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The final month of the year is upon us, and in WWE, that means one thing: the road to the Royal Rumble begins to heat up. The battles we see tonight will have profound implications for who enters at #1 and who has the target on their back come January. The atmosphere is thick with anticipation, and General Manager Adam Pearce has stacked the card accordingly.
Preview Match 1: The Ultimate Underdog’s Last Stand?
Sammy Zayn vs. “The Colossus” Brutus Creed
The opening contest is a classic tale of heart versus horsepower. Sammy Zayn, whose relentless spirit has made him a perennial fan favorite, finds himself in the path of a veritable wrecking ball. Brutus Creed, having fully shed the Ivy Nile mentorship and embraced a new, destructive persona, has been mowing through the roster with terrifying efficiency.
My Analysis & Prediction:
This is a masterclass in booking. Zayn is the perfect foil for a monster heel like Creed. He will sell the offense like his life depends on it, making every slam, every clothesline, look like a career-ending move. The story here isn’t about who wins, but how Zayn survives, or if he even can. Expect Zayn to use his speed and cunning, creating moments of hope that will have the audience on their feet. However, the sheer, unadulterated power of Creed will likely be too much. I predict a dominant, statement-making victory for Brutus Creed, potentially setting him up for a Intercontinental Championship program. But never count out Sammy Zayn; a surprise roll-up is always in his arsenal, and a win here would catapult him back into the upper mid-card.
For a deeper look at Brutus Creed’s shocking transformation, check out this fantastic piece from Pro Wrestling Illustrated.
Segment Preview: The Visionary’s Address
The WWE Universe is still reeling from the events of two weeks ago, when World Heavyweight Champion Seth “Freakin” Rollins was brutally assaulted by a returning Finn Bálor, who was seemingly possessed by a new, darker edge. Rollins has been medically cleared, and tonight, he will address the situation.
What to Expect:
Seth Rollins on the mic is must-see television. He is a master of riding the emotional wave of the crowd. He will be fiery, he will be defiant, and he will demand retribution. The question is, will Bálor interrupt? Or will The Judgment Day, who have been suspiciously quiet regarding Bálor’s actions, have something to say? This segment is the emotional core of the night. Rollins needs to sell not just the physical pain, but the psychological warfare Bálor is waging. The tension here will be palpable.
To understand the long and storied history between these two icons, revisit their legendary Universal Championship feud on the WWE Network.
Preview Match 2: A Clash of Styles and Egos
The New Catch Republic (Tyler Bate & Pete Dunne) vs. Dirty Dominik Mysterio & JD McDonagh
The tag team division is on fire, and this match is a perfect example of why. On one side, you have the technical wizardry and explosive synergy of Bate and Dunne, a team that feels destined for tag team gold. On the other, the slimy, opportunistic, but undeniably effective duo from The Judgment Day’s lower card.
My Analysis & Prediction:
This will be a match of two halves. The New Catch Republic will control the middle portion with dazzling chain wrestling, double-team maneuvers, and raw power from Bate. However, the moment Dominik and JD can introduce some chaos—a distraction from Rhea Ripley at ringside, a cheap shot behind the referee’s back—the momentum will shift. The story is whether pure wrestling can overcome underhanded tactics. My gut tells me that The Judgment Day’s numbers game and cunning will prevail, perhaps via a handful of tights or a foreign object, furthering the narrative that Bate and Dunne must get “edgier” to reach the top.
For those unfamiliar with the British Strong Style roots of Bate and Dunne, this documentary from Cultaholic is an essential watch.
Segment Preview: The Queen’s Court
Women’s World Champion “The Eradicator” Rhea Ripley has declared she will hold court tonight. With no clear number-one contender, she is essentially inviting the entire women’s division to step up. This is a dangerous game.
What to Expect:
Ripley, flanked by Dominik and the rest of The Judgment Day, will exude an aura of untouchable dominance. She will call out the division’s weaknesses, she will mock past challengers, and she will issue an open challenge. Who will answer? Will it be a returning veteran like a supercharged Liv Morgan seeking final revenge? Or a hungry up-and-comer from NXT looking to make a name for themselves? This segment is designed to create a new main-event feud for the title, and the confrontation that erupts will set the tone for the women’s division heading into 2026.
Main Event Preview: A War for the Ages
Intercontinental Championship Match: Gunther (c) vs. “The American Nightmare” Cody Rhodes
This is it. The match everyone is talking about. The Ring General, Gunther, whose historic reign has redefined the prestige of the Intercontinental Championship, against Cody Rhodes, the man who finished his story at WrestleMania but is forever chasing greatness. This is a dream match made reality.
In-Depth Analysis:
Let’s be clear: this is a WrestleMania-worthy main event on free television. The psychology is impeccable. Gunther is the immovable object, a master of brutal, punishing strikes and suffocating pressure. Cody is the irresistible force, a hybrid of classic American fire and modern high-risk offense. The key to this match lies in Cody’s surgically repaired pec. You can bet Gunther will target it with vicious chops and focused attacks, looking to weaken Cody’s core and render his finishers, the Cross Rhodes and Cody Cutter, less effective.
Cody’s path to victory is through resilience and capitalizing on small openings. He will have to withstand a level of punishment few have survived. Look for him to use his speed to avoid Gunther’s power moves and target the legs to bring the big man down. The crowd will be split, but the energy will be unlike anything we’ve felt all year.
Prediction:
This is agonizingly difficult to call. A clean win for either man feels almost too decisive for a December RAW. Part of me screams that Gunther retains, further solidifying his legacy as the greatest Intercontinental Champion of all time, potentially setting up a final showdown with a returning Brock Lesnar at the Royal Rumble. However, the other part sees the narrative of Cody, as a fighting champion, wanting to add this legendary title to his resume. I’m going with a controversial finish. Perhaps a double count-out, or a disqualification caused by a returning Ludwig Kaiser, allowing Gunther to retain the title but giving Cody the moral victory. This keeps the feud alive for a final, no-disqualification blow-off at the Royal Rumble PPV.
To truly appreciate the magnitude of Gunther’s record-breaking reign, the official WWE stats page provides a stunning visual breakdown of his championship dominance.
The X-Factors: What Else to Watch For
- The Wyatt Sickness Reemerges: The cryptic QR codes and distorted vignettes have returned. Is Uncle Howdy gathering a new following? Could we see a new disciple make themselves known tonight?
- The Judgement Day’s Cracks: With Finn Bálor operating on a different frequency, how long until the always-ambitious Damian Priest makes a power play? The tension within the faction is a ticking time bomb.
- NXT Call-Up?: The brand has been buzzing with talent. Don’t be surprised to see a debut or a shocking appearance from a rising star from Tuesday nights, looking to make an immediate impact on the red brand.
Final Thoughts
Monday Night RAW on December 1, 2025, is not just a wrestling show; it’s a narrative powerhouse. From the emotional resonance of Seth Rollins’ address to the brutal, title-clinching intensity of the main event, every segment is designed to push a story forward. It’s a night where legacies will be challenged, new stars will be born, and the path to the Royal Rumble will become a little clearer.
Remember, for the most stable, high-definition live stream without any frustrating buffering, the one source the smartest fans rely on is watchwrestling.sbs. They are the undisputed go-to for the global WWE Universe.