BRAUN STROWMAN SHOCKS THE WWE UNIVERSE AS SPECIAL REFEREE — REUNITES WITH RAQUEL RODRIGUEZ & STANDS TALL WITH THREE LEGENDS
The WWE Universe erupted in absolute disbelief when The Monster Among Men, Braun Strowman, made an unannounced return during Monday Night RAW — and not as a competitor, but as the special guest referee for a blockbuster matchup involving three iconic WWE legends. But that wasn’t the only surprise of the night. Fans were quick to notice that Strowman’s former partner, Raquel Rodriguez, was also present at ringside, setting the stage for one of the most dramatic and unexpected segments of the year.
The night began like any typical episode, until WWE officials announced a sudden change to the upcoming legends’ exhibition match. Before anyone could guess who the new officiator would be, the arena lights dimmed, the crowd leaned forward, and Strowman’s thunderous theme hit the speakers. The roof nearly blew off the building as Braun marched down the ramp, towering over everyone, wearing a referee shirt stretched to its absolute limits.
Inside the ring stood three larger-than-life legends — Randy Orton, Rey Mysterio, and Sheamus — preparing for a special triple-threat showcase. But Braun’s involvement instantly added a new layer of unpredictability. Everyone knows Strowman is not the type of man to simply count 1-2-3 without making his presence felt.
Moments later, Raquel Rodriguez made her entrance, surprising the crowd even further. She wasn’t scheduled, but she joined commentary to “observe the situation,” clearly keeping an eye on Braun. Their history was not ignored by commentary, who playfully hinted at some unresolved tension between the two powerhouses.
As the match began, Strowman’s unconventional refereeing style took center stage. Every time one of the legends attempted a quick roll-up or a surprise finisher, Braun’s massive hand would slam onto the mat with intimidating power. At one point, Sheamus complained about a slow count, only for Strowman to step chest-to-chest with him, reminding everyone that you don’t question the Monster Among Men.
The chaos escalated when Rey Mysterio dove outside the ring and accidentally collided with Raquel. Strowman immediately checked on her, showing a flash of concern that didn’t go unnoticed. Sheamus tried to capitalize on the distraction by attacking Orton, but Braun snapped — grabbing Sheamus by the throat and planting him with a chokeslam that shook the entire ring. The crowd exploded as the referee enforced his authority in the most Strowman way possible.
In the end, Orton delivered an RKO out of nowhere to Rey, and Braun counted the final pinfall with thunderous force. After the match, Strowman helped Raquel to her feet as the crowd chanted “Re-unite! Re-unite!” — leaving fans buzzing about whether this shocking night could spark something new between the two.
One thing’s clear: Braun Strowman didn’t just return — he dominated, he shocked, and he reminded everyone why he’s one of the most unpredictable forces in WWE.
