The December 22 episode of WWE Monday Night Raw, held at the Van Andel Arena, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, was a thrilling show full of action, as WWE went on to set the stage for the Royal Rumble and the championship events of early 2026.
The Christmas-time episode mixed old rivalries with new momentum across the red brand, as World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk returned to the ring with the legendary Rey Mysterio, and young talents made great impacts.
Early matches set the tone with skill and intensity
The program contained a number of impressive matches and segments that caught the attention. Asuka started the night by beating Rhea Ripley in a hard-fought singles match, demonstrating her artsy skill and smoothness in the ring.
Je’Von Evans had a good win against Rayo Americano, and Bayley triumphed over Roxanne Perez was accompanied by some tension between Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez, which enriched the women’s division storyline. Gunther likewise was present, making fun of the spectators and getting negative reactions as his dispute with CM Punk kept on being hot.
Main event shock as alliances shift and titles come into focus
In the main event, friends and partners for a long time, CM Punk and Rey Mysterio played against Bronson Reed and Austin Theory of The Vision. Theory, who has just been disclosed as the secret person assisting The Vision, performed above expectations and got the pinfall over Mysterio after delivering his famous Stomp, thus giving his group the victory.
After the match, Bron Breakker hit Punk from behind with a brutal spear, which made his challenge for the World Heavyweight Championship at the January 5 Raw in Brooklyn stronger. The last scene of the show was already a sign of a great and a new year-starting championship clash.
Also Read: The Vision wreaks havoc on RAW as Bron Breakker targets CM Punk
