The John Report: WWE Raw Deal 02/03/25 Review

It’s WWE Monday Night Raw featuring CM Punk against Sami Zayn, Liv Morgan facing IYO SKY, Royal Rumble winners Jey Uso & Charlotte Flair on the show, and a whole lot more.

The WWE Royal Rumble took place this past Saturday in front of 70,000+ fans in Indianapolis. It was a great crowd for the 4.5-hour broadcast that had four matches. I thought it was an excellent show. The Royal Rumble winners were Jey Uso & Charlotte Flair. Next up for WWE PLEs is Elimination Chamber on March 1st in Toronto and that will lead us into WrestleMania 41 on April 19 & 20. The Road to WrestleMania continues.

This is the Raw Deal for episode #1654 of Monday Night Raw. It’s taking place at the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport, friend me on Facebook, or chat with me on the Bluesky App as well. Let’s get to it.

There was some backstage walking earlier in the day with Sami Zayn and CM Punk shown walking separately since they’re against eachother. They also showed Liv Morgan walking with The Judgment Day group and IYO SKY as well since they meet up later. Charlotte Flair was also shown walking around because she’s here too.

A video package aired about the Royal Rumble. That Bron Breakker spear on Speed was one of my favorite moments for sure. That made me laugh.

The Men’s Royal Rumble winner Jey Uso was shown walking down from the stairs with the fans joining in with him doing the arm swinging motion. It took a few minutes for Jey to get to the ring as usual and the crowd was on fire.

The commentary team was Michael Cole and Pat McAfee. They were doing the arm-swinging with Jey Uso as well.

Let’s Hear from Jey Uso

Jey Uso’s entrance kept on going with more of the song playing than what we usually get. The fans chanted “you deserve it” before Jey could say a word. Jey said that he came into the game 15 years ago with his twin brother to carry on his family legacy. Jey said fast forward to the pandemic era, he was with his cousin, and fast forward to the Bloodline, which was fire and that means it was great. Jey said that he wasn’t always confident about being a singles star. Jey admitted that he didn’t have it, but coming out here tonight…I got it now. There were more “you deserve it” chants.

Jey said he worked really hard to get to this spot and he was emotional with tears in his eyes. Jey said he got it because of the fans. Jey had tears in his eyes saying thanks to the fans and the fans saw he was emotional so they cheered louder for him. Jey said because of the fans, he is the 2025 Royal Rumble winner…yet. Jey said that he is going into WrestleMania for the main event…it is just me…uce.

The World Heavyweight Champion GUNTHER walked down to the ring wearing dress clothes. Gunther said he would offer his congratulations, but in reality, he is disappointed. Gunther told Jey that this possible matchup doesn’t appeal to him. Gunther claimed that Jey couldn’t lace his boots. Gunther said that he makes people think he’s barely holding onto this title and in reality,y he is always in control. Gunther told Jey he refused to do this with him again. Gunther told Jey he’s in the process of building a legacy for himself and beating Jey doesn’t add to his legacy. Gunther said that beating Cena, Roman or CM Punk would have added to Gunther’s legacy. Gunther told Jey that he has everything to gain while Gunther has everything to lose and Gunther said he’ll have to give himself something to gain in all of this. Gunther told Jey if you choose him then every week will be hell and WrestleMania will be the most horrible display of violence that this business has ever seen. Gunther told Jey he’d put him down like a diseased dog. Gunther told Jey he had options, so Jey should consider them. Gunter tried to leave, but Jey told him to stop.

Jey said that he is tired of everybody telling him what he’s supposed to be because he’s a tag team guy and he’s not supposed to win the Royal Rumble. Jey said that he was going to go to Smackdown and holler at Cody. Jey said that whoever he chooses, he’s walking into WrestleMania as the 2025 Royal Rumble winner. Jey said he’s guaranteeing us that he’s walking out of WrestleMania as a champion. Jey left.

Analysis: It was the promo I expected from Jey Uso talking about how nobody expected him to be in this spot and here he is proving people wrong yet again. I liked how Jey was emotional and that felt genuine because he has come a long way to be in this spot. Gunther did his usual promo about how he’s a great champion and beating Jey doesn’t add to his legacy. I assume they go with Jey against Gunther at WrestleMania and this time it will be Jey getting the win.

The announcers were shown welcoming us to the show. Cole mentioned Jey Uso was the fourth member of the Anoi’a family to win the Royal Rumble after Yokozuna, The Rock and Roman Reigns. There’s a health update on Roman Reigns later.

A clip aired of John Cena on the Royal Rumble post-show saying he’s going to compete in the Elimination Chamber match and he’s going to Elimination Chamber to win. Cena said he’ll win 17 (World Titles) not for him, but for someday shake the hand of the person who wins 18.

Ludwig Kaiser made his entrance for singles action. They went to a break for some fans right before this. Kaiser did a promo in the ring about how Penta has been given all this attention and a great entrance while Kaiser never got anything like that. After the break ended, they shilled some Topps cards and it was onto the match.

Penta vs. Ludwig Kaiser

This is a first time ever matchup as Kaiser hit an uppercut. Penta did a headscissors sending Kaiser across the ring. Penta did a handstand by the turnbuckle and Kaiser kicked him to knock Penta down. Penta sent Kaiser over the top to the floor just like his short stint in the Royal Rumble match. Penta jumped off the ropes leading to Kaiser punching Penta in the face. Kaiser hit a Death Valley Driver-style move on the apron. They went to a break for some fans while the action continued here. Kaiser kicked Penta in the back followed by Kaiser stomping on Penta’s head. Kaiser knocked down Penta by the turnbuckle. Kaiser kicked the inside of Penta’s right knee and he kicked Penta in the back. Kaiser had Penta grounded in an armbar as the action returned for the entire audience. I can tell because the screen goes black and then a graphic is shown on screen as well.

Kaiser was in control with a spinning slam and a forearm to the back. Kaiser hit a clothesline for two. Kaiser kicked Penta, who fired back up and Penta hit some chops to the chest. Penta hit double knees to the back for a two count. Penta did a headstand leading to a swinging kick to the gut for two. Penta and Kaiser exchanged chops, Kaiser was by the ropes and Penta hit a back body drop over the top to the floor. Penta hit a somersault dive over the top onto Kaiser on the floor. Back in the ring, Penta jumped off the top with a cross body block for two. Penta and Kaiser exchanged chops, Penta hit two kicks to the face and Kaiser caught Penta leading to a rolling senton for two. Kaiser went for a move, Penta blocked it, Kaiser went to the ropes and trapped Kaiser on the mat leading The Sacrifice arm pull. Penta hit the sitout Penta Driver for the pinfall win after about 10 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Penta

Analysis: ***1/4 A good match with Penta picking up his third win to remain undefeated in singles matches. Kaiser was on offense for a lot of the match until Penta made the comeback, did the dreaded arm pull, and hit the Penta Driver for the win. Kaiser is a good worker, but he’s not somebody who picks up a lot of wins on Raw.

Penta was interviewed in the ring by Jackie Redmond. Penta thanked her and Pete Dunne interrupted. Penta has already beaten Dunne, but that was a setup for Kaiser to attack Penta from behind. Kaiser hit his version of a DDT. Kaiser left the ring, he stared at Dunne and Kaiser left.

Analysis: That probably sets up another Penta-Kaiser match with Penta getting revenge for that cheap attack.

There were photos shown of JD McDonagh suffering broken ribs and a punctured lung after hitting the commentary table last week on Raw. JD will be out for a few months.

The Judgment Day was backstage talking when Finn Balor complained to Dominik Mysterio about how JD McDonagh got hurt while Finn was out for a few weeks. Liv Morgan explained that Dominik Mysterio had to fill in for Finn with JD McDonagh or else they wouldn’t get a title shot. Liv also told Finn that Dominik got Finn his Elimination Chamber qualifying match, so Finn was happy about that. Liv and Raquel Rodriguez left.

The Women’s Royal Rumble winner Charlotte Flair made her entrance in a yellow jacket and skirt combo. The fans cheered for her as Cole mentioned Flair was the first woman to win two Royal Rumble matches. They went to a break for some fans as Flair continued her entrance. A WWE Shop commercial followed that and Charlotte’s promo was up next.

Let’s Hear from Charlotte Flair

Charlotte Flair did a promo in the ring. Flair was in the news for her personal life because it was revealed on Monday that she has divorced Andrade. I wish them both the best as they continue to work for the same company. It’s not easy being married in the wrestling business. It is also her third divorce and her father Ric Flair has been divorced four times, so marriage isn’t the best thing for that family.

Charlotte said that she missed the fans. Charlotte said that it has been a year and two months. Charlotte said that she missed the guys booing her and the ones cheering her. Charlotte talked about how last year broke her mentally and physically. Charlotte spoke about how there was a point last year when she didn’t know if her knee was going to get better while saying she didn’t know if she’d make it to Survivor Series, Royal Rumble and even WrestleMania. The fans were booing, so Charlotte said she’ll embrace the boos because she still loves the fans. Flair said that whether you are wooing or booing, it doesn’t change the fact that she is the greatest WWE superstar in the history of this industry…so boo me now. Charlotte said that she fought every single day to get back here because this is what she loves, this is her passion and this is what she wants to be the very best at.

Rhea Ripley interrupted as the Women’s World Champion. Cole mentioned Flair beat Ripley at WrestleMania 36 and Ripley beat Flair at WrestleMania 39 while Pat correctly pointed out that it’s a different “Mami” Ripley this time. Flair said “hello old friend” when Ripley got into the ring. Flair said hello to “mami” when she got in the ring.

Analysis: The promo from Charlotte wasn’t that great because she was reacting to the crowd and perhaps they should have had somebody interrupt a bit earlier. Regarding their past matches, the WrestleMania 39 match was one of the best women’s matches in WWE history. I loved it.

Ripley said you can have your moment, but this is Ripley’s show. Ripley said that when you go to war with someone, you earn their respect and Ripley said she respected her. Ripley reminded Flair that she beat her at WrestleMania the last time they faced eachother. Flair said that the first time they fought at WrestleMania, Flair beat Ripley and the fans booed. Ripley said that back then she was just a kid (five years ago). Flair said that Ripley jumped the gun because she wanted an answer and she wanted to face Flair. Flair said she had nothing but time. Flair said she’s going to go to NXT tomorrow to see if Giulia inspires her and then go to Smackdown on Friday and see if Tiffany inspires her. Flair said she wants to feel inspired. Flair said that Rhea is impatient, so she is still just a kid. Flair told Ripley she’ll see her next week and she was about to leave, but Ripley got in Flair’s face. Ripley said that Flair saying that Ripley is just a kid proves that Flair didn’t respect her the way Ripley respected her and Ripley wanted Flair to pick her so Ripley can beat the respect into Flair. Ripley’s music aired to end it.

Analysis: Good job by Rhea Ripley showing a lot of confidence by confronting Charlotte Flair in the ring. I think Flair will be against Tiffany Stratton at WrestleMania, but I certainly wouldn’t mind Ripley against Flair one more time. Also, it was interesting how they had Flair embrace the heel role. The fans booed her a lot even though Flair missed over a year with a major injury. It’s fine because Flair is more natural in the heel role.

Sami Zayn was interviewed by Jackie Redmond, who mentioned Zayn will face CM Punk one on one. Punk said he was disappointed about what happened in the Royal Rumble. Zayn said he’s focused on his match with CM Punk and going on to WrestleMania.

Zayn walked over to Jey Uso, who was standing backstage. Jey said he was sorry for kicking him in the face. Zayn hugged Jey and said that Jey did it. Zayn told Jey that this moment is his. Zayn told Jey to go all the way. Jey wished Zayn good luck against CM Punk. Jey left.

Karrion Kross walked up to Zayn saying that was very touching. Kross wondered what it was like for Zayn to watch everybody else live out Sami’s dreams. Zayn said he was sick of Kross talking to him like this and said that this could turn into a problem. Kross said he wasn’t there to be a problem, but he could be. Kross left.

Analysis: It was smart to have Sami Zayn go up to Jey Uso backstage like that because fans likely wondered if Zayn would be upset about Jey eliminating him from the Royal Rumble. Instead, Zayn was happy. The Zayn-Kross tease continues.

There was a new theme song for The New Day. The classic New Day song is gone for them as heels. This was during the break for some fans as Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods did a promo. Woods claimed a crime was committed this past Saturday. Kofi said it was a crime when they were excluded from the Royal Rumble. Kofi said he gave us more Royal Rumble moments and when you think of the Rumble, you think of Kofi. Woods called the fans liars for booing them. Kofi said they can’t wait to get the hell out of Cleveland just like Myles Garrett, who is a star defensive end for the Browns that requested a trade. Woods said WWE finally gave them a match against the LWO and that’s coming up next.

A commercial aired for WWE’s A&E shows with WWE LFG (Legends & Future Greats), WWE Rivals and Greatest Moments. They start on February 16th.

Rhea Ripley walked up to IYO SKY backstage and Sky said maybe she’ll see her at WrestleMania. Liv Morgan attacked Sky and sent her into an equipment case. Ripley chased Liv away, so Raquel pushed Rhea over the barricade that was there. Liv and Raquel laughed and got out of there.

LWO – Rey Mysterio & Dragon Lee vs. The New Day – Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods

It was mentioned that Rey Mysterio will face Logan Paul next week on Raw in an Elimination Chamber qualifying match.

Lee was in control of Kofi with a cross body block and a jumping kick to the jaw. Rey tagged in, Lee kicked Kofi in the leg and Rey hit a basement dropkick for two. Woods sent Rey into the turnbuckle, Rey hit a back elbow and Rey hit a reverse hurricanrana. Rey worked over Woods with punches, Lee got the tag and Lee hit a superkick on Woods for two. Woods broke free leading to Kofi getting a tag and Lee slipped under Kofi, who was upside down against the turnbuckle. Lee hit a running dropkick on Kofi. Logan Paul made his entrance with his music playing and Woods shoved Rey into the barricade. Kofi was in control of Lee against the turnbuckle. They went to a break for some fans. I’m going to take a bathroom break as New Day was in control.

The match continued with Woods in control of Lee with a chinlock while Logan Paul was watching at ringside. Woods kicked Lee in the ribs. Woods held Lee against the bottom rope and Kofi hit a senton splash on Lee’s back. Kofi was legal with a leap off the top hitting a forearm on Lee. Kofi hit a running knee on Lee, Woods tagged in and Woods jumped off the turnbuckle with a double foot stomp to the back. Lee jumped over Woods leading to a sitout Powerbomb. Rey got the tag against Kofi with a headscissors, but Kofi hit a spinning kick to the head. Rey gave Kofi a hurricanrana into the ropes, but Woods pulled Kofi out of the ring. Rey hit a seated senton on Kofi on the floor. Paul touched Rey on the head, so Rey shoved Paul onto the chair that Paul was on. Rey sent Woods’ foot into the ring post and Lee jumped over the top with a hurricanrana on Woods from the apron to the floor. Rey sent Kofi into the ring, Paul pulled Rey out of the ring and Paul sent Rey back in the ring while the referee was looking at Kofi. Kofi capitalized on the cheating and hit Trouble in Paradise on Rey for the pinfall win after 11 minutes.

Winners by pinfall: The New Day – Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods

Analysis: *** A rare win for The New Day to finally give them some momentum as heels. They needed a win like that even though it was cheap because Paul got involved. I thought it was booked well to give New Day a win that they can brag about while Paul got heat for his match against Rey next week.

There was a video package about the Seth Rollins-Roman Reigns-CM Punk interaction at the Royal Rumble. Punk eliminated Rollins and Reigns while Logan Paul dumped Punk out. Rollins gave Reigns a brutal stomp on the floor. Rollins also superkicked Punk. Rollins hit Reigns with The Stomp on the steel steps.

Michael Cole said that they don’t have a specific update on Roman Reigns, but he’ll be out for the foreseeable future.

Analysis: In other words, Roman Reigns probably won’t be back on TV this month and likely will be back in March to get revenge on Seth Rollins. It’s probably Reigns against Rollins at WrestleMania, which is fine with me because it’s never happened at a WrestleMania. I’m not sure who CM Punk will face at WrestleMania and that’s okay because it’s still over two months away.

CM Punk was interviewed by Cathy Kelley backstage. Punk said he didn’t win the Rumble, but at least Reigns and Rollins didn’t win. Punk apologized to Sami Zayn fans saying that it will be Punk who goes on to Elimination Chamber.

IYO SKY was shown walking backstage for her match and the Pure Fusion Collective trio was there watching Sky make her slow walk.

The Alpha Academy trio of Otis, Akira Tozawa & Maxxine Dupri were interviewed by Jackie Redmond in an interview during a break for some fans. Dupri bragged about eliminating Ivy Nile in the Rumble. Grayson Waller & Austin Theory interrupted with Waller telling Dupri she knows two wrestling moves. Theory wondered why Maxxine is hanging out with Otis and Tozawa. Theory trashed Tozawa for losing his spot in the Royal Rumble to a YouTuber. Waller said they don’t do business in Cleveland and they’ll see them soon.

A clip was shown from the Royal Rumble when IShowSpeed replaced Akira Tozawa in the Royal Rumble after Tozawa was attacked by Carmelo Hayes. That led to Speed replacing Tozawa in the match and Bron Breakker hit a massive Spear on Speed that was amazing. A graphic claimed that Breakker’s Spear on Speed had over 300 million views in less than 24 hours.

Next week on Raw: Bayley will face Women’s Intercontinental Champion Lyra Valkyria in a Women’s Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match. They showed Bayley and Lyra Valkyria at ringside watching this match. No wardrobe issues for Lyra here like what happened at the Royal Rumble, so that’s a good thing for her.

Women’s Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match: IYO SKY vs. Liv Morgan (w/Raquel Rodriguez)

It’s a matchup between two former Women’s Champions. Sky hit a dropkick followed by a flapjack. Sky charged at Liv, who hit two boots to the face to knock Sky down. Sky hit a running back splash against the turnbuckle and Liv hit a basement dropkick for two. Sky did an incredible backflip to break free followed by a dropkick. Sky hit a running forearm. Liv charged, but Sky hit her with another forearm to send Liv out of the ring. Sky hit a suicide dive cross body block on the floor as the show went to a break for some fans. Back in the ring, Liv tripped up Sky so that Sky’s head hit the turnbuckle and Liv got a two count. Liv took control and taunted the fans a lot leading to Sky getting a rollup for two. Liv hit a Codebreaker on Sky for two. Liv hit a running clothesline. Liv grabbed a chinlock as the match returned for all the fans.

The match continued as Liv hit the Three Amigos vertical suplexes. Sky avoided a kick and Sky hit a running knee to the jaw. Sky wrenched on Liv’s arm across the top rope and Sky hit a missile dropkick off the top rope. Sky rolled through leading to a double foot stomp to the ribs for two. Sky went for a running knee attack, but Liv moved and Liv hit a backstabber double knees to the back. Sky went for a Crossface submission followed by Sky kicking Liv in the face. Sky went up top, Raquel yelled at Sky and that allowed Liv to shove Sky to the apron. Morgan jumped over the top going for a Powerbomb on the floor, but Sky kicked Morgan. Sky gave Liv a German Suplex on the floor. Sky hit a springboard moonsault from the middle rope onto a standing Liv on the floor. Sky went up top, jumped off with nothing and Liv hit a Codebreaker for two. Liv and Sky battled by the turnbuckle where Sky hit a top rope hurricanrana. Sky hit the Bullet Train double knees against the turnbuckle. Sky went up top, Raquel did a distraction from the apron and when Sky jumped off the top with a moonsault, Liv got her knees up to block. Sky came back with a German Suplex. Rhea Ripley went down to ringside since she was attacked earlier as well and Ripley headbutted Raquel to knock her down. Liv grabbed Rhea, who reacted with a punch on Liv and the referee saw that, so Liv got the win by disqualification after 12 minutes.

Winner by disqualification: Liv Morgan

Analysis: ***1/4 They were on their way to having a pretty good match that I was going to rate at 3.5* or higher, but then it was the sudden cheap ending with Rhea Ripley getting involved. It was a lot of that double knee offense from Liv as usual by her. Sky is so good in the ring because she sells everything so well and a lot of her offense looks great. It was a controversial ending to the match, but I don’t mind it because it was executed well. The fans are supposed to hate the finish because a cheap heel like Liv benefited from Ripley by accident, so it should make you angry. I think from a booking standpoint, it was a smart finish that protected both women in the match.

The win by Liv Morgan means she has qualified for the Women’s Elimination Chamber match.

After the match, Iyo Sky was freaking out about how she lost the match and Rhea Ripley tried to apologize. Sky was upset about it and Sky left.

Analysis: I think this could lead to Rhea Ripley facing Iyo Sky in a Women’s World Title match because Ripley feels bad for costing Sky the match. Maybe they do it at Elimination Chamber, or perhaps it’s a Raw match.

Next week on Raw:

* Women’s Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match: Bayley vs. Lyra Valkyria

* Men’s Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match: Logan Paul vs. Rey Mysterio

The War Raiders duo of Erik and Ivar were interviewed by Cathy Kelley talking about what is next. Chad Gable and American Made showed up with Gable saying that The Creed Brothers can outwrestle them. Erik wondered what the Creeds could do when the Raiders turned it into a fight. Ivar said to be prepared for war. The champs left. Gable said he had to go leave to learn how to conquer luchadores. Gable told Ivy to win the Women’s Intercontinental Title and the Creeds to win the World Tag Team Titles. Gable left.

The WWE Evolve show begins on March 5th on the Tubi streaming service.

Seth “Freakin” Rollins made his entrance for some promo time wearing a long leather jacket and a cowboy hat. This was during a break, so Seth greeted fans around the ring. I’m pretty sure McAfee left to go to the bathroom during this as well.

A video aired about AJ Styles returning at the Royal Rumble.

The Raw GM Adam Pearce was interviewed by Cathy Kelley backstage. Pearce said that the transfer window just ended, but he got it done and said that AJ Styles is the newest member on Raw. The Intercontinental Champion Bron Breakker walked in telling Pearce to keep AJ Styles away from him. Bron wanted to be shown respect from Pearce, so Pearce said he respected him and that title and Bron wanted to know what’s next for him. They went to talk.

Analysis: Welcome AJ Styles to Raw. Use AJ well, please. A Bron Breakker-AJ Styles feud would be cool to see. Bron can improve as a worker by competing against guys like Styles.

Let’s Hear from Seth “Freakin” Rollins

Rollins welcomed us to “Monday Night Rollins” two hours into the show while going over some of his nicknames. Rollins said he had a lot to say tonight. Rollins congratulated Jey Uso on winning the Royal Rumble saying he was happy and proud for Jey. Rollins mentioned how CM Punk lost the Royal Rumble and his future for WrestleMania is still up in the air. Rollins said he loved to see that for a scumbag piece of trash get eliminated by that idiot Logan Paul.

Rollins said “Roman Reigns” so the fans chanted “OTC” for the Tribal Chief. Rollins said that OTC lost the Royal Rumble and may not make it to WrestleMania at all. Rollins said that there were vague updates all night long. Rollins said that Reigns is hurt while saying that Reigns and Heyman don’t want to tell the truth and WWE wasn’t going to say the truth. Rollins said he hurt him. Rollins said for the past four years, Reigns has done nothing but hurt his friends and family and he’d do it to Rollins if he had a chance. Rollins said that Reigns loves his limited schedule, so Rollins did them a favor.

Analysis: The fans didn’t like what Rollins had to say about Roman Reigns. I’m not sure if Rollins is going to go fully heel again, but I would be okay if it happened because I like Rollins in that role.

Rollins admitted that he lost the Royal Rumble and that hurts. Rollins said that is in the past and there is a future that lies ahead because there are many paths to WrestleMania and his path goes through the Elimination Chamber. Rollins said he has a match in a couple of weeks against an old rival Finn Balor and Rollins will take care of that. Rollins talked about how Sami Zayn had a big match coming right up, so Rollins called out Zayn to talk to him.

Sami Zayn made his entrance in his wrestling gear because he was in the main event match. Rollins led the crowd in a “Sami” chant. Rollins said that Sami is his guy because they go back a long way. Rollins said it’s been a tough month for Zayn and they haven’t seen eye to eye. Rollins told Zayn his immediate future is CM Punk. Rollins said that the world knows that Rollins hates Punk. Rollins said he knows Zayn hates Punk too. Rollins knows Zayn put on a good face at WarGames and tonight is the fight for his life. Rollins said that Punk told Zayn that Zayn wasn’t on his level. Rollins told Zayn that he is Sami Zayn, a WrestleMania main eventer and a good person, which CM Punk will never be. Rollins told Zayn he needs the best out of Zayn because people like Zayn deserve to be in that Chamber. Rollins said that people like Zayn don’t deserve to be in the Chamber because he doesn’t care about this place. Rollins told Zayn to put Punk’s dream in the dirt for good. Rollins shouted “let’s go” to end it and Rollins left while Zayn was fired up.

Analysis: Seth Rollins did a great job of putting over Sami Zayn and hyping up his friend going into the match against CM Punk, who Seth hates.

CM Punk made his entrance, he didn’t even do his “Clobbering Time” shout because two referees were to stop Punk from fighting with Rollins on the floor. Punk walked into the ring for his match.

The ring announcer Alicia Taylor did the main event introductions. This was during the break for some viewers.

Men’s Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match: Sami Zayn vs. CM Punk

A first time ever match between Punk and Zayn. They have both been wrestling for over 20 years, but they never crossed paths before this. Punk hit a shoulder tackle to knock Zayn down. Zayn bounced off the ropes with a shoulder tackle. Punk got a side headlock leading to Zayn putting his feet on the bottom rope to break the hold. Zayn and Punk exchanged some strikes as Zayn hit a few chops to the chest. Punk hit a shoulder tackle to the left arm followed by some hard chops. Zayn did a leapfrog off the ropes over Punk leading to a clothesline. Zayn worked over Punk with much more than ten punches against the turnbuckle. Punk came back with a clothesline and a swinging neckbreaker. Punk went up top, but Zayn was back up to stop that. Zayn hit a superplex off the top rope and both men were down. They went to a break for some fans as the action continued. Zayn went up top where Punk chopped him a few times, but Zayn knocked down Punk with a chop. Zayn jumped off the top and Punk hit a dropkick on a leaping Zayn for two. The fans were chanting for both guys as Zayn and Punk ran the ropes for a double cross body block. Both guys were down as the match returned for all fans watching.

The match continued with Zayn hitting a Tornado DDT off the turnbuckle. Zayn was selling a left elbow injury. Zayn went for a Blue Thunder Bomb, Punk got out of that and Punk hit a kick to the head. Punk hit a running knee. Punk went for the bulldog out of the corner, but Zayn hit a Blue Thunder Bomb for two. Great counter by Zayn there since Punk usually hits a bulldog there, so I liked the transition into Zayn hitting the BTB. Punk was back up with a single arm DDT into the mat. Punk charged, Zayn moved and Punk went shoulder-first into the turnbuckle. Zayn charged and Punk got a rollup for two. Punk applied the Anaconda Vice submission and the fans were chanting “Sami” for Zayn, who managed to get his foot on the bottom rope to force a break. Punk stared at the WrestleMania sign. Punk hit two knees to the jaw and told Zayn to look at the WrestleMania sign. Punk told Zayn he was not on his level. Zayn charged with a Helluva Kick, Punk avoided it and Punk went for a GTS, but Zayn countered it with a small package for one…two…no! Great nearfall there. Punk punched Zayn while Punk pointed at the WrestleMania sign again. Punk and Zayn exchanged punches. Punk wanted a GTS, Zayn got out of that and Zayn hit an Exploder Suplex into the turnbuckle. Zayn charged, but Punk got out of the corner and Punk hit the GTS (Go To Sleep) knee to the face for the pinfall win. It lasted 15 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: CM Punk

Analysis: **** Excellent match. A four-star level main event. Going into it I thought that Punk winning was a lock, but Zayn sure made it close with some great nearfalls including that inside cradle for a two count. They kept building the match, the crowd was getting loud as it got going and Punk found a way to put Zayn away. It’s a match I’d love to see again because they worked very well together, which didn’t surprise me since they are two experienced guys who are among the best of their generation.

That win means that CM Punk is in the Elimination Chamber match along with John Cena and four other men.

After the match, CM Punk celebrated the win while pointing at the WrestleMania sign. There was a skipping problem with the feed for some reason, so it was tough to see this final part. Punk extended his hand and Zayn shook his hand. Punk turned his back and Kevin Owens showed up to attack Zayn from behind, so Zayn knocked Punk out of the ring. Owens kicked Zayn in the back of the head. Owens picked up Zayn and Owens hit a Package Piledriver on Zayn. Owens had his hands on his ribs to sell the injuries from the Royal Rumble. Owens was seated against the turnbuckle while Zayn was down in a heap in the ring. That was the end of the show.

SPEECHLESS. pic.twitter.com/hAqMGmZg7B

— WWE (@WWE) February 4, 2025

Analysis: It was another cheap attack by Kevin Owens on one of his good friends just like he did to Randy Orton and Cody Rhodes in the past. I love how crazy Owens is as a heel. This could set up Owens against Zayn at Elimination Chamber in Toronto (a big match for a Canadian crowd) or maybe even for WrestleMania, but I think Owens against Randy Orton makes sense for WrestleMania. Anyway, Zayn will probably be out for a few weeks selling that cheap attack from Owens. Great way to end the show with a vicious attack.

This week’s Raw runtime was 2 hours, 29 minutes. It was 7 minutes shorter than last week.

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Three Stars of the Show

1. CM Punk
2. Sami Zayn
3. Liv Morgan, IYO SKY and Penta

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The Scoreboard

7.5 out of 10

Last week: 7.25

2025 Average: 7.60

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Final Thoughts on WWE Raw

I thought it was a very good episode of Raw with the CM Punk-Sami Zayn match standing out as the best match of the night. Punk winning wasn’t a surprise, but I thought Zayn came close a few times and the fans were into it. Kevin Owens attacking Zayn also sets them up for a future match since Owens did a Package Piledriver to his buddy Zayn.

The promo exchange between Jey Uso and Gunther was pretty good. I liked how Jey was genuinely emotional. Charlotte Flair’s promo was a bit awkward at first, but it got better when Rhea Ripley went out there to tease that match. Seth Rollins did well to further his multiple storylines and also hype up Zayn.

There were some other good matches throughout the show with Penta winning again. The Liv Morgan/Iyo Sky match was on its way to being great, but the DQ finish was clever because it was Ripley accidentally helping Morgan win.

The next WWE PLE is Elimination Chamber on March 1st in Toronto. Here are the advertised matches so far:

* Men’s Elimination Chamber Match: John Cena vs. CM Punk vs. four other superstars

* Women’s Elimination Chamber Match: Liv Morgan vs. five other superstars

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Thanks for reading. Please check out my reviews of every WWE PPV ever listed in order. Go Toronto Raptors & Toronto Maple Leafs. My contact info is below.

John Canton

Email mrjohncanton@gmail.com

Twitter/X @johnreport