WWE Raw took the spotlight in Glasgow, Scotland, on March 24, 2025, an event that had wrestling fans buzzing with anticipation and excitement. Featuring the return of popular commentator Pat McAfee and the controversial presence of John Cena, the show demonstrated the vibrant energy of WWE's European tour.
This marked McAfee's first visit to Scotland, and he shared his enthusiasm with fans during The Pat McAfee Show. "I’ve never been in Scotland. This is my first time over here and, obviously, we have Monday Night Raw here tonight on Netflix. I believe it kicks off 4 PM Eastern, 8 o’clock local,” he exclaimed. He quickly added, “And I’ll tell you what, Glasgow is lovely,” encapsulating his excitement.
The WWE's European tour commenced on March 14, 2025, in Barcelona, Spain, and spans bustling cities before concluding in London, where Raw will air next week. The tour has featured multiple matches and appearances from stars like Women's Intercontinental Champion Lyra Valkyria and Intercontinental Champion Bron Breakker.
One of the biggest highlights of the Glasgow event was the showdown between John Cena and Cody Rhodes, which took place just after the show began. Cena has been at the center of a media firestorm following a heel turn at the Elimination Chamber three weeks ago, and his presence in Glasgow was met with a hostile reception. The ongoing criticism of Cena’s character shift has been palpable, particularly after his controversial actions in Toronto, where he seemingly abandoned his heroic persona.
Fans in Glasgow made their feelings very clear, showering Cena with loud boos and jeers throughout his segment. This intense reaction was reminiscent of the response he received from the Brussels crowd the prior week. It’s evident that the European crowds, famous for their passionate critiques, are not shy about showing their sentiments towards Cena’s impending retirement and his newfound villainous demeanor.
During a promo, Cena remarked, casting blame on the WWE Universe for his character transformation. In a line that drew particular attention, he declared, "I'm going to ruin wrestling," sparking discussions about what he could mean by erasing the history of the sport.
The intense atmosphere continued with a series of exciting matches planned for the night, including Valkyria defending her title against Raquel Rodriguez and Bron Breakker facing off against Penta. The fans were treated to an action-packed card that showcased both established veterans and rising stars.
The card promised many surprises, especially with CM Punk’s anticipated appearance and Jey Uso teaming up with a mystery partner against A-Town Down Under, which features rising talents Grayson Waller and Austin Theory. The anticipation of these matchups has only heightened the stakes for the audience and kept them on the edge of their seats.
As the WWE leans into the final week of its European tour, the focus remains on both Cena and McAfee, whose narratives continue to captivate audiences. Cena’s self-styled Farewell Tour promises to be a spectacle filled with dramatic moments, as he strives to finish on a high note after achieving 16 championship wins.
Looking ahead, the WWE road map showcases follow-up events in London, Vienna, and Amsterdam, building the momentum for WrestleMania 41. With Cena and Rhodes poised for what could be a historic match on Night Two of the event scheduled for April 20, the stakes have never been higher.
The passionate crowds in Europe have left an indelible mark on the WWE Universe, underscoring the cultural significance and differences in fan interaction between the United States and overseas audiences. As McAfee encapsulated his experience before the event, it's clear that each stop on the tour contributes to a greater narrative for all involved.
With Cena aiming for one last legendary performance and McAfee capturing the hearts of audiences with his infectious energy, WWE Raw in Glasgow will surely go down in history as a pivotal moment in wrestling entertainment for 2025.
