WWE officially closed out Monday Night RAW’s 2025 calendar year with a decisive, event-level episode designed to do one thing above all else: draw a hard line between what RAW was in 2025 and what it intends to be in 2026.
From the opening minutes dominated by The Vision, to Stephanie Vaquer’s defining Women’s World Championship defense, to The Usos reclaiming the World Tag Team Titles in the main event, this was not a transitional episode. It was a statement show — one that clarified hierarchy, sharpened rivalries, and positioned next week’s Netflix anniversary RAW as a true reset point rather than a soft continuation.
Add in Penta’s return, which immediately disrupted RAW’s central power structure, and WWE ended the year with momentum, clarity, and purpose.
Here are the full results
- Stephanie Vaquer (c) defeated Nikki Bella & Raquel Rodriguez in a Triple Threat Match to retain the Women’s World Championship
- Gunther defeated R-Truth via submission
- Rey Mysterio defeated Austin Theory via disqualification after outside interference
- The Usos defeated AJ Styles & Dragon Lee (c) to win the World Tag Team Championships (NEW CHAMPIONS)
The Vision Claims RAW as Its Territory to Open the Final Show of 2025
RAW opened with The Vision doing exactly what WWE’s top faction should do on a year-ending episode: they acted like the brand belongs to them.
Paul Heyman framed the group not as a rebellion, but as inevitability — a collection of performers positioned as the present and future of RAW. The formal presentation of Austin Theory as a full member reinforced the idea that this faction is expanding, not consolidating, and that its influence is only growing.
The segment escalated when CM Punk confronted Bron Breakker, setting the emotional and competitive stakes for next week’s World Heavyweight Championship match. Breakker spoke with urgency and entitlement, while Punk countered with measured confidence — the voice of someone who understands exactly what it means to carry the top title into a new era.
Why this mattered: WWE made it clear from the opening segment that RAW’s central axis heading into 2026 is The Vision vs. everyone else. There was no ambiguity, no side-quest energy. This was the spine of the brand, presented as such.
Stephanie Vaquer Ends 2025 as the Undisputed Center of the Women’s Division
The Women’s World Championship Triple Threat was structured to test Vaquer from every angle.
- Nikki Bella leaned on experience, instincts, and opportunism — constantly looking for shortcuts and sudden submissions.
- Raquel Rodriguez brought raw power, repeatedly asserting physical dominance and forcing both opponents to adjust.
- Stephanie Vaquer, meanwhile, wrestled like a champion who understands timing better than either challenger.
As the match broke down into chaos, it was Vaquer’s awareness that proved decisive. When Rodriguez momentarily took control, Vaquer capitalized instantly — neutralizing the threat and pinning Bella to retain the championship.
What RAW signaled: This wasn’t nostalgia or brute force winning the night. RAW closed 2025 with a women’s division built around a modern, workrate-driven champion who looks credible against any style.
Gunther Remains Unapologetic as RAW Carries His Heat Into the New Year
Gunther’s match with R-Truth served a very specific purpose.
Truth brought heart and defiance, confronting Gunther over his post–John Cena attitude and refusing to be dismissed. Gunther absorbed the early resistance, slowed the pace, and methodically dismantled Truth before securing the submission victory.
Why it matters heading into 2026: WWE is allowing Gunther’s resentment-fueled momentum to carry forward untouched. He is not being softened, redirected, or redeemed. RAW enters the new year with Gunther positioned as a problem — not a lesson learned.
Chaos, Control, and a Shock Return: Penta Reenters RAW’s Power Struggle
Rey Mysterio vs. Austin Theory was less about the result and more about legitimacy.
Theory wrestled with urgency, aware that his standing within The Vision depends on performance. Mysterio exposed Theory’s impatience and reliance on interference until outside involvement forced a disqualification.
Then the night shifted.
Penta returned, immediately targeting The Vision’s numbers advantage and standing tall alongside Mysterio.
Creative significance: WWE reintroduced Penta directly into RAW’s most important storyline, instantly giving the brand a dangerous wildcard heading into 2026.
The Usos Reclaim the World Tag Team Championships to Close 2025
The main event felt deliberate from the opening bell.
AJ Styles and Dragon Lee entered as champions with cohesion and confidence, while The Usos wrestled with urgency — fully aware this was a chance to redefine their standing heading into a new year.
After a frantic closing stretch filled with counters and near falls, the decisive moment arrived: 1D connected on Dragon Lee, and the referee’s count sealed it.
Jimmy and Jey Uso ended RAW’s final episode of 2025 as World Tag Team Champions — nine-time champions, once again at the center of the division.
What this says about RAW’s direction: WWE chose stability, legacy, and star power to anchor the tag division heading into a major Netflix push.
Everything Announced for Next Week’s RAW Netflix Anniversary Show
With 2025 officially closed, WWE locked in the foundation for RAW’s Netflix Anniversary episode, presenting it as a true season premiere.
Officially announced matches
- CM Punk (c) vs. Bron Breakker — World Heavyweight Championship
- Maxxine Dupri (c) vs. Becky Lynch — Women’s Intercontinental Championship
- The Kabuki Warriors (c) vs. Rhea Ripley & IYO SKY — Women’s Tag Team Championship
Additional announcements
- The episode will feature a Stranger Things crossover theme
- Michael Cole and Corey Graves were confirmed as RAW’s commentary team moving forward
How the Final RAW of 2025 Positioned the Red Brand for 2026
This episode wasn’t about swerves. It was about structure.
- A defined top storyline in Punk vs. Breakker
- Champions who feel essential, not transitional
- A major return that immediately altered the power balance
- Event-level presentation signaling the Netflix era
RAW didn’t drift into 2026.
It arrived ready.
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