Countdown to WrestleMania 41: WWE Raw Delivers Drama and Intrigue

WWE Raw on March 24, 2025, broadcast live from Glasgow, Scotland, takes fans into the heart of wrestling drama as Superstars collide in the build-up to WrestleMania 41. The night's main standoff featured John Cena and Cody Rhodes, both icons in their own right. Cena, whose transformation into a more critical, fan-challenging persona has stirred dialogues across the wrestling community, vowed to win the WWE Championship for a record 17th time and 'ruin wrestling' by retiring with the title. This declaration sparked a tense confrontation with the current WWE Champion, Cody Rhodes, who challenged Cena's claim to the belt and accused him of vanity-driven motives. This set the stage for their anticipated match at WrestleMania in Las Vegas. The broadcast also showcased a fierce competition for the Intercontinental Championships for both the men’s and women’s divisions. Lyra Valkyria retained her title against Raquel Rodriguez in a match punctuated by interference from Liv Morgan but ultimately saved by Bayley, while Bron Breakker held onto the men’s title against Penta amid chaotic outside interference from The Judgment Day members Dominik Mysterio and Carlito. Elsewhere, the audience watched as CM Punk geared up for a showdown with Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins at WrestleMania, exuding his typical bravado despite setbacks at recent events. The night was also notable for the debut of El Grande Americano, wrestling in a style reminiscent of Chad Gable, who bested Dragon Lee by submission. The storytelling echoed classic wrestling themes of rivalry and redemption, with ample physicality and verbal sparring. Despite its entertainment value, the broadcast heavily leaned into character-driven narratives, with Cena's antagonistic monologue at the heart of the conversation, setting the tone for an epic clash at WrestleMania. My commentary on the event highlights WWE's effective use of character arcs to maintain viewer engagement, though Cena's heel turn might split the audience down the middle, reflecting the inherent theater in pro wrestling where reality often blurs with the storyline. Overall, WWE Raw continues to entertain, inviting varied interpretations and predictions as WrestleMania approaches.