WWE Raw Predictions, Dec 9, 2024: Goldberg Will Replace Finn Balor

WWE Raw is on the go-home week to Saturday Night Main Event, where Liv Morgan will defend her World Title against Iyo Sky and Gunther will defend his World Title against Finn Balor. Since Saturday Night Main Event is a throwback nostalgic show, there's always a chance that legends like Goldberg shows up to stake his claim for the World Title after his confrontation with Gunther at Bad Blood in October. Last week on Raw, Drew McIntyre notably made a surprise return since his HIAC Match with CM Punk to Claymore Sami Zayn into oblivion after a suspicious Jey Uso backstage attack.

This week on Raw, three matches have been officially scheduled: Ivy Nile vs. Zelina Vega vs. Lyra Valkyria in an IC Title Tournament Match, Wyatt Sicks vs. Final Testament in a Faction War, and Rhea Ripley vs. Raquel Rodriguez in a Personal Rivalry Match. In other news regarding WWE Raw, there is a rumored WWE "Transfer Window" Shakeup set to occur. This shakeup will apparently trade Raw superstars to SmackDown and SmackDown Superstars to Raw in what seems to be the halfway point in the WWE calendar as the WWE approaches the road to WrestleMania 41 in April.

Rhea Ripley vs. Raquel Rodriguez [Personal Rivalry]

Rhea Ripley will defeat Raquel Rodriguez because she needs to continue her momentum towards battling Liv Morgan for the World Title. Raquel is just the bodyguard roadblock to Ripley before Ripley gets to Liv. WWE could book Raquel to win here to make Ripley struggle a bit more before getting to Liv, but that's not necessary since Raquel's momentum has been lackluster lately. This is Ripley's return match on Raw, and it would be wise to continue her momentum from her War Games Victory after pinning Liv Morgan in the final moments of that epic match at Survivor Series.

Prediction: Rhea Ripley

Wyatt Sicks vs. Final Testament [Faction War]

Wyatt Sicks will defeat Final Testament because they are supernatural characters who cannot lose this early in their run on Raw. The Miz will most likely eat the pin-fall in this match since he is the weak link and completely miscast in that faction. It is uncertain where Wyatt Sicks go from here, but they will likely have a featured match at WrestleMania 41 as a tribute to Bray Wyatt. WWE has not honestly done this faction justice, in terms of garnering interest in their storyline. It started off hot but died off really quickly. Final Testament has lost so much momentum and credibility since they began in 2023.

Prediction: Wyatt Sicks

Ivy Nile vs. Zelina Vega vs. Lyra Valkyria [IC Title Tournament]

None of these women will win this tournament match. Sonya Deville will replace one of these women because she has been pretty vocal about being left out of this tournament and specifically targeting Dakota Kai about being too injury prone to be champion. Due to all the teases, it seems that the finals of this tournament will likely be Sonya Deville vs. Dakota Kai. This is the only compelling feud that has a strong storyline in this tournament. Also, since Sonya Deville is a big red target due to her Pure Fusion Collective Faction wreaking havoc on Raw, she would be the best bet as the inaugural champ.

Prediction: Sonya Deville

Confirmed Match Card and Segments for 12/02 WWE Raw:

• Drew McIntyre Return Promo
• Ivy Nile vs. Zelina Vega vs. Lyra Valkyria
• Wyatt Sicks vs. Final Testament
• Rhea Ripley vs. Raquel Rodriguez
• WWE Raw "Transfer Window" Shakeup

If you're not down with just that and would like even more WWE Raw Predictions from Mark Justice, check out more of his articles right here on Daily DDT and subscribe to his new YouTube channel by clicking HERE.