LAS VEGAS (WE) — WrestleMania 41 is in the books, but WWE wasted no time turning the page. Monday Night Raw After WrestleMania held at a sold-out T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas
delivered everything the WWE Universe has come to expect from the year’s most anticipated weekly show: jaw-dropping surprises, shocking heel turns, and the start of new rivalries destined to define the months ahead.
Coming off the grandeur of WrestleMania weekend, Raw After Mania is traditionally a reset point. For 2025, it’s more of a launchpad—igniting long-term storylines that appear to be heading straight into May’s Backlash in St. Louis.
Cena Declares War on WWE Fans
Segment: John Cena Opens the Show as Undisputed WWE Champion
John Cena kicked off the show to a thunderous ovation—but what began as celebration quickly turned sour. Dressed in a sharp suit and wearing the Undisputed WWE Championship over his shoulder, Cena stood in the ring and dropped a line that changed the tone instantly:
“Winners write history. And I’m here to write the final chapter—on my terms.”
The crowd, at first jubilant, grew tense as Cena launched into a scathing monologue aimed directly at the fans.
“You cheer, you boo, but your noise means nothing to me now. For two decades, I gave you everything—and now I take everything back.”
Cena officially announced that this is his farewell tour and vowed to retire as champion, seemingly laying down a challenge to the locker room—and to the audience that once adored him. The final twist: a full heel turn, something Cena has teased over the years but never fully embraced until now.
RKO Out of Nowhere – Orton Strikes Again
Segment: Randy Orton Returns, Targets Cena
Just as Cena was soaking in the moment, RKO OUT OF NOWHERE.
Randy Orton’s music hit and the crowd erupted. In classic fashion, the Viper slithered into the ring and hit Cena with a perfectly timed RKO to a massive pop.
Orton, who had been sidelined for weeks after narrowly missing a spot on the WrestleMania card, stood over Cena and lifted the Undisputed Championship. The message was crystal clear: Orton wants the title. And with Backlash taking place in Orton’s hometown of St. Louis, WWE may be headed for a high-stakes main event.
Rusev Day is Back
Segment: Rusev Returns to WWE
In one of the night’s most surprising moments, Rusev made his long-awaited return to WWE, interrupting a backstage segment with Bronson Reed. The arena erupted in chants of “Rusev Day!” as the former United States Champion stared down Reed, issuing a silent but powerful challenge.
Rusev has been absent from WWE since 2020, with brief stints in other promotions. His return signals the rebirth of the Rusev Day movement, and it looks like he’s gunning for dominant territory once again.
Title Chaos in the Women’s Division
Match: WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship
- Lyra Valkyria & Becky Lynch vs. Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez
- Winners: Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez (New Champions)
In a high-octane title bout, Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez dethroned Becky Lynch and Lyra Valkyria in a match that delivered both technical precision and raw emotion.
Match Highlights:
- Valkyria’s resilience was a standout, surviving two near-falls and absorbing punishing offense from Rodriguez.
- Lynch carried much of the match’s first half with strategic tags and stiff strikes, showing her veteran instincts.
- Morgan scored the decisive pin after hitting Oblivion on Valkyria following a distraction from Lynch herself.
Yes—Lynch turned on her partner post-match.
After the bell, Lynch brutally assaulted Valkyria, tossing her into the steel steps and locking in the Dis-arm-her until referees pulled her away.
This heel turn was as shocking as it was sudden, especially with Lynch now seemingly targeting the Women’s Intercontinental Title (rumored for announcement soon).
Other Notable Segments and Matches
Debuts & Surprise Appearances:
- Ilja Dragunov made his Raw debut, defeating JD McDonagh in a stiff, hard-hitting contest. Dragunov looked every bit like a future top star, and the crowd respected the physicality.
- Bron Breakker cut a backstage promo teasing a future match with GUNTHER, signaling a collision between two powerhouses.
Promo Highlights:
- The Miz hosted a Miz TV segment with LA Knight that turned into a brawl. Knight is staying hot after his Mania win, and the crowd was firmly behind him.
- Damage CTRL hinted at internal drama, with Bayley walking out during Dakota Kai’s promo. Could a split be imminent?
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In-Ring Analysis
Standout Performers:
- Lyra Valkyria: Showed heart and skill despite the betrayal. Her chemistry with Liv Morgan led to some of the night’s smoothest sequences.
- John Cena: His psychology was top-tier. Every pause, every facial expression was calculated. Even in a mostly non-wrestling segment, Cena controlled the crowd.
- Liv Morgan: Her fire and intensity were off the charts. She continues to elevate herself in big-match moments.
- Ilja Dragunov: Proved why he’s one of the best in-ring workers in the world with a brutal, compelling debut.
Storyline Fallout
Heading into Backlash:
- John Cena vs. Randy Orton – A WrestleMania-caliber clash brewing for Backlash in Orton’s hometown of St. Louis. The title, Cena’s legacy, and 20 years of history are all on the line.
- Becky Lynch’s Heel Turn – Lynch turning on Valkyria hints at a dark transformation. With rumors swirling about a Women’s Intercontinental Title being introduced soon, this feud could become the anchor of the division.
- Rusev’s Return – Likely heading into a program with Bronson Reed. Could Rusev quickly rise back into title contention?
- Tag Division Reset – Morgan and Rodriguez bring fresh energy. Damage CTRL’s possible implosion may open the door for new challengers.
Quotes & Crowd Reactions
The Las Vegas crowd was electric all night, responding with booming cheers, loud boos, and endless chants. Here are some of the key moments that lit up the T-Mobile Arena:
- Cena’s Speech: “You cheer, you boo, but your noise means nothing to me now.”
- Randy Orton (after RKO): “You may be writing history, John. But I’m here to end it.”
- Crowd Chants:
- “Rusev Day! Rusev Day!” during Rusev’s return
- “You sold out!” directed at Becky Lynch post-betrayal
- “This is awesome!” throughout the Women’s Tag Title Match
Final Takeaways
WWE’s Raw After WrestleMania once again lived up to its reputation as a breeding ground for change. The 2025 edition didn’t just introduce new faces and shock turns—it revealed a clear blueprint for the company’s direction this year.
- Long-term storytelling is clearly the priority, from Cena’s heel arc to Becky Lynch’s betrayal.
- New rivalries feel fresh yet rooted in history, adding emotional depth to upcoming matches.
- Returns and debuts were executed purposefully, signaling renewed investment in depth across the roster.
Las Vegas may have hosted WrestleMania 41, but it’s Raw After Mania that may be remembered as the real start of a new era.
Results Summary:
| Match/Segment | Result/Outcome |
|---|---|
| John Cena Opening Segment | Declares farewell tour, turns heel |
| Randy Orton Returns | RKO to Cena, teases title match at Backlash |
| WWE Women’s Tag Titles | Morgan & Rodriguez def. Lynch & Valkyria (New Champions) |
| Post-Match | Becky Lynch attacks Lyra Valkyria |
| Rusev Return Segment | Interrupts Bronson Reed backstage |
| Ilja Dragunov vs. JD McDonagh | Dragunov wins in Raw debut |
| Miz TV w/ LA Knight | Ends in brawl; Knight stands tall |
| Damage CTRL Promo | Tension teased; possible split ahead |
