WWE RAW REPORT
MARCH 3, 2025
BUFFALO, N.Y. AT KEYBANK CENTER
AIRED LIVE ON NETFLIX (WORLDWIDE)
REPORT BY WADE KELLER, PWTORCH EDITOR
Commentators: Michael Cole, Pat McAfee
Ring Announcer: Alicia Taylor
Attendance: WrestleTix reports that 13,888 tickets were distributed right before showtime.
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PWTorch editor Wade Keller is joined by PWTorch’s Chris Adams to review WWE Raw LIVE tonight right after the show ends. Join us and let us know your thoughts on Raw during the show.
Email our post-show at wadekellerpodcast@gmail.com with your comments and questions about Raw. We’ll read your emails live during the post-show.
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[HOUR ONE]
-Michael Cole introduced the show as they showed an aerial view of the arena in Buffalo, N.Y.
-A video package aired of Elimination Chamber highlights with clips of the show itself, the Kickoff pre-show and the press conference, YouTube live viewers reacting, and more. Of course, they got to the John Cena heel turn with quotes from corporate media sites reacting to it.
(Keller’s Analysis: The clips of people doing live watch streams of the events is smart of WWE as it encourages more of it with people hoping to make the highlight package. It also creates even more of a sense of community around the WWE product.)
-They went to Cole and Pat McAfee at ringside. Cole said 48 hours later he cannot wrap his head around it. McAfee said Cena sold his soul in his quest to win his 18th world title. Then they showed Rhea Ripley, Iyo Sky with Dakota Kai, and Bianca Belair arriving. They showed The Creed Brothers warming up in the ring with Ivy Nile. A Jeep Wagoneer drove up in the parking garage and a seething C.M. Punk got out and marched to the ring. A huge “C.M. Punk!” chant rang out.
Punk stood on the announce desk and said, “Consider this a State of the Union Address.” He said people think all paths to main eventing WrestleMania have been extinguished. He asked fans to give him a name of his first target. McAfee said The Final Boss. Cole suggested Seth Rollins or Cody Rhodes. Punk called Rock “a bald fraud” and he said he’s not immune from criticism because of his position on the Board. “You don’t know who you are dealing with,” he said.
He said he marched through hell to receive opportunities, “while you, Mr. Mid-life Crisis, just decide to walk in when you feel like it.” He said he isn’t gracing them with his presence. He mocked his goosebumps on forearm bit and said he doesn’t really love the business. “I’ve never been so delusional to wear a fake title and proclaim myself the People’s Champion.” He said he earns his titles.
He then addressed John Cena. He said they can now see through him. He said he stole something from him in the Chamber. He said he gave him the benefit of the doubt when he didn’t have to qualify. “You’re not going to fool me twice,” he said. “Everybody sees what I’ve known all along – that you’ve been selling all these people and all these kids bullshit.” He said you’ll never see him give up on his dreams of headlining WrestleMania. He said, ironically, Mr. Never Quit gave up on himself and let down the kids. “The joke’s on you,” he said. “I’m going to see you down the road. I’m going to get my hands on both of you bald frauds and when I do, you’re going to make a wish I never did.”
He said the person who currently has all of his undivided attention, though, is “Little Brother Seth Rollins.” He told Becky Lynch come get her man because if he gets his hands on him first, he’ll put him in a wheelchair. Seth’s music played. Punk leaped off the announce desk and ran to the entrance stage to fight with Seth. Referees and producers ran out and pried them apart. They brawled to the ring and then to ringside. Seth punched away at security guys to break free. Punk jumped him again. They brawled over the announce desk and tumbled to the floor. McAfee yelled, “Holy shit, Cole!” A “This is awesome!” chant broke out.
(Keller’s Analysis: Absolutely tremendous promo from Punk. He was totally in his lane and excelling at it.) [c]
-A clip aired of the brawl with Punk and Seth.
-Clips aired of the Women’s Tag Team Title change last week.
-The Judgment Day were hanging out backstage talking about the Ripley vs. Iyo Sky match later. Liv Morgan said she beat either of them. She told Raquel Rodriguez it’s time for her to go after the Intercontinental Title. Finn Balor walked in and told Dom he embarrassed the group last week. Dom said Balor had a chair in his hands and he still backed down. He suggested they add a member. Balor pushed back on that and said he could take care of Bron Breakker tonight. Dom asked Liv about the Jade Cargill situation. Liv said she had nothing to do with it. Dom said he believed it.
(1) GUNTHER vs. OTIS (w/Akira Tozawa, Maxxinne Dupri)
Cole said Otis is looking for retribution for what Gunther did to Tozawa last week. Otis was already in the ring. Gunther said people call Otis “a freak of nature,” but he’s just a “freak.” He said he’s just a people-pleaser like Jey Uso and he doesn’t belong in “my sacred ring.” He said the fans don’t like him, they pity him. He asked if he looked at himself in the mirror this morning. Gunther said when he looks at himself in the mirror, he sees himself with a World Title belt “while you cannot find a belt that fits.” He said Otis could be great if he only had a little self-respect. He said he’d teach him about that. As he talked, he kicked Otis in the gut. The ref rewarded Gunther’s cheapshot by calling for the bell instantly, then scolding Gunther. (Come on, WWE. Don’t reward pre-match attacks like that per policy.)
The bell rang 27 minutes into the hour. Otis fought back seconds into the match. Gunther took over again and kicked Otis to the floor with a big boot to the head. Gunther slapped Otis in the head from behind. Otis got angry. When Gunther grabbed his beard, Otis grabbed Gunther and pulled him into his arms and delivered a fallaway slam. Otis showed fire as they cut to a break at 2:00. [c]
Gunther had Otis grounded as Cole touted the sellout crowd. Otis no-sold some chops, yanked off his shirt, and yelled “Son of a bitch!” Otis rallied and bodyslammed Gunther. Otis let out a yell and then Stinger Splashed Gunther in the corner. He did the Caterpillar and dropped an elbow for a two count. Otis then went for a swing splash out of the corner. Gunther moved and then landed the Dinosaur Dropkick. They collided mid-ring. Gunther landed forearms and a boot to the head. Otis went down and Gunther scored a two count. Gunther then powerbombed Otis for the win. “Gunther knows he was in a fight,” said Cole.
WINNER: Gunther in 9:00.
-Afterward, Gunther attacked Otis. Tozawa leaped onto Gunther’s back. Gunther powerbombed Tozawa onto Otis. Jey Uso’s music played and he walked out as fans cheered. Jey speared Gunther and then held up the World Title. Cole said that could be the scene in 47 nights. Austin Theory and Grayson Waller attacked Jey afterward. Jey suerkicked Theory and then punched away at Waller before spearing him. Fans roared with cheers. Gunther then attacked Jey with a sleeper from behind. Gunther put his boot on Jey’s back and held up his World Title belt as his music played. Cole said it’ll be a long seven weeks for Jey.
-Cole threw to a lengthy video package previewing Ripley vs. Sky.
-They showed a split-screen of Lyra Valkyria and Ivy Nile. [c]
-They showed long time UFC Clay Guida at ringside with a replica WWE Title belt.
-A recap aired of John Cena’s heel turn.
-Cathy Kelley interviewed A.J. Styles. She asked for his opinion on Cena and Cody. Styles shook his head and said, “Wow, I didn’t see that coming. John Cena selling out?” Karrion Kross walked up to Styles and put his arms around him from behind. Kross said it shouldn’t be surprising to Styles since he is a veteran like Cena who knows how it feels to not get the respect you deserve. Styles said he’s not John Cena, “and maybe the WWE Universe needs a reminder of who A.J. Styles is.” He said he will call out Logan Paul next week to see if he can back up all the trash he talks. He told Kross he’s trying to be the devil on his shoulder. “God knows my evil ways,” Styles said. After Styles walked away, Kross laughed and said,”That was easy.”
(2) LYRA VALKYRIA vs. IVY NILE – Intercontinental Title match
The bell rang 51 minutes into the hour. Valkyria landed a dropkick early. Valkyria climbed to the to rope. Nile leg whipper her to the mat. Valkyria clutched her knee in pain and they cut to a break at 3:00. [c]
[HOUR TWO]
Nile worked over Valkyria’s knee and scored a near fall after a deadlift suplex. Valkyria made a comeback and landed a neckbreaker. When she lifted Nile, her leg gave out. Nile continued to attack her leg and then landed a sitout powerbomb for a two count. Nile quickly shifted to a standing ankle lock. Nile reached the bottom rope force a break. Valkyria eventually landed a backbreaker and a Night Wing for the win.
WINNER: Valkyria in 10:00 to retain the IC Title.
(Keller’s Analysis: Good match.)
-Cole plugged Evolve which premieres Wednesday.
-Clips aired of Punk’s promo from earlier. [c]
-Cole plugged some things as they showed an aerial view of Buffalo. Then they showed Dion Dawkins, a player for the Buffalo Bills pro football team.
-A clip aired from a few minutes earlier where Seth and Punk saw each other backstage and fought each other again. Adam Pearce quickly got them separated with help.
-Seth yelled to Pearce that Punk screwed himself and he’ll make sure he doesn’t make it to WrestleMania. He said he will die on this hill. Pearce told Seth to finish it. He booked Seth vs. Punk inside a steel cage next week at MSG. He told him to get on his bus because he didn’t want to see his face again until next week. He told security to make sure he stays in his bus. Three security guys stood in front of the bus.
-Ludwig Kaiser stood mid-ring. Clips aired of Kaiser-Pete Dunne-Penta interactions. Back live, Kaiser said last week he took back attention that Penta was getting that he deserved for a long long time instead. Penta heard enough and eventually came out and attacked Kaiser. He flipped over the top rope.
-Kelley interviewed Bianca Belair backstage about what happened with Jade Cargill and Naomi. She said out of respect, she’s not going to comment until she hears from both of them. She said it’s bitter sweet because she did win the Chamber. She was more soft-spoken with a natural demeanor as she talked about facing the winner of Ripley vs. Sky later.
(Keller’s Analysis: It’s still not clear if Belair was a co-conspirator with Naomi or if she believes Jade or Naomi at this time if she wasn’t part of the attack.)
-They showed The Creeds and The War Raiders. [c]
-Cole plugged LFG. Then they aired several non-English broadcast teams’ call the Cena turn.
-They went to Cole and McAfee who threw to a video of Chad Gable on the hunt to learn more about the Art of Lucha Libre. He was shown asking people on the street if they “know this guy.” He showed a photo to people; they blew him off. He finally found a person who was not shown. This mysterious person asked for money and Gable handed it over. The man gave him a case and said he now has power beyond his understanding. Gable looked and got a look of determination as he reached inside. Then they cut away. McAfee said Gable traveled a long way to get hustled.
-A clip aired of the War Raiders attacking the Creeds last week.
(3) THE WAR RAIDERS vs. THE CREEDS – World Tag Team Title match
The Raiders made their entrance. The Creeds were already in the ring. McAfee talked about loving America in reference to the American Made faction. Cole said that had become apparent over the last 48 hours, a reference to McAfee being upset that Canadian fans booed during the National Anthem of the United States at the start of Elimination Chamber. “I love our country, sue me,” he said. (He can love his country while also respect Canadian’s expressing discontent with current policies being enacted and floated by current elected leadership, right?) The bell rang 29 minutes into the hour. They cut to a break at 3:00. [c]
At 8:00, Ivar avoided a moonsault by Brutus. Ivar leaped off the top rope for a moonsault, but Brutus moved. Julius leaped off the top rope and landed a shooting star press for a near fall. Erik avoided some offense by the Creeds. He tagged in Ivar and they finished Brutus with the War Machine tandem clothesline for the clean win.
WINNERS: The War Raiders in 12:00.
-A video package aired on the Sami Zayn-Kevin Owens match. Cole then said Sami would be out of action indefinitely from neck injuries caused by Owens.
-A promo aired with Dragon Lee, Joaquin Wilde, and Cruz Del Toro. Then Rey Mysterio joined them. He said New Day should have finished what they started. He said they’ll face them in a tornado tag match next week.
-They showed Ripley and Sky preparing for their match.
-Finn Balor stood in the ring and called out Bron Breakker who was preparing to be interviewed by Jackie Redmond on the stair landing near the upper deck. Balor said he can take the title from Breakker any time he wants. He said he’s a little smarter than he looks, hiding behind Redmond. Breakker said it’s because he’s a dawg. Balor said he chews up rookies like Breakker. Breakker headed toward the ring. He had to get past Carlito and Dominik. Balor looked increasing concerned, but he did catch Breakker with a slingblade as soon as Breakker entered the ring. Breakker grabbed Balor’s throat and then pressed him above his head and slammed him. Breakker then went for a spear, but Dom pulled Balor to safety at ringside. Fans chanted, “Dom, you suck!” Breakker noticed Carlito was at ringside, so he turned and speared him. He stood in the ring as his music played.
-Cole said the world is talking about Cena’s heel turn and he’s still stunned. He touted over 500 million social media views. Then a video package aired of Cena’s Chamber win and the angle with Cody and Rock and then Cena’s heel turn.
-Cole hyped Raw at MSG next week including Jey Uso vs. Waller, Rey & Dragon Lee vs. New Day, Styles will call out Logan Paul, and Seth vs. Punk.
[HOUR THREE]
-Alpha Academy approached Jey backstage. Otis thanked him. Kelley then interviewed Jey about whether Gunther’s attack threw him off his game and he’s doubting himself. He said he feels like he’s suffocating, but nobody can pick him up but himself. He said at WM he is “crashing out.” He said Gunther thinks he put him to sleep, but he actually awoke a damn beast. Jey then left the arena. Kelley commented that he was tough going outdoors in Buffalo’s winter without a shirt on.
-Cole commented on a Tale of the Tape graphic for Ripley vs. Sky.
-Bianca Belair made her entrance. Cole said she lasted 25 minutes before winning the Chamber “despite all the emotion going through her mind after she watched Jade Cargill attack Naomi.” [c]
(4) RHEA RIPLEY vs. IYO SKY – Women’s Title match
Ring entrance took place for each wrestler. After formal ring introductions, the bell rang 11 minutes into the hour. About minute in, Ripley flung Sky by her legs into the ring apron and then suplexed her on the floor. They cut to a break at 2:00. [c]
Back from the break, they showed Belair watching at ringside. Ripley dominated for several minutes, but couldn’t finish Sky. Cole commented on her growing frustration. Sky blocked a suplex on the ring apron and yanked her arm-first onto the edge of the ring apron at 10:00. Back in the ring, Ripley caught a charging Sky with a boot to the chest. Sky took a crazy flip bump. Ripley scored a two count. Both were slow to get up.
Sky countered Ripley with a leaping DDT and then a running kick in the corner. Sky then landed a top rope Insane Elbow for a near fall. Sky applied an Asuka Lock next. Ripley knocked Sky off balance on the top rope and then delivered a German suplex to the mat off the top rope for a near fall. “How!?” exclaimed McAfee. Fans chanted, “This is awesome!”
Ripley applied the her standing leg submission. Sky powered out and sent Ripley into the ringpost. Sky sunset flip powerbombed Ripley into the ringside barricade and then quickly threw her back into the ring. She slightly overshot on an Over the Top Moonsault to Ripley’s back. Ripley put her foot on the bottom rope. Sky leaped onto Ripley at ringside with a crossbody press. She set up a move off the ring apron, but Ripley blocked her and then Alabama Slammed her onto the announce desk. Belair closely studied Sky as she tried to recover and beat the countout. Belair applauded.
Ripley went to ringside and got in her face and asked if she didn’t want to face her at WrestleMania. Ripley shoved Belair into the desk chair. Belair stood and shoved Ripley. The ref ran over and stepped between them and told Belair to sit down. Belair raised her arms and said, “I’m just here to watch.” Ripley set up a second rope Rip Tide, but Sky countered into a huracanrana. Sky then leaped off the top rope with an Over the Moonsault for the win. “What a shocker!” said Cole. Fans looked on in shock. Sky proudly, emotionally raised the World Title belt as pyro blasted in the background. Cole said Ripley was distraught, disappointed, and frustrated at ringside. He said she got caught up in her emotions and it cost her.
WINNER: Sky in 19:00 to win the Women’s World Title.
(Keller’s Analysis: So many were assuming this match outcome was obvious, but like Jey winning the Rumble and Cena’s heel turn, Paul Levesque-era booking likes throwing twists. There’s a lot of time left before WrestleMania for there to be more developments in this situation. Ripley did look undisciplined in losing and a poor sport in how she raged afterward.)
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO OUR POST-SHOW PODCAST
JOIN US LIVE ON YOUTUBE TONIGHT FOR THE VIDEO-FORMAT OF OUR LIVE POST-SHOWS…
PWTorch editor Wade Keller is joined by PWTorch’s Chris Adams to review WWE Raw LIVE tonight right after the show ends. Join us and let us know your thoughts on Raw during the show.
Email our post-show at wadekellerpodcast@gmail.com with your comments and questions about Raw. We’ll read your emails live during the post-show.
If you can’t join us live on YouTube, stream the show on demand later at YouTube or listen or stream later on a podcast app. Subscribe to all of our free podcasts by searching “wade keller” and “pwtorch” in your podcast app of choice including Spotify and Apple Podcasts and most other iOS and Android apps.
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