The John Report: WWE Raw Deal 03/31/25 Review
It’s WWE Raw featuring Iyo Sky facing Rhea Ripley with Bianca Belair as the referee, John Cena and Cody Rhodes in the same building, and more.
This is the final WWE Raw episode on the Road to WrestleMania that is an afternoon show for me since it starts at 8 p.m. in England, which means it’s a 3 p.m. ET start time for me here in southern Ontario, Canada. I have gotten used to this after three SmackDowns and two Raw’s before this one, but it’s back to normal starting this Friday on SmackDown.
WrestleMania 41 is just 19 days away on April 19th and April 20th. We know the biggest matches, while others are obvious, and we will see how WWE fills out the rest of the card in the weeks ahead.
This is the Raw Deal for episode #1662 of Monday Night Raw. It’s taking place at the O2 Arena in London, England. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport. Let’s get to it.
There was some backstage walking shown featuring Rhea Ripley, Iyo Sky with Dakota Kai, Bianca Belair, Logan Paul with friends, Jimmy Uso with Jey Uso and GUNTHER.
The Raw commentary was Michael Cole, Wade Barrett and Pat McAfee with Alicia Taylor as the ring announcer. Wade is normally just a Smackdown guy, but Wade is from England, so they put him there this week too.
Let’s Hear From John Cena…And Cody Rhodes
For the third straight episode of Raw, John Cena started the show with a promo. Cena had a special shirt for the fans in London, just like in every city he goes in. Cena held up his “The Last Time Is Now” towel. The fans booed Cena and sang “John Cena sucks” for his entrance. Before John Cena could say a word, the entrance of Cody Rhodes took place.
The Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes made his entrance to a huge ovation while the fans sang his song on his way to the ring. Cody got into the ring while the fans kept singing Cody’s song even after the music stopped playing. Cena looked disgusted by that.
The fans were singing “Cody, Cody Rhodes” for the WWE Champion. Cody said that we have heard Cena talk for two weeks, so Cody said he wanted to do Cena’s job first. Cody said there’s so much you can make fun of when it comes to Cody and Cody said for starters, he has a little lisp. Cody said “Stardust” to show off his lisp and there was a “Stardust” chant. Cody said that it has to bother Cena going against Stardust. Cody also said he had an arm tattoo but it’s on his neck and the fans sang “Cody, Cody Rhodes” again. Cody said he got booed in a company he created and said perhaps he’s struggling with the idea that Superman (aka Cena of old) is dead. The fans chanted “Let’s Go Cena/Cena Sucks.” Cody said that Cena has lied to the audience for the last two weeks. Cody said that they used to ride together, so Cody knows that Cena cares about him and he knows that Cena cared about the fans. Cody wanted John Cena to tell them “why” he did what he did to them.
John Cena said he’s not going to reduce himself and punch down to his level. Cena said that he’s not going to cook you, he’s going to bury him just like he’s buried everyone else. Cena said that he’s been burying people, but Cena said he is talent and he buries mediocrity. Cena said that Cody has manipulated his way to the top. Cena said that Cody is nothing more than Cena’s chauffeur. Cena said that Cody thinks just because he stole the blueprint, Cody thinks he’s the champion. Cena said that Cody is too perfect, too polished, too rehearsed and rely on lazy gimmicks like them signing his name over and over again to get by. Cena said that Cody is like the pied piper because all he’s ever done is made these people love mediocrity. Cena said that Cody does not look him Cena, act like him or work like him. Cena said that Cody is still afraid to show who he is. Cena said that he’s a generic mix of every superstar he’s ever loved and it makes him look like a 16-year-old taking acting lessons who is still afraid of public speaking. Cena said that Cody has shown Cena that he can do enough to trick these people. Cena trashed Cody for having his wrestling gimmick tattooed on his neck. Cena said it made Cody look like a common fan like them. Cena told Cody that the last real champion Cena is going to expose Cody for what he is, an “errand boy that got lucky.” Cena said that was his why. There were some “Cena’ chants.
Cody responded saying maybe he was chosen and he said that the fans chose him. Cody said that can Cena say that or was it one guy in an office who chose him and we can’t talk about him. Cody said that he knows he is a wrestler like his father before him and if anybody is a company creation it’s Cena and not Cody. Cody said that everybody is so terrified of Cena on the mic, but Cody knows that Cena has more dick in that promo than he does in his jorts. Cody said if you want to make fun of Cody then just remember that Cena is the one who hangs out with Zac Efron and wishes he was 16 years old. Cody said that Cena created disenfranchised fans and it led to Cody leaving this place. Cody said Cena shouldn’t act like he left this business better than before he was in it. Cody said between the two of them, which one sold out to The Rock. The fans chanted “you sold out” at Cena. Cody told Cena that “you’re still my hero, but you’re also a piece of shit.” And it led to a “piece of shit” chant.
Cena said that no one has been worthy of taking his spot, so Cena has decided to do it himself. Cena said that he has never left because he has always been here. Cena said that no matter what garbage they give him, he finds a way to make it great. Cena told Cody that he had to leave because at his best, he couldn’t wipe Cena’s ass. Cena said that he makes empires for billionaires while Cody steals money from their kids (ouch). Cena told Cody he’ll see him at WrestleMania.
Cody reminded Cena that never once has an audience chanted “you can’t wrestle” at him. That led to fans chanting “you can’t wrestle” while Cena looked around. Cena got back in the ring after being on the apron and it looked like they were going to fight, but instead Cena tried to back away. Cena went for a cheap shot, Cody hooked him and Cody hit Cross Rhodes. Cena sold it like he was out on the mat while Cody pointed at the WrestleMania sign. The fans sang “Cody, Cody Rhodes” for the champion while Cody held up his WWE Title to end it.
Analysis: I thought this was an outstanding promo exchange. The other promos that Cena has done were good, but this time it was face to face with the two men responding to eachother. I mentioned that in those reviews in the last two weeks that they didn’t respond to eachother, so I’m glad we saw that this time. They took a lot of personal shots while referencing Cody leaving WWE for AEW and Cena mentioning a billionaire’s kid was a reference to Tony Khan. There were a lot of great lines thrown out there by both guys. Cena was terrific talking about how he didn’t bury people while claiming that they weren’t good enough. Cody did an excellent job of standing up to Cena and firing back at him and the fans loved Cody for it. There were also some Cena fans who were cheering him as well, so that was interesting. For the most part, the fans were behind Cody and against Cena. The ending with Cody getting the upper hand on Cena with the Cross Rhodes was a fine way to end it. I think Cena will win at WrestleMania, by the way. That’s my pick.
http://www.wwe.com/videos/full-segment-cody-rhodes-hits-john-cena-with-cross-rhodes-in-intense-exchange-raw-highlights-march-31-2025
A video package aired about the chaotic IYO Sky-Rhea Ripley-Bianca Belair situation. That sets up the main event for later in the show with Sky facing Ripley and Belair is the referee.
The New Day’s Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods made their entrance for tag team action. There was a break for some fans as The New Day went into the ring for a pre-match promo. It was their usual promo about how great they are. The fans chanted “shut the f**k up” so the swear word was getting muted. Kofi said they’d get a shot at the World Tag Team Titles. Woods said that everybody will say Thank God for The New Day.
There was a plug for some WrestleMania week events. A lot of events in Las Vegas during that week. Crazy.
The Raw GM Adam Pearce showed up to introduce New Catch Republic as the opponents for The New Day. The fans were happy to see the New Catch Republic.
New Catch Republic – Tyler Bate & Pete Dunne vs. The New Day – Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods
Welcome back Tyler Bate, who has been out since last July with a torn pectoral injury. Bate and Dunne are from England, so the fans loved them. Bate looked like he was in great shape, which is not a surprise for a guy coming back from injury.
Bate and Dunne hit some double team moves on Woods, including Bate hitting a senton splash on Woods. Bate sent Kofi out of the ring, Dunne hit a knee smash on Kofi on the floor and Bate hit a somersault dive onto Woods on the floor. They went to a break for some fans as the action continued. Dunne hit a double foot stomp on Woods’ arm. Kofi did a distraction to Dunne, so Woods hit a knee smash to knock Dunne out of the ring. Kofi was legal as he nailed Dunne with a kick. Woods and Kofi did their unicorn stomp routine after making quick tags. Dunne tried to break free, but Woods held onto him.
Woods remained in control with a dropkick on Dunne. Woods nailed Dunne with a forearm. Kofi hit a senton splash onto the back of Dunne against the ropes. Kofi was legal as he jumped off the top with a chop to the head. Bate got the hot tag and hit Kofi with a suplex across the ring. Bate gave Kofi an airplane slam along with a spinning slam onto the mat. Dunne tagged in as NCR hit a double kick on Kofi. Dunne and Bate hit a double team clothesline/German Suplex combo for two because Woods made the save. Dunne snapped Xavier’s fingers and Kofi hit the SOS on Dunne for two, which is the usual for that move. Bate made the tag against Woods leading to Bate hitting a punch to the jaw. Dunne tagged in with a kick to the head. Kofi tripped up Bate on the apron. Woods pulled Dunne’s tights and sent him not the turnbuckle. Kofi got the tag and hit the double foot stomp/backbreaker combo called Daybreak and that was enough for the pinfall win after about 10 minutes.
Winners by pinfall: The New Day – Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods
Analysis: ***1/4 It was a good tag team match to give The New Day a quality win and build their momentum toward a World Tag Team Title match. It would have been nice to see New Catch Republic get a win in their return match, but it made sense for The New Day to get the victory because they are on their way to be champions again.
The New Day were interviewed by Cathy Kelley in the aisle. Woods said of course they deserve a title shot and they want the title shot now. Kofi said they deserve that title match for the World Tag Team Titles.
The War Raiders duo of Erik & Ivar made their entrance as the World Tag Team Champions to have a staredown with The New Day. The New Day left quickly after that.
Analysis: It is obviously going to lead to a World Tag Team Title match. I think The New Day are going to be the champions when they get that title match.
Jimmy Uso was shown getting ready for his match when twin brother Jey Uso showed up to talk. Jey said he would feel better if he was out there with Jimmy. Jimmy said he knows that the whole world has been doubting Jey, but tonight Jimmy is going to shut that noise. Jimmy said that he’s in there with a beatable man, so tonight he’ll beat Gunther and Jey will beat Gunther at WrestleMania to be World Heavyweight Champion. Jimmy said “yeet.” Jey said he hears him, but told Jimmy to be careful.
The Gunther-Jimmy Uso match was next.
Ludwig Kaiser was interviewed by Jackie Redmond in the arena. This was during the break. Kaiser complained about how Raw GM Adam Pearce hasn’t been put in a WrestleMania match. Kaiser said he could take matters into his own hands and claimed nobody wants to see what happens when he does that. Kaiser left.
Analysis: A generic heel promo. I like Kaiser, but they don’t push him consistently.
A video aired about the Triple H/Cactus Jack Street Fight at Royal Rumble 2000 for the WWE Title. It was a legendary match with a lot of weapons used and Triple H got the win to prove that he was truly a top guy. This was shown to promote Triple H’s WWE Hall of Fame induction.
It was revealed by Michael Cole that he’ll host the WWE Hall of Fame ceremony with Pat McAfee on April 18th from Las Vegas.
Analysis: The 10 p.m. PT/1 a.m. ET start time is absolutely brutal, so I doubt I’ll see the Hall of Fame that night. The next day, I have to review NXT Stand & Deliver in the early afternoon and WrestleMania 41 Saturday, so I don’t know when I’ll watch the Hall of Fame ceremony.
They showed actress Kate Nash at ringside. They showed UFC fighter Michael “Venom” Page. There was also actor Charlie Brooker at ringside. The singer Lewis Capaldi was also at ringside. He was at Smackdown too.
GUNTHER vs. Jimmy Uso
This was not for Gunther’s World Heavyweight Title. Jimmy was aggressive with some strikes, but Gunther hit a big boot to knock him down. They left the ring where Gunther hit Jimmy with some strikes. Gunther wanted a Powerbomb on the floor, but Jimmy avoided that and Jimmy punched him in the jaw. Jimmy hit a suicide dive on Gunther on the floor and Gunther hit the commentary table. Back in the ring, Jimmy went up top and jumped off, but Gunther got the knees up to block. Gunther went up top, so Jimmy met him there and Jimmy hit a superplex. Jimmy hit an Uso Splash off the top for a two count. Gunther managed to come back when they left the ring by hitting a chop and a clothesline on the floor. They went to break while Gunther was in control for a few minutes.
The match continued with Jimmy making the comeback with a strikes, a German Suplex and a superkick. Jimmy charged, but Gunther hit a brutal dropkick. Gunther hit a Powerbomb, the referee counted to two and Gunther picked up Jimmy to keep going. Gunther nailed Jimmy with a big boot and another clothesline for two because Gunther picked up Jimmy again. Gunther choked out Jimmy with a rear naked choke sleeper on the mat and the referee Rod Zapata checked on Jimmy, who was out, so that was it. It went about eight minutes.
Winner by submission: GUNTHER
Analysis: **3/4 It was a dominant win by Gunther as you would expect on the road to WrestleMania because it was about making Gunther look impressive. Jimmy got a two count at one point, but we knew he wasn’t going to win.
After the match, Gunther applied the sleeper on Jimmy on the mat with the body scissors, so Jey Uso made the save. Jey tackled Gunther and punched him a few times. Gunther left the ring, Jey punched him a few more times and Gunther left through the crowd again. Jey went into the ring to check on his brother Jimmy.
Analysis: It was more of the same for the Gunther-Jey rivalry with physical altercations happening nearly every week. I think the feud could use some promos from both guys, with Jey trying to convince us that he’s going to win while Gunther can brag about how dominant he is.
Jimmy Uso was selling the attack by Gunther while Jey checked on his brother. They had WWE Medical personnel check on Jimmy at ringside too. This was shown during the break with Jey trying to help Jimmy back to his feet. The fans cheered for Jimmy.
The show continued with Jey helping Jimmy walk on the floor, but that’s when Gunther returned with a running forearm to the back of Jey’s head. Gunther sent Jey into the steel steps. Gunther wanted to give Jey a Powerbomb on the steel steps, but security and WWE Officials were there to stop it. Gunther gave a security guy (indy wrestler) a Powerbomb on the steel steps. Gunther kicked another security guy. Gunther got a zip tie that he used to tie Jey to the middle ropes. Gunther picked up Jimmy and Gunther sent Jimmy hard into the barricade while Jey couldn’t help because Jey was tied to the ropes. Gunther held the World Title in front of Jey and taunted Jey with it. Jimmy was on the apron, so Gunther hit Jimmy with the World Title to the head. Gunther taunted Jey with the World Title again. Jimmy was busted open and bleeding from the head, so there’s a rare blade job. Jimmy was bleeding heavily. Gunther taunted Jey with a bloody Jimmy and Gunther gave Jimmy a Powerbomb. Cole was screaming about how there wasn’t anybody stopping Gunther. Gunther wiped some of Jimmy’s blood on him. Gunther hit Jimmy with repeated forearms to the chest and another rear naked choke while Jey was a few feet away. The useless referees and WWE Officials like Jason Jordan, Petey Williams and Shawn Daivari went into the ring. Raw GM Adam Pearce finally went into the ring to yell at Gunther about what he did. It ended at that point.
Analysis: That was an excessive and brutal attack. Great job by Gunther with the sneak attack and using the zip tie to prevent Jey from helping his own brother Jimmy, who was a bloody mess. I thought Jimmy did an excellent job of selling the attack while Gunther’s intensity was perfect. That cheap attack got a lot of heat on Gunther.
A video package aired about the Roman Reigns-CM Punk-Seth Rollins contract signing from SmackDown. We found out that they will main event WrestleMania 41 Saturday. Paul Heyman informed Punk of that, and Punk was emotional about it. Reigns claimed that Punk was only in the main event because Reigns was in the match. Punk thanked the fans while telling Heyman that this was not the favor he asked Heyman for.
The Travis Scott song called “Fe!n” (Fein) will be a WrestleMania theme song.
The Judgment Day was backstage talking about last week with Finn Balor saying that he’s back on the same page with Dominik Mysterio. Balor told Raquel Rodriguez that he’s going to bring the Intercontinental Title to The Judgment Day. Balor & Dominik left for tag team action while Liv Morgan & Raquel told Carlito to go with them. Liv and Raquel said they had to figure out what to do about Bayley and Lyra Valkyria.
Penta made his entrance for tag team action up next. The Intercontinental Champion Bron Breakker made his entrance as Penta’s tag team partner. This was shown during the break for some fans.
There was a clip of Stephanie’s Places show on ESPN+ and her chat with Cody Rhodes that debuts this week. Cody talked about how he could feel and sense his late father Dusty Rhodes at WrestleMania 38, but at WrestleMania 40, he couldn’t feel Dusty because Dusty knew that Cody had it.
The Judgment Day – Finn Balor & Dominik Mysterio (w/Carlito) vs. Bron Breakker & Penta
Dominik hit Penta from behind after Balor did a cheap shot. Barrett plugged Penta’s brother Rey Fenix debuting on Smackdown this Friday. Penta did a hurricanrana on Dominik. Bron tagged in with a body slam on Dominik. Balor tagged in, Bron ran the ropes and hit Balor with a powerslam. Penta was back in with a jumping kick and a handstand, leading to an impressive kick. Bron clotheslined Dominik out of the ring. Penta hit a somersault dive over the top onto the heels on the floor. They went to break for some fans as I’ll take a break too.
The Judgment Day was in control while Penta was the face in peril. Dominik went for the Three Amigos suplexes, but he only hit two superplexes when Penta managed to counter. Penta hit a backstabber to break free and bring Bron into the match. Bron hit a shoulder tackle on Balor along with belly-to-belly suplexes on Balor and Dominik. Bron blocked a double suplex and Bron hit his own double suplex. It looked impressive so the fans popped big for it. Balor did an eye rake to break free, but Bron came back with a rope running leading to a jumping clothesline. Bron held Balor on his shoulders and Penta jumped off the top with a Slingblade for two because Dominik made the save. Penta hit a superkick to knock Balor down. Carlito was on the apron, Bron knocked him down and Dominik saved Balor during Penta’s Mexican Destroyer attempt. Bron went for a Spear, Balor avoided it and Dominik hit a Spear on Penta by accident. Balor sent Bron out of the ring and Dominik hit a dropkick on Bron no the floor. Balor hit a Coup de Grace double foot stomp off the top rope for the pinfall win after about 9 minutes. It was the first time that Penta has been pinned in WWE.
Winners by pinfall: The Judgment Day – Finn Balor & Dominik Mysterio
Analysis: *** I thought it was a pretty good match that was full of action and it was booked well. It made sense for Balor to get the win in a tag team match. Bron made the mistake by hitting Penta with a Spear and it cost the team the match.
Chad Gable was backstage talking to Raw GM Adam Pearce about a match, Pearce said LWO wanted to face him and Gable claimed he was sick with a doctor’s note. Pearce informed him Raw was in Minneapolis next week so Gable said he wanted a match there, but Gable was sick. Gable said he’d be fine. Pearce said no, so Pearce said he’d put El Grande Americano in a match next week. Otis showed up with Maxxine Dupri and Akira Tozawa. Gable left. Dupri said she wanted to talk to Pearce about Dupri teaming up with Natalya and the camera cut away there.
The Iyo Sky-Rhea Ripley match was coming up later so we saw them getting ready.
Karrion Kross and Scarlett were interviewed by Jackie Redmond. This was during a break. Kross asked the crowd to chant the name of their favorite bad guy in WWE. Kross claimed his favorite was AJ Styles. Kross said that Styles is a ruthless person just like Kross, so he wants to see what version of Styles you will see tonight – the devil he knows or the devil you don’t know.
AJ Styles made his entrance for his promo segment. They aired some various WWE commercials after that.
Bron Breakker was about to be interviewed, but Penta showed up and called Bron stupid for what he did out there. Officials were there to break it up before it turned into a fight.
Analysis: The WrestleMania 41 rumored IC TItle match is going to be Bron vs. Penta vs. Dominik vs. Balor so they are on their way to setting that up.
AJ Styles Calls Out Logan Paul
AJ Styles said he was tired of waiting, so if Paul had something to say, Styles wanted Paul to come out here right now. Logan Paul made his entrance looking like a cocky bro and Paul was booed by the fans.
Logan Paul was booed heavily by the fans as he bragged about how rich he was. Paul said if he wants people to wait then they will wait. Paul claimed he had a change of heart. The fans chanted “shut the f**k up” so the swear word was muted. Paul said he was a girl dad now and he was trying to teach his daughter the art of forgiveness. Paul said that he forgave Styles for what he did at Madison Square Garden, but he told him not to do it again.
Styles said he understood him because he had a daughter and her forgave Paul as well. The fans chanted for Styles, so Paul wondered what he meant. Styles said he forgave Logan Paul for being the biggest douchebag in WWE. Styles said they don’t care about your fame or money, they care about what you are willing to sacrifice in this ring. Styles said in this business, talent will only get you so far, so the question is, what are you going to do with it? Paul trashed Styles claiming don’t take advice with somebody you don’t want to trade places with. Styles told Paul not to write a check that his ass can’t cash. Paul asked if this was a threat. Styles said this is Monday Night Raw, they are in London, England and he’s in his gear so what do you think? Paul said he is done talking. Paul said he doesn’t fight for free and this city can’t afford him. Paul told some fans they were broke.
Paul said that Styles wants that big money match with Logan Paul. Paul pointed at the WrestleMania sign. Paul tried a kick, Styles blocked it and Styles punched Paul a few times. Paul bailed to the floor. Styles rammed Paul into the commentary table. Styles sent Paul into the ring, then Paul countered Styles and pulled on the ropes to crotch Styles. Paul picked up Styles leading to a flipping DDT called the Paulverizer. Great move.
Analysis: It’s leading to a WrestleMania match and it was clear they were going in that direction a few weeks ago. This furthered the story a bit. I think Paul could beat Syles because Styles doesn’t get pushed that much anymore while it would be a quality win for Paul.
Lyra Valkyria was interviewed by Jackie Redmond. Lyra thanked Bayley for helping her last week. Lyra said that Bayley beat her since Lyra won the Women’s IC Title. Lyra said that she needs to prove that she can beat Bayley, so Lyra said next week she’ll defend the Women’s IC Title against Bayley next week on Raw.
Analysis: That could be a title change with Bayley getting the win. However, I think I’ll go with Lyra getting the win.
A replay was shown of Gunther destroying Jimmy Uso in front of Jey Uso, who was tied to the ropes.
Next week on Raw in Minneapolis:
* Women’s Intercontinental Title: Lyra Valkyria vs. Bayley
* El Grande Americano in action
* Seth Rollins returns
Analysis: That’s a weak lineup. They will likely add more to it.
It was main event time with Bianca Belair as the special referee gear. Cole said that Belair made her referee gear. They went to a break for some fans. Belair danced around the ring, and greeted some ringside fans for a few minutes.
The Judgment Day was backstage celebrating the tag team match win. Finn Balor said that he was on a roll saying he wanted to talk to Adam Pearce about getting a title match. Finn left. Liv Morgan told Dominik Mysterio that they won, not just him. Liv told Dominik that he didn’t lose when he had his chance. Liv said she’ll talk to Adam Pearce when Balor is done.
Analysis: The rumor is a four-way IC Title match at WrestleMania with Breaker-Balor-Penta-Dominik and I think that’s where it is headed. Since Balor and Dominik won the tag team match, they have both earned a title opportunity and I think they’ll get it.
Rhea Ripley made her entrance for the main event. IYO SKY was next up as the champion who won the title four weeks ago from Ripley. Ring announcer Alicia Taylor was in the ring to do the championship introductions.
WWE Women’s World Championship: IYO SKY vs. Rhea Ripley (Bianca Belair is special guest referee)
There was aggressiveness shown by both women, so Belair had to pull them apart and the announcers questioned if that was the right thing to do. Belair and Sky got multiple pin attempts on eachother. Sky hit a dropkick and Ripley bounced off the ropes with a clothesline. They took a break for some fans as the action continued. Ripley worked over Sky with a head whip into the mat and a kick to the ribs. Ripley hit a snapmare followed by a basement dropkick for two. Ripley nailed Sky with forearms to the back. Sky hit a drop toe hold into the ropes and Sky hit a dropkick to knock Ripley down for two. Ripley fought back up leading to two clotheslines and a spinning slam for two.
Sky hit a jawbreaker, two uppercuts and a running dropkick. Sky hit a spinning kick to the head and Sky hit a missile dropkick to the head. Ripley was on the floor, so Sky hit a suicide dive cross body block on the floor. Ripley had Sky on her shoulders and Ripley slammed Sky into the apron. Sky went for a Poison Rana and there was a slip, but they both sold it anyway. Ripley and Sky exchanged punches. Sky rolled through on Ripley followed by a stomp to the ribs. Sky went up top, but Ripley stopped that with a forearm to the back. Ripley tried a slam off there, but Sky countered it and Sky hit something like a Crucifix Bomb off the middle turnbuckle for two. Sky hit a running knee attack against the turnbuckle. Sky went up top, Ripley blocked that and Sky did a necksnap across the top rope. Sky went for a move off the top, but Ripley did a headbutt to block it for two. Sky went for an armbar, Ripley came back with a Razor’s Edge and Ripley hit a running knee for two. Ripley complained about the count. Sky got a pin attempt where she sat on top for two. Ripley elbowed Sky across the ring and Ripley kicked Belair out of the ring by accident. Ripley kicked Sky and Ripley hit Riptide. Ripley covered, but there was no official to count it. The fans counted the pin, but that’s not legal. Ripley told Belair to go into the ring to count. Sky kicked out at two because she had plenty of time to recover. Ripley argued with Belair, so Belair pushed her hand away. Ripley punched Sky repeatedly while Sky was against the ropes, so Ripley punched Belair. Sky went up top, she did a missile dropkick, Ripley moved and Sky’s kick sent Belair out of the ring. Belair said she’s done and called for the bell. It went about 14 minutes.
Match Result: Double Disqualification (IYO SKY remains champion)
Analysis: ***1/4 They were on their way to a very good match as usual, but then it was a double DQ due to Belair being frustrated. The call by Belair was justified since she got hit a few times. It also protects Ripley and Sky since neither of them got pinned. I’m not surprised by the non-finish ending in a match like this.
It was announced as a Double Disqualification by Alicia Taylor.
Rhea Ripley left the ring and punched Belair, who punched back. Sky hit a moonsault onto both women on the floor. Belair was back in the ring and punched Sky to knock her down. Ripley was back up with a Riptide to Belair. Ripley hit a Riptide on Sky too. The fans cheered Ripley. The fans chanted “one more time” for Ripley, so Ripley went back into the ring. Ripley gave Belair a Riptide slam from the middle turnbuckle. Ripley’s music played to end it.
Rhea Ripley held up the Women’s World Title over Iyo Sky and Bianca Belair. Ripley held the title in her hands. That was the end of the show.
Analysis: It furthers the story that they are going to have a triple threat match at WrestleMania, but it’s not official yet.
RHEA RIPLEY took out her anger on the champion and the referee! 👊👊#WWERawpic.twitter.com/fJPHMF7pim
— WWE (@WWE) March 31, 2025
This week’s Raw runtime was 2 hours, 33 minutes.
===
Three Stars of the Show
- John Cena & Cody Rhodes
- Gunther & Jimmy Uso
- Rhea Ripley & IYO SKY
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The Scoreboard
7.75 out of 10
Last week: 7.5
2025 Average: 7.46
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Final Thoughts on WWE Raw
It was a very good show that advanced a lot of WrestleMania storylines. I thought the best part of the show was the John Cena/Cody Rhodes segment. The difference this week was that Cena and Cody exchanged words rather than just doing promos without a response. Great lines by both guys. I liked it a lot.
The match quality was solid for most of the show. I enjoyed the Sky/Ripley match in the main event, even with the non-finish. It fit the story. The New Day’s win was also fun to watch.
In terms of everything else, I liked Gunther’s bloody attack on Jimmy Uso while Jey Uso was helpless to make the save. It got a lot of heat on Gunther while Jimmy did a terrific job of selling the attack by bleeding heavily.
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
* CM Punk vs. Roman Reigns vs. Seth Rollins
* 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
* Randy Orton vs. Kevin Owens
There will be more matches added in the weeks ahead.
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Thanks for reading. Please check out my reviews of every WWE PPV ever listed in order. Go Toronto Blue Jays, Toronto Raptors & Toronto Maple Leafs. My contact info is below.
John Canton
Email mrjohncanton@gmail.com
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