WWE Raw Results
December 11, 2023
Cleveland, Ohio (Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse)
Commentary: Michael Cole and Wade Barrett
Results by: Mike Tedesco of Wrestleview.com
“Then. Now. Forever. Together.” The WWE video leads us into the show.
Video: Highlights from last week’s Raw are shown. Drew McIntyre viciously took out Sami Zayn and injured his ankle after Zayn commented on McIntyre’s family. Later that evening, McIntyre viciously attacked “Main Event” Jey Uso and put him through a table.
The Raw video plays, and we go live into the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio. This is the same building CM Punk walked out on the WWE nearly 10 years ago in 2014. Tonight, he’ll make his decision about what brand he will be signing with.
“Main Event” Jey Uso makes his way to the ring and is wearing a shirt that says, “YEET,” on it. This word was apparently removed from his arsenal last week. Jey Uso welcomes everyone to Monday Night Raw. Jey says he’s got “YEET” back and is excited about that. He’s also excited about CM Punk being in the building. Tonight, CM Punk will decide if he wants to sign with Raw or not. If they want Punk on Raw, they can shout, “YEET.” The crowd shouts it loudly. Last week, we lost Sami Zayn, so Jey wishes him well in his recovery. A “Sami” chant picks up. Zayn was taken out at the hands of Drew McIntyre. McIntyre came after them all last week. McIntyre isn’t trying to be honest. Tonight, he’ll be face-to-face with the “YEET-Master.” McIntyre’s music cuts Jey off.
Drew McIntyre walks out onto the stage, and the crowd boos him. McIntyre says he’s heard enough “arse-kissing” from Jey Uso. The Raw locker room is already in a bad state because of Jey. McIntyre implores Raw General Manager Adam Pearce to let CM Punk go and sign with Nick Aldis on SmackDown. McIntyre says CM Punk should not be in the locker room because he’ll destroy the place from the inside out. McIntyre has traveled the world with Pupnk and knows what he’s like. McIntyre knows how this story ends. A “CM Punk” chant picks up.
McIntyre wants to talk to Jey. He knows Jey is mad about Seth Rollins, but he made it personal. McIntyre says he may have had a little to do with Sami Zayn being home. Zayn ran his mouth too much and talked about his family. McIntyre did leave him with one good leg, but he still apologizes. McIntyre tells Jey that’s a real apology, something Jey is incapable of giving. McIntyre gets on the apron. McIntyre wants to play a social experiment. If someone hurt their family, would they want revenge? The crowd agrees. If they didn’t apologize, would they want revenge? The crowd sees where this is going and lightly agrees. McIntyre says Jey has everyone fooled and mocks his dance. Jey says McIntyre cannot dance and asks the crowd if they want to see him get a “YEETdown.” They do.
“Main Event” Jey Uso vs. Drew McIntyre
The bell rings, and Jey punches away at McIntyre. McIntyre hasn’t taken his jacked off yet. Jey knocks McIntyre over the top rope, and McIntyre is irate at ringside.
-Commercial Break-
Back from the break, Jey punches McIntyre to the corner. McIntyre reverses a whip to the opposite corner, but Jey puts the brakes on. McIntyre quickly clubs Jey down and puts him on the apron. Jey quickly kicks him back and goes to the top rope for a diving cross-body block for a two-count. McIntyre reverses a whip to the corner and quickly kicks Jey in the midsection to take him down. McIntyre mounts Jey and punches away at him. McIntyre powers Jey up and slams him with a vertical suplex. McIntyre stomps the back of the head. Jey blocks a right hand and punches back at McIntyre. McIntyre reverses a whip and connects with a back elbow to take Jey down. McIntyre hooks a front facelock and powers him into the corner. McIntyre chops the chest. Jey rolls out of the ring to recover, so McIntyre follows him outside. McIntyre sizes him up and charges for a Claymore Kick, but he lands on the commentary table when Jey moves. Jey quickly gets in the ring and drops the Scottish Warrior with a suicide dive. McIntyre is irate that he let Jey back into this match as he lays on the ringside mats.
-Commercial Break-
We come back from the break to see Jey fighting out of a superplex and knocking McIntyre into the tree of woe position. Jey stands on the top rope, but McIntyre sits up and slams him to the mat with a belly-to-belly superplex. During the commercial break, McIntyre connected with a guillotine catapult into the metal framing of the ring.
Back to live action, Jey punches away at McIntyre, does a little dance, and rocks him with a right hand. McIntyre responds with a Glasgow Kiss that takes him down. McIntyre charges, but Jey puts him on the apron. McIntyre punches him back and goes to the top rope. McIntyre dives, but Jey moves. Jey superkicks McIntyre and punches him before hitting a Samoan Drop for a two-count. Jey slowly gets to his feet and sizes McIntyre up. McIntyre crawls to the corner. Jey goes for a running hip attack, but McIntyre moves and connects with a neckbreaker. Both men lay there for a few moments until McIntyre kips up. McIntyre looks sinisterly into the camera before staring at Jey. McIntyre crouches down in the corner and stalks Jey. McIntyre counts down and charges for a Claymore Kick, but Jey counters with a superkick. Jey hits a second superkick to take him down. Jey scurries up to the top rope and dives for an Uso Splash, but McIntyre gets the knees up! McIntyre hits a Future Shock DDT and covers. 1… 2… Jey kicks out!
McIntyre is furious and removes the top turnbuckle pad. McIntyre looks to Jey and charges, but Jey cuts him off with a Spear for a near fall! The referee sees the turnbuckle pad off and starts to deal with that. While the referee is distracted, McIntyre digs his thumb into Jey’s eyes! Jey screams in pain. McIntyre goes to the corner and connects with a Claymore Kick for the win.
Winner by Pinfall: Drew McIntyre
McIntyre celebrates in the ring and demands the referee raise his arm in victory. The referee obliges.
Video Package: CM Punk’s appearance on WWE SmackDown this past Friday is highlighted. Punk called out both of WWE’s World Champions, Roman Reigns and Seth “Freakin” Rollins. Punk says he’s back to finish what he started. We’ll find out where he signs, and he’ll begin the journey toward finishing his story in the Main Event of WrestleMania.
Tonight, CM Punk will decide whether he is signing on Raw, SmackDown, or NXT.
-Commercial Break-
Shinsuke Nakamura has a message for Cody Rhodes
Video: Shinsuke Nakamura says he’s watched Cody Rhodes week after week, time after time, talking about finishing his story, yet he is no closer. Rhodes is a dog chasing a car. As great as he is, he is not enough and never will be. Rhodes says he doesn’t respect Nakamura, but that is his weakness. Rhodes strives for the admiration of others. Nakamura freed himself from that burden long ago. Now he draws his own destiny and writes his own story. Nakamura is reborn. Now he will bring Rhodes’ story to an end. Nakamura is the real nightmare. Nakamura tells Rhodes to remember that he asked for this.
Later tonight, “The American Nightmare” Cody Rhodes will battle Shinsuke Nakamura.
The Judgment Day’s Clubhouse
The Judgment Day are not looking happy backstage. Finn Bálor says he and Rhea Ripley have been gone for a week, and they all let the wheels fall off. Women’s World Champion Rhea Ripley says that JD McDonagh keeps letting R-Truth into their clubhouse. Last week, JD and Dom lost to the Creed Brothers. Then Dom lost the NXT North American Championship, and that sucks. Priest says they’re not going to take the Creed Brothers lightly. Ripley tells Priest that it’s easier to call himself a leader than to be one. They start to argue, but Ripley says she’s talking to everyone. Ripley will show why they’re dominant by taking out Maxxine Dupri.
Locker Room segment
Alpha Academy is getting Maxxine Dupri hyped up. The Creed Brothers and Ivy Nile walk in to join in the hype. R-Truth walks in with some Christmas lights for the Judgment Day’s clubhouse. Chad Gable warns R-Truth that the Judgment Day is dangerous. R-Truth says he’s in the club and there has been a misunderstanding. R-Truth wishes everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and walks off.
Women’s World Champion Rhea Ripley makes her entrance. She’ll face Maxxine Dupri in a non-title match next.
-Commercial Break-
Non-Title Match
Women’s World Champion Rhea Ripley vs. Maxxine Dupri w/ Ivy Nile
Maxxine Dupri looks a little nervous as the bell rings. Maxxine ducks a pair of clotheslines and slaps the champion in the face. Ripley is irate and hits a trio of short-arm clotheslines. Ripley sets up for a powerbomb, but Maxxine (sort of) fights it. Maxxine counters with a hurricanrana and dropkicks her. Ripley is not happy. Maxxine tries to roll her up, but Ripley doesn’t go down and connects with a big boot. Ripley powers Maxxine up for a Riptide and talks trash to her rather than going for a cover. Ripley then applies a Prism Trap and forces her to submit.
Winner by Submission: Rhea Ripley
Ripley holds the Prism Trap for a few moments after the match, but she releases it as Ivy Nile gets in the ring and stares her down. Ripley holds up the title and smiles before coyly waving at her.
Video Package: Katana Chance and Kayden Carter are shown enjoying themselves at a festival. Carter says for every door that closes on them, they rip it off the hinges. Chance says they are focused on the Women’s Tag Team Titles.
Raw General Manager Adam Pearce is walking backstage with a portfolio containing a Raw contract in hand. He knocks on CM Punk’s door and enters the room.
Coming up next, we’ll find out where CM Punk is signing.
-Commercial Break-
The commentators put over the WrestleMania Week festivities in 2024.
CM Punk announces what brand he is signing with
Raw General Manager Adam Pearce is in the ring. Pearce says the time for a sales pitch is over. After going to SmackDown to talk to Nick Aldis and then NXT to talk to “HBK” Shawn Michaels, the man he’s about to bring out has a decision to make. Pearce has known him for 25 years and knows he’ll make the right decision. He calls himself “The Best in the World.” He is CM Punk.
CM Punk comes out to a big reception from the same arena he walked out of WWE in 2014. Punk shakes hands with Pearce, and Pearce hands him the microphone. A loud “CM Punk” chant picks up. Punk says he thought he was in a sullen mood, but then he came out here to see all these signs and hear the people. The truth is he has a huge decision to make. He’s been thinking about it all week. The reason he’s been so consumed and worried about it is because he loves the fans. The truth is this town and this building hasn’t always been kind to CM Punk. He walked back here through the hallways. There are a lot of ghosts. Punk is facing them head-on. A lot of people might not know this, but he debuted in this building. He had Mickie James on his arm. His debut was so good that he was immediately sent to OVW. Punk didn’t want to go, but he embraced being uncomfortable and learned to love it. That’s exactly what it was like when he came to WWE. He embraced being uncomfortable and learned to love it. He triumphantly returned to this building as the World Heavyweight Champion, but then Randy Orton kicked him in the head backstage. He woke up and was stripped of the title. Punk couldn’t believe Cleveland got him again.
Was anyone here 10 years ago for the story he’s about to tell? He won’t bore them with the details because he’s focused on the future. 10 years ago, he had to take himself off the hamster wheel. Punk doesn’t regret him or look back, but a part of him wondered if he disappointed people backstage when he left and didn’t appear. Indi Hartwell told him she felt betrayed as a kid. Punk told her that when he saw “Rowdy” Roddy Piper on WCW television, he felt the same way. If you’re here or watching at home and were disappointed that he walked out, he understands and apologizes.
Punk went to SmackDown and listened to what Nick Aldis had to say, and he put together a nice offer. Punk put over talking to Shawn Michaels and sharing a ring with him. Pearce put together a deal that is above them all. Punk says his mind was already made up when he looked at the calendar and saw Cleveland. Punk is here to bury the ghosts and right a few wrongs. His future starts now. You couldn’t write a better television show. 10 years almost to the day that CM Punk walked out, regardless of how you feel about it, CM Punk walks right back in. If you’re happy or mad about it, you better learn to love it. Punk congratulates Adam Pearce. The newest Raw Superstar is named CM Punk, and CM Punk is home! Punk shakes hands with Pearce, and they embrace. A “CM Punk” chant picks up as he signs the Raw contract. Punk poses on the middle turnbuckle.
“BURN IT DOWN!”
World Heavyweight Champion Seth “Freakin” Rollins scampers out onto stage. Punk loses his smile and stares at him. Rollins gets serious and makes his way to the ring before staring face-to-face with CM Punk. Punk coldly looks back at him. The Cleveland crowd is buzzing with anticipation. Rollins walks past Punk and grabs a microphone. Rollins greets Cleveland. Rollins welcomes CM Punk to Monday Night Rollins. Punk scoffs. Rollins hopes he knows how incredibly fortunate Punk is to be standing in this ring. Rollins asks Punk for a “little favor.” Rollins tells Punk to not dare call this place his home. The crowd doesn’t know how to react. A “CM Punk” chant then picks up. Rollins says Punk abandoned this place 10 years ago. Not only did he abandon it, he actively tried to tear it down. Punk spent 10 years slandering him and every person in the locker room. Now he wants to walk back in here and call this place “home.” This is not Punk’s home. It’s Rollins’. The crowd starts to sing Rollins’ song. Rollins and everyone in the back has been here. The people here and watching at home are his family. Rollins will do everything in his power to protect it from people like Punk.
Rollins wants to make one thing perfectly clear. He doesn’t want there to be any confusion because he’s worked up. Rollins means this with every fiber of his being: he hates Punk… but if Punk is going to be a part of WWE again, then he wants him on Monday Night Raw. The truth always comes out. Rollins knows this is Punk’s last chance. One of two things is going to happen. Either Punk will expose himself and self-destruct like he always does, so Rollins will be the first person to slam the door on his legacy… or, if by some miracle Punk has changed and has any gas left in this old tank, maybe one day he’ll be lucky enough to stand across the ring from him in a World Heavyweight Championship match, and then he will expose Punk for the fraud that he is. Rollins will show Punk that there are levels to this by wrestling circles around him. Rollins will show him in real time what it means to be the Best in the World.
Another “CM Punk” chant picks up. Punk looks unimpressed with Rollins. Punk asks if he’s done. That’s Rollins’ one pass to speak to him disrespectfully without Punk coming after him. Punk has never asked for anything to be handed to him. He’s always done things stubbornly the hard way. Punk asks where Pearce is. They need to make something official. Punk is entering the Royal Rumble. When CM Punk wins, maybe it’s Seth Rollins he’s coming after. Punk walks off.
Coming up next, we’ll see “Big” Bronson Reed take on Ivar.
Video: Valhalla is with Ivar. Bronson Reed is the sacrificial offering that will wake the gods up. The last time they met, they didn’t get anywhere. Now he will destroy Reed. Bronson Reed appears in the video to say the security guards were there to save Ivar from him. No one will be there to save him tonight. Tonight is Ivar’s Viking Funeral.
“Big” Bronson Reed makes his entrance. He’ll battle Ivar next.
-Commercial Break-
“Big” Bronson Reed vs. Ivar w/ Valhalla
The bell rings, and they collide in the center of the ring. Ivar boots Reed back and elbows away at him. Ivar hits the ropes, but Reed drops him with an avalanche. Reed connects with an elbow drop. Reed punches him into the corner. Reed powers Ivar into the corner and turns him inside out. Reed head-butts Ivar back, but Ivar punches him back. Reed lifts Ivar, but Ivar slides off. They hit the ropes and take each other out with a double clothesline. They roll out of the ring at opposite ends and then angrily stare at each other. They charge each other at ringside and hit a double running cross-body block!
-Commercial Break-
We come back from the break to see Reed and Ivar exchanging blows. Reed rocks him with a sidekick and hits the ropes, but Ivar drops him with a sit-out spinebuster for a two-count!
Ivar sizes Reed up for a Bronco Buster, but Reed moves. Reed goes to the top rope for a Tsunami, but Ivar cuts him off and knocks him to the apron. Ivar knocks Reed down to ringside. Ivar goes to the top rope and KILLS Reed with a cannonball to the floor! Ivar hit the floor with a nasty thud. Ivar gets Reed in the ring and goes to the top rope for a Doomsault. Reed cuts him off before anything happens. Reed and Ivar battle on the ropes. Reed gets the advantage and rattles the ring with a wild top rope superplex for the win!
Winner by Pinfall: “Big” Bronson Reed
Backstage Segment
CM Punk is walking backstage when he comes across the Judgment Day. Punk asks where Rhea Ripley is since she’s not there. Damian Priest sarcastically welcomes him to Raw and hopes he is the guy to finish the story. If he does, he’ll be waiting. Priest holds up the Money in the Bank briefcase and walks off with his stablemates.
The Judgment Day makes their entrance. We’ll hear from them next.
-Commercial Break-
The Judgment Day addresses their bad luck
Damian Priest says he can’t help but feel the need to remind everyone just who they are. Priest demands they rise for the Judgment Day. Finn Bálor also tells them to rise for the only two-time Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions. The Judgment Day are in town. Step up and get put down. Priest says they have a message. It doesn’t matter if they’ve already put you down, are a returning superstar, or are new superstars like the Creed Brothers… everyone is on notice.
“Dirty” Dominik Mysterio goes to speak, but the crowd boos him down. R-Truth walks down the ramp with a wheel of Christmas lights. R-Truth says he went to decorate the locker room, but they put a lock on the door. R-Truth asks why he didn’t get an invitation to their holiday party. JD McDonagh says this is not a holiday party, and he wouldn’t be invited. Priest tells McDonagh to calm down and invites R-Truth into the ring. R-Truth gets in the ring and has a lot of ideas to share with the Judgment Day here in Cleveland. First, he thinks they have to kick JD out. Mysterio holds McDonagh back. R-Truth says no one likes McDonagh. Secondly, he thinks Damian Priest needs to stop calling himself the boss. R-Truth likes Priest as the boss, but it makes Mami mad. Priest says R-Truth is a funny guy. Everyone loves R-Truth… except Priest. Priest clotheslines R-Truth down.
The Judgment Day viciously beats on R-Truth. The Creed Brothers run down to make the save, but the Judgment Day viciously takes them out as well. Mysterio and McDonagh double-team Julius Creed at ringside. Julius takes them out with a double northern lights suplex on the floor. Julius runs into the ring to help his brother, and they take out Bálor. The Creed Brothers fight out of a double South of Heaven from Priest and slam him down. The Judgment Day retreats. The Creed Brothers stand tall with R-Truth in the ring.
Backstage Segment
CM Punk walks up to Drew McIntyre, who is talking with Raw General Manager Adam Pearce. McIntyre says he doesn’t care about CM Punk or Cody Rhodes finishing their stories. McIntyre is going to finish his. McIntyre walks off. Punk says he thought McIntyre would be happy to see him. Pearce tells him that McIntyre is getting a World Heavyweight Championship opportunity on the Day 1 edition of Monday Night Raw.
Kofi Kingston, Chad Gable, and Ricochet walk up to him. Punk greets them, referencing Kingston’s former Jamaican gimmick, and says he heard Ricochet is bad at video games. Punk heads off. Pearce tells Kingston, Gable, and Ricochet that he has an idea involving the Intercontinental Championship.
In the arena, Katana Chance and Kayden Carter make their entrance. They’ll be in action next.
-Commercial Break-
WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Chelsea Green and Piper Niven are on commentary for this match. Replays are shown of Chance and Carter getting the better of Green and Niven last week on Raw.
Tag Team Match
Kayden Carter and Katana Chance vs. Indi Hartwell and Candice LeRae
Kayden Carter starts against Indi Hartwell. Hartwell shoulder tackles her and does a dance. Carter takes her down and dropkicks her. Katana Chance tags in and sweeps Hartwell’s feet. Chance hits a slingshot senton for a two-count. Chance hits a head-scissor. Candice LeRae and Carter tag back in. LeRae hits a step-up senton on Carter for a two-count.
Natalya and Tegan Nox are shown watching this match backstage.
Back to live action, Hartwell and LeRae hit a double-team gordbuster/neckbreaker for a two-count. Hartwell hits a spinebuster and tags LeRae in. Hartwell goes to slam LeRae onto Carter, but Carter gets the knees up. Chance and Carter hit the After Party (neckbreaker/450 splash combo) for the win.
Winners by Pinfall: Kayden Carter and Katana Chance
Backstage Segment
Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa are talking backstage. Gargano is fired up to be in his hometown of Cleveland. Ludwig Kaiser and Giovanni Vinci of Imperium walk up and want to know who their mystery partner is. Ciampa tells them not to worry about it. Gargano wonders what Gunther will think when they lose again. WWE Intercontinental Champion Gunther walks up and says he doubts anyone would want to associate with two weirdos like them. Imperium walks off.
“The Man” Becky Lynch is walking backstage. We’ll hear from her next. Nikki Cross is shown staring off into the distance in the background.
-Commercial Break-
Becky Lynch and Nia Jax discuss their turbulent history
“The Man” Becky Lynch makes her entrance. Lynch greets Cleveland. She is here to call out Nia Jax. They’ve never gone one-on-one in this ring, but for five years they’ve had this.
Video: Replays from the November 12, 2018 edition of Raw are shown of Nia Jax breaking Lynch’s nose, one of the more iconic moments in this generation of Raw episodes.
It may seem petty to bring this up, but she’s petty. They’ve missed each other in the years since. Lynch went on to Main Event WrestleMania while Nia Jax had double ACL surgery. Jax is a woman so unlikeable that even her own knees won’t stand up for her. Then Lynch had a child, and Jax got fired.
Nia Jax has heard enough and makes her way to the ring. Jax says she’s not fired anymore. She’s right here in front of Lynch and better than ever. That punch Lynch just showed was a lucky swing that almost ended Lynch’s career. It was a lucky swing because she didn’t get all of it. Imagine if she had Lynch right in front of her and punched her with her full force. Lynch wouldn’t even get up. Everyone is so mad that Jax broke Lynch’s face. This is a contact sport. What did she expect? Lynch says she wouldn’t expect less. Jax is the most dangerous competitor in this ring.
Jax says that’s why people haven’t stopped talking about her. Lynch can thank Jax for her career. Lynch says this is the narrative she wants to change. That night represents not staying knocked down. Lynch never stays down. Jax and her minions have spent years saying Lynch isn’t a main event superstar. Lynch proved her wrong. Now Jax is saying Lynch is a main event star because of her. If Lynch can’t end that lie then Lynch needs to end Jax. Jax thinks she gets it. Lynch needs Jax. Lynch needs to prove to everyone that she’s not just about that one moment. Lynch needs to prove that her career isn’t an accident after Jax broke her face. Otherwise, she’ll always be the woman who made The Man.
Lynch says she needs Jax to shut the hell up. She’s not here in Cleveland just to talk. She wants a fight. Lynch dares Jax to punch her in the face. Jax looks surprised. A “Becky” chant picks up. Jax says Lynch needs this a lot more than she does. Jax walks off. Lynch does not look pleased.
Backstage Interview
Jackie Redmond is backstage with “The American Nightmare” Cody Rhodes. She asks about CM Punk joining Raw. Rhodes says he is happy for Punk and for Raw. There are now two stories to tell. She asks about facing Shinsuke Nakamura. Rhodes would be happier if he didn’t take the Poison Mist, but he likes that Nakamura is vicious. This is a great place to finish this match. Cleveland is where Stardust debuted. Rhodes has gone from undesirable to undeniable.
Imperium makes their entrance. They’ll be in action next.
-Commercial Break-
The Miz will be the mystery partner with #DIY.
6-Man Tag Team Match
Imperium (WWE Intercontinental Champion Gunther, Ludwig Kaiser, and Giovanni Vinci) vs. #DIY (Tommaso Ciampa and Johnny Gargano) and The Miz
Giovanni Vinci will start against Johnny Gargano. A loud “Johnny Wrestling” chant picks up. Vinci tags out before anything happens, and Gunther enters the match. The Miz wants in, but Gunther gets a cheap shot in on Gargano. Gunther pulls Gargano up and chops him down. Ludwig Kaiser tags in and puts Gargano in the corner before punching him down. Kaiser rips at the face and tags Vinci in. Kaiser and Vinci start to bicker, but Gunther shuts it down. Gargano forearms Vinci in the face, but Vinci kicks him in the midsection. Tommaso Ciampa tags in, and #DIY takes it to Vinci. Ciampa talks trash to Gunther, who doesn’t take too kindly to that. Ciampa hits the ropes, but the middle rope is pulled down. Ciampa lands on his neck on the apron on the way to ringside. Gunther then big boots him down at ringside.
-Commercial Break-
We come back from the break to see Kaiser hit Ciampa with a nasty Death Valley Driver. Gunther tags in and big boots Miz off the apron. Ciampa takes it to the Ring General, but Gunther cuts him off. Vinci tags in and crushes Ciampa with a running cross-body block. Vinci boots Ciampa in the face and charges him in the corner, but Ciampa sidesteps him.
Gargano and Kaiser tag in. Gargano takes both Kaiser and Vinci out, culminating with a running bulldog/clothesline combo. Gargano kicks Kaiser back and hits a slingshot spear. 1… 2… Vinci breaks it up. Vinci charges, but Gargano sends him over the top rope. Kaiser uppercuts Gargano and lifts him, but Gargano slides off and superkicks him down. The crowd comes to their feet as Miz gets on the apron.
Miz and Gunther tag in. Miz punches away at Gunther, wildly beating him down in the corner. Miz hits his patented corner clothesline and is absolutely fired up. Miz kicks Gunther in the head and hits a springboard cross-body block. Miz punches away at Gunther and kicks him back. Miz kicks away at Gunther’s chest. Gunther blocks a kick and applies a Boston Crab, the same move that made Miz submit at Survivor Series. Ciampa breaks it up. Kaiser and Vinci take out Ciampa with a High/Low. Miz and Gargano then hit Kaiser and Vinci with stereo satellite DDTs. Gunther big boots Gargano out of the ring. Miz takes Gunther down and applies a Figure Four Leglock! Gunther yells in pain. Kaiser tries to run in for the save, but Gargano takes him down with the Gargano Escape. Gunther reaches and tags in Vinci. Vinci hits a springboard elbow drop to break up the Figure Four Leglock. Vinci kicks Gargano out of the ring. Miz then catches Vinci with the Skull Crushing Finale for the win.
Winners by Pinfall: #DIY and The Miz
Next week on Raw, The Judgment Day will defend the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship against The Creed Brothers. Chelsea Green and Piper Niven will defend the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship against Kayden Carter and Katana Chance.
Shinsuke Nakamura makes his entrance. The main event of Raw is next.
-Commercial Break-
Replays are shown of CM Punk signing with WWE Raw before getting into a verbal confrontation with World Heavyweight Champion Seth “Freakin” Rollins.
Backstage Segment
Gunther is yelling at Ludwig Kaiser and Giovanni Vinci. The Miz walks up to Gunther and demands an Intercontinental Championship match. Gunther is not happy. Gunther will grant him a rematch under one condition: if Miz loses, he can never challenge for this beautiful championship while he holds it. Miz agrees and walks off.
Shinsuke Nakamura vs. “The American Nightmare” Cody Rhodes
The bell rings, and they lock up in the center of the ring. Rhodes hooks a side headlock and hits a headlock takeover. Nakamura grapevines the head, but Rhodes quickly pops up. Rhodes signals for a test of strength, but Nakamura kicks the hand away. Rhodes tries again, and Nakamura obliges. Nakamura wrenches the arm, but Rhodes backs him into the ropes. The crowd chants, “Let’s go, Cody.” Rhodes backs off and challenges Nakamura. Nakamura gets in his face, so Rhodes pushes him and drops down for an uppercut. Nakamura avoids it. Rhodes avoids a kick. Nakamura hits the ropes, but Rhodes dropkicks him down. Rhodes puts Nakamura in the corner and does the 10 punches. Rhodes sends Nakamura flying with a hip toss. Rhodes climbs the ropes, but Nakamura sweeps the feet and lays him on the top rope. Nakamura knees him in the ribs. Rhodes falls to the apron, so Nakamura hits a baseball slide to knock him to the floor.
-Commercial Break-
We come back from the break to see Nakamura digging his boot into Rhodes’ throat with Good Vibrations. Nakamura takes Rhodes down for a no-count. Rhodes fights back and hits the ropes, but Nakamura kicks him down. Nakamura applies a rear chin lock, but Rhodes fights up and elbows out. Nakamura cuts him off with a knee. Rhodes flips through a back suplex and drops down for an uppercut. Rhodes goes for a Cody Cutter, but Nakamura counters into a cross-arm breaker! Rhodes fights up and goes for the Cross Rhodes, but Nakamura takes him down with another cross-arm breaker. Rhodes gets a foot on the bottom rope to break up the submission.
Rhodes goes to the corner to recover. Nakamura charges so Rhodes goes for a boot. Nakamura blocks the boots and swings Rhodes onto the ropes before hitting a sliding snap German Suplex. Nakamura goes to the middle rope for a diving knee strike to pick up a two-count. Nakamura sets up for a Kinshasa, but Rhodes dropkicks him in the knees. Rhodes grabs the leg and hits a dragon screw. Rhodes grabs the leg and connects with a dragon screw on the ropes. Rhodes hooks the head and goes for a suplex back into the ring. Rhodes powers him up for a front suplex. Rhodes then attacks the knee with a single-leg crab. Nakamura manages to grab the bottom rope to break up the submission. Nakamura rolls out of the ring to recover. Rhodes takes him out with a suicide dive.
-Commercial Break-
Back from the final break of the evening, Rhodes and Nakamura take each other out with a double clothesline.
After a few moments, both men are on their feet and exchanging punches. Nakamura rocks him with a forearm, but Rhodes follows him into the ropes for a forearm shiver. Rhodes slingshots over Nakamura and hits a snap powerslam. Rhodes sets up for a Figure Four Leglock, but Nakamura counters into a rear naked choke. Rhodes rolls onto his stomach and powers up with Nakamura on his back. Rhodes then drops him with a backpack senton. Rhodes takes a moment to recover and hits a Disaster Kick for a near fall. Rhodes connects with some stinging left jabs and drops Nakamura with a Bionic Elbow. Rhodes connects with a Cody Cutter and shakes the ropes in celebration. Rhodes goes for the Cross Rhodes, but Nakamura slings out of it and blasts Rhodes in the face with Poison Mist!
Winner by Disqualification: “The American Nightmare” Cody Rhodes
Nakamura viciously knees Rhodes in the ribs. Rhodes tries to fight back, but Nakamura attacks the knee and hits a Kinshasa to the back of the neck! Nakamura goes outside to get a steel chair. Before he can use it, the Creed Brothers run down for the save. The crowd loudly boos Nakamura. The referee brings a towel into the ring to help Rhodes clear his eyes, but Rhodes is in too much pain.
Rhodes is helped to the back, but Nakamura runs down the ramp to take The American Nightmare out with another Kinshasa! Nakamura happily walks off.
Quick Match Results
— Drew McIntyre def. “Main Event” Jey Uso
— Women’s World Champion Rhea Ripley def. Maxxine Dupri via Submission (non-title)
— “Big” Bronson Reed def. Ivar
— Kayden Carter and Katana Chance def. Indi Hartwell and Candice LeRae in a Tag Team Match
— #DIY (Tommaso Ciampa and Johnny Gargano) and The Miz def. Imperium (WWE Intercontinental Champion Gunther, Ludwig Kaiser, and Giovanni Vinci) in a 6-Man Tag Team Match
— “The American Nightmare” Cody Rhodes def. Shinsuke Nakamura via DQ
Email – mike@wrestleview.com
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