The excitement was electric at the TD Garden in Boston on December 16, 2024, as WWE Raw set the stage for monumental showdowns leading up to its highly anticipated debut on Netflix. The night featured intense rivalries, thrilling championship matches, and unexpected twists as superstars jockey for position on the road to WrestleMania.
Kicking off the night, CM Punk took center stage to address his growing feud with Seth Rollins. Fans burst with enthusiasm as Punk delivered his signature blend of sharp wit and scathing commentary. "Just because you grew up idolizing me, putting on wrestling boots doesn't make you CM Punk," Punk remarked, setting the tone for their contentious relationship. Rollins interrupted, throwing back his own barbs, stating, "This CM Punk fan has more WrestleMania main events than you ever will. That's a fact, Phil." Their back-and-forth culminated in a chaotic brawl, with security struggling to separate the two.
With the stakes skyrocketing, CM Punk vs. Seth Rollins was officially announced for the Netflix premiere on January 6, garnering extreme anticipation from the audience. The intensity of their rivalry is perhaps unmatched, making their match one of the hottest tickets for WWE's return to streaming.
Meanwhile, Bron Breakker defended his Intercontinental Championship against Ludwig Kaiser. The match showcased Breakker's determination as he fought through what appeared to be a shoulder injury sustained earlier. Despite Kaiser's aggressive strategy targeting Breakker’s shoulder, the champion roared back with resilience. He landed his devastating Super Spear for the win, marking another significant title defense as he continues to establish himself as one of WWE's brightest young stars.
The night also featured exciting developments within the Women's Intercontinental Championship Tournament. Zoey Stark shocked audiences by overcoming both Raquel Rodriguez and Kayden Carter. With quick thinking and impressive agility, Stark hit the Z360 to secure her place as one of the semi-finalists, setting the stage for her next match against Dakota Kai.
Rhea Ripley made her presence felt by confronting Liv Morgan, the reigning Women's World Champion, after Morgan had spent the night basking in self-proclaimed greatness. Ripley's challenge displayed the brewing tension and excitement for their upcoming championship showdown, hinting at the potential for fireworks on the horizon.
On the tag team front, The War Raiders captured the World Tag Team Championship from Finn Bálor and JD McDonagh of The Judgment Day. With the other stable members barred from ringside, the War Raiders used their impressive coordination and strength to execute their signature War Machine maneuver, solidifying their reign as champions. This victory not only signifies The War Raiders' resilience but also foreshadows potential turmoil within The Judgment Day, particularly for Bálor as cracks appear among the team's unity.
Speaking of turmoil, backstage tensions flared as Sami Zayn blindsided Drew McIntyre, leading to some chaotic moments. The unrest hints at the complications looming within WWE, especially with several stars plotting their next moves either for revenge or ultimate supremacy.
Overall, the December 16 show has elevated the stakes across the board. The anticipation for the upcoming Netflix premiere adds another layer to the underlying drama. WWE continues to captivate viewers with its exhilarating narratives, and with major matchups on the horizon, fans can expect even more thrilling entertainment as the events progress toward WrestleMania.
With thrilling encounters and fierce competition, this episode of Raw made it clear where the focus lies for the next few weeks: building narratives, resolving conflicts, and putting championships on the line, all leading to what promises to be one monumental January 6 Netflix debut event.
