April 28, 2025 WWE Raw Recap: Sami Zayn’s Temptation Unleashed – Highlights & Reactions!

The crowd in Kansas City had me scratching my head this week. They cheered for Seth Rollins when they shouldn’t have, and kept calling for Bron Breakker to spear Sami Zayn. It felt like they were there just to chant instead of following the unfolding drama. Sure, the wrestlers must guide the story, but the audience’s reactions should reflect the good versus evil dynamics they create. These responses could dilute the impact of what’s clearly meant to be WWE’s next big heel faction. Sami’s words hinted at something profound: Seth is one of the most complex characters in wrestling. He embodies everything he claims to fight against.

Seth talks a big game. Sami pointed out that he’s the biggest hypocrite around and doesn’t even see it. CM Punk and Roman Reigns are aware of who they are. Seth, on the other hand, believes himself to be the industry’s savior. This storyline feels like an evolved version of the Monday Night Messiah angle from the pandemic, with Sami as the sacrificial lamb, adding depth to the narrative.

Their history played out in the ring. Seth warned Sami to choose wisely: leave Raw or face some pain. I found Sami’s performance compelling; he never seemed uncertain about his choice. Despite a potential shot at John Cena’s championship, his conflict over his friend’s fate was more gripping than anything else in the storyline.

Still, I wanted more. Sami delivered as always, but where were key figures like Punk and Roman? Their absence left a gap in the narrative. And why is Bron involved? There are many unanswered questions that reflect the disjointed feel of this week’s episode.

Switching gears, it’s a relief we didn’t have to sit through weeks of speculation about who took Bayley out. Becky Lynch straight-up admitted it in the ring. Given the recent back-and-forth with Naomi and Jade Cargill, this direct approach was smart. But the Kansas City crowd’s fickle nature was confusing. They cheered Becky even after she confessed her actions against Lyra Valkyria. They only booed when she insulted them. Let’s hope other crowds show more consistency.

Regarding Lyra, her promo didn’t quite hit the mark for me. She didn’t seem genuinely hurt, appearing more like someone acting upset. However, her actions spoke louder, especially when she kicked Becky right when her ego got too big. Their prior NXT battles were exciting, and with a championship on the line, the tension is sure to build as we approach Backlash.

• Roxanne Perez and Rhea Ripley had a solid match, especially with Rhea’s knee injury adding a layer of drama. However, I’m puzzled by Roxanne and Giulia’s alliance. The reasoning feels weak, leaving me wanting more clarity.
• Ivy Nile showcased her best performance on Raw, competing fiercely against Stephanie Vaquer. This match highlighted Ivy’s talent and built her profile, but I expected Giulia to appear since she’s after Stephanie’s championship.
• Penta is seeking revenge on Judgment Day post-WrestleMania. He interfered in their match against the War Raiders, positioning himself as a target for them. It feels like a build-up for a Lucha Bros vs. Creed Bros match on the horizon.
• I’m not thrilled about Logan Paul as Jey Uso’s first challenger after Mania. It’s not that it doesn’t make sense, but I’d prefer to focus on the wrestling rather than the spectacle surrounding Paul.
• AJ Styles taking on Dirty Dom is intriguing. AJ is an excellent choice to help elevate a new champion like Dom, even if it seems like a setup for Dom’s continued growth instead of AJ winning.
• Rusev, now just called the Redeemer, is set for an exciting clash with Otis next week. I’m curious about how they’ll present his character and whether his promos can match his previous work in AEW.

This episode of Raw left me a bit underwhelmed. I didn’t expect to reach the highs of last week, but I also didn’t foresee feeling this indifferent. There’s potential with Seth, Paul, and Bron, but the lack of answers is disappointing. What’s next for the storyline? Who steps up now that Sami might be sidelined?

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