WWE Raw Results: Highlights, Analysis, and Grades for December 18
By Bryan Heaton
Photo Source: WWE.com
Follow along with our live WWE Raw review. Three huge matches have already been announced, plus Brock Lesnar returns to the show.
Previously on WWE Raw, Braun Strowman and Kane faced off to determine the next challenger for the Universal Championship – but both men forgot to try and win the match. All three members of The Shield were in action, with varying degrees of success. And Matt Hardy and Bray Wyatt had yet another battle of the wits via satellite.
This week, the superstars of the Raw brand are going full steam ahead. First off, Brock Lesnar will be back on television. After last week’s main event didn’t produce Lesnar’s next challenger, The Beast Incarnate may have something to say about it. Well, Paul Heyman will probably say most of it. But either way, Lesnar is back. What will Kane and Braun Strowman do in response?
Three big matches have also been signed for tonight’s episode. The contest with the biggest stakes come from the Cruiserweight Division. Daily DDT favorite Drew Gulak puts the PowerPoint Presentations down long enough to face Cedric Alexander. The winner of this match becomes number one contender for the Cruiserweight Championship. Will the Zo Train derail if Enzo Amore has to face Gulak? OR will Cedric make it a moot point by taking a victory?
EXCLUSIVE: @MikeRomeWWE has BREAKING NEWS for tonight's #RAW as @WWERollins will go one-on-one with @SamoaJoe, PLUS @SashaBanksWWE @itsBayleyWWE & @MickieJames get another chance at taking on #Absolution! pic.twitter.com/p6yWnjpE6Z
— WWE (@WWE) December 18, 2017
Next, in a rematch from Tribute to the Troops, Absolution will take on the team of Bayley, Mickie James, and Sasha Banks. This match was supposed to happen on Raw a few weeks back. But Mandy Rose, Sonya Deville, and Paige attacked Bayley and Mickie, leaving Sasha to fend for herself. Last week on Raw, the women’s division banded together to slow Absolution’s momentum. Will that be enough to hand the dominant trio a loss?
Finally, Seth Rollins will battle Samoa Joe. Rollins suffered a knee injury at the hands of Joe just under a year ago. The Architect has recovered, and seemingly put the war with Samoa Joe in his rear view mirror. But with Joe gunning for Roman Reigns, Rollins’ partner in The Shield, the rivalry has been renewed.
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Be sure to follow along with our live WWE Raw review right here starting at 8 p.m. ET.