Raw Season 26, Episode 53: December 31, 2018 (Detroit, MI)

January 1, 2018 (Miami, FL)

The Year of the Beast began in bombastic fashion, as Universal Champion Brock Lesnar found himself in a wild brawl with Kane, requiring a small army of WWE Superstars to restore the peace. Will The Big Red Machine bring that same fire when he faces The Beast Incarnate and Braun Strowman in a titanic Triple Threat Match at the Royal Rumble event?

134 min

January 8, 2018 (Memphis, TN)

After The Bálor Club defeated Intercontinental Champion Roman Reigns and Raw Tag Team Champions Seth Rollins & Jason Jordan, The Miz and The Miztourage assaulted The Big Dog , punctuating the attack with a brazen mockery of The Shield’s Triple Powerbomb. Is The A-Lister poised to reclaim his Intercontinental Title when he battles Reigns in two weeks on the 25th anniversary of Monday Night Raw?

136 min

January 15, 2018 (San Antonio, TX)

Battling one-on-one for the first time since the inaugural Universal Championship Match at SummerSlam 2016, Seth Rollins and Finn Bálor held nothing back in a competitive Raw main event that concluded with a rare move from The Kingslayer's arsenal. But what role did Rollins' fellow Raw Tag Team Champion, Jason Jordan, play in the bout’s outcome?

134 min

January 22, 2018 (Brooklyn, NY)

On a night of nostalgia celebrating the incredible 25-year history of Monday Night Raw, Braun Strowman remained focused on his future — namely his Universal Championship Triple Threat Match against Kane and defending titleholder Brock Lesnar at the Royal Rumble event. Find out why current Superstars and WWE Legends alike are looking at The Monster Among Men in a whole new way.

142 min

January 29, 2018 (Philadelphia, PA)

In a Raw main event for the ages, John Cena and Finn Bálor locked up in singles action for the first time ever, vying to enter the Elimination Chamber where a Universal Championship opportunity against Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania will be on the line.

136 min

February 5, 2018 (Des Moines, IA)

Seizing an incredible opportunity against John Cena and Braun Strowman in Raw’s main event, Elias will be the last Superstar to enter the Men’s Elimination Chamber on Feb. 25, increasing his chances of winning the perilous bout and going on to challenge Brock Lesnar for the Universal Title at WrestleMania. But The Monster Among Men was not exactly congratulatory after the bout was over.

134 min

February 12, 2018 (San Jose, CA)

When Raw’s Second Chance Fatal 5-Way Match ended in controversial fashion, Raw General Manager Kurt Angle revealed in a Facebook Live video that both Superstars have qualified for what will be the first-ever Seven-Man Elimination Chamber Match in WWE history!

137 min

February 19, 2018 (Phoenix, AZ)

Following Raw’s Six-Woman Tag Team Match main event, Mickie James and Raw Women’s Champion Alexa Bliss were clearly on the same page, which bodes well for Little Miss Bliss as she defends her title in the first-ever Women’s Elimination Chamber Match this Sunday, streaming live on WWE Network.

134 min

February 26, 2018 (Anaheim, CA)

Stephanie McMahon invited Ronda Rousey to Raw to clear the air after Rousey put her husband Triple H through a table. However, after the Raw Commissioner apologized for slapping Rousey in the wake of the incident, The Cerebral Assassin inflicted some pain of his own, this time at the expense of Raw General Manager Kurt Angle.

137 min

March 5, 2018 (Milwaukee, WI)

Musical mayhem ensued when The Monster Among Men clashed with the terrified troubadour in the historic, first-ever Symphony of Destruction Match. Learn what made this instrumental clash reach a painful crescendo.

142 min

March 12, 2018 (Detroit, MI)

Braun Strowman forced his way into Raw’s Tag Team Battle Royal main event, and The Monster Among Men outlasted the five teams in the contest to emerge as the apparent victor. How will Raw General Manager Kurt Angle sort out the situation that seemingly puts the solitary Strowman on a collision course with Raw Tag Team Champions Cesaro & Sheamus at WrestleMania?

129 min

March 19, 2018 (Dallas, TX)

In one of the most bewildering matches in WWE history, “Woken” Matt Hardy battled Bray Wyatt from The Dilapidated City to the shores of The Lake of Reincarnation in The Ultimate Deletion. Find out how The Woken One ended The Great War at The Hardy Compound, and why The Eater of Worlds, as we know him, might be gone forever.

142 min

March 26, 2018 (Cleveland, OH)

After overcoming the demonic Kane in Raw’s main event, using some moves from The Undertaker’s arsenal in the process, John Cena once again lashed out at The Deadman for failing to respond to The Cenation Leader’s WrestleMania challenge. Has The Phenom resigned himself to an eternal slumber, leaving Cena without an opponent at The Show of Shows?

134 min

April 2, 2018 (Atlanta, GA)

Roman Reigns is down, but he’s far from out. After absorbing multiple beatings at the hands of Universal Champion Brock Lesnar, The Big Dog finally got a piece of The Beast Incarnate with a succession of Superman Punches that left Lesnar dazed. However, The Conqueror is not so easily dispatched.

144 min

April 9, 2018 (New Orleans, LA)

Always one of the most outrageous nights on WWE's calendar, the #RawAfterMania saw Ronda's wrath, shocking returns, NXT arrivals and huge buzz over next week's WWE Superstar Shake-up.

134 min

April 16, 2018 (Hartford, CT)

Bobby Roode was revealed as the mystery participant in the 10-Man Tag Team Match that pitted Seth Rollins, Braun Strowman, Finn Bálor, Bobby Lashley & The Glorious One against Sami Zayn, Kevin Owens The Miz & The Miztourage. Find out what shocking turn of events sealed The A-Lister’s fate during the bout’s final moments.

137 min

April 23, 2018 (Saint Louis, MO)

Raw’s 10-Woman Tag Team Match main event descended into chaos when Ronda Rousey stormed the ring to dish out some serious damage to Mickie James’ arm. Find out what set off The Baddest Woman on the Planet before Raw concluded.

137 min

April 30, 2018 (Montreal, QC)

The Architect put his Intercontinental Championship on the line against The Extraordinary Man in a crowd-pleaser of a Raw main event. Find out how Monday Night Rollins emerged victorious in one of the most exciting title matches in recent history.

140 min

May 7, 2018 (Uniondale, NY)

In the second Men’s Money in the Bank Qualifying Match on Raw, Finn Bálor defeated both Roman Reigns and Sami Zayn to join Braun Strowman in the Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match on June 17. Learn how The Extraordinary Man conquered two elite Superstars, and find out who interfered to target The Big Dog.

137 min

May 14, 2018 (London, England)

Although Seth Rollins once again proved himself a fighting champion by successfully defending his Intercontinental Title against Kevin Ovens in an Open Challenge as Raw traveled to the O2 Arena in the United Kingdom, KO still managed to qualify for an opportunity at the Money in the Bank Contract, as did Alexa Bliss and Bobby Roode.

136 min

May 21, 2018 (Albany, NY)

Four weeks before they battle in the Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match, Braun Strowman and Finn Bálor met one-on-one in a blockbuster Raw main event. Which of these elite Superstars gained crucial momentum before their huge opportunity on Sunday, June 17?

134 min

May 28, 2018 (Richmond, VA)

Sasha Banks made a statement in the Last Chance Women’s Money in the Bank Qualifying Gauntlet Match, outlasting six other Superstars to secure the final spot in the Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match. Will she become the next Ms. Money in the Bank(s)?

134 min

June 4, 2018 (Houston, TX)

The Extraordinary Man Who Can Do Extraordinary Things lived up to his moniker on Raw, when he put a punctuation mark on his brawl with Kevin Owens by executing a stunning Coup de Grâce from atop a ladder onto his bitter foe. Was this a spectacular preview of what awaits in less than two weeks in the Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match?

136 min

June 11, 2018 (North Little Rock, AR)

139 min

June 18, 2018 (Grand Rapids, MI)

They might not be friends, but on Monday Night Raw, Finn Bálor and Men’s Money in the Bank contract winner Braun Strowman united against the calculating tandem of Kevin Owens and “Constable” Baron Corbin. Could WWE’s first Universal Champion and “Mr. Monster in the Bank” coexist long enough to put KO and The Constable away?

137 min

June 25, 2018 (San Diego, CA)

One week after losing his Intercontinental Title to Dolph Ziggler, Seth Rollins invoked his rematch clause to once again become Team Red’s fighting champion. However, with Drew McIntyre observing the action closely, The Architect faced near-impossible odds.

132 min

July 2, 2018 (Sioux Falls, SD)

Braun Strowman has used all manner of implements to brutalize his enemies, but on Monday Night Raw, a portable toilet came into play. Get all the details on the altercation that had Kevin Owens down in the dumps.

134 min

July 9, 2018 (Boston, MA)

Seth Rollins faced Drew McIntyre in an explosive Raw main event, and if The Architect could defeat the Scotsman, McIntyre would be barred from ringside during the 30-Minute WWE Iron Man Match for the Intercontinental Championship at WWE Extreme Rules. Will Dolph Ziggler have some extra muscle in his corner this Sunday?

134 min

July 16, 2018 (Buffalo, NY)

After winning their respective Triple Threat Matches tonight on Raw, Roman Reigns and Bobby Lashley will square off in a rematch of their WWE Extreme Rules confrontation, and the winner will challenge Brock Lesnar for the Universal Championship at SummerSlam. Can The Big Dog punch his ticket to a showdown with The Beast, or will Lashley go 2-0 against The Guy en route to The Biggest Event of the Summer?

132 min

July 23, 2018 (Cincinnati, OH)

In a hard-fought Raw main event, Roman Reigns conquered Bobby Lashley, earning the right to challenge Brock Lesnar for the Universal Championship at SummerSlam. Can The Big Dog finally defeat The Beast Incarnate and bring Team Red’s premier title to his “yard”?

141 min

July 30, 2018 (Miami, FL)

After making it clear that Paul Heyman isn’t his friend, Universal Champion Brock Lesnar attacked his longtime advocate after hitting Raw General Manager Kurt Angle with an F-5. How will Roman Reigns — who was forced to leave the building moments earlier — react to his SummerSlam opponent’s malicious onslaught?

132 min

August 6, 2018 (Jacksonville, FL)

Competing on Raw for the first time, Ronda Rousey decisively defeated Alicia Fox, despite the interference of Raw Women’s Champion Alexa Bliss. Is The Goddess getting worried about her chances against The Baddest Woman on the Planet at SummerSlam?

139 min

August 13, 2018 (Greensboro, NC)

Once a Shield brother, always a Shield brother. Sidelined since December, Dean Ambrose made a surprise return during Monday Night Raw while Seth Rollins and Dolph Ziggler were signing the contract for their Intercontinental Championship Match at SummerSlam. With The Lunatic Fringe in his corner at The Biggest Event of the Summer to counter the threat of Drew McIntyre, is The Kingslayer primed to unseat The Showoff?

138 min

August 20, 2018 (Brooklyn, NY)

After defending his Universal Championship against Finn Bálor, a battle-weary Roman Reigns faced a seemingly inevitable Money in the Bank contract cash-in from Braun Strowman, but his Shield brothers had his back. Get all the details on this shocking Hounds of Justice reunion.

130 min

August 27, 2018 (Toronto, ON)

During a tag team main event pitting Universal Champion Roman Reigns and Braun Strowman against Dolph Ziggler and Drew McIntyre, The Monster Among Men betrayed The Big Dog and ultimately joined his supposed foes in taking down each member of The Shield, one by one. How might Strowman’s apparent alliance with The Showoff and The Scott Terminator change the landscape of his title clash with Reigns inside Hell in a Cell on Sept. 16?

141 min

September 3, 2018 (Columbus, OH)

Hours after being hauled away in police custody, The Shield were incapacitated at the hands of Braun Strowman, new Raw Tag Team Champions Dolph Ziggler & Drew McIntyre and a multitude of malicious Superstars. Can The Hounds of Justice rebound from this savagery?

136 min

September 10, 2018 (New Orleans, LA)

Braun Strowman wanted The Big Dog and, well, he got him. After demanding a confrontation with Universal Champion Roman Reigns, The Monster Among Men took an unbelievable ride from atop the Raw announce desk through the stage itself, courtesy of a thunderous Samoan Drop. Will Strowman suffer a similarly painful fate this Sunday inside Hell in a Cell?

136 min

September 17, 2018 (Dallas, TX)

On a night where Roman Reigns found out that he'll be defending his Universal Title against Brock Lesnar and Braun Strowman in Saudi Arabia on Nov. 2 at WWE Crown Jewel, he also found out that he'd be defending against Raw Acting GM Baron Corbin in the main event. Also, The Undertaker revealed he won't be alone at WWE Super Show-Down, The Bellas gave Ronda Rousey backup against The Riott Squad, and more.

139 min

September 24, 2018 (Denver, CO)

Despite the best efforts of Braun Strowman and Raw Tag Team Champions Dolph Ziggler & Drew McIntyre, Dean Ambrose’s brotherhood with Universal Champion Roman Reigns and Intercontinental Champion Seth Rollins has never been stronger, as evidenced by The Shield’s impressive showing against Acting General Manager Baron Corbin & AOP in a blistering six-man main event.

133 min

October 1, 2018 (Seattle, WA)

Triple H rushed to Shawn Michaels’ aid to even the odds against The Undertaker and Kane at the end of Raw, but The Brothers of Destruction got the upper hand, laying out the D-Generation X founders with a Double Chokeslam. Then, The Deadman drove The Game into the mat with a vicious Tombstone Piledriver. Will The Cerebral Assassin suffer the same fate when he battles The Phenom one last time at WWE Super Show-Down this Saturday?

136 min

October 8, 2018 (Chicago, IL)

In a WWE Super Show-Down rematch, The Shield suffered a crushing defeat to Braun Strowman and Raw Tag Team Champions Dolph Ziggler & Drew McIntyre, and Dean Ambrose suffered the pinfall. After the match, the despondent Lunatic Fringe left the arena ahead of his fellow Hounds of Justice without saying a word or looking back. What might this mean for The Shield? Also on Raw, Shawn Michaels announced his in-ring return at WWE Crown Jewel and The Bella Twins shockingly ambushed Raw Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey.

135 min

October 15, 2018 (Philadelphia, PA)

In a six-man main event rematch, The Shield battled not only Braun Strowman and Raw Tag Team Champions Dolph Ziggler & Drew McIntyre, but their own internal strife, as repeated miscommunication between Dean Ambrose and Intercontinental Champion Seth Rollins nearly brought Dirty Deeds upon The Architect. Find out how The Hounds of Justice prevailed and why Ziggler & McIntyre incurred the wrath of The Monster Among Men.

133 min

October 22, 2018 (Providence, RI)

On the same night that Universal Champion Roman Reigns was forced to relinquish his title after his leukemia returned, his Shield brothers captured the Raw Tag Team Titles in his honor. But as the smoke cleared on their emotional victory, The Lunatic Fringe unleashed a shocking post-match assault on The Architect.

136 min

October 29, 2018 (Charlotte, NC)

Less than a week before facing The Brothers of Destruction in tag team action for the first time at WWE Crown Jewel, D-Generation X seemed like they were a man short as Triple H stared down The Undertaker & Kane on his own. However, Shawn Michaels hit the ring and nailed The Deadman with Sweet Chin Music! DX's celebration was short, though, as they witnessed The Phenom rise moments later. Will The Undertaker be as resilient this Friday at WWE Crown Jewel?

134 min

November 5, 2018 (Manchester, England)

Competing in singles action on Raw for the first time in more than 12 years, WWE Hall of Famer Kurt Angle battled Drew McIntyre in the hope of replacing Baron Corbin as the captain of the Raw Men’s Survivor Series team. Find out how The Scottish Psychopath used The Olympic Hero’s arsenal against him in this incredible red brand main event. Plus, get all the details on what led to AOP’s Raw Tag Team Championship victory.

130 min

November 12, 2018 (Kansas City, MO)

After Ruby Riott was named as the final member of the Raw Women’s Survivor Series Team, SmackDown Women’s Champion Becky Lynch attacked Raw Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey in the locker room area, marking the beginning of Team Blue’s all-out assault on the red brand. How might this change the landscape of this Sunday’s Survivor Series event?

128 min

November 19, 2018 (Los Angeles, CA)

After a night of mind games, Dean Ambrose ranted to the WWE Universe in Los Angeles about his fractured relationship with beloved Intercontinental Champion Seth Rollins. The incensed Kingslayer charged the ring to pummel The Lunatic Fringe, but Ambrose was ready, hitting his former Shield brother with two consecutive Dirty Deeds. Was this a sign of things to come when they clash for the Intercontinental Title at WWE TLC?

126 min

November 26, 2018 (Milwaukee, WI)

Baron Corbin took his authority over Monday Night Raw to new levels, naming himself “General Manager-Elect,” putting his adversaries in unfair Handicap Matches and ensuring himself a forfeit victory over an injured Braun Strowman at WWE TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs. Who can stop the power-hungry Lone Wolf?

125 min

December 03, 2018 (Houston, TX)

After Nia Jax & Tamina prevented Raw Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey from helping Natalya fight off The Riott Squad, The Baddest Woman on the Planet got some backup in the form of The War Goddess, Ember Moon. Find out how Hot Ronda put The Irresistible Force on the defensive en route to their title collision at WWE TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs.

128 min

December 10, 2018 (San Diego, CA)

After placing the blame for Raw’s decline on the shoulders of “General Manager-Elect” Baron Corbin, Seth Rollins defended his Intercontinental Championship against The Lone Wolf in a Tables, Ladders & Chairs Match, six nights before his scheduled title bout against former Shield brother Dean Ambrose at WWE TLC.

128 min

December 17, 2018 (Sacremento, CA)

On a night that the entire McMahon family revealed they would be overseeing both Raw and SmackDown and making the WWE Universe “The Authority,” Natalya celebrated Team Red’s new beginning with a Gauntlet Match victory, earning a Raw Women’s Championship Match against her best friend, Ronda Rousey, next Monday night on Christmas Eve.

127 min

December 24, 2018 (Sacramento, CA)

Baron Corbin has a lot to answer for following his tyrannical reign as Raw’s “General Manager-Elect,” and Seth Rollins made Team Red’s resident Krampus pay for all of his transgressions in a Christmas Eve main event that was far from merry for The Lone Wolf. Plus, Ronda Rousey defended her Raw Women’s Title against Natalya, The Revival challenged Bobby Roode & Chad Gable for the Raw Tag Team Titles and Elias decked the halls with Bobby Lashley in a Miracle on 34th Street Fight.

128 min