Raw Recap with Sam Roberts and Megan Morant Episode: John Cena breaks up with the WWE Universe, Rhea Ripley steals the contract | Raw Recap
Release Date: March 18, 2025
Hosted by: Sam Roberts and Guest Host Big E
Brought to You By: Fanatics

Introduction

In this episode of Raw Recap, hosted by Sam Roberts with guest host Big E, the duo dives deep into the heated developments of this week's Monday Night Raw. From John Cena's unexpected fallout with the WWE Universe to Rhea Ripley's dramatic contract maneuver in Brussels, Sam and Big E dissect every significant moment leading up to WrestleMania.

John Cena's Rift with the WWE Universe

The episode opens with Sam Roberts addressing the shocking revelation: John Cena accuses the WWE fans of bullying him, claiming to end his "toxic relationship" with the audience.

Sam Roberts [00:40]:
"John Cena has accused the fans of bullying him and has ended his toxic relationship with them."

Big E [01:35]:
"This is like, like you said, this is a great episode of Raw for me to jump on. We have never seen this version of John Cena and frankly, I was glued in. I wanted to hear what he had to say."

Big E challenges Cena's assertion, emphasizing Cena's long-standing relationship and contributions to WWE. Drawing from personal experience, Big E asserts that Cena has always valued the audience's feedback as a performance barometer.

Big E [02:32]:
"So I. There's so much to break down. And what Cena had to say, but that's my first thought is, John, I'm not buying it. Wow."

Sam probes deeper into Cena's emotional state, questioning whether this marks a longstanding issue bottled up over two decades.

Sam Roberts [03:31]:
"Do you think there's been that emotional guy and you think it's been bothering him for 20 years and he just wasn't saying anything?"

Big E [03:41]:
"I... I think there are elements of that look when you're in his position... But at this point in his career... you cannot tell me at this moment in his career that he should feel slighted."

Big E highlights Cena's relentless dedication, noting his consistent main-event status and the immense contributions he's made over the years.

Rhea Ripley's Contract Confrontation

The discussion shifts to Rhea Ripley's recent actions in Brussels, where she interrupted a contract signing, stacking two women atop each other on a table—a move that has left fans and superstars alike buzzing.

Sam Roberts [21:48]:
"...Did you fly all the way to Brussels so that you could interrupt a contract signing and stack two women on top of each other on a table?"

Rhea Ripley [21:48]:
"...I signed a contract. My name's in it. It's a legal document. You can't erase my name."

Ripley elaborates on her recent struggles, emphasizing her frustration over losing the Women's World Championship and perceived injustices during matches, particularly against Liv Morgan and Iyo Sky. She expresses her emotional turmoil, citing feelings of betrayal and the constant pressure to perform amidst personal and professional challenges.

Rhea Ripley [22:42]:
"...I have been stabbed in the back multiple times. It hurt. I have a moment of weakness. So I went out there and I confronted her and I got anger issues."

Sam delves into Ripley's emotional state, questioning how her recent losses and stressors have influenced her aggressive actions.

Sam Roberts [28:19]:
"...but for that to switch when she's looking at Bianca Belair, when she's looking at Eosky and all the sort of feelings that we just talked about turn into violence..."

Big E [31:21]:
"...this unhinged version, is a dangerous one... If we do indeed get this triple threat at WrestleMania, I am telling you, it has the potential to be one of the greatest matches you will ever see."

Ripley outlines her strategy moving forward, aiming to reclaim respect and her championship spot by confronting both Bianca Belair and Iyo Sky, asserting her rightful place in the division.

Rhea Ripley [31:21]:
"My strategy is making Bianca realize that she was scared to face me... And with EO, I need her to realize that I was kind enough... I want my WrestleMania spot and I'm not going to stop until I have it."

Cody Rhodes vs. John Cena: A Clash of Titans

The podcast delves into the highly anticipated match between Cody Rhodes and John Cena, comparing it to legendary rivalries like Hulk Hogan vs. Ultimate Warrior. Sam and Big E discuss the potential heel turn for Cena, interpreting his stance as a move towards a more villainous character, reminiscent of historic WWE antagonists.

Sam Roberts [08:03]:
"...I'm so intrigued to get to next Monday because I think there has to be more. He's someone who has given so much... I think of the heartbreak with the kids, it's always the superhero for these kids."

Big E [09:39]:
"...Cody is really carrying this company on his back. He is the face of this company. It's rightfully earned... I'm so proud of him because... I'm so proud of this version of Cody and I am so excited for this match at WrestleMania."

Big E praises Cody Rhodes for his resilience and leadership, emphasizing his role in uplifting WWE's current landscape. The hosts speculate on Cena's deeper motivations, suggesting that Cena might be playing a more strategic game, hinting at layers yet to be uncovered in his character development.

The Women's Division: Bianca Belair and Iyo Sky's Ascendancy

Sam and Big E analyze the evolving dynamics within the women's division, focusing on Bianca Belair's transition from tag team to singles competition and Iyo Sky's rise as a formidable challenger.

Sam Roberts [39:06]:
"...Bianca has spent quite a while now in a tag team with Jade Cargill... but don't forget that Bianca Belair is a singles champion herself..."

Big E [40:01]:
"...bianca's saying, wait a minute now. Don't forget who I am. I am still Bianca Belair."

They discuss how Bianca is asserting her dominance as a singles competitor, challenging perceptions that may have pigeonholed her into tag team roles. Similarly, Iyo Sky is portrayed as a relentless force, no longer content with secondary roles, positioning herself directly against top-tier competitors like Rhea Ripley.

Big E [42:49]:
"...Rhea and Bianca the last few weeks go head to head and hold on, hold on a second. Don't forget about me, the world champion..."

The hosts emphasize the importance of recognizing and supporting these talented athletes as they vie for top honors, highlighting the intense competition and personal stakes involved.

Intercontinental Championship: Bron Breaker and Penta El Zero Miedo

The conversation transitions to the Intercontinental Championship scene, spotlighting Bron Breaker as the reigning champion and Penta El Zero Miedo as his formidable challenger.

Sam Roberts [51:10]:
"...Exhale explaining the idea of you're the Intercontinental Champion... and Penta is saying, I got next..."

Big E [52:35]:
"...Bron has carried it... his athleticism is unmatched... Penta is on fire."

Big E praises both wrestlers' prowess and readiness, expressing excitement for a potential marquee matchup that blends unique styles and immense talent. The hosts predict that this rivalry could elevate the prestige of the Intercontinental Championship, reestablishing it as a coveted title within WWE.

Seth Rollins and the Triple Threat Rivalry

Seth Rollins' recent appearance on Raw, following an intense cage match, sparks a discussion about his relationships with Roman Reigns and CM Punk, unraveling a complex web of past alliances and current tensions.

Sam Roberts [57:49]:
"...Seth Rollins breaks down the minutia of what has become this sort of three-way rivalry... He said, I'm gonna end you now."

Big E [60:36]:
"...the shared history between him and Roman and also that of him and Punk is so fascinating... we need real camera backstage showing the real what's going on with the political maneuverings..."

The hosts explore the emotional depths of Rollins' character, considering his motivations and the unresolved tensions lingering from his days with The Shield. They also touch upon the potential implications of his actions leading up to WrestleMania, anticipating a riveting showdown that intertwines personal vendettas and professional rivalries.

Intercontinental Championship Drama and Future Prospects

Sam shifts focus back to the Intercontinental Championship, discussing the electrifying dynamics and potential matchups that could define this title's future.

Sam Roberts [48:48]:
"...Bron Breaker you want to talk about people in their 20s... fight Finn Balor..."

Big E [51:10]:
"...Penta's being spotlighted in WWE... Penta is coming after Bron... match is going to be incredible."

They highlight the exceptional skill sets of both Bron Breaker and Penta El Zero Miedo, predicting that their clash could set new standards for the Intercontinental Championship. The enthusiasm for their styles and personas suggests a match that's primed for legendary status.

Conclusion

As the episode wraps up, Sam and Big E reflect on the intense and multifaceted storylines building towards WrestleMania. From Cena's unexpected heel turn and Ripley's emotional turmoil to the rising stars in the women's division and the prestigious Intercontinental Championship rivalry, the Raw universe is brimming with excitement and anticipation.

Big E [56:17]:
"...it's building. It's definitely building."

Sam Roberts [65:19]:
"...this has been great, man."

With WrestleMania on the horizon, Sam and Big E assure listeners that the upcoming weeks will continue to deliver thrilling developments, promising even more explosive moments and unforgettable matches.

Stay tuned for next week's episode of Raw Recap, where Sam Roberts and Megan Morant (and guest hosts) will continue to break down all the latest happenings from Monday Night Raw.