5 Shocking Reasons The Final Monday Night Raw Before Netflix Will Change Everything (12/30/2024 Preview)
The final Monday Night Raw episode before its historic move to Netflix is set to be one of the most unpredictable and explosive shows of the year. Airing live on Monday, December 30, 2024, from the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas, this episode is not just a standard weekly show; it's a pivotal moment in WWE history, designed to set the stage for the Royal Rumble and the new era of streaming content. Fans are buzzing about the guaranteed confrontation between CM Punk and World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins, but the real drama may come from the implosion of the most dominant faction on the red brand.
This New Year's Eve week special is loaded with high-stakes action, including a massive six-man tag team match that signals a seismic shift within The Judgment Day, and a key semi-final bout in the Women's Intercontinental Championship Tournament. The pressure is on for every superstar to deliver a performance that will be remembered as the curtain call for *Raw* on its current network, making this a must-watch event for the WWE Universe.
The Implosion: Damian Priest Aligns Against The Judgment Day
The biggest headline heading into the December 30th edition of *Raw* is the unprecedented six-man tag team match that pits World Heavyweight Champion Damian Priest alongside the World Tag Team Champions, The War Raiders (Erik and Ivar), against his own faction, The Judgment Day (Finn Bálor, JD McDonagh, and Dominik Mysterio). This match confirms the long-simmering internal conflict that has plagued the group for months.
For weeks, the tension between Priest and Bálor has been palpable, fueled by miscommunications, mistrust, and the constant threat of Priest cashing in his Money in the Bank contract.
- The Priest Paradox: Damian Priest, despite holding the World Heavyweight Championship, has consistently been undermined by his stablemates. His decision to team with The War Raiders—a duo known for their brute force and championship pedigree—is a clear statement that he is prioritizing his reign and his survival over the faction's unity.
- Bálor's Betrayal: Finn Bálor, the former leader and a key figure in the group's formation, will undoubtedly see this as the ultimate act of betrayal. This match is not about winning; it's about a brutal power struggle for control of the red brand, potentially leading to a massive blow-off match at the Royal Rumble.
- Rhea Ripley's Absence: The absence of Women's World Champion Rhea Ripley from the announced lineup is notable. Her influence has been the glue holding The Judgment Day together. Her reaction to this open warfare will be the key to the faction's future, as Mami's involvement could swing the balance of power entirely.
The outcome of this six-man tag team clash will determine which side of The Judgment Day survives and who moves on to become a major player in the road to WrestleMania.
The Confrontation: CM Punk and Seth Rollins Under One Roof
The long-awaited, highly personal, and endlessly debated rivalry between CM Punk and World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins is set to ignite once again. The two superstars are confirmed to be in the same arena at the same time, promising a confrontation that could turn into an all-out brawl.
Since Punk's return, Rollins has been vocal about his disdain, labeling the "Best in the World" as a fraud and a locker room cancer. Punk, in turn, has played mind games, focusing his attention on Rollins' title and his status as the face of *Raw*.
This segment is crucial for several reasons:
- The Final Build: With the Royal Rumble just weeks away, this is one of the final opportunities for the two to escalate their feud before a potential one-on-one match for the World Heavyweight Championship.
- The 'Netflix' Factor: As the last show before the streaming move, WWE will want to provide a memorable, viral moment. A physical altercation between two of the biggest stars in the company is the perfect way to generate buzz and excitement for the new era.
- A Royal Rumble Tease: Will a match be officially announced? Or will their brawl result in both men declaring their entry into the 30-Man Royal Rumble Match, setting the stage for an even bigger clash? The tension is almost unbearable.
The Road to the Women's Intercontinental Title Final
The Women's Intercontinental Championship Tournament has been a showcase for the depth of the *Raw* women's division, and this episode features a pivotal semi-final match. The highly-decorated former Women's Champion IYO SKY is set to face the rising star from NXT, Lyra Valkyria.
IYO SKY, a former member of Damage CTRL, brings a lethal combination of high-flying offense and tactical prowess to the ring. Her experience in main events and her championship pedigree make her the favorite to advance. However, Lyra Valkyria has impressed the WWE Universe since her main roster call-up, utilizing her unique striking style and resilience to defeat formidable opponents.
The winner of this match will advance to the tournament final to face Dakota Kai, who has already secured her spot in the final round.
- Dakota Kai's Waiting Game: Kai, a former tag team champion, is now focused on singles gold. She will undoubtedly be watching this match closely, scouting her next opponent and preparing to make history as the inaugural Women's Intercontinental Champion.
- The NXT Factor: Lyra Valkyria's performance is a major test of the NXT system. A win over a former world champion like IYO SKY would instantly elevate her status and solidify her as a top contender for years to come.
LSI Keywords & Entities to Watch
Beyond the major announced matches, several other key storylines and superstars are expected to feature prominently as WWE closes out the year and prepares for the new streaming deal. The show will be a prime opportunity to build heat for the Royal Rumble 2025.
The following entities and storylines are key to the *Raw* landscape:
- Drew McIntyre's Heel Turn: The "Scottish Warrior" has been on a tear, targeting Jey Uso and anyone he deems unworthy. His presence on the show is a constant threat, and he may make a statement by interfering in a match or launching a brutal attack.
- Sami Zayn's Redemption: Sami Zayn continues his journey, often crossing paths with the heel factions. His involvement could provide a counterpoint to the chaos of The Judgment Day or a fresh feud for a superstar like Gunther.
- R-Truth's Shenanigans: The comedic relief provided by R-Truth, often involving his misguided attempts to be part of The Judgment Day, will likely continue. His segments are crucial for breaking up the intensity of the main storylines.
- The New Day's Legacy: Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods, The New Day, continue to be a staple of the tag team division, and their ongoing rivalries will keep the World Tag Team Championship scene competitive, especially with The War Raiders now involved in the main event drama.
The final *Monday Night Raw* of 2024 is shaping up to be a chaotic, career-defining night. With championships on the line, factions tearing themselves apart, and two of the biggest names in the industry set for a collision, the WWE Universe is guaranteed to ring in the new year with a bang.
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