WWE Raw Recap – February 24, 2025
Hey Hive community! Let's dive into the latest episode of Monday Night Raw from February 24, 2025. We'll break down each segment and match, provide star ratings out of 5, analyze what worked and what didn't, and discuss what we're looking forward to in the coming weeks.
Logan Paul and CM Punk's Heated Exchange
Segment Overview:
Logan Paul opened the show in his home state of Ohio, initially pandering to the crowd before reverting to his arrogant persona. The atmosphere intensified when CM Punk interrupted, leading to a fiery verbal confrontation. The segment culminated with Paul delivering a disrespectful slap to Punk before hastily retreating.
Grade: ★★★★☆
Analysis:
This segment effectively set the stage for their upcoming clash at Elimination Chamber. Paul's natural heel charisma contrasts sharply with Punk's rebellious aura, creating genuine tension. However, the lack of physicality left some fans wanting more.
What We're Looking Forward To:
Anticipating a more physical confrontation between Punk and Paul in the lead-up to their match, possibly involving surprise attacks or stipulations to escalate their rivalry.
What Could Have Been Better:
Incorporating a brief physical altercation or a pull-apart brawl could have heightened the segment's intensity and further engaged the audience.
Triple Threat Match: Ludwig Kaiser vs. Penta vs. Pete Dunne
Match Overview:
In a high-energy contest, Ludwig Kaiser faced Penta and Pete Dunne. The match showcased a blend of technical wrestling and high-flying maneuvers. Penta executed a stunning Mexican Destroyer on Dunne, but Kaiser capitalized by tossing Penta out of the ring and pinning Dunne after a DDT.
Grade: ★★★★☆
Analysis:
The chemistry among the three competitors was evident, resulting in a captivating match. Kaiser's opportunistic victory adds depth to his character, positioning him as a cunning contender in the mid-card scene.
What We're Looking Forward To:
Potential rematches or a series of matches among these three, possibly introducing stipulations like No Disqualification to further explore their dynamics.
What Could Have Been Better:
Allocating more time to the match could have allowed for deeper storytelling and additional high spots, enhancing the overall impact.
Tag Team Match: The New Day vs. Joaquin Wilde & Cruz Del Toro
Match Overview:
The New Day continued their aggressive streak, taking on Joaquin Wilde and Cruz Del Toro of the LWO. The match concluded with Woods delivering an assisted top-rope stomp on Del Toro for the win. Post-match, Dragon Lee attempted to intervene but was overpowered by The New Day.
Grade: ★★★☆☆
Analysis:
The New Day's heel turn adds a fresh layer to their characters, injecting new life into their decade-long act. However, the match felt rushed, limiting the audience's ability to connect emotionally with the LWO's plight.
What We're Looking Forward To:
A potential extended feud between The New Day and the LWO, possibly leading to a high-stakes match at a Premium Live Event.
What Could Have Been Better:
Providing more in-ring time and incorporating promo segments to build the narrative could enhance audience investment in the storyline.
Non-Title Match: World Heavyweight Champion Gunther vs. Akira Tozawa
Match Overview:
Gunther, the dominant World Heavyweight Champion, faced Akira Tozawa in a non-title bout. Displaying his trademark brutality, Gunther secured the win by rendering Tozawa unconscious with a Sleeper Hold. Post-match, Gunther attacked Otis until Jey Uso intervened, leading to a tense standoff.
Grade: ★★★★☆
Analysis:
Gunther's portrayal as an unstoppable force remains compelling. The post-match interaction with Jey Uso teases a potential feud, adding intrigue to the championship picture.
What We're Looking Forward To:
A possible title match between Gunther and Jey Uso, which promises to be a hard-hitting affair with high stakes.
What Could Have Been Better:
Allowing Tozawa more offense could have showcased his resilience, making Gunther's victory even more impactful.
Women's Intercontinental Championship: Lyra Valkyria (c) vs. Dakota Kai
Match Overview:
Lyra Valkyria defended her Women's Intercontinental Championship against Dakota Kai in a competitive match. Despite Kai's innovative offense, Valkyria retained her title with the Nightwing finisher. Post-match, Ivy Nile ambushed Valkyria, signaling a new challenger.
Grade: ★★★★☆
Analysis:
The match highlighted the depth of the women's division, with both athletes delivering strong performances. Ivy Nile's attack introduces a fresh rivalry, keeping the championship scene dynamic.
What We're Looking Forward To:
A potential triple-threat match or a series of bouts between Valkyria, Kai, and Nile, adding complexity to the title picture.
What Could Have Been Better:
Incorporating more near-falls and dramatic moments could have elevated the match's excitement, further engaging the audience.
Intercontinental Champion Bron Breakker vs. "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio
Match Overview:
Bron Breakker faced Dominik Mysterio in a non-title match. Interference from Finn Bálor and Carlito led to a disqualification victory for Breakker. Post-match, Breakker fended off The Judgment Day, standing tall after spearing Carlito.
Grade: ★★★☆☆
Analysis:
The match served to intertwine Breakker with The Judgment Day faction, setting up potential future conflicts. However, the disqualification finish felt repetitive, as multiple segments on the show involved interference.
What We're Looking Forward To:
A decisive showdown between Breakker and a member of The Judgment Day, possibly with stipulations to prevent outside interference.
What Could Have Been Better:
Providing a clean finish or a more creative interference angle could have distinguished this match from others on the card.
Seth Rollins and Cody Rhodes Face-Off
Segment Overview:
Seth Rollins confronted Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes, urging him to decline The Rock's WrestleMania challenge in favor of granting Rollins a title shot. The exchange was tense, highlighting the complex dynamics between the two.
Grade: ★★★★☆
Analysis:
This segment added depth to the championship storyline, with Rollins presenting a compelling case for his own title opportunity. The potential for a triple-threat match at WrestleMania adds intrigue.
What We're Looking Forward To:
The Rock's response to the challenge and the possible development of a multi-man match for the championship at WrestleMania.
What Could Have Been Better:
Including a surprise appearance or message from The Rock could have escalated the tension and excitement surrounding the title picture.
WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship: Bianca Belair & Naomi (c) vs. Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez
Match Overview:
In the main event, Belair and Naomi defended their titles against Morgan and Rodriguez. Dominik Mysterio's interference allowed Morgan to pin Naomi, resulting in new champions and marking Morgan and Rodriguez's record-setting third reign.
Grade: ★★★★☆
Analysis:
The match delivered high drama and showcased the competitive spirit of the women's tag division. The title change, facilitated by outside interference, sets up compelling rematch possibilities. Morgan and Rodriguez cementing themselves as the most dominant team in the division adds legitimacy to the belts.
What We're Looking Forward To:
A likely rematch at Elimination Chamber with a stipulation to prevent outside interference. Will Belair and Naomi demand a fair shot, or will another team step into the picture?
What Could Have Been Better:
While the match itself was strong, too many interference-based finishes throughout the night made this one feel slightly predictable. A cleaner ending would have had more impact.
What We’re Looking Forward To:
Now that we've broken down each segment and match, let's talk about the biggest takeaways and what excites us most going forward:
🔥 CM Punk vs. Logan Paul Heats Up
Paul’s slap was a bold move, but Punk hasn’t gotten physical yet. Next week could be when he finally snaps. Will Punk attack Paul at his own podcast studio? Will Paul provoke him again in the ring?
🔥 Gunther vs. Jey Uso
The seeds have been planted for this feud, and it could be one of Jey's biggest singles tests yet. Will Jey finally be the one to end Gunther’s dominant reign? Or will Gunther prove he’s unstoppable heading into WrestleMania?
🔥 Cody Rhodes, The Rock, and Seth Rollins’ WrestleMania Picture
This storyline is white-hot right now. Rollins’ challenge puts Cody in a difficult spot—does he turn down The Rock, or does he risk ruining his relationship with Rollins? The Rock’s response (which we have to get next week) will dictate the next phase of the story.
🔥 Judgment Day’s Expanding Influence
With Dominik, Bálor, and Carlito interfering in multiple matches, Judgment Day remains a dominant force. Will Breakker find allies, or will he take them on alone? If he does, will we see a big six-man tag match soon?
🔥 The New Day’s Darker Edge
New Day’s more aggressive style is intriguing. Are they fully turning heel, or is this just a phase? Their feud with LWO is heating up, but when will Rey Mysterio return to set things straight?
Final Show Grade: A-
This was an excellent episode of Raw, packed with meaningful matches, compelling promos, and storyline progression. However, the overuse of interference finishes and a few short matches kept it from being a perfect show.
What Could Be Improved Next Week?
✅ Fewer interference finishes—at least one big match should have ended cleanly.
✅ More in-ring time for mid-card feuds like The New Day vs. LWO.
✅ The Rock needs to respond—Cody, Seth, and Rock in the same ring would be money.
✅ More physicality in Punk vs. Paul—we need a brawl!
What did you think of this week’s show? Let’s talk about it in the comments! 👇