The first episode of WWE Raw for 2023 on January 2 will feature two title matches.
Alexa Bliss will challenge Bianca Belair for the Raw Women’s Championship.
Seth “Freakin” Rollins will challenge Austin Theory for the United States Championship.
During the December 12 episode of Monday Night Raw, Bliss defeated Bayley to earn a Raw Women’s Title Match. Following Bliss’ win, Bianca Belair entered the ring to extend her hand to Bliss. Bray Wyatt’s logo then appeared on the big screen, which temporarily transformed Bliss who almost hit Belair with a Sister Abigail. As soon as the logo was gone, Bliss went back to her normal character.
Bliss left the ring distraught an wouldn’t give Belair a hug.
During this Monday’s WWE Raw, Bliss took out Belair in a backstage segment. Below is the excerpt from Mike Tedesco’s Raw recap of how it all went down.
Byron Saxton is backstage with Alexa Bliss and Raw Women’s Champion Bianca Belair. Below Belair says she doesn’t trust Bliss. Bliss says she can’t speak to what happened last week but can speak to what got her here. Bray Wyatt abducted her and turned her into an evil version of herself. Then he left her. She was broken and went to therapy and has become a shell of her former self. Being friends with Asuka and Belair caused her to realize she’s stronger, but she wants to keep building up and take the Raw Women’s Championship. Belair says she’s seen what Wyatt can do, but Bliss cuts her off. Bliss says this isn’t about him. Wyatt isn’t a threat to Belair, but she is. Saxton wraps up the interview. Wyatt’s logo flashes on the screen. As Belair walks away, Bliss smashes a flower vase over her head!
Later on the show, it was announced that Seth Rollins will challenge Austin Theory for the United States Championship. Back on the December 12 episode of Raw, Rollins defeated Bobby Lashley in a #1 Contender’s Match.
Adam Pearce “fired” Lashley for attacking officials after the match. Then in less than 24-hours, Lashley’s “firing” was rescinded by Pearce.