Raw Recap with Sam Roberts & Megan Morant
WWE x Fanatics Podcasts
Special: Full WrestlePalooza Preview
Date: September 18, 2025
Episode Overview
This episode shifts gears from the usual Monday Night Raw recap to a high-energy, in-depth preview of the inaugural WWE WrestlePalooza – a landmark premium live event airing on ESPN. Hosts Sam Roberts and Megan Morant, joined by special guest Big E, break down the loaded card, analyze the biggest storylines, and share behind-the-scenes insight. The trio explore evolving tag team dynamics, the high-stakes return of major Superstars, and offer hot takes on which matches have the most at stake for both competitors and the future of WWE.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. The Usos vs. Bron Breakker & Bronson Reed (Tag Team Match)
[00:51–08:58]
- Usos Reunion: Sam highlights the emotional complexity of Jimmy and Jey Uso reuniting; what should be a triumphant homecoming is instead fraught with tension and "a shift in personality" for Jey.
- Chemistry vs. Division: Big E points out the contrasting unity of Breakker and Reed compared to the fractured Usos. He emphasizes, "If you two are not united in battle, you are not going to win. In fact, you are going to get obliterated."
[03:26, Big E] - Jey’s Internal Conflict: E explores Jey's possible reluctance to return to tag wrestling after singles stardom:
"I think the title can make you lose focus of who you were before... I wonder if that starts to creep in because you think 'I've been the man on my own for so long.'"
[05:34, Big E] - The ‘Bronze’ Without Heyman: Megan and Big E marvel at Reed and Breakker, who remain dominant even with Paul Heyman sidelined:
"It's a bit like seeing two pit bulls off the leash... I wonder if they’re more of a threat now because there’s no one to say, oh boy, hold on now."
[07:47, Big E] - Storyline Parallel: Sam links Jey’s current attitude to Roman Reigns, suggesting a potential echo of past Bloodline drama.
2. Mixed Tag Team Dream Match: Seth Rollins & Becky Lynch vs. CM Punk & AJ Lee
[08:58–16:44]
- AJ Lee’s Return: Big E reflects personally on AJ's comeback:
"This is a woman who I have known essentially my entire adult life. And to see the reaction, to see social media go crazy, the amount of videos from fans who are weeping because their idol is back..."
[10:54, Big E] - Couple Dynamics: The hosts discuss the rare energy and natural chemistry from having two real couples—both "at the top of their game"—in the ring:
"We’re getting a WrestleMania main event caliber match at WrestlePalooza."
[15:22, Big E] - Personality Clashes: Sam characterizes this as “the prom king and queen in Seth and Becky versus the kids that hung out under the bleachers in Punk and AJ”—two contrasting but tightly-knit duos.
[16:20, Sam Roberts] - Becky’s 'Slick' Tactics: Megan jokes about Becky’s craftiness, continuing a running gag:
"That was the slickest manhandle slam I've ever seen Becky deliver on Raw."
[15:14, Megan Morant]
3. Vacant Women's World Championship: Stephanie Vacair vs. Iyo Sky
[17:14–22:47]
- High Stakes, Immediate Impact: Sam and Megan note the excitement of a guaranteed new champion emerging from a vacated title.
- Stephanie’s Meteoric Rise: Big E predicts this will be a "barn burner":
"This is the match that I am most looking forward to...technically we’re seeing two of the most skilled performers, bar none in our industry, go at it."
[19:23, Big E] - Iyo’s Redemption: The panel sees victory as a return to form for Iyo or an epochal crowning for Stephanie.
- Rhea Ripley’s Looming Threat: Discussion turns to Rhea declaring intentions for the winner. Sam frames it as “the whole landscape of the division changes.” Potential for a Perth title match is teased.
[22:27, Megan/Roberts]
4. WWE Championship: Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Drew McIntyre
[22:47–28:44]
- Drew’s Vindication: Big E sympathizes with Drew’s hunger for a defining title run after being WWE Champion during the pandemic and after a string of near-misses:
"Drew is hungry...I think a lot of his motivation comes from feeling like he doesn't get respected."
[24:03, Big E] - Cody’s Pressure: Sam frames Cody’s reign as haunted by constant doubt:
"When do I get to be the guy? And how come now that I'm the champion, every time I step up, there are people doubting that I'm going to get it done?"
[27:00, Sam Roberts] - Narrative Stakes: Both hosts agree that a win over Drew would solidify Cody’s claim to “the guy” spot in WWE.
- Building Legitimacy:
"Once you start really building that resume, it's going to be undeniable that you are indeed the guy."
[28:44, Big E]
5. John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar (The Retirement Tour Collision)
[28:44–34:18]
- Genuine Danger: Sam touts the unexpected brutality from past Cena-Lesnar bouts, referencing Lesnar’s “uncomfortable” violence:
"It didn't feel like wrestling anymore. It felt like this feels bad. You know what I mean?"
[30:28, Sam Roberts] - Lesnar’s Aura: Big E warns Lesnar is just as lethal as ever:
"He is a scary, scary individual. I see no decline. I don't think a decline is even on the horizon."
[31:17, Big E] - Cena’s Last Stand: Megan questions whether Cena can overcome Lesnar in the final chapter:
"If this is Cena's last rodeo, perhaps it invokes something as well."
[33:54, Megan Morant] - Big E’s Take:
"He will destroy your plan very, very quickly. This man is a monster. Truly is a monster."
[34:11, Big E]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
Big E on Tag Team Mentality:
"Tag team wrestling is about being on the same page. It's about knowing where your partner is and, and naturally the Usos have that advantage as twins... But right now we're not seeing that."
[03:40, Big E] -
Big E on AJ Lee’s Return:
"To see AJ Lee back, someone who almost 13 years ago, she was the one who called me up to the main roster... Her impact is undeniable."
[10:50, Big E] -
Sam on Mixed Tag Dynamic:
"This feels very much to me like it's the prom king and queen in Seth and Becky versus the kids that hung out under the bleachers in Punk and AJ."
[16:20, Sam Roberts] -
Big E on Stephanie Vacair vs. Iyo Sky:
"Technically we’re seeing two of the most skilled performers, bar none in our industry, go at it. So I am from a technical in ring aspect, this is the match that I am so keenly excited for."
[19:23, Big E] -
Sam on Cody Rhodes’s Challenge:
"Cody Rhodes has always wanted to be the guy, only wants to be the guy... every time I step up, there are people doubting that I'm going to get it done."
[27:00, Sam Roberts] -
Big E on Lesnar’s Power:
"He will destroy your plan very, very quickly. This man is a monster. Truly is a monster."
[34:11, Big E]
Audience Takeaways
- WrestlePalooza is Unmissable: Every match holds major storyline and legacy implications for its competitors.
- Emotional Investment: The card is filled with returning legends, evolving tag teams, and high-stakes championship battles.
- Anticipation for AJ Lee: One of the most emotional stories is AJ Lee’s return, and its impact on the women’s division and fandom at large.
- Unpredictability: With Brock Lesnar and the evolving championship picture, almost nothing is certain heading into the weekend.
Timestamps at a Glance
- 00:51–08:58: Tag Team drama – Usos vs. Bron Breakker & Bronson Reed
- 08:58–16:44: Mixed tag team match hype, AJ Lee’s return
- 17:14–22:47: Women's Championship – Stephanie Vacair vs. Iyo Sky, Rhea Ripley teases
- 22:47–28:44: WWE Championship – Cody Rhodes vs. Drew McIntyre
- 28:44–34:18: Cena’s retirement tour meets the ‘Brock Problem’
- 34:18–35:41: Panel's most anticipated matches and farewells
Tone & Final Comments
This episode is packed with passionate analysis, personal anecdotes—especially from Big E—and plenty of playfully competitive banter. For anyone looking to get hyped for WrestlePalooza, this preview provides both the heart and wrestling IQ you need.
Don’t miss the show and the aftermath, including live countdowns and recap podcasts from the Raw Recap crew!