Raw Recap - Gunther brings the TRASH TALK after retiring John Cena: Raw Recap, Dec. 15, 2025

16 Dec 2025 · 1 h 10 min

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Podcast Summary: What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon

Episode Title

Raw Recap - Gunther brings the TRASH TALK after retiring John Cena: Raw Recap, Dec. 15, 2025

Podcast Overview In this episode of "What's Your Story?" hosted by Steph McMahon, the focus is on a recap of the latest WWE Raw. The discussion revolves around the aftermath of John Cena's retirement match against Gunther, the implications of this match on the WWE landscape, and the evolving storylines, featuring notable segments and character developments.

Key Highlights

  1. John Cena's Retirement
  2. John Cena's final match led to a significant emotional atmosphere within the WWE Universe.
  3. The episode highlights the transition from a focus on Cena to the new narrative arcs within WWE.
  4. Reflects on Cena's legacy and the emotional weight of his retirement.
  1. Gunther's Triumph
  2. Gunther's victory over John Cena marked a pivotal moment, establishing him as a dominant figure in WWE.
  3. His victory was characterized by a submission (tap out), which symbolically ended Cena’s storied career.
  4. Gunther revels in the backlash from fans, enjoying the boos and negativity directed at him.
  1. Austin Theory's Revelation
  2. Austin Theory is revealed as the masked man assisting Gunther, stirring curiosity about his motivations and connections.
  3. The episode discusses Theory's transformation into a more serious character with a potential grudge against past opponents.
  1. The Vision's Dynamics
  2. The new faction "The Vision," which includes Gunther, Austin Theory, Logan Paul, and Braun Breaker, is discussed.
  3. The chemistry and dynamics within the group are analyzed, highlighting the leadership role of Braun Breaker.
  1. CM Punk’s Commentary
  2. CM Punk's interactions and remarks about Braun Breaker provide depth to their developing storyline, with Punk invoking emotional stakes.
  3. The episode discusses how Punk's words may influence the upcoming title match and the overall narrative structure.

Guest Appearance

Jackie Redmond

  • Jackie Redmond shares her perspective on John Cena’s impact and the emotional weight of his last match.
  • She discusses the backstage atmosphere following Cena’s retirement and the reactions of various WWE talents.

Discussion Topics

  • Emotional Impact of Cena's Exit:
  • The podcast discusses how Cena's departure leaves a significant void in WWE, affecting both fans and wrestlers emotionally.
  • Future of WWE Storylines:
  • Predictions and analyses of upcoming feuds and title matches, including the implications of Gunther's victory and Theory's alignment with "The Vision".
  • Character Development:
  • A deep dive into the evolution of established characters like Gunther and emerging talents like Austin Theory.

Conclusion The episode wraps up with reflections on the emotional turmoil following Cena's exit and the excitement for future storylines in WWE. The hosts express their anticipation for the evolving narratives and the potential impact on WrestleMania season.

Key Takeaways

  • Gunther’s rise as a heel and his impact on WWE post-Cena.
  • Austin Theory's unexpected alignment with Gunther raises questions about future rivalries.
  • The significance of Cena's legacy and how it affects the current roster dynamics.

This episode serves as a bridge from one era in WWE into the next, as the narrative shifts focus toward the rising stars and their stories, ensuring that the legacy of John Cena will always be a part of the WWE fabric.

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Transcript

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0:28We always recommend Shopify. We now know the identity of the masked man that's been helping Paul Heyman and everybody around him. Gunther shows up on Monday Night Raw and everybody hates him. The Usos are a tag team again. CM Punk drops a pipe bomb. This is Raw Recap, a WWE and Fanatics original production.

0:59Megan, you know you know we're going to get to Gunther we have to we have to get to Gunther but before we get there because we have so much you know last we spoke it was right after Saturday night's main event it was right after John Cena had had his last match and tonight was the first Monday Night Raw post John Cena and I thought it was a remarkable journey because at the beginning of the show, we were still very much thinking of John Cena and the aftermath of John Cena. But by the end of the show, much like John Cena predicted on the podcast that he went on, the world had kind of moved on. We were already moving on to what's next in WWE.

1:46To CM Punk and Braun Breaker and that Austin Theory is the masked man that has been helping the vision. But I also just, it's getting a little warm in here. Loosen up the jacket. Oh, am I wearing a Becky Lynch shirt? Does she even work here anymore? She sure does. Yeah, I know. She's a vlogger now. You know, I made it onto one of her vlogs. Congratulations to you. That's big for your brand. Huge for you. I'm so excited about it. Probably the biggest appearance that you've ever had. I thought vlogging wasn't allowed in the locker room, but regardless, regardless, if she doesn't want to show up on Monday Night Raw, I don't know why we would talk about her on the Raw recap.

2:20But by the way, great defense from the women's intercontinental champion, Maxine Dupree, tonight. She was fabulous. Anyway. She was all right. You're right about Austin Theory. The highly speculated, there were those that thought that this could be the masked man. Many theories all over the plate. No pun intended. I'll take it, though. I'll take it, though. and lo and behold there he is Austin Theory but I'll tell you okay so so we've got this match with Logan Paul and Rey Mysterio and this is a few weeks in the making now look at that Austin Theory by the way just a just just just angry Austin Theory buzz cut I'm excited about the buzz cut because you know things got a lot better for you when you buzzed off all your hair I mean a lot of people were saying even this weekend backstage in Washington, D.C., when you posted your Instagram scroll of old pictures and you and John Cena and there were some pictures in there, old Sam with the curly hair and people are like, I don't even like that, Sam.

3:23This Sam, this bald Sam is so much better. So, yeah. So I'm excited because things get better when you buzz off your hair, at least for you. Can you? Oh, wow. You look just like theory. You're doing the theory face right now. So is that a compliment you're telling? They were saying they didn't like curly hair. They just said they like this version better. That's what I look at them like. So I'm excited for theory because things tend to get better. Studies show. Look, I'm going to study. And in your experience, I'll take it. I'll take it. Wherever I can find a compliment, I'll take it. I mean, this is for sure a different Austin theory.

4:01No question. He's got this buzz cut. I have so many questions, though, about theory. because Paul Heyman didn't know who the masked man was. He says. Allegedly. Thank you. Allegedly. Allegedly. It seems that Logan Paul, though, he keeps bringing up this masked man and how they've been helping him. I wonder if there's a connection between Austin Theory and Logan Paul. Like Logan Paul saying, well, I'm sure the masked man will be there. And everybody's like, what are you talking about? How would you know if the masked man is going to be there? Yeah. And Logan Paul is the type that if he had a trick up his sleeve, he would give it away by mistake.

4:32Yes. You know what I mean? Like he's not quite sure. I mean, look, Austin Theory, though, you know, there was a time when Austin Theory was like all smiles. Austin Theory was he would take a selfie. He would, you know, this is not that Austin Theory. This is a very, very serious Austin Theory. This seems like an Austin Theory that is not acting just on behalf of the people who he's helping. but I mean just based on the facial expression alone it appears that he's looking to harm the people that he's looking to harm like he has a reason to do the things that he's doing this doesn't strike me and all I know is what I've seen but it doesn't strike me as somebody who is working out of like a positive energy yeah let's go back survivor series the first time we saw this masked man right what happened it led to cm punk being pinned by braun breaker first of all he climbs up that cage in one second flat so he hasn't lost an ounce of athleticism i'll tell you that but you're right he stomps cm punk and it leads to braun breaker getting the pin over cm punk tonight when austin theory again climbs over the barricade goes up the stairs right into the audience right into the audience unmasked distracts cm punk which leads to braunbreaker spearing him and holding the title over punk cm punk i mean twice now he he led to the braunbreaker pin he led to cmp getting speared that's true but also a week ago he stomped la night that led to la night getting taken out and we find out tonight he's out indefinitely yes what was it i i have it written down.

6:16Fractured sternum. Right. Which will happen to you when you get tsunamied on top of a car. So I've been told. I don't want to find out. I don't either. I don't either. And then also don't forget stomped Rey Mysterio last week. So last week he helped Logan Paul by stomping Rey Mysterio and he took out LA Knight. The other two times that we've seen him he takes out CM Punk. That's 100 % right. And there is that look on his face where he's I mean like there's a like there's a grudge that he's settling he's got a bone to pick with something or someone I don't know what his grudge has been a very very long time since we've seen Austin Theory in a WWE ring I you know I wonder if it has anything to do with the fact that like this was a guy who coming out of NXT was one of these people who you know like we were talking about on Saturday night's main event when you've got your Obafemis or Javon Evans or Sol Rukas when you're going or Leon slaters you're going these this is look the future of the industry is right here austin theory was a hundred percent i remember the night he got drafted right in that category of like look huge deal this is the guy and it didn't quite click it didn't quite happen and i wonder if that has anything to do with it or maybe i'm just you know assigning value to something that's not there But to me, it felt like he was settling some kind of grudge that has been building since he's been gone.

7:50He doesn't look like, like it looks like he feels wronged. And that venom that is running through his veins has been building since he's been gone. That's just how it appeared to me. Yes. It's an angry buzz cut. Very. And you would know the difference. Right. I feel like I have a happy, bald head. Yeah, I'd agree with that. Thank you. Very happy. Thank you. That was not a happy bald head. His was an angry buzz cut. But it also is interesting that while he has something that is causing this anger. You would think, right? Yeah, something that has gotten him to this point. It's interesting sort of the alignment with the vision.

8:28If that is. I mean, he only appears around the vision. It's also interesting that Paul Heyman atypically is, according to him, not in control of what's going on. But because he's being helped, he'll take the help. But Adam Pearce said, I need to know who the masked man is by the end of the night. And, you know, technically, Paul Heyman delivered. I don't know if he had anything to do with it. Doesn't matter. He delivered. Pearce found out who the masked man is at the end of the night, as we all did. But now I just wonder, too, I mean, is this is this a fourth member of the vision? Logan Paul, clearly an official member of the vision.

9:07Paul Heyman coming to the ring with Logan Paul tonight, one on one, like Paul Heyman accompanying Logan Paul, which was, I mean, an amazing visual and not one that I think a year ago people would have predicted. but I mean look at that visual of Logan Paul and it's almost like when Paul Heyman is with Logan Paul all these fears of Logan Paul's self prophecy of being the future of the industry might actually come true and that's a terrifying thing to wrestling fans when wrestling fans talk about the future we will talk about Braun Breaker we will talk about Bronson Reed We'll go, don't say Logan Paul.

9:49That's right. Don't say it. We'll talk about Oba. We'll talk about everybody's eye. We'll talk about other stars in NXT. Everyone goes, yeah, he has great matches, but no. We'll even all talk about Dom before we'll say, and you know who else? It's really tough for you to talk about Dom too. I will if need be, but you know who else? Logan Paul. And you go, no, couldn't be. And it's not even a fact-based thing. It's an emotional-based thing. We go, no, no, no. We just, we won't accept him. That can't be it. We won't accept him. And then you see him with Paul Heyman and you're like, Paul Heyman has that way of going like, whether you like this or you don't like this, I see this thing that either you don't see or you refuse to admit.

10:31And that's the thing that's going to carry Logan Paul on. And you go, we may not have a choice in the matter. I did think it was pretty cool to see the vision backstage because while Logan Paul was preparing for this match against Rey Mysterio and talking about the masked man, when no one else in the vision was, I felt like we really saw Braun Breaker take that leadership role as he was standing over Logan Paul. He was standing over Bronson Reed, and he was talking about if CM Punk is in the building, we got to take him out. It's 21 days until January 5th, which is the day that Braun Breaker believes he will become world heavyweight champion.

11:08And I just thought, you know, seeing Braun and where he's come the past, you know, three or four weeks, ever since he cut that promo that left us all with our jaws on the floor. I mean, to me, he's leading the vision. Yeah, I think that that's right. I also think the vision is acting as more of a unit than I might have expected them to act. Like, they're all as different as Bronson and Braun and Logan and Heyman are. There is a chemistry going on between the four that I've never seen in other incarnations of the vision, quite frankly, with all due respect to Seth Rollins. And I can only, if you ask me to assume what that reason might be, I can only think of one.

11:55It being the time of the year, it's probably because one of them is giving out the best holiday gifts. Oh, my God. That anybody could give. And I'm thinking it's probably aura frames. Oh, they have a lot of memories to share. I think that the idea that, and imagine if that's Logan Paul, right? If Logan Paul, think about this, right? These are great. These aura frames are as holiday gifts. Logan Paul has this tremendous life. We saw him do the 24 hours of my life thing. He lives in this beautiful tropical paradise, beautiful child, beautiful lady, getting on the PJ, going to Raw. What if Logan Paul was able to take unlimited pictures and videos, just upload them onto just an app via wifi on his phone like it's nothing.

12:38And then those pictures go to everybody that's in the vision. That's possible if he gave them all an aura frame. These things are amazing. Like I said, you can share the photos and videos effortlessly. And Logan Paul, being the busy guy that he is, he doesn't even have to worry about wrapping the frames. Because a gift box is included. Every aura frame ships in these beautiful gift boxes with no price tag or anything on them. Perfect. So you put them right under the tree and Christmas morning comes. Bronson Reed's opening it up. Self-disciscence Logan Paul all over the frame. That's right. You can preload it You use it on the app You don't even have to open it You preload it with the photos So as soon as Bronson Reed opens it up He goes, oh my god Look at all these great pictures of Logan Paul Having a tropical Christmas It's amazing Don't wait You too Not just the vision You too can win with Aura Frames You can do it for your family For your friends For your vision For a limited time You can save on the perfect gift By visiting AuraFrames.com to get$35 off Aura's best-selling Carver Matt Frames.

13:47Named number one by Wirecutter by using promo code RAWRECAP at checkout. That's A-U-R-A-Frames.com, 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 RAWRECAP at checkout. Terms and conditions apply. I hope I get an Aura frame from you, because I hope I'm in your vision. We'll see. got about what nine days till the big guy comes that's right that's right we'll see we'll see if you're still in the click by then i don't know i don't know keep wearing those shirts it's not likely i'm protesting so i know you are i know you i know what you're doing i did laundry you did i mean i only have two becky lynch shirts at the moment we didn't know she's gonna be protesting for quite as long as she's been protesting no i was hoping weird that weird that her protest lines up perfectly with the holidays almost like the time that everybody wants to have a nice vacation for themselves i'm sure though it's very she has a lot of meetings with lawyers they're trying to get this wrapped up i know all about the the bull shark and the bulldog have they been reaching out to you no they don't have my number thank god we could change that anyway at the end of the show braun breaker don't give my number braun breaker is looking down at cm punk saying if you ever talk about my family again you're not going to be able to stand up on your own legs because, of course, at the beginning of the show, we got CM Punk dropping a pipe bomb.

15:19Braun Breaker said, I want the 2011 CM Punk. And while I don't think we were fully back to 2011, we were closer than we've been for a long time. And you wonder, too, by the way, you wonder, too, the fact that Raw ended with Braun Breaker on top of CM Punk threatening to remove his limbs from his body, holding the World Heavyweight Championship. You wonder if Punk in that moment is thinking, was it worth it? Was it worth what I said? Because Punk goes out there, and I knew, and I'm sure you did too, when Punk rolls out with that sick jacket on. So cool. Very cool. Asks for the mic, and then he does the thing.

16:06Slides the mic flag off the mic. that's the start of the pipe bomb that's out of my chair a little taller yes i said here we go here we go any any any immediately starts going in on braun breaker calling him a a neanderthal and a nepo baby a cross-eyed neanderthal nepo baby that was the quote thank you and then he insulted braun's family's intelligence no and he said he shouted him out by name he called this The Steiner Brothers Dumb and Dumber, which is not cool. I don't agree with it. I'm a longtime Steiner Brothers fan. Big Papa Pump, the dog-faced gremlin. Can't get enough of them. And look at what we've got coming off of that brawn breaker.

16:50It's an amazing family tree. But yeah, CM Punk was making a lot of derogatory remarks. Yeah, he even said he would piss on brawn breaker's single-digit IQ brain. Well, that's because he was going to tear his eyeballs out. If he ever said anything about his wife again. I mean, listen. I mean, he went there, though. Braun Breaker went there. He started it. He tried to make this personal. And CM Punk said, you say anything like that again, I will turn this from business to personal so fast. But it's interesting, right? Because CM Punk was acting as if he is the one that is setting the pace. That he is the pace car.

17:33He's the one that's going to decide when it goes from business to personal. He's the one once the, you know, old CM Punk comes back, there's nothing you can do. Look, Paul Heyman is a noted strategic genius. Is CM Punk completely doing exactly what Braun Breaker wants him to do? Because it seems like he is. And once again, we end Monday Night Raw by hook or by crook with Braun Breaker standing strong. I mean, Braun is the one that said he wants the old CM Punk back and he got a version of the old CM Punk. Braun is obviously bringing up CM Punk's wife, AJ Lee, because he wants CM Punk to get upset and CM Punk got upset.

18:28I think there's a world where Braun is hoping that he crossed the line because he wants CM Punk to cross the line. Because if CM Punk crosses the line, then Braun Breaker can't be held accountable for what he physically does to CM Punk. That was the read that I got. Give me a reason to tear your limbs away from you. You heard how much he wanted to take out CM Punk, but Paul Heyman said, no, no, no, you can't do it. You can't do it. 21 days. 21 days. three weeks until this big world. Brian Brown breaker is foaming at the mouth. Right. His hands on CM Punk. Right. I mean, he's been foaming at the mouth since Seth Rollins was taken out by him of the vision.

19:09Right. And it's, it's interesting because one part of me goes, well, if you look at CM Punk, I mean, there's a lot of people that if you get them to fight angry, they'll lose. You know what I mean? If you get them to fight angry, they're going to get off focus. CM Punk does real well with a chip on his shoulder. Of course he does. CM Punk does. CM Punk was built with a chip on his shoulder. That's right. He does really well when there's an enemy, when there's something to conquer, when there's an enemy that people say he can't beat them. CM Punk does really well with that. And so I go, does Braun Breaker not know, you know, is he biting off more than he can chew?

19:48Does he not know CM Punk is not built like a traditional opponent? But then I take it a step further. And I go, of course, braun breaker knows exactly how cm punk is built who's in braun breaker's corner paul hayman who knows cm punk better than paul hayman no one i mean literally paul hayman helped build cm punk this is but remember they were best friends up until april of this year best friend in the world best friend in the world up until the 19th of april 2025 when paul hayman turned on both cm Punk and Roman Reigns and this vision of the future first began. I mean, I think by the time we get to the January 5th Raw in Brooklyn, the one-year anniversary of Raw on Netflix, this thing is going to be deeply personal.

20:38I think that it can't be overstated that this is Braun Breaker's first opportunity at the world heavyweight title. This is somebody who has been prophesied as the future of WrestleMania main events. Now, CM Punk, I loved CM Punk saying this. CM Punk brought up the fact that in his long tenure in WWE, he's had to stand across from a lot of future of WrestleMania main events. A lot of blue chippers. A lot of blue chippers, a lot of next big things. And a lot of them haven't panned out. And anybody that's followed the career of CM Punk knows that that's not just, you know, those aren't just words.

21:24That's reality. That happened. He would have a pocket full of dimes. Pocket full, yeah. I mean, I'm thinking at least$1.40 in dimes. So that's good money. But Braun Breaker feels different, man. He does. It's wild, though, because, you know, when when Braun Breaker came up to Monday Night Raw and when Braun Breaker joined the vision, we I don't know, for some reason myself and I'm sure I'm not alone in this thought, OK, maybe in two years, maybe in a year. The fact that in 21 days, we realistically could see Brom Breaker with the World Heavyweight Championship, and it doesn't feel like that's something that would be outlandish in WWE.

22:12Here's the thing. January 5th is, to me, and something that we've seen kind of happen, once the year starts, we're building up to the Royal Rumble. It sets the tone. Not only does it set the tone, but we're starting to get to a point where WrestleMania is becoming a clearer and clearer picture. Survivor Series is behind us. John Cena's career is behind us. Everything is behind us. And now we're pushing towards WrestleMania. The idea that Braun Breaker as the future of WrestleMania main events, that doesn't mean the long distant future of wrestlemania main events that could mean this year 2026 wrestlemania main events what's the best way to get to the main event of wrestlemania become the world heavyweight champion that before wrestlemania that's right yeah you could win the royal rumble you could win the elimination chamber you could get a shot or you could walk in as champion and if braun breaker wins the title from cm punk on january 5th who's taking it from him before wrestlemania exactly right who you know i and i and i and i think that like in almost every scenario as fans we'd go well it's going to be great and they're going to tell a story but braun breaker's not gonna win the title cm punk's not gonna lose the title braun breaker's not gonna win the title already i don't know man but braun breaker is different and everybody knows that everybody can see it if i tell you braun breaker could be the world heavyweight champion right now are you gonna tell me i don't know i couldn't see it oh right right i saw him holding up that title at the end of raw you said by the way forget about the end of raw because you megan morant that's me after braun breaker and bronson reed took out seth rollins oh and they were arriving and braun breaker held the title and then kept it for a week and then showed up with the world heavyweight championship and braun breaker wore what'd you tell me said it looks right man crazy it does with hayman behind him and bronson reed by his side yeah it looked good i mean listen i've never been in a world heavyweight championship match thank god it's not for my safety.

24:36That's exactly right. I can tell you, I believe that there is one thing that Braun Breaker needs to, above all else, make sure happens before January 5th. What's that? A good night's sleep. He needs to make sure that he shows up to Brooklyn well-rested and ready to go. And the one way he can make sure that he does that is on January 4th, he sleeps where? Brooklyn bedding. Right? He's going to Brooklyn anyway. Get on to Brooklyn bedding. Have a great sleep. You're thinking about Brooklyn. You're ready to go. Somebody like Braun Breaker can't mess around when it comes to things that he uses every day.

25:20And a mattress is something you're going to use every day. I mean, think about it. You win the world heavyweight title in Brooklyn. Don't you want to go to sleep on a mattress with the tag that says Brooklyn? Yeah. Of course you do. Of course you do. I mean, listen, these beds as well, you can feel the work ethic that goes into them. There's real craftsmanship, honest materials. There is no BS in these mattresses. I enjoy supporting companies that still do things the right way. And Brooklyn Bedding is one of them. Built to last in their own U.S. factory, these mattresses are second to none. Sleeping on my Brooklyn Bedding mattress, I can really, I feel the quality.

26:06I feel the stitching, the support. It's not just a mattress. It's a masterpiece in sleep. This is the way you got to do it. And I would say this to you, Megan. I would say this to our beautiful audience. And I'd say this to Braun Breaker as he prepares for the World Heavyweight Championship. Brooklyn Bedding is one of the few mattress brands actually endorsed by the American Chiropractic Association for spinal alignment and back health. Plus, they're 100 % fiberglass free, so you can have peace of mind. And if Braun Breaker came to me and said, I don't know, this seems too good to be true, I said, okay, how about this?

26:46Brooklyn Bedding also offers a 120-night comfort trial. Love it, or they'll help you return or swap it completely hassle-free. I'm not kidding, man. Go to brooklynbetting.com and use promo code RAWRECAP at checkout to get 30 % off sitewide. This offer is not available anywhere else. Braun, if you're listening, we get you 30 % off. That's brooklynbetting.com. Promo code RAWRECAP for 30 % off sitewide. You can support RAWRECAP and let them know that we sent you after checkout. brooklynbetting.com promo code raw recap now megan yes sam we got a lot to talk about coming off of saturday night's main event oh tons john cena of course the way we started monday night raw with gunther but before we get there why don't we get to uh uh see some some perspective from boots on the ground in Hershey, Pennsylvania.

27:49Why don't we go to a guest? Let's welcome our first guest to Raw Recap all the way from beautiful Hershey, Pennsylvania, the one and only Jackie Redman. How are you, Jackie? Oh my gosh, I have so many feelings that I can't wait to share with you guys. Thank you for having me. I'm so pumped. This is a spot for feelings. We are very glad that you're here. Yes. And I have so many feelings. It's like too many feelings sometimes, but let's, let's talk about our feelings. Well, yeah. I mean, you know, I, I think, you know, coming off of raw, there's so much to talk about, but at the same time, you know, coming off of the last three days, there's so much to talk about.

28:30We were just there with you in Washington DC on Saturday night. It's so strange coming off of raw. Cause it really does feel like, Oh, we really are moving on without John Cena, but it's difficult. How, how, How were you feeling on Saturday first just bearing witness to everything that was John Cena's final match? You know what? For me, the big thing was there's very few moments in your life, not even just in your career, where you're in the moment and you go, oh, my gosh, let me, like, take a photograph with my mind and remember, like, where I'm at, what it looks like, what it feels like. And you think consciously to actually take in your surroundings, the sights, the smells, the sounds, all of it, because you know how special it is that you get to be there.

29:21And that was one of those moments for me. Like, I've only been working with WWE for a handful of years. So to be a part of something that massive and that important and that meaningful, not just to the fans, but to the wrestling business, I was just trying to soak it all in so that I could remember it. because I think a lot of times when you go to a big concert or you're part of a big moment, like you kind of black some of it out because you're so excited and you have all these feelings and like everything's happening so fast. So for me, I just really tried to kind of take it in. I do have one regret though.

29:56I saw John Cena backstage like five times and I never asked him for a photo. I just didn't feel right about it. And I never did it. And now I'm like, you know what? You should have just stopped being a scaredy cat and ask the man for a photo. He would have taken it because I've seen about a thousand of them uh since Saturday yeah but they're not professionals you're a professional that's right you are that's right I'm a serious journalist yeah exactly right and you did some serious questioning journalism and serious journalism at the end of Saturday night's main event on the post show we saw this all over social media I saw you shared it on your account as well this emotional interview with Cody Rhodes can can you describe to us what what was going on during that interaction I mean Sam and I just watched it back and and it was really powerful raw yes yeah you know for lack of a better word it was very raw and like all of the credit in the world to Cody Rhodes for not just like agreeing to do the interview on the spot and I promise you WWE Universe like I did approach him without any Like he had no heads up that that was going to happen because we didn't know that Cody Rhodes would stay by the ring while everyone else left to have a moment for himself.

31:12And when we saw that, it was like we have to at least try to talk to him and figure out what it is he's feeling, why he needs to be there, why he wants this moment for himself, just with himself and John Cena's shoes in the ring. Um, so all the credit to Cody for being open to that, but also for being so real about his emotions. He was crying. He had tears. And for me, like, because I've done this wrong in the past, in my career, it was one of those moments where once I asked the question, like I was just going to let Cody go as long as he wanted to go say everything that you want to say. I'm not going to ask a follow-up question until it is very clear that you've sort of emptied the emotional tank.

31:58And I think it's so awesome that Cody was able to be that open and vulnerable and emotional, especially as a man, a strong, powerful man in WWE to be able to cry on TV and say how emotional it is. And it was poetic, a lot of the stuff that he said too. And so I really admire him for having the decency to do that. And yeah, it turned into a really, I think, great moment that I think a lot of wrestling fans relate to because it is hard to see John Cena go. It doesn't feel right to close that chapter. And it's weird to come out on Monday. Like the only person happy about John Cena not being around anymore, of course, is good.

32:39Like he could not care less that John Cena's done. And he made that very clear. But I think, you know, for for wrestling fans, it's a very bittersweet thing where you're like, oh, my gosh, this was so great. Your run was so good. You gave us so much. But now it's over. And how do we wrestle with that? How do we accept it? And how do we move on from it? Will there ever be another John Cena? Are we ever going to feel like this again? Like, I don't know. I mean, it's interesting because we might and it might be a night like that for Cody Rhodes. But one of the things, first of all, I thought it was really interesting that you just pointed out that you intentionally just allowed Cody to say everything.

33:20Not just like answer the question, but say everything that was on his mind. Because I was so glad that you did that. Because as a wrestling fan, you're 100 % right about the way people were feeling and capturing that moment. And in terms of wrestlers, it's hard to imagine that you could find somebody with a better perspective than Cody, not just because he is the top guy now. First of all, he is the guy that John Cena passed the torch to on this retirement run at SummerSlam. Second of all, he's the one still carrying that title. But third of all, and maybe most importantly, wrestling's literally in his blood.

34:03It's in his DNA. This is something that he's grown up around. I mean, if there's anybody that can appreciate what John Cena has done, it's Cody, not just because he's been there. You know, I saw this old interview with John Cena on like some radio station or something. And this is from like John Cena just kind of settling into being the top guy. And they asked him like, who are guys now that are like new that we should keep an eye on? And he said, Cody wrote this before Cody left. This is way in the beginning of Cody Rhodes. And he said, Cody Rhodes. So the history between those two is deep. But Cody's connection to wrestling goes so deep.

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34:41And I thought it was so great that he was so open with you about what this is for wrestling and kind of the beauty that is a career like this in wrestling. And I think, too, like Cody understands it on another level as well, because, you know, it wasn't that long ago where we as a collective fan base were really wanting to see Cody sort of finish the story. Of course, his story is still going, but like not everyone gets to finish their story. Not everyone gets to leave the way that they want to leave. Not everyone gets to, you know, achieve everything, of course, in the ring, but then also kind of go out the way they want to go out, get, go around and say, this is my retirement tour.

35:26If you want to see me one last time, like I'm going to give you 25 dates to try to be able to do that. Like there's only, John Cena is the only person that's ever done that. Not everyone gets to. And I think Cody on another level, because he left this place, because he had to go and do it a different way, maybe understands just how special that is and how rare it is for someone to be able to do that. And so he gets more emotional about it. But to me, I watched, I didn't feel this in the moment, but when I watched the interview back, I also thought, you know, I think Cody witnessed this night, watch this match, watch the tribute, watch John Cena say goodbye.

36:04And I think he also felt the weight of, you know, I am one of the guys that is going to help carry this business and this company forward. And I'm following this guy. And that is a huge, huge amount of pressure and expectation. and of course you want to you want to hit that bar you want to exceed that bar you want to do everything you can to kind of do it as well as the greatest of all time did and so I imagine there's also an emotion and a a heaviness even that comes with that and I'm sure Cody feels that too I bet you I haven't asked him this but I bet you like he feels weird this week too like oh man And like, it really, like John Cena is gone.

36:51Like it really is now my time. Yeah. Yeah. I mean, and, and, and also what does this thing look like? You know what I mean? It's not like John Cena was like, you know, he was coming in and out for the last several years, but he's been a mainstay throughout 2025 and 2026, I think is going to look more different than anybody realizes John Cena headlined every single PLE this year. So that's a huge difference. going into 2026 for you take the microphone out of your hand I'm not talking to some journalist anymore okay I'm talking to somebody who is in the moment observing and I know it's complicated because you're getting ready to start the post show knowing that John Cena's match is the last match but at the same time I don't think I've ever been in an environment where there were more wrestlers, cameramen, staff, referees, broadcasters that were just there in the moment watching this happen.

37:52When John taps and it's over, just on a human level, as a fan of the business, how did you, how did Jackie feel? I felt sad. Honestly, it felt sad to me. And like, and I'll say this too, like, I don't like that John Cena tapped. Like, I don't like that. I don't like it. I understand it. I understand it, but I don't like it. It doesn't, it's like John Cena, man, but you don't, John, you're never give up. You're, you're hustle, loyalty, respect. Like this isn't you. I know there's more there. And I know you could see him, right? You could see him mouthing afterwards. I don't have anything left. That's it.

38:43Which I get it. That's why you're retiring. But I know you, I know there's more there. We wanted there to be more there. We didn't want him to quit. You could have hung on just a little longer. Pass out. Make Gunther make you pass out. like you know what i mean like that's that is how i truly felt um in that moment i was like how i don't want you to tap your john cena because i knew the reaction would be to that from a lot of people but um were you biting the bottom lip like sam sam was holding back tears biting the bottom lick i wasn't that was not what i was doing that's not what i was i wasn't biting them i was just that's how i that's my be a real man like cody roads and let yourself cry stop biting that lip that's my resting bee face i wasn't biting a lip i wasn't it's okay if you were quivering there's no there was no quivering i'm a big i'm a big strong masculine man there is no quivering men quiver they do in the right moment they do i'm thinking about it again no i look yeah there might have been some biting lots okay but i will say this it's like obviously you know it's a big moment you know it's special but then you see how some of the other greatest to ever do this are reacting and like watching that tribute tribute video.

40:00And you see like, yeah, Cody Rhodes was emotional in the interview, but I also saw AJ Styles look teary eyed at ringside CM Punk. I mean, those are two of the best, like those guys resumes in their own right have done so much. And so for them to really be like tipping their, you know, metaphorical hat to John Cena and being like, that guy is the best. He is the best in the world. Like, that's pretty, that's telling, right? Like, that tells you how massive it is. So tonight in Hershey, and this was a question on everybody's mind. This is a question we were talking about today. Like, it was what is next for Gunther?

40:45Because that's what it becomes all about, right? The fact that we didn't get to feel good. The fact that we didn't get that sort of, yay, John Cena won and all is right. You didn't get a happy ending. And what do you always say about Gunther? He's the reality. He doesn't let us have happy endings. No, he's not there for happy endings. He's there to ruin it. He's there. And he tells you. He tells you. You're not getting it. And you still want to believe. Of course I'm going to get it. He told us last week on Raw he was going to make Cena quit. I'm going to make him give up. Cody says wrestling is a love story.

41:16Gunther says I think not I actually think it's not They're not going to end up together You're not getting the happy ending There's no marriage and then babies It is I will ruin whatever your Perfect ending is Not on my watch You're going to die alone instead Yeah you're going to be lonely and miserable And everything you love I will rip from you That's Gunther And then we have to see him first Yes Come on Hunter who has a fan or mad what are you putting him out there first for that's right Jackie was backstage booing Triple H she was yes she was he was actually walking to Gorilla and I went boo boo it was Jackie and I said yes sir I'll stop right away actually good idea sir I did love everybody backstage just giving Gunter the look right as he walked today yeah yeah yeah that was great yeah he's just walking around like with that extra little puff in his chest like oh god the guy wasn't confident enough already i mean he's literally he's the guy now i mean that's what it is i i i i've said this before but it's like when brock lesnar beat the streak there was no you that's one of those like that moment happened and it can never be taken away and for the rest of his life it's that's Brock Lesnar he beat the streak Gunther walked into an arena for the first time today as the guy who made John Cena give up in John's last match that it'll never be taken away from him 30 years from now it will still be top of the line credit and I will disagree with you you said that Gunther could not have cared less about what happened to Cena.

43:04I think he cared tremendously because he was happy. He was thrilled about it. You know what I mean? He walked out, and I've never seen, you know, we've seen those moments like the Monday Night Raw after WrestleMania 33, when Roman Reigns had beaten The Undertaker and he just stood there in the ring and took all the boos, right? This was different. Roman didn't, he wasn't happy about upsetting everybody. He wasn't happy about beating The Undertaker, Everybody had to do what he had to do. It was a match he had to win. Gunther went out of his way to make it the most painful loss that it could possibly be to make you, Jackie Redman, feel specifically bad.

43:44And then when he got that confirmation in Hershey, Pennsylvania, that it wasn't just Washington, D.C., it was also Hershey and every other town on the globe that hated him. I mean, not only was he smiling ear to ear, thrilled, but he went back for seconds and thirds. He would not leave. No, he, I would say, is like feeding off the pain of the WWE universe. Like the booing and the hate is like, yes, more. This is like feeding me, actually. I am actually getting energy and I'm gaining from your pain. It's like, Sam, you know, I love my fantasy books, right? Like there's certain villains that get more powerful when they are around people who are in pain.

44:36Okay. That's what Gunther made me think of tonight. It's like, oh, you're that bad. You're like the vampire in this book I'm reading who like gets more powerful because people are in pain around you. I was about to say, he's a happiness vampire. He's a happiness vampire. He's like, oh, you have happiness running through your body. I'd love to feast upon. Yes. Yes. And that's exactly what it was tonight in that ring, right? Like he was absolutely thrilled. Thrilled. He was like, you guys are idiots. You're giving me everything that I want right now. And I'm loving every second of it. And I win.

45:15You lose. welcome to the Gunther era. Like he just could not have been happier. And he was so smug backstage too. Like didn't even honestly walk by him in the hallway. It doesn't even look at you. Like he is just, I'm on a different plane than you Redmond. And he probably does feel that way specifically now. I mean, he should, he is. Well, and then, I mean, I mean the end to driving away from AJ styles, And that Mercedes. Hitting him with one of the, I go, did you have to? And by the way, what about the fact that AJ Styles said 2026 is going to be his last year wrestling? Gunther's going to ruin it too.

45:57He's going to ruin it for everybody. Room Goldberg, Room Cena, AJ's next. Yeah, it's terrible. If you don't believe he ruined it for Goldberg, just ask Goldberg. It's bad stuff. Well, Jackie, I appreciate the boots on the ground perspective. I appreciate everything that you did on Saturday and getting the scoop from Cody. And also, I mean, you know, I don't know if people realize, I think sometimes people take for granted that you're sitting there live is live is live. And you can hear Joe Tess in an earpiece going like, hey, go walk to the ring and see if there's anybody there. Hey, go talk to Cody.

46:34And you know, you're live. That's a wild scenario. Yeah, like just so because I know people don't believe me when I say like Cody didn't know. OK, and I didn't know that Cody was going to be there. And honestly, as people were following John Cena out of the ring, because that's what we do. We follow John Cena's lead. I was sitting there going, I know they're coming to me at the top of this show and everybody's leaving. And that is making me panic a little bit because I expected maybe more people would stay. So I'm like, what what am I going to talk about? And then Cody and Jay have this moment before I, before I leave.

47:12And I'm like, wait a second. Why is Jay asking Cody if he's all right, what's happening here? And that's really where it started was seeing that interaction and then being like, Oh man, Cody is Cody ain't leave it. Like Cody's not doing what everyone else is doing right now. So that's how it started. If you haven't seen it, look it up on YouTube or social, wherever you want to find it, check it out. It really is a great emotional moment. And of course, giving us the perspective on everything going on tonight in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Come back soon, Jackie. Yes, please. Thanks, Jackie. I love you guys both so much.

47:45You do such great work. And I can't wait to see you on the road sometime soon. And happy holidays, in case I don't see you guys. Happy holidays. Bye. Thank you so much to Jackie for all the insight and everything that she provides. And I got to tell you, if I can provide you with some insight, you want to hear interviews like that all day long? Yeah. You got to have your earpieces in all day long, right? But sometimes that can get uncomfortable, right? Very. Wrong. Because I use Raycon and I would recommend that everybody else do too. If you're looking for a holiday gift, I've been using Raycon's essential open earbuds and honestly, they're so good.

48:24I love that I can play my music and still hear what's going on around me. It's perfect for the gym. It's perfect when I'm out walking. And right now, they're up to 20 % off for the holidays. So grab them while you still can. I mean, they're great. They have this like flexible hook and then sit right on top of your ears. So you can listen to tunes or podcasts or whatever you wanna listen to all day long and still be in touch with what's going on around you. Nobody's surprising you. You're not missing anything. You're just getting to enjoy everything. Plus, like I said, they're completely comfortable.

49:05They have 36 hours of battery life. That's eight hours for the earbuds and a 36-hour case. Days, days of nonstop listening. I love these things. They're also stylish. You get them in so many different colors. So you know me. I always like to coordinate. so I make sure that I get a couple pairs of Raycons. So they match the fit. Right, so they match the fit. So whatever I'm feeling that day, you know what I mean? Because I'm going to, listen, I'm going to leave them in all day. So if I'm going to leave them in all day, I want to make sure they look good. And they always do. And people come up to me, what are those?

49:41Those are amazing. They look so great. I go, they sound even better. That's what I say every time. The Essential Open Earbuds are here for the holiday season. And they're selling fast. Raycon Audio products are up to 20 % off this holiday season. Go to buyraycon.com slash rawrecapopen to save on Raycon Audio products site-wide. It's an amazing time to be a Raycon customer. Did you have a little FOMO that Jackie was in your favorite town, Hershey, Pennsylvania? I love Hershey, Pennsylvania. I've gotten to take part in shows in Hershey, Pennsylvania. A show. A show in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Your SmackDown debut.

50:20My Smackdown debut was in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Last minute call. Last minute call. 4, 30 p.m. Can you get to Hershey, Pennsylvania at 8 p.m.? I said, you don't need to give me. You don't need to get into Hershey. Yeah, I can get to Hershey. And of course he drove. Of course he drove. Drives everywhere. What's a better way to get there? By the way, I've been on the, you get to Hershey, Pennsylvania. Take the whole family. I went on Candymonium. That's the roller coaster. I love Hershey. You've had great experiences in Hershey. I've only had great times in Hershey, Pennsylvania. And listen, you're not wrong about the driving.

50:50because you told all of us in D.C. that we should drive. Yeah, of course you should drive. To drive from Connecticut to D.C. It's the easiest way to get there. And we all thought you were crazy. And we all got delayed on our flights. Crazy like a fox. So Sam was right again. You know what? I would say it's hard being right all the time. It's not. It feels great. But not as great as Gunther felt tonight. Oh, my gosh. You know, it's funny because after Cena's last match, you and I sat and we talked for a while and we had a conversation with R-Truth. And, you know, there were just so many feelings coming out of Washington, D.C.

51:29Yeah, I feel like I was in a state. I was too. Yeah. And the state really did carry over into today. I was listening to your podcast. I was listening to the 24-Hour Wrestling channel on SiriusXM. And, you know, everybody was talking about these emotions that had to do with John Cena's last match. And you pointed out on our recap show how Gunter is a bigger deal coming out of this match. I mean, it's the biggest deal. Because that's going to be the first thing that anybody mentions when they mention Gunter and his career. And I think it's inarguable that tonight we saw Gunter get the biggest reaction he's ever gotten.

52:12The most noise. Yes. For sure. And it was a lot of boos. a lot of boos raining down on Gunther. But like I said to Jackie, he went back for seconds and thirds. I mean, this guy, and there was something about it. I don't know what it was. It felt so, maybe because it felt so justified. I wanted him to get booed more. Gunther and I felt the same way. We both wanted Gunther to get booed. But I think it was for completely different reasons. You wanted him to get booed because he chose to humiliate John Cena. He beat John Cena. He didn't give us the happiness. He didn't just beat John Cena. You're right.

52:48The way he beat John Cena. The tap out. That's right. Had to do the tap out. He made John Cena give up. Yeah. Killed the John Cena character. He could have just beat John Cena. But because he made John Cena give up. But you know, if he had just beaten John Cena, there would have been a little bit left. John Cena tapping out, there's nothing left. And that's why Hershey Pennsylvania reacted the way they did. Yeah. and I had said too Hershey you better understand the assignment if you're showing up on Monday Night Raw tonight and I feel like they completely understood the assignment but man I mean I don't know you know and you see reactions similar to that but you never see guys like Gunther that are just sitting there enjoying it like in paradise like I am so glad and you know Gunther went on first take before and I mean I couldn't believe it you know Usually a WWE superstar goes out of his way to come across as likable and charming when he's on a show like First Take.

53:51Gunther puts on a show for no one. The guy will not do it. He is living life on Gunther's terms, whether he's in the ring, whether he's in the locker room, whether he's on Raw Recap, whether he's on First Take. It doesn't matter. He's just purely himself. He said he likes to, he said he enjoys antagonizing people. He likes that. he likes that the people get upset he he and and it's not just like hey you know if they're cheering or they're booing at least they're making a sound he's like no no no no no i want a specific noise i want to know that i've hurt them i want to know i mean i was watching videos of him you know yelling back and forth with children at ringside i saw that too and saying like you need to control yourself you're out of control and this little kid is going nuts on him and i don't blame the little kid you know but gunther coming out you would think for the kids you change your tone a little bit not gunther gunther is on gunther's terms and even this idea that like you know some people get gunther wrong they go well for him it's just business and whatever it takes and and you know there's no emotion involved whatsoever and that's not true there's a lot of emotion clearly there is.

55:04He's enjoying this part. He's enjoying where he's at in his career. And I think that he's enjoying that for a period of time, people thought he was just another part of the show, that there's this variety show and there's all this stuff happening on it. And Gunther is part of that. And Gunther does what Gunther does, but ultimately it's all about the variety show. And Gunther's like no no no no no no I'm here to ruin all of that I mean he told us on the raw recap show that when he won the world heavyweight championship from Jey Uso that nobody was waiting for him in gorilla and he liked that he's enjoyed that he enjoyed that and I see why I see when their people are waiting for him they don't get along with him very well which we'll get into in a minute but I mean it's almost like because of the magnitude of what Gunther did on Saturday there was everything that happened on Raw and then Gunther you know what I'm saying and it was a really interesting thing to observe so finally right he says and also I do want to say this and I was pretty much on the audience's side except the idea of chanting you tapped out to Gunther and he was almost like laughing at that chant like I know that we were all doing it when he like tapped out to like Jey Uso or whatever but like dude when you tap out John Cena clearly you've upped your game and those chants must stop yeah the the sort of I mean they're ineffective you could chant all you want but it's meaningless once you tap out John Cena any sort of missteps that you had earlier are null and void yep like they're like it is totally irrelevant this is John Cena we're talking about He retired John Cena.

56:55He made him give up. He ended John Cena. It's not even retired. He ended John Cena. He ended sports entertainment on that night. That's what Michael Cole said. And Michael Cole's usually right. Usually. Michael Cole's usually right. And I think that that's something, you know, that's the reality of it. Gunther's all about reality. But watching him like, and you know, it was almost like we saw how upset people were coming off of Saturday night's main event. And Jackie touched on it. You know, it's because of the emotions that were at play the whole time. But seeing that play out as well behind the scenes on Monday Night Raw.

57:38Seeing Otis and Tozawa wanting nothing to do with Gunther. Truth. truth calling gunther straight up a piece of trash and it wasn't we were at least able we were able to have a little bit of fun with truth on the saturday night's main event recap podcast which is if you haven't seen you're one of the very few that haven't seen it but if you haven't seen it i would go back and check it out uh truth wasn't having fun tonight not at all right in his face you're a piece of trash he said i mean the general manager of monday night raw used an expletive that doesn't make you the ring general that makes you well i know what he said an expletive is what he said that's right you already got away with cm punk's p word i'm not giving you adam pierce's a h word i wasn't gonna say it you were kind of wanting to i wasn't gonna say it then why'd you write it down i wrote a dash which you can say you can say that radio you can say a dash you can say also we're not on the radio well i know i want you to know we're not this is a podcast but thank you i just didn't know you were confused just very confused this was happening this is not under fcc regulation oh it's not no it's the internet so we can say whatever it's the wild west here except your boss will be mad but but then he gets to the car after all these people have said we we hate you gunther that's basically what it was and i can't imagine there's even crew people backstage just giving him the look of disgust there were writers they were just sitting there going like oh i hate that guy i mean that's real dude and then gunther gets to his car and aj styles is right there just to give him a dirty look just to glare at him and gunther hits him with the you can't see me and i did he rolled down the tinted window i mean come on to do the you can't see me laughed about it and drove off probably an illegal tint i hope he gets pulled over yeah i think in pennsylvania they have laws against those 100 100 that's a ticket that's a ticket that's coming his way what do you think gunter would say to the officer that pulls him over he'd probably tell him what he did he'd probably say an expletive about john cena

59:54but you can't help i can't help but think gunther retired goldberg and john cena in the same calendar year. I think that John Cena's retirement is going to make people go, oh, there are different things I could do when it's time for me to wrap up my career in WWE. At the same time, the way it ended, as long as Gunther is on the roster, I think people are going to go like, but maybe I don't want to do that because that's what's waiting at the end of this thing. And I don't want to go out like that. I know it was such a mixture of emotions. And I know everybody keeps saying that because it was just like, you know, such a celebration of Cena in his career throughout the day.

1:00:31You know, I think of the balloons. I think of the video packages that played. But then the actual match itself, it was a beautiful story. I mean, it was just heartbreaking, right? So when I tell you that AJ Styles has said 2026 is his last year. And then Gunter walks right by him. I don't even want to think about it. I say, please don't do that to us, Gunter. I know. You already broke our hearts once. But you know what? Gunter enjoyed doing that. He really did. He's taken it up as a sport. Look, it's not too late, by the way, to say thank you, Cena. You know, we're still celebrating John Cena, John Cena's final match.

1:01:10It's come to a close. You heard the WWE Universe loud and clear. Megan and I were out on the floor saying it right with him. Thank you, Cena. Now you can honor one of the greatest of all time with the Thank You, Cena collection that is available at WWE Shop and Fanatics. Brand new shirts, brand new everything, sporting. The new Last Time Is Now stuff. Thank You Cena stuff, commemorating a bunch of different moments in his career. Really cool merch. You can also get the new Mattel John Cena Ultimate figure. You can commemorate John Cena's final match. You better believe I've already pre-ordered multiple.

1:01:49But you can commemorate John Cena's final match and an incredible career with this brand new John Cena Ultimate Edition Mattel figure. Featuring his final match ring gear, this collectible is a must-have for any WWE fan or collector. You can go to WWE shop, you can go to Fanatics, and you can reserve yours today. See, look at that. It's got the Soft Goods DC Last Time Is Now t-shirt. Comes with multiple heads. Comes with a towel. Comes with the hat. He's got the socks. I'm getting into the figure game, so I think I might have to get this one. You need this one. And then, of course, one last time for the champ, you can honor John Cena's legendary one with the brand new John Cena Funko Pop, capturing his iconic final match look from unforgettable moments to a career that defined an era.

1:02:31This collectible belongs on every fan shelf. Reserve yours now by heading to WWE Shop and Fanatics. So thank you to John Cena as we look into the future. a couple of great moments that we saw on Monday Night Raw tonight of course we brought her up earlier Maxine successfully and you gotta admit there is a difference in Maxine now that she's been training with Natty there's no question the leg lock intensity of Maxine as well I mean listen she's the champ now she's the champ wait till Becky hears you say that So you like that she got her side plates She's the champ you said Champs have side plates Well for now Until this legal You're so not committed You're not remotely committed like you used to be You know it's a sham and a fraud And you're just trying to hang in there It's really hard because I do genuinely like Maxine A lot Yes it's on the record You're done Becky's lawyers are going to come after me now Oh yeah, I think some of the heat's finally off me Look at Maxine coming in there aggressive See, this is what you do This is why she calls you scam robbers Because now you're getting me to fall into your little trap once again You're like, oh, we could be talking about a huge announcement That was made on Monday Night Raw The fact that Eoskai and Rhea Ripley Are going to take on the Kabuki Warriors on January 5th But no, I'm going to dedicate some time To talk about Maxine Dupree to get Megan into an awkward predicament so she can say things that aren't supporting Becky Lynch even though she's the number one Becky believer so then I can clip it and get Becky's lawyers to come after her.

1:04:20That's what you're doing to me and that's why they call you Scam Roberts. You know that was my original name for the podcast? Awkward predicament. That was it. I don't think most of what you said is true, but I respect you for saying it. I think it's all true. Okay. Well, I think CFL... Anything else to add about this match? Yeah, I thought she was way more aggressive. I thought she was using... She got these long legs. I thought she was using those effectively. I thought... I mean, imagine she beat Becky Lynch before. Imagine how badly she'd beat her now. That's what I kept thinking. Like, oh my gosh, Becky doesn't have...

1:04:53You think Becky's sitting at home, shaking in her boots? No, she's fighting the legal system. What do you mean she's lying about being in the sauna and going to meet with lawyers? For longer than anybody's ever been in the sauna. I'll tell you what. The Fanatics 1 Icon Series is unveiling its next experience featuring the legendary Mr. Beast. Speaking of legends, how about Mr. Beast? She's changing the topic. I want to talk about Mr. Beast a little bit. The legendary Mr. Beast. It's a once-in-a-lifetime Icon Series opportunity that's going to send one lucky fan and a guest to Los Angeles as Mr.

1:05:29Beast's special guest. At the Beast Games Season 2 VIP screening event complete with exclusive access. I've heard that one new Mr. Beast challenge is going to be, I'll give you$50 ,000 if you can sit in a room with Megan Morant for more than 30 minutes listening to her talk about Becky Lynch. Fans can enter for the Icon Series experience with Mr. Beast in the Fanatics app. This opportunity is open now and closes December 22nd. Entries into the sweepstakes are converted for$1 of fan cash, up to 10 entries per person, no purchase necessary. very exciting times. Very, very exciting times. How about Nikki Bella?

1:06:12How about her? Ruining the women's world championship match. Ending in a DQ. Interfering. Getting all up in Stephanie Vaqueror's face. Stomping her out. People aren't respecting the legend. That's what she says. People are not respecting the legend, she believes. And she made that clear, interrupting the interview, going right up to Jackie Redman, making sure that everybody knows. And listen, there is a thing, right? At a point, we were all talking about Nikki Bella and going, gee, golly gosh. I hope she can fit in with all of these new women. And she goes, fit in? I'm a Hall of Famer. Right, right.

1:06:52I don't need to fit in. You just need to level up. Right. Yes, Megan. Yes. You got me all fired up because you're scamming me into saying the wrong things. And now I'm fired up. The tapes don't lie. And I'm not scamming you into anything. You're like, so how about Maxine? Do you have anything to say about how good she looked? It's not what I sound like. It's exactly what you sound like. Okay, well, the guys in the booth think it's a bad impression. Well, Nikki Bella, I mean, she made a statement and said that everybody... That was the chair! That was the chair! I'm wearing leather pants. That wasn't the chair.

1:07:25I'm wearing leather pants. There was a sound. I hope that picked up on Mike because that was not the chair. I went to go cross my legs and the leather pants made a sound. I don't think so. I don't think so. They're going to boost the audio in post. That was embarrassing. That was really embarrassing. They're working on the replay right now. He's scamming me again. I'm letting you be you. You're out to get me. I'm not out to get you. You are. Me for being a Becky believer. The whole second half of this podcast, you know, you're just attacking me. The whole second half? Yes. Jackie was here. We're all having a good time.

1:08:00Right. As soon as she leaves. Oh, let's get Megan. that's what i said get her okay i mean feels like you might have a victim mentality but nikki bella you are 100 right as i said before whatever happened happened you are 100 right that nikki bella has i think gotten to a place where she's like why do i need to show up and prove that i can fit in with this crop when in reality i said crop i started thinking crop dusting when in reality they need to be able to fit in with me she is the hall of famer and i do think that fans have been sitting there like you know fans have even had this thing where it's been like no she's got to prove it to me she's got to prove it to me why what do i have to prove she's done it all literally all of it yeah built the women's division put the women on the pedestal that they're on now she is a key piece in transitioning the divas division into the women's division that's completely undeniable when you talk about somebody that's main evented shows when you talk about somebody that i mean at a time where women were not looked at as potentially that some of the biggest stars in the company nikki bell is one of the people that kind of broke that mold and i think that uh i i i like i like the attitude and i like that that stephanie vaquer is gonna have to prove that she deserves that title i do too you know yeah i think that's the way champions should roll.

1:09:29And I'm looking forward to it. I'm also looking forward to Monday Night Raw next week. We got a taste of some of the matches that we're going to get next week. I also hope that we get some answers from Austin Theory. How about Liv Morgan going back to tag team with Roxanne Perez? So selfless, trying to bring gold to the judgment day. And bring it all back the way the family was always supposed to be. We'll see how it goes down. And, of course, we will be here with you next week right after Monday Night Raw. Make sure you're subscribed to the podcast across all audio platforms, leaving comments and likes on YouTube.

1:10:06We appreciate you guys. Sorry about Megan. Oh, stop. And we will see you next week here on the Raw Recap.

From the publisher

Gunther has some choice words for the WWE Universe and taunts AJ Styles, the masked man is finally revealed, and The Kabuki Warriors attack Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY. Plus, Raw backstage correspondent Jackie Redmond stops by to discuss John Cena’s final match. Sam Roberts and Megan Morant bring you the Raw Recap: A WWE & Fanatics Original Production, brought to you by Aura Frames, Brooklyn Bedding and Raycon.

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