WWE Raw Builds Momentum for Elimination Chamber with High-Stakes Matches

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina — WWE Monday Night Raw showcased an exciting night of wrestling on February 17, 2025, as the promotion ramped up its buildup for the upcoming Elimination Chamber Premium Live Event set for March 1 in Toronto. Highlights of the night included multiple qualifying matches, significant rivalries igniting, and a variety of rematches among fan favorites.

The night featured crucial Elimination Chamber qualifiers, including Seth Rollins versus Finn Balor for the men’s division and Roxanne Perez against Raquel Rodriguez for the women’s. These matches were critical as competitors aimed to secure their spots in one of WWE’s most volatile match types.

Tonight’s opener saw Sami Zayn confront General Manager Adam Pearce over his ongoing feud with Kevin Owens. Despite expressing his frustration, Pearce informed Zayn that he was not medically cleared to compete. This did not deter Zayn, who argued for an unsanctioned match against Owens, citing their long history together and the need for closure. Eventually, Pearce relented, making the match official for Elimination Chamber. Zayn’s impassioned plea echoed the stakes involved, as he attempted to reconcile years of rivalry with a twist of fate.

The first qualifying match of the night featured Dakota Kai and Ivy Nile. In a dynamic contest, Kai emerged victorious against Nile to become the number one contender for the WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship. Post-match, Kai celebrated while expressing her determination to seize the title opportunity.

In another key match, AJ Styles faced off against Dominik Mysterio, showcasing his wrestling experience and agility. Styles secured a pinfall victory, further solidifying his reputation as one of the top competitors on the roster. The match also laid groundwork for a possible future storyline involving Mysterio and the Judgment Day.

Subsequently, the Women’s tag team match saw Damage CTRL, featuring IYO SKY and Dakota Kai, defeat Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez. The match highlighted Morgan’s resilience as they strategized against their rivals, earning them respect within the division while positioning Kai for her title match.

In the main event, Seth Rollins and Finn Balor faced off in a highly anticipated showdown with both men vying for a spot in the Elimination Chamber. After an intense back-and-forth battle that showcased their athleticism and storied rivalry, Rollins managed to secure victory after executing his finishing move, the Blackout. His win not only solidified his place in the upcoming chamber match but also set the stage for potential future encounters with Balor at WrestleMania.

As Raw concluded, the excitement was palpable among both fans and competitors, with several narratives set to unfold in the coming weeks. The event certainly heightened anticipation for the Elimination Chamber, where Superstars would put everything on the line for a chance at glory.