Raw Recap with Sam Roberts and Megan Morant

Episode: Full Clash in Paris Preview
Date: August 28, 2025

Episode Overview

In this special preview episode of Raw Recap, hosts Sam Roberts and Megan Morant—the week’s Raw already set the WWE Universe buzzing—dive deep into the card for Clash in Paris. They're joined by fan-favorite special guest Big E, who adds both analytical insight and backstage perspective. Together, they explore match implications, debate which bout should main event, and break down the stories and stars to watch, all with the signature energy and banter fans expect.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Main Event Debate: Which Match Should Close Clash in Paris?

• The trio launch into a spirited debate about which match is worthy of closing the show.
  • Sam's View:
    • Lists Cena vs. Logan Paul, the Fatal 4-Way for the World Heavyweight Championship, and Roman Reigns vs. Bronson Reed as all having main event potential.

      "You can make an argument that John Cena vs. Logan Paul main events this show...or the World title Fatal 4-Way...or Roman vs. Bronson Reed." (01:02)

• Big E's Analysis:
  • Argues the World Heavyweight Championship Fatal 4-Way deserves top billing due to its star power and layered storytelling. He highlights each participant’s trajectory and the unpredictable alliances and interference at stake.

    "For me, that is the main event...just seeing the dynamic as well...there's so much. It's very juicy from a story perspective." (02:34)

  • Emphasizes the "no disqualification" stipulation and the possibility of outside interference (Paul Heyman, Bron Breakker) making the match combustible.

2. Multiple Storylines, Multiple Possibilities

• Sam and Big E discuss how the placement of certain matches could depend on shocking outcomes, such as a possible Bronson Reed victory over Roman Reigns.

  "If Bronson Reed is going to decimate Roman Reigns, maybe that is something to put at the end of the show...You're left with a 'what the hell is going to happen next' feeling." (09:25)

3. John Cena vs. Logan Paul: Retirement Tour Meets Disruption

• Megan’s Pick for Main Event:

  • Campaigns for Cena vs. Logan, noting Cena’s "retirement tour," his return to being a babyface, and the buzz Logan brings.

    "We have been promised this retirement tour by John Cena...his last time in Paris against Logan Paul." (06:18)

• Sam and Big E Reflect on John Cena’s Persona:

  • Sam compares modern Cena to a stern, disappointed father figure, noting his promo’s emotional weight against Logan Paul.

    "It's like Ralph Wiggum and his heart getting broken in slow motion..." (18:41)

  • Big E adds color from backstage experience:

    "When Dad Cena appears, I'm telling you, there is something so soul crushing, it makes you feel like a small child again..." (19:47)

• Logan Paul’s Place in WWE:

  • Discussion of whether Logan has 'earned' his spot and how the locker room and audience perceive him.

    "Ultimately, when the bell is rung, it doesn't matter if Logan is a parasite or not...I think that's who he is." (22:42)

4. Fatal 4-Way: Storylines, Alliances, and Unpredictability

• The dynamic between competitors is discussed, with special focus on:
  • L.A. Knight’s aggression, Punk’s resurgence, Jey Uso’s confidence, and Seth Rollins’ political power grab.
  • The possibility of shifting alliances (Paul Heyman, The Vision, etc.).

    "We have so many different combustible elements as well in the Fatal four way match." (11:10)

• Jey Uso’s Self-Belief:
  • Big E questions if Jey Uso truly sees himself as worthy of the world title, or if he’s content being a popular merch-mover.

    "[Jey's] mentality is so interesting...does he realize he belongs...? Sometimes he still needs that pep talk to realize, oh yeah, I can still be that guy." (14:45)

5. Becky Lynch vs. Nikki Bella: Women’s Intercontinental Title

• Megan showers praise on Becky as a champion who "lifts others up," referencing her defense record (even as Sam jokes about needing a fact check).
• Big E discusses Nikki’s return, her growth, and the significance of their clash:

  "This is not the same Nikki Bella I knew five, six years ago...I think winning this title would mean a lot to her..." (24:57)

  • Points out Becky's craftiness, experience, and how rust may factor for Nikki.

6. Sheamus vs. Rusev: Donnybrook Match

• Big E relishes the setup:
  • Calls out Sheamus’s performances in Europe as especially resonant.

    "Seamus in Europe is like...I think Seamus comes alive even more." (28:28)

  • Praises Rusev’s physicality and the match’s potential as a sleeper hit.

    "If you're looking at a dark horse match...this is it." (30:27)

• All agree: this bout could steal the show and be "buzzed about" on social media after the event.

7. Roman Reigns vs. Bronson Reed: New Chapter

• Sam’s Perspective:
  • Feels this match signals a return to a substantive Roman Reigns story post-WrestleMania 40.

    "For the first time since WrestleMania 40, feels like we're getting that Roman story of what we're finally getting, what is next for Roman Reigns." (33:25)

• Big E’s Analysis:
  • Considers this a "massive test" for Bronson Reed—could he become an all-time great or will the moment be too big?

    "We know who Roman Reigns is...but for me, when I think about the future of our industry, I'm looking at this current crop and the next crop, and I want to see out of Bronson Reed..." (35:05)

• Megan:
  • Will be focusing on Paul Heyman and his reactions, hinting at potential drama with Heyman’s allegiances.

    "All eyes for me will be on Paul Heyman...when the tribal thief takes on the tribal chief." (38:16)

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• On the stakes of the Fatal 4-Way:

  "For me, that is the main event...the amount of different stories between all four men."
  — Big E (02:34)

• On John Cena’s promo with Logan Paul:

  "It's like Ralph Wiggum and his heart getting broken in slow motion..."
  — Sam (18:41)

• On Becky Lynch’s reign:

  "I think Becky is as sharp as they come, and I think she's at the stage...just getting craftier, just getting smarter."
  — Big E (24:57)

• On Sheamus in Europe:

  "I think Sheamus comes alive even more...especially in Europe."
  — Big E (28:28)

• On Roman Reigns’ current run:

  "This is the first chapter in this new phase of Roman Reigns."
  — Sam (33:25)

• On Bronson Reed's crucible:

  "I need an all Bronson Reed camera because I want to see...is he a guy who can dig deep and put on that caliber of match...?"
  — Big E (35:34)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Which Match Should Main Event? – (01:05 - 09:25)
• Cena vs. Logan Paul Discussion – (06:17 - 11:10; 18:41 - 23:06)
• Fatal 4-Way Story Breakdown – (09:25 - 14:45)
• Jey Uso’s Mindset & Legacy – (14:45 - 16:10)
• Becky Lynch vs. Nikki Bella – (23:07 - 27:05)
• Sheamus vs. Rusev, Donnybrook Match Analysis – (27:58 - 31:07)
• Roman Reigns vs. Bronson Reed: New Era – (31:08 - 38:16)

Tone, Style & Banter

The episode is full of playful ribbing (especially regarding Megan’s Becky Lynch fandom and questionable fact-checking), warmth between all three panelists, and genuine excitement for the Paris crowd and the unpredictable stakes at hand.
Big E’s enthusiasm for donnybrooks and his insight into performer psychology stand out, while Sam’s wry humor and Megan’s giddy energy keep the momentum high.

Final Thoughts

The hosts agree: Clash in Paris is packed with matches that could credibly main event, and is brimming with layered narratives and superstar performances. Whether it’s the emotional weight of John Cena’s (potentially) final acts, the ever-evolving world title scene, or the pure spectacle of Sheamus in his element, fans are in for a memorable event—one that will define the direction of WWE’s fall and beyond.