John Cena has ignited controversy once again during the latest episode of WWE Raw, which took place on March 24, 2025, in Glasgow, Scotland. After receiving a chorus of boos from the packed audience, he boldly declared his plans to take the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 41 and retire with it. This moment capped an intense buildup as Cena, embracing his heel persona, vowed to 'ruin wrestling' for fans and wrestlers alike.
The night opened with Cena’s provocative entrance as he challenged the audience to reflect on their treatment of him over the years. He alluded to past interactions, including a noteworthy moment from his previous promo in Brussels where he ridiculed a fan, which drew a mixed reaction from the Barclays Center crowd. The remarks stirred the pot, fueling Cena's narrative of a reviled hero.
“You are all horrible people,” Cena told the crowd in Glasgow, aligning himself with the role of the villain. He reminisced about introducing the WWE Spinner Championship back in 2005, a moment he claimed was met with harsh criticism. However, he also embraced that legacy, stating he would again degrade the championship by retiring with it after winning his 17th World Title at WrestleMania 41.
In a significant address, Cena proclaimed, “I am going to ruin wrestling for every fan, for every wrestler, for everyone.” He continued to lay out his grand plan, asserting, “I will be the last real champion in WWE. Revenge is best served cold; I pay you back by ripping your heart out and forcing you to watch me walk away with your memories and your traditions.” This scathing critique of the fans was met with a mixture of astonished cheers and discontent.
As tensions escalated, WWE Champion Cody Rhodes made his way to the ring, challenging Cena’s claims. Rhodes expressed that before Cena could even think of taking the title, he would first need to take it from him. The exchange was electric, culminating in Rhodes laying the title belt down in front of Cena as a test of his resolve. Yet when Cena made a move toward it, he retreated, leaving the ring with the crowd’s disapproval echoing behind him.
The buildup to WrestleMania 41 isn't just centered on Cena and Rhodes; further storylines are in the works that are shaping out for the upcoming event. Jey Uso’s tag-team match against Austin Theory and Grayson Waller took place, featuring his brother Jimmy as a surprise partner. The Usos showcased their classic styles, winning against Theory and Waller in a decisive 9-minute match. However, their victory was overshadowed by an unexpected assault from Gunther, who attacked Jimmy post-match, contributing to the ongoing rivalry.
In another crucial segment, Rhea Ripley, Iyo Sky, and Bianca Belair found themselves embroiled in a chaotic confrontation. WWE management, represented by Adam Pearce, decided that Ripley will challenge Sky for the Women’s World title on the March 31 episode of WWE Raw, with the winner facing Belair at WrestleMania 41. This setup added complexity to the women’s division storyline, promising an exciting match next week.
Bron Breakker also featured prominently, defending his Intercontinental title against Penta. However, the match ended in a disqualification caused by Dominick Mysterio’s interference, sparking further tensions in the roster. Notably, CM Punk made a brief appearance in Glasgow during his promo, hyping a triple-threat match contract signing set for the upcoming SmackDown, further escalating the intensity surrounding WrestleMania.
Lyra Valkyria successfully defended her Women's Intercontinental Championship against Raquel Rodriguez. Their match concluded after a striking series of moves, solidifying Valkyria's role as a formidable champion on the rise.
On top of all this, the memorable night included Chad Gable’s antics as “El Grande Americano” defeating Dragon Lee after an intense match, which featured the unmasking of Lee in the process. Gable’s comedic portrayal has sparked interest among fans, adding a fun twist to the often intense show.
As the final touches were put on the buildup to WrestleMania, Cena’s bold claims and the ensuing challenges from Rhodes serve as clear indicators that WWE is gearing up for an epic showdown. With so many athletes embroiled in competitive rivalries, the stakes could not be higher: WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas seems poised to be a historic turnout for WWE fans.
The ongoing dynamics are rich with drama, and as Cena prepares to leave WWE with the title, fans are left wondering just how things will unfold, building anticipation for what promises to be an unforgettable event.
