New Champions Crowned, Seth Rollins Attacked, and More: WWE Raw (December 18, 2023) Recap & Results

The final Raw episode of the year 2023 year just went down into the history books with numerous twists and turns ensuing on the road to the Royal Rumble. The Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, Iowa, was all decked up to witness an exquisite night ahead of Christmas. The best part of the flagship show’s extravaganza culminated in a title match as Gunther put his Intercontinental title on the line in a gripping title match. However, that wasn’t the only title match action we got, as two other equally enthralling title matches ensured that the WWE faithful could not let up for even a single moment.

So, if you missed any part of today’s blockbuster, it’s a real mess. But it’s not. Because here we are to keep you fed with all the nitty-gritty of the showdown in a nutshell.

Opening Segment
The Judgment Day started the night off on a perfect note. Finn Balor teased the Creed Brothers’ before facing off against them at the later part of the night in a high-flying title match. It was followed by Mami’s usual bragging about Judgment Day and a subtle threat issued toward Ivy Nyle.

Before she was done ranting, R Truth entered the scene and pulled out an engaging mic war with JD McDonagh, leading to the addition of a Miracle on 34th Street Fight on the card tonight.

R Truth vs JD McDonagh

Despite a good hold of McDonagh throughout the match, the veteran tackled him in various ways before smashing a Christmas tree over JD’s head. Truth got the upper hand through the belly-to-belly suplex through a table, and writing the end script for McDonagh’s Judgment Day alignment.

Segment 2

After Becky Lynch Power walked into the ring and teased Nia Jax, the duo buried each other down with random barbs. Before entering into a physical tussle, Jax warned Lynch that she would break her face in her hometown of San Diego.

The Miz vs Gunther (Intercontinental Title match)

The bell rang for the most awaited Intercontinental Championship bout between Gunther and The Miz. After a few minutes into a jaw-dropping fight, Gunther performed his fiery combination of a powerbomb and Rainmaker for the decisive win against The Awesome One. Thus, The Ring General let his unbeatable mojo known to the world, by one of the worthiest fights in his reign so far.

Segment 3

The incredible second half of the show ushered in with Shinsuke Nakamura’s American Nightmare Before Christmas. After throwing shades at Rhodes’ family, Nakamura received a brutal attack’ from the American Nightmare backstage. Thanks to the security personnel for saving from Rhodes’ menacing wrath.

Chelsea Green & Piper Niven (c) vs. Katana Chance & Kayden Carter (WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship match)

Chelsea Green and Piper walked in next to defend their gold against the hot steppin’ and partying Kayden Carter and Katana Chance. After going back and forth, we got the new WWE Women’s Tag Team champions as Carter and Chance perfectly played on the match favorites’ loopholes and secured the win.

Segment 4

Before Akira Tozawa went to take on Ivar, Natalya, Tegan Nox, Shayna Baszler, and Zoey Stark met backstage plotting to get on the nerves of the new champions soon.

Ivar w/Valhalla vs. Akira Tozawa w/Maxxine Dupri

Next, Ivar alongside Valhalla emerged victorious against Tozowa blocking the latter’s attempt to deliver The FrankenSteiner. The Viking Warlord hit a fatal slam off the top and clinched the win outright.

Segment 5

A fiery meet-up between Seth Rollins and Drew McIntyre ensued next. The old foes continued to trade barbs both verbally and physically before we headed toward the epic showdown between Jey Uso and Ludwig Kaiser.

Jey Uso vs. Ludwig Kaiser w/Giovanni Vinci

It was Jey Uso’s turn to have the last laugh as he took down the opponent with ease after delivering a trademark Uso Splash.

Main Event: The Judgment Day (C) vs. The Creed Brothers (Undisputed WWE World Tag-Team Championship match)

Now, the thrilling main event came into play with The Creed Brothers alongside Ivy Nile, taking on Judgment Day alongside Rhea Ripely for the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship. Judgement Day retained its glory despite a glorious effort from the Creed Brothers in the second half.

Brutus had a chance to snatch the victory after delivering a Brutus Ball but Damian Priest broke up the premature festivities. The Money in the Bank winner did receive a Brutus Ball for his efforts but this time his teammate Finn Balor connected with a Coup de Grace to ensure his team remained in the contest. Priest then delivered his South of Heaven chokeslam on Julius to retain the titles.

A spectacular Raw wrapped up stunningly as the WWE faithful got more than their money’s worth.