WWE Raw was buzzing with excitement on March 17, 2025, as it took center stage at the ING Arena in Brussels, Belgium, ringing in the remarkable Road to WrestleMania tour. Fans were treated to thrilling matches and climactic confrontations, with the highlight being the long-anticipated face-off between John Cena and Cody Rhodes.
Opening the show, Cena, who had been absent since the Elimination Chamber event—where he turned heel by attacking Rhodes—faced the audience with raw emotion. "I've been bullied for 25 years," Cena proclaimed, igniting both anger and sympathy within the audience. His words signaled the complexity of his character, as he conveyed feelings of betrayal not just by Rhodes but also the fans who had once cheered for him. Cena explained his perspective and the reasons for his shift to the dark side, urging fans to reflect on their treatment of him throughout his career.
Cody Rhodes arrived shortly thereafter, injecting palpable tension as he responded to Cena's claims. "You can't bring the new you to WrestleMania 41, John. I want to wrestle the old you," Rhodes stated, driving home his determination to reclaim his standing against the man who had once been his ally. The audience buzzed with anticipation as the two superstars positioned themselves for their WrestleMania clash, with Reynolds’ championship on the line.
But the excitement didn’t end there. The card also featured several other highly anticipated matches, including Bron Breakker defending his Intercontinental Championship against Finn Bálor. This match marked Breakker's first title defense since he retained against Sheamus at Saturday Night's Main Event. The stakes ran high as Bálor aimed to dethrone the champion and cement his legacy at WrestleMania.
Meanwhile, Jey Uso took on Austin Theory, following his previous victory over Theory's partner, Grayson Waller, during the last week's event. The collision between Uso and Theory added another layer of tension to the WrestleMania buildup, as Uso had to refocus his energy from his title aspirations to successfully navigate this match.
Not to be outdone, Penta engaged Ludwig Kaiser in a No Holds Barred match, showcasing the intensity and personal stakes between the two competitors. This match was particularly noteworthy as it had been brewing for weeks, following Penta’s earlier victory and Kaiser’s desperate bid to reclaim dominance. Their fierce rivalry concluded with Penta proving himself amid fierce aggression and resilience.
The women’s division also saw action as Dakota Kai faced Ivy Nile, adding excitement to the evening's events. This rematch highlighted their competitive history, with Kai having previously bested Nile. The competition intensified the narrative, especially as Kai aimed to climb the ranks for another shot at championship gold.
Wrapping up the night, the atmosphere shifted to celebration for women's wrestling, as Bianca Belair and IYO SKY made strides to officially sign their contract for their WrestleMania encounter. Belair’s victorious run at the Women's Elimination Chamber match fueled her confidence heading toward WrestleMania, but with tensions swirling after IYO dethroned Rhea Ripley earlier this month, this segment became pivotal.
Each of these matches and segments added depth and drama to the narrative leading up to WrestleMania 41, proving WWE's ability to captivate its audience. With powerhouse matches, emotional storylines, and surprising turnarounds, the Road to WrestleMania is only warming up. With Cena's shocking return and the rekindling of tensions, fans can only wonder what the remaining weeks will bring before the grand event.
The night ended with Cena and Rhodes’ confrontation etched firmly within the minds of the audience as the countdown to WrestleMania continues. What awaits these superstars at the grandest stage? Only time will tell, but intensity and expectation will definitively set the tone as they head toward wrestling's biggest night.
