It’s a monumental Monday Night Raw!

The Rated R Superstar, EDGE, returns to Raw on a night filled with gold! Will RKBRO still reign over the tag division? Will Damian Priest hold onto the WWE US Championship?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Finn Balor VS Seth Rollins; Rollins wins.
• Raw Tag Team Championships: RKBRO VS The Dirty Dawgs; RKBRO wins and retains the titles.
• The Street Profits VS The Alpha Academy; The Street Profits win.
• WWE United States Championship: Damian Priest VS Apollo Crews w/ Azeez; Priest wins and retains the title.
• The Mysterios VS The Hurt Business; The Mysterios win.
• 10 Woman Tag: Team Liv VS Team Becky; Team Liv wins.
• WWE Championship Contenders Match: Big E VS Kevin Owens; Kevin wins, by disqualification, and is added to the title match at WWE Day 1.

PLAY BY PLAY

Finn Balor VS Seth Rollins!

The Prince and The Visionary were supposed to have this match last week, but Rollins saw to it that all Balor got was a beat down! Will Balor return the favor and beat down Rollins to open the night?

Before the match, Rollins has a mic and says, “After last week, you guys might expect me to be in a bad mood. But I’m Seth Freakin’ Rollins, and nobody can keep me down! Not Kevin Owens, not Finn Balor, not Big E, not anybody else!” But there is a special reason Rollins is in a good mood: “I’ve got a secret~!” Some breaking news, even! Wanna hear it? You wanna hear it? The fans do, so give us a drum roll. It is official! At Day One, Atlanta, Georgia, Big E VS Rollins for the WWE Championship! And what a fitting name. It will be the first day of a new year, the first day of a new era, and the first day of Rollins’ next reign!

“A reign that will define the future of Monday nights! Because I am a Visionary! I am a revolutionary! I am Seth! Freakin’! Rollins!” But here comes Balor! And he tackles Rollins! Rollins throws Balor off but Balor DECKS him! Rollins bails out, Balor runs and CLOBBERS Him into the timekeeper’s area! Balor bumps Rollins off the apron, then TOSSES him over the announce desk! Balor kicks Rollins then throws him into the ring! Rollins DECKS Balor, then ruins, to DIVE! Direct hit, even with the jacket on! Rollins throws his jacket off but Balor SLINGBLADES Rollins down! Balor pulls the steel steps apart! And he RAMS Rollins down!

Balor puts Rollins back in the ring, the ref has Balor stand down and Rollins demands they ring the bell. The bell rings, Balor SHOTGUNS Rollins down! Balor climbs, but Rollins bails out. So Balor FLIES! Direct hit at the ramp and Balor is fired up as Raw goes to break.

Raw returns and Rollins reverses a whip, only for Balor to reverse it to a DDT! Cover, TWO! Balor grits his teeth and he KICKS Rollins to the ropes. Balor stomps away on Rollins, but Rollins gets up to hotshot Balor back! Rollins springboards but Balor gets under. Balor GAMANGIRIS from the apron, climbs up top, but Rollins trips him up! Rollins climbs up, brings Balor up, but Balor throws body shots. Balor shoves Rollins down, but Rollins comes right back! SUPERPLEX! Roll through and FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO! Rollins seethes, goes to the apron and climbs up the corner. Rollins FROG SPLASHES onto knees! Cover, TWO!!

Balor trips Rollins to DOUBLE STOMP! Cover, TWO! Balor aims from a corner, Rollins stands, but he avoids the slingblade to shove, run and SLINGBLADE Balor! SUPERKICK! Cover, TWO! Rollins seethes, fans rally up, Rollins rains down forearms and hammer fists! Rollins goes to a corner, fans boo and jeer, but Rollins aims at Balor. Rollins runs in, into a SLINGBLADE! Balor SHOTGUN dropkicks again! Rollins is down, Balor goes up top! COUP DE- NO, Rollins moves! But Balor avoids the stomp to roll up, TWO! Both men forearm each other down! Fans build to a rally, “This is Awesome!” as both men stand.

Rollins and Balor forearm again, then forearm back and forth over and over. Rollins gets the edge, ROLLING ELBOW, but Balor PELES! Balor reels Rollins in but Rollins PELES back! Rollins ripcords but Balor gets around, ELBOW DROP DDT! Dragon sleeper, but Rollins gets Balor in the eye! Rollins runs in, spins Balor, DREAM SMASHER ELBOW! CURB STOMP!! Cover, Rollins wins!!

Winner: Seth Rollins, by pinfall

The Architect saves himself and snatches away the win! Will he snatch the title away from Big E on New Year’s Day?

Vince McMahon is visited by Austin Theory.

They have a seat and Vince doesn’t need Theory to be all nice. No one really wants to know how Mr. McMahon is doing. It’s all phony. But what wasn’t phony was Theory’s match with Big E last week. Vince is sure Theory was surprised. But he was ready for it. So tonight, guess what’ll happen? Theory will sit here in the office to watch to show with Vince. And they’ll see if there are any surprises tonight. We’ll see if anyone expects the unexpected, and if they do, how they respond. And also, if Theory ever steals from Vince again, he will kill him. Understood.

Becky Lynch is here!

The Man’s come around to Long Island, and she’s ready to put pen to paper. She and Liv Morgan make it official with a Raw Women’s Championship contract signing, after the break.

Raw returns and Sonya Deville is in the ring, along with the table and armchairs. Sonya welcomes us to the contract signing, and says in the ring is the reigning, defending, Raw Women’s Champion, #BigTimeBecks, Becky Lynch! Becky says we can get Lil’ Livvy out here now. Yes, it is the “rebellious” Liv Morgan! Liv makes her entrance, joins the others in the ring, and Becky realizes this is Liv’s first contract signing. Liv can thank Becky for that. Liv looks proud of her sucker punch, huh? First bit of fire out of her. You can thank Becky for that, too. Becky wanted to see if Liv had that fire in her. She has one hell of a right.

But then what? Liv did nothing? She held back like she always does. One punch doesn’t beat Becky, but Liv knows that, too. So what’s gonna happen when it comes to the big fight? Liv gonna hold back again? Gonna prove Becky wrong? Becky knows the answer but that’s on Liv to prove. Becky’s signed her part, but Sonya, go ahead and tell Liv how long she has to decide. Well this match happens next Monday on Raw. Oh, wow, Long Island must be salty. The other place gets the title match, not them. Well, considering the crappy hockey team, the Islanders, hasn’t won a thing, nothing different, huh? But never fear, Big Time Becks-

“Would you please just shut up for once?!” Liv signs her part, while staring Becky down, and then says if she’s not holding back, here goes. Liv got upset last week. But Liv channeled the emotion into her first, instead of becoming a big blubbering mess. Like Becky crying about Charlotte after Survivor Series. Oh, Becky didn’t forget about that, did she? Liv sure didn’t. Liv even has the footage ready, courtesy of WWE’s social media team. Let’s look at the tron. Becky was emotional speaking on how she and Charlotte went through so much. The fact they despise each other now, Becky was ready to rip Charlotte apart. Becky didn’t break Charlotte’s arm, she isn’t sure how to feel about that, but she won.

Wow~! Who knew Big Time Becky could cry like a baby. But guess what else? Becks is the reason why her friend is gone, just like that big fat greedy contract is why Liv’s friends are gone. Becky is nothing but a bully, so tell us. How does it feel knowing that Becky has become everything she once despised? Becky hates Charlotte for making her number tow, but Liv is supposed to be Becky’s? Too bad. Liv’s learned from Becky’s mistakes. This isn’t the Becky Liv once admired and this isn’t the Liv Becky left behind. So if Liv’s punch wasn’t enough to show her that, maybe the next one will! But Sonya keeps the peace!

Becky says that was big emotion after a big match! Liv wouldn’t know anything about that! And some of them deserve to get paid. Now, if Liv would’ve let Becky finish, Becky would’ve shared she has a big opportunity for Liv. If Liv thinks she can be a leader and a champion, well then Becky pitched a little match, a little 5v5, Team Liv VS Team Becks tonight. Put the graphic up! Sonya cues up the teams, and Liv gets Bianca Belair, Dana Brooke, Rhea Ripley & Nikki A.S.H. to take on Becky, Tamina, “Doudrop” Piper Niven, and the NEW WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions, Carmella & Queen Zelina Vega. Liv says Becky is way too selfish to ever be a real leader. Challenge accepted!

Liv drops the mic but Becky raises the belt. Will Liv prove she’s ready in tonight’s 10 Woman Tag?

RKBRO meets up backstage.

Matt Riddle scoots up, and asks where Randy Orton’s shorts are. He looks rad as usual, but after last week with Riddle being Randy, he thought Randy would be Riddle. Why in the hell would he do that? Because they totally Freaky Friday’d last week. Imagine if they remade that movie with RKBRO! Plus, Riddle did so great hitting an RKO, and then he saw Orton hit the Bro Derek, and then he “saw the lettuce flowing from your head,” and just thought they’d both be scootering around. Orton gets Riddle to stop right there. They’re defending their tag titles. If Riddle thinks Orton was going to ride his scooter to the ring bare foot, then Riddle’s more brain dead than Orton first thought.

Orton says he does appreciate Riddle, but they don’t need to dress up as each other to keep the titles. They need to be more ruthless than anyone else, and stay ten steps ahead. Got that? Yes, but could Orton do him a favor? He wants Orton to close his eyes. Orton does, and Riddle puts a wig on him! Orton sees himself in the mirror and says Riddle has two seconds to get this off his head. One- Riddle takes the wig away. Don’t ever do that again. Sorry… The music hits and RKBRO heads out. Will the Viper and the Stallion stay golden against the Glorious One and the Show-Off?

Raw Tag Team Championships: RKBRO VS The Dirty Dawgs!

Raw returns and the Dawgs make their entrance. The titles are raised and we see if Ziggler & Roode return to title glory.

The bell rings and they attack RKBRO from behind! Orton goes down, Ziggler bumps Riddle off buckles, tag to Roode. POWERBOMB NECKBREAKER COMBO! Cover, TWO! Roode DECKS Orton, stomps Riddle, then tags Ziggler. Catapult into the SATELLITE DDT! Cover, TWO! Ziggler keeps on Riddle with a sleeper and body scissors but fans rally up. Riddle fights up, Ziggler brings him around, but Riddle throws body shots. Riddle reaches out but Ziggler pulls hair to stop the tag! Ziggler has Riddle in an open corner, throws body shots, then haymakers. Ziggler runs but Riddle dodges the splash! Ziggler hits buckles, Riddle crawls over, but Ziggler anchors a foot.

Riddle BOOTS Ziggler, hot tags Orton! The Viper rallies on the Dawgs! He dodges Ziggler to POWERSLAM on the return! Fans fire up, Orton has Ziggler on the apron and through the ropes. But Roode anchors Ziggler’s feet and save shim from the DDT. So Orton drags Roode up! Ziggler drags Orton down, Orton fights the Dawgs off! Orton SMACKS Ziggler off the desk, then back suplexes, but Ziggler lands on his feet! SUPERKICK! Riddle runs over but Roode kicks him down! Roode gives Riddle the DESK BACK SUPLEX! The Dawgs are fired up as Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Ziggler tags in. The Dawgs mug Orton, Ziggler fires body shots in the corner. The ref counts, Ziggler lets off and tags Roode back in. Ziggler whips Roode for Roode to whip Ziggler, SPLASH in the corner! Feed to a kick and a NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Roode does push-ups to show off, then CLUBS Orton down. Roode wraps on a chinlock, fans rally as Orton endures. Orton fights up, but Roode wrangles him down! Roode talks trash while grinding the hold, but Orton fights up. Orton reaches out but Roode keeps him away from Riddle. Orton slips around to hit a BIG back suplex! Fans fire up as Orton crawls, hot tag to Riddle!

Ziggler tags in but Riddle gets around to ripcord FINAL FLASH! Riddle spins Roode around to PELE! Riddle kips up and forearm smashes Ziggler for a BROSPLODER! Then a forearm smash and BROSPLODER to Roode! BROTON for Roode! BROTON for Ziggler! PENALTY KICK for Ziggler! Roode gets in the ropes but Riddle kicks him! Fans fire up as Riddle copies Orton, DRAPING DDT! Tag to Orton and fans fire up as RKBRO both hear voices, bro! The Dawgs slowly get up, but they deny the double RKO’s. Roode clotheslines Riddle out, Ziggler ZIGZAGS! Cover, TWO!! Ziggler is furious that his best shot doesn’t win it!

Fans are thunderous for “RANDY! RANDY!” as Ziggler aims. Orton rises, but he blocks the superkick and rolls Ziggler, RKO!! Cover, RKBRO wins!

Winners: RKBRO, by pinfall (still Raw Tag Team Champions)

The Viper and the Stallion stand tall as another tag team falls! Will they continue to reign into the new year?

Kevin Owens finds Seth Rollins backstage.

Rollins stops laughing and asks what Kevin wants. Well an exciting night. Big win tonight, title match at Day 1. But Rollins isn’t the only one with big news. Kevin has something? Yes, and it kinda involves Rollins. If Kevin wins against Big E tonight, he’ll be added to the match at Day 1. Rollins laughs, thinking Kevin is joking. But he’s not. This is the truth. No, there’s no way. This is a lie. It is Rollins’ match. Until Kevin beats Big E. Just go ask Pearce. The bald guy. Rollins will go ask because he doesn’t believe Kevin because Kevin’s a liar. Rollins heads off to find Pearce, will he find out Kevin is actually being honest?

Rollins finds Adam Pearce.

Rollins doesn’t want to take up too much time, but what the hell is Kevin talking about? What is he talking about? That Pearce told Kevin that if Kevin wins tonight, he’s added to the match at Day 1. Well Rollins should know not to trust Kevin or anything that comes out of his mouth. Pearce said no such thing, and hasn’t even seen Kevin at all tonight. Of course Kevin was lying. Alright, then it’s just Rollins VS Big E at Day 1. Have a great Raw. Rollins says hey to Sonya on his way out, and she asks Pearce what this was about. Pearce explains about Kevin lying, and then Sonya says that isn’t a bad idea. Did Kevin’s lie just get the ball rolling?

Edge heads to the ring!

The Rated R Superstar is back on Raw, and the fans go nuts! But what’s he got planned? We’ll find out, after the break.

Raw returns and Edge says this is the best job in the world, he missed the fans. Yes, he’s back. Last time they saw him, he survived a war in Hell in a Cell with Seth Rollins. And now, Rollins is the #1 contender to the WWE Championship. Edge never thought he’d say this, but Rollins deserves it, he’s on a different level right now. But that’s a different story now. Edge is here to talk about how he’s on Raw! And how he’s in #StrongIsland! And there is a whole new set of opponents Edge can sink his teeth into. AJ Styles, Kevin Owens, Finn Balor, Damian Priest, Big E. “It’s really exciting, because everything’s wide open.”

But THE MIZ is back!! And he brought Maryse, too! Miz & Mrs are literally shining in silver and crystals after Miz’s run on Dancing with the Stars, and they’re headed right to the ring. They get the mics and Edge is rather confused to see them. “They gave you the big return treatment. They gave you the big press release, ‘Tune into Monday Night Raw! Edge is back!'” But Edge has been gone a month? Is this Edge’s career now? The big comeback? Injured, comeback. Time off, comeback. Retired, just kidding, comeback. Meanwhile, Miz was representing WWE on a weekly basis and showcasing that the WWE superstars are the greatest entertainers in the world!

Miz got hurt, he got carted in a wheelchair. He takes time off to elevate what it is to be a superstar! And yet no big return, no pyro, not even people clambering for him. What irks Miz the most is that tonight, right here and right now, one of the greatest female superstars in the history of this company, his wife, Maryse, is BACK! And yet, Miz hears the list Edge has his eye on and he forgets The Miz. Is Miz not on Edge’s radar? Well Edge thought Miz was still painting himself like a genie and dancing. Maryse says while Edge was busy chopping wood, Miz was busy being the most entertaining, most charismatic and the best dancer on the entire show! Didn’t he come in ninth?

In everyone’s minds, Miz won! The only reason Miz placed where he was, was because the supposed most “devoted and loyal fanbase” forgot to vote for him! Jojo Siwa has a more devoted fanbase! Fans boo, they’re not taking the Blame for this.  And while Miz danced with the stars, Edge danced with an injury riddled body. So, wait, Miz wants to come out and complain because Edge got the press. But Miz could’ve gone to management and waited until they got what they deserve. But they didn’t, so it’s clear to Edge they have a different agenda. They’re interrupting Edge to place themselves in the main event picture.

Edge could take the easy route and get the fans to scream at the top of their lungs that Miz sucks. Y’know, like this. One, two, three. “MIZ SUCKS!” Miz says, “How dare you. How dare all of you!” Miz is an era defining superstar who deserves respect! He’s not here to place himself in the main event picture when he was WWE Champion six months ago! When was the last time Edge held a title? Right, Edge was the opener to Miz’s main event at WrestleMania! Edge was great in the ring, has a career that most superstars only dream of. But Miz surpassed him long ago. And in Miz’s opinion, Edge should’ve just stayed home for good.

Okay, so Miz is verbally attacking Edge to hang it up. That Edge is dancing with a body that can’t hang. And Miz is right. Edge can’t do this for much longer. The window is small. But Edge fought with every fiber of his being to get this window back. Edge is the guy people want to stand across the ring from and test themselves. They respect Edge, Edge respects them, aka mutual respect, something Miz knows nothing about. Something Miz could’ve and still could have, but he just walks out here, bitches and moans that he doesn’t have this or that, “Lil’ Mizzy needs a pat on the back, does he?”

Edge will give the pat on the back and he means all of this. Miz made it here, standing across the ring from Edge through Tough Enough. Miz wrote notes on his hands and made it all the way to facing John Cena at Mania, and beat him. Miz did that. Edge did “jerk the curtain” that same night, yeah. Miz has people on other shows saying his name just to get a cheap reaction! Miz lives rent free in a lot of heads. He’s built an empire, a mansion and a beautiful family. Miz has made it further or higher anyone ever thought he would or could! Except for Miz. Miz thought it, believed it, and made it happen.

“But the big difference between you and I is that I fought with every fiber of my being to get this small window back. Where you, you use this to get notoriety for your next endeavor.” Next reality show, next dance show, while he leaves his friends high and dry to get fired. But the biggest difference is that Miz expects respect while Edge earns it! Take the shades off, stare Edge down, they can go right now. Edge dares Miz to jump! Miz takes off the sunglasses, the headband, and starts to undo the jacket. They wanna see Miz and Edge dance? “NO.” Miz won’t give Edge or the fans the satisfaction of being egged on, but then when will the Awesome One and the Rated R Superstar throw down?

AJ Styles and Omos talk backstage.

Sarah walks over, Styles needs to be guided. Does he have any insight as to why the Street Profits used a fire extinguisher on them last week? Insight? Is that a vision joke? Styles knows why! The Profits can’t beat the Phenomenal One and his personal colossus! Styles has glasses because he can’t see! HE couldn’t even see himself in the mirror! Did someone snicker? That’s not funny! Omos had to help with his beard! The doctors aren’t even sure if Styles will ever get his vision back. Those smoke enthusiasts have blinded him! But that’s okay. Where there’s smoke, there’s fire! Styles promises the Profits, they’ll get burned. Omos helps guide Styles backstage, will the Profits not see payback coming?

The Street Profits VS The Alpha Academy!

Speaking of the Profits, Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins head out to settle another score. Will they be the ones taking Otis and “Master” Chad Gable to school tonight?

Raw returns and Styles goes to ringside, with Omos helping him down the ramp. As for the match, Ford and Otis start. Otis throws body shots, whips Ford to a corner, but Ford goes up and over, only to get run over! Omos helps Styles get to the announce desk while Otis hotshots Ford off ropes! “For the Academy!” Otis puts Ford in the corner, tags Gable, and whips Gable in for a monkey flip! Otis drops a leg, brother! Gable covers, Dawkins breaks it! Styles asks who is winning. Gables has Ford in a Bow ‘n’ Arrow stretch! Ford endures, Ford pops to a cover, TWO! Ford hits Otis, shoulders into Gable then slingshots but into a NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridging cover, TWO!

Gable DECKS Dawkins, drags Ford up and tags Otis in. Otis brings Ford out to CLUB, but Ford fires off elbows and kicks! Ford CHOPS and CHOPS Otis, but Otis lifts him up! Ford sunset flips but Gable tags in! Ford gets away from Otis but Gable gets the legs. Ford flips to his feet, dodges Gable and tags in Dawkins! Dawkins rallies, but Gable whips. Dawkins hurdles, gets around and HALF NELSON SUPLEXES! Otis gets in but Dawkins dodges to FLYING ELBOW! Dawkins spins Gable to hit the SILENCER! Fans fire up as Dawkins run sin at the corner, CYCLONE SPLASH! Tag to Ford, ANOINTING and Ford goes up! But Otis drags Gable out!

Dawkins goes out, the Academy RAMS Dawkins into barriers! Ford CANNONBALLS the Academy down! Gable gets in the ring, Styles springs up and goes after Ford! Ford kicks him down! Of course Styles was faking the blindness! Gable goes up, Ford headbutts him down! FROM THE HEAVENS! Cover, The Profits win!

Winners: The Street Profits, by pinfall

The Profits aren’t shocked Styles was up to something. Will Styles & Omos have to go back to the drawing board on how to get even with them?

We check back in with Vince and Theory.

Vince asks Theory what he thought about Styles’ surprise. Theory thought that was pretty good. No, it was horrible. We all saw that coming a mile away. Oh, r-right. Expect the unexpected, but the Profits did. Right, of course. You have to be more attentive. Yes, sir. Theory, look at Vince when he’s talking to you. Right. Theory agrees with Vince. What more will Theory learn watching Raw with Vince by his side?

Reggie talks with Dana Brooke backstage.

The former 24/7 Champion is probably giving the current champion some pointers on how to hold that title a long, long time. Will Dana make sure her first title in the WWE is with her 24/7 into the new year?

Rollins laughs as he finds Kevin backstage.

“What’d I tell you, liar? LIAR~!” He talked to Pearce, Pearce never said anything about Kevin winning his way into Day 1. Liar liar, pants on fire. But Kevin’s pants are not on fire because he’s not lying. If he wins, he’s getting added to the title match. Sure, okay, Kev. Alright, alright, you’re not lying. Good luck, tonight! Hope you win then. Rollins is laughing, but will the joke be on him before the night is out?

WWE United States Championship: Damian Priest VS Apollo Crews w/ Azeez!

The Archer of Infamy was willing to have this showdown last week, but the Pride of Nigeria does things on his time. And now that it is time, will Apollo make this his title? Or will he unleash the Damian within Priest?

Raw returns and Apollo makes his entrance, Azeez behind him. The belt is raised and the bell rings. The two circle, Apollo gets a waistlock and SLAMS Priest down. Priest gets up, Apollo gets around but Priest throws him off and arm-drags him down. Priest has an armlock, Apollo fights up and pulls hair. Apollo throws body shots, haymakers, then whips. Priest reverses to run Apollo over! Apollo bails out, Priest goes out after him but Apollo falls back to where Azeez is. Azeez is a distraction so Apollo can leap off the apron for a KNEE! Down goes Priest and Apollo fires up as Raw goes to break!

Raw returns again and Priest swings but into a back suplex, CREWS MISSILE to STANDING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO!! Apollo is furious that Priest survives! Priest gets up, Crews throws haymakers. Fans rally, Priest counter punches and Apollo wobbles! Apollo fires off fast hands, but Priest throws hands back! JUMPING ROUNDHOUSE! Priest runs and springboards, FLYING LEG LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Priest drags Apollo up while Azeez paces outside. Apollo throws body shots and an ENZIGURI! Priest comes back to LARIAT! Priest drags Apollo up, Canadian rack for a CLIFFHANGER! Cover, TWO! Apollo survives and Priest grows frustrated.

Apollo bails out, Priest builds speed but Azeez gets Apollo out of the way! Priest stops, bails out, and uses the steps to CANNONBALL Apollo down! Priest drags Apollo up and in, climbs up but Apollo distracts the ref. Azeez YANKS Priest off the corner! The fans boo and the ref suspects what happened! He tells Azeez that he is EJECTED! Fans cheer while Azeez and Apollo are furious! But speaking of fury, Damian rises! He BOOTS Apollo, fires off in the corner, lets off at 4 to BOOT Apollo to the apron! Priest gets Apollo up for a SOUTH OF HEAVEN CHOKE SLAM! Then THE RECKONING! Cover, Priest wins!

Winner: Damian Priest, by pinfall (still WWE United States Champion)

Priest retains with just the right balance of fury and focus! Will Apollo have to try again another time if he’s to take the title from the Archer of Infamy?

Sonya and Pearce talk in their office.

Rollins comes laughing back in and says what a night! But he wants to bring this to their attention. Kevin is still spewing these rumors. it is not healthy, it is a bad look for Raw. Well here’s the thing. It raises the stakes, Sonya thought it was a good idea. Really? Pinning this on Sonya? Wait, what? If Kevin wins, he is added to Day 1. WHAT!? No! Big E VS Rollins is the match! They lied to him! They LIED to him! No, Kevin lied. No, Kevin told- Wait. What is going on?!? Rollins storms off, but now the Prizefighter could be joining him and Big E on New Year’s Day!

The Mysterios VS The Hurt Business!

Rey & Dominik may have been put way by the Rocky Mountain Machine both separately and together, but can they at least score a win off Cedric Alexander & Shelton Benjamin? Or do the Mysterios have no business taking on the Hurt Business?

Raw returns and the Hurt Business have already entered the ring. Dom starts with Benjamin and the two circle. They tie up, Benjamin waistlock, SLAM Dom down, but Dom moves around to get up. Dom knuckle locks, kicks and forearms, then goes up and hits a flying arm-drag! Benjamin comes back to run Dom over! Alexander mocks Dom’s pain while Benjamin gives him a BACKBREAKER! Benjamin drags Dom up, tags Alexander, snap suplex to slingshot senton! Alexander taunts Rey with Latino Heat before the cover, but they’re in the ropes. Alexander is annoyed but he brings Dom up. Dom cradles, TWO! Alexander CLOBBS Dom for that one!

Alexander snap suplexes, covers, ONE! Tag to Benjamin, he stomps Dom down. Benjamin drags Dom up and taunts Rey before he back suplexes. Dom land son his feet to SUPERKICK! And then leaps over Benjamin to tag in Rey! Rey goes up to SEATED SENTON! Rey runs, Benjamin dodges but Rey tilt-o-whirl headscissors! Rey goes after Benjamin but Benjamin elbows him back. Tag to Alexander, slingshot sunset flip but Rey rolls through to BUZZSAW and basement dropkick! Cover, TWO! Rey DECKS Benjamin, whips Alexander, but Alexander reverses, only for Rey to wheelbarrow victory roll to put Alexander on the ropes!

Tag to Dom, Benjamin gets in but Dom wheelbarrows to put Benjamin on the ropes! Father and son DOUBLE 619!! Benjamin bails out, Dom goes up, Rey SEATED SENTONS Benjamin and Dom FROG SPLASHES! Cover, the Mysterios win!

Winners: The Mysterios, by pinfall

Father and son are back on a winning track! Will the first father-son tag team champions climb their way back up to be the first two-time father-son tag team championship team?

10 Woman Tag: Team Liv VS Team Becky!

It may not be Survivor Series, but this one’s going to be big! Will the EST, the 24/7 Champion and #SuperBrutality help the #1 contender get momentum against The Man? Or will the Daughter of Superfly, Doudrop, the Most Beautiful Woman in the WWE and the Queen of the Ring help Big Time Becks feel even bigger?

Raw returns and Team Becky makes their entrance. Liv’s team put the hands in and are united, but Mella needs her mask. Her team secures it in place while the rest of the team sorts out. Becky says she’s starting as team captain, so Liv does the same. The teams cheer their leaders on, Becky steps up and Liv ROCKS her! Liv then dodges and dropkicks Becky down! Liv SHINING WIZARDS in the corner then BULLDOGS Becky down! Becky flounders to another corner, dodges the elbow to stomp away! Becky lets off at 4, talks trash, then brings Liv up to CLUB her down. Becky tags Mella in, Mella runs but Liv goes Matrix to roll her up! ONE, but Liv kicks low!

Liv whips Mella to ropes, Mella holds ropes to throw Liv by her hair! Mella gloats about her beauty, mocks Rhea’s rocker life then mockingly asks where the titles went. Liv tags Rhea in and Mella runs away to tag Zelina! The Queen is a bit shocked, but she steps up to Rhea. Zelina gets around, tilt-o-whirl and sunset flip but Rhea stays up. Zelina runs away form the stomp, tag to Mella! Mella tags Becky, but Becky tags Piper. Piper tags Tamina and Team Becky surrounds Rhea. Rhea just fights them all! Tamina CLUBS Rhea down and Becky gloats, but Rhea throws body shots back! Rhea fires forearms, runs but Tamina CLOBBERS her!

Tamina paces around Rhea, drags her up and headbutts her down! Tamina mocks the fans cheering for Rhea, then she drags Rhea up for a chinlock. Rhea endures as Tamina thrashes her around. Fans rally up, Rhea fights up and fights back but Tamina CLUBS Rhea, then fireman’s carries. Rhea slips out, shoves Tamina into a corner, then CLOBBERS her on the return! Tag to Nikki! Tag to Dana, and then tag to Liv, and tag to Bianca! Turnabout is fair play, and they surround Tamina! Torture rack from Bianca, but Becky gets in to save Tamina! Team Liv wants after Team Becky but they get away. Bianca and team say “Kiss this!” as Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Zelina tags Piper so she can mug Nikki. Piper scoops and SLAMS Nikki, then drops an elbow! Piper wraps on a cobra clutch and thrashes Nikki around. Nikki fights up, throws body shots, but Piper ripcords and LARIATS Nikki down! Piper taunts Liv’s team, Liv coaches Nikki. Nikki throws forearms and CHOPS but Piper DECKS her! Piper drags Nikki up, bumps her off buckles, then tags in Becky. Piper scoops and SLAMS Nikki and Becky talks trash before she drops a leg, then another! Becky runs but Nikki avoids the hat trick! Becky tags Mella, and Mella gets Nikki before she can tag out!

Mella throws Nikki by her hair, puts her in a corner then fires off elbows! Mella taunts the others but Nikki hits back! Mella clubs Nikki down, covers, TWO! Mella wraps on a chinlock and leans all her weight on Nikki. Nikki fights up, fans rally, and Nikki JAWBREAKERS free! She dodges and tags in Rhea! Rhea CLOBBERS Mella, Mella clutches her head. The mask saved her from some of that, but Rhea gets her up to dribble her off the mat. Becky runs in, Rhea dodges to dropkick the others! HEADBUTT for Becky, elbow for Piper! Mella gets up but gets cravat knees and a snapmare! Rhea runs but Mella avoids the dropkick! Drop toehold and float over to CODE OF SILENCE!

Dana stomps Mella down to save Rhea, then hits the ROLLING NECKBREAKER! Zelina BOOTS Dana! Nikki kicks Zelina for the SWINGING NECKBREAKER! Tamian SAMOAN DROPS Nikki, Bianca chicken wings and GlamEST Slams Tamina! Piper HEADBUTTS Bianca and runs to SPLASH! But Liv gets in to bait Piper and dump her out. Becky is in, she gets Liv for the REVERSE DDT! Rhea kicks Becky and throws her out! Rhea pump handles Mella, for the RIP- NO! Mella slips out and stomps the leg! FABULOUS KICK! Cover, TWO!! Team Becky is back on top as Raw goes to break!

Raw returns again and Tamina headbutts Dana to the corner. Tamina runs in but Dana BOOTS her! Dana DECKS Mella, DECKS Zelina, dodges Tamina, but Tamina gets legs. Dana kicks her away, hot tag to Liv! Liv dodges Tamina to DECK Piper, dodge Becky and fire off on Tamina! Liv runs but Tamina SWATS the crossbody! Tamina DECKS Bianca, but Liv hits a LIV BREAKER! Cover, but Becky breaks it! Dana throws Becky out, Nikki CROSSBODIES Becky! Piper runs up to CLOBBER Nikki! Piper scoops Nikki, Dana kicks Piper and Rhea CLUBS Piper down! Dana goes up, Zelina hits her first! Zelina climbs, but Dana resists!

The others gather around as Mella helps Vega and kicks Rhea! Mella shoves Dana onto the others! Everyone but the tag champions are down! Melal then runs at Liv, to get an ENZIGURI! Vega leaps, into Liv’s STO! Liv hurries and DECKS Becky off the apron! But Tamina SUPERKICKS Liv down! Cover, TWO!! Liv survives and shocks Tamina! Tamina drags Liv up, Liv slips off and shoves, to wrench and WING SNAPPER! She puts Tamina on the ropes, for ObLIVion!! Cover, Team Liv wins!!

Winners: Team Liv, by pinfall

But Becky stomps Liv right down! And puts her in a corner to stomp away! Piper CLOBBERS Bianca and hammers away! But Team Liv fights back! Mella RAMS Rhea into a barrier, Bianca shoves Piper, SPINEBUSTER! Rhea RAMS Mella! Dana stomps Tamina, Becky reels Liv in but Liv arm-drags free of the slam! ObLIVion to Becky!! If Liv can do this all over again, she’ll become champion! But will Big Time Becks make sure Liv stays small?

We check in with Vince and Theory again.

Team Liv was very impressive. Theory liked the match. Vince insists he look at him when they talk again. That was definitely the unexpected. When it’s a surprise, it really has to be. If it’s not, then it’s not a surprise. But if it is, then you’re screwed. Expect a surprise, then it’s a real surprise. Got it? Yes, sir. Stop looking off into space, Theory! Sorry…

WWE takes a closer look at Bobby Lashley.

The now All Mighty Lashley started wrestling when he was in the seventh grader. He was a workhorse, and then it was on in college. He used working out as an outlet, and he won big time in his junior and senior years. Then the Army called him up and he wrestled on their team, and was a silver medalist in the World Military Wrestling tournament. Four time All-American, “credible to the max.” His first run in WWE was truly dominant, maybe even superhuman, as he became WWE United States and ECW Champion. Then his return was just as powerful, becoming WWE Intercontinental, US and World Champion. The All Mighty Era never ends.

Backstage interview with Big E.

We know the title is on the line at Day 1, but we found out that if Big E loses in the main event, Kevin is added to the match as  a Triple Threat. Does that put any pressure on Big E here tonight? No. Big E goes to leave, but then he realizes they need more words. Well, Big E puts it like this: He fears no man, and he fears no Kevins. Kevin Patrick here included. But Big E also understands that a Triple Threat with two former world champions would make it more difficult to retain “my baby.” So after Big E wins here tonight and rids himself of “that duplicitous scourge,” it’ll just be Big E VS Rollins, man VS man, at Day 1. And please believe he plans on kicking of 2022 with a bang as he retains his WWE Championship! Now you gotta feel that, SUCKA!

We check in with Vince and Theory one more time.

So, did Theory enjoy tonight? Yeah, he had a great time and learned a lot. Really? Like what? When it comes to surprise, you gotta be prepared. Expected the unexpected. Okay then. They stand up and Vince SLAPS Theory. Theory didn’t expect that! He’s still got a lot to learn.

WWE Championship Contenders Match: Big E VS Kevin Owens!

Big E has stated the facts, and all he has to do is win to keep things as they are. But if the Prizefighter brings things into existence just as he did tonight, things get even bigger for New Year’s Day! Will KO #StunTheWorld and add himself to that world title match?

Raw returns once again and Big E makes his entrance. But then so does Seth Rollins, in a completely different suit and some interesting sunglasses. The bell rings and Rollins goes to commentary as Big E and Kevin fire off hands! Big E gets the edge, backs Kevin down but Kevin kicks back and throws haymakers. Kevin fires off, kicks Big E down, then runs, but Big E drops, hurdles and CLOBBERS him! Cover, ONE! Rollins says he’s a mess but Corey says he looks great. Big E throws body shots, CLUBS Kevin in the corner, but lets off at 4. Kevin kicks but Big E shoves him out! Big E goes out to whip Kevin into barriers!

Big E smacks Kevin off the desk, Rollins even cheers him on! Big E puts Kevin in, stomps him down, CLUBS him, but Kevin rolls Big E up! ONE, and Kevin kicks low again. Kevin kicks a leg, then the other leg. Kevin kicks the leg again, runs and CHOP BLOCKS! Big E is down, Kevin says this is HIS show! Kevin drags Big E around, and drops an elbow onto the leg. Kevin has the toehold, punches away on the knee, but Big E chinbars. Kevin punches the knee to make Big E stop that. Big E endures the toehold, Kevin talks trash. Big E CLUBS Kevin, but Kevin hits a DDT to the foot! Kevin then drops a senton on the leg! Cover, ONE!!

Kevin seethes, Rollins glares at Kevin, but Kevin taunts the fans with, “That’s your champ?!” Kevin CLUBS Big E, throws hands, but Big E fires forearms! Big E whips, Kevin kicks back and dropkicks the legs out! Cover, ONE!! Kevin pushes Big E down to get the leg again, and steps over, only for Big E to kick him out! Rollins cheers for Big E right in Kevin’s face. Kevin SLAPS Rollins! Kevin gets in, Rollins gets on the apron, but Rollins can’t do anything to Kevin because a disqualification would give him the win! Kevin knees Big E, reels him in and LARIATS! Kevin goes to a corner, climbs up top, but Big E goes after him!

Big E and Kevin brawl, Big E winds up and CLOBBERS Kevin to the apron! Big E goes out, CLUBS away on Kevin, then gets up on the apron for the SPLASH! Kevin rolls away but Big E pursues. Big E pulls steps apart and says Rollins should watch. Rollins says he’s on Big E’s side! But Kevin gets Big E for a DDT to the steps! Big E’s got some blood in his mouth as Raw goes to break!

Raw returns once more, Kevin has Big E down with a chinlock. Big E endures, fights up, and fans rally as he throws body shots. Kevin ROCKS Big E with a forearm, CHOPS him then runs, but Big E CLOBBERS Kevin! Kevin goes to a corner, Big E runs over but is pulled into buckles! Big E sputters, Kevin brings Big E up and CHOPS him in the corner. Kevin CHOPS again, hoists Big E up, then CHOPS him again. Kevin climbs, brings Big E up, but Big E resists! Kevin throws body shots, for the SUPERPLEX! Cover, TWO! Kevin clamps on another chinlock and he grinds Big E down. Fans rally up, Big E fights up and throws body shots.

Kevin knees Big E low, mocks the applause, then runs, into an OVERHEAD Belly2Belly! And another! Big E baits Kevin in, for the SIDE Belly2Belly! Big E swivels them hips, runs, and SPLASHES onto knees! Kevin goes to a corner, runs and SENTONS onto knees! Big E runs again to SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Big E claps and fans chant along, “NEW! DAY ROCKS!” Big E waits on Kevin to rise, then turns him around. Kevin ROCKS Big E, BOOTS him, but Big E puts Kevin on the apron. Big E runs but into a knee! Kevin runs corner to corner to CANNONBALL! Cover, TWO! Kevin grows frustrated but he pie faces Big E while telling him to stay down.

Big E gets up, SLAPS Kevin, so Kevin SLAPS back. They start throwing forearms, Kevin SUPERKICKS! Cover, TWO! Rollins is feeling the heat while Big E goes to a corner. Kevin runs corner to corner but into the Urenag-E! Cover, TWO! Big E drags Kevin up, scoops him, but Kevin slips out and rolls up, TWO! Big E runs , into a POP-UP POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO!! Rollins comes out of his chair from that one! But he pretends he’s cool and it’s all good. Kevin brings Big E to a drop zone and goes up top. But then Kevin CLOBBERS Rollins and fires off hands! Kevin took his frustration out on Rollins, then hotshots Big E! Kevin gets in, but still no stunner!

Kevin SUPERKICKS, but Big E comes back to LARIAT! But NOW Rollins gets in! Rollins attacks Kevin!!

Winner: Kevin Owens, by disqualification (added to the Day 1 WWE Championship match)

Rollins stomps away on Kevin, then he SUPERKICKS Big E! CURB STOMP to Big E!! The Visionary just did what Kevin wanted! Rollins is furious all over again, because now the title match is a Triple Threat! Kevin is feeling great about this! Will he feel even greater when he wins that title off Big E and it being all Rollins’ fault?

My Thoughts:

A fairly good Raw here to set up a lot for the coming weeks. Rollins VS Balor was a really good opener, and I like the ongoing story of the night where Kevin goaded Rollins into just about everything tonight. I was calling for Kevin to get his title shot at some point, and while Kevin VS Big E was a great match on its own, Kevin angering Rollins into giving him the win was quite the twist. That Triple Threat is going to be huge, but I would still think Big E finds a way to win. That is, unless WWE wants to give Kevin Owens reason to stick around and not go to AEW. Giving him another title run would be pretty good incentive.

RKBRO has a really fun tag match against the Dirty Dawgs, but I’m not sure where they go from here as far as challengers. Styles & Omos are continuing things with the Profits, with Styles’ oh so obvious fake blindness trap. I was hoping The Alpha Academy would start building up towards a title match, but maybe the Mysterios can on their end with their win over Hurt Business. Lashley only getting a video package tonight was interesting, and it being a full retrospective on his wrestling journey was also interesting. Something about that felt like they want him to be Face, but he’s been doing so well as a dominant Heel, that wouldn’t make much sense right now.

Priest VS Apollo was a very good title match, but not sure who is next then. Maybe Veer Mahaan? His hype package has been exactly the same this entire time. Edge and Miz have a pretty good promo segment, and I like that Edge gave a nod to AEW’s promo battle of CM Punk and MJF. This wasn’t quite the feud I was expecting for Edge but I suppose it can give us some great promos and a match that will work for Edge. Miz hasn’t been someone who is moving all over the ring, or even that quickly in a closed space. It’ll be methodical and character driven, and definitely a big moment for both Miz and Edge.

Vince hanging out with Theory all night was really strange. I guess this is just the meta of how Vince has taken a liking to Theory already and wants to be an on-screen mentor to him. That was one serious slap, though. Not sure how Vince talking about “expect the unexpected” is going to help Theory, but maybe this is just one of a series of lessons that’ll make Theory a better superstar. Then the contract signing turning into a ready-made 10 Woman Tag was interesting. Liv had her own worked shoot talking about the money for the big names being why WWE is (supposedly) cutting so many people. But Liv’s team, and Liv herself, standing tall tonight ensures Becky wins next week.

Will Becky get Day 1 off? I feel like she’d be a big selling point for that event, so either there’s something screwy in next week’s match that gives Liv a rematch or they get a new contender really quickly.

My Score: 8.2/10