Raw Recap with Sam Roberts & Megan Morant – WWE x Fanatics
Episode: “He got us AGAIN!” Sam, Megan and Big E react to Roman Reigns returning (Raw Recap, Sept. 29, 2025)
Date: September 30, 2025
Episode Overview
This episode dives deep into the shockwaves sent through WWE following Roman Reigns’ dramatic return on Raw. Hosts Sam Roberts and Megan Morant, joined by special guest and former WWE Champion Big E, break down Reigns’ big comeback, dissect the ongoing Bloodline/Jey/Jimmy Uso saga, and explore developing rivalries involving Seth Rollins, Cody Rhodes, Rhea Ripley, Iyo Sky, the Kabuki Warriors, and more. The crew combines energetic match analysis with psychological insights and behind-the-scenes perspectives, capturing the passion and drama of WWE’s Netflix era.
Key Topics & Discussion Highlights
1. Roman Reigns’ Shocking Return
[00:01–07:31]
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Sam Roberts: “He got us again. The tribal chief has returned.”
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The return was classic Reigns—his unexpected entrance and orchestral music set the arena in Raleigh “gasping” in unison ([02:41]). Even Sam and Megan admit the moment got them on their feet.
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Sam references the infamous “stacking” strategy—Paul Heyman’s attempts to repeat history with Bron Breaker and Bronson Reed were cut short when Roman’s entrance music hit:
“When the music drops, everything changes.” ([01:38]) -
Reigns entered with a steel chair, seeking revenge on those who attacked him at Clash in Paris:
“Beating Bronson Reed all the way out ringside over the guardrail to the point where Bronson Reed disappeared. Nobody ever saw him again.” ([05:19]) -
Megan: “No matter what, the reaction just delivers.” ([03:08])
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The hosts discuss the cyclical nature of Roman’s appearances and how his presence instantly reestablishes his dominance and aura—even after losing the title to Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 40. He’s still the “yard’s owner.”
2. Bloodline Drama: Jey, Jimmy & Family Dynamics
[07:31–15:18]
- Megan highlights the backstage tension: Jey told Jimmy, “I should be the world heavyweight champion. But that’s something you wouldn’t know anything about.” ([08:51])—leading to a cold exchange but an eventual apparent peace.
- Sam draws a comparison:
“Is that a bad thing when you want to be the man? It’d be like going to a quarterback in the NFL and going, ‘You know you’re acting like Tom Brady.’ It’s like, yeah, that’s the job.” ([08:39]) - The group psychoanalyzes the Uso brothers’ dynamic:
- Jey, after years of “being told what to do,” wants recognition as an equal or even as the leader—something Big Brother Jimmy has never faced.
- Megan suggests Jimmy isn’t really jealous or angry, but perhaps “disappointed. Maybe a tad of bitterness.” ([13:02])
- Sam argues Jimmy may be apprehensive about returning to a subordinate Bloodline role, emphasizing the shifting family power structures.
- Paul Heyman’s status:
Bets are hedged: is Paul self-serving (“The only person Paul Heyman is loyal to is himself” – [16:06]), scared, or angling for another shot at power?
3. Rollins, Cody, and the Vision: The Company’s True Leader?
[17:43–29:01]
- Rollins’ complex about Cody is highlighted:
- Seth’s focus is clear: “I have to beat Cody. Not in a... I have to beat Cody.” ([18:21])
- The hosts argue the Seth/Cody rivalry is about legacy, not hardware:
- “They’re thinking about ten, twenty years from now, and what the industry is going to look like, and who’s going to be leading it.” – Megan ([21:12])
- Both want the “QB1” spot, the unassailable face of WWE’s new era.
- Discussion of Cody’s importance since WrestleMania 38:
“When Kingdom played at WrestleMania 38, that’s when everything changed.” – Sam ([25:03]) - Megan and Sam note that Seth protected Cody at Mania 40 out of mutual (if complicated) respect, debating if they were ever truly friends.
4. Women’s Division: Rhea, Iyo, Asuka & Kabuki Warriors
w/ Special Guest: Big E
[30:36–41:48]
- Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky are forced allies vs. the Kabuki Warriors—but trust issues simmer, as Rhea’s never pinned Iyo.
- Big E brings gravitas to Asuka’s legendary status:
“Asuka doesn’t get enough credit for opening the door to all these incredible performers from Japan...” ([31:56])
- Big E brings gravitas to Asuka’s legendary status:
- The group marvels at the emotional, almost family-level drama in the women’s tag scene:
- Megan: “Asuka... is so entertaining as a character as well. I mean, from yelling at Kyrie to her manipulation tactics... anytime she’s on screen, I’m totally glued.” ([35:27])
- Iyo’s storyline is described as “gut-wrenching,” especially after she posts a raw, emotional video about the Asuka betrayal ([37:38]).
- Big E remarks on the generational shift in wrestling, where emotional depth and codependency are now front and center.
5. Dominik Mysterio, Luchadors, and Intercontinental Title Drama
[42:45–51:43]
- Big E gives props to Dominik Mysterio’s massive crowd response and crafty, Eddie Guerrero-inspired cheating:
“Dominik has the right to the Eddie spot. Everyone else has to leave it alone. It’s Dom’s exclusively. He’s owned it.” ([45:29]) - Megan and Sam discuss Dom’s rapid evolution:
“I would be surprised if Dominik Mysterio doesn’t hold a World Championship within the next five years.” – Big E ([47:54]) - Discussion of the debut of Bravo and Rayo Americano (new masked luchadors) alongside Dragon Lee and AJ Styles. Sam and E jokingly speculate about the origins and suspect tan lines of the mysterious luchadors, poking fun at their “classic” luchador presentation.
6. AJ Styles vs. John Cena Set for Perth: A Dream Runback
[52:00–57:01]
- Group hypes the just-announced Cena vs. AJ Styles match for the upcoming Perth event:
- “It might be my favorite John Cena match... and one of the most important John Cena matches is the Cena/AJ Styles in-ring.” – Sam ([53:01])
- Big E notes AJ is likely in his last full-time year in 2026: “Soak this up, man. If you’re a fan of our industry, if you’re a fan of these two, soak it up.” ([54:08])
- Reflection on AJ’s transition from “TNA guy” to top WWE main-eventer and how the Cena feud proved he belonged.
7. Other Storylines & Final Thoughts
[57:01–62:59]
- Lyra Valkyria & Bayley:
Lyra repeatedly tries to keep her distance from “hugger gone rogue” Bayley (now “Ding Dong Bayley”):- Sam: “I’m Walter White in the car yelling at Hank: No, no, don’t go... she keeps getting sucked back in.” ([59:16])
- Becky Lynch & Maxxine:
- Becky Lynch punches Akira Tozawa in the throat, setting up an upcoming Becky vs. Maxxine match.
- Big E: “Maxxine is someone who has really gained the respect of our audience... Every time we see her in the ring, I see an improved version.” ([62:13])
- CM Punk’s Return Previewed:
- The crew teases Punk’s upcoming return to Raw, eagerly anticipating how the returning wild card will factor in amid the chaos.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
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Sam Roberts ([01:38]):
“When the music drops, everything changes. And you’re sitting there, looking at that entryway, and it says Roman Reigns on top, and it’s all blue, and that orchestral arrangement is playing...” -
Megan Morant ([03:08]):
“No matter what, the reaction just delivers.” -
Big E ([31:56]):
“Asuka doesn’t get enough credit for opening the door to all these incredible performers from Japan…” -
Sam Roberts ([08:39]):
“Is that a bad thing when you want to be the man?... Everybody should be acting like Roman Reigns.” -
Megan Morant ([21:12]):
“They’re thinking about ten, twenty years from now, and what the industry is going to look like, and who’s going to be leading it.” -
Big E ([47:54]):
“I would be surprised if Dominik Mysterio doesn’t hold a World Championship within the next five years.” -
Sam Roberts ([53:01]):
“It might be my favorite John Cena match... John Cena, AJ Styles, knowing they’ve got one more time to do it and wanting to show the world that they can still outwork the entire locker room.” -
Sam Roberts ([59:16]):
“I’m Walter White in the car yelling at Hank, no, no, don’t go... and Lyra’s out there, now she’s completely mixed up in all this business.”
Important Timestamps
- 00:01–03:11: Roman Reigns’ return, host reactions
- 07:31–15:18: Bloodline family dynamics, tension between Jey & Jimmy
- 17:43–29:01: Rollins, Cody, and the ‘QB1’ debate
- 30:36–41:48: Rhea, Iyo, the Kabuki Warriors & Asuka’s legacy (w/ Big E)
- 42:45–51:43: Dominik Mysterio’s ascent, Eddie spot, Intercontinental Championship
- 52:00–57:01: Cena vs. AJ Styles announced, reflections on SmackDown era
- 57:01–62:59: Lyra & Bayley drama, Becky Lynch vs. Maxxine, CM Punk preview
Tone & Style
Sam, Megan, and Big E keep the analysis passionate, witty, and occasionally irreverent—balancing in-depth wrestling psychology with comedic detours and personal anecdotes ("good-hearted person...such a sweet soul...she wants to do the right thing" – Big E on Lyra, [61:38]; or the running gag about the mysterious luchadors’ inability to tan). The show brims with genuine fandom and deep knowledge, making it an engaging listen for both hardcore and casual WWE fans.
For Next Week
- Major preview: AJ Styles vs. John Cena at Perth
- CM Punk’s return to Monday Night Raw
- Becky Lynch vs. Maxxine
- The evolving fates of Reigns, Rollins, Cody, and the Uso family
Subscribe and stay tuned for full breakdowns and exclusive superstar interviews on next week’s Raw Recap.
