In short
Podcast Summary: What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon
Episode Title
Raw Recap - Bron Breakker gifts a holiday SPEAR to CM Punk: Raw Recap, Dec. 22, 2025
Episode Description In this episode of What’s Your Story?, hosts Sam Roberts and Megan Morant recap the latest WWE Monday Night Raw, discussing key moments and storylines, including Bron Breakker's ambition for the World Heavyweight Championship, Austin Theory's progression within The Vision, Gunther's imposing presence, and Maxxine Dupree's fiery confrontation with Becky Lynch.
---
Key Highlights
Austin Theory's Journey
- Theory's Ambition: Austin Theory seeks to prove himself as a valuable asset to The Vision after being the masked man who caused chaos during recent events.
- Paul Heyman's Role: Paul Heyman emphasizes the importance of Theory proving himself worthy of guidance, similar to how Logan Paul joined The Vision.
- Match Performance: Theory's successful pinfall victory during the show marks a significant step in his journey to regain prominence in WWE.
Braun Breakker's Dominance
- Championship Aspirations: Braun Breakker continues to solidify his position as a contender for the World Heavyweight Championship with a strong performance against CM Punk.
- Psychological Warfare: Breakker uses personal jabs, suggesting Punk's lack of concern for his family, to get under his opponent's skin ahead of their championship match.
Gunther's Menace
- Presence in WWE: Gunther continues to dominate the narrative, having retired John Cena and now casting a shadow over other competitors, including Rey Mysterio and CM Punk.
- Aura of Fear: His interactions are marked by a commanding presence that intimidates opponents and excites the audience.
Maxxine Dupri vs. Becky Lynch
- Rising Star: Maxxine Dupri displays increased confidence and aggression, challenging Becky Lynch directly.
- Becky's Resilience: Despite Lynch's recent struggles, she remains a compelling figure in WWE, continuing to evolve her character amidst various challenges, including her legal battles.
---
Discussion Points
Key Story Arcs
- Austin Theory's Redemption: The episode highlights Theory's evolution as he attempts to prove his worth to The Vision after a period of struggle and injury.
- Rivalry Building: The ongoing rivalries, particularly between Breakker and Punk, and Dupri and Lynch, showcase the personal stakes and character development involved.
Imminent Matches
- Upcoming Showdowns: Anticipation builds for upcoming matches, including Breakker and Punk's title match and Lynch vs. Dupri for the Intercontinental Championship.
- Development of Female Stars: The episode emphasizes the growth and depth of the women's division, particularly through the character arcs of Lynch and Dupri.
---
Key Takeaways
- The episode serves as a bridge to the new year in WWE, setting the stage for significant storylines and character developments in 2026.
- The importance of proving oneself within WWE is a recurring theme, illustrated through Theory's and Breakker's arcs.
- The dynamics between established stars and emerging talents create a rich narrative landscape, keeping the audience engaged.
---
Closing Remarks The hosts conclude the episode with a light-hearted gift exchange, underscoring the camaraderie among WWE personalities while teasing future developments. The show encapsulates the spirit of WWE storytelling, blending drama with festive cheer as the year comes to a close.
---
This summary serves as a comprehensive guide to the discussed themes, characters, and future implications highlighted in this episode of What’s Your Story? with Steph McMahon.
Written by AI. May contain mistakes. Listen to the episode to check what was said.
Transcript
Automatic transcript. May contain errors.0:28Has Austin Theory proven himself to the vision? are here. Raw recap is in effect. The last Raw recap before the big day. You feeling festive? Of course I'm feeling festive. I have my WWE holiday sweater on. It's not just WWE. That's the final boss. That's right. That's the final boss. We are rocking around the Christmas tree over here on the Raw recap show, Sam Roberts. Puns make everyone uncomfortable. I think that's just you. Okay. Everybody else seemed to like it. I hear echoes of laughs from the control room. You do? Yeah. Everybody's laughing about it. I guess I just don't have that feed.
1:05So listen, I mean, a lot of people are taking some time off, letting business go to the side as they celebrate with friends, family, loved ones, but not Austin Theory. No. Austin Theory is trying to end the year right. We get the answers that we've been looking for tonight on Monday Night Raw when Austin Theory walks in and Paul Heyman is the first person that will speak to him. So of course, like Austin Theory, we found out last week has been the masked man this entire time who interfered in war games, who interfered post war games. Paul Heyman said, I do not know who that masked man is to Adam Pierce.
1:47And based on what Paul Heyman said tonight, he didn't know who the masked man was. no and I think based on what Theory said in response to that as well saying I wanted you to see what I was going to do before I revealed who I was you take a look at Austin Theory's past in WWE and this is a man who defeated John Cena at WrestleMania but since then there's been a lot of downs yeah the WWE career of Austin Theory I think actions speak louder than words in general, but in this case specifically. And I think this is a way that Austin Theory could grab the attention of Paul Heyman and the entire locker room.
2:28And I'm glad that Austin Theory said that to start the show, because I think that that's been part of the conversation, right? Is that as fans, we've been watching the show and we've been watching Austin Theory, first of all, for months, not even be on the show because of injury. But before that, not being one of these guys who's at the top of the card and knowing that Austin Theory needs to do things differently. Now for Austin Theory to just walk in and say, hey guys, I'm here to be the newest member of the vision. Nobody likes that. Nobody likes it. And also you kind of got to be invited. Yeah.
3:01The fact that he, and that's why we get the weeks of masked man stuff. So he can spend multiple instances proving what his value is to the vision. And even as he came down the aisle, even as I got in the ring, looking at his gear, looking at his haircut looking at his demeanor yes is a completely different austin theory it was it was almost like an austin theory that maybe has gotten that wake-up call that you're right he had a huge match at wrestlemania 38 he had a huge match at wrestlemania 39 but you're right wrestlemania 39 was a long time ago and austin theory since then has not found that thing but austin theory is one of these guys that for the last three, four years, people have been saying future, future star, future star, future star, which is what the vision is all about.
3:50So it gets to a point where you're like, and this is very interesting with the vision because Paul Heyman said to Brom Breaker and Bronson Reed that he is very specific about who he imparts his wisdom onto. But the idea that we get this Austin theory having to prove himself worthy of Paul Heyman's guidance, of Paul Heyman doing what he did for Bronson Reed and Braun Breaker. It's not that dissimilar from Logan Paul and how Logan Paul joined the vision, which was basically, I hear what you're saying. He went face to face with Bronson Reed and Braun Breaker and said, I hear what you're saying. I kind of agree with you guys.
4:34I want to be the future of this company. Let me show you that I can provide value to your group. I loved the interaction with Paul Heyman and Austin Theory backstage. And Paul just saying, that's very interesting. Yes. Very interesting. Now, had Theory not been the masked man and approached the vision as the Austin Theory that we knew before the masked man and said, hey, Paul Heyman, I have a lot of interest in joining the vision. Paul Heyman says, well, let's see what you can do first, kid. Right. Now, Austin Theory showed how he can add to the vision and what he can do. I mean, because of Austin Theory's interference at war games, Braun Breaker pinned CM Punk.
5:10Right, and now is in line for that world championship match. Yeah, I think so. And I think, too, I really liked the little wrinkle in the story, which was Paul Heyman going to Bronson Reed and Braun Breaker and going tonight, Theory's going to team with Bronson Reed. But the idea being, we're going to see what he does tonight. We're not making him a full-time member just because he put a mask on and stomped on people's faces. we're not going to make him a full-time member. He said straight up, if he wins, great. If he can help us, great. Let's accept the help. Paul Heyman is in a space right now where he is accepting of help.
5:45And if people line up with what his version of division is, then there are strength in numbers. And I think Heyman knows that. But if he can't help, if he hasn't improved since the last time that we've seen him, kill him. I would say the audition went pretty well for theory, though. I would say, I mean, a pinfall victory. Yeah, I would say. Pretty well. I would say Theory proved himself to be an asset. And what about Theory using that stomp as his finisher? I know. Stomping Rey Mysterio. No mask, no nothing. What do you think Seth Rollins thinks about that? I think that there's a lot for Seth Rollins to be upset about right now.
6:19But, I mean, yeah, it was like, at first, I'm going, while he's using the stomp with the mask on, so that he throws people off the scent. That's what I thought. Right. But then when he used it on Rey Mysterio, I said, uh-oh. So that's his, and he's sending a message too. Now, what about this? The last person that used that stomp, is he sending a message to Seth Rollins going like, we don't need you? Or is this theory going, I'm going to be the new leader of this faction. The last guy that used that stomp was Seth freaking Rollins and Seth Rollins was leading that faction. It didn't seem like when Bronson Reed was kind of instructing Austin Theory on what to do, Austin Theory said, no, how about I start the match and I'm not your kid.
7:03And then he stepped up. He started the match. He set the pace. He's the one that got the victory. He's the one that created the distractions and diversions that allowed Raw to end with Braun Breaker spearing CM Punk. So like, is there a part of this where Austin Theory is not trying to join the vision? He's trying to be the guy in the vision. But then what did Braun Breaker say to Bronson Reed? He said, I have your back. Not his. That's right. But for now, for now, I mean, listen, if these guys have learned anything from Paul Heyman. I mean, what happens if Braun Breaker is the world heavyweight champion come January 5th?
7:42How is anybody else going to lead that group? No, that's 100 % right. But does Austin Theory take a step back? Or does Austin Theory go, no, I want to be the world heavyweight championship. You know, there is. Well, right now, I think he's got to worry about getting into the vision first. Yeah, I mean, I think there is, but I think he's trying to prove that to Paul Heyman. It doesn't seem like Austin Theory is terribly concerned with trying to prove himself to Brombraker or Bronson Reed. I would agree with that. You know, I think he's going like, no, no, no, no, no. I don't want the assistant to, I want to talk to the manager and only the manager.
8:15That's the guy that I talk to. Because I think Austin Theory thinks that he can be the number one guy in this faction. I think that, you know, to walk in with that attitude is, it can be a difficult it's a tough nut to crack however like you just said I mean theory showing up at the end of this show and stomping Rey Mysterio and getting the pin I don't see him not working with the vision I'm with you you know I mean I mean especially with whatever theory has done to get himself back to this spot and look I mean you could see on on on raw tonight Christmas trees everywhere. It's kind of just, you know, usually on Raw, like we'll get a miracle on 34th Street Fight.
9:00It's just kind of a celebratory, like, oh, wrestling's fun. It's the holidays show. It wasn't tonight at all. It wasn't. It was business tonight. And Theory was like, I don't take any weeks off. I mean, who returns? Who returns to their job the week before Christmas? That's the craziest thing I've ever heard. A couple more weeks to get those goals in, right? Yeah. Well, you couldn't just sit there and be like, you know what? I'm feeling better. I come back in the new year you know I'll keep like nobody starts working out the week of Christmas the gyms explode we'll do it in the new year in the new year but also three days before Christmas whatever it is who's got abs like this guy who's got pecs like this guy the body on Austin Theory this is like there's no days off for him none and so the idea that like he's going like oh the show before Christmas yeah that's the show that I'm gonna prove my worth that's the show and I think it's smart I think it can be like one of those scenarios where it's like because, you know, there are a lot of people that it's like, well, I don't want to take, I don't want to take a day off because I'll slip.
9:57I don't want, I don't want to take a day off because then this guy will get ahead. And then everybody right around the holidays goes, okay, we're all taking off, right? We're all taking our foot off the gas, right? Okay. Then I'm going to take my foot off the gas too. And all it takes is one guy to be like, I got your boss. I'll put my foot on the gas and it blows it for everyone. That was theory tonight where he's like, no, no no no what if i start working what if i start working now like it's already 2026 and i think that's what theory was doing giving us a little preview for the new year maybe a hundred percent and then for the show to end with braun breaker spearing cm punk first of all weeks in a row he sawed him in half at the end of raw and like was happy about it and i mean the promo that he cut to on raw talking about how like you know you don't he said care about anybody he He said he I've never seen a wrestling promo where the guy says to the other guy, you don't care about your wife.
10:55That's crazy for Braun Breaker to say that. I mean, he really wants CM Punk in a state come January 5th. Yeah, he wants this to get personal and he wants to beat the old CM Punk out of him. And for somebody that wasn't necessarily known for speaking into a microphone and for somebody that was more known as a part of a group and really just the last month, Braun Breaker has stuck out so far. Like the idea that Braun Breaker is going to be, if not already in that conversation of here are your top guys on Monday Night Raw. Like you'd have to be a fool not to see that coming. And I don't mean not to see that coming like within the next year or two.
11:41I mean to see that coming within the next week or two. Now. Now. Right now. I loved that backstage interaction when Paul Heyman was talking to Bronson Reed and Bron Breaker and he said to Bronson Reed, where were you 18 months ago? Right. What were you up to 18 months ago? Right. And then he turned to Bron Breaker and he said, what were you doing a year ago? Were you making calls to take out people like Seth Rollins? Because that was your call. and then thinking about the year that Braun Breaker has had, it's pretty wild. He's elevated tremendously right under everybody's noses and I don't know that Braun Breaker has gotten enough credit for how far he's gone and really only since end of April.
12:23Really just the last six, seven months. The Raw after WrestleMania? Yeah, yeah. But then like that Raw after WrestleMania makes a statement and then just goes, goes, goes, goes that gets you to the point where you're at now, where you're looking into 2026 and wondering if on the first show of the new year, Braun Breaker's going to be the world heavyweight champion, if he's going to be the one who takes out CM Punk. Because I think, you know, while there is this sort of thing that we're watching with Theory trying to join this group, the one person who is absolutely solidified in his position is Braun Breaker.
12:59And on a very real level, For somebody who's as young as Breaker is, to see him in this sort of space, look, sound, feel, as confident as he does, is pretty remarkable. There's nothing about this guy, when you watch him on television, that you don't think, yeah, he's ready now. Do you think that Braun Breaker is going to be able to get the old CM Punk out of CM Punk on January 5th? I think he's going to come as close as one can get, you know, and I, and, you know, like there are reasons why people change, you know, and also. If some change is good. Change is usually good. If you're deliberately changing, hopefully it's for a good reason, because if not, you've wasted your time.
13:47But, you know, I think that people forget 2025 CM Punk is the one that won the World Heavyweight Championship twice. Like 2025 CM Punk is the man on Monday Night Raw right now. So the idea that like 2025 CM Punk is the one CM Punk that made it to the main event of WrestleMania. So I think that whether it's 2025 CM Punk, whether it's 2011 CM Punk, whether it's 2030 CM Punk, it has to be the punk that CM Punk wants it to be. What CM Punk can't do is let Braun Breaker set the pace and fall into a trap like that. You know what I mean? Like don't lead with your emotions because Braun Breaker knows that that's something CM Punk is kind of famous for.
14:41And that's why Brown Breaker is saying things like, you don't even care about your wife. I know, but I mean, I was also watching that going like, oh my God, like this is a guy who like CM Punk, he said that CM Punk went to him at WrestleMania and said, let's see if you can cut a promo. Like this was not a guy who talked a lot. Confirmed, he can. And now it's like, oh my God, he's the one with his words that is telling us this story. It's amazing. But you know, speaking of confidence, People probably want to know why I'm feeling so confident right now. I was wondering. There does seem to be a little something different about you today.
15:16Well, that's a glow. It's a big-time glow, and that's because – well, it's because of my new accoutrement, my new accessories, my new jewelry from GLD. Yes, I love GLD. As a matter of fact, I'm obsessed with GLD because, you know, I've always been looking into acquiring more jewelry for myself, accessorizing a little bit more. But men's jewelry, it's impossible. It's either all way out of your price range or the quality is absolutely terrible. Nobody specializes in it the way they should. But now, now you've got GLD and GLD is different. Quality pieces that are built to last, they don't break.
16:00Look at it. They don't. I'm wearing one right now. I know you hung a little sand from it earlier. That's right. And it's still sturdy as it's ever been. Like it just came out of the box. It's always real gold in every piece. You can really feel and you can see the quality in person. GLD's proprietary production process has quality and shine that is on another tier. I mean, when you put on the GLD chain, when you put one of these on, you're going to feel like, like I'm telling you right now, I walked in here today and this is not an exaggeration. Megan, you can back me up. You, the crew, everybody, you all said, man, there is something different about Sam.
16:43And that's what they said. We're going to build a split screen. Maybe Megan will just co-host with the necklace. And I said, I wouldn't blame you. Look at that. Megan in the chain breaking down raw. Every single Monday night, people would tune in. Are you trying to nickname yourself the chain? I'm saying. Because it is so nice. The chain Roberts. And it's subtle too. Like you could get it. They have, you know, every type of piece that you're looking for. So it can fit your vibe. It can fit your look. That fits your vibe. Thank you. Thank you. Something a little subtle. Something a little bigger.
17:14Whatever you want. GLD has it all. They got chains. They got pendants. They got rings. They got earrings. They got fully iced out watches. So you can find the perfect gift for anyone on your list. You don't have to just take my word for it. Although obviously I look like a million bucks. There's over 2 million customers. 50 ,000 five-star reviews. Worn by stars. like Justin Bieber, Micah Parsons, Kevin Durant, ASAP Rocky, the last professional broadcaster, Sam Roberts, and more. GLD stands by the quality of their jewelry. Every piece comes with a lifetime warranty, which I love. Work hard and change the game.
17:52Right now, GLD is making holiday shopping easy. For a limited time only, new customers get an insane deal. Use code RAWRECAP to get 50 % off at GLD.com. That's 50, 50 % off with code RAWRECAP at GLD.com. After you purchase, they'll ask where you heard about them. Please support our show and tell them that RAWRECAP sent you. I mean, it's, I don't say this lightly. It's a life changer. I can't believe the last professional broadcaster's name is up there with the big shots like Justin Bieber. Of course it is. Good for you. Of course it is. You know, where else would it be? Speaking of big shots, Gunther is a different animal.
18:43People use this word aura and they use it all the time. And it's sometimes hard to figure out where aura sets in. Like for me, I picked up my aura when I put the chain on. But for Gunther, it happened right after he beat John Cena. As John Cena tapped, that aura started building. Because, man, I mean, tonight, watching Gunther come out and Symphony No. 9 kicks in. He's standing there with the Christmas trees. This is supposed to be a raw that's celebratory. Yeah, he looks like Krampus. And as soon as Gunther's music hits, you go, oh, no. I mean, he ruined Christmas. It's like the lights go down, but unlike, and I don't know if this is just because of the vibes or because of an aesthetic, I don't, but like, unlike usually when it feels like the lights just go out, it's almost like when Symphony No.
19:379 hits and the lights go down, it's almost like they surround you, like they're coming in on you, right? And then Gunther hits out on the screen, and it's just like, oh, we were having such a good time. I told you he's there to kill the fun. And it's crazy that Symphony No. 9, when he came back for the tournament, that's when the old music came back as well. Yeah. But I feel like it's heightened in the difference that it makes ever since he got John Cena. Absolutely. Absolutely. It means something different. And you look at the way this guy smiles. The way this guy smiles as he walks out and gets real hatred, vitriol.
20:18I mean, true animosity. From all of the fans in Grand Rapids. And the way he soaks it in. Oh, he loves it. He loves hearing every boo. He loves realizing that he has ruined. I mean, look at these fans. All of these fans' days. Look at them. I mean, it's just like, I mean, just disgust. Like, I don't want to see this guy. You know what I mean? The pursed lips, the like, who does he think he is? But he knows who he is. He's the guy that tapped out John Cena. I mean, like this is. He's into it. This is passion, okay? This is a guy who probably doesn't feel this strongly about just about anything.
20:59But when he sees Gunther, he's got to make his voice. Look, you still have members of the chain gang soldiers out in the audience, okay? People in the C Nation who show up in their chain gang jerseys and they're booing Gunther because they know they're never going to get back what Gunther took away from them. all of the conversation. He said he was never gonna give up and he gave up. You know how much, I mean, adults having this conversation, I don't understand. The shirt said never give up. How could he give up? I'm so upset. And Gunther goes, thank you for fueling me with that rage, with that sadness, with all these feelings that you don't know what to do with.
21:46put them upon me because I feed off of them. He's like a negative energy vampire. Not that Gunter ever lacked any sort of confidence, but his chest is puffing out a little bit more ever since he retired John Cena. 100%. The level of confidence, and it's like all the boos feed that confidence. And the smile, the dimples, the way he goes back for seconds and thirds and fourths. Because he did something that nobody else can do. And no matter what the fans, say about Gunther, no matter the glares that he gets in the locker room, no matter who comes out and confronts him, I did a thing that you couldn't do.
22:24And if you could have done it, you would have done it, but you couldn't do it. I could. And I feel great about it. I ruined your lives. Yeah, that's right. You're welcome. Gunther has now slept, what is it? 16 times. 15, 16 nights sleep. Like a baby. Like a baby. And he has not woken up once going, maybe I shouldn't have. No, he's very happy that he did. He's very happy. Pure evil with the spot that he was in. Even like when they try to get to him, these fans, they try to get to him and they chant, you tapped out, you tapped out. Guess what? Whether he tapped out or not, anything that he did before making John Cena give up.
23:04Doesn't matter. It's null and void. And he knows that. That's why they go, you tapped out. He's like, okay, guys. I loved the interaction brief but I loved the interaction he had with Rey Mysterio well okay okay let's get there because he comes out and really like he serves no purpose other than to just come out and allow the fans to boo him so he can feed off of it yeah I saw they kept promoting all night we're gonna have Gunter on the show I said for what for what and then CM Punk comes out first and confronts Gunther in the ring face to face. And even though he's the world heavyweight champion, Gunther could care less.
23:47And honestly, I'm sitting there going like, dude, you got Braun Breaker to worry about. Yeah. You're the world heavyweight champion. Not Gunther, not now. If I'm CM Punk, the last thing that I'm doing is going, hey, Gunther, I'd love to teach you a lesson. No, keep your title for as long as you can. You've been sawed in half by Braun Breaker two weeks in a row on Raw. Right, right. Deal with that. Because you can't, there's no way you can convince me that if CM Punk put his title on the line against Gunther right now, that he would keep that title. I don't think any title would be safe right now against Gunther.
24:23I would agree with that. Any title. I would agree 100 % with that. Anywhere. To the point where fans would show up to the building going, I think Gunther's going to take it from us again. I don't want him to, but I think he is. And then he leaves, and I want to get to your moment, because I'm so glad you brought it up because, I mean, it might have been my favorite moment of the night. He leaves CM Punk and already, like every time Gunther even looks at a person, we start fantasy booking and coming up with these matches that we want to see. You wouldn't love to see CM Punk versus Gunther? I would.
24:52Yes. I'd love to. I texted you that. Yeah, I want to see this match. Oh, wait, wait, wait. Now he's looking at Rey Mysterio. And he confronts Rey Mysterio in the aisleways. Rey Mysterio is coming out for his match. And I've got to tell you, since I'm a little kid, there is nothing that I love more than two wrestlers interacting in the aisleway when one wrestler is coming out for their match and the other wrestler is going away. And then this confrontation happens that never would have happened before. It's one of these little things. Everything counts. All these seeds. I love it. We can overanalyze it.
25:24I love it. And you love it even more when it's Rey Mysterio because that's one of your favorites. I know you'll say he's a deadbeat. He's goaded. He's a deadbeat. He's one of the worst dads of all time, but one of the best wrestlers of all time. Is that fair? Yes, thank you. Okay, good. Thank you so much. Good. Credit where credit is due. He's just the worst at being a dad. But amazing as far as being a professional wrestler. And luckily, he's not my dad. So Gunther confronting Rey Mysterio. And, you know, it's like when Gunther retired Goldberg and John Cena in the same year, we started compiling those lists of people that maybe because WWE is at a very interesting spot right now.
26:03There are people that have been there like Rey Mysterio for decades. Yep. There are people that are just now getting to the top of the card like Gunther. And there are people that you know are the future like Javon Evans, who we saw earlier tonight. But Rey Mysterio is on that list of being like, when you look at Rey Mysterio wrestle, you can't believe the level that he's performing at at this point in his career. And you also look at Rey Mysterio as somebody that he's already a Hall of Famer. He should be honored for his career. Like this is a guy who you should put up on a pedestal. And everybody backstage should look at him that way.
26:42A hundred percent. And the minute that Gunther shows up and just looks down at Rey Mysterio laughing at him, it's almost like this moment that you go, oh my gosh, at this point in Rey's career, could he be helpless? Gunther to me is almost looking at Rey going, you are here until I deem it that you shouldn't be anymore. The idea of Gunther, like of all things to ruin. Having that much control. Oh my God. In WWE. And ruining, knowing I could ruin this for you. If I can tap out John Cena, I could destroy the last chapter in your career. You guys like him? You like watching him wrestle? You guys love Rey, right?
27:23Booyaka, booyaka? That's fun. No more. Yeah, exactly. Exactly, it's fun. And what do we like? To end fun. Like, I didn't even consider Rey Mysterio. But like I said, every single time that Gunther looks at somebody else, I go, oh, my gosh, that could be it. I know. And I think it draws even more intrigue. The fact that he doesn't really say it's two weeks in a row now that he just shows up on Raw and goes, yep, I'm here. Because these are more than just stare downs with Gunther, especially Gunther post retiring John Cena. Yes. These are threats. Threats. And also like laughing in your face. Do something.
Read the full transcript
27:59Do something. And it's a reality that we live in. And he even gave CM Punk the, I mean, it's the worst you can't see me of all time. But the fact that it's so bad is like makes it even more insulting. He's mocking it. A hundred percent. And then he sees AJ Styles again. Again. The second confrontation. Another one who it's like AJ Styles has said, you know, I probably got 2026. And we sit here and think, can't we just enjoy the rest of AJ Styles' career? Can't we just enjoy it? Yeah. I mean, no. No. You know why we can't? Because here's Gunther. Gunther's here. And he won't allow that to happen.
28:36And AJ Styles goes, you know, you just don't know when to shut up, do you? And Gunther goes, I guess I don't. He's just laughing. I guess not, AJ. I guess I don't. But, I mean, just seeing Gunther in all this glory as an absolute terror to the entire locker room is just, I mean, it's amazing. it's a I mean for me I think next year the journey that Gunther is on because I love a tragedy as much as I love a happy ending I cannot wait to watch I'm going to stand far away from it but I cannot wait to watch the journey that this guy goes on because he just like his awfulness just leaps out of the screen the impact he's going to make on the entire landscape of WWE in 2026.
29:29It's going to be so crazy. Speaking of crazy, I got an idea for a crazy good holiday gift, huh? How about this? Aura Frames. We love Aura Frames, and for anybody that's still hunting down the right gift, Aura Frames is not only going to make it easy for you, but they're going to make it look like you had the whole thing planned from the beginning. I love that. Here's the thing with Aura Frames. You order it for a loved one, but without even opening the box, you can pre-program it to have unlimited photos and videos already on it. You could have a personalized message and then all the photos and videos you want, photos of the kids, photos of friends, photos of a vacation.
30:10You just upload them onto the Aura app and it's that simple. As many as you want, as often as you want. And when they put that Aura frame up, they're going to be able to see not only everything that's pre-programmed on, But throughout the year, you can keep adding and keep adding and keep adding. No more like looking at the group text and trying to find this photo and that photo. No, they're all beautifully on display on this Aura frame. I have one in my home. I've given one to my loved ones. It is the best gift. And it's one of the rare Christmas gifts that you'll see next year. You'll give the Aura frame and you'll actually come over and you'll go over to the house at Easter.
30:50Oh, the Aura frame's up. and you'll go over to the house at Halloween. Oh, the AuraFrame's still there. And you'll go over to the house next Christmas. I can't believe it. The gift that I gave is the only one that's still there. What happened to the Jelly of the Month Club? Well, I unsubscribed. Who wants Jelly of the Month? No, AuraFrames is where you go. I mean, here's the thing. Not only can you preload them, but they come in these beautiful gift boxes. So you don't even have to wrap them. Beautiful gift box, no price tag, no nothing, just ready to slide right under the tree and boom, you got the best gift of the holidays.
31:24You love the Aura Frame, Megan? Love my Aura Frame. It's the best. No more shared albums. No. We got it all here on Aura. That's right. That's right. And for a limited time, you can save on the perfect gift by visiting AuraFrames.com to get$35 off Aura's best-selling Carver Matte Frames, named number one by Wirecutter, by using promo code RAWRECAP at checkout. That's A-U-R-A-F-R-A-M-E-S-D-O-T-C-O-M, promo code RAWRECAP. This deal is exclusive to listeners and frames sell out fast. So order yours now to get it in time for the holidays. Support the show by mentioning Raw Recap at checkout. Terms and conditions apply.
32:00I'm really glad I didn't get you Jelly of the Month for Christmas. What's that? You're going to have to wait until the end of the show. Got you a little present here. Wrapped it and everything myself. Oh, yeah. I got yours here, too. So you're going to have to wait. It matches your shirt. Yeah, I didn't. The wrapping paper does. I didn't wrap mine, but I got yours over here, too. Great. I can't wait. I'm so excited. Oh, we'll do a gift exchange. Yeah, at the end of the show. It'll be great. Uh-huh. Yeah. Yeah, yeah, yeah. I got yours. You got something good. Something really good. You're going to like this.
32:33I thought a lot about it. Uh-huh. Okay. That's great. That's great. You're going to love yours. Same. Same. I was thinking about you a lot when I picked it out. Speaking of somebody that's been thinking about me a lot, Becky Lynch. She sure has. Came out. Oh, finally, the protest is over. That's why I was able to wear The Rock today. Your final boss Christmas sweater. Yes, I can wear The Rock Christmas sweater. Because Becky is finally back on Monday Night Raw. And it was an early Christmas gift for me. You loved it. Of course I did. Right. It's been a while. We haven't seen Becky back on Raw since she lost the Intercontinental title.
33:08Well, that's still being worked out in the court of law. And then she tapped out at war games, don't forget. She didn't tap. She doesn't tap. She's not a quitter. like John Cena. That's just what she said on the internet. No, she said that. She said that. I did not call Cena a quitter. No, no, no. She did. Yes. She said it on SiriusXM. She did. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Listen, Maxine was supposed to come out and then Becky Lynch comes out. Here comes the man. Shout out to miserable Michigan who gets to be the place. Is she wrong though? In December, isn't everybody in Michigan miserable? I mean, I don't know.
33:42It's the holidays. People in Michigan love the holidays as well. Michigan's a great place. Faygo, you know, the whole thing. Sure. Jack White, Eminem, Insane Clown Posse. What's not to love about Michigan? Well, there were certainly no Rapids in Grand Rapids. Okay, well, I didn't also, I don't think they probably appreciated that Becky Lynch acted like she was some like, you know, detective that had uncovered this great mystery about Grand Rapids. But Grand Rapids is a great place, obviously. She, you know, said very, she spoke very highly of herself. I guess she's been - Because what's, I mean.
34:17She's been in meetings with people at Netflix. Yes. A lot of the big wigs at Netflix. The biggest, the biggest wigs. The biggest wigs. At Netflix. At Netflix, which I had no idea that's how you described it. Did you see her outfit? She looked great, by the way. Did you see the outfit? I mean, yeah. Yeah. With the fur coat and the. And the new shirt. The new shirt tucked into the pants like the kids do. She looked great. I loved the shoes of it all. The shoes of it all. you loved the shoes of it all yeah she had little high tops adidas on oh well yeah no i guess no she looked great she looked the best the greatest a lot of people said like the greatest female wrestler of all time who sports illustrated oh espn oh leecher report everybody has been saying it yeah it's interesting though because maxine said yeah becky may be the goat but maxine's the rookie that beat the goat.
35:10Maxine got very fired up tonight. I loved this version of Maxine. I like that Maxine has been training in the dungeon and is getting more aggressive in her matches. And then it has that level of confidence now in her promos where she's able to step right up to Becky Lynch and she was getting fired up. It's definitely a new side considering that yes, Maxine has technically beaten Becky Lynch three times. Three times, baby. But that... In all the best ways, too. She's not running. DQ countout and pinfall. And crooked referees. I don't know about that. Confirmed. By who? By the greatest female wrestler of all time.
35:54That there's a crooked referee. What's her name? Her name's Becky Lynch. No, I meant the referee. Oh, crooked car. Oh. Crooked car. I see. I see. But Maxine isn't running from Becky Lynch. She's not saying, look, I beat you three times. I've made a point. She's saying, all right, let's go again. Right, let's go again. What's going to make this one any different from the last three? And that's a good question. You think Becky Lynch is really, I mean, when she's sitting there, when she's vlogging, when she's tweeting in the middle of the night, when she's obsessing, when her cap locks is broken because she keeps hitting it so much, you think that she's really focusing on how she might actually be able to beat Maxine this time?
36:33Well, she has a lot on her plate. I mean, Becky Lynch is a woman that's in high demand here. I mean, she's starring in Star Trek. Cannot wait to see that. She has this massive legal case on her hands with the corruption in WWE. That's her case. She's not in demand. She's meeting with big wigs, the biggest wigs. I forgot about the biggest wigs. At Netflix. She's going to be a key figure in WWE Unreal that's coming out, you know, just about a month from today. No, that's true. So she has a lot on her plate. Right. I don't think she's exactly, you know, she's going to sleep thinking about the title, but I don't know if she's thinking about Maxine and all the work that Maxine's been putting in.
37:15Well, she should be because she didn't figure out how to beat Maxine before. Maxine has got her number, clearly. She's been able to beat her in every type of different way. Three and O. I don't know what makes you think that, like, just because Becky wants another man, and wouldn't that be interesting? If instead of trying to like create some kind of legal lawsuit or something like that, that she just got back in the gym and went to and trained and got a rematch. Wouldn't that be interesting to just try to win the title back? She does a lot of training. I see it on her vlog. 5 a.m. The sun was up.
37:49I mean, in a 12 o 'clock position. It was as high as it could get. She does a very hot sauna, a very cold, cold plunge. I see this all on her vlogs. Right. She's working. Right. It's really amazing how one person can focus on so many things. Yeah, no, I was just thinking that. I'm kind of in awe. She punched Maxine in the face as well. Yeah, Maxine pushed a button. Well, Maxine said that maybe what Becky Lynch is dealing with, and this is a very real thing for all athletes, is the reality that at some point, your best years are behind you. That happens to everybody in every sport. At some point, your best years are behind you.
38:31And she wondered if that were the case for Becky Lynch, and that caused Becky Lynch to snap. If Becky is scared of that. Yeah, because that's a terrifying reality for any athlete in any sport. You think it might be true for Becky? I don't think it's true at all. But I do think that Maxine went there and bought property. Yeah. Right? Yes, moved right in comfortably. Because she knows that this is something, as people age in their career, they think, how long can I do this for? Now, I don't think personally that Becky Lynch's best days are behind her. I think she is plenty more years ahead of her.
39:03But you know that thought has crossed Becky's mind at some point, like it does for every athlete. Hey, I can't do this forever. And the fact that Maxine, who's holding the intercontinental title that she won off of Becky Lynch, said it, that caused Becky to snap. Yeah, I mean, that is true, right? It's like Becky's actually like for real had a remarkable year and is doing like the fact that at this point, as high as she's been on the card, that she's doing new work and working with new people and presenting herself in a new way and evolving and evolving and evolving is really impressive. But I'm sure that when you leave, when you end the year on a series of big losses that were legit, it probably does weigh on you.
39:53I was with you until you said legit. Right there. Like clear, legit losses via such things as pinfall, submission, you know, count out. She didn't tap out. What was she doing in the war games? She was calling members of her team over. As they were laying on the ground. she was just trying to get their attention. I see. See, this is one of the things that's very difficult about being Becky Lynch in getting to the level that she's gotten to. It's hard to find people who you can communicate with, who you can get on the same page with, because the reality is there's just not a lot of people on her level.
40:28You think that the reason the War Games team did not come to her aid was because they didn't understand what she was saying because she's too famous? No, not necessarily famous, but high level. Do you think it might be because Eoskai swantonned herself off a cage with a garbage can on her head on top of them? Maybe that was more what it was? No, it's very difficult to get on the same level as Becky Lynch. That's all. I see. I see. Well, we got the match. The match was made official. January 5th, we have a third match added to that big episode of Monday Night Raw. Not only do we have CM Punk versus Braun Breger for the world heavyweight title.
41:08Not only do we have Io and Rhea getting their tag title shot at the Kabuki Warriors, but now Becky Lynch does have a rematch. Becky Lynch versus Maxine Dupree for the Intercontinental Championship. Do you think Maxine Dupree's title reign is going to be this short? The edge I've seen out of Maxine Dupree, it doesn't seem like she's going to let go of that title easily. No, I don't think so. I don't think so. I think Becky Lynch better start like not worrying so much about meetings and lawyers. And you know, for as much as I love Becky and I am the number one Becky believer. And if any person can handle as much on their plate as she has right now, it is the greatest female wrestler of all time, Becky Lynch.
41:52But she has a lot going on. I didn't say she couldn't handle it. Right. If anyone can, it's her. But she has a lot of distractions right now. To give you pause? No. Becky believer number one. Yeah, right. Right there. Number one. And I swear to God, if Crooked Carr is the referee in this match, null and void. You think that she is crooked? We have proof. Okay. We have evidence. Okay. I feel like a lot of this is you not telling the truth because the last time you even sort of spoke against Becky Lynch, she started yelling at you online and you don't like that? I was giving out coats with Maxine Dupree to children who needed coats.
42:31All right? And they said you have to do it with Maxine Dupree. What am I supposed to sit there and protest giving out coats Because Maxine Dupree is there No you should give the kids coats Yeah where I went wrong is I shouldn't have posted a picture about it As a Becky believer I shouldn't have done that That's on me You love the flex I know I'm here with the champ You blame me you love a flex too Flexing is great You literally carry your action figure around in your pocket He comes with me You're flexing right now wearing that sweet chain Hey, man, I just want to let people know what it is. You know what I mean?
43:04And that's what you have to do sometimes. Speaking of letting people know what it is, have you seen what we're getting from Big Jimmy Uso? Big Brother Jim? I didn't see this. Jimmy Uso has just dropped a new tee, the Big Jim Uso shirt. You can grab yours now at WWE Shop and Fanatics. You can rep Big Jim Uso all day. There's a whole line, by the way, of Big Jim Uso merch that's up now that's really, really cool. kind of baseball inspired stuff that, yeah. I like it. You got to support Big Brother Jim. Big Papa Jim in 2026. Big Papa Jim. Let's go. Oh, it's going to be a big 2026 for Big Jim, and you can support him right now.
43:46Speaking of support, I think the person I'd like to see get supported a little bit more is somebody who also considers themselves one of, if not the best women's wrestler currently on the planet. That person is a former WWE Women's Champion, former Divas Champion, Hall of Famer, and very, very famous Nikki Bella. She is so famous. You've got to give that to her. She's very famous. And you know what? That's what famous looks like. This right here is what famous looks like. And that's why everybody wants to be famous. If I were as famous as Nikki Bella, I would look like that as well. She looks amazing.
44:23I think so, too. But this Nikki Bella is demanding respect. Well, I mean, look, there comes a time when you have to demand it. There comes a time when you try to be humble. And Nikki Bella did such a wonderful thing. She tried to be humble. She came into the locker room, said, I'm going to earn my way. I'm going to prove to everybody that I belong with this era. Yes. And then eventually everybody forgot who she was. People forgot. You can't forget. You can't let them forget. You can be respectful. You can be humble. But the minute they start forgetting is when you kind of have to remind them. That's when you go into Michigan and you tell everybody that the Philadelphia Eagles are way better than the Detroit Lions.
45:04I mean, shouting out everybody, the Eagles, Ohio State. It was not a game for Nikki Bella. She came with violence on her mind. Yeah. She said to all of you, it's time that you remember me. Right. And I'm going to make you feel this. That's right. That's right. I mean, if they had been in Michigan State Stadium, she would have been shouting out U of M. It would have been, I mean, she came for violence is what she did. But you know what? When you're that famous, you can get away with it. And there are people, you know, I'm sure it's frustrating for her, right? Because you see, oh, Jelly Roll is going to be on WWE Unreal.
45:38And look at, and Logan Paul. Oh, look at the amount of work that Logan Paul is doing, even though he's famous. And Nikki Bella is like, hello, look how famous I am. And look at the ability that I still have. Look at how I can go. Look at the shape that I'm in. look at how I wear famous people clothing you know what I'm saying? it is kind of crazy you know we make a huge deal Jelly Roll at SummerSlam because he's famous nobody made a big deal Nikki Bella Nikki Bella she's famous too she was being taken for granted San Diego you should be so lucky that Nikki Bella had a world championship match at Survivor Series and now we get to a point where it's like we saw Nikki interrupt the match last week between Raquel and Stephanie Vaquer and they go to Stephanie Vaquer and they say, what's next?
46:25Where are we going with this? And she, Stephanie Vaqueror is the type of champion that doesn't want to leave any doubt whatsoever, right? If a match gets interrupted and there's no clear finish, she doesn't want people to think, oh, maybe she couldn't have beaten her. And if Nikki Bella still wants some, then Nikki Bella can get some. And this really been like the whole story of Stephanie Vaqueror's title reign. Remember, she was supposed to get her chance in Paris, But then what happened with relinquishing the title for Naomi, Stephanie Vakert had to wait even longer. And she said, that's okay.
46:57Bring on whoever it is. That's right. Bring them on. And that's really, as she heads into this triple threat match now, she says, okay, that's fine. I don't need Nikki or Raquel. I'll take them both. That's right. She said it. Lucha Tripple. That's what I was saying. Lucha Tripple con Raquel and Nikki Bella. I love it. I love it. I, I, I, I, I, I, and I mean, listen, I don't think people should be sleeping on this. I think that there is a real reality, right? When you look at it, it's like Stephanie Vaquer is an incredibly fighting champion. She's one of these champions that wants the matches to tell the story of the title reign, right?
47:39And that's a dangerous spot to be in because with every defense, theoretically, it's going to get more and more difficult to continue to defend the title on that level. because your body's going to start to get tired because people are going to be able to see more and more of you, start to figure out where the weaknesses in your game are, start to figure everything out. You got Raquel Rodriguez, who's having a lot of trouble with the judgment day at the moment on everybody being on the same page. Especially after tonight. Especially after tonight. And then you have Nikki Bella, who's sitting there and kind of found herself, kind of figured out, you know what, this is who I am.
48:17and I can own this. I don't need to sit here and justify why I'm here. I don't need to sit here and do anything. I could just exist as Nikki Bella and everybody can be grateful that I'm even here. And if you have Nikki Bella, if that confidence is real in Nikki Bella, I think there is a greater chance than people realize that Nikki wins the Women's World Championship. I mean, can you imagine one of the most truly biggest names and most famous people in WWE as a champion. It's not an outlandish idea. It's not wild at all. And based on what we've seen from Nikki Bella, it could easily be a reality.
48:59I think it could. I absolutely think it could. But like we said, the Judgment Day, and part of that is, part of the reason why I think it could be a reality is what happened with the Judgment Day tonight. Raquel coming in at the absolute worst time imaginable. Yeah, during that match. after Bailey clonks her head on the exposed turnbuckle. And Liv Morgan was being so strategic here. This is why having Liv Morgan on your side is always a good thing. Did you hear that Michael Cole couldn't even do commentary when Liv Morgan was near him? I don't blame him. Just words were coming out of his face.
49:38He didn't know what he was saying because Liv Morgan was there. That's how I feel when Liv Morgan walks by. Yeah, yeah. And it's only gotten more so because like you talk about star power. We've spoken a lot about star power on this show. And I think maybe that's because we're looking at how people have grown in 2025. Yeah. And how Nikki Bella is at a different level, how, you know, Bron Breaker is at a different level. Guenther is at a completely different level. But Liv Morgan is eclipsed where she was. Which is wild because she spent a good time not on television in 2025. That's right. But she comes back and she's already on a different level than she was when she left.
50:15The minute she's back, it's like, oh my gosh. She's got the greatest commentator of all time stuttering. That's right. Stammering, I don't even know what he was trying to say. I couldn't discern it. And he had to just say, look, I got tongue tied because Liv Morgan was here. That's right. It's amazing. And we all said, yeah, we get it, bro. Right. It's cool. It's totally cool, dude. But Liv Morgan, I mean, she set up this distraction perfectly. She's distracting the referee. She's motioning to Roxanne. The leadership in Liv Morgan really is remarkable. And we've said a bunch of times, Like, how does the judgment day always seem to figure it out?
50:46Just when you think, oh, the judgment day is going to just completely implode. Liv Morgan comes to save the day. And that's what she's doing here with this distraction. Roxanne exposes the turnbuckle. She hits Bailey off the turnbuckle. Roxanne has the match won. But no, Raquel distracts the other, distracts the referee again. Right, we didn't need a second distraction. Raquel ruined it for the judgment day. She did because then Lyra figured out that if you like smack Bailey in the face really hard, it turns her into a lunatic. Lyra is the Bailey whisperer. She is the Bailey whisperer. Like I had no idea what was going on with this Bailey.
51:20Lyra figured it out. And she knows what to say to push her button to get the results. Or what to do. Have you ever seen like a dog that's just completely wild, but then they have an owner or the tamer that they listen to, they comply with. You get that Cesar Millian. Yeah, Lyra walks in, changes the entire complexion of Bayley. Yeah, absolutely. Absolutely. She changed it and brought Bayley to a victory against Roxanne Perez. And then we see the Judgment Day in the back and Dominic Mysterio is there. They were playing video games, having a good time. Having a great time. But Liv Morgan almost has a maternal energy to her when it comes to the Judgment Day.
52:04before we get to when we talk about maternal people mommy I want to let everybody know that they need to step in the ring with the debut of Topps Universe WWE making its hobby debut a bold cosmic inspired take on WWE collecting it features a massive 300 base set Hall of Famers, current champions rising prospects, stunning galactic patterns and vibrant color parallels bring every superstar to life every box every box guarantees wait for this two autos and one relic so that's big hits in every rip i can't wait to tell triple h about this we're gonna be ripping packs again in no time chase short printed inserts highlighting iconic storylines rivalries and unforgettable wwe moments whether you're hunting grails or building a rainbow Topps Universe WWE is your ringside seat to the hobby's next heavyweight release.
53:06Head to Topps.com to learn more. I can't wait to get my hands on this set. I'm very, very excited about it, especially now. It's just Topps has been doing such a good job with product all year long that getting Universe to cap things off is going to be very, very exciting. I saw, by the way, they posted like a Super Fractor, one of one card that was signed by both Triple H and Hollywood Hulk Hogan from their post, what was that, WrestleMania 18 rivalry? Yeah, very, very cool. Very, very cool. But I had this, and I know this is not like a massive aha moment. We kind of have all known this for some time.
53:51But you know how sometimes something just like really hits you and you go, I know that we talk about this, but there it is. There was something about tonight, watching Rhea Ripley, watching her entrance, watching her match, where I'm sitting there going like, Rhea Ripley has every potential to immediately, not eventually, immediately be the single biggest star in the WWE. I the the the the the the superstar quality that just effortlessly radiates off of Rhea Ripley is like I don't know that I've ever I've ever seen it that strong before in everything she does. It's completely undeniable. Everything when she you know, when she does her entrance at the camera, that's it.
54:45After she stomps her leg. Or when she turns the corner there to the right, and it's just kind of like lip syncing her own song. And usually I hate it when people lip sync their own songs. But Rhea doing it, I'm like, this is like, you could have the band there, and you had the band there at WrestleMania, and it was still Rhea who was conquering all of that attention. I just looked at Rhea tonight, and I said, yeah. If I had to put stock in people in 2026, if it was up to me to go, okay, Who are we going to completely put WWE on the shoulders of going into 2026? Rhea Ripley's on the top of my list.
55:23Man or woman. Rhea Ripley is on the top of my list. Yeah. I mean, and it's rare. And also the fact that we start Monday Night Raw with a match between Rhea Ripley and Asuka. Sick. Absolutely sick. And the fact that Asuka's never pinned Rhea before, you're going, really? She's never beaten Rhea. She hasn't. We've seen a lot of versions of Rhea. Right. this one is I mean yeah potential biggest star in the company the last time there was a female who was absolutely the biggest star in the company who was it it was the man thank you it was Becky Lynch and I looked at Rhea I was like oh that's there that's there that whatever that is that indiscernible intangible thing that's there with Rhea Ripley and it really is awesome to see but tonight was not her night no it wasn't Asuka did get her first victory over Rhea Ripley.
56:15And you know what? Kairi Sane had a bit of a role. Sure, of course. So did Io. In this victory for Asuka as well. And I was thinking about, you know, the Kabuki Warriors and they're defending the tag titles against Io and Rhea in just two weeks on first Raw of the year. But there was a time when we were really looking at the Kabuki Warriors being like, wow, Asuka's sort of running a dictatorship. We saw the way that she treated Io and then we saw her screaming backstage for Kyrie. How did she do it? What did it sound like? Oh. How'd she do it? It was like kind of like, Katie! Right? Yeah, every week on Raw.
56:54Every week on Raw we saw that. And there was a while where I sort of felt sympathy for Kyrie, right? I said, oh, poor Kyrie has to work under these conditions. But as the weeks passed by, we saw this aggression out of Kyrie that wasn't, oh, I'm being forced to do this. It was like, no, I like winning. I like being a champion. I am going to keep this life and keep this title. And that's the energy I've seen from the Kabuki Warriors. Yeah. And maybe Asuka was on to something. Yeah. Maybe if I just listen, maybe she knows what she's doing. And I think that's why the Kabuki Warriors are so dangerous, even when they're going up against a team of Rhea and Io, who are two of the best wrestlers on the planet, period.
57:35But it's the leadership of Asuka. Okay. So you were a noted hater for a period of time. everybody knew about that. Of what? Of the friendship. Yeah. Between Rhea and Io. But now you're Team Rio. Well, I've never seen Io look happier. Okay, so let me ask you this. What would you rather see in two weeks? Rhea Ripley and Io Sky win the tag team championship or Rhea Ripley and Io Sky not win and some of that animosity starting to build? Well, I would like to see Rhea Ripley one day. pin Eoskai. Because we talk about this level that Rhea Ripley could reach. Well, what if she's never pinned Eoskai? Yeah.
58:22How about the fact that 10 months ago, Eoskai beat Rhea Ripley for the title on the way to WrestleMania? And no one saw it coming. Nobody saw it coming, and Rhea hasn't recovered since. No. She hasn't gotten back up to the top of the mountain since. And Eoskai's been there. That's a wild thing, isn't it? Yeah. and you know as good of friends they are Rhea is very well aware of the fact that she's never pinned EO oh she knows and EO is well aware of the fact that she's always beaten Rhea yeah they know they know alright time for gift exchange oh my god yeah yeah I got you this Merry Christmas oh my gosh thank you so much happy holidays as we say I got you I know that you love this stuff I got you.
59:13SummerSlam 2002 on VHS. I know it was a great show. 2002 was a great year, and I just bought this. VHS. Knocked out the VHS store on your way in. I took the wrapping off for you. Oh, thank you. Recycled it. You're a big Save the Planet guy. Stopped a Blockbuster, grabbed that. Do you have a VCR I could borrow to watch it? You do not have a VCR? No, we don't have one. Okay, well then you know what? I have a gift card in the car. I'll give that to you. I'll just leave this here. All right. I'll watch that on YouTube. WWE vault. Yeah, I think you could get that on the vault. Yeah, I could. You can't get this on the vault.
59:47I'll get you a gift card to the vault. Okay, great. That would be great. Okay, let's see. Wow. Did you wrap this yourself? I did. Because it wasn't done professionally? Wow. That's a lot of tape. Let's see. Let's see it. Okay. What? You don't seem excited. You should be so excited. This is a New York Times bestseller. First of all, you taped the paper to the book by mistake. Hold it up. This is a copy of Becky Lynch's autobiography. Merry Christmas. The man, not your average girl. Not your average, average girl. Oh, not your average, average girl. Yeah. Are you excited? Yeah. I just know you've never read Becky's book, so I wanted to make sure.
1:00:34it. I know one of your New Year's resolutions is to read more in 2026. So I thought, what better way to kick off the year than with the New York Times bestselling author, Becky Lynch? Not much of a reader, you know, but I saw you promoing some books on your show. Yeah, it's not this one. That's weird. There wasn't, you know, I just, yeah, because I haven't heard her talk enough. I want to. Bedtime stories for the children. It's a thick book. I want to hear more from Becky Lynch. You think I should read this to the kids? Bedtime, yeah. Nice. The compelling and candid memoir from WWE superstar Rebecca Quinn, a.k.a.
1:01:12The Man, a.k.a. Becky Lynch, delves into her earliest wrestling days, her scrappy beginnings, and her meteoric rise to fame. That's good. You could get a lot out of this. That's good, yeah. Hopefully I'll be inspired. It's Becky Lynch's book that I got. Well, this is, boy. I mean, I'm going to have to tell my wife not to get it for me now because you already got it for me. I can't wait for my gift card. It's a good year. Yep. For the vault. It's a good year. Yeah, no, this is good. And, you know, I hate it when people buy gifts that are really just like what they like and then they give it to you because, like, they're so self-centered that they go like, well, I like it.
1:01:57So this is what somebody else would like. You love wrestling. I mean, I do love wrestling. So. And Becky Lynch is a wrestler. So, yeah. I think it makes sense. I mean, I loved, you know, Bret Hart's book. So probably love Becky Lynch's book too. That's. Keep it for your personal collection. Oh, good, good, good. For my shelf. After you read it. For my library. Yes. After I read it. I'll put it in the library. After I read it, I'll read it cover to cover. Well, Megan, I appreciate the thought. I appreciate the thought that you've That you've really put into this Oh look at that little blurbs Stone Cold, John Cena All the greats Maria Menounos, Stephanie McMahon I didn't see a little blurb from you on there I wasn't asked I wasn't asked to give a blurb I probably wouldn't have done it anyway That's terrible But I wasn't asked It would be an honor to be asked I don't know, how would you know?
1:02:53I don't Oh, okay Maybe the next book Maybe, maybe except the next book will be all capital letters. Just shouting, shouting, and you'll read it in the middle of the night, harassing you so much. This has been great. Happy holidays, Megan. Happy holidays. Happy holidays. Folks, happy holidays. We'll be back. We got one more episode of Raw Recap in 2025, and we'll be, don't, you don't have to. Yeah, do the slow zoom in on Little Sam and Becky Lynch's book. I don't know why the book has to be bigger than little Sam. We'll see you guys next week.
From the publisher
Bron Breakker has his sights set on the World Heavyweight Championship, Austin Theory begins his tryout for The Vision, Gunther and CM Punk engage in an epic staredown, and Maxxine Dupri has some fire for Becky Lynch. Sam Roberts and Megan Morant bring you the Raw Recap: A WWE & Fanatics Original Production, brought to you by GLD and Aura Frames.
Exclusive $35 off Carver Mat at https://on.auraframes.com/RAWRECAP. Promo Code RAWRECAP
New customers get 50% Off with code RAWRECAP at https://gld.com
Jimmy Uso Merch: https://shop.wwe.com/en/jimmy-uso/o-2333325837+t-7834348563+z-9-578850683?_s=bm-WWEShop-WWEcom-Jimmy_Uso-Podcast-2025
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
