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Usos Win Tag Gold, CM Punk, Vaquer Shine: WWE Raw 12/29/25

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The final WWE Raw of 2025, held live at the Kia Center in Orlando, Florida, saw major championship shifts and intense confrontations, as The Usos captured the WWE World Tag-Team titles, Stephanie Vaquer retained her championship, and CM Punk ignited the crowd with a powerful segment. WWE Raw December 29 2025 delivered charged encounters and set the stage for early 2026, showcasing top Superstars and high-stakes bouts on Netflix’s national platform.

The Vision Establishes Dominance, CM Punk Stands Tall

The event kicked off with The Vision—comprised of Bron Breakker, Bronson Reed, Logan Paul, and the newly introduced Austin Theory—making their presence felt under the guidance of Paul Heyman. The group declared its intention to shape the future of WWE, with Heyman amplifying the moment by announcing,

“Ladies and gentlemen, my name is Paul Heyman. Now, everything I say after that moment only hypes up where I’m going on this.”

The crowd responded with thunderous boos, highlighting the charged atmosphere from the onset.

Heyman reflected on the significance of the night, stating,

“The last show of 2025 on Monday Night Raw.”

He then confirmed persistent rumors by revealing,

“The rumors are true. Ladies and gentlemen, the newest member of The Vision is Austin Theory.”

Theory, visibly emotional, prepared for his pivotal role within the faction as Heyman challenged him,

“Earn your keep, young man. They’re all yours.”

Austin Theory shifted the focus to Bron Breakker’s impending World Heavyweight Championship opportunity, drawing further anticipation. Suddenly, the arena erupted with CM Punk chants, prompting the World Heavyweight Champion to make a dramatic entrance. Punk confronted Breakker, solidifying their slated showdown on January 5. Punk was clear about his intent—he demanded a one-on-one conversation with Breakker, separated from his allies, and approached the ring with unwavering confidence.

WWE RAW
Image of: WWE RAW

Their verbal exchange centered on legacy, grit, and the championship’s symbolism. Punk taunted Breakker, questioning his readiness and lineage, while Breakker countered by promising to surpass legacy talk and capture the championship. Punk concluded the intense standoff by engaging the Orlando audience directly with,

“Is it good to be alive on a Monday night in Orlando, Florida, or what?”

He punctuated the confrontation by telling Breakker,

“I’ll see you on January 5!”

The encounter set a feverish tone, establishing the central feud heading into the new year.

Backstage Unfolds: Women’s Division Tensions and More

Behind the scenes, the drama matched the in-ring action. Jackie Redmond spoke with Raquel Rodriguez about her triple-threat championship match later in the night. Liv Morgan, citing Judgment Day’s absence, encouraged Rodriguez to seize the moment, as did Roxanne Perez who assured her that prior issues were forgotten. Rodriguez exuded focus, determined to secure the WWE Women’s World title.

Elsewhere, Maxxine Dupri addressed her recent success in the ring, highlighting respect as the currency of champions and targeting Becky Lynch. Lynch interrupted, trading verbal shots with Dupri, with both women vowing to settle the score in their scheduled match next week. The tension between experience and rising talent framed the segment, further fueling the women’s division narrative.

Adam Pearce also found himself at the center of multiple requests: Trick Williams, Lyra Valkyria, and Bayley each sought opportunities, underlining the crowded title picture and the hunger pervading the Raw locker room.

WWE Women’s World Championship: Vaquer Fends Off Bella and Rodriguez

The first title match of the night featured Stephanie Vaquer defending against Nikki Bella and Raquel Rodriguez. Nikki Bella’s iconic entrance marked a championship bout laced with history and high stakes. The action was fiercely competitive from the outset, with Rodriguez asserting dominance and Vaquer exhibiting tactical agility. Bella executed ruthless maneuvers outside the ring, including barricade slams, before asserting herself as the story’s center seeking redemption.

The match ebbed and flowed through multiple commercial interruptions, but inside the ring, the pace rarely relented. Sequences included Vaquer foiling tandem offense with her Devil’s Kiss finisher, Rodriguez leveraging her power with devastating slams, and Bella channeling John Cena’s influence with her application of the STF—prompting the crowd to chant their appreciation. Bella made her intentions clear, shouting, “No, thank me!” in response to the crowd, staking her own claim for respect and recognition.

The contest reached its peak with innovative combinations; a powerbomb-superplex cascade electrified the audience, near falls were met with narrow escapes, and pin attempts cycled swiftly between all three competitors. The closing stretch saw Rodriguez nearly secure a win with the Tejana Bomb, only for Vaquer to seize an opening, dispatch Rodriguez, and execute a match-winning cover on Bella. Stephanie Vaquer triumphantly retained her WWE Women’s World Championship amidst a thunderous reaction, underscoring her place atop the division.

Gunther Outlasts R-Truth in Grueling Showdown

Gunther, dubbed The Ring General, entered his bout against R-Truth with the confidence befitting his status after his landmark victory over John Cena. Backstage, Jackie Redmond pressed Gunther on his recent actions, leading to an energetic if short-lived confrontation with R-Truth, who declared his reverence for Cena and questioned Gunther’s sportsmanship. Gunther laughed off the challenge, agreeing to the match.

Inside the ring, Gunther’s offense proved overwhelming. While R-Truth landed spirited shots at the bell, Gunther’s power quickly took command with heavy slams and resounding chops. Gunther delivered successive powerbombs and utilized a sleeper-hold to secure the win, further cementing his dominance as a top heel in WWE Raw’s singles scene.

The Kabuki Warriors Face Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky in Tag Chaos

The Kabuki Warriors—Asuka and Kairi Sane—commanded the arena, taunting the audience and their rivals while claiming their supremacy in the tag ranks. Asuka challenged competitors with confident disdain, and both derided former ally Iyo Sky and Rhea Ripley. When Ripley and Sky entered the scene, an immediate brawl broke out, with all four superstars exchanging strikes and signature maneuvers.

After several dramatic reversals, Ripley and Sky fought off the Kabuki Warriors, driving home their intent to capture tag gold. Asuka and Sane retreated with their belts, but the seeds for a future high-stakes showdown were unmistakably planted.

Rey Mysterio vs. Austin Theory: Match Marred by Outside Interference

The newly minted Vision member Austin Theory, escorted by Logan Paul, faced WWE Hall of Famer Rey Mysterio in a contest highlighting generational ambition versus storied legacy. The match saw both men unleash bursts of offense—Mysterio’s quickness countered Theory’s power, while outside interference loomed large.

Key moments included Mysterio hitting his signature 6-1-9 maneuver, only for Paul to trip him, triggering a disqualification. Mysterio’s victory by DQ did not end the fight; Theory and Paul pounced on Mysterio post-match, leading to Penta’s timely appearance and the ensuing brawl. The scenario mirrored classic WWE dynamics, with shifting alliances and unfinished business, promising further intrigue.

Main Event: The Usos Capture WWE World Tag-Team Championship

The final match of WWE Raw December 29 2025 delivered on anticipation as The Usos, Jimmy and Jey, challenged AJ Styles and Dragon Lee for the WWE World Tag-Team titles. Both teams prepared methodically backstage, emphasizing the magnitude of the contest for the closing RAW of the year.

From the bell, Styles and Jey engaged in a technical showcase, with Lee and Jimmy quickly injecting athleticism into the fray. The champions executed crisp double-team maneuvers, while The Usos responded with equal ferocity, sending the action outside the ring and escalating tension. Momentum shifted repeatedly through commercial breaks with each team trading near falls and high-impact collisions.

Late in the match, the fast pace reached its apex. Jimmy Uso landed a decisive super kick on Dragon Lee, followed by double super kicks taking down Styles. The Usos then sealed victory with their signature finishing sequence, earning the pinfall and becoming the new WWE World Tag-Team Champions. The win marked a highlight for the legendary duo, sending the Orlando crowd into wild celebration and closing the year with a momentous title change.

Looking Ahead: Raw’s Evolving Landscape and Early 2026 Anticipation

WWE Raw’s final episode of 2025 set shifting dynamics across its divisions. The emergence of The Vision as a powerful faction, and the intense build toward CM Punk versus Bron Breakker, signaled upcoming marquee clashes. The women’s division showcased both championship stalwarts like Stephanie Vaquer and determined contenders such as Raquel Rodriguez, Nikki Bella, Becky Lynch, and Maxxine Dupri—all vying for supremacy and driving personal rivalries.

The Usos’ triumph reinvigorated the tag team landscape, setting up fresh rivalries for the new year, while Gunther and R-Truth’s battle reinforced the unpredictability and depth of Raw’s roster. With unresolved grudges, returning stars, and ongoing challenges, early 2026 promises major showdowns and evolving stories—ensuring WWE Raw remains a weekly destination for dramatic wrestling entertainment.

Michael jones
Michael jones
Michael Jones is a journalist at CynicalTimes.org, dedicated to covering the WWE Raw Men’s Division. With one year of experience in pro wrestling journalism, he provides fans with up-to-date coverage of major matches, superstar rivalries, and evolving storylines from Monday Night Raw. Michael’s reporting dives into the personalities, promos, and pivotal moments that define the Raw brand, offering insights into character arcs, backstage developments, and pay-per-view buildup. He brings a fresh, detail-oriented perspective to his writing, aiming to inform, entertain, and connect readers to the energy and excitement of WWE’s flagship show. Whether it's a rising contender or a veteran champion, Michael highlights the key figures driving the Raw men’s division forward.
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