WWE taped the upcoming holiday episodes of Monday Night Raw and Friday Night SmackDown this past Friday night, December 19, at the Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The double taping covered the broadcasts set to air on December 22 and December 26, ensuring talent and staff have time off for Christmas.
Spoilers for WWE Raw (Airing Monday, December 22):
- The show featured a backstage segment involving Paul Heyman and Austin Theory. Later in the night, Heyman was seen discussing Theory with Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed.
- Asuka defeated Rhea Ripley in singles competition.
- Maxxine Dupri interrupted a promo by Becky Lynch. The segment ended with Dupri forcing “The Man” to submit to an ankle lock, escalating their feud over the Women’s Intercontinental Championship.
- Je’Von Evans defeated Rayo Americano.
- Nikki Bella appeared for a promo segment.
- Bayley defeated Roxanne Perez.
- A promo by Gunther was disrupted by CM Punk and Rey Mysterio, leading to a tag team main event.
- Bronson Reed and Austin Theory (representing The Vision) defeated CM Punk and Rey Mysterio.
Spoilers for WWE SmackDown (Airing Friday, December 26):
- Joe Hendry hosted a concert segment which transitioned into a match.
- Joe Hendry defeated The Miz in a Christmas Street Fight.
- Backstage segments aired featuring Ilja Dragunov, Carmelo Hayes, Drew McIntyre, Jade Cargill, and Michin.
- Charlotte Flair defeated Lash Legend.
- Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes was involved in a backstage segment with SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis and NXT standout Trick Williams.
- Title Change: Carmelo Hayes defeated Ilja Dragunov to win the United States Championship.
- A backstage segment featured chaos within the women’s tag team division, involving Charlotte Flair, Alexa Bliss, Lash Legend, Nia Jax, Rhea Ripley, IYO SKY, Asuka, and Kairi Sane.
- Giulia and Kiana James defeated Chelsea Green and Alba Fyre.
- The show closed with Drew McIntyre attacking Cody Rhodes. It was revealed that the two will face off in a “Three Stages of Hell” match for the WWE Championship on the January 9 episode.
Announced Matches and Segments for Future Episodes:
WWE Raw (December 29):
Stephanie Vaquer vs. Raquel Rodriguez vs. Nikki Bella.
World Tag Team Championship Match: AJ Styles and Dragon Lee (c) vs. The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso).
WWE Raw (January 5):
World Heavyweight Championship Match: CM Punk (c) vs. Bron Breakker.
Women’s Intercontinental Championship Match: Maxxine Dupri (c) vs. Becky Lynch.
WWE SmackDown (January 9):
Undisputed WWE Championship Match (Three Stages of Hell): Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Drew McIntyre.
These episodes set the stage for the road to the Royal Rumble, which takes place on Saturday, January 31, 2026, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. With championship matches and major stipulations already confirmed for early January, WWE is aggressively building momentum as they head toward the first Premium Live Event of the year.
