WWE Raw heads to Brussels, Belgium next week (March 17), where Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes and John Cena will be in the same arena for the first time since Cena’s shocking heel turn at Elimination Chamber.
Also set for the show, which airs at a special start time of 3 pm ET/12 pm PT:
Penta vs Ludwig Kaiser in a No Holds Barred Match
Bron Breakker vs Finn Bálor for the Intercontinental Championship
Dakota Kai vs Ivy Nile
Jey Uso vs Austin Theory
NEXT MONDAY on #WWERaw@CodyRhodes and @JohnCena will be in the same ring for the first time since Elimination Chamber when #RawOnNetflix comes to Brussels, Belgium! ??
At Elimination Chamber, Cena stunned the WWE Universe by attacking Rhodes and aligning with The Rock and Travis Scott. Since then, he has remained silent, refusing to explain his actions. Meanwhile, Rhodes has openly criticized Cena, calling his betrayal unjustified. Their face-to-face encounter in Brussels is expected to be a pivotal moment on the Road to WrestleMania 41.
Cena is also set to appear on Raw in Glasgow on March 24 and London on March 31 before challenging Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship at WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas on April 19-20. With speculation swirling about a potential Cena title win, his return has turned what was once expected to be a retirement tour into one of WWE’s most compelling heel runs.
As Raw heads to Belgium, all eyes will be on Cena and Rhodes in a confrontation that could reshape the WrestleMania landscape.
Travis Scott played a key role in a pivotal moment at WWE Elimination Chamber, where John Cena turned heel on Cody Rhodes and aligned with The Rock. However, during the segment, Scott forcefully slapped Rhodes in the head, reportedly causing a ruptured eardrum. As a result, Rhodes now wears an earplug in his left ear when his entrance pyro goes off.
During an interview on WFAN, Seth Rollins was asked about Scott’s involvement and the slap, adding to the controversy. Scott has since started selling “Wrestling Is Real” merchandise. Rollins shared his thoughts on the situation, saying:
“I have mercy on Travis Scott. That is not a man that needs to be in a wrestling ring with these giant humans. No offense to him, but he’s a cruiserweight, brother. He can wrestle Rey Mysterio, maybe. He doesn’t know what he’s doing in there. He just whacked him in the side of the head, gave him a big ol’ bruise, busted him open—just awful. If Cody gets his hands on him, it’s done and dusted. Cody isn’t like Braun Strowman or Andre the Giant; he’s not a massive guy, but he dwarfs Travis Scott. If he can get through Travis’ team of people, it’s game over for him. Cody is a very nice guy—I won’t speak on his behalf—but he has an undercurrent of frustration, especially when he gets taken advantage of in a situation like that, absolutely.”
According to the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer reported that there is internal heat on Scott for the incident. Some within WWE have questioned why he was involved in the segment at all.
Comedian Andrew Schulz got more than he bargained for on Monday’s WWE Raw after Logan Paul singled him out during his in-ring promo. Paul, who was met with loud boos from the New York crowd, mocked AJ Styles and Cody Rhodes before turning his attention to Schulz.
Paul claimed Schulz had only come to see the steel cage match between CM Punk and Seth Rollins, not him. Frustrated, Paul yanked Schulz over the barricade and tossed him into the ring. Just as Paul set up for a suplex, AJ Styles’ music hit, sending the crowd into a frenzy.
Styles rushed the ring, immediately dropping Paul with a clothesline before delivering a Phenomenal Forearm. As Paul rolled out of the ring, Styles grabbed a microphone and challenged him to return. Instead, Paul retreated, leaving Schulz and Styles to celebrate in front of the electrified crowd.
Andrew Schulz’s new comedy special “LIFE” is now streaming on Netflix.
Bianca Belair is shutting down speculation that she was behind the recent attack on Jade Cargill. In a fiery social media post, the EST of WWE made her frustration clear, flipping off the camera and hitting a signature DX crotch chop while delivering a strongly worded response to the accusations.
Belair expressed disbelief that fans seriously thought she had anything to do with the attack, calling out the “made-up evidence” and “think pieces” circulating online. She admitted the situation made her feel like she was “going crazy” and even tainted her Elimination Chamber victory.
“The switch up game is WILLLDDDD,” Belair wrote, acknowledging how things might have looked suspicious. However, she stood firm, saying that fans will one day realize she’s “a real one” and sarcastically telling doubters to “cue the video” if they still believe she was involved.
The former Raw and SmackDown Women’s Champion also opened up about how much the situation has affected her, calling it “some of the hardest ish” she’s ever dealt with. With WrestleMania approaching, she admitted she’s struggling to focus, ending her message with, “How the F am I supposed to focus on Mania?!!!!”
Belair’s response makes it clear—she’s not here for the rumors and just wants to move forward. However, with Cargill still searching for answers, the drama surrounding the attack is far from over.
Here’s the preview for tonight’s WWE Raw, broadcasting live on Netflix at 8/7c from New York City’s Madison Square Garden.
The main event will feature CM Punk and Seth Rollins continuing their bitter rivalry inside a Steel Cage. After Rollins cost Punk his WrestleMania opportunity at Elimination Chamber, and following their chaotic brawl last week, General Manager Adam Pearce has ordered this match to contain their bedlam.
WWE Raw Preview: March 10, 2025
CM Punk vs. Seth Rollins in a Steel Cage Match
Rey Mysterio & Dragon Lee vs. The New Day (Xavier Woods & Kofi Kingston) in a Tornado Tag Team Match
Jey Uso vs. Grayson Waller
AJ Styles to call out Logan Paul
This episode marks one of the final stops on the Road to WrestleMania 41, with WWE reporting that over 16,500 tickets have been distributed for tonight’s show at the iconic Madison Square Garden.
Following last week’s shocking title change, many fans will be watching to see what’s next for Rhea Ripley after she lost her Women’s World Championship to IYO SKY, potentially derailing her path to a dream match with Bianca Belair at WrestleMania.
Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest WWE news on the road to WrestleMania 41.
What Happened Last Week?
Ahead of tonight’s WWE Raw, here’s a quick recap of last week’s show:
IYO SKY defeated Rhea Ripley to become the new Women’s World Champion
Jey Uso saved Alpha Academy from an attack by Gunther, only to be ambushed by A-Town Down Under (Grayson Waller and Austin Theory)
CM Punk and Seth Rollins engaged in an out-of-control brawl throughout the arena and backstage
AJ Styles had a backstage conversation that led to his decision to call out Logan Paul
The Undertaker is shutting down critics of Jey Uso’s surprise Royal Rumble victory, calling it a “gutsy” move by WWE’s creative team. On his Six Feet Under podcast, Undertaker praised the decision, comparing Uso’s singles rise to Shawn Michaels’ breakout after The Rockers.
“It was unexpected,” Undertaker admitted. “I don’t think too many people had Jey Uso winning that thing. He wasn’t on my bingo card.
You figured it’d be CM Punk, maybe a dark horse like Cena. But when you sit back and think about it, it was a gutsy call. And honestly? I loved it.”
Uso’s victory upset some fans who expected Punk or Cena to win. Undertaker addressed the backlash head-on.
“Sometimes fans get a little too entitled,” he said. “They want what they want, and if they don’t get it, they lose their minds. People need to chill out and enjoy the ride. WrestleMania isn’t tomorrow. There’s a lot of wrestling between the Rumble and Mania.”
Undertaker also emphasized just how over Jey Uso has become.
“Listen, Jey is as over as anybody right now. That ‘Yeet’ chant? That’s a movement.
Every time he walks out, the whole place is doing it. He made the transition from tag team to singles star, and that’s hard to do. Not a lot of guys can pull that off at this level.”
Beyond Uso, Undertaker also praised Bron Breakker for his explosive performance, particularly his viral spear on IShowSpeed, which racked up over 300 million views.
“That was violent,” Undertaker said. “Dude can generate some power. That was one of the craziest spears I’ve ever seen. Speed had no idea what hit him.”
He also reiterated how much Charlotte Flair’s return added to the event, reinforcing why WWE made the right creative decisions.
“With Jey winning, Charlotte’s return, and Breakker making an impact, that was a hell of a Rumble,” he said. “People need to trust the process.”
As WrestleMania approaches, Undertaker urged fans to let the story play out.
“WWE knows what they’re doing,” he said. “People just need to sit back, shut up, and enjoy the damn ride.”
Dig deep into wrestling history as WWE Hall of Famer The Undertaker unearths never-before-heard stories from his legendary 30+ year career on “Six Feet Under with Mark Calaway,” dropping new episodes every Monday on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and all major podcast platforms
Stone Cold Steve Austin isn’t letting a major knee surgery keep him out of the driver’s seat. Just 13 weeks after undergoing a full knee replacement, the WWE Hall of Famer is preparing for one of the most punishing off-road races in the world—the Mint 400.
“I’m about 13 weeks out, and it really takes about a year for these things to fully heal up,” Austin revealed on Unlikely with Adrian Hernandez.
“So it’s still a little bit tender. Just got back in the car and started driving again, and we’re about to run the Mint 400. It’s probably the roughest race I’ve ever driven, so if I can just keep my knee together—that’s my brake leg—I’m just going to do the best I can.”
Austin’s love for off-road racing has only grown since he first got involved, but the Mint 400 will be one of his biggest tests yet. The 550-mile endurance race from Las Vegas to Reno features brutal desert terrain, extreme conditions, and no scheduled stops.
“I’m out of pain now because they cut all that arthritis out when they put that new joint in there, so I’m in a good place, but I’ve got some work to do,” Austin said.
“I just want to finish a race. I’d love to see Zach [Kissman] on the podium, and if I can be up there too, even better.”
Fans can track Austin’s progress live, as his team will be streaming their race in real time using Star Stream internet. For more on Stone Cold Steve Austin’s return to racing:
The Undertaker is unsure whether WWE should give John Cena a record-breaking 17th world championship, but he acknowledges that it would be a major moment.
On Six Feet Under, Undertaker discussed Cena’s farewell tour and what a title win would mean for his legacy.
“I don’t know if it’s best for business, but I do know it would be a very special moment,” he said.
Cena has teased a title run, recently stating that winning a 17th world championship would be “what’s best for business.” Undertaker sees the appeal but wonders how WWE would handle the aftermath.
“If Cena wins, then what?” he asked. “You’ve taken people on this tremendous ride. He has to drop it eventually. Do you retire with the belt? That doesn’t feel right.”
Undertaker believes Cena would want to put over a younger talent before stepping away. “For what he’s done for the industry, he deserves it,” he said. “But how do you get the belt off of him?”
With Cena’s WWE career winding down, fans are left to wonder whether he’ll leave as a 17-time champion or simply on his own terms.
The Dead Man isn’t the only WWE legend questioning if the villainous John Cena should win a record-setting 17th world title in his retirement year:
Dig deep into wrestling history as WWE Hall of Famer The Undertaker unearths never-before-heard stories from his legendary 30+ year career on “Six Feet Under with Mark Calaway,” dropping new episodes every Monday on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and all major podcast platforms
The Undertaker revealed the extreme lengths taken to keep Triple H’s surprise WWE Hall of Fame induction a secret, calling it a “Black Ops kind of deal.”
Speaking on his Six Feet Under podcast, Undertaker detailed how he and Shawn Michaels were approached by WWE President Nick Khan to organize the honor since Triple H would never put himself in.
“He is not going to put himself in the Hall of Fame,” Undertaker said. “And if there’s anybody that deserves it, it’s him. It had to be done.”
Undertaker and Michaels kept the plan under wraps, with only a handful of people knowing until the last minute. To maintain secrecy, they were hidden backstage while Triple H was on stage for a company meeting.
“They sneak us into the building,” Undertaker explained. “They didn’t even tell Stephanie [McMahon]. She had no clue.”
The surprise unfolded when Michaels’ music hit, followed by Undertaker’s, catching Triple H completely off guard.
“That was a really, really special, cool moment,” Undertaker added. “I was honored to be a part of it.”
With the Hall of Fame ceremony approaching, Triple H’s speech is expected to be one of the most highly anticipated moments of the year.
Dig deep into wrestling history as WWE Hall of Famer The Undertaker unearths never-before-heard stories from his legendary 30+ year career on “Six Feet Under with Mark Calaway,” dropping new episodes every Monday on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and all major podcast platforms
Seth Rollins recently shared his satisfaction with the evolving landscape of professional wrestling, emphasizing how the industry has become more “user-friendly” for its performers.
In an interview withWFAN Radio, Rollins highlighted the significant improvements compared to the 1980s and 1990s, noting that wrestlers today have a better work-life balance and more time with their families. He also pointed out that even since his WWE main roster debut in 2012, his demanding schedule has been drastically reduced.
“The business has changed so much, it’s evolved so much. And it’s so much more, you know, user-friendly, I suppose, for us as performers,” Rollins said. “The schedule is way pared down even from when I started back in 2012. I went from wrestling 200-plus matches a year to now maybe doing like 50 at most.”
Despite the lighter schedule, Rollins confirmed that his earnings have significantly increased.
“The money is a little better [laughs]. The money is a little better,” he said. “The business is in a much healthier place than it was, you know, 12 years ago. So—it’s fantastic. And, yeah, you’re right, dude. Those guys [from past eras], it wrecked families. The business wrecked families. Because what are you going to do? You’re on the road for a month at a time. There [was] no oversight, there’s no help to get you healthy, you’re just constantly running and running, and it wears you down.”
Meanwhile, Rollins is set to face CM Punk in a steel cage match on tonight’s Raw. Their rivalry is expected to extend to WrestleMania 41, with rumors suggesting a potential triple-threat match involving Rollins, Punk, and Roman Reigns. WrestleMania 41 will take place in Las Vegas on April 19 and 20.
Jey Uso is ready to turn up the intensity as he heads toward his World Heavyweight Championship match at WrestleMania. While speaking on Cheap Heat, Uso teased a shift back to his more ruthless side, especially as he prepares to face Gunther.
“Man, don’t take me back to where I used to just beat the hell out of people… but I think dealing with Gunther, I need to dip back.”
Uso explained that he’s stepping away from the bright colors and fresh gear he’s been known for, opting instead for a more stripped-down, no-nonsense look.
“Let me take all these bright ass colors off… go back to the red and black, the black pants, white joggers, and just run through, bro.”
This could signal a return to the persona that made him feared during his time as Roman Reigns’ “Right Hand Man.”
When asked what this new mode should be called, Uso had a fitting response:
“Crash out Jey.”
Uso knows that this could be a once-in-a-lifetime moment, and he’s leaving nothing to chance.
“I’m trying to be the best version of myself for this one time in my life… because this might be the last time.”
With WrestleMania looming, it sounds like Gunther may be facing the most dangerous version of Jey Uso yet. He sounds hyped, but Gunther is also supremely confident headed into their upcoming clash:
Stone Cold Steve Austin has praised the mic work of one of the current WWE stars in his own unique way.
The wrestling legend recently had an interview with Adrian Hernandez. He talked about things such as his recent knee replacement surgery, potential WrestleMania 41 appearance, and more.
During the interview, Steve Austin was also asked about his thoughts on CM Punk. The Attitude Era star first recalled the famous picture of himself with a younger Punk and said that he is a fan of the Straight Edge Star:
“Well, me and Punk are friends from way back. There was a picture back from, you know, probably in my heyday and you know, he’s a lot younger than I am and we got a picture there together and he’s just a young kid. And so I think, you know, he was a Stone Cold fan back in the day and I’m a CM Punk fan.”
Steve Austin who is considered one of the greatest mic workers of all time also offered big praise to CM Punk for his promo skills. He said that the current WWE star can light somebody up when he wants to:
“I’m a fan of his work and his promos. Jesus Christ, he can light somebody up. So, you know, we don’t talk a whole lot. We’ll send each other a text every now and then, but we’re probably really, really good friends that don’t talk a whole lot and have a lot of mutual respect for each other. I enjoy what he does.”
CM Punk has never been shy about his appreciation for Austin’s work either. He has named the Texas Rattlesnake as his dream opponent on multiple occasions.
Jey Uso has already shared the stage with some of the biggest names in hip-hop, but he’s not done yet. On Cheap Heat, he hinted that he’s looking for another iconic rap entrance at WrestleMania in Las Vegas.
“I need somebody that people go crazy for… that might mean Kendrick. Maybe Cardi. Maybe Drake.”
Uso has made a habit of blending wrestling and hip-hop culture. Last year, he entered WrestleMania with Lil Uzi Vert, and at the Netflix WrestleMania Launch Party, he made his entrance alongside Travis Scott. When asked about his next major collaboration, he seemed open to a variety of options.
“I need a female too. Maybe Cardi. Maybe Megan.”
With SummerSlam taking place in New York this year, Rosenberg floated the idea of Cardi B joining him for an entrance at that event.
“Come on now, why not? When I come in as World Heavyweight Champion at SummerSlam, let’s make it happen!”
With WWE embracing celebrity crossovers more than ever, it’s entirely possible that Jey Uso will be stepping onto the WrestleMania stage with another hip-hop megastar by his side.
Jey Uso’s stunning Royal Rumble victory wasn’t just a career milestone—it was a moment that sent shockwaves through the WWE locker room. On Cheap Heat, Uso revealed just how much support he received from his peers after his unexpected win.
“When I walked through the back, all the boys were back there… just hugging, man. I got tired of hugging! I was getting blown up hugging!” Uso joked.
One of the most emotional reactions came from Big E, who got choked up on the post-show discussing Jey’s journey. Uso admitted that watching that moment gave him chills.
“I got goosebumps thinking about Big E, man. I love him. We came out the mud together.”
Uso reflected on their bond, noting that they came up in the same class alongside Bray Wyatt. His connection with Big E runs so deep that he considers him family.
Beyond the wrestlers, Jey also felt the energy of the WWE Universe embracing him. He credited the fans for pushing him to this moment and giving him the belief that he belonged.
“They chose me. They watched me grind for five years.”
With WrestleMania 41 just on the horizon, Uso is carrying that love and motivation into his biggest challenge yet.
Jey Uso is heading into the biggest match of his singles career at WrestleMania, but his journey to the top has been shaped by the wisdom of WWE’s biggest stars. Speaking on Cheap Heat with Peter Rosenberg and Stat Guy Greg, Uso shared how John Cena and Roman Reigns helped him refine his in-ring style, particularly when it comes to pacing.
Uso recalled the final moments of the 2024 Royal Rumble, where he faced off with Cena in a career-defining moment. He admitted that his instinct was to go full throttle, but Cena quickly slowed him down.
“I was excited to go ham… and Cena was like, nah man, slow it down. That’s when I was like, you know what? My bad. I’m learning too.”
John Cena and Jey Uso at the 2025 WWE Royal Rumble (Photo: WWE)
This concept of controlling a match’s tempo is something Uso said he first learned from Roman Reigns. He described it as “top guy speed”—a term that signifies the ability to dictate the crowd’s emotions rather than rushing from move to move.
“Instead of moving to the next thing, just lay there… until the crowd goes, ‘This is awesome!’ You gotta be disciplined to sit still. It’s hard to sit still.”
Reigns, Cena, and other top stars like Randy Orton and Seth Rollins have mastered this, and now Jey is applying it to his own rise as a main event talent. With his WrestleMania moment approaching, he’s determined to execute at the highest level.
“You’re not going to learn it anywhere else but in there.”
WWE has announced that the 2025 WWE Hall of Fame Ceremony will take place on Friday, April 18, at 8 PM PT at the BleauLive Theater inside Fontainebleau Las Vegas. As part of WrestleMania 41 weekend, the event will celebrate the newest inductees into the WWE Hall of Fame.
This year’s class is led by Paul “Triple H” Levesque, Michelle McCool, and Lex Luger, with additional inductees to be revealed soon. The BleauLive Theater, a state-of-the-art, 90,000-square-foot venue, will provide an immersive experience for WWE fans.
How to Watch
The 2025 WWE Hall of Fame Ceremony will stream live on Peacock in the U.S. and across WWE’s social platforms starting at 1am ET/ 10pm PT.
Ticket Information
Presale: Begins Wednesday, March 12, at 11 AM ET/8 AM PT via Ticketmaster.
General On-Sale: Starts Friday, March 14, at 11 AM ET/8 AM PT via Ticketmaster.
Exclusive Fan Experiences & Discounts
WWE Hall of Fame Priority Passes: Available now through On Location, offering premium seating, Superstar Meet & Greets, and more. Visit On Location for details.
Fontainebleau Las Vegas Hotel Offer: WWE fans can receive up to 30% off room rates for WrestleMania 41 by becoming a Fontainebleau Rewards Member.
WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas
Las Vegas will host WrestleMania 41 at Allegiant Stadium on April 19-20, 2025, along with a week of WWE events, including SmackDown, Raw, NXT Stand & Deliver, and the interactive WWE World fan experience.
Brian Gewirtz has denied claims regarding WWE’s initial plans for John Cena’s heel turn ahead of WrestleMania.
At Elimination Chamber, Cena made headlines by aligning with The Rock after Cody Rhodes rejected the offer. This shocking turn marked Cena’s first heel moment in two decades and quickly became a major talking point across the wrestling world and mainstream media.
However, a report from Dave Meltzer of F4WOnline suggested that Cena’s heel turn was originally scheduled for the main event of WrestleMania but was instead executed at Elimination Chamber as a last-minute decision. Wrestle Purists shared this claim on Twitter, prompting Gewirtz to respond.
The former WWE writer and current SVP at Seven Bucks Productions shut down the report with a brief but direct reply: “0 for 2,” implying both claims were false. Given Gewirtz’s very close working relationship to The Final Boss, his statement carries weight regarding the storyline’s development.
A fan later mocked Meltzer on Twitter, referencing his report, to which Meltzer defended his work, stating it was a well-researched article with multiple sources.
A 7,000 word article that you didn't read. If you did, you'd see how many sources and that every base and story was covered. https://t.co/Jjsb5OOCTN
Kenny Omega has shared his thoughts after capturing the AEW International Championship from Konosuke Takeshita at Revolution 2025.
After challenging Takeshita at Grand Slam Australia, Omega finally got his title match at the March 9 pay-per-view. Following a grueling 28-minute battle, The Cleaner secured the victory, claiming his first AEW championship in over two years.
Taking to Twitter after the win, Omega posted a photo with his newly won title, writing:
This victory marked Omega’s first championship win since holding the AEW Trios Championship with the Young Bucks in January 2023. It also ended Takeshita’s 148-day reign, which began when he won the gold at WrestleDream 2024.
With this result, Omega and Takeshita are now tied 1-1 in AEW singles competition, following Takeshita’s victory over Omega at All Out 2023.
Swerve Strickland isn’t just making waves in AEW—he’s making history. In his conversation on Unlikely with Adrian Hernandez, Strickland reflected on the magnitude of his match against Bryan Danielson at AEW All In: Wembley Stadium in 2023. The bout wasn’t just about competition—it was about legacy.
“I’m the first Black wrestler to ever main event Wembley Stadium,” Strickland said. “Only four people have done it—Adam Cole, MJF, Bryan Danielson, and myself. Before Jericho. Before Moxley. That’s history.”
The match carried heavy stakes, with Danielson’s career winding down and Strickland cementing himself as a top-tier star. On top of that, it was a battle between two Washington natives, both fighting to prove themselves on one of the biggest stages in wrestling history.
“You have Bryan’s career on the line, you have 50,000 people watching, and you have Tony Khan saying, ‘I believe in you enough to close the show,’” Strickland recalled.
As if the moment wasn’t big enough, Strickland also signed his AEW contract extension in a place of royalty—literally.
“I signed my new contract in the Queen’s box, where she used to watch soccer games,” he revealed. “Tony chose that room on purpose. It all just added up to something massive.”
With legends like Bun B and Westside Gunn rapping him to the ring, Strickland felt like everything in his career had led to this moment.
“That night, I didn’t feel pressure—I just knew who I was,” he said.
For Strickland, the Wembley main event wasn’t just another match. It was proof that his name, his legacy, and his impact on wrestling are here to stay.
Swerve Strickland credits one unforgettable moment for changing his entire trajectory in AEW—his brutal match against Hangman Page in Los Angeles.
During his recent interview on Unlikely with Adrian Hernandez, Strickland reflected on how that night reshaped his career and proved he was willing to go further than anyone else.
“The good guy to a wrestling audience is always the guy that can keep getting up from getting beat down,” Strickland explained. “After the moment I stapled myself in the chest, everybody was like, ‘Okay, this is a different type of cat we’re dealing with.’”
The match, which took place in 2023, saw Strickland and Page take their rivalry to violent extremes. It wasn’t just about winning—it was about proving who could endure more. And for Strickland, that moment of self-inflicted pain became a turning point.
“That’s what got me to the world championship, that’s what got me the most lucrative deal in the industry,” he said.
Strickland also acknowledged how pivotal Los Angeles has been in his career. From his time in Lucha Underground to his AEW battles, the city has played a key role in his rise.
“All those moments literally stem from being in LA,” he said. “That’s where everybody turned and was like, ‘Oh, this is a different cat.’”
Strickland’s ability to push boundaries and captivate audiences with his intensity has made him one of AEW’s top stars. His career-defining moment proved he wasn’t just another wrestler—he was something more.
AEW Revolution 2025 delivered an unforgettable night of wrestling action at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, marking the company’s first pay-per-view of the year.
The crowd of over 11,000 witnessed a night filled with shocking moments, brutal battles, and championship implications. With major stars in action and Hollywood celebrities in attendance, AEW set a high bar for 2025.
Lee South for AEW
Quick Results:
AEW Revolution 2025 Results (March 9, 2025)
AEW World Championship: Jon Moxley defeated Cope via submission to retain; Christian Cage attempted to cash in but was choked out by Moxley.
AEW Women’s World Championship: Toni Storm defeated Mariah May in a Falls Count Anywhere match to retain.
AEW International Championship: Kenny Omega defeated Konosuke Takeshita via Crucifix Pin to win the title
TBS Championship: Mercedes Moné defeated Momo Watanabe via submission to retain
AEW Continental Championship: Kazuchika Okada defeated Brody King with the Rainmaker to retain
AEW World Tag Team Championship: The Hurt Syndicate (Bobby Lashley & Shelton Benjamin) defeated The Outrunners (Turbo Floyd & Truth Magnum) to retain
Steel Cage Match: Will Ospreay defeated Kyle Fletcher with a Tiger Driver ’91
1 Contender Match: Swerve Strickland defeated Ricochet to become #1 contender for the AEW World Championship
Singles Match: “Hangman” Adam Page defeated MJF with a Buckshot Lariat
Zero Hour Pre-Show: Komander & Hologram defeated Lee Johnson & Blake Christian
Zero Hour Pre-Show: “Big Boom!” A.J. and The Conglomeration (Orange Cassidy & Mark Briscoe) defeated Johnny TV and MxM Collection (Mansoor & Mason Madden)
After the main event, Swerve Strickland attacked Jon Moxley with a Swerve Stomp from the concourse to end the show
Here are the four biggest takeaways from the event.
Jon Moxley Retains in a Chaotic Triple Threat
Jon Moxley walked into AEW Revolution as World Champion, but his path to victory took an unexpected turn. Originally set to defend against Cope, the match took a shocking twist when Christian Cage interfered mid-bout, pulling the referee out just as Cope hit a Spear on Moxley.
Cage then cashed in his title opportunity contract—earned at All In 2024—officially turning the contest into a triple threat. Despite attacking Cope with the contract briefcase and hitting a Killswitch, Cage couldn’t capitalize. Moxley ultimately forced Cage to pass out in a bulldog choke, securing his fourth reign as AEW World Champion.
After the match, Swerve Strickland—who had earlier earned a title shot by defeating Ricochet—interrupted Moxley’s celebration with a Swerve Stomp, making his championship intentions clear. The wild finish keeps the Death Riders storyline at the forefront of AEW programming and adds more fuel to the ongoing title picture.
Toni Storm and Mariah May’s Blood-Soaked War Steals the Show
Lee South for AEW
In what many are calling the match of the night, Toni Storm defended the AEW Women’s Championship against Mariah May in an ultraviolent Falls Count Anywhere match. The culmination of their 18-month rivalry turned into a spectacle of brutality, with both women suffering deep lacerations.
Storm, in particular, was left covered in blood—some calling her the “bloodiest woman ever seen in a match.” At one point, both competitors wrapped their hands in wrestling tape, dipped them in broken glass from champagne bottles, and engaged in a striking exchange reminiscent of a Taipei Death Match.
Storm ultimately retained after delivering a Storm Zero through a Hollywood-themed table on the entrance stage. As the words “The End” flashed on the screen, Storm cradled May in a fittingly cinematic conclusion to their war. While the match received widespread acclaim, some fans expressed disappointment that it wasn’t placed in the main event slot.
Kenny Omega Captures the AEW International Championship
Lee South for AEW
Kenny Omega’s road back to championship gold reached its destination as he defeated Konosuke Takeshita for the AEW International Championship. This marked Omega’s return to AEW pay-per-view singles action and his first title win since his 2025 comeback.
The highly anticipated showdown lived up to expectations, with many considering it a Match of the Year contender. Omega’s victory reaffirms his place as one of AEW’s top competitors and could set up a future collision with Continental Champion Kazuchika Okada, who was also in action at Revolution.
Will Ospreay and Kyle Fletcher Settle Their Feud in a Steel Cage War
Lee South for AEW
Former best friends Will Ospreay and Kyle Fletcher took their bitter rivalry inside a steel cage in one of the most personal battles of the night. The stipulation ensured no outside interference, forcing the two to settle their differences one-on-one.
Ospreay was left a bloody mess early in the contest, adding to the night’s theme of violent encounters. The match continued Revolution’s tradition of featuring high-stakes gimmick bouts, following in the footsteps of past Dog Collar and Texas Death matches.
By the end of the night, Ospreay emerged victorious, but both men left the cage battered and bruised, signaling the possible end of their long-standing feud.
Final Thoughts
AEW Revolution 2025 lived up to its reputation as one of the company’s strongest annual events. From shocking title matches to emotional rivalries reaching their climax, the pay-per-view set the tone for AEW’s year ahead. With fresh championship contenders emerging and long-running storylines taking new turns, the fallout from Revolution is sure to shape AEW’s landscape heading into the spring.
On Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer shared that Momo Watanabe left the arena on crutches and appears to be dealing with an ankle injury. Watanabe unsuccessfully challenged Mercedes Moné for the AEW TBS Championship. Moné didn’t leave the match unscathed either and is dealing with a bruised larynx, the report adds.
Will Ospreay was seen limping after his steel cage match victory with Kyle Fletcher. Meltzer shared that despite concerns about a hip injury, sources shared that it wasn’t anything serious. MJF landed on his face during his match with ‘Hangman’ Adam Page, but there is no word on him being hurt.
AEW Revolution went off the air with Jon Moxley retaining the AEW World Championship, only to be attacked by Swerve Strickland. With Strickland winning a shot at the AEW World title at the pay-per-view, fans can expect the pair to share the ring in the near future.
Eric ‘Butterbean’ Esch will be making his return to the wrestling world for the first time in over a dozen years as part of the WrestleMania 41 festivities. Butterbean will face Minoru Suzuki at the Mark Hitchcock Memorial WrestleCon Supershow on April 17. Adding to the star power of the match, Dan ‘The Beast’ Severn will serve as the special guest enforcer.
Though best known for his role in boxing, Butterbean also has a legacy in professional wrestling. His most famous wrestling appearance came at WrestleMania XV in 1999 where he defeated Brawl for All winner Bart Gunn. Butterbean knocked out Gunn in just 35 seconds, effectively ending plans for Gunn to be pushed in the promotion.
Beyond WWE, Butterbean made sporadic appearances in the wrestling world, including a stint in Japan with promotions like NJPW and PRIDE. He was also a part of Hulk Hogan’s Celebrity Championship Wrestling but came up short on the reality show to Dennis Rodman, a friend of Hogan and nWo alum. Butterbean’s most recent match to date came in Guyana in March 2012, where he defeated Cliff Compton, better known to WWE fans as Domino.
Butterbean’s return to action will be just one highlight of WrestleMania week which will see WWE and other promotions descend on Las Vegas. Stay tuned to SEScoops for all the latest from the festivities in Sin City set to take place this April.
Tony Khan has named the one celebrity he would always welcome back in AEW.
The company’s partnership with TikTok stars The Costco Guys have proven to be a very fruitful endeavor for the promotion. Big Boom AJ who wrestled at the PPV tonight has helped promote the company outside of the usual wrestling circles and brought new eyes to the product.
The AEW President was asked about AJ’s performance and which other celebrity he could see wrestling for the company during the post-Revolution media scrum. Tony Khan named NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal as someone who is always welcome to do something with the promotion:
“Another person who came in and did fantastic for us and it’s somebody who has a lot of history in this arena in particular and somebody I think the world of is Shaq. Shaq came in and was fantastic for AEW and that was actually four years ago this week, ahead of the second Revolution, Revolution 2021. Shaq was in AEW, so four years ago we saw him. He is absolutely somebody else who’s always welcome in AEW.”
Shaq was involved in a storyline with AEW back in early 2021. The story led to him teaming up with Jade Cargill to defeat the duo of Cody Rhodes and Red Velvet at the March 3, 2021 episode of Dynamite. Tony Khan claimed that the retired Basketball player is one of the most genuine people behind the scenes:
“He was one of the greatest celebrities we’ve ever had and he is truly one of the most recognizable people in the world when he goes in front of the camera, but Shaq is also one of the most genuine, authentic and respectful and kind and amazing people behind the camera as well. So Shaq is always somebody that I would hold up to that standard.”
Gable Steveson’s WWE career may not have gone as intended, but the former NXT Superstar is winning big outside of the promotion. During the recent Big Ten Wrestling Championships, Steveson, competing for the Minnesota Golden Gophers, defeated Penn State’s Greg Kerkvliet. This victory marked Steveson’s fourth Big Ten title, a record in the heavyweight division.
Steveson joined WWE in 2021 shortly after his Olympic Gold Medal victory in that year’s Summer Games in Tokyo, Japan. Instantly treated as a huge signing, Steveson was drafted to Raw that same year, the first (and only) Superstar to be drafted before having a match.
Cracks began showing in Steveson’s WWE journey soon after with reports that he was not progressing at the speed the company had hoped. Rather than taking naturally like other Olympians such as Kurt Angle and Chad Gable, Steveson wouldn’t compete until 2023 as part of NXT. After what many felt was an underwhelming match with Baron Corbin, Steveson was cut from WWE in 2024 and has yet to resurface in pro wrestling.
Steveson has shown interest in UFC and a return to the Olympics, though has yet to make an official move towards either. While pro-wrestling may not have been the Gold Medalist’s calling, his historic win proves he’s always ready to compete at a high level.
