Welcome back to another edition of our weekly WWE RAW review series where we recap some of the biggest hits and misses from the red brand.
Last night’s episode of RAW was the go-home show to Saturday Night’s Main Event. We’ll have a preview of SNME up on our website soon so be sure to check back with us.
That said, join us as we review the December 9 episode of Monday Night RAW.
Hit – Huge change to world title match at SNME
The opening segment on WWE RAW led to Adam Pearce booking a triple threat world title match for Saturday Night’s Main Event. The booking makes sense because of the storylines that are intertwined with each other.
As for the segment, Balor’s heel work made Gunther look like a babyface even though he’s more of a tweener in this feud. Priest had the upper hand until the number’s game took away his momentum. This writer is looking forward to the world title match this Saturday.
Miss – Eight-man tag team match on WWE RAW
They should’ve stuck to vignettes for this feud because the match absolutely sucked. Kross seems to suck the life out of everything he gets involved in. This writer has never been able to understand his hype. His NXT stint worked because we were stuck in the pandemic.
Paul Ellering’s return cost Wyatts the match but this writer isn’t too optimistic about Ellering’s future booking. He was just there when The Final Testament were brought together by Kross. He might just be there when it’s all said and done.
Hit – CM Punk’s interview and Seth Rollins response
It was the right decision not to have Punk and Rollins share the ring this week on WWE RAW. Phil’s interview with Jackie was short and hit where he wanted. The reference to Rollins almost getting fired years ago definitely triggered the former Architect.
Rollins’ in-ring promo was solid as well. This writer didn’t like the part with Zayn though perhaps because Zayn’s ‘self-righteous’ gimmick has become too much of an annoyance. Glad, we’ve got McIntyre to save us.
Miss – Lyra Valkyria advances in the Women’s Intercontinental Title Tournament
Lyra Valyria isn’t charismatic enough to become the inaugural Women’s Intercontinental Champion. This writer doesn’t understand why Triple H didn’t book Zelina Vega to win. She’s as reliable on the mic as they come and solid in the ring. Judging by the booking, Lyra might even win the whole thing.
Hit – The New Day gets Dominik Mysterio treatment on WWE RAW
Cody’s appearance only added to the storyline. The crowd absolutely tore into The New Day for what they did to Big E last week on RAW. They didn’t let Woods and Kingston finish their sentence. That’s some Dominik Mysterio level of heat New Day got on RAW. They’re official public enemy number one. That’s a good thing because we might be on the verge of getting a great heel run from Woods and Kingston.
Honorable Mention
- Drew McIntyre was back to cutting eerie pre-taped promos on RAW. The Scottish Warrior referenced Jey Uso and Sami Zayn in his tirade before sneaking up on the latter on live show. Both men will collide at Saturday Night’s Main Event.
- Rhea Ripley versus Raquel Rodriguez was a solid main event with some nice spots. Liv Morgan’s run-in ruined Rhea’s momentum for a brief moment but Mami pounced back with a riptide to Raquel through a table. IYO and Rhea’s post-match staredown was a nice way to cap off what was a solid episode of WWE RAW.
How would you rate 12/9 RAW on a scale of 1 to 10? Let us know in the comments!
