WWE Raw Results, Highlights, and Grades: December 30, 2019

Aleister Black vs. Buddy Murphy [Grudge Match]

Aleister Black and Buddy Murphy implement some extremely technical ground-based offense and play some mind games early on. Black delivers a Snap Suplex to obtain early control in the match up. Black delivers some shoot kicks to Murphy at the corner turnbuckle.

Murphy attempts to counter by getting on the top rope but Black delivers a striking knee to hinder Murphy’s momentum. Black goes on the top rope with Murphy to deliver a Superplex. Murphy counters Black’s superplex into a potential powerbomb, but Black holds onto the ropes.

Murphy attempts a shoot kick to Black but Black counters with a back kick. Murphy recovers quickly and knees Black outside the ring. The show goes to commercial break.

Back from commercial, Aleister Black delivers a moonsault from the top rope to Murphy outside the ring. He rolls Murphy back into the ring, delivers a swift under kick, and a moonsault off the springboard ropes for the two-count.

Murphy tosses Black outside the ring and it seems that he may have tweaked his left knee. That may cost Murphy as Black capitalizes with a shoot kicks to Murphy. Black goes on the top rope to fly, but Murphy moves out of the way and delivers a knee strike. He puts his foot up on the rope for leverage but gets a two-count since the referee spotted him cheating.

Black moves out of the ring, and Murphy rebounds off the rope to fly onto Black with the Tope Con Hilo. Murphy tosses Black back into the ring and goes on the top rope to deliver a Meteora for the two-count. Crowd Chants: This is Awesome!

Murphy delivers a Powerbomb to Black for the two-count. Murphy taunts Black with his foot but Black counters with some strikes and a Brainbuster for the two-count. Black attempts the Black Mass but Murphy counters with a Knee Strike. He then lifts Black for the Murphy’s Law, but Black counters with a roll up pinfall for the two-count a swift Black Mass. But he’s not done yet. He delivers a second and final Black Mass to make a statement and the three-count.

Result: Aleister Black

Grade: 3.5/5.0 Stars

Analysis: This was Black and Murphy’s best match and was a great way to close their rivalry. There is then a backstage segment with Seth Rollins and AOP being requested by security guards to depart the arena. Rollins and AOP respond that they will leave the arena voluntarily. The camera then shifts to Lana talking about her wedding. Erick Rowan approaches her and wonders why he and his little friend in the cage were not invited to the wedding. He ponders if it’s because Lana does not like her but later asserts that he and his friend don’t care anyways.