The John Report: WWE Raw Deal 11/25/24 Review
It’s WWE Raw featuring Nia Jax in action against Bianca Belair, plus Bron Breakker facing Ludwig Kaiser on the final Raw before Survivor Series.
The WWE Survivor Series WarGames PLE is this Saturday in Vancouver. There are not a lot of matches on the card, but there are the Men’s and Women’s WarGames matches that WWE will promote heavily throughout the week.
We found out on Smackdown last Friday that CM Punk will be in WarGames with Roman Reigns, The Usos and Sami Zayn against Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, Jacob Fatu & Bronson Reed. They also taped next week’s Smackdown (to give Thanksgiving week off for the wrestlers and crew involved with Smackdown) right after it, so we know a bit more about what’s coming although I won’t spoil it here.
Jade Cargill is out of the Women’s WarGames match after a mystery attacker took her out on Smackdown last week. The injury angle was done to cover up a legit injury that could keep Cargill out of action for up to three months.
This is the Raw Deal for episode #1644 of Monday Night Raw. It’s taking place at the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale (Phoenix), Arizona. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport, friend me on Facebook, or chat with me on the Bluesky App as well. Let’s get to it.
Bianca Belair was shown walking backstage with Naomi while Nia Jax was also shown walking backstage with Tiffany Stratton. Ludwig Kaiser and Bron Breakker were also shown walking separately in the backstage area because they had a match. The War Raiders were shown walking in the backstage area and so were The Judgment Day for tag team action later in the show.
The commentary team was Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett as usual.
Let’s Hear from GUNTHER and Damian Priest
The World Heavyweight Champion GUNTHER was interviewed in the ring by Jackie Redmond. A clip was shown of Damian Priest outsmarting Gunther and knocking Gunther down. Gunther was asked about Priest calling him a guy who never used to lose, but now he’s more vulnerable and Gunther didn’t reply, so there was an interruption.
Damian Priest walked down to the ring telling Gunther to let us know how easy it’s going to be for him. Jackie passed the microphone to Gunther and she left the ring. Priest wondered if Gunther grew a set so he could say something to his face. Priest said they both know that the real Gunther is back. Priest said maybe Gunther is feeling the pressure of being the champion. Priest knows why Gunther doesn’t know to react and it’s because Gunther’s never had to deal with a problem like Priest. Priest said that at Survivor Series, this problem is taking that championship. Priest also wondered what happens to Gunther at Survivor Series when the Ring General loses to a guy from the street? Priest told Gunther to talk since it was his interview time.
Gunther hit Priest with the microphone to the head followed by punches. Gunther connected with a boot to the head. Gunther tossed Priest out of the ring where Gunther nailed a clothesline on the floor. Gunther cleared the commentary table off, so referees went to ringside. Priest got back up with punches and Priest gave Gunther a Razor’s Edge through the commentary table. Priest posed with the World Title over a fallen Gunther and then Priest tossed the title onto Gunther. The fans cheered for Priest.
Analysis: The story going into the match has been about Damian Priest having the physical and mental advantage over Gunther, who didn’t even say a word in that promo. Priest also got the upper hand with the Razor’s Edge through the table, which is a great way to pop the crowd. While Priest has looked strong going into their Survivor Series, I’ll take Gunther to retain his title. It’s classic “look strong on TV, lose on PPV (or PLE)” style booking.
A clip was shown of Jade Cargill getting attacked on Smackdown and laid out on the hood of the car.
Bianca Belair was shown getting ready while Naomi approached her wondering who their fifth partner could be since Jade Cargill was out. Iyo Sky said she wanted Kairi Sane on the team. Belair wasn’t sure about somebody from Damage CTRL. Naomi suggested Bayley, which Belair didn’t like because of their history. Rhea Ripley walked in saying she didn’t care who it was as long as they leave her Liv Morgan. Belair wasn’t impressed with Ripley’s lack of leadership. Belair said she had to get ready for her match and told them to figure it out.
Analysis: If you read the Smackdown spoilers for this Friday then you already know who the partner is, but I won’t spoil it here. It’s important for them to tell the story in order and we’ll find out later most likely. I think it’s important to have some dissension about who the partner will be.
Rey Mysterio and Dragon Lee entered with the LWO for tag team action up next.
A commercial aired for Raw’s debut on Netflix on January 6th in Los Angeles. That’s going to be great.
(Commercial)
Tornado Tag Team Match: The Creed Brothers of American Made – Brutus & Julius Creed vs. LWO – Rey Mysterio & Dragon Lee
It’s a Tornado Tag Team Match so there are no tags. The first pinfall or submission wins.
The Creeds used their power advantage early as they sent Lee hard into the turnbuckle. Lee hit a hurricanrana on Brutus. Rey came back with a seated senton on Julius followed by Rey hitting a springboard moonsault on Julius for two. Lee and Rey hit multiple kicks to knock Brutus down for a two count. Brutus came back with an elbow on Rey and a clothesline on Lee. Lee headbutted Brutus by the turnbuckle and then Julius jumped up to the top rope leading to a superplex on Lee. Julius is an incredible athlete. Julius hit a jumping knee on Lee for two. Lee jumped over the top leading to a hurricanrana on Brutus from the apron to the floor. Rey sent Julius to the apron, but Julius came back with a clothesline as the show went to break there.
(Commercial)
The match returned as Julius caught Rey out of the ring and hit a spinning slam. Julius nailed Lee to knock him down to the floor. Julius went up top and hit a 450 Splash on Rey for two because Lee made the save. Lee hit a running kick on Brutus followed by a leap over the top leading to a kick on Brutus. Julius picked up Lee, but Lee countered it with a Tornado DDT for two because Brutus made the save. Lee went up top, The Creeds went after him and Rey hit a 619 kick on both Creeds. That led to Lee jumping off the top leading to a double stomp on both Creeds. The LWO kicked Brutus out of the ring, Rey hit a sliding splash on the floor. Lee tried a dive onto Julius, there was a slip and then Julius suplexed Lee on the floor. Rey flipped Julius around to send him into the ropes. Brutus was sent crashing into the referee at ringside. Chad Gable showed up, he twisted Rey’s mask around (the referee never saw it) and Julius did a ROLLUP OF DEATH~! on Rey for the pinfall win. It went about 11 minutes. American Made celebrated on the commentary table so Wade Barrett celebrated with them.
Winners by pinfall: The Creed Brothers of American Made – Brutus & Julius Creed
Analysis: ***1/4 It was an entertaining match with a cheap finish because Chad Gable got involved to give The Creeds the win. That was a unique way to end it because Gable twisted Rey’s mask around so that he couldn’t see out of the eyes, which apparently made Rey unable to kick out of the dreaded ROLLUP OF DEATH~! as well. I’m fine with American Made winning there because I have complained recently about them losing matches too often, so a win is important for them.
A video was shown of Paul Heyman returning on Smackdown to announce CM Punk will be on the Roman Reigns team at Survivor Series. They showed some fan reaction videos online along with media coverage. A graphic said it had over 72 million social views, which is the most of any Smackdown moment in 2024.
Bron Breakker made his entrance as the Intercontinental Champion for a non-title match up next.
(Commercial)
The Judgment Day was hanging out in their clubhouse. Liv Morgan talked to Raquel Rodriguez about needing the advantage in WarGames. R-Truth walked in saying he had to hide from Butch. Finn Balor told Truth to get out of there and Truth said that they aren’t a family anymore, so no Thanksgiving. The fans laughed. Finn Balor fired up talking about how they are going to win their World Tag Team Title match against The War Raiders while Liv & Rhea will win at WarGames. Finn said they have no leader in the group, but when they listen to Finn, they are one big happy, successful family.
Ludwig Kaiser vs. Bron Breakker
They are both heels in theory, but Bron will get the better crowd reactions as a face. Bron got going with a running clothesline to show off his speed. They battled by the turnbuckle where Kaiser avoided a move and hit a chop. Bron came back with a lifting attack that ended with Bron hitting double knees to the ribs. Bron ran around the commentary table, Kaiser avoided it and Bron went crashing hard into the corner of the commentary table. That sounded brutal! The referee checked on Bron on the floor as the show went to break.
(Commercial)
The match continued with a replay of Bron’s charging attack against the commentary table. Kaiser was in control with an abdominal stretch. The crowd was chanting for Bron while Kaiser worked over Bron with slaps and punches to the upper body. Bron came back with punches along with a leaping clothesline. Bron caught a leaping Kaiser, which led to a powerslam. Kaiser hit a strike, Kaiser was on the turnbuckle and Bron jumped up to the top with a Frankensteiner. Bron charged, but Kaiser hit a jumping kick. Bron was on the steel steps, so Kaiser wanted to do a cheap attack, but Sheamus arrived with a forearm to the back of Kaiser, so the referee called for the bell for the DQ. It went about nine minutes.
Winner by disqualification: Ludwig Kaiser
Analysis: **1/2 It was similar to last week’s Breakker match with Sheamus that ended when Kaiser ruined it. This time it was Sheamus getting revenge by attacking Kaiser. This is the kind of booking that is usually done to set up a triple threat match.
After the match, Sheamus worked over Kaiser with punches. Officials showed up to break it up as Bron turned Sheamus around to wonder what he was doing. Bron and Sheamus got into a fight and then Kaiser got back up to join the fight, so officials tried to break it up. The show went to break there.
(Commercial)
The show returned with Sheamus, Bron Breakker, and Ludwig Kaiser brawling by the entrance area. There were WWE officials, referees, and security guys there to try to break it up.
Raw GM Adam Pearce showed up to announce that there will be a triple threat match at Survivor Series: Bron Breakker defends the Intercontinental Championship against Sheamus and Ludwig Kaiser. The fans cheered. The three guys fought for a bit more, but then it stopped when they were separated.
Analysis: It was obvious from last week’s booking that it was heading to a triple threat at Survivor Series. I like it. Sheamus winning the IC Title would be cool, but I think it’s more likely that Breakker returns.
A video package aired about CM Punk being announced by Paul Heyman as the fifth member of the Roman Reigns team at Survivor Series.
Sami Zayn, Jey Uso & Jimmy Uso were interviewed by Cathy Kelley in the locker room. Zayn said that a lot of people have a complicated history with CM Punk. Zayn said on Smackdown, Roman Reigns will talk with CM Punk. Zayn wondered out loud if they could trust CM Punk. Jimmy said that yes they can trust CM Punk because the Wise Man said it’s cool to trust Punk. Jimmy said that they have the Wise Man and their fifth man. Jey Uso said this Friday he’s against Jacob Fatu in the WarGames Advantage Match. Jey said it’s a family reunion, but he’s going to whoop that ass and go to war on Saturday. Yeet.
WWE World Tag Team Championships: The Judgment Day – Finn Balor & JD McDonagh vs. The War Raiders – Erik & Ivar
Joe Tess pointed out that Finn & JD won the titles five months ago and this is only their second title defense. Barrett defended the champions saying that it was strategy from a smart guy like Balor.
The War Raiders were aggressive to start the match. Erik gave Ivar a body slam onto Balor, who rolled out of the ring. Ivar hit a somersault off the apron onto the champions on the floor. They went to break one minute into this match.
(Commercial)
Balor was in control of Erik with a front headlock. Erik tried to break free, but Balor avoided a splash attempt. Balor ran the ropes leading to a dropkick for two. JD and Finn made some quick tags leading to JD hitting a springboard moonsault for two. Balor came back with an elbow drop into a neckbreaker for two. Ivar avoided JD leading to Erik nearly tagging out. Balor was legal as he held onto Erik and Erik nailed Balor with an elbow smash. Ivar got the hot tag with a powerslam on JD along with a running cross body block. Ivar hit a seated senton on JD”s chest and a spin kick to Balor. Ivar hit a running splash to JD’s chest. Erik was back in and he launched JD up leading to a powerslam for a two count. Erik hit Balor with a knee to knock him out of the ring. Dominik Mysterio and Carlito tried to help the champions, but War Raiders knocked them down easily. The War Raiders hit their War Machine double team slam into a German Suplex for two because Dominik put JD’s foot on the bottom rope. The referee ejected Dominik from ringside, so Erik hit Dominik and Carlito down with a running elbow. Ivar went to the ropes for a move, but Balor attacked and snapped the neck against the top rope. JD rolled up Ivar in a move like the ROLLUP OF DEATH~! for the pinfall win. It went about 10 minutes.
Winners by pinfall: The Judgment Day – Finn Balor & JD McDonagh
Analysis: *** It was a good match with a cheap finish. That finish was similar to Chad Gable helping American Made earlier although in this case, it was a cheap move by Balor rather than somebody not in the match. It was still interference by The Judgment Day that led into the finish so it didn’t feel original. Anyway, it does fit The Judgment Day to get the win as cheap heels.
A video aired letting us know that next week on Raw is a ten-year anniversary celebration of The New Day. Why? Because New Day rocks. The graphic only showed Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods without Big E.
Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods were backstage watching that video. Woods said they had to squash this while saying he loved Kofi and Kofi said he loved Woods too. Woods said I will be the greatest night in their carer. Kofi said let’s show them what The New Day is all about.
The New Day made their entrance for tag team action.
(Commercial)
They showed actress/musician Vanessa Hudgens at ringside.
Alpha Academy – Otis & Akira Tozawa (w/Maxxine Dupri) vs. The New Day – Kofi Kingston vs. Xavier Woods
Kofi wanted to start, but Woods tagged himself in. Otis managed to knock both New Day guys down because he hit Woods with a spinning back elbow and clothesline on Kofi. Otis splashed Woods against the turnbuckle. Otis hit the Caterpillar into an elbow on Kofi. Tozawa tagged in and Tozawa hit a Senton Bomb off the top onto Woods for the pinfall win. This match went only about two minutes.
Winners by pinfall: Alpha Academy – Otis & Akira Tozawa
Analysis: *1/4 A rare win for the Alpha Academy group that tends to lose most of their matches. That also continues the story of The New Day guys having communication issues and it cost them another match.
After the match, Kofi Kingston argued with Xavier Woods, who told Kofi he wanted him to get out of the ring. Woods left the ring, Kofi followed him and Woods told Kofi he called for Kofi to run a play, but Kofi couldn’t listen.
Xavier Woods and Kofi Kingston went backstage where they argued. Kofi talked about how Woods has fumbled opportunities like the Intercontinental Title and the King of the Ring crown. Kofi said that Woods took too many risks. Woods said that he’s the reason that Kofi became WWE Champion because Woods helped Kofi get the confidence. Kofi said he was a Hall of Famer already when Woods asked him to be in the group. Kofi said that Woods hasn’t been a singles champion like Kofi and Big E because Woods wasn’t good enough. Woods said that they helped Kofi become the WWE Champion and then Kofi pissed it away in six seconds on a silver platter to Brock Lesnar. Kofi said if you were anybody else…and Woods said would you finally get mad? Kofi stopped and said he’d see him at the reunion. Kofi walked away. Woods said he’ll see him at the anniversary.
Analysis: That was really good. I liked how it was shot because it was just the two guys standing backstage arguing about it. They trashed eachother by taking personal shots like Kofi saying Woods has never won a singles title while Woods mentioning Kofi lost the WWE Title in six seconds. Those are painful things that you don’t want to say to a friend that you love, so it shows how angry both guys are. I don’t know if the full breakup is coming next week or if they are using next week’s celebration to bring back Big E to get the band back together and maybe Big E will return as a wrestler as well. I guess we’ll find out next week. Anyway, I enjoyed that segment and probably didn’t do it justice in my review because there was a lot to it.
The Miz approached The Final Testament in the backstage area. The Miz claimed he saw the Wyatts and Karrion Kross wondered if they saw Miz. Kross said if they want to play games then they’ll play games. Kross told Scarlett to stay in the back and Kross kissed his lovely wife Scarlett. Kross and AOP left with AOP grabbing Miz. Scarlett looked in the mirror and in the background was creepy Nikki Cross with face paint. Scarlett was scared as the show went to break.
(Commercial)
A video aired showing a clip of CM Punk’s WWE return at Survivor Series last year. I watched the full video on WWE’s YouTube channel earlier today and it was awesome.
The Final Testament and The Miz were shown looking for The Wyatt Sicks, but they couldn’t find them. Kross went into their own dressing room to see Scarlett down in the room and freaking out. Kross hugged her and wondered who did this. Scarlett said it was Nikki Cross. They showed a mirror in the room that had this message on it: “Everyone has something to lose.”
Analysis: It was a way to feature The Wyatt Sicks group on the show without actually showing them.
A clip was shown from earlier tonight when Raw GM Adam Pearce talked about the great history of the Intercontinental Championship. That led to Pearce announcing the introduction of the WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship. Pearce unveiled the new WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship. Pearce said that a tournament starts next week to crown the inaugural Women’s Intercontinental Champion.
Analysis: Great. It’s not a surprise since the Women’s US Title was announced weeks ago and a tournament is underway.
There was a rundown of the Survivor Series lineup for this Saturday, November 30th.
* Men’s WarGames Match: The Original Bloodline – Roman Reigns, Jimmy Uso, Jey Uso, Sami Zayn & CM Punk vs. The Bloodline – Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu, Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa & Bronson Reed
* Intercontinental Championship: Bron Breakker (c) vs. Sheamus vs. Ludwig Kaiser
* World Heavyweight Championship: Gunther (c) vs. Damian Priest
* United States Championship: LA Knight (c) vs. Shinsuke Nakamura
* Women’s WarGames Match: Rhea Ripley, Bianca Belair, ???, Naomi & Iyo Sky vs. Liv Morgan, Nia Jax, Raquel Rodriguez, Candice LeRae & Tiffany Stratton
Analysis: The LA Knight-Nakamura match was just announced during the rundown of the card, so there are five matches. That’s fine with me.
Nia Jax was backstage talking to her WarGames team saying she was going to win this match to get the advantage in WarGames.
Bianca Belair made her entrance for the main event.
(Commercial)
The Bloodline group led by Solo Sikoa with Jacob Fatu, Bronson Reed, Tama Tonga & Tonga Loa were featured in a backstage segment with Solo sitting down at a table. Solo said that Roman Reigns has the “Wise Man” Paul Heyman and CM Punk on his side. Solo said that this Friday, it’s Jey Uso against his enforcer Jacob Fatu in a WarGames Advantage Match. Solo said he didn’t care who Roman had by his side because Solo is The Tribal Chief. Solo said he acknowledges his Bloodline over Roman’s Bloodline. Solo said he’ll see them at WarGames.
Analysis: It’s the usual confidence shown by Solo Sikoa with his group behind him. Bronson Reed fits in well. I don’t know if that means Reed is in the group after Survivor Series, but if he is I wouldn’t mind it.
WarGames Advantage Match: Nia Jax vs. Bianca Belair
A graphic was shown saying that Bianca Belair’s 24 wins gives her the most wins in WWE this year. Bron Breakker was second with 22 wins. Damian Priest, Jade Cargill and Jey Uso have 21 wins.
Jax used her power advantage early on with a corner attack. Belair managed to dropkick Jax out of the ring. Belair dove onto Jax on the floor, but Jax caught her and Jax rammed Belair into the ring post two times. Jax sent Belair into the barricade as the show went to break.
(Commercial)
The match continued with Jax in control with a running senton splash to the body. Jax missed a splash near the turnbuckle because Belair moved. Belair landed on her feet when she avoided a lifting move. Jax charged, Belair moved and Jax hit the ring post. Jax: “Ow!” Belair did a slingshot dive over the top onto Jax on the floor. Jax avoided a moonsault attempt and Jax hit a leg drop for two. Jax went to the middle turnbuckle and Jax hit a leg drop for two. I thought that wasn’t going to work because Jax took a long time to set it up, but it did connect for a two count. Jax went to the turnbuckle again, but Belair blocked that. Belair teased a suplex, Jax fought her off and Belair did a press slam off the turnbuckle. That was impressive. Jax rolled into position and Belair did a handspring into a standing moonsault for a two count. Jax headbutted Belair followed by Jax hitting a Samoan Drop. Jax took a long time to set up for the Annihilator, so Belair sent Jax face first into the ring post. Belair hit a belly-to-back suplex off the middle turnbuckle for two. The turnbuckle pad was ripped off the top turnbuckle so Jax splashed Belair and then Belair splashed Belair against another turnbuckle. Jax cleared off the commentary table. Jax gave Belair a Samoan Drop on the commentary table, but the table didn’t break. The referee was counting and then Jax broke the count. Jax pulled Belair’s hair and sent Belair into the steel steps. Jax celebrated on the turnbuckle, so Bayley tripped up Jax on the turnbuckle and Jax’s head hit the exposed turnbuckle. The referee was looking at Belair, so she never saw it. Belair went up top and hit a 450 Splash on Jax for the pinfall win. It went about 12 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Bianca Belair
Analysis: *** It was a good match with a creative finish that also advanced the story for Survivor Series because Bayley was there to help Bianca Belair win. That will lead to Belair trusting Bayley as a partner in WarGames even though they have a rocky history as rivals in the past. I thought Jax worked well with Belair, who hit some impressive moves including that press slam off the turnbuckle. Belair is such a great athlete who has improved so much in the last four years. I miss seeing her as a singles wrestler, but maybe we’ll see more of it moving forward.
The win by Bianca Belair means her team will get the advantage in the Women’s WarGames Match.
Analysis: It’s better when the heels have the advantage, but with two WarGames matches, it usually means the babyfaces will win an advantage match.
After the match, Bianca Belair smiled at Bayley at ringside and Bayley smiled back at her. Joe Tess said it looked like Bayley might be on Belair’s team at Survivor Series since some trust was established. Belair nodded at Bayley. That was the end of the show.
Analysis: I like how it was done with Bayley proving herself to Bianca Belair as a different person than when Bayley feuded with Belair in the past. I think it would have been better if they had a few more minutes and had Bayley fight side by side with the other babyface women to show that she was part of the team. There just wasn’t enough time for them to do more. Anyway, I did think it was booked well.
UPDATE:After the show, WWE officially announced Bayley was on the Bianca Belair team at Survivor Series WarGames.
DING DONG https://t.co/L1AKE5TMPU
— Bayley (@itsBayleyWWE) November 26, 2024
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I’ll add my final thoughts a bit later in the evening.