WWE Raw results, highlights (Dec. 1): LA Knight to face Gunther to determine John Cena's last challenger

LA Knight is now just one victory away from being the final opponent of John Cena. Monday Night Raw in Glendale, Arizona delivered a thrilling follow-up to Survivor Series: WarGames, offering non-stop excitement despite a chaotic conclusion.

Opening Segment: Rhea Ripley & Iyo Sky vs. Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss

The show kicked off unexpectedly with Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky aiming for the Women's Tag Team Championships. Their plans were quickly interrupted by former champions and WarGames teammates Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss, who demanded a rematch against the Kabuki Warriors first.

The ensuing tag match delivered high-octane action, with Ripley showing subtle heel tendencies by criticizing Flair and Bliss's prior loss. Despite flawless tag-team spots, the bout ended in disqualification due to interference from the Kabuki Warriors, drawing in Lyra Valkyria, Bayley, and Judgment Day. Flair ultimately tried to salvage the match, but chaos reigned.

John Cena Retirement Tournament: Semifinals

LA Knight vs. Jey Uso

In one semifinal, LA Knight faced Jey Uso, delivering a match praised for its intensity and storytelling. Both competitors maintained a rapid pace throughout, culminating in Knight using a Jeff Hardy-style pin after countering Usos moves, including a spear and superkick. The match highlighted Knight's frustrations and Uso's underrated performance, with post-match tension hinting at potential character development for Uso.

Gunther vs. Solo Sikoa

The other semifinal featured Gunther against Solo Sikoa following Pentas injury. Gunther secured victory after a slow-building match emphasizing counters and ring psychology. The finish included a creative distraction and heel tactics, setting up the decisive matchup with LA Knight on Friday's SmackDown for the chance to face John Cena at Saturday Night's Main Event on December 13.

Bron Breakker Promo

Bron Breakker delivered an intense promo alongside The Vision and Logan Paul, expressing frustration over his previous WarGames encounter with CM Punk. The segment earned him a title shot on the first Raw of 2026, and highlighted his ability to cut a compelling promo while referencing past rivalries.

Backstage Segments and Story Developments

• The Kabuki Warriors had a confrontation with Bayley and Lyra Valkyria, both aiming to re-enter the Womens Tag Team picture.
• Maxxine Dupri and Natalya starred in a cinematic Hart Dungeon vignette, emphasizing their dominance and skill.
• Judgment Day welcomed back Liv Morgan while celebrating Dominik Mysterio's Survivor Series victory, teasing future storylines with Roxanne Perez and Mysterio.
• AJ Styles and Dragon Lee retained their World Tag Team titles against The New Day in a high-energy match, featuring a standout top-rope double stomp into a Styles Clash.
• Backstage interactions teased potential feuds, including Liv Morgan vs. Stephanie Vaquer and Ivy Nile challenging Maxxine Dupri for the Intercontinental Championship.
• Logan Paul and Rey Mysterio discussed future Intercontinental title opportunities, hinting at Dominik Mysterios role in upcoming storylines.

Conclusion

The only noticeable flaw of the night was the chaotic ending, but the overall show maintained exceptional momentum from start to finish. With standout matches, promos, and engaging storylines, WWE Raw earned a near-perfect rating.

Rating: 9.5/10

Author: Sophia Brooks