WWE Raw live results: Three title matches
Date: December 18, 2023
Location: Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, IA
Show Recap —
The entire Judgment Day entered to start the show. There was a funny moment on commentary right away as Wade Barrett mistakenly referred to Micahel Cole as “Saxton.” Barrett had to stop himself from laughing, and Cole told him he was fired.
Finn Bálor congratulated the Creed Brothers on getting this far and said tonight might be the biggest night of their lives, but it was just another day at the office for him and his man Damian Priest.
Rhea Ripley warned Ivy Nile not to talk about her again and said Judgment Day would make 2024 their year, just like 2023. Dominik Mysterio said they ran all of WWE (as the crowd booed).
R-Truth entered. He said they forgot to tell him that they were opening the show. Truth figured the beatdown they gave him was just his initiation but they went a little too far because they hurt him physically and emotionally. Truth knew Priest really liked him.
Truth thought they should squash their beef by having a Miracle on 34th Street Fight and JD McDonagh told him that the match had already been signed and advertised. Truth thought they should make it a loser-leave-Judgment Day match and not only was Priest amused, but he thought it was a good idea. The crowd cheered it too. Ripley wasn’t having it.
(They let Truth go on for a bit with his usual comedy but none of it really stuck until that last bit.)
Miracle on 34th Street fight: R-Truth defeated JD McDonagh (w/Dominik Mysterio) (9:49)
(Cole tried to convince Barrett all match that the loser-leave-Judgment Day stip was legit.)
Truth was in control until Dom posted him. Truth grabbed a table after a break to the delight of the crowd but McDonagh cut him off before he could use it. Dom tripped Truth as he came off the ropes but Truth’s head landed in McDonagh’s crotch.
Truth launched Dom into the steel steps and sprayed a fire extinguisher in McDonagh’s face. Truth did John Cena’s comeback spots before hitting McDonagh with a Christmas tree.
They battled on the top with a table behind them in the ring. McDonagh headbutted Truth and yanked Truth towards him but they just sort of collided and fell through the table. Truth happened to be on top of McDonagh so the ref counted the fall and Truth picked up the win.
(I’m not sure what the spot was supposed to be, but either way, it was a fluke win for Truth. They didn’t bother showing a replay.)
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Kayden Carter and Katana Chance cut a backstage promo on Chelsea Green and Piper Niven. They planned on winning the tag titles and partying.
Nia Jax/Becky Lynch segment
Nia Jax entered ahead of a commercial break. After returning from break, Jax had a microphone but before she could speak, Becky Lynch interrupted. Lynch marched into the ring but Jax bailed. Lynch invited her to speak to her face. Jax said she’d love to break Lynch’s face again but she had more important things to deal with.
Jax announced she was entering the Royal Rumble. Lynch said the fans didn’t care (the fans agreed with Lynch). The crowd was happy to see Lynch who was looking for a fight. Jax said they’ve never fought because “they” (she pointed to the back) were afraid of what she would do to Lynch because Lynch was the money-maker. Jax said she would break Lynch.
Lynch said she was indeed their money-maker because she was willing to fight anyone, anytime. It wasn’t “them” who was afraid, it was Jax. Lynch said Jax’s entire existence there was based on someone else’s name: first it was her cousin’s and now it was Lynch’s.
Jax’s only claim to fame was being the one who broke the nose of the greatest to ever do it. That’s why Jax doesn’t want the fight because losing to Lynch would negate that. Lynch invited her to a fight right now and Jax called out a ref. Jax teased entering the ring but backed off again.
Jax saw how badly Lynch wanted this so she said this would only happen on her terms. Jax announced the match would happen in her hometown of San Diego on January 1. Jax said Lynch would end up in the hospital with her daughter asking her why she was uglier than usual.
Jax turned her back on Lynch while saying she would break her face over and over. Lynch went after her but officials quickly separated them. That allowed Jax to knock down Lynch from behind by hitting her in the back of the head.
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Kofi Claus approached Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa in the back. They said they wanted the tag titles for Christmas. Kingston gave Gargano a Yeet shirt instead. Gargano was happy because his son loved Jey Uso.
DIY found Miz nearby. Gargano said they’ve had their issues but last week’s match was great. They shook hands. Ciampa said it wasn’t great — it was awesome.
Jackie Redmond approached Miz for an interview. Miz said Imperium was cracking and he’s the one who rattled Gunther. Miz planned on finishing what he started by becoming a nine-time Intercontinental Champion.
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Gunther defeated The Miz to retain the Intercontinental Championship (21:22)
Gunther swatted Miz down with a chop but he was being too cocky and Miz caught him in an Indian Deathlock. Gunther got a rope break, chopped Miz outside the ring and powerbombed him onto the apron. (Miz didn’t go up properly so Gunther had to readjust before hitting the powerbomb.)
Miz fired back after a break but Gunther booted him. Gunther mocked Miz before cutting off another comeback attempt with a chop. Miz fought back and tried a springboard crossbody but Gunther caught him. Gunther placed Miz on the top rope, drove his boot into his face and chopped him. Miz ducked a chop outside the ring and Gunther chopped the ring post which led to a second break.
[SECOND HOUR]
Gunther sold his hand but managed to apply a cravat. Miz fought out and hit a low DDT, regular DDT and a tilt-a-whirl DDT for a nearfall. Miz ran out of the corner but Gunther nailed a dropkick and hit a powerbomb for two. Gunther applied a Boston Crab but Miz got a rope break, thanks in part to Gunther’s injured hand giving out.
Gunther chopped Miz so Miz invited him to hit him again. Gunther applied a sleeper but Miz transitioned into a cradle for a close nearfall. Miz booted Gunther’s injured hand and hit a Skull Crushing Finale for another nearfall. The crowd chanted “One more time.”
Miz tried a few kicks but Gunther clobbered him with a clothesline. Gunther went to the top but Miz kicked the rope into his hand and hit a Skull Crushing Finale off the middle rope. Miz went for a cover but Gunther rolled out of the ring and the crowd booed.
Miz rolled Gunther back into the ring but when Miz entered the ring, Gunther immediately hit him with a powerbomb. Gunther followed with a clothesline and another powerbomb for the pinfall win.
(This was really good, particularly the stuff after the final break, and the crowd was really into the nearfalls.)
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There was a Creed Brothers video package that focused heavily on how hard they train. Funny enough, the video was sponsored by Modelo.
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Ludwig Kaiser and Giovanni Vinci congratulated Gunther on his win. Gunther said they had no reason to be jolly and celebrating. Gunther was the only one contributing to their group because the last year had been a write-off for them. Gunther said he would step away for a couple of weeks to recharge but they had to stay behind to grind, work hard and finally impress him. Gunther left.
Kofi Claus approached Kaiser and Vinci. Ludwig told him to leave. Kingston gave him a gift. It was coal. Kingston laughed and said, “It’s coal!” (which was funny). Kingston said they should’ve expected that because they’ve been naughty all year.
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Shinsuke Nakamura read to us, “The American Nightmare Before Christmas.” And here it is:
‘Twas the week before Christmas, and out from my mouth
came a warning to Cody that Shinsuke would pounce.
While your daughter is nestled all snug in her bed,
And visions of championships dance through your head.
Shinsuke is plotting to live out your story
To ruin your plans and extinguish your glory
The Nightmare is over,
The Nightmare is through.
The mist burns its eyes,
For the Nightmare is You!
You Bastard, you Cancer, you Prancer, you Nitwit
You’re Vomit, you’re Stupid, you’re Father was Inbred!
My goal is to see that you’re living in fright.
Merry Christmas to you,
I will be your last fight.
— Cody Rhodes barged in and attacked Nakamura. At least he let him finish. Rhodes attacked Nakamura through the crowd toward ringside.
Rhodes setup Nakamura for something on the announce table but a security guard ran in and pulled Nakamura away. (Security normally just gets between them but this guy flat-out saved Nakamura.) As more security arrived, Nakamura backed off and the crowd chanted “Let them fight.”
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Chelsea Green and Piper Niven tried to weasel their way out of their title defence but Adam Pearce said no.
Bronson Reed approached Pearce because he wanted to talk about Gunther.
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The announcers wished Trish Stratus a happy birthday.
Kayden Carter & Kananta Chance defeated Chelsea Green & Piper Niven to become Women’s Tag Team Champions (9:43)
Niven hit both opponents with a Vader Bomb ahead of a break. Carter fought back after a break and made a cover on Green. Piper tried to break it up with a splash but Carter moved and Green got splashed instead. Carter followed with a springboard leg drop for two. Green hit Carter with a Codebreaker and held her in place on her knees as Niven hit a senton but Katana broke up the cover.
Carter and Chance teamed up and hit Niven with “the Keg Stand” but Green (barely) broke up the cover. Chance reversed an Unprettier into a Codebreaker before Carter and Chance hit Green with Afterparty (combo neckbreaker/450 splash) for the pinfall win. New champs. The crowd gave them a round of applause.
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Alpha Academy was with Ivy Nile as she trained in the back. Nile said she asked Pearce for a match against Ripley after hearing what she said earlier. Nile said her goal was to become champion in 2024. Akira Tozawa showed up and announced he also got himself a match — against Ivar. Ivar and Valhalla showed up right on cue. Chad Gable and Otis didn’t like this idea.
(Chad Gable has only had two singles matches on Raw since losing to Gunther and has lost them both. The most recent was a month ago. He hasn’t won a match on Raw since September.)
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Various women on the roster applauded Katanta and Kayden in the back. Kofi Claus congratulated them and asked what they wanted for Christmas. They said they got exactly what they wanted. Kayden and Katana dragged Candice LeRae and Indi Hartwell to go party with them. Natalya (with Tegan Nox) told Shayna Baszler and Zoey Stark that they’d need new challengers and the teams faced off.
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Ivar (w/Valhalla) defeated Akira Tozawa (w/Maxxine Dupri) (4:08)
Tozawa got some stuff in before Ivar won with a World’s Strongest Slam off the middle rope.
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[THIRD HOUR]
The announcers wished Steve Austin a happy birthday.
Seth Rollins/Drew McIntyre segment
Rollins got a good reaction in his home state. He said he was more motivated than ever to be the best champion in the entire industry. He was excited for 2024 and it started with Day 1 when he defends his world title against Drew McIntyre.
McIntyre interrupted. Rollins said he hadn’t forgotten about McIntyre headbutting him a few weeks ago and warned him to tread lightly. McIntyre said he wasn’t there to fight because they had a match scheduled already. McIntyre wanted to tell Rollins he was proud of him. Everyone was kissing CM Punk’s ass but Rollins told him the truth to his face because he was a true leader.
McIntyre said Rollins was on top of the world and it must feel good knowing he’d get to spend some time with his family. McIntyre went home recently and began to feel guilt. He saw his dad getting older and for the first time in 16 years, he began to wonder if it was all worth it.
McIntyre knew Rollins could relate. Rollins’ wife was in the same boat as McIntyre, sacrificing every day away from their family. They’ve had plenty of difficult conversations about missing family moments for the benefit of the business. Their families would tell them not to come home and to keep chasing their dreams but suddenly those family members weren’t around anymore.
McIntyre didn’t want Rollins’ title — he needed it. He needed to know the sacrifices were worth it and he was willing to hurt Rollins to take it.
Rollins wanted to believe McIntyre but his actions lately don’t align with his words. Rollins did respect McIntyre for earning another shot but wondered why he thought the outcome would be different this time.
Rollins saw that McIntyre was willing to lie and cheat and take shortcuts but he wasn’t willing to do the one thing he needed to and that was take responsibility for his actions. McIntyre had to look himself in the mirror and face the reality that the only person keeping him from being champion was himself.
Rollins told another man last week that he hated him and he meant what he said. He didn’t hate McIntyre though, he pitied him. Rollins wished him a Merry Christmas and he’d see him in a few weeks.
McIntyre tried to attack Rollins as he left but Rollins saw it coming. Rollins went after him outside the ring but McIntyre shoved him into the barricade and gave him a reverse Alabama Slam onto the steel steps. (Rollins really sold his arm.)
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Rhodes thanked the Creed Brothers for their help last week. He wanted them to beat Judgment Day for the titles. Julius and Brutus marked out for Rhodes after he left.
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Kofi Claus tossed WWE merch into the crowd but he was attacked by Kaiser and Vinci.
Jey Uso ran out to his music to make the save. The crowd said Yeet as he handed out right hands. Jey wiped out Imperium with a dive before helping Kingston to his feet. Jey challenged Kaiser to a match (which was made official during a break).
(Jey wore a new “Yeet” shirt that was purposely blurred out.)
Jey Uso defeated Ludwig Kaiser (w/Giovanni Vinci) (10:19)
Vinci got involved a couple of times so Kingston reappeared to take him out with Trouble in Paradise. Jey hit Kaiser with a spear and Uso Splash for the pinfall win.
— Kingston (in his Santa outfit) and Jey celebrated together.
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Priest mocked McDonagh for losing to Truth (two hours after the conclusion of his match). Ripley wasn’t happy with that because his loss was a reflection on all of them. Priest said McDonagh was out of the Judgment Day as per the stip but McDonagh protested. Priest didn’t appreciate that McDonagh thought he could decide stipulations so McDonagh pleaded and asked not to kick him out of Judgment Day. Priest said he was not out of Judgment Day — yet.
Ripley wanted them to get serious and said she would defend her title against Ivy Nile on Day 1. Bálor said they would deal with the Creed Brothers tonight. (McDonagh was about to go with them but Ripley shoved him back into his seat.)
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Raw Day 1 on January 1, 2024:
- Becky Lynch vs. Nia Jax
- Natalya & Tegan Nox vs. Shayna Baszler & Zoey Stark
- Rhea Ripley vs. Ivy Nile – Women’s World Title match
- Seth Rollins vs. Drew McIntyre – World Heavyweight Title match
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Finn Bálor & Damian Priest (w/Rhea Ripley) defeated The Creed Brothers (w/Ivy Nile) to retain the Undisputed Tag Team Championships (16:13)
They had an entertaining match but the talk of this match will likely be the finish.
They went to break a minute into the match and the Creed Brothers worked over Bálor after the break. Priest made a blind tag, knocked Julius out of the ring and hit a clothesline. Brutus tagged in, ran wild on Bálor and hit a gutwrench slam. Priest tagged himself in again and used a running charge to send Brutus over the announce table.
Brutus fought back after a break and made the tag to Julius to hit Bálor and Priest with overhead belly-to-belly suplexes. Julius fired up the crowd (which was dead before the break) and hit a standing shooting star for two.
Ripley attacked Nile but Nile got Ripley on her shoulders and slammed her on the apron.
The Creeds hit Bálor with Brutus Ball but Priest broke up the cover. Julius countered a Priest chokeslam with a dropkick and hit a flip dive. Bálor set up Brutus for a Coup de Grace but Julius broke it up. The Creeds gave Priest a Brutus Ball but Bálor broke up the cover by hitting a Coup de Grace. Brutus wiped out Bálor with a dive.
Priest gave Julius a South of Heaven chokeslam for the pinfall win.
Julius seemed to kick out at three and Priest acted annoyed after the match.
Priest chucked Julius out of the ring. Ripley was happy they retained but Priest looked angry. (Priest might have also been pissed that Brutus landed right on his head on the Brutus Ball earlier.)