This week on WWE Raw,the fallout fromJohn Cena’s shocking betrayal at Elimination Chamberwas the big talking point, and the WWE superstars were hyper-aware of the big talking points as we kick off the six-week build to WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas. Here’s what went down.
CM Punk Opens Raw With Fire, Calls Out The Rock and John Cena
Michael Cole and Pat McAfeewelcomed viewers to Rawas a recap of Elimination Chamber aired, highlighting Cena’s shocking heel turn. The cameras then cut to the parking lot, whereCM Punkarrived, stormed through the backstage area, and headed straight to the ring. Punk wasted no time, climbing onto the announce table and firing off a blistering promo that might be one of the best he’s ever done. He called outThe Rockand John Cena, referring to them as “bald frauds.” Punk mocked The Rock’s famous goosebumps routine and accused Cena of selling out.
Before Punk could say more,Seth Rollins' music hit. Rollins started doing his over-the-top, zesty entrance before realizing what was happening, and charged at Punk, and the two engaged in a wild brawl that spilled from the ramp to the ring and into the crowd. WWE officials struggled to separate them, and the segment ended in chaos, setting the tone for the night.This was a fantastic way to start the show. Punk’s promo was electric, and the Rollins brawl added even more intensity to the Mania build.
Gunther Dominates Otis, But Jey Uso Has Other Plans
World Heavyweight ChampionGuntherstepped into the ring for a non-title bout againstOtis. The big man gave Gunther a fight, even hitting the Caterpillar for a near fall, but the champ rallied,hitting a powerbomb to secure the victory.
After the match, Gunther put Otis in a sleeper hold.Akira Tozawaran in but got powerbombed for his trouble. Just as Gunther prepared to do the same to Otis,Jey Usomade his entrance and speared the champion, holding up the World Heavyweight Title to signal his intentions. This was a fun match, with the crowd fully behind Otis, while Jey’s courage in the face of Gunther is adding some nice layers to their story.
Lyra Valkyria Retains Women’s Intercontinental Title
NXT’sIvy Nileput up a strong fight, targetingLyra Valkyria’s knee throughout the match. However, Valkyria fought through the pain, hitting Night Wing for the win. Valkyria continues to establish herself as a dominant champion. Nile looked strong in defeat, andthis was a solid workhorse match.
John Cena Turns Heel, Aligns With The Rock in WWE Elimination Chamber Shocker
His time is now.
War Raiders Retain Against The Creed Brothers
The Creed Brotherspulled out some jaw-dropping moves, including a 450 Splash and a Shooting Star Press, butErik and Ivarrallied, hitting War Machine to keep their titles.This was a great back-and-forth tag match. The crowd got hotter as the match progressed, and the War Raiders continue to look dominant, while the Creed Brothers looked hugely impressive in defeat. The question for them, and Ivy Nile, is what happens whenChad Gablereturns to find they’ve all lost.
Iyo Sky Stuns Rhea Ripley, Wins the Women’s World Title
The main event sawIyo SkychallengeRhea Ripleyfor the Women’s World Championship. The match was a hard-hitting affair, with Sky using a mix of technical prowess and high-flying offense. At one point, Sky connected with a sunset bomb on Ripley outside the ring. Ripley later got distracted byBianca Belair, leading to Sky countering Riptide into a hurricanrana.She followed with Over the Moonsault for the shocking victory. After the match, Sky pointed to the WrestleMania sign as pyro exploded.Ripley losing is a huge shock, but this likely means she’ll regain the title at WrestleMania in a three-way with Sky and Belair, in what could be a total barn burner of a match. This was an excellent match, with Sky proving why she’s one of WWE’s best.
Final Thoughts
Cena, The Rock, and Rhodes were all absent, but you wouldn’t have known that with the momentum built up as WWE kept things ticking over for Mania. Next week, Raw heads to Madison Square Garden with aCM Punk vs. Seth Rollins Steel Cage Matchheadlining. We can’t wait.
