WWE RAW is a staple of professional wrestling, known for its high-energy action, dramatic storylines, and unforgettable moments. The February 26, 2025, episode of RAW proved to be no exception, delivering an action-packed show with shocking twists, surprising results, and exciting developments that have set the stage for what promises to be an explosive WrestleMania 41. Whether you missed the action or simply want to revisit the night’s memorable moments, here’s your full recap of everything that happened on this thrilling episode of WWE RAW.
The Opening Segment: Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins Face Off
The show kicked off in true WWE fashion, with a powerful opening segment. The arena darkened as Roman Reigns, the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion, made his way to the ring to a chorus of boos and cheers. Fans knew something big was coming as Reigns, the leader of The Bloodline, grabbed a microphone and began addressing the WWE Universe. His words were full of confidence, and he declared that anyone daring to challenge him for his titles at WrestleMania better be prepared for the fight of their lives.
Before Reigns could go any further, the music of Seth Rollins hit, and the crowd erupted. Rollins, who had been growing frustrated with his inability to claim the Universal Championship, made a beeline for the ring. The tension between the two stars was palpable as Rollins demanded a title shot at WrestleMania.
In a surprising move, Roman accepted the challenge—but not without a little taunting. He suggested that Rollins was not in the league of champions like him and warned him that his plans would soon unravel in a way he didn’t expect. The intensity of the segment only raised the stakes, with fans now eagerly anticipating the monumental clash between these two megastars at the biggest event of the year.
Match 1: The Judgment Day’s Dominance Over Alpha Academy
The first match of the night saw Finn Bálor and Damian Priest of The Judgment Day take on Alpha Academy’s Otis and Chad Gable. This contest was an exciting tag team encounter that had the potential to shake up the tag team division on RAW. The Judgment Day was looking to continue their dominance, while Alpha Academy was eager to prove they were more than just a fun, goofy team.
From the get-go, The Judgment Day controlled the match. Bálor and Priest showcased their well-oiled teamwork, executing some devastating double-team moves. Otis and Gable fought back with their own combination of power and high-flying moves, but it wasn’t enough to withstand the onslaught of The Judgment Day. Otis, despite his size and strength, couldn’t handle Priest’s brutal power moves, and after an intense exchange, Priest hit Otis with his signature South of Heaven chokeslam.
The pin came quickly, with Finn Bálor securing the victory for The Judgment Day by pinning Otis. The win kept The Judgment Day looking strong as they continue their pursuit of dominance across the entire roster. After the match, Priest and Bálor made a statement by attacking Gable and Otis, sending a message that they were unstoppable.
Match 2: Raw Women’s Championship Drama – Bianca Belair vs. Asuka
One of the most anticipated bouts of the night was the Raw Women’s Championship match between Bianca Belair and Asuka. Both women are known for their technical prowess, athleticism, and fierce fighting spirit. Asuka, a former champion, was determined to reclaim the title that Belair has held for months. The stakes were high as both women delivered a clinic in wrestling throughout this thrilling contest.
The match began with a series of fast-paced exchanges, with Asuka using her agility to counter Belair’s powerful strikes. Asuka’s submission skills were on full display as she locked in a reverse armbar, but Belair showed her strength by lifting Asuka off the ground and slamming her into the mat. The action intensified as the two women went back and forth, with neither willing to give an inch.
At one point, Asuka hit a devastating German suplex followed by her signature Asuka Lock, leaving fans thinking she might have the match won. However, Belair dug deep and, with incredible resilience, powered out of the hold. Belair’s athleticism was on full display as she lifted Asuka for the K.O.D. (Kiss of Death), planting her into the canvas and securing the pinfall victory.
Bianca Belair successfully retained her Raw Women’s Championship, but Asuka’s post-match reaction told a different story. She was visibly frustrated and angry, slapping the mat in disbelief. Asuka left the ring, staring daggers at Belair, hinting that the rivalry between these two fierce competitors is far from over.
Match 3: John Cena’s Epic Return and United States Title Challenge
In one of the biggest surprises of the night, John Cena made his return to WWE RAW. Cena, who has spent much of his time in Hollywood, received an incredible ovation from the fans. Cena, with his trademark enthusiasm, addressed the WWE Universe and gave a nod to the fans who have supported him throughout his career. However, the celebration didn’t last long, as Austin Theory, the current United States Champion, interrupted Cena’s promo.
Theory, brimming with confidence and arrogance, took to the mic and declared that Cena was living in the past while he was the future of WWE. Theory claimed that Cena’s time was over, and it was now his turn to reign supreme. Naturally, Cena wasn’t having any of it. With a smirk on his face, he accepted Theory’s challenge to a match at WrestleMania for the United States Championship.
The fans were thrilled with the announcement, and WWE had yet another major match for its biggest event of the year. Cena’s return is bound to add an extra layer of excitement to the already stacked WrestleMania card.
Match 4: Tag Team Turmoil – The New Day vs. The Viking Raiders
The next match of the night saw The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods) take on The Viking Raiders (Erik and Ivar) in a tag team match that promised to be an all-out brawl. Both teams have been at odds for weeks, and this was a chance for one of them to establish themselves as a dominant force in the tag team division.
The match was an exciting clash of styles, with The Viking Raiders relying on their raw strength and power, while The New Day used speed, high-flying moves, and team-based strategy. The Viking Raiders looked to have the upper hand for most of the match, throwing Kofi and Xavier around like ragdolls. However, The New Day’s resilience and experience came through when it mattered most.
In a moment of pure chaos, Kofi Kingston hit Trouble in Paradise on Erik, stunning him and allowing for the pinfall. The New Day stood tall in victory, much to the delight of the fans. However, the Viking Raiders were furious and left the ring, vowing that their quest for tag team supremacy was far from over.
Match 5: Seth Rollins vs. Bobby Lashley – A Battle of Titans
The main event of the evening featured a battle between two of the most popular superstars on the roster: Seth Rollins and Bobby Lashley. With tensions running high after Rollins’ confrontation with Roman Reigns earlier in the night, the match promised to be a hard-hitting affair, and it did not disappoint.
Lashley, known for his immense strength, used his raw power to control much of the match, tossing Rollins around like a ragdoll. However, Rollins is known for his incredible resilience, and he fought back with quick strikes, high-flying moves, and his signature Curb Stomp. It was clear that both men wanted to make a statement, and they delivered a truly intense match.
In a shocking twist, the members of The Bloodline, including Roman Reigns, made their way down to ringside during the match. Their presence distracted Seth Rollins, allowing Lashley to gain the upper hand. Lashley went for his Jackhammer, but Rollins countered with a surprise Roll-Up Pin, shocking Lashley and the crowd. The pin was enough to give Rollins the win, and he celebrated his hard-fought victory in the ring.
The Bloodline’s interference backfired as Rollins stood tall, having overcome both Lashley and the distraction. The tension between Reigns and Rollins was at an all-time high as they prepared for their upcoming showdown at WrestleMania.
Closing Segment: The Bloodline’s Dominance and a WrestleMania Preview
The show closed with a powerful segment as Roman Reigns and his Bloodline faction stood tall in the center of the ring. Roman declared that WrestleMania would be their stage, and no one could stop their dominance. The message was clear: Roman Reigns and The Bloodline were going to prove their supremacy at the biggest event of the year.
Seth Rollins, however, had other plans. The night ended with the tension between him and Reigns at an all-time high, with fans eagerly awaiting the battle for the Universal Championship at WrestleMania 41.
Conclusion: A Night to Remember
WWE RAW delivered one of its most exciting episodes in recent memory. From surprise returns to shocking victories, the night set the stage for an explosive Road to WrestleMania. With several storylines intensifying and new rivalries taking shape, fans are sure to be on the edge of their seats as WWE heads toward its biggest event of the year. Be sure to stay tuned as the drama continues to unfold on the road to WrestleMania.
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