WWE Raw: CM Punk and Seth Rollins Engage in a War of Words

The latest episode of WWE Raw delivered a thrilling mix of action, shocking returns, and heated rivalries as the road to the Netflix premiere intensifies. From CM Punk and Seth Rollins’ fiery exchange to the Women’s Intercontinental Title Tournament semifinals, the final episode of the year kept fans on the edge of their seats.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of everything that went down:

The New Day Interrupted by Jey Uso

The show kicked off with Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett introducing Jey Uso to the Houston crowd. However, The New Day interrupted, and their attempt to rally the fans was met with boos. Jey Uso responded sharply, calling out Drew McIntyre, but instead of McIntyre, Solo Sikoa appeared on the screen, promising to defeat Roman Reigns in next week’s Tribal Combat match on Netflix. This distraction allowed McIntyre to blindside Uso, leaving him laid out in the ring.

Otis vs. Chad Gable: Grudge Match

In a grudge match filled with betrayal, Otis faced his former mentor, Chad Gable. Otis dominated early with raw power, but Gable’s technical skills turned the tide. The match saw interference from Alpha Academy’s Maxxine Dupri and American Made’s Ivy Nile, who brawled outside the ring. Amid the chaos, Gable secured the victory after locking in the Ankle Lock for a second time, forcing Otis to tap out.

Pete Dunne Attacks R-Truth

Scheduled to face Pete Dunne, R-Truth never had a chance as Dunne ambushed him during his entrance. A brutal beatdown left R-Truth unable to compete, and the match was called off.

Dakota Kai Advances to the Women’s Intercontinental Title Tournament Final

In the first semifinal of the Women’s Intercontinental Title Tournament, Dakota Kai faced Zoey Stark in a thrilling contest. Both women put on an intense performance, with near-falls keeping the crowd on edge. Kai secured the victory with a Go-To-Kick, advancing to the tournament final.

Damian Priest & The War Raiders Defeat The Judgment Day

Damian Priest teamed up with The War Raiders to take on The Judgment Day. In a chaotic match, Carlito attempted to interfere on behalf of The Judgment Day, but was thwarted by The War Raiders. The match ended with Priest delivering a South of Heaven chokeslam to Dominik Mysterio, securing the win. However, The Judgment Day retaliated post-match, leaving the victors battered in the ring.

The Return of Sheamus

Ludwig Kaiser called out Intercontinental Champion Bron Breakker, demanding gratitude from the WWE Universe. Instead, Sheamus made a surprise return, storming the ring to attack Kaiser. After a brawl, Sheamus left Kaiser lying in the ring, sending a clear message to the Imperium member.

Lyra Valkyria Advances to the Women’s Intercontinental Title Tournament Final

In the second semifinal, Lyra Valkyria faced IYO SKY in a hard-fought battle. Valkyria controlled the early stages, but SKY fought back with a missile dropkick and bridging German suplex. The crowd erupted in chants of “This is Awesome” as the two competitors traded near-falls. Valkyria countered SKY’s O’Connor Roll with a rollup of her own to secure the win and advance to the final against Dakota Kai.

CM Punk and Seth Rollins’ War of Words

The most anticipated segment of the night featured CM Punk and Seth Rollins trading verbal jabs ahead of their clash at the Netflix premiere. The two superstars did not hold back, referencing real-life tensions.

Highlights of their exchange included:

• Punk mocking Rollins’ statement about “taking his ball and going home,” calling it “the most industry cliché.”
• Rollins firing back, mocking Punk’s time in AEW: “How’d that work out for you?”
• Punk referencing Vince McMahon: “I loved the place I worked, I just hated the guy in charge, but he loved you.”
• Punk reminding Rollins of his legacy: “For seven years, mostly during your TV time, they chanted my name!”

Match Card