The John Report: WWE Raw Deal 12/22/25 Review
It’s WWE Monday Night Raw featuring CM Punk & Rey Mysterio facing The Vision, Rhea Ripley battling Asuka, and more.
This episode of Raw was taped this past Friday, December 19th at a SmackDown taping. I know the results, so nothing on this show is going to surprise me too much. Next week’s Raw is live and the January 4th Raw is the big one featuring CM Punk defending the World Title against Bron Breakker. Last week’s Raw saw Austin Theory revealed as the mystery man supporting The Vision.
The tentative posting day for my 17th Annual WWE Johnny Awards is December 26th. I’ll do my best to get it done by that date. I’ve only done a bit of it so far, but I’ll get it done in the next few days. Also, I’ll be out of town next Monday when Raw airs, so I won’t have a live review of that show. I’ll try to do my review the next day.
For this review, since it was taped, I’ll do a summary-style review for most of the matches and then play-by-play for one or two matches.
This is the Raw Deal for episode #1700 of Monday Night Raw. It’s taking place at the Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport. Let’s get to it.
On the Netflix version of Raw that I’m watching, they have edited the show, so there won’t be action during the break like a live show. I won’t even mention the commercials in my review. The runtime is 1 hour, 31 minutes. The whole show was available at 8 p.m. ET, so of course I’ll go in order.
The opening video package was about last week’s Raw when Logan Paul beat Rey Mysterio thanks to the masked man, who revealed himself to be Austin Theory. CM Punk tried to help Rey, but was beat up and took a Spear from Breakker.
There was some backstage walking shown of CM Punk with Rey Mysterio, The Judgment Day, Je’Von Evans, and Gunther.
The Vision’s Bron Breakker, Bronson Reed and Paul Heyman were walking backstage. They saw Austin Theory, so Breakker and Reed left because Heyman said he got this. Heyman asked Theory what he was doing. Theory said he wanted everybody to feel his actions before they saw his face. Theory said he made bad decisions, but then he saw The Vision and they took. Theory said they take. Theory said he wants to take the opportunity to help The Vision tonight. Heyman said interesting…very interesting.
Analysis: That is Austin Theory’s way of wanting to prove himself to The Vision. Based on that, it didn’t sound like he was part of the group yet, but that could change.
It was Michael Cole and Corey Graves on commentary for Raw this week. Mark Nash was the ring announcer.
Rhea Ripley told Iyo Sky to stay safe backstage because she’s not medically cleared. Ripley said she’ll see her soon. They had a lot of Christmas trees and wrapped presents by the entrance area.
Asuka (w/Kairi Sane) vs. Rhea Ripley
Asuka is one-half of the Women’s Tag Team Champions with Kairi Sane. Ripley was very aggressive early on. Asuka bailed to avoid the Riptide attempt. Ripley sent Asuka into the barricade. After Sane distracted, Asuka did a hip attack to knock Ripley out of the ring. Asuka sent Ripley into the barricade. That’s where the break would be as the match continued.
There was a running elbow attack by Asuka. Ripley hit some strikes to start a comeback and dazed Asuka with an elbow. Sane tripped Ripley, so Asuka took over again with a dropkick. Ripley caught Asuka’s foot and hit a face first slam, along with a dropkick of her own. Ripley hit a running kick for two. Asuka countered Riptide into a cradle for two. Asuka worked over Ripley with kicks to the body, but Ripley hit a boot to the head.
Ripley blocked some Asuka kicks and applied the Prism Lock submission. Asuka got out of that and applied an Ankle Lock. Asuka hit a German Suplex and a sliding kick. Asuka charged into a boot from Ripley. Ripley superkicked Asuka while her head was against the turnbuckle. Ripley did a front Electric Chair Drop for two. The fans chanted, “This is awesome” for them. Ripley lifted up Asuka, but Asuka rolled through with a rollup for two. Asuka sent Ripley to the apron, Ripley got a hold of Asuka there and Asuka hit a German Suplex on the apron. Ouch. Ripley came back with a running knee as Asuka left the floor. Ripley hit a cannonball off the apron onto Asuka on the floor. Ripley went to the turnbuckle, Sane tripped her up and the referee was looking at Asuka of course, so he never saw it. A hurting Iyo Sky went to ringside and hit an uppercut punch on Sane. Sane tripped Sky on the apron and Sky’s injured back hit the apron. Asuka got a ROLLUP OF DEATH~! for three with Asuka grabbing the tights. It went about 11 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Asuka
Analysis: ***1/2 A great match between two talented veterans who have done it all in WWE. Ripley winning would have made more sense to me, but I get that they wanted to make it look like Ripley is beatable because Sane helped Asuka win that match. Ripley was so concerned about Sky being hurt that it distracted Ripley so much, and Asuka was able to get the dreaded ROLLUP OF DEATH~! for the win. Ripley and Asuka are awesome, so of course it was an entertaining match.
The trio of Bron Breakker, Bronson Reed, and Paul Heyman spoke backstage. Bron and Reed asked Heyman about Theory, so Heyman was like yeah. Heyman reminded them how far they’ve come with The Vision and Heyman said he is selective about who he has a vision for. Heyman said that tonight it’s Reed and Theory against CM Punk and Rey Mysterio. Heyman said that either Theory carries out their vision or the two of them make sure they carry Theory’s ass out of WWE. Heyman left. Bron said you don’t have to do that, but Reed says he’s got this. Bron said he has Reed’s back, not his, and Reed said it was understood.
A clip aired from last Monday’s Raw when Gunther was booed heavily by the crowd as he bragged about John Cena giving up.
Let’s Hear from Becky Lynch…and Maxxine Dupri
The great Becky Lynch walked out with a fur coat, claiming she’s the real Women’s Intercontinental Champion. Lynch said that she knows the most powerful lawyers in the country. Lynch said that her lawyers told her to go to Miserable Michigan (and that drew a “you suck” chant) and told her to take matters into her own hands. Lynch did her usual bit about how everybody says she’s the greatest of all time.
The Women’s Intercontinental Champion, Maxxine Dupri, made her entrance to a solid reaction. Dupri said we all have heard her. Dupri said that Lynch is the greatest of all time and Dupri is a rookie, but don’t forget that this rookie beat the greatest of all time. Dupri reminded us she beat Lynch three times. Dupri said she’d give Lynch a rematch any time. Dupri said she’ll train until her blood, sweat, and tears, and she is your Intercontinental Champion. Dupri trashed Lynch for complaining and said she looks like somebody whose best years are behind her. Lynch punched Dupri and rammed her head into the mat. Lynch grabbed the Women’s IC Title and posed with it. Lynch punched Dupri some more. Dupri tripped Lynch and applied an Ankle Lock. Dupri put the heel hook submission on the leg. Lynch tapped out repeatedly. The fans cheered.
Analysis: It was a fine way to further this storyline with Lynch whining as usual and Dupri showing confidence due to her success against Lynch in the past. What I find weird is that Dupri said that she was a rookie even though she’s been on the main roster for a few years. Anyway, this should set up another Dupri-Lynch match.
A replay was shown of Nikki Bella attacking Stephanie Vaquer and Raquel Rodriguez last week to ruin their match.
Je’Von Evans was backstage talking to Raw GM Adam Pearce. Pearce wished Evans good luck. Pearce said after it’s done, let’s talk about his future. Evans said sure.
Stephanie Vaquer spoke to Raw GM Adam Pearce, who asked how they could resolve this issue with Raquel and Nikki. Vaquer said give her both. Pearce said, since you want it, she can do it next week on Raw. Vaquer agreed with that.
Analysis: I expect Vaquer to retain against Raquel and Nikki, but there is a slight chance that Nikki wins the title just to give her a title run.
The Usos were featured in a video talking about how they are in the tag team division. They mentioned beating The New Day last week. Jey mentioned that they are coming for AJ Styles & Dragon Lee next week. Jimmy said they were the greatest tag team of all time. Four letters, one word: Usos.
Next week on Raw: AJ Styles & Dragon Lee defend the World Tag Team Titles vs. The Usos.
Analysis: Title change there? Maybe.
Je’Von Evans vs. Rayo Americano (w/El Grande Americano & Bravo)
This is Rayo’s first singles match on Raw. Rayo is Pete Dunne. Cole said that Evans is part of NXT, but he’s a free agent entertaining offers from Raw and SmackDown. Evans hit a dropkick early on. Rayo grounded Evans with an armbar on the left arm. Evans hit a springboard hurricanrana. Evans avoided an attack by Rayo and Evans hit a dive over the top onto Rayo on the floor.
The match continued with Evans going up, but Rayo brought him back in with a top rope armdrag. Rayo hit some punches and then Evans hit a running knee smash. Evans hit a Superman Punch and a suplex. Evans got bouncy with a springboard clothesline. Grande did a distraction, so Bravo and Rayo did a double team attack. Rayo hit a Michinoku Driver for two. Rayo hit some kicks, but Evans bounced off the ropes and hit a spinning kick for two. Evans went for a springboard attack, but Rayo hit an uppercut. Evans jumped over Rayo to avoid an attack and Evans hit an OG Cutter off the top for the pinfall win. It went about 8 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Je’Von Evans
Analysis: ***1/4 A good match to showcase Evans and put him over. It went a bit longer than I thought. That doesn’t mean I want Rayo jobbing in two minutes, but I thought maybe it would be 4 or 5 minutes. Evans is so fun to watch and the fans are already behind him. Evans will be full-time on Raw or SmackDown soon, which is a good thing. I miss the regular Pete Dunne. Pull the plug on this Rayo thing, please.
After the match, Evans avoided a triple threat attack by the Americano boys.
AJ Styles and Dragon Lee, the World Tag Team Champions, were interviewed by Cathy Kelley. Styles and Lee talked about being fighting champions. Lee said that facing The Usos will be a classic. Lee said they’ll bring the fire. Styles said as long as they have the titles, they are better than the best, and that’s what they will get next week.
CM Punk and Rey Mysterio were shown getting ready for the main event.
Bron Breakker was featured in a video saying now he’s got the real CM Punk. Bron said that Punk thinks that they have some personal rivalry because Bron mentioned his wife, but Bron said that Punk only cares about himself. Bron wondered what kind of Punk is going to show up on January 5th. Bron said no matter what Punk shows up, the result will be the same. Bron said that Punk is only there to make money, so Bron hopes Punk saved his money and said that when Bron is the new World Champion, Punk won’t be worth a dollar to anyone.
Analysis: I liked that. Bron is a very credible heel threat.
Nikki Bella walked into the arena by the announcers saying that the most famous person just walked into the building. Nikki went onto the commentary table. Nikki reminded us of her name, saying she’s a legend and Hall of Famer. Nikki said that she’s a former champion and this is what a champion looks like. Nikki trashed the fans for being Detroit Lions fans and said she wished they were good like the Philadelphia Eagles or Ohio State. Nikki said she’s the star of this division. Nikki said last week she destroyed Raquel Rodriguez’ face and next week she’ll destroy Stephanie Vaquer’s reign. Nikki said she’s a big deal everywhere. Nikki said it’s about time that title is around her waist, the legend Nikki Bella. Nikki left.
Analysis: It was a solid heel promo from Nikki Bella, who I enjoy a lot more as a heel compared to her babyface work. When Nikki has an edge to her like that, she’s a lot more entertaining. Nice job by Nikki.
Roxanne Perez (w/Liv Morgan) vs. Bayley (w/Lyra Valkyria)
There was taunting from Perez early on, so Bayley hit Bayley to Belly for a two count. Perez went to the floor and did a chop block to the left leg. Perez dropkicked Bayley’s left leg. Perez worked over Bayley’s left leg by ramming it against the ring post.
It was Perez still in control with a Russian legsweep for two. Bayley got some offense going with a couple of clotheslines. Raquel Rodriguez showed up at ringside. Bayley hit a spinning slam on Perez for two. Lyra used her giant heels to kick Raquel. Liv sent Lyra onto the commentary table. Perez capitalized with a double knee attack to Bayley’s back for two. Bayley hit a sunset flip Powerbomb into the turnbuckle for two. Mogan tripped up Bayley when Bayley went to the ropes. Perez took the middle turnbuckle pad off and sent Bayley into the turnbuckle. Raquel distracted the referee, too, while Perez was making the cover, but the referee was looking at Raquel. Perez asked Raquel what was she doing? Lyra jumped onto Raquel and Liv on the floor. Bayley hit a belly to back suplex on Perez. Lyra hit slapped Bayley to motivate her and Bayley hit a running knee. Bayley went up top and hit an elbow drop for the pinfall win. I didn’t think that would end the match, but that was it. They got about 8 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Bayley
Analysis: *** A solid match between two talented women. I don’t know if the Bayley story has been dropped completely, but it feels that way. Bayley was doing the personality disorder thing for a few months, and then it just ended. At least there was a bit of it here with Lyra motivating Bayley, who fired up like she was 1989 Hulk Hogan and won the match after that. Anyway, the J-Day women not being on the same page was the main story about this match.
Bronson Reed was shown getting ready when Austin Theory asked him what the plan was. Reed told Theory to follow his lead, kid. Theory said he’s not his kid. Theory said he’ll start the match and Reed can follow his lead.
Gunther was shown walking backstage, so the fans were booing loudly.
The Judgment Day was in their clubhouse, arguing. Raquel Rodriguez said she was just trying to help. Liv Morgan said they are all trying to help eachother. Roxanne Perez said we needed to know what everybody was doing. Raquel said she doesn’t need this because she has a championship match to prepare. Raquel left.
Let’s Hear from Gunther
“The Ring General” Gunter walked out dressed in black, including a long coat, and the fans booed him loudly. It lasted for a few minutes, with the fans booing Gunther loudly. Gunther walked over to the commentary table, stood on it and the fans booed more. Gunther said that you shouldn’t be mad at him, you should be mad at the guy who tapped out like a little b**ch. The word was censored on the broadcast. It was muted.
The World Heavyweight Champion, CM Punk, walked dressed in his ring gear and stared at Gunther. When Punk stared at Gunther, the Austrian laughed at him and walked out of the ring. Gunther did John Cena’s “You Can’t See Me” gesture at Punk, which drew more boos.
Rey Mysterio made his entrance and he stared at Gunther in the aisle. Gunther laughed at Rey and went to the back. The main event was coming up next.
Analysis: There wasn’t much to Gunther’s segment. It was all about soaking up the boos. The fans hated him, and he barely said anything to them. The heat from beating Cena should be strong for months at least.
Gunther was shown walking backstage, where he saw AJ Styles for the second week in a row. Styles said you don’t know when to shut up. Gunther: “Guess I don’t.” Gunther laughed and left.
Analysis: It’s a tease of Gunther facing AJ Styles in the future because we know AJ plans to retire in 2026. Perhaps they’ll do Gunther against Styles at WrestleMania and that’s AJ’s last match. I don’t know when AJ plans to retire, but that would make sense.
Next week on the final Raw of 2025:
* Women’s World Championship: Stephanie Vaquer vs. Nikki Bella vs. Raquel Rodriguez
* World Tag Team Championships: AJ Styles & Dragon Lee vs. The Usos
The Vision’s Bronson Reed made his entrance, joined by Paul Heyman and their new ally, Austin Theory.
CM Punk & Rey Mysterio vs. Bronson Reed & Austin Theory (w/Paul Heyman)
Theory started the match for his team. Rey and Punk worked over Theory with some strikes. Theory took control with lefty strikes. Theory tripped up Punk and jumped through the ropes into a dropkick. Reed was smiling about it.
It was Reed in control of Punk by sending him sternum-first into the turnbuckle (the Bret Hart bump by massive Bret fan, Punk). Theory was back in to stomp on Punk’s chest and hand. Theory grounded Punk with a side headlock, Punk got out of that and Theory hit a clothesline. Reed tagged in to put on a headlock on Punk. When Punk tried to break free, Reed hit him with a headbutt. Reed hit a senton splash and grabbed another headlock. Reed kicked Punk with a boot to the face. Reed stood on Punk’s back, so Punk was in pain due to Reed being a heavy guy. Reed nailed Punk with a forearm to the face and a body slam. Reed missed a senton splash when Punk moved, so it set up Rey getting the hot tag. Rey tagged in with forearms. Rey jumped in Reed’s arms and Reed went for a move, but Rey got out of it and hit a seated senton for two. Theory tagged in, so Rey hit a hurricanrana on him. Rey jumped off the apron with a senton splash onto Theory.
The heels were in control as Rey was the face in peril against Theory. They showed Reed cheapshot Rey to give the heels control. Theory gave Rey a catapult into the bottom rope. Theory smashed Rey into the commentary table. Theory stomped on Rey in the gut. Reed was back in with a front slam on Rey and a splash for a two count because Punk broke up the pin. Reed gave Rey a delayed vertical suplex. Theory was back in with kicks and punches to the body. Rey hit an enziguri kick to the head. Theory hit a snap suplex for two. Rey hit his incredible bulldog counter on Theory to create some space. Punk got the hot tag and worked over Theory with punches. Punk hit Theory with a heel kick, along with a neckbreaker. Punk hit a running knee and another knee. Punk connected with a running bulldog. Punk wanted a GTS, Theory got out of it and elbowed Punk a few times. Reed was back in, so Punk hit him with clotheslines that had no effect on Reed. Reed sent Punk into the corner, Punk got a boot up and Punk went up top. Punk jumped off the top with a clothesline for two. Rey tagged in, did a headscissors and sent Reed into the ropes. Theory made a blind tag and clotheslined Rey. Rey countered Theory into the ropes and Rey hit the 619 kick and Drop the Dime for a two count. Reed hit an elbow drop on Rey on the floor. Punk dove onto Reed with a suicide dive. Punk clotheslined Reed over the barricade. Theory and Punk were still legal. Rey stunned Theory with a forearm. Rey went up top, Theory knocked him down and Theory hit The Stomp on Rey for the pinfall win. It went about 15 minutes.
Winners by pinfall: Bronson Reed & Austin Theory
Analysis: ***1/4 A pretty good main event. I don’t think it was at a level where I could call it great. It’s a big win for Austin Theory as he tries to prove himself to The Vision. A long match that saw Punk as the face in peril in the first half, and then Rey was the face in peril in the second half. It’s the right kind of finish because it puts over Theory as a potential new member of The Vision, which makes sense for him as a guy in his late 20s with a bright future. Rey losing matches, as he lost to Logan Paul last week and this match to The Vision, is the right way to book him as a veteran wrestler.
After the match, Bron Breakker went after Punk and Punk was able to fight him off a bit. Punk clotheslined Theory out of the ring. Punk was fired up, but when he turned around, Breakker hit Punk with a Spear. Bron did the GTS hand signal to Punk. End show.
Analysis: It feels like 75% of Raw episodes end with the heels standing tall. I don’t know that for sure, but that’s what it feels like. Triple H LOVES booking that to end Raw. More of the same with Bron hitting Punk with a Spear just like last week.
This week’s Raw had a runtime of 1 hour and 31 minutes on Netflix.
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Three Stars of the Show
- Asuka/Rhea Ripley
- Je’Von Evans
- Austin Theory & Bronson Reed
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The Scoreboard
7.25 out of 10
Last week: 7
2025 Average: 7.54
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Final Thoughts on WWE Raw
I liked it a bit more than last week, but I wouldn’t say it was a great episode or anything like that. The show goes by really fast when it’s about 90 minutes long with no commercials.
The match quality was strong, with the Asuka/Rhea Ripley match standing out as the best match, while the main event tag team match was pretty good to put over Austin Theory in tag team action. Other matches were solid too.
They are building to the big Raw in two weeks to start 2026, which makes sense. I like the card for that one.
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Thanks for reading. Please check out my reviews of every WWE PPV ever listed in order. Go Los Angeles Rams, Toronto Raptors and Toronto Maple Leafs. My contact info is below.
John Canton
Email [email protected]
Twitter/X @johnreport