WWE Raw
December 11, 2023 | Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse in Cleveland, Ohio
The show opened with a highlight package of Drew McIntyre taking Sami Zayn out last week on WWE Raw. McIntyre attacking both Seth Rollins and Jey Uso after the World Heavyweight Championship main event.
Drew McIntyre & Jey Uso Promo
Jey Uso came out to a huge reaction from the crowd. Huge chants of YEET from the crowd. Jey welcomed everyone to Raw. He spoke about getting YEET back. Jey was excited to see CM Punk in the building. He wished Sami Zayn well for his recovery from the injury last week. The crowd chanted for Sami. Jey turned his attention to Drew McIntyre. Jey spoke about coming face-to-face with McIntyre.
The crowd booed as McIntyre made his slow walk the ring. McIntyre told Jey to stop the ass kissing. McIntyre mentioned Nick Aldis can have CM Punk on Smackdown. McIntyre spoke about Punk destroying the locker room from the inside out. McIntyre noted the only people who traveled the world with Punk knows what he’s like. The crowd began chanting CM Punk. McIntyre looked into the camera and addressed Sami Zayn’s injury. McIntyre noted Sami took it too far speaking about his family. McIntyre apologized to Sami. McIntyre told Jey that’s how apologies work.
McIntyre told the fans image what would happen if someone hurt one of their family members and never bothered to apologize. McIntyre told the fans to be honest and ask if they would want revenge. McIntyre spoke to a fan in the crowd named Austin. McIntyre noted Austin’s family doesn’t care about him because he’s a coward. Jey told the crowd to chant YEET if they want to see him beat McIntyre. Jey attacked McIntyre as the bell rang.
Amin’s Thoughts: The crowd reactions for Jey are great as he feels like a top star on the show. McIntyre continues to be one of my favourite characters in all of WWE. The way McIntyre gives his reason for his action is perfectly reasonable. McIntyre’s mentioning Punk was interesting as it seems like they are teasing a future match between them. A good promo leading to the opening match on the show.
Drew McIntyre vs. Jey Uso
The bell rang as Jey began rocking McIntyre with strikes. Jey rocked McIntyre with strikes as the returned from break. Jey connected with a flying crossbody for a two count. McIntyre took back control rocking Jey with mounted strikes. The moved to the floor. McIntyre went for a Claymore Kick but Jey moved. McIntyre crashed onto the announcers table. Jey battled back hitting a tope to the floor.
Jey and McIntyre exchanged strikes on the ropes. Jey got the advantage placing McIntyre in the Tree of Woe. McIntyre responded catching Jey with a Spider overhead suplex. McIntyre rocked Jey with a Glasgow Kiss. Jey caught McIntyre with a Samoan Drop for a two count. Jey went for a Umaga hip attack but McIntyre moved. McIntyre caught Jey with a neck breaker.
McIntyre called for the Claymore Kick. Jey intercepted McIntyre with a pair of superkicks. Jey went for an Uso Splash but Mcintyre got his knees up. McIntyre delivered a Future Shock DDT but Jey kicked out at two. McIntyre exposed the corner turnbuckle. Jey caught McIntyre with a spear for a two count. The referee saw the turnbuckle exposed. McIntyre raked Jey in the eyes. McIntyre delivered a Claymore Kick for the win.
WINNER: Drew McIntyre
Amin’s Thoughts: This was a really good back-and-forth action packed match. The crowd once again was really behind Jey getting behind his comeback and wanting to see him win. This McIntyre turn has been really fun to watch as he’s now resorting to heel tactics to get wins. A good win for McIntyre building him up for the World Title rematch with Rollins.
They a highlight package of CM Punk’s promo from SmackDown and his appearance on the NXT Deadline show. They focused on Punk mentioning names of Cody Rhodes, Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins. Randy Orton. Kevin Owens and LA Knight. They included the line of Punk saying not being able to trust someone who randomly punches people backstage. (They zoomed on shots of Punk’s smiling after saying the line.)
They aired a Shinsuke Nakamura video package with English subtitles. He spoke about watching Cody Rhodes week after week and time after time wanting to finish his story. He spoke about Cody not being closer. He said he was a dog chasing a car. He said as great as you are, you are not enough. He said Cody doesn’t respect him. He said that’s Cody weakness and mentions Cody strives for admiration of others. Nakamura spoke about drawing his own destiny and points to his own story. He spoke about being rebound. He said bring the end to Cody’s story. He said always remember, Cody asked for this.
Amin’s Thoughts: These highlight package for Nakamura are awesome. There was an awesome shot where they made Nakamura look like a super villain standing blowing mist into Cody’s eyes.
Judgment Day were in their clubhouse. Finn Bálor when he and Rhea Ripley weren’t there Judgment Day go around messing things up. JD McDonagh was about to speak up. Ripley told McDonagh to keep quiet. She spoke about R-Truth keeps entering the Judgment Day clubhouse. She spoke about Dominik and McDonagh losing to The Creed Brothers last week. Ripley brought up Dominik losing the NXT North American Title to Dragon Lee at NXT Deadline. Priest said it sucks Dominik lost his title. Priest said it also sucks that the rest of Judgment Day weren’t on Raw last week. Priest told Balor that they won’t take The Creed brothers lightly. Ripley says saying you’re a leader is easier being a leader. Priest got in Ripley’s face. Ripley noted she was talking to all of Judgment Day. Balor was smiling in the background. Ripley said it’s time to remind everyone that they run Raw. Ripley said she’s going to make an example out of Maxxine Dupri. Ripley took her Women’s World Title and left.
Amin’s Thoughts: This was good as they are slowly continuing to tease dissension between Judgment Day
Alpha Academy were backstage. Chad Gable told Maxxine Dupri she didn’t need to be worried. The Creed Brothers and Ivy Nile appeared to hype Dupri up. Nile noted she would be in Dupri’s corner. R-Truth appeared holding Christmas light claiming he found them in the Judgement Day clubhouse. Gable told R-Truth to be careful. Gable noted R-Truth wasn’t in the club. R-Truth said he was in the ground and Judgment Day were misunderstood. He said Happy Thanksgiving and left.
WWE Women’s World Champion Rhea Ripley vs. Maxxine Dupri (w/Ivy Nile) – Non-Title Match
Ripley received a great reaction from the crowd. Ripley just knows how to present herself like a star. Dupri slapped Ripley across the face. Ripley responded rocking Dupri with a pair of clothesline. Ripley went for a powerbomb. Dupri didn’t go up right so Ripley had to power her up. Dupri caught Ripley with a hurricanrana. Dupri rocked Ripley with a running kick. Ripley responded rocking Dupri with a big boot. Ripley planted Dupri with a RipTide. Ripley taunted Dupri. Ripley applied the Prism lock for the submission win.
WINNER: Rhea Ripley
Amin’s Thoughts: The good part is they kept the match short. Dupri has improved inside the ring but wasn’t ready for this level of match. A strong win for Ripley to showcase her a dominant champion on Raw.
Ivy Nile entered the ring after the match. Ripley smiled holding up the Women’s World Title.
They aired a highlight package for Kayden Carter & Katana Chance
Adam Pearce was walking backstage. Pearce knocked on CM Punk’s locker room and entered.
CM Punk Makes His Decision
Adam Pearce was standing inside the ring. He said he was here to sign CM Punk to Raw. He spoke about Punk needing no introduction. The music played as CM Punk came out to a huge reaction. Punk gave fans high-five at ringside. Punk and Pearce shook hands. Pearce handed Punk a microphone. Huge chants of Punk from the crowd. Punk spoke about being in a bit of a sullen mood until he saw all the signs in the crowd. Punk spoke thinking about the decision he was about to make. Punk noted he’s been so consumed and worried because he loves the fans. Punk spoke about Cleveland not being kind to him. Punk spoke about a lot of ghost in the building and noting he needs to face them head on.
Punk spoke about making his WWE debut in Cleveland with Mickie James. Punk spoke about his debut going so well that they sent him to OVW. Punk spoke about returning back to Cleveland as World Heavyweight Champion. Punk noted he was kicked in the head by Randy Orton which led to him being stripped of the title. Punk noted nearly 10 years ago he made the hardest decision of his life walking out of WWE where Raw took place from Cleveland. He spoke about not regretting it but noted he disappointed fans who paid to see him that day. Punk spoke about seeing a young woman name Indi who told him that she was betrayed as a kid. Punk said he felt the same way when he saw Roddy Piper appear on WCW television when he was a kid. He apologized to everyone for walking out.
Punk spoke about Nick Aldis putting a substantial offer. He spoke about Shawn Michaels official to help mold the future stars. Punk spoke about Aldis putting the best deal together. Punk said his mind was made up when he saw the calendar point at Cleveland. Punk spoke about wanting to bury those ghosts and right a few wrongs. Punk said his future stars now. He spoke about almost ten years to the date CM Punk walked out. He said regardless how you feel, CM Punk walked right back in. Punk said if you are happy, or mad you better to love it. He said CM Punk is home. The crowd cheered. Punk shook Pearce’s hands. Punk signed the contract.
Amin’s Thoughts: This was good. I’m glad Punk addressed the crowd about leaving WWE almost 10 years ago. I really liked the callbacks he gave during his previous WWE run in Cleveland. They presented Punk as a huge star making his decision to sign a big deal. Punk signing with Raw was the right move because they can go right into a program with Seth Rollins which people want to see.
CM Punk & Seth Rollins Come Face-to-Face
Punk celebrated on the turnbuckle and played to the fans. The crowd cheered. WWE World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins music played. The crowd sang Rollins theme song. Rollins threw his glasses away as he made his way to the ring. Rollins and Punk had an intense stare down. The crowd chanted “Holy S*it” which was bleeped. Crowd started singing Rollins theme. Rollins asked for a mic. Rollins said “CM Punk, Welcome to Monday Night Rollins.” Punk smirked. Rollins spoke about Punk being fortunate to stand inside the ring. Rollins told Punk to not call this place his home. The crowd chanted CM Punk. He spoke about Punk adandoning this place. He spoke about Punk trying to tear WWE down. He spoke about Punk slandering him and the people backstage. He said this was not Punk’s home. Rollins said this was his home. The crowd sang Rollins song.
He spoke about everyone in the back are his brothers and sisters. He called everyone in the building and looked into the camera for the people watching at home his family. He said he will do everything he can to protect his home from people like you (Punk) He wanted to make something perfectly clearly. He spoke about being worked up. He said “I hate you!” He said if Punk was going to be part of WWE. He wanted Punk on Raw. He said the truth always comes out. He said this was Punk’s last chance. He said Punk was going to either expose himself. He said he would slam the door shut on Punk’s legacy when it happens.
He said by some miracle if Punk has changed. He wondered if Punk has any gas in his old tank. He said one day Punk might be lucky enough to face him for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. He said he will expose Punk for the fraud he is. He said he would wrestle circles around Punk. He said in real time he would let Punk know what it means to be “The Best in the World.” The crowd chanted CM Punk. Punk asked for a mic.
Punk asked Rollins are you done? He said that’s Rollins one pass to stand here speaking disrespectfully without him coming after Rollins. He spoke about not giving things handed to him. He spoke about always doing things stubbornly. Punk asked for Pearce. Punk told Pearce he was entering the Royal Rumble match. The crowd cheered. Punk said he’s win he might be coming after Rollins. Punk looked at Rollins before leaving.
Amin’s Thoughts: This was excellent. The moment that Rollins and Punk had a stare down it felt like a WrestleMania main event level match. Seth Rollins was tremendous here as he did a fantastic job selling the match. This segment gave some vibes from the “Hangman” Adam Page “workers right” promo with Punk on AEW Dynamite before their match at Double or Nothing in 2022. Page’s promo felt like he wasn’t just speaking to Punk but was speaking about what happens backstage when he goes back through the curtains. It was strange hearing Page mention he would be defending AEW from him at time both he and Punk were both babyface on TV. The difference here is Rollins was directly speaking to Punk, the crowd in the building and the fans at home watching. Rollins brought how Punk left and now calls WWE his home. I really Punk’s saying he wants to win the Rumble to earn a match and not want the match right away. Punk teasing he could face Rollins or someone else make it more interesting because he did mention Reigns name on SmackDown. The Rumble got even bigger because now both Cody and Punk are part of the match. This was an awesome segment and the highlight of the show.
They aired a highlight package hyping the Bronson Reed vs. Ivar match. Valhalla spoke about Bronson Reed being the sacrificial lamb for Ivar. Valhalla spoke about Ivar being the one true warrior. Ivar spoke about his last battle with Reed being stopped. Ivar spoke about putting Reed down in agonizing defeat. Reed spoke about the security guards saving Ivar from him.
Bronson Reed vs. Ivar (w/Valhalla)
Reed took control early catching Ivar with a running splash. Reed launched Ivar into the turnbuckle. Reed had Ivar on his shoulders. Ivar escaped. Ivar and Reed connected with a stereo clothesline for a double down. Ivar and Reed connected with stereo crossbody on the floor. Ivar and Reed exchanged strikes as they returned from break. Ivar caught Reed with a spinebuster for a two count. Reed moved as Ivar charged into the turnbuckle. The crowd popped as Reed went to climb the ropes. Ivar stopped Reed from climbing the ropes. Ivar climbed the ropes delivering a flying cannonball to Reed on the floor. Ivar went for a flying moonsault but Reed stopped hm. Ivar and Reed exchanged strikes on the ropes. Reed delivered a superplex to Ivar from the top rope which got a big reaction. Reed covered Ivar for the win.
WINNER: Bronson Reed
Amin’s Thoughts: It’s just fun seeing two big men go after each other. This was a really fun match as both Ivar and Reed had a great showing wanting to bring the best out of each other. A strong clean win for Reed. I could see them building Reed back up for a rematch with Gunther for the IC Title.
CM Punk was walking backstage. He bumped into the Judgment Day (without Rhea Ripley) He wondered where Ripley was? Priest called Punk a funny guy. Priest welcomed Punk to our show. Priest said he hopes Punk is the one to finish the story around here. Priest held up the Money in the Bank briefcase saying he’ll be waiting. Punk smiled. They left.
Amin’s Thoughts: A nice little tease of Priest reminding everyone he’s still holding the Money in the Bank contract.
Judgment Day & R-Truth Segment
Judgment Day came out to a solid heel reaction. Priest wanted to remind who they were. Priest told everyone to rise for Judgement Day. Balor spoke about himself and Priest being a 2x Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions. Balor noted Judgment Day were in town. Priest had a simple message for the WWE superstars in the back. Priest put all the WWE Superstars on notice. Dominik tried to speak but was loudly booed.
The crowd cheered as R-Truth came out. R-Truth spoke about going to Judgment Day clubhouse to do some decorating. McDonagh noted R-Truth wouldn’t be invited to the Judgment Day celebration. Priest called McDonagh down. Priest told R-Truth to come into the ring. R-Truth mentioned he had ideas to share with Judgment Day. He spoke kicking JD McDonagh out. The crowd cheered. Dominik held McDonagh back. R-Truth noted Priest shouldn’t call himself boss. Priest had a look. R-Truth noted it makes “Mami” mad.
Priest called R-Truth a funny guy. Balor spoke about liking R-Truth. Priest noted everyone in the building likes R-Truth. The crowd cheered. Priest said everybody likes R-Truth except him. Priest attacked R-Truth. Judgment Day joined in. The Creed Brothers came out to make the save. A brawl broke out. Julius gave Dominik and McDonagh a double northern lights suplex. Brutus and Julius gave Priest a double spinebuster. Dominik told Priest he tried to warn them about The Creed.
Amin’s Thoughts: It’s so great to have R-Truth back on WWE TV. The interaction between Judgment Day and R-Truth was a nice entertaining segment. I really liked how The Creed Brothers weren’t part of the comedy but instead came out to make the save for R-Truth. Good stuff here with The Creeds before they challenge Balor & Priest for the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Titles.
CM Punk was walking backstage. Punk bumped into McIntyre and Pearce. McIntyre said he doesn’t care about either Cody or Punk’s story. McIntyre care about finishing his story. McIntyre told Peace they figured it out. McIntyre left. Punk wondered what he did? Pearce noted Punk didn’t do anything. Pearce noted McIntyre is getting a World Heavyweight Title match against Rollins on January 1st episode of Raw. Kofi Kingston, Chad Gable and Ricochet appeared. Punk looked super happy to see Kingston again. Punk said ‘Jamaican me crazy.” Kingston noted he doesn’t do that anymore. Kofi and Punk shared a hug. Punk shook Gable and Ricochet’s hand. Punk noted he’s heard great things about Gable. Punk noted Ricochet isn’t great at playing video games. Punk left. They noted they were glad to have Punk back. Pearce wanted to speak to Kingston, Gable and Ricochet about the WWE Intercontinental Title.
Amin’s Thoughts: My guess is people would fully expect Rollins to win if the match happens at the Royal Rumble. That’s why McIntyre is getting the match on Raw? Seeing Punk and Kofi reunite for a brief moment on Raw was nice to see.
Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell vs. Kayden Carter & Katana Chance
WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Chelsea Green & Piper Niven joined commentary for the match. Carter took control early rocking Hartwell with a basement dropkick. Chance followed with a slingshot senton for a near fall. Chance caught Hartweel with a silly string hurricanrana. Hartwell tagged LeRae into the match. LeRae connected with a step-up senton to Carter for a near fall. Tegan Nox & Natalya were watching backstage. Hartwell and LeRae delivered a backbreaker/blockbuster combo to Carter for a two count. Hartwell planted Carter with a spinebuster. LeRae went for an assisted splash but Carter got her knees up. Carter battled back rocking Hartwell with a superkick. Carter and Chance delivered the After Party for the win.
WINNERS: Kayden Carter & Katana Chance
Amin’s Thoughts: This was a fine tag team match. A good win for Carter and Chance before the challenge for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Titles.
Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa were backstage. Gargano was holding a Cleveland Browns NFL replica title. Gargano was excited about Cleveland Browns win. Gargano spoke about smashing the guitar. Gargano spoke about Raw being in his hometown of Cleveland which got a big reaction. Ciampa asked Gargano if they can trust him? Gargano noted he wanted the match. Ludwig Kaiser and Giovani Vinci appeared. Kaiser spoke about hearing DIY has a mystery partner. Kaiser wanted to know who’s the mystery partner? Ciampa noted Imperium should be more worried about them disappointing Gunther again. Both teams began arguing. Gunther appeared and smiled. Gunther wished them luck. Gunther was skeptical they had a partner. Imperium left.
Becky Lynch was walking backstage. Nikki Cross was watching in the background.
Becky Lynch Calls Out Nia Jax
Becky Lynch came out to a huge reaction. Huge chants of Becky from the crowd. She spoke about The Man coming around to Cleveland which got a big reaction. She said she was here to call out Nia Jax. She spoke about never having a match with Jax. She spoke about being linked to Jax for five years. They showed a clip of Jax punching Becky across the face. They showed a clip of Becky standing on the crowd smiling with blood on her face. She noted it might be petty to bring it up. She spoke about being petty. She spoke about main eventing WrestleMania. She spoke about Jax going on to have double ACL surgeries. She said Jax being so unlikable that her own knees won’t stand up for her. That’s a great line. She spoke about having a child. She spoke about Jax getting fired. She spoke about both her and Jax being here at the same time.
The crowd booed as Nia Jax came out. Jax said she’s not fired anymore and spoke about being her better than ever. Jax called that punch a lucky swing. Jax wondered what would happen if she punched Becky with a full force. Jax called it a contact sport. Becky spoke about people being injured, hospitalized and careers almost ended when they stood inside the ring with Jax. Jax noted spoke about Becky thanking her for her career. Becky spoke about needing to change. Becky spoke about getting back up and fighting like hell. Becky said Jax thinks she’s a main event star because of Jax. Becky called that a lie. Becky said if she can’t that lie, she needs to end Jax.
Jax claimed Becky needs her. Jax claimed Becky needs to prove that career wasn’t an accident after she broke her face. Jax said she will always be the woman who made The Man. Becky told Jax to shut up. Becky said she’s looking for a fight. Becky challenged Jax to punch her. Huge chants of Becky from the crowd. Jax said Becky needs this more than she does. The crowd booed as Jax left the ring.
Amin’s Thoughts: Becky Lynch was tremendous here as she got me interested wanting to see a Jax match for the first time. Jax’s promo still aren’t great. I’m interested to see when this match takes place. Becky beating Jax before likely facing Ripley is a great way to go.
Jackie Redmond interviewed Cody Rhodes backstage. She asked Cody thoughts on Punk joining Raw and entering the Royal Rumble match. Cody said he’s happy for Punk and for the fans he’s joining Raw. He spoke about Royal Rumble being right around the corner. He noted you can’t start the story and finish two stories at once at the Rumble. He noted both him and Punk are very aware of that. Redmond asked Cody about facing Nakamura? Cody said he would’ve been more excited about the interview about a first time encounter with Nakamura if he didn’t mist him in the eyes. Cody put over Nakamura accomplishments in WWE and Japan. He spoke about Nakamura being vicious now. Cody spoke about solving programs on Raw. He spoke about STARDUST debuting in this building. He spoke about going from Undesirable to Undeniable. Cody noted Nakamura said he’s asked for this. Cody said he did and left.
Amin’s Thoughts: I liked the layout of the interview with Redmond asking Cody about Punk entering the Royal Rumble as well. This was a nice little tease of possibly Cody and Punk facing off in the Rumble match. Cody did great putting of Nakamura and wanting the match. Good stuff here from Cody.
Six-Man Tag Team Match: DIY (Johnny Gargano & Tommaso Ciampa) & The Miz vs. Imperium (WWE Intercontinental Champion Gunther, Ludwig Kaiser & Giovanni Vinci)
DIY received a great reaction from the crowd. The Miz came out to a great reaction. Gunther smiled. Huge chants of Johnny Wresting from the crowd. Gunther wanted to start the match. Miz said he wanted to start. Gunther rocked Gargano with a cheap shot. Gunther told Kaiser and Vinci to stop arguing. Ciampa rocked Vinci with a running clothesline. Kaiser puled the ropes down sending Ciampa to the floor. Gunther rocked Ciampa with a big boot on the floor.
Kaiser planted Ciampa with a rolling fireman’s cary as they returned from break. Vinci connected with a running crossbody to Ciampa. Ciampa moved as Vinci charged into the turnbuckle. Gargano ran wild delivering a bulldog/clothesline combo to Kaiser and Vinci. Gargano rocked Kaiser with a slingshot spear but Vinci made the save. Gargano rocked Kaiser with a superkick. The crowd popped as Gargano tagged Miz into the match.
Miz rocked Gunther with strikes. Miz connected with a springboard crossbody to Gunther. Miz rocked Gunther with YES Kicks. Gunther caught Miz with a palm strike. Gunther placed Miz in a Boston Crab but Ciampa made the save. Gargano and Miz delivered stereo DDT to Kaiser and Vinci. Miz caught Gunther with a Dragon screw. Miz applied a Figure-4-Leg Lock. Kaiser tried to make the save. Gargano caught Kaiser in the Gargano Escape. This got a big reaction with Gunther and Kaiser in stereo submission holds. Vinci tagged into the match. Vinci connected with a flying elbow to Miz. Vinci went for a powerbomb. Miz escaped hitting a Skull Crushing Finale for the win.
WINNERS: The Miz, Johnny Gargano & Tommaso Ciampa
Amin’s Thoughts: A really fun action-packed match with everyone getting a chance to shine. The match layout was great with them building The Miz hot tag before he gets his hands on Gunther. A good win for Miz building him up for a rematch with Gunther for the IC Title.
Gunther yelled at Imperium backstage. Miz appeared and told Guther he wanted an WWE Intercontinental Title match. Gunther accepted the match on one condition. Gunther said when he wins Miz can’t challenge for the IC Title as long as Gunther is champion. Miz said done.
Cody Rhodes vs. Shinsuke Nakamura
Shinsuke Nakamura came out to a solid heel reaction. Cody Rhodes came out to a huge reaction and firework display. The WOAHHH are getting louder and louder. Cody and Nakamura were evenly matches to start the match. Cody caught Nakamura with a dropkick coming off the ropes. Cody took control rocking Nakamura with corner punches. Nakamura stopped Cody from climbing the ropes. Nakamura took control rocking Cody with a running knee strike.
Nakamura out some Good Vibrations as they returned from break. Nakamura connected with a jumping knee strike for a two count. Nakamura caught Cody charging with a flying kick. Nakamura went for a reverse exploder suplex but Cody landed on his feet. Cody went for a Cody Cutter but Nakamura caught him with an arm bar. Cody broke free. Cody called for Cross Rhodes. Nakamura countered back into an arm bar. Cody placed his foot on the ropes to force a break.
Nakamura planted Cody with a sliding German suplex. Nakamura rocked Cody with a flying knee strike for a two count. Nakamura called for the Kinshasa but Cody caught him with a basement dropkick. Cody battled back hitting a Dragon screw. Cody followed hitting a Dragon screw against the ropes. Cody planted Nakamura with a release suplex. Cody applied a half crab but Nakamura grabbed the ropes. Cody connected with a tope to the floor.
Cody and Nakamura connected with a double clothesline as they returned from break. Cody and Nakamura exchanged strikes. Cody made a comeback catching Nakamura with a snap powerslam. Cody went for a Figure-4-Leg Lock. Nakamura countered into a rear-naked choke. Cody chants from the crowd. Cody broke free slamming Nakamura to the mat. Cody rocked Nakamura with a disaster kick for a two count. Cody rocked Nakamura with a Bionic Elbow. Cody connected with a Cody Cutter. Cody called for Cross Rhodes. Nakamura blew mist into Cody’s face for the DQ.
WINNER: Cody Rhodes via DQ
Amin’s Thoughts: This was a really good match as both Cody and Nakamura worked great together. I’m not a fan of seeing long matches end with a DQ finish. I understood why they went with that finish. Cody is one of WWE’s biggest stars. They aren’t going to pin Cody before the Royal Rumble match. They have so much time before the Rumble. They’ve been really been heating Nakamura up. This finish kept Nakamura strong and the program with Cody going.
Nakamura attacked Cody after the match. Nakamura rocked Cody with a Kinshasa to the back. Nakamura grabbed a chair. The Creed Brothers came out to make the save. WWE officials came out to check on Cody. The crowd chanted for Cody. Nakamura returned rocking Cody with another Kinshasa. Nakamura walked to the back.
Amin’s Thoughts: A strong closing angle to keep the Cody and Nakamura story going. The announcers were great noting Nakamura was another obstacle for Cody to overcome in his story.
Overall Thoughts
A really fun episode of Raw. The show opened and closed with strong wrestling matches. This was also a pretty newsworthy show. They announced the World Heavyweight Title rematch between McIntyre and Rollins for the New Year’s episode of Raw. They kept the Cody and Nakamura program going. The big news was Punk officially joining the Raw roster and announcing himself for the Royal Rumble match. The highlight was the face-to-face between Rollins and Punk as they already starting to the build to a potential WrestleMania main event match. Overall, a very strong episode of Raw. It’s great to see WWE is already heating programs up as they move closer and closer towards the Royal Rumble.
