A volatile night at WWE Raw saw tensions boil over, alliances fracture, and the road to WrestleMania 42 take several dramatic turns.
From a shocking title change to multiple surprise appearances and escalating rivalries, Madison Square Garden played host to a show that continuously spiralled into chaos, culminating in a brutal closing brawl that left one of WWE’s biggest stars laid out.
Cody Rhodes opened last night’s WWE Raw to a strong ovation, but his usual confidence was quickly tested when Stephanie McMahon interrupted proceedings.
Stephanie leaned heavily into the legacy of Madison Square Garden, referencing her family’s history before turning the conversation towards Rhodes’ WrestleMania clash with Randy Orton. Drawing comparisons between their shared generational backgrounds, she praised Rhodes for forging his own path, but warned that Orton represents a different kind of danger.
Rhodes remained composed, insisting he knows exactly who Orton is and what he is capable of. He referenced Orton’s history of manipulation and violence, even noting past incidents involving Stephanie herself, making it clear he has no fear heading into WrestleMania.
The tone shifted sharply when Stephanie slapped Rhodes across the face. She insisted the act came from a place of concern, warning that Orton does not just hear voices, he embraces them. Her message was clear: if Rhodes fails to fully understand the threat in front of him, his championship reign could end.
Rhodes, visibly fired up, chose not to retaliate and exited the ring, leaving the warning hanging in the air.
WWE World Tag Team Championship Match: The Usos (c) vs. The Vision
The night’s first title bout immediately descended into a chaotic fight as The Usos defended against The Vision.
From the opening bell, the match spilled outside the ring, with both teams brawling aggressively. The introduction of kendo sticks, garbage cans, and eventually a table only added to the mayhem. Austin Theory and Logan Paul used the weapons to slow the champions, repeatedly striking them and attempting to gain control.
Despite the odds, The Usos rallied. A series of double team manoeuvres swung momentum, including superkicks and a double superplex that sent Theory crashing through a table. The Garden crowd erupted as it appeared the champions had regained control.
However, outside chaos shifted the match once again. LA Knight attempted to neutralise Paul, while IShowSpeed became an unexpected factor. A miscue involving brass knuckles created the opening The Vision needed.
Paul capitalised, striking Jimmy Uso before Theory followed up with the decisive pinfall. The controversial finish dramatically ended The Usos’ reign.
Winners: The Vision (NEW CHAMPIONS)
Liv Morgan took to the ring next, embracing the spotlight and boasting about her accomplishments. Her tone quickly turned aggressive as she called out Stephanie Vaquer.
Vaquer answered without hesitation, storming to the ring and immediately taking the fight to Morgan. The exchange was brief but intense, with Vaquer gaining the upper hand early.
That momentum was short-lived. Roxanne Perez made a surprise return, attacking Vaquer from behind. The numbers advantage proved decisive, as Morgan and Perez overwhelmed Vaquer, leaving her laid out in the ring.
Morgan punctuated the moment by holding the Women’s World Championship aloft, sending a clear message.
WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship Match: The Irresistible Forces (c) vs. Bayley and Lyra Valkyria
Bayley and Lyra Valkyria looked to dethrone The Irresistible Forces in a physically intense contest.
The champions controlled much of the early action, using their size and strength to dominate Valkyria. Lash Legend in particular imposed her will, delivering heavy strikes and grounding the challenger.
Valkyria’s resilience allowed her to stay in the fight long enough to tag in Bayley, who injected urgency into the match. The pace quickened as Bayley connected with a series of strikes, turning the momentum in favour of the challengers.
Just as the match reached a critical point, chaos erupted. Nikki Bella and Brie Bella appeared, followed closely by Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss. The sudden influx of competitors caused a complete breakdown in order.
With multiple parties involved, the referee had no choice but to call for the disqualification.
Winners: The Irresistible Forces (via disqualification)
A multi-team brawl followed, signalling a crowded and unpredictable title picture heading into WrestleMania.
Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman entered next, with Heyman addressing the brewing tension involving Oba Femi.
F attempted to keep control, insisting any confrontation should wait until WrestleMania. That order quickly broke down.
The arena was plunged into darkness before Femi emerged, cutting through security with ease. His presence alone shifted the atmosphere as he squared up with Lesnar.
Triple H intervened before the situation escalated further. Lesnar briefly teased using the steel steps as a weapon before dropping them and leaving, choosing to delay the inevitable clash.
WWE Intercontinental Championship Match: Penta (c) vs. Kofi Kingston
Penta defended his title against Kofi Kingston in one of the night’s most athletic contests.
Penta’s aggressive striking set the tone early, but Kingston responded with his trademark agility and timing. The two traded momentum throughout, with near falls keeping the crowd engaged.
Outside interference from Grayson Waller nearly tipped the balance, but miscommunication prevented Kingston from capitalising. That mistake proved costly.
Penta regained control late, executing a decisive Mexican Destroyer to secure the victory.
Winner: Penta
Following the match, Penta revealed his WrestleMania plans, confirming a Ladder Match defence for the Intercontinental Championship.
The ongoing tension involving Seth Rollins reached a boiling point later in the show.
After Adam Pearce confirmed that Rollins had been cleared to compete, Rollins immediately appeared and ambushed Paul Heyman with a steel chair. He looked set to deliver further punishment before being interrupted.
Gunther emerged and dragged Rollins from the ring, locking in a sleeper hold and putting him to sleep. The message was unmistakable as Gunther pointed directly at the WrestleMania sign.
Raquel Rodriguez vs. Iyo Sky
Raquel Rodriguez and Iyo Sky delivered a competitive bout that blended speed and power.
Sky’s agility allowed her to control stretches of the match, landing high-impact aerial moves. Rodriguez, however, used her strength advantage to turn the tide whenever possible.
Outside distractions involving Asuka and Kairi Sane added another layer of tension. Sky briefly gained momentum after taking out Asuka, but the distraction ultimately created an opening.
Rodriguez capitalised, delivering the Texana Bomb to secure the win.
Winner: Raquel Rodriguez
Roman Reigns attempted to close the show on his terms, demanding acknowledgement from the crowd. Instead, he was met by CM Punk.
Punk wasted no time, attacking Reigns and igniting a wild brawl that spilled throughout the ringside area. Officials struggled to maintain control as both men repeatedly broke free.
Reigns attempted to powerbomb Punk through the announce desk, but Punk countered and regained the advantage. After landing a GTS, Punk escalated the moment further by powerbombing Reigns through the announce desk.
With Reigns laid out, Punk sat cross-legged beside him, mocking him before celebrating with the crowd as Raw went off the air.
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