Watch WWE RAW 3/25/24 25th March 2024 Live Online

Steel City Shock: CM Punk Returns, The Rock Runs Amok, and WrestleMania Looms Large on Raw!

Chicago! The Second City! And on March 25th, 2024, it became the epicenter of the wrestling universe as WWE Raw rolled into town with just two weeks left before the granddaddy of them all, WrestleMania. With tensions simmering and storylines reaching their boiling points, one could practically feel the electricity crackling in the Allstate Arena. But even the most seasoned WWE fans weren’t prepared for the pandemonium that unfolded.

The Road to WrestleMania Heats Up

The night kicked off with “The American Nightmare” Cody Rhodes, the current Raw Champion, taking center stage. Addressing the rabid Chicago crowd, Rhodes acknowledged the awkward calm before the WrestleMania storm. He referenced Roman Reigns’ recent barbs, calling him a “politician” who makes empty promises. This resonated deeply with the Chicago faithful, a city that remembers Rhodes’ genuine connection with the fans during his earlier days. But the champion’s passionate speech was cut short by the arrival of The Rock.

The Rock, a titan of the industry and a legend with a Chicago connection of his own, entered the ring to a thunderous ovation. However, the friendly exchange fans anticipated quickly turned sour. The Rock launched into a scathing attack on Rhodes, questioning his legitimacy as champion and mocking his promise to dethrone Roman Reigns at WrestleMania. The tension escalated as The Rock accused Rhodes of being all talk and no bite. The segment ended with a sense of unease, leaving the audience to wonder if this was a war of words or a foreshadowing of a future clash.

In-Ring Action Ignites Chicago

The evening wasn’t all about verbal sparring, though. Throughout the night, a series of exciting matches kept the crowd on its feet. The opening bout saw the NXT powerhouse Ivy Nile clash with the veteran Candice LeRae. LeRae, known for her cunning tactics, pulled off a clever victory by feigning an injury, showcasing the strategic side of professional wrestling.

Following that, a battle between high-flying superstars unfolded as Ricochet took on JD McDonagh, accompanied by “Dirty” Dominik Mysterio. Ricochet, renowned for his aerial prowess, displayed a dazzling display of agility, ultimately securing the win with a picture-perfect pinfall.

The stakes rose in the next encounter as “Big” Bronson Reed collided with Sami Zayn. The charismatic Zayn, known for his comedic timing and underdog spirit, fought valiantly against the imposing Reed. However, Reed’s sheer power proved too much, and he emerged victorious.

The main event spotlight shone on a hard-hitting contest between “Main Event” Jey Uso and the ever-dangerous Shinsuke Nakamura. The match was a back-and-forth affair, showcasing the technical brilliance of Nakamura and the relentless aggression of Uso. Just as the action intensified, the chaos began. Jimmy Uso and Solo Sikoa stormed the ring, followed by a furious Cody Rhodes. World Heavyweight Champion Seth “Freakin” Rollins also entered the fray, but was quickly taken out by a devastating Future Shock DDT from Drew McIntyre. Amidst the pandemonium, Jey Uso managed to capitalize on the distraction and secure the win with a DDT.

CM Punk Returns to Chicago!

But the night wasn’t over yet. As the Uso brawl subsided, a hush fell over the Chicago crowd. Then, the iconic sounds of CM Punk’s entrance theme hit the speakers, sending the Allstate Arena into a frenzy. “The Best in the World” made his long-awaited return to WWE, standing amidst the electrified Chicago faithful.

Punk’s mere presence ignited a wave of nostalgia and anticipation. He engaged in a verbal war with Rollins and McIntyre, both of whom have their sights set on the World Heavyweight Title at WrestleMania. Punk’s words were sharp and pointed, hinting at a potential return to championship glory. The segment concluded with the three superstars locked in a tense standoff, leaving the audience wondering who would emerge as the victor in the upcoming main event at WrestleMania.

Pandemonium in the Parking Lot: The Rock Loses Control

As the fans were still reeling from Punk’s return, pandemonium erupted backstage. Footage revealed a brutal and unprovoked attack on Cody Rhodes by The Rock! The Rock, seemingly consumed by rage, laid waste to the champion in the parking lot, leaving Rhodes bloodied and battered. This shocking act of violence cast a dark shadow over the entire evening and sent a clear message to Rhodes – The Rock wouldn’t hesitate to break him before WrestleMania.