‘WWE Raw’ Review (Dec 18th 2023)
Welcome to this review of this past Monday’s episode of WWE Raw, right here on Nerdly… Let’s see what went down on this week’s show!
Match #1: Miracle on 34th Street Fight – R-Truth def. JD McDonagh
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
The Miracle on 34th Street Fight pitting R-Truth against JD McDonagh carried the stipulation of “the loser leaves The Judgment Day.” The free-for-all incorporated Candy Cane Kendo Sticks, straps, tables, the steel steps, a fire extinguisher, Christmas trees, and interference by “Dirty” Dom Mysterio. R-Truth drove his opponent off the top rope and through a table for the victory.
My Score: 2 out of 5
Match #2: Intercontinental Title Match – Gunther def. The Miz
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
In a critical moment of the Intercontinental Title Match, The Miz avoided Gunther’s attack at ringside that caused The Ring General to damage his hand with a chop to the steel ring post. Despite Miz using this injury to his advantage with a devastating Skull-Crushing Finale off the second rope, Gunther roared back with a wicked clothesline and pair of Powerbombs to retain his title. With the loss, The A-Lister can no longer challenge The Ring General for the rest of his historic reign.
My Score: 3.5 out of 5
Match #3: WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship – Katana Chance & Kayden Carter def. Piper Niven & Chelsea Green
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
In the final moments of a highly explosive showdown, Katana Chance & Kayden Carter used perfect tag team precision to take out Piper Niven with the Keg Stand before hitting the After Party on Chelsea Green to become the new WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions!
My Score: 2 out of 5
Match #4: Ivar def. Akira Tozawa
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
Despite the efforts of a very game Akira Tozawa, Ivar hit the junior member of The Alpha Academy with a devastating World’s Strongest Slam off the ropes for the victory.
My Score: 0 out of 5
Match #5: Jey Uso def. Ludwig Kaiser
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
Jey Uso thwarted Imperium’s 2-on-1 attack on “Santa Claus” Kofi Kingston. After Kofi Kingston hit Trouble in Paradise on an interfering Giovanni Vinci, Jey Uso overcame Ludwig Kaiser with a Spear/Uso Splash combination.
My Score: 2 out of 5
Match #6: Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship – The Judgment Day def. The Creed Brothers
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
In an incredible Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship Match, Finn Bálor, Damian Priest and The Creed Brothers left everything on the canvas. Despite an amazing effort from Julius and Brutus Creed, however, Señor Money in the Bank picked up the hard-fought victory with South of Heaven.
My Score: 3.5 out of 5
Final Verdict: 3.5/5
A solid seasonal episode of Raw that was elevated by two great matches – the Intercontinental title match and the Tag Team title main event – but was really made by that R Truth promo and match. How can one man bring so much fun and laughs whilst delivering a great match? Especially considering Truth is now in his fifth decade! He’s better used here in these Judgement Day segments than as the 24/7 champ… even moreso when he makes folks like Damian Priest break character!
