WWE Monday Night Raw returned on March 3, 2025, from the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York, and it was packed with dramatic showdowns and championship battles. The evening saw multiple titles on the line as well as the climactic interactions between CM Punk, Seth Rollins, and other top performers.
It began with CM Punk storming the ring, ready to deliver what he dubbed his "State of the Union address" as he raged against his longstanding rivals. Punk wasted little time launching personal attacks on The Rock, whom he referred to as the "bald fraud," criticizing his sporadic appearances and saying, "You think you’re immune from criticism because you’re on the board of directors, but you’re wrong. You are dealing with the best in the world!" The tension continued to rise as he shifted targets to John Cena. Punk claimed Cena had stolen his chance at glory during the recent Elimination Chamber match, stating, "You can’t see me? Well, we can see through you!" Punk vowed to him it would not go unanswered.
Following Punk's fiery entrance, chaos ensued when Seth Rollins' music hit, leading to a fierce brawl. The two rivals traded punches as security rushed to separate them. Despite officials intervening, the animosity was palpable as they struggled against multiple attempts to create distance.
Meanwhile, the evening's interesting wrestling matches kicked off with the highly anticipated showdown between Gunther and Otis. Gunther, the World Heavyweight Champion, quickly asserted dominance by overpowering Otis, who fought valiantly but succumbed to Gunther’s powerbomb for the victory. Post-match, Gunther unsuccessfully attempted to apply more punishment, but Jey Uso hit the ring and leveled him with a spear, sparking his own beatdown from Gunther’s crew, A-Town Down Under. Jey, showing resilience, fought back valiantly only to end up trapped again under Gunther’s sleeper hold.
Next, Lyra Valkyria defended her Women’s Intercontinental Championship against Ivy Nile. Despite suffering through leg pain during the match, Valkyria showcased her determination, defeating Nile with her finisher, Night Wing. This victory secured her title, but the physical toll was evident as she limped to the back post-match.
The episode also included multiple backstage interviews, underscoring the rising tensions and rivalries. AJ Styles discussed John Cena's shocking heel turn, emphasizing how it had impacted the WWE Universe. Styles called out Logan Paul for their upcoming confrontation, promising to re-establish his own legacy.
Later, the War Raiders defended their tag titles against American Made. The Creed Brothers, Brutus and Julius, looked confident coming off their previous attacks but were, nonetheless, unable to dethrone the champions. Erik and Ivar executed their battle-hardened strategy, culminating the match with their signature move, War Machine, to retain their titles.
One of the main events featured the Women’s World Championship bout as Rhea Ripley faced IYO SKY. The chemistry was electric as Ripley dominated early, but SKY, who had become increasingly ambitious, countered Ripley’s initial onslaught and worked the crowd. After several nail-biting near-falls, SKY executed the Over The Moonsault to achieve victory, stealing the title from the formidable Ripley and setting herself up as the contender for WrestleMania.
Following these matches, the tension between Punk and Rollins flared again backstage, leading to another pull-apart brawl, with Adam Pearce finally announcing next week’s main event: CM Punk vs. Seth Rollins inside a steel cage at Madison Square Garden. This was set to permanently define their rivalry.
Throughout the night, the undercurrents of rivalry and revenge, championships at stake, and personal vendettas provided WWE fans with not just athletic entertainment but emotional investment, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting WrestleMania.
Overall, Raw was marked by bold declarations, fierce competition, and thrilling twists, embodying the spirit of wrestling entertainment as the narratives evolve leading toward WrestleMania 41.