[intro music playing]
[John Cena] Then.
[Ric Flair] Woooo!
-[glass shattering] -[The Rock] If you smell…
-[bell tolling] -[Cena] Now.
[Roman] Acknowledge me!
-[Triple H] The King of Kings! -[Cena] You can't see me.
[Cena] Forever.
Together.
["Born To Be" playing]
[fireworks firing]
[crowd cheering]
[Cole] Happy holidays, everyone.
You are looking live at the jam-packed Wells Fargo Arena
in Des Moines, Iowa.
This is the longest-running episodic show in television history.
This is Monday Night Raw.
["The Other Side" playing]
[Cole] Not quite the way I wanted to start off my holidays.
[Wade] Doesn't matter what time of year, Saxton-- Michael Cole, even,
this is the crew that runs Monday Night Raw.
-[Cole] You're fired, by the way. -[Wade laughs]
Biggest insult of your career.
[indistinct yelling]
[announcer] Please welcome JD McDonagh,
Dominik Mysterio,
the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions,
Finn Bálor and Señor Money in the Bank, Damian Priest,
and the Women's World Champion, Rhea Ripley,
The Judgment Day!
[Cole] We are moments away from a Miracle on 34th Street Fight
between R-Truth and JD McDonagh of Judgment Day,
but what a massive show we have for you tonight,
including the surging Creed Brothers
looking to take the Undisputed Tag Team Titles away
from Finn Bálor and Damian Priest of Judgment Day.
[Wade] And of course, it is party season.
What better way to get lit than with the fun-loving Carter and Chance
as they challenge for tag gold against the grating Chelsea Green
and the powerhouse, Piper Niven.
[Cole] And after blinding the American Nightmare
with a devastating miss, Shinsuke Nakamura will attempt
to finish Cody's story in a literal sense
as he brings his story time in the form
of The American Nightmare Before Christmas tonight.
[Wade] Three weeks ago, The Miz took "The Ring General" Gunther
to his limits at Survivor Series, but it still wasn't enough.
Miz has one final chance to dethrone
the longest reigning Intercontinental Champion in history,
and it takes place right here tonight on Raw.
[Cole] "Dirty" Dom is The Grinch in this equation.
[crowd booing]
Welcome to Monday Night Raw.
[crowd cheering]
But more importantly,
all rise for The Judgment Day!
[crowd booing]
Creed Brothers, congratulations.
You did it, boys. You earned it.
You ran the gantlet and became the number one contenders to face
me and my good man, Damian.
For you, the biggest match of your career.
For you,
probably the biggest night of your life.
Well, for us,
it's just another night at the office
because you're stepping in the ring
with the only two-time
Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions of the world.
[crowd booing]
And, Ivy Nile…
run your mouth again,
and I'm gonna make what I did to your little friend Maxxine Dupri
pale in comparison as what I do to you,
because it is as simple as this.
The Judgment Day, we ran 2023
and we are going to continue to run 2024.
Because The Judgment…
[intense crowd booing]
…runs all of WWE!
-[crowd booing] -["What's Up?" playing]
[crowd cheering]
[R-Truth] Hey! Hey!
Guys!
Guys, hold up. Wait a minute, y'all.
Y'all left me.
I didn't know we was opening the show up.
I love opening the show up.
Des Moines, Iowa, what's up?
[crowd yells] What's up?
Welcome to Monday Night Raw!
[crowd cheering]
Truth, what the hell are you doing out here?
I'm in Judgment Day now, dawg.
Hold on. Hold on, guys.
[Finn] Relax.
-Truth. -The initiation, the beat down last week,
that was my initiation.
But look, I will say I'm not one to complain.
But we, kind of, crossed the line a little bit.
Like a lot of those licks, all those licks hurt.
I was hurt physically
and emotionally.
And, DP,
I know you didn't mean it when you said you didn't like me.
I saw it in your eyes.
Truth, if it's getting hurt that you're worried about,
well, then I'd get the hell out of this ring right now.
[crowd booing]
Well, look, it looks like everybody's looking for a fight.
Right?
[crowd] Yeah!
Well, she wants to beat up on Ivy.
Finn and DP, y'all want to beat up on The Creed Brothers.
I need somebody to beat up on.
[crowd cheering]
[crowd chanting] JD! JD! JD! JD! JD!
You know, I'm looking around,
I'm seeing the Christmas trees, the lights,
there's a lot of animosity between us, right?
I say we squash the beef so we can all be a happy family.
But let's do this like a Miracle on 34th Street Fight.
[crowd cheering]
Truth, that match was already made, already advertised. It's happening.
Oh, well, we better get going.
34th Street is a long way from here.
Siri, how far is 34th street?
Truth, you got to be the last guy in the building to know this,
this match is happening in this ring and it's happening right now.
[crowd cheering]
And for the last time, you are not in The Judgment Day.
[crowd booing]
I'm not in The Judgment Day if I lose this match tonight.
But you're not in it if you lose either.
[crowd cheering]
This is a Loser Leaves Judgment Day Match.
[crowd cheering]
No way. Absolutely not.
-Whoa, whoa, whoa. -Priest.
It's a good idea.
I like it.
You know what? Fine. It doesn't matter, because you're going to need a miracle
to beat me tonight anyway.
Let's do this! What's up?
[crowd] What's up?
[Cole] So this is a Miracle on 34th Street Fight,
which means anything goes.
Truth, one-on-one with JD McDonagh.
And you heard the stipulation, Wade. Loser leaves Judgment Day.
[Wade] All right, all right, let's put the-- I think
Damian Priest was not being serious when he agreed to that.
I didn't see any contract getting signed.
Let's not get ahead of ourselves.
[Cole] Sounded serious to me.
R-Truth takes down JD McDonagh!
And R-Truth, who believes he's already in Judgment Day pounding away on McDonagh.
[Wade] Well, you got to admire the persistence and the self-belief
of R-Truth to get himself into The Judgment Day.
And you know what? If JD McDonagh does get booted out,
perhaps, they will recruit another member at some point.
And you have to think R-Truth would be in pole position for that.
[Cole] Did you not hear the stipulation? They don't have to.
R-Truth wins, he's in.
[Wade] I personally don't believe that was an official stipulation.
[Cole] Dominik getting involved. No disqualification
in a Miracle on 34th Street Fight.
The candy cane-like kendo stick.
Nothing sweet about this as McDonagh winds up.
Truth though, showing off his athleticism.
[Wade] This is R-Truth's…
[Cole] Oh, Scissors Kick!
[Wade] …first match in over 12 months for R-Truth.
He got injured down in NXT,
tore a quad tendon, needed three surgeries.
Looks like he hasn't missed a beat.
[Cole] And now,
a little whoopin' for Mr. McDonagh.
Probably a "Silent Night" for JD if he loses this match.
[Wade] You've been working on the puns. I like it, Cole.
[Cole] Come on, JD, you can't go tossing around Christmas trees!
[Wade] Oh!
[Cole] "Feliz Navidad," McDonagh.
Come on, JD, get up!
[indistinct conversation]
That was cool, dawg.
[Cole] Oh come on, Dom!
Why do you always got to be the scrooge?
[crowd booing]
We're back live on Monday Night Raw.
This is a Miracle on 34th Street Fight,
R-Truth, JD McDonagh, anything goes in this match-up.
And hey, you heard the stipulation.
Damian Priest said it was okay.
Loser leaves Judgment Day.
[Wade] No, that was a joke stipulation.
Don't get carried away by fun and frivolity
[Cole] Cover by R-Truth!
And a kick out at two. Dominik Mysterio hanging out at ringside.
Too bad he made it back from Australia.
He was on tour in Perth where we have our big premium live event,
February with Rhea Ripley last week.
[Wade] Great photographs on the beach, too.
[Cole] Yeah, he looked great.
[Wade] They looked like a honeymoon photograph.
[Cole] And R-Truth now.
[crowd cheering]
JD!
[Cole] Pulling out the tables.
[Dominik] Hey, get up. He's getting the tables.
[Cole] Dominik trying to somehow rally JD McDonagh.
And now McDonagh driving Truth to the floor and into the barricade.
[Wade] You just cannot take the time like that around JD McDonagh.
This man is an absolute tiger in that ring.
[Cole] Truth told me earlier that all he wants for Christmas
is his two front teeth.
[Wade] You know what, Truth, it's hilarious, laughing at his capers,
and his antics.
When you're on the receiving end of his jokes, it simply isn't funny.
[Cole] Oh, it's Truth now.
Taken out McDonagh with a kick, and Dominik Mysterio--
Oh, wait a minute!
[Wade] JD McDonagh just had his bells jingle.
[Cole] "Deck the Halls!"
-Sorry! -[Cole] Jingle bells are ringing.
And Truth, reversal. Dominik!
[Wade] Oh! Face first into the steps!
[Cole] And then rocking around the Christmas tree.
[Wade] Place has been absolutely trashed.
[Cole] Oh, the ol' fire extinguisher!
R-Truth blinding McDonagh!
[crowd cheering]
And it couldn't have happened to a nicer guy.
[Wade] Nothing festive about that at all, Michael Cole.
[Cole] And R-Truth now setting up the table.
Again, loser leaves Judgment Day.
And R-Truth,
who believes he was initiated in that beat down by the group last week.
A bit delusional, but--
[Wade] Yeah, he got an absolute whoopin' at the hands of Judgment Day,
but perhaps now he's biting back.
[Cole] And McDonagh taken out by Truth.
[Wade] John Cena for ya, Cole.
[Cole] Well, Truth always been a massive John Cena fan.
Made that clear over the years.
Oh! Heel kick caught McDonagh in the face.
JD looks like he's run over by a reindeer.
[crowd] You can't see me!
[Cole] Is this happening?
It is yes. Oh, yes!
[Wade] Bullseye.
Paying homage to the 16-time Champion.
Truth with McDonagh up!
[Wade] He's got an Attitude Adjustment.
[grunting]
[Cole] McDonagh sent through the ropes and out to the floor!
[Wade] It's just been too easy for R-Truth over the past couple of minutes.
[Cole] Now Truth's gonna do some tree decorating.
Oh!
[chuckling] Dominik ducked out of harm's way.
And now R-Truth with McDonagh on the table.
Could it be Truth's moment?
[Wade] This is about to get ugly real fast, Cole.
[Cole] Dominik realized that his buddy's in trouble.
R-Truth looking to climb up top.
[Wade] There might be a changing of the guard in Judgment Day.
[Cole] No, not if JD McDonagh has anything to say about it.
Truth looking for a Christmas miracle tonight.
Oh, what a headbutt.
[Wade] Big head of JD McDonagh came in very handy there.
[crowd booing]
[Cole] And McDonagh looking to finally put Truth away.
Truth, though, oh, sends McDonagh through the table!
Falls into the cover!,
[bell rings]
-"Joy to the world!" -["What's Up?" playing]
[announcer] Here is your winner, R-Truth!
[Cole] It's a blue Christmas for JD McDonagh!
McDonagh is out! He's out of here!
He's out of Judgment Day!
See you later, McDonagh. Welcome in R-Truth!
[Wade] Just stop that right now! Nothing has been officially confirmed.
Let's not get ahead of ourselves. I don't even know
that R-Truth did that intentionally,
but regardless, somehow he's pulled off that Christmas miracle,
got his hand raised, poor JD McDonagh.
[Cole] All I remember was Damian Priest--
[Wade] No, no, no.
Yeah, he said it, but he said it with a big smirk and a grin on his face,
a bit of nudge and a wink.
Everyone was laughing. It wasn't to be taken seriously,
but a festive cheer.
What are you laughing at?
[Cole] Because I think R-Truth would be a great fit for Judgment Day.
You don't believe he'd be a great fit in the group?
[Wade] I think he would be a disastrous fit for the group.
And I'll tell you what, Michael Cole, you carry on like that
and I'm going to start calling you Byron Saxton again.
You already have. Judgment Day may look a lot different come 2024,
as may the women's tag team division.
Later on tonight, Chelsea Green and Piper Niven
defend the Women's Tag Team Titles against Katana and Kayden.
Chelsea Green, Piper Niven, do you feel that?
Feel that storm that's coming along?
Oh, well, if you don't, you will soon,
because Kayden and I are under our electric sky,
and tonight, we become the new WWE Women's Tag Team Champions.
That's what I'm talking about.
And guess what? Piper and Chelsea,
your time is up and it's our time to party.
-So can I get a whoop-whoop? -Whoop-whoop.
-That's what I'm talking about. -Woo-woo.
[Cole] The biggest match of their lives for Katana and Kayden.
An opportunity to win the Women's Tag Team Titles.
Piper Niven and Chelsea Green defend later on tonight,
live on Monday Night Raw.
["Not Like Most Girls" playing]
[announcer] Please welcome Nia Jax!
[Cole] "The Irresistible Force" Nia Jax is here
after a heated exchange with Becky Lynch last week.
The woman who made The Man is live on Raw next.
WrestleMania comes to Philadelphia next April, as WWE takes over
the City of Brotherly Love all weekend long.
It all starts Friday with SmackDown,
followed by the WWE Hall of Fame.
Saturday, it's NXT Stand & Deliver, and Monday, the Raw after WrestleMania,
the biggest Raw of the year.
All those events will take place at the Wells Fargo Center,
and individual tickets for all those shows are on sale now and going fast.
WrestleMania weekend, Philadelphia.
Nia Jax is here live.
["Celtic Invasion" playing]
[Cole] And before she can say a word.
[indistinct mouthing]
[Cole] "The Man" Becky Lynch has some unfinished business with Nia Jax.
[Wade] Lynch had her nose broken by Jax about five years ago
and never forgot.
[Cole] And Nia, no interest staying in the ring with The Man.
[Wade] Nia Jax fights on her terms and her terms only.
It's how it's always been, and how it always will be.
Where are you going, Nia? You're scared?
You got a mic in your hand,
so you clearly came out here to say something.
Was it about me?
'Cause if it is, you can say it to my face. I'm here now.
[crowd cheering]
Becky, as much as I would love to break your face again,
I have more important matters to deal with.
Because before you so rudely interrupted me,
I was going to announce that I'm entering the Royal Rumble.
[crowd booing]
Oh, great. They don't care.
[crowd cheering]
But they might care that you're here.
No they don't. But they might care that I'm here.
[crowd cheering]
In fact, The Man has come around to Des Moines.
[crowd cheering]
And she came here looking for a fight.
[crowd cheering]
Becky, do you know why we've never fought?
It's because they are afraid of what I would do to you.
[crowd booing]
Because let's face it, you're the money-maker of this company,
and if we were to go one-on-one, that would end.
Look at you, Becky. You're the size of my leg.
I would literally squash you
and break your face all over again.
Now, is that what you want?
Well, you did say one thing that was true.
I am the money-maker for this company,
but that is because I will fight anyone, anytime, anywhere.
[crowd cheering]
So it is not them that is preventing this.
It is not them that is scared of what will happen,
it is you.
Because your entire existence here
has been on the back of somebody else's name.
First it was your cousin's.
And now it is mine,
because while I will go down in history as the greatest to ever do it,
your only claim to fame is that you broke the nose
of the greatest to ever do it.
And so you don't want this fight because then that all goes away,
then there is no "the woman who made The Man."
There's just a person who lost, but to the greatest to ever do it.
[crowd cheering]
But if you want to prove me wrong,
then all you have to do is fight me right here, right now.
Come on.
All right, all right, get a ref out here.
Get a ref out here right now. Let's do this. Let's do this.
-[Cole] Here we go. -[Wade] All righty.
[Cole] Nia Jax, Becky Lynch, here on Monday Night Raw.
Official heading down to the ring.
[crowd chanting] Becky! Becky! Becky!
[Cole] This would be the first time ever that Lynch and Nia Jax go one-on-one.
[Wade] This is going to get ugly, Cole. My kind of match.
[crowd booing]
Seeing how badly you want this,
you're not gonna get it.
[crowd booing]
This will happen on my terms.
Matter of fact, this is going to happen in my hometown,
San Diego, California.
You and me, two weeks at Day 1.
And after I break your face, Becky,
and you're laid up in the hospital with your little daughter,
she's going to be crying, saying,
"Mommy, why are you uglier than usual?"
And that's because I broke your face, and I'll do it and over, and over, and--
[Cole] And Becky Lynch has had enough.
Nia Jax making this extremely personal and Becky Lynch getting her some tonight.
[Wade] Yeah, you bring up family, that is always, always a bad move,
especially with Becky Lynch.
[Cole] And a cheap shot from behind as the officials
were dragging Becky off Nia Jax.
[Wade] Yeah, one shot was all it took from Nia Jax.
Such is the power she holds in those fists.
[Cole] The bottom line is this,
I hope General Manager Adam Pearce was listening.
I don't know about you, but I would love to have Becky Lynch, Nia Jax,
two weeks from tonight at Day 1 in San Diego.
[Wade] I love the holidays, but if that match gets made official
for Day 1, 2024 cannot come soon enough.
Merry Christmas, everybody, and there are people here
in the Christmas spirit despite Nia Jax.
Let's show you what happened earlier tonight
when Kofi Claus visited the arena here in Des Moines on Monday Night Raw.
-[whimsical music playing] -[announcer] The one, the only,
Kofi Claus!
[Cole] Giving out all kinds of gifts
to the WWE fans in attendance here tonight.
He gave me a nice action figure of myself.
[Wade] I mean this respectfully that Kofi has a lot of junk in the trunk.
Aye! Beep, beep, beep, beep.
Oh, it's DIY!
And what would you like for Christmas this year, huh?
-That's a big bag. -What you want? what you want?
-What we want… -Yeah.
-…are the Tag Team Titles. -Is there a match in there for us?
-How about this? -What's this?
Yeah, it's a Jey Uso Yeet shirt.
My son loves Jey Uso.
-How did you know? -Santa knows all.
-Whoo-hoo-hoo! -[indistinct conversation]
We'll get there. We'll get there. Oh, look who it is.
Hey.
Gentlemen, we are DIY, MIZ.
-Pretty good. It's pretty good. -It's okay.
Look, we've all had our differences in the past, but last week was great.
No, no, no, no, no, no, no.
-It was awesome. -[chuckling]
[woman] Excuse me, gentlemen.
-[indistinct] -Go get 'em.
Thank you so much.
Miz, it's well-documented how much
this Intercontinental Championship means to you.
Are you feeling any added pressure going into this title match,
knowing it's your last chance to dethrone "The Ring General" Gunther?
A couple of weeks ago, I said,
"We won't know who Gunther really is until he's at the bottom."
Well, that boulder at the top of the mountain
sure seems mighty sturdy,
but the foundation is cracked.
Gunther is reeling.
Imperium is caving in around him.
The first time we see a glimpse of personality from Gunther
is when I rattled him.
The man who is… [mimics Gunther] just an entertainer…
[normal] rocked his foundation
and pushed him to the brink of losing the one thing that makes him interesting.
So tonight, I plan on finishing what I started
and becoming a nine-time Intercontinental Champion.
So you ask me, is there any added pressure?
Why don't you ask the man who never wants to face me again
if there's any added pressure?
["I Came To Play" playing]
[Cole] Ladies and gentlemen, for The Miz, tonight it is all or nothing.
If The Miz doesn't win the Intercontinental Championship,
he can never battle for the title again as long as Gunther is the champion.
High stakes, Miz against Gunther for the Intercontinental Championship
live next on Monday Night Raw.
And there is The Miz, huge opportunity tonight
to win an historic ninth Intercontinental Championship.
[Wade] Miz came so close at Survivor Series
to finally dethroning Gunther. He gave it everything he had,
but it still wasn't quite enough.
["Symphony No. 9 In E Minor" playing]
[Cole] You…
It's Christmas time. [laughing]
That's called your voice cracking.
[Wade] Yeah, I'm not surprised. A lot of people's voices crack
in the presence of "The Ring General" Gunther. He is one scary, scary man.
But the truth is that match between Gunther and The Miz
at Survivor Series, the last couple of minutes
of that match were balanced on a knife edge.
It really could have gone either way,
and Miz knows in his soul, tonight if he can get Gunther back
to that point, fortune may favor him.
The balance may tip in his favor.
Miz may pull off something incredible.
[Cole] Ladies and gentlemen, the longest-reigning
Intercontinental Champion of all time.
556 days as champion for Gunther.
[Wade] You know whose voice never cracks? Byron Saxton.
The following contest is scheduled for one fall,
and it is for the Intercontinental Championship!
Introducing the challenger,
residing in Hollywood, California,
weighing in at 221 pounds,
The Miz!
[crowd cheering]
And his opponent, representing Imperium,
from Vienna, Austria,
weighing in at 250 pounds,
he is the Intercontinental Champion,
"The Ring General" Gunther!
[Cole] So this could be a historic night for The Miz.
If he wins, he wins the Intercontinental Championship
for a ninth time in his career, tying Chris Jericho for that honor.
If he also can knock off Gunther tonight, Wade,
it means he will end the longest reign ever for an Intercontinental Champion.
So, so much on the line tonight. However, if Miz loses,
he never gets a crack at the Championship
as long as Gunther's the title holder.
[Wade] And I'll be honest with you, if you lose to Gunther twice
in championship matches like this,
you should never get another match anyway,
because you've proven that Gunther is simply better than you.
Two opportunities at the big Austrian is enough for anybody.
And I'll be honest with you, Cole, I don't think there's anybody
in the locker room who can defeat Gunther when he's at his best.
[Cole] So let's talk about Miz.
What did he learn from the first time around
against the Intercontinental Champion that he can deploy tonight?
[Wade] Well, it's more what Miz has learned throughout his entire career.
Miz, is somebody who has made a career of failing.
Getting back up, dusting himself down, persevering and keep trying
until he succeeds. That is the career of Miz in a nutshell.
He has to hope, at some point, in that match three weeks ago
at Survivor Series, he perhaps saw a weakness
that he can strategize for this time.
But it's like finding a needle in a haystack,
looking for a weakness on Gunther.
[Cole] Well, early on, Gunther looked to go for the Boston Crab.
Miz was able to make it to the ropes and forced the break.
And again, Gunther just overpowering Miz,
bullying him almost here in the early going.
Went for the chop, Miz saw it coming and delivers a chop of his own.
Now working on the legs of Gunther.
-Smart move by Miz. -[Wade] Oh! Game-changing chop.
[Cole] And the big smile crosses the face of Gunther,
who prides himself on being The Ring General,
that the mat is sacred, that entertainers like--
Oh, wait a minute, Gunther got a bit too cocky.
Miz looking for an ankle lock.
[Wade] Wow, look at this technique. I spoke to Miz earlier,
he told me he's been studying catch legends
like Karl Gotch and Billy Robinson.
Bringing that out in the early goings here.
[Cole] Now Miz looking for a deathlock, perhaps, locked in on Gunther here
to try to get Gunther to tap out, and the Champion may be in trouble.
Trying to swat his way out of this!
[Wade] This is a brave strategy against a catch expert like Gunther,
but it's working.
[Cole] Well, Gunther obviously did not expect this out of the Miz, Wade.
[Wade] Nobody expects technical exploits from The Miz,
but that is exactly what you've got to pull out against Gunther.
You have to shock him.
[Cole] And now Miz mocking the Imperium and again trying to lock it in on Gunther,
who's going for the bottom rope,
and he does, and it's going to force a break.
But Miz has surprised Gunther here in the early going of this match-up.
[Wade] And I'll tell you right now, Miz is deep in the mind of Gunther at this point.
Gunther is asking questions
that he didn't know Miz was even capable of some of this stuff.
[Cole] And Miz now, going to take to the air.
Nobody home.
Gunther with a chop! Stops Miz in his tracks.
[Wade] Well, at least this time Miz isn't shocked by the power of those chops.
Not that it really helps.
[Cole] Now just powering…
Oh, Miz though trying to counter, and, oh!
Powerbomb to the apron.
Gunther in control.
Intercontinental Title up for grabs.
And we are back on Monday Night Raw.
The Miz trying to rally. Intercontinental Championship,
Miz versus Gunther! And that kick about took Miz's head off!
[Wade] Yeah, Gunther has won many matches with that big boot to the jaw.
Miz, perhaps, fortunately rolling
to the outside where he caught him, but right on the kisser.
And Miz has no clue what planet he's on now.
[Cole] And this is the problem with Gunther, Wade, he--
You can beat him down, you can knock him down,
but the resilience is off the charts.
Gunther is never out of the match-up.
[Wade] Here's the thing. Miz busted out some new stuff in the early goings
of this one to try and catch Gunther by surprise.
When you think you've caught up with Gunther, the goal post move.
Gunther holds further.
It is simply impossible to outmaneuver a moving target like the big Austrian.
[Cole] WWE fans trying to rally Miz in this match-up.
For 556 days,
Gunther has dominated the landscape as the Intercontinental Champion.
The Miz must win tonight or never get another title opportunity,
as long as Gunther holds the gold!
That stuns Gunther a bit, and Miz again,
and Gunther now wobbly but-- Well, maybe not!
A chop again, knocks Miz out of his boots
and a kick right to the back of the neck!
[Wade] Just a one shot, game-changing Superstar.
This man is a body wrecker.
[Cole] Just listen.
[crowd exclaims]
[Cole] Sounded like something shot out of a cannon.
And here's the deal with Gunther…
I told you.
You do not belong with me in this sacred ring.
You're a wannabe.
A nobody!
Look at him!
Watch the head, Gunther
[Wade] You know, and this is dan--
Come on, get back up.
Get back up, Miz!
Come on!
Huh?
Come on, get back up!
-I wanna see you fighting. Come on! -[crowd booing]
[Cole] Ooh!
Come on!
[Cole] Love him or hate him,
there is no denying the athletic prowess,
the dominance, the technical capability of the man, Gunther!
-[groans] -[Cole] Miz though, the veteran
not going to back down.
Chop after chop.
Gunther with an uppercut and Miz knocked down again.
Miz has got fight. He's got guts, he's got heart,
but he's in there against a machine, against the terminator.
[Wade] Only a madman gets in a chop war with Gunther.
That shows that Miz's brain has been rattled in the early goings of this one.
Strategy is out of the window. Swing for the fences.
[Cole] Gunther has it all.
A nonstop motor, power,
the technical ability, the command in the ring.
This is the pace right now that the Intercontinental Champion likes.
And Miz, the wily veteran, going to have to dig down deep into his bag of tricks
to have a chance in this match.
[Wade] The bag of tricks right now has a hole in the bottom of it,
and those tricks are disappearing by the second.
[Cole] Miz into the corner.
Oh, boot up and he stops Gunther momentarily.
And another boot by Miz.
[Wade] Is this Miz fighting on instinct at this point?
Into the corner! Miz with that running clothesline.
And now Miz starting to show some signs of life.
Miz off the top rope, oh, went for the crossbody
and Gunther picked him out of mid-air.
[Wade] Name me a skill Gunther doesn't possess.
[Cole] Oh!
Human defibrillator.
[Wade] Man can literally do it all in that ring.
What the hell is that?
[Cole] Well, he's got a five count.
Just torturing The Miz
Champion's advantage.
Miz must pin or submit Gunther to win the gold.
[Wade] That is not looking likely, is it, Cole?
[Cole] No, I admire the fight and the guts of Miz,
but this is turning into an absolute massacre.
[Wade] Well, you're in there with Gunther, a man who treats every match
like a main event of WrestleMania.
[Cole] And Gunther-- Miz, oh!
Miz ducks out of harm's way!
Gunther's right hand into the post!
He's got to have a break-- a broken hand!
Can Miz do this?
We are back on Monday Night Raw.
Intercontinental Champion, Gunther, in control once again of The Miz.
Has Miz in a sleeper hold center of the ring,
but Miz is trying to fight out of this
because he's found a vulnerability, thanks to that.
Gunther's right hand injured as he shot the post
as Miz ducked out of harm's way,
and Miz has been trying to work on the hand during the commercial break.
[Wade] Yeah, Gunther desperately shaking that hand ever since,
trying to get some feeling back into it, perhaps.
But now Miz smells blood.
[Cole] And now Gunther looking to turn this over
into a Boston Crab.
Miz trying to block.
And again working the injured arm of Gunther.
Great strategy.
And Gunther now,
steps over, a couple of elbows now into the jaw.
[Wade] Ground and pound there from Gunther.
[Cole] Looked like he went for a crossface and turn it around.
And look at this!
[Wade] Modified cravat.
All of the torque on the neck of Miz right now,
who must feel like he's a million miles away from the ropes.
Almost tapping out.
[Cole] Trying to get Miz to tap. Miz trying to break the hold here.
Eyeballs popping out of the head of The Miz.
[Cole] And again working on the already injured arm--
a hand of Gunther.
And Miz now, DDT! Opportunity for The Miz!
[Wade] Gunther's head bouncing off the canvas,
perhaps asking the referee, "Where on earth am I?"
The problem is, Miz is so beat up,
he simply cannot pounce on The Ring General.
[Gunther groaning]
-[Wade] Back to the hand once-- -[Cole] And again a DDT by the Miz!
[Wade] Two times for a charm! Miz is feeling it now!
[Cole] And The Miz has the Intercontinental Champion on the ropes.
Can Miz pull off what would be a massive upset?
No one gave Miz an opportunity.
No one gave him a chance here tonight.
And Miz, another DDT!
Tilt-a-whirl this time!
Cover! Hook of the leg and a kick out by Gunther at two!
[Wade] A late kick out, but it was a strong kick out.
There's a lot left in the tank of the Intercontinental Champion.
But Miz is getting that momentum, feeling good, and Gunther still has issues
with that right hand.
[Cole] Yeah, Gunther writhing in pain as Miz continues to stomp away
at a hand that may already be broken.
Look at the welts forming on the chest of Miz
from the chops of Gunther. But nonetheless, still in this match
as the the number one contender.
[Wade] Miz's chest is a mess,
but that right hand of Gunther, you're backing a winner from here,
it has to be The Miz.
[Cole] Miz continuing to--
Oh, and there's that missile dropkick by Gunther.
And now hoisting Miz up.
Powerbomb!
[crowd counting]
[Cole] Miz kicks at two.
Gunther now turns into the crab, Boston Crab in, middle of the ring!
[Wade] Center of the ring for Miz.
Desperately clawing his way!
Panic in the eyeballs.
[Cole] Miz trying to make it to the ropes and stay in this.
[Wade] Miz simply defiant!
[Cole] Miz trying to drag Gunther, and again the bad hand of Gunther.
[Wade] He had to break his grip with the broken hand,
and that is what allowed Miz that final surge.
-But look at this from Gunther! -[Cole] Boom!
[Wade] Just when Miz built up a head of steam, this powerbomb!
I thought it was over here, Cole.
[crowd counting]
[Wade] But how good is Gunther?
Immediately turning that into the Boston Crab,
and Miz, what a mess.
[crowd chants] This is awesome!
[Cole] The familiar chants that ring out during Gunther's matches
each and every time.
This is indeed awesome.
The champion and the challenger. Oh!
That Boston Crab took so much out of The Miz and quelled a rally.
The Miz begging for more.
The ever-defiant veteran.
Miz with a slap to the Champion.
[Wade] Club to the ear from Miz!
Is that the last embers of Cole?
Sleeper locked in!
[Cole] Sleeper now.
Gunther's down!
The shoulders are down! He had him! No! So close!
Gunther though, trying for another powerbomb.
Hand gives out. Miz, kick to the hand.
The Miz, Skull-Crushing Finale!
Miz is going to do it, to make history tonight!
Gunther kicks out at two!
[Wade laughs]
There are simply no weaknesses whatsoever to Gunther.
[Cole] Yes, there are tonight,
a right hand that's not functionable right now.
[Wade] After all Gunther has been through from this match, Skull-Crushing Finale
that has led Miz to every Championship under the sun.
[crowd chanting] One more time!
[Cole] WWE fans want one more Skull-Crushing Finale.
If Miz can hit another,
perhaps he wins his record ninth Intercontinental Championship.
[Wade] Gunther is there for the taking on jelly legs.
[Cole] Gunther-- Oh, my goodness!
[Wade] I don't know if that was a clothesline
or a punch to the jaw with that busted hand,
but it was highly effective.
And now Gunther is going airborne.
[Cole] Miz to his feet, though, meets Gunther there.
[Wade] Give everything, leave nothing, Miz.
[Cole] Gunther, bad hand. Shots to the ribs,
still using the right hand,
[Wade] Wincing with every shot.
[Cole] Now Miz,
again, right to the injured hand.
Miz now up to the second rope.
Is he going to really try to do this? He is.
Looking for a Skull-Crushing Finale from the second rope!
Cover him, Miz!
It's your time right now!
The Champ is down.
Miz, and Gunther rolling away,
and out of harm's way!
[crowd booing]
[Cole] Oh!
[Wade] Miz just lost his bearings for a second,
rolled the wrong way for a pin and that was pivotal.
[Cole] A Skull-Crushing Finale from the second rope,
and the Champion with a wherewithal to roll out of the ring.
[Wade] And that's all it takes, Cole!
[Cole] Powerbomb!
Clothesline!
[Wade] Miz just a rag doll in that ring now.
[Cole] Gunther is done fooling around!
Another powerbomb! Stacks up The Miz, Gunther retains.
-What a match! -[bell rings]
["Prepare To Fight" playing]
[announcer] Here is your winner
and still Intercontinental Champion,
"The Ring General"
Gunther!
[Cole] Miz will no longer get an Intercontinental Championship
opportunity as long as Gunther is the champion.
The historic 556-day reign
of Gunther continues.
But Gunther realizes he was in a fight tonight.
[Wade] This is where the match changed!
This attempted shot from Gunther missing
as Miz ducked out of the way, busting the hand against a steel post.
And this is where Miz smelled blood,
hitting the first of those Skull-Crushing Finales,
softening up Gunther.
[Cole] But Gunther was just too much. That short-arm lariat from Gunther
turning into yet another powerbomb,
stacking up The Miz.
What a hell of a match here tonight on Monday Night Raw.
And I ask this question every time Gunther has a match, Wade.
How on earth, how is anyone in WWE, how's anyone on the planet
gonna stop the reign of this machine named Gunther?
Well, every match like that one, when Gunther is involved,
is so unpredictable,
until those final three seconds,
where Gunther retains once again. The man cannot be stopped.
Gunther retains the Intercontinental Championship tonight.
Will The Judgment Day retain the Tag Team Titles?
Finn Bálor and Damian Priest defend against The Creed Brothers.
[man] The determination to win is presented by Modelo,
the mark of a fighter.
[Julius Creed] Ever since we were kids,
from little league,
high school,
college,
NXT,
we've been champions because we train like champions.
[Brutus Creed] That's what the need for Creed is.
Ever since we debuted on Raw, we've been undefeated.
[Corey] Creed Brothers have become the number one contenders.
Now it's time to win those Undisputed Tag Team Championships.
[Julius Creed] The Judgment Day claims to be a family,
but we are family.
They better be ready for the fight of their lives.
Because that's exactly what we're going to bring.
[Julius Creed] We fought next to each other our whole lives
and that's a bond you can't teach.
We're hungry, we're ready,
and we've got the momentum to bring home the titles.
[Cole] It is the biggest match in the career of The Creed Brothers.
The biggest match of their life according to Finn Bálor.
Bálor and Priest of The Judgment Day
defend the tag titles against The Creeds later on tonight.
[Wade] And after once again blinding Cody Rhodes with mist last week,
what does Shinsuke Nakamura have planned for the American Nightmare?
We find out in Shinsuke's masterpiece,
The American Nightmare Before Christmas, and that is coming up next on Raw.
[Cole] It is a bone-chilling night here on Monday Night Raw
from Des Moines, Iowa. Happy holidays, everybody. Glad you could join us.
We've got a Women's Tag Team Championship Match
and a match-up for the WWE Undisputed Tag Team Titles.
Well, unwrap an early Christmas present this Saturday.
Don't miss the NFL Holiday Exclusive,
Bills versus Chargers at 7:30 p.m. Eastern exclusively on Peacock.
Sign up now on peacock tv.com/nfl.
[clapping]
-Ah, Gunther. -Good one.
I really got to say, what an absolutely stellar performance.
What a joy to watch.
Congratulations.
[speaking German]
[in English] As far as I understand,
you two have no reason to be all jolly and celebrating here.
As far as I understand,
I'm the only one contributing to this.
The whole last year for you two was a complete write off.
So as I deserve it,
as the legendary champion I am,
I'm going to step away for a few weeks and recharge.
You two, you guys stay here,
and I expect you to grind.
I expect you to work hard,
and finally impress me.
Carry on.
[speaking German]
[squealing]
[in English] Why the long faces, little boys?
What's wrong?
Listen, I don't have time for this nonsense.
-But you-- -Pack up those silly little presents
-and get out of here, okay? -Ho ho ho ho!
Hold on a minute.
Just because Gunther Clause puts y'all on the naughty list
don't mean you got to take it out on everybody else, right?
Even still, I got you a gift. Here, this is you.
This is you. Open it up, man.
Come on, come on. 'Tis the season. Open it up.
-[laughing] -Oh, my God.
It's coal! [laughing hysterically]
Oh.
Yeah.
What you think what's going to happen?
You got to be nice all year round!
Let that be a lesson to you.
I know when you've been naughty and nice.
So be good, for goodness sake.
[spooky music playing]
[Nakamura reading]
[speaking Japanese]
[grunting]
[Cole in English] I think it's Cody!
Cody Rhodes assaulting Shinsuke Nakamura after that sick, sadistic
take-off of The Night Before Christmas.
[Wade] Well, you can only imagine the bile and fury
welling up inside of Cody Rhodes right now
after the past few weeks of attacks.
[Cole] And now fighting out here into the arena in Des Moines.
Nakamura and Cody Rhodes.
This has become very personal very quickly.
Cody ticked off after last week in their match-up,
in which he was gonna beat Nakamura
before he was struck with a mist yet again.
[Wade] Once again, Shinsuke Nakamura knew exactly which buttons to push
when it comes to Cody Rhodes.
[Cole] Cody being held back momentarily by security
and now once again going after Shinsuke Nakamura.
Trying to create some separation here.
And Nakamura right here in front of us, just falling into the ringside area.
And Rhodes.
[Wade] You're gonna need more security than that
a hold back this version of Cody.
[Cole] Up over the barricade and right into Nakamura,
and Cody Rhodes now…
Ripping apart our announce table.
Rhodes is incensed.
[Wade] Yeah, who can blame him after that poem?
[Cole] The look in the eyes of Cody Rhodes.
Oh, and Rhodes now, taking out all the security.
[Wade] Cody Rhodes has simply gone berserk,
thanks to Shinsuke Nakamura's actions.
[Cole] And he's not done yet. Pounding Nakamura off our announce table.
And Cody now with Nakamura in trouble.
And Rhodes is gonna take out Shinsuke!
Shinsuke is going to rue the day.
Going for the Cross Rhodes!
And security ripping Nakamura away from Cody.
[Wade] Nakamura needs to give the security a Christmas bonus.
[security] Don't, Cody! Stop!
Enough! It's over, Cody!
[Cole] Shinsuke Nakamura retreating here tonight.
[Wade] Sneering and cackling on his way out.
[Cole] Nakamura has struck a chord.
Nakamura has brought out the wild side of Cody Rhodes.
[crowd chanting]
We're not done!
I want to make sure we're on the same page because I respect you.
Are you telling me 100% this is the match that you want?
Let's do it.
Thank you.
Adam! Why haven't you been returning my calls?
-Oh! -Are you seriously making us defend
our Tag Team Titles against Kayden and Katana?
-Guys, listen-- -Wait…
since it's the holiday season and all,
maybe you could find it in your little heart there
-to cancel the match. -Please, Adam, I'm not feeling well.
Chelsea, look.
You're right. It's the holidays…
[sighs] …so no.
Oh, Adam, you are so scrooge.
The match is next, so maybe scrooge your way to the ring.
-Aah, way to ruin Christmas, Pearce. -[groans]
-I'm gonna talk to Nicholas Aldis! -[mimicking Chelsea]
[man] Pearce.
Bronson.
I hear you have plans to determine Gunther's next challenger.
I do, yeah.
-Let's talk. -Hmm.
Yeah, let's.
[Cole] Gunther does need a challenger
after knocking off The Miz earlier tonight.
["Party All The Time" playing]
[Cole] Ladies and gentlemen, coming up next,
the biggest fight in the career for Katana Chance and Kayden Carter.
Can they win the Women's Tag Team Titles?
They take on the champs, Chelsea Green and Piper Niven.
It is live next on Monday Night Raw.
This is our time. Okay, we got this.
[Cole] Instead of "Thank you, Trish," happy birthday, Trish.
Trish Stratus, the Hall of Famer, the seven-time Champion, happy birthday.
[Wade] Greatest woman who ever lived, in my humble opinion.
Happy birthday, Trish Stratus.
[Cole] Katana Chance and Kayden Carter, both looking up to Trish Stratus
as one of their idols, setting out for an opportunity at the Tag Team Titles.
["Hot Mess" playing]
[bell rings]
The following contest is scheduled for one fall,
and it is for the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship.
Making their way to the ring, they are the WWE Women's Tag Team Champions,
Piper Niven and Chelsea Green!
[Cole] Well, Chelsea tried everything
to get out of this match-up with General Manager Adam Pearce.
It did not work out.
So they're going to have to defend their Tag Team Titles
here on Monday Night Raw.
[Wade] Well, Chelsea and Piper should be very well-schooled
in the abilities of Carter and Chance.
They have sat ringside with you and I at this desk for the past couple of weeks,
watching Carter and Chance go on this tremendous run of victories
that have led them to this moment.
The problem is, I don't really think
Chelsea, for one, was paying any attention whatsoever.
She was too busy flapping her gums.
[Cole] What do Carter and Chance have to do tonight to knock off
the Tag Team Champions?
[Wade] Very simple. They need to do what brought them to the dance.
Look, these two have won gold in NXT before.
They've been on a hot streak here in WWE,
thanks to their innovative double-team offense.
If you connect with some of that against the champs,
you have a chance at winning gold.
[Cole] Kayden Carter, Chelsea Green, starting this match-up.
You mentioned Tag Team Champions in NXT.
The longest-reigning Women's Tag Team Champions
in the history of NXT.
What makes Katana and Kayden so unique?
[Wade] Well, it's their incredible acrobatic abilities for one.
They are like two acrobats escape from the circus,
somehow turned up here in WWE and figured out how to win matches.
But on top of that, it's a level of perseverance.
I watched them when they first got together.
They didn't win a match for their first year as a team.
They just kept losing, losing, and refusing to give up,
kept coming back, kept improving and now look at them.
[Cole] Kayden Carter who said,
"We're going to show the world who we are tonight."
Nice dropkick by Carter to Chelsea.
[Wade] Chelsea Green went on social media and said,
"It's time to crush these two pipsqueaks."
And I will say they are perhaps the two smallest women on the roster.
[Cole] Cover by Chance for the titles.
Chelsea kicks out at two.
[Wade] Carter and Chance simply love it when people underestimate them
because of their size.
It just makes their job a lot easier. However, talking about size,
this is a huge, huge clash!
Someone like Piper Niven, such a powerhouse.
Katana Chance needs to be on her toes.
[Cole] Kayden Carter now looking to, I should say Katana Chance,
looking to use her quickness against Piper Niven.
Niven said, "Party's over, pals."
[Wade] Party is never over when you're Chance and Carter.
Hello. That might get it close.
[Cole] And now Piper, Katana ducks it from behind.
Tag made to Kayden Carter.
Chance taken out Piper, and now, Carter!
Right to the knee, and nice move.
Taking the bigger Piper Niven off her feet.
[Wade] And this is the speed of tags,
quickness of movement makes him so unpredictable.
That was predictable, however.
Chelsea Green going low any chance she got.
And this could be squisher time.
[Cole] Piper Niven!
Squashing both women. Cover now!
And somehow a kick out.
[Wade] Not expected.
Piper's dominating, Chance and Carter are still in this match, though,
for the tag titles.
The Women's Tag Team Champions, Piper Niven, Chelsea Green,
dominating Kayden Carter and Katana Chance,
but Chance moves out of harm's way, an opportunity now perhaps
to rally in this match-up. Tag made, Chelsea Green legal.
Going to try to prevent Chance from making a tag.
Went for a cheap shot on Carter.
[Wade] A big cannonball in the corner from Piper Niven did not connect
as planned, and now perhaps the challengers have a chance.
[Cole] Kayden Carter, bringing her unique offensive style.
Down goes Green.
Piper Niven. Look at this.
Into the cover.
Piper Niven looking to break things up, but she took out her own partner!
[Wade] Piper Niven has not been right since that missed cannonball.
Things are going south for the champs.
[Cole] Carter right to Green.
[Wade] Exactly what the champs did not want to happen.
[Cole] There's that spinning leg drop.
For the title. Is it enough?
Kick out by Green at two.
[Wade] Well, Green and Niven had done such a great job
of slowing down the challengers.
But that little window of opportunity
has ignited this match-up once again.
[Cole] Carter and Chance, that never-say-die attitude.
They're always in the fight.
[Wade] Kayden Carter might have to do this alone.
After the beating that Katana Chance took already in this one.
[Cole] Chelsea Green doing a nice job, blocking the attempted suplex
by Kayden Carter.
Green now, top rope, has to roll through.
Oh, here we go! Cover now. Is it enough?
Kick out at two again.
[Wade] That leaping leg lariat connecting right.
[Cole] Rolling up Carter again, who kicks out at two.
[Wade] Right across the jaw of Kayden Carter, almost did enough.
And now you see that is frustration in the Champ's eyes.
She knows she could have had this one put away there,
but the match continues. Piper perhaps back out with a second win.
[Cole] Piper back up on the apron.
Tag made by Green.
Here comes Piper Niven.
Double team coming from the Tag Team Champions.
[Wade] Just two-on-one at this point.
[Cole] Carter able to land on her feet.
Oh, Green! And now Piper Niven!
Oh, my goodness! That running senton.
That should be it to retain the tag titles.
Katana Chance breaks things up.
[Wade] Just in the nick of time because this one was over.
Kayden Carter getting absolutely obliterated there.
Thankfully for her tag partner just back to break things up.
[Cole] And a codebreaker by Green, the running senton
from Piper Niven, but Katana Chance saved the match-up.
-Now Kayden Carter! -[Wade] Oh, connected right on the jaw!
[Cole] Piper Niven's down.
[Wade] The powerhouse is down and may be out.
[Cole] Tag made. Carter puts her in position.
Chance is going up top.
-[Wade] One of your favorites! -[Cole] Here comes the Keg Stand,
delivered to Niven! Cover to win the Tag Team Titles.
-Chelsea Green at two and a half! -[Wade laughs]
Oh, we need an action replay of that one.
That must have been 2.99, but Chelsea made it just in time,
and is now clearing house.
Referee completely losing control.
[Cole] And Green wisely makes the tag.
Niven is in all kinds of trouble, taken out by the Keg Stand.
You wouldn't want to be Katana Chance now.
-This is an angry Chelsea. -[Cole] Now looking for the I'm-Prettier!
Chance though, able to counter!
[Wade] Connected with that lung blower.
[Cole] And now…
Tag.
Carter setting Green up.
[Wade] This is it, Cole!
[Cole] The After-Party!
Cover! Hook of the leg!
-New Tag Team Champions! -[bell rings]
["Party All The Time" playing]
[announcer] Here are your winners
and new WWE Women's Tag Team Champions,
Katana Chance and Kayden Carter!
[Cole] What a night!
What a win!
It's party time for the new Tag Team Champions!
[Wade] Wow, what an effort from these two.
What a ride it has been over the past three years
through NXT, right here to Raw.
Now they are on top of the world, on top of the division.
This is where it all started falling apart
as Chelsea went for that I'm-Prettier, caught with a lung blower.
[Cole] And this here is a thing of beauty.
It's the After-Party.
Completely annihilating Chelsea Green.
The biggest win of their career.
Kayden Carter, Katana Chance are on the map!
[crying]
[Cole] They're the new Tag Team Champions.
98, 99, 100.
-Whoa. -Incredible.
I'm ready for Rhea.
-I know you are. -Oh, yeah. I can see that.
And thank you for having my back last week.
Hey no problem. Listen, I heard what Rhea said earlier,
and that's why I went up to Adam Pearce,
and I asked for a match with Rhea.
-Mmm. -Mmm.
Because my goal for 2024 is to become the next Women's World Champion.
-Okay. -Yeah.
But I gotta go, the boys have a big match, so I'll see you.
All right get the boys, darlin.
Ambition! That's what I love.
I love to see someone chase down a challenge like that.
[Tozawa] Speaking of a challenge…
[grunting]
I have a match tonight.
What? With who?
Him.
Tozawa,
when I said go big in the new year,
I didn't mean that big.
Okay?
I understand.
Do you?
Arigato!
-Oh, no. He's doing the nasty thing again. -Oh, no. I got it.
-You got this? -Yeah, I'll watch him.
-My goodness. -This is not gonna be good.
-Getting out of hand lately. -Yeah.
["Vicious" playing]
[Cole] Oh, goodness.
[Wade] You know what time it is, Cole?
[Cole] Time for Tozawa to get annihilated?
[Wade] Quite likely, yes,
but before that, it's time for some Monday night meat!
[Valhalla] Valhalla is here.
[screaming]
[bell rings]
[announcer] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, accompanied to the ring by Valhalla,
representing The Viking Raiders,
Ivar!
[Cole] Well, it is the Christmas season,
so at least Valhalla broke the antlers out again.
What type of Viking reindeer would she be?
[Wade] She would be the famous Viking warrior,
Rudolph the Red.
[Cole] Rudolph the Red?
[Wade] Rudolph the Red. Like Erik the Red,
I think.
Did you did you even do history in school, Cole?
[Cole] Nonetheless, uh, coming up next, accompanied by Valhalla, Ivar,
takes on Tozawa.
I hope Chad Gable's training pays off and I hope
And I hope the Rudolph thing doesn't get involved.
And the former NXT Women's Tag Champs are now Tag Team Champions here in WWE,
thanks to the After-Party from Katana Chance
to put away Chelsea Green.
What a win!
[Wade] The EDM festival circuit is not going to know what's hit it
when these two rock up with their beautiful golden championship
sitting pretty on top of the women's tag division.
Hats off and congrats, Carter and Chance.
-Hey, this is our time. -Yes.
[cheering]
[Kofi] Oh, my God!
-Hey! -Whoa!
Look who it is. The new
WWE Women's Tag Team Champions!
Hey, congratulations. But I got a question for y'all.
Kayden, Katana, what would y'all like for Christmas this year?
I think we got everything we need right here.
Ah! You right. You right. Okay.
-I'm proud of y'all. -Thank you, Kofi Claus.
And thank you guys so much.
Like, we have not had the easiest road since being here on Raw.
But if you don't stop fighting, you never give up.
-Dreams really do come true. -Aww.
-This is it. -A 100%.
And with that being said, let's go freaking party!
[cheering]
And since we have new champions,
it looks like they're going to need some new challengers.
You know, that's exactly what I was thinking.
Is that right?
Yes.
[Cole] Well, anyhow, I think Kofi Claus should give Tozawa
body armor for Christmas.
[Wade] Get him a helicopter to get the hell out of Dodge.
["Shoooosh" playing]
[Cole] Not quite sure what you were thinking, but good luck.
[announcer] And his opponent, accompanied to the ring by Maxxine Dupri,
from Kobe, Japan, weighing in at 156 pounds,
Akira Tozawa!
[Cole] Listen, Tozawa's a great athlete.
He's done some wonderful things in the ring,
don't get me wrong, but Ivar is just a 330-pound menace.
[Wade] But we saw what happened with Maxxine Dupri last week.
She bit off more than she could chew against the Women's Champ Rhea Ripley.
I class that as a win for Maxxine Dupri because she was able to leave
the arena under her own steam, as opposed to on a stretcher.
And a win for Tozawa,
-maybe similar tonight. -[bell rings]
[Cole] I wouldn't bet, but nonetheless, I get your point.
Tozawa's been training with the Gable method,
Chad Gable said he's an incredible student.
He has discipline, work ethic, tenacity.
He says Tozawa is nasty.
And look at Tozawa taking the fight to Ivar.
Oh, and just like that, sent out to the floor.
[Wade] One shot. It took about ten shots from Tozawa,
one shot from Ivar.
This is it though. This is nice from Tozawa. Little speed.
Keeping the big man guessing.
Pepper him with strikes.
[Cole] Ivar wasn't quite expecting this, I believe, out of Tozawa.
[Wade] Tozawa wasn't expecting this.
[Cole] Whipped into the corner.
Tozawa now second rope.
Caught. Like, just caught out of mid-air.
Oh, but sent into the corner is Ivar.
[Wade] Yeah, hats off to Tozawa. He's got some answers
for the big man. I wasn't expecting this at all.
[Maxxine] It's okay. It's okay.
[Cole] Tozawa on the shoulder of Ivar, and again able to wriggle out of that.
[Wade] Maybe Ivar took Tozawa a little too lightly.
[Cole] Extreme quickness from Tozawa here.
And Ivar, oh, my goodness!
[Wade] Spike DDT, and the Viking has been rocked!
[Cole] Tozawa, he's in control of this match!
I can't believe I'm saying it, but Tozawa's got an opportunity.
[Wade] Yeah, that was a little nasty.
-Oh! -[Cole] Well, maybe not. Splat…
goes Tozawa.
[Wade] Like getting hit by a runaway truck to the chest.
[Cole] That's like when a Mack Truck runs into a Ferrari, right?
[Wade] And Tozawa has simply not looked the same since,
and this could be good night for you, Michael Cole.
That's 350 pounds on the top.
[Cole] Ivar splash, Tozawa moves out of harm's way.
Tozawa again with an opportunity.
[Wade] Well, that would have been over had that splash connected by Ivar,
but Tozawa lives on.
He's Hulking up.
[Cole] At least attempting to.
-[screaming] -[Cole] Oh, look at this.
[crowd cheering]
[Wade] Maybe get a lower thread count next time.
[Cole] And Tozawa going up to the top rope, and look at this weirdo.
And Valhalla is going to pay! Maxxine gets involved.
[Wade] Maxxine may regret doing that.
-[Cole] She is the strangest… -[screaming]
[Cole] …person I've ever seen, but Maxxine sidesteps,
sends Valhalla into the barricade.
[Wade] Quickness of movement. Is the magic continuing with Tozawa?
[Cole] And can Tozawa win this from the top rope?
Senton to Ivar! This may be it!
What a massive upset tonight!
Ivar kicks at two!
[Wade] Ivar with just about enough to kick out there
after this top rope senton connected to perfection.
This is a move that Tozawa has put
-many superstars away with. -[Cole] Oh!
[Wade] Landing on the top of his head…
from that spinning kick from Ivar.
[Cole] Ivar about kicked his head off.
Man, this is a-- We've seen some incredible performances
here tonight on Monday Night Raw.
And Ivar now.
[Wade] Ivar's been embarrassed thus far.
[Cole] Up to the second rope, and now heading up top.
-Tozawa back to his feet. -[Wade] Oh!
[Cole] Ivar now, hung up on the top rope
and Tozawa again with another opportunity.
[Wade] Well, Ivar was going for that big moonsault we've seen
from him time and time again.
Apparently, Tozawa had it scouted.
[Cole] And now Tozawa trying to drag this 330-pounder.
I'm not sure what Tozawa is trying to do here.
[Wade] How do you maneuver a man as big as Ivar around?
[Cole] Hammer with a brick.
Like a brick house.
And now Tozawa.
What is he trying to do?
And stopped.
And Ivar are now powering Tozawa into his arms!
From the second rope, World's Strongest Slam.
Quite the effort, but good night, Tozawa.
[bell rings]
["Vicious" playing]
[announcer] Here is your winner,
Ivar!
[Wade] Well, hats off to Tozawa for that effort.
He made it way more of a fight than I was expecting,
but ultimately, size prevailed.
[Cole] Yeah, I didn't think,
and I don't believe Ivar did either,
that Tozawa was even gonna be in this match-up,
but off the heel kick, this massive World's Strongest Slam
from the second rope, and just like that,
Ivar with the win over a very game Tozawa here tonight on Monday Night Raw.
[Wade] Yeah, what a thrill ride it has been.
But yeah, you have to think the Viking gods will we thrilled
by that victory from Ivar.
You see, we've been trending number one all night long.
Well, the world is abuzz after what happened last week
on Monday Night Raw. Social media set on fire.
The confrontation between the World Heavyweight Champion,
Seth Rollins and this man, CM Punk.
One of the most sought-after free agents in history,
makes his decision.
Where's Punk going to end up?
[CM Punk] I walked back here through the hallways,
there's a lot of ghosts,
and I'm doing my best to face them head-on.
Ten years ago, I had to, for better or for worse,
make the hardest decision of my life.
I walked out.
I'm here to bury those ghosts.
I'm here to right a few wrongs.
My future starts now.
The newest Raw Superstar is named CM Punk,
and CM Punk is home!
["Visionary" playing]
[Rollins] Don't you dare call this place your home.
You abandoned this place ten years ago.
Not only did you abandon it,
but you actively tried to tear it down.
This is not your home!
This is my home!
And I will do everything within my power to protect it
from people like you!
With every fiber in my being,
I hate you.
But if you're going to be a part of WWE again,
then I want you on Monday Night Raw.
Because truth always comes out, pal.
This is your last chance.
And so one of two things is going to happen.
Either you're going to expose yourself,
you're gonna self-destruct like you always do,
and I'll be the first person in the back to slam the door shut on your legacy,
or if by some miracle you have changed,
and you've got any gas left in this old tank,
maybe one day you'll be lucky enough
to stand across the ring from me,
and I will let you understand, in real time,
what it means to be the best in the world.
[CM Punk] Are you done?
That's your one pass to stand here and speak to me disrespectfully
without me coming after you.
CM Punk is entering the Royal Rumble.
And when CM Punk wins,
maybe, Seth, it's you he's coming after.
[Cole] He is the World Heavyweight Champion.
He's been a fighting champion.
Seth "Freakin" Rollins is here,
and he's live next on Monday Night Raw.
[glass shattering]
[Cole] Give me a hell yeah!
Austin 3:16, happy birthday.
Congratulations to "Stone Cold" Steve Austin,
one of the greatest of all time.
[Wade] Cole, you and I need to open a couple of cold ones after this show
in honor of the birthday of "Stone Cold" Steve Austin.
Happy birthday, Steve.
[Cole] He told me his biggest moment
was when he refereed my WrestleMania match.
-He actually didn't say that. -[Wade] I don't believe that.
["Visionary" playing]
[crowd vocalizing]
[announcer] Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome
the World Heavyweight Champion,
Iowa's own,
Seth "Freakin" Rollins!
[crowd vocalizing]
Des Moines!
[crowd cheering]
Welcome
to Monday Night Rollins
[crowd cheering]
Ah, sing it, Des Moines, sing it.
Because I am a visionary,
I am a revolutionary,
I am Seth…
[crowd yells] "Freakin" Rollins!
[crowd cheering]
[crowd singing Rollins's music]
You know, Des Moines,
things around here have been heating up for this Iowa boy.
[crowd cheering]
And after my little
confrontation last week,
I am feeling more motivated than I ever have to continue
to be the best World Champion
in this entire industry.
[crowd cheering]
And, Iowa, if you thought 2023 was something,
wait till you see what we do in 2024.
And that starts with Day 1
when I defend my World Heavyweight Championship
against Drew McIntyre.
[crowd booing]
Now say what you will about Drew McIntyre,
-but at Crown Jewel, Drew gave me-- -["Gallantry" playing]
[Cole] Seth Rollins mentioned it. Two weeks from tonight,
it is Monday Night Raw. It is Day 1.
San Diego, California,
Seth Rollins will defend the World Heavyweight Championship
against Drew McIntyre.
And the January 1st date is interesting, Wade,
because Seth Rollins hasn't been pinned in a one-on-one match
since January 3rd of this year,
closing in on a year since Rollins has been pinned.
[Wade] Seth stripping off the bling.
Getting into fight mode.
You have to be prepared when the Scottish warrior
has you in his sights.
[crowd booing]
Now, before you even open your mouth,
I want you to know I haven't forgot that little headbutt from a few weeks ago,
so tread lightly.
I'm not here to fight, Seth.
We've got our match at Day 1 set.
I'm here to tell you that I am proud of you.
There are so many people back there turning a blind eye,
kissing ass when it comes to CM Punk, but not you.
You walked out here, you looked him right in the eye
and you told him the truth exactly the way it needed to be said.
And that, my friend, is a real leader.
And look at you.
You're on top of the world right now. You're World Heavyweight Champion.
You're on a roll. We're heading into the festive season.
You're in front of, basically, your home crowd right now,
all singing your song.
[crowd cheering]
[crowd singing]
Probably feels pretty good, doesn't it?
World Champion, you get to go home, spend it with your family,
and that's been the case for you for years.
And recently, I've been doing a lot of reflection.
I've been talking a lot about my family and the sacrifices they have made,
because I had a chance to go home not long ago,
and I started to see things I didn't like so much.
I started to feel a certain way. I started to feel guilt.
I started to see my family members getting older.
I started to see my dad getting older.
And after 16 years, for the first time ever,
I questioned, is this all worth it?
This is something I felt that you couldn't understand,
you couldn't possibly relate to.
But you can.
There's somebody in your household, somebody you share your life with.
Your wife's in an exact same position I am.
All the way across the world, chasing this dream,
doing whatever she can to make it happen,
sacrificing every single week and sacrificing that time with her family.
And you've been part of those difficult conversations
and the good conversations.
You know, "Man, I wish I could make this wedding back home,
but there's the big show coming up and I can't let the fans down."
And then the difficult conversations.
When a family member gets sick.
when a parent gets sick.
My mom, her dad, and all we want to do is be by their side
and hold their hand and be there for them when they're going through it.
But they tell us, "Don't you dare come home."
"You keep chasing that dream and you make it happen."
And that's exactly what we did,
but then suddenly they're not here anymore.
Seth, look me in the eye.
I don't want your title.
I need your title.
I need that validation.
I have to know all these sacrifices were worth it.
I have to know
the hurt that I caused them was for nothing.
And I'm willing to hurt you for everything.
I will do whatever it takes to take that title from you at Day 1.
Ah, Drew, here's the thing, man.
I don't think we really know entirely how to feel about you, man.
Because you say stuff like that,
I want to take it to heart,
I want to believe you.
But as of late, your actions and your words,
they haven't lined up.
So I don't know whether to believe you
or call you out on your crap.
But I'll tell you this.
I'll tell you this. I respect you,
because after I beat you at Crown Jewel,
you came to me, you told me you were going to find a way back,
you were going to work your way into another opportunity
at my World Heavyweight Championship,
and you've done that.
But I want to know, Drew,
as much as you need this,
what makes you think the outcome this time
is going to be any different?
You say you'll do whatever it takes,
you say you're not the same person,
what does that mean?
You're willing to cheat?
You're willing to lie?
You're willing to hurt people?
You're willing to take shortcuts?
Is that what it is?
Yeah, yeah, you've changed in that regard,
but in many ways you're the same,
because you still want to point the finger at everybody else.
You still want to shift the blame.
Yeah, Drew, you'll do whatever it takes, right?
Whatever it takes,
except for the one thing that you need to do to be a world champion.
You need to take responsibility for your actions.
You need to look yourself in the mirror,
and you need to face the hard reality
that the only person keeping Drew McIntyre
from being a World Champion is Drew McIntyre.
Now, I stood in this ring last week,
I looked a man right in the eye and I told him I hated him.
I meant that.
I'm looking you right in your eyes,
and, Drew, I don't hate you,
I pity you.
Merry Christmas, Drew. I'll see you in a couple of weeks.
[Cole] Well, McIntyre went after Rollins,
and Seth fighting back now, and that kick drops McIntyre
through the ropes and out to the outside.
And Rollins is not done yet.
And Seth Rollins takes out McIntyre!
And Rollins now in a fight.
[Wade] McIntyre went for that Glaswegian Kiss.
[Cole] Oh, no!
[Wade] Rollins was wise to it, but however,
McIntyre just too strong and perhaps too motivated.
[Cole] And now McIntyre begins the assault on the champion.
[both grunting]
[Cole] That was the line that set McIntyre off
when Rollins said he pities Drew McIntyre.
[Wade] Now we're witnessing the physical embodiment
of the tortured soul of Drew McIntyre.
-[Cole] And McIntyre-- -[Wade] Hold on!
-This is all-- -[Cole] Alabama Slam onto the steps!
[crowd booing]
[Cole] A massive statement from the former Champion.
[crowd booing]
[Wade] Seth's header has only collided worse!
[Cole] I think it's the left arm, the elbow
that he seems to be grabbing at.
Not good news for the Champion who will defend the title
two weeks from tonight at Day 1 in San Diego
against Drew McIntyre, who was sent over the edge tonight
by that final word of Rollins,
"Pity."
-Yeah. We're gonna make dreams come true. -You ready?
-Whoo-hoo-hoo! -I'm ready.
-Creed bros. -What's going on?
Hey, man, I just wanted to thank you both for last week with Shin.
Hey, you can count on us anytime, man. You can count on us anytime.
Thank you. Hey, and Judgment Day,
crack 'em around for me.
I hope you leave here as Champions.
Hey, you got it. Thank you.
That's Cody Rhodes. It's Cody Rhodes.
That's why he's the G.O.A.T. That's why he's the G.O.A.T.!
[indistinct conversation]
[Cole] Big opportunity for The Creed Brothers for the titles
against Judgment Day in our main event later on tonight.
But as we've said all along, Wade,
throughout this special holiday edition of Monday Night Raw,
Kofi Claus is here.
And he continues to distribute gifts to everyone.
I've been great this year, Kofi.
He's been a scrooge.
[Wade] I just hope Santa doesn't start twerking again.
Maybe he's got some more Michael Cole for the naughty people.
[Cole] That was very uncalled for.
Can you maybe get in the Christmas spirit for a change?
[Wade] Nobody likes Cole at any time of the year.
-I can confirm. -[Cole] That is true.
Oh, wait a minute. Kaiser and Vinci of Imperium.
And speaking of Cole,
Kofi gave Kaiser coal as a gift earlier tonight,
and Kaiser did not see the humor in it.
[Wade] Gotta pick your battles in this game,
even when you're Santa.
[Cole] You can't be beating up Santa during a holiday week.
Oh, no!
[Wade] It's not Santa, it's Kofi Kingston!
[Cole] Bah humbug.
-[Wade] Hah! -[Cole] The Imperium continuing
to beat up, Kofi.
["Main Event Ish" playing]
[Cole] Uh-oh.
And Kofi…
has a little backup.
Here comes "Main Event" Jey Uso to the ring!
And Uso going right after Imperium!
[Wade] Time for some seasons yeetings.
[crowd yelling] Yeet! Yeet! Yeet!
[Cole] Vinci dumped over the top rope. There goes Kaiser as well!
Not done yet, Uso gonna fly!
[Wade] Get a job as a reindeer with those flying skills, Cole.
Hey. Let's go, uce.
[crowd chanting] Yeet! Yeet! Yeet! Yeet!
[Cole] Jey coming to the aid of Kofi,
taking out those grinches, Imperium.
Me and you in the ring!
Let's go. I want you, pretty boy. Come on!
Get your ass in the ring!
[Cole] Uso wants Kaiser!
Hey, Pearce, let's make this match!
This match was made official
by Adam Pearce during the commercial break.
Jey Uso, Ludwig Kaiser of Imperium, one-on-one.
That is because Imperium decided to be humbugs
and beat the heck out of Kofi Claus.
Jey Uso came down to Kofi's aid and here we go.
[Wade] Kofi Claus did deserve after giving Imperium
the worst gift in the history of Santa, Cole. Yeah.
[Cole] And they deserved it. Gunther even said
that he's the only one contributing
after he defeated The Miz earlier tonight
to retain the Intercontinental Championship.
He said that Kaiser and Vinci…
Well, the whole year should be a write off for them.
He said they-- Gunther's going to step away
and recharge, and these guys got to keep grinding and prove themselves.
[Wade] It's hard to argue with Gunther.
All has not been well in the Imperium camp,
and you're right, aside from Gunther, the troops simply have not been connecting
like they used to.
Results have fallen off a cliff.
[Cole] On the other side of things-- And Kaiser though, with a clothesline.
The other side of things, it has been quite the year
for "Main Event" Jey Uso.
Started, of course, in The Bloodline.
[groaning]
[Cole] Of course, then, uh, The Usos losing the tag titles
at WrestleMania to Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn
was the beginning of the end before Jey Uso finally broke away
from Roman Reigns and company, was traded over to Monday Night Raw.
Brought over here thanks to Cody Rhodes,
and has really made a name for himself as "Main Event" Jey Uso.
[Wade] Yeah, been a real roller-coaster year for Jey Uso,
but for Imperium, certainly for Kaiser and Vinci,
it's simply been the downhill path of that roller coaster
that for now, hasn't stopped.
[Cole] So let me talk to you about this, Wade, because Imperium has
all the talent in the world, they're former Tag Team Champions in NXT,
they're two of the most technical wrestlers
that we've ever witnessed. What is the problem?
[Wade] Well, it all started, if you go back,
when Kaiser started getting eyes
for some of the female members of the locker room,
such as Maxxine Dupree.
Ever since then, he seemed to take his eye off the ball
that caused Vinci to take his eye off the ball
and they've never really recovered.
And even last week you saw them bickering and squabbling in the ring
during their Six-Man Tag. They have to get on the same page.
Get refocused on what's important, and that's the mat game.
[Cole] There's been some sort of rift that had developed
over the past number of months between Kaiser and Vinci.
Always such a well-oiled machine.
And, you know, Gunther, listen, he's great, right?
But he is partially to blame for a lot of that, Wade,
because, remember, it was Gunther
who sort of drove a wedge between these two.
Remember he put Kaiser in control of Vinci,
then he put Vinci in control of Kaiser.
He's messed things up, so he's not without blame either.
[Wade] I don't agree with you on that. The reason he did that
is because results weren't there for Kaiser and Vinci in the first place.
He was trying to fix what was already broken.
That is good management. It simply hasn't worked,
but the people to blame for that have to be Kaiser and Vinci.
[Cole] Might be good management.
[Wade] You give the guys an opportunity to fix it themselves.
If they don't take it, you turn up the dial a little more.
Now he's left them to their own device. He's disappeared.
[Cole] Ask Robert Saleh of the Jets, how that works out.
Nonetheless, Kaiser now punishing Jey Uso, and a cheap shot by Vinci.
[Wade] The Jets will never be fixed. But Imperium, there's stuff to work with.
They can be good.
[Cole] Cover by Kaiser, kick out at two by Jey Uso.
How do you think Jey Uso has coped with everything
that's gone on in the past months,
as he moved over here to Raw?
And a bright 2024 on the way for Jey.
[Wade] It was a tumultuous first couple of months here on the Raw roster.
Slowly but surely, he's won the majority of the locker room over.
They believe he's a changed man, and once again put himself in harm's way,
this time for Kofi Kingston.
He seems to be trying at least to do the right thing.
[Cole] Yeah, continuing to prove himself
to many in the locker room here on Monday Night Raw.
Kaiser.
Oh, just a beautiful technician.
And what an uppercut.
Kaiser in control.
[crowd booing]
We are live on Monday Night Raw. Happy holidays, everyone.
Des Moines, Iowa jam packed tonight.
"Main event" Jey Uso trying to rally against Ludwig Kaiser of the Imperium.
Oh, and a step-up enziguri buys Jey some time.
[Wade] Just at that moment you start to write off Jey Uso,
who has been under the boots of Ludwig Kaiser for the past few minutes,
he pulls out something special that gives him some hope.
[Cole] Again, earlier tonight, the longest-reigning
Intercontinental Champion of all time, Gunther "The Ring General,"
the head of Imperium, retained the Championship against Miz
in an unbelievable match-up.
Gunther told Kaiser and Vinci,
"It's your turn to start carrying some of the load."
Oh! Down goes Kaiser.
[Wade] Jey Uso hitting that gear that only he has.
Jey behind, kick to the midsection.
[crowd yells] Yeet!
[Cole] And Kaiser…
into the corner and backing it right up.
Jey Uso not giving Kaiser any time to recuperate.
Cover now by Jey. Hook of the leg. Kaiser kicks at two.
[Wade] Don't write off Ludwig Kaiser in a hurry.
This man can dig deeper than most.
He's proven it time and time again. A-plus esthetics, yes,
but A-plus everything else that goes with it.
[Cole] Kaiser now, trying to rip the eyes.
Don't think he quite got it. And then, Kaiser-- Oh.
[Wade] Oh! Kaiser roll!
[Cole] Cover now by Kaiser!
What?
Kaiser roll?
[Wade] Rare that you compliment me.
[Cole] What's interesting about Jey Uso is,
for his whole career, Wade, he's been a tag team specialist, right?
One of the greatest of all time with his brother Jimmy.
Now he's branched out into the singles scene
over the past months and has been holding his own
with everyone here in WWE.
[Wade] Yeah, had a little experience, a few-- Oh, here we go.
Perhaps going for that spike DDT finish.
Jey Uso wisely getting out of dodge when he could and now going airborne!
[Cole] Jey, top rope, Vinci gets involved!
The official was checking on Kaiser,
never saw the interference.
Kaiser takes out "Main Event" Jey Uso.
Cover now! Hook of the leg for the win!
Jey kicks at two again.
[Wade] Connecting with the enziguri to the face.
Trying to break the nose of Jey Uso, perhaps. Looked like--
[Cole] And look who's back!
[Wade] Just when Imperial were getting on the same page!
[Cole] Kofi Kingston, little Trouble in Paradise
taking out Vinci!
[Wade] It's not easy to pull that off--
[Cole] Spear!
Kaiser down!
Jey going up top!
Kofi's got the crowd on it's feet!
Uso Splash!
-[crowd counting] -[Cole] Cover!
-Gunther's not gonna like this. -[bell rings]
["Main Event Ish" playing]
[announcer] Here is your winner,
"Main Event"
Jey Uso!
[Cole] Gunther, Wade, told the Imperium,
"Go out and finally impress me." I don't think Gunther is.
[Wade] Well, I imagine Gunther has now left the arena.
This has been an annus horribilis.
A horrible year for the Imperium boys.
Take another look at Kofi Kingston, padding his own collective,
connecting on that Trouble in Paradise.
This spear that did the damage to Kaiser.
And of course, when this connects by "Main Event" Jey Uso,
it is good night.
[Cole] Jey Uso…
has the WWE fans on their feet.
What a scene on Monday Night Raw.
[crowd cheering]
[Cole] Well, ladies and gentlemen, earlier tonight,
Katana Chance and Kayden Carter won the Women's Tag Team Championship.
Can The Creed Brothers follow suit?
The Creeds, Judgment Day, for the Undisputed Tag Team Titles
live next!
[Damian Priest laughing]
You actually lost to Truth.
JD, it could be worse, man.
Remember that time Randy RKO'd you off that cage?
Or even when Priest grabbed you by your neck and held you up against--
[Rhea Ripley] Enough!
When one of us goes out there and loses, it reflects negatively on the rest of us.
Rhea,
honestly, yeah, that makes sense.
But tonight, the stipulations were clear.
-He lost. -Come on, Priest.
You're out of The Judgment Day.
Who is Truth to make stipulations. He's not in The Judgment Day.
Is it you that makes the stipulations around here now?
-No, that's not what I'm saying. -[Rhea] Damian.
Say what you're going to say!
It's not what I was talking about. Please don't kick me out of the group.
Damian, enough.
All right.
You're obviously still in The Judgment Day.
For now.
Let's get serious for a second.
We need to start making an example
out of anyone who thinks that they can step to us.
I went and talked to Pearce.
If Ivy Nile wants to match with me, then that's what she's going to get.
And I'll one up it.
I'll put my Women's World Championship on the line at Day 1.
I'll deal with Ivy.
Tonight, it's about the two of you.
And don't worry, Rhea, me and Damian,
we're going to deal with The Creed Brothers
and show them why we are
the Undisputed Tag Team Champions of the world.
-Let's go, Damian. -Got it.
-Get 'em, boys. -Go get 'em.
After you.
-I still have splinters in my back. -But you're still in The Judgment Day
We are seconds away from the Undisputed Tag Team Championship Match
in our main event.
But two weeks from tonight, we're live in San Diego, California
for Monday Night Raw, Day 1.
And for the first time ever, "The Man" Becky Lynch
takes on "The Irresistible Force" Nia Jax!
A rivalry five years in the making. It takes place in two weeks.
[Wade] Earlier tonight, we got ourselves
some new Women's Tag Team Champions.
And with that, comes the search for some new number one contenders.
Jockeying for that spot are the teams of Natalya and Tegan Nox
and Shayna Baszler and Zoey Stark.
They square off at Day 1.
[Cole] And you heard moments ago, Rhea will put her Championship on the line
against the upstart, Ivy Nile.
Women's World Championship, Rhea and Ivy at Day 1.
[Wade] And Drew McIntyre, he's a tortured soul.
The only thing, it would appear, that might soothe him
is the World Heavyweight Championship that belongs to Seth "Freakin" Rollins.
McIntyre, Rollins, one-on-one for the gold in two weeks' time at Day 1.
["Brothers" playing]
[Cole] Accompanied by Ivy Nile,
on the left is Julius, on the right is Brutus, The Creed Brothers.
They've been NXT Tag Team Champions,
they won the 2022 Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic at NXT.
But tonight, a much bigger stage.
[Wade] Yeah, won Tag Team Turmoil three weeks ago
against five other top teams to become the number-one contenders
for the Judgment Day's Tag Team gold.
That opportunity arrives now.
[Cole] Royal Rumble is presented by Cricket.
With fast and powerful nationwide 5G coverage, you can stress less,
smile more.
Will, The Creed Brothers be smiling tonight?
["The Other Side" playing]
[Cole] It was back in October
where Finn Bálor and Damian Priest
knocked off Jey Uso and Cody Rhodes to win the Undisputed Tag Team Champions
for a second time.
And tonight they will defend against the up-and-coming Creed Brothers.
And Rhea Ripley is now destroying Christmas trees.
[Wade] Lot of anger inside the heart of The Judgment Day.
But those are laser-focused eyes on Finn Bálor and Damian Priest.
They are the experienced ones in this match-up.
That perhaps, does not bode well for the young up-and-comers, the Creeds.
[Cole] And let's not forget
that Damian Priest carries the Briefcase around.
He is Mr. Money in the Bank.
Inside the briefcase is a contract
that Priest can cash in any place, any time
for a World Championship opportunity.
Maybe it happens two weeks at Day 1.
[Wade] Quite possibly. But Damian Priest has attempted
those cash-in several times already.
They've all backfired,
and that has just served to further frustrate the big Puerto Rican.
[Cole] They backfired but the match never officially began.
Hence the reason he still has the briefcase and the contract.
[Wade] Damian Priest just needs to get lucky one time.
That's all he needs,
and we'll have a new World Champion
or any other Championship he might elect to go for.
[bell rings]
The following contest is scheduled for one fall, and it is for
the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship!
Introducing the challengers,
accompanied to the ring by Ivy Nile,
Brutus and Julius,
The Creed Brothers!
[crowd cheering]
And their opponents,
accompanied to the ring by the Women's World Champion, Rhea Ripley,
representing The Judgment Day,
they are the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions,
Finn Bálor
and Señor Money in the Bank, Damian Priest!
[crowd booing]
[Cole] It has been a good while
since a Tag Team has burst on the scene
with the potential and the ability of The Creed Brothers.
Dominik Mysterio has made it very clear to both Finn Bálor and Damian Priest
over the past couple of weeks, because he's been in the ring with them,
that you cannot take The Creed Brothers lightly,
that they are the real deal.
Perhaps tonight is the night for a huge upset on Monday Night Raw.
[Wade] Yeah, you hate to put too much pressure on the shoulders of young,
-up-and-coming talent like the Creeds. -[bell rings]
However, you're right here, you're in the main event of Raw,
and you're competing for the number one Championship
in your whole world of tag competition.
[Cole] Nice takedown by Julius Creed. 6'3, 229, tremendous amateur athlete.
One of the most decorated amateur wrestlers
in the history of Duke University.
A two-time NCAA All-American.
[Wade] Yeah, these two just have athletic gifts that are special.
They are rare. These two train like maniacs.
Check 'em out on social media if you want to see more.
Do not try it at home, however.
[Cole] And not just the amateur background,
but Julius is a man who trained with Daniel Cormier
for his bout with Jon Jones.
Creed, very well-rounded, and in comes Priest,
a nice deep arm drag and Brutus Creed now in as well.
And Brutus sends Priest over the top rope.
And The Creed Brothers putting The Judgment Day on notice.
Tag Team titles are on the line.
What's up? Get back here!
[Cole] The Creed Brothers have been impressive.
The Undisputed Tag Titles on the line,
and Julius and Brutus have been taking it to The Judgment Day
[Wade] Yeah, that's right, they're under the cosh of the Judgment Day
for a couple of minutes, but Brutus Creed got in fresh at Julius
and things turned around in a hurry.
[Cole] Nice, uh, fireman's carry by Brutus,
the 5'11, 282-pounder.
Double team coming from The Creed Brothers.
Down goes Bálor.
This Brutus is…
Rhea Ripley upset. This Brutus is just flat-out strong.
As a kid, he would tear handles off the doors of microwaves
just to prove his strength to his other friends.
[Wade chuckling] I bet his parents loved that.
[Cole] Yeah, right?
Brutus, inspired by the WWE Hall of Famer, Kurt Angle.
Come on, ref!
[Cole] He was a two-time NCAA All-American.
Unbeaten in his final year of college.
Oh, and knee right to the ribs.
[Wade] Despite the obvious technical skills of these two,
there is a massive difference in their two stylings.
Julius perhaps, the superhuman technician of the two,
whereas Brutus is more of a smash-mouth-smashing machine.
"Bust-you-up real good" kind of guy.
[Cole] There's Damian Priest pulling down the top rope. Julius hit hard!
-Priest with a clothesline! -[Wade] Oh!
Julius attempting to land on his feet,
knee just gave way and Priest was there to pounce.
[Cole] Rhea Ripley enjoying herself out here,
and now Priest going to drive Julius into the steel steps.
[Wade] Nealy took out Rhea Ripley in the process.
Nearly, nearly got me.
[indistinct conversation]
[Wade] I'm not gonna argue with her, Cole. That's your job.
[Cole] Julius sent back into the ring and now Damian Priest looking to do damage
to Julius Creed.
[Wade] You know, when I was, at first, questioning why Rhea Ripley
was out here with the team, she hasn't been here often
with the guys, but since Damian Priest tried his hand at leadership,
results kind of took a downturn.
So maybe Mami is retaking control
and calling the strategies once again for the boys.
[Cole] I also think it has something to do with the fact that Ivy Nile,
who she defends against in two weeks at Day 1,
came out here with The Creed Brothers tonight.
[Wade] What a test that is going to be for "The Pitbull" Ivy Nile.
[Cole] Finn Bálor, great job trying to prevent Julius from making a tag
to his brother Brutus.
Julius, though, creates space.
Tag made. Here comes Brutus.
[Wade] Creed is just too big and strong to try and win a tug of war against.
And this is the biggest and strongest of the pair, Brutus.
-Brutus smash! -[Rhea Ripley] Priest, you gotta get in.
[Cole] Just hammering away on Bálor as you go over the shoulder of Ivy Nile.
This is pure strength. That gut wrench!
[Wade] No training in the world can prepare you for the smashing machine
that is Brutus Creed.
[Cole] There's the power again of Brutus, lifting Finn Bálor up with ease
and dropping him to the mat. Cover. This is for the Tag Team titles.
Is this enough? No. And a kickout at two by Bálor.
[Wade] And this is the first time in their entire lives
the Creeds have ever been under this kind of spotlight.
A main event championship match
watched all around the world here on Raw.
[Cole] We talked about all their past accolades,
both in college and down at NXT,
if there's a team ready for this moment, it's the Creeds.
Tag by Priest.
Priest now, kicked right to the back of the neck.
Now Brutus using his long legs.
Brutus right down in front of Rhea Ripley.
And now Priest!
Brutus sent right over the announce table and into Barrett's chair.
Judgment Day has taken over!
The Creeds put on notice.
The Creed Brothers need a rally in a bad way.
They're in a match-up with Bálor and Priest of The Judgment Day
for the Undisputed Tag Team Titles.
Brutus trying to fight back against Damian Priest here tonight.
What an opportunity for the Creed.
Already tonight, we've had the Women's Tag Team Title change hands.
Kayden Carter, Katana Chance the brand new Women's Tag Team Champions.
Can the Creeds…
Make sure he doesn't get up!
[Cole] …follow suit as Rhea Ripley…
-[Wade] What a flurry of… -[Cole] …is leading her charges.
[Wade] …forearms from Priest
-taking Brutus-- -[Cole] Uh-oh!
Brutus picking Priest out of the air.
[Wade] Amazing powers of recovery.
[grunting]
[Cole] Brutus trying to hang on.
Lifting Priest up!
Into the suplex, and now an opportunity for Brutus to make a tag to Julius.
[Wade] Brutus has gone glassy-eyed.
Needs that tag in the worst way possible.
[Cole] Priest will tag Bálor, who's legal.
Julius legal as well.
And Julius Creed.
Oh, what a belly-to-belly! Into a kip-up.
Priest gonna suffer the same fate.
[Wade] Julius hitting that rhythm
[Cole] Bálor as well!
[screams]
[Cole] The cardio of this man is incredible.
-[Wade] Looking fresh as a daisy! -[Cole] Wow!
Shooting Star! Cover for the win!
Kick out by Bálor!
[Wade] One of the most jaw-dropping athletes I have ever witnessed
in my time in WWE.
What can Julius Creed--
[Cole] And here we go! Here we go! Brutus Ball time! Brutus Ball time!
And Priest intercepts.
[Wade] Yeah, that's a move you have to have scouted.
It's put everyone away.
[Cole] Sunset flip, Bálor now, kick out by Julius.
Priest knocked off the apron. Collision middle of the ring.
Critical moment now!
[Wade] Double clothesline, both men hitting the mat hard.
And Rhea Ripley from behind, taking out Ivy Nile,
the woman she faces in two weeks at Day 1.
Ivy, though from behind.
And now Ivy, lifting Rhea Ripley up.
the Women's World Champion in trouble.
The power! Down to the apron goes Rhea!
[Wade] Ivy Nile proving she has got the muscle to contend with the champ.
[Cole] And now it's time! Tag made!
Brutus is going up!
Brutus Ball!
Cover on Bálor to win the tag team gold!
Here we go! And Priest breaking things up!
So close for the Creeds.
[Wade] Veteran timing from the champs
as the Brutus Ball electric chair connects!
This one was over if not for the timely intervention of Damian Priest
Going for South of Heaven now.
What a reversal!
[Cole] Julius with a dropkick, knocks Priest out,
into a kip-up now.
Julius scales the top rope!
From the top!
Holy cow!
Meanwhile Bálor with a sling blade.
Bálor drives Brutus into the corner.
Kick right to the face. Brutus in the drop zone.
Bálor is feeling it.
There are bodies all over the place.
[Wade] Ringside, looking like a war zone. It's all--
[Cole] Julius Creed leaping all the way to the top rope.
Priest makes the tag.
Priest is legal.
[Wade] With an electric chair of his own.
Brutus knocking Bálor off the top rope.
[Wade] The gold is up for grabs now, Cole!
[Cole] Brutus Ball to Priest!
Cover by Julius!
Bálor! Coup de Grâce to the spine!
[Wade] What an absolute mess in that ring.
Bodies broken everywhere.
Somehow this match continues!
[Cole] What an incredible match for the Tag Team Titles!
The Brutus ball to Priest,
Finn Bálor, though, took the opportunity.
[Wade] All four men putting everything on the line.
Again, it spills out to the outside. It's two left in there!
[Cole] And now Priest with Julius up and down, South of Heaven chokeslam!
Can Priest take advantage?
Into the cover. Is it enough?
It is!
-The Judgment Day survive! -[bell rings]
["The Other Side" playing]
[announcer] Here are your winners, and still
the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions,
Finn Bálor
and Señor Money in the Bank, Damian Priest!
[Cole] There is no doubt in my mind
that The Creed Brothers will be the Tag Team Champions one day.
But The Judgment Day proved tonight
that they are still on the top of their game
in what was an incredible Tag Team Championship Match.
[Wade] Bodies shattered everywhere you look after moves like this.
This is Julius going for broke, connecting on Damian Priest.
And this is the second time we saw the Brutus Ball,
electric chair combination.
It was over until an intervention.
And that South of Heaven by Damian Priest!
Body hurting all over, just has enough to hook that leg.
Retain the gold.
But what an effort by the Creeds
[Cole] Bálor and Priest celebrate.
Don't forget, two weeks from tonight, Day 1.