In an electrifying opening segment on WWE Raw, Logan Paul kicked off the show with his new theme music, addressing the Ohio crowd with his usual charisma. However, the atmosphere quickly turned hostile as the audience erupted with chants of "you suck." Paul's tirade against his upcoming opponents at the Elimination Chamber was interrupted by none other than CM Punk, who delivered a scathing warning to the YouTuber-turned-wrestler, declaring that in this business, "you're nothing."
The confrontation escalated when Paul slapped Punk and retreated up the ramp, successfully avoiding a physical altercation with his future steel cage opponent in Toronto. This segment not only set the stage for the Elimination Chamber match but also hinted at a potential WrestleMania showdown, depending on WWE Creative's direction.
* The crowd's boos for Paul were only matched by their cheers for Punk's entrance.
* Punk made a statement by wearing a Chicago Teachers Union shirt, emphasizing his support for educators.
* Punk's words, "We are legends. We are history-makers," resonated, as he called Paul a "flash in the pan."
* The segment elevated an otherwise standard promo, thanks to the contrasting personas of Paul and Punk.
Chants of "this is awesome" filled the arena as Penta, Pete Dunne, and Ludwig Kaiser delivered a high-octane Triple Threat match in Cincinnati. Each wrestler showcased their skills, with Dunne delivering the Bitter End to Penta, only for Kaiser to intervene. Ultimately, Kaiser capitalized on an opportunity, executing an inverted hammerlock DDT on Dunne for the win.
This match kept the audience on the edge of their seats, with Kaiser securing an unexpected victory that further intensifies his rivalry with the masked luchador, Penta.
* Kaiser has effectively utilized promo time during commercial breaks to enhance his on-screen persona.
* The WWE Universe has embraced Penta, highlighting his marketing and merchandising potential.
Rhea Ripley, the women's world champion, joined Jackie Redmond for a brief promo about her upcoming match against Iyo Sky. Ripley reminded fans of her dominance over the last five years, listing her conquered opponents. Sky, unfazed, appeared and vowed to win the title, setting the stage for an intense showdown next week on Raw.
* Sky's dedication was evident as she navigated the arena to confront Ripley face-to-face.
The New Day continued their winning streak by defeating LWO's Cruz Del Toro and Joaquin Wilde. The match saw The New Day take control after Kingston's behind-the-back tactics, ultimately leading to a victory that strengthens their position on Raw.
The post-match attack on Dragon Lee by The New Day further solidified their dominance and added heat to their storyline.
* The New Day's promo skills, particularly those of Kingston and Woods, have kept their heat levels high.
* Backstage tension within The Judgment Day continues to rise, with strategic placements suggesting future developments.
World heavyweight champion Gunther issued a challenge to Akira Tozawa, claiming it was a chance to earn his respect. Despite a fiery start from Tozawa, Gunther's dominance prevailed as he finished the match with a powerbomb. The segment ended with Jey Uso confronting Gunther, setting the stage for their WrestleMania match.
* Gunther's selection of Tozawa as an opponent was a clever narrative choice, playing into his character's disdain for perceived underdogs.
In a rematch of their tournament final, Lyra Valkyria successfully defended her title against Dakota Kai. Despite Kai's valiant efforts, Valkyria's Nightwing secured her victory. The post-match attack by Ivy Nile set up future storylines, adding intrigue to the women's division.
* Valkyria's aggression and the crowd's engagement were notable highlights of the match.
* The segment's "this is awesome" chants underscored the appreciation for competitive women's matches.
In a singles match, Bron Breakker took on Dominik Mysterio. Despite outside interference from Carlito and Finn Bálor, Breakker maintained control until Judgment Day's interference resulted in a disqualification. Breakker's dominance and the looming question of future challengers add layers to the storyline.
* Breakker's top-rope Frankensteiner remains one of wrestling's most impressive moves.
* The face-off with Bálor suggests potential future clashes.
Undisputed WWE champion Cody Rhodes addressed his encounter with The Rock, contemplating the moral implications of their exchange. Seth Rollins interrupted, questioning Rhodes' decision and warning him against siding with The Rock. The promo set the stage for potential conflicts and was a highlight of the night.
* Rhodes' ability to convey the gravity of the storyline was on full display.
* Rollins' warning to Rhodes adds depth to their dynamic and sets up future confrontations.
Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez became the new women's tag team champions after defeating Bianca Belair and Naomi. The match, filled with drama and interference, ended with Morgan pinning Naomi, making Morgan and Rodriguez the first-ever three-time tag champions.
The main event's high energy and near-falls captivated the audience, highlighting the chemistry between both teams.
* The victory marked Morgan and Rodriguez's third tag title reign, a record in WWE history.
* The match showcased the competitive nature of women's tag team wrestling.
This episode of WWE Raw effectively built anticipation for the Elimination Chamber, delivering compelling promo segments and high-quality matches. From the thrilling triple threat opener to the women's tag title main event, the show highlighted the depth of talent in WWE.
This was arguably the best episode of Raw on Netflix, marking a strong start to the Road to WrestleMania.
