The first-ever WWE RAW broadcast from Brussels, Belgium, aired on March 17, 2025, marking a milestone for the company’s flagship program. However, the episode has stirred controversy and drawn criticism from fans, with much of the frustration aimed at WWE Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque and other officials during this new chapter for the show.
The night began with a blistering promo from John Cena, whose cutting remarks blurred the lines between scripted drama and real-life tension, setting an intense tone. The segment escalated when Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Cody Rhodes interrupted, leading to a heated back-and-forth that captivated viewers.
In a standout moment, Penta El Zero Miedo defeated Ludwig Kaiser in a punishing No Holds Barred match, later announcing his pursuit of the Intercontinental Championship. The women’s division also heated up as Rhea Ripley stormed the WrestleMania 41 contract signing between IYO SKY and Bianca Belair, injecting chaos into the proceedings.
Elsewhere, Jey Uso dominated Austin Theory before engaging in a post-match brawl with Gunther. The star-studded episode featured appearances from Seth Rollins and The LWO (Latino World Order), culminating in a main event where Intercontinental Champion Bron Breakker retained his title against Finn Balor. The night closed with a wild melee involving Breakker, Penta, and The Judgment Day.
Running at just 2 hours and 22 minutes, this week’s RAW was the shortest episode since adopting its three-hour format and the briefest of this new era.
The abbreviated runtime has sparked widespread fan discontent, with complaints mounting over the reduced length. While a temporary two-hour format last year earned some approval, the reaction to this episode’s duration has been overwhelmingly negative.
Since its premiere on January 6, 2025, RAW launched with a 3-hour-and-3-minute runtime. Subsequent weeks saw fluctuations: episodes two and three ran for 2 hours and 35 minutes, week four extended to 2 hours and 36 minutes, and the post-Royal Rumble show on February 3 clocked in at 2 hours and 29 minutes—a duration held for the following two weeks.
The February 24 episode stretched to 2 hours and 40 minutes, while the March 3 show dropped to 2 hours and 33 minutes. Last week’s Madison Square Garden broadcast lasted 2 hours and 30 minutes, making the Brussels episode 8 minutes shorter.
Though historic as the first RAW from Brussels, the episode’s significance has been overshadowed by fan frustration over its runtime, creative choices, and the broader direction under Triple H’s leadership. As discontent grows, WWE faces increasing pressure to respond to the vocal concerns of its audience in this evolving era of sports entertainment.
FAQs
Why was WWE Raw in Brussels shorter than usual?
This episode lasted only 2 hours and 22 minutes, making it the shortest since Raw moved to the three-hour format. The reduced length is believed to be part of WWE’s ongoing adjustments in the Netflix era.
What happened between John Cena and Cody Rhodes on WWE Raw?
John Cena opened Raw with a strong promo, criticizing WWE and Netflix. Cody Rhodes then interrupted, leading to a heated exchange between the two.
Who did Penta defeat on WWE Raw in Brussels?
Penta defeated Ludwig Kaiser in a No Holds Barred match. After his victory, he announced his desire to challenge for the Intercontinental Championship.
Did Rhea Ripley interfere in the Women’s Championship contract signing?
Yes, Rhea Ripley crashed the WrestleMania 41 contract signing between IYO SKY and Bianca Belair, adding more drama to the women’s title scene.
Did Bron Breakker retain his Intercontinental Championship?
Yes, Bron Breakker successfully defended his Intercontinental Championship against Finn Bálor. After the match, he faced off with Penta and The Judgment Day.
How did fans react to the shorter WWE Raw episode?
Reactions were mixed. While some fans appreciated the shorter format, many expressed disappointment online, preferring a full three-hour episode.
