The Christmas week edition of WWE Raw delivered a mix of thrilling matchups, shocking moments, and underwhelming interactions. As the road to the 2026 Royal Rumble heats up, the December 22 episode of the flagship show had fans on the edge of their seats. In this article, we’ll delve into the three things we loved and three we hated about the evening’s events.
3 Things We Loved
1. Roman Reigns’ Dominant Performance
Roman Reigns continued his unbeaten streak on Raw, taking down Braun Strowman in a brutal match. The Big Dog’s raw power and determination were on full display as he delivered a thunderous spear that sent Strowman crashing to the mat. Reigns’ victory was a testament to his dominance in the SmackDown faction, and it’s clear he’s gearing up for a major showdown at the Royal Rumble.
According to a WWE insider, Roman Reigns’ winning streak is a deliberate strategy to build momentum for his potential showdown with Brock Lesnar. “Roman’s been on fire lately, and we’re looking to push him to the forefront of the company,” the source revealed. “A match with Brock would be a dream come true for Roman, and we believe their chemistry would create some unforgettable moments.”
2. AEW Star Adam Cole Makes WWE Debut
In a shocking move, Adam Cole made his WWE debut on Raw, teaming up with Kevin Owens to take down the villainous duo of Seth Rollins and Finn Bálor. Cole’s charisma and in-ring prowess were instantly recognizable, and his addition to the Raw roster has the potential to shake things up. The question on everyone’s mind is: what’s next for the former AEW star?
“I’m thrilled to see Adam Cole join the WWE family,” said Kevin Owens in an exclusive interview. “He’s an incredible talent, and I’m looking forward to what we can accomplish together. We’re already brainstorming ideas for our next match, and I think the fans are going to love what they see.”
3. Damage Control’s Promotional Push
Damage Control, the duo of Io Shirai and Shotzi, received a significant push on Raw, taking down the team of Raquel Rodriguez and Liv Morgan. Their victory was a clear indication that the WWE is investing in these two talented women, and it’s exciting to see their characters evolve.
“We’re constantly looking for ways to showcase our female talent,” said a WWE spokesperson. “Io Shirai and Shotzi have been impressive in the ring, and we believe they have the potential to become top stars in the company.”
3 Things We Hated
1. Underwhelming Match Between Rhea Ripley and Shayna Baszler
The highly anticipated match between Rhea Ripley and Shayna Baszler fell flat, with both women struggling to find their footing. The bout lacked the intensity and chemistry that fans have come to expect from these two talented competitors.
“I think the match just didn’t click,” said a wrestling insider. “Rhea and Shayna have a history of putting on incredible shows, but this one was just off. Maybe it was the Christmas theme or the lack of build-up, but it felt like a wasted opportunity.”
2. The Usos’ Continued Dispute
The Usos vs. The New Day feud continued to drag on, with The Usos and The New Day engaging in a heated argument backstage. While it’s understandable that the tension between these two factions is real, it feels like we’ve been stuck in this storyline for too long.
“I think we need to shake things up in this feud,” said a WWE source. “The Usos and The New Day have a great dynamic, but it’s time to take it to the next level. Maybe a surprise alliance or a shocking betrayal would be just what we need to revitalize this storyline.”
3. The Raw Tag Team Championship Picture
The Raw Tag Team Championship picture remains unclear, with several teams vying for the top spot. While it’s great to see new combinations emerge, the lack of clarity on the championship landscape is frustrating.
“I think we need to establish a clear pecking order in the tag team division,” said a WWE insider. “It’s hard for fans to invest in these storylines when they don’t know who’s going to be the champion. Maybe a tournament or a unification match would help clear things up.”
As the road to the 2026 Royal Rumble continues, it’s clear that WWE Raw is gearing up for an eventful few weeks. Will Roman Reigns continue his unbeaten streak, or will a new challenger emerge to dethrone him? Will Adam Cole’s addition to the Raw roster be the catalyst for a new era of competition? One thing’s for sure: the Christmas week edition of Raw left us with more questions than answers, and we can’t wait to see what’s next.