Reviews

The John Report: WWE Raw Deal 03/17/25 Review

By John Canton • Published 17th March 2025
WWE Raw Deal March 17 Review

It’s WWE Raw featuring John Cena in the same building as Cody Rhodes, Bron Breakker facing Finn Balor, Penta against Ludwig Kaiser, and more.

Monday Night Raw is in Brussels, Belgium this week for the first show since John Cena turned heel at Elimination Chamber 16 days ago. SmackDown last Friday started the European tour (congrats to The Street Profits for winning WWE Tag Team Titles), which will see three SD episodes and three Raw episodes take place from Europe this month. It also means a 3 p.m. ET start time for Raw on Netflix for me in the Eastern time zone in Canada. The big selling point for this show is the Cena/Rhodes confrontation.

This is the Raw Deal for episode #1660 of Monday Night Raw. It’s taking place at Forest National in Brussels, Belgium. 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.

It’s the first televised WWE event from Brussels. They showed some backstage walking of Finn Balor, Intercontinental Champion Bron Breakker, Bianca Belair, and Women’s World Champion IYO SKY with Dakota Kai. There’s also a look back at last week’s Raw. They had a drone camera fly around to show the packed house in the building.

The commentary team was Michael Cole with Corey Graves filling in for Pat McAfee. Graves is on NXT regularly now. McAfee stayed home in Indiana for his daily sports show. The ring announcer was Alicia Taylor.

A video package aired recapping John Cena’s heel turn on Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes at WWE Elimination Chamber, which I attended in person. They also included part of Cody’s promo saying that Cena gave up. Cody also said that he has the heartbreaking privilege of beating his hero Cena at WrestleMania 41 to prevent Cena from winning a 17th WWE World Title because Cody is the captain now.

Let’s Hear from John Cena and Cody Rhodes

John Cena made his entrance by walking down to the ring with a serious look on his face rather than with an enthusiastic run on the way to the ring. Cena entered to his usual theme song while the Brussels crowd booed him loudly. They also sang “John Cena sucks” during his song. Cena had a Farewell Tour shirt and hat specific for the Brussels fans.

Before Cena could say a word, there was a loud “Let’s Go Cena-Cena Sucks” chant that lasted for over a minute as Cena stood in the ring. Cena teased leaving the ring, so the fans booed that.

Cena said when somebody is properly grounded in life, they shouldn’t have to look outside themselves for approval. Cena said that you are making this easy for him. Cena said that for 25 years he was the victim in an abusive relationship and he told the fans that they had lost their time to talk. Cena said that all you do is be hurtful, be abusive and you made Cena a damn puppet while expecting him to do it with a smile on his face, so Cena said “no more.” There were “f**k you Cena” chants so the swear word was getting muted. Cena said that was classy and thank you.

Cena: “I am not a babyface. I’m not a heel. I’m a human being.” Cena claimed that the fans have been awful to him. Cena said that it’s been the same noise for over 20 years. Cena said that the fans let him know that they hated him. Cena told the fans that he changed himself and it worked for a second, but it wasn’t enough. Cena said that he worked hard, he started to win and win and win and win and he kept saying “win” several more times. Cena said that he won a lot and you hated it and it wasn’t enough. Cena said that he spent the next 10 years of his life giving everything he could and it wasn’t enough. The fans chanted “shut the f**k up” at him again.

Cena said that in his final moments, the only thing he can do is walk away. The fans cheered that a bit so Cena said that’s a great example because the fans cheered that. Cena said that he said one last time he tried to say goodbye the right way by telling us when he was done. Cena complained that it was never enough. The fans chanted “na na na hey hey goodbye” while Cena said these idiots are proving his point with every breath. Cena said no matter what he does, it is never enough and you should be ashamed of yourselves. Cena said all you ever do is take and you only care about yourselves. Cena said he put his values on the line because of the fans and he said the fans kept wondering “what do we get?” Cena said none of you sons of bitches asked him how he feels. Cena said it’s “what do we get?” all the time and Cena told the fans what they get is nothing. Cena said that you look like him and he doesn’t look like you. Cena said you won’t get a new song because your time is up and Cena’s time is finally now. Cena said that you can look in the mirror to see how awful you have been to him for 25 years. The fans were chanting “We Want Cody” for the Undisputed WWE Champion.

Cena said that Cody is your brand new shiny toy because you’re about to put this one out to pasture. Cena said that you’re proving that you are awful people. Cena pointed out fans with his merchandise on saying they are the “Let’s Go Cena” people that support him. There was a dueling chant again. Cena claimed that the “Let’s Go Cena” people claim to support him, but what have you ever done to support him? Cena said all you ever do is steal from him like his personal moments and they steal his time. Cena said that he is an object for him. Cena said that you have made him the butt of an invisible joke for 15 years and it’s not funny. Cena said it’s pathetic and the fans are pathetic. Cena said you wear his merch to feel good while Cena lives hustle, loyalty, and respect every day. Cena said he is the definition of “never give up” and perseverance and every person here knows it. Cena said that you use him for an excuse for your pathetic life. Cena said all you do is sit on your ass and watch Cena be great. Cena said that you’re all part of a toxic, dysfunctional relationship so the fans chanted “shut the f**k up” at him. Cena said he is breaking up with all of you whether you like him or you don’t – you are dumped. Cena claimed there is nothing you can do because you know he is right and you know that you are wrong. Here comes Cody Rhodes.

Analysis: That was an outstanding promo from John Cena. The crowd absolutely hates him and he is feeding into it so well. Classic “blame the fans” heel promo, but it works for him, especially after two decades of being a top babyface. I thought Cena was excellent during all of this. I highly recommend watching it if you didn’t see it because he nailed it. Cena has always been an excellent talker and you could tell he was prepared for this promo that went about 15 minutes.

Cody Rhodes made his entrance as the Undisputed WWE Champion and he was in a suit as usual. The fans cheered Cody loudly and sang his song on his way to the ring.

There was a lot of chanting from the crowd before Cody could say a word. They also chanted and sang “Cody Rhodes” for the champion. As Cody prepared to talk, the fans cheered again.

Cody said that the fans may have given you your worst, but they gave you their best for 25 years and they did that because Cena was special. Cody said that they did it because Cena could take it and he could carry it. Cena called him “kid” and Cody said “enough.” Cody said: “It’s certainly not kid…it’s WWE Champion.” Loud “Cody” chants from the crowd. Cody asked Cena who the hell is he? Cody wondered where is the guy on this shirt. Cody talked about wanting to go head to head with Cena every week, but instead, he got this. Cody said that if this Cena comes to WrestleMania then Cody will run it over and he will retire it early. Cody told Cena to go find “John Cena” because he wants to wrestle him at WrestleMania, not this whiny bitch. Cody left the ring at that point. As Cody made his way to the entrance area, Cody held up the WWE Title above his head and walked to the back.

John Cena dropped his microphone in the ring and left. The fans were singing “na na na hey hey goodbye” at Cena, who stared at them. Before Cena made his way to the back, he turned his head to the left while the fans booed him. Cena turned his head forward and walked to the back. This entire segment lasted 32 minutes.

Analysis: It was a simple, shorter retort from Cody Rhodes. They have over a month to go until WrestleMania, so there will be plenty of time to have some physicality and exchange more words. I liked how Cody ended it by calling Cena a “whiny bitch” to end it emphatically and show that Cody isn’t going to back him.

The announcers talked about what happened with Cole saying he is a millionaire because of the fans. Cole called Cena an “irrational prick.” Graves defended it saying that Cena believed what he spoke and he doesn’t care if we like it.

There was a video of Ricky Steamboat beating Randy Savage to win the Intercontinental Title at WrestleMania 3 since that’s a great moment in IC Title history. That’s because Bron Breakker against Finn Balor is later in the show.

Ludwig Kaiser made his entrance for the opening match. Kaiser is from Germany, which is Belgium’s neighbor. During the break, Kaiser was greeted with “Ludwig Kaiser” chants. Kaiser demanded respect and told the fans to shut up. Kaiser said he would take care of Penta for good. Kaiser said he’s the fastest rising star in WWE while Penta will learn what fear truly means.

No Holds Barred Match: Penta vs. Ludwig Kaiser

A No Holds Barred Match means that anything goes. It ends by pinfall or submission. The fans were loud and strongly behind Penta. They have had a few matches already, so now it’s a grudge match with No Holds Barred rules.

Penta chopped Kaiser, who bailed to the floor and Kaiser sent Penta over the barricade at ringside. Penta ran across the barricade leading to a hurricanrana that sent Kaiser into the ring post. Kaiser tried to get some chairs into the match, but Penta kicked him and Penta hit a somersault dive over the top to the floor. Penta cleared off the commentary table. Kaiser gouged the eyes and Kaiser gave Penta a Death Valley Driver onto the commentary table. The show went to a break for some fans as the action continued with Kaiser throwing Penta into the ring post. Penta came back with punches and a hard chop to the chest. Penta went for a chop, Kaiser moved and Penta hit the ring post with his right hand. Kaiser worked over Penta with punches. Kaiser sent Penta into the barricade. Kaiser sent Penta into the ring.

Kaiser set up Penta on the top rope, Kaiser tried pulling the mask off and Penta knocked him down. Penta hit a cross body block followed by a Slingblade face first into the mat. Penta hit a backstabber for two. Penta charged, but Kaiser hit a jumping kick to the head and Death Valley Driver for two. Kaiser sent Penta into the steel steps. Kaiser ran around the ring going for a dropkick, but Penta hit a back body drop onto the commentary table. It didn’t break the table, but it’s a strong table and there was a loud thud when Kaiser landed. The fans were chanting “we want tables” as the two men exchanged strikes. Penta charged, Kaiser caught him and hit a spinning slam. Kaiser hit a forearm to the back of the neck for two. The fans were doing the two count chant that we saw at WWE shows in France last year. Kaiser punched Penta as the fans did an “Ole Ole Ole” chant. Kaiser hit Penta in the back with a chair to the spine. Penta stopped a chair attack, Penta got an armbar takedown and Penta pulled back on the right arm in a vicious way. Kaiser said “I give up” and “you win” while Penta had a chair. Kaiser got back up, did an eye gouge and Penta hit a superkick. Penta hit Kaiser with a chair. Penta superkicked the chair into Kaiser’s head. Penta jumped off the top with a Mexican Destroyer onto the chair in the ring. Penta hit the Penta Driver for the pinfall win after 11 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Penta

Analysis: ***1/4 A decisive win by Penta to likely end this rivalry that has been going on for a few months. Penta getting the win was the expected result here since he has been on a roll ever since he arrived in WWE. Kaiser got plenty of offense, then Penta wrenched on the arm and it was done soon after that.

After the match, Cathy Kelley asked Penta what is next for him. Pena thanked Brussels and said they were amazing. Penta said that the Intercontinental Championship was next for him. Penta said he doesn’t care what he has to do. Penta ended it with “Cera Miedo” meaning “zero fear” to end it.

The Dakota Kai/Ivy Nile match was next. Kai was shown walking backstage. We also saw Karrion Kross talking to Dominik Mysterio in the backstage area.

Ivy Nile was shown with her American Made friends The Creed Brothers. The LWO’s Rey Mysterio and Dragon Lee wanted to know where Chad Gable was. A graphic said “Earlier Today” as they continued to speak. Ivy Nile and Julius Creed denied that it was Gable in the lucha mask last week. Rey and Lee said they wanted to handle this tonight against The Creed Brothers, so Rey will talk to Pearce about a match. Brutus Creed asked Nile and Julius who was in that lucha mask last week, they said nothing and Brutus was left to wonder.

Analysis: I guess Brutus is officially the dumb guy in the group.

The Judgment Day was backstage. Finn Balor was wished good luck by Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez. Dominik Mysterio walked in so Balor said thanks for getting Balor this match. Dominik suggested they add somebody to The Judgment Day group – he said Penta. Balor wasn’t happy about that because Penta just said he was going after Balor’s Intercontinental Title (held by Bron Breakker). Balor complained about Dominik going behind his back to add people to The Judgment Day and he said Dom was a snake. Balor left angrily.

Dakota Kai vs. Ivy Nile (w/Chad Gable, Julius Creed & Brutus Creed)

Chad Gable showed up in dress clothes to support his friend Nile. Nile sent Kai into the turnbuckle and hit a German Suplex. Kai countered Nile with an inside cradle for a two count. Kai hit a dropkick as the fans came alive cheering for her. Kai hit a running boot to Nile’s face. Kai kicked Nile off the apron to the floor. Gable was on the apron, so Kai stopped running the ropes and Nile caught Kai with a spinning sidewalk slam. Rey Mysterio and Dragon Lee went after The Creed Brothers at ringside and sent them into the barricade. Gable jumped over the barricade, so Rey and Lee chased after Gable to the back. Nile was distracted by that, so Kai hit a running kick to the head. Kai hit the GTK kick for the pinfall win after about four minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Dakota Kai

Analysis: ** A short match to give Kai a win thanks to the distraction finish caused by the LWO and Gable at ringside. It furthered the LWO story with American Made as well, so it accomplished a few things. Sometimes a shorter match is okay.

The Women’s World Champion IYO SKY made her entrance for a contract signing. This was during a break for some fans.

Bianca Belair made her entrance as the WrestleMania 41 Women’s World Champion opponent.

Women’s World Championship WrestleMania 41 Contract Signing

The Raw GM Adam Pearce was in the ring while there was a table in the ring along with two leather chairs and a contract. The champion IYO SKY and challenger Bianca Belair were seated in chairs. Sky said that Belair, Ripley, and no one will disrespect her again because Sky is the Women’s World Champion. There were “IYO” chants. Sky said that after WrestleMania, she will still be the Women’s World Champion. Sky signed the contract.

Belair said she had all the respect in the world for Sky. Belair said you don’t know her if you think you can put your hands on Belair again. Belair said that she’s the EST of WWE and she’ll be the Women’s World Champion. Belair signed the contract. Pearce thanked them for being so professional about this. Pearce called for referees to come down here.

Ripley said that she’s not going to sit back and do nothing about Sky slapping her in the face last week. Ripley got into the ring wondering how Belair could be out here as if nothing happened. Ripley said that Belair had no business being out there in her championship, but there was Belair and Ripley is there to watch too. Belair and Ripley argued. Belair pushed Sky away. Ripley headbutted Belair. Ripley kicked Sky and Ripley gave Sky a Powerbomb onto Belair on the table. The table did not break.

Rhea Ripley picked up the contract and signed her name to the contract. The fans cheered. Ripley left with the contract while Pearce told her to give him back the contract.

Analysis: It was obvious this was going to turn into a triple threat match for WrestleMania, so now they have taken the step. I think Ripley has a legit gripe since Belair got involved in Ripley’s match with Sky a couple of weeks ago and Belair even shoved Ripley during the match. The contract signing worked in this case because it allowed Ripley to get involved and sign her name to the contract. I assume they wanted the table to break, but sometimes it doesn’t happen.

Jey Uso was shown walking backstage doing a promo on his way to the ring for his match. Gunther confronted Jey by saying he saw Jimmy on Friday and Jimmy is just as dumb as you. There were security guys and Raw GM Adam Pearce there to break up a fight.

Jey Uso made his entrance to a huge ovation while the fans were doing the arm swinging aka “Yeeting” all around the ring. Jey entered from the backstage area rather than entering from the crowd. They went to a break as Jey greeted fans around ringside and did some more “YEET” arm-swinging gestures for a few minutes.

Austin Theory (w/Grayson Waller) vs. Jey Uso

There was a distraction by Waller, so Theory knocked Jey down with punches. Jey jumped over Theory, ran the ropes and Jey hit a Spear. Cole called it a cross body and Jey covered Theory for the pinfall win in under one minute.

Winner by pinfall: Jey Uso

Analysis: 1/2* A short match to give Jey the easy win with a Spear. Theory was the US Champion a few years ago and on his way to beating John Cena at WrestleMania, but he’s nowhere close to that level now.

After the match, Jey superkicked Waller out of the ring. Jey hit a dive over the top, but Jey hit the ropes and had a rough landing on the floor. Jey got up quickly to show he was okay. Gunther attacked Jey with a sleeper. Jey managed to send Gunther face first into the turnbuckle. Jey pulled the World Heavyweight Title away from Gunther and Gunther charged, but Jey avoided him, so Gunther bailed to the floor. Jey tossed the title at Gunther on the floor. Jey celebrated to end it.

Analysis: It was Jey Uso’s turn to get the advantage since Gunther has dominated this feud for several weeks. Jey didn’t do that much to Gunther, but Jey showed he was ready for Gunther’s attack. The fans loved Jey as usual.

A video package aired about the Bron Breakker-Finn Balor match that is still to come.

Grayson Waller and Austin Theory were in the ring doing a promo during a break for some fans. Waller complained about Jey Uso running away from them. Theory said that Jey ran away. Waller said that he wants Jey to find a tag team partner for Raw next week in Glasgow, Scotland even though Jey has no friends. Waller said they can face A-Town Down Under and find out what A-Town Down Under is all about. Waller said that Cena was right because the fans are all about themselves.

Analysis: It would be cool if Jimmy Uso was Jey’s partner to see The Usos reunited again. I expect Jey to win.

The Creed Brothers of the American Made group entered for tag team action.

A clip aired of Rhea Ripley signing the WrestleMania 41 contract for the Women’s World Title match.

Rhea Ripley was shown backstage with Raw GM Adam Pearce. Ripley said put her in the match while Pearce said she couldn’t just do that. Ripley said to put her in the match. Pearce left. Bianca Belair showed up to fight Ripley and Iyo Sky also showed up to fight Ripley. Belair and Sky hit eachother. Ripley fought back to knock Sky and Belair down. Pearce showed up with referees to break it up.

Analysis: The women’s triple threat is still not official, but obviously that’s going to happen.

LWO – Rey Mysterio & Dragon Lee vs. The Creed Brothers – Julius & Brutus Creed

Julius hit a running knee on Lee to start the match. Lee hit a hurricanrana. Lee sent Brutus out of the ring and Lee hit a dive onto Brutus on the floor. Lee hit a cross body block on Julius. There was a spinning slam by Julius along with a sliding lariat. Julius nailed a clothesline as the show went to a break for some fans and I’ll take a break too as The Creeds isolated Lee in their corner.

The match continued with Lee breaking free to bring in Rey, who spun around Julius with a spinning hurricanrana. Rey worked over Julius with punches. Brutus caught Rey, then he tossed Rey, who landed on Julius and Rey hit a DDT on Julius. Lee hit an impressive hurricanrana on Brutus off the apron to the floor. Rey went up top, Julius jumped up top, Rey knocked him down and Rey jumped off the top with a hurricanrana. Rey hit a 619 kick on Julius along with the Dropping The Dime splash for the pinfall win after about six minutes.

Winners by pinfall: LWO – Rey Mysterio & Dragon Lee

Analysis: **1/4 An easy win by The LWO guys after they lost to The New Day last week. The Creeds are good and I hope they become Tag Team Champions someday soon, but it takes a while to build them up. This match could have used more time. I’m guessing the John Cena promo earlier ran long, so perhaps the time was cut for this match. Just guessing.

After the match, the American Made luchador in a mask beat up Lee and Rey. He hit German Suplexes on both guys including a German Suplex on Rey that saw him land on Lee. The fans chanted “You Suck” at him. The masked man jumped off the top with a headbutt onto Fenix. Security ran into the ring to chase Chad Gable away. Graves wasn’t sure it was Gable since Graves is a heel announcer.

Analysis: Good job continuing the Chad Gable masked luchador story.

A video package aired about last week’s Raw main event in MSG when Seth Rollins beat CM Punk in an awesome Steel Cage Match. Rollins won because Roman Reigns pulled Rollins out of the ring, so Rolins won by the escaping the cage rule. After the match, Reigns beat up Rollins. Reigns also beat up Punk, who was getting checked on by Paul Heyman in the ring. Reigns celebrated to end the show.

Analysis: Great match and a big angle after the match to likely set up for a triple threat match at WrestleMania.

Seth Rollins made his entrance. The graphic doesn’t say “Seth Freakin Rollins” so it looks like WWE has finally dropped the “Freakin” from his name, but ring announcer Alicia Taylor did include “Freakin” in his introduction. That was a story from last week where the “Freakin” part of the name was dropped. After Rollins got into the ring, the fans kept singing his song and they went to a break for some fans. This lasted for over three minutes during the break.

Let’s Hear from Seth Rollins

The fans were singing Seth’s song for about six minutes when he finally decided to speak. Rollins welcomed us to Monday Night Rollins nearly two hours into the show as Rollins went over his nicknames. The fans sang the song again. Rollins said he was coming out there mad as hell, but it’s hard to be mad at their beautiful voices. Fans chanted “CM Punk” so Rollins said we’ll get to him, but let’s talk about Roman Reigns first. There were “OTC” chants.

Rollins said he wasn’t mad about Roman Reigns coming for revenge against him because Seth would have done the same thing. Rollins said even after all these years and with a Wise Man in his ears, Reigns can’t figure out a plan because he needs his architect to do it for him. Rollins said that Reigns left a detail out referring to the guy that fans were chanting for and the fans chanted “CM Punk.” Rollins said that if he had a few more seconds with Punk he would have given him a Stomp through the mat, ended his WrestleMania dreams and put his career on ice. Rollins said now it’s like the gold old days with Rollins left to clean up Roman Reigns’ mess. Rollins said that he’ll put the OTC Reigns in his place along the way.

Rollins said that his two favorite people Roman Reigns and CM Punk are going to be in the same place at the same time this Friday at Smackdown. The fans booed, so Rollins said he wished they were there too. Rollins wondered why those boys get to have all the fun. Rollins suggested that maybe he should go to Italy to Smackdown to put himself between Reigns and Punk. Rollins said that is happening on Friday. Rollins said that Brussels has been one hell of a crowd all night long and Rollins said we still have one more match tonight. Rollins told the fans to sing his song, so the fans did that and Rollins said he’ll see the boys on Friday.

Analysis: It was a promo from Rollins just to say that he’s going to Smackdown on Friday to join Roman Reigns and CM Punk. It’s another triple threat match at WrestleMania 41, so we’ll see if that gets made on Smackdown this Friday.

Here’s what is coming next week on Raw in Glasgow, Scotland:

* Women’s Intercontinental Title: Lyra Valkyria vs. Raquel Rodriguez

* CM Punk in the building

* Jey Uso and a partner vs. A-Town Down Under – Austin Theory & Grayson Waller

* Cody Rhodes & John Cena live

Analysis: It’s a solid lineup, but not great.

AJ Styles was interviewed by Cathy Kelley backstage, who asked Styles about Logan Paul. The fans sang the “Phenomenal” song that we heard in France last year. Styles mentioned Logan, so Karrion Kross and Scarlett interrupted. Kross said maybe Styles is mad at himself, not Paul. Kross mentioned it took Styles 17 years to get to WWE while it didn’t take Paul that long. Styles said it’s not going to work. Kross said to Scarlett he thinks it’s working and they did a “puppet master” hand gesture to end it.

Analysis: The AJ Styles-Logan Paul match at WrestleMania seems like a lock at this point, but they need to accelerate that story. If Kross is on the WM card then maybe it will be against Sami Zayn because I assume Zayn will be on the card.

Bron Breakker was backstage with the Intercontinental Title. Penta was standing there, he stared at Bron and then Penta stared at the IC Title on Bron’s shoulder. Bron kept on walking.

Finn Balor made his entrance for the main event. Balor did a promo that aired during the break while reminding us he was the first-ever Universal Champion. Balor also said he was the US Champion, two-time NXT Champion, multiple-time Tag Team Champion and soon to be again Intercontinental Champion. Balor said that it was St. Patrick’s Day so he’s going to take the IC Title home to Ireland and it’s going to be too sweet.

A video aired about Triple H’s torn quadriceps injury in May 2001. Triple H returned in 2002 to win the Royal Rumble and he was cheered heavily. The video featured big WWE names talking about Triple H’s injury and how impressive it was to come back from it. It was done to promote Triple H’s Hall of Fame induction during WrestleMania weekend.

Bron Breakker made his entrance as the Intercontinental Champion for the main event. Ring announcer Alicia Taylor did the championship introductions.

Intercontinental Championship: Bron Breakker vs. Finn Balor

The champion Bron ran over Balor with a shoulder tackle to start the match. Balor grabbed a side headlock to take Bron down to the mat. Balor tossed Bron out of the ring to the floor. Bron was back in the ring to tackle Balor into the turnbuckle and Bron hit a few shoulder tackles. Bron clotheslined Balor followed by Bron tossing Balor out of the ring. Bron ran around the ring, but Balor was ready with a forearm shot to the head. That led to a break for some fans. Balor was in control with some choking across the middle rope. Bron worked over Balor with punches and a sunset flip, but Balor broke free leading to a basement dropkick. Balor grabbed a headlock. Balor hit shoulder tackles to the ribs along with a chop. Balor worked over Bron with punches as the break ended for some fans.

There were punches from Bron, but Balor flipped around Bron and hit a Russian legsweep takedown. Balor taunted Bron with light slaps and kicks, so Bron was back up with punches. Bron bounced off the ropes leading to a flying elbow smash. Braun hit an overhead release suplex. Bron caught a leaping Balor and Bron hit a powerslam. The Judgment Day’s Carlito and Dominik Mysterio showed up at ringside, so Balor got a two count. Balor countered a power move leading to a reverse DDT for two. Balor stomped on Bron a few times. Finn sent Bron into the ropes leading to Bron running quickly leading to a clothesline. Bron jumped off the apron leading to a clothesline on Balor on the commentary table. That is always impressive. Bron was able to get back up and send Balor into the ring. Bron ran the ropes, but Balor was ready with a Slingblade. Balor hit a running shotgun dropkick into the turnbuckle. Balor went up top and went for Coup de Grace, but Bron avoided it. Balor hit a reverse suplex for two. Bron came back with a popup powerslam for two. Bron charged, Balor hit a boot to the ribs and Balor kicked Bron in the head. Balor went up top, Bron went after him, Carlito did a referee distraction and Carlito knocked Bron down, but that also crotched Balor. Finn wasn’t happy about that. Bron jumped off the top with a Frankensteiner. Bron hit a Spear on Balor for the pinfall win after 12 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Bron Breakker

Analysis: ***1/4 A competitive match between the champion and a former champion. Dominik Mysterio screwing it up suggests that perhaps Balor is going to split from the group. Maybe Dominik kicks Balor out by adding new people to the group. Anyway, it was a good match technically with Balor getting plenty of offense until Dom’s mistake and Balor capitalized with some big moves to win. I didn’t expect a title change in this match.

After the match, Dominik Mysterio and Carlito attacked Bron with punches. Penta ran down to the ring and superkicked Dominik. Penta superkicked Carlito as well. Bron hit a Spear on Carlito. Penta picked up the Intercontinental Title and had a staredown with Bron. Penta stared at the IC Title and handed it to Bron. Bron held up the IC Title between them. Penta did his “No Fear” taunt while staying at Bron. Bron stood tall with the IC Title and that was the end of the show.

Analysis: A match between Bron and Penta could do well on Raw, or it could be saved for WrestleMania. I’m not sure what the plan is exactly, but it might be better to do it at WrestleMania where it would be a high-profile match for the IC Title.

This week’s Raw runtime was 2 hours, 22 minutes. It was about eight minutes shorter than the usual length for most Raw episodes in the Netflix era.

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Three Stars of the Show

  1. John Cena – Epic promo.
  2. Bron Breakker
  3. Penta

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The Scoreboard

7.25 out of 10

Last week: 7.5

2025 Average: 7.43

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Final Thoughts on WWE Raw

The John Cena heel promo was very well done and it’s what will be remembered the most from this show. Cody Rhodes didn’t speak for that long, but what he said was strong enough to get a reaction. It was by far the most important segment on the show.

They did a good job of advancing the Women’s World Title story with Rhea Ripley-Bianca Belair-IYO SKY heading to a triple threat match at WrestleMania 41. It’s not official yet, but it should be soon.

That was an awesome crowd in Brussels. They were loud all night long. It was like the France crowd at Backlash last year, but perhaps not that loud.

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

* 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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John Canton

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