WWE Raw: Rhodes, Cena Confrontation Sets Stage for WrestleMania Clash

London, England — In a thrilling episode of Monday Night Raw on March 31, 2025, fans at the O2 Arena witnessed an electrifying confrontation between Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes and John Cena, setting the scene for their highly anticipated clash at WrestleMania 41. With drama, surprises, and key developments leading into WWE’s biggest event, the night delivered nonstop excitement.

The European tour continued with a card packed with action, starting at 3:00 p.m. ET (12:00 p.m. PT), streamed live on Netflix as part of WWE’s broadcasting partnership. This deal, valued at over $5 billion, has transformed WWE content access, resulting in a substantial increase in the audience.

One of the standout matches was the Women’s World Championship bout featuring Iyo Sky defending her title against Rhea Ripley, with Bianca Belair serving as the special guest referee. With Ripley having lost her championship to Sky just weeks prior, the stakes were high, and the atmosphere was rife with tension, especially given Belair’s involvement.

Before the women’s match commenced, Belair faced mounting pressure, having earned her position as referee after winning the Elimination Chamber. As the match progressed, the action intensified, revealing an ongoing rivalry between Ripley and Sky, further palpitated by Belair’s refereeing.

Meanwhile, Rhodes and Cena’s rivalry stole the limelight. Their prior promo exchanges heightened anticipation for their WrestleMania encounter. Cena’s recent heel turn—transforming from a beloved good guy to a more nefarious character—elevated the tension. Rhodes commented on the match’s significance, stating, ‘I am not wrestling John Cena. John Cena’s wrestling me,’ underlining the emotional stakes involved.

A later match featured Jimmy Uso against WWE World Champion Gunther, marking their first encounter and adding to the intensity of the evening. Uso, looking to build momentum heading into WrestleMania, gave Gunther a competitive match that kept the audience engaged.

Adding to the drama, Logan Paul called out AJ Styles, amplifying the evening’s tensions. Paul positioned himself as a cultural icon, which provoked a contentious back-and-forth exchange. The segment showcased the celebrity’s charisma while igniting conversations about his future in the ring.

A captivating tag team match followed, featuring Dominik Mysterio and Finn Balor against Penta and Bron Breakker, deepening the night’s excitement. The matches maintained crowd engagement with high-stakes confrontations.

WWE’s chief content officer, Paul Levesque, also addressed the impact of their Netflix partnership during the event, assuring fans that WWE retains creative control while benefiting from increased viewership. ‘We create the superstars, we create the storylines. We do all of that and the world watches,’ he asserted, emphasizing WWE’s commitment to storytelling.

As WrestleMania 41 approaches, the WWE universe is left eagerly anticipating the culmination of fervent rivalries and intense storylines. With Rhodes and Cena headlining the event, expectations are soaring for an unforgettable night filled with drama and spectacle.

In conclusion, the March 31 edition of Monday Night Raw represented a crucial juncture on the road to WrestleMania 41. The evening’s key matches and significant confrontations have significantly set the stage for an electrifying showcase that fans will not want to miss. As the compelling narratives unfold, attention will remain focused on the O2 Arena and the superstars determined to leave everything in the ring.