Alexa Bliss challenged Bianca Belair for the Raw Women’s Championship. During the bout, two individuals wearing the same mask Bray Wyatt wore when he returned to WWE, distracted Bliss. One of the individuals was being held back by an arena security guard before the guard got out of his way.
When Bliss got back in the ring, Wyatt’s logo flashed on the screen and she proceeded to attack the referee and then took out Belair with two DDTs on the ring step. Belair was helped to the back by her husband, Montez Ford. Later in the show, Bliss was interviewed and said the Raw Women’s Title belongs with her.
What the?!#WWERaw pic.twitter.com/zed0m55YPk
— WWE (@WWE) January 3, 2023
.@AlexaBliss_WWE has SNAPPED!#WWERaw pic.twitter.com/CVGbFYAwUZ
— WWE (@WWE) January 3, 2023
In the main event, Austin Theory retained the United States Championship by beating Seth Rollins after connecting with a low blow. As that match was taking place, Raw commentator Kevin Patrick mentioned ‘Mr. McMahon’ when he said Theory was put at the top of the food chain by McMahon.
When Damage CTRL (Bayley, Dakota Kai & IYO SKY) were on their way to the ring, in the background was MVP talking to Adam Pearce. Cedric Alexander and Shelton Benjamin were there as well.
Prior to Raw going live on USA Network, ‘Main Event’ was taped and it featured NXT’s Rip Fowler (Zack Gibson) taking on Shelton Benjamin. Jagger Reid (James Drake) was ringside for the match.
Video package for Cody Rhodes that aired:
The journey continues for @CodyRhodes.#WWERaw pic.twitter.com/xabd2SnZfn
— WWE (@WWE) January 3, 2023
After being ‘arrested’ on Christmas for getting into an altercation with Rey Mysterio, WWE put out the following from Dominik:
🎵 Watcha gonna do when @DomMysterio35 comes for you? 🎵#WWERaw pic.twitter.com/XYVfcVVTFD
— WWE (@WWE) January 3, 2023
A vignette aired for Bronson Reed, who returned to WWE in December. Reed helped The Miz best Dexter Lumis in a Ladder match.
After Sami Zayn and The Usos (Jimmy & Jey Uso) bested Kevin Owens and The Street Profits (Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins), they attacked the trio. SmackDown’s Drew McIntyre and Sheamus made the save. The show was in Nashville, Tennessee and both McIntyre and Sheamus reside in the city. They’ll be challenging The Usos for the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Titles on this Friday’s SmackDown.
Becky Lynch opted to face Dakota Kai and IYO SKY alone. Michin (Mia Yim) came out to give Lynch some help. They lost to Kai and SKY.
Singer/songwriter Jimmie Allen was present at Raw. One of his songs was used for the 2022 Tribute to the Troops show.
