WWE Monday Night Raw delivered intense action and dramatic build-up on February 24, 2025, from the Heritage Bank Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, as it prepared fans for the upcoming Elimination Chamber event. This episode featured several noteworthy matches, including championship battles and major confrontations.
The show kicked off with Logan Paul, who was met with loud boos as he took to the mic, reminding the Cincinnati crowd of his roots. He mocked the city's sports team and bragged about his previous victory over Rey Mysterio, stating he would dominate at Elimination Chamber. “I saw dreary Cincinnati and almost told my pilot to turn around,” Paul quipped, creating tension with the fans. His speech was abruptly interrupted by CM Punk, who entered to roaring fan support. Punk criticized Paul for lacking substance and promised to eliminate him at the upcoming event. Paul responded by slapping Punk and retreating, heightening anticipation for their Elimination Chamber clash.
Next, fans were treated to the first of two championship matches of the night. The Women's Tag Team Championship saw Bianca Belair and Naomi defending their titles against Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez. The match was fierce, with Morgan and Rodriguez hoping to capitalize on the growing tension surrounding their involvement with the recently injured Jade Cargill. The New Day, involved heavily throughout recent storylines, successfully interrupted to steal the win for their champions, maintaining their dominant momentum.
Another major highlight came from the Women's Intercontinental Championship rematch between Lyra Valkyria and Dakota Kai. Valkyria, the reigning champion, showcased her skills against Kai, who was eager for revenge for her prior loss. The two women exchanged powerful moves and near falls throughout the match, leading to Valkyria's victory with her finisher, Nightwing. Afterward, Ivy Nile attacked both competitors, signaling her intentions to challenge for the title.
Meanwhile, penalty for distractions played out during the triple threat match featuring Penta, Ludwig Kaiser, and Pete Dunne. The dynamic among the three wrestlers led to several near falls and audience excitement. Kaiser emerged victorious after capitalizing on Penta's moment of vulnerability, continuing to develop his character's rise and leave fans eager for more.
The night had its share of emotional segments as well. World Heavyweight Champion Gunther took to the ring to address his WrestleMania challenge against Jey Uso and proved his dominance against Akira Tozawa. Despite Tozawa's valiant effort, Gunther secured the victory through sheer power, reinforcing his reputation as one of WWE's most formidable champions. Afterward, chaos erupted as Otis tried to save Tozawa but found himself at the receiving end of Gunther's relentless aggression.
Rhea Ripley also made headlines, addressing her upcoming title defense against Iyo Sky, reminding fans of her dominance within WWE's women’s division. Sky predictably entered the fray, setting up their anticipated clash.
Finally, as the show concluded, the continuing saga with The Judgment Day unfolded backstage, implying internal strife which could affect their collective futures. With Rumors of potential splits and character evolutions, fans are on the edge of their seats, eager to see how these dynamics will play out.
WWE Raw's February 24 episode effectively served as the final build before the Elimination Chamber, thrilling fans with big moments, intense rivalries, and shocking plot twists, making it one of the most memorable stops on this road to WrestleMania.