WWE Monday Night Raw was electrifying this week as it unveiled the aftermath of the 2025 Royal Rumble and set the stage for WrestleMania. The show, emanated live from the Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse in Cleveland, Ohio, brought fans thrilling matches, emotional promos, and pivotal moments on the Road to WrestleMania.
Opening the night, Jey Uso, the 2025 Men's Royal Rumble winner, received a hero's welcome from the enthusiastic crowd. Following his intense victory, Uso expressed his deep gratitude to the fans, stating, "I've been wrestling for nearly 15 years, and I didn’t always believe I had what it takes to stand on my own; but tonight, I know I do." His emotional speech was met with chants of "you deserve it," solidifying his bond with the fans. Uso emphasized his determination to walk out of WrestleMania as champion, referencing future match choices but declining to conform to others' expectations.
The mood shifted dramatically when Gunther, the reigning World Heavyweight Champion, stormed the ring and interrupted Uso’s moment. Gunther congratulated Uso but simultaneously belittled him, asserting, "You can’t even lace my boots" and termed their potential matchup unworthy of his legacy. Usage's resolve, spurred by Gunther's words, prompted him to reaffirm his independence, stating he would determine his path without external influence, leaving the audience excited about the upcoming clash.
The night’s card included Elimination Chamber qualifying matches, starting with Penta versus Ludwig Kaiser. This bout showcased both wrestlers' talents, highlighting Penta's resilience and agility against Kaiser’s brute strength. Kaiser had the upper hand for much of the match, but Penta countered with his famed Penta Driver, scoring the decisive three-count. A post-match attack by Kaiser left fans wondering about the future of this rivalry.
Charlotte Flair, the Women's Royal Rumble winner, also made her anticipated return to Raw. Though welcomed with mixed reactions, Flair addressed the audience, reflecting on her tumultuous year and her determination to return to the top. She remarked, "I loved being out here, no matter if I’m booed or cheered, it doesn’t change the fact I am the greatest superstar of this industry." Rhea Ripley interrupted, setting the stage for their potentially explosive WrestleMania clash. Ripley’s challenge toyed with history—Flair previously defeated her at WrestleMania 36, but Ripley triumphed last time, adding layers to their rivalry.
Another thrilling qualifying match featured Liv Morgan clashing with IYO SKY. The two showcased impressive athleticism, trading control throughout the match. Morgan’s cunning strategy paid off when Rhea Ripley inadvertently assisted her, leading to Morgan's disqualification win and securing her spot at Elimination Chamber. This development hints at rising tensions among the Raw women’s division as rivalries continue to intensify.
Throughout the evening, the audience witnessed segments with CM Punk and Sami Zayn, building anticipation for their match. Punk, with his infamous edge, remarked, "I may not have won the Rumble, but neither did Reigns or Rollins. This is my time!" Zayn's Reaction highlighted his determination to regain momentum after the Rumble, promising to put on a great show.
The tag team match featured The New Day going against the LWO, which showcased excellent teamwork until Logan Paul's controversial interference allowed New Day to claim victory. This outcome adds intrigue to the storyline leading to Rey Mysterio's chance at redemption against Paul next week.
More fireworks are expected as WWE leads up to the next monthly premium live event, Elimination Chamber, followed by WrestleMania. The groundwork laid by Uso, Flair, and the commitment from all combatants promises drama and excitement on the path to one of WWE's biggest nights.
The narrative throughout Raw fervently builds expectations for WrestleMania, drawing from sentiments of legacy and ambition from the highlighted winners. The audience eagerly awaits the progression of these narratives, setting the tone for anticipated clashes and compelling storytelling across the WWE universe.