Rhea Ripley Triumphs Over Liv Morgan at RAW's Historic 2025 Premiere

On January 6, 2025, WWE kicked off the new year and a new era with its first episode of Monday Night RAW on Netflix. This landmark event featured Rhea Ripley competing against Liv Morgan for the Women's World Championship in a high-stakes match that captivated fans and set the tone for the year ahead.

The Match: A Clash of Titans

Rhea Ripley, a formidable force in the WWE, faced off against Liv Morgan, who was defending her championship title. What ensued was nothing short of explosive. The match's dynamics changed dramatically due to the interference from both Raquel Rodriguez and Dominik Mysterio, who attempted to sway the outcome in their respective partner's favor. Despite this, Ripley displayed her resilience and strength, ultimately overpowering Morgan with multiple Riptides, securing her victory and the title.

Key Moments from the Match

• Early Struggles: Liv Morgan began the match aggressively, trading blows with Ripley and attempting to maintain dominance.
• Interference Issues: Rodriguez and Mysterio's interference was significant; however, it was ultimately ineffective against Ripley's intense focus and determination.
• Finale Highlight: Ripley’s decisive win came when she executed a series of devastating moves that left Morgan with no chance of recovery. After the match, Ripley did not hold back, delivering a low blow to Mysterio as a form of retribution for his earlier betrayal.

WWE Strategies and Missed Opportunities

In the aftermath of the match, wrestling veteran Vince Russo critiqued WWE's decision-making during the match. He expressed that the absence of Damian Priest, advertised as Ripley's ally, during this critical time was a significant oversight. Russo noted:

"Weren't the Terror Twins a thing a couple of months ago? Why would you not get Damian Priest on the show that way?" This sentiment resonates with many fans and analysts who believe that Priest’s involvement could have enriched the storyline and brought in a broader audience.

WWE Roster’s Presence and Highlights

The premiere episode of RAW featured a star-studded lineup that included legends such as Triple H, The Rock, and Dwayne Johnson, complementing the already exciting match card. John Cena made an emotional appearance, hinting at his farewell tour while also celebrating the groundbreaking debut on Netflix.

Other Highlights of RAW

• Tribal Combat Match: The night also showcased a fiercely contested match between Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa that captivated the audience.
• Celebrity Cameos: The presence of Logan Paul added to the evening's spectacle, as he proclaimed his commitment to become a full-time WWE Superstar.

What's Next for Rhea Ripley and the WWE Universe?

Rhea Ripley's ascension to the Women’s World Championship puts her in the spotlight as she prepares to defend her title against formidable foes. The build-up towards Wrestlemania is set to be exhilarating, with fans eagerly anticipating potential confrontations, especially against previously established rivalries.

The Road Ahead

As the first RAW of 2025 has set a thrilling precedent, the WWE Universe waits on bated breath for what’s next. With Ripley as the new champion and a flurry of high-profile matches lined up, the excitement continues to build.

For full match highlights and more details on the evening events, check out the episode on Netflix, where WWE is taking professional wrestling to new lengths.

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