes, Sheamus absorbs everything Theory throws at him, demanding more. He lands a tilt-a-whirl slam and continues with the Beats of the Bodhran, but Theory counters with a Stunner. Sheamus responds with a rising knee, getting a near fall. After a missed move off the second rope, Theory takes advantage and connects with a superkick. The action intensifies with a rolling thunder blockbuster, but Sheamus kicks out. He then hits an Avalanche White Noise, building momentum before finally landing the Brogue Kick to secure the victory by pinfall.

Winner: Sheamus

Grade C+

Analysis

Sheamus is back to action which is great. He is known to give Banger after Banger. There is no point of booking Waller and Theory together. WWE must separate them and give them a single push.

Backstage

Commentary announces an exciting match for Backlash, revealing that Penta will face Dominik Mysterio for the Intercontinental Championship. Meanwhile, in the Judgment Day clubhouse, JD McDonagh expresses his frustration over his recent loss. Dominik Mysterio tries to reassure him, declaring that he will handle Penta at Backlash. Just then, AJ Styles arrives, having been let in by R-Truth. He clarifies that he is not there to cause trouble but instead to issue a friendly warning. AJ states he doesn’t care who wins; he intends to pursue the Intercontinental Championship himself.

Dominik shows hesitation and admits he didn’t foresee the challenges of being a champion. He asks Finn Balor to deal with AJ Styles for him. Finn initially teases Dominik about cleaning up his own messes but quickly agrees to take care of Styles. Shortly after, the New Day approaches Chad Gable, expressing that it’s time for him and American Made to earn some respect. They propose a tag title match with him. Just then, Becky Lynch interrupts, and Xavier Woods comments on how Lyra Valkyria’s actions against her were unfair. The camera follows Becky as she navigates through the arena.

Becky Lynch and Lyra Valkyria Promo

Becky Lynch grabs the microphone to address the crowd. She expresses frustration about being criticized and claims she is the real victim. Lynch complains that she hasn’t been thanked for getting rid of Bayley, whom she calls “the garbage,” and Lyra Valkyria, whom she labels “the recycling.” Becky asserts that Lyra owes all her success to her, implying that Valkyria wouldn’t be where she is without Lynch’s influence.

Lyra Valkyria interrupts and confronts Becky directly. She mocks Lynch as the “queen of recycling,” accusing her of using the same tired act for years. Lyra challenges Becky’s claim of being responsible for her success, stating that Lynch had no role in shaping her career. Valkyria emphasizes her own achievements, pointing out that she made her own history while Becky was away. She mentions defending her Intercontinental Championship more times than Becky has shown up to work and accuses Lynch of breaking glass ceilings but leaving the shards behind without helping others rise.

The tension peaks as Lyra declares her title as the symbol of her distinction and taunts Becky, hoping she enjoys second place. Becky attempts a cheap shot, but Lyra reacts faster and takes her down with punches. Referees rush in to separate them, but Lyra breaks free, dodges Becky’s Manhandle Slam, and lands her Nightwing finisher on “The Man.”

Grade B

Analysis

The promo battles were outstanding between the two. However, WWE stayed with Becky’s heel turn and did not intensify this feud much. Either WWE should make it long with two or three matches between the competitors or booked them in such a way that it looked like the end of the feud. Valkyra held her own against The Man which is a good sign for young competitor.

IYO SKY vs Roxanne Perez

The match begins with a collar-and-elbow tie-up, leading to a struggle into the ropes. After a whip across the ring, IYO SKY lands a shoulder block, but Roxanne Perez counters with quick movements, including a cartwheel slap followed by a playful curtsey. The action spills outside as Perez leads SKY on a chase, only to return to the ring and hit a big head of scissors. IYO lands on her feet and retaliates with a sharp dropkick. Perez cuts her off with a basement dropkick, but the momentum shifts again as IYO nails a dive to the outside.

Back in the ring, Perez counters with a Shotei and traps IYO’s leg in the ropes before delivering a slingshot stomp, leaving SKY in trouble as the match heads to a commercial break. Returning from the break, the two trade right hands from their knees to their feet. SKY lands a flapjack and a missile dropkick, followed by a kip-up. She attempts a German suplex and transitions into a second, but Perez counters with a back suplex.

IYO responds with a butterfly backbreaker and sets up for her signature moonsault but misses. Perez capitalizes with La Mistica and a handspring knee, earning a near fall. The two continue trading counters, with Perez hitting a dragon screw and attempting La Casita into a bridging pin, but IYO counters. After a series of back-and-forth pins, IYO SKY secures the victory with a sunset flip.

Post-match, Roxanne offers a handshake, which IYO accepts in a show of sportsmanship. However, Giulia ambushes SKY from behind, and Perez shockingly joins in. The two deliver a brutal superkick and surfboard stomp combination, leaving the WWE Women’s World Champion laid out.

Winner: IYO Sky

Grade B+

Analysis

Both Perez and Sky has solid chemistry in the ring. The match was outstanding. It is good that WWE put NXT superstars straight into the women’s championship scene otherwise most wrestlers lost in the shuffle. Giulia and Perez will challenge both Ripley and Sky in the future which is a good booking decision for all four wrestlers looking at the circumstances. Ripley was not available today due to her Australia tour for promoting WWE events.

Rusev vs Otis Dozovic

The match begins with a collar-and-elbow tie-up, but Rusev quickly breaks free and sizes up Otis. They lock up again, with Rusev delivering powerful lariats, yet Otis remains steadfast. After a series of exchanges, Otis staggers Rusev, ducks a lariat, and receives a spinning heel kick from Rusev, leading to a commercial break. When the action returns, Otis showcases his strength by suplexing Rusev over the announce desk and throwing him into the steel steps. The fight continues outside until Rusev delivers a Machka kickback in the ring, eventually winning the match by submission with the Accolade.

After the match, Akira Tozawa confronts Rusev, demanding an immediate fight. Rusev initially backs off but then surprises Tozawa by returning to the ring and executing a Doctor Bomb, sending him into Otis. Rusev continues his assault by throwing Otis shoulder-first into the post and following up with another Machka Kick. He then applies the Accolade on Otis, choking him out until Adam Pearce arrives with referees to intervene and break up the chaos.

Winner: Rusev

Grade B

Analysis

Rusev’s crush mode is on. Otis is the perfect guy for destruction because WWE fans love him. WWE must give Rusev a solid feud with any singles competitor so that he can retain its momentum.

Pat McAfee and Gunther Come Face to Face

Pat McAfee steps into the ring with Raw general manager Adam Pearce, who introduces GUNTHER. Pearce emphasizes that he expects professionalism and no repeat of prior incidents. GUNTHER assures Pearce he won’t act out, claiming he’s a professional, unlike Pat and his friend. As “You tapped out!” chants erupt, GUNTHER remains composed, promising to address that later. McAfee shifts the focus to Michael Cole, praising him as the greatest of all time for his dedication to WWE. Pat criticizes GUNTHER for attacking a sixty-year-old man, using the moment to share his own thoughts.

McAfee humorously connects Omaha’s reputation for hard work and success to their confrontation, framing it as a battle of dreams. Pat reflects that he and GUNTHER had similar childhood dreams of becoming wrestlers, but he accuses GUNTHER of growing jaded after twenty years in the business. He claims GUNTHER has lost his passion, turning his dream into just a job, and calls this version of the Ring General “soft.”

McAfee says this complacency is why GUNTHER lost to Sami Zayn and Jey Uso and predicts he’ll lose again on Saturday. GUNTHER counters by bringing up Pat’s daughter’s recent birthday, highlighting its importance before shifting to his own focus for Saturday. Declaring it a special day, GUNTHER vows to be sharp, prepared, and relentless. He promises to maul McAfee, break him, and choke him out until he collapses. While McAfee is safe tonight, GUNTHER warns that on Saturday, only divine intervention will save him from the beating that awaits.

Grade A

Analysis

It was as intense as it should have been to build this feud as a must-see. Gunther just missed one episode due to suspension for WWE Raw actions, where Gunther attacked Raw commentary team. McAfee is an emotional as well as exciting man, whereas Gunther is a beast. McAfee angered Gunther, which is not a good sign for him at Backlash because Ring General will destroy him.

Jey Uso vs Seth Rollins for WWE World Heavyweight Championship

The match begins with intensity as Seth Rollins and Jey Uso lock up, exchanging quick pins and testing each other’s skills. A shoving match escalates into trading punches, with Rollins landing a superkick to set up the Blackout, but Jey evades it. Seth attempts the Pedigree, but Uso blocks it, and Rollins avoids a superkick, retreating to the floor for a breather. Jey quickly follows with a dive, crashing Rollins into the announce desk as the action heads to a commercial break.

When the match resumes, Rollins regains momentum with a corner knee and body blows before a double crossbody leaves both men down. Jey builds momentum with a Samoan drop and an Ode to Rikishi, earning a near fall. On the floor, Rollins lands a dive and attempts a springboard, but Jey counters with a superkick for another close two-count. As Jey sets up for a spear, Rollins counters with a kick and delivers a buckle bomb. Seth goes for a frog splash, but Jey evades it, leading to a sequence where a spear is countered into a Pedigree, but Jey miraculously kicks out.

The match grows increasingly chaotic as Bron Breakker interferes after Seth pulls the referee into harm’s way. Jey fends off Breakker but is caught by Rollins with a superplex into a Falcon Arrow. Seth connects with the Blackout, but Uso kicks out, to the crowd’s shock. Sami Zayn arrives to even the odds, brawling with Breakker. Jey lands a superkick and a spear, followed by a diving splash, yet Rollins kicks out again. Sami cheers Jey on, but Breakker spears Zayn, leaving Jey distracted. Paul Heyman capitalizes by distracting the referee, allowing Breakker to spear the world champion.

As Rollins attempts to regain control, CM Punk storms in with a chair, blasting Breakker and attacking Seth. The interference leads to a disqualification, giving Rollins the win. Punk continues his assault, fending off Breakker and delivering chair shots to Rollins. In the aftermath, Punk and Sami Zayn stand tall while the world champion recovers in the corner. Sami checks on Jey to end the show.

Winner: Seth Rollins via Disqualification

Grade A

Analysis

It was a good match but the ending was always going to happen like this. WWE does not want Jey Uso o lose it as soon as this Raw episode. However, this match gives a clear message that Seth Rollins will be the guy who will dethrone the champion. CM Punk made a return which means he and Rollins will take this feud on their shoulders until the Tribal Chief shows up. This will be a fun feud if WWE want to continue it throughout the summer.