Monday Night RAW returns tonight in Oklahoma City, broadcasting live from the Paycom Center, and it carries major significance. This isn’t just a regular show — it’s the go-home RAW for Survivor Series: WarGames, and the Last Time Is Now tournament (which determines John Cena’s final opponent) continues with two high-stakes quarterfinals. On top of that, WWE is promising a Men’s WarGames Advantage Match, a Roman Reigns return, Brock Lesnar in the building, and emotional moments from Becky Lynch and Dominik Mysterio. (Sources: KhelNow, Ringside News) 

What’s on the Card Tonight

Here’s a breakdown of what has been officially announced or credibly reported for RAW tonight, and why each item matters in the broader WWE storyline:

• GUNTHER vs. Carmelo Hayes — A quarterfinal match in the Last Time Is Now tournament. GUNTHER, a dominant force, is widely seen as one of the top contenders. Hayes, meanwhile, is building momentum and could make a major statement with a win.  
• Solo Sikoa vs. Penta — Another tournament quarterfinal. Solo brings sheer power; Penta adds an aerial/lucha dimension. Their clash could shape how the bracket plays out and who ultimately challenges Cena.  
• Men’s WarGames Advantage Match — This match will influence the Survivor Series: WarGames dynamic. According to advance reporting, two members of Reigns’ WarGames team will face two members from “The Vision” team to determine which side gains a structural advantage.  
• Roman Reigns to open the show — WWE has confirmed that Reigns will kick off RAW, underscoring his central role heading into WarGames.  
• Brock Lesnar return — Lesnar is confirmed to appear, adding major star power and increasing the threat level for his WarGames side.  
• Dominik Mysterio segment — Mysterio is set to address his Survivor Series opponent, John Cena. This could be a highly personal promo, given Cena’s upcoming “final opponent” match.  
• Becky Lynch appearance — Lynch is scheduled to speak about her recent Women’s Intercontinental Title loss, tying into her WarGames involvement and personal stakes.  

Tournament Update — 

The Last Time Is Now

A key thread running through tonight’s RAW is the Last Time Is Now tournament. Here’s where things stand:

• Sheamus has been removed — WWE officially announced that Sheamus is not medically cleared to continue in the tournament due to a shoulder injury.  
• According to multiple reports, his bracket spot is now open, and WWE General Managers (Nick Aldis and Adam Pearce) will select a mystery replacement.  
• The quarterfinal matchups for tonight are:
  
  • GUNTHER vs. Carmelo Hayes  
  • Solo Sikoa vs. Penta  

Why Tonight Is Crucial — Analysis & Stakes

1. Tournament Trajectory
   The two quarterfinal matches on tonight’s RAW aren’t just filler — they set up who might be Cena’s final challenger. A GUNTHER win feels logical, but if Hayes scores an upset, it shakes up the narrative in a big way. Solo vs. Penta could deliver a physically brutal and unpredictable match, and the winner could carry serious momentum.
2. WarGames Implications
   The Men’s WarGames Advantage Match is not a throwaway — it has real weight. The advantage it provides could be crucial at Survivor Series: WarGames, influencing who enters when and how strong each side’s lineup looks. With Reigns starting the show and Lesnar present, WWE is clearly using RAW to build war‑game psychology, not just tournament progression.
3. Star Returns & Big Names
   The return of Roman Reigns and the presence of Brock Lesnar inject immediacy and star power. Their roles aren’t just to be seen — expect them to push narratives, threaten opponents, or solidify alliances heading into WarGames.
4. Emotional & Character Stakes
   
   • Dominik Mysterio’s Segment: Facing Cena (or at least speaking about him) gives Mysterio a huge moment. It could be a turning point for his character.
   • Becky Lynch’s Return to the Mic: After losing her Intercontinental title, Lynch’s words matter. She could establish her mindset heading into WarGames, or try to reassert herself in the competitive mix.
6. Bracket Unknowns & Surprise Potential
   Sheamus’ injury leaves an open slot. That vacancy is a creative opportunity. WWE might deliver a surprise return, or leverage someone with Cena history. Whoever fills that spot could become a very compelling dark horse.

Risks & Challenges for WWE Tonight

• There’s a risk of oversaturation: balancing two tournament matches, a WarGames match, and top-tier promos could make the show feel jam-packed or disjointed.
• The mystery entrant replacing Sheamus must be handled well — if WWE botches the reveal, that bracket slot loses its storytelling impact.
• WWE faces a tight narrative seam: building toward both Cena’s farewell and Survivor Series at the same time. If Reigns or Lesnar dominate tonight’s storytelling, Cena’s “final opponent” path might feel overshadowed.

Final Thoughts

Tonight’s RAW is far more than a tune‑up: it’s a narrative fulcrum. The tournament quarterfinals could reshape John Cena’s final match, the WarGames advantage bout may tip the scales heading into Nov. 29, and the return of legends like Reigns and Lesnar guarantees big moments. In short — expect heat, surprises, and storyline architecture that could define WWE’s closing stretch for 2025.

Make sure to subscribe to our Late Night Crew Wrestling YouTube Channel. Follow @yorkjavon, @kspowerwheels & @LateNightCrewYT on X.