WWE Raw emanated from the iconic Madison Square Garden, delivering a night full of surprises and intense confrontations. Cody Rhodes and Stephanie McMahon’s verbal confrontation set the tone for the night, teasing the high-stakes showdown between Rhodes and Randy Orton at WrestleMania. Meanwhile, The Vision captured the World Tag Team Championships in a chaotic street fight, and Brock Lesnar’s encounter with Oba Femi escalated tensions leading into their WrestleMania bout.
Liv Morgan’s fiery promo against Stephanie Vaquer added another layer to their rivalry, while CM Punk and Roman Reigns’ brawl brought the night to a dramatic close. With WrestleMania on the horizon, each segment and match further fueled the anticipation for the grandest stage of them all.
- The Vision (Logan Paul and Austin Theory) def. The Usos (WWE World Tag Team Championship Street Fight — pinfall)
- The Irresistible Forces (Nia Jax and Lash Legend) vs. Bayley and Lyra Valkyria (WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship Match — No Contest)
- Penta def. Kofi Kingston (WWE Intercontinental Championship Match — pinfall)
- Raquel Rodriguez def. IYO SKY (Singles Match — pinfall)
- Cody Rhodes and Stephanie McMahon exchange heated words about Randy Orton and WrestleMania.
- Liv Morgan cuts a promo on Stephanie Vaquer, leading to a brawl involving Roxanne Perez.
- Brock Lesnar and Oba Femi’s confrontation intensifies with Triple H intervening.
- CM Punk and Roman Reigns engage in a chaotic brawl, teasing their WrestleMania clash.
Show Rundown
Cody Rhodes and Stephanie McMahon Exchange
The show opened with Cody Rhodes making his way to the ring, the crowd at Madison Square Garden erupting in cheers and chants of “Cody” as he posed with the Undisputed WWE Championship. As he grabbed a microphone, he posed the classic question to the audience, “What do you wanna talk about?” However, before he could delve deeper, Stephanie McMahon’s music hit, and she made her way to the ring to a mixed reaction.
Stephanie, poised and assertive, reminded Cody of the legacy of the McMahon family and the storied history of MSG. She turned the conversation to Randy Orton, cautioning Cody about the dangerous version of Orton he would face at WrestleMania. Cody, unfazed, recounted Orton’s past deeds and asserted his readiness to face him, despite the rhetoric. The exchange heated up when Stephanie slapped Cody after he made a pointed remark about her lineage, but Cody’s parting words, “Thank you,” left the crowd buzzing as he exited the ring.
Backstage with IShowSpeed and Danhausen
Backstage, the eclectic Danhausen appeared, offering to “uncurse” IShowSpeed in exchange for revenue. Adam Pearce intervened, setting up Speed with a front-row seat, while LA Knight was assigned as the special guest commentator for the upcoming tag team championship street fight.
WWE World Tag Team Championship Street Fight: The Usos vs. The Vision
The Usos entered with new music, ready to defend their titles in a street fight against The Vision, consisting of Logan Paul and Austin Theory. The match quickly turned chaotic, with the action spilling outside the ring. The Usos showcased their high-flying offense with a synchronized dive over the ropes, taking out both challengers.
As the match progressed, The Vision gained control, utilizing trashcans and tables to their advantage. A pivotal moment came when IShowSpeed, caught in the crossfire, inadvertently aided The Vision by striking LA Knight with brass knuckles. This distraction allowed Logan Paul to capitalize, delivering a decisive shot to Jimmy Uso, enabling Theory to pin him for the victory, crowning new World Tag Team Champions.
Liv Morgan Calls Out Stephanie Vaquer
Following the tag team chaos, Liv Morgan took to the ring, declaring herself the greatest Royal Rumble winner of all time. She directed her ire at Stephanie Vaquer, accusing the champion of attacking her family in Judgment Day. Morgan’s fiery words drew Vaquer to the ring, sparking a brawl that was intensified by the return of Roxanne Perez, who assisted Morgan in laying out the champion.
Brock Lesnar and Oba Femi Confrontation
Brock Lesnar, accompanied by Paul Heyman, entered the arena ready for a fight, calling out Oba Femi. The tension escalated as Oba made his presence known, dismissing security as he approached the ring. The crowd was on edge as the two giants faced off, but Triple H intervened, preventing a pre-WrestleMania clash. Despite this, the animosity between Lesnar and Femi was palpable, leaving fans eagerly anticipating their eventual showdown.
WWE Intercontinental Championship Match: Penta vs. Kofi Kingston
Penta defended his Intercontinental Championship against Kofi Kingston in a fast-paced encounter. Kingston initially gained the upper hand with a DDT, but Penta’s resilience shone through as he countered with fierce kicks and a sling blade. The match saw outside interference from Grayson Waller, which Kingston rebuffed, maintaining the integrity of the contest.
In the end, Penta’s agility and striking ability proved too much for Kingston. A well-timed Mexican Destroyer secured the victory for Penta, who announced post-match that his title would be defended in a ladder match at WrestleMania, raising the stakes for potential challengers.
Raquel Rodriguez vs. IYO SKY
In a competitive singles match, Raquel Rodriguez faced IYO SKY. The bout showcased SKY’s high-flying prowess and Rodriguez’s power-based offense. SKY’s attempts to gain the upper hand were thwarted by Rodriguez’s strength, culminating in a decisive Tejana Bomb that secured the win for Raquel.
CM Punk and Roman Reigns Brawl
The night concluded with Roman Reigns entering to a mixed reaction as he prepared to address the audience. However, CM Punk interrupted, leading to an all-out brawl. The two traded blows inside and outside the ring, with Punk ultimately getting the upper hand by putting Reigns through the announce table with a powerbomb. The chaotic scene left the audience in awe and set the stage for their highly anticipated WrestleMania clash.
Standout Performer
Logan Paul and Austin Theory, collectively known as The Vision, emerged as standout performers of the night. Their cunning tactics and ability to capitalize on distractions led them to victory over The Usos, capturing the World Tag Team Championships. Their synergy and strategic prowess in the ring, combined with Paul’s charisma and Theory’s technical skills, made them a formidable force and the highlight of the evening’s matches.
Analysis
Monday Night Raw delivered a compelling blend of in-ring action and storyline progression, with the Cody Rhodes and Stephanie McMahon confrontation serving as a focal point. Their exchange elevated the anticipation for Rhodes’ WrestleMania encounter with Randy Orton, framing it as a clash between legacy and raw ambition. The segment effectively set the narrative stakes, with Stephanie’s involvement adding a layer of intrigue.
The Vision’s victory over The Usos marks a significant shift in the tag team division. Logan Paul and Austin Theory’s chemistry was on full display, and their win was a testament to their ability to seize opportunities, even amidst chaos. This victory not only positions them as top contenders but also injects fresh dynamics into the tag team scene.
Brock Lesnar and Oba Femi’s confrontation highlighted the brewing animosity between the two powerhouses. While the physical confrontation was halted, the segment successfully built tension and anticipation for their inevitable clash at WrestleMania. Oba’s confidence and Lesnar’s intensity promise a high-stakes encounter that could potentially steal the show.
The night concluded with CM Punk and Roman Reigns’ explosive brawl, which perfectly encapsulated the animosity between the two. The segment was a masterclass in building tension and excitement, leaving fans eager for their WrestleMania showdown. Punk’s dominance in the closing moments was a powerful statement, setting the stage for a must-see match.
What Happens Next
As WrestleMania approaches, the stakes continue to rise across multiple storylines. Cody Rhodes’ impending clash with Randy Orton promises to be a defining moment in both men’s careers. With Stephanie McMahon’s words lingering, Rhodes must prove he is ready to overcome Orton’s dangerous persona and solidify his status as champion.
The Vision’s reign as World Tag Team Champions will be tested as other teams vie for their titles. Their victory has painted a target on their backs, and it will be intriguing to see how they handle the pressure of being champions amidst a competitive tag team landscape.
Meanwhile, the tension between Brock Lesnar and Oba Femi will only escalate as WrestleMania draws near. With Triple H’s intervention preventing a prelude to their match, the eventual showdown promises to be a battle of epic proportions, with both men eager to assert their dominance.
CM Punk and Roman Reigns’ rivalry has reached a boiling point, and their WrestleMania encounter is set to be a clash of titans. Punk’s actions on Raw have given him momentum, but Reigns’ resilience and determination cannot be underestimated. The stage is set for an unforgettable showdown that could have lasting ramifications on the WWE landscape.
