The John Report: WWE Raw Deal 02/17/25 Review

It’s WWE Raw featuring Seth Rollins facing Finn Balor, AJ Styles against Dominik Mysterio, a Roxanne Perez-Raquel Rodriguez match, and more.

Last week’s Raw saw Logan Paul beat Rey Mysterio in the main event to qualify for the Men’s Elimination Chamber. After the match, Rey was attacked by The New Day’s Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods, so we’ll see how they follow up on that.

This is the Raw Deal for episode #1656 of Monday Night Raw. It’s taking place at the Spectrum Centre in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 shown of Seth “Freakin” Rollins, Finn Balor, Roxanne Perez, Raquel Rodriguez with The Judgment Day, Ivy Nile with American Made and Dakota Kai.

A NASCAR driver named William Byron, who just won the Daytona 500, was shown driving up to the building with AJ Styles in his race car. AJ gave Byron a WWE Title.

The commentary team of Michael Cole and Pat McAfee welcomed us to the show.

A video package recapped the issues between Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens, who attacked Zayn with a Package Piledriver on Raw two weeks ago. On Smackdown last week, Sami Zayn said he would fight Owens when he’s cleared. On the same show, Owens challenged Zayn to a match at Elimination Chamber. The video showed highlights of many of their past matches.

Let’s Hear from Sami Zayn

Sami Zayn made his entrance while not looking as energetic as usual because he was still selling the attack from two weeks ago. The fans cheered him and sang his song. Loud “Sami” chants before he started.

Zayn said it’s been a rough couple of weeks, but that feels good to be here so he thanked them for that. Zayn said that he’s been thinking about his history with Kevin Owens. Zayn said that he doesn’t think there are two guys whose careers are tied so closely. Zayn talked about their journey and how they even headlined WrestleMania together. Zayn said in a story that long, there are betrayals, there’s forgiving and there’s forgetting. Zayn said that there is no forgiving and no forgetting this time. Zayn said that this wasn’t about sending a message or getting ahead in your career because Owens tried to end Zayn’s career. Zayn told Owens he didn’t get the job done because Zayn was still standing there. Zayn said that his neck isn’t 100%, but he knows he has enough in the tank for a fight. Zayn said that Owens will be in town for Elimination Chamber in Toronto and Zayn said he’ll be there too. Zayn said everybody wants to see that fight.

Raw GM Adam Pearce walked out saying we have talked about this. Pearce said he knows Zayn, Owens, and the fans want the match. Pearce told Zayn that he had told them no, Aldis told them no, the medical told them no and Pearce said Zayn shouldn’t even be in the ring because he’s not medically cleared. Pearce told Zayn that the answer is no. Pearce went down from the apron and walked to the back.

Zayn asked Pearce how long has he known them. Zayn said that Pearce was with them long before they made it to WWE. Zayn said that Pearce knows that he is not taking no for an answer. Zayn told Pearce he’s not leaving this ring until he is given that match. Pearce said that he’s known them for over 20 years. Pearce said that he couldn’t sanction this match. Pearce said if Owens wants to beat him with a chair or beat him in the concourse then Pearce can’t stop him. Pearce said if Owens wants to piledrive Zayn again and again and again then Pearce can’t stop him. Pearce said that WWE can’t sanction this while adding that Zayn could have the very last match of his career. The fans chanted “Let them fight.”

Zayn left the ring and got in Pearce’s face in the aisle. Zayn said yeah he knows what it means. Zayn fired up saying that you can’t stop Zayn if he wants to beat Owens with a chair, fight him in the concourse, and drop him on his head. Zayn said he understands while telling Pearce to give him the damn match.

Pearce said that in Toronto at Elimination Chamber it will be Kevin Owens one on one with Sami Zayn in an Unsanctioned Match. The fans cheered.

Analysis: That was a great segment with Sami Zayn showing a lot of passion to make it clear he wanted the fight with Kevin Owens. Adam Pearce did a nice job of being the office stooge saying it wasn’t safe for Zayn to be in a match, but Zayn insisted. The Unsanctioned Match is fine with me because it’s going to be a wild match and it should be outstanding. I think Owens beating Zayn is possible since Owens is likely against Randy Orton at WrestleMania, so it makes sense to build up Owens for that.

A recap was shown of the mystery Jade Cargill attacker storyline from Smackdown last week. A clip was shown of Raquel Rodriguez and Liv Morgan walking in the background. Bianca Belair and Naomi said they would go to Raw to handle this.

The Judgment Day was shown in their clubhouse. Liv Morgan said she knows Dominik Mysterio is going to beat AJ Styles tonight. Dominik talked about wanting to add more members to The Judgment Day, but Finn refused it. Finn Balor walked in saying after tonight there will be three members of The Judgment Day at Elimination Chamber since Liv is in, Balor is going to beat Seth Rollins and Raquel Rodriguez said she’ll handle her business with Roxanne Perez. Finn said they’ll be back in business. Balor told Dominik no new members of the group.

A video was shown of IShowSpeed talking about taking a Spear from Bron Breakker at the Royal Rumble. Speed said it was a crazy experience and he thought he was going to die.

Analysis: Maybe this will lead to Speed showing up at WrestleMania and trying to get revenge on Breakker, but I don’t expect it to go well if that happens.

Vic Joseph from NXT was shown in the arena talking about Bayley’s busy work schedule over the last week including Raw, NXT, NBA Celebrity All-Star game, NXT Vengeance Day, and back to Raw tonight. Bayley did an interview talking about how she was going to win the Elimination Chamber. Bayley said even though she’s done a lot in her career, she still has a lot to prove. This was an interview during a break for some fans.

AJ Styles vs. Dominik Mysterio (w/Carlito)

The veteran Styles was in control early with a belly-to-back suplex. Styles worked over Dominik with two chops and a backbreaker. Dominik delivered a kick, but Styles came back with a dropkick. Styles was on the apron where he hit a running knee to Dom’s face. Styles hit Dominik with a forearm. Styles went for a springboard attack, but Dominik distracted the referee and Carlito tripped up Styles on the apron. Dominik hit a suicide dive on Styles on the floor. They went to a break for some fans while the action continued. Dominik was in control with a running neckbreaker. Dominik sent Styles out of the ring so Carlito kicked Styles while on the floor. Dominik grabbed a chinlock as the match returned.

Dominik was in control with a back elbow and a hair pull takedown. Dominik hit a senton splash. Dominik hit two vertical suplexes, Styles broke free, Dominik tripped Styles into the ropes and Dominik hit the 619 kick against the ropes. Dominik went up top, took way too long, jumped off with a splash and Styles moved, so Dominik hit the mat. Styles hit Dominik with a back fist followed by a clothesline and a running forearm. Styles hit a jumping clothesline and a backbreaker onto the knee. Carlito was on the apron, so AJ kicked the rope to crotch him. Styles hit Carlito with a forearm and Dominik got a rollup for two. Dominik charged, Styles caught him and Styles hit a Styles Clash to plant Dom for the pinfall win after 10 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: AJ Styles

Analysis: *** A good match with Styles getting the win, which was the right call since Styles is back after missing a few months and it makes sense to give him some positive momentum. Dominik is not a guy who gets a lot of singles wins. I like how Carlito got involved to help Dominik get the advantage during the match. Good finish with Styles hitting the perfect Styles Clash for the win.

After the match, Intercontinental Champion Bron Breakker was in the ring. When Rey turned around, Bron charged, Styles moved and Bron nailed Dominik with a Spear. Styles sent Bron out of the ring. Bron threw his shirt at Styles, AJ caught it and threw it down. Bron left with his IC Title.

Analysis: There’s a nice tease of an IC Title match. I don’t know if that’s going to be at WrestleMania, but it’s certainly a possibility if they can wait two months to do it. They might do it on a Raw episode before that since I assume it’s not part of Elimination Chamber. Anyway, I think a Bron-Styles feud would be great.

It was mentioned that Julius Creed is part of Team Cormier as a coach for Daniel Cormier’s team on The Ultimate Fighter.

The Creed Brothers were with their friend Ivy Nile backstage with the Creeds bragging about how they beat up The War Raiders with the World Tag Team Titles. Ivy Nile said that they told Chad Gable that they were going to win titles. Dakota Kai walked up behind Nile, so Nile and Kai exchanged words. Their match was up next.

It was a break for some fans as Vic Joseph talked about the Men’s Elimination Chamber match.

The Women’s Intercontinental Champion Lyra Valkyria went to ringside to watch the next match.

Dakota Kai vs. Ivy Nile

This is a #1 Contender’s Match for a shot at the Women’s Intercontinental Title. Kai has a new theme song instead of the Damage CTRL song.

Kai hit an arm drag and a kick while near the apron. Nile picked up Kai and sent her over the top to the floor. Nile kicked Kai in the back of the left knee. Nile rapped Kai’s left knee against the ring apron. Nile set up Kai upside down against the turnbuckle and Nile hit a running kick to the left knee. Kai came back with a kick along with forearms, a clothesline, and a dropkick. Kai hit a running kick to the face. Kai hit another running kick to the face. Kai hit a sunset flip double knee attack to the back for two. Nile came back with a punch to the face. Kai hit a jumping kick to the face. Nile slipped under Kai by the turnbuckle and Nile hit a Powerbomb. Kai came back with a rollup for two, but Nile came back with an Ankle Lock. Nile applied a heel hook on the mat and Kai got her hand on the bottom rope to break the hold. Kai kicked Nile a few times. Nile delivered a punch and a few kicks. Nile hit a spinning slam for a two count. Nile hit a German Suplex. Kai countered Nile leading to a two count. Kai hit a back kick to the head. Kai countered a move leading to a pin attempt for two. Nile applied an Ankle Lock again and Kai sent Nile to the apron again. Kai trapped Nile by the ropes and Kai kicked Nile in the back of the head. Kai hit a GTK kick to the head for the pinfall win after about 7 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Dakota Kai

Analysis: **3/4 It was a solid match that could have gone either way. I thought Nile would win, but instead, it was Kai finding a way to get out of the Ankle Lock and hitting the GTK for the win. The fans weren’t into it the whole way, but they did react for the finish, which is nice to see.

After the match, Lyra Valkyria went into the ring and held up the Women’s IC Title while standing in front of Dakota Kai.

The WWE Evolve show debuts on March 5th on Tubi in the US and YouTube internationally.

A video aired from last week’s Raw when World Heavyweight Champion Gunther attacked Royal Rumble winner Jey Uso with multiple Powerbombs. Jey said he was picking Gunther for his Wrestlemania opponent.

It was a break for some fans as Pat McAfee talked to A-Town Down Under’s Grayson Waller and Austin Theory at ringside. Pat asked Austin if the reason he was not a World Champion was because of Waller. Waller said that was disrespectful while saying Pat was like the Charlotte Hornets with one ball and no championships. Pat asked about their loss at NXT Vengeance Day. Waller said that they aren’t here to talk about the past. Waller mentioned Sheamus. Theory trashed Sheamus as a guy who gets a sunburn when he opens the fridge. They chanted “Failure After Failure” for Sheamus, who likes to say “Banger After Banger” as we know.

A commercial aired for WWE LFG and WWE Rivals airing on A&E this Sunday night.

Let’s Hear from GUNTHER

GUNTHER made his entrance as the World Heavyweight Champion and he did it from the back part of the arena in the same way that Jey Uso does it. The fans were booing him. Gunther tried to get the fans to “Yeet” with them, but the fans didn’t do it. Gunther said it was a simple gesture for simple people. Gunther told the fans that he’s tired of stepping into the ring with people who can’t lace his boots. Gunther said he was hopeful he could talk some sense and beat some sense into Jey, but because of the fans, it gave Jey a false sense of confidence and forced Jey into digging his own grave. Gunther said that the WrestleMania match won’t happen in the stands because it will be in the ring. Gunther said he’ll outclass Jey in every aspect of this sport.

Gunther made his way to ringside to say that Jey’s blood will be on their hands. Gunther asked the fans if Jey stood a chance against him at WrestleMania. Gunther said he wanted a professional opinion on this topic so Gunther went to the commentary team. Gunther asked Michael and Pat if they believed that Jey could beat Gunther at WrestleMania. Gunther threw the microphone at Pat. That led to Pat thinking about it and he said that anything can happen one night only. Pat said he hopes Jey can beat him at WrestleMania. Gunther took off his jacket to tease an attack, but Jey Uso made his entrance.

Jey Uso ran by three referees and went down to the ring to fight with Gunther. Jey beat on Gunther with punches. There were security guys there, so Jey superkicked one of them and Jey threw the other guy out of the ring. Gunther applied a sleeper, but Jey broke free. Jey and Gunther exchanged punches. There were WWE Officials and referees in the ring to break it up. Jey’s song played, so the fans did the arm swinging with him while Pat joined in as usual.

Analysis: I thought it was effective in terms of furthering the story between Gunther and Jey. Gunther thinks that Jey isn’t on his level and Jey wanted to show that he wasn’t going to back down. It wasn’t a long segment. It was kept simple with Jey Uso attacking Gunther and I thought it worked well. They have two months of build to go for this match, so there will likely be more quick segments in the weeks ahead.

Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez were interviewed by Cathy Kelley. Liv denied that they attacked Jade Cargill. Liv said that Raquel Rodriguez is going to squash Roxanne Perez like the little bug that she is. Liv said that they didn’t have time for Cathy’s theories. Raquel said they wouldn’t feel bad about it if they attacked Jade Cargill. Raquel left to get ready for her match.

The WWE Elimination Chamber PLE takes place on March 1st in Toronto. I have my ticket with some family joining me. See ya there.

Jey Uso was shown walking backstage when he saw The New Day. This was during the break. Kofi said he knows what Jey was going through and Kofi said he did it in 2019. Xavier Woods said that they can’t wait to see Jey lose. Jey said that there would never have been KofiMania if The Usos didn’t forfeit, but they knew that. Jey said that New Day sucks. Jey left.

Pete Dunne was approached by The New Day as Woods called him Butch. Kofi apologized. Butch said maybe they are right because New Day sucks. Dunne made his entrance for his match.

It’s official for WWE Elimination Chamber: Sami Zayn vs. Kevin Owens in an Unsanctioned Match.

Pete Dunne vs. Penta

Penta beat Dunne a few weeks ago and now we get to see it again. Penta hit an impressive running hurricanrana. Dunne ducked his head and Penta kicked him in the head. Dunne hit a running dropkick. Dunne was in control working over the fingers, hitting a forearm and a hop. Penta jumped over Dunne leading to double knees to the back. Penta chopped Dunne while on the apron. Dunne snapped the fingers of Penta leading to a facebuster onto the apron. Ludwig Kaiser showed up to watch the match. They went to a break for some fans as the action continued with Penta jumping on Penta’s hand. Dunne charged and Penta hit a superkick. Penta jumped off the top with a cross body block. Dunne kicked Penta to stop the momentum.

Dunne was in control as he continued the attack on the fingers. Penta came back with a hurricanrana off the top. Penta hit a spinning bulldog. Dunne jumped onto Penta’s shoulders, but Penta caught him and Penta hit a spinning slam for two. Dunne kicked Penta in the head, but Penta sent Dunne upside down against the turnbuckle and Penta hit a kick. Dunne caught Penta leading to a sitout Powerbomb for two. Dunne hit a German Suplex and a kick to the head. Penta avoided a Dunne move and Penta hit a Mexican Destroyer. Kaiser was on the apron to stop Penta from doing a move, so Dunne capitalized with a jumping kick. Dunne got a rollup for two. Dunne told Kaiser to stay out of his business. Kaiser was on the apron, so Penta sent Dunne into Kaiser on the apron. Penta hit Dunne with a Penta Driver for the pinfall win. It went about 9 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Penta

Analysis: ***1/4 I liked the match with Penta looking impressive again. Kaiser tried to help Dunne win, but Dunne didn’t want the help and it cost Dunne the match. They are booking Penta as a big deal. I’m happy to see that.

After the match, Kaiser knocked down Penta with a forearm to the back. Kaiser punched Penta a few times. Dunne pulled Kaiser out of the ring, so Kaiser and Dunne exchanged punches. Penta hit a somersault dive over the top onto Kaiser and Dunne on the floor.

Analysis: Penta continues to impress even after winning a match. I am not sure if it will lead to Dunne & Kaiser becoming allies, but it could be where it’s going.

Jey Uso was interviewed by Cathy Kelley in the backstage area. Jey said that they keep doubting him. Jey said that at WrestleMania, he’s going to shock the world, beat him and become the new World Heavyweight Champion.

Analysis: It was quick with Jey showing confidence by claiming he would beat Gunther.

They showed Bayley at the NBA Celebrity All-Star Game and she missed a shot, which led to a teammate getting a rebound and hitting a shot. I guess she didn’t do much if that was the only highlight they could show.

A video package aired about former NXT Women’s Champion Roxanne Perez. She’s up next.

Dakota Kai was interviewed by Vic Joseph in an interview during the break for some fans. Kai said that she’s overcome a lot in her career and she’s going to beat Lyra Valkyria next week to become the new Women’s Intercontinental Champion.

Roxanne Perez made her entrance. Lilian Garcia botched her entrance by saying Roseanne Perez. Oops. Cole made sure to say Roxanne Perez on the broadcast.

The War Raiders did a promo as the World Tag Team Champions. Ivar said that The Creed Brothers were not built for war. Erik said that they missed their shot at being the champions. Erik said that The Creeds made the mistake of their lives. Ivar said it ain’t over. Erik said the next time they have a match, it’s war.

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

They are both heels. Big size difference since Raquel is a lot taller. Perez slapped Raquel in the face two times and kicked Raquel to the floor. Perez tried a dive, but Raquel caught Perez on the floor. Raquel sent Perez into the ring post. Perez launched Raquel face first into the top turnbuckle. Raquel grabbed Perez’s upper body and spun her around the ring before tossing Perez into the mat. Raquel went for a Powerbomb, but Perez countered with a hurricanrana into the turnbuckle. Perez did a chop block to the left leg followed by a running uppercut. Perez countered a Raquel move and sat on top for two. Raquel caught a leaping Perez and hit a fallaway slam across the ring. Raquel hit a spinning elbow off the turnbuckle for two. Raquel sent Perez into the turnbuckle, Perez moved and Raquel went running into the ring post. Perez hit two suicide dives on Raquel on the floor. Perez tried a move, Raquel countered it and Perez hit a DDT counter. Perez hit a springboard moonsault for two. Perez kicked Raquel and went for Pop Rox, but Raquel got out of it and Raquel kicked Perez for two. Bianca Belair and Naomi showed up at ringside, so they attacked Liv with punches and they threw Liv into barricade. Perez jumped onto Raquel’s back and Perez hit Pop Rox on Raquel for the pinfall win after about 8 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Roxanne Perez

Analysis: *** This was a fun match for the time given. Perez was more like a babyface here compared to when she’s in NXT and one of the top heels. It was a cheap win since Raquel was distracted by what was going on outside the ring, so Perez took advantage to get the win.

That means the Women’s Elimination Chamber match looks like this: Liv Morgan vs. Bianca Belair vs. Alexa Bliss vs. Bayley vs. Naomi vs. Roxanne Perez.

Analysis: I think my pick is going to be Bianca Belair. That pick may change.

After the match, Belair and Naomi got a hold of Morgan in the ring, but Rodriguez pulled Morgan out of the ring to save her partner.

Analysis: Those teams will likely have a Women’s Tag Team Title match soon. I can see there being a title change too.

Seth “Freakin” Rollins was interviewed by Cathy Kelley backstage. Rollins said that this match is as big as it gets. Rollins said that he needed this win and he said it was time for a fight. Rollins left.

Karrion Kross walked in with Scarlett behind him. Kross mentioned Sami Zayn saying that Jey Uso thinks that he’ll beat Gunther at WrestleMania and Seth Rollins thinks he’ll eliminate John Cena at Elimination Chamber. Kross mentioned Zayn thinking that he could beat Kevin Owens. Kross said that Zayn knows there is still time to turn things around.

Analysis: I like Kross and want to see him get more opportunities.

Finn Balor was shown getting ready backstage.

Ludwig Kaiser was interviewed by Vic Joseph in the back part of the arena. This was during a break for some fans. Kaiser complained about all the attention that Penta was getting. Kaiser said that he belongs at the top of the food chain in this company. Kaiser ranted about Pete Dunne getting involved while claiming that the plan was still the same. Kaiser claimed that this would be his year.

A video aired about IYO SKY saying that a year ago she was the Women’s Champion and going to WrestleMania, but now the path isn’t clear. Sky said her upcoming match with Rhea Ripley is the opportunity she needs. Sky mentioned beating Ripley every time they met in NXT. Sky said it’s her championship and she wants it back.

Analysis: The championship that Sky held last year was the WWE Women’s Championship that is on Smackdown now, but it’s the thought that counts.

Let’s Hear from The New Day

Xavier Woods said “Get well soon Rey” after highlights were shown of their attack on Rey Mysterio last week. The fans were booing so Kofi Kingston wondered if they could give New Day some time to speak. Woods said that you’re mad about what they said to Big E and to keep his lazy ass at home. Woods said that you’re mad about Rey Mysterio thinking he’s some locker room leader to them. Kofi said that you put Rey on a pedestal because he’s a Hall of Famer, the greatest luchador of all time, and so on. Kofi said that he has more titles than Rey. Kofi said he’s been here for 19 years. Kofi said that, unlike Rey, he never left WWE. Kofi said he should be the locker room leader, not Rey. Woods said that Rey kicked them out of the locker room and Woods said that’s why they took out Rey with a steel chair to his ankle. Kofi said that Rey was crying and not wanting to show his face. Kofi claimed it could have been a lot worse for Rey and believed that the fans should be thankful for what they did to Rey. Woods said that they gave Rey vacation days. Woods wanted the fans to thank them and say “Thank God for The New Day.”

There was an interruption from the LWO’s Dragon Lee, Cruz Del Toro, and Joaquin Wilde. Lee said that what they did was unforgivable. Lee said that “New Day sucks’ while the three LWO guys went down to the ring to beat up the New Day guys. The LWO trio cleared the ring. Lee wanted to do a suicide dive, but New Day ran to the back.

Analysis: It was another strong promo from The New Day guys. They made some good points. Anyway, this should set up New Day against the LWO boys.

Next week on Raw in Cincinnati:

* Women’s Intercontinental Championship: Lyra Valkyria vs. Dakota Kai

* Women’s Tag Team Championships: Bianca Belair & Naomi vs. Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez

Naomi and Bianca Belair were interviewed by Cathy Kelley. Naomi said that they had been counting the days for the truth to come out to find out what happened to Jade. Naomi said now Liv and Raquel will be counting their days. Belair said that without Raquel, Liv better treat Elimination Chamber like a handicap match. Naomi said that she and Belair aren’t afraid to bring the fight to eachother. Belair mentioned that Rhea Ripley is against Iyo Sky after Elimination Chamber, so whoever wins the Chamber gets the winner of that match. Belair and Naomi left.

Analysis: They didn’t say much. It’s also not known if it was Raquel & Liv who attacked Raquel, but Naomi and Belair acted as if it was them.

Seth “Freakin” Rollins made his entrance. The fans were singing his song as usual. There was a break for some fans, so Rollins went around the ring to greet the fans at ringside. This was a way to kill a few minutes during a break for some fans.

A commercial aired for WWE Elimination Chamber on March 1st in Toronto.

Men’s Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match: Seth “Freakin” Rollins vs. Finn Balor

Balor was in control of the action after I missed the first couple of minutes. Balor sent Rollins into the turnbuckle and Rollins hit a boot to the face. Rollins stomped on Balor. Rollins hit a backbreaker. Rollins went for a moonsault, Balor avoided it and went to the floor, so Rollins hit a suicide dive onto Balor on the floor. Rollins hit a springboard knee to the head. Balor avoided a move leading to a Slingblade. Rollins hit a dropkick to the left knee. Rollins kicked Balor in the back of the left knee two times in a row. The action spilled to the floor, Rollins teased going for The Stomp on the steel steps, but Balor avoided it and Balor tripped up Rollins on the steps. They went to a break for some fans as the action continued. Balor was in control of Rollins for a couple of minutes while Rollins was selling a rib injury. Balor jumped on Seth’s lower back. Balor remained in control as the match returned for all viewers.

The match returned with Balor applying the dreaded abdominal stretch. Rollins broke free with a hiptoss. Balor came back with a knee to the ribs. Balor went for a move, Rollins hit a step up enziguri and Balor hit a Pele Kick. Both guys were down selling. Balor got a rollup on Rollins for a two count. Rollins caught Balor and gave him a Buckle Bomb into the turnbuckle. Rollins went up top and jumped off with a Frog Splash, but Balor blocked it by getting the knees up. Balor got an inside cradle for a two count. The fans were chanting “this is awesome” for them. They exchanged strikes, Rollins for a lifting move and a Balor hit a reverse DDT. Balot hit Slingblade. Balor tried another move, but Rollins caught him and Rollins applied a Sharpshooter. Balor nearly got to the ropes, Rollins let go and Rollins hit a Pedigree for two. It looked like Finn was slow to kick out, but the referee stopped counting the pin. The fans were chanting “ref you suck” which is something we hear at NBA games. Rollins did a crotch chop to referee Rod Zapata, so the fans cheered. Rollins charged, Balor kicked Rollins in the ribs and Rollins tried to go up top, but Rollins blocked it. Rollins jumped to the top rope, Balor knocked him down and Rollins had a bad landing on the mat. Balor did a Coup de Grace double foot stomp for two because Rollins countered it into a crucifix pin for two. Balor applied a Crossface submission, Rollins got out of it and Rollins hit The Stomp for the pinfall win after 18 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Seth “Freakin” Rollins

Analysis: ***1/2 It was an excellent match as you would expect from two of the best wrestlers in the company. These guys have worked together a lot over the years and had a long feud last year as well. Balor came close many times and even hit the Coup de Grace on Rollins, but it wasn’t enough to win. I think Rollins did a great job of selling the rib injury throughout the match, yet he was able to overcome that to get the win. I enjoyed the match. The right guy won because I thought Rollins would make it into the Chamber match so I’m glad he’s in it.

The win by Seth Rollins means he’s in the Men’s Elimination Chamber match. The Men’s Chamber match looks like this: Men’s Elimination Chamber Match: John Cena vs. CM Punk vs. Drew McIntyre vs. Logan Paul vs. Damian Priest vs. Seth “Freakin” Rollins.

Analysis: My pick is John Cena.

Seth “Freakin” Rollins celebrated the win. That was the end of Raw.

This week’s Raw runtime was 2 hours, 29 minutes. That’s the same as last week.

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Three Stars of the Show

1. Seth Rollins
2. AJ Styles
3. Sami Zayn, Roxanne Perez

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The Scoreboard

7 out of 10

Last week: 7.25

2025 Average: 7.46

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Final Thoughts on WWE Raw

A solid edition of Raw. I wouldn’t call it a great show or anything like that, but the action was good most of the night. They advanced some stories while building to Elimination Chamber as well.

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. Drew McIntyre vs. Logan Paul vs. Damian Priest vs. Seth “Freakin” Rollins

* Women’s Elimination Chamber Match: Liv Morgan vs. Bianca Belair vs. Alexa Bliss vs. Bayley vs. Naomi vs. Roxanne Perez

* WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton & Trish Stratus vs. Nia Jax & Candice LeRae

* Unsanctioned Match: Sami Zayn vs. Kevin Owens

You can watch the WWE Elimination Chamber when it streams live on Saturday, March 1, at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT, exclusively on Peacock in the United States and Netflix internationally.

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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