Loved: Lyra Valkyria vs. IYO SKY This match delivered the kind of women’s wrestling that gets you excited about the future. Lyra Valkyria faced IYO SKY in the semifinals of the Women’s Intercontinental Championship tournament, and it was a bout full of incredible wrestling. Valkyria managed to overcome the odds, pinning SKY in a thrilling upset. The match was packed with technical precision, with Valkyria impressing despite a few early awkward moments. Houston was electric, supporting both women throughout the match. The finish, however, was slightly marred by a messy pop-up pin, which took some of the steam away from the climactic moment. Despite that, Valkyria’s win felt like the right call. She has yet to get the limelight that SKY has enjoyed, and this could be her moment to shine.
Hated: The R-Truth vs. Pete Dunne Feud What started as a humorous reference to Pete Dunne’s old “Butch” persona has overstayed its welcome. After weeks of repetitive skits and a failed match setup, this feud feels like it’s running on empty. Dunne’s character seems lost in this storyline, and R-Truth’s comedic antics, which once brought joy, now seem forced. The decision to drag this out instead of having Dunne secure a definitive win over Truth is frustrating. It’s an unnecessary distraction in an otherwise solid episode.
Loved: New Day’s Heel Turn and Jey Uso’s Return New Day’s heel turn has been a long, drawn-out process, but tonight it reached a peak when the crowd loudly rejected them. The real highlight came when Jey Uso entered to a massive pop, continuing his rivalry with New Day. The tension between them built up beautifully, and the addition of McIntyre to the mix, followed by a surprise Claymore, added intrigue to the ongoing storylines involving The Bloodline. It was a perfect way to build anticipation for future conflicts.
Hated: Judgment Day vs. The War Raiders – Stale Storyline The Judgment Day’s involvement in another six-man tag with The War Raiders felt like more of the same. The repetitive interference, match outcome, and post-match beatdowns have made this feud feel stale. Despite the decent action in the ring, there’s little excitement left in this rivalry. It’s the same story every week, with the same predictable outcome. Without any major developments, this feud risks being another drawn-out, forgettable angle in the midst of WWE’s other evolving storylines.
Loved: CM Punk vs. Seth Rollins Promo CM Punk and Seth Rollins delivered one of the most intense and personal promo segments in recent memory. Punk used Rollins’ past departure as a segue into an emotionally charged argument, tapping into real-life history. The crowd’s reaction reflected the deep connection fans have with both wrestlers. The energy was high, and the back-and-forth between the two really elevated their upcoming match. The segment brilliantly set the stage for their highly anticipated showdown next week.
Hated: Otis vs. Chad Gable – The Never-Ending Feud Otis and Chad Gable’s months-long feud has reached a point of diminishing returns. Despite their in-ring chemistry, their ongoing rivalry feels unnecessarily dragged out. The interference from Ivy Nile and Gable’s tainted victory imply the feud will continue, which is frustrating. It feels like a missed opportunity to move these two on to new stories or rivalries, especially when their feud has been prominent for over half a year. The lack of resolution makes it feel like they’ve been stuck in neutral, despite their undeniable effort and talent.
Overall, WWE Raw 12/30/2024 had moments that captivated us, especially in terms of building future storylines. However, some storylines need a serious refresh, and it’s clear that certain rivalries have overstayed their welcome.
4o