Takeaways From October 6, 2025

DALLAS, TEXAS – OCTOBER 6: Maxxine Dupri in action against Becky Lynch during Monday Night RAW at American Airlines Center on October 6, 2025 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Cooper Neil/WWE via Getty Images)

WWE via Getty Images

The final WWE Raw before the Crown Jewel premium live event delivered plenty of storylines worth dissecting as the road to one of the year’s biggest international shows wrapped up.

With tensions rising, rivalries deepening, and unexpected performances stealing the spotlight, Monday’s episode was less about shocking twists and more about turning points that could have big payoffs this weekend.

A few familiar faces found themselves at crossroads, whether in pursuit of redemption, recognition, or something darker altogether. It wasn’t a show filled with chaos, but one that rewarded someone’s hard work and showcased tensions across the roster.

Jey Uso Inches Toward Becoming Roman Reigns 2.0

Roman Reigns and Bronson Reed are running it back one more time at Crown Jewel, giving the latter, an Aussie, the chance to wrestle in front of his home crowd. It’s a good excuse to get him on the card, and there’s a case to be made that he should win, because lord knows The Vision needs some steam.

It’s unclear what exactly an Australian Street Fight, the stipulation for this match, will entail or if it will differ at all from your typical No Disqualification bout. Either way, it has the potential to be fun and give Reed a chance to showcase himself in a different light.

The more interesting story lies with Reigns’ influence on Jey Uso, who’s being teased as a mini version of the Tribal Chief. It’s taking that sometimes-silly babyface character and transforming him into something more dangerous, sinister, and edged. In some ways, his path mirrors Reigns’, who was once a maligned member of the WWE roster. Uso hasn’t quite reached that level, but he’s been a one-note character for most of his face run.

Reigns continued to get inside Uso’s head on Raw, creating tension between him and Jimmy. Jey even took the pin in the main event, which could signal a breaking point.

Something has to give, perhaps as soon as Crown Jewel this weekend. It would be disappointing if WWE doesn’t fully commit to the heel turn, which could inject fresh energy into one of their top babyfaces and create a compelling new heel at a time when The Vision hasn’t done the job.

Maxxine Dupri Changes People’s Minds With Best Match

The best match of this week’s WWE Raw goes to Maxxine Dupri, which is surely something that hasn’t happened in her career so far. Her journey has been one of steady improvement, evolving from valet to in-ring talent. If her match with Becky Lynch proved anything, it’s that she’s getting it done.

The Man dominated the early portion of the match, making it look like the underdog had no chance. But after a commercial break, Dupri fought back and showed legit skill with a fisherman’s suplex and an ankle lock. She even came within a split second of scoring one of the closest near-falls on WWE television this year.

The best part of Dupri’s performance was her underdog mentality, which won over the crowd. Fans clearly noticed how much she’s improved and how she stood toe to toe with Lynch, nearly pulling off the upset. Even though it wasn’t by pinfall, Dupri did win by countout, which should lead to a rematch for Lynch’s Women’s Intercontinental Championship.

It was easily the best night of Dupri’s career. She’s clearly putting in the work and deserves more opportunities to show what she can do.

Determining LA Knight’s Direction Remains Difficult

It’s still hard to tell where WWE is taking LA Knight.

Right now, the Megastar is playing a tweener role. He’s pandering to the crowd with the “Yeah!” catchphrase, but also heeling it up against fan favorites like CM Punk and even the Usos, who, despite their storyline, remain very over with the audience.

Punk and Knight are two of the best talkers in the business, so it makes sense to put them in the ring together. But the Second City Saint is a fan favorite, and if he one-ups anyone on the microphone, the crowd will side with him. That’s exactly what happened when he reminded Knight he hasn’t been a world champion, right after Knight told him he’s been more focused on being a husband. Yikes.

The former Eli Drake did get the pin in the main event when he teamed with Punk against the Usos, which helps his momentum a bit. Though, it came after he tagged himself in to steal the pin from the Straight Edge Superstar.

Knight has been doing this tweener act for a while, but at some point he’ll need a clear direction. Otherwise, he risks either unintentionally losing fan support as a face or deliberately turning them against him as a heel.