This week’s WWE RAW delivered a charged finale as the build to January 5’s main event between World Heavyweight Champion C.M. Punk and Bron Breakker took center stage. Raw also showcased key developments across the Women’s and Tag Team divisions, further intensifying the WWE RAW main event feuds and setting the stage for pivotal showdowns.
Punk and Breakker’s Intense Final Confrontation Before Title Match
The show began with Bron Breakker and The Vision faction in the ring, laying down their challenge, only for C.M. Punk to enter solo for a dramatic face off. After instructing his faction to exit, Breakker and Punk faced each other one last time before their anticipated World Heavyweight Championship bout set for next week. This segment stood out as both men exchanged deeply personal promos, increasing anticipation for the title match.
In recent weeks, Bron Breakker continually provoked Punk, cutting fiery promos and vowing not only to claim Punk’s championship but to overshadow his legacy. Not to be outdone, Punk fired back with his signature blend of intensity and sarcasm, suggesting Breakker would need all the help he could muster and warning him against bringing family into their business. Their ongoing animosity has seen multiple physical altercations, with Breakker delivering brutal Spears to the champion on consecutive episodes.
The back-and-forth promo this week dug into Breakker’s upbringing and his struggle to meet expectations, giving new dimension to his character. Punk acknowledged Breakker’s readiness for a championship bout but firmly asserted he is not yet prepared to relinquish his title. The tension between them has made next week’s main event one of the most unpredictable and emotionally charged in recent RAW history.
Stephanie Vaquer Retains Women’s World Title in High-Stakes Triple Threat
Stephanie Vaquer defended her Women’s World Championship against Raquel Rodriguez and Nikki Bella in a chaotic Triple Threat match. A heated rivalry preceded the showdown, as Nikki sought a rematch after her Survivor Series defeat, only to be ambushed by Raquel, igniting a three-way feud for the title.
The match unfolded with relentless action; Nikki trapped Raquel in an STF, but Raquel reversed into a Figure Four. Vaquer seized an opening, hitting Raquel with her signature Devil’s Kiss. Despite high-impact moves—a Sunset Flip and Superplex from Nikki and Raquel, and Tejana Bombs—Vaquer showed ring awareness by throwing Raquel from the ring and pinning Nikki to retain her title.
This victory marks Vaquer’s most impressive title defense, with all three competitors shining in a match that helped elevate the Women’s World Championship’s prestige. While Nikki suffered another decisive loss, her recent heel turn and the audience’s reaction ensure she remains a central figure on RAW. With Raquel not taking the loss directly, she remains a logical contender, especially as her recent conflicts with Liv Morgan and Roxanne Perez continue to unfold. Fans can expect these tensions to escalate heading into WrestleMania season, keeping the title picture contentious and compelling.
Austin Theory Escalates Feud with Rey Mysterio Amid Shocking Interference
Long-standing tensions between Rey Mysterio and Austin Theory boiled over after weeks of mysterious attacks. Previously, masked interferences cost Rey matches, later revealed to be orchestrated by Theory, cementing his place as a central villain within The Vision. Just last week, Theory and Bronson Reed earned a tag win over Punk and Rey, with Theory pinning Mysterio.
This episode saw Mysterio attempt to wrest back momentum in a singles match against Theory. The bout was competitive, with Theory dominating early by targeting Mysterio’s head and back. However, Rey’s agility turned the tide until Logan Paul interfered, dragging Rey from the apron and causing a disqualification.
Post-match chaos broke out as Theory and Paul assaulted Rey, only for Penta to make a surprise return. Penta swiftly dispatched Theory and assisted Rey in driving Paul from the ring, sparking cheers and anticipation for new alliances against The Vision. With Penta returning from injury, the stage is set for tag matches pitting these high-flyers against RAW’s leading villains, restoring excitement to the division and offering fresh rivalries for the coming weeks.
Maxxine Dupri and Becky Lynch Set for Explosive Rematch
What began as a surprising upset for the Women’s Intercontinental Championship has blossomed into one of RAW’s breakout feuds. After Maxxine Dupri dethroned Becky Lynch thanks to AJ Lee’s interference, Lynch demanded retribution, only for Maxxine to gain further credibility by forcing Becky to tap to the Ankle Lock on last week’s show. Their animosity will come to a head in a rematch on January 5.
This week featured a tense verbal exchange, with Maxxine boasting about her victory while Becky grudgingly acknowledged Maxxine’s cunning. Both women detailed their drive and ambitions, with Becky outlining her storied career and resilience, and Maxxine challenging Becky’s belief in her own legacy. Their exchange blended intensity with mutual respect, setting up a final confrontation that promises high drama.
In three months, Maxxine has evolved from an afterthought into one of RAW’s most compelling stars, thanks in large part to this feud. Though Becky remains the crowd favorite and more experienced competitor, Maxxine’s development has raised the stakes for their forthcoming bout. All indications suggest Becky’s quest for redemption will reach a climax next week, concluding a storyline that has exceeded expectations and breathed new energy into the women’s division.
The Usos Regain Tag Team Gold After High-Energy Main Event
The rivalry for World Tag Team Championship supremacy culminated in a show-stealing match between AJ Styles & Dragon Lee and the reunited Usos, Jimmy and Jey. After several weeks of building tension, with the Usos reestablishing their partnership and earning their title shot by defeating The New Day, anticipation ran high for this week’s title match.
The bout was packed with signature spots from both teams. Jey hit a Spear on Styles, setting up a near fall after Jimmy’s Uso Splash. Dragon Lee launched himself onto Jimmy outside, sending him crashing over the announce table, before rapid counters led to Styles hitting a Styles Clash—yet Jey survived. The finish saw a sequence of perfectly timed Super-kicks from both Usos, followed by their 1D finisher on Lee to reclaim the gold for the first time since WrestleMania 39.
With the Usos back atop the tag division, fans can expect regular high-caliber matches reminiscent of their dominant runs in previous years. Jey, having carved out a strong solo identity, teamed seamlessly with Jimmy, delivering nostalgia and excitement. Their victory also frees AJ Styles to pursue a long-anticipated feud with Gunther, potentially developing into a “legend killer” vs. veteran storyline as Styles approaches the twilight of his career. With the tag team scene reenergized, the path is open for new contenders and memorable bouts in the new year.
New Directions for Asuka & Kairi Sane’s Tag Title Reign Amid Surging Challengers
Women’s Tag Team Champions Asuka and Kairi Sane faced heated opposition as Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky interrupted their celebration ahead of next week’s championship match. A backstage promo preluded the segment, with Asuka and Kairi declaring their dominance—only for Ripley and Iyo to storm the ring, sparking a brawl that spilled around ringside.
Physicality escalated as Iyo’s already injured back was targeted by Kairi, intensifying her disadvantage for the upcoming title match. However, Ripley and Iyo managed to retaliate, forcing the champions to retreat. Throughout their four-month feud, injuries and shifting alliances have been central storylines, with this altercation expected to be the final build before what many believe will be a title-changing encounter. The result next week could see new champions as Ripley and Iyo press their momentum and capitalize on the champions’ vulnerabilities.
Gunther Dominates R-Truth, Teasing Future Rivalries
Gunther continued his dominant run with a methodical victory over R-Truth, who stepped up after a backstage confrontation. The match was a showcase for Gunther’s power: despite Truth’s brief comeback similar to John Cena’s return rallies, he was quickly overwhelmed by a series of crushing strikes and a decisive Powerbomb. Rather than settling for a pin, Gunther chose to end things with a Sleeper Hold, forcing Truth to submit.
This bout served as a statement for Gunther, especially in the wake of his earlier role in retiring John Cena. With AJ Styles now clear of tag team obligations, all signs point toward a major feud between Gunther and Styles, possibly kicking off as soon as next week. Their inevitable clash promises a compelling story about legacy, power, and the pursuit of championship dominance as WrestleMania season draws near.
What Awaits on RAW: Unresolved Feuds and Shifting Allegiances
This final RAW before the January 5 live event set the tone for major confrontations and new alliances across all divisions. C.M. Punk stands tall as champion but faces his sternest test yet against the relentless Bron Breakker. Stephanie Vaquer’s victory keeps her at the top of the Women’s division, though further struggles with Raquel seem likely. The Usos, newly crowned as tag champions, restore excitement and reliability to their division, inspiring upcoming rivalries. Meanwhile, Gunther and Styles are on a collision course that threatens to reshape main event storylines.
With surprise interferences, comeback returns, and heated promos across the card, WWE RAW main event feuds are more volatile than ever. The coming weeks promise decisive matches, shifting alliances, and the possibility of new champions—and for fans, an era of unpredictability and high drama as the WWE charges into 2025.
