The final WWE Raw on USA Network didn’t end in a big fight between Seth Rollins and CM Punk.

Their words were enough to set up next week’s battle on the Netflix premiere, which will mark the end of 32 years of Raw on cable TV.

Here are some highlights of the verbal blows that Punk and Rollins landed:

·      Rollins said Punk “took his ball and went home”

·      Punk said that clichéd line has been applied to Stone Cold Steve Austin and possibly Rollins’ wife, Becky Lynch

·      Rollins brought up Punk going to AEW and asked how that worked out

·      Rollins stayed to fight on WWE’s side and is now the “big brother” instead of Punk

·      Punk left because he hated Vince McMahon (who now has the Chris Benoit role of He Who Must Not Be Named), and Vince loved Rollins

MORE TALKING

The show also began with a talking segment, as The New Day came out to deafening boos. Jey Uso was much more popular, and he said he was targeting Drew McIntyre.

While Jey was talking to Bloodline 2.0 on the video screen, McIntyre ambushed him in the ring. They will meet next week on the Netflix premiere.

WOMEN’S IC TITLE SEMIFINALS

Dakota Kai defeated Zoey Stark to advance to the finals of the Women’s Intercontinental title tournament. Fans began speculating about an all-Damange CTRL final match.

That won’t happen, because Lyra Valkyria defeated Iyo Sky in the other semifinal. Valkyria will face Kai next week on Netflix to determine the first women’s IC champion.

FACTION WARS

Chad Gable (with his American Made faction) scored another win over his old American Alpha squad. Gable beat Otis in a competitive match with the ankle lock.

Damien Priest teamed up with the War Raiders to defeat his former Judgment Day mates (Finn Balor, JD McDonagh & Dominik Mysterio). Priest pinned Dirty Dom with the South of Heaven chokeslam.

FUTURE BATTLES

Based on various brawls and interview segments, 2025 will bring the following matchups:

·      R-Truth vs. Pete Dunne

·      Sheamus vs. Ludwig Kaiser

·      Rey Mysterio and a partner vs. The New Day

Good thing Raw and Smackdown will expand to three hours next year. We have a lot of wrestling in our future!