Alexa Bliss channelled Bray Wyatt on Raw (Picture: WWE)
WWE Raw saw Alexa Bliss drop the biggest hint yet that she’s embracing her dark connection to Bray Wyatt.
During an explosive night on the red brand, which ended with Bobby Lashley getting fired by official Adam Pearce, Little Miss Bliss appeared to be possessed by the spirit of The Fiend during a tense moment with Bianca Belair.
At the start of the show, Becky Lynch appeared out of nowhere to chase away Damage CTRL duo Dakota Kai and Iyo Sky with a steel chair, leaving Bayley alone for her match against Bliss.
With the EST of WWE watching at ringside to scout her next challenger, the Goddess and the Role Model delivered a great opening match to kick things off in a big way.
In the end, Bliss got the win to earn a long overdue shot at the Raw Women’s Championship.
There was more drama to come after the match as Belair got in the ring to celebrate with her friend, putting their upcoming match aside just for a moment.
However, Bray Wyatt’s logo flashed up on the screen and Bliss seemed to snap, pulling the champion in for a Sister Abigail – but she came to her senses and let her go before she could cause any damage.
As well as apparent confirmation that Asuka isn’t involved in the Wyatt situation, this showed Bliss having the same inner conflict as her former partner, which will make for fascinating TV.
Bobby Lashley attacks officials after Seth Rollins win, Kevin Owens stuns Elias and more
After a backstage altercation between Alpha Academy and The O.C. – sans Karl Anderson, who is away for his NJPW commitment – Chad Gable met AJ Styles in the ring.
As you’d expect, this was an absolutely glorious display from two of the best wrestlers in the world, and a reminder of just how technically sound they both are.
In the end, the Styles Clash was enough for the Phenomenal One to score a win, but Gable continues to shine every single week on Raw.
The Judgment Day’s Dominik Mysterio, Finn Balor and Damian Priest picked up a win over the Street Profits and Akira Tozawa, as the latter enjoys a revival of sorts with another showcase.
Akira Tozawa is getting a chance to shine (Picture: WWE)
This was a tonne of fun from start to finish, with Rhea Ripley involved as ever en route to her boys getting the victory.
Johnny Gargano and Dexter Lumis tried to bring some Christmas cheer to fans by handing out merchandise, but The Miz came down to try and steal back his bag of money.
Adam Pearce made him return the back, setting up a double or nothing match between the two rivals, while Miz was ordered to dress as an elf to hand out the gifts.
Johnny Gargano and Dexter Lumis are still tormenting The Miz (Picture: WWE)
After the break, Candice LeRae fought Iyo Sky, who was flanked by Bayley and Kai as she picked up the win with her Over the Moonsault.
Elias tried to get Kevin Owens to be at ringside for his concert, but he was quite rightly reminded of the whole Ezekiel situation.
The troubador played a tribute song for Matt Riddle, who has been written off WWE TV for six weeks after being stretchered off on Raw last week.
Sami Zayn looked shocked as Kevin Owens hit Solo Sikoa with a Stunner (Picture: WWE)
Eventually, Solo Sikoa interrupted him to set up a match with Sami Zayn at ringside, while The Bloodline’s enforcer picking up the win.
He went on the attack after the bell with a Samoan Spike in tribute to the late, great Umaga, but Owens came out to hit the Stunner before Solo connected with a Running Hip Attack, and KO then hit Elias with a Stunner too, for good measure.
Rhea Ripley beat a very different Asuka in singles action as the Empress of Tomorrow came out with a more basic mask, revealing a natural look with none of her usual green makeup.
She still spit mist in the face of Dominik when he tried to interfere, but the distraction left her open to the Riptide, which scored Rhea the victory.
In the main event, Seth Rollins met Bobby Lashley in a Number One Contenders match for Austin Theory’s United States Championship.
After an issue with referee Chad Patton, the Visionary was able to kick out after a Spear, and reversed another into a Pedigree for the win.
The All Mighty went on a rampage after the bout, attacking referees before Adam Pearce came out, got shoved for his troubles and fired Lashley as the show went off the air.
WWE Raw airs Monday nights at 1am on BT Sport 1.
WWE Raw results and grades – December 12, 2022
AJ Styles beat Chad Gable (A)
The Judgment Day defeated Street Profits and Akira Tozawa (B+)
Iyo Sky pinned Candice LeRae (B)
Solo Sikoa defeated Elias (B)
Rhea Ripley pinned Asuka (B+)
Number One Contender: Seth Rollins beat Bobby Lashley (A-)
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A very eventful week!
