Simple theme for our WWE RAW results for January 6, 2025-the red brand has a new home, so let the Netflix era begin!
Quick Results
- Roman Reigns defeated Solo Sikoa in Tribal Combat. By winning, Reigns regains the Ula Fala. The match had plenty of run-ins, from the Bloodline going against Jimmy and Sami. But also Kevin Owens, who was taken care of by Cody Rhodes.
- Rhea Ripley defeats Liv Morgan, regaining the Women’s World Championship in the process.
- Jey Uso steals a win over Drew McIntyre, getting the pin following a nifty crucifix backslide-type combo, after collapsing and suckering Drew in.
- CM Punk defeats Seth Rollins in a strong main event.
Best Match
Wow, I have to pick just one? We started hot, and it never really let up. If I had to choose, I am still going to take Reigns and Sikoa. I don’t know why, but that one just had a bit more. Perhaps The Rock, perhaps the run-ins, but it clicked.
Rollins and Punk? As good as it was, I feel like they both can take it a notch or two further. I doubt they are done just yet. It was awesome, it got the chants too. I just think there’s more to this yet to come.
If you picked either. Or any of them. I won’t argue against them.
Worst Match
I guess Drew and Jey? They had the least buildup, and it was good but not great.
Noteworthy Moments
The first botch in the history of RAW on Netflix? Triple H, nearly right out of the gate, had a bit of a choked-up moment. I will allow it.
The Rock got the opening segment following Triple H. He did what he did. I think, based on how he carried himself, it confirms all the rumors that he won’t be involved in WrestleMania this year.
He put Cody Rhodes over. The two shared a hug even. He said he’d happily run it back, but he gave Rhodes his flowers.
Later, after Roman was once again in possession of the all-important ula fala? I was wondering if Rock would drill him and reveal he was pulling the Sikoa strings all along. But nothing. And if Rock really can’t go in April, then doing nothing but Board of Directors stuff makes total sense.
Also, that opening package? Just wow. It’s something WWE does in such a way that no one else rivals.
Penta was confirmed, his name was spelled out as part of the ongoing teaser clips. And with Chad Gable wanting “the best luchador on the planet next week”, is THAT the Penta debut spot? I’d rather that over the Latino World Order, if we are being honest.
No big shock, Cena was his usual self on the mic. Basically said, he won’t break the title record, unless…and then teased a Chamber or MITB entry before basically throwing his hat in the ring for the Rumble. That’s less than a month away now. He may not be the odds on favorite, but he will be a fan favorite for sure.
Holy Sh!@ Moments
Did not take long for an R-rated moment, from the head of the board no less.
As they panned the crowd to show the stars, they showed X-Pac and Shinsuke. Between them was Naomi and Bianca, but damn if they didn’t acknowledge them. I found that odd.
As Ripley was nearly out, we got the infamous gong-but then the American Bad Ass gave us a drive around the ring on his bike before going back to say hey to Rhea.
The Rock…NXT…tomorrow night!?
Nikki Bella was there. Wow. Considering the acrimony that we’ve heard plenty about? Stunned. Then again, perhaps given her recent domestic issues, she needed something. Still, with her sister and brother in law very much AEW, this was a bit of a stunner.
Hogan got some serious boos. No drowning them out. Maybe someone misread the room on bringing him back and partnering with his beer? Like…wow. Someone in some room somewhere did not think Hogan was a bad idea…and they were wrong.
Lowlights
Now, I could be the dork here. But The Rock is the big cheese. I get he has his brands to promote. But showing him apparently taking a swig from the bottle and then later driving? Even if he didn’t really drink or didn’t drink much (I get legal limits…). I wouldn’t have done that.
I get the commercials. I don’t love them in the sense that you pay for Netflix versus, say, the free tier of Peacock. But I get it. But can we please, for the love of the wrestling gods, only run commercials either between entrances or between matches?
UFC would not (to the best of my knowledge) go to a two-minute commercial break in the middle of a bout. WWE should have more control now, and I hope this gets addressed.
Highlights
So many stars, like Macaulay Culkin got huge pops. Stephanie McMahon was there too, as teased by her husband.
I liked how so many Superstars were shown in the crowd, versus being only in the back. One oddity was that there was a suite with some of the talents, but obviously, it was all part of their plan.
After the Final Bell
Not everything WWE touches turns to gold-look at Hogan. Maybe use him for the Saudi stuff?
It has a new home, a new look and feel, and it seems Netflix seriously upgraded that announcement table. The piece of furniture survived a lot of bumps tonight.
We know RAW is now…as long or short as WWE wants. Tonight was a typical show, though we’d heard rumblings it might go 3.5 hours. That said, as good as the four matches were, four in three hours probably won’t be the norm moving forward (I hope).
Extremely good start to the new RAW on Netflix era, for sure.
Also read: WWE, Hulk Hogan Have New Partnership
