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Browsing: Charlotte
The Florida Panthers have loaned winger Jack Devine to the Charlotte Checkers.
The 22-year-old skated in six games during his first NHL call-up, failing to record a point. Although he was kept off the scoresheet, Devine showed many positive flashes. He utilized his speed to help the Panthers’ transition offense and win the puck back on the forecheck.
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He averaged just 8:26 in his call-up but was able to fire six shots on goal. According to Natural Stat Trick, at 5-on-5, the Panthers owned 51.14 percent of the expected goals and held a Corsi For percentage of 51.61 percent. The Panthers were outscored 3-0 with Devine on the ice, but he was playing in an unfamiliar role on the Panthers’ fourth line.
Devine will return to the Checkers with NHL experience and will look to improve on his stellar rookie season numbers. In 13 games, Devine has scored six goals and 12 points, three goals and two points back of the team lead.
Although Devine is listed at 5-foot-11, 173 pounds, he plays at a high speed and with a high motor. He’s not afraid to get to the dirty areas of the ice and is always looking to get the puck to the front of the net.
He’s been a top-end point producer at every level and appears to be continuing the trend at the AHL level.
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WWE
As an invaluable part of what has become known as the “Women’s Revolution,” in both WWE and across the wrestling landscape, Charlotte Flair’s take on the current state of affairs in women’s wrestling carries as much weight as anyone’s. Following her performance as part of a team win in the women’s WarGames match, alongside partner Alexa Bliss, at Survivor Series, Flair discussed her staying power, as well as her contemporaries such as Bliss, amid an influx of new talent in the mix these days.
“I think that just speaks volumes about how much we love the business,” she told “WWE Raw Recap,” adding that veterans of her like continue to seek to evolve and not rest on their laurels. “We know we have to continue to do more and raise our game if we want to keep up with the new crop of talent.” A key to the Women’s Revolution was equality for the female talent as compared to the men, and as far as that goes, Flair says, the measuring stick should still be one and the same for all. “I don’t think there’s an expiration date for the men,” she said, “and there shouldn’t be an expiration date for the women and if there’s any proof of that, [Bliss has] done it all, I’ve done it all, and we’re here to see what we can do together and with the new girls coming up.”
Drawing a comparison to another talent who was part of the “Divas era” in WWE, Flair hammered home the point, saying that age or tenure really shouldn’t be part of the equation, so long as the performer in question can still go. “I’m just saying it shouldn’t be a topic of conversation,” she explained. “I hope that this just transcends that where [for example], look at Nikki Bella. She is on fire and, people, she was a Divas Champion.”If you use any of the quotes in this article, please credit “WWE Raw Recap” and provide a h/t to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.
SPOTLIGHTED PODCAST ALERT (YOUR ARTICLE BEGINS A FEW INCHES DOWN)…
Fresh off their team winning the womenâ€s WarGames match at Survivor Series, Rhea Ripley & Iyo Sky opened the show this week. As the two of them still have unsettled issues with the Womenâ€s Tag Team Champions Asuka & Kairi Sane, Rhea & Iyo demanded a shot at their titles. They were soon interrupted by the former champions and their WarGames teammates Charlotte & Alexa Bliss. As they never received their rematch after losing the titles three weeks ago, Charlotte & Alexa claimed they were the ones more deserving of a title shot. The arguing between both teams led to a match at the end of the show to decide who will get the next shot at the Womenâ€s Tag Team Titles.
As both teams put on a great match, the outcome would leave things unsettled as it became an afterthought to everything that happened after. In addition to that, we had both semi final matches in the My Last Time is Now Tournament, Liv Morgan staking her claim as the leader of Judgment Day, and a fiery promo from Bron Breakker directed at C.M. Punk.
L.A. Knight vs. Jey Uso
Latest developments:
On the November 1 Saturday Nightâ€s Main Event, it was announced that there would be a My Last Time is Now Tournament taking place to decide who John Cenaâ€s last opponent will be. In a first round match on the November 14 Smackdown, Jey Uso defeated The Miz to advance in the tournament. On the same night, LA Knight advanced to the next round as he defeated a returning Zach Ryder. Last Friday on Smackdown, Jey defeated Rusev to punch his ticket to the semi finals. Later that same night, LA Knight defeated The Miz (who was a late substitute for Sheamus) to advance to the semi finals.
This week, Knight and Jey went one on one in the semi finals of the tournament in a match where both men took turns hitting each other on the top rope until they fell off of it. After making it back in the ring to avoid being counted out, Jey hit a Spear for a close near fall. Knight soon recovered and hit Jey with a Megaplex, but it still wasnâ€t enough. Jey hit another Spear and followed it with an Uso Splash but as he went for the pin, Knight pulled his arms back into a pinning position to get the win and advance to the finals. After the match, an upset Jey pushed over the display of Prime bottles sitting at ringside and walked away in anger.
Analysis:
Solid match between these two that produced the right outcome. Considering the bad blood these two had a few months ago that was never really resolved, at least we got a match between them here with a clean finish. As weâ€ve seen Jey vs. Gunther countless times this year, Knight vs. Gunther is a fresh match. While the outcome to it may be predictable, itâ€s still the better route to go as the crowd reaction alone will make it stand out. While Knight may not win marquee matches as often as many would like him to, heâ€s still someone that belongs in that main event mix.
Another reason why this was the right outcome is because of the story now being told with Jey. Jey crashing out the way he did after the match made perfect sense for his character considering all the huge losses heâ€s had lately. As it was being teased initially during his feud with Knight a few months ago, it now feels like the time for Jey to turn heel. As popular as he is, a heel turn feels like it would be the best thing for his character. From the way he acted after the match combined with all the great stories they could tell with him going into next year, choosing not to pull the trigger on a heel turn for him would be a huge mistake.
Grade: B+
Liv Morgan Promo
Latest developments:
On the June 16 Raw, Liv Morgan injured her shoulder during a match with Kairi Sane and it was later revealed that she would be out of action until early 2026. At Survivor Series, Dominik Mysterio challenged John Cena for the Intercontinental Championship that he lost to Cena three weeks earlier. As the match progressed, a returning Liv came out to get involved in the match. Liv initially slapped Dominik and jumped into Cenaâ€s arms to hug him as the expression on her face slowly changed. She then kicked Cena below the belt and that led to Dominik hitting him with a Frog Splash to regain his title.
Dominik along with Judgment Dayâ€s Finn Balor, JD McDonagh, Raquel Rodriguez, & Roxanne Perez were in the ring as he introduced Liv. Liv shouted out the words “Iâ€m back†and said that no one saw her coming, especially John Cena. She went on to say she missed everyone but that sheâ€s been hearing things since sheâ€s been gone. Some of those things she said sheâ€d been hearing is that the group is falling apart, but that it all ends now because sheâ€s back. Liv said theyâ€re coming for everything thatâ€s theirs and they officially run Raw as she then slapped Dominik before jumping in his arms.
Analysis:
From this segment combined with what happened later in the show, itâ€s clear that Liv is the leader of Judgment Day. Itâ€s funny that Liv first debuted on the main roster eight years ago as a part of a group and now sheâ€s the leader of her own. This all felt like a reset for the group as the tension Liv had with Finn as well as Perez before she got hurt looks like itâ€s been pushed to the side. Livâ€s return has breathed new life into Judgment Day and a clear sign that theyâ€re going to continue to be the dominant faction on the show. While everything seems cool between everyone in the group right now, their tension will likely brew up again as we get into WrestleMania season.
With the momentum Liv has right now combined with the brief confrontation she had with Stephanie Vaquer later in the show, itâ€s clear that sheâ€s going to be back in the title picture soon. While she is already a heavy favorite to win the womenâ€s Royal Rumble, thereâ€s also a chance she could become the champion again before that. As thereâ€s already been a major title match made for the January 5 Raw, a title match between these two is another one they could potentially add to that show. Itâ€s clear from how she was presented on the show this week thatâ€s sheâ€s going to be a focal point of the show going forward, more so than Vaquer. Regardless of whenever it happens, this new version of Liv is tailor made for another title reign.
Grade: B
Bron Breakker vs. C.M. Punk
Latest developments:
On the October 13 Raw, Bron Breakker & Bronson Reed turned on World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins. As Rollins had to forfeit the title due to injury immediately after, C.M. won the vacated championship by defeating Jey Uso on the November 1 Saturday Nightâ€s Main Event. At Survivor Series, Punk teamed with WWE Champion Cody Rhodes, Roman Reigns, Jimmy, & Jey Uso to face Breakker, Reed, Brock Lesnar, Logan Paul, & Drew McIntyre in WarGames. As Punk and Breakker started the match, both men brutalized each other throughout it, including a Doomsday Device Punk & Cody hit on Breakker that caused him to land on his neck. After interference from a mystery man under a black hoodie that attacked Punk, Breakker hit Punk with a Spear to win the match for his team.
Breakker was in the ring this week along with Reed, Paul, & Paul Heyman where Heyman revealed that Breakker will get a shot at Punkâ€s title on the January 5 Raw. Breakker went on to say that Punk is no different than any other veteran living off past glory, and no different than Rollins sitting at the top while holding everyone else down when he should be more concerned about his wife being a bigger star than him. He brought up how Punk tried to break his neck during WarGames and said heâ€s coming for Punkâ€s career and every single good memory the people remember him for. Breakker then brought up Punk coming up to him backstage at WrestleMania last year and Punkâ€s saying, “letâ€s see if you can cut a promo with the big dawgs†and he said to now consider the promo cut. Breakker ended the promo by saying on January 5 when they announce him as the new champion, Punk will look into his eyes and realize that heâ€s not even close to the badass Bron Breakker, the real best in the world as he aggressively dropped the mic.
Analysis:
This was by far the best promo that Breakker has ever cut in his career. He was intense, believable, and sold himself as someone whoâ€s ready to be the champion. While itâ€s unfair to compare this promo to other great ones like Punkâ€s pipe-bomb from 2011, it still delivered and accomplished what it needed to. Breakker had a lot of steam after he turned on Rollins, and he seemed to have cooled off over the last month. From defeating Punk to win WarGames to the promo he had here, itâ€s clear that everything is back on track for him.
With the match between him and Punk set to take place on the first Raw of the new year, it feels like the right time to do a title change. If Breakker is the man that they wanna strap the rocket on, having him win the title on that show would set the tone for 2026. If it ends up not happening there, then it should definitely happen at the Royal Rumble. As tempting as it would be to wait until WrestleMania to have him win the title, this doesnâ€t have the same story that Cody had two years ago to stretch out that long. If thereâ€s one thing anyone walked away from this promo feeling, itâ€s that Punkâ€s days as champion are numbered.
Grade: B+
ARTICLE CONTINUED BELOW…
Check out the latest episode of the Wade Keller Pro Wrestling Post-show covering the latest episode of Raw: CLICK HERE to stream (or search “wade Keller†on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or any other iOS or Android app to subscribe free)
Gunther vs. Solo Sikoa
Latest developments:
On the November 17 Raw from Madison Square Garden, Gunther made his return as he defeated Jeâ€Von Evans in a thrilling match to advance in the My Last Time is Now Tournament. On the same night, Solo Sikoa defeated a returning Dolph Ziggler to also advance in the tournament. Last week, Gunther defeated Carmelo Hayes in another competitive match to advance to the semifinals. Later that night, Solo faced Penta in another tournament match where Penta suffered a shoulder injury several minutes into the match. Penta was unable to continue the match due to the injury, so Solo was awarded the match by forfeit and advanced to the semifinals to face Gunther.
As the match took place, Solo blocked a Powerbomb attempt and despite Gunther stopping his Samoan Drop attempt by pulling on his thumb, Solo succeeded with the second attempt for a near fall. Solo went for the Samoan Spike, but Gunther hit him with a hard chop to the chest followed by several more as he backed him into the corner. Solo rebounded with a Spinning Solo Slam and followed that with a Splash from the top rope, but Gunther kicked out. Solo went for another Spike, but Gunther trapped him in the Sleeper until Solo grabbed the rope to escape, and Gunther hit him with a German Suplex as Solo ripped off the top turnbuckle. While the referee was distracted, Talla Tonga hit Gunther with a big boot outside the ring and held him up for Solo to do the Spike before the referee stopped them and Gunther escaped. Gunther later hit Solo with a low blow followed by a Powerbomb to advance to the finals.
Analysis:
For the third straight week, Gunther showed why heâ€s been the MVP of this tournament. Without him, this tournament would be looked down upon a lot more than it has been. As weird of a dynamic as it looked like on paper with Gunther and Solo both being heels, they still put on a great match here. Even though heâ€s worked with people like Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns, this was the best match Solo has ever had on the main roster. While Gunther deserves a lot of the credit for why this match was so good, Solo more than held up his end of it.
With Gunther set to face LA Knight in the finals, that match should be no less good than the ones weâ€ve seen with him so far. Itâ€s a fresh match we havenâ€t seen before with very high stakes, and one thatâ€ll have the crowd invested from start to finish. While this tournament has been underwhelming for the most part, it looks like itâ€s going to have a satisfying conclusion. As great as it would be to see Knight win this tournament considering that he usually doesnâ€t win big matches, a match with him and Cena doesnâ€t have the same appeal as one between Cena and Gunther does. That combined with how great his matches have been throughout the tournament and the fact heâ€s never faced Cena before; Gunther is just too perfect of a final opponent for Cena to let that spot go to someone else.
Grade: A
Rhea Ripley & Iyo Sky vs. Charlotte & Alexa Bliss:
Latest developments:
At Survivor Series, Rhea Ripley, Iyo Sky, AJ Lee, Charlotte, & Alexa Bliss defeated Asuka, Kairi Sane, Becky Lynch, Nia Jax, & Lash Legend in WarGames. Rhea & Iyo came out to open the show this week and challenged Asuka & Kairi for the Womenâ€s Tag Team Championship. The two of them were soon interrupted by Charlotte & Alexa, who claimed they deserved a title shot first since they held the titles last and never got a rematch. Rhea said she respected them, but that they needed to respectfully get to the back of the line since they couldnâ€t beat Asuka & Kairi. Alexa then challenged them to a match for later in the night to decide who would get the next shot at the titles, and Iyo accepted on behalf of her & Rhea.
In the main event of the show, Rhea hit a Riptide onto Alexa as Iyo tagged in and hit the Over the Moonsault, but Charlotte tackled Rhea onto Iyo to interrupt the count. As all four women were down, Asuka & Kairi came into the ring and attacked everyone to end the match on a double disqualification. Bayley & Lyra Valkyria then ran to the ring to fight them off and as Lyra was about to jump off the announce table onto Asuka, Liv Morgan tripped her on top of it. Raquel Rodriguez & Roxanne Perez then appeared to attack all the women in the ring and as they held the titles up, Perez handed one of them to Liv. Liv then immediately handed the title back to Perez and she raised up the hands of Raquel & Perez as they held up the titles to end the show.
Analysis:
Before the finish, this was one incredible Tag Team match. With a match as good as this one, having it end with no clear winner was disappointing. While the angle they did after the match didnâ€t fully make up for that, it was still a strong angle that made for a good ending to the show. If it wasnâ€t obvious in the segment earlier in the show, it became very obvious here that Liv is the real leader of Judgment Day. Liv, Raquel, & Perez standing tall together at the end of the show is something weâ€re going to be seeing a lot of on the show in the next few months.
This ending also showed how stacked the womenâ€s tag division is right now compared to the menâ€s. From Asuka/Kairi, Rhea/Iyo, Charlotte/Alexa, Bayley/Lyra, and Raquel/Perez, that division feels more competitive and unpredictable than it ever has since those belts were first introduced. While thereâ€s a case for all these teams to have a run with the titles, the way the show ended makes it seem like Raquel & Perez are going to get them while Liv eventually gets back the Womenâ€s World Title. As great as the post match angle was here and all that it gave us to look forward to, it couldâ€ve still been done while giving us a clear winner to the match. If the match we got here before the finish is any indication, weâ€re going to have an endless amount of great Tag matches involving these women going into 2026.
Grade: B+
A.J. Styles & Dragon Lee vs. New Day
Latest developments:
After being granted a World Tag Team Championship match by Adam Pearce last week, the New Day challenged the champions AJ Styles & Dragon Lee this week. Despite Styles getting the hot tag, New Day would get the better of him as Kofi hit him with a Scissors Kick while Xavier held him up for a near fall. Styles later rebounded and trapped Kofi in the Calf Crusher before Xavier interrupted the hold. As Lee moved out of the way when Kofi attempted the Trouble in Paradise, Lee hit him with a clothesline that knocked him inside out and he then tagged in Styles. Lee then hit Kofi with a double stomp as he hung from the top rope and Kofi fell right into the arms of Styles, who hit him with the Styles Clash to get the win and retain the titles.
Analysis:
The highlight of this match was the finish when Lee stomped onto Kofiâ€s back from the top rope and then Kofi fell into the arms of Styles for the Styles Clash. While a solid match overall, itâ€s hard to get too excited about the Tag Team Division for the men on either show these days. Styles & Lee are a fun team to watch, but itâ€s clear that theyâ€re not a team destined to have the titles long term. With this week being the year anniversary of that great segment when Kofi & Xavier turned on Big E, seeing where they are now is both confusing and sad. The more time goes by, the decision to split both Tag Titles last year looks worse and worse.
Charlotte Flair (art credit Joel Teach © PWTorch)
SPOTLIGHTED PODCAST ALERT (YOUR ARTICLE BEGINS A FEW INCHES DOWN)…
With a mildly disappointing Survivor Series in the rear-view mirror, we look forward to the Royal Rumble, the unofficial start to WrestleMania season. We expect the seeds of what will become the most important wrestling feuds of the year will begin to take shape.
Itâ€s fitting, then, that the first major WrestleMania video promos have been released in recent weeks, appropriately Vegas-themed and featuring several of the companyâ€s top stars in a casino setting. Although “The Showcase of the Immortals” is still over four months away, the men’s and women’s promotional videos give us a sneak peek into who WWE Creative expects to feature.
It seems likely that the wrestlers included in these videos will participate in the main events and the highest-profile matches at WrestleMania. Just as telling are the current top-tier wrestlers who were absent from the videos, suggesting that these performers won’t be as strongly featured.
A lot can change in four months, and we’ve seen WrestleMania plans change (just ask Daniel Bryan and Cody Rhodes), but itâ€s fun to speculate on what these videos mean.
Letâ€s dive in.
Rising Star of the Week: Charlotte Flair
Charlotte Flair has wrestled for a major singles title in five out of the last six WrestleManiaâ€s, but 2025 has seen her take an unprecedented detour from the main event scene. A rocky program with Tiffany Stratton at WrestleMania 41 shone a harsh spotlight on Flairâ€s weaknesses, and her future as a main event star seemed doubtful for the first time. Flair sojourned in the tag team division, partnering with Alexa Bliss and successfully rehabilitating her character.
The Queenâ€s inclusion in the Vegas promo, from which Bliss was absent, is a clear sign of her return to a high-profile singles feud — most likely a run at either the WWE Womenâ€s or World Womenâ€s Championship. Flair is responsible for some of the greatest womenâ€s matches in WWE history, so her elevation to a singles program at WrestleMania would be very good news for wrestling fans.
All hail the queen!
Runner-up: Brock Lesnar
The Beast is back!
Brock Lesnarâ€s participation in a major WrestleMania feud can no longer be taken for granted. He did not perform at the event in 2022 or 2025 and wrestled a completely forgettable match against Omos in 2024 (in case youâ€d forgotten).
The past few months have seen a rebuilding of Lesnarâ€s character, most notably his dominant win over John Cena at WrestlePalooza, and most recently serving as the anchor for the winning menâ€s WarGames team at Survivor Series.
Lesnar is poised for a run at the World Heavyweight Championship. His place at the poker-table promo foreshadows a main event spot at WrestleMania, perhaps against fellow Paul Heyman guy Bron Breakker.
Second Runner up: Tiffany Stratton
Strattonâ€s reign as WWE Womenâ€s Champion was underwhelming, to say the least. Stilted mic work sabotaged her can’t-miss look and athleticism. Her babyface character never quite clicked, and none of her feuds seemed particularly impactful.
After dropping the title amid an apparent injury in early November, Stratton has been on hiatus, and her status as a main event act has been uncertain.
The “Buff Barbie†inclusion in the casino promo suggests a prominent role for her at WrestleMania. Creative likely has big plans for Stratton in the coming months.
Letâ€s hope those plans include a heel turn.
Fading Star of the Week: Stephanie Vaquer
As the Womenâ€s World Champion, Vaquer is the only main roster world champion who did not appear in the WrestleMania promo. This omission may foreshadow the Dark Angelâ€s fall from grace in the months to come.
Vaquerâ€s reign as champion got off to an incredible start, featuring a fantastic match with Iyo Sky. A clean win over WWE Womenâ€s Champion Stratton to become the Crown Jewel Champion framed Vaquer as the top woman wrestler in WWE.
Since Crown Jewel, La Primeraâ€s title run is best described as básico. Her limited English impairs her ability to connect with the audience in promos, and consequently her storylines have been less than riveting.
Vaquerâ€s match with Nikki Bella, one of only four matches at Survivor Series, was poorly received. The crowd did not seem to buy into Bella as a challenger (unsurprising, as she had not won a singles match since July), and the challengerâ€s limited ring skills prevented the match from leaving second gear. Despite a convincing win, Vaquer remains on shaky ground as champion.
Reading the tea leaves, it seems likely that Vaquer drops her title long before WrestleMania and settles into a more secondary role.
Some time away from the spotlight — perhaps spent on Duolingo and practicing promos — should serve her well..
First Runner-Up: Bron Breakker
WWE has gone to great lengths to put over Breakker as “the future†of the company. He was a featured performer in advertisements for Survivor Series and went on to score the winning pin in the WarGames main event.
Announcers have predicted multiple WrestleMania main events in his future. On Raw, he gave what was meant to be a signature promo, in which he challenged World Heavyweight Champion C.M. Punk.
Itâ€s curious, then, that Breakker was not included in the blackjack promo video alongside C.M. Punk, Lesnar, Cody Rhodes, and Roman Reigns. Is the future still a ways off?
Vision unclear.
Second Runner-Up: Drew McIntyre
McIntyre has earned critical acclaim by delivering top-tier performances time and time again throughout 2025, but the reward of a key role at WrestleMania seems unlikely.
McIntyreâ€s extracurricular activities are partly to blame. Cast as Angus Macleod, the brother of Henry Cavillâ€s titular character in “Highlander,” McIntyre is expected to take time off from wrestling in early 2026. Depending on the length of his absence, The Scottish Warriorâ€s hiatus may prevent him from participating in the build to WrestleMania.
His absence from the Vegas video provides further evidence that the former Chosen One will play a more limited role at the Show of Shows.
When it comes to focusing on both a wrestling career and an acting career, it seems “there can only be one.â€
WWE stars Rhea Ripley and Charlotte Flair were involved in an ugly botch.
The latest edition of WWE RAW saw the women’s babyface team for WarGames break apart when Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss confronted Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky. Both teams wanted a shot at the women’s tag titles and were involved in a back-and-forth confrontation before a match was made official for later in the night. The main event then saw the former WarGames companions lock horns in what turned out to be a classic, except for one tiny blip.
Rhea Ripley And Charlotte Flair Were Involved In A Bad Botch On WWE RAW
At one point in the contest, Iyo Sky was up on the top rope waiting to hit a high-flying move as Rhea Ripley tried to put Charlotte Flair up on her shoulders to hit a Razor’s Edge. However, the stars’ communication failed, and Ripley failed to lift Flair up on her shoulders. The stars then regrouped and tried to hit the move again, this time successfully.
Wade Barrett and Joe Tessitore, who were on commentary duty, quickly came to the aid of the stars and stated that it was the effect of the brutal WarGames match.
Check out the clip below:
Oh sh*t that was rough ðŸ˜#WWERawpic.twitter.com/0EAgt53Ib2
— Wrestling Pics & Clips (@WrestleClips) December 2, 2025
The botch was a reminder that wrestling at the end of the day requires two to tango, and communication gaps can happen to the best of them, even stalwarts like Ripley and Flair.
The ending of the match saw the Kabuki Warriors come out to cause a no-contest, before Bayley and Lyra Valkyria attacked the heels. This ultimately led to The Judgment Day’s Liv Morgan, Raquel Rodriguez, and Roxanne Perez to come out, as they stood tall to end the night.
Charlotte Flair is coming off a WarGames win — and sheâ€s not done yet. After helping her team score the victory in the Womenâ€s WarGames match at WWE Survivor Series, The Queen says sheâ€s ready to get back in the singles title hunt… and sheâ€s got Jade Cargill and Stephanie Vaquer on her radar.
Speaking on the post-Survivor Series Recap show, Charlotte opened up about her evolving mindset and made it clear sheâ€s ready to chase gold again. After years of trying to control every aspect of her career — from which title she held to what kind of dominance she projected — Flair is now letting go of that pressure and embracing the ride.
“I think for the last couple of years of my career, Iâ€ve been struggling, feeling like I needed control. I thought I had a vision of what to do — what title I needed to hold, who I needed to be, how I needed to stay in the title picture, what kind of dominance I needed in that scene.â€
She also teased potential future matches, including a reunion with Alexa Bliss or a shot at the top womenâ€s champions in WWE today.
“I donâ€t know what the future holds for me — whether that means winning again with Alexa Bliss, or earning an opportunity to face Jade Cargill or Stephanie Vaquer. I just want to be better.â€
But make no mistake — Charlotte isnâ€t just being philosophical. She wants another run at the top, and sheâ€s ready to give everything sheâ€s got.
“So if I do get put back in the singles title scene, Iâ€m going to give it everything Iâ€ve got. Iâ€m open to it. Iâ€ve always wanted certain things, and wherever this journey takes me, Iâ€m ready.â€
The passion is still there, and so is the hunger — something Flair says never goes away, no matter how much sheâ€s already achieved.
“People donâ€t get this — just because youâ€ve accomplished so much doesnâ€t mean you lose your hunger. I wouldâ€ve never pictured myself here today seven months ago.â€
Do you want to see Charlotte Flair challenge Stephanie Vaquer or Jade Cargill next?
Is now the right time for her return to singles dominance? Drop your thoughts in the comments and letâ€s talk future matchups!
Please credit Ringside News if you use the above transcript in your publication.
November 30, 2025 7:33 am
WWE
Charlotte Flair defeated Asuka during “WWE SmackDown” to earn the advantage for her team in the Women’s WarGames match at Survivor Series.Â
Flair is set to team with Rhea Ripley, Iyo Sky, Alexa Bliss, and AJ Lee in the eponymous match at the event, while Asuka teams with her Women’s Tag Team Championship partner Kairi Sane, Nia Jax, Lash Legend, and Becky Lynch. Flair took a little convincing before she teamed with her rival in Ripley, having told Bliss at first that she wouldn’t be able to compete alongside her.Â
Bliss and Flair had also lost their Women’s Tag titles to Asuka and Sane earlier in the month, adding to the story of the long-time rivals during Friday’s match.
Going into the bout, Flair and Asuka had met in 14 singles matches since WrestleMania 34, with the record tied at 6-6-2. Flair pulled ahead in their saga on Friday having endured Asuka’s best efforts, specifically an attempt to mist her opponent; Flair avoided it, ensuring that a timekeeper got the mist to the face instead, taking the action back into the ring to hit Natural Selection and get the winning pinfall.Â
Flair’s win over Asuka was also her first singles win since defeating current Women’s United States Champion, Chelsea Green, in August.
Roman Reigns (credit Scott Lunn – @ScottLunn © PWTorch)
SPOTLIGHTED PODCAST ALERT (YOUR ARTICLE BEGINS A FEW INCHES DOWN)…
The following report originally published 10 years ago this week here at PWTorch.com…
WWE Raw TV Report
October 26, 2015 – Episode #1,170
Live in San Diego, Calif.
Report by James Caldwell, PWTorch assistant editor
Live Raw on USA Network
Raw opened with Michael Cole introducing the show before Triple Hâ€s theme music played. Out came Hunter and Stephanie McMahon representing The Authority. As Hunter and Steph made their way to the ring, Cole, JBL, and Byron Saxton talked about last nightâ€s Hell in a Cell main event of The Undertaker vs. Brock Lesnar inside the HIAC structure. The video package went through the highlights of the match and the Wyattsâ€s post-match attack on Taker. Cole wanted to know why Bray targeted Undertaker. “Why did no one help Taker?†was not asked.
In the ring, Hunter and Stephanie hyped last nightâ€s HIAC PPV. Hunter said it started with Alberto Del Rio returning to WWE and beating John Cena for the U.S. Title. Plus, the next wave of WWE Superstars. Stephanie said the leader of that group is “The Man,†the WWE World Hvt. champion Seth Rollins.
Rollins strutted down to the ring and hugged Hunter and Stephanie as the announcers gloated about Seth conquering Kane last night, causing Corporate Kane to be fired. Hunter said they lined up opponent after opponent, and he is still champion. “You proved us right!†he said. Steph said they hand-picked Seth from The Shield to lead the next generation of stars, finding ways to overcome the odds, just like Hunter did throughout his career.
Hunter said that not only did Seth win last night, but he made The Authority and WWE better by ousting Kane. “Weâ€re proud of you, man,†Hunter said. Hugs all around. That will look nice in a future video package when Hunter and Seth feud. Seth celebrated defeating Big Red Kane, but he wanted to pause to reciprocate by thanking two visionaries for seeing his talent.
Stephanie said this is all great, but theyâ€ve left him in an awkward spot having no one left to face Seth for the WWE Title. So, now they have to find out who earns a future title shot by scratching and clawing and digging for the “privilege†of facing Seth for the title.  Hunter announced tonightâ€s format where HIAC winners will have singles matches, then advance to a four-way contender match to earn the right to “get beaten by Seth Rollins.â€
Rollins said that sounds like – that sounds like whatâ€s best for — suddenly, The Shieldâ€s music interrupted. Out came Roman Reigns through the crowd with something to say about this celebration. Reigns slowly entered the ring, then stared down Rollins. Reigns told San Diego that this whole thing has made him sick.
Reigns said Rollins doesnâ€t belong in the WWE Hall of Fame. And, after tonight, Seth is looking at the #1 contender. “Iâ€m taking that championship,†Reigns said in Sethâ€s face. “Believe that.†Big mid-ring stare down. “Well then, let the games begin!†Stephanie shouted in the background. Hunter, Stephanie, and eventually Seth left the ring as Reigns hung back in the ring. Cole hyped Reigns kicking off the title series tonight.
[Commercial Break at 8:13]
[Q2] Back live, Roman Reigns continued to hang out in the ring. Big E.â€s voice came over the P.A. system telling San Diego to be on alert because New Day is here. Reigns kept hiding his face when WWE cut back to the ring as New Day made their entrance. On the mic, Big E. and Kofi Kingston walked and talked about Reignsâ€s hair being booty, his look being stale, and Reigns not being a champion. Reigns sold amusement over this speech. Big E. talked about putting the Dudleys in their past, Xavier Woods in their hearts, and their opponents in the ground. Kofi Kingston vowed to go inside the ring and make some magic. Surprisingly, no sports-related heel promo from Big E. for tomorrow nightâ€s SportsCenter segment.
1 — ROMAN REIGNS vs. WWE tag champion KOFI KINGSTON (w/Big E.) — Winner advances to #1 contender main event
As the bell sounded, the announcers talked about Reigns not being 100 percent after wrestling Bray Wyatt in the Hell in a Cell last night. Cole added that Xavier Woods is still on the “injured list†after being put through a table by the Dudleys last week on Raw. Once the match started, Kofi got in early offense, but Reigns cleared him to the outside. Big E. tried to regroup with Kofi as Raw cut to break.
[Commercial Break at 8:21]
Back on Raw, Reigns executed a super vertical suplex from the ring apron back into the ring. Reigns knocked Kofi out of the ring again, then Reigns and Big E. had a staredown ringside. Big E. hip-thrusted toward Reigns, distracting him, which allowed Kofi to blindside Reigns with a dropkick through the ropes.
Back in the ring, Kofi worked over Reigns with a headlock. Reigns fought out against the under-sized tag champion, but Kofi used his quickness to leg-sweep Reigns to the mat. Kofi and Big E. celebrated on the outside, then Kofi came off the top turnbuckle with a double axehandle for a two count. Kofi again went for a headlock, but Reigns dropped Kofi to the mat for a breather.
[Q3] Reigns fired off a round of standing lariats into a flying clothesline to knock down Kofi. Reigns then wanted a Powerbomb Kevin Nash-style, but Kofi slipped out. He then took an uppercut from Reigns, who followed with slow, count-along, repeated clotheslines in the corner. Reigns then tried a roll-up pin, which he transitioned into a lift-up powerbomb, but Kofi kicked out of a pin.
Reigns caught his breath, regrouped, ignored Big E. yelling at him, and warmed up for the Superman Punch. He decided to Superman Punch Big E. when he got on the ring apron, then he ducked a clothesline from Kofi and nailed a big spear. Reigns covered Kofi for the win.
WINNER: Reigns at 12:43 to advance to the main event. Overall, this was a nice, refreshing match-up, complete with Big E. doing great work at ringside. As for Reigns, though, he really got winded at the end. It was more than just selling, as he struggled to execute moves in sequence until getting to the finish. Itâ€s not as big of a  deal if heâ€s in the mid-card, but if heâ€s going to be a main event leading man, these things are going to stand out more and more.
Backstage: WWE showed The Miz standing around with some random people in the background. Miz said he asked everyone to witness him play the new WWE video game. He vowed to do a better version of “Stone Cold†Steve Austin than Austin himself. Cole started playing the game.
Announcers: Cole and Co. hyped this weekâ€s video game release.
Video Package: WWE re-visited last nightâ€s HIAC PPV when Alberto Del Rio returned to WWE, won the U.S. Title from John Cena, and formed an alliance with Zeb Colter.
Still to come: Big E. vs. Dolph Ziggler and Neville vs. Alberto in two other #1 contender qualifying matches. Plus, Cesaro vs. Kevin Owens up next.
[Commercial Break at 8:36]
In-ring: Cesaro was introduced to the ring back from break. IC champion Kevin Owens was out next as his opponent in the #1 contender series. In an inset promo, Owens vowed to stand in the ring as both WWE World champion and IC champion.
2 — IC champion KEVIN OWENS vs. CESARO — non-title match — Winner advances to #1 contender main event
As soon as the bell sounded, Owens looked down to ringside to yell at Cole to call his match right. Cesaro nearly ended the match with a roll-up, but Owens escaped. Owens then went to work on Cesaro before pausing again to yell at Cole to stop laughing and watch this. Owens went for a suplex, but Cesaro blocked and delivered a big delayed suplex, popping the crowd.
The match moved to the floor in front of the announce table. Owens and Cesaro traded blows, then knocked each other down with a double clothesline. The referee kept counting, bringing his count to six. Seven. Eight. Nine. Owens made it back into the ring and Cesaro just barely got in before ten. It was a judgment call by the ref on whether to count Cesaro out, but he decided the match should continue. “Dammit,†Owens muttered as Raw cut to break.
[Q4] [Commercial Break at 8:45]
Back from break, Cesaro lit up Owens, who decided to bail from the ring. He decided he wanted to leave with his IC Title, but Cesaro tracked him down on the outside and roughed him up. Back in the ring, Owens rolled out of the ring. So, Cesaro smashed him with a flying clothesline from the ring apron.
Back in the ring, Cesaro hit a cross-body block for a two count. He wanted to follow with the Big Swing, but Owens reversed into an implant DDT for a two count. Owensâ€s mouth took over again, giving Cesaro an opening to come off the ropes with a huge springboard twisting uppercut. He then put Owens in position for the Big Swing, but Owens wiggled to the bottom rope for a break. Owens continued to hold onto the ropes, killing Cesaroâ€s momentum. Cesaro lost focus, allowing Owens to smash him with a superkick. Owens followed right up with the pop-up powerbomb for the pin and the win.
Post-match, Owens grabbed his IC Title belt and left the ring to yell at Cole and try to intimidate him.
WINNER: Owens at 10:20. Fine heel work from Owens playing a coward and bully, setting up Cesaro for more awesome offense, and sneaking out a win when he was clearly over-matched by Cesaro. Owens and Reigns mixing it up with two others in the main event will be interesting.
Backstage: Paige was lounging on a couch talking on the phone. She hung up when Divas champion Charlotte and Becky Lynch walked in. Paige talked about how much her phone is blowing up since appearing on Conan last week. Paige kept talking herself up, then stopped when she realized she was over-looking Charlotte and Becky. Paige tried to act nice, then Charlotte replied that she is trying to believe Paige right now. But, if she finds out that she attacked Natalya, there will be consequences. Paige denied the allegation yet again, then said they need to team up again. Becky was reluctant, but agreed.
[Commercial Break at 8:55]
In-ring: Divas champion Charlotte, Paige, and Becky Lynch were introduced to the ring for a six-Divas tag match. Cole introduced a video package on Charlotte thwarting Nikki Bella in the Divas Title match last night at HIAC. The Bella Twinsâ€s music then played to bring out the Bellas to some cheers in their home market along with Alicia Fox.
ARTICLE CONTINUED BELOW…
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[Q5 — second hour]
3 — Divas champion CHARLOTTE & PAIGE & BECKY LYNCH vs. ALICIA FOX & THE BELLA TWINS (NIKKI & BRIE BELLA) — six-Divas tag match
When the bell sounded, Nikki tried to get in Charlotteâ€s face, angry over losing to her last night, but Paige stepped up and protected Charlotte. So, Paige and Nikki started the top-of-the-hour match with a hard-hitting opening exchange. Tags to Charlotte and Fox. Fox got the best of the champ by attacking her soft spot from last nightâ€s match.
After Team Bellas worked over the Champ, Becky tagged in. Chaos broke out in the ring, leaving Becky and Nikki. Becky took a kick to the head, then the Rack Attack. Nikki covered and Paige had a chance to break up the pin, but she pretended to be just a step too slow.
Post-match, Team Bellas celebrated, then bailed from the ring. Charlotte checked on Becky, who tried to shake off Nikkiâ€s finisher. Suddenly, Paige attacked Charlotte from behind and smashed her with Ram-Paige, popping the crowd for a heel turn. Paige took out Becky, then she returned to Charlotte and slapped on the PTO, stretching the champ in the middle of the ring. Paige eventually dropped the hold and made it all about herself.
WINNERS: Team Bellas at 5:25. The big post-match heel turn explains the top-of-the-hour placement. Well done setting up Paige as a viable threat to Charlotte as her next challenger.
Announcers: Cole and Co. reacted to Paigeâ€s actions, then introduced a video game version of The Undertaker vs. Brock Lesnar.
Up Next: Video review of Taker-Lesnar, in real-life, from last nightâ€s HIAC PPV.
[Commercial Break at 9:10]
Announcers: Cole and Co. hyped WrestleMania 32 next year in Texas, with tickets going on-sale next month. This led to a discussion of Taker vs. Lesnar at last nightâ€s HIAC PPV, followed by Bray Wyatt and the Wyatts taking out Taker. Cole hyped a word from Bray about their actions later in the show.
[Q6] Backstage: Renee Young brought in U.S. champion Alberto Del Rio and Zeb Colter for an interview. Renee wanted to know how this alliance happened. Zeb, speaking in a normal voice with no hint of vitriol, said he gets it that it seems strange to see a great Mexican joining forces with a Real-American. He told Renee to imagine the U.S. and Mexico as one country without walls. Zeb said he is here today to form a new country – Mex-America.
Renee turned to Alberto Del Rio to discuss his match against Neville tonight. Alberto said heâ€s not going to let a selfish immigrant like Neville take away his chance to become WWE Champion again. Alberto pictured his victory as Raw faded to the arena, where Neville made his entrance heading to break.
[Commercial Break at 9:19]
Back live, Alberto Del Rio made his ring entrance as Zeb Colter quietly scooted down to ringside sporting a “divided houseâ€Â U.S. and Mexican flag. In this case, itâ€s a “united house†flag.
4 — U.S. champion ALBERTO DEL RIO vs. NEVILLE — Winner advances to #1 contender main event
Alberto and Neville felt each other out as the announcers discussed John Cena being surprised by Albertoâ€s return last night. Alberto took control of the match as the announcers went through Albertoâ€s WWE history and lucha background, including being the AAA Mega Champion. Interesting. Alberto suddenly walked into a wheelbarrow bulldog from Neville, who followed with a springboard cross-body for a two count. Alberto bailed to the outside looking for a breather and conversation with Zeb heading to break.
[Commercial Break at 9:27]
[Q7] Back live, Alberto was working on Neville in the ring. Colter was shown ringside watching intently. Cole labeled Zeb as Albertoâ€s “manager,†to which JBL said heâ€s more like a coach. Cole brought up Zeb managing JBL back in the day (20 years ago during the Blu era). Back in the ring, Neville fought back against Alberto, then cleared him to the floor. Neville nailed a big flip dive right next to Zeb, wowing the crowd.
Back in the ring, Neville walked right into a pin attempt by Alberto for a close two count. Alberto followed right up with a step-up enziguiri to the head for another nearfall. Alberto decided it was time to end the match with the cross arm-breaker, but Neville blocked. Alberto shook him off and nailed a big inside-out clothesline. Alberto missed a corner attack, but then trapped Neville in the corner. Neville, hanging upside down, took a double foot stomp to the chest. Alberto covered for a three count. Afterward, Alberto and Zeb celebrated at ringside.
WINNER: Alberto at 12:03. A bit lengthy for Albertoâ€s first Raw TV match back on the roster. They had the crowd early on, but seemed to lose momentum during the second-half. Also surprising to see Albertoâ€s first attempt at the cross arm-breaker blocked when there was a chance to re-establish Albertoâ€s finisher after being off TV for over a year.
Up Next: The losers from Hell in a Cell face off when the Dudleys and Ryback face the PPV pre-show heel trio.
[Commercial Break at 9:37]
Back from break, WWE ran footage of Lucha Dragons and a heel, The Miz, leading a B.A. Star rally at James Madison Middle School.
In-ring: Ryback was introduced first for the babyface loser trio. The Dudleys were out next as their tag partner. Rusevâ€s music followed to bring out Rusev waving his Bulgarian flag. King Barrett was out second, followed by Sheamus still holding on to the MITB briefcase.
[Q8]
5 — FACE LOSERS (RYBACK & THE DUDLEYS) vs. HEEL LOSERS (SHEAMUS & KING BARRETT & RUSEV) — six-man tag match
Before the bell sounded, chaos broke out in the ring. JBL acknowledged this as the “loserâ€s bracket,†so everyone is mad tonight. He added that all six men are furious about losing last night. Nice job turning a negative into positive for this match. Things eventually settled into a one-on-one situation to get the opening bell.
To the shock of no one, Devon was isolated by the heels. Ample in-and-out tags, then Devon received encouragement from a “Get the Tables†crowd chant and tagged in Ryback. Eventually all six men found themselves in the ring. The Dudleys and Ryback stood on their feet chanting “Feed Me More,†then all three smashed the heel opposition. Barrett got the worst of it taking a Whatâ€s Up diving headbutt to the crotch as Ray and Ryback held open Barrettâ€s legs.
The Dudleys called for the tables, which turned out to be their downfall, as Devon and Ryback left the ring looking for tables, leaving Bully vulnerable. After Rusev and Sheamus distracted Ray, Barrett rolled him up from behind and scored a three count with a hook of the tights.
Post-match, Bubba Ray sold shock when his team had the match in the bag. The European Trio celebrated on the stage.
WINNERS: Team Barrett at 6:11.
Up Next: Bray Wyatt addresses taking out The Undertaker at HIAC.
This Wednesday: Samoa Joe is on NXT. And now Joe has a problem with Tyler Breeze.
[Commercial Break at 9:54]
Story Time with Brother Bray
Back live, Bray Wyattâ€s interruption flashed on the screen. Bray was sitting alone in the ring leaning forward in a rocking chair. “For 25 years, The Undertaker has walked among the darkness and the light,†Bray opened. Bray said everyone feared Taker. But, last night, destruction, desolation, vengeance, and fear carried out the soul of the mighty Undertaker. Bray leaned back. Can you feel it?!
After a few readings from Revelations, Bray said he wants to make one thing perfectly clear. He brought up Roman Reigns. He said they will dance once again, but not until he is properly revitalized. And his resurrection will be The Undertaker. Bray said when youâ€ve had a taste of that kind of power, there is no turning back. “You are addicted!†he shouted. Bray said he is feasting on the soul of Undertaker and he wants more. “I have to have more! I need more!†he shouted. Bray said he will not stop until he vanquishes Undertaker and turns him into mere bones on the ground so that he can ascend to his throne.
[Q9 — third hour] Bray paused and chuckled. He said that right now, somewhere, Takerâ€s soul is being ripped to shreds piece by piece. So, tonight, he wants to ask everyone in this arena to bow their heads. Because he wants to have a moment of silence for the man who has lost his soul to him. Bray removed his hat, looked down, and said, “Rest In Peace. Phenom.†Bray shook as his eyes remained closed.
Suddenly, Kaneâ€s pyro shot off. The crowd popped as Big Red Kane marched down to the ring, having heard enough. Cole noted that Kane is Takerâ€s brother. “What is he out here for?†Cole wondered aloud. Suddenly, Brayâ€s video interruption played. The lights came back on and all four Wyatts were in the ring. Kane fought off Harper and Rowan, then went face-to-face with Braun Strowman. Kane got in some offense, but Harper cut him off from behind. Kane then low-bridged Strowman out of the ring.
Kane was alone in the ring with Bray Wyatt. Bray charged Kane and walked right into a chokeslam, but Harper and Rowan made the save. Strowman then attacked Kane from behind, leading to Harper & Rowan delivering a big double chokeslam. The announcers talked about Kane walking into a trap from Bray as the foursome continued to beat down Kane. Saxton chimed in with a note about Bray revealing something about himself that he is consumed by power. Brayâ€s music then played as the Wyatts hoisted Kane in the air and carried him out of the ring in the position of a cross, like Taker last night. Brayâ€s interruption flashed again, sending Raw to break.
[Commercial Break at 10:06]
Backstage, cameras followed the Wyatts as they dragged Kane down a smoky portion of the backstage area. Bray was singing “Heâ€s got the whole world in his hands†as they continued to remove Kane from the premises.
In-ring: New Dayâ€s music played to bring out Big E. and Kofi Kingston for the second time tonight. Kofi and Langston danced in the ring, then Dolph Zigglerâ€s music played to bring out Big E.â€s old friend for a high-stakes singles match.
Before the bell sounded, The Miz – check that, Tyler Breezeâ€s theme interrupted. Their pre-music intro noises sound too similar. Breeze, joined by Summer Rae, marched out on-stage making his Raw TV debut. Breeze and Summer snapped a few selfies on the stick before Breeze posed on the announce table while glaring at Ziggler. A replay from Breezeâ€s debut on Smackdown was interrupted by a technical glitch, so they cut back to ringside for Breeze and Summer being set up for “VIP seating†at ringside.
[Q10]
6 — DOLPH ZIGGLER vs. WWE tag champion BIG E. (w/Kofi Kingston) — Winner advances to #1 contender main event
Ziggler was thrown off by the presence of his ringside enemies, allowing Big E. to take control of the match. Big E. worked an abdominal stretch to the beat of “New … Day Rocks,†which Ziggler escaped before flinging Big E. to the floor. Kofi suddenly tried to get involved, throwing off Ziggler again. Big E. smashed Ziggler with a clothesline for a nearfall, sending Raw to break.
[Commercial Break at 10:17]
Back on Raw, the match was ongoing while Summer Breeze shared food and conversation at ringside. Big E. continued to wear down Ziggler as Kofi played Xavier Woods talking trash at ringside. Big E. delivered a powerbomb to counter the Fameasser, but only got a two count. Big E. went back to the abdominal stretch, drawing a “Letâ€s Go Ziggler†chant. Ziggler escaped, but Big E. sent Ziggler flying out of the ring with a slingshot.
On the outside, Big E. smashed Ziggler again, then he took a drink from the Summer Breeze VIP section. The drink slowed him down, though, as Ziggler surprised Big E. with a Fameasser for a two count. Big E. shook it off and dropped Ziggler to the mat again before landing a big running splash. Big E. tried to follow up with a big corner attack, but Ziggler avoided, then grabbed Big E. from behind to hit the Zig-Zag. Ziggler covered for the win.
WINNER: Ziggler at 13:53. Good win for Ziggler overcoming the presence of four enemies and Big E., who was impressive in singles action. Big E. is really clicking right now. The only drawback was the match was too busy with Summer Breeze down at ringside, which took the crowd out of the action early on.
[Q11] Backstage: Roman Reigns and Dean Ambrose were shown lounging in the locker room watching TV. Ambrose gave Reigns a pep-talk about being “this close†to the WWE Title until Seth Rollins showed up, then Bray Wyatt showed up. Heâ€s back to that same position now. Ambrose told Reigns to go take it. “Iâ€ve got this,†Reigns said before leaving the locker room.
[Commercial Break at 10:31]
Back on Raw, Titus Oâ€Neil was in the ring standing with breast-cancer survivors. Behind him were various heels and faces, plus Triple H and Stephanie McMahon, for an in-ring speech. Titus said that tonight they become one team rising above cancer. The Prime Time Playersâ€s music played, bringing in Darren Young for a celebratory dance.
Backstage: The Miz did not join the fight against breast cancer, as he was too busy playing the WWE video game. Or, he already got in his p.s.a. quota for the day appearing at an anti-bullying event. Or, heâ€s just a wishy-washy heel. Odd timing regardless. Miz, playing as Stone Cold, won his video game match and celebrated. Suddenly, there was a voice in the background. Suddenly, “Stone Cold†Steve Austin in the flesh walked into the shot, stunning Miz. Austin hyped the video game coming out tomorrow, then the glass broke and Austin turned serious. His eyes had Stunner written all over Miz, but WWE cut away to a graphic promoting the video game release.
Back in the arena, Seth Rollinsâ€s music played to bring out the WWE champion for a closer look at the main event #1 contender match.
[Commercial Break at 10:42]
[Q12] Smackdown plug: Itâ€s the Halloween edition.
In-ring: Dolph Ziggler and Alberto Del Rio completed their ring introductions for the main event. Kevin Owens was out next as Cole plugged The Miz appearing on ESPNews SportsCenter tomorrow night with Jonathan Coachman. Roman Reigns was out last as Rollins welcomed the challenge of facing Reigns if he wins this match because he will beat him just like everyone else heâ€s faced.
7 — ROMAN REIGNS vs. DOLPH ZIGGLER vs. IC champion KEVIN OWENS vs. U.S. champion ALBERTO DEL RIO — four-way #1 contender match to the WWE Title
The match quickly moved to the floor, where Reigns and Alberto paired off. Reigns smashed Alberto face-first into the announce table right in front of Rollins. On the other side of the ringside area, Owens roughed up Ziggler. Owens then smashed Reigns from behind, targeting Reignsâ€s worn-down body. Back in the ring, Owens continued to work on Reignsâ€s mid-section. Reigns then got a burst of energy to fight back against all three opponents in the ring. But, Alberto suddenly smashed Reigns from behind and landed kicks . Reigns shook him off and clotheslined Alberto out of the ring to the floor.
Down at ringside, Reigns stalked Owens for his running double foot dropkick. Same for Alberto as he rested on the announce table. But, Ziggler surprised a worn-out Reigns with a superkick. Ziggler was the last man standing on the outside heading to break.
[Commercial Break at 10:52]
Back from break, Ziggler was now getting roughed up by the heels in the ring. Alberto and Owens took turns working over Ziggler, then WWE showed Reigns selling on the outside. Reigns, exhausted, kind of slumped down to the mat for a brief nap. Rollins had a good chuckle on commentary. Owens did not like seeing Reigns napping in the main event, so he ran to the outside and kicked Reigns against the ring steps.
Back in the ring, Owens and Alberto had a disagreement. Owens tried to calm him down, telling him to breathe and focus on their foe right now, Ziggler. That didnâ€t work, so Owens and Alberto started fighting. Alberto suddenly blasted Owens with the swift kick that ended Cena last night. But, Owens rolled out of the ring before Alberto could pin him.
Reigns suddenly woke up and re-entered the ring to bodyslam Alberto for a two count. Reigns followed with corner clotheslines into an uppercut that cleared Alberto from the ring. He didnâ€t see Ziggler coming, but he did block Ziggler attempting the Zig-Zag. Reigns and Ziggler than had a mid-ring staredown. Reigns landed blows, but Ziggler blasted him with a superkick into a DDT attempt. But, Reigns responded with a sit-out powerbomb.
Reigns wanted the Superman Punch on Ziggler, and he connected, but Alberto shoved Reigns out of the ring and nearly got a three count on Ziggler. Alberto airballed a corner kick, though, and Ziggler hit the Fameasser on Alberto for a close two count. Big gasp in the crowd for the sequence. Rollins said this is what the WWE Title is all about.
[Q13 — over-run] All four men sold in and out of the ring at the top of the hour. Ziggler and Alberto were still in the ring, setting up another exchange. Alberto scored a close nearfall, then Owens returned to the ring to get in the mix. Reigns also got in the mix, but he took a superkick from Ziggler. Owens German-suplexed Ziggler, then nailed the cannonball splash. One for Alberto, combined with Reigns smashing Alberto with his two-foot dropkick from the outside.
Owens and Reigns suddenly had a staredown, and the crowd came unglued. Owens surprised Reigns with a big superkick, then wanted the pop-up powerbomb, but Reigns smashed him with the Superman Punch. Reigns followed right up with the big spear and covered Owens for the pin and the win. Rollins freaked out at ringside, now having to go face-to-face with Reigns for the title.
WINNER: Reigns at 15:01 to become #1 contender to the WWE Title. Exit Cena, Enter Reigns. This was a heck of a main event with some new match-ups and sequences, especially the big Reigns-Owens battle at the end. Ziggler also completed perhaps the best 30 minutes of the year for him, plus Alberto looked inspired in the big match setting. Overall, WWE just created a big money match down the road when Reigns and Owens … I mean Reigns and Rollins … lock up. Yeah, that one. It was also refreshing to see the focus on all five wrestlers (including Rollins) in the mix without The Authority cloud hanging over the proceedings.
Post-match, Reigns caught his breath and soaked in his victory as Rollins sat quietly on commentary. Rollins suddenly snapped out of being stunned and talked confidently about beating Reigns. He vowed to make Reigns his latest victim.
Reigns then left the ring to approach Rollins. Reigns looked down at the WWE Title belt, then Rollins panicked and snatched the belt from the desk. Rollins held it over his shoulder, then Reigns turned his shoulder and patted the belt. Reigns walked off, leaving Seth to check his breathing. They closed with a shot of Reigns half-smiling from ringside six minutes past the top of hte hour.
FINAL THOUGHTS: Easily the best Raw of the fall season. Easily. The show dragged in the third hour due to the girth that is a three-hour Raw, but five matches with title implications, new stars in the mix, fresh match-ups, and stars feeling important made this a good show.
SPOTLIGHTED PODCAST ALERT (YOUR ARTICLE BEGINS A FEW INCHES DOWN)…
SHOW SUMMARY:ÂIn this edition of the new Wade Keller Audio News Bulletin, Wade covers these topics:
- Wade’s top story looks at how AEW Full Gear could be a sleeper event for setting a new course of several top wrestlers
- The News Notebook looks at key statements from Tony Khan about WWE’s counter-programing of AEW events and Adam Copeland
- End Notes looks at Sheamus as a possible Cena opponent, the Charlotte drama this week, and Rhea Ripley’s need to get a better push soon
EMAILS…
pwtorch@gmail.com for any news tips for a future Wade Keller Audio News Bulletin
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Charlotte Flair saved team Rhea Ripley on this week’s RAW, but what’s the real reason behind it?
The November 17 episode of WWE RAW featured many thrilling and shocking moments, including the returns of AJ Lee, Brock Lesnar, and The OTC, Roman Reigns. One of the many shocking moments happened when the women’s babyface team came out to the ring to address the events of November 14 SmackDown, more specifically, Flair walking away from WarGames.
Now, there have been some developments heading towards the premium live event, which is also John Cena’s last PLE appearance as an active wrestler.
Alexa Bliss Addresses Charlotte Flair’s Role in Upcoming WWE Survivor Series: WarGames Match
When Kabuki Warriors beat Flair-Alexa Bliss for the Women’s Tag Team titles, Nia Jax and Lash Legend attacked them, forcing Rhea Ripley and IYO Sky to make a save. After throwing the heels out of the ring, Ripley announced WarGames, and the match lineup was almost set, with Bliss, Flair, Sky, and Ripley on one team, and Jax, Legend, and the Kabukis on the other. However, on the November 14 SmackDown, Flair backed down from the match, stating the differences between her and Ripley in the past were the reason.
Now, Bliss wasn’t happy about it. She called out Flair for backing down so quickly after the progress they had made in the past few months. When everyone asked not to waste her time on Flair, Bliss saw the good in her and stood with her, because she was her friend, and the treatment she got in return hurt her. As she was addressing the WWE Universe, Team Kabuki Warriors came out to the ring and surrounded her, ready to unleash hell. That’s when Sky and Ripley came for the save. However, being outnumbered, team Ripley was still getting beaten in the ring, in the world’s most famous arena, Madison Square Garden.
There were no hopes left for the babyface team, but that’s when the Queen’s music hit with a huge pop from the crowd. She ran to the ring and saved her friend, Bliss, and team Ripley. After the heels ran away, Flair gave a hand to Bliss to help her get up and hugged her, putting away all the differences. She shared a look with Sky and Ripley inside the ring, with the entire WWE Universe in uncertainty as to where this would lead.
Now, there are major developments in the Women’s Survivor Series: WarGames match, revealed by Little Miss Bliss herself. In an interview with ESPN, the interviewer asked the money question about Flair’s role in the steel cage match. Bliss gave a breath of relief for all the fans, saying,
I believe that, yes, she will be 100% by my side, but she has made it very clear, that she is only doing it for me and our friendship because she still has some trust issues with Rhea Ripley, which hopefully we can get settled before war games actually starts.” (0:05 – 0:21)
Alexa Bliss confirms Charlotte Flair is back on her WWE Survivor Series WarGames team, but she’s only doing it for their friendship and she still has trust issues with Rhea Ripleypic.twitter.com/akZoMbEDv2
— WrestleTalk (@WrestleTalk_TV) November 20, 2025
This makes the babyface team equally strong with the heel team heading into the steel cage match on Saturday, November 29. Usually, both teams have 5 members each, and this year, so far, there are only 4 wrestlers on each side, so it will be interesting to see who dares to step inside the steel cage against some of the most furious women of the WWE roster.
MORE: WWEâ€s Survivor Series Plan For AJ Lee Revealed After RAW Swerve
WWE Survivor Series: WarGames is scheduled for Saturday, November 29, from Petco Park in San Diego, California, which is also the hometown of ‘Dirty’ Dominik Mysterio, who is set to challenge the Greatest of All Time, John Cena, for the Intercontinental Championship. The men’s WarGames match has taken its complete shape, with Roman Reigns, CM Punk, Cody Rhodes, and the Usos on one team, and Bron Breakker, Bronson Reed, Logan Paul, Drew McIntyre, and Lesnar on the other.