Whose reign survives into the New Year?

The last Raw of 2025 sees AJ Styles & Dragon Lee VS The Usos, then a WWE Women’s World Championship Triple Threat: Vaquer VS Bella VS Rodriguez!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• WWE Women’s World Championship Triple Threat: Stephanie Vaquer VS Raquel Rodriguez VS Nikki Bella; Vaquer wins and retains the title.
• GUNTHER VS R-Truth; Gunther wins.
• Rey Mysterio VS Austin Theory w/ Logan Paul; Rey wins, by disqualification.
• WWE World Tag Team Championships: AJ Styles & Dragon Lee VS The Usos; The Usos win and become the new WWE World Tag Team Champions.

PLAY BY PLAY

The Vision is here!

Paul Heyman walks with Bron Breakker, Bronson Reed, Logan Paul, and now Austin Theory, as they go to gorilla. Orlando, Florida barks but mostly boos as these five make their way down the ramp and to the ring, The Badass front and center. Paul Heyman gets the mic, he pats Theory on the cheek, then says, “Ladies and gentlemen…” Orlando boos and gives thumbs down, but Heyman frowns and sighs. The fans then chant for “C M PUNK! C M PUNK!” Heyman frowns again, Logan wags his finger, but Heyman says, “CM Punk could have been here, standing in this group, but oh no! He had to placate to all of you and stop listening to me!

“Stupid ass CM Punk chants. We’ll start this all over again! Ladies and gentlemen… My name is Paul Heyman! Now, everything I say after that moment only hypes up where I’m going on this, the last show of 2025 of Monday Night Raw. Everything I say after that sentence just justifies something that needs no justification. So five years from now, when you’re obsessively scrolling through whatever platforms you’ll be obsessively scrolling through, this is the moment that you look back and identify all the WrestleMania main eventers.” The fans chant “O T C! O T C!” Heyman frowns, and he says out of character, thanks for their most irrelevant opinion.

But when you look at the current day main eventers, you’ll realize five years ago, they’re all standing in front of you right here, right now. So here’s the sentence that matters, here’s the moment you scroll back to, here it is in one straight declarative statement: The rumors are true, ladies and gentlemen, the newest member of The Vision… AUSTIN THEORY! The fans boo more as Heyman lifts Theory’s hand in congratulations. Heyman tells Theory to earn his keep, they’re all yours. Theory takes the mic to say he has waited his entire life for this moment. The fans boo, but Theory says he has worked his entire career for this moment!

Theory says he has a lot of things he wants to talk about. First: He wants to talk about the NEXT WWE World Heavyweight Champion, BRON BREAKKER! The fans boo and bark, but Theory then asks The Wise Man to educate us on this part again. “The goals of the Vision outweigh the individual needs of any exclusive athlete inside of the group.” But wait! C M PUNK is here! The fans fire up and Heyman shakes his head in frustration. The fans sing with Cult of Personality and Punk soaks it up. Punk already has a mic as he stands on stage, and he says Theory is already just spinning and doing tricks, drinking gallons of Kool-Aid.

But Punk isn’t here for Theory, he’s here for the other kid, Bron Breakker. Punk has been called a lot of things in his career, and he’s tougher than he is smart, but maybe someone in The Vision has a brain. Heyman, that means you. So explain to Bron that the match is already set, Punk VS Breakker, January 5th. Punk could come down there to say some things, Theory could stomp him, Bronson could hit a Tsunami, Breakker could spear him, Logan could punch him. But there’s not gonna be a title shot on the 5th then, huh? So why is Punk here? Tougher than he is smart? Maybe. But he likes to look a man in the eye before he puts him to sleep.

Punk walks down the ramp, and says unless Bron is scared… Maybe get the boys out of the ring so Punk and Bron can clear the air face to face. C’mon, he wants to say something, and Bron’s got a big mouth! Is Bron scared? Is the little doggy scared? The fans bark, and Punk steps up to the apron. Bron says the only one scared here is Punk. Come on in, Punk. Bron has the boys back up, and he asks Punk to step on in. Heyman has the rest of The Vision step outside, and Punk steps in. Punk dares Bron, “Whaddya got, kid?” Bron smirks and says, “Why are we here, Punk? Why are we standing here? Why does The Vision exist? Why’re we here?

“We are here because we look at things towards the future. We see things through the same lens. Look at Big Bronson Reed! The Tribal Thief! The master of the Shoe-la-fala, the most feared man that walks the halls. Look at Logan Paul! The biggest superstar in the entire world! Look at Austin Theory! A man with everything to prove. And then there’s me, who’s gonna be the next World Heavyweight Champion. And I’m so tired of you, and I’m tired of everyone else saying that I’m ‘the future’ and that one day, I’ll figure it out, and that one day, I’m gonna main event WrestleMania, and that one day, I’m gonna main event every show and figure it out.

“Well guess what? I am not the future, I am the NOW!” The fans are torn on that, but Bron says Punk has the audacity to come out here and say Bron’s the new shiny toy. That when Bron is under the bright lights, he’ll fail and be dropped like a bad habit. Tell you what. Go backstage, to the locker room, and find another guy like Bron, who can do what Bron can do! Who came into this business with less than a year of experience and took it over. Find someone who is as committed to this as Bron! Find someone who was born into this more than Bron! Find someone who is more of a dog than Bron!

Bron says Punk may not like him for not paying his dues. Bron knows what Punk sees in his eyes, thinking Bron’s had everything handed to him, that his life has been easy just for the lineage. Punk’s wrong, he doesn’t know Bron at all. Every single thing Bron has had to do in his entire life has been under a microscope. Bron’s had to live up to a higher standard than you could ever imagine! Bron has had to do things at the highest possible level! And you still don’t respect him for not paying his dues on the indies or something? Guess what? While Punk was doing that, Bron was sharing the field with Lamar Jackson! They ain’t the same!

Bron promises on January 5th, he is willing to die for the title. And he knows Punk is, too. And Bron will let Punk. Because Bron will put Punk in the ground, beat him, and become the NEW World Heavyweight Champion! The fans are torn, but the Punk chants begin again. Punk says Bron’s first mistake was assuming what Punk thinks of Bron. You think Punk was gonna say Bron isn’t ready? When his entire life, Bron’s been told he is? Brother, Bron’s more ready than anyone Punk’s ever seen! More than anyone back there, more than anyone in The Vision! The problem is, Bron, Punk ain’t ready. You want what he’s got? Take it!

Punk drops the belt at Bron’s feet. “It’s a lot heavier than you think, and I ain’t talking about the physical weight. It is a privilege to carry this strap! It is something that I’ve earned, and I’m not ready to let it go! I’m not ready to stop coming into sold out arenas nationwide and getting the privilege to say, ‘Is it good to be alive on a Monday night in Orlando or what?'” The fans cheer that! “I’m not ready to stop being champion. You’re big, you’re bad, you’re strong, you’re tough, you’re fast. You’ve got what it takes. But you’re right, we’re not the same. Because one of us is CM Punk.” The fans cheer that, too!

Punk continues, “Some day, I’m not gonna wake up, but it wasn’t today. Some day, I’m gonna run out of road, but it’s not January 5th. And some day, somebody is gonna beat me for this. But it ain’t gonna be you. I’ll see you January 5th!” Punk shoves the mic into Bron then takes his leave, the fans all fired up! But will Punk still be the Best in the World in 2026? Or will the Netflix Anniversary be the day everything changes?

Backstage interview with Raquel Rodriguez.

Jackie Redmond is with Big Mami Cool and notes she is preparing for tonight’s massive Women’s World Championship Triple Threat. Tonight is a huge opportunity for Raquel, but there has also been a lot of chaos leading up to it. How does Raquel plan to handle it all so she can go into 2026 as the new champ? Raquel says it is simple: There will be no tricks tonight. Nobody is getting in the way of her getting what’s hers! But then Liv Morgan apologizes for interrupting, she needs to talk. She knows Raquel’s felt weird the last couple of weeks, and now with JD McDonagh AND Dominik Mysterio being injured… Judgment Day NEEDS Raquel to handle business.

Which Liv knows Raquel will, because she is a champion! Raquel thanks Liv for that, and says just for the sake of communication and being on the same page, Raquel can handle Vaquer and Nikki on her own. Liv knows that! But Roxanne was just saying- What was Roxie saying? Just that they- Roxie walks in and asks what they were talking about. She did hear her name, after all. Liv says they’re talking strategy, and how they all want the same thing: Sister Raquel as the NEW Women’s World Champion! Roxie agrees, last week is water under the bridge, and Roxie wishes Raquel luck. Raquel says she doesn’t need luck.

Raquel heads out, Roxie is a bit unsure what that’s supposed to mean, but Liv pats Roxie on the head to assure her it’s fine. But will Ricky Desperado take down two big targets at once? Or will Judgment Day end 2025 on a low note?

WWE Women’s World Championship Triple Threat: Stephanie Vaquer VS Raquel Rodriguez VS Nikki Bella!

Raw returns as Raquel makes her entrance, joining Nikki in the ring. That means last but certainly not least, La Primera makes her entrance. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who really runs Raw!

The bell rings and the three watch each other closely. Raquel tells Vaquer that no one cares about Nikki, they should settle things themselves. Nikki says excuse me!? And then she pie faces both of them! The fans boo but Nikki ROCKS Vaquer, Raquel waistlocks Nikki, but Nikki fires elbows! Raquel SHOVES Nikki down! Vaquer shoves Raquel into Nikki! Vaquer runs, tilt-o-whirls, and she rolls Raquel up with a bridge, TWO! Raquel sputters but Vaquer grabs her by the hair. But Nikki DECKS Vaquer! The fans boo, but Nikki goes out to run up on Vaquer, only for Vaquer to dodge! The DROPKICK hits Raquel, then Nikki whips Vaquer into barriers!

Nikki whips Raquel into steel steps! The fans are torn but Nikki says she is the next champion, and Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Raquel clamps onto Vaquer with a top wristlock. Vaquer endures, fights up, and fires body shots. The fans rally, but Nikki climbs up. CROSSBODY, but Raquel catches Nikki! FALL AWAY SLAM! Nikki tumbles, then Raquel KNEES Vaquer and Canadian Racks! Into a Gory Especial! Vaquer endures being bent back, and she powers up ! Raquel lets Vaquer down to RUN her over! Raquel reels Vaquer in again, and right back to the GORY ESPECIAL! Vaquer endures again while the fans rally up. Raquel kneels down to make it a cover, TWO! Vaquer manages to bridge, and then she activates the core!

The fans fire up as Vaquer sunset flips through, TWO! Nikki BOOTS Raquel at the same time! Vaquer wrenches Nikki to snap suplex! And now Vaquer has Nikki caught! But Raquel KICKS Vaquer in the side! The fans boo but Raquel TOSSES Nikki out to go after Vaquer. Raquel fires forearms, then runs in, but Vaquer dodges! Vaquer comes back, but is put on the apron! Vaquer blocks a shot, HEADBUTTS, then SMACKS Raquel off buckles! Vaquer goes up, but Nikki YANKS her down! Nikki avoids a boot to HOTSHOT Raquel’s leg! Vaquer is back up, CROSSBODY! Nikki hurries to POST Vaquer!

Nikki goes to Raquel, drags her around, S T F! The fans boo as Nikki uses her ex’s hold! Raquel endures, but the fans chant “Thank You, Cena!” Nikki says no, THANK her! But Raquel pries free, and has Nikki in a HEEL HOOK! Wait, Vaquer gets Raquel! And she turns them both over! DEVIL’S KISSES on Raquel while Nikki suffers the leglock! The fans fire up as Vaquer gets all ten, then she SMACKS Nikki off buckles. Vaquer METEORAS Raquel in one corner, then runs up on Nikki. Nikki BOOTS her! Vaquer just fronts, puts Nikki’s legs in the ropes, DRAPING DRAGON SCREW! Raquel runs up, but Vaquer dodges!

Vaquer has Raquel in the ropes, and DRAPING DRAGON SCREW! The fans fire up as Vaquer stalks Nikki to the outside. Vaquer stomps but Nikki dodges! Nikki TRIPS Vaquer, then gets after her. But Raquel guzels them both! But Vaquer and Nikki both break free! Nikki ducks, the LARIAT hits Vaquer! The SOUTHPAW LARIAT hits Nikki! Raquel is in control as Raw goes back to break.

Raw returns again and Vaquer has Raquel in a HANGING ARMBAR! But Nikki DROPKICKS Vaquer into POST! Nikki then goes up, but Raquel ROCKS her first! Raquel climbs, fireman’s carries Nikki, but Vaquer climbs up to join them! Wait, who has who?! Nikki sunset flips through, TOWER OF DOOM!! Nikki covers Raquel, TWO!! Cover on Vaquer, TWO!! Nikki is frustrated but both Raquel and Vaquer survive. Nikki drags Vaquer up, fireman’s carries, “This is Awesome!” as Vaquer slips free. Raquel BOOTS Vaquer down! Nikki rolls Raquel up, TWO! Nikki RAN- NO! Raquel stops that, and pops Nikki up, only for Nikki to pop free!

Nikki ELBOWS Raquel, goes up, FLYING CHUCK! But Vaquer has Nikki! ANGEL’S WINGS!! Cover, Raquel breaks it! The fans fire up while all three women are down! Nikki slumps out of the ring, Raquel goes to a corner, and Vaquer crawls to ropes. Raquel storms up, brings Vaquer in, but Vaquer JAWBREAKERS! And SUPERKICKS! Vaquer runs, dodges Raquel, then tilt-o-whirls, but Raquel blocks! Raquel suplexes, but Vaquer cradles to counter! TWO!! Raquel escapes in time and Vaquer is surprised! Raquel winds up to CLOBBER Vaquer! Raquel then puts Vaquer in a drop zone, goes up, but Nikki YANKS Vaquer out!

Raquel BELLY FLOPS, Nikki ghost pins, TWO!! Nikki throws a fit as Raquel survives. Nikki runs up, but Raquel FLAPJACKS her off the corner! Raquel then hoists Vaquer, up, and adds Nikki to it?! But Vaquer slips free! TEXANA BOMB on Nikki! Vaquer TOSSES Raquel out, covers Nikki, and wins!!

Winner: Stephanie Vaquer, by pinfall (still WWE Women’s World Champion)

Raquel wrecks Nikki, but Vaquer snipes the victory! Will no one stop Vaquer even in the New Year?

Backstage interview with Gunther.

Jackie asks Der Ring General his response on the widespread belief that his general behavior since defeating John Cena is… disrespectful. Gunther says “defeating” John Cena isn’t quite precise. Gunther made Cena tap out like a- “GUNTHER!” R-Truth says the disrespect has to stop! Gunther made Cen atap, sure. A 17-time world champion, a Grand Slam Winner, and Truth’s hero, as well as a hero to a lot of other people. But Gunther singing the same old song makes him a… P O S! Truth says Gunther may be a great wrestler, and this is the second time he’s put away a legend. There won’t be a third.

Gunther scowls at Truth, but then laughs it off. If this is supposed to be a challenge, then see you in the ring! Gunther heads out, but will he be able to handle the Truth, the whole Truth and nothing but the Truth? Or will he sadly add another name to the list?

The Kabuki Warriors are here!

Asuka & Kairi Sane will defend their WWE Women’s World Tag Team Championships next week, but there’s also the star-studded 8 Woman Tag this Friday Night SmackDown. What will The Empress of Tomorrow & The Pirate Princess have to say about it all? We find out, after the break.

Raw returns as Asuka & Kairi have the mics. The fans are torn, but Asuka says, “Last week, I faced Rhea Ripley. I BEAT HER!” Kairi applauds but the fans boo. Asuka says the fans all think their “stupid Mami” can take on Asuka. Huh Hah? HAH?! NO!! YOU IDIOTS! All of you are stupid babies~! BAAAKA~! Kairi adds on by saying yes, the fans are all stupid! But Iyo Sky, you should never have attacked Kairi. And if she- Asuka interrupts Kairi with a shout, and has Kairi give up her mic. Kairi cowers and apologizes to Asuka, but the fans cheer for Rhea & Iyo. Asuka says last week, Iyo & Rhea paid for their disrespect!

Because…! NO ONE is ready for Kabuki Warriors~! They’re the tag team champions! But wait! Rhea & Iyo ARE here! The fans fire up while Kairi is very worried. Mami & The Genius storm down to the ring, and the Kabuki Warriors are ready! To run away! Rhea & Iyo don’t care, they keep going! The brawl is on right in front of commentary! Rhea puts Asuka back in the ring, SUPERKICK! Iyo CULBS Kairi down, but Kairi RAMS Iyo into the back! Rhea storms out to DECK Kairi! Rhea checks Iyo, but Asuka KICKS Rhea down! And she THROWS Iyo into the timekeeper’s area! The Kabuki Warriors then mug Rhea!

The Kabuki Warriors but Rhea back in the ring, they mug her more, and then they set Rhea up! Kairi climbs, but Iyo is back! Iyo SHOVES Kairi down! Asuka runs up on Iyo, but she gets a GAMANGIRI! And then Rhea hits the EDDY GORDO KICK! Rhea HEADBUTTS Kairi, and hits the RIP- NO! Kairi slips free! Rhea ELBOWS Kairi, then she and Iyo each BASEMENT DROPKICK! The Kabuki Warriors retreat, leaving #RheYo to stand tall! But will this be how it is at the Netflix Anniversary? What about the 8 Woman Tag this Friday?

CM Punk checks on Rey Mysterio.

Punk wants to make sure Rey is ready, and Rey says he knows what Punk’s gonna say. Punk will say he’s got Rey’s back with The Vision tonight. But Rey says he’s good. Punk needs to protect that title. And just know that Heyman isn’t the only one in the business of favors. Rey’s covered, trust him. Oh, well okay. Go get that W! Punk leaves the King of Lucha to it, just who could it be watching Rey’s back tonight?

GUNTHER VS R-Truth!

Der Ring General keeps belittling The Greatest Of All Time, and that does not sit well with anyone, especially not John Cena’s number one fan! Will Truth defend his hero’s honor? Or will Gunther put an end to the Truth?

Raw returns and Truth makes his entrance, but he isn’t in the mood to ask What’s Up. Could that mean Ron Killings is in the driver seat now? The bell rings and Truth runs up to fire shots on Gunther! The fans fire up but Gunther turns things around to swing! Truth dodges, he fires more hands, but Gunther shoves Truth! Truth kicks low, “What’s up?!” SCISSOR- NO, Gunther dodges the kick to CHOP Truth down! The fans boo but Gunther stomps Truth, drags him up, and scoop SLAMS him back down! Gunther taunts Truth, taunts the fans, then drags Truth up. Gunther wrenches and CHOPS Truth, but Truth fires hands!

The fans rally as Truth fires more shots, but Gunther CHOPS him down! Gunther snarls, paces, and then grins as the fans boo. Gunther taunts the fans more, then he drags Truth up. Gunther reels Truth in for a back suplex, but Truth lands out! Truth jumps on, SLEEPER! Gunther flails, RAMS Truth into a corner, and the ref counts. Truth lets go, but Gunther CHOPS him down! The fans boo, but Gunther drags Truth right up. Gunther then short arm LARIATS Truth down! The fans boo more, but Gunther says Truth’s gonna give up! Gunther paces around Truth, then runs to LARIAT him back down! Gunther soaks up heat as the fans still boo.

Gunther stands Truth up, then mocks him with “You Can’t See Me!” Gunther runs, but Truth dodges! Truth SHOULDER TACKLES! And SHOULDER TACKLES! But Gunther BOOTS him down! Gunther grins, then lifts Truth up for a GENERAL BOMB! Cover, but Gunther lets up! Gunther throws HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS, then the REAR NAKED CHOKE!! Truth flails, reaches out, but he TAPS! Gunther wins!

Winner: Gunther, by submission

Der Ring General made sure Truth lost the way he wanted him to, and then laughs about it! Will no one stop Gunther? Will no one humble Gunther? Will no one survive Gunther?

Jimmy & Jey Uso meet up backstage.

Big Jim asks if Jey is ready to get back those tag team championship tonight, and Jey somewhat quietly says he’s ready. Jimmy asks Jey if he’s alright, and Jey says yeah, he’s ready, Uce. Jimmy says they’re brothers. When something ain’t right, he can feel it. Is Jey locked in? Is he alright? Jey says to be 100 with Jimmy, he feels like nothing has been going right his way, everywhere he turns… It’s one thing to put himself in a bad spot, but it’s another thing to put his brother in a bad spot. He ain’t trying to do that to Jimmy. Jimmy says the only bad spot is in Jey’s head! Jimmy’s been telling him, he needs Jey. Jey’s it.

Jey is a world champion! The Jey Uso that Jimmy knows is an EIGHT-TIME World Tag Team Champion, the longest running tag team champion. The Jey Uso that Jimmy knows is just like him, and he’s got everybody around the world and in that arena ready to yell one word, four letters… YEET. Jimmy needs Jey. Is Jey alright? Jey stands up and says YEET! Together, they’ll get at it. The Usos are going for gold, but will they make it number nine? Or will Dragon Lee & AJ Styles be too phenomenal?

Dragon Lee & AJ Styles talk backstage.

They’re also feeling good about their match, and then in steps a very excited Je’Von Evans. The Young OG tells Styles & Dragon good luck with The Usos. Thanks, but what’s Je’Von even doing here tonight? Je’Von says he doesn’t even know, but Mr. Pearce wanted to talk to him so Je’Von’s gonna go to his office real quick. Oh, “Mr. Pearce,” huh? Well, gotta keep it respectful. Well, Styles wants Je’Von to tell Pearce that Je’Von & Leon took Styles & Dragon to the limit at Saturday Night’s Main Event. Those guys were bouncing all over the place. But wherever they get situated, let Dragon & Styles know so they can run it back.

Je’Von says you know him! They all shake hands, but then in step Los Americanos. El Grande tells Je’Von in Espanol that he shouldn’t have come back here. Maybe he’s too stupid to understand the trouble he’s in. Je’Von says he has a lot of respect for Los Americanos, but uh, he’s not running from any of them. And he will do what he damn well pleases! Bravo & Rayo get heated, but Grande tells them to tranquilo. Grande steps up, but then Styles & Dragon step back in, and Dragon tells Grande to tranquilo himself. If you want after Je’Von, consider Styles & Dragon in, too. And they’re ones to talk about who’s stupid!

Grande says okay, okay, no problem! They can all be amigos. But just know that this isn’t over. Los Americanos leave, Dragon gives bare bones translation, and then they head out to get ready for the title match. Also, was that American Made in the background? Are The Creeds finally going to the bottom of who this El Grande Americano really is?

Austin Theory warms up.

Logan Paul says Theory is looking sharp. Heyman walks in, sipping coffee, and he says tonight is a big night. Theory is not gonna let Rey ruin it for him, is he? No. Then welcome to The Vision. They shake hands on that, and then Bron & Bronson step in. They also shake hands with Theory. Bron says from now on, they’ve got his back. Theory promises he has their backs, and he acknowledges his Tribal Thief. Logan says hey, he’s not the most humble guy in the world. Well, maybe he is. But he’s also one of the biggest, greatest stars walking the planet. So that said, his first day in The Vision, he was a little nervous.

But Theory did great out there! Logan wants theory to know that they’ve all got his back, including him. They fist bump on that, and Heyman says Logan should go to the ring with Theory. Oh, really? Sure! They can eliminate Rey Mysterio together, some quality bonding time. Okay, sure. It’ll be easy! Logan leads the way for Theory while the others hang back. Will it be Vision all day? Or will the 619 take A-Town down?

Rey Mysterio VS Austin Theory w/ Logan Paul!

Raw returns and Theory makes his entrance, complete with new lights, theme, tron, the whole nine yards. The bell rings and the two circle. The fans rally for Rey as he and Theory tie up, and Theory puts Rey in a corner. The ref counts, but then Theory KNEES Rey low. Theory puts Rey in a corner, LARIATS, then whips corner to corner hard! Rey falls to the mat, Logan mocks the pain, and Theory scoops to BACKBREAKER! Then a gut wrench, btu Rey slips free! Rey ELBOWS Theory, BOOTS him, then goes up the corner to FLYING RANA! Theory tumbles, but he CLOBBERS Rey right back! The fans boo as Theory stalks Rey.

Theory stands Rey up to ROCK him with a forearm. Theory SMACKS Rey off buckles, brings him around, but Rey JAWBREAKERS free! Rey dodges Theory in the corner, runs in, but Theory drop toeholds him into buckles! Theory then slingshot somersaults, but into a RANA! Theory is on the ropes, Rey dials it up, 619 misses as Theory ducks! Rey hurries to the apron, and SEATED- NO! Theory stops the senton to POST Rey! Then he swings Rey around to APRON POWERBOMB! Theory snarls, his new edge razor sharp, as Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Logan talks trash as Theory has Rey up top. Theory CLAWS at the mask, the ref counts, and the fans boo. Rey fires elbows, Theory steps back, but Theory pulls Rey into the Tree of Woe! Theory stomps away on Rey, then snarls as he backs off. Theory runs up, but Rey sits up! Theory crashes into buckles! The fans fire up as Rey adjusts. Logan coaches Theory, Rey SEATED SENTONS! Rey ducks ‘n’ dodges to tilt-o-whirl RANA! The fans fire up again and Rey RAMS Theory into the corner. Rey rains down fists, the fans count all the way to TEN, then Rey hops down. Rey runs, slides under, but Theory SUPERKICKS! Cover, TWO!

Logan says that’s good! Theory’s got this! Theory snarls, he drags Rey up, and he fires knees into Rey. Theory scoops, torture racks, and bends Rey! Rey endures, the fans rally, but Theory swings Rey, only for Rey to DDT! Cover, TWO! Theory survives the turnaround but the fans rally up for Rey. Rey builds speed, swings around again, and he RANAS Theory again! Theory is back on ropes, Rey redials, 619! But Logan TRIPS Rey right in front of the ref!

Winner: Rey Mysterio, by disqualification

Logan mockingly asks what’s wrong. Logan taunts the fans, puts Rey back in, and now he and Theory mug Rey! But wait! PENTA is back! The fans fire up as the Man with No Fear rushes the ring! Penta dodges theory, SUPERKICKS Logan, then he RANAS Theory! Penta dodges Logan to mule kick, and he gives Rey a boost! RANA! Logan collides with Theory! Logan is on the ropes, 619!! And then Penta LARIATS Logan up and out! The fans fire up as Penta & Rey stand tall! Will The Vision have reason to fear Monday nights now?

Rhea Ripley & Iyo Sky speak.

Rhea tells Asuka, “You are nothing but delusional. You are the one that betrayed Iyo! You are the one that broke my face! You are the one that misted us! And you are the one that continuously hides behind Kairi to attack us from behind! You say that Iyo betrayed your family? And you say that I disrespected you? But really, you are the one who is disrespectful. You may have beaten me last week, but that is the first and the last time. Because Asuka, next week, I’m going to break you.” Iyo tells Kairi, “You are lost. It is too late for you. You have chosen the wrong path. Asuka, I am stronger than you! You were my senpai, but now the student has become the master.”

Next week, they teach you both a lesson in respect when they become the NEW Women’s Tag Team Champions! Mami & The Genius are more than ready, will The Kabuki Warriors not be ready for them?

Maxxine Dupri is here!

Orlando cheers the WWE Women’s Intercontinental Champion as she goes to the ring. Maxxine gets the mic to ask the fans if they had a good holiday. She did, too. And it was thanks to every single one of the fans. She would not be in this ring with this title on her shoulder if not for the WWE Universe, so thank you. The fans chant, “You Deserve It!” Maxxine hopes “Becks” hears that, because they all know the truth. But hey, Becky can keep running her mouth, saying she’s the “real IC Champion” and that Maxxine didn’t beat her. But what Becky can’t deny is that last week, when Maxxine got her ankle, Becky HAD to tap out, because Maxxine was NOT letting go.

Just like Maxxine is NOT letting this title go! Next week, January 5th, Maxxine stops at nothing to remain YOUR- Wait! Becky Lynch is here! The fans boo The Man as she storms out here, mic in hand. “How dare you. I did NOT tap out, okay?” The fans chant, “You Tapped Out! You Tapped Out!” Becky says the only thing she did was give up living in Orlando! No, no, n o, don’t boo her because you lost her, cheer because you had her. And let her be an inspiration to you all, that if you get rich and famous, you can move out of here, too. Maaxxine tells Becky to choose her next move wisely.

Because if Maxxine gets hold of that (Becky’s leg), Becky has two choices: A) Maxxine’s personal favorite, she’ll break it; B) Becky submits AGAIN! The fans cheer, and Becky steps in asking, “Who’s a Moody Maxxine? This is what I’m talking about, you’re very, very moody. I didn’t come out here to fight, I never start a fight, although I do finish them. I came to give you cr…” The fans chant, “You Tapped Out!” Becky says she knows, loss is hard to cope with, they lost her, but it’s okay. This is where it all started! Becky is here to give Maxxine cre… Crrrrr…. Credit! There! When Becky first saw Maxxine, she thought Maxxine was awful, terrible, just the worst.

But over the last few weeks, or even months, Maxxine has… Becky’s face twitches as she forces herself to say Maxxine’s gotten just a tiny bit better and managed to get away with stealing the title. That’s not nothing! Maxxine says the only thing she stole is the spotlight. She EARNED the title, and if Becky can’t realize it, Maxxine will make her realize it! Becky will not come out here to claim it was the ref or the corruption. No, it’ll be all Maxxine, and she won’t be the only one saying it, the fans will be saying it, and Sports Illustrated might even say it! Becky, you will have to say it, too: Maxxine Dupri, THE Intercontinental Champion!

The fans cheer and Becky scowls. “Listen to me, you little pup! I came out here to be nice, because I am a very nice person! Okay?! Alright!? But you think four weeks of training in a dungeon is gonna make up for the lifetime I have given to this business?! I am a Royal Rumble winner! I am a Grand Slam Champion! I won the main event of WrestleMania! I am the greatest female wrestler of all time, and it’s not just me saying it, Sports Illustrated says it, everybody says it! The Bleacher Report says it! Okay?! And I didn’t just get there because everything went my way, no! I climbed every mountain, I overcame every corruption and injustice perpetrated against me!

“And it is NOT over, it is never over, until I win, and I always find a way to win! But you, you think you stole the spotlight? Well, in one week, Maxxine, all eyes are gonna be on you. And you gotta ask yourself, are you everything they think you are? Or are you gonna be everything that i know you are? Welcome to the Big Time!” Becky throws down the mic, and the countdown begins. Will The Man make the Netflix Anniversary all about her? Or will it be all about Maxxine Du-PRI?

Adam Pearce talks with Trick Williams.

The Raw General Manager is hoping to make Trick Willy part of Monday Night Raw, and Trick says they don’t call him Hollywood for nothing. Pearce agrees there, let’s find a way to get more Trick on Monday. Trick says take your time, but don’t really, because “they” want him, too. Here’s his card, call him! 1-800-WOOP-DAT! Pearce says he’ll have it on speed dial. Bayley storms in, Lyra trying to calm her down, and Bayley says why not dial 1-800-CALL-BAYLEY!? Pearce asks what is going on, and Lyra says yes, hello, did he have a good Christmas? Anyway, Pearce was going to consider them as part of the tag title picture, right?

But uh, couldn’t help but notice that the big tag title match is next week and… They want next. Well, full disclosure, Liv & Roxie were in here earlier, and- WHAT?! Liv & Roxanne?! Liv hasn’t wrestled in however long, Bayley beat Roxie last week, so what’re we even talking about?! Lyra calms Bayley down again, and points out Bayley has a point. Pearce knows that, too, he can hear Bayley, he’s standing right here. Good, glad he can, so hear this: HE’S AN IDIOT! A big bald idiot! Yes, that’s obvious. Lyra thanks Pearce for the time, awkwardly shakes hands with him, and says they appreciate it. They want next. Happy New Year. Pearce needs a drink.

WWE World Tag Team Championships: AJ Styles & Dragon Lee VS The Usos!

The ragtag combination of Phenomenal One & Boy Wonder have been able to clear out some great tag teams already, but now they go up against perhaps THE greatest team in WWE history! Will Main Event Jey & #BigJim truly reopen the Uso Penitentiary tonight? Or will is now not the time for reign number nine?

Raw returns and Dragon makes his entrance, followed by Styles. The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who brings them into the New Year!

The teams sort out, Styles starts against Jey, and the fans rally up. Jey and Styles circle, feel things out, and tie up. Styles powers Jey back, but Jey puts Styles in the corner. The ref counts, Jey backs off, and the fans applaud. Styles and Jey circle, tie up, and Styles waistlocks. Jey fights the lift, ELBOWS free, and puts Styles in a corner. Jey whips corner to corner, Styles reverses, but Jey goes up and over! UPPERCUT! Jey whips, Styles reverses again, then hurdles, drops down, and DROPKICKS! The fans cheer as Styles brings Jey up. Tag to Dragon, the champs double whip, then DOUBLE ELBOW! Jimmy runs up, into DOUBLE HIP TOSSES!

Styles gives Dragon a boost to RANA Jimmy, and Jimmy tumbles into the ropes! The fans wince as he gets hit in the “Little Jimmy,” and Styles says that’s a double whammy. The Usos regroup, the fans rally up, and Raw goes to break.

Raw returns and Jimmy has Dragon in a chinlock. The fans rally as Dragon fights up and fires body shots. Jimmy CLUBS Dragon, whips, but Dragon reverses. Jimmy sunset flips, Dragon DOUBLE STOMPS him! The fans fire up, Dragon goes corner to corner, HYDRAULIC DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Jimmy stays in this but Dragon stays on him, and tag to Styles. The champs mug Jimmy, then Styles CHOPS! The fans rally up, Styles whips, but Jimmy reverses. Styles kicks low then runs, and he ROCKS Jimmy! And ROCKS Jimmy again! Styles whips but Jimmy reverses, only for Styles to ELBOW him away!

Jimmy staggers, the ref checks him, and Jey GAMANGIRIS Styles! The fans are torn but Jey plays innocent. Jimmy tells Styles that the Usos are just too smart. Tag to Jey, and The Usos snap the wishbone! Styles writhes, Jey eggs Styles on, then pushes him around. Jey stomps Styles, stomps him again, then stalks him to the ropes. Tag to Jimmy, The Usos mug Styles, and that CHOP sends Styles staggering. Jimmy whips Styles to ropes, but Styles KICKS Jimmy! Both omen stagger, Styles dodges to hot tag Dragon! Dragon ducks ‘n’ dodges to RANA! The fans fire up as Dragon goes corner to corner again, JUMP KICK! Leg sweep! COMBINACION DRAGON!

The fans fire up again and Dragon runs up, DRAGON- NO, Jimmy ducks the elbow! Dragon blocks a kick, but not the DRAGON WHIP! Tag to Jey and he LARIATS, but Dragon slips through! Dragon reels Jey in, gets him up, LIGER BOMB! Cover, TWO! Jey survives and the fans fire up! Dragon stays on Jey, kicks him out of the ring, then builds speed. But Jimmy trips Dragon up! Jimmy drags Dragon out to send into the steps! Jimmy clears the desk! The fans fire up and Jimmy storms over to Dragon, but Styles FLYING FOREARMS! But Jey DIVES and sends Styles onto the desk! The fans fire up as The Usos regroup, #LockedIn, as Raw goes to break.

Raw returns once again, and Jey BLASTS Styles with a sucker punch! The fans boo that, but Jey drags Dragon away from Styles. Jey says YEET, and he brings Dragon up to tag Jimmy. The Usos mug Dragon, then shove Dragon down. Jimmy storms over to Dragon, puts him in a corner, and CHOPS him! The fans “WOO~” and Jimmy puts Dragon up top. Jimmy CHOPS Dragon again, then climbs up. But Dragon trips Jimmy up! More damage to Lil’ Jimmy, then Dragon stands to WOE STOMP Jimmy down! The fans fire up while both men crawl! Hot tags to Jey and Styles! Styles fires the Phenomenal Blitz, LARIAT included!

Styles runs, SLIDING FOREARM! Jimmy is back, but he gets a PELE for it! Styles LARIATS Jey, then fireman’s carries, USHIGOROSHI! Cover, TWO! Jey sputters, but Styles drags him up to reel him back in. The fans fire up, but Jey fights the Clash! Fireman’s carry and- NO, Styles powers out! So Jey SUPERKICKS Dragon! Then he ducks ‘n’ dodges Styles to SPEAR! Tag to Jimmy, and Jimmy climbs up! USO SPLASH!! Cover, TWO!!! Styles survives and no one can believe it! The fans blame the ref but Styles is just that tough! Jimmy drags Styles to a drop zone, then tags Jey. The Usos take the corners and they both aim at Styles!

The fans rally up, but Dragon DROPKICKS Jimmy down! Jey hurries to get Dragon, but he only gets POST! Dragon then builds speed to DIVE onto Jimmy and hit the desk!! The fans go nuts seeing that crash landing! Jey is also rather shocked, but Styles rolls Jey up! TWO!! Jey SUPERKICKS! But Styles PELES! Styles then reels Jey in, for the STYLES CLASH!!! Cover, TWO?!?! Jey survives and again, everyone is shocked! But they do agree, “This is Awesome!” Styles goes to a corner, looks to Dragon, and Dragon says si! Styles drags Jey up, tags Dragon in, and Dragon climbs! Styles puts Jey on the ropes!

Dragon aims, DOUBLE STOMPS and Jey is sent into the STYLES- NO, Jimmy SUPERKICKS Dragon! Styles drops Jey, runs up on Jimmy, but Jimmy puts him on the apron! Styles ROCKS Jimmy first! Styles springboards, PHENOMENAL- DOUBLE SUPERKICKS!!! Then DOUBLE SUPERKICKS on Dragon!! Then the ONE D!!! Cover, USOS WIN!!!

Winners: The Usos, by pinfall (NEW WWE World Tag Team Champions)

They teamed up, locked in, and are now taking home the tag team championships! The fans YEET along with Jimmy & Jey as they are back on top! Will Monday Night Raw once again be about that Day One Ish?

My Thoughts:

A very good Raw to close out the year, though could’ve been better. I will say they bookended things nicely, giving us a great promo segment from The Vision, though it was namely Bron and Punk. But even with the fire Bron and Punk put into this, I can’t be sure of the math for the title match, or which outcome works better. Theory has The Vision’s trust, though, and they gave us a very good Theory VS Rey Mysterio match. Logan of course interfered, and great return for Penta, but I kinda thought it was gonna be Latino World Order. And what of Rey Fenix? Will the Lucha Brothers reunite to face The Vision? Not a bad idea, really.

Good promo from The Usos to tease them not being on the same page, and then very good promo from Dragon, Styles, Je’Von Evans, and Los Americanos. Though, I feel like we needed subtitles, I was kinda spit-balling my translation. Anyway, that’s a fun Six Man Tag idea, and also the tease of The Creeds finally returning to Raw was nice. Usos VS Styles & Dragon was a great tag title match for our main event, and with all the possibilities, I’m actually surprised The Usos won. They did blur the lines of Heel and Face, aka Tweener, and the Usos “locking in” as we went to that one commercial break was a good touch. Great win for Usos to have nine reigns now, and while we were sensing Jey snapping on Jimmy, that could happen the moment reign nine ends.

Gunther and Truth had a good promo that was short and sweet and got us to their match. And likewise, the match was a decent showing for Truth, but he of course lost. There’s still the tease of Gunther VS Styles they gave us before, and if Styles is no longer tag team champion, we could see Gunther VS Styles as at least one of the matches Styles has on his own retirement tour in 2026. Fun promo from Trick with Pearce, and then Pearce with Bayley & Lyra. I appreciate we’re getting angry Bayley again, because who wouldn’t be frustrated not getting a response on a request? I don’t doubt Bayley & Lyra “get next,” at least for the Raw Women’s Division.

Very good promos from The Kabuki Warriors, good brawl from them and #RheYo, and a very good response promo from #RheYo later. The 8 Woman Tag on Friday might give more on the go-home math, but at this point, it feels like Rhea & Iyo have to win to give the Kabuki Warriors their comeuppance. Very good promo from Raquel with Liv & Roxie to tease some new Judgment Day dysfunction, and to also update us on Dominik’s injury. Apparently Finn was in a commercial break promo segment, that’s interesting. But the Triple Threat of course made it so Nikki took the loss, and a great win for Vaquer from it.

Not sure if Nikki will leave things alone or not now, maybe Raquel forces her with a 1v1 loss. Liv & Roxie also need to get going on a tag title story, there’s a lot of stuff for Judgment Day falling apart in 2026, can’t wait to see it.

My Score: 8.7/10