Ups & Downs - WWE Raw Review (March 30th)

WhatCulture Wrestling25mMarch 31, 2026

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AI-Generated Summary

Simon Miller of WhatCulture Wrestling delivers a chaotic, energetic review of WWE Raw from March 30th, dissecting the show's highs and lows with his signature blend of humor and critique. The episode kicks off with a dramatic confrontation between Cody Rhodes and Stephanie McMahon, setting up the Cody vs. Randy Orton feud with mixed results—while the segment's theatricality is praised, the narrative direction is criticized for undermining the real-life history between the two. The Usos' tag team title win in a wild street fight, fueled by I Show Speed's cursed antics and Logan Paul's mother, earns a comedic 'up' despite its absurdity. Liv Morgan's feud with Stephanie Vakere gains momentum with Roxanne Perez's surprise return, while the women's tag team title match is downgraded due to repetitive disqualifications and lack of creative buildup. The standout moment comes with Oba Femi's explosive entrance and confrontation with Brock Lesnar, which Miller calls the most electric moment of the night and a potential WrestleMania main event. Finn Balor's promo and the announcement of his WrestleMania match against Dominik Mysterio are also praised. The Intercontinental title ladder match announcement is mocked for its last-minute reveal, but the Seth Rollins vs. Gunther match is salvaged by its sheer unpredictability and potential for a show-stealing performance. The episode concludes with a fiery CM Punk vs. Roman Reigns brawl, which Miller applauds for its intensity and storytelling. Despite the show's randomness and over-reliance on interference, Miller ultimately gives Raw a positive verdict, citing its entertainment value and rising WrestleMania momentum.

Key Takeaways
1

Cody Rhodes vs. Randy Orton at WrestleMania is the most compelling feud due to their real-life history, but the Stephanie McMahon segment undermines it.

2

Obafemi vs. Brock Lesnar is the most electric potential main event of WrestleMania 42, with Oba Femi's entrance and confrontation being a standout moment.

3

The Usos' tag team title win via chaos involving I Show Speed and Logan Paul's mother is ridiculous but entertaining, earning a comedic 'up'.

4

WWE's overuse of interference to set up WrestleMania matches feels lazy and repetitive, making the build feel unoriginal.

5

Seth Rollins vs. Gunther is a surprise match that, while random, has the potential to steal the show and elevate the entire card.

…and 2 more takeaways available in PodZeus

Chapters
0:00
5 min

Cody Rhodes vs. Stephanie McMahon: The Feud That Should’ve Been With Randy Orton

I want him to say, hey, Randy, remember that time you wrecked the hotel room? Because you were a... a nut job. And it was me, Cody Rhodes, who at one time was your trainee, who had to go in there and sort it out.

Highlight
5:00
5 min

The Usos' Wild Tag Team Title Win: Chaos, Curses, and a Mother's Brass Knuckles

Only in wrestling could I say this. And when Logan and LA Knight did get into a scuffle, dun, dun, dun, I Show Speed got dragged over Barry Barricade. That was fine for LA Knight because he took out Logan Paul, but when I Show Speed went to pick up the brass knucks, I guess Lars surprised him because he turned around, and I kid you not my friends, Speed punched LA Knight right in the face, and this guy was knocked out.

Highlight
10:00
5 min

Obafemi vs. Brock Lesnar: The WrestleMania Main Event We Didn’t Know We Needed

If you told me it was going to be the main event of night one, I'm like, yeah. I totally agree with you. It makes sense.

Highlight
15:00
5 min

The Intercontinental Ladder Match: A Last-Minute Announcement That Feels Lazy

Simon mocks the sudden announcement of the Intercontinental title ladder match with five competitors, calling it a rushed, uncreative way to build momentum. He criticizes WWE for not using Raw to set up the match earlier, calling it a 'flub' in storytelling.

20:00
5 min

Seth Rollins vs. Gunther: The Random Match That Might Steal the Show

Despite its absurd origin, Simon praises the Seth Rollins vs. Gunther match as a necessary and exciting addition to WrestleMania. He highlights the potential for a career-defining moment and the possibility of a future Brock Lesnar vs. Gunther clash.

High-Impact Quotes
Only in wrestling could I say this. And when Logan and LA Knight did get into a scuffle, dun, dun, dun, I Show Speed got dragged over Barry Barricade. That was fine for LA Knight because he took out Logan Paul, but when I Show Speed went to pick up the brass knucks, I guess Lars surprised him because he turned around, and I kid you not my friends, Speed punched LA Knight right in the face, and this guy was knocked out.
Simon Miller7:48
Viral: 90.0
This ain't sports entertainment. It's wrestling, you flubbing idiot.
CM Punk25:23
Viral: 88.0
I want him to say, hey, Randy, remember that time you wrecked the hotel room? Because you were a... a nut job. And it was me, Cody Rhodes, who at one time was your trainee, who had to go in there and sort it out.
Simon Miller3:43
Viral: 85.0
Speakers

Host

Simon Miller
Topics Discussed
Obafemi vs Brock Lesnar95%Cody Rhodes vs Randy Orton Feud90%CM Punk vs Roman Reigns Brawl85%WrestleMania 42 Build85%Seth Rollins vs Gunther Match80%WWE Storytelling and Interference75%Tag Team Title Storylines75%Intercontinental Title Ladder Match70%
People & Brands

Simon Miller

person

15xNeutral

Cody Rhodes

person

12xPositive

Stephanie McMahon

person

10xNegative

Randy Orton

person

9xNeutral

Obafemi

person

8xPositive

Brock Lesnar

person

7xPositive

The Usos

other

6xPositive

I Show Speed

person

6xPositive

LA Knight

person

5xPositive

Adam Pearce

person

5xNeutral

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