It’s WWE Monday Night Raw, featuring the Last Time Is Now Tournament Semifinals, AJ Styles & Dragon Lee facing The New Day, and more.
We are in December now for the post-Survivor Series edition of Monday Night Raw. Survivor Series saw Dominik Mysterio beat John Cena for the Intercontinental Title thanks to a returning Liv Morgan. Also, the heel team of Bron Breakker, Bronson Reed, Brock Lesnar, Logan Paul & Drew McIntyre won the Men’s WarGames match due to a mystery attacker hitting The Stomp on CM Punk. Breakker capitalized with a Spear to win for his team. We could learn more about the mystery attacker on Raw and if that person is part of The Vision.
The next WWE PLE is the Royal Rumble on January 31st, so we have two months to go until then. There are two Saturday Night’s Main Event specials before that, with the next one coming on December 13th for John Cena’s last WWE match.
This is the Raw Deal for episode #1697 of Monday Night Raw. It’s taking place at the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale (Phoenix), Arizona. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport. Let’s get to it.
The commentary team of Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett were in the crowd welcoming us to the show. They cued up a Survivor Series video package.
There was pre-show walking shown of Paul Heyman and The Vision’s Bron Breakker, Bronson Reed and Logan Paul arrived. This confirms Logan is with the group post-Survivor Series too. Solo Sikoa was with Talla Tonga, AJ Styles, and Dragon Lee were walking around, and The Judgment Day arrived. Dominik Mysterio was driving a low rider with Liv Morgan.
Let’s Hear from Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky
Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky made their entrance looking dressed for action. Ripley had her black face mask on. They were part of the winning team in the Women’s WarGames Match at Survivor Series. The fans loved them as usual.
Ripley welcomed the fans to Monday Night Ryo (Rhea and Iyo). Ripley said that their bodies are a little banged up, but they won the war. Ripley said it took a while for them to be on the same page, but at WarGames, they came out victorious. Ripley said that the Kabuki Warriors wanted to betray her best friend, Sky, so she doesn’t care how banged up they are, how broken her nose is; they want revenge. Ripley said it starts by taking the Women’s Tag Team Titles from the Kabuki Warriors. Sky shouted out Asuka to say nobody is ready for Ryo.
Charlotte Flair made her entrance along with Alexa Bliss, and they were not in wrestling gear. They are the former Women’s Tag Team Champions. They got into the ring too.
Bliss said that they overheard them saying they wanted a shot at the Tag Team Titles. Flair told them to pump the brakes about the Tag Team Titles. Flair said that they understand about standing up for your best friend. Flair said she and her best friend are former Tag Team Champions, but they never got a rematch. Bliss mentioned wanting a rematch. Ripley said that she respects them, but respectfully, they couldn’t beat the Kabuki Warriors, so they should get to the back of the line. Flair said that Ripley knows that Flair doesn’t step aside for anyone. Bliss suggested a match between the two teams tonight. The fans chanted, “Yes” for that. Sky said you are on. The fans cheered.
Analysis: That was simple enough. Both teams made the claim that they want a shot at the Women’s Tag Team Titles, and now there’s a match.
Raw GM Adam Pearce was on the phone, saying that the women’s tag team match is official for the main event. Ivy Nile walked up to Pearce, saying she deserves a shot at Maxxine Dupri since Dupri has never beaten her. Pearce said Dupri is training with Natalya. Pearce said that in the future they can have the match. Nile was confident that she’d win the Women’s IC Title from Dupri.
Paul Heyman and Bron Breakker approached Adam Pearce backstage. Heyman claimed he had no idea who was under the mask at Survivor Series. Heyman pointed out that Breakker pinned your World Champion CM Punk, so they had a lot to talk about. They went into Pearce’s office to talk.
Jey Uso made his entrance from the crowd for his match. They went on a break for some fans as Jey finished his entrance, which always takes a few minutes.
A clip aired of CM Punk claiming he knows that John Cena’s most iconic rivalry was with him. Cody Rhodes talked about how they had a special series of matches. Punk called Cena the Batman to Punk’s Joker. Punk said together they were magic.
Analysis: I agree with a lot of that. I think CM Punk was John Cena’s greatest opponent. In terms of just matches, I’d go with AJ Styles, but overall, when you’re counting stories, promos, and all that, I like the Cena-Punk rivalry the most. Edge would be up there, too.
LA Knight made his entrance to a big pop. It was a lot quicker than Jey’s intro.
The Last Time Is Now Tournament Semifinals: LA Knight vs. Jey Uso
Knight went for BFT right away, but Jey shoved him away. Knight knocked down Jey against the turnbuckle and stomped on him a few times. Jey came back with a jumping kick to the head. Jey went for the running hip attack, but Knight moved and Jey went crashing into the turnbuckle. Jey sent a charging Knight out of the ring. Jey followed up with a suicide dive on the floor. They went on a break for some fans as the action continued. Jey worked over Knight with punches, but then Knight tripped up Jey to send him into the turnbuckle. Knight punched Jey repeatedly, and Jey hit an atomic drop. Knight hit a sliding kick on the floor. Knight rammed Jey’s head into the commentary table hood repeatedly. Knight remained in control in the ring with punches and shoulder tackles.
The match continued with Knight and Jey exchanging punches by the turnbuckle, so both guys went crashing to the floor. Jey hit a jumping kick to knock Knight down. Jey went up top, jumped off with a splash, Knight moved, Jey went for a kick, and Knight hit a Burning Hammer slam off the shoulders for two. Jey was able to get back up and hit a Spear for a two count. Jey went up top, Knight slipped a bit jumping to the top rope, and Knight hit a superplex for a two count. Jey smacked the mat with his hand twice, so I don’t know if he was mad or just selling. Knight went for a BFT, but Jey rolled him up for two. Jey bounced off the ropes and hit a Spear again. Jey went up top and hit an Uso Splash. Knight rolled out of it and hooked the arms with a crucifix pin for the three count! It went about 11 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: LA Knight
Analysis: ***1/4 It was a pretty good match between two likable guys. Jey came close to winning a few times, but Knight was crafty with the crucifix counter for the win. I liked that finish. It looked like there were a few moments at the end there where Jey might have been a bit angry about some mistake in the match, but I don’t know. They got through it, and it was the result that a lot of fans likely wanted with Knight getting a big win. Jey has had enough big wins this year. I’m glad Knight won here.
LA Knight goes on to the finals of The Last Night Is Now Tournament. The finals are on SmackDown this Friday. Knight celebrated the win while Jey was frustrated about the loss.
The camera stayed on Jey Uso after the match, and he looked completely dejected at ringside. Jey was frustrated and tossed the Prime hydration station over, along with the top half of the steel steps. Jey left.
Bayley and Lyra Valkyria were talking to Raw GM Adam Pearce. Bayley wondered how they could get into the Tag Team Title picture. Pearce wondered if they were in the right headspace. Pearce said after the main event tonight, we’ll have a clearer picture. Pearce said they are under consideration. Pearce left. Asuka and Kairi Sane showed up as the Women’s Tag Team Champions. Asuka called Bayley an idiot for not being on their WarGames team, and that’s why they lost. Bayley called Asuka an idiot since they lost. Asuka said that they are champions, not Bayley. Asuka said Charlotte is in the main event, not you. Sane put a green chain around Bayley’s neck, and the Kabuki Warriors left.
Analysis: It was a good way of pushing the idea that Bayley isn’t successful right now, so it could lead to her heel turn.
Dominik Mysterio and The Judgment Day, without Liv Morgan, made their entrance. The show went on a break for some fans. Dom was handed a microphone and then you can tell they were told to kill some time, so they did. Ring announcer Alicia Taylor killed some time with some Signs of the Night.
Let’s Hear from Dominik Mysterio with The Judgment Day
The new Intercontinental Champion, Dominik Mysterio, was in the ring with Finn Balor, JD McDonagh, Raquel Rodriguez, and Roxanne Perez. Dom said that he just beat the Greatest of All Time John Cena, but he beat the GOAT, so he called himself the greatest Mysterio, the greatest luchador, and so on. Dom admitted he didn’t do it alone, so he thanked Finn, JD, Raquel, and Roxanne. Dom introduced Liv Morgan, who got a big reaction from the crowd.
Liv Morgan made her entrance for the first time on Raw since she got injured in June. Liv kissed Dom on the cheek and went into the ring. Liv shouted she is bac,k and the fans cheered. Liv said she knows you guys didn’t see her coming and neither did John Cena. Dom said that they knew Cena would figure out The Judgment Day’s plan, but once that failed, they played the ace up their sleeves. Dom said that he got his two favorite things in the world – the Intercontinental Title and Liv. Morgan said that she was so happy to be with Raquel, JD, Finn and Roxanne.
Liv said that since she’s been gone, she’s been hearing some things about The Judgment Day. Liv said she’s heard that The Judgment Day is weak and it is falling apart. Liv said all of that changes because Liv Morgan is back. Liv said that The Judgment Day is back and they are coming for everything that is theirs. Liv said that as of right now, J-Day officially runs Monday Night Raw. Liv said one more thing, then she slapped Dom, rubbed her nose into his nose, and kissed him on the cheek. They don’t kiss on the lips since he’s a married man. Anyway, Liv’s music played to end this.
Analysis: It’s good to have Liv back. She’s been a great performer in the last few years, and I’m glad to see her healthy again. With that said, a big reason why The Judgment Day has lost momentum is because The Vision also exists on the same show and they are both heel stables. It’s tough to push two heel stables on the same show. However, we did see the others in the group holding titles, so at least they can have some mild success. There was no tease of tension between Liv and Roxanne like some people may have thought.
A clip was shown of Maxxine Dupri training with Natalya, who kept telling Dupri “again,” so Dupri kept putting the Ankle Lock on people. Natalya told Dupri to try it on her. It was shot more like Raw footage, but I believe Natalya put the Sharpshooter on, and Dupri tapped out. Natalya slapped Dupri to knock her down. Natalya told Dupri to get out of her ring. Dupri shouted, “Again” and Natalya smiled at her.
Analysis: It looks like they are going to try doing the story of Natalya toughening up Maxxine Dupri. I’m not sure if it will lead to Natalya appearing as Nattie as she has in other promotions, but I would like to see that. It also could lead to Nattie turning on Dupri as an ally.
Adam Pearce was backstage talking to referee Eddie Orengo. Pearce said that somebody knows something about the masked man. Pearce mentioned Seth Rollins, but he had shoulder surgery, so it can’t be him, even though he had a knee injury in the past. Pearce told Orengo to keep his ear to the ground and report back with what you hear. Orengo agreed, and they shook hands.
AJ Styles and Dragon Lee made their entrance for the World Tag Team Title match. The WrestleMania 42 aired as the show went to break for some fans. The New Day made their entrance for the title match.
WWE World Tag Team Championships: AJ Styles & Dragon Lee vs. The New Day – Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods (w/Grayson Waller)
The New Day were aggressive with strikes on Styles. Kofi jumped off the top with a double foot stomp on AJ’s left arm. Kofi gave Styles a monkey flip across the ring for two. Styles tackled Kofi into the turnbuckle and Lee jumped over the top with a dropkick on Kofi. Lee hit a running hurricanrana to send Kofi out of the ring. Lee hit a running hurricanrana over the top to send Woods onto his two buddies on the floor. They went on a break for some fans as a Waller distraction led to a kick by Kofi. Woods splashed onto Lee. Kofi stomped on Lee’s back as the heels took over. Kofi and Woods worked over Lee for a few minutes.
Styles got the tag against Woods after Lee broke free. Styles worked over Woods with strikes, along with a forearm smash. Kofi tagged back in, Woods picked up Styles and Kofi hit a Fameasser for a two count. Kofi went for a Boom Drop, but Styles countered into a two count. Styles applied the Calf Crusher on Kofi, so Woods saved his partner. Woods sent Lee out of the ring. Kofi got a rollup on Styles for two and Styles hit a headscissors. Lee was back in with a sitout Powerbomb for two. Lee charged, but Kofi blocked it and kicked Lee in the ribs. Woods was back in to hiptoss Lee into the turnbuckle. Woods hit a suicide dive on Styles, and Kofi was legal with a running dropkick on Lee for a two count. Kofi went for Trouble in Paradise, Lee avoided it and Lee hit an elbow to the jaw. Styles set up Kofi on the ropes, Lee hit a double stomp to the back, and Kofi bounced onto Styles! Lee hit a somersault dive onto Woods and Waller on the floor. Styles hit a Styles Clash on Kofi for the pinfall win. It went about 10 minutes.
Winners by pinfall: AJ Styles & Dragon Lee
Analysis: ***1/2 I love watching Styles and Lee team together. Every match they have is excellent and they delivered again here. That was one of the coolest versions of the Styles Clash that I’ve ever seen. The New Day did a great job as usual and I wish they were in matches more often, but they can still deliver whenever they get the chance.
OH MY GOD????
Was that the greatest Styles Clash EVER?! 😂
AND STILL YOUR WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS: AJ Styles & Dragon Lee! pic.twitter.com/as7byaQyFy
— WWE (@WWE) December 2, 2025
They showed replays of Stephanie Vaquer beating Nikki Bella at Survivor Series.
The Women’s World Champion Stephanie Vaquer was interviewed by Jackie Redmond. Vaquer said she showed what happens when somebody betrays her. Liv Morgan walked in to tell Vaquer she’s back and congratulations.
The Vision’s WWE Hall of Famer Paul Heyman, Bron Breakker, Bronson Reed and Logan Paul made their entrance for a promo. They went on a break.
They aired the women’s WrestleMania 42 commercial. This time, it included Liv Morgan since she’s now back on television.
Let’s Hear from The Vision’s Bron Breakker, Logan Paul, Bronson Reed, and Paul Heyman
Paul Heyman did a shoutout to Brock Lesnar, saying that he was like no other person on the planet. Heyman did a shoutout to Drew McIntyre, saying it was a pleasure doing business with him. Heyman did a shoutout to Bronson Reed for hitting a Tsunami on everybody in the WarGames match. Heyman also did a shoutout to Logan Paul, who was booed heavily, saying he fits in perfectly with The Vision. Heyman also announced that on the first Raw of 2026 on January 5th from Brooklyn, CM Punk will lose the World Title to Bron Breakker.
Analysis: Huge match for the first Raw of 2026.
Bron Breakker said he’s a little upset and not just because of the mystery man who ruined his moment. Bron said he was upset with how easy it was to beat CM Punk. Bron said he thought it would be harder to beat Punk since he grew up idolizing him, but then Bron realized that Punk is nothing but a “soft ass bitch.” Bron said that Punk is no different from any other veteran holding everybody down. Bron trashed Seth Rollins, saying he should worry about what’s going on in his own home because his wife is a bigger star than he is. Bron said on January 5th, it’s gonna be a different kind of fight because on Saturday, they tried to break Bron’s neck and ruin his dream. Bron said that they tried to take it away from Bron. Bron said that he’s going to ruin Punk’s life, he’s going to come for his career, and he’s coming for every good memory that people remember. Bron said that he’s coming for it all. Bron said that he remembered at WrestleMania when Punk congratulated Bron for his success. Breakker was fired up and shouting about how on January 5th, Punk is going to realize he isn’t even close to the best in the world. Bron was shouting by the end of it and left on his own. Joe said that was lava, a reference to it being a hot promo.
Analysis: Great job by Bron Breakker delivering a fired-up promo to show how serious he is about becoming World Heavyweight Champion. For fans wanting a resolution about the mystery man at Survivor Series, they alluded to it a bit, but there was no revelation of any kind. I believe the reports that it was Austin Theory. It seems like WWE is going to take its time to reveal that. Getting back to Bron, I think he needs some kind of catchphrase to finish off the promos, but other than that, I liked this a lot. Bron has improved a lot in terms of promos in the last few years.
Jey Uso was asked by Jackie Redmond about how he was feeling after his loss. Jey didn’t say anything. Jacie tried to ask about the mystery man at Survivor Series. Jackie asked about Bron Breakker. Jey said he didn’t give a damn about Bron Breakker or The Vision. Jey said that the only person he can blame for what’s going on is the man looking at the mirror. Jey said that those titles look best on Roman’s shoulders, not Jey. Jey left.
Analysis: I don’t know if this is going to lead to Jey Uso going heel because his babyface entrance is so popular, but the idea is that Jey is going through a tough time and not taking it well.
A video aired featuring the Women’s US Champion, Chelsea Green, plugged WWE Shop’s Cyber Monday sale.
Gunther made his entrance, and I’m glad he has the classic theme song back. The other song was fine too, but I think his classic theme song is better. They went on a break for some fans as Gunther prepared in the ring.
The WrestleMania 42 commercial aired again. I think it was the third time in about 90 minutes.
Solo Sikoa made his entrance, joined by Talla Tonga.
A clip aired from John Cena’s exclusive interview, where he talked about the passage of time. Cena spoke about how there are gaps in his history because there were so many matches and moments. Cena mentioned he may not remember something from 2006 right away, but if he gets some time to think about it, he can remember those kinds of moments and enjoy them.
The Last Time Is Now Tournament Semifinals: Gunther vs. Solo Sikoa (w/Talla Tonga)
It’s a heel-heel match, so I don’t know who the crowd is going to get behind. Gunther grabbed a headlock early on. Gunther and Solo exchanged shoulder tackles, and then Solo knocked Gunther down with a shoulder tackle. Gunther came back with a leapfrog, followed by a boot to the face. Solo went to the floor as the show went to a break. I’ll take a break for a few minutes too.
Solo was in control because Talla tripped up Gunther on the apron when the referee wasn’t looking. Gunther connected with a couple of chops, but Solo came back by sending Gunther into the turnbuckle. Solo hit Gunther with a body slam. When Gunther tried a slam, Solo collapsed onto him, and that got a two count for Solo. Solo went to the turnbuckle, Gunther went after him there, but Solo headbutted Gunther down. Gunther chopped Solo on the top. Gunther gave Solo a superplex from the middle turnbuckle. Gunther and Solo charged at eachother. They exchanged chops and punches. They each tried clotheslines. I think Solo did a Samoan Spike, but he was selling a hand injury, so there was no cover. They went on a break for some fans as the action continued. Solo charged, Gunther avoided it, and Gunther hit a body slam. Gunther went up top and hit a Superfly Splash for two. They were down selling fatigue. Gunther charged, Solo caught him and Solo hit a Spinning Solo for two.
The action continued with Solo remaining in control with a running hip attack against the turnbuckle. Solo charged, but Gunther came back with a lariat. Solo hit a back body drop to avoid a move, and Gunther got right back up with a lariat for two. Gunther was twisting Solo’s right thumb to injure it some more as they tried going for moves. Solo hit a Samoan Drop for a two count. Gunther came back with hard chops to the chest. Solo came back with a Spinning Solo slam again. Solo went up top with an Uso Splash for two. Solo went for the Samoan Spike, Gunther avoided it and applied a Sleeper hold. Gunther hit a German Suplex while Solo ripped the top turnbuckle pad off. The referee, Rod Zapata, tried putting the turnbuckle pad back on, so Talla went on the apron. Gunther knocked Talla down and Talla hit Gunther with a boot to the face while on the floor. The referee was back into it and Gunther hit Talla with a low blow mule kick. The referee was looking at Talla, so Gunther kicked Solo in the groin and hit a Powerbomb for the pinfall win after 18 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Gunther
Analysis: ***1/2 I think heel-heel matches are hard, but these guys did a good job. This was one of Solo’s better matches, thanks mainly to Gunther, because he brings out the best in his opponents. Since it was heel-heel, it was about who would cheat more effectively and it was Gunther with that low blow kick, which led to the Powerbomb win. Solo’s in-ring style isn’t the most exciting, but I think he’s a guy who can put on a good match with the right opponent.
The win by Gunther means he goes to the finals in the Last Time Is Now Tournament against LA Knight. That match is on SmackDown this Friday.
LA Knight walked into the ring to wish Gunther the best. Knight said he’ll see him soon. Gunther didn’t say anything.
Analysis: I’ll pick Gunther to win on SmackDown.
The women’s WrestleMania 42 commercial aired again. This time it was Becky Lynch ordering a drink and talking about how she’s the greatest. I think that’s the fourth time on the show.
Adam Pearce talked to Eddie Orengo backstage. Orengo said nobody knew anything about the masked man while mentioning that people saw Seth Rollins. They didn’t know much about what that meant. AJ Styles and Dragon Lee walked in to say they are fighting champions who want to defend their titles next week. Lee suggested the War Raiders. Pearce agreed to it. Pearce liked fighting champions.
Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair were walking backstage for their match coming up soon.
The New Day and Grayson Waller were interviewed by Byron Saxton in the back part of the arena. This was during a break for some fans. Waller complained about how unfair things were for The New Day. Waller complained about the referee. Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods were whining about how unfair things are. Waller said that they are leaving of their own choice. Kofi was shouting about how what happened was not right.
Next week on Raw:
* The Winner of The Last Time Is Now Tournament: LA Knight or Gunther.
* World Tag Team Championships: AJ Styles & Dragon Lee vs. War Raiders
* Rey Mysterio vs. Finn Balor
The WWE Hall of Famer Rey Mysterio was interviewed by Jackie Redmond. Rey said that the main issue is his bastard son, Dominik, but he has no problem going through The Judgement Day. Rey was asked about going after the IC Title held by Dom. Logan Paul interrupted, saying that he stumbled upon some crazy talk. Rey trashed Logan for being annoying like Rey’s son. Logan said he’s a great father like Rey. Logan told Rey to step down. Rey wondered who was going to stop him. Logan said he’s not just going to stop him, he’ll retire Rey. That led to Rey slapping Logan in the face. Referees and WWE Officials showed up to break it up.
Analysis: There was a Rey Mysterio-Logan Paul feud in the past that led to Logan winning the US Title, so it looks like they’ll be facing off again soon. Rey’s LWO group has essentially disappeared from Raw since Rey was out for several months before his return.
Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss made their entrance right around the two-hour mark into the show. Iyo Sky and Rhea Ripley were up next. Both teams were cheered a lot.
Rhea Ripley & Iyo Sky vs. Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss
Sky countered Flair and did a double foot stomp to the ribs. They went on a break for some fans as the action continued. Flair used her legs for a leg scissors and flipped Sky around the ring a few times. Flair tackled Sky into the turnbuckle. Bliss hit some slaps and a knee smash. Sky hit a low dropkick on Bliss. Ripley tagged in with a kick to the left arm. Ripley jumped on Bliss’ back. Ripley applied the Prism Trap submission, and Ripley tied up Bliss on the mat with the submission hold.
Ripley remained in control of Bliss with the Prism Trap submission, but Bliss broke free and Ripley knocked Flair off the apron. Sky was back in with a spinning kick and Ripley hit a knee on Bliss as Sky got a two count. Bliss and Sky exchanged strikes, leading to Sky hitting a flatliner into the mat. Flair and Ripley faced off for the first time, so the fans popped for their slow confrontation. Flair and Ripley exchanged punches. Flair connected with several chops, but Ripley came back with a headbutt. Flair sent Ripley face first into the turnbuckle. Ripley was on the mat and hit an up kick to knock Flair down. They went on another break for some fans as the action continued. The action spilled to the floor, where Sky hit a springboard moonsault onto both opponents. Back in the ring, Flair countered Sky’s dropkick attempt into a Boston Crab submission, but Sky got out of it. Flair picked up Sky into a wheelbarrow suplex for a two count. Flair put her boot against Sky’s throat.
Flair went to the apron and kicked Sky to knock her down. Flair jumped into the ring with a rollup attempt, but Sky came back with a knee smash. Ripley was back in for her team and she lifted Flair, but they stumbled into the ropes. Ripley picked up Flair again and hit a Razor’s Edge. Sky hit a missile dropkick on Flair, so Ripley covered for two. Ripley went for Riptide, but Flair countered it with a DDT. Bliss was back in, Flair kicked Ripley and Bliss hit a DDT for two. Bliss went up top and jumped off the top with Twisted Bliss, but Ripley got the knees up. Flair and Sky tagged in. Flair hit a boot to the face on Sky. Flair hit Natural Selection on Sky. Bliss hit Sister Abigail DDT on Sky for one because Ripley made the save. Ripley clotheslined Flair on the apron. Ripley tagged in, she went for a move on Bliss, who avoided it and Ripley came back with a headbutt. Ripley hit Riptide on Bliss. Sky got the tag and hit Over The Moonsault on Bliss. Flair tackled Ripley onto Sky to break up the pin attempt. All four women were down as the fans chanted, “This Is Awesome” for them. The Kabuki Warriors duo of Asuka and Kairi Sane attacked the women in the ring, so the referee called for the bell. It went about 16 minutes.
Match Result: No Contest
Analysis: ***3/4 These teams did a great job, and they were on their way to a four-star match, but then it ended abruptly when the Kabuki Warriors showed up to ruin it. I liked all the nearfalls, tag team moves and everybody did well to sell the big moves too. That spot with Ripley and Sky hitting their finishers, only to have Flair break up the pin was very well done. The crowd was into it so much at that point, which led right into the finish with the Kabuki Warriors robbing us of a finish. Perhaps it will lead to Ripley/Sky against Flair/Bliss again, or maybe just go the easy way to have a triple threat match.
After the match, Asuka and Kairi Sane attacked all four women in the ring. Auska wanted to hit Sky with the Tag Team Title, but Bayley and Lyra Valkyria made the save. Lyra kicked Sane to knock her down on the floor. Bayley fought with Asuka in the ring. Liv Morgan showed up at ringside with Raquel Rodriguez and Roxanne Perez. Liv attacked Lyra and Sane on the floor. Raquel hit a Tejana Bomb on Asuka and Perez hit Pop Rox on Bayley. Raquel and Perez held up the Women’s Tag Team Titles. Liv saw them with the titles, Perez gave it to Liv, but Liv told Roxanne to hold it. Liv spoke into the camera, saying they are so back. That was the end of Raw.
Analysis: This was an ending to show that the women’s tag team division is loaded now with five viable teams wanting to be champions. That’s a good thing. It also ended with The Judgment Day looking dominant to show that they are back, just as Liv said. As for the teams fighting, it makes me think there might be a Ladder Match soon, but I don’t know if that’s the plan.
This week’s Raw had a runtime of 2 hours and 22 minutes on Netflix.
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Three Stars of the Show
- Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky, Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss
- Gunther
- Bron Breakker
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The Scoreboard
7.5 out of 10
Last week: 7.25
2025 Average: 7.57
===
Final Thoughts on WWE Raw
A very good Raw as usual. The match quality was strong. The two tournament matches were enjoyable, and the right guys won. The ladies were featured a lot with promos and the long main event, plus the post match angle.
There were some entertaining promos throughout the show as well. I enjoyed it.
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Thanks for reading. Please check out my reviews of every WWE PPV ever listed in order. Go Los Angeles Rams, Toronto Raptors and Toronto Maple Leafs. My contact info is below.
John Canton
Email [email protected]
Twitter/X @johnreport
