This week’s episode of WWE RAW made a stop in Brussels, Belgium, delivering a mix of intense action, shocking moments, and some questionable booking decisions. While John Cena’s highly anticipated appearance stole the show, the night also featured thrilling matches and major storyline developments.
However, not everything was perfect. Let’s break down the biggest positives and negatives from the latest episode of RAW.
#3. Best: The Women’s Title Feud Heats Up
The contract signing between IYO SKY and Bianca Belair for their WrestleMania 41 Women’s World Championship match quickly descended into chaos when Rhea Ripley stormed the ring. The Eradicator attacked both superstars before attempting to insert herself into the title match by signing the contract.
However, RAW General Manager Adam Pearce wasn’t having it. He denied Ripley’s demand, which led to a furious backstage brawl between the three women.
With tensions at an all-time high, it’s only a matter of time before both SKY and Belair demand that Ripley be officially added to their match.
This segment added much-needed unpredictability to the feud, making it one of the most intriguing storylines on the road to WrestleMania 41.
#2. Worst: Jey Uso vs. Gunther Feels Repetitive
For weeks now, WWE has been running the same angle between Jey Uso and Gunther. Jey has a quick match, picks up a win, and is immediately attacked by The Ring General from behind. This week’s episode was no different, and the predictability is starting to hurt the excitement for their World Heavyweight Championship match at WrestleMania 41.
To make matters worse, Jey Uso almost suffered a legitimate injury during the post-match attack. While their eventual showdown at The Show of Shows is highly anticipated, WWE needs to change up the build and showcase Gunther in more competitive matches to keep things fresh.
#2. Best: The Judgment Day’s Internal Chaos Grows
The tension within The Judgment Day continues to rise, and it’s becoming clearer that Finn Bálor could soon find himself on the outside looking in.
The latest issue? Dominik Mysterio went behind Bálor’s back and tried to recruit new members. While Dominik initially suggested Penta, Bálor quickly shut him down, calling him a “snake.” Things got worse when Dominik’s interference backfired and cost Bálor the Intercontinental Championship against Bron Breakker.
Now, all signs point to Dominik secretly working with Karrion Kross, who has been seen talking to him in recent weeks. It looks like The Judgment Day is preparing for a shake-up, possibly at Finn Bálor’s expense. The only question left is: When will Dominik Mysterio strike?
#1. Best/Worst: John Cena’s Heel Turn Shocks the WWE Universe
John Cena’s long-awaited heel persona finally made its RAW debut, and it was nothing short of explosive. He opened the show with a scathing promo, completely tearing down the Belgian crowd and officially “breaking up” with the WWE Universe. After years of being the face of the company, Cena unleashed decades of frustration and fully embraced his dark side.
However, Cody Rhodes was having none of it. The American Nightmare fired back, calling out Cena’s new attitude and vowing to retire him early at WrestleMania 41. The crowd’s reaction was electric—Cena was booed out of the building, while Rhodes received a hero’s welcome.
Despite the incredible segment, one glaring issue stood out: Cena didn’t address his ongoing storyline with The Rock. Given their history and The Rock’s recent rise as The Final Boss, fans were left wanting more answers. Still, Cena’s transformation into a villain is already proving to be one of the most intriguing elements of WrestleMania 41’s build.
This week’s RAW delivered plenty of excitement, but also left room for improvement. The ongoing storylines involving The Judgment Day, IYO SKY, Bianca Belair, and Rhea Ripley added depth to the show, while John Cena’s shocking turn had fans talking. However, the repetitive booking of Jey Uso vs. Gunther and the lack of The Rock’s presence were definite drawbacks.
As WrestleMania 41 draws closer, WWE has some fine-tuning to do, but there’s no denying that the road to The Grandest Stage of Them All is heating up in a big way!
FAQs
Did John Cena officially turn heel on WWE RAW?
Yes, John Cena fully embraced his heel persona by delivering a scathing promo against the WWE Universe, declaring that he was ‘breaking up’ with the fans.
What happened between Judgment Day and Finn Bálor?
Finn Bálor continues to have issues with Dominik Mysterio, who secretly tried to recruit new members to Judgment Day. Dominik has been seen talking to Karrion Kross, hinting at a possible betrayal.
Why was Rhea Ripley involved in the Women’s Title contract signing?
Rhea Ripley attempted to insert herself into the Women’s World Championship match at WrestleMania 41, but Adam Pearce denied her request, leading to a chaotic backstage brawl.
What happened between Jey Uso and Gunther?
Jey Uso won a quick match, only to be attacked by Gunther afterward—repeating the same segment from previous weeks.
Why didn’t John Cena mention The Rock?
Despite ongoing speculation about Cena’s history with The Rock, there was no mention of The Final Boss on RAW, leaving fans wondering about their relationship heading into WrestleMania 41.