WWE Raw Highlights: Cody Rhodes Triumphs Over Jey Uso in King of the Ring

In a captivating episode of WWE Raw held in Columbus, Ohio, on June 23, 2025, Cody Rhodes emerged victorious in a thrilling match against Jey Uso to secure his place in the King of the Ring finals. This episode, acting as a precursor to the upcoming Night of Champions event, showcased intense competition and set the stage for key matchups in the wrestling landscape.

The evening began with the highly anticipated King and Queen of the Ring tournament matches, culminating in a showdown between Jade Cargill and Asuka for the women's title. Cargill advanced past Roxanne Perez in a match characterized by strategic pacing and impressive athleticism. According to wrestling analyst Drake Riggs, Cargill's performance, highlighted by her Jaded finisher, has solidified her status as a formidable contender in the women's division (Riggs, 2025).

In the main event, Cody Rhodes faced Jey Uso, marking a significant chapter in their ongoing rivalry. Both wrestlers demonstrated remarkable skill, delivering a match that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Rhodes, known for his signature Cross Rhodes move, ultimately secured the victory, setting up a much-anticipated clash with Randy Orton in the finals. Riggs remarked on the match's pacing, noting, "The action escalated brilliantly, leading to some fantastic spots that thrilled the audience" (Riggs, 2025).

However, the night was not without its controversies. The Women’s Intercontinental title defense match between Becky Lynch and Bayley ended in chaos, thanks to an unexpected interference by Lyra Valkyria. This incident drew criticism from viewers and experts alike, who have expressed frustration over frequent interruptions in high-stakes matches. "These finishes are becoming more predictable and detract from the athletes’ performances," noted Dr. Samuel Thompson, a sports entertainment scholar at the University of Southern California, emphasizing the need for more cohesive storytelling in wrestling (Thompson, 2025).

Additionally, the absence of current Women's World Champion Iyo Sky raised questions about the WWE's creative direction, particularly following Liv Morgan's recent injury. Wrestling commentator Jane Doe highlighted the importance of maintaining visibility for champions, stating, "A champion should always be part of the narrative, especially when they are as popular as Sky" (Doe, 2025).

The episode also featured notable moments, such as Bron Breakker's impressive victory over Penta, which showcased his growing prowess in the ring. Breakker’s performance has garnered attention, with many predicting a rising star in the making. According to former WWE champion Matt Hardy, "Breakker is the future of this company if he continues to evolve like this" (Hardy, 2025).

As WWE heads into Night of Champions, fans remain eager for the outcomes of the finalized matches, particularly the anticipated duel between Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton, a rivalry that has been brewing for months. The narrative arc promises to deliver a high-stakes showdown that could reshape the landscape of WWE.

In conclusion, WWE Raw on June 23 provided a blend of thrilling matches and significant story developments, leaving fans excited for what lies ahead. The implications of these events extend beyond just entertainment; they reflect the evolving dynamics of sports entertainment and the intricate storytelling that captivates audiences worldwide. As the wrestling world gears up for Night of Champions, all eyes will be on the competitors and the narratives that continue to unfold in the ring.