Here’s a detailed breakdown of each match and segment from the December 18, 2023, edition of WWE RAW:
1. The Judgment Day’s Opening
- The show began with The Judgment Day faction, featuring Damian Priest, Finn Balor, Dominik Mysterio, JD McDonagh, and Rhea Ripley. They boasted about dominating RAW and hyped their matches for the night, including Priest and Balor defending their tag-team titles.
2. Miracle On 34th Street Fight: R-Truth vs. JD McDonagh
- R-Truth won against JD McDonagh in a comical yet intense “Miracle on 34th Street Fight”. The match was filled with holiday-themed weaponry and interference from The Judgment Day members. R-Truth eventually triumphed by pinning McDonagh after a dramatic sequence involving a Christmas tree and a table.
3. Becky Lynch Confronts Nia Jax
- Becky Lynch interrupted Nia Jax’s in-ring segment. Jax announced her entry into the Women’s Royal Rumble. The segment evolved into a heated exchange, with Jax challenging Lynch to a match in San Diego at WWE Day 1. The segment concluded with Lynch attacking Jax.
4. WWE Intercontinental Championship: GUNTHER (C) vs. The Miz
- GUNTHER retained the Intercontinental Championship against The Miz in a match marked by technical prowess and intense action. The Miz, unable to secure the win despite a valiant effort, lost to GUNTHER, who finished him with a powerbomb and a clothesline.
5. The Nightmare Before Christmas with Shinsuke Nakamura
- This segment featured Shinsuke Nakamura in a festive setting, recapping his rivalry with Cody Rhodes. The segment transitioned into a brawl between Nakamura and Rhodes, spilling from backstage to ringside, but ended with Rhodes unable to execute his finishing move on Nakamura.
6. Undisputed WWE Women’s Tag-Team Championship: Chelsea Green & Piper Niven (C) vs. Katana Chance & Kayden Carter
- Katana Chance and Kayden Carter captured the Undisputed WWE Women’s Tag-Team Championships from Chelsea Green and Piper Niven. The match was competitive, with Chance and Carter eventually overcoming their opponents with their signature double-team finisher.
7. Ivar vs. Akira Tozawa
- Ivar defeated Akira Tozawa in a match that showcased Tozawa’s agility and determination. Despite Tozawa’s early offense, Ivar overpowered him for the win, continuing the dominance of The Viking Raiders.
8. Seth “Freakin” Rollins Confronted By Drew McIntyre
- WWE World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins was confronted by Drew McIntyre. The segment featured a blend of personal stories and intense rivalry, setting the stage for their upcoming title match at WWE Day 1.
9. “Main Event” Jey Uso vs. Ludwig Kaiser
- Jey Uso emerged victorious against Ludwig Kaiser in an impromptu match. Kofi Claus’s involvement and a brawl with Imperium added to the drama. Uso won with an Uso Splash, overcoming interference and chaos.
10. Undisputed WWE World Tag-Team Championship: The Judgment Day (C) vs. The Creed Brothers
- In the main event, The Judgment Day retained their titles against The Creed Brothers. The match featured high-intensity action and interference, with Priest and Balor ultimately securing victory after a grueling battle.
This episode of WWE RAW was characterized by a mix of entertaining and intense segments, progressing storylines and setting up future showdowns.
