Is WWE RAW tonight live or pre-taped? (December 22, 2025)
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Some top stars will feature on tonight’s show of the Red Brand!
WWE RAW (December 22, 2025) will not be live tonight. The episode airing this week was pre-taped in Grand Rapids, Michigan, following Friday Night SmackDown last week.
WWE opted to tape multiple shows in advance due to the holiday break running from December 20 to December 25, 2025, with SmackDown also recorded ahead of time.
Despite being taped, WWE RAW is shaping up to be a news-heavy episode with several major storylines moving forward as the company heads toward the Royal Rumble season.
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Major storyline developments expected on WWE RAW
One of the biggest talking points tonight revolves around Austin Theory, who is set to reveal his intentions after going behind CM Punk at Survivor Series. It will also be revealed whether the 28-year-old superstar plans to align himself with The Vision, a decision that could significantly alter WWE RAW’s power structure heading into 2026.
Gunther, “The Ring General,” is also scheduled to appear once again. Last week, he drew tremendous boos after applauding himself for retiring John Cena at Saturday Night’s Main Event via tap out. With his dominant presence looming over WWE RAW, fans may finally learn who steps up as his next challenger.
Returns, rivalries, and title implications
Becky Lynch is officially returning to WWE RAW after missing time since Survivor Series: WarGames. Lynch has been vocal in her accusations of corruption against RAW General Manager Adam Pearce and referee Jessika Carr.
After losing her Intercontinental Championship to Maxxine Dupri last month, Lynch is expected to pursue another title opportunity against the Alpha Academy member.
The women’s division will stay heated as Nikki Bella confronts Stephanie Vaquer once again, though this time Raquel Rodriguez stands in her way.
Nikki laid out both women last week, causing their title match to end in a disqualification. Meanwhile, The Usos are eyeing a challenge against AJ Styles and Dragon Lee for the WWE Tag Team Championships.
With no premium live events remaining this month, WWE may also announce matches for the January 5 episode of RAW, serving as a bridge toward the 2026 Royal Rumble.
Road to WWE Royal Rumble 2026 begins
WWE’s next PLE will be Royal Rumble 2026, set for January 31, 2026, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This marks the first-ever Royal Rumble held outside North America, a historic milestone for the company.
Former WWE superstar Chris Jericho is expected to return at the event, with Roman Reigns, Brock Lesnar, and Seth Rollins also rumored for surprise appearances. With so many major names possibly entering, this year’s Rumble could be one of the most unpredictable in history.
Is WWE RAW live this week?
No, this week’s episode of RAW was pre-taped due to WWE’s holiday schedule.
Why did WWE tape RAW in advance?
WWE taped RAW and SmackDown early to accommodate the December 20–25 holiday break.
When is WWE’s next premium live event?
The next PLE is Royal Rumble 2026 on January 31, 2026, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
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