Results
- Asuka & Kairi Sane def. Raquel Rodriguez & Roxanne Perez (11:38)
- Finn Balor def. Dragon Lee (9:44)
- Erik, Ivar & Penta def. Xavier Woods, Kofi Kingston & Grayson Waller (8:24)
- Dominik Mysterio def. AJ Styles (WWE Intercontinental Championship) (16:01)
- Jey Uso & LA Knight def. Bron Breakker & Bronson Reed (14:00)
Jey Uso and LA Knight are willing to team up for one night
Tonight’s episode of Monday Night Raw started with some pyro on the massive, impressive stage that the promotion has used for two nights in a row inside the Paris La Defense arena.
We then watched a quick recap of the top highlights from Sunday’s Clash In Paris card: John Cena bested Logan Paul, Roman Reigns got sidelined after a brutal attack from Bronson Reed and Bron Breakker, and Seth Rollins retained his world title with help from Becky Lynch.
We cut backstage, where CM Punk was seen waiting at the entrance for Seth Rollins, saying it’s “on sight” when he sees him. Adam Pierce attempted to get him away from the entrance, but Punk wasn’t budging.
The first segment of the night saw Jey Uso address fans following his loss in the four-way title match on Sunday night. Uso had quite the trek from the concourse of this indoor stadium to the ring, expressing a much more sombre tone following his loss less than 24 hours prior.
“I’m supposed to be standing in front of you guys with the World Heavyweight Championship across my waist,” he said. “Instead, I got some medical tape across my waist.”
Uso said he doesn’t play about his family, hence why he ran in to try and defend Roman Reigns shortly before his high-stakes title match on Sunday. After mentioning that Reigns is in the hospital, Uso cut straight to business: He wanted his hands on Seth Rollins, Bronson Reed, and Bron Breakker.
Uso didn’t get who he requested. Instead, LA Knight came out to the ring. Knight, who was also in the four-way, admitted that he’s a “loser” following Sunday’s result. Clearly not behind how things went, he claimed that, if not for Uso, everybody else in the match could’ve taken out Rollins early, then fought amongst the three of them for the title.
Just as Uso’s focus shifted away from Rollins’ helpers and onto Knight, two of the men he originally called out arrived: Breakker and Reed hit the stage. Knight noted that their “babysitter,” Rollins, wasn’t seen.
Two people on the stage, two people in the ring. I think I see where this is going.
Breakker said that everyone should be concerned with the health of Paul Heyman, not anybody else. He claimed that, since Heyman is gone, nobody can hold them back, which should be cause for concern.
Reed said that Knight and Uso are their next targets. Breakker pitched facing off against them in a tag match. Knight admitted that both he and Uso are banged up, but are willing to face off against Reed and Breakker nonetheless. Looks like we’ll be seeing these four again a little later on this evening.
Commentary announced that Raw will stream on Netflix in France beginning in January.
Backstage, Asuka and Kairi Sane were approached by IYO SKY, who apologized for her recent ties with Rhea Ripley, which has caused tension in the group as of late. Asuka laughed at the apology, saying it’s okay and they’re all family. When asking if they will need help tonight against Judgement Day, Asuka cut in: “Unlike Rhea, we don’t need help.” SKY tried delivering a message to them, but kept getting cut off.
Kabuki Warriors take clean win over Judgement Day
The first match of the night saw Roxanne Perez and Raquel Rodriguez of The Judgement Day face off against the former tag champ duo of Asuka and Kairi Sane.
Sane and Asuka had a strong start to the fight, succeeding against both Rodriguez and Perez. Momentum shifted to the Judgement Day just before the break, with Perez taking Sane out of the ring and throwing her into the barricade as the match approached five minutes.
Sane was isolated for the entire TV break, finally finding the opening for a hot tag to Asuka as the show returned. Asuka took out Rodriguez with a dropkick off the top rope, then put her focus on Perez.
After hitting a series of moves, Asuka got Perez onto the mat for an armbar. The submission was broken up by Rodriguez, who then dragged Perez to the team’s corner so she could tag back into the match. Rodriguez scored a hard clothesline, then a double knees from Perez, but Asuka kicked out a two.
Perez tagged back into the match for a springboard moonsault, although a follow-up pin attempt was stopped by Sane. Rodriguez and Sane fought to the outside. Perez tried for a roll-up onto Asuka, but had the attempt reversed into an Asuka Lock. Perez fought out of the hold by trying for another roll-up.
Sane came off the top and to the outside with an InSane Elbow to wipe out Rodriguez. Back in the ring, Asuka avoided a Pop Rox then seemingly scored a hip attack (this exchange was a little awkward). After thinking of going for a pin, Asuka instead re-applied the Asuka Lock for a submission win. Asuka and Sane got a win, and as they promised, didn’t need IYO SKY’s help.
The broadcast mentioned an attendance of 23,169 during the match.
Women’s title bout booked for Wrestlepalooza
In a pre-recorded segment, Raw General Manager Adam Pierce announced that Stephanie Vaquer and IYO SKY will battle it out for the vacant WWE Women’s World Championship at Wrestlepalooza. It was also revealed by commentary that an official contract signing will take place on next week’s Raw.
Backstage, we were shown that CM Punk is still awaiting Seth Rollins’ arrival to the venue.
Finn Balor scores coup de grâce on Dragon Lee for pinfall win
We went from one Judgement Day match to another, as the next segment saw Finn Balor go one-on-one with fellow NJPW alum Dragon Lee.
Lee was able to get some shine early in the match, sending Balor out of the ring for a dive over the top just before a commercial break. Balor gained control during the break. Lee started clawing back into the match later on, catching Balor with a German Suplex, a thrust kick, and a powerbomb, earning him a two-count.
JD McDonagh, who was at ringside, was stressed over Balor’s struggles in the ring. Lee came off the top with a crossbody, earning him another near fall. He tried for another top-rope move, but Balor was able to avoid this one.
Balor dropkicked Lee into the corner, laying out the Luchador and setting up for his finisher. However, Lee stopped Balor as he climbed the ropes for the Coup de Grâce. McDonagh climbed up onto the ring apron, but was sent to the floor with an impressive hurricanrana from Lee.
Lee climbed to the top, planning to land a double stomp to Balor, who was still hanging off the turnbuckles. Balor instead tossed Lee to the mat, then scored a Coup de Grâce off the top for a pinfall win in just under 10 minutes.
Backstage, IYO SKY was seen talking to Nikki Bella, who congratulated her on the upcoming Wrestlepalooza title match. Chat between the two was broken up by Asuka and Kairi Sane. Asuka said that they’ll help SKY win the world title. SKY tried to push back on the help.
“You didn’t win at Summerslam alone,” Asuka replied. Kairi Sane tried talking to SKY one-on-one, but was stopped by Asuka.
Penta finds success alongside The War Raiders
Backstage, Adam Pearce said that, after seeing interference during the Dragon Lee match, he has decided to ban The Judgement Day from ringside for the title match tonight between Dominik Mysterio and AJ Styles.
Six-man tag action came next, with Grayson Waller and The New Day facing Penta and The War Raiders.
This match had a hectic start in favor of the babyface team. New Day and Waller found themselves hurt just a minute in, as the War Raiders both did dives off the ring apron, then Penta came flying off the top and to the floor with a huge dive.
New Day and Waller got ahead in the bout during the break, isolating Erik on their half of the ring. Ivar eventually found a hot tag, going up against Waller in the ring. After a back-and-forth sequence between the two, Penta tagged in, handling both Waller and Xavier Woods at the same time.
Still banged up from the damage he took earlier in the bout, Erik struggled as he got back into the match, getting hit with a Rolling Flatliner by Waller, then a frogsplash off the top onto his back. A pin attempt was broken up by Penta.
The babyface squad triple-teamed Woods. The War Raiders delivered a top-rope double team move to Woods (this seemingly didn’t go entirely as planned), then Penta landed a Mexican Destroyer for the pinfall win in eight minutes.
Backstage, Rhea Ripley was asked her thoughts on the upcoming title match between Stephanie Vaquer and IYO SKY. She said that no matter who wins, she’ll do what she can to get a shot against them. When the questioning shifted to The Kabuki Warriors, the duo themselves arrived.
Ripley said she doesn’t know why Asuka has a problem with her. “You are not friends [with SKY],” Asuka said. “Stay away.”
Ripley warned Asuka not to push her. “I will push anyone I want,” Asuka said. Once again, Kairi Sane seemed like the one stuck between two parties in this segment.
Thanks to El Grande Americano, Dominik Mysterio can still call himself champ
Backstage, Roxanne Perez said to Adam Pearce that she was the last person to beat IYO SKY, and thus should be added to the Wrestlepalooza title match. Pearce said that if SKY wins, he’ll consider giving her a shot. Lyra Valkyria walked into the office, causing a quick verbal spar between her and Judgement Day.
Valkyria met with Pearce for an update on Bayley. Pearce said that she talked to Bayley, she said some weird stuff, but she’ll be back soon. Valkyria, who wanted a bit more of an update regarding Bayley, said she wants a match against someone from Judgement Day. Pearce liked this idea.
The sole title match of the night came next, as AJ Styles tried for his first singles title run since 2020 when he met WWE Intercontinental Champion Dominik Mysterio. The entire commercial break prior to this match saw the loud and energetic crowd chant for Styles, only stopping the chant once music eventually cut them off.
Mysterio got a jump on Styles, attacking him during the pre-match title introductions. Styles wasn’t shaken up by this attack for long, nailing Mysterio with a dropkick just seconds into the match. Styles followed Mysterio to the outside with a crossbody, taking control as the show went to commercials.
Mysterio tried walking up the ramp and toward the exit during the break, but was grabbed by Styles, who ran him into the barricade numerous times before throwing him back into the ring.
Mysterio caught Styles as he was climbing through the ropes with a head kick, helping him get back into the fight. Mysterio came off the top rope with a hurricanrana right as the show returned. The defending champ started to mock Styles’ mannerisms while picking on him with strikes in the middle of the ring.
Styles caught a kick from Mysterio, allowing him to score a series of blows. He landed a sliding forearm, a splash in the corner, then a Death Valley Driver onto his knee. Styles took a moment to take in the hectic crowd, causing Mysterio to escape a move from the challenger.
The fight went to the ring apron, where a hurricanrana from Mysterio sent Styles onto the floor. Mysterio kept the pressure on Styles, scoring a baseball slide to the head after he got back up to his feet. Mysterio tried for another move at ringside but got caught by Styles, who threw him onto the commentary table, getting him back into the fight as the match went to a second commercial break.
Mysterio came off the top with a move during the break but landed groin-first on a knee of Styles. As the match passed the 10-minute mark, the wrestlers went to the top rope once again. Mysterio came off the top with a DDT to Styles right as the show came back.
Styles and Mysterio started to exchange blows as they returned to their feet. Styles got a two-count from a neckbreaker. Another close kickout emerged after Styles hit a gutbuster.
Styles tried for a Styles Clash, but Mysterio reversed into a move that Michael Cole said is called the “Mullet-O-Matic.” Styles reversed a suplex from Mysterio, sending the champ back-first into a set of turnbuckles.
Mysterio landed a nice Michinoku Driver, but it wasn’t enough to put away Styles. He connected with a Three Amigos, then came off the top with a frogsplash, but still, Styles remained in the fight.
Mysterio tried for a 619, but Styles caught his boots. He used the counter to score a Styles Clash, but a leg from Mysterio got caught in the middle rope during a follow-up pin attempt, keeping the match going. Styles landed a Bloody Sunday, then started setting up for a Phenomenal Forearm.
Styles was about to launch off the apron, but was stopped by El Grande Americano, who kept a hold of his leg from ringside. As the referee was looking away, Americano headbutted Styles with his loaded mask, putting out the challenger cold. Mysterio came off the top with another frogsplash for the pinfall win at 16 minutes. Judgement Day wasn’t allowed at ringside, but Mysterio had a plan B.
Michael Cole provided some injury updates: Roman Reigns suffered “multiple fractured ribs” due to the attack he suffered on Sunday, leaving him out indefinitely.
LA Knight was asked about whether he can set aside differences with Jey Uso for tonight’s main event. “We can either survive together or die apart,” Knight said about having to work with Uso for a night. Uso walked into the frame: “Just stay out of my way tonight and we won’t have a problem,” he said.
Rhea Ripley was seen telling CM Punk that Seth Rollins probably isn’t coming to the venue. Adam Pearce approached Punk with some news: Apparently, Rollins is in the building. Punk walked off, saying he’s going to “handle it.”
CM Punk vows to make Rollins and Lynch regret their actions
Rusev cut a promo following his win over Sheamus on Sunday: “Last night, he brought his Irish body, but his French spirit showed up … Maybe we can be friends again now that you know that your place is beneath my feet.”
While it seemed like we were getting our main event next, instead, we saw CM Punk make his way to the ring.
Punk said that he’s hijacking the show, promising not to leave the ring until Seth Rollins arrives. While he threatened to stay in the ring until the show went off air, for a moment, it seemed he didn’t have to wait long at all. Moments later, Seth Rollins’ music hit.
But Punk didn’t get what he was hoping for. Walking out to Rollins’ music was Becky Lynch.
“I wasn’t the man you were looking for, but I’m the man you’re gonna have to deal with,” Lynch said.
Punk insisted that he still just wants to see Rollins. Lynch continued to frustrate Punk by going on and on with a promo. Punk said that the only thing Rollins “runs” from is adversity. He said Rollins hides behind so many people, with Lynch being the latest person he has used this way.
After a long back and forth between these two, Rollins finally appeared on the stage. “Hey Punk! I’ve been looking for you all night, pal,” Rollins said. “If you’ve got something to say to your World Heavyweight Champion, why don’t you come up here and say it to my face?”
Punk tried to exit the ring but was stopped by Lynch, who kept getting in his way. After getting around Lynch, Punk saw Rollins leave the stage. He turned around and was slapped by Lynch numerous times. She mockingly asked if he was going to do something about it.
“You’re pathetic,” Lynch said.
“I’m gonna make Seth Rollins regret ever cashing in on me. And you’re gonna regret putting your hands on me,” Punk replied.
A frustrated Punk left the ring as Lynch berated him on the microphone. An irate Punk asked Adam Pearce where Rollins went, and was informed Rollins had already left the venue.
“Where’s Smackdown on Friday?” Punk asked. “Chicago, home sweet home. Why?” Pearce replied.
“Tremendous,” said Punk before walking off.
It was announced that John Cena will make his final appearance in Chicago on Friday’s Smackdown.
The Vision takes down Jey Uso and LA Knight, Jimmy Uso makes save during post-match brawl
The main event of the night saw Jey Uso and LA Knight attempt to co-exist in tag action against Bronson Reed and Bron Breakker.
Breakker tossed Uso over the top and to the outside early in the match. The heel side kept Uso trapped for a few minutes, eventually setting up for Knight to get a hot tag onto Reed.
Knight was able to get Reed down with a neckbreaker, then scored a top-rope elbow drop. A slight distraction at ringside from Breakker allowed Reed to land a splash in the corner. Knight rolled to ringside, where Breakker threw him shoulder-first into steel stairs.
Knight was brought back into the ring, where Reed got a two-count from a senton. Breakker got back into the match to continue the work on Knight. Uso tagged in at the 10-minute mark, going head-to-head with Breakker.
Uso connected with a hip attack in the corner. He reversed a move from Breakker, then came running off the ropes for a spear. Reed rolled into the ring and tried to help Breakker but was knocked back to ringside after a superkick and a trio of clotheslines, which Knight helped with.
Uso gave Reed a tope suicida to the outside. In the ring, Knight delivered a BFT to Breakker. Uso came off the top with a frogsplash, but the pin attempt was stopped by Reed, who dragged Uso out of the ring.
Reed threw Knight into a ringpost. Back in the ring, Uso dodged a splash in the corner from Reed. Uso hit a trio of superkicks, then a spear to Reed. The former world champ came off the top with a frogsplash to Reed, who notably wasn’t the legal wrestler.
This focus on Reed ended up costing Uso the match. Breakker came back into the ring with a spear to Uso, giving him the pinfall victory in 14 minutes.
The Vision wanted to send a message afterward, continuing to attack Uso and Knight. Breakker hit Knight with a spear, then Reed sent him over an announce table. In the ring, Uso was hit with a Tsunami.
With Jey laid out, his brother, Jimmy Uso came to the ring with a steel chair for the save. He put an end to the attack, but the damage had already been done. Jimmy talked to a hurt Jey as the show went off air.
