WWE Raw Preview: Gunther Looks To Spoil The Farewell Party In Hershey
It feels a bit surreal typing this. We are less than a week away from John Cena walking down that aisle for the final time. The “Greatest of All Time” is hanging up the jorts and the sneakers after Saturday Night’s Main Event, and tonight in Hershey, Pennsylvania, we get the final hard sell on Monday Night Raw.
But if you think this is going to be a teary-eyed tribute show filled with highlight reels and respectful applause, you clearly haven’t been paying attention to Gunther. The Ring General isn’t sentimental. He’s a machine. And after snapping LA Knight like a twig on SmackDown to win “The Last Time Is Now” tournament, he has one goal: to make the man whose motto is “Never Give Up” tap out in the middle of the ring.
Tonight’s Raw is the go-home show, the final stop before the end of an era. The GIANT Center is going to be loud, the stakes are absurdly high, and frankly, I’m not ready to say goodbye to Big Match John. But before we get to the tissues, we’ve got a fight on our hands. Here is what’s on deck for tonight’s loaded episode of WWE Raw.
The Ring General vs. The G.O.A.T: A clash of philosophies
Let’s be real for a second. There is something profoundly twisted about Gunther’s obsession with submission. He didn’t just beat LA Knight; he tortured him. He applied pressure until the referee had no choice but to call it. Now, he wants to do the same thing to John Cena.
The irony writes itself. Cena built an empire on resilience. He’s the guy who powers out of the hold, lifts the 400-pound monster, and hits the AA. But Gunther isn’t a normal monster. He’s a wrestling tactician who views Cena’s hustle, loyalty, and respect as inefficiencies to be exploited. Tonight on Raw, Gunther grabs the mic. Expect him to dissect Cena’s career with the cold precision of a surgeon.
He’s vowed to make Cena quit a stain that would arguably ruin the fairytale ending everyone wants. Will Cena respond? Will we see one last fired-up promo from the 17-time champ via satellite? Or will Gunther just stand in the ring, scowling at the fans, soaking up the heat like a reptile on a rock? Either way, the psychological warfare peaks tonight.
Tag Team Turmoil: Styles and Lee look to cement their legacy
You have to respect AJ Styles and Dragon Lee. They could have taken the night off. They just defended the straps against The Raw New Day last week. Most champions would be icing their knees and playing video games in the catering. Instead, they marched into Adam Pearce’s office and demanded a fight. Careful what you wish for, boys. Tonight, they get the War Raiders, Erik and Ivar.
These two have been starved for an opportunity since losing the gold at WrestleMania 41. They aren’t technical wizards like Styles or high-flyers like Lee; they are human wrecking balls with beards. This is a classic clash of styles (no pun intended). If the champs want to prove they are fighting champions, surviving a raid is a hell of a way to do it. But don’t be shocked if the War Raiders decide to play spoiler just days before the big event.
Family Feuds and Future Title Shots: Balor vs. Mysterio
Some things in life are certain: death, taxes, and The Raw Judgment Day having beef with Rey Mysterio. It seems like Dominik Mysterio’s “deadbeat dad” issues are going to haunt Rey until he’s 90. But tonight, it’s not Dom in the ring, it’s the Prince, Finn Balor. Rey is looking to claw his way into the Intercontinental Championship picture, a title currently held by his son. You can smell the narrative drama cooking from a mile away.
Rey wants to teach his son a lesson; Balor intends to protect the Judgment Day’s gold. Expect fast-paced action, probably some shenanigans from the outside, and maybe, just maybe, a 619 that sets the stage for a father-son collision course. Keep an eye on The Vision (Seth Rollins), too. After his dust-up with Logan Paul, he might be lurking around looking for a fight.
The Women’s Division Is Chaos: In The Best Way
The women’s Raw locker room is absolute anarchy right now, and we love it. Stephanie Vaquer, the reigning Women’s World Champion, is prowling around looking for a challenger. She’s got that “I’m better than you and I know it” swagger down to a science. Enter Liv Morgan. Liv has been eyeing that belt like it’s the last slice of pizza.
She’s got history, she’s got the fans, and she’s got a vendetta.If Vaquer calls out an open challenge, expect Liv to be the first one through the curtain. Meanwhile, the tag division is heating up. Roxanne Perez takes on Lyra Valkyria tonight in what should be a technical showcase.
But let’s be honest with the Kabuki Warriors, Rhea Ripley, and practically everyone else gunning for the tag titles, this match is likely going to devolve into a brawl. The “Prodigy” Perez has momentum, but Valkyria is tough as nails. This is more than just a match; it’s a jockeying for position in a crowded, violent line.
How to Watch WWE Raw Live
It’s the final countdown to Cena’s swan song. You don’t want to miss the setup.
- Date: Monday, Dec. 8, 2025
- Time: 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT
- TV/Streaming: Netflix (Exclusive)
- Location: GIANT Center, Hershey, PA
Grab your popcorn. It’s going to be a bumpy ride to Saturday Raw.
