Reviews

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

By John Canton • Published 3rd March 2025
WWE Raw Deal March3

It’s WWE Raw featuring Rhea Ripley facing Iyo Sky, all the fallout from Elimination Chamber, and more.

The WWE Elimination Chamber PLE took place this past Saturday in Toronto and it was an incredible show. I rated it 9 out of 10 and I don’t think I got a single complaint about it. It was an outstanding event. I was at the show, the crowd was lively all night and there were some great matches that we enjoyed. It ended with John Cena turning heel on Cody Rhodes to align with The Rock. I didn’t expect it to happen, so it was a shocking moment that will be remembered forever.

For fans wanting to hear from John Cena, you will have to wait at least two weeks. Cena is scheduled for Raw on March 17th in Brussels, Belgium. After Elimination Chamber, Cena flew to Africa (according to The Rock) due to a filming commitment. Cena is also advertised for Raw on March 24th and March 31st, so there will likely be April dates as well on the road to WrestleMania 41, which is on April 19 and April 20 in Las Vegas.

Bianca Belair won the Women’s Elimination Chamber match, so at WrestleMania 41, she will face the winner of Rhea Ripley defending the Women’s World Title against IYO SKY on Raw this week.

This is the Raw Deal for episode #1658 of Monday Night Raw. It’s taking place at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York. 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.

A video package aired showing highlights of WWE Elimination Chamber from this past Saturday in Toronto.

The Raw commentary team of Michael Cole and Pat McAfee were at ringside welcoming us to the show.

They showed some walking from earlier in the day including Rhea Ripley, Iyo Sky with Dakota Kai, Bianca Belair and American Made in the ring training before the show.

CM Punk was shown driving up to the building and he made his way to the ring.

Let’s Hear from CM Punk

CM Punk had an angry look on his face as he made his way down to the ring. Punk was the runner up in the Men’s Elimination Chamber match after Seth Rollins did The Stomp after Rollins was eliminated.

CM Punk grabbed a microphone and stood on the commentary table. Punk claimed he could get them canceled on Netflix. Punk said he wanted to address his enemies, so he asked the fans to give him a name. Punk called The Rock a “bald fraud” with a warning saying that you are dealing with the best in the world. Punk said that he marched through hell to go after championship opportunities. Punk spoke into the camera calling The Rock and shouting him out for his “bullshit” while mocking his goosebumps. Punk said he doesn’t carry around a fake title like The Rock because he earns it. Punk said he’s never been so desperate to sell his soul and that brings him to John Cena. Punk told Cena that we can all see him now. Punk said that he gave Cena the benefit of the doubt when he didn’t qualify because what Cena did in the past secured his future. Punk said that Cena was hustle, loyalty, respect for 20+ years and now we see Cena has been selling these kids and all these people bullshit. Punk said that he didn’t quit. Punk said that Cena quit because he gave up on these people and these kids. Punk said he’s going to get his hands on Cena and The Rock.

Punk went on to address Seth Rollins saying that Becky Lynch better get her man because if Punk gets his hands on him then he’ll put him in a wheelchair. That’s when the interruption happened with Seth Rollins’ music hitting.

Analysis: That was an incredible promo from Punk. Wow. He spoke fast and it was tough for me to write down every single thing he said, but he said a lot and it was very entertaining due to how fired up he was. I loved what Punk said about Rock and Cena because obviously a Punk match against heel Cena is a money match for WWE to do later in the year.

Seth “Freakin” Rollins made his entrance and CM Punk met him by the entrance where they exchanged punches. There were WWE Officials right there to try to stop the fight. Punk and Rollins broke free so they could exchange more punches. Raw GM Adam Pearce sent more security guys out there. Punk and Rollins kept on brawling all around the ringside area. Rollins was beating up some of the security guys who are indy wrestlers. Punk and Rollins broke free again and they went fighting by a barricade at ringside. The fans were chanting “this is awesome” as Rollins and Punk broke free leading to a fight around commentary. Pat said “holy shit” on commentary while fans chanted “this is awesome” again. The fight finally stopped after about a dozen guys were there to separate each man.

Analysis: That was wild. Awesome brawl between Punk and Rollins to continue that rivalry coming out of the Chamber. It was a chaotic brawl that looked like a real fight because of how intense both guys were. It was excellent. I’m so excited to see how this feud continues.

They went to a break for some of the audience. Rollins ran around the crowd on one side of the arena and Punk met him there, so they exchanged punches again. The fans were chanting “CM Punk” as Rollins was taken to the back and Punk tried to go backstage as well.

Otis and his Alpha Academy pals made their entrance for a match.

They showed videos of John Cena and The Rock at Elimination Chamber along with fan reaction. They included Shannon Sharpe on ESPN saying John Cena has to pay for this.

A replay was shown of the Rollins/Punk brawl.

The Judgment Day was shown backstage in their clubhouse. Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez were in a good mood as Women’s Tag Team Champions. Finn Balor said he was happy for Liv and Raquel as the champions. Balor mentioned Liv losing in the Chamber. Balor talked about his issue with Bron Breakker last week and Finn said maybe he can deal with Bron tonight. Liv wished him good luck and Finn left. Dominik asked Liv about Jade and the Chamber and Liv said she had nothing to do with that.

Analysis: The Balor/Breakker interaction last week likely sets them up for a future showdown possibly at WrestleMania.

The World Heavyweight Champion GUNTHER walked down to the ring saying he would embarrass “big boy” Otis. Gunther said he knows Otis is strong and some people call him a freak of nature, but Gunther thinks he is just a freak. Gunther said Otis is a people pleaser who makes a clown out of himself to entertain the audience like Jey Uso. Gunther said Otis doesn’t belong in his ring. Gunther said that the fans pity Otis. Gunther said he wears the World Title as a belt while Otis can’t find a belt that fits. Ouch. Gunther said he’ll teach Otis about respect right now because just like Jey Uso at WrestleMania…and Gunther kicked him in the face.

Analysis: It was the typical heel promo from Gunther talking down to his opponent like the good heel that he is.

GUNTHER vs. Otis (w/Akira Tozawa & Maxxine Dupri)

Gunther kicked Otis twice to knock him out of the ring. Otis was on the floor, he pulled Gunther out of the ring and Otis gave Gunther a fallaway slam on the floor. They went to a break for some fans as the action continued. Otis headbutted Gunther and threw Gunther into the barricade. Back in the ring, Otis charged, Gunther moved and Otis hit the turnbuckle. Gunther hit Otis with knee strikes along with a boot to the mouth.

The action continued with Gunther applying a chinlock and Gunther let go leading to a knee to the ribs. The fans were chanting for Otis, so Gunther hit another boot to the head. Gunther grabbed a headlock, but Otis countered with a belly-to-back suplex. Otis did his firing up routine while no selling Gunther’s chops. Otis hit a headbutt, a clothesline and a corner splash. Otis spun Gunther around leading to a body slam, another splash and a back elbow. Otis caught Gunther leading to Otis hitting a front slam. Otis did the Caterpillar leading to an elbow drop for two. Otis went for a Vader Bomb off the middle turnbuckle, but Gunther moved and Gunther hit a dropkick. Otis hit a back body drop to counter Gunther trying a lifting move. Gunther hit clotheslines to the front and back of the neck. Gunther knocked down Otis with a short clothesline. Gunther hit a Powerbomb for the pinfall win after about eight minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Gunther

Analysis: *** It was a fun match where the result was never in doubt. Otis is very entertaining to watch. Gunther sold for Otis and also looked like a guy who was struggling to put Otis away. That puts Otis over as a tough guy to beat.

After the match, Gunther tried a sleeper on Otis. Tozawa jumped on Gunther’s back so Gunther slammed him down. Gunther gave Tozawa a Powerbomb on Otis. Jey Uso ran down to the ring for the save. Jey tackled Gunther and hit some punches. Jey hit a Spear to knock Gunther out of the ring. Jey held up the World Heavyweight Title in the ring while the fans cheered. Jey was celebrating on the turnbuckle, but he was attacked from behind by Grayson Waller & Austin Theory. Jey managed to avoid a double team attack and superkicked Theory. Jey punched Waller off the ropes leading to Jey hitting Waller with a Spear. Gunther was back in with a Sleeper on Jey and Gunther choked out Jey on the mat with Gunther’s legs wrapped around Jey’s lower body. Jey sold it like he was choked out. Gunther stepped on Jey’s back and held up the World Heavyweight Title over a fallen Jey Uso.

Analysis: A cheap attack by Gunther after Jey had already sent him out of the ring. Gunther benefitted from Theory and Waller going after Jey. That will likely lead to Jey facing Theory or Waller in a singles match or maybe Jey will find a partner for a tag team match. Anyway, they still have seven weeks to build the Jey-Gunther match so we’ll continue to see them go after eachother in segments like that.

A video package aired about the Rhea Ripley-Iyo Sky match. Ripley was shown as the dominant champion. Sky said that every time she has faced Ripley se has beaten her, so she will win again and punch her ticket to WrestleMania. Ripley reminded us that “Mami is always on top” while Sky said she’ll beat Ripley again.

A new Raw Recap podcast will debut on Tuesday on WWE’s YouTube channel and other platforms with Sam Roberts and Megan Morant as the hosts.

There was backstage walking shown to set up the Women’s Intercontinental Title match up next: Lyra Valkyria defending against Ivy Nile.

Bayley was interviewed by Jackie Redmond in the back part of the arena. This was during the break for some fans. Bayley talked about how she’s going to keep moving forward after not winning at Elimination Chamber and praised Bianca Belair as the winner. Bayley said her journey to WrestleMania doesn’t stop at Elimination Chamber and she’ll make her own way to WrestleMania.

Analysis: It’s just a basic interview to fill some time. Nothing wrong with that.

They showed UFC Hall of Famer Clay Guida at ringside.

There was a video shown of John Cena turning heel on Cody Rhodes and there were some emotional fan reaction videos.

AJ Styles was interviewed by Cathy Kelley backstage, who mentioned Styles having a lot of history with Cena and Rhodes. Styles said he never saw Cena’s turn coming. Karrion Kross walked up to Styles saying it wasn’t that surprising. Styles told Kross to stop with this. Styles said maybe the WWE Universe needs a reminder of who he is. Styles suggested that maybe next week he calls out Logan Paul at Madison Square Garden to see if he can back up that trash talk. Styles told Kross as the devil on his shoulder that God knows his evil ways. Styles left.

Analysis: Maybe they are going with Logan Paul-AJ Styles at WrestleMania. That’s cool with me. It’s a fresh matchup.

Women’s Intercontinental Championship: Lyra Valkyria vs. Ivy Nile

The powerful Nile hit a clothesline to take control. Lyra tripped up Nile and hit a dropkick. Lyra hit a Northern Lights Suplex for two. Nile hit a running dropkick to kick Nile to the floor. Nile wrenched the knee of Lyra off the turnbuckle. They went to a break for some fans so I’ll take a break too. It was Nile in control during the break.

There was a pin attempt by Lyra, but Nile came back with a knee to the ribs. Lyra tried a cross body block off the ropes, Nile caught Lyra and Nile tried a slam. Lyra hit a gutwrench Powerbomb and Lyra was selling a left knee injury. Lyra hit a knee followed by an enziguri kick to the head. Lyra blocked a Tornado DDT attempt and hit a vertical suplex for two. Lyra got an inside cradle on Nile for two. Lyra hit a swinging neckbreaker. Lyra went for Nightwing, but Lyra was selling the left leg injury again. Nile hit Lyra in the back and Nile hit a Powerbomb for two. Nile nearly lost her balance and fell over, but she was able to hit it. Nile applied an Ankle Lock on the left ankle. Lyra managed to get her left hand on the bottom rope to force a break. Nile went for a slam, but Lyra got a sunset flip for two. Nile hit a release German Suplex. Nile went for a running kick, Lyra moved and Lyra hit a backbreaker. Lyra hit Nightwing for the pinfall win after about 9 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Lyra Valkyria

Analysis: **3/4 It was a solid match with Nile working on Lyra’s left leg throughout the match and Lyra sold it well. Nile has improved a lot and I thought a title change was possible here, but I have no problem with Lyra keeping her title. Lyra is very technically sound. I’d like to see her get a proper feud.

There was a replay of CM Punk mentioning Becky Lynch saying she needs to get her man Seth Rollins because Punk is going to put him in a wheelchair. That led to a Punk/Rollins brawl that lasted several minutes until they were finally separated.

Seth Rollins was shown trying to leave the building where Jackie Redmond tried to talk to him, but Rollins saw Punk in the distance. There were security guys and Raw GM Adam Pearce there, so Punk and Rollins were separated.

Analysis: Rollins and Punk are doing an excellent job of making us want to see them have a match. That’s for sure.

Dakota Kai was interviewed by Cathy Kelley during the break for some fans. Kai talked about how she still has her sights set on the Women’s Intercontinental Title. Kai said that her friend Iyo Sky will reclaim her top spot tonight.

They showed Dion Dawkins of the NFL’s Buffalo Bills at ringside. The crowd cheered because they love their Bills.

Seth Rollins was talking to Raw GM Adam Pearce saying this is easy for him. Rollins talked about how he took out Roman Reigns and he made sure Punk wasn’t going to win Elimination Chamber. Pearce told Rollins that next week on Raw, Rollins vs. Punk inside a Steel Cage at Madison Square Garden so they can finish it. Pearce told Rollins to go in his bus and he didn’t want to see him again. Rollins went onto his bus.

Analysis: Huge match for next week at MSG Raw with Rollins facing Punk in a Steel Cage Match.

Let’s Hear from Ludwig Kaiser

Ludwig Kaiser was in the ring for a promo. Kaiser won a triple threat match last week over Pete Dunne and Penta. Kaiser said he was demanding your gratitude, so the fans booed him. Kaiser said that last week he took the attention back from Penta and it was the attention that Kaiser deserved. Kaiser spoke into the camera saying after Kaiser is done with him, Penta will know what fear feels like.

Penta made his entrance and ran down to the ring. Penta hit a hurricanrana followed by a superkick. Penta tried a lifting slam, but Kaiser slipped out of it. Penta kicked Kaiser in the ribs and a Slingblade neckbreaker. Penta used his legs to flip Kaiser over the top to the floor. Penta hit a springboard clothesline to knock Kaiser down on the floor. Penta hit a somersault dive over the top onto Kaiser on the floor.

Analysis: It was a short promo from Kaiser followed by a Penta attack to set them up for a match. It didn’t take too long, but it got the job done in terms of advancing the story.

Bianca Belair was interviewed backstage by Cathy Kelley. Natalya was talking to Maxxine Dupri in the background. Belair said she didn’t want to talk about the Jade Cargill-Naomi situation until she can talk to them. Belair said as sad as she is about that situation, she’s proud about winning Elimination Chamber. Belair said she’s focused on watching the Rhea Ripley-Iyo Sky match. Belair said no matter who it is, they’ll remember why you can’t spell WrestleMania without EST.

Analysis: I am happy about Bianca Belair getting a singles push again after being a tag team wrestler for the last year.

The World Tag Team Title match was next as they showed both teams walking backstage.

A-Town Down Under’s Grayson Waller & Austin Theory were interviewed by Jackie Redmond in the back part of the arena in an interview during the break for some fans. Waller said that he liked Elimination Chamber and said he’d sell his soul for The Rock as well. Waller trashed Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills for choking in the championship games, so the fans booed. Waller said that Jey Uso’s fairytale ends next week and Austin said “YEET” since he likes to do it. Waller walked away.

Analysis: That means it’s Jey Uso against Grayson Waller next week on Raw based on what happened earlier in the show.

They showed the John Cena heel turn from Elimination Chamber while playing commentary from announcers in different languages and they were all freaking out about it.

Chad Gable was shown walking around somewhere in Mexico asking different people if they knew somebody. Chad had a photo or a name written on a paper. Gable walked up to some old guy wit ha bar saying Chad must become lucha. Gable gave the guy some money and the guy gave Gable a box. Gable opened the box and took something out of it, but we never saw what it was.

Analysis: I don’t know how to analyze that, but it seems like Gable is going to get a mask to help him deal with luchador wrestlers. I’m not sure if this will lead to Penta’s WWE debut. It might.

World Tag Team Championships: The War Raiders – Erik & Ivar vs. The Creed Brothers – Julius & Brutus Creed

This is a rematch from three weeks ago when the Creeds got disqualified.

Julius used his power to drive Erik into the turnbuckle. Julius and Brutus stomped on Erik repeatedly. Brutus tagged in leading to Erik hitting a body slam. Ivar tagged in, Julius got the tag and Ivar hit a handspring back elbow on both opponents. Erik hit a running forearm. Erik gave Ivar a body slam onto Brutus. Ivar sent Brutus into the turnbuckle, Ivar went to the middle turnbuckle and Julius dropkicked Ivar out of the ring. Great bump by Ivar. Brutus sent Ivar into the steel steps. They went to a break for some fans as Brutus sent Ivar into the ring. Julius and Brutus made quick tags leading to Julius hitting a clothesline while Ivar was seated in the ring. Brutus tagged in as the Creeds hit Ivar with knee strikes to the ribs. Julius worked over Ivar with a forearm smash to the back.

The Creeds were in control with a double suplex on Ivar for two. Ivar broke free with a senton splash to the chest. Erik tagged in with an overhead suplex to Julius and Erik hit uranage slam on Brutus. Erik hit a dropkick on legal man Julius. Erik did his loud leg slap knee to the face of Julius. Ivar tagged in with a powerslam on Julius for two. Julius broke free from a double team, he sent Ivar into the turnbuckle and Julius slammed Erik. Julius hit an Angle Slam. Brutus tagged in and hit a 450 Splash on Erik for two. It was not the prettiest 450 Splash, but it’s impressive for a big guy. Julius tagged in, Erik elbowed Julius in the face and Erik elbowed Julius to knock him down. Ivar made the tag as Julius hit a superplex on Erik. Brutus went for a moonsault, but Erik moved out of the way. Ivar went for a moonsault onto Brutus, but Brutus moved. Ivar rolled right into position for legal man Julius to hit an impressive Shooting Star Press from the top rope for a two count. There was a light “this is awesome” chant. Ivar broke free, Erik got the tag and Julius hit a rolling slam. Brutus tagged in for a Brutus Ball attempt, but Erik avoided it. Julius was on the floor, so Ivar hit a cross body block against the LED board at ringside. Erik held Brutus while Ivar hit a springboard clothesline for the War Machine double team move. Ivar covered Brutus for the pinfall win. It lasted about 12 minutes.

Winners by pinfall: The War Raiders – Erik & Ivar

Analysis: ***1/4 A pretty good title match. The crowd was quiet for a lot of the match, but they came alive when the wrestlers did top rope moves. Julius is such an impressive athlete who can likely do a lot more than what he shows. The champions retaining was fine with me although it means Chad Gable’s American Made group still has no gold.

There was a video package about the chaotic Kevin Owens-Sami Zayn match at Elimination Chamber. It was an incredible match that Owens won. After the match, Randy Orton returned to get revenge on Owens.

The announcers said that Sami Zayn is out indefinitely again due to neck and other made up injuries for the storyline. Enjoy a few weeks off, Sami.

The LWO’s Rey Mysterio, Dragon Lee, Cruz Del Toro & Joaquin Wilde talked about their issues with The New Day. Rey said that next week he and Lee will face The New Day in a Tornado Tag Team Match. They said “New Day sucks” in Spanish and English to end it.

Bron Breakker, the Intercontinental Champion, was interviewed by Jackie Redmond in the back part of the arena for an interview during a break. Bron asked if we had any dogs here in Buffalo so the fans started barking. Bron said he had no problem with The Judgment Day until a week ago. Bron trashed Dominik Mysterio’s “Dirty Sanchez” mustache. Bron mentioned Carlito’s apples and said he’ll kick all their asses. Bron mentioned Finn Balor, so Balor made his entrance and went down to the ring.

Let’s Hear from Finn Balor

Finn Balor was in the ring talking to Bron in the back part of the arena. Balor said that Bron was only Intercontinental Champion because The Judgment Day allowed him to be IC Champion. Bron said the reason he’s still IC Champion is because he’s a dog. Bron said that last week he embarrassed all of The Judgment Day. Balor claimed he chewed up “rookies” like Bron while claiming he was untouchable. Balor said he can take that title anytime Finn wants. Balor told Bron he was hiding up there while saying that the dogs wouldn’t be barking because they’ll be watching Balor put Bron down.

Bron Breakker made his way down the stairs and walked toward the ringside area. When Bron got to ringside, Carlito showed up and Bron tossed Carlito over the barricade. Dom tried jumping onto Bron, but Bron caught him and Bron hit an overhead suplex on Dom on the floor. Bron went into the ring so Balor hit a Slingblade. Balor tripped up Bron followed by a stomp to the ribs. Bron picked up Balor leading to a military press into a powerslam. That used to be Bron’s finish in NXT. Bron ran the ropes for a Spear, but Dominik pulled Balor out of the ring. Bron left the ring, turned his head, realized Carlito was at ringside and Bron gave Carlito a Spear on the floor.

Analysis: It furthers the Bron-Balor story that started last week. I liked it because they have set up Bron to be a babyface and I think that’s the right role for him.

It was mentioned by Cole that there were 500 million views on social media for what happened at the end of Elimination Chamber.

There was a video package of the Cody Rhodes-John Cena interaction that led to a handshake. The Rock told Cody to become his champion, but Cody told Rock: “Go f**k yourself.” That led to Cena hugging Cody and Cena kicked Cody in the groin for the heel turn. Cena and Rock (with Travis Scott) beat up Cody, who was bloody by the end of it. The video also featured shots of shocked fans and sad kids in the crowd.

At WrestleMania 41, Cody Rhodes will defend the Undisputed WWE Championship against John Cena in Cena’s last WrestleMania match.

Cole said that Cody Rhodes will address everything this Friday on SmackDown. McAfee summed it up by saying Cena sold his soul to The Final Boss aka The Rock.

Here is what’s coming on next week’s Raw from Madison Square Garden in New York City:

* Jey Uso vs. Grayson Waller

* LWO’s Rey Mysterio & Dragon Lee vs. The New Day’s Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods

* AJ Styles calls out Logan Paul

* Steel Cage Match: Seth “Freakin” Rollins vs. CM Punk

Analysis: It’s a strong lineup for MSG, which isn’t a surprise. The Rollins-Punk match should be awesome.

Jey Uso was shown walking backstage where he shook hands with Otis of Alpha Academy. Cathy Kelley walked up to Jey for an interview. Jey said that every week that goes by, he doubts himself, but he picks himself up. Jey said that Gunther said he’ll bring him hell and Jey said he’ll see no evil. Jey said that Gunther put him to sleep, but he woke up a damn beast. Jey said four letters, one word: “YEET.” Jey left the building into the cold Buffalo night without a shirt on.

They showed a Tale of the Tape graphic for the Rhea Ripley-IYO SKY match up next.

Bianca Belair made her entrance to watch the main event.

The part that aired during the commercial break was Bianca Belair dancing around the ringside area while Pat tried to dance a bit as well. Belair went all the way around the ring to greet the fans to fill time.

It was main event time with IYO SKY up first as the challenger and she was cheered. Rhea Ripley got a big ovation as the Women’s World Champion as usual. Ring announcer Alicia Taylor did the championship introductions. Bianca Belair was watching at ringside.

Women’s World Championship: Rhea Ripley vs. IYO SKY

Ripley hit a shoulder tackle and a dropkick. Sky jumped behind Ripley and rolled her up for two. Sky got a sunset flip pin attempt for two. Sky went for a hurricanrana, Ripley caught her and Sky rolled through for a two count. Sky hit a roundhouse kick to the head. Ripley left the ring where she tripped up Sky and Ripley swung Sky into the side of the ring apron. Ripley powered up Sky leading to a suplex on the floor. They went to a break for some fans as the action continued. Ripley sent Sky back into the ring where Sky hit a kick to the face. Sky wrenched on Ripley’s left arm against the top rope and Sky kicked the left arm. Sky tried an armbar on the left arm until Ripley powered out of it with a slam. Ripley hit a Northern Lights Suplex. Ripley was selling the left hand or wrist. Ripley hit a headbutt to knock Sky down.

There was a top rope missile dropkick by Ripley for a two count. Sky grabbed Ripley’s hand leading to a Codebreaker double knee attack. Sky hit a dropkick. Sky hit Ripley with a forearm. Sky went up top and hit a missile dropkick of her own. Sky went for the running double knee attack, Ripley avoided it and Ripley hit two clotheslines. Ripley kicked Sky in the ribs and Sky countered Ripley leading to a stomp to the ribs for two. Ripley and Sky exchanged forearms. Ripley went for a roundhouse kick, Sky grabbed the left arm for a submission attempt and Ripley managed to give Sky a spinning slam face first into the mat for a two count. Ripley went for a submission, but Sky kicked Ripley to the apron. Sky countered a move on the apron and Sky wrenched on the left arm again to send Ripley into the mat. Sky went for a springboard attack, Ripley avoided it and Ripley hit a running kick for a two count. Ripley went for Riptide, but Sky countered it into a DDT. Great counter by Sky, who followed up with a running kick (like Dakota Kai) to the head. Sky went up top and hit an Insane Elbow like her friend Kairi Sane for a two count. Sky applied an Asuka Lock submission on Ripley, but Ripley powered out of it. Sky set up Ripley against the turnbuckle leading to Sky hitting the running double knee attack called the Bullet Train. Sky went up top, but Ripley was back up to knock her down. Ripley gave Sky a belly-to-back suplex off the middle turnbuckle for a two count. The fans were chanting “this is awesome” for them. Ripley applied the Prism Lock submission and Sky managed to counter by sending Ripley into the turnbuckle. Ripley bumped to the floor. When Ripley got to the apron, Sky gave Ripley a Sunset Flip Powerbomb into the barricade. Back in the ring, Sky hit the Over The Moonsault onto Ripley’s back for a two count because Ripley’s right foot was on the bottom rope so it was just a two count. Ripley left the ring again, so Sky hit a cross body block through the ropes into a cross body on Ripley on the floor. Ripley slammed Sky face first onto the ring apron and Ripley sent Sky crashing into the commentary table. Belair encouraged Sky to get back in the ring to avoid a countout. Ripley left the ring and got mad at Belair for encouraging Sky. Ripley shoved Belair onto her ass. Belair shoved Ripley and Ripley shoved back. Referee Jessika Carr left the ring and told them not right now instead of calling for a DQ. Ripley told Belair she was going to pay for that. Belair said she was just here to watch. Ripley picked up Sky onto the turnbuckle and Ripley wanted a Riptide, but Sky countered it into a hurricanrana. Sky went up top and hit Over The Moonsault onto Ripley for the one…two…and three. Wow! They did a title change. It lasted 19 minutes.

Winner by pinfall AND NEW Women’s World Champion: IYO SKY

Analysis: ***3/4 Great match by two of the best women’s wrestlers in WWE. I was shocked by the title change because I thought Ripley winning was very likely, but we know Iyo Sky has had many big wins in her career as well. They got a lot of time and had an entertaining match full of nearfalls. It was really cool to see Sky doing the moves of her fellow Damage CTRL allies. The finish was done in a way where Ripley was distracted by Belair, Ripley was cocky about how she was going to win and face Belair at WrestleMania, but instead, Sky was able to counter Ripley leading to two moves for the win. I didn’t expect that title change.

After the match, IYO SKY was presented with the Women’s World Championship and pointed at the WrestleMania sign.

There were replays shown of the key spots in the match.

Iyo Sky celebrated with the Women’s World Title in the ring. Fireworks were going off in the background. Sky will face Belair for the title at WrestleMania. Rhea Ripley was frustrated at ringside. Sky continued to celebrate. That was the end of the show.

Analysis: I think we might see a triple threat match at WrestleMania with Sky-Belair-Ripley. The story going into this match was Ripley granting Sky a title match because Ripley cost Sky in an Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match due to Ripley’s issues with Liv Morgan. Perhaps they will use that story to get Ripley into the Women’s World Title match at WrestleMania and it sets up a triple threat match. That would be cool with me.

This week’s Raw runtime was 2 hours, 33 minutes. Last week was 2:40.

===

Three Stars of the Show

  1. CM Punk-Seth Rollins
  2. Iyo Sky
  3. Rhea Ripley

===

The Scoreboard

7.25 out of 10

Last week: 7.5

2025 Average: 7.44

===

Final Thoughts on WWE Raw

I think it was a solid Raw overall, but not great with only four matches over 2.5 hours. I think they could have had another match or two on the card. With that said, I liked the Sky-Ripley main event a lot and I was surprised by the title change. As I wrote above, I think a triple threat match with Sky-Belair-Ripley at WrestleMania is a possibility.

The promo by CM Punk and brawl with Seth Rollins was the best part of the show. Great way to spend the first 15 minutes. Punk’s promo was incredible while the brawl was very believable as well. I’m looking forward to the Punk-Rollins cage match next week.

For the fans that expected a John Cena appearance and/or promo on this show, they might complain about that not happening. We will have to wait two more weeks to hear from him.

The next WWE PLE is WrestleMania 41 on April 19 & April 20 in Las Vegas. Here is the lineup.

* Undisputed WWE Championship: Cody Rhodes (c) vs. John Cena

* WWE Women’s World Championship: IYO SKY (c) vs. Bianca Belair

* WWE World Heavyweight Championship: GUNTHER (c) vs. Jey Uso

* WWE Women’s Championship: Tiffany Stratton (c) vs. Charlotte Flair

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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