WWE Raw aired on tape delay last night after the show was taped ahead of last Friday’s episode of SmackDown. Let’s see what went down on the red brand!
Last night’s WWE Raw opened with a recap of last week’s fallout before shifting to the familiar montage of talent arriving at the arena, setting the stage for a show built around power plays, grudges, and shifting alliances.
Backstage, Paul Heyman was seen peeling away from Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed to confront Austin Theory. Heyman demanded to know what Theory was playing at, prompting a passionate explanation. Theory admitted he had grown comfortable, made poor decisions, and watched others seize opportunities while he waited. That was no longer going to be the case. With Bronson Reed scheduled to compete later in the night, Theory said he wanted in, not to wait his turn, but to take what he believed he deserved. Heyman listened carefully, offering neither approval nor rejection, before quietly walking off.
In the women’s division, Rhea Ripley was shown offering quiet encouragement to Iyo Sky, insisting this was something Sky had to face alone, but reassuring her she was capable. Ripley then headed to the ring for the opening match.
Asuka vs. Rhea Ripley
Ripley controlled the early moments, muscling Asuka to the floor and asserting her physical dominance. The Empress weathered the storm, however, turning the tide outside the ring and targeting Ripley’s legs as the match spilt into its first break.
The contest escalated into a hard-hitting struggle after the break, with Asuka landing Kawada kicks and Ripley answering with short-arm lariats, a solebutt, and a brutal back suplex facebuster. Both women traded near-falls as counters piled on counters, neither willing to give an inch. Outside interference loomed when Kairi Sane tripped Ripley, allowing Asuka to capitalise briefly, though Ripley responded with sheer force.
Late in the match, Ripley appeared to have things won after cutting Asuka down with a superkick and cannonball, but chaos erupted when Kairi again interfered. Iyo Sky attempted to even the odds but was swept off the apron, creating just enough distraction for Asuka to roll Ripley up and steal the victory.
Winner: Asuka
Asuka escaped with the win while Ripley checked on Sky, clearly frustrated by the numbers game as the Kabuki Warriors retreated.
Heyman soon returned to Breakker and Reed. Both men scoffed at Theory’s earlier pitch, but Heyman urged perspective, reminding them where they had been a year ago. He revealed his plan for the night: Bronson Reed would team with Austin Theory, and either Theory would prove his worth or be run out of WWE altogether. Bron Breakker made it clear his loyalty lay with Reed, not Theory, and the two shared a tense but telling fist bump.
Becky Lynch later made her way to the ring, microphone in hand and clearly furious. She insisted this was no celebration for Maxxine Dupri, claiming she was still the rightful Intercontinental Champion. Lynch boasted of her legal power, her influence, and even claimed Netflix executives had advised her to come to Grand Rapids, mocking the city along the way.
Dupri interrupted, acknowledging Lynch’s greatness but reminding her that the so-called rookie had beaten her three times. She offered Lynch a rematch anytime, anywhere, declaring she would train until her blood, sweat, and tears were on the mat. Instead of accepting defeat, Dupri accused Lynch of hiding behind excuses and fearing her best years were behind her.
Lynch responded with a cheap shot, laying Dupri out and stealing the championship belt. The champion, however, wasn’t finished. Dupri trapped Lynch in an ankle lock, grapevining the leg and forcing Lynch to tap before scrambling away, clutching her knee as Dupri stood tall.
Backstage segments advanced several stories, including Adam Pearce hinting at Je’Von Evans’ future, Stephanie Vaquer demanding a triple threat against Nikki Bella and Raquel Rodriguez, and hype for the Usos’ return to the tag division.
Je’Von Evans vs. Rayo Americano
Evans and Rayo Americano delivered a fast-paced showcase, blending crisp mat wrestling with aerial offence. Interference from El Grande Americano and Bravo nearly swung the match, but Evans survived repeated near-falls. After countering a moonsault attempt, Evans connected with the Young OG Cutter to secure a statement win.
Winner: Je’Von Evans
AJ Styles and Dragon Lee later vowed to bring the fight to the Usos next week, confident they could outshine any challengers.
Bron Breakker followed with a blistering promo aimed at CM Punk, promising to take the world title with ease. Breakker mocked Punk’s legacy, questioned his character, and warned that after January 5, Punk would be worthless.
Nikki Bella then entered through the crowd, drawing attention with her swagger and confidence. She dismissed Stephanie Vaquer as an in-ring attraction but insisted the title belonged to a global superstar like herself. Bayley soon arrived, flanked by Lyra Valkyria, setting up the next match.
Bayley vs. Roxanne Perez
Roxanne Perez targeted Bayley’s knee early, exploiting outside distractions from Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez. Bayley fought through the damage, enduring repeated interference and a missed pinfall after a turnbuckle pad was exposed. Valkyria eventually neutralised the ringside chaos, allowing Bayley to regain control. A diving elbow drop sealed the victory, though tensions within the women’s division continued to simmer.
Winner: Bayley
Austin Theory and Bronson Reed clashed backstage over leadership before Gunther made his presence felt. The Ring General soaked in deafening boos before CM Punk confronted him face-to-face. Gunther laughed off the challenge, mocking Punk and retreating, only to cross paths briefly with Rey Mysterio.
CM Punk and Rey Mysterio vs. The Vision (Austin Theory and Bronson Reed)
The main event was defined by misdirection and betrayal. Punk and Mysterio fought from underneath for long stretches, absorbing Reed’s punishment and Theory’s opportunism. Rey rallied late, landing the 619 and nearly securing the win, but Reed dragged him from the cover. Punk neutralised Reed outside, yet the momentary advantage vanished when Theory tripped Mysterio and connected with Blackout to score the pinfall.
Winners: The Vision (Austin Theory and Bronson Reed)
After the match, Bron Breakker stormed the ring, attacking Punk and laying him out with a spear to close the show. The message was clear: alliances are fragile, ambitions are ruthless, and Raw is heading into the new year with chaos firmly in control.
