Two title defenses headline tonight’s live WWE Raw from Orlando, Florida.
In one, WWE Women’s World Champion Stephanie Vaquer defends against both Nikki Bella and Raquel Rodriguez in a triple threat. Vaquer has defended against both women individually with Bella interfering in the Rodriguez match two weeks ago.
WWE World Tag Team Champions AJ Styles and Dragon Lee will look to defend their titles against The Usos who are looking for their first title reign since April 2023.
In his first singles match since his return, The Vision’s Austin Theory will battle Rey Mysterio after Theory pinned him in a tag match last week.
The announced card is rounded out by an appearance from The Vision (Theory, Bron Breakker, Logan Paul, Bronson Reed and Paul Heyman) who will kick off the show at 8 pm Eastern.
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It’s the final RAW of 2025, which means we will hopefully get a glimpse into some of what might be coming down the pipe in early 2026! The Royal Rumble is just over a month away and we are knocking on the door of Wrestlemania season.
The show opened with a recap of Austin Theory’s return as the masked man and as a new kind of “taker” now that he’s aligned with The Vision. Then they showed Rey Mysterio Jr with his dog and the Usos arriving to work. Women’s World Champion Stephanie Vaquer also arrived to work without incident.
Backstage, The Vision; Austin Theory, Bron Breakker, Logan Paul, Bronson Reed and Paul Heyman all met up and headed to the ring. As he does, Heyman spoke for the group first. Before he could fully let us know what his name is though, the crowd began chanting “CM Punk.”
Heyman said that Punk could have been in Vision if he had listened to him, but he stupidly placated the audience instead. Heyman claimed that in five years, fans would look back at all the Wrestlemania main eventers standing in the ring right now started their journey tonight.
Heyman then officially welcomed Theory to The Vision, but did so without mentioning his awesome new coat. Theory took the mic, saying he had waited his entire life and career for this moment. Before he could get too deep into it though, In Living Colour played out sauntered the World Heavyweight Champion, one Chick Magnet Punk.
Punk said that he didn’t come out here to listen to Theory, he came out here to talk to Breakker. Punk said, yeah The Vision could attack him, but it would probably mean that there wouldn’t be a title match between him and Breakker on Jan 5th.
With that safety net in place, Punk asked Breakker to send The Vision away so they could talk one on one. Breakker guaranteed Punk’s safety and invited him into the ring, sending the other members of the Vision to ringside.
Punk and Breakker went nose to nose and Breakker said that he’s tired of people saying he’s the “future” he’s the “now” and Punk shouldn’t take his experience lightly. He got really animated and sounded very much like a Steiner in this moment.
Breakker went on to say that because of his family name his entire career has been under a microscope and so what if he didn’t “pay his dues” on the indies? On Jan 5th, Breakker said that he is willing to die for the World Heavyweight Champion and knows Punk is too, and he’s more than happy to bury him.
Punk said that he knows Breakker is ready for the big time, but Punk isn’t ready to give it up to him. Punk put the belt on the mat and dared Breakker to pick it up. Punk said that Breakker doesn’t get that the title is a heavy privilege, and Breakker isn’t CM Punk and that’s the difference. Punk will see him on Jan 5th, and with that the segment was over.
-Backstage, Raquel Rodriguez was interviewed about her spot in the triple threat match for the Women’s World Championship. Before she could get into it though, Liv Morgan showed up and told Rodriguez that she needs to win for the Judgement Day. Rodriguez said she could handle it and that she didn’t need luck.
Triple Threat Match for the WWE Women’s World Title: Stephanie Vaquer (c) vs Nikki Bella vs Raquel Rodriguez
Here’s what I like about Stephanie Vaquer: Everything.
However, Rodriguez and Bella have both had multiple bites at the apple and if one of them can’t get it done here, then hopefully Vaquer and the title will move into a new feud, possibly with the literal Christian Devil who wants their horns back.
The bell rang and they started arguing with Bella declaring “Ima legend!” Rodriguez took that opportunity to throw her to the ground and Vaquer tried to steal one with a rollup. They moved to the outside and fought with Bella taking control.
It was here that the announce team decided to let us know that Dirty Dom Mysterio is out indefinitely with a shoulder injury (!!!). They also added the context that JD McDonagh is out as well, so The Judgement Day could really use this win.
Anyway, back in the ring Bella and Vaquer fell victim to Rodriguez’s power. Bella was taken out and Vaquer fought back with a headbutt, but Rodriguez immediately struck back and put her in twisting wristlock before throwing her to the mat for an elbow. Vaquer kicked out at two.
Bella leapt off the top turnbuckle, but Rodriguez caught her and threw her aside. She grabbed Vaquer and put her in a Gory Special, trying to make her tap. Vaquer was able to keep her cool and reverse it into a sunset pin, but Bella broke it up.
Vaquer took control and went for a Devil’s Kiss on Bella, but Rodriguez broke it up and sent Bella to the outside. Vaquer tried to go up top, but Bella pulled her off, then ripped Rodriguez’ leg out from underneath her. Bella locked an STF on Rodriguez, but Rodriguez out powered here and reversed it into a leg lock.
Vaquer flipped them both over and delivered a double Devil’s Kiss to both women. She then put them both in opposite corners for duelling meteoras. She hit a dragonscrew on Bella and then twisted Rodriguez’ knee with another.
Bella slipped to the outside and tripped Vaquer on the apron (the Devilest part of the ring!) and Rodriguez knocked them both to the outside. Rodriguez bounced Bella’s head off the announce table and tried for a pin on Vaquer, but no dice as Vaquer kicked out.
Rodriguez came back with a lariat and exited the ring to make sure Bella wasn’t an issue by dropping her face first on the ring apron. She tossed her back in the ring, but Bella kicked her off before she could make a pin. Rodriguez was still in control though and hit a twisting Vader bomb on Bella.
She then went back to Vaquer in the corner, peppering her with elbows. She set Vaquer up on the turnbuckle, but Vaquer kicked her in the face about it and put on a rope-assisted armbar. Bella broke it up though because we can’t have nice things.
All three climbed to the top turnbuckle and somehow Bella got a double superplex on them both. She couldn’t land a pin on either woman though and went for an AA on Vaquer, but Rodriguez interrupted it with a big boot. She then tried a powerbomb, but Bella got free and walked right into Vaquer hitting a big angel wing piledriver. Rodriguez broke up the pin though.
Vaquer hit a jawbreaker on Rodriguez but she blocked the next move and Vaquer was forced to resort to a small package that didn’t land. Rodriguez dragged Vaquer to the corner and went for a high move, but Bella pulled Vaquer out of the way and tried to get a quick pin.
Rodriguez then picked up Vaquer and Bella, but Vaquer worked herself out and Bella took the brunt of a powerbomb. Vaquer then threw Rodriguez out of the ring after she had given Bella a tahana bomb and scooped up Bella for the pin to retain the title.
Match Result: Stephanie Vaquer defeated Nikki Bella and Raquel Rodriguez
-Backstage Gunther was interviewed about his disrespectful behaviour but was interrupted by John Cena’s #1 fan, R-Truth. Truth called Gunther some bad names and warned him that after retiring Goldberg and Cena, there wouldn’t be a third. Gunther laughed and said “see you in the ring” to Truth, so I assume they are having a match eventually. Maybe even tonight!
-Next, the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Auska and Kairi Sane aka The Kabuki Warriors came to the ring with fans and parasols at the ready. They danced through a commercial break and a recap of Auska and Rhea Ripley’s match last Monday.
Auska grabbed a mic and gloated about beating Ripley last week. She then did a lot of yelling in Japanese (probably saying that she really was enjoying herself and had a nice dinner) and then switched to english to call the crowd “stupid babies.”
Sane went next and talked for a bit, but Auska grabbed her mic and said that Rhea and Iyo Sky would pay for their disrespect. Suddenly we were all treated to her brutality as Ripley’s music hit and she and Iyo Sky marched to the ring. The Kabuki Warriors bailed, but that didn’t stop Ripley and Sky who started a brawl.
Ripley took out Auska, but Sane threw Sky back-first into the announce table. When Ripley went to check on her, Auska jumped her and the Kabuiki Warriors set her up for the Insane Elbow. Sky came back though and broke it up. They both took out the champs who slunk away with their belts, setting up a match between the two teams for Jan 5th.
-Backstage, Rey Mysterio was warming up and chatted with CM Punk. Mysterio said that he’s covered tonight and Punk doesn’t need to worry about him. Punk said OK, and left, presumably to take Mysterio’s Dog out for a piddle.
Gunther vs R-Truth
So hey, look at that! Gunther absolutely soaked up the crowd’s hatred of him, loving being the heeliest of heels that ever done heeled. He climbed up on the announce table and took off his jacket to reveal he was wearing a shirt that looked like he made himself with a picture of John Cena tapping out and the words “Tap Like a…” underneath (more than likely now available at wweshop.com).
Gunther grabbed a mic and said that the audience’s anger is misdirected. They should be mad at Cena who tapped out like “a BITCH!” (this was during a commercial break so they can use devilishly salty language if necessary).
Truth arrived to avenge his childhood hero and went right at Gunther off the bell. He caught him looking and peppered him with punches and kicks for a few minutes until Gunther chopped him into next week. Truth tried to fight back, but Gunther was in control and went for a powerbomb. Truth countered but still ended up getting chopped in the corner.
Gunther threw a devastating lariat and asked if Truth was going to give up. He pounded on Truth again and again, doing the Cena “you cant see me” gesture. That fired up Truth and he hit a shoulder tackle, but unfortunately, Gunther has huge shoulders and he barely felt it. Gunther then powerbombed Truth, pinned him, but pulled him up at two.
Gunther laid in some elbows then put Truth in the same sleeper he put Cena in. Truth tapped out and Gunther celebrated his victory.
Match Result: Gunther defeated R-Truth
-Backstage, the Usos were shown with Jimmy in high spirits, but Jey seeming a little down in the dumps. Jey said that he feels like everywhere he turns, he’s losing. He doesn’t want to put his brother in a bad spot. Jimmy said that was nonsense, Jey’s a world champion and multiple tag champion. He’s got everyone ready to yell “yeet” and he needs his brother. Jey stood up, seemingly back into it, but took a bit of a lingering moment to leave after Jimmy.
-Teenage moustache enthusiast Byron Saxton interviewed Finn Balor at ringside about the state of the Judgement Day. Balor said that they are ending 2025 on a rough note with injuries and failed championship attempts. Balor said that all of it had him thinking about the success he had in NXT. Balor said that he was going to put The Judgement Day on his back like he did for NXT and carry them all into 2026.
-World Tag Team Champions AJ Styles and Dragon Lee were shown talking to Je’Von Evans backstage. They said that they were proud of Evans no matter where he ends up. They were interrupted by El Grande Americano and his Americanos. They stepped to Evans, but Styles and Lee had his back. They all spoke a lot of Spanish (I assume they were discussing the Toronto Maple Leaf’s chances at a Stanley Cup) and then left with Evans and Styles admitting they had no idea what was said.
-Austin Theory was shown warming up backstage. The rest of the Vision showed up to encourage him and welcome him to The Vision. Again. Someone made the mistake of giving Logan Paul a chance to talk and he admitted that he was a little nervous joining the Vision, but Theory has it locked down. Heyman suggested that Paul and Theory bond by having Paul walk Theory to the ring for his match against Rey Mysterio.
Austin Theory vs Rey Mysterio Jr.
Theory came down to the ring with Paul, new music and a new entrance pose. So couple that with his new haircut and jacket and things are going pretty good for AT!
The bell rang and Theory aggressively went at Mysterio, throwing him into the corner. Mysterio countered with a back elbow and hurricanrana. Theory popped back up and laid some haymakers on Mysterio though, until Mysterio countered with a jawbreaker.
Theory kept up the agression until Mysterio got him in position for a 619. Theory rolled out of the ring and Mysterio followed. Theory caught him and slammed him into the ring post (the postiest part of the ring!) and the ring apron (The mysterioest part of the ring!) before tossing him back in for an irish whip off the turnbuckle.
Theory stomped Mysterio’s hand then set him up for a flapjack, but Mysterio tried to roll him up and steal one. Theory kicked out at two and began stomping Mysterio’s knees. A sneering Theory continued beating Mysterio from post to post, working his back and legs, both of which Mysterio has a history of injuries with.
Theory put Mysterio in a tree of woe, but Mysterio countered when he charged and hit a West Coast Pop into a hurrucanrana. He then punched him in the head 10 times, but Theory countered with a big boot. Paul began offering advice and Theory picked up Mysterio in a torture rack position. Mysterio countered into a DDT, but could only get a two count.
Mysterio set Theory up and landed a 619, but after that Paul tripped him from the outside causing a DQ.
Match Result: Rey Mysterio defeated Austin Theory via DQ.
After the match, Paul and Theory beat down Mysterio until who should arrive? PENTA! He came down and made the save, setting up Paul for a 619 before throwing him over the top rope via lariat. The two Luchadores celebrated in the ring as Theory and Paul slipped away.
-Backstage, Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky cut a pre-taped promo about how they are going to beat the Kabuki Warriors next week.
-Then AJ Styles and Dragon Lee were shown working out in preparation for their match with Lee working out WITH HIS DRAGON WINGS ON. Amazing. In my head, he now wears them everywhere.
-Next, The New Day joined Byron Saxton at ringside and cut a promo about how the WWE Tag Division is dead with Lee and Styles as Champions. If the Usos win tonight, then the division will be in Hell. Woods took the mic and reminded everyone who the most decorated tag team in WWE is. (spoiler, it’s them). Woods said that the audience should thank gaaaaaaaawd for the New Day, and it was over.
-Then Joe Tessitore reminded everyone that Smackdown and Saturday Night’s Main Event are coming to Montreal in January and I can afford to go to neither of them.
-After I’d finished crying about that, Women’s Intercontinental Champion Maxxine Dupri came to the ring to “you deserve it” chants from the crowd. Dupri said that Becky Lynch can complain about not being champion all she wants, “but on Jan 5th–” and then then Man came around and Lynch walked to the ring mic in hand, denying that she tapped to Dupri last week.
Lynch said the only thing she tapped over was living in Orlando. She went to enter the ring and Dupri stopped her, threatening to make her tap again. Lynch called her a “moody Maxxine” and said she came to give Dupri credit. She used to think Dupri was awful, the worst she’d ever seen. But over the last few weeks, she’s gotten a tiny bit better and managed to steal a title, so that’s pretty good.
Dupri said that she earned this title and will prove it next week as she defends her title against Lynch again. Lynch became enraged, saying she came out here to be nice and is a “very nice person” but Dupri has nothing on her. She is the greatest female wrestler of all time and even Sports Illustrated and The Bleacher report say it (No F4W shoutout, I see. Such a heel).
Lynch said that Dupri needs to ask herself if shes as good as she thinks and then welcomed Dupri to “the big time” and left.
-Trick Williams was shown talking with Adam Pearce in the back. Trick is in a bidding war between RAW and Smackdown and left a card with Pearce. Bayley and Lyra Valkyria arrived complaining about their lack of Women’s Tag Championship matches. Bayley called Pearce an idiot and they left. Pearce called for a drink.
WWE World Tag Team Championship Match: AJ Styles and Dragon Lee (c) vs The Usos (Jimmy and Jey)
The Usos Yeeted their way through the crowd (giving this reporter a chance to pee) and the Main Event of the evening was here. Lee and Styles came to the ring prompting me to wonder aloud to no one “how is this team not called Dragon Style?” I recieved no answer from the empty room, so I went back to focusing on the match at hand.
Jey and Styles started things off with a lockup. Jey got Styles into the corner and the ref broke it up. Off of that, Jey dodged a Styles charge and threw a fist in his face. Styles responded with a dropkick and tagged in Lee. They double teamed Jey who rolled out of the ring. Jimmy tried to intervene and they sent him out too.
Lee and Styles let them collect themselves and get back up on their corner. Jey was still legal and faced off against Lee, who had him out of the gate with some hard punches. Lee used Jey’s Yeet gesture and tagged Styles back in who went for a quick cover. Jey kicked out at two.
Jey managed to get near enough his corner for Jimmy to tag in and he locked a wrenching headlock onto Lee, twisting his neck back and forth. Lee started fighting out of it, but Jimmy threw him at the ground and locked it back in, working the head and neck even harder.
Lee got out of it and landed a double stomp on Jimmy to change the momentum. Styles made a blind tag and chopped Jimmy against the ropes. He delivered a back elbow to Jimmy and Jey hit a high kick through the ropes while the ref’s back was turned.
Jey tagged in officially and stomped Styles’ midsection. He tagged in Jimmy and held Styles for Jimmy to throw some chops. Lee tagged in and hit a headscissor on Jimmy. He then hit a springboard dropkick in the corner and charged Jimmy as he staggered to his feet. Jimmy dodged it and tagged in Jey.
Lee caught Jey in a sit out powerbomb, but Jey kicked out at two. Jey rolled out and Lee went to dive after him, but Jimmy grabbed his ankles and dragged him to the outside. Jimmy pulled the cover off the announce table, but Styles leapt off the stairs to stop him. Jey leapt over the top rope to take out Styles and put Jimmy back in the ring.
Lee rolled back in and the crowd chanted for tables. Jey tagged in for a headbutt on Lee, then Jimmy tagged back in. They traded shots and tags on an isolated Lee for a few minutes, cutting him off from making the tag to Styles.
Jey snuck another shot to Lee behind the ref’s back and Jimmy pounded him in the corner. “Lets Go Usos/AJ Styles” chants broke out, much to Jimmy’s confusion. Jey tagged in and knocked Styles off the apron. Jimmy tagged back in and chopped Lee in the corner, setting him up on the top turnbuckle.
Jimmy went for a DDT, but Lee countered it into a big double stomp. Lee got the hot tag to Styles as Jimmy got one to Jey and they met in the middle of the ring. Styles started spamming kicks and punches, taking out Jey and Jimmy. He set Jey up for a Styles Clash, but Jey powered out and hit a spear before tagging in Jimmy who hit an Uso Splash off the top.
Jimmy pinned Styles, but he kicked out at 2.9. Jimmy went up top for another one, but Lee pulled him off the turnbuckle. Jey charged him, but Lee dodged and Jey hit his head on the ring post. Jimmy moved to the outside and Lee dove after him driving him onto the announce table.
Back in the ring, Styles and Jey battled until Styles was able to get a Styles Clash in. He pinned Jey, but he kicked out at two. “This is awesome” chants rained down as all four caught their breath and returned to their corners.
Lee hit a double stomp, and Styles went for another Clash, but Jimmy came back in and took out Lee. Styles went for the Phenonmenal Forearm but met a double superkick from the Usos. The Usos quickly hit a flurry of moves including a 1D on Lee to pin Styles to win the World Tag Team titles for the ninth time!
Match Result: The Usos defeated AJ Styles and Dragon Lee
The Usos celebrated as they left through the crowd with their titles and as the fireworks went off, I dare say that Jey Uso has found his smile again.
