Full WWE Raw Preview (Tonight): Cody Rhodes’ Next Move, New Champion Arrives

Tonight’s Monday Night Raw is set to be an explosive episode, dealing directly with the fallout from Wrestlepalooza. With Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes kicking off the show, the first appearance of the new Women’s World Champion Stephanie Vaquer, and a series of high-octane clashes, the night is poised to set the course for the red brand.

What to expect on Raw tonight?

Tonight, Cody Rhodes will start the show, possibly addressing his next challenger. The new champion Stephanie Vaquer will make her triumphant debut. Plus, we’ll see Bayley take on Roxanne Perez and a chaotic No Disqualification Six-Man Tag Team Match. Expect intensity, surprises, and the beginning of new rivalries.

What Will Cody Rhodes Say to Kick Off Raw?

Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes is on top of the world, and his presence to start Monday Night Raw means business. Coming off a successful title defense at Wrestlepalooza, the “American Nightmare” isn’t just celebrating; he’s setting the tone for the future of his reign.

Since finishing his story, Rhodes has been a fighting champion, He will most likely further his rivalry with Seth Rollins. According to WWE’s own data, his televised matches in 2025 maintain a win rate of over 90%, solidifying his status as the top star. Kicking off the show is a strategic move by WWE to ensure maximum eyeballs are on the screen from the very first minute, a tactic that the Wrestling Observer Newsletter (2025) reports can boost viewership for the opening segment by up to 15%.

The New Champion’s Arrival: What to Expect from Stephanie Vaquer?

Stephanie Vaquer shocked the WWE Universe by capturing the vacant WWE Women’s World Championship, and tonight marks her first appearance on Raw as the new queen of the division. Her victory was not just a career-defining moment but a signal of a new direction for women’s wrestling in the company. Vaquer brings a technical, aggressive style honed in Mexico’s CMLL, offering a stark contrast to many of her peers.

The arrival of a new champion always injects fresh energy. According to Cagematch (2025), fan approval ratings for matches involving new champions in their first defense are often 25% higher on average than the divisional mean. This is due to the unpredictability and freshness they bring. Vaquer’s first promo as champion is crucial. Will she establish herself as a hero, a villain, or something more complex?

Potential challengers are already lining up. Names like Becky Lynch, Liv Morgan, and the up-and-coming Roxanne Perez are immediate candidates. How Vaquer interacts with the women’s roster tonight will tell us a lot about her reign. Will she call out the biggest star, or will she pick on more vulnerable targets to build her dominance?

Comparing her start to other iconic champions like Trish Stratus or Becky Lynch shows the importance of this first moment.

Are you excited for Stephanie Vaquer’s championship reign?

Clash of Generations: Why Bayley vs. Roxanne Perez Is a Must-See Match

A newly announced match with the potential to steal the show is Bayley vs. Roxanne Perez. This isn’t just a random bout; it’s a collision of eras and philosophies within the women’s division. Bayley, one of the Four Horsewomen, represents the generation that revolutionized women’s wrestling in WWE. Roxanne Perez, a former NXT Women’s Champion, represents the new wave of talent hungry to take their spot.

The dynamic here is fascinating. Bayley has the experience and a proven track record on the big stage. Perez has youth, agility, and a point to prove. Stylistically, they could create magic in the ring. Bayley’s storytelling ring-style combined with Perez’s athletic prowess is a recipe for an instant classic.

The combination of champions establishing their domains, new stars trying to break out, and the potential for chaos with the No DQ stipulation creates a recipe for an unmissable show.