In a thrilling episode of Monday Night Raw on April 21, 2025, the aftermath of WrestleMania 41 set the stage for a night filled with surprises, returns, and intense rivalries. The T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas buzzed with excitement as John Cena, fresh off his historic 17th WWE Championship victory, and Jey Uso, the new World Heavyweight Champion, took center stage.
John Cena kicked off the show with a bold proclamation, flaunting his newly won Undisputed WWE Championship, albeit worn backward. In true heel fashion, he demanded the crowd's respect, declaring, "You are not worthy. You think that on Friday, you can bully me?" He further challenged the audience, insisting they owe him an apology. As the crowd booed, Cena's defiance only grew stronger, stating, "Winners write history," and listing his remaining 27 appearances before he steps away from the ring.
Just as Cena basked in the spotlight, Randy Orton made a surprise entrance, sneaking up behind Cena to deliver a stunning RKO. The crowd erupted in cheers, signaling that the rivalry between Cena and Orton is far from over. Orton's bold move set the tone for what promised to be an electrifying evening.
Meanwhile, the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship was up for grabs as Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez faced off against the reigning champions, Becky Lynch and Lyra Valkyria. In a match filled with high stakes and dramatic moments, Morgan and Rodriguez emerged victorious, reclaiming the titles. However, the post-match festivities took a shocking turn when Becky Lynch turned on her partner, Lyra Valkyria, delivering a brutal attack that left the crowd in disbelief. Lynch's heel turn adds a new layer of intrigue to the women's division.
As the night unfolded, the return of Rusev sent shockwaves through the arena. After five years away from WWE, the Bulgarian Brute made a dramatic entrance during a promo segment involving The New Day and Alpha Academy. Rusev decisively took down Otis with his signature move, the Accolade, showcasing that he hasn’t missed a beat during his time away. The crowd welcomed him back with open arms, although his on-screen partner, Lana, was notably absent.
In another segment, Jey Uso celebrated his championship victory with an emotional promo. He was joined by Sami Zayn, who returned to the ring to congratulate Uso on his achievement. The camaraderie between the two was palpable, and the crowd responded with chants of "Sami Uso!" as they embraced in a moment of solidarity.
The action didn’t stop there. Dominik Mysterio defended his Intercontinental Championship against Penta in what turned out to be a hard-fought battle. With the help of JD McDonagh and Carlito, Mysterio successfully retained his title, solidifying his position as a rising star in WWE.
Meanwhile, IYO SKY faced off against NXT champion Stephanie Vaquer in a highly anticipated match. However, the contest ended in chaos as Roxanne Perez and Giulia interfered, leading to a no contest. Rhea Ripley made a surprise appearance, setting the stage for a potential showdown in the future.
As the show approached its conclusion, Seth Rollins and Paul Heyman took to the ring to close out the night. Rollins, in his vibrant yellow suit, boasted about his recent successes while the crowd expressed their mixed feelings towards Heyman. The tension escalated when CM Punk interrupted, resulting in a brawl that saw Roman Reigns and Bron Breakker also getting involved. The chaotic ending left fans eagerly anticipating what’s next in this unfolding drama.
The Raw After WrestleMania is always a highlight of the WWE calendar, and this year did not disappoint. With new champions crowned, shocking returns, and the promise of intense rivalries, the landscape of WWE has shifted dramatically. Fans are left buzzing with excitement as they look forward to the next chapter in this ongoing saga.
