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Welcome to the English version of Solowrestling Read more
WWE is celebrating a new episode of Monday Night Raw tonight, this time the 1,700th episode, from the Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The show will be broadcast on delay on Netflix and Solowrestling will bring you the results in this news article as every week.
Tonight's episode will feature several matches and segments of interest, highlighting a tag team match that will see CM Punk and Rey Mysterio facing two members of The Vision. Additionally, Rhea Ripley will face Asuka in a singles match that will serve as a preview to the Women's Tag Team Championship match that will see them face off again in two weeks. As always, we invite you to comment on the article to give your opinion on what happened on the show.
WWE Raw on Netflix begins!
We see the arrival of some of tonight's protagonists at the venue: CM Punk, Rey Mysterio, The Judgment Day almost in full, Je'Von Evans, Gunther, and The Vision (Paul Heyman, Bron Breakker, and Bronson Reed).
The latter meet Austin Theory, who seems to be waiting for them. Paul Heyman asks Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed to continue on their way while he deals with this matter. Paul approaches Austin. "What the hell are you doing?" Paul asks. "I wanted you to know why I wore the mask. I wanted everyone to feel my actions before seeing my face. I made some bad decisions. I got comfortable. I got injured. And then I saw The Vision. You don't wait for anything. You take it. And that's who I am now. I take," says Austin. "Really?" Heyman asks. "Really," Theory replies. "You take?" Paul asks. "Yes. And I know The Vision has a match tonight, and I'd love to take this opportunity to help," Austin replies. "Really?" Heyman asks. "Really," Theory replies. "Interesting... very interesting," says a smiling Paul before leaving.
We see Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY talking in the Gorilla Position. Ripley reminds her partner that she still doesn't have medical clearance after the attack she suffered last week. That's why she won't be able to protect her if she accompanies her tonight. Rhea asks her to stay backstage while she takes care of Asuka. "I understand, but are you sure?" SKY asks as she puts her hand on her back. "I'll take care of this, okay? Stay safe. I'll be back. Alright?", says the Australian before hugging her. "See you soon. Take care," she adds before heading to the ring.
Asuka (with Kairi Sane) vs. Rhea Ripley
Ripley surprises Asuka with a dropkick as soon as the bell rings. Rhea unleashes a flurry of attacks on her opponent before tossing her from one side of the ring to the other shouting, "This is for IYO!". Asuka flees to ringside to escape the fury of the Australian. She doesn't take long to go after her to hit her against the metal stairs. Rhea throws "The Empress of Tomorrow" against the public barrier before bringing her back into the ring.
Ripley prepares to return, but Kairi distracts her. Asuka takes advantage to execute a running hip attack on Rhea, who falls to ringside. Asuka catches the Australian to throw her against the public barrier. "The Empress of Tomorrow" continues to dominate the match. Asuka grabs Ripley by the hair to unleash a flurry of direct kicks to her opponent's face.
Rhea recovers to start an exchange of attacks with the Japanese wrestler. Sane grabs Ripley's legs to prevent "Mami" from hitting Asuka, who regains control. Asuka kicks Ripley's chest repeatedly. She stops one of the kicks to counterattack. Rhea launches a counterattack on the Japanese wrestler, which ends with a dropkick. Ripley tries to hit a Riptide, but "The Empress of Tomorrow" escapes to surprise her with a roll-up. 1..2..NO.
Asuka tries to finish off her opponent, but Rhea stops her with a sudden kick. Both women stand up to start an exchange of attacks. Ripley traps Asuka in a Prism Trap. The Japanese wrestler frees herself to look for an Ankle Lock. Rhea tries to escape, but "The Empress of Tomorrow" prevents her with a german suplex followed by a running knee. 1..2..NO.
Ripley avoids an Asuka Lock before seeking height in one of the corners. Her opponent goes after her. Both women struggle. Rhea descends from the corner to execute a superkick on Asuka, whom she then carries on her shoulders before dropping her face-first onto the canvas. 1..2..NO. "This is amazing!" chant the fans. Asuka escapes a Razor's Edge to apply a roll-up. 1..2..NO.
Ripley blocks a running hip attack on the apron, but she can't do anything against a german suplex. Asuka seeks height to jump on Rhea, but she receives a superkick. Ripley continues her offensive with a running knee. Asuka ends up at ringside, where she receives the impact of an Apron Cannonball from the Australian. She takes Asuka back into the ring, where the Japanese wrestler is attended to by the referee.
Rhea climbs the corner, but Kairi makes her fall. Furious, IYO enters the scene to confront Sane. She tries to hit her, but SKY dodges to respond with an uppercut. After that, IYO climbs onto the apron to explain to the referee what happened. Kairi takes advantage to hit her legs and make her fall backwards onto the apron. Rhea approaches a pained SKY to check on her condition, a moment that Asuka takes advantage of to surprise the Australian with a roll-up. 1..2..3.
Winner: Asuka
The Kabuki Warriors triumphantly leave for backstage while Ripley attends to IYO.
We move backstage, where Bronson Reed and Bron Breakker discuss Austin Theory. "It's strange, but...", says Bron. Reed confesses that he also doesn't trust Theory's intentions. Paul Heyman appears on the scene drinking coffee. Reed and Breakker ask him for explanations on the matter. Instead of answering, Paul asks them about their past. Heyman asks Reed where he was 18 months ago, because now he has become the main event in Australia by defeating Roman Reigns. As for Bron, he wasn't in the World Championship orbit. And now he's scheduled to be the main event of the first anniversary of Raw on Netflix, where he can win the title by defeating CM Punk. "How did all this happen? Someone had a vision for you two. That someone was Paul Heyman, and I don't take it lightly. I'm selective. I have a vision for Austin Theory," says Paul before informing them that tonight Reed will team up with Theory to face CM Punk and Rey Mysterio. Heyman points out that by the end of the night, they will know if Austin aligns with The Vision. Because if not, Breakker and Reed will have to kick his ass out of WWE. With that said, Heyman leaves. "You don't have to do it. You know that, right?" Bron asks Bronson. "I'll take care of it," the Australian replies. "Just so you know, out there I've got your back, not his, okay?" Breakker asks. "Understood, brother," Reed replies. They fist bump as the segment comes to an end.
Becky Lynch makes her entrance in the ring. The Irishwoman makes it clear that there will be no celebration for Maxxine Dupri tonight. And there won't be because she doesn't deserve it. Becky accuses Maxxine of winning the Women's Intercontinental Championship thanks to an incompetent referee who has yet to pay for her offense. And since Dupri beat her with tricks, she remains the legitimate champion. "The Man" is tired of waiting for Adam Pearce to correct this injustice. But it's okay because she has the best lawyers in the country who will do whatever it takes to solve this problem. In fact, she even has friends at Netflix. Company executives who advised her to travel to "miserable Michigan," specifically Grand Rapids, to personally take care of the matter. And here she is.
Maxxine Dupri interrupts the promo
The champion enters the ring to make it clear to Becky that everyone is listening to her. Maxxine even agrees with Sports Illustrated naming her the greatest wrestler in history. But it's also true that a rookie like her has beaten her not once, but three times. As true as Lynch deserves her rematch. And she will have it whenever and wherever the Irishwoman wants. However, she promises her that nothing will prevent her from beating her once again because she will leave her blood, sweat, and tears on the mat while training for it. "Because I'm not only your Intercontinental Champion," she says pointing to the crowd, "I'm YOUR Intercontinental Champion!" exclaims Dupri holding the title in front of "The Man." "And all I want is for you to admit it. Please accept it with resignation as The Man you claim to be. But you won't, will you? You won't, no. She's too busy complaining. You complain about the referee. You complain about everything under the sun. And hey, I have to tell you something. Right now, you don't look like the best of all time. I'll tell you what you look like. You look like someone who fears that their best years are behind them," says Maxxine. Without a word, Becky knocks her out with a right hand.
Lynch continues to hit Dupri before picking up the title. "This is mine! It belongs to me!," shouts the Irishwoman in the champion's ear. Becky pretends to leave with the gold, but ultimately decides to continue attacking Maxxine. She recovers to surprise Becky, who submits to a painful Ankle Lock. Helpless, the Irishwoman surrenders for Maxxine to release her. A pained Lynch limps away towards the entrance ramp while Dupri poses with the championship.
Je'Von Evans talks with Adam Pearce backstage. Pearce wishes the NXT talent good luck for his match tonight, suggesting that he meet with him in his office afterwards to discuss his future. Je'Von thanks him and heads to the ring. Stephanie Vaquer approaches the Raw General Manager. He asks the Chilean how she would like to proceed with her issue with Raquel Rodriguez and Nikki Bella. Stephanie doesn't hesitate for a second and asks Pearce to let her deal with both at once. "I want a triple threat match," says "The First Lady." Surprised, as well as proud of a champion who isn't afraid to fight, Adam grants her wish, informing her that next week she will defend the World Championship against Roxy and Nikki in a triple threat. "Perfect," says Vaquer.
The Usos star in a video promo. Jimmy and Jey recall their victory over The New Day last week. The first after their return to the tag team division. After that, they go straight to AJ Styles and Dragon Lee to make it clear that the best team of all time - and one of the most decorated - is coming after them to take away the World Tag Team Championships. "Four letters. One word: Usos!" they exclaim to end the video.
Rayo Americano (with El Grande Americano and Bravo Americano) vs. Je'Von Evans
Je'Von and Rayo start with a feeling-out phase, with both men exchanging quick movements. Evans surprises Rayo with a dropkick. The masked wrestler responds with a flying tackle. Rayo traps Je'Von in a wristlock. Evans frees himself to continue the fight. Rayo throws his opponent out of the ring before launching himself at him. Je'Von quickly returns to the ring to avoid the attack and then takes momentum to dive onto his rival.
The action continues. Rayo knocks Je'Von off the top turnbuckle. This way, the masked wrestler takes control of the match. Evans and Rayo exchange attacks. Je'Von unleashes a flurry of punches on Rayo before finishing him off with a tremendous knee strike. Evans continues his offensive with a Forearm, followed by a suplex. Je'Von seeks height in one of the corners to finish off Rayo with a diving clothesline. 1..2..NO.
El Grande Americano distracts the referee so that Bravo surprises Je'Von, who falls with his groin on the top rope. Rayo finishes him off with a clothesline before executing a Michinoku Driver. 1..2..NO. El Grande Americano can't believe it. Rayo kicks Je'Von's head. He tries to respond, but the masked wrestler counterattacks forcefully.
The action continues. Evans surprises the masked wrestler with a springboard enzuigiri. 1..2..NO. Je'Von runs to one of the corners to dive with an OG Cutter, but Rayo stops him with a right hand. Now it's the masked wrestler who climbs the turnbuckle aiming to execute a moonsault. However, Evans dodges it to immediately respond with an OG Cutter. 1..2..3.
Winner: Je'Von Evans
El Grande Americano and Bravo Americano try to surprise Evans while he celebrates his victory in the ring, but the NXT talent shows off his agility and speed to escape from them. Je'Von remains safe on the entrance ramp as the masked wrestlers watch him.
Cathy Kelley interviews AJ Styles and Dragon Lee backstage. The World Tag Team Champions recall that they have already defeated great teams like The Judgment Day, The New Day, and The War Raiders. Lee promises that the match against The Usos next week will become an instant classic. "As long as we have these tag titles, we are better than the best. And that's exactly what (The Usos) will have next week," adds "The Phenomenal One" to end the interview.
Bron Breakker delivers a video promo. Bron boasts about having brought the real CM Punk to light. Breakker recalls how he destroyed “The Best in the World” after his promo last week, cutting him in half with a spear before taking the World Championship and posing with it. And it was just as easy as he had imagined. Bron is aware that CM Punk believes their rivalry is personal simply because the former mentioned the family of “The Best in the World.” “But the reality is that you don’t care about your wife. You’ve never cared about anyone in your entire life except yourself, you egocentric piece of trash,” says Breakker. He grants his enemy the satisfaction of making everything revolve around him, wondering which version of CM Punk will show up on January 5. Will it be the CM Punk of 2025 or the real The Best in the World? It doesn’t really matter, because the outcome won’t change. “I am inevitable. I am the mountain you can’t climb. I am the Dog you can’t escape from! And in your wise words, ‘I’m only here to make money,’ well, I hope you’ve saved all your money and cashed all your checks, because once the match on January 5 is over, and I am the new World Heavyweight Champion, you won’t be worth a dollar to anyone,” Bron says to bring his promo to an end.
Nikki Bella interrupts the broadcast from the stands. Microphone in hand, Bella climbs onto the commentary table. Nikki berates the state of Michigan for having forgotten who she is. “I’m Nikki Bella, okay? I’m a legend. I’m a Hall of Famer. And I’m a former champion,” she says. Bella understands that the crowd can’t recognize a champion when they have one in front of them, since they support losers like the Detroit Lions and not winners like the Philadelphia Eagles or Ohio State. Nikki claims she is the true star of the women’s division and that there is a reason why she has returned to WWE. Bella recalls that last week she destroyed Raquel Rodriguez’s face and that next week she will put an end to Stephanie Vaquer’s reign. Nikki acknowledges that the Chilean is good in the ring, but she is good anywhere. “And it’s time for that women’s world title to be around the waist of a true Global Superstar. And that’s me, the legend, the one and only — and don’t forget it — Nikki Bella,” she says before throwing down the mic. Bella steps down from the table and leaves, bringing her promo to an end.
Bayley (with Lyra Valkyria) vs. Roxanne Perez (with Liv Morgan)
Roxanne dodges Bayley’s opening attack and sits on the ropes to mock her opponent. Perez traps Bayley and takes her to the ropes. The referee forces her to break away from “The Role Model.” Perez complies, only to immediately slap her. Her opponent responds with a Bayley-to-belly. 1..2..NO. Perez escapes to ringside to regroup with Morgan, who calls for a timeout while assisting her partner.
Tired of waiting, Bayley leaves the ring to go after her opponent. Roxanne quickly slides back into the ring and then launches herself with a suicide dive. However, Bayley stops her. “The Role Model” hoists her onto her shoulders. Perez throws several elbows to break free. After that, she strikes Bayley’s left knee with a chop block.
The action returns to the ring. Roxanne focuses her attack on Bayley’s damaged knee. Bayley tries to counter, but Roxanne prevents it. Perez takes her to one of the ring posts to continue punishing her injured leg. Roxy continues to dominate the match. “The Prodigy” drives her opponent’s knee into one of the corners before applying a Russian Leg Sweep. 1..2..NO. Bayley breaks free from a submission hold to answer with a counterattack.
At that moment, Bayley notices the presence of Raquel Rodriguez at ringside. “The Role Model” drops Roxanne with a slam. 1..2..NO. Raquel climbs onto the apron to draw her attention, but Lyra knocks her down. Liv approaches Valkyria and throws her over the commentary table. Bayley is distracted, allowing Perez to surprise her with a Tilt-a-whirl facebuster. “The Prodigy” finishes her off with a Satomura Special. 1..2..NO.
Furious, Perez once again targets Bayley’s injured leg. Bayley kicks Roxy away to get some separation before delivering a sunset flip powerbomb into one of the corners. 1..2..NO. “The Role Model” looks to continue her offense, but Liv grabs her legs and trips her up. After that, Morgan climbs onto the apron to distract the referee, allowing Perez to remove one of the turnbuckle pads.
Bayley charges at Perez, but Perez moves out of the way, causing her opponent to crash into the exposed turnbuckle. Roxanne covers her, but the referee is distracted by Raquel, who has climbed onto the apron to confront the official. Annoyed, Morgan grabs her partner by the legs to pull her down. The two women argue. Roxy moves closer, looking for an explanation for what is happening.
At that moment, Lyra launches herself onto Liv and Raquel with a diving crossbody from the commentary table. Bayley surprises Perez with a side suplex. “The Role Model” approaches the ropes, where she meets Lyra. She tries to awaken her darker side, slapping her to do so. Furious, Bayley goes back after Perez to unleash a barrage of attacks. After that, “The Role Model” finishes off her opponent with a diving elbowdrop. 1..2..3.
Winner: Bayley
Bayley and Lyra celebrate on the entrance ramp while Raquel and Liv tend to Roxanne in the ring.
Austin Theory approaches Bronson Reed to ask him about the plan for tonight. “Look, now you’re with The Vision. This is the big leagues. So tonight, when we go out there, just follow my lead, kid,” Bronson replies. “First, I’m not your kid. And second, let’s do it the other way around: I’ll start the match and you can follow me,” Austin says before walking away.
Finn Bálor and Dominik Mysterio find Liv Morgan, Roxanne Perez, and Raquel Rodriguez arguing in The Judgment Day’s “clubhouse.” Bálor asks what’s going on. Roxy replies that everything was going fine until Raquel interfered in her match. Rodriguez insists she was only trying to help, something her teammates should have done for her last week when Nikki Bella attacked her. “We just did what you asked us to do,” Morgan responds. Liv tries to calm things down by admitting that Raquel is right. Rodriguez was only trying to help, like everyone does in this faction, because that’s what a family does. Liv reminds everyone that it’s Christmas and that they should be in this together. Roxanne agrees, but says she would like to know what plans all the members have as she directs her gaze toward Raquel. “You know what? You’re right. And I don’t need this. I’ve got a title match to prepare for. Good luck!” Rodriguez exclaims before leaving. Her teammates remain silent as the segment comes to an end.
Gunther makes his entrance. “The Ring General” is met with loud boos. Gunther slowly walks to the ring, enjoying the hostile reception from Grand Rapids. The Austrian raises his arms in the center of the ring to further provoke the crowd. Gunther poses on one of the turnbuckles with his arms outstretched. “You suck!” chant the fans. Gunther tries to speak, only to be met with chants of “You tapped out!” Gunther decides to step out of the ring and climb onto the commentary table, where he once again raises his arms. “The Ring General” returns to the ring. The boos do not stop. Gunther laughs. “The truth is, you shouldn’t be mad at me. You should be mad at the guy who tapped out like a little bitch,” says Gunther.
CM Punk interrupts the segment.
An irritated CM Punk quickly heads to the ring, where he comes face to face with Gunther. The two stare at each other in silence for a few seconds, with “The Best in the World” glaring daggers at the Austrian. Suddenly, Gunther laughs. “You’re mad too, huh?” says “The Ring General” before leaving the ring. The Austrian stops on the steel steps to perform the “You Can’t See Me” gesture, mocking CM Punk. He then continues his walk up the entrance ramp. At that moment, Rey Mysterio makes his entrance. The Mexican confronts Gunther, scolding him for his behavior. “Really? You know what you are? Someone who’s going to fall. That’s what you are,” says the masked man. “The Ring General” laughs before continuing on his way.
Gunther runs into AJ Styles backstage. “You don’t know when to shut up, do you?” AJ asks. “I guess not,” replies the smiling Austrian before continuing on his way.
Tag Team Match
CM Punk and Rey Mysterio vs. Bronson Reed and Austin Theory (with Paul Heyman)
Theory and Mysterio start the match. Rey charges at his opponent, but Theory quickly shakes him off. Theory crushes Mysterio in one of the corners before applying a backbreaker. Rey and CM Punk team up against Austin. CM Punk kicks his opponent in one of the corners, only to be met with a flying back elbow in response.
Austin strikes Rey in his own corner before knocking CM Punk down with a rolling dropkick. Reed tags in to continue punishing CM Punk, violently throwing him into one of the corners. Theory tags back in to keep beating down CM Punk. Austin unleashes a flurry of kicks and elbows on the World Champion before trapping him in a grounded headlock.
CM Punk breaks free, only to be met with a clothesline. Theory squares up with Rey before tagging Reed back in. Reed continues punishing “The Best in the World,” raining down punches before delivering a senton. 1..2..NO. Bronson traps CM Punk in a headlock. CM Punk manages to break free, but Reed knocks him right back down.
Bronson kicks CM Punk in the face before crushing him with help from the ropes. Reed hits a bodyslam before launching himself with a senton. CM Punk moves out of the way, causing the Australian to crash onto the mat. CM Punk reaches his corner to tag in Rey. Rey dodges a back senton from Bronson and answers with a dropkick. 1..2..NO. Austin tags in. Mysterio surprises him with a hurricanrana. Theory ends up at ringside, and Rey dives onto him.
The action returns to the ring. Reed strikes Mysterio in the back of the neck, allowing Theory to regain control. Austin chokes Rey across the bottom rope. Theory smashes Mysterio into the commentary table before bringing him back into the ring. Reed and Theory team up to punish the masked man. Bronson drops him with a bodyslam before finishing him off with a splash. 1..2..NO. CM Punk breaks up the count.
Reed grabs Mysterio to execute a Stalling Suplex. Theory tags in and kicks the masked man. The referee intervenes, ordering him to release his opponent. Rey tries to reach his corner, but Austin stops him with a snap suplex. 1..2..NO. Rey strikes Reed before surprising Theory with a bulldog. Mysterio tags in CM Punk.
“The Best in the World” comes in hot. CM Punk drops Theory with a neckbreaker before delivering a running knee strike in the corner. CM Punk repeats the attack in the opposite corner before executing a Bulldog. Austin escapes a GTS and tags in Bronson. CM Punk tries to take down the Australian with several clotheslines, but his opponent remains on his feet.
Reed throws CM Punk into one of the corners. CM Punk kicks Bronson and heads up top. CM Punk leaps with a diving crossbody that connects flush on Reed. CM Punk strikes Theory in his corner before covering Bronson. 1..2..NO. Rey traps Reed with a headscissors in his own corner, allowing CM Punk to strike him with a running knee strike.
Rey remains on Bronson’s shoulders to shove him into the second rope. Theory tags himself in. Rey doesn’t see it and runs to the opposite side to build momentum for the 619. However, when he comes back for Reed, he is caught with a clothesline from Austin. Theory knocks CM Punk off the apron before going back after Rey, but Mysterio surprises him by sending him into the ropes. Mysterio hits the 619, followed by a springboard splash. 1..2..NO. Reed breaks up the count by pulling the masked man out of the ring.
Reed delivers an elbowdrop onto Rey directly on the floor. Furious, CM Punk dives onto the Australian with a suicide dive. CM Punk continues attacking Bronson until both men tumble over the crowd barricade. Meanwhile, Mysterio strikes Austin from the apron. Rey climbs to the top of one of the corners. Theory knocks him down onto the mat and then finishes him off with a stomp. 1..2..3.
Winners: Austin Theory and Bronson Reed
An enraged CM Punk returns to the ring to attack Theory, but Austin quickly escapes. Suddenly, Bron Breakker storms into the ring to start a brawl with “The Best in the World.” Theory joins Breakker. CM Punk sends Austin out of the ring with a clothesline, which allows Bron to surprise him with a spear. Breakker stands tall over CM Punk, who writhes in pain. And with that, the red brand’s show comes to an end this week.
