Saturday Night’s Main Event is just days away but tonight is the December 9, 2024 edition of Raw and we got a great showcase of the division’s depth during tonight’s show! There’s a lot to break down so let’s get started!
Women’s action kicked off with Liv Morgan ahead of her Women’s World Title defense this Saturday. The champ’s challenger, Dakota Kai. Looking determined to prove she’s more than ready to be a single’s contender!
Non-Title Match: Liv Morgan vs. Dakota Kai
Kai took control early, stringing together two hiptosses, a flipping neckbreaker, and a near fall. Liv briefly fought back, sending Kai over the top rope and causing Kai’s hand to crash into the steel steps—a spot that had the crowd wincing as we went to commercial.
Back from the break, Liv was in control, delivering two suplexes before Kai responded with one of her own. Dakota ramped things up with a dropkick, a running boot to the face in the corner, and a Scorpion Kick that nearly turned Liv’s lights out. The drama escalated when the Pure Fusion Collective (PFC) made their presence felt at ringside. Kai managed to fend off Shayna Baszler and Zoey Stark while even kicking Sonya Deville off the apron. However, the distractions allowed Liv to dodge a final kick attempt and land Oblivion for the win after eight intense minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Liv Morgan
As the bell rang, PFC swarmed Dakota Kai, but Damage CTRL’s Iyo Sky and Kairi Sane came to her rescue. Sane launched herself from the top rope with a breathtaking Insane Elbow onto PFC at ringside, but Liv wasn’t done. She blindsided Sky with another Oblivion and stood tall, posing over Sky with the Women’s World Title to close out the shot.
Earlier in the night, Sister Abigail got Scarlett shaking in her boots after sneaking up her during a 6 man tag match
The second match of the night is for a spot in the semifinals of the Women’s Intercontinental Title tournament!
Women’s Intercontinental Title Tournament Quarterfinals: Zelina Vega vs. Lyra Valkyria vs. Ivy Nile
Zelina Vega came out hot, drop kicking Nile and landing a spin kick on Lyra. A 619 on Lyra showcased Vega’s trademark flashiness, but Nile’s power turned the tide. A spinning slam on Lyra earned Nile a near fall as the match went to commercial.
Back from the break, Lyra picked up steam with a Tornado DDT and a fisherman’s suplex. Vega re-entered with a senton bomb onto both women for dual near falls, and the crowd was on fire for her. Nile, however, demonstrated her raw strength with a spinning sidewalk slam on Vega and a double German suplex on both opponents!! Damn. That was awesome!
In the final stretch, Lyra took advantage of the chaos, landing her Nightwing sitout slam on Nile for the victory.
Winner by pinfall: Lyra Valkyria
With this win, Lyra Valkyria joins Dakota Kai in the semifinals! Lyra really had the crowd cheering after her victory.
Anything Goes Match: Raquel Rodriguez vs. Rhea Ripley
Rhea Ripley wasted no time, ambushing Raquel Rodriguez during her entrance. The brawl spilled into the crowd before returning to ringside, where Rhea introduced weapons, including a trash can to Raquel’s head.
Once inside the ring, the chaos only grew. Rhea nailed a missile dropkick and set up a table, but Raquel turned the tide with a fallaway slam onto the commentary table. After the break, the carnage escalated: Raquel sent Rhea into a steel chair, but Rhea fought back with vicious chair shots and a near Riptide onto the chairs, only to be interrupted by Liv Morgan’s interference.
Liv’s distraction allowed Raquel to regain control temporarily, slamming Rhea onto a pile of chairs. Iyo Sky then stormed the ring, hitting a missile dropkick on Liv and a suicide dive to the outside. Meanwhile, Rhea capitalized, sending Raquel into a chair wedged in the corner and delivering a devastating Riptide through a table for the win.
Winner by pinfall: Rhea Ripley
As the dust settled, Rhea and Iyo Sky engaged in a tense staredown over the Women’s World Title. With both women making their case as top contenders!
Great episode of Raw, it made me really excited for the Royal Rumble. Iyo needed that final staredown going towards Saturday Night’s Main Event. Happy to see both Lyra & Morgan get wins, even if the latter was at the expense of Kai. Meanwhile, Rhea Ripley’s victory in the main event and her confrontation with Iyo Sky reminds everyone Mami is always on top.