WWE took over the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri for the December 8 episode of Monday Night RAW, presenting fans with matches across all divisions. Highlights included Iyo Sky vs. Kairi Sane, AJ Styles and Dragon Lee defending the World Tag Team Championships, and a heated clash between old rivals LA Knight and Logan Paul.
TheSportster’s rating system analyzed each match from this week’s episode to pinpoint the best and worst performances.
4. AJ Styles & Dragon Lee vs. War Raiders (World Tag Team Championship)
Overall Rating: 6/10
Though talented, the match faltered in its closing moments due to several missteps, particularly Dragon Lee’s failed attempts to lift Ivar, which disrupted the flow and quality. Early action showed promise with impressive moves, but the War Raiders appeared lacking in confidence, which affected audience engagement. Styles ultimately secured victory with a powerful forearm after interrupting a pinfall following a Viking Experience.
3. Iyo Sky vs. Kairi Sane
Overall Rating: 6.5/10
The opening singles contest between longtime rivals Sky and Sane featured quick reversals and counters, but the intensity waned after the initial excitement. Distractions by Asuka and Rhea Ripley gave Sane leverage, allowing her to showcase solid heel tactics. Sky rallied to win after reversing a double stomp and landing her signature moonsault, though the match overall felt somewhat underwhelming considering both wrestlers’ capabilities.
2. Logan Paul vs. LA Knight
Overall Rating: 6.75/10
The main event delivered a decent bout marked by strong early intensity, aimed at building genuine animosity between the two rivals who previously met at SummerSlam 2024. The match lost some coherence and storytelling as it progressed, resembling typical Logan Paul contests focused on move exchanges, but the crowd was more engaged due to Paul’s passion. After some interference by the mysterious “Masked Man,” Paul secured the win with a big splash.
1. Lyra Valkyria vs. Roxanne Perez
Overall Rating: 7/10
Valkyria and Perez continued their rivalry with a technically sound match highlighting their improving chemistry. Early grappling and counters set an engaging pace as Perez targeted Valkyria’s arm injury, which Valkyria sold well to integrate into the match psychology. Despite some sloppy interference from Bayley and Liv Morgan, Perez finished the match with her finisher, Pop Rocks, to claim the victory.
Fan Take: This episode of Monday Night RAW showcased the evolving narratives and in-ring skills of WWE’s diverse talent roster, setting the stage for future rivalries and title defenses. For fans, these matches serve as important chapters that build excitement and anticipation for what’s next in the WWE universe.
