Highlights, analysis of Feb. 24 show

It’s Elimination Chamber week, which means the WWE world is one step closer to seeing who will be competing for major championships at WrestleMania 41.

Monday Night Raw will kick off the week leading into the last premium live event before WrestleMania weekend in April, and the hype for the Elimination Chamber will build up when the roster’s participants in the men’s match take the stage. Also slated to take the microphone are the top WWE champions of the brand, who have challengers awaiting to take their gold.

While the show will likely focus on the buildup to Elimination Chamber, there are also some championship matches on deck. While claiming gold is always the goal in wrestling, there is some extra incentive to winning on Monday, as the champions will likely head into WrestleMania 41 as title holders.

Follow USA TODAY Sports for all the results, highlights and analysis from Monday Night Raw:

Women’s Tag Team Championship match: Bianca Belair and Naomi (c) vs. Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez

Upset with the challengers, Belair and Naomi attacked Morgan and Rodriguez before the match could officially start, throwing them over the barricade in brutal fashion. They got Morgan in the ring to officially start the match, and the champions were going hard at the former Women’s World Champion. Even when the referee was distracted, Belair didn’t let up on the attack. But Rodriguez is just as good at capitalizing when the referee isn’t looking, and she tripped up Belair and threw her against the barricade to finally get control.

Naomi and Rodriguez traded shots in the ring before Belair got the tag and did an impressive 450 off the top rope. Somehow, Rodriguez kicked out. Things quickly changed when Morgan did a code breaker off the top rope, and Belair was able to kick out. The champions were setting up for a victory when Dominik Mysterio came in to distract the referee and allow Rodriguez to dish out some blows. Morgan executed the ObLivion on Naomi and the pin seemed secured until Belair broke it up just in time.

When the action resumed, Morgan tried a roll up on Belair twice in unsuccessful fashion. Belair landed the K.O.D. on Morgan and the pin seemed like it would happen, until Rodriguez broke it up. Naomi took care of Rodriguez and the champions did the double K.O.D., ready to retain titles. However, Mysterio got Morgan’s leg on the rope to break the pin. A frustrated Belair went after Mysterio, only to get attack by Rodriguez.

Mysterio got in the way again and Rodriguez held up Naomi, eventually leading to her hitting her headed off the turnbuckle. Morgan climbed her way to Naomi and got the pin to get her and Rodriguez the titles once again.

Cody Rhodes appears, Seth Rollins gives his take on The Rock’s offer

On the heels of The Rock asking for his “soul,” Rhodes addressed how his decision at Elimination Chamber could change how not only his championship reign is perceived, but how he and the rest of the WWE will be viewed going forward. Before he could ponder any longer, Seth Rollins emerged to speak with his WrestleMania 40 partner.

Rollins said he was excited at the chance to face Rhodes at WrestleMania 41, but he said he came out to ask “what the hell” Rhodes is thinking. He recalled the struggle they endured last year, and it’s a slap in the face for Rhodes to even consider The Rock’s offer. Rhodes countered by saying Rollins has a compromised soul for all of the different sides he has taken throughout his WWE career. Should Rhodes accepts the offer, Rollins believes he’ll end up just like him, and he’s trying to prevent it from happening.

“Don’t make me hate you Cody Rhodes,” he said.

Rollins then tried to give Rhodes a pep talk by telling him he wants to face the champion that came back to the company, took him to through battles in 2022 and dethroned Roman Reigns last year.

Bron Breakker vs. Dominik Mysterio

Mysterio found out last week how hard Breakker hits, and he got another reminder on Monday. The Intercontinental Champion came out punishing Mysterio quickly, getting him out of the ring and forcing The Judgment Day teammates Finn Balor and Carlito to help him regroup.

Anytime Mysterio got some sort of offense in, it was thanks to The Judgment Day causing a distraction. But it wouldn’t be long before Breakker would retake control. Breakker was setting up for victory when Balor and Carlito weren’t going to risk it. They dragged Breakker out to end the match in a disqualification. They tried to gang-up on Breakker, but the champion was too strong to be held back. He fended off all three people − with a wild jumping spear to Carlito − and The Judgment Day was sent back to retreat.

Analysis: Things continue to unravel for The Judgment Day, and it could be headed toward a breaking point. There wasn’t anyway Mysterio was going to be able to out-muscle Breakker, and the interference by Carlito and Balor showed completed desperation on their part, and they rightfully got beaten up by Breakker.

The shot of the intense stare down between Breakker and Balor signaled a potential match in the future, it’s just a matter of whether Balor would go after the Intercontinental Championship with his stablemates or on his own.

Women’s Intercontinental Championship match: Lyra Valkyria (c) vs. Dakota Kai

The rematch for the inaugural Intercontinental Championship match goes in favor of the champion.

Valkyria had Kai’s number heading into the match, and the challenger went with an aggressive approach right at the start. It was right the way to start for Kai as she was able to counter nearly anything the champion tried to throw at her.

After spending so long playing defense, Valkyria finally halted Kai’s momentum with a massive suplex off the top rope. Kai didn’t let it hold her back for long as the two sides traded pins in a fast-moving sequence with all eyes on whether shoulders were getting lifted off the mat. Valkyria tried to go off the top rope but was met by Kai’s foot. She went for another kick and thought that be it for the victory, but the champion kicked out.

Kai took the action to the ropes, looking for the blow that would get her title. However, Valkyria slipped out and delivered her Nightwing that completely caught Kai by surprised. It was executed perfectly and Valkyria got the pin to retain.

The two sides have respect for each other and shook hands afterward, but as Kai was leaving, Ivy Nile came out and attacked her before she went in the ring and did the same to Valkyria. Nile held the title up, clearly indicating she’s out to dethrone Valkyria.

Analysis: All the signs pointed to Kai becoming the new Women’s Intercontinental Champion, but Valkyria reminded the world why she has all the makings of a future world champion. She’s extremely crafty, and the mix of finesse and power was on display in the title defense. Although Kai is a worthy champion that should get the title at some point, Valkyria strongly holds onto her first main roster piece of gold.

The post-match attack from Nile clearly showed who is next to challenge for the title, and she is deserving of a chance to prove her worth on the main roster. The upcoming feud is also much-needed, especially since there hasn’t been much done with the title since Valkyria initially won it. Valkyria has the capabilities to not only show her immense talent, but make the title really mean something. A chance to do so should be happening soon.

Gunther vs. Akira Tozawa

In the impromptu match, Tozawa put up a valiant start with some shots at the World Heavyweight Champion. But Gunther is among the best in the business.

Tozawa almost pulled off a stunning rolling pinfall, and when he tried to leap off the top rope, Gunther countered it with a submission. The champion teased Tozawa with some chops before landing the punishing powerbomb. He went for the pin, but decided he wasn’t done yet. Gunther picked up Tozawa and put him in a sleeper hold. Tozawa looked helpless and the referee called the match.

The punishment continued afterward, and Gunther put Otis in a sleeper hold as well before Jey Uso came out to put an end to the assault.

Analysis: It wasn’t a squash match, but it went exactly how you’d expect with Gunther easily beating Tozawa to prove a point to Uso. Gunther is delivering some of his best work at the moment as he heads toward WrestleMania, and it’s a big reason why the World Heavyweight Championship match is generating more intrigue.

LWO (Cruz Del Toro and Joaquin Wilde) vs. The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods)

The New Day made sure to insult the crowd before the match started, but the LWO was tired of hearing it and rushed to the ring to put a stop to their antics. There was no love lost after what Kingston and Woods did to Rey Mysterio in recent weeks, and The New Day showed off their veteran experience over the younger stars − throwing some verbal jabs in the process.

The LWO was able to get some offense in, but The New Day played smart. A distraction of the referee led to a change of the tide and the longtime partners ended the match in signature fashion. Woods and Kingston continued the assault after the bell rang, and Dragon Lee came to the aide of Del Toro and Wilde, but it was a futile attempt with The New Day also taking their hatred out on Lee.

Analysis: The New Day keeps on rolling. Woods and Kingston have been on fire ever since they decided to change the course and become complete heels. Not only are they incredible on the mic, but they’ve reminded wrestling fans they are among the best tag team partners. They should be headed toward a championship opportunity in the future, and if they can keep this up, they’ll bring some greatness back to the tag team division.

Rhea Ripley, Iyo Sky face-off

The Women’s World Champion addressed her upcoming championship match against Iyo Sky. She said although she will be paying attention to the women’s Elimination Chamber match − since the winner will compete for the title at WrestleMania 41 − she needs to be focused on facing Sky next Monday.

Ripley noted it’s been more than five years since she’s beaten Sky, so she needs to finally get the best of her. Sky then came out and said she will be the one heading to WrestleMania as champion.

Penta vs. Ludwig Kaiser vs. Pete Dunne

Both Dunne and Kaiser have had issues with Penta, and the two stars tried to get each other out of the way so they could focus on the Mexico-native. Penta didn’t have any issues with the attention, with shots at both Dunne and Kaiser in separate sequences before taking them both down outside of the ring.

Penta had momentum rolling with his high-flying maneuvers and quick-hitters, including a hurricanrana off Dunne to launch him into Kaiser. The momentum was rolling and Penta went for a pin on Kaiser, only for it to get interrupted by Dunne. Penta and Dunne traded chops and blows, and Dunne unsuccessfully went for a pin. Dunne did his patented finger twist on Kaiser, and Penta came out of nowhere to get the Mexican Destroyer executed on Dunne.

Penta was setting up for the pin on Dunne when Kaiser threw him out of the ring, planted Dunne on the mat and got the pin to steal the victory.

Analysis: Penta suffers his first loss in WWE, and it’s all thanks to the smarts of Kaiser. Penta has given the audience a fresh face and quickly gotten over, and it didn’t seem like he was going to lose anytime soon. However, Kaiser does what he does best in capitalizing on openings.

Kaiser’s win was his first of 2025, and should help him generate some turn the page on what was becoming a tough streak for the Imperium member. He likely isn’t done with Penta and the two sides have solid chemistry in the ring, so another match is in store. Before the match, he said he will now be taking “what he wants.” Actions back up his words.

Logan Paul, CM Punk kick off show, look ahead to Elimination Chamber

The ever-so hated Paul emerged in his home state of Ohio, but made sure to throw disses at Cincinnati, including a shot at the city’s NFL team, the Bengals. Just as he was getting into talking about winning Elimination Chamber, Punk emerged

Punk said Paul is a person that only tries to get reactions out of people, and he isn’t a generational talent. Paul fired back with a jab at Punk being unable to perform at the highest level, like how last year he tore his triceps. Paul said he will soon be the biggest star in the company, but Punk said he won’t last long enough in the company to be remembered. He then said he plans to eliminate Paul in the Elimination Chamber. The two stars faced off before Paul slapped Punk and left the ring.

When is Monday Night Raw?

This week’s Monday Night Raw will be Feb. 24 at 8 p.m. ET.

Where is Monday Night Raw?

This week’s episode is taking place at Heritage Bank Center in Cincinnati.

How to watch Monday Night Raw

Monday Night Raw will be available only on Netflix. Viewers will need a Netflix subscription to watch the event, and it’s available at no additional cost. Fans with any Netflix subscription tier will be able to watch.

Monday Night Raw match card

Matches not in order

Women’s Tag Team Championship match: Bianca Belair and Naomi (c) vs. Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez
Women’s Intercontinental Championship match: Lyra Valkyria (c) vs. Dakota Kai
Penta vs. Ludwig Kaiser vs. Pete Dunne
LWO (Cruz Del Toro and Joaquin Wilde) vs. The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods)

What else is happening on Monday Night Raw?

Men’s Elimination Chamber match participants appear ahead of match.
Women’s World Champion Rhea Ripley delivers message for Iyo Sky.
World Heavyweight Champion Gunther speaks on WrestleMania 41 match against Jey Uso.
Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes appears.

Monday Night Raw preview

WWE Now previews Monday’s show.

Highlights, analysis of Feb. 24 show

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