WWE RAW Results & Winners (November 17, 2025): Roman Reigns, Brock Lesnar & AJ Lee return ahead of WarGames; Maxxine Dupri pins Becky Lynch & more
(Courtesy : WWE.com)
Gunther & Solo Sikoa advance; Dolph Ziggler returns & more!
The November 17 episode of Monday Night Raw aired live from the iconic Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. The show carried huge anticipation among fans as it was not only John Cena’s final appearance on the Red brand, but also played a massive role in the lead-up to Survivor Series: WarGames.
Multiple big names, including John Cena, CM Punk, Rhea Ripley, Becky Lynch, and Jey Uso, were advertised for the show. The promotion announced multiple matches and segments for the show, including two more first-round matches in the tournament to decide John Cena’s final opponent.
Additionally, Cena also wrestled in his final appearance on the Red brand. Get to know what happened this Monday, as we have the complete summary, highlights, results, grades, and winners’ list for the 11/17 episode of WWE Raw.
WWE Raw Summary and Highlights
John Cena’s final Raw
John Cena made his entrance to kick off the final Raw of his career, amid deafening “CENA CENA” and “THANK YOU CENA” chants. Cena thanked New York fans and noted that it’s the last time they can talk together at MSG and on Raw, stating that it’s a very important moment for him.
However, before he could continue, Dominik Mysterio interrupted him. He stated that nobody wants to hear what Cena has to say and then claimed that last week Cena was handed the title shot, just like everything he has been handed.
Dirty Dom continued stating that he has fought everything he has and asked for a rematch for his Intercontinental title. Cena stated that he needed to do one thing first, which is to ask the crowd. Cena, all amped, was ready to go, but Dirty Dom said no and then continued stating that while Cena did things his way, they would now do things his way.
Dom calls for the title rematch at Survivor Series in San Diego in his hometown and Cena accepted the match without hesitation, but then stated that he told the world that he is going to wrestle in his final match and he sees an opponent, so for tonight he asked Dirty Dom to forget the WWE IC title and battle Cena right there and then without the title.
The Judgment Day’s music hit as Finn Balor and JD McDonagh arrived to back up Dirty Dom, and the three then started beating down Cena. Sheamus and Rey Mysterio darted into the ring to make the save. Cena then declared that he has now got a team and they would love to fight, announcing a six-man tag team match.
Grade: A
Moments & Insights:
- The MSG crowd was on their feet with deafening chants for John Cena’s final Monday Night Raw appearance.
- It’s a shame that Cena’s limited appearances were wasted in his poorly executed heel turn, as the fans still are not ready to bid him farewell.
John Cena, Sheamus & Rey Mysterio vs The Judgment Day (Dominik Mysterio, Finn Balor & JD McDonagh) – Six-man tag team match
Referee stepped in and the bell rang as the Judgment Day members started to walk off, but Sheamus, Cena, and Mysterio brought them back into the ring for further beatdown. Sheamus and Dirty Dom started the action, but fell prey to Judgment Day shenanigans after a good start.
After a lengthy beatdown, he was able to tag Rey, who, too, after initial success, fell prey to the numbers game and dirty tactics. However, it all changed when Cena was tagged in, the Judgment Day tried the same tactics, but this time the veterans fought back, delivering the Ten Beats to the Bodhren and the Five Knuckle Shuffle together.
Rey then lined up Balor and McDonagh and delivered a double 619. Sheamus took out Finn with a Brogue Kick, and Cena capped it off with an AA to pin McDonagh and pick up the win in the final match on Monday Night Raw.
Winner: John Cena, Sheamus & Rey Mysterio
Grade: A+
Match Insights & Backstage Moments:
- Cena capped off his final appearance with a win alongside Sheamus and Rey Mysterio, closing the chapter on his legendary run.
- The Judgment Day got into a brawl with comedian Andrew Schulz and athletes from the New York Giants during the commercials.
- Backstage, Nick Aldis and Adam Pearce were discussing the situation when Paul Heyman approached them. Heyman insisted that his actions with Drew McIntyre were within the rules and that he respected both of them. However, he teased that if picking Drew for WarGames upset them, they wouldn’t believe who he had lined up as his fifth man. He handed Pearce a contract folder, and when Adam opened it, both general managers let out a collective sigh.
Nikki Bella attacks again
Jackie Redmond was in the ring for an interview with Women’s World Champion Stephanie Vaquer after last week’s betrayal by Nikki Bella. As Vaquer made her entrance, Bella appeared from behind and attacked the Champion, laying her out once again.
Nikki grabbed a microphone and told Vaquer she didn’t return to cheer from the sidelines or play second fiddle; she came back to take her division back. She thanked Stephanie for reminding her who she is and promised to challenge for the title, saying she would be bowing down to the woman who changed the entire industry.
Grade: C
Backstage Moments:
- Backstage, Bayley was with Lyra Valkyria when she encountered the Kabuki Warriors. Asuka offered Bayley a spot on their WarGames team, suggesting they put the past behind them. Bayley laughed it off and firmly declined the offer. Asuka yelled something in Japanese and left. Valkyria then appeared, excited about the potential of their team and offering a high five. The Role Model persona took over as Bayley scoffed and asked if she was five, calling her an idiot before storming off.
Solo Sikoa vs Dolph Ziggler – Last Time Is Now Tournament (First Round)
In the second match of the show, Solo Sikoa, accompanied by Talla Tonga, battled a mystery opponent who turned out to be none other than TNA’s Nic Nemeth, aka Dolph Ziggler, who made his return to face Sikoa in the first round of the tournament.
Ziggler started strong, but Sikoa took over, using his size advantage to punish the veteran. Ziggler rallied and even delivered the Zig Zag, but Sikoa managed to kick out. Another attempt by the TNA star saw him deliver the Superkick, but he failed to follow it up with the Zig Zag as Sikao fired back with the Samoan Spike to pin Ziggler and spoil his WWE return.
Winner: Solo Sikoa
Grade: C+
Match Insights & Backstage Moments:
- This was Dolph Ziggler, aka Nic Nemeth’s, first in-ring appearance in WWE since May 2023.
- The match was very lukewarm, with not much action, and the commercials spoiled it further.
- Stephanie McMahon was in attendance and shown on camera after the match. Shane McMahon and his son were also in attendance, but were not shown on camera.
Charlotte Flair with the backup ahead of WarGames
Alexa Bliss was in the ring as we came back from commercials, addressing her tag partner, Charlotte Flair. She revealed that Charlotte had ignored all her calls and text messages, despite clearly being active on her phone, posting Instagram stories of herself enjoying New York. Bliss then declared it would be harder to rebuild their trust than to reclaim the tag titles.
She admitted that everyone backstage had told her Flair wasn’t worth it, but she ignored them, knowing who Charlotte is and what she’s capable of. She continued, noting that last week, she took a beating just because Flair didn’t like Rhea Ripley, but Flair, she said, doesn’t care about liking anyone or being liked. Calling Flair her best friend, Bliss said that Charlotte bailed on her.
The Kabuki Warriors, Lash Legend, and Nia Jax interrupted Bliss. Asuka laughed at Alexa, while Nia mocked her for being a ‘total loser’ alone in sparkly pants. Nia claimed she understood why Charlotte had left her and assured Alexa that no one would come to her rescue now.
Just then, IYO SKY and Rhea Ripley rushed in to make the save, taking out the Kabuki Warriors and Lash Legend. The numbers game took over the babyface team as Charlotte Flair appeared, a kendo stick in hand, clearing the ring and helping Alexa to her feet.
She pointed at Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky signaling a potential alliance with the babyface WarGames team, while the opposition retreated.
Grade: C+
Match Insights & Backstage Moments:
- A great way to acknowledge the history between Flair and Ripley. Her comeback to save Bliss adds a new layer of drama heading into WarGames, but this could have been done on SmackDown instead of stretching it this long.
Becky Lynch (c) vs Maxxine Dupri – Women’s Intercontinental title match
In the co-main event of the show, Becky Lynch defended the Women’s Intercontinental title against Maxine Dupri. In their third meeting, Lynch continued her cocky behavior, arguing with referee Jessika Carr and manhandling Dupri.
The challenger fought back with some great offense, but Lynch regained the upper hand, locking in the Disarmer. Maxxine countered it and later applied the Ankle Lock. Lynch, limping on one leg, landed the Manhandle Slam to pin Dupri, who put a foot on the ropes to break the pin.
Irked Lynch once again started arguing with Carr, before throwing off Dupri outside, asking for Carr to start the count. Becky went to remove the padding from the turnbuckle. Just then, AJ Lee made her return for the first time since Wrestlepalooza. Dupri capitalized to land a high-flying moonsault to pin Lynch and capture the Women’s Intercontinental Championship.
Winner & New: Maxxine Dupri
Grade: B
Match Insights & Backstage Moments:
- No one in the current roster can play a better heel than Becky Lynch, who not only got on the crowd’s nerves but also put Dupri over, making her into a big name in the mid-card scene.
- Lee’s return likely means the resumption of the feud between her and Lynch.
Gunther vs Je’Von Evans – Last Time Is Now Tournament (First Round)
In the main event of the show, Gunther battled NXT’s Je’Von Evans in the second of the two first-round matches announced for tonight’s show. Evans showed no fear of the Ring General, but was punished by vicious chops.
In the closing moments of the show, Evans rallied, going up top to deliver a Splash, another one from the other side, but failed to pin the former World Champion. The Ring General fought his way back with a vicious powerslam and locked in the Sleeper Hold. Evans refused to give up, as the former World Champion sunk the choke further, forcing Evans to tap out.
Winner: Gunther
Grade: B+
Match Insights & Backstage Moments:
- Gunther made his return to the ring, walking out to his original entrance music, ‘IV Allegro con fuoco’ from Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9.
- Backstage, Jackie Redmond interviewed Maxxine Dupri. Maxxine proudly declared that her hard work had paid off. She had defeated one of the best of all time and gave some credit to AJ Lee for her support. Lee, in turn, said she had no love for bullies and always rooted for the underdog. Just then, the Alpha Academy arrived to celebrate with Maxxine. AJ then shared that she had returned to help her husband, but Becky Lynch had reignited a fire within her that she had forgotten about. She wasn’t sure about staying long-term, but time would tell. As AJ was about to leave, she turned to see Rhea Ripley, who asked if she had a moment to chat.
The return of Brock Lesnar & Roman Reigns
‘The Oracle’ Paul Heyman made the walk, followed by Bron Breakker, Bronson Reed, Logan Paul, and Drew McIntyre. Heyman hyped up the WarGames match, calling it the best team he has assembled, noting his previous success in creating iconic teams for WarGames.
CM Punk then made the walk, followed by The Usos (Jimmy & Jey Uso), and Cody Rhodes as they stepped onto the apron, surrounding the opposing team. The brawl began as they stepped into the ring, with the babyface team taking over. Chaos erupted outside as back in the ring, Punk dropped Paul with a running bulldog.
Punk called for the GTS, but just then, Brock Lesnar made his return. The Beast Incarnate instantly took over with vicious Suplexes on Punk. Cody stepped into the ring, but was taken down with two vicious German Suplexes.
“OTC” chants erupted as Roman Reigns also made his WWE return to even the odds; it’s 5 vs 5 now. Lesnar got ready for the clash as Reigns stared him down, before stepping into the ring. The two behemoths came face-to-face as Heyman looked on.
Lesnar tried to attack Reigns, who sent him packing outside with a Superman Punch. Security and officials rushed in to diffuse the situation, while Bronson Reed stepped in to attack Roman. Reed took out security and went up top to deliver a Tsunami, but Reigns took him out with a Superman punch on the ropes.
NYPD Cops arrived to separate the two teams, while Punk was choking out Paul, Reigns took out Reed through the barricade with a Spear to end the show.
Grade: A
Insights & Backstage Moments:
- Another banger segment to build up hype for WarGames, and WWE has compensated for the lack of storytelling this time with multiple main-event stars and two massive returns.
- This was one of the best Raw episodes of 2025, and Madison Square Garden proved to be the perfect setting for a proper send-off for John Cena, alongside the returns of AJ Lee, Roman Reigns, and Brock Lesnar.
WWE Raw Results 11/17
- John Cena, Rey Mysterio, & Sheamus defeated The Judgment Day (Dominik Mysterio, Finn Balor, & JD McDonagh) – Six-man tag team match
- Solo Sikoa pinned Dolph Ziggler – The Last Time is Now Tournament (First Round Match)
- AJ Lee returned
- Maxxine Dupri defeated Becky Lynch (c) – WWE Women’s Intercontinental title match
- Gunther pinned Je’Von Evans – The Last Time is Now Tournament (First Round Match)
- Roman Reigns & Brock Lesnar returned ahead of WarGames
Who won in the main event of WWE Raw tonight?
Gunther defeated Je’Von Evans in the final match of the show to advance in John Cena’s final match tournament.
Did any major returns happen on tonight’s show?
Yes, Roman Reigns, Brock Lesnar, and AJ Lee made their return tonight at Madison Square Garden.
When and where will Survivor Series 2025 take place?
The 39th edition of Survivor Series will take place on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at Petco Park in San Diego, California.
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Abhijit Singh is a budding sports journalist with over three years of experience in the field, and a photographer capturing stories through his lens since 2018. With a background in philosophy and political science, he brings a thoughtful, analytical edge to his reporting where every word is guided by curiosity and intent. Whether he's capturing the emotion of a moment or unpacking the deeper narratives within the game, Abhijit’s work is rooted in insight and passion. When he’s not covering sports, he’s often exploring new ideas through reading, traveling or just procrastinating.
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