Gemini said MSG Madness: Slaps, Security, and Table-Topping Chaos!

If there is one thing you can count on when the red brand hits the World’s Most Famous Arena, it’s that the drama will be louder than the 7 train at rush hour. Monday Night Raw at MSG was a massive night for the road to WrestleMania, featuring a mix of nostalgia, heavy hitters, and a few moments that left us all scratching our heads.

From McMahon family reunions to chaotic main events, this wasn't just a wrestling show; it was a high-stakes night in the heart of New York City. Let’s break down the action in order.

The Slap Heard ’Round the Garden

We kicked off the show with Cody Rhodes and Stephanie McMahon. It was a nice surprise to see Stephanie back, and the segment did a great job acknowledging both of their fathers. However, things got tense when Stephanie warned Cody that he simply isn't good enough to beat Randy Orton. She even hit him with her signature slap to drive the point home—and honestly, nobody sells a slap like a McMahon.

The reaction from Cody was... interesting. He grabbed her arm with an intensity that felt like a glimpse of a darker side—a side I am starving for—but then he ended the promo by saying "Thank You." Excuse me? It felt completely out of place given the aggression of the moment. We’re all waiting to see if "Heel Cody" is finally loading, but for now, he’s staying the course as the grateful babyface. 

New Music, New Problems, and Celebrity Interference

The Usos came out to new music tonight, which was admittedly awful. In WWE, a theme change usually signals a shift in momentum, and in this case, it was a bad omen. While the match was solid, the celebrity involvement is starting to feel a bit heavy-handed.

Between Jelly Roll over on SmackDown getting multiple segments and IShowSpeed inserts, we are seeing way too much of the "guest stars." Use them for a pop, sure, but then give that spotlight back to the actual roster. Speed’s involvement actually backfired; he got in the way, allowing Logan Paul to hit Jimmy with brass knuckles and costing the Usos their titles. 

The Queen of Jersey (and Duolingo)

Liv Morgan really connected with the crowd tonight, even throwing some Spanish into her trash talk. She looked every bit the Jersey native in the Garden. She took a tough beatdown from Stephanie, but the momentum shifted when Roxanne Perez made a her return. A well-placed "Oblivion" onto a chair left Liv standing tall, and it’s great to see Roxanne back in the mix. Did you notice the hint that things might not be as tight as before? Remember it was Finn who welcomed Roxanne in the Judgment Day in the first place. Keep your eyes on that one.

Tag Team Turmoil: The Interference Invitational

Bayley and Lyra actually make a very impressive team despite my earlier complaints that they need to break up, and they looked great in the ring tonight. They have the potential to really shake up the tag division —if they can actually finish a match.

 Unfortunately, the match ended in a disqualification when the Bellas, Charlotte, and Alexa all stormed the ring. It’s a relief to see Nikki healthy after the Smackdown scare, but the chaotic ending felt a bit too familiar—it’s giving me flashbacks to the men’s SmackDown tag division at this point last year. We all know how that played out, so I’m praying the focus remains on the actual titles and not just a crowded ring.

The Beast Meets the Mountain

Brock Lesnar came to the ring ready for a fight, but Adam Pearce attempted to keep the peace with a massive security detail. That didn't stop Oba Femi, who stomped through the guards and even shoved Pearce into the barricade to get face-to-face with Brock. It took Triple H appearing in person to keep them apart. Brock, never one to leave quietly, ended the segment by F5-ing a security guard just to make a statement. Seriously though if you work in security for any wrestling promotion you might want to find a new job.

Judgment Day Reckoning and Cero Miedo Energy

We got a promo with Finn Balor reflecting on his time with Judgment Day. He took responsibility for the "monster" Dominik has become and vowed to be the one to stop him. This pivot for Finn feels grounded and necessary. Honestly, I’m hoping this match is so good they have to send the man straight back into the title picture where he belongs.

Then came Penta: "Cero Miedo" was in full effect during his open challenge. Kofi answered the call, but the tension between him and Grayson Waller overshadowed the work. Grayson’s unsolicited "help" is clearly wearing on Kofi. Still, the match was high-energy and sets a great tone for the upcoming Ladder Match at Mania. 

Cleared for Combat: Seth’s Return and a Gunther Sized Surprise

Adam Pearce spent the night hovering over an email that Paul Heyman seemed to ignore.  (Side bar: Paul Heyman is another treasure. May he live to be 150 so that I never have to know wrestling without him.) So what was the big reveal? Seth Rollins is officially cleared and his legal troubles in Boston are behind him. However, the celebration was short-lived because Gunther is back. It’s an unexpected pairing that definitely changes the landscape for Seth who apparently will not be facing Bron Breakker at Mania despite all the sources that claimed he would. Meanwhile, Raquel managed a win over Iyo after Asuka and Kairi provided some very intended distractions.

The MSG Finale: A Table-Smashed Statement

We closed the night with a heavy-hitting confrontation between Roman Reigns and CM Punk. They didn't hold back, exchanging blows that eventually caught Pearce and other officials in the crossfire. Punk managed to land a "Go To Sleep," and the night ended on a high note (and a broken table) after Roman took a massive powerbomb.

I know it was Roman's turn to take the fall this week, but if I'm being honest, it didn't feel quite as impactful as the last two confrontations. Still, MSG lived up to the hype. As we head toward WrestleMania, I’m left wondering exactly how much longer Cody Rhodes can keep his "thank you" composure before he finally snaps.