3 Mistakes WWE made on RAW before Christmas

The latest episode of RAW was pre-taped as the holiday season is in full swing. Austin Theory competed in his first match in months, teaming with Bronson Reed in a victory over Rey Mysterio and CM Punk.

Becky Lynch also returned, ending her boycott after a few weeks. She tapped out to Maxine Dupri, but got her rematch scheduled for the RAW on Netflix anniversary show next month.

The spotlight remained on NXT's Je'Von Evans as he defeated Rayo Americano. Gunther bragged about beating John Cena yet again.

He crossed paths with several angry veterans like Mysterio, Punk, and AJ Styles. With only a few days left in 2025, WWE made the next three mistakes on RAW before Christmas.

Spoiler on Roman Reigns vs. Cody Rhodes - Check Here!

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#3. Getting the same tie as last year as a holiday gift

A big trend across all three of WWE's major brands is repeating matchups fans have already seen in 2025. Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY have dealt with the Kabuki Warriors since the end of summer.

The feud spilled over into WarGames and has continued even after the PLE. Asuka shockingly defeated Mami in a singles contest on RAW. Ripley defeated Asuka in September.

The same has happened with the Judgment Day facing Lyra Valkyria and Bayley. The two sides have traded wins, only this time, Morgan is involved. There's too much talent all around to be repeating the same matchups over and over.

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#2. Dirty Dom skips the holiday season on RAW

Dominik Mysterio regained the Intercontinental title from John Cena at Survivor Series: WarGames. It marked Liv Morgan's return from injury as she helped her paramour win back gold.

Since Morgan's return, however, Dirty Dom's precious belt has been an afterthought. The female members cannot get on the same page, as Raquel Rodriguez has pursued singles gold instead of tag team titles.

This irked Morgan, but she adapted and has supported Roxanne Perez. All Dominik did this week was play video games with Finn Balor backstage for a few minutes.

It's hard to spotlight every title, but doing nothing with the men's midcard belt in a month is a big mistake.

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#1. Title rematches are regifted for the WWE Universe

Instead of moving on to different challengers, both women's champions on RAW will be battling performers they've already defeated recently.

Stephanie Vaquer will defend the Women's World Championship next week against both Nikki Bella and Raquel Rodriguez.

All four of her title defenses have been against these two women. Maxine Dupri will put her title on the line against Becky Lynch on the first RAW of 2026.

It feels like the entire division is in a holding pattern to get to the Royal Rumble. Vaquer especially needs a signature defense since her victory over IYO SKY was for the vacant title.

Edited by Matthew Serocki