WWE Raw at Madison Square Garden: John Cena’s Final Raw Match Headlines Shocking Night in NYC

WWE returned to Madison Square Garden for one of the most star-studded episodes of Monday Night Raw in recent memory, an event built around John Cena’s advertised final match on WWE’s flagship show. With Cena’s retirement looming at the end of 2025, the MSG faithful showed up ready to witness a piece of history. By night’s end, fans got that and much more: surprise returns, title changes, WarGames developments, and a chaotic ending worthy of the “world’s most famous arena.”

John Cena’s Final Raw Match Lives Up to the Hype

In what is likely his final appearance on Raw, John Cena teamed with Rey Mysterio and Sheamus to battle The Judgment Day. The match was a celebration of Cena’s legacy complete with a rare Triple Five Knuckle Shuffle delivered by all three babyfaces.

But the celebration nearly ended in heartbreak when Cena absorbed finishers from all three Judgment Day members and was covered in a triple-pin attempt. Instead of one more “Super Cena” kickout, Sheamus and Mysterio made the save, leading to a frenetic closing sequence that saw all three babyfaces hit their finishers. Cena sealed the victory with a resounding Attitude Adjustment, giving the MSG crowd one more classic moment.

Dolph Ziggler Returns and Falls to Solo Sikoa

Madison Square Garden erupted when Dolph Ziggler made an unannounced return, drawing one of the loudest pops of the night. Chants of “welcome back” and “let’s go Ziggler” filled the arena as he stepped into the ring with Solo Sikoa in the “Last Time is Now” Tournament.

Ziggler looked as sharp as ever, thrilling fans with trademark offense and nearly scoring the upset with a Zigzag that had the Garden on its feet. But Solo’s meteoric rise continued as he countered a late flurry and nailed Ziggler with a sudden Samoan Spike. The win reinforced a theme of the night: WWE’s rising stars toppling established veterans.

Nikki Bella Strikes; Charlotte Flair Joins WarGames

Before Stephanie Vaquer could even begin her interview, Nikki Bella blindsided her in a surprise attack, delivering a vicious beatdown before cutting a fiery heel promo. Despite the attack, the crowd’s heat didn’t quite match the intensity of the moment, an unusual reaction from MSG.

Later, Alexa Bliss attempted to address Charlotte Flair’s recent actions but was met with persistent “what?” chants. The interruption by Nia Jax, Lash Legend, and the Kabuki Warriors set the stage for an impending beatdown—until Charlotte arrived, followed by Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky. The babyface trio stood united with Bliss, forming the majority of the women’s WarGames team. With one spot remaining, speculation erupted: could AJ Lee be the final member?

AJ Lee Returns During Maxxine Dupri’s Stunning Upset Over Becky Lynch

Jessika Carr refereed the Women’s Intercontinental Championship match, a point noted by Wade Barrett given her uneasy history with Becky Lynch. That tension immediately came into play.

Maxxine Dupri nearly shocked the world in the opening seconds with a bicycle kick, but Lynch soon took control, methodically attacking the arm. Dupri roared back with a spirited comeback, targeting Lynch’s arm in return and nearly submitting her with an ankle lock to the delight of the MSG crowd. After a Manhandle Slam, Dupri barely survived by getting her foot on the rope, sending Lynch into a tirade against referee Carr. Lynch then began removing turnbuckle padding only for the arena to explode as AJ Lee’s music hit. The distraction allowed Maxxine to capitalize with a flying crossbody, scoring a stunning upset to become the new Women’s Intercontinental Champion.

Gunther Defeats Je’Von Evans in a Breakout Performance

Gunther made his grand return complete with his old Symphony No. 9 (WALTER-era) theme, earning massive “Walter!” chants from the New York crowd. Je’Von Evans came in fearless, firing fierce offense early and even catching Gunther off-guard with aerial attacks and a mid-match cutter. Gunther’s dominance emerged as he battered Evans with heavy strikes and powerbombs, but Evans refused to stay down. MSG rallied behind the rising star during a sleeper hold attempt, clapping and chanting in unison. Ultimately, Gunther’s power overwhelmed Evans, sealing the victory but Evans’ stock soared in defeat.

Brock Lesnar and Roman Reigns Return in WarGames Chaos

Paul Heyman proclaimed The Vision as the greatest WarGames unit he’s ever guided, invoking memories of the Samoan SWAT Team, Dangerous Alliance, and the Bloodline. But his speech was cut short by a parade of rivals: CM Punk, The Usos, and Cody Rhodes.

The brawl erupted instantly and then the arena shook as Brock Lesnar made his explosive return. With a wicked grin, Lesnar demolished CM Punk with repeated suplexes and manhandled Cody Rhodes with frightening ease.

The crowd begged for one more surprise, and they got it after the lower-third appeared Roman Reigns’ music hit. Reigns sprinted to the ring, flooring Lesnar with a Superman Punch and reigniting one of WWE’s fiercest rivalries.

Chaos spiraled as Bronson Reed attacked Reigns and security, leading to NYPD officers flooding the ringside area. Reigns speared two officers and plowed Reed through a barricade as the show ended in utter pandemonium.WWE Raw from Madison Square Garden delivered one of the most dramatic, chaotic, and memorable episodes in years. John Cena’s final Raw match, AJ Lee’s stunning return, multiple surprise comebacks, and a WarGames confrontation involving both Brock Lesnar and Roman Reigns made this a night destined to be rewatched for years to come. If this is the beginning of the end for John Cena’s career, WWE is certainly giving him and the fans a sendoff worthy of a legend.