WWE RAW on May 12, 2025, was an episode that fans won’t forget anytime soon. From surprise returns to unexpected alliances and a main event that left everyone talking, this week’s RAW was jam-packed with energy. And let’s be honest—whenever CM Punk shows up, the entire WWE Universe holds its breath.
Whether you missed it or just want a breakdown of the night’s biggest moments, we’ve got you covered with a deep dive into all the highlights, results, and shockers.
The Return Heard Around the Arena: CM Punk Is Back
There’s something about CM Punk that just electrifies an arena the moment his entrance music hits. And this week, RAW delivered exactly that jolt.
After months of injury speculation and backstage rumors, CM Punk made his much-anticipated return during a promo segment that had the crowd on edge. Just when it seemed like the segment was fizzling out—boom! Punk’s music hit, and the place erupted.
His return wasn’t just a feel-good moment. It felt like a warning shot to everyone on the roster: Punk is back, and he’s hungry for gold.
He didn’t wrestle in a match (yet), but he made it clear—he’s got unfinished business, and he’s coming for the top of the mountain.
Tag Team Turmoil: A Main Event That Delivered Big Time
RAW’s main event was the kind of chaos WWE fans live for. It featured a high-stakes tag team match that brought together bitter rivals and forced uneasy alliances.
Here’s how the main event looked:
| Team | Members | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Cody Rhodes & Seth Rollins | Cody Rhodes, Seth Rollins | Win (via pinfall) |
| Drew McIntyre & Damian Priest | Drew McIntyre, Damian Priest | Loss (after miscommunication) |
Yep, you read that right. Cody and Rollins, who aren’t exactly besties, teamed up and surprisingly worked in sync. Meanwhile, McIntyre and Priest were a ticking time bomb—one that finally exploded after a failed tag led to a miscue and, ultimately, the loss.
So what does this mean? WWE may be teasing a split in Judgment Day—or at the very least, there’s friction that could boil over in the coming weeks.
Rising Stars and Backstage Drama: What’s Brewing Beneath the Surface
RAW wasn’t just about the main event or CM Punk. The rest of the show was filled with subtle storylines and performances that deserve attention.
Let’s talk about some key moments:
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Zoey Stark vs. Natalya: A short match, but Zoey’s aggressive in-ring style made a big statement. She’s clearly being groomed for a bigger push.
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Sami Zayn’s Promo: After weeks of chaos, Zayn cut a passionate backstage promo hinting at a potential feud with a former ally. There’s a fire in Sami right now that feels like it’s leading to something major.
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Gunther’s Dominance Continues: The Ring General had a squash match that reinforced why he’s still one of the most feared competitors on RAW. No one’s stepping up to him yet—and honestly, who would want to?
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Rhea Ripley’s Ominous Warning: In a pre-recorded segment, Rhea issued a cryptic challenge that sent chills down everyone’s spine. Whatever she’s planning, it’s going to shake up the women’s division.
These “in-between” moments are what make WWE storytelling so layered. It’s not just what happens in the ring—it’s what’s brewing in the shadows.
CM Punk’s Return—What’s Next?
Let’s circle back to the big story. CM Punk’s return wasn’t just a cameo. It had “title run incoming” written all over it.
Here’s why this matters:
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Timing Is Everything – With summer just around the corner and big events like SummerSlam on the horizon, WWE needed a spark. Punk delivered it.
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Fresh Matchups – Think about it: Punk vs. Gunther? Punk vs. Seth Rollins again? Or even Punk vs. Roman Reigns if the brands collide? The possibilities are endless.
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Fan Connection – Love him or hate him, Punk has one of the strongest connections with fans. That’s marketing gold.
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Locker Room Politics – His return could stir things up backstage too. Expect subtle hints and real-life tension to bleed into storylines.
So, what’s next? Based on how WWE operates, you can expect Punk to gradually re-enter the title picture, likely starting with some intense promos, maybe a feud with a top heel, and then… boom—main event material.
Conclusion: A RAW to Remember
WWE RAW on May 12, 2025, wasn’t just another episode—it was a game-changer.
From CM Punk’s dramatic return to the explosive tag team main event, it gave us everything a fan could ask for: drama, storytelling, action, and plenty of teases for what’s coming next.
And that’s the beauty of RAW. Just when you think you’ve seen it all, they pull you back in with a moment that shakes up the landscape. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just catching up, this episode reminded everyone why Monday nights still belong to WWE.