WWE Raw delivered high-octane drama and thrilling matchups on March 17, 2025, as it broadcasted live from the Forest National venue in Brussels, Belgium. With the enthusiasm rising for WrestleMania 41, this special event showcased not only intense wrestling but also dramatic confrontations between some of the industry's biggest stars.
The show kicked off with John Cena stepping onto the stage, receiving loud boos from the audience, who echoed the chant of "John Cena sucks" as he attempted to engage with them after his controversial heel turn at Elimination Chamber. Addressing the crowd, Cena reflected on his tumultuous relationship with them over the past twenty-five years, claiming he has been "the victim of an abusive relationship with the WWE Universe." This moment was poignant as Cena utilized his past conflicts to shape his transformed character.
After enduring rejection, Cena professed his disdain for how fans treated him, stating, "Every fan has been awful to me" and announced he was "breaking up with the crowd." He positioned himself neither as the hero nor the villain, but simply as "a human being" tired of appeasing the audience.
Cody Rhodes quickly interrupted this heated exchange, vying for respect from Cena and the audience alike. Rhodes argued, "The fans gave you their best because you were special," again addressing Cena's prior role as the face of the company. He also made clear his disdain for the current version of Cena, stating emphatically, "I want to face the real John Cena at WrestleMania, not this whiny b---h." The crowd erupted, chanting Rhodes' name, cementing his status as the crowd's favorite.
The match night kicked off with Penta facing Ludwig Kaiser, competing under No Holds Barred rules. The anticipation was palpable. Penta took control early, demonstrating skill and resilience by engaging Kaiser with high-flying maneuvers and retaliatory strikes. The match bristled with tension as both competitors utilized various weapons, including steel chairs, underscoring the brutal atmosphere intended by the stipulation. Penta's decisive victory came after crushing Kaiser with his signature moves, the Mexican Destroyer followed by the Penta Driver, to win the match and to solidify his place as a strong contender for future title opportunities.
Next came excitement as Dakota Kai battled Ivy Nile. Although the match was momentarily interrupted by outside distractions, Kai emerged victorious, asserting her position leading up to the WrestleMania event.
The intensity heightened during the Women's World Championship contract signing featuring champion IYO SKY and challenger Bianca Belair. This segment initially looked set to be professional but quickly devolved when Rhea Ripley interrupted, leading to chaos. Ripley, embroiled in her tensions with both women, executed impactful moves, violently attacking both competitors. The wild developments heighten the tensions as it appears more unlikely than ever for the match to remain solely between the original participants, setting the stage for all-out warfare at WrestleMania.
Following the women's drama, Jey Uso took the ring against Austin Theory. The match was not long, as Uso delivered his finisher, the Spear, with pinpoint accuracy to end the contest within moments. Yet the post-match celebrations were cut short as Gunther attempted to ambush Uso, asserting his own dominance heading toward WrestleMania.
The next highlight involved Rey Mysterio teaming up with Dragon Lee to face The Creed Brothers. This match featured eclectic styles, and the synergy between Mysterio and Lee proved too much for the Creed Brothers who fell short. Emerging victors, Mysterio and Lee not only advanced their storyline but reignited their rivalry with the Creed Brothers, foreshadowing future encounters.
Headlining the event was the Intercontinental Championship match where Bron Breakker defended his title against Finn Balor. Both men showcased their athleticism and skill, delivering noteworthy performances. The match reached its climax when Balor faced unexpected interference, leading to missteps and allowing Breakker to seize the victory with his powerful Spear. The aftermath saw Penta, freshly victorious from his match earlier, come to Breakker's aid against members of Balor's faction trying to take him down. Their confrontation closed the show on energetic anticipation as Penta eyed the Intercontinental Championship belt.
Meanwhile, throughout the evening, Seth Rollins made headlines as he confirmed his presence for the upcoming SmackDown, where he plans to confront both Roman Reigns and CM Punk. This intertwining saga of rivalries continues to set the stage for WrestleMania, promising unforgettable moments and explosive matches.
This week’s WWE Raw did not disappoint, fueling excitement for WrestleMania 41, with each storyline reaching new heights. The energy from the Belgian crowd elevates the viewing experience, proving once again how passionate fans can influence the wrestling universe.
