Ronda Rousey defending her Women’s Championship against Natalya aired on last night’s Christmas Eve edition of Raw.
Rousey submitted Natalya by reversing a Sharpshooter into an armbar, but the story of the match was Rousey being reluctant to face Natalya. They started off with submissions and counters and went to a stalemate. Rousey kicked Natalya to the outside when she went for a Sharpshooter, and commentary pushed that Rousey may have cost herself by being too concerned about Natalya.
Natalya locked in the Sharpshooter later in the match when Rousey was hesitant going for an armbar, but Rousey eventually reversed it into an armbar to retain. Rousey checked on Natalya after the match and they hugged in the ring.
Last night’s Christmas-themed show also featured a Miracle on 34th Street Fight between Elias and Bobby Lashley, and Vince McMahon dressed as Santa Claus for a video where he announced that John Cena is returning to Raw and SmackDown, Women’s Tag Team titles are coming in 2019, and Dolph Ziggler and Drew McIntyre will face each other in a steel cage match next week.
Balor defeated Ziggler and McIntyre in a triple threat match on last night’s episode.
Plus, Braun Strowman interrupted Paul Heyman and sent a message to Brock Lesnar, Bobby Roode & Chad Gable defended their titles against The Revival, Sasha Banks, Bayley & Ember Moon took on Mickie James, Alicia Fox & Dana Brooke, Rhyno returned to Raw, and Seth Rollins faced Baron Corbin in the main event.
More coverage from last night —
Ziggler vs. McIntyre steel cage match set for next week’s WWE Raw
John Cena returning to WWE Raw and SmackDown
WWE announces Women’s Tag Team titles coming next year
WWE Raw live results: Ronda Rousey vs. Natalya
No serious injuries after Mauro Ranallo involved in car accident
WWE Raw video highlights —
Elias debuts a new Christmas song about Bobby Lashley and Lio Rush
Elias vs. Bobby Lashley in a Miracle on 34th Street Fight
Bobby Roode & Chad Gable vs. The Revival for the Raw Tag Team titles
The B-Team try to spread holiday cheer
Dolph Ziggler wants his trophy, a Netflix special, and proof that he’s that damn good
Finn Balor vs. Dolph Ziggler vs. Drew McIntyre
WWE looks back at Tribute to the Troops and their visit to Fort Hood
Vince McMahon-ta Claus makes three announcements
Sasha Banks, Bayley & Ember Moon vs. Mickie James, Alicia Fox & Dana Brooke
Braun Strowman interrupts Paul Heyman, sends a message to Brock Lesnar
Members of the Raw roster reveal what they want for Christmas
Ronda Rousey vs. Natalya for the Raw Women’s Championship
Dean Ambrose says the Intercontinental title is the Christmas gift he deserves
Rhyno returns to Raw, makes the save for Heath Slater
Seth Rollins vs. Baron Corbin
Raw fallout: The Riott Squad, Zack Ryder, and Mojo Rawley’s Christmas wishes