{"id":208622,"date":"2026-01-05T12:48:35","date_gmt":"2026-01-05T18:48:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/?p=208622"},"modified":"2026-01-05T12:48:35","modified_gmt":"2026-01-05T18:48:35","slug":"10-yrs-ago-kellers-wwe-raw-report-12-14-2015-the-episode-where-roman-had-to-win-the-wwe-world-title-or-else-vince-mcmahon-would-fire-him","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/2026\/01\/05\/10-yrs-ago-kellers-wwe-raw-report-12-14-2015-the-episode-where-roman-had-to-win-the-wwe-world-title-or-else-vince-mcmahon-would-fire-him\/","title":{"rendered":"10 YRS AGO \u2013 Keller&#8217;s WWE Raw Report (12\/14\/2015): The episode where Roman had to win the WWE World Title or else Vince McMahon would fire him"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"pwtor-2586450452\" class=\"pwtor-before-content pwtor-entity-placement\"><hr \/><b>SPOTLIGHTED PODCAST ALERT (YOUR ARTICLE BEGINS A FEW INCHES DOWN)... <\/b>\r\n\r\n<iframe src=\"https:\/\/widget.spreaker.com\/player?show_id=3076978&theme=light&playlist=false&playlist-continuous=false&autoplay=false&live-autoplay=false&chapters-image=true&episode_image_position=right&hide-logo=false&hide-likes=false&hide-comments=false&hide-sharing=false&hide-download=true\" width=\"100%\" height=\"140px\" frameborder=\"0\"><\/iframe>\r\n<hr \/><\/div><p><em>The following report originally published 10 years ago this week here at PWTorch.com\u2026<\/em><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3>WWE Raw TV Report<br \/>\nDecember 14, 2015 \u2013 Episode #1,177<br \/>\nLive in\u00a0Philadelphia, Pa.<br \/>\nReport by James Caldwell, PWTorch assistant editor<\/h3>\n<p>On the Raw Pre-Show, WWE announced new IC champion Dean Ambrose vs. Dolph Ziggler and a TLC re-match of The Wyatts vs. Team ECW.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Live Raw on USA Network<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Raw opened with a video package highlighting the main event of last night\u2019s TLC PPV, specifically Sheamus\u2019s League of Nations helping him retain the WWE Title over Roman Reigns in the TLC match. The video turned ominous when Reigns snapped on Sheamus, then Triple H while Stephanie McMahon pleaded with Reigns. They included audio from JBL of Reigns\u2019s career \u201cgoing down the tubes,\u201d and audio of Stephanie vowing to make Reigns pay.<\/p>\n<p>In the arena, Michael Cole introduced the show before Lilian Garcia introduced Stephanie McMahon to the ring. Cole, JBL, and Byron Saxton talked about Reigns reaching his breaking point in WWE, but perhaps going too far.<\/p>\n<p>In the ring, Steph introduced herself as one of the principal WWE owners, drawing boos. She said successful women in business are still viewed as ruthless and cold-hearted, but she\u2019s just like everyone else as a wife and mom. And, she had to explain to their\u00a0children why Triple H was spitting up blood after Roman Reigns attacked him.<\/p>\n<p>But, Steph said if you want her to be cold-hearted and ruthless, then she will be. Steph growled that Reigns has left her with no other choice than to \u2014 The Shield\u2019s music interrupted. Out came Reigns through the crowd as Cole wondered if this will be the last time that Reigns appears on WWE TV after attacking Hunter.<\/p>\n<p>Reigns entered the ring and glared toward Stephanie, who glared back. Long glare down. Reigns then spoke. He said he\u2019s a father, too, and today is his daughter\u2019s birthday. That being said, he doesn\u2019t feel bad at all about whipping Steph\u2019s husband\u2019s ass. Steph said Roman has a lot of nerve wishing his girl a Happy Birthday, then saying that. She told Reigns to have something sharp to say because she\u2019s ready.<\/p><div id=\"pwtor-2252486716\" class=\"pwtor-content pwtor-entity-placement\"><div align=\"center\" data-freestar-ad=\"__336x280 __336x280\" id=\"pwtorchcom_test_300x250\">\r\n  <script data-cfasync=\"false\" type=\"text\/javascript\">\r\n    freestar.config.enabled_slots.push({ placementName: \"pwtorchcom_test_300x250\", slotId: \"pwtorchcom_test_300x250\" });\r\n  <\/script>\r\n<\/div><\/div>\n<p>Reigns said he\u2019s a little tight on time, so just fire him if she\u2019s going to do that. Steph said Reigns is nothing more than a coward and a loser. And then blaming everyone else but himself and then taking it out on her husband, who had nothing to do with Reigns\u2019s loss. She called him a failure and a disgrace.<\/p>\n<p>Reigns backed away, then said she\u2019s a disgrace, not him. He said her husband is a disgrace, too. No, actually, her whole family is a disgrace. Steph sneered as the crowd went into \u201cYes!\u201d chants. Steph then reached back and slapped Reigns, who smiled. So, she slapped him again. Reigns smiled again. So, she slapped him several more times. Reigns shook it off, then Steph said she has one more thing to say. Another slap. Reigns lost his smirk as his face reddened up.<\/p>\n<p>Stephanie started to leave the ring, but stopped. She said she wants to fire him, but Hunter asked her not to. But, she does know someone who is coming to the arena. And that is the Chairman, Vince McMahon. Steph\u2019s music played as she left the ring while Reigns checked his jaw.<\/p>\n<p>Up Next: New IC champion Dean Ambrose is on Raw.<\/p>\n<p>[Commercial Break at 8:12]<\/p>\n<p>[Q2] Back from break, Dolph Ziggler was introduced to the ring for the opening match. New IC champion Dean Ambrose was out next to a big reaction. Ambrose did some Shinsuke Nakamura poses and mannerisms on the way to the ring before posing with the IC Title belt once inside the ring.<\/p>\n<p><strong>1 \u2014 IC champion DEAN AMBROSE vs. DOLPH ZIGGLER \u2014 non-title match<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>As Ambrose and Ziggler felt each other out in the ring, Cole talked about the situation being so serious with Roman Reigns that McMahon is returning to Raw for the first time in over one year. The conversation moved to Ambrose not being corporate-friendly, safe, and sanitized for the audience\u2019s protection. Ambrose then clotheslined Ziggler over the top rope to the floor and nailed a suicide dive.<\/p><div id=\"pwtor-2180250490\" class=\"pwtor-content-1 pwtor-entity-placement\"><!-- Tag ID: pwtorchcom_test_300x600 -->\r\n<div align=\"center\" data-freestar-ad=\"__336x280 __300x600\" id=\"pwtorchcom_test_300x600\">\r\n  <script data-cfasync=\"false\" type=\"text\/javascript\">\r\n    freestar.config.enabled_slots.push({ placementName: \"pwtorchcom_test_300x600\", slotId: \"pwtorchcom_test_300x600\" });\r\n  <\/script>\r\n<\/div><\/div>\n<p>Back in the ring, Ambrose and Ziggler traded pinfall attempts before Ambrose teased Dirty Deeds. Ziggler scrambled away to the corner to escape, though. They had a babyface stalemate to applause as Raw cut to break.<\/p>\n<p>[Commercial Break at 8:23]<\/p>\n<p>Back from break, Ambrose climbed to the top turnbuckle and tried a flying splash, but Ziggler intercepted with a mid-air dropkick for a two count. Ziggler followed with the Fameasser for a two count, frustrating Ziggler. Ziggler then tried a top-rope move, but Ambrose blocked and hit a two-foot pump kick to the chest.\u00a0Ambrose followed with\u00a0a running bulldog for a two count.<\/p>\n<p>[Q3] Ambrose picked up Ziggler looking for a lariat, but Ziggler ducked and slapped on a sleeperhold. Ambrose broke free, though, and nailed a rebound lariat after bouncing off the ropes from a kick strike.<\/p>\n<p>With both men down, former IC champion Kevin Owens emerged from the back to a lot of crowd noise. Owens\u00a0walked down to ringside, then\u00a0entered the ring and tossed Ziggler out of the ring, prompting the ref to throw out the match. Owens then attacked Ambrose and nailed a pop-up powerbomb.<\/p>\n<p>WINNER: Match Thrown Out at\u00a012:20.<\/p>\n<p>Post-match, Owens left the ring to grab the IC Title belt and hold it over Ambrose. Owens wasn\u2019t done, though, as he nailed another powerbomb. Ziggler suddenly ran back into the ring to shrieks, but Owens knocked him down, too. Owens scooped up Ziggler and powerbombed him on top of Ambrose, drawing a mixed reaction.\u00a0Owens then left the ring, satisfied with taking out two babyfaces on one night.<\/p>\n<p>Announcers: Cole and Co. transitioned to Vince McMahon talk. Cole said that McMahon is on his way to Raw after what happened earlier tonight when Roman Reigns called Stephanie, Hunter, and the whole McMahon Family a disgrace.<\/p>\n<p>Back to Cole and Co., where Cole\u2019s audio was not working to reinforce\u00a0the message about McMahon returning to Raw. JBL finished the message before JBL and Byron Saxton transitioned to discussing the Tag Title ladder\u00a0match last night at TLC. New Day, who are still the Tag Champs, will be on Raw later tonight.<\/p>\n<p>[Commercial Break at 8:36]<\/p>\n<p>Moments Ago: Kevin Owens attacked new IC champion Dean Ambrose.<\/p>\n<p>Backstage: Jo-Jo tried to talk to Kevin Owens about losing the Intercontinental Title at TLC. He said she doesn\u2019t know what he\u2019s feeling right now. But, was he justified in attacking Dean Ambrose? Owens said he doesn\u2019t have to justify himself to her or anyone. All she needs to worry about is what she just saw is only the beginning. Owens said if you think Ambrose is a lunatic, you haven\u2019t seen anything. \u201cI won\u2019t stop until I drive him absolutely insane,\u201d he said, \u201cand take back MY Intercontinental Title.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>[ Reax: Nicely done setting the stage for the next phase of the Owens-Ambrose feud that should bolster the middle of the show going forward. ]<\/p>\n<p>Somewhere in an alley: Bubba Ray talked to Devon, Tommy Dreamer, and Rhyno about\u00a0things not\u00a0exactly going as planned last night, but they will fight the Wyatts again tonight. ECW video clips flashed on the screen as each wrestler\u00a0talked about spilling a lot of blood in Philadelphia and taking this city back to\u00a0the extreme. Raw cut to break with the extremists\u00a0posing like old times.<\/p>\n<p>[Commercial Break at 8:43]<\/p>\n<p>[Q4] Backstage: Stephanie McMahon was shown checking her phone, apparently waiting for Vince McMahon to arrive at the building. Steph continued pacing while flexing her injured hand after slapping around Reigns.<\/p>\n<p>In-ring: R-Truth was introduced to the ring for the next match. Truth rapped for Philly, then Bo Dallas was introduced as his opponent.<\/p>\n<p><strong>2 \u2014 BO DALLAS vs. R-TRUTH<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Dallas landed a move, then left the ring and paraded around ringside. Suddenly, a black limo pulled up backstage. WWE cut away from the action to reveal Mr. McMahon stepping out of the limo looking very grandfatherly. Steph wanted to take care of this together, but Vince told Stephanie to take care of her husband while he takes care of Reigns. He stomped off as backstage workers scurried away from his path.<\/p>\n<p>Back in the arena, Truth and Dallas sold fear seeing their boss arrive at the building. Back to basic action. About a minute later, Vince McMahon\u2019s music played. McMahon stomped down to ringside as Dallas and Truth stood around in the ring. McMahon asked for the match to be stopped. \u201cGet the hell out of my ring,\u201d he shouted. No bell sounded, but we\u2019ll call it\u2026<\/p>\n<p>WINNER: No Contest\/Decision\/Conclusion at 3:25.<\/p>\n<p>-McMahon gave a speech that someone backstage is sweating profusely right now wondering what it will be like standing in the presence of Vincent Kennedy McMahon. He said this man might as well be standing in the presence of God Almighty. McMahon then left the ring and sat in an office chair next to the announce table. McMahon said he\u2019s going to make Roman Reigns sweat a little more. Raw faded to break with McMahon leaning back in the chair and the crowd waiting for something to happen.<\/p>\n<p>[Commercial Break at 8:54]<\/p>\n<p><strong>McMahon &amp; Reigns Have a Chat<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Back from break, McMahon was still sitting in his chair. He then got up to yell at a ringside person to \u201clet the bastard sweat.\u201d Apparently he wanted to play Reigns\u2019s music or something. McMahon then got up from his chair and entered the ring, struggling to make it through the ropes.<\/p>\n<p>McMahon shouted for Reigns to come on out here and take his medicine. McMahon looked toward the backstage area, which seemed odd since Reigns always makes\u00a0his entrance through the crowd.\u00a0Reigns eventually came down the ramp, with eyes locked on McMahon.<\/p>\n<p>McMahon said he can tell that Reigns is intimidated because he has a certain presence about him. Reigns just brushed him off, not sold on the tough talk. Reigns continued to smirk as McMahon talked about his son-in-law suffering back in Connecticut. \u201cApologize,\u201d McMahon growled. Reigns shook his head no. McMahon told him to get down on his hands and knees to apologize. Reigns frowned. Another head-shake.<\/p>\n<p>[Q5 \u2014 second hour] \u00a0McMahon said there was a time when he would beat an apology out of someone like Reigns, which drew a laugh from Reigns. McMahon said he could do it right now. Reigns wasn\u2019t sold on the idea. McMahon then dropped the mic and removed his jacket, embarrassing himself as Reigns laughed.<\/p>\n<p>Suddenly, Sheamus\u2019s music played to bring out the WWE World Hvt. champion. Sheamus told McMahon that he wants the pleasure of beating an apology out of Reigns himself. He said no man on this planet should disrespect McMahon or the McMahon Family. So, on behalf of his Irish coat of arms, (pause for a \u201cYou Look Stupid\u201d chant), please allow him to challenge Reigns tonight. To what?<\/p>\n<p>Sheamus told Reigns to wipe the smirk off his face because he\u2019s beaten him over and over. He said he can beat Reigns anytime, anyplace, whenever he wants. He said he\u2019s so confident that he can beat him that they should put the WWE World Title on the line.<\/p>\n<p>Back in the ring, McMahon thought it over, pretending to put on his\u00a0promoter\u2019s cap. He asked the crowd, which of course cheered. He said the audience falls for that one every time because there\u2019s no chance he\u2019s making that match happen. Reigns then yanked the mic away from McMahon. \u201cWhy not old man?\u201d Reigns asked. He said McMahon used to have grapefruits, but he\u2019s 70-years-old and time is passing him by.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou sonofabitch,\u201d McMahon replied. \u201cYou\u2019ve got your match\u2026 On one condition. If you don\u2019t become WWE World Hvt. champion tonight, you\u2019re fired!\u201d Reigns got serious processing the high stakes. McMahon teased going\u00a0for a handshake, but kicked Reigns in the groin instead. Oooooof from Reigns. McMahon then left the ring as Reigns checked his boys. On the stage, McMahon shook hands with Sheamus, telling him to break Reigns tonight.<\/p>\n<p>THE NEWS: WWE Title match of Sheamus vs. Roman Reigns with Reigns\u2019s career on the line in the main event.<\/p>\n<p>Still to come: The Wyatts vs. Team ECW in an eight-man Extreme Rules match.<\/p>\n<p>[Commercial Break at 9:08]<\/p>\n<p>Back from break, generic music was playing representing the League of Nations. A tag match was up next.<\/p>\n<p><em>ARTICLE CONTINUED BELOW&#8230;<\/em><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3>Check out the latest episode of the Wade Keller Pro Wrestling Post-show covering the latest episode of Smackdown: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.spreaker.com\/episode\/wwe-smackdown-post-show-12-26-keller-machado-might-drew-end-cody-s-reign-carmelo-s-big-win-theory-s-push-joe-hendry--69216356\">CLICK HERE<\/a> to stream (or search \u201cwade Keller\u201d on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or any other iOS or Android app to subscribe free)<\/h3>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"WWE SMACKDOWN POST-SHOW (12\/26) - Keller &amp; Machado: Might Drew end Cody's reign, Carmelo's big win, Theory's push, Joe Hendry\" src=\"https:\/\/widget.spreaker.com\/player?episode_id=69216356&amp;theme=light&amp;playlist=false&amp;playlist-continuous=false&amp;chapters-image=true&amp;episode_image_position=right&amp;hide-logo=false&amp;hide-likes=false&amp;hide-comments=false&amp;hide-sharing=false&amp;hide-download=true\" width=\"100%\" height=\"200px\" frameborder=\"0\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><strong>3 \u2014 RYBACK &amp; JACK SWAGGER vs. U.S. champion ALBERTO DEL RIO &amp; RUSEV (w\/Lana)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Back-and-forth between Ryback and Del Rio early on. Ryback wanted the Meathook Clothesline, but Rusev distracted Ryback, who then took a kick to the face from Del Rio.<\/p>\n<p>[Q6] The heels ganged up on Ryback as Cole talked about Del Rio disassociating from Zeb Colter. Ryback continued to take a beating until answering with a belly-to-belly suplex. Ryback got the tag to Swagger, who ran over Rusev with clotheslines. Swagger called for the Swagger Bomb, but Rusev got his feet up. So, Swagger transitioned to the Patriotlock, but Del Rio grabbed him from behind for the Backstabber. Ryback tried to help out, but he inadvertently distracted the ref, allowing Del Rio and Rusev to double-team Swagger. Rusev pinned Swagger for the win.<\/p>\n<p>WINNERS: Rusev &amp; Del Rio at 6:31. More reinforcement of WWE babyfaces being dumb or not good teammates. Really, the heels are the best teammates right now. It\u2019s tough being a fan favorite\u00a0in WWE\u2019s Creative environment where WWE over-compensates for how weak the heels are by making the faces look worse.<\/p>\n<p>Still to come: Sheamus vs. Reigns for the WWE Title.<\/p>\n<p>[Commercial Break at 9:20]<\/p>\n<p>Adam Rose bit: Back from break, WWE ran the Adam\u00a0Rose gossip segment. Rose, standing in front of a green screen, talked about Charlotte being corrupted by Ric Flair. No worries, though, as Charlotte still has more titles to win and lose, more marriages and divorces, and more fortunes to make and lose. He then mocked Tommy Dreamer.<\/p>\n<p>Back in the ring, Tyler Breeze was hanging out with Summer Rae. Neville was introduced as his opponent. Cole used the ring intros to hype NXT. The Miz suddenly interrupted, asking for quiet on the set. Miz sat down in a director\u2019s chair at ringside and asked for\u00a0action. On cue, the bell sounded, reinforcing the in-ring action as a put-on.<\/p>\n<p><strong>4 \u2014 NEVILLE vs. TYLER BREEZE (w\/Summer Rae)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Neville, annoyed with Miz, reluctantly locked up with Breeze. Neville controlled the action, then Miz stood up and tried to tell Neville how to wrestle and which moves to execute. Miz was at a loss for what else to offer as Neville settled for a chinlock. Breeze eventually escaped the chinlock and stomped away at Neville in the corner.<\/p>\n<p>[Q7] Breeze settled for a chinlock as Miz played McMahon screaming through the headset telling Neville to let the audience in and emote. This brought over Miz\u2019s former movie co-star, Summer Rae, to complain about Miz interrupting the match. Neville made a comeback on Breeze, then Miz then stood up and yelled \u201ccut, cut, cut.\u201d Neville ignored him, superkicked Breeze, and hit Red Arrow from the top rope for the pin and the win. JBL credited Miz for Neville winning, while Cole noted that Neville did this on his own.<\/p>\n<p>WINNER: Neville at 4:56. Miz was doing\u00a0his best to be a\u00a0heel, but in context of a show with a non-finish and the promoter canceling another match, the idea of Miz telling Neville \u201chow to perform\u201d did not help the audience\u2019s reception to the wrestling action.<\/p>\n<p>Still to come: Still WWE tag champs New Day.<\/p>\n<p>[Commercial Break at 9:33]<\/p>\n<p>Backstage: Miz and Neville argued about Miz being able to help Neville\u2019s career. Miz said he can get Neville in Star Wars Episode 8. He\u00a0said he can market Neville\u2019s big ears and he can make him a star just like he did for Daniel Bryan. Okay, really, here\u2019s the deal. Miz said he needs Neville\u2019s accent because Hollywood is looking for a new James Bond. Miz asked Neville for a real accent. Neville shook him off, telling him never to pull that stunt again. He said he\u2019ll shove a light saber where the sun doesn\u2019t shine. Miz removed his glasses, but was more interested in trying to copy the accent.<\/p>\n<p>Suddenly, the Wyatts theme played. In a smoky room, Luke Harper, Erick Rowan, and Braun Strowman talked about being the angels of darkness. Bray Wyatt then spoke about burying the ECW guys in the same city that they were born. \u201cRun!\u201d he warned.<\/p>\n<p>Back in the arena, the Dudleys\u2019s theme song played to bring out Bubba Ray and Devon Dudley. Rhino and Tommy Dreamer followed them from behind. The ECW group soaked up the atmosphere wrestling again together in Philadelphia as WWE showed weapons down at ringside. Cole called them \u201ctoys\u201d of course. The ECW guys stood together in the ring as Raw cut to break.<\/p>\n<p>[Commercial Break at 9:42]<\/p>\n<p>[Q8] Back from break, the Wyatt theme interrupted. The Wyatts slowly walked down to ringside in the darkness before pacing the ringside area once the lights came up. The Wyatts eventually hit the ring and the fight was on.<\/p>\n<p><strong>5 \u2014 THE WYATTS (BRAY WYATT &amp; LUKE HARPER &amp; ERICK ROWAN &amp; BRAUN STROWMAN) vs. ECW (BUBBA RAY &amp; DEVON &amp; TOMMY DREAMER &amp; RHYNO) \u2014 Eight-Man Extreme Rules match<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>After some early fighting and ECW name-dropping from JBL, weapons were introduced into the proceedings. The Wyatts put a beating on the ECW guys as the\u00a0director tried to keep up with the action. The Dudleys eventually hit a What\u2019s Up headbutt on Rowan in the ring. But, Harper cut off the Dudleys when they went looking for tables. Harper then climbed to the top rope, but Dreamer smacked him with a Kendo Stick. Strowman ended Dreamer, though. After a Tower of Doom spot, there were\u00a0bodies everywhere as Raw cut to break.<\/p>\n<p>[Commercial Break at 9:52]<\/p>\n<p>Back from break, weapons and bodies were everywhere. Cole told viewers not to adjust their sets; it\u2019s not 1997. (Well, except for the ratings.) Rhyno suddenly woke up and exploded on the Wyatts. Dreamer then dropkicked a trashcan into Harper\u2019s face in the corner. Bubba then dumped Bray over the guardrail into the audience. Braun suddenly got a head of steam and dove like an idiot across the announce table, not even close whichever ECW\u2019er he was going for.<\/p>\n<p>On the other side of the arena, up on the stage, Dreamer wanted to put Harper through some furniture from the stage. Dreamer balanced Harper on his shoulders, then put him through two tables side-by-side on the floor.<\/p>\n<p>On the other side of the arena, Strowman caught up with Bubba and beat him down until Dreamer made his way across the arena to blast Strowman with kendo stick shots. But, Strowman suddenly lifted up Dreamer and slammed him through the gimmicked barricade near the timekeeper\u2019s area. Dreamer sold intense back pain as Strowman remained motionless on the floor.<\/p>\n<p>[Q9 \u2014 third hour] Bubba came over to join the party, bouncing Bray Wyatt\u2019s head off the announce table. Bubba lifted up the announce table lid and slammed it over Bray\u2019s body. But, Harper and Rowan made the save. Wait, didn\u2019t Harper just go through two tables from considerable height on the other side of the arena?<\/p>\n<p>Harper and Bubba suddenly scrapped in the ring. Devon joined the fight, but Harper fought off two-on-one odds and kicked down both Dudleys. Harper then set up a table in the middle of the ring. He\u00a0wanted a powerbomb, but Devon blocked, pushed Harper off the ropes, Harper conveniently hopped into the air, and he took a 3D through the table. Devon had the pin, but Wyatt yanked him out of the ring and dropped Devon with Sister Abigail.<\/p>\n<p>Back in the ring, Rowan knocked down Bubba with a big boot before Rhyno entered the ring looking for a big Gore, but Rowan blocked. Wyatt then dropped Rhyno with Sister Abigail. Wyatt opted not to make the cover. Instead, Rowan set up a table and put Rhyno on the table. Rowan came off the top with a big splash on Rhyno through the table, scoring the pin for the win.\u00a0Instead of reinforcing the heels as a serious threat, JBL evaluated the performance, saying this match is why ECW had a rabid following. WWE cut to various shots of the ECW guys selling the effects of the fight while the Wyatts posed victoriously in the ring.<\/p>\n<p>WINNERS: Wyatts at 15:30. And Rowan has totally redeemed himself after being the only Wyatt eliminated in the same match last night at TLC.<\/p>\n<p>After the Wyatt theme \u201cinterrupted\u201d the broadcast, WWE cut to the announcers, who took viewers out of the moment reacting as if they just watched a\u00a0play and it was time for intermission. Cole then transitioned to Reigns vs. McMahon business from earlier in the show.<\/p>\n<p>Tonight: Sheamus vs. Reigns for the WWE World Title.<\/p>\n<p>Up Next: WWE tag champs New Day.<\/p>\n<p>[Commercial Break at 10:08]<\/p>\n<p>Next Monday: The Slammys Raw presented by Coca-Cola.<\/p>\n<p><strong>New Day Evaluates the Tag Division<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Back in the arena, Big E.\u2019s voice welcomed out WWE tag champs New Day. New Day bounced out on-stage in matching red and white striped tracksuits. Kofi Kingston had a bit of a limp selling the ladder match last night, which was a bit jarring seeing someone sell.<\/p>\n<p>In the ring, Xavier Woods solemnly said they do not feel like partying tonight. Kofi said they met the power of gravity last night in the ladder match. New Day narrated some still-shots of the big spots from the match, highlighting New Day, Lucha Dragons, and the Usos. But, there was Kofi standing tall on top of a ladder holding the Tag Titles in victory.<\/p>\n<p>Kofi said he woke up this morning feeling like he got hit by a mack truck. He said his back is messed up, his hip is jacked up, and his bumps &amp; bruises have bumps &amp; bruises. Big E. said they talked after the match and decided to bring everyone out to have a chat. So, Big E. asked for the Usos to come out. \u201cIt\u2019s all love, baby,\u201d Big E. said.<\/p>\n<p>[Q10] The Usos came out as Byron Saxton said he smells a trap. Jimmy and Jey Usos slowly walked out reluctant to trust New Day. Kofi said they did enough fighting last night and they\u2019re not even dressed to wrestle. Xavier Woods, who cost the other teams\u00a0the Tag Titles by interfering, said the Usos earned their respect. He said they want to bury the hatchet and have a truce.<\/p>\n<p>Jey Uso asked if they\u2019re serious right now. Big E. said actually this is the right time to bring out the Lucha Dragons. \u201cCome on, Luchas.\u201d Out\u00a0came Kalisto and Sin Cara, who did a windmill to sell a shoulder injury. Saxton took the bait, changing his mind thinking New Day was sincere now.<\/p>\n<p>The Luchas joined the Usos in the ring as Kofi addressed them. He said the way Sin Cara sacrificed his body multiple times last night was amazing. And there\u2019s Kalisto. He said he has no idea how Kalisto is standing on his own two feet right now after the Salida del Sol. He over-talked Kalisto as one of the toughest stars in the history of this industry.<\/p>\n<p>Kalisto said that\u2019s a really nice speech, but what about Xavier Woods throwing his trombone at his back when he was climbing the ladder? Sin Cara said that wasn\u2019t in their little highlight package. Xavier said he can\u2019t go back in time, but he would like to apologize for acting in the heat of the moment. \u201cI am sorry,\u201d Xavier said. Uso wasn\u2019t buying this.<\/p>\n<p>Xavier continued to talk seriously that the reason why they brought them out here to commend all three teams for taking the tag division to the next level. He said that match was not for them. But, for the audience. Xavier said with that new respect, they want to extend this. Xavier, Big E., and Kofi extended their hands. Jimmy Uso said he might have hit his head a little too hard last night. He shook hands. All of them shook hands.<\/p>\n<p>Lucha Dragons left the ring, then the Usos left the ring. New Day remained in the ring. Xavier said they were completely sincere with everything they just said \u2026 but tonight is all about New Day. Xavier gloated about still being WWE tag champs. Big E. shouted for their music, setting off a dance celebration while the Usos and Luchas shook their heads with it being the same old New Day.<\/p>\n<p>Suddenly, the Usos and Luchas hit the ring to attack New Day. The crowd somewhat booed as the babyfaces took apart New Day. Usos hit a Superfly Splash on Big E. to clear the tag champs from the ring. Usos\u2019s music played for them to stand tall as New Day recovered on the floor.<\/p>\n<p>[ Reax: So many mixed messages and signals\u00a0to the audience, reflecting the wishy-washy nature of the product right now. Evaluating the match and talking about \u201celevating the division\u201d and pandering to the audience was so eye-rolling. It was like a Hulk Hogan TNA promo segment from a few years ago. ]<\/p>\n<p>Backstage: Becky Lynch was much more happier being around Charlotte than last night at TLC. They were stopped by Ric Flair to Whoo it up heading to the ring for the next match.<\/p>\n<p>Up Next: Charlotte &amp; Becky (with Ric Flair) vs. Team Bella.<\/p>\n<p>[Commercial Break at 10:25]<\/p>\n<p>Smackdown plug: Kevin Owens vs. Dolph Ziggler in singles action.<\/p>\n<p>[Q11] Back in the arena, Brie Bella and Alicia Fox were already in the ring. Meanwhile, Team B.A.D. members Sasha Banks, Naomi, and Tamina were standing at the corner of the guardrail holding tickets for make-shift\u00a0front row corner seats.<\/p>\n<p>Charlotte\u2019s music then brought out the Divas champion, Becky Lynch, and Ric Flair. WWE recapped events at TLC where Flair helped Charlotte beat Paige to retain\u00a0the Divas Title. They acted like there was supposed to be sympathy on Paige for the manner in which she lost, just a few weeks removed from playing the \u201cdead brother card\u201d on Charlotte, who has now had a \u201cchange in attitude\u201d that is concerning Becky.<\/p>\n<p><strong>6 \u2014 Divas champion CHARLOTTE &amp; BECKY LYNCH (w\/Ric Flair) vs. BRIE BELLA &amp; ALICIA FOX<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>They put Charlotte in the underdog role trying to fight back against the much smaller Brie, who had her in a mathold. A half rallying clap led to Charlotte breaking free and tagging in Becky.<\/p>\n<p>Alicia also tagged in and Flair tripped Fox\u00a0from outside the ring. Apparently Becky did not see the outside interference, but saw A. Fox down on the mat, so she slapped on Dis-Arm Her. Fox submitted, giving Becky the win, not realizing that Flair\u2019s heel tactics helped her win. After the match, Becky celebrated with Flair and Charlotte while Bella and Fox tried to figure out what happened down at ringside.<\/p>\n<p>WINNERS: Becky &amp; Charlotte at 3:28. This could be Chapter 1 of\u00a0Becky trying to be convinced that Flair\u2019s tactics work, but Becky refusing to play along, then actually proving herself right that she can win and Charlotte can be successful without the tactics, but WWE does not have the track record of following through on something like this to its completion.<\/p>\n<p>Still to come: WWE Title match.<\/p>\n<p>[Commercial Break at 10:36]<\/p>\n<p>Tribute\u00a0to the Troops plug: The special airs next Wednesday on USA Network.<\/p>\n<p>After an exterior shot of Philadelphia and the Wells Fargo Center, WWE cut to \u2026<\/p>\n<p>Backstage: The Prime Time Players were at the WWE Shop station. Darren Young begged Titus O\u2019Neil for help to finish his Christmas shopping. Titus said all of the Cyber Monday sales are back. D-Young \u201cdabbed\u201d at every line from Titus, so Titus told him to stop dabbing and start buying. Titus then held up a replica title belt to close the sales pitch.<\/p>\n<p>Ringside: Cole and Co. recapped the McMahon Family taking liberties with Roman Reigns tonight. Cole then went back to TLC last night to show how it all started.<\/p>\n<p>Backstage: Mr. McMahon was shown talking to Sheamus, Rusev, and Alberto Del Rio, presumably discussing strategy for the WWE Title match and how to humiliate Reigns before firing him. No sign of League of Nations member King Barrett for the second straight night.<\/p>\n<p>[Q12] [Commercial Break at 10:45]<\/p>\n<p>Back in the arena, Mr. McMahon was down at ringside to watch the WWE Title match. McMahon stood up and applauded as Sheamus made his way to the ring to defend the WWE Title. Lots of love for Sheamus. Way over-the-top. After a pause, The Shield\u2019s music played to bring out Roman Reigns for the third time tonight. Reigns was back atop the arena to walk through a subdued crowd. As Reigns made his way down to the ring, Cole plugged Reigns appearing on ESPNews SportsCenter with Jonathan Coachman tomorrow night. JBL tried to cover for that giving away the result by yelling about Reigns doing sideline reporting for ESPN, not being interviewed after this match.<\/p>\n<p><strong>7 \u2014 WWE World Hvt. champion SHEAMUS vs. ROMAN REIGNS \u2014 WWE World Title match \u2014 Reigns is fired if he does not win the title<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Lilian Garcia handled formal ring introductions before the opening bell sounded. Reigns opened with hard corner clotheslines and then a big boot to the face. They got tangled up near the ropes and Reigns found himself on the outside. Reigns sold injured ribs, but struck Sheamus with a right hand to the face. Sheamus answered by posting Reigns before suplexing him across the announce table. With Reigns in jeopardy of being counted out, Raw cut to break.<\/p>\n<p>[Commercial Break at 10:55]<\/p>\n<p>Back from break, WWE zoomed in on Reigns with a goofy facial expression while locked in a reverse chinlock. WWE cut to Vince McMahon watching ringside as Reigns tried to make a comeback. Reigns nailed a back drop to escape as Raw hit the top of the hour.<\/p>\n<p>[Q13 \u2014 over-run] Sheamus and Reigns battled as Cole and Co. hyped this as the biggest match of Reigns\u2019s career, apparently the career-on-the-line stipulation topping a title match vs. Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania. The battle then moved to the top turnbuckle, where Reigns landed a Super Samoan Drop for a close two count. That got McMahon out of his chair selling concern over the nearfall.<\/p>\n<p>Reigns took a kneelift, then Sheamus rolled up Reigns for a close two count. McMahon smiled at how close Sheamus was to pinning Reigns. McMahon then got frustrated with Sheamus\u2019s inability to put away Reigns after a second nearfall. Sheamus reset, then stalked Reigns to deliver White Noise, but Reigns countered into a lift-up powerbomb. Reigns covered, but Sheamus kicked out as McMahon winced.<\/p>\n<p>Reset at 11:15 with Reigns collecting himself and catching his breath. He tried a running Superman Punch, but Sheamus intercepted with a bodyslam as Cole said that\u2019s it for Reigns. But, Reigns kicked out. Sheamus, sporting a bloody nostril, put a boot in Reigns\u2019s gut, then another. He then tried the Texas Cloverleaf, but Reigns blocked. So, Sheamus went for a modified Cloverleaf. Reigns refused to tap out, though, and he reached the bottom rope for a break.<\/p>\n<p>Reset at 13:00. Sheamus slowly lifted up Reigns, who headbutted him across the ring. A right hand strike. But, Sheamus dropped Reigns across the top rope, only to take a Superman Punch. Reigns, his forehead covered in blood, had the pin, but McMahon pulled the ref out of the ring to stop the count.<\/p>\n<p>As Reigns recovered in the ring, McMahon told the ref to stay seated in his chair. He then sent the ref back into the ring when Sheamus hit White Noise, but Reigns kicked out of a pin. McMahon then conferenced with the referee. Meanwhile, Sheamus randomly rolled Reigns out of the ring, then Del Rio and Rusev ran down to ringside to attack Reigns. But, Reigns fought back with Superman Punches. And a dramatic one\u00a0for McMahon, who took a bump on the ring apron, then sold being knocked out sprawled out on the ring apron. But, Reigns turned around to take a Brogue Kick to the face. Sheamus covered, looking like the match was over, but Reigns kicked out just before three. Super Reigns on display now.<\/p>\n<p>Sheamus recovered and wanted the Brogue Kick again, but Reigns charged Sheamus to deliver a big spear in the middle of the ring. Reigns fell on top of Sheamus and covered him for the pin and the win. Lilian announced Reigns as the new WWE World Hvt. champion.<\/p>\n<p>WINNER: Reigns at 16:55 to capture the WWE World Title. They couldn\u2019t help themselves giving away the result before the match by plugging Reigns on SportsCenter tomorrow night. But, as for the story, they set up Reigns now playing a copy of Stone Cold fighting against the McMahon authority figures holding their title. At the end of the day, it\u2019s the same Reigns\u00a0who bombed in the show-closing promo one week ago on Raw. Apparently the McMahons are the elixir? Time will tell if this is sustainable after cashing in the Hunter chip at TLC and McMahon chip tonight on Raw.<\/p>\n<p>Post-match, Cole and the announcers talked about Reigns finally conquering the odds. Cole excitedly talked about this being the Era of Roman Reigns, while also noting this is the same arena where Reigns won the Royal Rumble earlier this year. It was apparent\u00a0that WWE wanted to pat themselves on the back for\u00a0how creative they are and how powerful the McMahon characters are as heels flashing back to when Reigns was booed out of the building when he won the Rumble and was now being cheered by the same hard-to-please Philly fans 11 months later. Raw closed with a final shot of Reigns standing tall in the ring with the WWE Title belt as Raw signed off 10 minutes past the top of the hour.<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Wade Keller Post-show (1\/2) - WWE Smackdown w\/Keller &amp; Corbridge\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Hipus9gxjxo?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<div class=\"pwtor-end-article-groups pwtor-entity-placement\" id=\"pwtor-1805360924\"><div id=\"pwtor-3012093965\"><div align=\"center\" data-freestar-ad=\"__336x280\" id=\"pwtorchcom_medrec_3\">\r\n  <script data-cfasync=\"false\" type=\"text\/javascript\">\r\n    freestar.config.enabled_slots.push({ placementName: \"pwtorchcom_medrec_3\", slotId: \"pwtorchcom_medrec_3\" });\r\n  <\/script>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\nTHANK YOU FOR VISITING<\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<div class=\"mh-excerpt\"><p>The following report originally published 10 years ago this week here at PWTorch.com\u2026 WWE Raw TV Report December 14, 2015 \u2013 Episode #1,177 Live in\u00a0Philadelphia, Pa. Report by James Caldwell, PWTorch assistant editor On the <a class=\"mh-excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/2026\/01\/05\/10-yrs-ago-kellers-wwe-raw-report-12-14-2015-the-episode-where-roman-had-to-win-the-wwe-world-title-or-else-vince-mcmahon-would-fire-him\/\" title=\"10 YRS AGO \u2013 Keller&#8217;s WWE Raw Report (12\/14\/2015): The episode where Roman had to win the WWE World Title or else Vince McMahon would fire him\">[&#8230;]<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":35682,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"episode_type":"","audio_file":"","podmotor_file_id":"","podmotor_episode_id":"","cover_image":"","cover_image_id":"","duration":"","filesize":"","filesize_raw":"","date_recorded":"","explicit":"","block":"","itunes_episode_number":"","itunes_title":"","itunes_season_number":"","itunes_episode_type":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[30,31],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-208622","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-specialfeatures","category-exclusives_flashbacks"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/post\/2016\/12\/McMahonVinceGG_2011_3x2_600.png","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/208622","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=208622"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/208622\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":209872,"href":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/208622\/revisions\/209872"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/35682"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=208622"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=208622"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=208622"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}