Two title matches set for first WWE Raw of 2023
Two title matches will take place on the first WWE Raw of 2023.
It was announced Monday that Bianca Belair will defend the Raw Women’s title against Alexa Bliss on the January 2 edition of the show, plus Austin Theory will put the United States title on the line against Seth Rollins.
Bliss defeated Bayley to become the new number one contender for the title during last week’s Raw. After the match, Belair celebrated with Bliss, but after the Raw video screen flickered, Bliss attempted to lay out Belair with the Sister Abigail. She stopped herself before she could, however.
On this week’s Raw, Belair confronted Bliss in a sit-down interview with Byron Saxton. Bliss wasn’t able to explain why she did what she did, but talked about her history with Bray Wyatt and how he had turned her into a dark figure that eventually caused her to go to therapy, but it didn’t help. Belair told Bliss she didn’t believe her, saying she knew what Bliss and Wyatt were capable of. Bliss told Belair not to make this about Wyatt. Belair got up to leave as the screen behind them flickered. Bliss responded by grabbing a nearby vase and smashed it in the back of Belair’s head.
Rollins defeated Bobby Lashley on last week’s Raw to become the number one contender to Theory’s title. The two engaged in a promo battle in the ring during this week’s episode.
The first Raw of the new year will take place at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. A best of 2022 episode will air on December 26.
The announced lineup for the first Raw of 2023:
WWE Raw, Monday, January 2, 2023 —
- Raw Women’s Championship: Bianca Belair (c) vs. Alexa Bliss
- United States Championship: Austin Theory (c) vs. Seth Rollins