Roxanne Perez Officially Joins WWE Raw Roster, Punches Ticket to Money in the Bank

Roxanne Perez has officially arrived on Monday Night Raw — and she’s not wasting any time making an impact.

After several high-profile main roster appearances in the Royal Rumble and Elimination Chamber, WWE confirmed Perez’s full-time move to Raw in a backstage segment that aired both online and during the May 20 episode. In the video, Raw General Manager Adam Pearce handed Perez a contract, which she eagerly signed, officially making her a member of the red brand.

“This is going to be the first day of many successful ones, I hope,” Pearce said, to which the confident former NXT Women’s Champion responded that Pearce would soon find out why she’s called “The Prodigy.”

And Perez didn’t waste time proving it. Just hours after inking her deal, she competed in a high-stakes triple threat match against Becky Lynch and Natalya, with a spot in the Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match on the line.

The match had its share of twists. Lynch initially feigned an alliance with Perez before quickly turning on her, tossing the younger star aside to zero in on Natalya. But Perez showed resilience, re-entering the fray and staying competitive throughout. Both she and Lynch fought hard to avoid Natalya’s trademark Sharpshooter, but Perez eventually got caught in the submission.

As the pressure mounted, chaos erupted. Lynch escaped the Sharpshooter and hit the Manhandle Slam on Natalya, seemingly securing her path to victory — until Lyra Valkyria stormed the ring. Valkyria reignited her rivalry with Lynch, dragging her into a ringside brawl that ultimately cost “The Man” the match.

With Lynch and Natalya distracted, Perez seized the moment. She hit her signature Pop Rox finisher on Natalya and scored the pinfall, earning her first spot in a main roster Money in the Bank match.

The win is another milestone for Perez, who continues to climb the ladder — literally and figuratively — in WWE. Just last week, she teamed with fellow NXT alum Giulia in the Raw main event, although the duo came up short against Women’s World Champion IYO SKY and Rhea Ripley. Any hopes of a long-term alliance were dashed when Giulia, now a member of SmackDown, told Perez backstage, “There is no ‘we.’”

Now, Perez is flying solo — and thriving. With a Money in the Bank briefcase in sight and momentum on her side, “The Prodigy” is quickly proving she belongs on WWE’s biggest stage.

Kairi Sane Returns to WWE Raw, Welcomed Back by CM Punk — But Faces Tough Loss in MITB Qualifier

After a five-month absence from in-ring action, Kairi Sane made her highly anticipated return to WWE on last night’s episode of Monday Night Raw — and was greeted with a warm welcome from none other than CM Punk.

Before the show aired, Punk shared a photo from the ring alongside Sane with a simple but meaningful caption: “Welcome back.” WWE had previously confirmed earlier in the day that Sane was in Greenville, South Carolina, and was set to compete again for the first time since December.

Sane was added to a high-stakes triple threat match against Rhea Ripley and Zoey Stark — the winner earning a coveted spot in the Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match, set for June 7th. It marked her first match since the December 2, 2024, edition of Raw, where she teamed with fellow Damage CTRL member IYO SKY in tag action against Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez. Her planned involvement in the Intercontinental Championship tournament late last year was scrapped due to injury, making her return last night all the more significant.

Unfortunately for Sane, her comeback didn’t go exactly as planned. Midway through the match, Stark appeared to suffer a knee injury following a misfired missile dropkick, which led to her being helped to the back. That left Sane and Ripley to finish the bout, and it was The Eradicator who came out on top. Ripley delivered a decisive Riptide to secure the win and punch her ticket to Money in the Bank.

Sane may have come up short, but her return is still a major boost for WWE’s women’s division, and her connection with CM Punk could signal interesting storylines ahead. Speaking of Punk, he made his presence felt again later in the night, running in to help Sami Zayn and Jey Uso fend off a post-match beatdown by Seth Rollins and Bron Breakker in the show’s closing moments.

With Punk back in the mix and Kairi Sane stepping back between the ropes, Raw continues to reload with star power as the road to Money in the Bank heats up.

Stay tuned to WrestlingNewsBlog.com for more updates on Kairi Sane’s return, Zoey Stark’s injury status, and all things heading into WWE Money in the Bank 2025.

WWE Raw Preview 5/19/2025

WWE Raw airs live tonight globally on Netflix from the Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina.

  • WWE World Heavyweight Champion Jey Uso vs. Bron Breakker (non-title)
  • AJ Styles and Penta vs. Judgment Day’s Finn Balor and JD McDonagh
  • Money In The Bank qualifying matches
  • Sheamus vs. Grayson Waller
  • Logan Paul to appear

Saraya Speaks Out After Fan Reportedly Tried to Kiss Her at Autograph Signing

Former AEW and WWE star Saraya is calling out inappropriate fan behavior after a disturbing incident at a recent autograph signing, where a fan reportedly tried to kiss her without consent.

The incident occurred on Saturday during a public meet-and-greet. Saraya took to Twitter shortly after to express her anger and frustration, writing:

“Crazy I have to say this but. If you come to my signings… please don’t try to kiss me anywhere. Especially ON MY MOUTH. He wasn’t able to because I moved. But Jesus f**king Christ.”

The post quickly went viral, resonating with fans and fellow wrestlers alike, many of whom voiced support for Saraya and condemned the fan’s behavior. The moment has reignited ongoing conversations in the wrestling world about respecting personal boundaries, especially during fan interactions like signings and conventions.

While most fans who attend these events are respectful and appreciative, this situation highlights a persistent issue — particularly for women in the industry — where personal space is too often disregarded. Wrestling may blur lines between characters and real life, but there’s no excuse for violating someone’s autonomy and safety.

Saraya, who has been a high-profile presence in both AEW and WWE, is no stranger to public scrutiny and has long been vocal about setting boundaries with fans. This latest incident only reinforces the importance of wrestlers — and promotions — taking stronger stances on safe fan engagement protocols.

Let this serve as a reminder: admiration does not grant permission. Respect wrestlers as performers and as people — and when you’re at a signing, keep your hands, and lips, to yourself.

Kevin Owens Gives Update on Neck Injury, Clarifies Surgery Status

Kevin Owens has provided a much-needed update on his health after weeks of speculation surrounding the neck injury that sidelined him from WrestleMania 41 — and from WWE programming entirely.

Owens was originally scheduled for a high-profile singles match against Randy Orton at this year’s WrestleMania, but ongoing neck issues forced him to pull out ahead of the event. Since then, details on his condition have been limited — until now.

Taking to social media, Owens addressed fans directly to set the record straight. He confirmed that while surgery is likely in his future, he has not yet undergone any procedure, despite conflicting reports circulating online.

“So, first, we don’t have a surgery date yet. I have not had surgery yet,” Owens said. “We’re still gonna try and figure out what the best way to go about it all is, exactly what needs to be done… Hopefully in the next few weeks, we get clarity and we do the surgery and then we go from there.”

Owens admitted there’s still “a lot of uncertainty” surrounding his condition, making it unclear exactly when he might return to the ring — or how long his recovery could take once a plan is in place.

The former Universal Champion has been absent from WWE TV since early spring, with his absence leaving a noticeable gap on Raw as the company builds toward its summer slate of events. Despite being on the sidelines, Owens remains a key part of WWE’s long-term plans — assuming his recovery goes smoothly once the path forward becomes clear.

For now, fans will have to wait as Owens and his medical team continue to assess his condition and determine the next step. But one thing’s for certain: KO’s trademark transparency and resilience are still very much intact.

We’ll keep you posted with any updates on Owens’ status as soon as they become available, right here at WrestlingNewsBlog.com.

Natalya Falls Short in NWA Women’s Title Bid at Crockett Cup 2025

WWE veteran Natalya stepped into unfamiliar territory this past weekend, making her long-awaited debut in the National Wrestling Alliance — but came up just short in her pursuit of gold.

Competing under the name Nattie Neidhart, the multi-time WWE champion challenged reigning NWA World Women’s Champion Kenzie Paige during the Crockett Cup 2025 event at the historic ECW Arena in Philadelphia. Despite a hard-fought effort, Neidhart was unable to unseat Paige, who retained her title in a match that was taped for an upcoming episode of NWA Powerrr.

This cross-promotional showdown had been brewing since last month’s GCW Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport XIII, where Paige ambushed Natalya following her victory over Miyu Yamashita. That post-match confrontation laid the groundwork for the NWA title clash, which marked Natalya’s first bout since Bloodsport — and her first ever inside an NWA ring.

Though not active in the WWE ring since that Bloodsport appearance, Natalya has continued to appear on Raw, occasionally featured in backstage segments alongside Maxxine Dupri and the Alpha Academy. For her NWA debut, she made a powerful statement with her presentation, once again entering to Rage Against the Machine’s iconic “Killing in the Name” — backed by her crew, giving the entrance a defiant and gritty vibe fitting the venue and occasion.

Natalya has been vocal about her passion for wrestling beyond the confines of WWE, citing her longtime friendship with NWA owner and Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan as one reason she pushed hard to compete in the promotion. “I’ve wanted to wrestle in NWA for years,” she said in a recent interview, adding that she did “everything in [her] power” to make the Crockett Cup appearance happen.

While the NWA World Women’s Championship slipped through her fingers, Natalya isn’t slowing down. She remains ambitious about her future in WWE, where she’s got her eyes on newly launched titles: the Women’s United States Championship and the Women’s Intercontinental Championship. With decades of experience and a renewed fire, it’s clear that Natalya is looking to carve out her legacy both inside and outside of WWE rings.

AEW Star Darby Allin Successfully Reaches Mt. Everest Summit

Darby Allin may be thousands of miles away from the AEW ring, but he’s just taken a massive step toward making his long-awaited return to the company — by literally standing on top of the world.

The former TNT Champion has officially reached the summit of Mount Everest, according to updates from the online log tracking his journey. Allin began the dangerous climb in April, and as of yesterday, he and his team have successfully made it to the top of the world’s highest peak. Now comes the equally treacherous descent — and then, eventually, a return to AEW.

Allin was the only first-time climber in his group, making this accomplishment even more remarkable. However, the climb hasn’t been without consequence to his wrestling career. Originally, he was slated to return to AEW in time for the 2024 Owen Hart Cup, but delays in his Everest expedition forced him to miss the tournament entirely. That means fans will have to wait a bit longer for the next chapter in his simmering feud with AEW World Champion Jon Moxley.

Allin’s last appearance on AEW television came in December, when he was violently written off programming — thrown down a flight of stairs by Moxley’s Deathriders faction. The brutal exit was designed to give Allin time to prepare for Everest, but it also left unfinished business between him and the champion.

With Allin out of the Owen Hart Cup, the tournament’s spotlight has shifted to its final matchup between Will Ospreay and Hangman Page. The two will clash at Double or Nothing on May 25 in Glendale, Arizona, with the winner earning a title shot against Moxley at All In: Texas on July 12 at Globe Life Field in Arlington.

As for Allin, there’s still no confirmed date for his AEW return — and it remains to be seen how the physically demanding expedition might affect his in-ring readiness. But if there’s one thing Darby Allin has made clear, it’s that he doesn’t shy away from a challenge — whether it’s a 29,000-foot mountain or Jon Moxley waiting for him at the top of AEW.

AEW Collision ‘Beach Break’ Preview 5/17/2025

AEW Collision ‘Beach Break’ airs Saturday night on TNT and Max, beginning at 8:00 pm ET taped from the NOW Arena in Hoffman Estates, Illinois.

  • A Tribute to Steve “Mongo” McMichael – with Ric Flair
  • AEW World Tag Team Championship #1 Contenders Match: CRU vs. ROH World Tag Team Champions Dustin Rhodes & Sammy Guevara
  • Kyle Fletcher vs. AR Fox
  • Anna Jay vs. Megan Bayne
  • Blake Christian vs. “Speedball” Mike Bailey
  • Chicago Street Fight: Bryan Keith & Big Bill vs. Gates of Agony

WWE SmackDown Preview 5/16/2025

WWE SmackDown live tonight on USA Network and Netflix International, beginning at 8:00 pm ET. from the Greensboro Coliseum in Greensboro, NC.

  • Fallout from Backlash
  • Cody Rhodes is set to make his first appearance on WWE programming since WrestleMania 41
  • The first set of qualifying matches for both the men’s and women’s Money in the Bank ladder matches. WWE
  • Jacob Fatu, Solo Sikoa and Jeff Cobb are all expected to appear

WWE Star Rey Mysterio to Receive Award From National Hispanic Media Coalition at 2025 Impact Awards Gala

WWE Hall of Famer Rey Mysterio is set to receive a prestigious honor recognizing his legendary contributions to sports entertainment and cultural representation. The National Hispanic Media Coalition has announced that Mysterio will be one of the honorees at this year’s Impact Awards Gala, taking place on Friday, June 6th, at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, California.

Mysterio will be presented with the Legend Impact Award, a recognition of his groundbreaking influence in professional wrestling and his role in bringing Lucha Libre culture to a global audience. The longtime WWE star has long been celebrated for bridging the gap between cultures in sports entertainment, and his latest accolade cements his legacy not just in the ring, but also in the wider media landscape.

The 2025 ceremony will be hosted by comedians and actors Al Madrigal and Jessica Marie Garcia, and will honor a number of influential Hispanic figures across entertainment and media. Mysterio joins an impressive list of past honorees including Salma Hayek, Rosario Dawson, Danny Trejo, Diego Luna, and even James Cameron, who has been recognized for his inclusive storytelling.

Though Mysterio continues to earn accolades, the wrestling icon is currently on the sidelines recovering from a torn abductor muscle. The injury, which required surgery, has kept him out of the ring in recent months. According to Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Mysterio had aspirations of competing at WrestleMania 41, but doctors reportedly advised against it to avoid jeopardizing his long-term recovery. As of now, his in-ring return isn’t expected for another four to six months.

Despite his injury status, Mysterio is still actively involved in promoting the upcoming AAA x NXT: Worlds Collide event, scheduled for Saturday, June 7th. While his physical presence in the ring may be missed, his influence continues to loom large—both on television and in the cultural zeitgeist.

From his early days electrifying ECW and WCW crowds to becoming a global icon in WWE, Mysterio’s journey has inspired generations of fans and performers alike. His latest honor is yet another reminder of the powerful legacy he’s built—not just as a wrestler, but as a trailblazer for Hispanic representation in sports and entertainment.

Congratulations to Rey Mysterio on this well-deserved recognition from all of us here at Wrestling News Blog.