After making history last week on the WWE Raw debut on Netflix, WWE Raw now heads to SAP Center, San Jose, CA. The show kicked off with a highlight from last week’s show casing moments and memories that will last forever for the WWE Universe.
This week’s edition is WWE Raw is set to crown the first-ever Women’s Intercontinental Champion, between Dakota Kai and Lyra Valkyria in the tournament’s final. Also, Finn Bálor is set to go one-on-one against his once-upon-a-time friend Damian Priest in a Street Fight. This all and much much more on WWE Raw on Netflix.
Announced in advance of Monday’s show:
- Appearances from CM Punk, Gunther and Rhea Ripley
- Lyra Valkyria faces Dakota Kai in the Women’s Intercontinental Championship Tournament Final
- Sheamus vs. Ludwig Kaiser
- A Mystery Luchador vs. Chad Gable
- Damian Priest battles Finn Bálor in a Street Fight
CM Punk kicks off WWE Raw on Netflix
WWE Raw then went backstage showcasing the arrival of CM Punk, who came down to the ring to kick off this week’s edition of WWE Raw on on Netflix. Punk began his promo segment by addressing the firefighters who are working to help keep the people safe from the Greater Los Angeles wildfires. He then shifted his focus to what happened last week when CM Punk defeated Seth Rollins in the main event of WWE Raw debut on Netflix. Punk then talked about what happened last year when he injured his arm during the 2024 Royal Rumble.
Punk also talked about how that played out for him, where didn’t know if he would ever be able to return. Punk also mocked John Cena in a little friendly way, saying that he can see him. Punk then declared his participation in the 2025 Men’s Royal Rumble match.
Just as Punk was living his moment, Seth Rollins arrived on WWE Raw. Rollins called his last week’s defeat the worst defeat of his life and career. He then said that Punk would not be able to win the Royal Rumble, announcing his participation in the match in the process as well.
Just as they both were talking, Drew McIntyre arrived on the scene as well. McIntyre then dragged Rollins into last week’s show saying that he was nowhere to be found when they were all trying to make sure that Roman Reigns loses the Tribal Combat match against Solo Sikoa. McIntyre then announced his participation in the 2025 Men’s Royal Rumble match, saying that he would see them both at the Rumble.
Did you know:
- When Seth Rollins was walking down to the ring, Punk on the mic said why can’t be it Rhea Ripley interrupting him.
Backstage arrivals on WWE Raw on Netflix
WWE Raw then went backstage showcasing the arrival of Damian Priest and Finn Bálor ahead of their Street Fight, along with Lyra Valkyria and Dakota Kai who are set to face each other in the Women’s Intercontinental Championship Tournament Finals.
Penta Debuts in a singles match against Chad Gable on WWE Raw on Netflix
Last week on WWE Raw Chad Gable asked WWE General Manager Adam Pearce for a match against the best Luchador, which he accepted leading to this week’s show. Gable then trash-talked Otis, calling out his opponent for tonight saying “Masked Moron”. Gable also said that he would win a singles championship in WWE by the end of this year before Penta arrived on WWE Raw on Netflix for his debut.
Penta took the fight to Gable in the early moments of the match. Both superstars showcased their incredible offense and athleticism. Gable got the match in his control as he began to target one of Penta’s legs. Penta could be seen favoring one of his legs as he took out Gable with a suicide dive.
Penta delivered a Mexican destroyer to Gable during the match, which was awesome. WWE Universe chanted “This is awesome” as the match continued.
He then delivered his signature Penta Driver to win the match. After seeing the debut match of Penta, I can surely say that he is here for the big leagues.
Result: Penta def Chad Gable
Ratings: 8 /10
Did you know:
- Michael Cole on commentary called Penta the absolute best Luchador after Rey Mysterio.
- Penta called WWE Raw his new home during an interview after his match.
A backstage segment featuring The Judgment Day
WWE Raw then went backstage inside The Judgment Day’s locker room where Finn Bálor trolled Liv Morgan for her defeat against Rhea Rhea Ripley. Dominik Mysterio then arrived on the scene holding a bouquet in his hands as Morgan asked her to go get her bags from the car and get the valet before the end of the night after what happened last week when Rhea Ripley defeated Liv Morgan to become the New Women’s World Champion.
Bálor then talked about his Street Fight for the night against Damian Priest before JD McDonagh and Carlito went to talk to Adam Pearce for a rematch for the World Tag Team Championships.
A backstage segment featuring Pure Fusion Collective
WWE Raw then featured Pure Fusion Collective in a backstage interview segment with Cathy Kelley where Sonya Deville said that what they did to Kairi Sane is just a preview of what they are going to do to the rest of the womens division. Zoey Stark then called her shot for the Women’s Intercontinental Championship, to which Deville added that one of them would win that championship soon.
A look of concern could be seen on the faces of all three members of Pure Fusion Collective who are eyeing the same Women’s Intercontinental Championship.
Sheamus battles Ludwig Kaiser on WWE Raw on Netflix
WWE Raw then came back to the ringside as Sheamus battled Ludwig Kaiser in a singles match. Heading into this match Sheamus is 2-1 against Kaiser. Kaiser and Sheamus were also a part of the Triple Threat match for Men’s Intercontinental Championship at WWE Survivor Series: WarGames 2024 where they lost to the then and current champion Bron Breakker.
Both men delivered a hard-hitting match, but it was Sheamus who picked up the win after delivering a Brogue Kick to Ludwig Kaiser. Both Sheamus and Bron Breakker got into a fight scene after the match but the referee got the things back into control.
Result: Sheamus def Kaiser
Ratings: 7 /10
Did you know:
- WWE Men’s Intercontinental Champion Bron Breakker was sitting among the WWE Universe for this match, as Michael Cole on commentary mentioned that the winner of this match could face him for the championship in the future.
Seth Rollins faces Drew McIntyre next week here on WWE Raw on Netflix
WWE Raw then went backstage where Seth Rollins was featured in a backstage interview segment with Cathy Kelley before his singles match against Drew McIntyre next week here on WWE Raw. Rollins then ran into Sami Zayn, he then asked Zayn if he was now gonna help Reigns win the 2025 Men’s Royal Rumble.
JD McDonagh and Carlito in a ringside interview
WWE Raw then featured a ringside interview where JD McDonagh and Carlito addressed the ongoing tension between The Judgment Day, saying they are still the most dominant faction in all of WWE.
Karrion Kross and The Miz ran into Sami Zayn
WWE Raw then featured a backstage segment where Karrion Kross told The Miz that The Wyatt Sicks have been moved to SmackDown, warning Miz if he has anything to do with this. Sami Zayn then ran into both Kross and The Miz, as he challenged Miz to a singles match tonight on WWE Raw.
Gunther arrives on WWE Raw on Netflix
WWE World Heavyweight Champion Gunther began his promo segment by commenting on the debut episode of WWE on Netflix from last week, saying that he was not impressed by the performances in the ring. Jey Uso then arrived on the scene, as he interrupted the Ring General.
Fresh off from a victory against Drew McIntyre last week, Jey challenged Gunther to a match at Saturday Night’s Main Event for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. Gunther replied to the challenge saying that he will expose Jey Uso for what he really is, just a tag team wrestler. Jey replied by saying that, he is fighting for respect and that on Saturday Night’s Main Event, he will beat him.
YEEEEEET.
Ratings: 8 /10
Ringside interview featuring Bayley
WWE Raw on Netflix then featured a ringside interview where Bayley talked about her upcoming WWE Women’s Championship match against Tiffany Stratton on the upcoming show of WWE SmackDown. But before that, she was here to witness the history as her once-upon-a-time friend Dakota Kai battles Lyra Valkyria to crown the Women’s Intercontinental Championship Tournament.
The segment also had a very interesting and funny moment when she along with the WWE universe in attendance called Michael Cole “Stupid”.
Lyra Valkyria and Dakota Kai battled in the Finals of the Women’s Intercontinental Championship Tournament
It was now time to create history as Lyra Valkyria and Dakota Kai met in the middle of the ring looking to history by becoming the inaugural Women’s Intercontinental Champion. Valkyria defeated Iyo Sky and Dakota Kai defeated Zoey Stark on the Dec. 30th edition of WWE Raw in the semi-finals to qualify for this match here tonight.
Both womens started the match on fire as Valkyria delivered a superplex to Kai on the floor from the ring apron. She then locked Valkyria into a deep submission hold with nowhere to go, targeting her already injured back. Kai then took the fight to Valkyria, even getting a close count in the process.
Valkyria won the match after delivering her signature Nightwing to become the first-ever Women’s Intercontinental Champion. A well-deserved victory for the new champion who is just starting her career here in WWE.
WWE women’s division certainly has much more to offer if we look at the last few years in WWE, now with this new Women’s Intercontinental and United States Championship being introduced — the women’s division would certainly have much more to focus on.
Result: Lyra Valkyria def Dakota Kai to become the inaugural Women’s Intercontinental Champion
Ratings: 8 /10
Did you know:
- WWE Raw General Manager Adam Pearce was present at the ringside to crown the first-ever Women’s Intercontinental Champion.
- Pat McAfee on the commentary desk mentioned that in 2025 it’s hard to say that you are the first in anything.
Backstage segment featuring the New Day on WWE Raw
WWE Raw then featured a backstage segment where Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods talked about Rey Mysterio and how the rest of the WWE Universe has been dealing with them since they kicked out Big E from The New Day during the 10th-anniversary Celebration on Dec 2nd, 2024 edition of WWE Raw.
Sami Zayn battles The Miz on WWE Raw on Netflix
After running his mouth backstage The Miz is now set to go one-on-one against Sami Zayn in a singles match on WWE Raw. Both Miz and Kross have a similar trait of using people to their advantage, let’s see how is that gonna play out in the coming weeks as they are both now united as one.
Zayn made quick work of The Miz after he delivered a Huluvakick following up with a Blue Thunder Bomb to win the match.
Result: Sami Zayn def The Miz
Ratings: 7 /10
List of matches announced for Saturday Night’s Main Event
Michael Cole on commentary then announced a list of matches made official for the show:
- Bron Breakker versus Sheamus for the Men’s Intercontinental Championship.
- Gunther versus Jey Uso for the World Heavyweight Championship
The New Women’s World Champion Rhea Ripley on WWE Raw on Netflix
After defeating Liv Morgan to win back her Women’s World Championship that she never lost, the demon of our dreams arrived on WWE Raw on Netflix to address what’s next for her. Nia Jax interrupted the new champion saying that she is heading to the 2024 WWE Royal Rumble, as she trash-talked Bayley who was sitting at the ringside.
Bayley then came into the ring but got dropped by Jax who also attacked Rhea Ripley. Jax was then taken out by Ripley and Bayley after she announced her participation in the 2025 WWE Women’s Royal Rumble match.
Ringside interview featuring Rey Mysterio
WWE Raw then featured a ringside interview where Rey Mysterio commented on the debut match of Penta against Chad Gable from earlier on the show. Mysterio also talked about Kingston and Woods, saying that Big E was the heart and soul of the New Day.
Damian Priest battles Finn Bálor in a Street Fight
Walking into the match Priest and Bálor had previously competed in six singles matches against each other, and they were tied to 3 wins each. The match kicked off with a blind-sided attack by Finn Bálor on Damian Priest with a kendo stick. After months and months of hate between the two since Bálor cost Priest his World Heavyweight Championship back at WWE SummerSlam 2024. Priest introduced a table into the match, after sending Bálor behind the commentary desk as the WWE Universe chanted “We want table”.
Bálor then took the fight to Priest — dumping him over the barricade into the WWE Universe in attendance. Priest tried to fight back before Bálor hit him with a trash can on the head and the back. Priest then took the fight to Bálor after hitting him with the trash can and taking him back to the ringside. Both Bálor and Priest then went into the crowd once again as the match continued.
Priest delivered a broken arrow on Bálor from way up into the crowd, sending Bálor into the tables.
WWE Universe chanted “This is Awesome” and “Holy Shit” as the match continued. No beep, since we are now on Netflix.
WWE Medical staff moved Finn Bálor from the arena on a Stretcher, with Raw GM Adam Pearce, Carlito, and JD McDonagh by his side. Priest then attacked Bálor once again as the match was still going on under the street fight rules. Priest drove Bálor into the ring and delivered a clothesline to Bálor. Carlito and JD McDonagh then attacked Priest, taking advantage of the Street Fight rules. Bálor then hit Priest with the Coup De Grâce but he kicked out.
The War Raiders then arrived on the scene to help Priest against the numbers game of the Judgment Day. Priest then delivered a South of Heaven Chokeslam to Bálor but he kicked out as the match continued. Bálor then hit Priest with Coup De Grâce through a table outside the ring. The street fight continued as Priest drove Bálor into the barricade. He then sent Bálor through a table with a Razor’s Edge on the ringside.
Priest then brought Bálor inside the ring saying “I’m not my brother’s keeper.” as he delivered a South of Heaven Chokeslam to Bálor to win the match. I don’t really think that this rivalry between The Judgment Day and The Terror Twins is anywhere close to the finish but this match is certainly an amazing way to finish a chapter.
Result: Damian Priest def Finn Bálor in a Street Fight
Ratings: 10 /10
Did you know:
- WWE used a drone to capture the match when Priest and Bálor were fighting in the crowd.
WWE Raw, Jan. 13: Results Highlights
Singles Match:
Penta def Chad Gable
Singles Match:
Sheamus def Kaiser
Finals of the Women’s Intercontinental Championship Tournament:
Lyra Valkyria def Dakota Kai to become the inaugural Women’s Intercontinental Champion
Singles Match:
Sami Zayn def The Miz
Street Fight:
Damian Priest def Finn Bálor
My thoughts on this week’s edition of WWE Raw
Following up on a history-making episode of WWE Raw debut on Netflix last week, WWE once again delivered a stellar show as we now head towards the upcoming WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event on January 25, 2025, and then the WWE Royal Rumble 2025 on February 2, 2025. This week’s edition of WWE Raw began with the Penta who defeated Chad Gable in a singles match. The match was great, but there have been some rumors going on saying that a few other superstars and segments were cut off for this match.
The show featured two more singles matches from the men’s division where Sheamus defeated Kaiser — continuing his long rivalry in pursuit of the WWE Men’s Intercontinental Championship. Sami Zayn also defeated The Miz in a singles after they ran into each other backstage on WWE Raw.
The highlight of the night was certainly the Street Fight between Damian Priest and Finn Bálor. Along with the history-making Finals of the Women’s Intercontinental Championship Tournament where Lyra Valkyria defeated Dakota Kai. The show was awesome, and the matches were absolutely amazing. Like Triple H mentioned in the past, Netflix will certainly open new doors for the WWE creatives and I think we are on the road to get bangers in the coming weeks and months.
My Ratings for the show: 10 /10
