CM Punk unleashes on Seth Rollins in Boston
The TD Garden in Boston was electric as CM Punk returned to the ring on December 16th, 2024, to a thunderous ovation. Fans erupted in chants of “CM Punk” as the Straight Edge Superstar reveled in the adulation before addressing the simmering tension with Seth “Freakin” Rollins. Punk admitted feeling “low and in a bad mood” following Rollins’ recent claims that Punk had ghosted him. He clarified that he doesn’t dwell on Rollins but acknowledged that a confrontation between them seems inevitable. Punk lamented that Rollins’ entrance music woudl permanently taint his enjoyment of connecting with the fans. “That stupid music will hit,” Punk stated, as the crowd broke into Rollins’ theme song. He mocked Rollins, comparing him to Liberace, a legendary entertainer he admired, emphasizing the difference between admiration and imitation. Punk directly addressed Rollins’ accusations, acknowledging that he had indeed drifted away from Rollins. Though, he refused to dwell in the past, rather focusing on the future. In a scathing indictment, Punk declared, “Seth Rollins is CM Punk’s failure.” He framed their conflict as a teacher-student dynamic, where Rollins was the student who fell short. Punk offered Rollins a free wrestling lesson, a chance to fill the shoes of those who came before him. Drawing a parallel with Drew McIntyre, Punk questioned Rollins’ toughness, proclaiming, ”There aren’t enough staples to put Rollins back together when I’m done with him.” Despite Punk’s provocations, Rollins remained backstage, leaving the crowd wanting more.Punk, aware of Rollins’ triggers, seemed to know exactly what it would take to finally lure him out.CM Punk and Seth Rollins Ignite a Brawl on WWE Raw
In a stunning opening segment, CM Punk made a triumphant return to WWE Raw, igniting an explosive confrontation with Seth “Freaking” Rollins. The crowd erupted in a frenzy as Punk’s name echoed throughout the arena, a testament to his enduring popularity. Rollins, ever the cunning showman, joined the chants, but his motive was far from celebratory. He aimed to gain a new perspective on Punk, hoping to see him through the eyes of his adoring fans.However, Rollins’ attempt at empathy was short-lived. He quickly declared Punk an “asshole,” drawing nervous laughter from the returning wrestler. Punk, unfazed by Rollins’ jab, relished the cheers and retorted with a touch of smug satisfaction. He pointed out Rollins’ perceived hypocrisy, reminding him that he had once abandoned WWE, leaving Rollins to carry the torch. The tension escalated rapidly, culminating in a brawl that spilled from the ringside area into the frenzied crowd. Referees and officials struggled to contain the two gladiators as they unleashed their fury. Punk, known for his rebellious nature, jumped over the barricade, fueled by the exhilaration of the moment. Rollins retaliated with his own daring move, leaping from the steel steps to engage Punk in a brutal exchange.The crowd chanted “Let them fight!” as officials desperately tried to separate the brawling superstars. Their efforts proved futile as Punk and Rollins continued to clash amidst the pandemonium. This electrifying confrontation left the WWE Universe hungry for more, setting the stage for a compelling and emotional rivalry to unfold.A really strong opening with seth Rollins and CM Punk getting into a massive pull-apart brawl. This seems ready-made for the first chapter of this feud to take place on the first #wweraw on Netflix.
— Wrestleview.com (@wrestleview) December 17, 2024
Backstage: The Judgment Day Plots Their Course
Meanwhile, backstage, The Judgment Day’s Finn Bálor and JD McDonagh, the reigning world tag Team Champions, strategized their next move. Liv Morgan,fueled by her recent Women’s World Championship victory,touted her success while attempting to downplay Bálor’s loss in a previous title match. Their interaction highlighted the simmering tensions within the faction, hinting at a potential shift in the power dynamics.the Netflix Era Begins
in a move that signaled the beginning of a new era for WWE, Paul “Triple H” Levesque, WWE’s Chief Content Officer, unveiled a fresh and modern Raw logo. The new branding emphasized the partnership with Netflix, which will begin streaming Raw live starting January 6, 2025.Audiences eagerly anticipated the debut of the “Raw on Netflix Kickoff Show,” scheduled to stream live from WWE Headquarters on wednesdays at 2 p.m. The city of Boston was abuzz with excitement, as promotional materials for WWE Raw on Netflix adorned billboards and storefronts throughout the city. This highly anticipated transition marked a historic moment for WWE and its fanbase.WWE Raw Results: rollins Contemplates Friendship while breakker Battles Injury
on tonight’s episode of WWE Raw, tensions remained high following last week’s shocking slap heard ’round the world. Seth “Freakin” Rollins found himself face-to-face with Drew McIntyre, reigniting a rivalry that could have major consequences for both men. Simultaneously occurring, Intercontinental Champion Bron Breakker faced a grueling challenge from Ludwig Kaiser, a match that pushed the champion to his physical limits. Rollins, still visibly fuming from a recent encounter with Roman Reigns, demanded a match from Raw General Manager Adam Pearce. While Pearce tried to reason with the agitated Rollins,McIntyre made his presence known. The two superstars exchanged tense words regarding Reigns’ dominance and the Bloodline’s grip on power. Rollins reminded McIntyre that he had played a pivotal role in dethroning Reigns at WrestleMania,a feat McIntyre himself had yet to achieve. The conversation took a personal turn as Rollins highlighted his bond with Sami Zayn and jey Uso, challenging McIntyre’s loyalty and insinuating that their friendship was a mere convenience. Fueled by this clash of egos, Rollins declared his intention to “end” CM Punk, leaving McIntyre to ponder the ramifications of this fierce rivalry.WWE Intercontinental Championship: Ludwig Kaiser vs. Bron Breakker (c)
Breakker entered the match with an extraordinary 56-day reign as Intercontinental Champion. This marked his third title defense during his second reign. Early in the match, Breakker displayed his signature power, dominating Kaiser with shoulder thrusts and a thunderous belly-to-belly suplex. However,Kaiser proved to be a resilient opponent,turning the tables with a well-timed slap that seemed to infuriate Breakker. The champion’s frustration mounted as Kaiser targeted his shoulder, softening him up for a series of punishing attacks. Just when it looked like Breakker might succumb to Kaiser’s relentless offense, the champion unleashed a burst of raw power, clotheslining his opponent over the commentary table and sending the crowd into a frenzy. Despite the impressive display of strength, Breakker seemed to be battling a lingering shoulder injury. Kaiser capitalized on this weakness, amplifying his attacks on the champion’s vulnerable limb. The match devolved into a grueling back-and-forth battle, with both superstars showcasing remarkable resilience. Breakker fought valiantly but ultimately fell victim to Kaiser’s calculated strategy. An expertly executed arm-breaker left the champion writhing in pain. Despite his best efforts, Breakker was unable to overcome the damage, and Kaiser secured a hard-fought victory. This unexpected defeat raises questions about the future of Breakker’s championship reign and the long-term impact of his shoulder injury.Breakker Retains Intercontinental Championship in Hard-Fought Battle Against Kaiser
Bron Breakker successfully defended his WWE Intercontinental Championship against Ludwig Kaiser in a hard-hitting match on Monday Night Raw. The bout was a back-and-forth affair,with both Superstars showcasing their in-ring skill and resilience. Kaiser targeted Breakker’s injured shoulder throughout the match, utilizing a series of punishing holds and strikes.Despite the relentless assault, Breakker refused to give in, battling back with his trademark power and determination. The action spilled outside the ring, with Breakker delivering a devastating shoulder tackle to kaiser, sending the challenger crashing into the barricade.After a thrilling exchange, Breakker regained control, connecting with a powerful gutbuster followed by his signature spear for the victory.HERE COMES KAISER!!! 🏃♂️💨#WWERaw pic.twitter.com/Zx2f3z3sJm
— WWE (@WWE) December 17, 2024
winner by Pinfall and still WWE intercontinental Champion: Bron Breakker
In other news, WWE has announced its participation in Fanatics Fest in June 2025. And backstage at TD Garden, tensions flared between The New Day and Rey Mysterio. Mysterio informed Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods that they were not welcome in their locker room, citing their recent actions against big E. The New Day, undeterred, simply shrugged off the confrontation, choosing to find another space to prepare. A video package highlighted “Stone Cold” Steve Austin’s iconic victory at WrestleMania XIV, where he defeated Shawn Michaels to capture the WWF Championship with Mike Tyson serving as the special guest referee. In a replay of Saturday Night’s Main Event, “The american Nightmare” Cody Rhodes defended his undisputed WWE championship against Kevin Owens. The match was a dramatic affair, with Owens managing to pin Rhodes, but the referee was down and unable to make the count.In a controversial finish,Rhodes delivered a Cross Rhodes to owens onto a steel chair,securing the victory. However, the celebration was short-lived, as Owens attacked Rhodes after the bell, delivering a devastating Package Piledriver, a move banned in WWE. Rhodes was then taken from the Nassau Coliseum on a stretcher.Very good Intercontinental Championship match with Bron Breakker and Ludwig Kaiser. They gave them some time to build this match out. The crowd is definitely into Breakker, but they were a little quiet at times in this one with the extended working over of the arm. #WWERaw
— Wrestleview.com (@wrestleview) December 17, 2024
Ripley Challenges morgan for women’s world championship
A heated confrontation between Rhea Ripley and Liv Morgan set the stage for a title showdown on the upcoming season premiere of Monday Night Raw. The episode, which marks WWE’s return to a three-hour format and its debut on Netflix, boasts a stacked card, including a Tribal Combat match between Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa, and a highly anticipated clash between CM Punk and Seth “Freakin” Rollins. Before the Raw Women’s Champion took to the ring, the show featured a video package from The War raiders, Ivar and Erik, who spoke passionately about their desire to regain the World Tag Team Championship from The Judgment Day. They emphasized the physical and emotional toll their past encounters with the faction have taken, but vowed to overcome thes challenges and triumph. Backstage,Raw General Manager Adam Pearce confirmed the highly anticipated match between Punk and Rollins for the first Raw on Netflix. Liv Morgan arrived at the ring with “Dirty” Dominik Mysterio and Raquel rodriguez, celebrating what she declared to be “the year of Monday Night Morgan.” Ripley emerged, interrupting Morgan’s boisterous proclamation and immediately challenged her to a title match. Ripley, brimming with confidence, claimed that she could see into the future and predicted the end of Morgan’s reign as champion.”All Morgan will be left with is her ‘chicken tender slut’ Mysterio,” Ripley declared, sending the crowd into a frenzy. Ripley posed triumphantly in the ring while Morgan clutched her championship belt,a clear message that a major showdown is imminent. The energy was palpable, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the clash of titans scheduled for the first Raw on Netflix.The WWE Universe is buzzing with excitement as the Women’s Intercontinental Championship Tournament kicks off. Tonight’s first-round triple threat match features a clash of titans: Raquel Rodriguez, Zoey Stark, and Kayden Carter. the action starts hot and heavy as Carter immediately targets Stark, only to be interrupted by the sheer power of Rodriguez. Rodriguez dominates early,tossing Stark across the ring and sending both opponents crashing to the mat. Carter shows her agility, countering Stark’s moves and even connecting with a stunning hurricanrana on Rodriguez. Stark fights back with a devastating Death Valley Driver and a swift kick to the face, nearly securing the win. The match spills outside the ring as all three women battle on the apron.Stark lands a superkick on Rodriguez, who quickly retaliates with a powerful boot.Carter seizes the possibility, leaping from the ropes with a breathtaking corkscrew plancha, taking out both her opponents! After a commercial break, Carter takes control, using her technical prowess to keep Rodriguez grounded and hitting Stark with a vicious running boot. Rodriguez, however, fights back, sending Carter crashing into the LEAD apron. Stark capitalizes on the chaos, taking down both competitors with a high-flying cross-body block from the top rope. Stark nearly pins Rodriguez with a fisherman’s buster, but Carter breaks up the count. Carter connects with a basement dropkick and a springboard leg drop, but Rodriguez refuses to stay down. The match culminates in a flurry of action. Stark avoids Rodriguez’s clothesline and executes a flawless German Suplex. rodriguez, frustrated, pulls at Stark’s hair, drawing a comical reaction from her opponent.Rodriguez then hits a fallaway slam on Carter followed by a slingshot elbow drop. As Rodriguez prepares to deliver her finisher, the Tejana Bomb, Stark intercepts with a devastating springboard missile dropkick. Stark then attempts a Z-360 on carter, but the move is botched, still managing to secure the pin and the victory. Winner by Pinfall: Zoey Stark A furious Rodriguez chases after Stark as she escapes the ring.With this hard-fought victory, Stark advances to the Semifinals of the Women’s intercontinental Championship Tournament, where she will face the formidable Dakota Kai.Pretty basic segment that was clearly going to be interrupted by rhea Ripley. They didn’t announce when the title match would take place, but I’d figure it would happen on the first #WWERaw on Netflix. Going back to three-hours,they’ll have a lot more time to fill.
— Wrestleview.com (@wrestleview) December 17,2024
world Tag Team Championship: The Judgment day (Finn Bálor & JD McDonagh) (c) vs. The War Raiders (Erik & Ivar)
The Judgment Day’s reign as World Tag Team Champions, now at 175 days, has seen surprisingly few title defenses, tonight marking only their third. This match is a high-stakes affair, with the stipulation that The Judgment Day’s usual ally, Damian Priest, is barred from ringside. The bell rings, and JD McDonagh starts strong against Ivar. Ivar quickly overpowers him, sending McDonagh careening into the ropes and out of the ring with a thunderous shoulder tackle. ivar then drags Finn Bálor into the ring, where he’s met with a similar fate—a powerful scoop slam followed by another on top of McDonagh. Ivar hits McDonagh with one more scoop slam for good measure before tagging in Erik, who delivers a final slam of Ivar onto McDonagh. The War raiders stand tall in the ring, sending a clear message to the champions. After the commercial break, the momentum has shifted.The War Raiders continue their onslaught on McDonagh, raining down strikes.Ivar sends McDonagh flying into the ropes but lowers his head, taking a devastating kick in the process. Bálor tags in, but Ivar counters with a stiff elbow. Bálor, however, expertly distracts the referee, allowing McDonagh to snap ivar’s neck off the top rope. Bálor capitalizes, landing a falling elbow drop for a near-fall. Bálor, aware of Ivar’s surgically repaired neck, targets it relentlessly, choking him on the middle and bottom ropes. After the referee pulls Bálor away,McDonagh adds insult to injury with a vicious leg drop over the bottom rope. Bálor returns to the attack, stomping on Ivar and continuing to focus on his vulnerable neck. McDonagh tags back in, and The Judgment Day uses their combined might to send Ivar crashing into the ropes.War Raiders Capture World Tag team Titles in Thrilling Match
In a hard-fought battle, the War Raiders (Erik & Ivar) dethroned Finn Bálor and Damian Priest to become the new World Tag Team Champions. The match, a back-and-forth affair, showcased the unbelievable athleticism and intensity of both teams. Early in the match, Ivar dominated with powerful maneuvers, taking down both Bálor and Priest.McDonagh, however, managed to gain control, isolating Erik and unleashing a series of punishing moves. Bálor and McDonagh worked together seamlessly, keeping Erik grounded and preventing any tags to Ivar. After a commercial break, Erik finally managed to tag in Ivar, who exploded onto the scene with a flurry of offense. the momentum shifted dramatically, with Ivar sending both opponents reeling with impactful moves. The match reached a fever pitch as both teams traded near-falls. A particularly tense moment saw Ivar hit a devastating World’s Strongest Slam on McDonagh from the second rope, but Bálor broke up the pin. The tension in the arena was palpable as the two teams battled for supremacy. just as Bálor seemed poised to clinch victory with his Coup de Grâce, Ivar intervened, preventing the three-count. In a shocking twist, Damian Priest revealed himself to be holding a chair Bálor was attempting to retrieve, setting the stage for the finish. Capitalizing on the distraction, Ivar clothesline McDonagh, paving the way for the War Raiders to execute their signature War Machine maneuver on Bálor for the decisive victory.Winners by Pinfall and new World Tag Team Champions: The War Raiders
An emotional Erik and Ivar hoisted the World Tag Team Championship high as pyrotechnics erupted, celebrating their hard-earned victory. Damian priest was seen applauding their triumph, a gesture that spoke volumes about the respect he held for the newfound champions. The show culminated with a heartwarming embrace between the victorious War Raiders, signifying the beginning of their reign.The December 16th episode of Monday Night Raw in Boston was a night focused on building anticipation for the show’s upcoming move to Netflix. While light on in-ring action, the episode delivered strong storyline progression that has fans buzzing about what’s to come.A really great moment with the War Raiders winning the world Tag Team Championship. They had a great promo earlier in the show. #WWE #WWERaw
— WWE (@WWE) June 19, 2023
The show culminated in a thrilling tag team title match that saw the War Raiders dethrone The judgment Day. Damian Priest’s surprise appearance sent the crowd into a frenzy, signaling a potential shift in the power dynamic on Raw. Fans are already speculating on the ramifications of this victory and what it means for the future of the tag team division. Other notable moments included Bron Breakker successfully defending his WWE Intercontinental Championship against Ludwig Kaiser and Zoey Stark securing a spot in the Women’s Intercontinental Championship Tournament by winning a hard-fought triple threat match. With only two episodes remaining on the USA Network,the stage is set for an exciting conclusion to raw’s tenure on the channel. Quick Match Results — Bron Breakker (c) def. Ludwig Kaiser to retain the WWE Intercontinental ChampionshipThis episode of #WWERaw was a little light on the wrestling, but it was stuffed with good build for that first Raw on Netflix. It’s hard to believe that there are only two more Raws on the USA Network… and next week is taped, so only one more live show! End of an era!
— Wrestleview.com (@wrestleview) December 17, 2024
— Zoey Stark def. Raquel Rodriguez and Kayden Carter in a Women’s Intercontinental Championship Tournament first Round Triple Threat Match
— The War Raiders (Erik and Ivar) def. The Judgment Day (Finn Bálor and JD McDonagh) (c’s) to win the World Tag Team Championship For more wrestling news and analysis, contact Mike Tedesco via email at [email protected] or on X at @MikeTedescoWV.