AJ Styles Downs El Grande Americano as AJ Lee Returns on WWE Raw

Milwaukee, Wisconsin (Fiserv Forum), Sept. 8, 2025 - AJ Styles defeated El Grande Americano in singles action, AJ Lee made her first Raw appearance in a decade, and Bronson Reed overcame LA Knight in the main event, as WWE Raw kicked off its fall season.

AJ Lee’s surprise return to Raw headlined the episode, setting up a high-stakes mixed tag match at WrestlePalooza and reigniting tensions between CM Punk, Becky Lynch, and Seth Rollins.

With the WWE Universe buzzing over Lee’s comeback and Styles’s victory, Raw delivered a fast-paced card that built momentum toward next month’s pay-per-view.

AJ Lee’s Homecoming Sets WrestlePalooza Showdown

In her first Raw appearance since 2015, AJ Lee stepped into the ring to confront Becky Lynch and Seth Rollins, blaming them for her decade-long absence. Lynch interrupted, leading to a heated exchange that culminated in Seth Rollins reluctantly accepting a mixed tag match against Lee and CM Punk at WrestlePalooza on Sept. 20.

Championship Contenders Clash

AJ Styles defeated El Grande Americano via pinfall after countering a loaded mask strike and hitting the Styles Clash. Backstage, Styles praised Dragon Lee for the assist, hinting at renewed momentum in the Intercontinental Championship picture.

Raquel Rodriguez returned to form with a statement victory over Lyra Valkyria, driving her opponent into the corner before landing a decisive forearm smash. Meanwhile, Rusev demolished Penta with a crushing Accolade submission, underscoring his push toward mid-card gold.

Main Event: Reed Surges, Uso Tensions Emerge

In the closing bout, “Big” Bronson Reed outmuscled LA Knight with a massive senton splash, only for The Usos to run in post-match and unleash chaos. Jimmy Uso scored the initial save, but a surprise Spear from Jey Uso on Knight hinted at lingering friction within the tag team’s ranks as Reed and Bron Breakker regrouped.

What’s Next on Raw

Raw General Manager Adam Pearce announced that Iyo Sky’s Women’s World Championship contract signing will be rescheduled once Stephanie Vaquer is cleared to compete. Next week’s Raw promises face-to-face confrontations between Rollins, Lynch, Lee, and Punk, plus further build-up to WrestlePalooza’s stacked card.