WWE Raw made waves on March 17, 2025, as John Cena returned to the ring, igniting polarizing reactions from the enthusiastic Brussels crowd. This marked his first appearance since the controversial heel turn at the recent Elimination Chamber event, where fans witnessed Cena fully embrace his new persona. The electric atmosphere set the stage for what seemed to be the dawn of a new era for one of wrestling's biggest stars.
Upon entering Forest National, Cena was met with enthusiastic yet conflicting chants of "Let's go Cena" and "Cena sucks," showcasing the fan's divided loyalties. Cena didn't shy away from the controversy. He boldly confronted the audience, declaring, "My relationship with the WWE universe is like being in an abusive relationship, and I will not let the fans dictate my career anymore." His comments, met with fiery reactions, provided insight not only about his character evolution but also ignited discussions among fans about his legacy.
Just as Cena began to articulate his new viewpoint, Cody Rhodes interrupted the proceedings, demanding accountability from Cena for his recent behaviors. Rhodes expressed his disappointment, stating, "I was excited at the prospect of going week-to-week, face-to-face with John Cena. Instead, I got this." This confrontation effectively elevated the tension between the two, laying the groundwork for what promises to be an explosive rivalry leading up to WrestleMania 41.
Apart from Cena's dramatic return, the night was filled with heated rivalries and dynamic matchups, each contributing to the WrestleMania atmosphere. One of the highlights featured Penta, who triumphed over Ludwig Kaiser in a thrilling No Holds Barred match. Following his victory, Penta declared his intention to capture the Intercontinental Championship, setting the stage for potentially exciting matchups.
Meanwhile, Iyo Sky and Bianca Belair entered the ring for their highly-anticipated Women's World Championship contract signing. The moment, typically full of promise, quickly turned chaotic as Rhea Ripley made her dramatic entrance. Ripley headbutted Belair and powerbombed Sky through the signing table, seizing the opportunity to add her name to the contract. This unexpected turn adds layers to the already competitive atmosphere among the female wrestlers, indicating the potential for a thrilling triple threat match at WrestleMania.
The chaos didn't end there. Dominik Mysterio sought to include Penta as part of The Judgment Day, much to Finn Balor's chagrin, creating discord within the faction. Backstage interactions between the two hinted at underlying tensions, possibly leading to significant developments as the WrestleMania event approaches.
On the matter of tag teams, fans witnessed Dragon Lee and Rey Mysterio dominate the Creed Brothers. After their victory, they faced the abrupt interference of a mysterious luchador, speculated to be Chad Gable, who disrupted their celebratory moment. These intertwining narratives only serve to enrich the wrestling universe, as fans eagerly anticipate the possible outcomes.
Jey Uso also secured his spot on Raw’s main card after rapidly defeating Austin Theory, but his post-match celebration was cut short when Gunther attacked him. Showing resilience, Jey managed to retrieve Gunther's championship belt, signaling rising stakes heading toward WrestleMania.
The evening culminated with Bron Breakker successfully defending his Intercontinental Championship against Finn Balor, though not without confrontations from Mysterio and Carlito. Just when Breakker seemed poised to emerge victorious, Penta intervened, marking yet another layer of complexity to the title picture. The wrestling world buzzed as these narratives unfolded, setting the stage for what promises to be explosive matches at WrestleMania.
John Cena's transition to heel and the resulting dialogue around his character offers fresh perspectives on the often-polarizing relationship between wrestlers and their fans. His performance on Raw suggests he’s determined to redefine his legacy amid cheers and jeers alike. With WrestleMania just weeks away, WWE fans have much to look forward to, as the drama continues to intensify on the road to one of wrestling's biggest spectacles.
Next week, WWE Raw heads to Glasgow, Scotland, on March 24, 2025, at 1 p.m. PT / 4 p.m. ET, where anticipation for additional confrontations and developments is sure to contribute to the excitement. The wrestling universe is undoubtedly watching closely as rivalries heat up, stakes rise, and the countdown to WrestleMania continues.
