On December 29, WWE RAW featured a much-anticipated singles match that ended in a major disappointment for fans, as a popular wrestler suffered a crushing defeat. The highly awaited bout, which was the wrestler’s first singles appearance on RAW in more than a year, quickly turned into what many are calling a WWE RAW singles match disaster.
Unexpected Showdown Follows Backstage Tension
The night was packed with big names and dramatic moments, including title bouts and a competitive triple threat match for the Women’s World Championship featuring Stephanie Vaquer, Nikki Bella, and Raquel Rodriguez. As the atmosphere backstage heated up, cameras caught an intense exchange after Gunther’s interview with Jackie Redmond. The discussion quickly turned when R-Truth confronted Gunther, angered by remarks about R-Truth’s childhood idol, John Cena. R-Truth issued a stern warning, stating that further disrespect would not be tolerated.
Fan Favorite Returns to the Ring After Long Hiatus
The confrontation backstage escalated, prompting an impromptu singles match between Gunther and R-Truth. This contest marked R-Truth’s first on-television singles matchup since July 2025, when he squared off against Aleister Black on Friday Night SmackDown, and his first on RAW since his December 2024 victory over Pete Dunne. Fans were eager to see the veteran return, but anticipation quickly turned to concern as the match unfolded.
Dominance by Gunther Leaves Fans Stunned
R-Truth started the match with determination, demonstrating agility and energy against Gunther, known as the Ring General. However, the veteran quickly found himself struggling against Gunther’s brutal chops. In a tense moment, Gunther began to mimic John Cena’s trademark moves, but R-Truth countered the taunt. Despite this burst of resistance, Gunther seized control, delivering a relentless assault that ended with R-Truth locked in a sleeper hold and forced to submit. The defeat was decisive and left the audience shocked after such a long-awaited return.
“Come on Gunther…ENOUGH! 😩@Gunther_AUTpic.twitter.com/faXQ7qTMdM— WWE (@WWE) December 30, 2025”
What This Means for WWE’s Fan Favorites
This result highlights the dominance of Gunther and the challenging path ahead for returning veterans like R-Truth. The overwhelming outcome emphasized how quickly fortunes can change on WWE RAW, especially in highly anticipated matches. As the company continues to spotlight rising and established stars, the focus now turns to whether fan favorites can rebound from such setbacks in future high-stakes encounters.
Come on Gunther…ENOUGH! 😩@Gunther_AUT pic.twitter.com/faXQ7qTMdM
— WWE (@WWE) December 30, 2025
