WWE Raw opening played. CM Punk was added to the Raw video package. There was a firework display. Michael Cole and Wade Barrett welcomed everyone to Raw from the Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, Iowa. The stage was decked with Christmas trees and gifts.
Judgment Day Segment
Judgment Day came out to start the show. Damian Priest welcomed everyone to WWE Raw. Priest told everyone to rise for Judgement Day. Finn Balor congratulated The Creed Brothers for running the tag team gauntlet. Balor noted this Undisputed WWE Tag Team Title match was the biggest of The Creed Brother’s career. Balor noted this was just another matches for him and Priest. Ripley spoke about Judgment Day running 2023 and said will run 2024. The crowd booed as Dominik Mysterio tried to speak.
The crowd cheered as R-Truth came out. R-Truth spoke about Judgment Day’s beatdown last week was his initiation. R-Truth said they crossed the line because it hurt him physically and emotionally. R-Truth said Priest didn’t mean to attack him. McDonagh told Priest to leave the ring if that beatdown hurt him last week. R-Truth said everyone is ready for a fight.
R-Truth noted he needed someone to beat up on. R-Truth challenged McDonagh to a Miracle on 34th Street Fight. McDonagh noted the match was already happening. R-Truth told McDonagh they better get going because 34th Street was a long ways away. R-Truth noted it’s also a loser leaves Judgment Day match. The crowd cheered. Ripley was about to speak. Priest said it’s a good idea. McDonagh noted R-Truth would need a miracle to win.
Amin’s Thoughts: This was a pretty fun opening segment. They had clicked onto something with R-Truth playing the comedy act wanting to get into the Judgment Day. I liked this because the rest of Judgment Day maintained their seriousness. Overall, good stuff here setting up the opening match on the show.
JD McDonagh (w/Dominik Mysterio) vs. R-Truth – Miracle on 34th Street Fight: McDonagh went to use the candy cane kendo stick but R-Truth ducked. R-Truth took control rocking McDonagh with a scissors kick. R-Truth whipped McDonagh with his belt. R-Truth hugged Dominik at ringside. The crowd booed as Dominik ran R-Truth into the ring post. R-Truth planted Dominik with a butterfly suplex for a two count as they returned from break. The crowd cheered as R-Truth brought out a table. McDonagh responded rocking R-Truth with a slingshot dropkick. Dominik yanked R-Truth who feel onto McDonagh’s balls. R-Truth launched Dominik into the ring steps. R-Truth blew fire extinguisher into McDonagh’s face. R-Truth delivered John Cena’s signature moves which the crowd was popping huge for. McDonagh and R-Truth exchanged strikes on the ropes. McDonagh rocked R-Truth with a head butt. McDonagh pulled on R-Truth’s shirt. The momentum sent both McDonagh and R-Truth crashing through a table. R-Truth fell onto McDonagh for the win.
WINNER: R-Truth
Amin’s Thoughts: This was a fun goofy match and that’s perfectly fine to have for a holiday special show. The match itself was fine as both McDonagh and R-Truth worked hard. I liked the finish with R-Truth winning as he can now make a stronger case for being part of Judgment Day after beating McDonagh.
Kayden Carter & Katana Chance vowed to win the WWE Women’s Tag Team Titles. Carter and Chance said it’s their time to party and did some whoop whoop chant.
Becky Lynch & Nia Jax Segment
The crowd booed as Nia Jax came out. Becky Lynch came out to a big reaction. Jax left the ring. Becky wondered where Jax was going? Becky wanted to hear to what Jax wanted to say? Jax said she was entering the Women’s Royal Rumble match. Becky said the fans didn’t care. Becky said she came here looking for a fight. Jax claimed “they” were afraid what she what she might do to Becky. Jax called Becky the money maker of the company and noted it would end if they fought.
Becky said she’s the money maker because she would face anyone, anytime, anywhere. Becky noted Jax’s entire existence in WWE was based off someone’s name. Becky noted it was first based on Jax’s cousin’s name and now here name. Becky said she will go done as the greatest to ever do it. Becky noted Jax’s greatest claim was breaking the nose of the best to ever do it. Becky told Jax to prove her wrong.
Jax called a referee to the ring. Jax said Becky’s not getting the match. Jax said it’s gonna happen on her terms. Jax challenged Becky to match on Day 1 themed episode of Raw. Jax began walking away. Jax said Becky’s daughter will cry and ask her why she’s uglier than usual. Becky jumped on Jax’s back rocking her with strikes. WWE officials appeared pulling Becky away. Jax gave Becky a cheap shot.
Amin’s Thoughts: Becky Lynch was great once again as she got me interested wanting to see the match with Nia Jax. They are really stacking up the Day 1 themed show as they are looking to start Raw in 2024 off with a bang.
They showed highlights from earlier of “Kofi Claus” tossing gifts to fans.
Kofi Claus was backstage with Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa. Kofi Claus asked DIY what they wanted for Christmas? Ciampa said the WWE Tag Team Titles. Kofi Claus pulled out a YEET t-shirt and gave it to Gargano. Kofi Claus left.
DIY approached The Miz backstage. DIY spoke to Miz about their past issues. Gargano noted last was great. Ciampa shook Mia’s hands and noted last week was awesome. DIY left.
Jackie Redmond interviewed The Miz backstage. Jackie asked Miz if he’s feeling more pressure because he can’t challenge Gunther for the Intercontinental Title if he losses. Miz spoke about Imperium cracking and Gunther being rattled. Miz vowed to win the Intercontinental Title.
Gunther [c] vs. The Miz – WWE Intercontinental Championship Match: Gunther went for a Boston Crab but Miz grabbed the ropes. Gunther went for a chop but Miz ducked. Miz rocked Gunther with combination strikes. Gunther quickly responded swatting Miz to the mat. Miz responded catching Gunther with a knee bar. Gunther grabbed the ropes. Miz went for a slingshot dropkick but Gunther moved. Gunther rocked Miz with a huge chop. Gunther took control planting Miz with a powerbomb onto the ring apron. Gunther rocked Miz with a big boot as they returned from break. Miz tried to battled back rocking Gunther with a pair of running forearms. Gunther stopped Miz rocking him with a huge chop. They exchanged big chops. Miz chest was getting red. Miz battled back rocking Gunther with a running clothesline. Miz went for a springboard crossbody but Gunther caught him. Miz moved as Gunther chopped the ring post. Gunther went for a sleeper hold but Miz broke free as they returned from break. Gunther responded placing Miz in a cravat. Miz broke free pulling on Gunther’s hand. Miz made a comeback catching Gunther with a pair of DDTs. Miz followed hitting a satellite DDT for a two count. Gunther responded catching Miz with a Woo Dropkick. Gunther connected with a Stack Powerbomb but Miz kicked out at two. Gunther applied a Boston Crab. Gunther lost his grip because of his injured hand as Miz grabbed the ropes. The crowd chanted “This Is Awesome!” Gunther went for a slower hold. Miz countered into a reverse rollup for a great two count. Miz connected with Skull Crushing Finale but Gunther kicked out for a great two count. Gunther caught Miz charging with a huge lariat. Miz stopped Gunther from climbing the ropes. Miz delivered a Super Crushing Finale. Miz went for a cover but Gunther rolled out of the ring. Miz sent Gunther into the ring. Miz rolled back into the ring. Gunther caught Miz with a Powerbomb. Gunther rocked Miz with a Rainmaker. Gunther delivered a Stack Powerbomb for the win.
WINNER: Gunther retained the WWE Intercontinental Title
Amin’s Thoughts: This was a tremendous match. A great showing from Miz as he worked really hard wanting to show he can work a Gunther style match. Miz wasn’t going to win this match. They did great selling those near falls towards the finish. Another excellent showing from Gunther as you could make the case he’s been the WWE MVP’s for the level of matches of he’s been having and how important he’s made the Intercontinental Title. It’s going to feel like a real big deal when someone finally dethrone’s Gunther.
They aired a Creed Brothers highlight package.
Ludwig Kaiser and Giovanni Vinci congratulated Gunther on his win. Gunther noted they have no reason to be jolly. Gunther noted he’s the only one contributing to Imperium. Gunther noted he’s going to step away and recharge. Gunther wants Kaiser and Vinci to stay here so they can grind and work hard. Gunther wants them to impress him. Gunther left. Kofi Clause appeared. Kaiser told Kofi he doesn’t have time for this nonsense. Kofi noted Kaiser and Vinci don’t need to vent on everyone after Gunther Claus put them on the naughty list. Kofi handed them a gift. It was coal. Kaiser and Vinci left. Kofi told them they have to be nice all year round.
Story Time with Shinsuke Nakamura
Shinsuke Nakamura read to us “The American Nightmare Before Christmas.” Nakamura read,
“Twas the week before Christmas, and out from my mouth. Came a warning to Cody that Shinsuke would pounce. While your daughter is nestled all snug in her bed, And visions of championships dance through your head. Shinsuke is plotting to live out your story. To ruin your plans and extinguish your glory. The Nightmare is over, The Nightmare is through. The mist burns its eyes, For the Nightmare is You! You B*stard, you Cancer, you Prancer, you Nitwit! You’re Vomit, you’re Stupid, your Father was Inbred! My goal is to see that you’re living in fright. Merry Christmas to you, I will be your last fight.”
Cody Rhodes appeared attacking Nakamura. A brawl broke out as they made their way ringside. Cody cleared the announcers table. Cody delivered a dive to Nakamura and WWE agents. Cody went to deliver Cross Rhodes but WWE agents pulled Nakamura away. The crowd chanted “Let Them Fight!”
Amin’s Thoughts: Shinsuke Nakamura has been one of my favourite characters to watch on Raw. A good brawl and segment setting up a stipulation match between Cody and Nakamura. They didn’t announce it yet for the Day 1 themed Raw. I’m wondering if they will actually save the match for the Rumble show. That could be a way to get fans to get behind Cody wanting to finish his story more by him having two matches at the Rumble.
Adam Pearce was backstage with Akira Tozawa and asked for sure if that’s the match he wanted. Tozawa said “let’s do it” and left. Chelsea Green and Piper Niven appeared. Green noted it’s the holiday season and she wanted Peace to cancel the match. Pearce said no. Green said she’s going to talk to Nicholas Aldis. Bronson Reed appeared. Reed spoke about to Pearce about Gunther’s next challenger for the Intercontinental Title. Reed told Pearce let’s talk.
Chelsea Green & Piper Niven [c] vs. Kayden Carter & Katana Chance – WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship Match: Carter and Green began with some mat wrestling. Carter took control rocking Green with a dropkick. Chance followed with a slingshot senton for a two count. Green tagged Niven into the match. Chance caught Nivin with a wheelbarrow bulldog. Carter and Chance called for After Party but Green made the save. Niven took advantage delivering a double flying elbow drop to Carter and Chance for a two count. Carter tagged Chance into the match as they retuned from break. Carter ran wild rocking Green with a pair of superkick. Carter moved as Niven splashed Green by accident. Carter rocked Green with a running boot. Carter connected with a springboard leg drop for a two count. Carter went for superplex but Green blocked. Green caught Carter with a running leg lariat for a two count. Green and Niven delivered a Codebreaker/running senton combo to Carter but Chance made the save. Carter battled back rocking Green with a superkick. Carter and Chance delivered the Keg Stand but Green made the save. Green tagged herself into the match. Green went for the Unprettier but Chance countered into a Codebreaker. Carter and Chance delivered the After Party to Green to win the titles.
WINNERS: Kayden Carter & Katana Chance won the WWE Women’s Tag Team Titles
Amin’s Thoughts: This was a good tag team match as both teams got a chance to shine. Carter and Chance are such a fun team to watch. This was a nice moment seeing Carter and Chance win the titles. The title switch is also a good way to freshen up the WWE Women’s Tag Team Division.
Ivy Nile was backstage with Alpha Academy. Maxxine Dupri thanked Ivy Nile for having her back last week on Raw. Nile told Alpha Academy she’s ready for Rhea Ripley. Nile said her goal is to be Women’s World Champion. Nile left because The Creed Brothers have an Undisputed WWE Tag Team Title match on Raw. Akira Tozawa appeared and told Alpha Academy he has a match with someone tonight. Tozawa said him. Ivar appeared with Valhalla. They left. Gable mentioned when he told Tozawa to go big in the New Year. Gable said he didn’t mean that big. Tozawa said he understands. Tozawa did his dance.
Kofi Claus was backstage celebrating with Carter & Chance after winning the WWE Women’s Tag Team Titles. Carter & Chance went to party with Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell. Shayna Baszler, Zoey Stark, Tegan Nox and Natalya were shown watching. Natalya noted they will need new challengers. Baszler agreed.
Ivar (w/Valhalla) vs. Akira Tozawa (w/Maxxine Dupri): Tozawa rocked Ivar with strikes away. Tozawa rocked Ivar with a rolling kick. Ivar caught Tozawa flying off the ropes. Ivar went for a powerbomb but Tozawa countered into a hurricanrana. Tozawa caught Ivar with a popup spike DDT. Tozawa charged into a corner seated senton. Ivar went for a super splash but Tozawa moved. The crowd popped as Tozawa ripped his shirt. Valhalla stood on the ring apron. Dupri yanked Valhalla off the ring apron. Dupri moved as Valhalla charged into the barricade. Tozawa connected with a super senton splash but Ivar kicked out at two. Ivar caught Tozawa charging with a spin kick. Tozawa stopped Ivar from climbing the ropes. Tozawa went for a Super Frankenstiner but Ivar blocked. Ivar delivered a Super Worlds Strongest Slam for the win.
WINNER: Ivar
Amin’s Thoughts: This was a fun match. A great showing from Tozawa as it was really cool to see him get him some shine. A solid win for Ivar to get him back on the winning track.
They aired a highlight package recapping the face-to-face between CM Punk and Seth Rollins last week on Raw.
Drew McIntyre & Seth Rollins Segment
WWE World Heavyweight Seth Rollins came out to a huge reaction in his hometown. The crowd loudly sang along to Rollins theme. He welcomed everyone to Monday Night Rollins. Rollins did his catchphrase which got a huge reaction. The crowd sang along to Rollins theme. Rollins spoke about things being heating up. Rollins spoke about his confrontation last week without mentioning CM Punk’s name. Rollins spoke about being more motivated and wanted to become the best World Heavyweight Champion in this industry. Rollins hyped up the World Heavyweight Title match against Drew McIntyre for Day 1 themed episode of Raw.
Drew McIntyre made his way to the ring. Rollins laid the World Title in the middle of the ring. Rollins noted he hasn’t forgotten about the head butt. Rollins told Mcintye to tread lightly. McIntyre noted he wasn’t here to fight. McIntyre spoke about everyone kissing CM Punk’s ass. McIntyre noted he was proud of Rollins for being a real leader for what he said to CM Punk last week. McIntyre spoke about Rollins being on a roll in-front of his home crowd.
McIntyre spoke about a recent trip home that made his felt guilt. McIntyre spoke about his family getting older and questioned his sacrifices were worth it. McIntyre said Rollins’ wife can relate to what he’s doing because she sacrifices by being away from home every week. McIntyre told Rollins he needs the title to show that the sacrifices he made were worth it. McIntyre noted he would do whatever it takes to take the title from Rollins a Day 1.
Rollins says he doesn’t know how to fell about McIntyre. Rollins said he respects McIntyre. Rollins spoke about McIntyre working his way back up. Rollins wondered if the outcome will be different this time? Rollins said McIntyre needs to take responsibility for his actions. Rollins said the only person keeping him from being a world champion is McIntyre himself. Rollins said last week he looked a man into his eyes and said he hated him. Rollins said he meant that.
Rollins said he’s looking McIntyre into his eyes. Rollins told McIntyre he pits him. Rollins said Merry Christmas and noted he will see McIntyre in a few weeks. McIntyre went for a cheap shot but Rollins saw it coming. A brawl broke out. Rollins mounted McIntyre with grounded strikes. McIntyre responded sending Rollins into the barricade. McIntyre grabbed Rollins and sent him crashing with a reverse Alabama Slam onto the ring steps. Rollins sold his arm.
Amin’s Thoughts: Rollins delivers his best promo work when he gets into serious mode. I thought McIntyre once again was the star of this segment. McIntyre was just tremendous here as you could feel for everything he was saying. I would really like to see McIntyre get his World Title win on the WWE main roster in front of fans. They would still have time after to get the title back on Rollins before moving into a program with CM Punk for WrestleMania. I really want to see McIntyre win the World Title after watching this segment
Cody Rhodes approached The Creed Brothers backstage. Cody thanked The Creed Brothers for coming to his help last week. Brutus and Julius noted they got Cody’s back. Cody wished The Creeds Brothers luck. Brutus and Julius were giddy after interacting with Cody.
Kofi Claus came out handing gifts to fans. Ludwig Kaiser & Giovanni Vinci appeared attacking Kofi Claus. The crowd cheered as Jey Uso ran down to a huge reaction to make the save. Jey delivered a dive onto Kaiser and Vinci on the floor.
Jey Uso vs. Ludwig Kaiser (w/Giovanni Vinci): The match was already in progress as Jey rocked Kaiser with strikes. Kaiser stopped Jey’s momentum rocking Jey with a lariat. Kaiser distracted the referee. Vinci rocked Jey with a cheap shot. Kaiser rocked Jey with a running uppercut on the floor. Jey responded rocking Kaiser with an enzuigiri as they returned from break. Jey made a comeback rocking Kaiser with a running hip attack for a two count. Jey had Kaiser on his shoulders who broke free. Kaiser responded catching Jey with a Kaiser Roll for a two count. Kaiser went for a Twisting DDT but Kaiser broke free. Jey rocked Kaiser with a superkick. Vinci launched Jey off the ropes. This gave Kaiser the advantage rocking Jey with a running enzuigiri for a two count. The crowd cheered as Kofi Kingston made his way ringside. Kofi rocked Vinci with Trouble in Paradise. Jey battled back rocking Kaiser with a spear. Jey delivered an Uso Splash for the win.
WINNER: Jey Uso
Amin’s Thoughts: This was a fine match. This was more about setting up stuff for down the road. The first was Gunther wanting to deal with Kaiser and Vinci when he returns his Imperium teammates took another pin. I could see Jey into the WWE Intercontinental Title picture after getting the win.
The Judgment Day were in their clubhouse making fun of McDonagh for losing to R-Truth. Rhea Ripely appeared and noted when someone loses it makes all of Judgment Day look bad. Priest noted McDonagh lost so he’s out of Judgment Day. McDonagh told Priest to not kick him out of the group. Priest said McDonagh is still part of the group for now. Ripley mentioned she spoke to Pearce and made the match with Nile. Ripley noted she will defend her Women’s World Title against Nile on the Day 1 themed episode of Raw. Balor noted he and Priest will take care of The Creed Brothers.
Judgment Day (Finn Balor & Damian Priest) [c] (w/Rhea Ripley) vs. The Creed Brothers (Brutus & Julius Creed) (w/Ivy Nile) – Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship Match: Julius took control early slamming Balor to the mat. The Creeds sent Balor and Priest to the floor. Brutus and Julius delivered a double fireman’s carry to Balor. Brutus and Julius delivered a double gut buster to Balor. Priest tagged into the match. Priest pulled the ropes down sending Julius to the floor. Priest took advantage rocking Julius with a lariat on the floor. Julius got Brutus the tag. Brutus ran wild rocking Balor with mounted strikes. Brutus planted Balor with a reverse slam for a two count. Priest tagged himself into the match. Priest caught Brutus with a hook kick. Priest delivered a pounce launching Brutus over the announcers table. Brutus and Priest exchanged strikes as they returned from break. Priest went for a spin kick but Brutus caught him. Brutus deadlifted Priest planting him with a backdrop suplex. Julius ran wild sending Balor and Priest flying with a series of overhead belly-to-belly suplex. Julius connected with a shooting star press to Balor for a two count. The Creeds called for the Super Brutus Ball but Priest made the save. Balor and Julius connected with double clotheslines. Ripley went for a cheap shot on Nile. Nile saw it coming as she dropped Ripley onto the ring apron. The Creeds delivered the Super Brutus Ball to Balor but Priest made the save. Priest went for South of Heaven but Julius landed on his feet. Julius caught Priest with a dropkick. Julius delivered a flying cannonball to Priest on the floor. Balor caught Brutus with a slingblade. Balor followed by hating a Woo Dropkick. Balor called for Coup De Grace. Julius went for a leaping superplex. Priest tagged himself into the match. The Creeds delivered a Super Brutus Ball to Priest. Balor made the save hitting Coup De Grace onto Julius. Brutus tackled Balor to the floor. Priest caught Julius with South of Heaven for the win to retain the titles..
WINNERS: Finn Balor & Damian Priest retained the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Titles
Amin’s Thoughts: A really fun action packed tag team match. The Creed Brothers were just recently called up to the main roster. I’m sure the Creed Brothers will win the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Titles. I didn’t mind Creeds not winning the titles here because you don’t want to push a team right to the top if they aren’t ready. This was a great showing from The Creeds showing they can have a great competitive match with the top faction on Raw. A strong showing from Balor and Priest as it was good to see the champs win clean. Balor and Priest will need more new challengers. I would like to see DIY be the team to eventually beat Balor and Priest for the tag titles.
Overall Thoughts A fun holiday themed episode of Raw. There was some goofy comedy skits through the show. I thought they did a good balancing it out by giving the viewers some great wrestling matches and strong promo segments. This show was mostly about setting up the Day 1 themed episode of Raw which feels like a pretty big show. Overall, a good episode of Raw. WWE looks to start of the New Year hot with Day 1 which should begin to set things in place for the Royal Rumble.
