Tensions Rise as WWE WrestleMania 41 Approaches

London, England — WWE‘s Monday Night Raw intensified the road to WrestleMania 41 with high-stakes matches and rising tensions among its top female competitors on March 31, 2025.

The episode opened with a battle for the Women’s World Championship, where the current champion, Iyo Sky, faced off against former champion Rhea Ripley. Bianca Belair served as the special guest referee. The match was essential for determining the competitors heading into WrestleMania, with Belair poised to challenge the champion.

The contest turned chaotic as Belair inadvertently became involved in the action. An errant kick during a heated moment led to Belair being knocked out temporarily, leaving both Sky and Ripley to fight it out. Ripley managed a visual pin over Sky, but with no official referee present, chaos ensued, reflecting the rivalries growing between these elite athletes.

Returning from a commercial break, Ripley and Sky continued a series of near falls, showcasing their athleticism. The crowd roared “This is awesome!” as the wrestlers executed high-risk maneuvers, including a significant Samoan Drop from Ripley to Sky that highlighted the stakes of this rivalry.

As the match reached its climax, Belair’s involvement led to a double disqualification when Ripley accidentally struck her, pulling her back into the fray. Belair called for the bell, clearly frustrated with both competitors. After the match, an angry Ripley confronted Belair, leading to an all-out brawl in and around the ring, demonstrating the heated rivalry that has developed as they head toward WrestleMania.

“I didn’t come here to sit on the sidelines,” Ripley exclaimed during the post-match confrontation. “I will be at WrestleMania, and nobody can stop me.”

While Ripley’s determination shines, the fallout leaves questions about the title match at WrestleMania 41. Many speculate that a triple threat match could be on the horizon, adding another layer of intensity to the conflict.

The main event was set against the backdrop of an earlier showdown featuring John Cena and Cody Rhodes, where a heated exchange revealed underlying tensions. Cena asserted, “I am talent. I bury mediocrity,” indicating a fierce competition for the top spot in the company.

The entire episode culminated with the crowd chanting for more action as the in-ring rivalries intensified. Set against the iconic London backdrop, the show amplified the stakes leading into WrestleMania, with the women’s championship match now under heightened scrutiny.

The penultimate Raw before WrestleMania will take place on April 7, 2025, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, promising to deliver more drama as the landscape of WWE prepares for its biggest event of the year.