The July 7th episode of WWE Raw from Providence was anything but a typical go-home show. A new powerhouse faction led by Seth Rollins and Paul Heyman brutally took over the night, establishing their dominance with decisive, violent victories. However, the night was also marked by shocking returns and a bold statement from LA Knight, setting the stage for a chaotic weekend of wrestling.
Rollins and Heyman Unleash a Ruthless New Empire
A colder, more strategic Seth Rollins emerged, not as a solo act, but as the leader of a new force. Flanked by the legendary manager Paul Heyman, Rollins watched as his new allies dismantled their opponents. Heyman later dubbed the group a “strike-first empire,” built on action rather than words.
The group’s mission was clear from the start. Bron Breakker demolished Sami Zayn in under five minutes after a pre-match attack from Karrion Kross. Later, Bronson Reed took on Jey Uso, ending the match in a disqualification before delivering two post-match Tsunamis to make a brutal statement. This new faction established its dominance in a single evening.
The core of this new empire consists of:
- Seth Rollins: The veteran leader who isn’t afraid to win by any means necessary.
- Paul Heyman: The master strategist pulling the strings behind the scenes.
- Bronson Reed: The powerhouse monster with a total disregard for the rules.
- Bron Breakker: The intense wrecking ball focused on pure destruction.
LA Knight Sends a Direct Message to the Top
The main event featured Seth Rollins against Penta in what was a technical showcase until the very end. Rollins secured the victory with a low blow followed by a curb stomp, a win that drew the ire of the crowd. As Rollins prepared to address the WWE Universe, his celebration was cut short.
LA Knight’s music hit the arena, and he marched to the ring with clear intent. Without uttering a single word, Knight hit Rollins with his signature finisher, the BFT, leaving the leader of the new empire laid out in the middle of the ring. The message was unmistakable: LA Knight is coming for the top spot and will not be intimidated by Rollins’ new group.
Goldberg and Asuka Make Shocking Returns
In two of the most surprising moments of the night, two major stars made their unannounced returns to WWE. First, the arena erupted as Goldberg’s iconic music played. The WWE Hall of Famer stormed the ring and confronted Intercontinental Champion Gunther, tossing him with ease. The moment was pure nostalgia and left fans wondering if a match between the two titans is on the horizon.
Later, the women’s division was jolted by the return of Asuka. Following a match between Roxanne Perez and Kairi Sane, a brawl broke out involving Raquel Rodriguez. The lights suddenly dropped, and when they came back up, Asuka was in the ring. She quickly dispatched the other competitors, instantly inserting herself into a developing storyline.
The Weekend Showdown is Almost Set
With the explosive episode of Raw in the books, the cards for this weekend’s Saturday Night’s Main Event and Evolution are looking stacked. The night’s events added fuel to several rivalries and teased new possibilities. Here is how the matchups are shaping up:
| Match | Show | Stakes |
|---|---|---|
| Seth Rollins vs. LA Knight | SNME | Momentum, ego, future title talk |
| Jey Uso vs. Bronson Reed | SNME | Grudge match turned personal |
| Sami Zayn vs. Bron Breakker | Evolution | Redemption or humiliation |
| Roxanne Perez, Asuka & ? vs. Kairi, Raquel & ? | Evolution | Factions forming in real time |
| Gunther vs. Goldberg (TBD) | Possibly SNME | Not confirmed but teased |
The landscape of WWE Raw has been dramatically altered, and if this week was any indication, the road ahead is going to be violent and unpredictable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is in Seth Rollins’ new faction?
Seth Rollins’ new group, which Paul Heyman called an “empire,” includes Rollins as the leader, Heyman as the manager, and powerhouse wrestlers Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed as the enforcers.
Did Goldberg have a match on Raw?
No, Goldberg did not have a match. He made a surprise appearance, confronted Intercontinental Champion Gunther, and laid him out in the ring, teasing a potential future match between the two.
What happened between LA Knight and Seth Rollins?
After Seth Rollins won his main event match against Penta, LA Knight came to the ring and attacked him. Knight hit Rollins with his finisher, the BFT, to send a strong message ahead of their scheduled match at Saturday Night’s Main Event.
Is Asuka back on WWE television?
Yes, Asuka made her surprise return during a chaotic post-match brawl in the women’s division. She cleared the ring and immediately established herself as a major player in the evolving storyline.
