The excitement was palpable during a thrilling episode of WWE Monday Night Raw, which set the stage for their highly anticipated debut on Netflix from the TD Garden in Boston, MA. Fans were left buzzing as CM Punk and Seth Rollins are officially scheduled to face off on January 6th, intensifying what has already been a highly charged rivalry. Bron Breakker defended his Intercontinental Championship against Ludwig Kaiser, while Chad Gable and American Made stepped up their feud against The Alpha Academy.
In a stunning turn of events, The War Raiders emerged as the new Tag Team Champions after a decisive victory over The Judgment Day in the night’s main event. Zoey Stark earned her spot as a semi-finalist in the Women’s Intercontinental Championship tournament, and Karrion Kross showed no mercy in his battle against The Miz, continuing their feud with The Wyatt Family. Additionally, chaos ensued as Sami Zayn ambushed Drew McIntyre backstage, and Rhea Ripley has now been named the Number One Contender for Liv Morgan’s WWE Championship.
Victors of the Night
1 CM Punk & Seth Rollins
Continuing Their Legendary Rivalry
“Once I’m done with you, there won’t be enough staples to put you back together,” declared CM Punk, showcasing the intensity of his feud with Seth Rollins. In response, Rollins shot back, “This CM Punk fan has more WrestleMania Main Events than you will ever have, and that’s the fact, PHIL.” The tension reached a boiling point as the rivalry took an increasingly physical turn, with both men battling across the arena and confronting security. Fans witnessed genuine animosity that electrified the atmosphere.
Watch this key moment
As speculated last week, the face-off between Seth Rollins and CM Punk is now set for WWE’s Netflix debut. This match is not just another bout; it’s an event reminiscent of WrestleMania’s Main Events, and it promises to be one of the most eagerly anticipated matches in WWE history. It marks an ideal reentry point for lapsed fans, as they witness these two adversaries vie for supremacy in what could be the most significant match of the season.
2 Liv Morgan
A Champion Ending the Year with Flair
Boston’s crowd lived up to its reputation for enthusiasm, showering boos on Liv Morgan and Dominik Mysterio that shook the arena. Liv Morgan has made a major leap in prominence throughout 2024, underscored when she wielded a megaphone to declare it has been her year. Her control over her character and knack for creating formidable antagonism shone during this segment, marking a masterclass in performance.
Catch Liv's vibrant segment here
Even the humorous “THIS guy” reaction from Liv and Dom when Rhea Ripley’s music hit was delightful. With Ripley’s formidable character emerging as a fan favorite, Liv’s colorful obnoxiousness serves to elevate Rhea’s status as a babyface competitor. Adam Pearce has announced Rhea as the Number One Contender for the WWE Championship, enhancing the storyline’s depth as it approaches a thrilling climax.
3 The New Day
Reflecting Positive Shifts in WWE Booking
WWE is witnessing a notable evolution in its portrayal of heels. After years of fans gravitating towards the villains, this fresh perspective challenges that norm. In a surprising turn of events, Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods were banned from the men’s locker room by none other than Rey Mysterio, prompting fans to reconsider their favorite duo.
See the locker room drama unfold
The New Day’s frustration with Cathy Kelly’s journalism accentuates their current plight. As they were interrupted mid-sentence for a backstage segment, their palpable annoyance foreshadows a darker turn for the duo. This shift could signal an exciting development in their character arcs as they embrace their underdog status while facing mounting antagonism.
4 Zoey Stark & Pure Fusion Collective
A Pivotal Time for WWE’s Toughest Ladies
Zoey Stark triumphed over Raquel Rodriguez and Katana Chance, securing her place in the next round of the Women’s Intercontinental Championship tournament. While the finish of the match was contentious, the action was undeniably entertaining and showcased the strength of the contenders. This achievement speaks volumes about Zoey’s potential and the athletic prowess of the Pure Fusion Collective as they advance.
Watch the thrilling action here
With Zoey advancing and Sonya Deville vocalizing her ambition to challenge for the Intercontinental Championship, this could mark a significant chapter for the Pure Fusion Collective. However, the night was not over, as they executed a coordinated attack on Kairi Sane, potentially jeopardizing her participation in the upcoming triple threat match. Week after week, their momentum continues to build impressively.
5 Bron Breakker
Promising Future for Raw’s Standout Rookie
As WWE continues to showcase Bron Breakker, he is fast establishing himself as a dominant force poised for a long reign in the business. His latest expertise was on full display as he successfully defended his Intercontinental Championship against Ludwig Kaiser. Breakker’s spear was nothing short of devastating—an embodiment of his raw power as he continues to rise in the ranks ahead of WrestleMania’s challenges.
Check out Breakker in action
Notable Missteps
6 The Judgment Day
Struggles for Finn Balor’s Faction
Despite an impressive display from The War Raiders, the loss of the Tag Team Championship spells trouble for The Judgment Day, marking what could be the beginning of their disbandment. Finn Balor was further humiliated when Damian Priest intervened, preventing him from using a chair during the match, exacerbating the turmoil within the faction. How they manage to rebound from this tremendous setback remains to be seen.
Witness the fallout here
This incident marks the second time recently that Balor has found himself under scrutiny in this column, as the cohesion of The Judgment Day appears to be unraveling. Liv Morgan’s patronizing words about his leadership and the lack of support from his teammates amplify the tense atmosphere, highlighting a significant turning point for the faction.
Final Remarks
- The new logo for Raw officially heralds the upcoming Netflix Era.
- Dominik Mysterio’s heat with the crowd reaches unprecedented levels, bolstered by moments like Wade Barrett’s “cry more”comment.
- John Cena has been officially announced for Elimination Chamber, set to take place in Toronto.
- The War Raiders have secured their second reign as Raw Tag Team Champions, with their first spanning 98 days.
- CM Punk vs Seth Rollins has historical significance, as they previously faced off on December 30, 2013, with Punk claiming victory.
- The Miz will compete against Dexter Lumis in next week’s episode of Raw.
- The impact of Bron Breakker’s powerful shoulder tackle remains a hot topic.
- Chad Gable vs Akira Tozawa is set to take place, marking a unique first-time encounter.
- Katana Chance showcased her impressive skills in the women’s triple-threat match.
- Drew McIntyre engaged in a heated exchange with Seth Rollins before being ambushed by Sami Zayn in a backstage brawl.